The Rattler (Rattler Trilogy Book 1)

by P. A. Fielding

  The girls smiled. It appeared that the lads’ nightmare memories of the night had somehow been erased – so much for ghost-busting!

  4

  Sometime later, Zoe and Steven walked to the local 24-hour McDonalds (in the hope that the fresh air would clear Steven’s head) and brought back a takeaway – Big Mac meals for the hungry lads and a Happy Meal for the girls. Matthew was dipping his French Fries into a tub of barbeque sauce. “Babe, this is so amazing! You’ve gotta try some,” he said to Vana. “Get a grip, Matthew! It’s barbeque sauce. You’ve had it a thousand times before!”

  “It just, well, tastes so good,” he continued, smiling at Vana. He leant over to her and gently touched her face. “You know what I’m doing tonight?” Vana started to get annoyed with him. “Can you not just shut up and finish eating? I thought you were...” He interrupted her. “But we are still having sex later, aren’t we?” Vana glared at him. She got up. “Zoe, could we just have a word, in private?” Matthew interrupted again. “I never really thought about a threesome. Would Zoe really be up for that?”

  Vana glowered at him. “Matthew. Just shut up. And no-one is having sex tonight, alright?”

  5

  The girls went out into the kitchen; Zoe filled the kettle, and Vana sat down at the table, her head in her hands. “What are we going to do with them, Zoe?”

  “I don’t know – but I feel as if we’ve missed out on this special drug!” replied Zoe, at last starting to relax.

  “Come on. Stop messing about. I need support and ideas.”

  “They’ve got the munchies, that’s all. Once they have finished eating and got some coffee in them, they’ll be fine.” Zoe made a pot of black coffee, and placed the mugs onto a tray. “Anyway, I can’t think of anything else.” Vana rubbed her tired eyes. “I’m so shattered. I’ve got brain-ache – and my mind is blank!”

  Neither girl mentioned it, but both felt that the house was at peace at last. As they walked back into the lounge, they were somewhat surprised to see two half-naked guys draped suggestively on the sofa. “You haven’t got a rubber, have you?” asked Matthew cheekily. He was not going to take no for an answer...

  28: A night to certainly forget

  1

  The next morning found everyone fast asleep in the lounge; Vana and Matthew snuggled up on the sofa, whilst Zoe and Steven were less comfortable on the floor.

  Zoe awoke. She rubbed her tired eyes and tried to massage away her aches and pains. She looked at her three friends still sleeping peacefully, then silently got up and crept out of the room. As she walked up the stairs she felt that a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders, and she no longer had the horrid feeling that she was being watched.

  She went into the bathroom, smiling to herself as she remembered how it had taken numerous cups of strong, black coffee before the lads started to behave anything like normal. She undressed, turned on the shower and had a pee whilst the water was heating up. She did not notice the message appearing on the shower screen – I’m watching you.

  As Zoe rinsed the lather from her hair, she opened her eyes and saw the message. Her heart sank like a stone.

  “Hello? Vana?”

  The girl quickly finished in the shower and furiously scrubbed away the message. Wrapped in towels she rushed into the bedroom. “I miss you guys,” she muttered, staring at a family picture on the dresser. She grabbed some jeans and a hoodie and dried her hair.

  As she walked down the stairs the telephone started to ring and Zoe ran down the final few steps to answer it.

  “Hello?”

  “You sound as tired as I feel, dear,” said Mary, who was sitting on the balcony at the hotel. “Mum! It’s so good to hear your voice again. How’s the weather? Are you all having a good time?” The tone in Zoe’s voice gave Mary cause for concern and she said, anxiously, “Why, has something happened? Are you alright?”

  “No, everything’s fine. It’s just a bit quiet without you all here, that’s all.”

  “Is Vana not staying over?”

  “Yes, but I’m the only one who’s up – we had a bit of an all-nighter last night.”

  “Say no more,” said Mary, feeling relieved. “Are you eating properly?”

  “Yes. I’m fine. What time is it over there?”

  Mary checked her watch. “Coming up to 5.00 am.” Morning was Mary’s best time – she had been an early-bird since she was a teenager and had to help her dad out on the farm.

  “Mum! You’re supposed to be resting and relaxing!”

