Eden

by Jessica Darling

  Chapter 6

  Both pairs were asleep in a matter of minutes. All seemed calm and quiet. As the night wore on, no nightmares or visions invaded their sleep. However, at the end of Faye and Adam’s bed were once again two figures. This time they were shadowy and indistinct. As the night continued, they began to speak to each other in voices that to a living soul sounded like nothing more than a light wind.

  “How long do we have to keep this up?” The taller shadow said to the slightly shorter one.

  “You heard the boss. She is to be protected. We can’t risk the rogue ones getting to her.” The shorter one replied.

  “Well, she can’t be protected forever. You know what is going to happen. It has happened many times before and we are only delaying the inevitable.” The taller one grumbled.

  “The boss wants her protected. I don’t know. Maybe she can help us. We have to make sure her mind stays untainted.” The shorter one replied.

  “But why this one? She doesn’t even see as well as the one next door. I would think the one who can see us would be the one who can help us.” The taller one said, its voice becoming angry.

  “Look, I’m not in charge here. I do as I am told and I want out of here. If she can help us, then I’m going to protect her. So let’s just follow instructions. Ok?” the shorter one said defensively.

  The taller one shrugged. Their vigil continued until dawn broke over the horizon.

  Faye woke before Adam. She could tell it would be a late morning for him as the nights he drank wine always meant sleeping in the next day. That was ok with her. Something big happened to Rose last night, and she was dying to find out what it had been. Dressing quietly in a simple blue sundress, she left a note for Adam saying she had gone down to the patio for coffee. She slipped out of the room and was standing outside Rose and Eric’s room, trying to think of the best way to get Rose out alone when the door to the other side of hers opened. Matt stepped out. His face was pale. He was dressed in a black polo shirt and a pair of black pants. The front of his shirt appeared to be wet. He saw Faye and became completely flustered.

  “Um, morning.” He said. His voice was shaky as he edged his way toward the elevator.

  “Is everything alright?” Faye asked, skipping the pleasantries.

  “Uh, yeah. I dropped a jelly bagel on my shirt. I tried to wash it, uh, out but I think I need to go get something to clean it with from the clerk.” He said as he pressed the down button on the elevator.

  “Oh, yes. I’m sure they have something. How is Stephanie feeling?” Faye asked, still suspicious of his behavior.

  “Stephanie?” His eyes went wide and his face got even paler.

  “Oh, her head still seems to be bothering her. It’s so bad, in fact, I think she may leave and go down into the town to get it checked out.” He explained, his voice taking on a high pitch.

  The elevator arrived and saved him from further explanation. With a nervous wave, he shut the elevator gate and was gone. Faye shook her head, part of her wanted to go knock on the door and check on Stephanie’s condition, but as she remembered the woman’s attitude at dinner the other night, she wasn’t really sure she wanted to encounter that again. Her decision was made for her when Rose opened her door and slipped out silently. She wore a pair of black dress pants and a soft pink blouse.

  “That solves the problem of how to get you out without waking your husband up.” Faye said with a smile.

  “Funny, I was wondering the same thing while I was getting dressed. Who were you talking to out here anyway?” Rose said, looking up and down the empty hallway.

  “Matt. He came out of his room. He was as white as a sheet and his shirt was soaked, but it was black so I couldn’t tell with what. He said he dropped a jelly bagel on it and needed to go see if the front desk had some cleaner. I asked him about Stephanie and he said her headache hadn’t resolved. She was thinking about leaving and going into town to get it checked out.” Faye explained.

  Rose raised an eyebrow.

  “She was going to go get it checked out, as in alone? If her headache was anywhere near enough to keep her in bed for days, then there is no way she should be driving herself anywhere” Rose said, her brow furrowing.

  Faye nodded as she started walking toward the elevator.

  “I agree. It was totally suspicious. He got really flustered when I asked him about it. But we will have to file that for further investigation later. I have a feeling you have a lot to tell me” Faye said, pushing the down button for the elevator.

  Rose nodded vigorously. No more was said as they waited for the elevator. Once they were settled in a remote table in the dining room, they began to talk.

  “I would have preferred outside, but it looks like the wind is really whipping. I hope a storm isn’t coming. Those clouds look mean.” Faye said.

  As if in response to her comment, a large crack of lightening followed by a rumble of thunder answered her. They both laughed.

  Once the tea and cake were brought, and they were sure the waiter was far enough away, Rose began her tale from the previous night. She told Faye about watching the scene in Mr. Castelli’s room from start to finish. She added the sound of the crashing glass and the dark stains on the carpet, as well as the waiter’s resemblance to the goon in her vision. Faye listened to the entire tale without speaking. When Rose finished, she took a long drink of tea and set the empty cup down. She looked at Rose.

  “That’s absolutely amazing. It had to be heartbreaking for you, to be present with the knowledge to save over a hundred lives and to have no ability to act.” Faye said, awe clear in her voice.

  Rose nodded, her expression pained.

  “But I began to think about the warning that Ms. Phelps gave. There is no way that spirits would be strong enough to wreak that kind of havoc on their own. They would have to be working with someone, someone who could see them and was as twisted and evil as they were. I remembered what the ghost said to you about the doctor making her sick, and I thought that the doctor was their vehicle. He made those whom the spirits chose, sick.” Rose explained.

  “What an amazing and frighteningly plausible scenario if you believe in spirits.” Faye said. “Which at this point, in this place, I’m more than willing to admit that I do.”

  “I wonder if there is a portrait of Dr. Grunewald on the wall in the administrative hall.” Faye pondered.

  “Only one way to find out” Rose said.

  They charged breakfast to their rooms and exited the dining room. As they walked past the front desk, they were pleased to see Phillip sorting through some paperwork. He looked up and gave them a smile and a short wave. He appeared just as greasy as he had when they first arrived, but they both viewed him now as a friend instead of a threat. They waved back and offered genuine smiles. They continued through the lobby, passing the smoking lounge and the entrance to the basement. They both subconsciously picked up their pace as they passed the closed door to the doctor’s office. They glanced in the open door to the Ballroom, where ten or so staff members were preparing for Saturday’s Masquerade Ball. Streamers were being hung and tablecloths placed.

  “This must be a really big deal.” Faye said.

  “It is Midsummer’s Night Ball.” Rose replied.

  Both women stopped and looked at each other. It hadn’t hit either one of them until that moment that the ball they were to attend would also be the commemoration of Vincent Castelli’s death.

  “That will make the whole event a bit creepy, especially now that I feel like I almost know the guy.” Rose said.

  “I can see that.” Faye answered.

  They began walking again. They passed a few more closed doors. One read “Employee’s only.” The rest were unmarked. A few more steps brought them to the long wall with the framed pictures on it. All the frames were identical: thick, dark wood with no design. The first portrait was of an elderly man standing with the aid of a cane on the hotel front steps. He smiled proudly but his eyes were so
sad it was heartbreaking. The simple silver name plaque read William P Bowers. They moved to the second portrait. It was of a young Italian man standing on the stairs in the same place Mr. Bowers had been. Rose didn’t need to look at the tag.

  “It’s Vincent.” Rose said, reaching up to gently touch his face.

  Faye looked at her with a smirk.

  “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you had a crush on him.” She said.

  Rose rolled her eyes.

  “He just struck me is all, keep moving.” Rose said playfully and walked to the next portrait.

  The next was a tall, older woman with her hair pulled back in a bun. She stood next to a large executive desk.

  “That’s Ms. Phelps, probably in the manager’s office.” Rose said.

  Faye laughed.

  “You’re better then the ID tags.” She said.

  Rose laughed and moved to the next portrait. Rose closed her eyes. It was hard to look at a picture of him after seeing his head in a drawer. Faye read the tag in a quiet voice.

  “Wallace Therman, the First. It must be one of his descendants managing the hotel now. The resemblance is uncanny.”

  Rose simply nodded. They moved down the hall but the next picture was not a portrait at all. It was a sea landscape with a lighthouse.

  “That’s odd. Seems like the tradition ended with Wallace the First there.” Rose said.

  “He was the one who was killed by the historian. Perhaps it was out of respect for him.” Faye said, shrugging. She frowned, “That was certainly less helpful then we anticipated.”

  Rose nodded and headed back toward the Ballroom. She stopped to peek in the doorway. The decorations were bright and colorful and there were crystal stars hanging from the ceiling. The band area had the backdrop of a forest and all of the members’ chairs were decorated like Pan’s tree stump.

  “Wow.” Faye said quietly.

  Rose agreed. “Definitely looks like it’s going to be an amazing party on Saturday night.”

  “Then Sunday morning we check out and head back to our real lives.” Faye said with a touch of sadness in her voice.

  Rose smiled softly. “This has indeed been quite an adventure, but I promise you this, after we leave here we are going to write this book together.” She said.

  Faye smiled broadly, “We can entitle it The World’s Most Haunted Hotel.”

  Those inside, hearing their voices, turned to look at the two women hovering in the doorway. They said nothing but it was obvious that they were annoyed. Faye and Rose waved and mouthed the word sorry, quickly walking away. They walked about ten steps when they heard the door close with a thud. They both winced. Perhaps the decorations were supposed to be a surprise. As they rounded the hallway into the lobby, they were surprised to see Matt standing at the desk talking to a pensive looking Phillip. Faye noted that his clothes were different from this morning. He was dressed in jeans and white polo shirt. They walked over and the conversation stopped. Phillip turned to them.

  “Good morning Ladies.” His tone gave no indication of anything other than kindness.

  “Good morning Phillip. Are you feeling better?” Faye asked.

  Phillip paused just long enough for Rose to think he was coming up with a lie.

  “Indeed, something I ate didn’t agree with me. I trust Walter took good care of you and you enjoyed your dinner in Mr. Castelli’s suite?” He asked.

  “Yes, very much so. The food was incredible and the suite is beautiful. He certainly knew how to live.” Faye said, echoing comments from the previous night.

  “I’m so very glad.” Phillip said.

  Matt began to fidget, so Faye turned her attention to him.

  “How is Stephanie feeling?” She asked, watching his reaction carefully.

  “She just left in fact. Phillip here had one of the limos take her into town to the hospital.” He said his gaze everywhere but their eyes.

  “Well, I hope they can get her what she needs.” Faye said.

  “We need to get going. We have some plans. Although I think we are going to have to take our tea inside.” Rose said, looking out at the downpour.

  “I hope it doesn’t flood the bridge out. I keep telling the manager he needs to petition for a higher bridge.” Phillip said.

  Faye thought back to their arrival. Right after they had turned off the main highway, they had gone over a very old, low stone bridge. The water almost touched it. Adam had commented about how bridges like that one were very common in the early 1900’s because they were easy to build.

  “Does that happen often?” Faye asked, concerned.

  “Oh, about once or twice every spring. Since we hold our Midsummer’s Ball on the spring equinox, it has ruined our party a couple of times by keeping guests from arriving.” Phillip explained.

  “Thank you for reminding me. I meant to ask about that. Holding the Midsummer’s Ball in March is rather odd.” Rose said.

  Phillip nodded. “Indeed, it is. It actually stems back to Mr. Castelli. It was one of his favorite plays and he loved to celebrate it, however he spent summers in Italy with his father’s family. In order to share the fun with his family at the Eden, he decided to hold it on the spring equinox.” Phillip said.

  “That makes sense.” Rose said.

  “Yes it does. Now, about the bridge-- if it gets flooded out, how will we know and how long does it stay flooded?” Faye asked. She sounded a bit anxious. The thought of being trapped in the Eden made her uneasy.

  “We will receive word if it floods. It all depends on the rain. If this slacks off, the water will recede in a day or so. If it keeps raining, it could be two days or more.” Phillip said quirking an eyebrow at her tone.

  “Are there any alternate routes out of here? I mean say its flooded Sunday morning when we check out. I have to be to work on Monday.” Faye said, trying to cover her concern with a reason.

  Phillip shook his head no. “When the river rises, the only thing you can do is wait on her to recede. It’s only Thursday. Even if it rains all day today and tomorrow, the water should recede by Sunday morning. Don’t worry, I’ll keep you updated.” He said with a reassuring smile.

  Faye sighed softly.

  “Thank you! We should go now. Sorry to interrupt you guys.” Faye said and walked quickly toward the restaurant again. Rose waved and followed her, half running to keep up.

  Once they were seated in front of a roaring fire with steaming cups in their hands, Rose spoke. “That was certainly odd.”

  Faye nodded. A deep frown was forming her forehead, furrowing it with worry lines.

  “Sorry to bring us back here again, I couldn’t think of any other reason to quickly leave and after that news I think I needed more tea” Faye said apologetically.

  Rose nodded understanding her logic.

  “I do not like the idea of not being able to leave here. I mean what if it gets really weird tonight on this tour or tomorrow? We both said if things got too heavy, we would get the hell out of Dodge and now that may not be an option.” Faye said. She gripped the tea cup so hard her knuckles were white.

  “You are thinking back to Ms. Phelps warning, aren’t you?” Rose asked, setting her tea cup down with a clink.

  Faye nodded.

  “Maybe we should just go now, before nature traps us in their supernatural funhouse.” Faye said, her frown deepening.

  Rose reached out and placed her hand over Faye’s.

  “If it really upsets you that much, we will go upstairs right now pack our things and leave. No research for a book is worth being this upset.” Rose said with compassion in her voice.

  Faye sighed. “Yet I asked you to endure frightening visions of corpses in the name of research. I’m just being a baby. We will be fine and to be honest, I’m not above sitting in my car on the bank of a flooded river waiting for the damned thing to recede.” Faye said, forcing a smile.

  Rose was about to respond when Natalie walked up to the table.

  �
�Good afternoon ladies. It’s about time. Are you ready?” She asked with a smile.

  They both nodded, smiling politely.

  “We are going into some colder and dirtier parts of the hotel than we visited last evening.” She said, eyeing their outfits.

  Picking up the hint, Faye said. “Perhaps we should go change into jeans and sweaters. This rain has put a definite chill in the air.”

  “Indeed, this is quite a nasty storm.” Rose commented.

  “We get one or two really good ones every spring. Being up in the mountains, they are rare. When they do show up, they are fierce.” Natalie replied.

  “We will meet you in the lobby in about fifteen minutes.” Rose said as she and Faye stood up.

  Natalie nodded and they walked out into the lobby. Matt was no longer at the desk, but neither was Phillip. They walked to the elevator, silently waiting for it as it climbed to their floor.

  Rose spoke. “I wonder if the guys are even up yet.”

  “They are going to be displeased to find that their outdoor loafing is going to be cancelled by this storm.” Faye agreed.

  The elevator opened. They were surprised to see a maid cart outside Matt and Stephanie’s room. The door was closed, but the sound of a vacuum could be heard. There was a large linen bag sitting outside the door and it was tied shut. Faye’s curiosity was piqued, but she couldn’t think of a plausible excuse for looking in a dirty linen basket if she got caught, so she just kept walking to her room. Rose’s thoughts were similar, but she also continued on.

  “I’ll meet you out here in about ten minutes. I’m going to tell Eric that we are interviewing people for our book and digging around some off-the-tour places.” Rose said as she turned the key to her room.

  “Good plan. See you in a few.” Faye said.

  Faye walked in, smirking at her bare-chested husband who was tangled up in the sheets, snoring softly. Walking over, she kissed him softly. He blinked a few times and finally opened his eyes.

  “Now, that is a fantastic way to wake up.” He said with a sleepy smile.

  She laughed softly, giving him a loving smile as she brushed a lock of hair off his forehead “I’m glad you think so sleepy head, it’s after noon.”

  “Is it really?” he said, surprised.

  Faye nodded.

  “You also missed the torrential downpour going on outside. Your outdoor loafing is going to be a bit damp.” Faye said, walking over to the dresser and pulling out a pair of dark blue jeans and a long sleeved, red sweater.

  “What are you up to?” Adam said, propping himself up on his elbows.

  “Rose and I are going to go digging into other parts of the hotel and interview some staff for some info for our book.” Faye said, pulling the sweater over her head.

  “You know, I’ve been thinking about your symptoms the last couple of days and, well, I have a theory.” He said, sitting up on the side of the bed.

  She walked over and sat beside him. “Oh?”

  “Yes, I mean look at it: you’re nauseous, tired, dizzy, and you’re craving certain food. Your appetite has improved. I would think that it was a virus or something, but the symptoms are not continuous.” He said, looking at her.

  Faye’s mouth dropped open, her voice faint. “Do you think it’s possible? I mean we tried for years and nothing. Could it be possible that I’m pregnant? The test we took last week said no, how could it be wrong?”

  “We won’t know for sure until we get you a test again, but it certainly looks that way to me. Perhaps the other one we took was too early.” Eric said with a big smile.

  “Oh, I drank wine last night!” Faye said, sounding worried.

  “A couple glasses of wine aren’t a big deal, honey. We can go see if the doctor here can test you or we can wait until we get home on Monday.” Eric said, wrapping his arms around her.

  Faye got up and began to pace.

  “I’m really not a fan of the doctor here, but I really don’t want to wait for Monday. The anticipation will kill me.” She said as she continued her trek back and forth across the room.

  “How about this, you go on your expedition with Rose and think about it. When you’re done, come get me. I’m going to see if Eric wants to play a game of poker in the smoking room since outdoors is off limits. If you want to, we will go to the doctor’s office and I will stay with you the whole time.” Adam promised.

  Faye nodded, thinking about it as she paced. She was pretty sure the doctor was crooked, but under constant supervision from her husband and with something as simple and non- invasive as a pregnancy test, it should be ok. He wouldn’t even have to touch her. She stopped pacing.

  “Ok, that’s our plan. This should take no more than a couple hours tops, and I’ll come find you. I’ll let you know then what I want to do.” Faye said with a slight smile. Pacing over, she gave him a soft kiss.

  “Have fun playing poker and smoking in your man cave.” She said with a smirk.

  He laughed and pulled her in for another kiss.

  “Enjoy your fact expedition, and be careful will ya?” He asked with a look of true concern on his face.

  “I will and if I get too tired I will stop. I promise.” She said with a smile as she headed out the door.

  She stepped into the hallway to find Rose leaning against the other wall. Rose wore a pair of black jeans and a light blue, cable knit sweater. She looked up as Faye came out.

  “Sorry. That took a bit longer than expected.” Faye said, but offered no further explanation.

  They walked down the hallway and boarded the elevator, both with a lot on their minds. They paid little attention as the elevator carried them down. The abrupt stop one floor down, however, brought them to attention. The doors slid open and Rose gasped. Lying on the carpet, just outside the elevator door, was a corpse. The body was dressed in a black cocktail gown and the long, blonde hair was matted with blood. Her body was covered with large gashes and it appeared as if someone had hacked her up with some kind of sharp implement. Rose unwillingly felt herself stepping forward to try to get a view of the face. Despite the condition of the rest of her body, her face was untouched. Her eyes were open, staring straight at Rose. Faye stared at the spot where Rose’s gaze was fixated. She saw a dark spot on the carpet where it looked like something had been spilled, but that was all. Rose hung her head and stepped back. She pushed the down button with her eyes closed.

  “It was Stephanie. It looked like someone went Lizzie Borden and hacked her up.” Rose said her eyes closed.

  “Oh my god, I didn’t see anything other than a dark spot on the carpet. Does that mean she’s dead?” Faye asked. Her voice was high and thin and she crossed her arms protectively over herself.

  “I think so. Had it been her actual body you would have been able to see her.” Rose said, walking slowly off the elevator on the ground floor. Faye followed her. Both were in shock. Before they had seen shades of people that had died before they were born. This was a woman they had sat with at dinner, whose husband they had spoken with not an hour before. Faye paused right before they entered the lobby, turning to Rose.

  “Matt did it. The substance I saw on his shirt was blood. He killed her this morning and made up the story about her going into town to cover up her being gone.” She said with certainly.

  “I am inclined to agree, but that implicates Phillip as well.” Rose said.

  “Remember what Mr. Castelli said in your vision? Most of the deaths had been covered up by the hotel staff? It’s probably part of his job description.” Faye said, shaking her head sadly.

  “Shouldn’t we call the police or something?” Rose asked, her voice sounding distressed.

  “And tell them what? That you saw a vision of a hacked up body? We don’t have any real proof. We have Matt’s odd behavior, a jelly stain on his shirt, and your vision.” Faye said, placing her hand comfortingly on Rose’s arm.

  “When we get out of here, we will call the state police and report everything we
know, minus the vision of course, and they can launch an investigation into it, deal?” Faye asked.

  Rose nodded as she wiped a tear from her eye, “I can’t wait to get the hell out of this place.” Rose said. Taking a deep breath, she composed herself. She squared her shoulders and walked into the lobby, looking around for Natalie. The waitress was seated on one of the couches near the fireplace. Faye matched her pace and they both plastered on smiles as they walked up to the couch.

  “I was beginning to think you had changed your mind.” Natalie said, glancing at her watch.

  “Elevator went to the wrong floor and got stuck.” Rose said calmly.

  Faye admired her friend’s ability to cover what she had seen so coolly.

  Natalie nodded and smiled, “It’s old. That happens every once and awhile.”

  She stood. She still wore her restaurant uniform, which consisted of crisp black pants and a white dress shirt with a large scripted E in red stitching on the breast pocket. There was not a single wrinkle or spot of food on her clothing, despite having worked the breakfast shift in the restaurant. Faye mentally logged that fact. She wasn’t sure it meant anything but it struck her as being odd. She followed Rose, who followed Natalie as she walked them down the long hallway that led to the Doctors office. Faye thought about Adam’s offer. She subconsciously put her hand over her stomach as they made their way to the door marked “Employees only.” She pushed the decision to the back of her mind and enjoyed the forbidden feeling of going somewhere she wasn’t really allowed to be. She glanced at Rose and she could tell from the slight smile on her face that she was feeling the same thing. Inside the door was a landing, stairs going up and down. They were old and wooden and while they looked stable, they were definitely not as well-maintained as the guest area. It was lit with overhead light bulbs which were a rarity as well. The rafters were exposed and had a few cobwebs.

