The House In the Woods

by Marguerite O'Callaghan

  Her heart stops. She takes a moment to catch her breath, then re-reads the words to make sure she remembers them. It couldn’t mean anything else, surely? There is something they are not telling her. She has to confront her aunt again.

  26

  Brian wakes to a text from his daughter with an update about the email she’s found. He’s excited that they’re finally getting somewhere, but heartbroken at the same time. That email is proof that Barbara and her sister are definitely hiding something, but how the hell were they going to get anywhere if no-one was going to talk about it? His wife was literally willing to go to the grave with this secret.

  He gets ready to leave the house, and walks the short distance to the hospital, remembering the day that they got the call to say Lydia was in there after collapsing on the street. He decides to call her, and gets through to her voicemail. He’s worried all of a sudden, and decides to call Jane’s landline instead. She picks up after two rings, sounds like she’s in a good mood, but when she hears Brian’s voice her tone changes.

  ‘I had no idea Barbara was so bad, Brian. Do you want me to come over? You think it might help her?’

  Brian feels himself being short with his sister-in-law. How could she act like this; feigning concern when she knows that all these lies are what’s really the problem?

  ‘Is Lydia there, Jane? I can’t get through on her mobile.’

  ‘Oh, you can’t? That’s weird.’

  Brian listens as Jane calls Lydia’s name up the stairs, and after a few seconds she tells Brian that she’s probably gone for a walk with Jenny and the dog. She had mentioned that earlier, but Jane was probably in the shower when she left. Brian is already suspicious about Jane, but has no choice but to ask her to pass the message on to Lydia that he needs to speak to her. They hang up, he enters the hospital with an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach, and takes the lift to the third floor. Barbara is slightly more coherent at the moment, and has stopped crying as much, but she’s been diagnosed with depression, and the psychiatrist says she’s also displaying signs of post-traumatic stress disorder. Brian is pretty sure that even if he did confront her about the past, or told her what Lydia had found in the email, she wouldn’t change her mind, or tell him anything. He loves her. He wants her to get better. But, she’s also sort of a stranger to him at the moment.

  ‘Where’s Lydia?’

  Barbara’s eyes search around the room and look behind Brian, as if she is expecting Lydia to walk back into the room at any moment.

  ‘She’ll be here later on, or maybe tomorrow. She hasn’t been feeling well. Tummy bug she thinks.’

  Barbara looks guilty and nods slowly in understanding.

  ‘She hates me. I don’t blame her.’

  ‘No-one hates you, darling. I promise. We just want you to get better.’

  ‘You don’t think it’s my fault that Kate was taken?’

  Brian doesn’t know how to respond. What is he supposed to do here; point the finger, hoping that his wife will crack, and start telling him the truth? He’s stuck. He needs Barbara alive and healthy, and can’t risk her trying to kill herself again. He puts his hand on hers, tells her everything is going to be okay, and of course it isn’t her fault Kate was taken. What more can he do for now?

  ‘I’m going to go into the office for an hour or two, but I’ll be back later, okay? Anything you need?’

  Barbara shakes her head and closes her eyes.

  ‘Tired’ she mumbles.

  27

  Melvin has brought some things into the room for Kate and the baby. He seems really pleased and excited as he shows her each item before placing it on the dresser and chair. There are blankets, bottles, nappies, and a changing mat, as well as a few toys and books. She asks if she might be able to have her hands untied so she can take a proper look. Kate is genuinely excited to take a look; up to now, the room has been completely bare, apart from the bed clothes, bible, a few items of clothing, and a lamp. He hesitates, and Kate reassures him that she won’t try anything. She laughs, and says that escape is the last thing on her mind, and there’s nothing she wants more than to live here with him and Christine. The words seem entirely mad to Kate as she says them. What kind of idiot would believe that a nineteen-year-old girl would rather live with a deluded, murdering, rapist kidnapper, than at home with her wonderful family? But, Melvin seems relieved and happy to hear what she has said, nods, takes the key from around his neck, and unties her wrists. Kate thanks him as she rubs the parts of her arms where the metal cuffs rest; they’re always slightly bruised and swollen. Then, she stands up and walks to the shopping bags and boxes on the floor. Kate always makes sure that her movements are gentle, slow, and she instinctively acts weaker than she really is. She doesn’t want Melvin or Christine imagining that she is even capable of running or fighting. They want her weak and helpless, and she knows it. Christine joins them after a few minutes, and they all spend the next hour going through the baby stuff. Kate asks if there is any way they might consider allowing her a bit of time in the day where she isn’t chained to the bed, so she can walk around. She’s found a section in one of the books that says it’s important to take gentle exercise throughout pregnancy, and women who stay active have less chance of complications during birth. Melvin’s ears prick at the mention of complications, and he stares at the book for a few seconds, looking puzzled, then nods slowly, and tells Kate he thinks she should exercise, and she will have an hour every day to do whatever she likes, once she stays in this room, of course. Kate is visibly excited.