  “I know, but it’s too hot to sleep anyway.” Mother and daughter happily continued their conversation, and Mary told Zoe about the fun they had had the day before at Walt Disney World when James had persuaded Aunt Sally to join him on the roller coaster, Space Mountain. It had almost given her a heart attack!

  Zoe felt so much better after her conversation with Mary. Texts are fine, but they are no match for proper chats! She placed the receiver back on the charger unit and wandered into the kitchen, where she found Vana standing making coffee, her back to the door. Zoe crept in and gently touched Vana on the arm. “Bloody hell, Zoe! What are you playing at? I nearly spray painted my pants,” said Vana, as she turned towards her friend.

  “Sorry, hun,” chuckled Zoe. “Just messing. Nice try with the shower message by the way.”

  “Huh? I’ve not been anywhere near the bathroom yet.” Zoe told Vana about the message. “Are you sure?” replied Vana. “We both felt last night that things were sorted.”

  “Do you think it’s the lads playing mind games?”

  “It’ll be my bloody boyfriend, I bet – I’ll have words with him later, don’t you worry.” The girls looked at each other. Vana poured the coffee as her friend sat at the kitchen table.

  “What now?” asked Zoe.

  “Do you want breakfast? Toast? Cornflakes?”

  “No thanks. I didn’t just mean about breakfast. I mean about the painting.”

  “Yeah, I’ve been thinking about that,” responded Vana. “Do you know we could’ve set fire to a million pounds last night? Can’t get it out of my head.”

  “Don’t say that, Vana, please!”

  “Well, I’m just saying. What if all that wasn’t real? We imagined it?”

  “No way. It was so deffo real.”

  Vana started to smile. “Don’t worry, I’m pulling your Tampon. It all happened, and anyway it was probably only worth a few quid. We value our sanity far more than that! Sure you don’t want any toast?”

  “No thanks, I’m fine,” replied Zoe. She took out her phone and started a text.

  Hello Barbara. Can I come up to see you sometime next week?

  A few seconds later the phone beeped. Zoe opened the message to read –

  Hello you! Not heard from you for a while. I’m in a conference meeting in London this weekend. Do you want to meet up here?

  What time and where? she replied.

  “Your fingers are busy this morning” said Vana as she rejoined Zoe at the table after scraping her burnt toast over the sink. “Yes, one of mum’s friends is in London and she wants to meet up this afternoon.”

  “Cool. Do you still want me to stay over again tonight?”

  “Hell, yeah! This should only take an hour, two at the most.”

  “OK, I’ll get the lads up and we’ll go out, get some supplies, and then meet you back here. What time did you say you were meeting her?”

  “Not sure, she’s going to text me back.” Just as Zoe spoke, her phone beeped, and she read Barbara’s message.

  The Savoy, 2 o’clock, if that’s OK with you?

  Zoe quickly replied.

  “Right, Vana, I’m meeting her at two, so I should be back here by 4.30 at the latest, but take the spare keys, next to the phone, just in case I’m delayed.” Zoe checked her watch. 12.45 pm. “Best get going. You OK to lock up, and say bye to Steven for me?”

  “Yes, sure, but shouldn’t you do that yourself? He’s going to th
ink you’ve stood him up.”

  “Oh, he’s not, is he?”

  “Don’t worry; I’ll sort it – just tell him you’ve been called away and will be back soon.”

  “Thanks, hun. I’ve got my phone.” Just then Matthew appeared in the kitchen, and stumbled groggily over to Vana for a hug. “Morning all.”

  “Hi there,” replied Zoe, smiling at the sight of the bed-headed young man, dressed in his blue-striped boxers. “Is Steven up yet?”

  Matthew poured some cereal into a bowl. “Nope, still snoring. Pass me the milk, please, hun.”

  “Has he said anything to you about me?” asked Zoe, shyly.

  “What, in that he might like you?”

  Zoe blushed. “Well, yeah.”

  “Not really,” Matthew teased. “He’s kept the subject quiet.”

  Disappointment showed on Zoe’s face as she struggled to hide her emotions.

  “Gotcha!” laughed Matthew. “He’s into you in a big way.”

  Zoe smiled. “Tell him I’ll text him later; Vana can fill you in.”