  “What would you like to see first? There are the service areas in the basement or the employee’s quarters?” Natalie asked.

  “Let’s start at the bottom and work our way up shall we?” Faye asked.

  “Sounds good to me.” Rose replied

  Natalie nodded and started down the stairs.

  “Please be careful down here. It’s not overly clean and the floor is concrete. It would hurt if you fell.” Natalie said.

  They descended two flights of stairs. Each stair groaned in protest of being used. They reached the bottom landing where there was a case for a fire hose, but it was empty. The glass was also missing, as though it had been used and never been replaced. Natalie opened the door and held it open for them. They stepped through. The other side was like a whole other world. The lighting was dark and sparse. There were huge water tanks and at least ten huge bins filled with coal. There was a dark red glow coming from the far corner. The air was steamy and thick. There were several large machines which were presumably to maintain the water heaters and the furnace. They moved further into the room. Every surface was covered with grime.

  “The black soot you see on everything is from the coal. Most hotels run oil furnaces, but they felt that coal was more efficient and burned hotter given the cold nights that the mountains can have.” Natalie explained.

  “How hot do the furnaces run?” Rose asked.

  “Hot enough to do all the things they are needed to do.” Natalie replied with a smirk.

  “We heard that perhaps more than coal was burnt in one of these.” Faye said.

  Natalie frowned a bit. “Someone has been telling old stories it seems.”

  They nodded.

  “Yes, the historian lost his mind in 1941. He killed the manager and then fed a lot of the records and himself into one of these furnaces. It caused the furnace to burn too hot and it blew taking most of the main floor with it.” Natalie explained, toying with the buttons on her sleeve.

  “Does anyone know what changed him? What drove him to do it?” Faye asked.

  “The story goes that he was seeing ghosts and talking to them. He even asked the manager for special gifts and things to appease them. He was accommodated for awhile. Then he talked about the evil something that was controlling the place, holding the dead hostage or some such nonsense. I think he just spent too much time by himself with those books and, as they say, he lost his marbles.” Natalie said with a shrug.

  Faye and Rose glanced at each other. Rose frowned. She had figured that the shades were here because this is where they died in a tragic fashion. It never occurred to her that there was some kind of force keeping those tormented souls haunting these walls. It would take a very old and powerful spirit to stop that many souls from crossing over. She couldn’t think of anything that could make a spirit that strong.

  “Down this long hall to the right is the storage room where we keep some of the older furniture and decorations.” Natalie said and started walking down the hall. Rose turned to follow her, but a shimmer of light caught her attention. She paused and turned toward it. At first, all she saw were furnaces and coal bins. She was about to dismiss it and turn away when she saw it again-- brighter this time. As Natalie and Faye were chatting about the benefits of coal and gas lighting to historical décor, she edged back toward the light. It seemed to be coming from behind one of the large coal bins. She moved closer, but found that she could not wedge herself in behind it. She decided to wait and come back later to investigate, as she couldn’t think of a good reason to tell Natalie that she wanted in behind one of the coal bins. So, she moved quickly to rejoin the pair as they made their way down the hall, silently looking around at the bowels of the hotel.

  As they moved out of the equipment room, it became a long hall with dingy gray cement. Many scuff marks and dents adorned the walls and the floor was dull with signs of foot traffic. Their steps echoed in the dark hall. Rose and Faye subconsciously moved closer together. At the end of the hall was a plain wooden door. There was no sign on it and no lock. Natalie moved ahead of them and opened it. She flicked the light switch and the overhead bulb flickered on. The room on the other side was massive. Every inch of it was crowded with sheeted furniture. The girls moved slowly into the room, pulling sheets off. The first few things were chairs and an old chandelier. Then Rose grabbed a sheet and pulled it off a high-backed, white, leather chair. Both girls gasped: the back of the chair was decorated in blood splatter. The seat was stained with a large, red stain which was from a pool of blood. Rose and Faye glanced at Natalie, whose shoulders slumped. This was a story she obviously did not want to tell. She sat on a coffee table.

  “In the summer of 1919, an influential businessman by the name of Horace Narzetti arrived here. He was to stay for about a month, or until the police were no longer interested in talking to him. He brought with him his new bride and two bodyguards. He was a handsome and intelligent man. He had been here about two weeks and they were really settling in to the hotel life, so much so that he told Mr. Castelli that he wanted to open a sister hotel to the Eden. Horace took his bride for a walk in the garden. Hand in hand, they enjoyed the warm sun and the beautiful flowers. They retired to the back patio to sip lemonade and at the time those leather chairs were the patio furniture. They sat peacefully, enjoying the afternoon sun. His guards stood behind the chairs. Suddenly, from the direction of the maze, gunfire sounded. Horace was killed before he had the chance to stand up. The guards grabbed his wife and took her back to the suite. But her grief was so great that later that night she threw herself through the large window on the top floor.” She said, her voice sounded far away and a bit sad.

  “How very sad.” Rose said.

  “Agreed, do they know who it was that shot him?” Faye asked.

  Natalie shook her head. “By the time they went looking for the culprits, they were long gone. Just a few shoe impressions were left in the dirt. Vincent figured it was either rival gang members or someone hired by the police to eliminate him.” She said, crossing her arms over her chest. She sighed.

  Rose recovered the cha
ir. Something was nagging in the back of her mind, some connection she was just missing. Her train of thought was thrown off when Faye spoke and the connection was lost.

  “Thank you for sharing that story with us. I can tell it was hard for you.” she said.

  Natalie nodded and shrugged, “Just sad to think about a widowed bride.”

  Faye lifted another sheet off and was shocked to see an antique spirit board; she looked up at Natalie who nodded.

  “In the late 1830’s William was contacted by a fortune teller by the stage name of Madam Zocar, she said the spirit of his brother had come to her and wanted to speak to him. William still heavy with grief paid the fraud an exorbitant sum to hold a séance here in the basement where Andrew had died to contact the spirit. Those in attendance say that while they never saw any actual ghosts, they heard some very strange sounds and experienced a feeling of heaviness followed by a gust of cold wind that blew some people out of their chairs” She explained.

  “It was found later that Madam Zocar was wanted in several cities for milking money out of grieving people with false messages from beyond.”She added.

  “How very cruel of her to prey upon people like that” Rose said shaking her head.

  Rose moved through the furniture, almost afraid to lift the sheets as another unpleasant surprise may await her. As she walked further into the room, she saw in the distance the chain link fence that separated the records room from the rest of the storage area. She turned back to return to Faye and Natalie when she heard that sound again. The same soft sigh she heard when they were looking through records. She looked around, searching once again for the source. It seemed to be coming from the very back of the room in the corner. Moving carefully, she picked her way through the furniture ghosts until she arrived in the back corner where she thought the sound originated from. She pulled off the sheets, only revealing several boxes of Christmas decorations, an old love seat, and a pile of broken dining room chairs. She was about to walk away when she heard the sound again. Turning back, she moved all the way into the corner. Again, there was nothing. She turned to walk away when her foot brushed up against something. Paranoia took over and she was afraid to look down as she might be greeted with another corpse. Taking a deep breath, she looked down. It looked like a rag doll. She picked it up. It was an antique and had to be over one hundred years old. Its body was sawdust. Its hair was yarn and the dress was an old, faded calico pattern. The eyes were made of blue buttons and the mouth was sewn on. As she held it, she heard voices calling but they were so distant she couldn’t make out what they were saying, only that they sounded upset. She closed her eyes to see the vision more clearly. She concentrated on the voices and she was almost getting a picture when a thick blackness barreled into her head. The force made her stumble. She was assaulted with the vision of a large black and tan German Sheppard running down the basement stairs with the doll in his mouth. He moved deliberately towards the coal bins. Rose could hear a young girl’s voice calling, begging for her dolly back. She was struck by an intense feeling of cold. Grabbing the wall for support, her head slowly cleared and she came back to the room in which she stood. She clutched the doll and worked her way back to Faye and Natalie who were discussing the style of the hotel and how it had remained stagnant since the early 1940’s.

  Faye turned at the sound of Rose’s footsteps. As she saw the look on her friend’s face, she moved toward her in concern.

  “What do you have there?” Faye asked as she saw the doll.

  “I found her over in the corner.” Where I heard that sound again, she wanted to add, but knew it would have to wait until they were alone to explain.

  Faye gently took it from Rose’s grasp and helped Rose into a chair. As Faye examined the doll, she was surprised at the doll’s excellent condition given the age. She turned and showed it to Natalie whose eyes went wide in surprise.

  “This doll must be as old as the hotel itself.” Faye said.

  “Indeed it is. I have never seen it before, but it must have been lost by an early guest.” Natalie said, her expression returning to neutral.

  Rose reached out for the doll, taking it gently from Faye’s hands.

  “I like her.” She said, cradling her close to her heart.

  “I see no reason why you couldn’t keep it.” Natalie said with a soft smile.

  “Thank you very much.” Rose said, returning the smile.

  “Perhaps we should move on.” Faye said, a bit confused by the whole exchange, but she assumed Rose would fill her in when they were alone.

  Rose stood and they left the room. Natalie went last, closing the door and then moved to lead them back to the stairwell.

  “Pardon me for asking, but shouldn’t there be a lock on that door?” Faye asked.

  “We don’t fear anything leaving the Eden anymore.” Natalie said.

  Rose and Faye exchanged glances. They reached the stairwell and Rose gave one last glance toward the furnaces. She was thankful that no apparition of the tragedy here had chosen to come to her. They entered the dark stairwell again. It occurred to Faye that Henry was supposed to be part of this tour.

  “I thought Henry gave this tour with you?” Faye asked.

  Natalie nodded, explaining as she climbed the stairs. “Normally he does, however with this rainfall he has to make sure we have no leaks and that all the generators are ready in case of a black out.”

  Faye and Rose nodded as the explanation sounded reasonable. They reached the landing they had started on and looked upward. Rose clutched the doll to her. She couldn’t explain to herself why it was important, but she felt it had a connection to something significant. They walked up another two flights of stairs and Natalie opened the door to a hall similar to the guest room hall, except it wasn’t as well maintained. The carpet was faded and worn through in some places. The doors didn’t have numbers on them. Natalie turned to face them.

  “There are one hundred and eighteen employee rooms that slept up to four people. During peak season, the Eden employs approximately four hundred employees. Everyone was required to stay on site given the remote location and the uncertain seasonal weather.” Natalie said as she opened the door to the nearest room.

  It was smaller than the guest rooms and it was equipped with bunk beds. There were four identical dressers and a small bathroom. They stepped into the room, looking around. The room was obviously not in use. The beds were made and there were no personal effects in the room to show that someone was living there.

  “How many employees are here now?” Faye asked.

  Natalie stopped a moment, thinking. She replied after a few seconds, “I can’t be sure. Spring isn’t our peak season despite the Midsummer’s Ball. I’d say about two hundred.” Natalie replied.

  Rose wandered over toward the bathroom, thinking that she couldn’t stand to spend months at a time crammed in a room with four other people. She turned to leave when she felt two hands heavy on her back shoving her forward. She couldn’t breathe, something was choking her. Pulled at her neck, she tried to free herself. She was conscious of hands on her, and she wanted to tell them she was choking. Whatever strangled her was so tight around her neck she couldn’t utter a sound. She felt the darkness creeping up on her. She fought it and fought to stay conscious, but the hold on her was too powerful and it overwhelmed her. As she floated through the darkness, random images from her life floated past her. They began to fade out when she heard a voice speaking.

  “Help me …” A young woman’s voice said softly

  Rose wanted to respond but couldn’t figure out how.

  “I miss them so.” The sad voice spoke again.

  Rose tried to reach out with her mind. She wanted to comfort this woman.

  “Innocence can escape evil” The voice said.

  Rose shook her head, trying to understand. She tried to move toward the voice, but she felt someone shaking her. The other voice was speaking to her and it was familiar. The darkness began to fade and
while Rose fought harder to avoid the light and find the voice, her eyes fluttered open to see the frightened faces of Faye and Natalie above her.

  Sitting up carefully, she looked around. She was sitting on the floor in the employee room and the doll was still clutched in her hand.

  “Rose, what happened?” Faye asked. Her voice was frightened.

  “I felt like I was being pushed to the ground and I was choking.” Rose explained, pulling herself up. She glanced in the mirror, expecting to see bruises on her neck.

  Natalie glanced at Faye and then at Rose. Her voice sounded angry. “You didn’t tell me she was a seer.”

  Rose and Faye both looked at her, surprised.

  “There were a lot of tragedies in the Eden that left serious imprints. This is not the place for someone with such talents.” Natalie said, crossing her arms.

  “Yes, I’m learning that. So what imprint did I just experience?” Rose asked.

  Natalie sighed, settling on the bottom bunk as she told her story, “In 1920, there was a young lady here named Maria. She was a personal valet for Mr. Castelli. They grew close and in August of that year, she discovered that she was with child. She went to Mr. Castelli and told him. He offered to pay for her expenses and set her and the child up for life. Maria wanted more. She wanted Vincent to leave his wife and marry her. Of course this wasn’t feasible. He refused her demands and once again, generously offered to get her a place and take care of her and the child’s needs for life. Maria was heartbroken. She came back to her room, this one, and hung herself. “

  “Mr. Castelli was actually quite upset. His wife was unable to bear children and he had looked forward to the birth of this child. Coming from a large Italian family, he had always hoped to raise a large family of his own. Even if he couldn’t marry Maria, it didn’t mean he wasn’t going to claim the child. He had even offered to let it have his name. But that wasn’t good enough for Maria. She was a stupid, greedy girl and with her it was all or nothing.” Natalie finished.

  “That does seem rather unreasonable of her. It wasn’t like he kicked her to the curb and said sorry about your luck.” Faye said, her hands once again subconsciously touching her stomach.

  “So that was what you experienced.” Natalie said her voice flat.

  They walked out of the room.

  “You would not have brought us on this tour if you knew about Rose’s ability?” Faye asked.

  “Probably not. I definitely wouldn’t have taken you into the rooms where I am aware of bad energy.” Natalie answered.

  “To be very honest, my talent was nowhere near as strong before coming here.” Rose said.

  “That doesn’t really surprise me. Even those with the slightest of talent will pick up cold shivers or see strange shadows in a place full of restless spirits.” Natalie said.

  “So you believe in ghosts?” Faye asked

  Natalie laughed and replied “You could say that. So, we are at an impasse. Do we continue to the attic and then down to the infirmary or do we head back to the lobby and find you ladies a nice, quiet activity for the afternoon.”

  “We would much prefer to continue the tour; however we will leave it up to your discretion as you are the one kind enough to give us this unauthorized look at the Eden.” Faye said, glancing at Rose for confirmation.

  Rose nodded yes.

  Natalie closed her eyes. “We will continue to the attic, but if she has another severe attack like that then it is over.”

  “Fair enough.” Rose replied.

  They headed toward the end of the hall. There was a door marked “Stairs” and then another to the left that was an unmarked door. Natalie pulled out a ring of skeleton keys, flipping through them until she found the one she needed and opened the door. Reaching inside, she flipped on the light. Old wooden stairs came into view that climbed steeply upward into a staircase so narrow and dusty they could only go up one at a time. Natalie led the way. As they reached the top floor, Faye experienced one of the aforementioned cold chills. It was full of trunks and old suitcases. Several old mirrors leaned up against one wall. Along another were three stained glass windows. Two of which were in good condition while the other had a ragged break in it.

  “Lost or left luggage finds its way up here. We hold it for a certain amount of time and then it becomes part of the clutter. Old uniforms, table cloths, and the like are also up here.” Natalie explained.

  “No rats then, huh?” Faye asked.

  “We have never really had a rodent problem here, thankfully.” Natalie answered.

  Rose started to walk toward the broken stained glass window.

  “I wouldn’t touch that.” Natalie warned.

  “Another serious impression?” Faye asked.

  “You could say that. I guess you want to know the story behind it?” Natalie asked.

  Rose and Faye both nodded, settling on a large wooden steamer trunk.

  “This particular story is from the very early days of the Eden. As you probably know, she opened in September of 1821. Lots of invitations were sent out to stage stars, senators, and local politicians. He also invited several magazine and newspaper columnists to ensure good publicity and reviews. Almost everyone invited attended, it was a full house. The halls were full of finery, bullshit, and lots of hot tempers when you add alcohol. One of the local politicians by the name of Shawn O’Grady was doing some heavy flirting with an entertainment columnist by the name of Madeline Cannon. She was young, blonde and ambitious. She took the advances for all they were worth. The drunker he got, the touchier he got. She allowed him to take her back to his suite, which at the time were decorated with stained glass windows. He, after a full night of drinking and innuendo, expected her to follow through. She was not interested in sex. She was interested in power, so she started making demands for money and positions or she would publish a story in her magazine about his lecherous behavior that would be sure to be seen by the others in his city as well as his wife. However the alcohol, the frustration and the anger at being exposed was a deadly mix for Madeline. In a fit of rage he put her head through the stained glass window. Her throat was slit on the glass fragments and she bled to death while he went to the bar to have another scotch. It was the first “accident” at the Eden after she was officially opened. The local coroner ruled that she had snuck into his room, looking for some kind of gossip tidbit. In her intoxicated stupor, she tripped over something and fell through the window.” Natalie finished the story.

  “Wow, this place has been tragic since day one.” Faye said.

  “The Eden has seen its share of accidents, suicides, and people who checked in and then checked out but got lost on their way home.” Natalie added.

  “I assume that whatever records existed of those people went up in smoke with the historian?” Rose asked.

  Natalie nodded. “I know a few of the stories and some of the names, but I’m sure there are a few that never even made the records.”

  Rose stood up and walked toward the tall mirror. Glancing in it, she saw herself. She also saw Faye and Natalie but what she saw was hardly what she expected. She tried not to seem startled. She didn’t want them to know that she saw something wrong before she had a chance to study it for herself. Faye had some kind white light emanating from her torso. Natalie was completely off. She had all the injuries that Rose had seen the night before in the upstairs hallway. However, her body now also showed signs of decay. Her flesh was gray and her eyes yellow. The skin on her cheeks was flaking off. She closed her eyes, and when she opened them, everyone’s appearance returned to normal. Turning around, she saw that they were both looking at her curiously. Rose turned and smiled to them.

  “I’m sorry, I was day dreaming again.” Rose said, with a small laugh.

  “Please explain what you meant about checked out but never got home. That’s a rather interesting statement.” Rose said to deflect their curiosity.

  Natalie took a deep breath then spoke. “The one story I remem
ber most vividly is that of a young pair of sisters, Aurora and Violet. They were here on vacation. Aurora had lost her baby during birth and was what they called at that time, “hysterical.” So, her sister brought her here for rejuvenation. They stayed a week. Unfortunately, the Eden did more harm than good. The poor women claimed that everywhere she went, she heard a child crying. It nearly drove her mad. Violet checked them out to take her to a hospital in the city. Their bags were loaded into the car and the drove off. A day or so later, another set of arriving guests found the car crashed into a tree about halfway down the hill. Neither sister was ever found despite a huge search conducted by the Eden staff, as well the local and state police. Afterwards some guests said they saw a woman running up the drive and out across the lawn calling for a lost child, but when they moved to get a closer look at her she would vanish. The official theory was that Aurora took leave of her senses and caused the wreck, and that animals removed the bodies.” Natalie said her face sad.

  Faye was horrorstruck at what the poor woman must have been going through. It was unthinkable. Her hands once again crossed over her abdomen.

  They all sat in silence for a moment. Faye was wondering what Rose was hiding. Rose was wondering what the explanation for her vision was and Natalie was wondering if she was doing the right thing.

  “On to the infirmary then?” Faye asked, breaking the silence. She knew that Rose would explain things later.

  Natalie nodded. If she suspected anything, she wasn’t saying it. The three of them walked carefully down the stairs. Rose clutched the doll tightly and fought to keep her expression neutral as her thoughts raged. Thankfully, she was at the back of the line so no one was really looking at her as they made their way back into the hall. As they entered it, Rose paused. She felt a rush of emotion from the unmarked door like a psychic cold draft. She paused for a moment and looked at the door, wondering what was behind it. She shook her head and rejoined the other two. They turned left and walked to the opposite end of the hall, stopping at the second door to the left. Natalie pushed it open. If this was a guest floor, then this would have been a suite. It looked very similar to the doctor’s office downstairs except that instead of large guest beds, there were single hospital-style beds lined up against the wall. There was a woman washing her hands in the bathroom. At the sound of the door, she came out. She wore an old-fashioned nurse’s uniform, down to the hat with the Red Cross on it. She was tall and slender. Her dark hair was pulled into a tight bun at the nape of her neck. Her nails were perfectly manicured. She wore light makeup and had a tight, professional smile. In the farthest bed was a man with a gray face and pale lips. His eyes were closed and if not for the shallow rise and fall of his chest, Faye would have assumed he was dead. His hands were wrapped in gauze.

  “Hello Natalie. Is there something I can help you with?” The nurse asked condescendingly as she looked down her nose at the three of them.

  “I wasn’t aware anyone was in here. I’m sorry. I was just taking these ladies on a behind- -the-scenes tour of the hotel. But if I had known you had a patient, I wouldn’t have brought them in.” Natalie said, sounding sheepish.

  The nurse nodded. “Clint got burned in the kitchen this morning. He’s resting comfortably.”

  Natalie nodded. “We will be on our way. Sorry again, and tell him I hope he feels better when he wakes up.”

  Natalie ushered them quickly out of the room, closing the door quietly. She walked quickly back toward the elevator. As they neared the doors, she spoke in hushed tones.

  “That was Nurse Karen Holt. She is not known for her bedside manner, but her wrath is well known. Unless it’s a dire emergency, most people avoid the infirmary like the plague.” Natalie explained as they stepped onto the elevator.

  As the doors closed behind them and they started to descend, Faye spoke. “She didn’t seem overly thrilled to have us there did she?”

  “The infirmary has seen its fair share of blood and pain.” Natalie said with a shiver.