  ‘I know exactly what I can do! Yoga and… just even walking around the room will be so good for me and the baby. Keep the circulation going and everything.’

  Kate is pleased with this outcome and progress; she needs to prove that they can trust her without being chained up all the time, and being able to walk around the room will be amazing. Melvin and Christine go downstairs to sort out dinner, and although she is chained again, Kate is allowed to keep the three books with her. She’s never been keener to read in her life; this is the first thing besides the bible she has read in nearly six months.

  28

  Jared gets into his car and texts Lydia to see if she’s free for a chat. He has been thinking about her non-stop since the last time they were together, and he’s angry with himself for hurting her like that. She looked so broken that morning. He couldn’t be without her now, no matter how complicated things had become. But, he worries that she won’t trust him again after this; he had let her down just like everyone else had, but would do everything in his power to make it up to her. Lydia doesn’t respond to the text, and he knows that if he doesn’t speak to her now, he won’t get the chance to until tonight, so he decides to call her. But Lydia doesn’t see the call coming through; she’s boarding a plane. Her aunt had looked right through her this morning when she confronted her about the email. It was remarkable. She’d acted like Lydia had made it all up, and simply pushed past her to make some coffee. It was actually kind of scary. How could she go from being so warm and fun the night before, to this utter coldness? When Lydia had tried to show her what she’d seen on the laptop, Jane has almost hissed at her to leave it alone. Lydia had gone upstairs, Jane followed, and said she should probably leave. So, Lydia found herself getting into a taxi and going back to the airport. She felt like a failure; she had barely been in Florida twenty-four hours and now had to return home, empty-handed. But she was desperate to see Jared and her dad, and felt that she had at least found something in the email that confirmed her mum was lying, and Jane knew about it. Lydia had no idea what her mother was trying to hide, exactly. How bad could it be? Did she kill someone? Did someone hurt her? How could it be connected to Kate’s disappearance, and why would her mother keep this information away from police and her own family? It just wasn’t adding up. Lydia had been awake for most of the night at Jane’s. In fact, she hasn’t slept properly in days. She quickly texts her dad and Jared to say she’s okay, and wi
ll be back in London in eight hours or so, and as soon as the plane leaves the runway, she’s asleep. In her dream, Kate is sitting next to her on the plane, resting her head on her shoulder. She tells her that everything is going to be alright because she has a plan, and they will be together again. Lydia wakes just as the plane is landing, and ten minutes later, walks through passport control and baggage collection in a daze. As she’s waiting for her suitcase to appear she calls Jared, and tells him about what happened, and the email she found on her aunt’s computer. She really wants to see him tonight, but has to speak to her parents first. Jared’s surprised at how upbeat and energetic she sounds. She’s been through so much over the past six months; her sister’s abduction, her mother’s breakdown and attempted suicide, and then he wasn’t there for her when he should’ve been. He apologises, and she can hear in his voice that he’s suffering too. Lydia feels more mature than she ever has before. She reassures Jared that she’s okay and says she’ll speak to him later. Then she calls her dad, and tells him she’ll be home in an hour or so, depending on traffic. She needs to talk to him. Brian sounds like he’s in a daze when he picks up the phone, but when he hears his daughter’s voice, he jumps into action. He has to get the place in order before she gets back, and sober up from the whisky he’s been downing.