  On her way to the front door she peeped in at Steven who was still asleep. She smiled, feeling happier than she had for a while, then picked up her jacket and bag and dashed out for the bus.

  29: Back on familiar ground

  1

  Zoe jumped off the bus at The Strand and walked towards the luxurious Savoy Hotel. As she approached the magnificent entrance, the smiling doorman, dressed in a black, three-piece suit and a gold tie, and wearing a vintage silk top hat, greeted her. “Good afternoon, madam,” he said, holding the door open. “Thank you; I love your hat,” she flirted cheekily.

  The Reception area was sumptuously decorated, with beige walls and a rose pink carpet; the desk was made of the darkest mahogany wood and there were numerous deep red leather sofas strategically placed around the area. “Good afternoon, madam,” smiled the Receptionist as Zoe walked up to the desk. “How may I help you?” the Receptionist was a young lady, smartly dressed in a navy-blue suit, white shirt and red scarf.

  Zoe checked her watch. It was 1.55 pm. A bead of sweat trickled down her back.

  “I am meeting Barbara Wilson.”

  “I’ll call her room, madam. Please take a seat.”

  Zoe walked across the hall, picked up one of the shiny-covered magazines off the coffee table, and sat down nervously.

  A few moments later, a slender, silver-haired lady came out of one of the lifts and walked towards Zoe, smiling. Zoe jumped up and the two ladies hugged.

  “Zoe! It’s so nice to see you again. Shall we go up to my room?”

  “Yes.”

  2

  Barbara and Zoe walked across to the lift and went up to Barbara’s suite which was situated on the second floor. As Barbara opened the door, Zoe could not fail to be impressed with the modern decor. A corridor led into a lounge area, which had a sofa and two armchairs arranged around an open fireplace. A large television was to the right of the fireplace, and a long sideboard, with decanters and crystal wine glasses, was on the left. Fresh flowers seemed to be everywhere she looked. Cascading sunlight guided her eyes to a bunch of English roses; she couldn’t help but smell their sweet fragrance.

  “Can I offer you a drink after your journey?” smiled Barbara.

  “Some tea would be great, thanks.”

  As Barbara left to call Room Service, Zoe looked around the room again. There was one open door, which obviously led to a large bedroom. Zoe could see a king-sized bed, dressed in cream and red satin, with plump pillows perfectly arranged.

  Barbara returned, and took out a notebook and clipboard from her briefcase. Just then the steward arrived with the tea and placed it on the coffee table in front of Zoe. Barbara sat down in the chair opposite her.

  “Now then, Zoe, how can I help you?”

  “Well,” Zoe began, quietly, “you know we’ve recently moved house?”

  “Yes. Are you settling in OK and enjoying being back with the family?”

  “Hm. That’s not the problem, actually; I love being back with them – even James! They’re away at the moment, though. They’ve gone to Florida for a week with Aunt Sally. The thing is, since we moved in I’ve been having really weird dreams...” Barbara interrupted. “Tell me about the dreams.” The psychiatrist started to take notes.

  “They feel so real. I’d be doing something normal, like shopping, or running, when I would hear a voice saying Little Miss Piggy. Always the same voice.”

  Barbara had a sinking feeling – she knew precisely what Zoe would tell her next. “You know, Zoe, dreams can feel very real at times... but that’s all they are – dreams.”

  “Yes, but she scares me.”

  “Who scares you? Have you seen somebody?”

  “We think the house is haunted. We found a man’s journal in the attic, and there’s a drawing of her in it.” Zoe picked up her cup and drank slowly. She was starting to relax a little.

  “Who’s we?”

  “My friend Vana and I.”

  “Ah, yes. I remember Vana. Please, do go on.” Barbara put down her pen and settled back in the chair. “We think we have cleared the place.” Barbara was confused. “I’m not sure I understand. Cleared? How?”

  “Well, in his journal it said we had to find something and burn it... and everything would stop.”

  “And? Did it work?”

  “Yeah, so far – I guess.”

  Barbara paused before she spoke. Something about Zoe’s body language gave her cause for concern. “Zoe, this isn’t the reason why you’ve called me, though, is it?”

  “No,” whispered Zoe, looking downcast.

  “Have you relapsed?”

  “Yes,” she replied, by now close to tears.

  “Oh, my dear. When?”