  As the elevator returned to the lobby floor, everyone was lost in their thoughts. They exited the elevator, standing in the empty hall.

  “I hope you ladies enjoyed your tour, since you got a bit more out of it than most.” Natalie said. She was smiling but her eyes seemed worried.

  “We did. Thank you very much.” Faye said with a polite smile. She really just wanted to be alone with Rose to find out what she had missed.

  Natalie leaned in lowering her voice, “With your talent, I suggest the utmost care here in the Eden. The past has a way of making an impression on the present.” She said with a sad smile and walked back toward the restaurant.

  Rose and Faye turned and looked at each other.

  “We should start collecting these ominous warnings.” Faye said with a forced laugh.

  Rose nodded and looked back towards the elevators. “I think the best place for us to talk is perhaps your room.”

  “Probably the most private as well.” Faye agreed, and the both walked quickly toward the elevator. Rose still clutched the doll to her chest. They entered the elevator, closed the gate, and rode up silently. They entered Adam and Faye’s room and sat on the bed to talk. Rose recapped all she had seen and felt. After listening to the tale, Faye closed her eyes a bit.

  “I think the only thing to do is to go back down to the cellar and find out what that light was. Depending on what we find, perhaps we should also go up to the staff quarters to see what was behind that door was reaching out to you.”

  Rose nodded. “I am very curious to know what secrets this place hides.”

  “Let’s go before the guys come up and we have to explain to them why we wish to crawl behind a coal bin in a sooty basement.” Faye said.

  They headed back downstairs. Rose made a quick stop to gently place the old doll in her drawer, wrapping it gently in one of her silk shirts. They entered the lobby, looking around for their husbands they saw Natalie standing behind the front desk in a deep, whispered conversation with Phillip. When they noticed the ladies, they walked through the door behind the desk, closing it with a bang. Faye and Rose exchanged glances and a bit of a smile. It looked suspiciously like a workplace romance. They headed quickly toward the employee door. Thankfully, the two people that might stop them seemed to be otherwise occupied.

  The hall was empty and they moved quietly to the door. Rose reached out, hoping that perhaps luck would be with them and that Natalie had forgotten to relock the door. But the knob denied her hope. Faye pulled a small black case from her back pocket, kneeling down she opened it up. She removed a small metal pick from the case and began to deftly pick the lock.

  “Faye!” Rose said, quietly but with surprise.

  Faye smiled up at her, replying with a mischievous smile, “Hey, tombs don’t generally open themselves, you know.”

  Rose laughed and shook her head. In a moment, the lock clicked open and the door swing inward.

  “Color me impressed.” Rose said as the slipped through the door, making sure it didn’t lock behind them.

  They made their way carefully down the stairs. Faye kept her lock pick set out, not sure if she would have to pick the lock at the bottom of the stairwell. The stairs creaked loudly and the women cringed at the sound. Rose glanced behind them several times, expecting to get caught at any moment. Reaching the basement door, Rose reached out and tested the knob. It turned with a soft creak. They slipped through the door, closing it behind them. It took a few seconds for their eyes to adjust to the darkness of the basement. Rose took the lead, walking them back to the spot where she saw the glimmer. Faye glanced at the furnaces. The dull, red glow from their fiery bellies painted the room an eerie glow.

  “It was over here.” Rose said, pointing to the back wall behind a large coal bin.

  Faye walked over and examined the bin. It was easily eight feet tall and about 4 feet wide. Looking at the bottom, she noticed that there were wheels.

  “We can roll it out of the way. The botto
m has wheels but it’s not going to be easy.” Faye said.

  “Let’s try sliding in behind it and pushing it out. We need to have enough room to examine the wall to see if we can find out where the glow came from.” Rose said, sliding in behind the bin.

  Faye followed, taking care not to squeeze her stomach. Once they were behind it, they pushed as hard as they could. At first, nothing happened. Then with a loud groan and a swirl of coal soot, it began to move. After a few breaks, they got it about three feet from the wall and they stepped back, placing their backs against the coal bin. At first glance, in the dim light it appeared to be a simple stone wall. The grey stones were rough and dirty. Rose examined it for a few minutes, looking for anything reflective that would catch the light from the furnace. Faye looked also, even if she was not sure what she was looking for. Several more minutes passed with no revelations. Faye was about to suggest that it had been a trick of the light when further down the wall, Rose called out.

  “Come look at this!”

  Faye slid down to where Rose was pointing. In between two of the stones, about waist high on the wall was a small brass ring laying flat against the stone.

  “Hmm … Now that’s a bit strange. It’s too small to have anything hung from it and I don’t see anything else around it indicate that it was part of something. It’s awfully low on the wall to be a latch.” Faye said, feeling the crevices around it for something else covered by the mortar.

  “I think I’m supposed to pull it.” Rose said. Her voice had a dreamy quality to it and her eyes were slightly glazed.

  Faye flattened herself as much as she could against the bin, unsure of what would occur when the ring was pulled. Rose took a deep breath, sliding her fingers under the ring. She pulled it gently and at first nothing happened. She pulled a bit harder. As she was watching and waiting, Faye got the strangest feeling that they were being watched. She turned her head to one side and then the other, but she saw nothing. Rose gave the ring a hard yank. A loud rumble from under their feet caused them both to cry out and step back. Rose let the ring go as they clung to each other for safety. The rumble subsided as the ancient wall slowly began to swing inward. Both women watched in stunned silence as a five by five portion of the wall swung inward to reveal a thick blackness beyond. Rose was the first to break the silence.

  “Curiouser and curiouser.” She said.

  Faye chuckled softly. “Indeed. However, I’m not keen on entering in there without some kind of light source.”

  “Excellent point.” Rose said.

  “Let’s slide out and see if we can find something we can use.” Faye said, sliding her way back out. The both searched around the basement, looking for a flashlight or lantern.

  “I can’t find anything.” Faye said.

  “Me either.” Rose said, looking frustrated.

  Faye leaned up against one of the control panels and sighed. She was insanely curious as to the contents on the hidden room, but they couldn’t take a chance and head back up and get a flashlight.

  “Well, when convention fails us, it’s time to get creative and a bit primal.” Faye said with a smile as she spied an axe with a wooden handle leaning against one wall.

  “How so?” Rose asked with a raised eyebrow.

  Faye walked over and picked up the axe. Rose took a step back. In the dancing firelight, Faye looked rather menacing with the axe in her hands and the triumphant smile on her face. Faye did not notice Rose’s discomfort as she placed the axe on the ground and put a foot on either side of the blade working it off.

  “Grab me those rags over there but douse them in the kerosene first.” Faye said as she pushed the blade off. It hit the stone floor with a loud clank that caused Rose to jump. Doing as Faye instructed, she doused the rags in the liquid and carried them over to Faye, who was standing next to one of the furnaces.

  “Thank you.” Faye said. Taking the rags, she wound them tightly around the end of the axe handle. She opened the door to the furnace and gently slid the handle in until just the tip of the rags touched the flame. There was a loud hiss and flash as the rags caught fire. Pulling it out slowly, Faye proudly held up her homemade torch.

  “Shall we?” Faye said, moving back toward the coal bin.

  Rose laughed, “Indeed Mrs. Jones.”

  They made their way to the dark opening. Faye walked in first, holding the torch out in front of her to make sure she knew what she was walking into. The room appeared very similar to the one they had just exited: solid cement floor and rough, stone hewn walls. It was like a large pantry as the back wall was lined with shelves. Faye noticed that hanging on the wall, just inside the door, was a mounted torch. She examined it more closely. It was made of a rush or grass substance. The top had been burnt, but it had been a long time ago. She gingerly touched the flame of her torch to the burnt end and after a few moments of smoldering, it lit and threw even more light into the room. In the center of the room was a large, stone table. It was also grey, but there were some distinct discolorations on the stone.

  Rose walked over to examine it as Faye lit the other two torches in the room, bathing the small room in light. Rose reached out tentatively to trace the hourglass inscription carved into the center of the stone table. As her fingers made contact with the carving, she felt a hundred hands trying to push her back, but one icy cold grasp had her fingers, pushing them onto the inscription. She closed her eyes and she felt herself began to fall. She put out her hand to try to grab something, but she was falling through empty space. She landed abruptly on the floor with a thud. Opening her eyes, she saw the same dog she has seen earlier standing beside an elderly woman whose ancient body wore a simple gray dress with a long shawl adorning her shoulders. She began to speak to someone who was behind Rose but for some reason she was unable to turn to see who it was. The old woman spoke in a voice that sounded as archaic as she looked.

  “We have been watching you. We see how alone you are, trapped in this place. We feel sorry for you, and want to help. We even want to offer this dog, Panzer, as a companion for you.” She said pausing to gauge the response of the recipient.

  Rose tried once again to turn but was unable. The old woman continued.

  “The bargain is simple. I will leave the vessel here with you and you simply refill it every so often. Then those who lose their lives here as you have will stay with you. The more people, you … encourage to become permanent residents, the more friends you will have. Panzer will be able to guide you through the filling ceremony.” She explained. Her voice while gravely, had taken on a very soothing, almost grandmotherly tone.

  The recipient of the speech must have agreed because the old woman cackled madly.

  “It is done then!” She exclaimed and disappeared into a large plume of smoke.

  Rose closed her eyes tightly, hoping to rise herself from this vision and wipe out that hideous laugher. When she opened them she found herself still lying on the floor in the little room, but she knew she was back to now. Faye knelt beside her with a terrified look on her face.

  “What in God’s name happened?” Faye demanded as Rose opened her eyes. Rose shook her head, unable to put what she had seen into words for a moment. Faye helped her up and dusted her off slightly. Rose took a deep breath and looked around the room.

  “This place is a lot more complex than we originally thought.” Rose said somberly.

  In a hushed and concerned tone, Rose explained what she had seen while Faye’s expression became more and more incredulous. As she finished, Faye shook her head.

  “So you’re trying to tell me someone here made a pact with some kind of evil to hold the ghosts here? What kind of vessel? Fill it with what?” Faye asked, her voice clearly disbelieving.

  Rose shrugged sensing Faye skepticism. She began to examine the room. “That’s what I saw and heard.”

  Faye closed her eyes a moment. It would make sense that something was holding the ghosts hostage, but she figured it would be something like a
lay line or an old burial ground under the hotel. Never would she have thought of some abstract evil making a pact with someone here. Who would want to do something like this? It was all a very hard concept to grasp and even with what had been going on here, a bit ludicrous to imagine. She began examining things. Faye was keeping her thoughts to herself as she did not wish to offend her friend any further. The room yielded few answers, so after a few more moments they both decided to return to the upstairs. As they climbed the long, creaky stair case, their minds were swirling with everything they learned and saw. Now they were trying to determine if it was time to leave well enough alone or try the unmarked door. They stopped on the landing and looked up the stairs that led to the staff quarters. Then they looked at the door that would lead them back out to the hotel and their husbands. The silence was thick with indecision as they both pondered the best course of action.

  “If we don’t go, we are going to wonder what’s up there.” Rose said quietly.

  “But if we do go, then we will know what’s up there.” Faye said.

  Both suggestions held a lot of weight.

  “Flip a coin?” Faye asked.

  “If I had one, it seems kinda silly to leave it up to chance when we both know that if we don’t go up there now, we will end up there later.” Rose said, turning and heading up the stairs.

  Faye shrugged and nodding in agreement she followed Rose up the stairs. They walked as quietly as they could, but the stairs seemed intent on giving them away by making loud squeaks and creaks with every step. They moved at a quicker pace, skipping up the stairs two at a time, until they came to the top landing. Rose placed her hand on the knob, waiting for another sensation of some kind. When none came, she felt a small stab of disappointment. She opened the door and peered out into the hall. It was thankfully empty as she had no excuse for their presence there. They moved along the far wall from the infirmary. Their steps were light and quick as they made their way back to the unmarked door at the end of the hall. This time Rose was not disappointed as she felt the same mental shiver that had brought the door to her attention the first time. She moved forward and cautiously placed her hand on the door. She got no particular image from it, but she did sense bone chilling fear. Stepping back, she reconsidered this course of action. Before she could voice such a point, Faye was kneeling in front of the door and picking the lock. With a few stiff sounding clicks, the door swung open, creaking. They both glanced around to see if the noise had garnered any attention, but the hall was empty.

  The room beyond the door was pitch black. Neither Faye nor Rose was particularly keen on the idea of reaching their hands into the darkness to find out if a light source was present. Just as Faye was about to try her luck with finding a light switch, she remembered the lighter shoved in her back pocket. She fished it out and flicked it a few times until it produced a decent sized flame. Rose nodded in appreciation of not having to feel around in the dark. Faye edged her way into the room, holding the lighter out in front of her. At first glance, it looked like a hospital room: the floor and the walls were made of large, white block tiles. With the aid of her flame, Faye located the light switch. They both shielded their eyes as several lights flickered to life. There were bare bulbs hanging from the ceiling in several places around the room. The room itself was large, easily as big as the owner’s suite. Its appearance was odd. It fit no other place they had seen in the Eden. It was a windowless room. Along one wall were several gurneys and a few privacy shields.

  “It almost looks like a hospital.” Faye whispered.

  They ventured further into the room. There was a wheelchair similar to the one that had been brought to Rose that day on the porch. Rose shuddered, wondering if this had been where it was stored. Rose was careful not to touch anything in the room. She needed time to look it over as she didn’t want visions of the past clouding her mind until she had examined everything for herself. There were various machines, used for unknown purposes, some looking very sinister. Rose walked over to the gurneys. What she saw on the bedside table was enough to make her audibly gag. There was a tray of cruel looking instruments. Most of them were rusty and stained, but that was not what caused her the revulsion. Lying on the tray were the shriveled remnants of a human ear. Faye came over to where Rose was and felt the bile rise in the back of her throat as she realized precisely what it was that she was looking at. Stepping back, she bumped into a machine that appeared to be some kind of electroshock device.

  “What the hell is this place?” Faye asked softly.

  “I’ll see if I can get us some more information.” Rose said as she reached out her hand toward the gurney.

  “Please be careful.” Faye said.

  Rose nodded and laid her hand on the sheet. Nothing happened. There were no feelings, no visions, and no cold chills. There was nothing. Rose sighed. She hoped that Natalie was right and that the impression here would be strong enough to speak to her and give her some answers. Disheartened, she opened her eyes, but she wasn’t looking at Faye. She was staring into the frightening face of a man wearing surgeon’s scrubs. His apron was splattered with blood and he wore a menacing smile. He walked through Rose, oblivious to her presence. He moved to the gurney where a young man lay moaning. His hand was wrapped in a blood soaked towel and a finger lay in a bucket of ice. With sadistic glee, the surgeon proceeded to unwrap the bandaged hand and poking at the wound. The young man moaned louder. It was obvious from his pallor that he had lost a lot of blood and was in an exorbitant amount of pain. The doctor picked up a large needle and without a drop of pain medication, began to sew the man’s finger back on. The young man whimpered, too weak to cry out. After he was done and satisfied, the surgeon picked up an unlabeled bottle and held it to the man’s lips, pouring a fair bit down the man’s throat. His eyes rolled up in his head and Rose was sure whatever he had given him had killed him until she heard a faint snore coming from him. Wiping his bloody hands on his apron, the surgeon walked away from the sleeping man to the other side of the room. A woman lay there with her brow furrowed in pain.

  “Ah, Amanda.” He said with a touch of an accent that Rose could not identify.

  “They send you to me when you get your headaches. I’ve been researching and researching for a way to help you and I’ve come to the conclusion that your brain must be diseased or else you would not have such chronic pain in it. So the only way to fix it is to cut out the bad spot.” He said with another gleeful smile.

  Amanda seemed to struggle to get up before Rose realized she was strapped to the bed. The doctor soaked a rag with a substance placing it over her nose and mouth. After a few moments, the struggling ceased. At that moment, the door opened and a nurse entered. She wore a very similar uniform to Nurse Holt, but her face was covered with a surgical mask and she wore long gloves up to her elbows. Rose’s stomach knotted as she saw the nurse hand over a very wicked looking scalpel and the surgeon made his way to the head of the bed. Rose closed her eyes and prayed for the vision to leave as she could take no more. When she opened her eyes, she was seated on the floor with Faye kneeling nearby. Without a word, she stood and fled. She couldn’t bear to stay in this prison of pain a moment longer. Faye followed quickly on her heels, flicking the light off and closing the door behind them. Rose leaned against the wall and took slow, deep breaths. Faye placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, terribly curious, but unwilling to push given how pale and shaken Rose appeared.

  “That room down the hall was not always the infirmary. If anything, it’s a recovery room. That used to be the infirmary. There was a doctor who did unnecessary surgeries and care without pain medication. He was preparing to open a girl’s skull when I could take no more.” Rose said, fighting the urge to vomit.

  “Then what Natalie said was true: the infirmary was a place of pain and blood.” Faye said, rubbing her arms. Sounds like that was a tradition around here. Although, it could have been Grunewald, it was on his dismissal form” Even the reiteration of the vi
sion was enough to give her chills.

  “Let’s get out of here.” Faye said, placing an arm around Rose. She guided them to the elevator. She didn’t care if anyone saw them as Rose was in no condition to be sneaking down rickety stairs. As the elevator descended to the lobby, they both pondered how many souls had been lost in that place and how many had received treatment they didn’t need or want.

  Faye had the additional question of whether or not to go into the creepy doctor’s office to confirm her husband’s suspicions weighing on her mind. After what she had just been told, she was unsure she wanted to go to anywhere near a doctor that was employed by this place. They walked silently across the lobby. The desk was unattended and the horrid monkey faced bell boy was nowhere to be seen. They turned down the hall and headed toward the smoking lounge. A dense cloud of smoke hovered over the doors. Rose parted the door slightly and glanced around. Seated at the closest table were Adam and Eric. They were playing poker with a pair of unknown men. They all looked up at the sound of the doors. Rose gasped and stumbled back slightly. The two other men seated at the table grinned at her, but their faces were nothing but skulls. Their eyes sockets were deep, black holes and their teeth were broken and yellowed. Faye, sensing something was wrong, reached out to steady her arm. Eric and Adam also jumped up, rushing to Rose.

  “Honey, what’s wrong?” Eric asked, concerned.

  Rose stepped back out into the hall, looking down. She clenched her eyes tightly shut, trying to push the image out.

  “I got too much smoke in my eyes.” Rose lied in a soft voice.

  “That place did get a bit full. Why don’t I take you upstairs for a nice bath and a nap? It might do you some good.” Eric said, wrapping his arms gently around his shaky wife making it obvious this wasn’t really a request.

  “I’d like that.” Rose said, laying her head on his shoulder. She let him lead her toward the elevator.

  “We will catch you guys later.” Eric called back over his shoulder.

  Faye and Adam waved to them as they disappeared down the long hallway. Faye slipped her arm around his waist.

  “I’ve been thinking about what you said.” Faye said, walking him down the hallway toward the doctor’s office. “If you will stay with me the entire time and let him do no exams, just the test, I will go to this doctor.”

  Adam smiled widely and opened the door. “Cross my heart.”

  At first glance, the room was empty. It looked the same as it had the last time they were there, except the last bed had a curtain shield pulled around it. All that could be seen was a shadowed figure lying on the bed. Faye started to step toward the curtain when a voice from the back room stopped her cold.

  “Can I help you?” He said his accent thick, his voice cold.

  They both spun around to face the elderly doctor.

  “I, we, um … We were hoping you could do a pregnancy test for my wife.” Adam stuttered.

  The doctor raised an eyebrow and smiled in a way more chilling than his regular sour expression.

  “That is easily enough done. I will need some of her blood as I don’t have any of those more modern tests here.” He said. He turned to his bag, pulling out a syringe and test tube.

  Faye pressed further into Adam, but extended her arm out on the table. The doctor grabbed a hold of her arm. His fingers were cold and his grip too tight. His rigid fingers bit into her soft skin. She wanted to cry out and make him release her, but she remained silent and strong. The needle piercing her skin was less painful then his grip. A long moment later, he removed the needle and released her arm. She quickly pulled her arm back and held it close to her as red marks appeared in the shape of his fingers. He walked away from them.

  “Come back in about an hour and I’ll have an answer for you.” He said as he walked into the back room. He had a slight smirk to his face that neither Faye nor Adam understood.

  Faye and Adam glanced at each other. They guessed they were dismissed and left quickly and quietly. As the doctor heard the outer door close he dumped the blood sample in the sink and smiled a truly sinister smile as he sat at his desk.

  “Well, he’s certainly not cheerful. I can see why you didn’t want to come alone.” Adam said as he pulled her close to him.

  “Why don’t we have dinner and then we will go back and see him.” Faye suggested, wanting to get as far away from the awful man as possible.

  Adam nodded in agreement and they headed to the restaurant. The lights were low and there were only a few people seated at tables around the restaurant. A rather plain looking man in a suit came to the door, and walked them to a table in the corner close to the fireplace. Faye shivered as they walked across the room. It felt like every set of eyes in the room was trained on her. As she took the seat against the wall, she glanced around. She didn’t meet anyone’s eyes and just shook it off. They both ordered from a familiar looking waitress. Adam reached out and placed his hand over hers and she smiled up at him.

  “You seem to have a lot on your mind. Care to unload a bit?” Adam asked.

  Faye hesitated. She was concerned that if she told Adam what Rose had seen and she had felt, he would insist they leave. At the same time, she was used to Adam listening to everything she said and mostly taking her seriously.

  “Rose and I think the hotel is haunted.” Faye said in a hushed voice.

  Adam raised an eyebrow, but did not laugh as she was concerned he would.

  “By anyone in particular?” He asked, keeping his tone neutral

  “It seems there is more than one. This place has a bit of a shocking history.” Faye said, sipping her water.

  Adam nodded, also sipping his water but keeping his eyes on Faye.

  “What have you seen that leads you to believe this?” He asked.

  Faye sighed. “I personally have seen nothing more than a few oddities, some dark spots on the carpet, and I’ve heard an unexplainable sound in the basement. Rose, she’s the one who sees the things that are downright horrifying. I’m impressed that she’s been able to hold together as long as she has.” Faye explained, specifically leaving out the apparition in the doctor’s office as they still had to return there. Adam nodded.