  An hour and twenty minutes later, Lydia is in a taxi driving past Hampstead Heath train station, when she sees Ida coming out of the newsagents across the road. The car slows to allow a few kids to cross at the pedestrian crossing, and Lydia waves and catches her eye. Ida initially looks surprised to see her, and then extremely happy; she makes her way towards the car and Lydia asks the driver to stop. She apologises, and explains that the lady is a friend that she urgently needs to speak to. He smiles, tells her it’s not a problem, and pulls over immediately. Lydia opens the door, and the first thing Ida says is that she needs to speak to her immediately. Lydia pays the fare, thanks the friendly driver, and hops out onto the pavement, pulling her suitcase behind her.

  ‘Can we go to my house now? I’m sorry to do this Lydia it’s just...’

  Lydia sees Ida’s face is a shade of grey, and her eyes are bloodshot. She had always looked so healthy and relaxed, but today she looks ill and sad.

  ‘Of course. What’s wrong? Are you alright Ida?’

  Ida forces a little smile, and puts a reassuring, firm hand on Lydia’s arm.

  ‘My sweet girl. I’m okay. Don’t worry about me. I’m old!’

  She gives a little laugh, but Lydia isn’t buying it; it’s obvious that Ida is not good. She looks frail and troubled.

  ‘Is it Kate? Do you know something? Have you had another vision?’

  ‘Let’s just get to mine and have a cup of tea and I’ll tell you everything okay?’

  When they arrive at Ida’s house, Lydia immediately notices that it looks and smells different. It is a beautiful house, and usually gleaming and airy. But the front curtains are drawn, the reception room is cloaked in darkness, and there is a musty smell in the air. It’s also freezing and Lydia starts to shiver as she walks down the hallway into the kitchen where Ida is putting the kettle on. Even Angel seems unlike her usual self, and doesn’t even bother to leave her bed on the back of the Aga to greet Lydia as she usually does.

  ‘Ida, I hope you don’t mind me saying but...’

  ‘I know. I know. The place is a mess! I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’ve let it get so bad. Oh, and I’ve turned the heating on so it should be warming up soon. Sorry about that.’

  Lydia feels a wave of emotion. Ida has been so good to Lydia, and so kind these past six months, and she’s obviously struggling herself, right now. It breaks Lydia’s heart to see.

  ‘Why don’t you let me help? I’d really love to, and we can have this place back to its usual in no time!’

  Ida stops what she’s doing and nods gently. A smile appears on her face and lights up her eyes. Lydia is such a generous soul, Ida thinks; there’s nothing selfish or greedy about her. She’s one of those rare people who really sees others as they are, and Ida appreciates that. Even now, after everything she’s going through, she’s concerned about this house being messy and wants to help. Ida hands her a blue mug and tells her it’s hot, and to be careful.

  ‘We have things to do first, alright? But thank you for your very kind offer. It would be nice to have some help.’

  Lydia assumes that they are going to go out to the adjoining conservatory where they usually have their sessions, but Ida motions to two armchairs in the kitchen next to the window, instead.

  She doesn’t want to tell Lydia, and risk scaring her, but the conservatory is no longer a place where Ida feels comfortable. She’s had so many hellish visions out there over the past month or so, and no matter what she does, she can’t clear the energy. She’s tried sage, crystals, asking her angels and guides to help, but nothing is working. Whatever force is here, is staying, for a while at least, and Ida has decided to accept it. Because, however dark and debilitating it is; it’s guiding her to Kate, and the other girl.

  Lydia sits in one armchair, sipping her tea, and Ida sits in the other. She isn’t sure why, but Lydia feels strangely euphoric today. There’s something inside of her that truly believes everything is going to work out, and that good is going to overcome evil. She believes Kate is alive and will come home, the mystery of her mother’s life is going to come into the light, and she and Jared will work out, too.

  ‘My heart feels strong Ida.’ she finds herself suddenly saying. Ida nods, smiles at her, and takes a sip from her mug, before placing it on the small wooden table in front of her. Angel suddenly appears, and rubs herself against Lydia’s legs.