  “Last weekend. I started making myself sick again.”

  “Do you know what triggered it off?”

  Zoe began to cry, and hot tears coursed down her white face. Her childhood memories came flooding back. “Come on, my dear. I’m here for you,” said Barbara, gently, as she stood up to give Zoe a hug and a tissue she took from a box on the table. They sat down together on the sofa. Barbara waited. Memories of a 15 year old Zoe came flooding back into her mind.

  Over the years, Barbara had found that some of her clients had relapsed in one way or another, but it had been four years since Zoe had first walked into her consulting rooms as a skinny, shy teenager. They had met weekly for the next three years, with Barbara keeping in constant touch. Zoe had then moved on to Oxford University, and the contact ended. Barbara had assumed that Zoe’s problems were firmly behind her. She watched, silently, until Zoe was composed again.

  “Would you like another drink, dear?” she asked, kindly. “Are you feeling better?” Zoe gently nodded. “We’ve never tried hypnosis before,” continued Barbara. “What do you think? Shall we give it a try and see if it helps?”

  “I guess. Do you mind if I freshen up first?”

  “Of course, Zoe.”

  3

  Zoe walked through the bedroom and into a beautifully decorated en-suite bathroom. In the corner was a sunken bath, and a small tinted window that offered citywide views. A walk-in shower dominated the opposite wall, and behind the door was a toilet and next to it a washbasin. She stared in the mirror and took several deep breaths before using a tissue to dry her eyes.

  As she walked back into the bedroom, she saw that Barbara had removed all the dressings from the huge bed, apart from one plump, cream pillow. “Right. Why don’t you make yourself comfortable. Lie back and relax. I’m just going to pop something over you to keep you cosy.” Zoe took a deep breath and lay down as instructed. Meanwhile, Barbara drew up a chair and sat down beside the bed. “I want you to take slow, deep breaths. That’s right. There’s nothing to be afraid of. Just concentrate on my voice. I’m going to start counting, and when I reach the number one you will be 15 again.”

  4

  It was a warm Monday morning i
n April and Zoe was in the kitchen finishing off her breakfast. Mary was working at the sink. “You’re going to be late, Zoe,” chided Mary. “Just waiting for Vana to call,” replied Zoe, through a mouthful of crumbs. Mary dried her hands and passed Zoe a lunch box.

  “Here, don’t forget your snacks for break-time.”

  “Alright, mum,” smiled Zoe. She placed the box in her rucksack. Just then the doorbell rang. “That’ll be her. See you later, mum.”

  “Have a nice day, darling. Love you.”

  “My love rebounds to you,” replied Zoe and walked out of the kitchen towards the front door where Vana stood waiting.

  “Ready?”

  “Yes. Come on or we’ll be late.”

  5

  Barbara was taking notes again. “OK, now, breathe a little deeper. Relax your mind and invite any fears you have into the room.” Zoe started to breathe heavily. “But, remember you are in a safe environment and nothing can harm you. Now tell me, where are you?”

  “I’m walking to school with Vana.”

  “Carry on. What do you see and hear?”

  Zoe painted a colourful picture for Barbara as she described the route; past the local florist where an old lady was busy filling buckets with freshly cut flowers (she smiled as the girls walked by); carrying on past the small bakery, with its delicious aroma of freshly-baked bread and cakes, full of workers ordering bread rolls stuffed with egg and bacon; past the newsagents packed with children buying sweets. The school bus was discharging its load of noisy, chattering pupils, whilst frantic parents tried to find somewhere to park to drop off their children.

  As she reached the school gates, Zoe’s voice started to tremble. “I can see Helen and her gang. She’s giving us Danny-bad-pikes.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “She’s staring directly at us.”

  “Who is Helen?”

  “A girl in my year. She thinks she’s everyone, just because she’s a teen model for television and magazines. She’s no big deal – she only got the gigs because her mum had been a supermodel and she was using her old contacts. Everyone says so.”

  Barbara was busy making her notes when she became aware of loud tapping on the door. There it was again. She tried to ignore it. Zoe continued, in a monotone voice. The noise became louder and more persistent. “Who is that? They must want me urgently. I won’t be a moment, Zoe; I’ll be right back. Just keep breathing slowly, in and out, in and out.”