  “So, these spells she has been having, have been caused by the supernatural things she has seen?” Adam clarified.

  Faye nodded.

  “Has she told her husband yet?” He asked.

  “Not that I am aware of. She was afraid he would make her leave and we were both interested in finding out how many shades are actually here and what is keeping them here.” Faye answered.

  “I understand that Faye, but you need to think about her mental health as well as your curiosity. Now, I’m not big into ghosts or shades or whatever, but I’ve watched her health decline since these incidents started and I know for a fact that Eric is extremely distraught and concerned about his wife’s condition.” Adam said with a scolding tone.

  Faye sat back, feeling chastised. He was right, even though she has told herself that she had Rose’s best interest in mind. She had been more than thrilled when Rose agreed to go on. Was she putting her own desire for knowledge ahead of Rose’s welfare? She shook her head. Rose wanted to go on as she was just as curious as Faye was. She had told Rose it was ok not to go on if she didn’t want to. Faye quickly rationalized her guilt away and sat forward, squaring her shoulders.

  “It was not just my curiosity. She wanted to know just as much as I did and I made her promise that if it got to be too much for her, she was to tell me and we would quit and ask to leave early.” Faye said with conviction.

  Adam nodded. “Fair enough, except I don’t think she knows how to set limits on herself.”

  The conversation paused as their food was delivered. The next few minutes were spent in silence as they both ate quietly, each mulling over their thoughts. Adam broke the silence first.

  “I can’t say I disagree with you about this place. Something here is not quite right. I can’t say I’ve seen any s
hades or dark spots, but I hear music and smell things that are out of place. And there was that waiter the other day-- he was just downright strange-- or that couple in the elevator. They seemed washed out.” Adam said as he finished his lunch.

  He pushed back from the table a bit and got a thoughtful expression on his face. “It’s Thursday evening. What do you want to do? We can leave tonight, or preferably first thing in the morning, and encourage Rose and Eric to do the same.”

  Before Faye could speak to inform him that she thought this was the best course of action, there was a large crack of lighting followed by a deafening peal of thunder. Adam pulled the curtain away from the window and he could only see a wall of solid rain. Faye sighed.

  “While I would like very much to take you up on that option, I don’t think it’s a feasible. I’m sure the bridge is covered with water and we will be lucky with the way the rain is falling if it’s dried out by Sunday morning.” Faye said sadly, staring out at the wall of water.

  “Bridge covered?” Adam asked with a raised eyebrow.

  “Remember that low stone bridge we came over on the way up here?” She asked.

  Adam nodded crossing his arms over his chest.

  “Well, according to Phillip, every time they get any kind of heavy rain it floods over the top and make it impossible to get out of here.” Faye finished.

  “That’s spookily convenient.” Adam commented angrily.

  Faye was surprised at his tone, but wondered if this place wasn’t starting to get to him as well. She had never known Adam to be sensitive to anything outside of the norm; however, this place had extreme amounts of concentrated energy.

  “Perhaps we should tell Matt and Stephanie as well. I know she was a bit of a snob but they deserve a warning.” Adam said.

  Faye cringed as he mentioned Stephanie’s name.

  Noting her expression he asked. “She wasn’t that bad was she?”

  “It’s not that at all.” Faye said. Lowering her tone, she leaned in and told him about Matt, the stain on his shirt, Matt’s cover story, and Rose’s vision.

  Adam stood. “This is getting serious. Ghosts of lost souls are one thing, but if you think a murder has been committed here, we need to contact the authorities immediately.” He said.

  Faye stood slowly, keeping her voice down, “And tell them what? That we have a missing wife, a husband with a wet shirt and a vision of her hacked up body by a shaky psychic?”

  “I doubt we would be taken seriously. Rose and I already decided that once we get out of here we will call the state police and alert them to our suspicions, minus the vision, and let them look into it. According to Rose, if she saw her like that, it’s far too late to save her now.” Faye said, walking over and linking her arm in Adam’s. She could tell he was upset and she hoped to soothe him.

  “I doubt they could even get here in this mess.” he said, gesturing to the gray sky and streaks of lightening outside the window. They walked silently out of the restaurant. Adam looked down at his watch and nodded that it had been an hour before Faye had a chance to ask. They walked back toward the doctor’s office, both lost in thought and anticipation. They entered silently to see the doctor standing in the back corner of the room by his office. He was speaking in quite conversation with a woman whom Faye immediately recognized as the nurse from the employee infirmary. When they heard them enter, the nurse turned on her heel, giving Faye a hostile look as she stormed out. The doctor turned, looking at them both.

  “Depending on your point of view, this will either be welcomed news or not.” He said his voice monotone and his expression neutral.

  Faye and Adam clasped hands. This frightening doctor had no way of knowing how long they had been trying to have a baby. They held their breath as they waited for his news.

  “It is my medical finding that you are indeed pregnant Madam. I’d venture to say a month or so based on your hormone levels.” He said as he watched them carefully.

  Neither could contain their joy as they hugged each other tightly. Adam turned to the doctor with a huge smile on his face. “Thank you so much, doctor. How much do I owe you for your services?” Adam asked.

  The doctor waved his hand in dismissal. “It was a simple test and it’s been a bit slow around here. Don’t worry about it.” He said went back to his office. Faye and Adam took the hint and left, pausing outside the door for a kiss.

  “I think this deserves a nice warm bubble bath, chocolate covered strawberries, and cheesecake. Don’t you agree?” Adam asked with his arm wrapped tightly around her waist.

  Faye looked up at him with big eyes and a wide smile. “That sounds absolutely divine, my darling.”

  For a moment, they were just a happy couple in love and looking toward the future, heading to their room together and reveling in their good fortune. All of that deflated as they turned the corner and came face-to-face with a very pale Matt. His expression was frantic. His eyes were wild and his gait unsteady. Adam placed a hand out to steady him.

  Matt! Good God, man. Are you alright?” Adam asked.

  Matt glanced at both of them, his eyes were furtive and his hands were fidgeting with each other.

  “Have you seen her? She’s back. She wants me now, she knows what I did, and we have to leave right now.” He said his voice strained with hysteria.

  “Get a hold of yourself, man! Who’s back? What did you do? We can’t leave right now. It’s a torrential downpour out there.” Adam said, releasing Faye to put both hands on Matt’s shoulders. It looked as if he would topple over at any given moment.

  Matt was preparing to answer Adam’s questions when Phillip and two large men in suits came around the corner from the lobby. A relieved expression came over Phillip’s face when he saw Matt there.

  “There you are Matt. The bartender said you left in an overly intoxicated state. Let us help you back to your room.” He said. The two larger men came and practically picked Matt up off of the ground as they grabbed him by each arm and walked off with him. Phillip bowed his head slightly.

  “Forgive me folks. It seems he had a bit too much to drink. Thank you for your help.” He said. Without waiting for a response, he walked quickly away.

  Faye and Adam looked at each other, their expressions filled with confusion. Adam nodded toward the elevator and Faye nodded in agreement. They walked quickly into the deserted lobby, then down the long hallway to the elevator. They let out small sighs of relief as the elevator opened. It was vacant. Stepping in, he pulled the gate closed and instinctively pulled Faye close to him. If there was any doubt as to whether or not Matt was guilty of something involving Stephanie’s disappearance, it was gone now. That was definitely the behavior of a man with a guilty conscience. Once they were safely inside their room, they bolted the door. Faye sat on the edge of the bed and Adam began to pace the room.

  “If nothing else, I know the hotel is involved in covering up whatever it was that happened because that man was dead, cold sober. It wasn’t alcohol that was making him act like that, it was fear. I think he did kill her and Rose isn’t the only one seeing shades now. Or, perhaps, it is his guilt but he thinks she is back to haunt him.” Adam said, his face becoming more animated as he spoke.

  Faye nodded. She sat on the bed and her hands crossed instinctively over her stomach as if to protect the little person inside from the conversation.

  “I completely agree with you. If we had a way out of here, I would say let’s go this minute and call the police from the town we passed on the way here. But we can’t, especially not now we have more than ourselves to think about.” She said, glancing down at her perfectly flat stomach.

  Adam nodded and walked over to the window. When he pulled aside the drapes, he was met with the disheartening sight of a perpetual wall of grey water coming from a stormy sky. He couldn’t even see the gardens that were less than one hundred yards from their window.

  “I think we should bring Rose and Eric over. We need to discuss this more thoroug
hly and have a plan, just in case.” Adam said and walked out the door.

  A few moments later, Eric and Adam came back through the door. Faye stood up in alarm, and for a brief moment, her mind flashed back to Matt coming alone out of his room that morning. She couldn’t stop herself from glancing at Eric’s powder blue, polo shirt to check for blood. It was clean.

  “Rose is asleep.” Eric said. Behind him, Adam nodded. He saw the panic in Faye’s eyes and he wanted to reassure her.

  “I saw her. She looks too peaceful to wake up.” Adam added.

  Faye nodded and relaxed.

  “Rose told me about seeing shades, her Stephanie vision, and the strange sounds she has heard.” Eric said. His brow was furrowed with concern.

  Adam explained to Eric about what had happened with Matt in the lobby. Faye thought about Rose. She trusted her husband’s word implicitly. If he had seen Rose, then she was fine, but a small nagging part of Faye said that even if she appeared to be ok something may still be wrong. As the men discussed the possibilities for leaving, Faye closed her eyes and laid her head against the bed post. She drifted off into a soft, dreamless sleep.

  Her peace was not mirrored by Rose, who slept mere feet away. Rose twisted and turned in bed, her face contorted and her grip on the old doll was like a vice. Faye was awakened a bit later by the sound of Rose’s scream. Eric’s chair flipped backward as he ran to their room. Faye and Adam were on his heels as they burst into the room. Rose sat on the bed. Her skin was pale and beaded with sweat. Eric ran and put his arms around her. Faye sat on the end of the bed, stretching her hand out to gently touch her. Adam stood beside Faye, his face puckered in concern. Faye noted that Rose still held the doll in her arms. After a moment, Rose sat back from Eric and looked at the assembled group.

  “I’m sorry I disturbed everyone.” Rose said with a forced smile.

  “It's ok honey. I was next door talking with Adam about everything that is going on. Faye finally let him in as well.” Eric said.

  Both girls glanced at each other and smiled softly.

  “I assume you were having a nightmare?” Adam asked.

  Rose nodded, slipping out from under the covers. She slipped on a blue velvet robe and paused to wipe her face and apply a little powder.

  “I have no doubt it was frightening, but can you recall it? Given your connection to the Eden, it may be important. Since leaving is not an option, I’d feel better if we were armed with as much information as we can get, just in case.” Adam finished.

  Rose nodded and sat back down on the edge of the bed next to Faye. She held up the doll. “It had to do with this doll. Actually, I was standing on the front lawn of the Eden, but it was still under construction. There were stacks of lumber and scaffolds everywhere. There was a wooden fence all around the place. It was during the day but there were no workers around, so perhaps it was a Sunday. I watched a group of children walk up the dirt road to the fence. There were about seven or eight of them and they were about eight years old to eleven or so I’d guess. The oldest was a tall, redheaded boy who pried one of the looser boards off to allow the children access to the hotel. They all ran in and one was a young girl wearing a blue and white dress. She was clutching this doll. They explored for a bit and then one of the children suggested that they play hide-and-seek. They all ran and hid and the oldest boy was it. One-by-one, the children were found until just the little girl was left. They all searched and called for her, but she was nowhere to be found. The children began to panic and they ran back to the town. A group of adults arrived and the search resumed, but they were never able to find the little girl. I tried to help look, but I couldn’t seem to move. As I stood there, the sky around the hotel turned crimson and blood began to pour from the windows and the doors. It was horrible.” Rose finished, shaking her head. She began to pet the doll softly.

  They were all silent a moment as they took in Rose’s story. Faye knew from the news clippings they had found that a little girl had disappeared during the construction of the hotel. Was Rose’s dream just her mind manifesting the story? Or was it influenced by another shade here?

  Faye told Rose about seeing Matt and what transpired when they talked to him and about Phillip and the goon squad taking him away.

  “I have no doubt that he is being haunted by Stephanie. From what I saw her manner of death was grisly and this place probably gave her the power to manifest and haunt him for his crime.” Rose said.

  Adam walked to the window and moved the curtain back. He stumbled back for a moment as he was certain he saw a man’s shrieking face staring back at him from the rain. Shaking his head, he tentatively lifted the curtain again. This time there was nothing but the unrelenting rain.

  Turning back, he walked back over and placed an arm around Faye, “Even if the bridge wasn’t flooded, I’m not sure how safe it would be to drive to even check. The trees are bending almost in half from the wind and the rain is so thick I can’t see more than a few feet.”

  “I don’t think the shades can hurt us. So far they have been apparitions and frightening visions. Other then emotional distress, I don’t think they can harm us.” Eric said.

  “I think the emotional distress is more than enough, thank you. If you think that mild- mannered Matt just suddenly went off the deep end and murdered his domineering wife, you’re wrong. This place drove him to it.” Rose said with an indignant voice.

  “I think they are getting stronger.” Adam said quietly. Everyone turned to look at him and he continued to speak, “I’ve never seen so much as a suspicious shadow in my life but when I looked out the window, I swear I saw a man’s face shrieking at me. If they are manifesting to me, then they must be gaining power somehow.” Adam finished as he looked at his feet. His discomfort was visible.

  Rose stood up and began to pace a moment.

  “I have two theories as to why. Both could be true or they could both be wrong.” Rose said as she continued pacing.

  They all turned to watch her pace, interested in hearing what she had to say.

  “Theory 1: shades typically feed off the energy and emotions of the living. What if these particular shades feed off the life of people, meaning when Stephanie was killed they sucked up her life force and got stronger? Theory two: we are coming up on the spring equinox which is when the Midsummer’s Ball is, and has always been held here. It was also the night of the last great tragedy here. Perhaps it’s some kind of empowering point for them.” Rose explained.

  “Both points seem valid as we are only one day away from the equinox and things are a lot more vivid since you saw Stephanie.” Faye said.

  “So the question is how powerful they are likely to get? Can they possibly control one of us? Make us do what Matthew did?” Adam said his voice fearful.

  “I have no way of knowing how powerful they can get as I’ve never seen shades like this ever. As for Matt, I think they preyed on him because he was weak willed and he already had an animosity towards his wife, no matter how unsaid it may have been.” Rose said reassuringly.

  “I suggest, however, that we are watchful of each other for strange behavior so that if something does happen, we are all alert and can help whoever is affected.” Eric added.

  They all nodded in agreement.

  “When the weather breaks, I say we should get the hell out of this spook trap.” Adam said, crossing his arms.

  “I second that.” Eric said.

  Adam glanced down at his watch, “Spooky or not, I’m starving. We had a late lunch a while ago, but I could do with something to eat and a good strong drink for my nerves.” He said, glancing at Faye.

  “That sounds excellent. We haven’t eaten tonight since I came up here and passed out. Let me change and we will meet you guys by the elevators in 10 minutes?” Rose asked.

  “Sounds good, see you in a few.” Faye said. She and Adam exited. As the door closed, Rose turned to Eric.

  “I finally figured out what is different about Faye’s aura.�
� She said.

  “What is it? Is it something that this place is able to affect?” Eric asked.

  Rose shook her head no and pulled a black, turtleneck sweater over her head, “She’s pregnant. I don’t know if she knows it yet, but she is carrying a double aura. Before I just thought hers was unnaturally bright, but either it’s become clearer, or my abilities have become more in tune.”

  “I hope all this weirdness and stress doesn’t have an adverse affect on the baby. She must be newly pregnant as she isn’t showing much.” Eric said as he traded his polo for a black crew neck sweater.

  “Now that we’re alone, do you honestly believe that we are in any danger or is this just going to be a thrill ride of horrifying visions until we can get out of here?” Eric asked as he slipped on his shoes.

  Rose paused a moment her powder brush mid stroke. “I cannot honestly tell you anything for certain. I’ve never encountered anything like this, but I can tell you this. Something killed all those people in the “plague” outbreak. Something drove that historian to feed himself into the furnace, and something is holding them here. I can feel that now.”

  “Them?” Eric asked.

  “The dead, the shades. Something is creating this negative pool of energy that causes, and is fed by the tragedies that occur here. It’s a vicious cycle. It’s something that’s been here a very long time, conceivably since this place began. Perhaps before, I can’t tell. But since my dreams are becoming clearer, it’s like something here wants me to know.” She paused, “Almost like this place wants its story known to someone so it’s helping me tune into it.”

  “Make sure you guard your mind. I don’t want to lose you to whatever it is.” Eric said thinking of Matt.

  After the conversation, they walked out the door. Faye and Adam were standing at the elevator and smiled as the other two emerged. Rose reached out to touch the button, but as her fingers connected, a strange feeling overtook her. For a moment, she had the sensation of pitching forward and falling straight down. She cried out slightly. They all looked at her in anticipation of an explanation.

  She just shook her head and lied. “I think I just received a small shock from the elevator wiring.”

  Before they could dispute what she said, the elevator arrived. It was not empty as one of goons that had taken Matthew stepped out. Rose took in a deep breath but said nothing. She had seen him before-- in her vision of Vincent. She glanced quickly at the others to see if they saw him as well. Adam stepped back from the elevator’s entrance to let him pass, so he was obviously real. She wondered if it was possible that he just looked that much like a man who was long dead.

  As they stepped on the elevator, Adam closed the gate and Faye leaned over to Rose and Eric, whispering. “That’s one of the guys that ‘escorted’ Matt out of the lobby.”

  They both nodded, but no one said anything else as the elevator descended to the lobby. Their entrance to the lobby was heralded by a wicked crack of lightening followed by a window-rattling thunder strike. They all cringed and huddled closer together. They made their way down the long hallway. A few people sat in the chairs to the sides, but they all had newspapers in front of their faces or their backs to the scared crew. As they reached the lobby, Faye saw Phillip standing at the counter talking to the elderly man that had nearly run them down in hall. Faye had mixed emotions when it came to Phillip. On one hand he had gone out of his way to give them information and warnings, but on the other, he had helped to cover up a murder. Neither man looked up as they passed. They walked into the restaurant, and given that it was well-past the normal dinner hour, the place was mostly empty. They were led to a table beside the fire by the waitress that had served them earlier. Rose and Eric ordered brandy while Adam ordered a Gin and Tonic. Rose smiled softly to herself as Faye ordered a virgin strawberry daiquiri. The ebony grandfather clock began to toll the hour with a deep, ringing chime that echoed through the empty restaurant. Everyone waited until the tenth chime finished. Faye studied the clock. Its wood was intricately carved and the large golden pendulum looked heavy and solid. The clock’s face was interesting though as there were no numbers, but celestial bodies, planets, moons, suns, and even a constellation marked the locations where hours and minutes would be. The hands were crafted into wicked looking daggers with very sharp points. Faye shook her head. The more she noticed, the stranger this place became. Their drinks arrived.

  Once the waitress was back in the kitchen, Faye asked. “Have any of you actually spoken to any of the other guests here?”

  They all thought a moment.

  “Eric and I have.” Adam said. “We have spoken to Emily, and the guys we played poker with. But it’s always been the same guys. People don’t seem too friendly do they?”

  “You two?” Eric asked.

  “The wife of that rude man who almost ran us down, but otherwise they have all been staff. Even on the tour no one spoke to us that I can recall.” Faye answered. “Have you seen anyone checking in or out, or arriving since we have?”

  “I can’t say that I have.” Rose replied.

  “I’m not sure what that does or doesn’t mean. I’m just pointing out the things that seem strange to me.” Faye added, eating her chocolate cheesecake with delight.

  “I wonder how many other guests have disappeared to feed the ghost’s appetite.” Adam asked.

  “It’s a frightening thought if you look over the history of this place. If this has been going on from the beginning, it has taken many souls.” Rose said.

  They finished eating, each lost in their thoughts.

  “So what’s the plan for tomorrow? Even if the rain stops, it’s going to take at least a day for the water to recede from the bridge. The earliest we can get out of here will be Saturday, providing the rain stops early tomorrow.” Adam asked the table.

  “Well, we could go to the hotel manager and see if he has any word on the bridge’s condition. We could also see if he has a radio or phone to contact the police if we can get them up here. Then they can not only look into the thing with Matt but they can also ferry us out of here.” Eric suggested.

  “Not a bad idea. I don’t suggest telling him what we want to do as I don’t think he will be overly cooperative with us bringing the authorities in here.” Rose added.

  “Indeed. At first I thought it was quaint not having phones or televisions in the room, following with that whole antique image, but right now I find it a bit of a hindrance.” Faye said, stifling a yawn.

  “It seems we have a plan, so let’s head back to the room and get some rest. I think being at our best is definitely to our advantage.” Adam said standing and helping Faye up.

  Eric and Rose agreed. They left the restaurant and walked across the lobby toward the long hallway with the elevator. Faye was content from her good dessert and was feeling calmer now that they were going to do something to get out of here, as well as dealing with Matt’s crime. She glanced sleepily around the lobby. It was empty. Even Phillip seemed to have retired for the evening. The gas lamps gave everything a surreal look and Faye felt as if she was wandering through a dream. They moved slowly toward the elevator. Everyone seemed to be caught up in the golden glimmer the flames’ light gave. They stepped into the elevator and began to ascend toward their rooms. Faye glanced at the golden floor buttons. She suddenly grabbed Adam’s arm and tried to scream, but all she could do was strangle out a whispered shriek. Adam turned to Faye. She pointed toward the buttons before burying her face in his arm. Adam looked at where she pointed and instantly held back a gag. Flowing from the buttons was a thick, viscous blood. It was dripping down, pooling on the floor. Eric and Rose turned to see what was going on, and both of them let out a cry as they watched the blood start to roll across the floor toward them. They all moved, crowding on the wall farthest from the blood. It continued toward them. Just as it reached the tip of Adam’s shoe, the door slid open and they all looked up. When they looked back at the floor, it was completely clear without even
a drop of blood. They all looked at each other, quickly pulling the gate open to stumble out into the hallway. They stood in stunned silence and watched as the elevator doors slid shut and it descended. For a moment, no one said anything.