  ‘That cat can sense your strength’ Ida says with a gentle laugh.

  ‘She’s always liked you more than the average person that comes in here, you know?’

  ‘Has she?’

  Lydia smiles and strokes Angel. The cat’s white fur seems to catch the bright grey light from the window, making her almost glow in a magical way. Lydia and Ida spend a few minutes admiring her, and her bright coat, before Ida clears her throat, and decides to broach the subject of Kate. She tells Lydia about the extreme visions she’s been having, and how it’s been unlike anything she’s ever experienced before. She tells her about the other girl and how she looks just like Kate with the same long dark hair and big eyes. Ida believes that this other girl is another victim that may have been taken before Kate, or even at the same time, and she was murdered. Ida seems pained by what she’s telling Lydia, and says that she doesn’t want to go into too much detail, but the murder scene in her visions is bloody and brutal… She can also see that this other girl was kept in the same place as Kate.

  ‘If there is another girl missing out there that looks like Kate, maybe that could lead to your sister.’

  It’s a lot for Lydia to take in; her mind is swimming with all that she has just heard, and she’s trying to piece it together, along with the information about her mother’s true identity, and this secret group.

  ‘Do you think that maybe my mum was part of something like… like… an evil cult, and she escaped, but these people came after her? Maybe they kill young girls as a kind of sacrifice or something... or they want revenge against my mum, so they took Kate? And this other girl is in a similar situation?’

  Lydia is on her feet now, and slowly walking around the dimly-lit kitchen. A picture is forming in her head about what Ida’s visions could mean. But this murdered girl doesn’t make sense. Why would they kill her, but keep Kate alive? Assuming Kate is alive. Ida listens to Lydia in quiet contemplation; she doesn’t know what else to say to the poor girl, but reiterates that she strongly feels this dead girl was kept in the same place as Kate, and if they can find her, or have any information about her at all, it might lead them to Kate.

  After half an hour or so, Lydia hugs Ida, and tells her she has to go, but will talk to her soon.

  ‘I’ve got someone I think might know about th
is other girl. I’ll let you know, okay? Stay warm, and thank you Ida! You are a true friend. Thank you!’

  Lydia feels bad leaving Ida alone, but she has to speak to her dad and Jared about this new information. She breaks into a jog as she makes her way down Pond Street, and around the corner towards Hepburn House on East Heath Road.

  29

  At home, Lydia fills her dad in on everything that’s happened. He looks disturbed when he hears about Ida’s visions about the other murdered girl. If this is true, and Ida really is seeing the place where Kate is being held captive, then the people that have her are murderers. Brian is really struggling to get to grips with everything that’s going on. What use was this information if they have no idea where to start looking? Lydia reassures him; she has been in touch with Detective McCarthy again, and he’s said he will find some time to meet with her over the next day or two.

  ‘We need to start looking at other missing girls online, Dad. Anyone that looks like Kate could be the girl that Ida’s seen in her visions. They could lead us to her!’

  Brian listens to Lydia, but can feel his heart sinking in his chest. He is a practical, rational thinker, and has zero experience or faith in paranormal activity or psychics. He doesn’t want to upset his daughter, but the more he thinks about it, the more likely it seems that Ida is just a mad woman, or a con artist who makes her money from duping sad, desperate people like Lydia into thinking their missing or dead loved ones are still out there. Lydia senses the shift in him. He’s not even looking at her directly in the eye anymore; it’s like he’s looking through her. She suddenly realises how awful he looks; like he hasn’t slept at all. She feels a small wave of guilt, sits on the sofa opposite, and asks how her mum is, and what’s happened at the hospital. Lydia listens as he tells her they are keeping her mum in the psychiatric ward for the moment, and she’s been prescribed all sorts of things like mood stabilizers. The doctor told him that she said she had been suicidal for years. Lydia refuses to believe it, and shakes her head repeatedly. Why would her mother say such a thing? That would mean she had been hiding and lying to the whole family all this time; pretending that everything was fine when inside she wanted to die? How is that even possible?