  Then, shaking her head and letting loose a deep sigh, Rose spoke. “Let the fun begin.”

  Leaving the women in the hall together, both men went into each room to check for any other unsightly surprises that might be awaiting them. Finding nothing, they came back out.

  “All clear ladies.” Adam said.

  “Let’s hope that’s our last ‘fun’ for the evening.” Eric added.

  They all headed to bed. Faye quickly fell asleep, her head on Adam’s chest. He lay there awhile longer, listening to the rain. He hated the sound it made on the window as it was keeping them trapped here in this freak hotel. He was more shaken by the blood in the elevator then he let on. He wanted to protect Faye and the baby, but he had to fight the urge to grab her and get the hell out of there regardless of the storm raging outside. He knew however, that it was irresponsible and dangerous. He listened to her soft breathing and wondered what was going to happen tomorrow. Perhaps he should keep her in the room. But what was to stop this malevolent spirit from coming in here after them? If it was really set to torment them, a locked door wasn’t going to stop it. He laid awake a while longer before sleep found him. As he closed his eyes, two shadows appeared again at the end of the bed. This time, one was much smaller than the other. When it spoke, it was a child’s voice.

  “She is the one. She will help us escape the evil here and set us free. The others are trying to scare her away. They want to stay and keep us all here. We must protect her.” The little girl said.

  “If you are certain that she will save us, then I will try to keep her from harm. You know as well as I do the malice of the rogue shades here. They will go for control of her mind, try to use her and her companions to feed the hourglass.” The taller female voice said.

  “I know, but we just have to keep them safe until the ball. Then all will be healed. Before they have the chance to sacrifice them, we will make our move.” the child replied.

  The two stood a silent vigil over the sleeping pair. Next door, three shades stood near the doorway of the room. They shot furtive glances at the sleeping Rose as the whispered conversation progressed.

  “We could try to get to her again, show her our story, and let her know about the true evil here.” The shortest shadow said.

  “Why are we even bothering? Why don’t we just let things go the way they always do? There have been ones with sight before her and there will be ones after.” The medium- sized shadow said.

  “Something big is being planned, I can feel it.” He said, “We need to get through to this one and let her know what is really going on here.” The tallest shadow said in an angry voice.

  “But if we warn them successfully, they may leave. That one life was not enough force to restart the hourglass.” The medium-sized one replied.

  “I know that, but don’t you think sacrificing this so-called existence is worth stopping the old one?” The shortest spirit asked quietly.

  They both turned and looked at her, nodding.

  “She must know the truth, but the human mind is an unpredictable place. It’s hard to simply implant a vision. We can only lay the seeds and let her mind view them as they will.” The middle one said resignedly.

  “Let’s go for her dreams first. If we try to just come out and tell her, we will be stopped.” the tallest said.

  They all agreed and then dissolved slowly, forming a dark shadow cloud that hung over Rose’s head as she slept. Her peaceful dreamscape was invaded by the shadows. The blue sky turned a deep black, and the beach she was standing on turned to quick sand. She was sucked down through the ground before she could even scream. She found herself standing in the Grand Ballroom of the Eden, dressed in a golden ball gown. Her hair was pulled up and she wore a tiara. A small black mask covered her eyes and her nose. She watched at least a hundred other elegantly dressed partygoers twirl around the dance floor. The decorations were exquisite. It truly looked like an enchanted forest. The music played softly. Everyone was smiling and having a good time. A white-gloved waiter with a gleaming silver tray offered her a tall flute of champagne and she took it, sipping it. It tickled her nose and made her smile. The gaiety of the party was infectious and soon Rose found her feet tapping along to the music. A man dressed in a tuxedo with a Puck mask came up and asked her to dance. Before she knew it, she was being whirled around the dance floor. The waltz was dizzying and when it finished Rose braced herself against the bar. She was anxious for another dance when she heard a woman gasp. Looking toward the direction of the sound, she saw a group of people crowded around something. She pushed her way forward to see what the commotion was. In the center of the group was an older balding man of substantial girth. He was waving something around in his hand. His tux was splattered with blood. Pushing forward she got into the front row of people to see exactly what was going on. She gasped. The man in front of her was holding another man’s head in his hand. The eyes were wide open in an expression of shock, blood dripping from the base of his neck. The man was yelling about the old one and how it was going to kill them all and that the hotel administration were its agents. Several large men came through the crowd and attempted to grab him. Even for a large man, he moved amazingly quickly and he ran toward the hall. Rose followed. She watched as the blood-soaked man and his grisly trophy stepped into the elevator. The doors slammed shut as the security team reached them. They all ran for the employee stairs, but the door was locked. People ran this way and that way looking for whoever had the key. Rose heard the party pick back up and just shook her head. She placed her hand on the locked door and found that she was able to walk straight through. She descended the stairs to the basement and opened the door to the basement. She heard two voices. They were both male and one sounded like a young man.

  “It is time to start the hourglass. The living here have ruled long enough.” Said the young man

  “This will not turn out like you think it will. The old one lies. You will not have your world of the dead.” The historian said in a strained voice.

  Rose tried to move closer to see who the second figure was, but her vision was obscured by the large boiler.

  “Silence!” The young man said his voice so full of hatred.

  “Start the hourglass you old fool! Make the final sacrifice!” The young man shrieked.

  Rose heard a metal door opening and then the loud hiss of flames. Rose closed her eyes as she knew what was about to happen. She felt the hotel begin to shake around her. She ran up the stairs and back into the ball room. She wanted to warn the guests and tell them to leave, but she knew this was just a vision of the past. There was no way to avoid this slaughter. Suddenly, she was standing in the garden staring at the fountain. The hourglass on top was filled with blood. It flipped over and the blood ran through like sand until it leaked out the bottom and ran down the mini hotel. She heard the young man’s voice again, though this time it sounded forlorn.

  “You said if we drove out the living, we would be reborn and be freed from our curse. Yet now we are trapped here in this limbo existence. You lied to me.” He said sadly.

  Rose sought the owner of the voice, yet the further into the maze she got the more confused she became. She began to panic and feel hopeless when suddenly she heard a young girl crying. She moved toward the sound, finding the same little girl she saw become lost in the hotel during construction. The little girl sat on the ground, her face in her hands, sobbing. Rose knelt down and placed an arm around her. The little girl looked up. Her large, cornflower blue eyes were damp and her flushed cheeks streaked with tears.

  “What’s wrong sugar?” Rose asked softly.

  “I’m lost. I just want to go home, and I lost my doll.” She said, wiping her eyes.

  “Oh, baby girl. Let me help you.” Rose replied. />
  As she said this, she heard a roar of anger from nearby. The child looked up frightened.

  “The old one is angry with me for reaching out to you for help. We must go or you are in danger.” She said, standing up. She took Rose’s hand and began to run through the maze. Something thundered behind them. Rose could feel the anger and rage of whatever it was that was following them flowing in waves. On and on they ran until they stumbled out onto the lawn. The little girl looked at her with her sad eyes.

  “You have to wake up. It can’t touch you when you’re awake. Your mind is too strong. Wake up! Just please don’t forget me.” The little girl pleaded.

  Rose was torn. Her instinct was to face the beast that pursued them and protect the little girl. But she knew this was a dream, and she could do more good if the evil did not touch her mind. She reached down and squeezed the little girl’s hand.

  “I won’t forget you little one.” She said.

  Closing her eyes tightly, she willed herself awake. She felt the dream falling away as she ascended back to wakefulness. Her eyes popped open. Sitting up, she leaned over to look at the clock. It read five AM. She lay back against the pillows and sighed. She thought over the things she had seen. It was obvious to her now that there was some kind of sinister shade. One the other shades referred to as the old one. She was confused by the kingdom of the dead, or what the sacrifice was. All she really knew was that a young child was being tormented and she had to help her. She reached out and picked up the old doll. She knew that this belonged to her and that she was the shade of the little girl whom was lost during the construction of the hotel. She held the doll closely and sighed. She had no idea how she was going to save this little girl, but before she could leave this place she would have to make sure this little girl’s spirit was able to leave. She looked over at her husband’s silhouette. It would be hard to convince the others that they needed to stay, but she had a feeling that the rain had no intention of stopping by Saturday night. She knew that the ball had something to do with this hourglass thing, but she wasn’t certain what it was. It wasn’t as though they could have a major catastrophe every year at the ball as that would draw way too much attention. The last recorded disaster was when the historian fed himself to the furnace. So how were the ghosts feeding themselves? There were certainly enough guests in the hotel that a few wouldn’t be missed, but how many were required to turn the hourglass? She sat and pondered these things as an hour ticked forward. She looked out the window hoping for some sign of the dawn, but all she saw was a lighter shade of gray. She got up quietly and ran a hot bath. She didn’t want to risk going back to sleep, at least not until she had some answers. She slid into the warm water and let it wash away the tension from the dream.

  Faye awoke shortly after six AM. Her stomach lurched and she scrambled toward the bathroom. She sat on the floor with her back against the wall. Her head was spinning slightly, but her stomach was settling down. Although she was enjoying the thought of being pregnant, this was not a whole lot of fun. She stood and washed her face. As she opened her eyes, staring back from the mirror was a man’s face. It was horribly bloated. The eyes were bugging out and the flesh was a purplish-blue. The face smiled at her, and its teeth were ragged and broken. Faye stumbled backward, tripping over her feet she went down hard, hitting her elbow on the hard tile. She cried out in pain. Involuntarily, her eyes went back up to the mirror, but it was empty. She closed her eyes as the pain coursed through her arm.

  Within a moment, she heard Adam jump out of bed. He was by her side within a few seconds.

  “Faye, what happened? Are you all right?” He wrapped his arms around her and carefully lifted her up.

  She closed her eyes and laid her head against his chest, enjoying the feeling of being safe and sound. After a moment, she looked up and pointed to the mirror.

  “There was a horrible face in the mirror-- all bloated and purple and it smiled at me.” Faye said her voice shaky as she rubbed her sore elbow. Adam let her go gently. Putting himself between her and the mirror, he walked up to examine it. He saw nothing but his own worried expression. He placed his hand on the glass to prove to himself that it was solid and that no trickery was afoot. He turned to Faye. Her face was white and her eyes were wide with fear. Adam wrapped her in his arms, and walked her back into the bedroom. He put her in the bed and wrapped her gently in the comforter. He slipped into his robe and began to pace. Normally, he would immediately call the hotel doctor and have her checked out, especially given her condition. But this doctor was frightening, and given all the things going on in this place, he didn’t know who to trust. He looked at the clock. It was barely six-thirty in the morning and he didn’t want to wake Eric and Rose yet as this may prove to be a trying day. He walked to the window pulling aside the curtain and hoping for a miracle. He was once again met with a solid sheet of falling water that looked no different than yesterday. He sighed and let the curtain drop in defeat. He walked back over to Faye. She had lain back against the pillows. Her eyes were closed, but from the pattern of her breath, he knew she was not asleep.

  He pulled her up gently into his arms, “Let’s go down, get some tea, and a little something to eat. It might make you feel stronger.”

  She nodded and stood up. She quickly dressed and they left silently for the lobby. After a quiet breakfast of Danishes and tea, she felt a great deal calmer and they headed back to their room. The elevator rose up and it paused at their floor, but then with a sickening thud, it plunged downward. Faye let out a high pitched shriek of fright as Adam frantically started pushing the floor buttons. None of them seemed to be responding. He pulled Faye close into him, not sure how he could protect her, but desperately trying to do so. The elevator stopped with a thud. The antique hand that announced floors seemed to be pointing off the dial below the word Lobby. The doors slid open. It appeared they were between floors and the floor above them was almost out of reach. The light coming from it had a pale grey look to it. Adam looked at the elevator control panel for an alarm button or an emergency phone, but seeing none he decided to see what was above them. Adam pulled himself up to see if he could figure out where they were. All he could see was a thick, dark carpet and wallpaper that was like every other hallway they had been in. Dropping down to the floor, he turned and looked at this frightened wife.

  “I don’t know what floor is above us, but I’m not sure it’s safe to stay in this elevator, especially if it chooses to fall all the way. I think we should squeeze out of here and make our way to the stairs.” Adam said forcing calm into his voice that he didn’t feel as he didn’t wish to upset his wife any further.

  “I’m going to pull myself up and then you. We should probably pull you up backward so you don’t scrape your stomach on the way up.” He said and quickly pecked her on her cheek before he struggled his way up to the floor above. He disappeared through the crack, leaving a frightened Faye alone in the tiny cage. She waited anxiously for his face to reappear through the crack, but when he didn’t immediately come back, she felt panic overcome her. She was about to call for him but she became concerned with what might answer her. She closed her eyes, praying for some kind of guidance when a hand touched the top of her head. She let out a loud scream before looking up and realizing it was only her husband. She laughed nervously, and then gave him her hands to pull her up.

  She couldn’t believe what was around her. The hall was in decay. Cobwebs hung everywhere and the wallpaper was peeling. Doors hung off their hinges, smudged by dirt and soot. There was no discernable source of light, but the hall was bathed in a pale luminescence. They both looked around in awe. They huddled closer together, careful not to touch anything. The number on the door closest to them read 6. Faye assumed they were on the first guest floor, although she couldn’t imagine anyone actually staying in this place. They walked toward the end of the hall. The carpet was scattered with various debris from door handles to broken chairs. They moved further down the long hallway and it
seemed that a faint light was coming from under the last door on the right.

  A door just to the left of them that had a crooked number 4 on it hung just slightly open. As they moved closer to it, they heard a low, animalistic growl. Faye whimpered in fear and Adam held her closely. The moved closer to the other wall, frozen in fear as the growl moved closer to the door. Adam moved to shield Faye from whatever was making that sound. Faye gauged the distance from the ominous sound toward the door marked ‘Stairs’ at the end of the hall. It was a fair distance and there was a lot of debris in the hallway that could easily cause a serious fall and make them an easy prey for whatever waited behind that door. The growling grew louder and they both presumed the fearsome beast must be right on the other side of the door now. Adam reached down and picked up a shard of glass from a broken vase to use as a weapon. He crouched into a fighting stance and took a deep breath, ready for the thing to lunge at him. A sudden silence came from the room. It was almost more frightening then the demonic growling. They both held their breath for what seemed like an eternity, but no further sound came out.

  They let their breath out as slowly and as silently as possible. With their backs pressed to the wall, they started to slide slowly away from the door. Another sound came from behind the door. This time it wasn’t the ominous growling, but the sound of very sloppy eating. Faye felt the vomit rise in the back of her throat, and obeyed her inner instinct to run for the stairs. She felt Adam moving with her. They had just reached the door when Faye’s attention was drawn by the bright light coming out from under the door marked 1. She stopped so suddenly that Adam ran into the back of her with such force he had to grab the back of her shirt to keep her from hitting the floor.

  They were mere steps from the exit to this eerie nightmare, but were unable to move. It was as if the lights and moving shadows under door number one were hypnotizing them. As they watched the shadows move, trying to figure out what they were, the forms danced a moment longer on the other side. It became apparent that two distinct shadows were making their way to the door. The door knob turned and the door creaked open ever so slightly. Adam and Faye’s bodies tensed in anticipation and fear. Whoever opened the door was standing behind it. The shadows of their feet were still visible. The door opened even wider and Faye’s eyes grew wide in disgust at the scene that was laid out before her. The room was in a shambled state much like the hall-- tattered curtains, broken furniture, and torn upholstery on the chairs. There was some kind of dark spray staining the wall. Logically, she knew what it was, but prayed she was wrong. She leveled her gaze to the bed. The sheets were twisted and tossed, stained crimson with blood. Despite her revulsion, she stared harder at the bed, trying to determine what it was that could have created such a plethora of blood. At first, it just looked like random bits and pieces of something. With a revelation of horror, she identified them as bits and pieces of a human body. Chopped brutally, some parts were completely severed while others hung by threads of sinew and bone. She followed the disjointed body jigsaw to the head of bed. Just before her mind forced her away from what she was seeing into sweet unconsciousness, she gazed up on the head of the victim and saw her own face staring back at her.

  Faye slid to the floor at his feet. Adam caught her, picking her up into his arms. He glanced once more into the empty, tattered room for the reason she had fainted. Seeing nothing, he kicked open the door to the stairs and stepped inside, turning around to find a light switch. However, much to his surprise, as he turned around he discovered that he was back inside the elevator which was rising silently to his floor. Adam was perplexed. He held his wife closely to him and her soft, even breaths were a comfort. The elevator dinged and as the doors slid open, Adam half expected to be staring back down that desolate hall. Instead, he was back on his floor. With some difficulty, he was able to slide back the elevator gate. He carried Faye to their room. Balancing her on one knee, he opened the door and carried her to the bed, laying her down. He gently brushed her hair away from her face. He slid her pants off and unbuttoned her blouse knowing she needed to be comfortable. Covering her lightly, he gazed down on her and watched her chest rise and fall with soft, slow breaths.

  He didn’t want to disturb whatever peace she had found. He stood to pace again. Where had they been? What was responsible for that growling sound? What had Faye seen that had caused her to react so? So many questions tumbled through his head as he paced through the room. A knock at the door brought him out of his thoughts. Frowning he walked toward the door. He paused, puzzled, and he was somewhat afraid of what was on the other side. He opened the door tentatively and peered out. Rose stood on the other side, very close to the door. She held the doll in her hands. Adam opened the door, placing his finger to his lips. He shut the door gently. When Faye did not sit up at the sound of the knock, he assumed she has fallen back to sleep and he didn’t want to disturb her. Rose nodded and they sat on the settee next to the window.

  “I’m so sorry to disturb you so early.” Rose said, fiddling with the lace on the doll’s dress.

  “It’s perfectly fine. We have already had our own scare this morning.” Adam replied, his voice low.

  “What happened?” Rose asked.

  Adam quietly explained about Faye’s upsetting bathroom vision and their frightening elevator trip. Rose’s eyes went wide as she heard the tale. She knew she would have to talk to Faye about what she had seen in room 1. Inwardly she sighed, knowing that it was going to be harder than ever to get them to understand the things she needed to do before they could leave.

  “When everyone gets up, I need to tell you all about the dream I had. We need to try to figure out the clues to the puzzle the shades gave me before tomorrow night. I have a feeling that’s when our time runs out.” Rose said.

  Adam lifted the curtain. Nothing had changed.

  “We may have to chance leaving and see if we can find another way across the river. If you think we are really in danger, I have to find a way to get Faye out of here. You see we just discovered that she is pregnant and this stress can’t be good for her.” Adam said.

  Rose nodded, but she had a feeling that the shades weren’t going to allow them to leave. There was no reason to upset him any further right now.

  “Perhaps we should order breakfast up here so we can sit and eat in privacy.” Adam suggested.

  “I think that’s a really good idea. I’m going to go see if Eric is awake. If he isn’t, I’m going to wake him. I don’t want any of us to be alone for too long. Seems they are already starting the games and they are none-too-subtle about it.” Rose said as she stood up.

  Adam saw her out and quietly went to the house phone. He dialed room service and ordered up a breakfast quiche as well as coffee and juice. He paused a moment and ordered a fresh fruit bowl and milk for Faye. Even though they had already had Danishes he figured they could use a little extra energy. He slipped into the bathroom, but left the door open so he could keep an eye on Faye. He shaved, watching the mirror closely for anything suspicious. He walked out into the room. Faye hadn’t moved and she looked so peaceful. He slipped into a pair of khaki pants, and just as he was pulling the black polo shirt over his head there was a knock on the door. Adam went over and unlocked it, unsure if it was Eric and Rose or breakfast. Peering out, he saw his friends standing outside the door. He opened the door to let them in, once again placing his finger to his lips to let them know that Faye was still sleeping. They all walked over and sat on the settee.

  “I ordered us up some breakfast. When it gets here, I will wake Faye.” Adam said quietly.

  “Yeah, I hear you all had a bit of a rough morning. Congratulations on the baby news!” Eric said with a smile.

  Adam smiled back widely. He was truly going to be a proud papa, provided they all got out of this alive, he thought. A moment later, a loud knock at the door caused them all to jump, including Faye, who cried out slightly. Adam rushed to her while Rose went to open the door. To her surprise, Phillip wa
s standing at the door with the food cart.

  “Phillip, I didn’t know you worked in the kitchen as well.” Rose said, hiding her surprise with a light tone.

  He rolled the cart in with a polite smile. “I usually don’t however I have a message to deliver to all of you, so when I saw the room service order I figured I’d kill two birds with one stone.”

  “A message for us?” Adam asked his brow furrowing.

  “Yes, since tomorrow night is the masked ball we are offering basic ballroom dancing lessons this evening at seven-thirty in the smaller ball room, the room where we had the black and white party earlier in the week.” Phillip said.

  “Well, that sounds like fun. Did everyone warrant a personal invitation?” Rose asked watching him closely.

  “Everyone else here are seasoned guests and we hold the dancing lessons every year to give everyone the chance to waltz at the ball.” He said with a smile and a slight bow of his head he walked out of the room.

  Rose moved quickly behind him and slid the chain lock. Faye stood up, slipping on Adam’s robe as she walked over to the dresser and pulled out some clothing. She turned and looked at the other three.

  “I ain’t buying it. I’m not saying I don’t want to go but this seasoned guest bit-- is he saying that we are the only people in this entire hotel that haven’t been here for a ball before? That’s a bit hard to swallow.” Faye said as she disappeared into the bathroom to change. Rose watched her go, noting her pallor and still frightened eyes. Whatever she has seen had really shaken her up.

  “I’m going to have to say I agree with her, but why lie and why do they want us there so badly that we got a personal invite?” Eric added.

  Adam watched the bathroom door with concern. He didn’t like Faye being alone in there. A few moments later, she emerged dressed in a red sweater and a pair of jeans. They all sat down around the table. Adam and Eric set the food on the table and everyone began to eat. The meal time was quiet as everyone was thinking. As they finished, Rose took a deep breath and spoke.

  “I had a very prophetic dream last night.” She said. “I saw the scene from the last, great disaster. The deaths here have something to do with extending the shades’ hourglass. I don’t quite understand it yet, but it seems that their time here is not eternal. They need to keep flipping the hourglass with a sacrifice. I don’t know how often they have to do it or how much death it takes to flip it, but I know it has something to do with us. I also saw the shade of the little girl that was lost during construction. She tried to protect me from the original shade, the one they call the old one. Now this is totally speculation, but based on those who died very early on I would guess that the old one is Andrew Bowers, the brother who died in the basement mud slide. He would be the oldest shade here.” Rose explained.

  “Perhaps the amount of sacrifice is tied to how long the hour glass stays full. Perhaps the explosion was enough to keep it full until now?’ Faye asked

  “It’s possible, but I do know that she is trying to protect us and keep the old one away from us. Not all the shades here want to tip the hourglass again.” Rose said.

  “So what now?” Adam asked.

  “We all know that getting out of here anytime soon is impossible so we are going to have to try to get more information on what’s going to happen and how we stop it.” Rose said.

  They all looked at each other. No one really relished the idea of staying here, but if they did have to stay, they would at the least, prefer to be informed.

  “How do we find out what we need to know? It’s not like we can walk up to Phillip and say hey ‘So how many people have you fed to the hotel’s ghosts?’” Adam said.

  Faye suppressed a giggle, and then spoke quickly as the stress seemed to be driving her mad, “Forgive me I was just struck by the ridiculousness of that thought.”

  “First we look at this logically. We have two major tragedies with death tolls over one hundred. I’m thinking the more that die, the longer it lasts, but the ghosts and negative vibes here cause the little one, two, three-at-a-time deaths.” Rose said

  “So they need the large amount of death to stay on this plane, but because they cause so much death and negative vibes, it causes other deaths. That’s a vicious cycle.” Adam said.

  “That it is, but with the little girl’s help we may be able to stop it and save ourselves.” Rose said.

  “Going through the archives in the basement is a waste of time. They are so haphazard and not up-to-date. I’m not sure Phillip is going to give us anything. I suggest we continue with our idea of going to the manager. Perhaps some history based questions, just a couple of girls looking for a spooky story or two from their vacation.” Faye suggested.

  “Definitely, and we will also get the weather info we need” Adam said.

  Adam and Faye slipped on their shoes and they all headed out. They walked to the elevator and stood rather anxiously, waiting as the memory of the bloody ride was still fresh in their minds. The elevator arrived and Adam slid back the gate. Cautiously, they peered inside. Everything seemed to be ok. They entered and Faye quickly pushed the lobby button.

  “So are we going to go to the dancing lessons tonight?” Rose asked.

  “I think it would be a good way to get to know some of the other ‘seasoned’ guests and perhaps have another chance to gather information as well.” Faye answered.

  “Good point.” Eric agreed.

  The elevator chimed its arrival at the lobby. Faye and Adam hung back to see if they had indeed made it to their desired destination or if they were back in hell hall. Seeing the lobby, they all filed out.

  “The Manager’s office is this way, down the hall with the portraits on it.” Rose explained as she led the group down the long hallway to the lobby. Phillip was standing at the front desk. He appeared to be reading over some paperwork. Rose walked up to the desk and the others followed her, unsure of what she was up to.

  “Oh, Phillip, I’m so glad you’re here.” Rose said her voice very cheerful.

  He looked up with a bright smile and his tone was equally as cheerful, “That’s what I like to hear. What is it that I can do for you Madam Rose?”

  “We would like to RSVP for the dancing lessons this evening. It sounds like a great opportunity to learn and to socialize with the other guests.” She said, her smile becoming wider.

  “Excellent. I’ll let the instructor know to expect you. Anything else I can help you with?” He asked.

  Adam stepped forward and his smile mirrored Rose’s “Perhaps you can suggest some inside activities for the day, as it seems the out-of-doors is not hospitable at the moment.”

  Phillip thought a moment, then asked, “Yes, it doesn’t seem like this awful rain does not want to let up does it? Well, as you and Master Eric are aware, there is always a friendly game of poker in the lounge, but I don’t think that would interest the ladies too much. Have you been to the library yet?”

  “Library?” Rose and Faye asked in unison.

  “Yes on the fifth floor. There is no guest room on one side as all the walls have been knocked out and a large library with reading chairs was installed back in the early twenties.” Phillip explained.

  “Oh I do think we should go see that after we visit the Manager’s office” Faye said, watching Phillip for a reaction.

  Both of his eyebrows rose and a look of concern crossed his face. “You’re going to see Mr. Therman? Is something wrong? Is there anything I can help you with?”

  Rose reached out and put her hand over his. She was surprised at how cold it was but she didn’t react. She crooned, “Phillip dear, nothing at all is wrong. We actually wanted to tell him how amazing the service has been here-- the food and everything.”

  Phillips face relaxed considerably.

  “Yes, we figure most people only go to complain, but we wanted to go to compliment” Faye added.

  “Well, that’s very nice of you. I’m sure he will enjoy having something good come across h
is desk. Do you know how to get to his office?” Phillip asked, his smile returning.

  “We do. We were admiring the wall of portraits the other day and we saw his office door.” Rose said.

  “Wonderful! I will see you tonight at the dancing lessons. I’m actually not working the night of the ball and plan to attend, so I thought I’d brush up my dancing skills. Stop by here on your way up and I’ll give you the key to the library.” Phillip said his demeanor completely relaxed again.

  “Wonderful! We will do that.” Faye said.

  They all smiled and waved as they walked through the lobby and around the bend. The door to the Ballroom was closed as was the door to the doctor’s suite. As they passed the door marked “Employees only,” Rose and Faye glanced at each other and shivered slightly. They walked further down until they came to the door with the frosted glass panel with Mr. Therman’s name etched on it in golden letters. Rose walked up and knocked.

  “Come in.” A woman’s voice said. They all looked at each other, a bit puzzled but opened the door and entered. A slender, blonde woman sat behind the desk. She was very pretty and had dazzling green eyes. She was dressed in a simple suit skirt with a dove gray shirt. She smiled. The inner office was a small anteroom. There was a simple desk, a few bookshelves filled with binders, several filing cabinets and a large fern hanging next to the small window. At the back of the room was a large wooden door that they assumed led to Mr. Therman’s actual office.

  “Hello, I’m Susan. I’m Mr. Therman’s administrative assistant. How can I help you?” She asked. Her voice was soft and her smile welcoming and she put the group at ease.

  “We would like to speak to Mr. Therman if he is available.” Rose said.

  Susan looked down and pulled out a large appointment book. Faye noted that there was no computer on her desk. Susan flipped through the book to find the day and she slid her perfectly manicured red fingernail down to the morning. She then looked up.

  “It seems you are all in luck! He doesn’t have any appointment until after lunch. Can I tell him what it’s regarding?” She asked.

  “We just have some interesting questions about this beautiful place and want to compliment him on his amazing staff and the service we have received here.” Faye replied.

  “Wonderful! If you will just give me a moment, I will let him know that you are here.” Susan said as she stood and walked to the large wooden door. Knocking softly three times, she entered without a word and left them alone. Rose leaned over to Faye and whispered.

  “I bet the records in here are far better than the ones in the archives. I’m sure we could get an accurate death toll from these books.” She said, gesturing to the binders on the shelves.

  Faye nodded and whispered back. “Fat chance of ever getting a look at them.”

  They all nodded in agreement. Rose opened her mouth to say something else, but stopped as the large wooden door opened. Susan stepped out and smiled.

  “Mr. Therman will see you now.” She stepped back to allow them passage into the office beyond.

  They fell into a line with Rose in the lead and walked through the doorway into a large office. The back wall was a floor-to-ceiling window and the curtains were drawn back to reveal that the window panes were being battered by the storm raging outside. The walls were completely covered by large bookshelves, some holding binders while others held books. One appeared to be filled with shelf after shelf of sign-in books. It reminded her of a question she had meant to ask Rose. She reminded herself to ask once they were out of here. Faye noted immediately the ornate telephone sitting on the desk as well as the CB radio sitting on a shelf. Behind the large mahogany desk sat Wallace Therman, the same man whom had given the toast at dinner earlier in the week. It was hard for Rose to look directly at him given the vision she had at that same dinner. He was dressed in a polished black suit, but around his neck he still wore the same white scarf he had at dinner. Rose found herself staring intently at it, waiting to see if the phantasm was to repeat itself. If he noticed Rose’s fixed stare, he didn’t let on. He stood and shook the men’s hands and offered them all seats. The women sat in the two wing-backed leather chairs across from his desk and the men pulled up smaller chairs.

  “Susan said you needed to speak to me?” He asked. His voice was a bit raspier then Faye remembered it being. Perhaps that was the reason for the scarf. Maybe he had a cold.

  Rose cleared her throat and spoke. “First off, Mr. Therman we want to compliment you on your beautiful hotel and amazing staff. Phillip is incredibly helpful and thoughtful. Natalie is an amazing waitress and your kitchen staff is outstanding. Every meal we have had here has been exceptional.”

  Faye couldn’t help but smile to herself. Rose was laying it on thick, though nothing she said was untrue. She remembered to herself how she had disliked Phillip to the point of fearing him when they first arrived. Just goes to show you can’t judge a book by its cover.

  “One of your front desk employees even set up an amazing dinner for us in the former owner’s suite. Such an adventure! Then Phillip went out of his way to bring us an invitation for the dancing lessons this evening.” Rose continued.

  Mr. Therman’s smile grew as Rose spoke. “Please call me Wallace. It does my heart good to hear that you are having such a good time and that my staff is performing so well. They are handpicked and have never let me down. It was very thoughtful of Phillip to make sure you knew about the dancing lesson. I believe other then yourselves and the other couple that we are booked with all returning guests. Our Midsummer’s Ball is not an event to miss.” He said.

  “To fill an entire hotel short of three rooms it must not be.” Rose said with a smile.

  “I hope this rain lets up. It would be nice to have the terrace off the Ballroom open.” Faye said.

  Wallace shook his head. “Sadly, at least once in this month we get a storm like this. I’ve seen them last up to a week. It plays hell with our gardens. But not to worry, the Ball will be truly unforgettable.”

  “I do hope so.” Faye replied.

  Rose leaned forward and lowered her voice just a bit. Her smile was innocent, but her tone coy. “I do hope you don’t mind indulging a pair of silly women, but Faye swears she keeps seeing a shadowy figure in her bathroom. Are there any ghosts in your hotel?”

  Wallace froze and the smile dropped from his face. He took on a very serious demeanor and as he spoke, his voice turned suddenly very cold. “The Eden has been home to a great many tragic experiences. I wouldn’t doubt that a few spirits linger here. I can’t say that I’m a believer myself. However I have heard several people speak of shadowy figures and phantom voices. I do not choose to market the hotel as a haunted attraction as I feel that takes away from her relaxing and rejuvenating atmosphere.”

  He folded it hands in front of him and it was obvious they had struck a nerve. He was not going to be amicable to helping them, so Rose chose to move on.

  “I have noticed there are no non-house phones in the guest area. Would it be possible for me to use yours to call and check on my parents? They are in a facility and I usually check on them every day.” Rose said.

  Eric raised an eyebrow but remained silent as he knew this was a ruse to use the phone. Both of Rose’s parents had been dead for years. Wallace’s smile returned as she noted that they were not going to pursue the ghost angle.

  “I am very sorry. The lines are down and when I tried to radio in to the rangers’ station to check on the status of the bridge, the rain was providing too much static for me to get a clear call through. I will keep checking and the moment one of the communication methods becomes available, I will have Susan notify you immediately.” He said. His words sounded good, but they all doubted his sincerity.

  “Thank you so much.” Rose said standing. The rest of them followed suit.

  “Phillip has suggested we visit the library as a rainy day activity, so we are going to go and do that. Thank you for your time.” Faye said.

&
nbsp; “You’re very welcome! Thank you for coming here and telling me such wonderful things about the Eden and her people. If you need anything further, my door is always open to guests.” He said standing and shaking the men’s hands.

  They all walked out and smiled politely to Susan, but no one spoke until they were out the door and down the hall a bit.

  “I think we touched a nerve with the ghost question. He got uptight fast.” Adam said, slipping his arm around Faye.

  “Indeed, and I doubt it has anything to do with ruining the hotel’s relaxing and rejuvenating atmosphere.” Eric added.

  They walked into the lobby. Phillip looked up and smiled as he saw them approaching. He was on the phone and he held up one finger and mouthed the word ‘Please’. They all nodded and waited a polite distance away. After a moment, he said ‘thank you, sir’ and hung up the phone.

  “Well, that was Mr. Therman. It seems that your praise of me has granted me a raise.” He said, his face beaming.

  They all smiled back. Rose responded quickly, “That’s wonderful Phillip! You truly do deserve it.”

  “I am indebted to you all for your kind words. I assume you would like to head up to the library. If you would like, I can have the kitchen prepare a sandwich tray and send it up so that you may spend as much time as you like there.” He suggested.

  “That is a fantastic idea.” Eric said hungrily.

  “Wonderful!” Phillip said as he reached into a draw and pulled out a large metal ring of skeleton keys. He flipped through them for a moment then found the one he was looking for. He removed it from the ring and handed it to Faye.

  “Please enjoy yourselves. It is 11:30 now so I will have the food sent up right around noon. If you require anything else, there is a house phone in the library. Please don’t hesitate to give me a call.”

  They smiled and nodded, walking down the hall to the elevator. They pushed the button and waited for the elevator to descend. As it opened, they ran into the monkey faced bell boy who smiled his horrible smile at them. He carried several luggage bags as he stepped out of the elevator and pushed past them.

  They entered the elevator and pulled the gate closed. Adam pushed the floor button and noted to himself that it went from two to lobby-- there was no button for a first floor. Where in the hell had they been this morning? He wondered.

  “Now who do you think could be checking out now? It’s not like they can go anywhere in this weather anyway.” Eric said.

  “He came from our floor. I imagine those things belong to Matt and Stephanie. I have a feeling Matt has also checked out, but isn’t leaving” Rose said sadly.

  They all looked down. Rose’s logic made perfect sense, but it was still a very sad thought to think that the other couple was dead. It struck a chord deep within them all, showing them that this was no longer a pursuit into history. It was a dangerous situation in which they were trapped. The elevator chimed to announce their arrival on the fifth floor. They stepped out. The hall was similar to their own except the right side of the hall had guest room doors where the left side was a long wall with a door about halfway down the hall. They walked to the door. Faye slipped the key in and with a metal-on-metal clank, the door unlocked. Faye pushed it open. The room in front of her was dark and she slid her hand along the wall looking for a light switch. After feeling around for a moment, she was concerned that perhaps there wasn’t a switch. She moved forward and reached a little further down the wall. Her fingers brushed something hard and she moved into the dark room to be able to reach what she assumed was a light switch cover. Her fingers explored the hard object. It was cold and clammy and she cried out at the feel of it, but as she went to pull her fingers back in repulsion, the thing grabbed her hand. She screamed loudly and stumbled back, bumping into Rose with such force that she knocked her over. Adam grabbed her. She fell into his arms and began to sob.

  “Something cold and clammy grabbed my hand while I was looking for the switch.” Faye explained between sobs.

  Eric picked up Rose and moved passed Faye. He walked into the dark room and lit a match. He saw why Faye hadn’t found a light switch-- the lamps on the wall were gas. He lit the closest one to the door, turning it up as high as it went to dispel the thick, inky darkness. Moving though the spacious room, he lit all the lamps to reveal the room’s interior. It was quite large. Every wall was covered with bookshelves except for a large window and the fireplace in the corner. It was furnished much like the lounge with large, comfortable, leather chairs. Their black upholstery gleamed in the light. There were some foot stools and small end tables with lamps. It was very quiet and had the smell of books. Eric looked around for the source of Faye’s fright, but saw nothing.

  “There is nothing here. It’s all clear.” He said.

  Adam, Faye, and Rose cautiously entered. It really was a nice room and looked very well stocked. Adam sat Faye in a chair close to the fireplace and walked over. He pulled a few logs out of the little wood pail and placed them in the fireplace. He saw another basket filled with newspaper and kindling. He set it up and in a few minutes the fire was roaring. They all sat around Faye for a little while wanting to make sure she was ok.

  “It seems like our shade friends are stepping it up a bit. That’s the first time one has actually touched one of us.” Eric said.

  “I’m so glad it chose me, really.” Faye said sarcastically.

  Adam shut the door to discourage any surprises sneaking in from the hall.

  “Let’s explore and see what we can find. It might take your mind off of that horrid experience.” Rose said soothingly.

  Faye nodded and they all got up and moved to different book cases, peering at the titles and looking for things that may pertain to the hotel, ghosts, or anything else relevant to the mess they found themselves in. There were books on poetry, religion, some classics and a few Sherlock Holmes novels.

  “Well other than some interesting night time reading material, and thankfully a distinct lack of Danielle Steel novels, there is nothing really exciting.” Faye commented.

  The rest of them echoed their lack of findings from throughout the room.

  A knock on the door halted further conversation. Adam walked over and cautiously opened the door. Natalie stood outside with a room service cart.

  “Hello Natalie. Thank you so much for bringing lunch.” Rose said as she held the door open wide.

  “You’re welcome. There is sandwich meat, cheese, a cookie plate and bottled water. Is there anything else I can get for you?” she asked as she placed the cart in the middle of the room.

  “I think that will be everything. Will you please thank Phillip for being so thoughtful?” Rose asked.

  “I will do that.” Natalie said and turned to leave the room.

  Adam stood up abruptly, his voice slightly agitated “Natalie, how do you get to the first floor here?” He asked.

  Natalie’s brows went straight up and a deep frown crossed her face. The tone of her response was neutral, but distress was clear on her face. “I’m afraid I can’t help you there. The Eden starts her guest floors on 2.”

  Emboldened by her husband, Faye turned and asked. “Then where would I find room number 1”

  Natalie made a choking sound that she turned into a cough, covering her mouth she looked down a moment. When she spoke again, her tone was firm. “I don’t think I can be of help to you, and I don’t think you want the answer to your questions.”

  She walked out quickly slamming the door behind her. Everyone stood a moment in stunned silence.

  Adam shrugged. “Well that didn’t go as well as I planned.”

  “Indeed not.” Faye said, and before she could continue her statement an audible growl from her stomach informed her that, at this moment, food was more important than conversation. She gave them a chagrined smile, “Food time it is, then.”

  They all walked toward the table and began making themselves sandwiches. Once they had what they wanted, they went back and sat down
.

  “Well, other than an outstanding Sherlock Holmes collection and lots of books on topiary and gardens, this has pretty much been a bust, information wise.” Eric said.

  “Sadly, I must agree. I guess I was hoping for some kind of miracle book with all the answers we needed right there for us.” Rose said.

  Faye leaned back in her chair, enjoying the warmth from the fire. Adam looked down at his watch, then out the window.

  “Its 12:30 now and the dancing lessons aren’t until this evening. We have about seven more hours to try to get some more answers.” Adam said. “I have to ask, what are we looking for? I mean I doubt the ghosts have left their story anywhere that we can find it. The explanations we are after are ones that I’m not sure we are ever going to be able to find, short of a shade revealing itself to us and telling us what is going to happen tomorrow and what we need to do about it.”

  They sat and thought. They were facing an unknown danger in a place they couldn’t escape, and had only a dream of a ghost girl to help them. Things did not look good. They were all starting to come to the same conclusion. Faye leaned back and closed her eyes. Then she sat up and looked at them all.

  “I want to make a break for it. So what if we get stuck in our cars on this side of the river waiting for the water to recede? It has to be safer than being here.” Faye said. Everyone noticed the panic she was feeling. It was very distinctly creeping into her voice.

  Adam sat forward and was about to agree with his wife when a flash of movement from the direction of the door caught his attention. He turned toward the door and his mouth dropped open, but no sound came out. The others turned to see what he was looking at and were mortified to see words sprawled out across the pale tan wallpaper in a thick, red liquid. They all watched as the message finished writing itself. The wall read: THERE IS NO ESCAPE. The letters began to run down the wall and splash onto the floor, soaking the carpet and moving toward them in a river. Without another word, they all fled the room leaving the door standing open and rushed for the elevator. Faye stabbed the button over and over, trying to summon the elevator faster as they watched the river of blood creep out of the library and follow them down the hall. Thankfully, the elevator came and they all rushed into it. Pushing the lobby button, they huddled closely together waiting anxiously to be as far as possible from the ominous words. They ran into the lobby to the front desk. None of them knew exactly what they were going to say. Phillip was standing at the desk talking with Natalie. He smiled when he saw them, but as he saw their frightened expressions, his smile turned into a look of concern. Rose and Faye walked up to the desk. Natalie quickly excused herself.

  “Um, Phillip there was, well, sort of an incident in the library. I left the key up there and, well, it’s possible that you could have a bit of a horrifying mess to clean up.” Faye said, her voice rising to a high pitch.

  Phillip looked around to see if anyone had heard them. He placed his finger to his lips and winked. “Of course Madam Faye, I would be more than pleased to come check the lamps in your room. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.” He came around the desk quickly and motioned for them to follow. They all seemed a bit confused, but followed him silently to the elevator. None of them spoke again until Phillip closed the door behind him in Faye and Adam’s room. He then held up his finger for continued silence, moving about the room, checking under beds and behind curtains. He looked in closets and in the bathrooms. No one was quite sure of the purpose of this check, but no one wanted to argue. After he was satisfied that whatever he was looking for was not present, he sank down into one of the chairs.

  “Tell me what happened, all of it.” He said, his voice sounding weary.

  So Faye explained everything from the cold creature touching her hand to the writing on the wall as well as the creeping river of blood that followed them down the hall. He listened quietly, wiping his face with his hand and rubbing his eyes. When she finished, he took a deep breath before he spoke.

  “I’m surprised one touched you. They generally don’t do that.” he said.

  “Wait. What do you mean generally? You know about these shades?” Rose asked her voice incredulous.

  He looked at her with a look that simply implied she asked a foolish question, “I have been with the Eden for a very, very long time, Madam. You cannot do that without having some knowledge of the hotel’s eccentricities. There are guests here that never leave. They usually maintain their distance and settle for the classic, shadow out-of-the-corner-of- your-eye phantom, or spooky voices and such.”

  They all just stared at him in amazement. Rose took a deep breath and decided to trust Phillip. “Have you ever seen any yourself?”

  He thought a moment and then shook his head no. “I’ve never seen one per se. I’ve felt things. I’ve seen shadows, but when I turn my head they are gone. I have seen their handiwork on the living.”

  They all looked at each other. Everyone was thinking of Matthew and Stephanie. Rose decided not to push him for more information on that comment. The last thing she wanted to do at this point was chase him away.

  She smiled at him and then spoke, confiding in him and watching his expression, “I’ve had some very interesting dreams since I’ve been here, involving a little girl.”

  His already pale complexion blanched. He nodded slowly as if picking his words carefully. He explained as though he was unaware that they were already familiar with the little one’s tragic story, “Some of the other guests have mentioned a little girl ghost. Back when the hotel was being built a little girl got lost in the hotel during construction and was never found.”

  “They tend to become stronger and more visible this time of year. I believe it has something to do with the Spring Equinox. If you possess the sight and are able to see them in your dreams, perhaps they interacted with you because they thought you were a good conduit.” Phillip added.

  “But what is it they want? She seemed like she wanted to convey some kind of message to me. I think it had something to do with the Ball tomorrow night.” Rose said, fishing for more information.

  “The Ball here is always an unforgettable experience for those who attend, whether it is their first or their tenth.” Phillip said. He thought a moment and leaned in. “If you wish to try to leave early, I wouldn’t discuss it. I would just walk out. Get your cars and go. I know for a fact that the bridge is out. It always is. The Eden seems to like to be cut off for her grandest moment. She’s very dangerous that way. Her Ball can be an enchanting dream or a dangerous nightmare.”

  He paused, looking up at the large window and his eyes grew wide. They all looked to see what it was he was looking at. All they saw was the rain streaking down the glass with the gloomy gray sky beyond it. Phillip’s expression showed he was terrified. He stood and fled the room without another word. Rose walked over to where he was staring and placed her fingers on the glass. She pulled them back almost instantly, the cold burned her fingers. She closed her eyes, seeing if she could sense some trace of what had been here before, but nothing was revealed to her. Shaking her head, she walked back to the others.

  “Well, that was certainly strange. Phillip knows a lot more than he is letting on and for some reason, he wants us to leave. He has been warning us about this place for days now. For whatever reason, he seems to care about us.” Rose said.

  Faye nodded. “I think he is a lot closer to the shades than he let on. I can’t imagine that as long as he’s been here, he hasn’t seen any.”

  “He saw one just now, that’s obvious. I think the shades have a great deal of control here.” Adam said, walking over to look out the window.

  The rain had slowed from a downpour to a steady fall. He looked back at all of them. Placing his finger to his lips, he walked over to the closet. He pulled out his suitcase and began to silently pack it. Faye nodded and followed his lead. Eric glanced at Rose and she nodded. Rose knew they wouldn’t be allowed to leave, but she knew it would make them feel better to a
t least try. She also wanted to see if she could force another confrontation with the shades so they could get more information. She nodded to Eric and they walked to the door. Adam held up both hands to signal that they would meet in ten minutes. Eric nodded in understanding and they exited the room. In ten minutes, they were all standing outside the elevator. Rose shook her head no, and pointed to the door marked stairs. No one spoke as they climbed down the stairs. Their shoes sounded frighteningly loud as they pounded against the wooden stairs.

  Eric opened the door and looked around. They had emerged by the door that led out to the patio. He knew that the car port was just beyond the patio, and that they could go out that door, across the lawn, and to their cars. There was no doubt they would become soaked within a few steps, but they had little choice in the matter. They couldn’t go out the front door and under the awning. With a brief look around to make sure the coast was clear, they walked quickly out the door and into the rain. The moment the door closed behind them, the wind picked up and drove the rain into their faces. Lowering their heads, they pushed forward. Standing together in a tight group forging their way to the cars, it felt like an eternity to reach their goal, but finally they made it under the awning. Everyone was soaked from head to toe. Not sure if it was safe to speak yet, they remained silent. Eric and Rose’s black Porsche sat in the first spot. Adam looked around, surprised that he hadn’t noticed this on their arrival. There were only their two cars in carport. While there appeared to be more cars further away in the long shed, they were hard to make out through the deluge of rain.

  Adam and Faye’s Jeep was just a bit farther down. Eric turned to Adam and pointed to himself, then to his car, and then to the drive. Adam figured he was saying he would go first and that Adam was to follow. He nodded. They all climbed into their cars. The Porsche roared to life and began to back slowly down the dirt path. Adam and Faye followed slowly. After only a few feet the Porsche began to sink into the thick mud. Tires spun creating plumes of smoke; Eric struggled jerking the gear shift back and forth doing his best to free the car from the quagmire. But the more he tried the further mired the car became. With a curse and slap to the steering wheel Eric and Rose climbed out, stumbling through the mud as it did its best to suck them down. They climbed into the Jeep, which was having an easier time with the treacherous mud. Everyone sucked in a deep breath as the Jeep moved around the other car, gasping slightly as it became stuck for only a moment before powering out. The lightning flashed angrily and the thunder ripped through the sky in deafening peals. Adam maneuvered the Jeep down to the paved road and they all exhaled the collectively held breath. Turning the jeep around, he started down the mountain. Faye had never been happier that she had let Adam talk her into a Jeep instead of a trendy sports car.

  They rounded the bend at a crawl the rain making it impossible to move quickly. Forward just a bit at a time leaving the Eden behind them. Silence still prevailed as no one was really sure what to say. They drove down the winding road, the windows fogging, making it impossible to see any more than a few feet in front of the jeep. Adam leaned forward to place himself closer to the windshield to try for a better view. Out of the deluge came a horrifically clear vision. A face appeared directly in front of the car. Faye recognized it immediately. It was the same face from the mirror that morning, but this time there was thick, murky water was spilling out it’s his grinning mouth.

  Adam slammed on the brakes just as a bright flash of lightening struck. It lit up the repulsive vision before them with distressing clarity. For a brief second they could see his water wrinkled, bruised and bloated flesh and yellowing eyes in detail. Suddenly a second strike nearly blinded them and was followed by an ominous, cracking sound. Faye’s scream shattered the silence as a large tree branch came crashing down onto the windshield of the car, shattering it instantly. The broken glass rained in on them and Adam jerked the wheel to the side, trying to fight off the branches that had become tangled in it. The car veered uncontrollably to the side, colliding with the rocks on the side of the narrow road. It tilted up on its side and they all held their breath as it teetered for a moment.

  Now free to wreak havoc on the unprotected undercarriage of the Jeep, a strong gust of wind battered it, causing the Jeep to roll several times down the steep embankment. The occupants screamed in fear, covering their heads and ducking down to avoid the metal roof that was coming closer and closer to them each time it connected with the rocky ground. After several terrifying seconds the jeep came to rest on its side at the bottom of the ravine. Everyone inside sat a moment, confused by the altered reality of being on their sides. Adam returned to his senses first and leaned over to check Faye’s condition. She was breathing shallowly and had a small trickle of blood coming from her nose. He quickly checked her pulse. It was rapid but steady. He shook her gently.

  “Faye?” He coaxed softly. “Honey?”

  After a moment, her eyes fluttered open. She looked a bit dazed. Adam turned to look in the backseat. Eric was working to free Rose. Her hair was matted to the right side of her head with blood.

  “Is everyone ok?” Adam asked.

  “I think so. I’ll be much better when I’m right side up outside the jeep.” said Faye, her voice a bit weak.

  “Same here.” Rose echoed.

  “I think I can get out.” Eric said.

  He turned and pushed his door open with a great deal of effort and a large groan. He pulled himself out. He was relieved to see that the rain had slowed to a steady drizzle.

  “Let me see if I can help you get your door open Adam. Then we can get the girls out.” Eric added.

  He climbed up on top of the jeep and grabbed Adam’s door handle. With him pulling and Adam pushing, the door begrudgingly came open with a loud metal screech. Adam squirmed his way out. He felt a sore spot right over his ribs on the left side. He hoped it was just a bruise and not a break. He and Eric put their shoulders up against the door and shoved hard, trying to pry the door open enough for Faye to get out. No matter how hard they pushed, the door was too dented into come open any farther.

  “Faye, you’re going to have to climb out through the back door. This one won’t come open any further.” Adam called into the Jeep. The rain started to come a bit heavier and the thunder began to roll again.

  “I don’t want to hurry you guys, but I’d like to note that lightening is striking the ground and we are standing on a large metal object that is no longer grounded.” Eric said.

  Rose pulled herself into a standing position. Reaching her hands up through the open door, she stood on her tiptoes so that Adam and Eric could reach her. They grabbed her hands and gingerly pulled her up and out of the wreckage. Rose stood on the side of the Jeep then carefully slid her way to the ground. She guessed that the shades would try to stop them, but she never guessed it would be in such a violent manner. Leaning up against the wrecked Jeep, she closed her eyes. Her head was throbbing. She delicately touched the side of her head and found her hair was sticky with blood, but she couldn’t ascertain where it was coming from.

  Above her, Adam leaned half into the car to help Faye from the front seat, through the back seats and then out to safety. Rose knew Adam was seriously worried about Faye’s health with the pregnancy. Rose felt guilty. She should have tried to stop them from leaving. A few moments later, Faye was lowered to the ground next to Rose. Adam rummaged around and retrieved their luggage. They began the long, slow climb up to the road. The rain slackened off to a drizzle. When they reached the road, Adam and Eric placed the suitcases on the ground. Eric was limping but tried hard not to show it.

  “What do you ladies want to do? We can go back to the Eden, or we can press on and try to get to the main highway on foot.” Eric said.

  Rose knew that they would never make it to the highway. The Eden would not let them leave and she was terrified to see what lengths it would go to in order to stop them.

  “I really think we should go back. We can get cleaned up and dry. W
e need to see what kind of injuries we have. Even if we make it to the highway, I recall it being a rather desolate stretch of road and that little town was at least 10 miles away. In this rain and in our condition, I don’t think it’s a safe option.” Rose said, shivering.

  The men nodded.

  “Let’s get started then.” Adam said.

  They turned and started the walk up the windy hill. After about ten minutes the Eden came into view. They hadn’t gotten very far at all. They wearily climbed the front lawn, heading for the large front door. They were wet, dirty, and an awful sight as they walked into the lobby. Phillip looked up from behind the desk. His expression at first was surprise but quickly turned to sadness when it was obvious they had failed to escape. Without a word, they headed back to their rooms. They paused in the hall outside Adam and Faye’s door.

  “Should we split up?” Eric asked.

  “I don’t think so.” Adam replied.

  They headed into the first room, placing their soggy luggage on the floor. Adam went in and immediately started a hot shower. He then walked over and started a fire as they were all chilled to the bone.

  “Faye, why don’t you go first and get cleaned up. I’ll lay out your robe.” Adam said.

  “Does anyone mind if I go first?” Faye asked her hands subconsciously fluttering over her abdomen.

  “Not at all sweetie, go on.” Rose said.

  “Indeed, go ahead.” Eric responded, pausing to look at his watch.

  “It’s three’ o’clock now. I’m going to order up something to eat. That little adventure worked us up and I think some hot soup would help.” Eric finished.

  “I agree.” Faye said as she disappeared into the bathroom closing the door. A moment later the door reopened. “I think I’m just going to leave this open. And would you mind coming and covering this mirror with a towel?”

  They all remembered the horrid vision on the road and no one blamed Faye for not wanting to see that again. Adam nodded, heading into the bathroom. He took one of the large towels and used it to cover the mirror. He helped Faye undress and blocked the open door while she stepped into the shower.

  “I will be right here and I will check on you periodically. I don’t think it’s safe for any of us to be alone anymore.” Adam said.

  Adam walked back into the other room as Eric was hanging up the phone. He told Adam, “The kitchen is delivering some Tomato, Chicken Noodle soup, and Clam Chowder right away.”

  Rose sat on the edge of the bed, wrapped in the throw cover from the settee.

  “How’s your head?” Eric asked as he tried to see where the blood on her head was coming from without touching her.

  “To be honest, it hurts like hell.” Rose said with a weak smile. She examined a scrape on her arm, “I would say let’s go to the doctor, but I don’t trust him. Something is very wrong with everyone here and I’m not sure which way is up anymore.”

  Adam pulled Faye’s red fleece robe from the bag and headed toward the bathroom.

  “I’m just going to leave the shower on, Rose. I assume you should go next since we need to see where that blood is coming from. You may need stitches.” Adam said as he walked into the bathroom, closing the door behind him

  Rose nodded, pulling a thick blue Caftan from her bag and sliding off her shoes. Adam reappeared a few minutes later with Faye, who was wrapped in her robe with her hair up in a towel. Rose and Eric went into the bathroom, his limp even more pronounced now.

  “This is turning out to be one hell of a vacation.” Faye said quietly, settling on the edge of the bed.

  “That’s the truth. I’m sorry, Faye. If I had any idea that this was going to happen, I would have just stayed here and tried our odds. I was just nervous and I couldn’t stand the thought of any harm coming to you or our baby and I panicked.” Adam said as he began to pace.

  Faye smiled softly at him. “Adam, honey, you did what you thought was best for us. Both options were risky and we did what we could. We know leaving isn’t an option right now, so we will have to take our chances in this horror hotel.”

  Adam placed his arms around his wife, pulling her in closely. A few minutes later Eric emerged from the bathroom, making sure to leave the door open. Limping and moving slowly, he winced as the pain shot up his leg the moment he put weight onto his foot.

  “She has a small cut on her scalp under her hair. Not too deep thankfully, but head wounds always bleed more.” Eric said as he slipped his shoes off.

  “Why don’t you take the shower next, Adam? I’ll go last.” Eric said as he stumbled over to the fire to warm himself. Before Adam could reply, there was a knock at the door. Adam opened the door. The same waiter who had brought them dinner in the owner’s suite now stood there with a cart that had three covered dishes, a carafe of water, and a decanter of a dark liquid. Faye assumed it was some kind of hard liquor for the men as she was sure they needed it. Hell, Rose might even want a shot because if she wasn’t pregnant, she would be tipping one back as well. Adam pulled the cart in. He couldn’t fail to notice the smug look on the waiter’s face as he surveyed Eric and his ripped and muddy clothing. Adam slammed the door in his face.

  “That was perfect timing.” Rose said as she walked out of the bathroom. Her face was still a bit pale, but she looked calmer.

  “I left the shower running. The steam has made the bathroom nice and warm.” Rose added as she lifted the lid off one of the dishes, deeply inhaling the scent of piping hot chicken noodle soup.

  Adam stood up and kissed Faye on the forehead. He walked into the bathroom and closed the door, leaving it slightly ajar. As the smell wafted to her, Faye’s stomach cramped up in hunger. Due to the bloody writing on the wall, she hadn’t gotten to eat her entire sandwich and she was glad Eric had thought to order food. She got herself a bowl of tomato soup and sat down on the bed. Everyone ate in silence as no one really had anything much to say.

  Shortly afterward, Adam came out dressed in the hotel robe. He had a nasty scrape across his forehead, probably from the tree branch. Faye hadn’t noticed it before because his face had been smeared in mud. He walked over, grabbed a bowl, and spooned out some clam chowder as Eric practically dragged himself into the shower. He hadn’t once mentioned the pain he was obviously in. Rose knew he was being strong for her because he viewed himself as her protector. Again, silence reigned as everyone ate. Eric came back out wrapped in a towel. Rose looked down and saw that his left ankle was very swollen and turning an ugly, purple color.

  “I think you sprained your ankle.” Adam said.

  Eric nodded, pulling a set of sweats out of his bag and limping back to the bathroom to dress. “I think so as well. Guess there will be no dance lessons for me tonight.”

  “Are we going to go tonight? Or should we stay here and hide out?” Adam asked.

  “I don’t think we are any safer in here then we are out there.” Eric responded as he hobbled out, pain now clear on his face.

  “I agree. So, we are back where we started with a few more bumps and contusions to show for our heroic escape plan.” Faye said

  “I think our best defense is a good offence. We go down there and we find out everything we can. We find out what these shades are after and why they are targeting us. Then we form a plan. I’ll be damned if I’m going to allow some moldy, old corpse to threaten me and my friends, or my family.” Eric said emphatically

  “I agree, but I don’t suggest you attempt dancing on that ankle. You need to be in top condition in case we need to make another run for it.” Adam said as he finished his soup. He poured himself a tall glass from the decanter and downed it, making a face as the hot liquid burned its way to his stomach. He poured another large one handing it to Eric.

  “Then it’s decided.” Faye said quietly, her voice trembling slightly. When they had started this adventure she had been so curious and so driven to find the truth about the Eden. Now she just wanted to run away and never look back. But Eric was right. If they were goi
ng to fight this place and escape it, they had to know what they were up against. Faye glanced at the clock. It was five o’clock.

  “We have two and a half hours before the lessons. I sure could use a nap.” Faye said, topping the statement off with a large yawn.

  “I don’t think that sounds like a bad idea at all.” said Rose.

  “Why don’t you ladies take the bed and Eric and I will sit up and play some cards or something.” Adam said.

  “You should put your foot up, honey. It will help the swelling.” Rose said as she slid under the comforter. Her eyelids felt heavy.

  “I’ll prop it up on the settee. You ladies get your rest. But I think that we should have someone standing guard” Eric replied.

  Adam nodded.

  “Until we know better what we are up against, I don’t think we should be caught unawares” He said his face taking on a thoughtful expression.

  Adam walked over and kissed Faye on the cheek. She had already slipped off to sleep. That had been quite an ordeal for her and he was very concerned. As soon as he got her out of this freak show, he was getting her straight to a hospital and having them perform a full work up on her.

  Rose lay down gently beside her, her eye already dipping closed. The guys watched them a moment longer then set their selves up on the settee.

  Eric glanced down at this swollen ankle then out at the rain.

  “Tell me, what do you think our chances are?” He asked Adam who was stoking the fire.

  Adam sighed as he ran his hands through his hair.

  “I have no idea. I do know now for certain our lives are in danger. Whatever force is here stopped us from escaping because it wants us. It’s obvious from the state Matt and Stephanie found themselves in, every living being in this place is in life threatening danger” Adam said sitting gingerly beside Eric.

  “But what I wonder is, why us? Hell there must be three or four hundred people in this place. Why is it, whatever “it” is, after us specifically? Eric pondered.

  Adam shrugged. Eric’s thoughts echoed his own exactly. For a silent moment Eric studied his growing ankle which now resembled the color of a ripe plum.

  “Man I need you to promise me something” Eric said in a very quiet voice as he turned his ankle over, examining the damage.

  “I will if I possibly can Eric, what’s up?” Adam asked.

  “If it comes down to getting out of here and keeping our wives safe and I’m a hindrance, go without me and make sure Rose gets out safe.” He replied.

  For a moment neither spoke, considering the gravity of what had been said and how it may become a necessity.

  Adam nodded.

  “I’m going to hope it never comes to that man, but I would ask the same from you if I were in your position so I do understand and I promise” Adam answered.

  The silence grew thick for a few minutes then Eric spoke softly.

  “I’ve been all over the world. I’ve seen many strange things. I’ve even been in real danger before. Once I got into a bit of a misunderstanding with an aboriginal chief over some goods” He said with a grin.

  “But it’s always been tangible danger. But now, here, a few hundred miles from home I’m trapped, laid up and in danger from things I’m still not sure I believe in. The things I’ve seen here make me question my own sanity. I guess I just keep hoping I’m going to wake up and realize this was all a marathon nightmare” He finished wincing as he tried to find a comfortable spot for his ankle.

  “I can’t say I’m as well traveled. Faye has tried to drag me on a few expeditions but my architecture firm has been so damn busy. Now I sit here thinking about all those hours spent hunched over a drafting board, dates missed, time together lost because work needed me. I guess being faced with the possibility of losing what you hold dear is a serious wakeup call concerning priorities” Adam said, his fingers tracing the carving on the arm of the settee.

  Glancing over at the bed they studied their beautiful wives. Thoughts became deep and distressed, causing the conversation to stall.

  Neither man noticed as dark shadow slid across the floor up to Rose’s side of the bed, crawling into a natural shadow created by the bed curtains. It began to swirl, working its magic. Once again, Rose found herself in the Ballroom, however this time it was burned out and charred. Chairs lay on their sides while exposed timbers lay haphazardly where they had fallen. The floor glittered with broken glass. Rose walked carefully picking her way through the debris. She heard voices out in the hall. Slowly, she moved toward them. Reaching the doorway, she had to hold back a gag. A large pile of charred bodies lay in the hall. Some were no longer recognizable as people with their flesh charred and melted into a grisly mask of pain and death. She had to look away-- the magnitude of the catastrophe before her was more than she could handle. She moved toward the voices again. The entire lobby was a burned out shell. There were police officers and firefighters, making notes and taking pictures. Rose sighed sadly and walked back toward the Ballroom. There seemed to be a large group of officers down the hall toward the Manager’s Office. She closed her eyes sliding along the wall to avoid touching the corpses, some of which were still smoldering. The smell was so strong it made her eyes water. Walking down the hall she noticed that there was less damage down this way. It seemed that the blast from the furnace went straight up. There was some evidence that a fire had raged afterward, but some parts seemed to have escaped total obliteration.

  She moved through the police and the reporters, sliding easily into the inner office. Evidence of a slaughter was immediately evident. There was blood covering almost every surface of the room and sitting in the chair behind the desk was a headless body. It was wearing a tuxedo and a white scarf soaked in blood lay over one shoulder. Was it possible that both men wore the same white scarf…one murdered, and one still managing the hotel? Rose began to think on it when she heard a child’s voice calling her name. She turned and left the horrendous scene behind her, following the sound of the child’s voice. It led her through the lobby, through the burned out doorway. The lawn was scattered with bits and pieces of the hotel as well as some of the guests. She felt the bile rise in her throat as she stepped over a high heeled shoe still attached to a burned and bloody foot. Walking further down into the garden she was surprised to find it seemed untouched by the blaze. The farther into the garden she moved the louder and closer the voice sounded. She found the little girl sitting on the bench by the fountain. She sat quietly beside her. She looked up, her bright blue eyes wet with tears.

  “I’m so glad you came.” She said softly. “I will tell you what I can before the old one finds us again. Long ago, a life was lost when the Eden was still being forged. The spirit was angry, forlorn, and lonely. It struck a deal with an ancient evil. The evil gave the spirit the hourglass and it promised that if a sacrifice was made to refill the glass on the Spring Equinox, then the spirit would wield control over the Eden and add to the number of ghosts who would remain here. This would essentially give the old one an army of captive ghosts.”

  “How often does the hourglass need to be refilled? How much of a sacrifice is needed? Can it be stopped? What was the ancient evil?” Rose fired off questions quickly as her brain processed what she had been told.

  The child shook her head. “I can tell you no more. I’ve risked too much already. Come to the dance tonight, and you will see the truth.”

  Rose opened her mouth to ask her what she meant as the dream started to melt around her. She felt herself being shaken and she knew Eric was trying to wake her. She knew the dream could not be recaptured, so she allowed herself to be awakened.

  Rose opened her eyes to see Eric’s concerned face staring down at her.

  “Rose, are you ok?” He asked.

  “I’m fine. The child came to me.” Rose said, sitting up

  “I figured something was up. You were tossing and turning pretty violently.” Eric said sitting beside her on the bed. Rose glanced at the clock-- it
was almost seven. Adam was sitting by the fire and Faye was at her makeup table, brushing her hair.

  “I have some further information.” Rose said, standing. Everyone listened as she reiterated the scene of her dream as well as what she had been told. After she finished her tale, everyone sat quietly for a moment.

  “So, there is no doubt now that we are at least part of the intended sacrifice tomorrow night.” Faye said softly.

  “Perhaps the last sacrifice was so large that the hourglass is just now running low? Maybe everyone here is in danger of another full scale tragedy.” Adam said.

  ‘What did she mean by come tonight and you will see?” Eric asked.

  “I have no idea, but I know she wants to help us. Tonight may yield more information that will give us the help we need.” Rose said. She went to her bag and pulled out a long, plain, black skirt and a white satin blouse. Eric dug around and pulled out a pair of black dress slacks and a white sweater. They went into the bathroom together to change, Rose supporting all most all his weight.

  Faye and Adam sat for a moment, regarding each other.

  “So I guess we should go. We aren’t really safe anywhere but I’d rather not invite any more encouragement to do as they wish us to.” Faye said.

  She pulled out a casual red dress from her bag. It was sleeveless and made of a satin-like fabric. Adam nodded.

  “I completely agree with that.” Adam said, gently touching his ribs which had turned an interesting plum color so that they matched up nicely with Eric’s ankle. He pulled out a pair of black slacks and a black dress shirt. Within a few minutes, everyone was ready to leave.

  They opened the door slowly. Adam moved out first, making a thorough visual search of the hallway. It was empty. All the lamps at the other end of the hall were turned off, creating ominous deep shadows. They moved quickly toward the elevator. Eric limped and Rose supported him as best she could. Everyone was on edge. Their heads swiveled from side to side as they waited for the elevator, not knowing when the next surprise would find them. The elevator doors slid open. Adam pulled the cage door back, once again checking it over before they all boarded. Silently, it descended. When the door chimed to announce the lobby, everyone jumped. They exited the elevator and headed for the lobby with the other couples who were moving toward the Ballroom. Rose took time to study them. They appeared to be ordinary people, although there were a fair amount of people dressed in black and white. Some even wore the same outfits they wore to the black and white party the first night. They walked past the restaurant and down the side hall toward the smaller Ballroom. As they walked in they were surprised to see the Ballroom’s décor was similar to what it was that first night, except, the lights were up and there were no tables, leaving a large open checkerboard dance floor. They slowly walked in. Phillip was standing off to one side speaking in hushed tones to Natalie. Faye raised her hand to wave, but he turned his head and ignored her gesture. They moved to the far side of the Ballroom, placing their backs up against the wall. The room was much bigger without the tables. It appeared that there were seventy or so people milling about. Rose searched the room, looking for whatever it was they were supposed to see. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. The band tuned up on the stage. A beautiful woman walked out into the center of the floor. Her short blonde hair was very twenties silver screen style. She wore a dress that, with a little added fringe, would have been a perfect flapper gown. Rose felt a tinge of recognition, but it was gone just as fast. She held her hands up for quiet. The room silenced.

  “Thank you for coming everyone! My name is Penny and I will be your dancing instructor. Because we have such a large turnout this evening, I have asked Phillip and our good Doctor if they would assist in the lessons as they are both very accomplished dancers.” She said, turning to look at the crowd.

  Faye shivered, remembering the Doctor’s rough hold on her. She would definitely avoid dancing with him.

  “All right, due to space constraints, we are going to have to divide the group in half. So would 30 couples please come out on to the floor? Don’t worry if you don’t have a partner. Just step out on the floor and I will pair you up.” She said, stepping up onto the band platform so she could survey the floor.

  People started to make their way to the dance floor. Adam walked over and grabbed a chair for Eric to sit in. Then he and Faye made their way to the dance floor with Rose in tow. After a few moments, Penny made her way onto the dance floor and began positioning couples. She pulled Phillip over and placed him with Rose. He looked immediately uncomfortable. Penny was dancing with the Doctor, who looked just as sour out on the dance floor as he had in his office. Natalie stood off to the side. Her eyes never left Phillip, cementing in Rose’s mind that there was definitely a work place romance going on there. They demonstrated the basic waltz steps at three different points on the floor so that everyone could see them clearly. After asking if anyone had any questions, she started the band and counted the steps. Adam was having a little trouble and Faye had to dodge his feet several times. Rose and Phillip moved very gracefully. He kept his head turned away from her so he could avoid having to speak to her. They danced for a few minutes and Penny walked around, correcting people’s form and movements. Once she was satisfied with the performances she saw, she stopped the music.

  “Excellent! Let us move on to the second group, and then we will learn a Reel.” Penny said.

  The couples moved off the floor. Phillip fled from Rose to go stand by Natalie. Adam, Faye and Rose rejoined a miserable Eric. Rose was getting disappointed as she saw nothing different here and no mystic answers. The other couples watched Penny and the doctor demonstrate again. Natalie and Phillip took to the floor. They looked very comfortable in each other’s arms. It was clear this was not the first dance they had shared. Rose was about to suggest they just go back to their rooms when she heard a very faint voice calling her name. She turned her head sharply toward the sound, trying to determine where the voice was coming from. To her right were about 15 palm plants that had been moved around the room. Rose squinted into the shadows and after a moment she was able to make out the figure of a small child. Rose walked over to her. Faye, Adam and Eric turned to see what she was doing, but they couldn’t see beyond her into the palms.

  “It’s time. It’s time for you to see them as they are.” She said quietly.

  “To see who as they are?” Rose asked.

  “The living, do not rule here.” she said.

  “I’m afraid I don’t understand.” Rose said.

  “I’m going to let you see all of them. I’ll let you see them as they really are.” She explained.

  She reached out her hand which was covered in a red swirling mist. She touched Rose’s hand, her touch so light it was almost not felt. The mist crept up her arm to her eyes. For a moment she couldn’t see and she began to panic.

  “Go to your friends. Touch them and then you will all be able to truly see. Make sure you do not react. If they know that you know, you will be in grave danger.” With that she disappeared.

  Rose closed her eyes. Her vision was hazy but she could make out Eric and the others. Placing her hand on the wall, she moved slowly back to them. They stared at her, puzzled. Leaning in, she told them what happened and of the warning.

  “So when you touch us we will be able to see the shades?” Faye asked.

  “I think she believes that if we can see them, it may help us.” Rose whispered.

  They nodded and glanced out at the couples who were learning the steps.

  “Do you think there are any shades here to see?” Eric asked quietly.

  Rose shrugged. She asked, “Ready?”

  They all nodded yes. Starting with Faye, she gently laid her hands on them one at a time. A bit of the red mist swirled from her fingertips, making its way into their eyes. They all blinked a few times and as their vision cleared, the band started up and the couples began to move around the floor gracefully. Faye glanced out over the dance
floor. She focused in on Phillip and Natalie. In the center of his forehead was a bullet hole. The trail of blood ran down his face. He twirled out of view and the girl dancing beside him became visible. Faye had to hold back a gasp. She was smiling up at her partner, but protruding from her throat was the handle of a carving knife. The front of her soft blue dress was soaked in blood. Beside her, Adam was having a similar realization as he stared at a man who was happily chatting with his partner, yet the back of his head was missing revealing fragments of his brain. Adam had to look at the floor to keep from getting sick. Eric stared and shock was clear on his face. He was staring at Penny. Her pretty face was purple. Her eyes were bulging from their sockets and an angry red line covered most of her throat. She turned so the doctor was facing him and Eric did gag, but he covered it with a cough. Two large hypodermic needles were stuck in the physician’s eyes. Rose looked out over the entire dance floor at those in the crowd and the truth hit her so hard she physically stumbled. The living did not reign here. The shades weren’t just spirits or shadows. Everyone here was dead. The Old One had its Kingdom of the Dead. The only living people in this building were the four of them. They danced on, having no idea that their charade had ended. Rose kept the warning in the forefront of her mind. She lifted her chin and walked over to Penny as the couples were clearing off the floor. She found herself staring at the angry red line around her neck. Forcing herself to look up, she plastered on a smile.

  “Penny your lessons are absolutely outstanding. However, my darling husband twisted his ankle play boxing with our friend Adam, who also suffered some bruised ribs. We want them in top condition for the Ball tomorrow evening so we are going to take them back up to our rooms and get them propped up and relaxed.” Rose lied in what she hoped was convincing tone.

  Penny laughed softly, giving a conspiratorial wink. “They do look rather pathetic.”

  Rose nodded and smiled back. “That they are.”

  “Get them rested up and we will see you tomorrow evening.” Penny said, walking away to set the couples up for the Reel.

  Rose walked back, keeping her head down to avoid seeing anymore gruesome corpses. She helped Eric up. “I explained to Penny about our boys sparring injuries and how we were going to take them back to rest. She understood.”

  “Thank you.” Faye said sincerely.

  They walked out as quickly as they could, working very hard to avoid looking at anyone else. Faye bumped into someone and automatically looked up. The man smiled at her.

  “So sorry, Miss. I am a bit of a klutz.” He said.

  “No problem at all.” Faye said, thankful that he was not gruesome. She glanced back at him, wondering if perhaps he was another living person. Her eyes widened as she saw a huge axe buried deep in his back. She stumbled and Adam looked up and followed her gaze quickly. He pulled her forward, knowing if they stopped they would not be able to hold up their façade. They made it out to the lobby. It was completely deserted. They let out a huge sigh and as they rounded the corner they were facing the front desk. The clerk who had filled in for Phillip the one night was behind the desk. He looked up. His one eye was swollen shut the rest of his face and neck were a conglomeration of bruises and cuts. He smiled at them. Several of his teeth were missing or raggedly broken.

  “Ah, there you all are.” He said.

  “Phillip told me about the broken heater in your rooms. I hope you won’t mind, but we had to move you to the third floor-- room 318, a double bed suite-- due to how full the hotel is. We have already moved your things.” He explained, holding out another key.

  Eric limped forward and took the key. “We don’t mind at all. Thank you and please let Mr. Therman know how attentive and helpful Phillip is to our needs.”

  He nodded and they started down the long hallway. No one spoke until they were standing outside room 318. The anticipation was palpable as Eric slid the key into the lock and felt the old lock click. They stepped inside. The lamps had already been lit, and a friendly fire was roaring in the large sitting room. It seemed like an oasis compared to the hell they had just waded through. There were two chairs and a table, as well as a large writing desk with a chair. Beyond the sitting room were two, glass-paneled doors that led to the bedroom. Eric and Adam settled into the chairs as Rose and Faye explored. The bedroom had two queen sized beds in it as well as a wardrobe. A door on the far side led to the bathroom. Their bags were sitting on the ends of the beds. They walked back to Adam and Eric who were sitting on the floor.

  “Phillip took good care of us. He knew we wanted to be together, so he gave us an excuse.” Rose said.

  “He is a good man, even if he is … dead.” Eric said.

  “I never even suspected.” Faye said quietly.

  “You weren’t supposed to.” A soft, small voice said from nowhere.

  Everyone jumped. Next to the fireplace, a black mist appeared. It swirled and began to take shape as they watched. Within moments, a young girl stood there.

  “Emily.” Eric and Adam said in unison.

  Faye immediately recognized the little girl she had met on her first day.

  “So you’re one of them?” Eric asked incredulously.

  She nodded, walking over and sitting on the floor beside Rose. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. It was so nice to have someone to play with and I didn’t want you to be afraid of me.”

  Rose had never put together that the little girl from her dreams was her husband’s friend.

  Faye stared at her. She could see no manner of death.

  Emily noticed. “You are wondering how I died?”

  Faye looked down, embarrassed.

  “It’s all right. When we were playing hide-and-seek in the construction area, I was running and looking for a place to hide. One of the older boys jumped out and scared me and it was more than my heart could take. He dumped me down the elevator shaft, and then pretended to look for me so he wouldn’t be blamed. That is why I do not show my manner of death as the others do.” Emily said softly.

  “So everyone here-- the waiters, guests, hotel manager, all of them are dead?” Eric asked, still sounding confused.

  “When you die here, you stay here. When the hotel burned, the last of the living were driven out and the dead took over, restarting their lives so to speak.” Emily explained.

  “So you invite the living up here when the hourglass needs to be filled so that you can continue your existence this way.” Rose said.

  Emily nodded.

  “Then why are you helping us and telling us all this?” Adam asked.

  “Because, I am tired and I’ve watched too many people end their lives to feed this monster.” Emily said, a tear rolling down her cheek.

  “But if the hourglass isn’t filled, then you too will cease to exist.” Faye said softly.

  “I know, but it’s time to rest.” Emily answered.

  “Great. We booked our vacation at club dead.” Eric said sarcastically.

  “There are two factions here. Ones who follow the Old One and enjoy this existence and then there are those who want this to end.” Emily said, ignoring Eric’s comment.

  “So, how are we supposed to get out?” Adam asked.

  “The blood must be taken by the time the 12th chime of midnight strikes. The Old One likes to start the ceremony on the first strike of the clock at midnight. Some blood has already been placed in the hour glass. They always hold the ceremony in the Ballroom to honor those who made the final sacrifice and made their so-called dead paradise. Once the glass is filled, it is turned, and our time starts again. You will then join with those here and become part of the Eden. The rain has stopped, which means by the end of the night the mud around the other car should be dry, and the bridge may be uncovered. But as long as you make it off the mountain you are safe. I suggest you spend most of tomorrow in your room and then show up at the Ball, on time, in your costumes. You cannot give any indication that you know anything or all will be lost. Your sight will return to n
ormal by morning, so you will not be distracted by their appearance. Dance, drink punch, and have a good time. They will announce the parade. While everyone watches the ending, slip out the patio door, get in your car, and go. Whatever you do, don’t look back, and don’t trust anything you may see or hear. While they are weak, they will still try to frighten you into staying.” Emily explained.

  They all sat a moment and digested what they had just heard.

  Rose placed her arm around Emily. “I want you to know how much we appreciate your sacrifice, and I have something for you.”

  Gently, Rose pulled out the old doll from her bag and carried it to Emily. The child’s face lit up.

  “Mary Ann! You found her!” Emily exclaimed, holding the doll close to her.

  Faye’s eyes filled with tears. She knew there was no way they could save Emily, but the idea of being responsible for her second death, so to speak, was hard for her. Emily stood, still smiling.

  “I must go. They were distracted by the dancing, but I cannot be caught here.” She said. She then added quickly before fading. “Thank you again for my doll. I will see you tomorrow night. Remember you must leave as the parade ends.” With a sad smile she dissolved into the same black swirling mist and was gone.

  Silence reigned for a few moments, everyone trying to puzzle together what they had just seen and been told. Faye broke the silence.

  “This has been the strangest day of my entire life.” Faye said.

  “Agreed.” The rest of them said in unison.

  “I keep expecting to wake up and have this be one of my strange dreams.” Rose said.

  Faye stood and walked to the mirror examining her face in the mirror.

  “Do you think we can get away?” Faye asked her hand, fluttering to her stomach. She had to think about protecting her baby now, as well as herself.

  “We have no choice. I have no intention of spending eternity here.” Eric said.

  Rose looked at the clock-- it was nearing eleven. She walked into the bedroom and to the window, pulling back the curtain. She saw that Emily had spoken the truth. The rain had stopped, but the wind was still whipping and bending some of the trees nearly in half. She walked back.

  “The rain has stopped, but its hurricane force winds out there.” Rose said. A grim determination entered her voice as she continued, “I’m going to order up some ice for your foot honey. We need to wrap your ribs Adam. Faye, you and I are going to have to go down to the doctor’s office and get some bandages. If we are going to have to run for our lives, then I would prefer we are as healthy as we can be.”

  Faye nodded and turned to Adam and Eric, “Would you like me to order up a few drinks as well guys?” she asked.

  “That’s the best suggestion yet. I don’t really relish the idea of you girls going down there alone. But I know now that they won’t harm you until tomorrow.” Eric said.

  “That’s exactly why I want to do it now.” Rose said.

  Faye walked over to the phone and dialed the kitchen. She spoke for a few minutes, and then came back into the sitting room.

  “They are sending up a bucket of ice, a bottle of gin and tonic water, and a dessert plate.” She told them.

  “That sounds perfect.” Adam said.

  “Okay, let’s go get the bandages we need so we will be back in time for dessert.” Rose said.

  Kissing their husbands, they headed out the door. They walked very closely together, not sure how they should feel about being the only living people in this hotel of death. The elevator descended and they walked out quickly, their eyes downcast. They knew they still had the sight, and they wanted to avoid as many people as they could. Thankfully the hall was empty. When they reached the lobby, Phillip was behind the desk. The bullet hole drew their eyes. Rose walked over to the desk. She leaned over, speaking in a low whisper.

  “Thank you for everything. I know what you’re trying to do and I appreciate it.” She said.

  Phillip smiled sadly, responding in a whisper just as quiet as hers, “You’re welcome, but I must warn you. You can’t always trust those who offer help here.”

  Rose looked at him a moment, confused. He just smiled and walked away. Rose and Faye continued on to the doctor’s office, not sure of what to think of his statement. So far, the only people who had offered help were him and Emily. They stopped outside the doctor’s door. Both of them dreaded going in, but knew it was necessary. Faye knocked softly. To her relief, a female voice told them to come in.

  They entered, leaving the door open just in case a fast escape was needed. A woman was standing at the desk. She was dressed in a plain, white uniform. Faye began to tremble, not certain if she could carry on the charade as half the woman’s face had been seared off. Her skull was charred and her hair hung on in sooty clumps. Rose stepped forward, and put herself slightly in front of Faye.

  “Good evening.” She said her voice unbelievably cool.

  “Good evening! How may I help you?” The nurse replied.

  “My husband and her husband decided to act all manly and tried a sparring match. My husband has a sprained ankle and hers has bruised ribs. I’ve already ordered the ice, but I was hoping we could get some bandages for them.” Rose lied serenely. She had no doubt that the woman knew exactly what had happened to them, but it was all about maintaining the façade.

  “Men can be silly like that. I do have some compression bandages you can wrap them in. I assume they think themselves too manly to visit the doctor.” She said as she walked to the cabinet.

  “Absolutely, they wouldn’t even admit they were hurt if their skin wasn’t purple.” Rose said with a laugh. Faye stood behind her, echoing her laughs softly. She was so thankful for Rose’s newfound unshakable demeanor. This place had really toughened her up. What Faye didn’t know was that Rose had already seen this woman on the pile of corpses in her dream. It was less disturbing the second time. She walked back with a handful of white, elastic bandages and a bottle, handing them to Rose.

  “That should be enough bandages. The bottle is aspirin. Without the doctor here, I can’t give out anything stronger. Sorry.” She said with a smile. Faye cringed. Half her face was normal and the other half was a grinning, blackened skull. Pieces of the overcooked flesh flaked off as the muscles around them moved. It was more then she could take.

  “Thanks again.” Faye said and quickly fled. Rose smiled and followed her out. She knew Faye was having a hard time, and was thrilled she had made it as long as she had. They walked out into the lobby. They heard a lot of voices from the direction of the smaller Ballroom.

  “Oh God! The dancing lesson is letting out. I cannot face all of them again.” Faye said her voice in a panic.

  Rose nodded. As steeled as she had become, she had no desire to face that many of them again. She grabbed Faye’s hand and almost ran to the elevator before the group could come around the corner into view. Faye repeatedly stabbed the elevator button. Keeping her back to the lobby, she could still feel the presence of the mass getting closer. She began to tremble in fear. Rose laid her hand on her shoulder to steady her. The door slid open and Faye ripped the gate open and threw herself into the elevator, grabbing Rose roughly and yanking her into the elevator with her. As the doors slid shut, she saw a group making their way to the elevator. She gasped out loud, and prayed that they were too far to hear her. Leading the group was a headless man with a white scarf. Once they were safely moving between floors, Rose leaned her head back and closed her eyes. Her breath ragged.

  “While we needed the sight to know the truth, I could certainly do without it.” Rose said.

  “I have no idea how you managed to stay so calm, but I am very thankful for it.” Faye said her voice barely audible as the doors slid open on the third floor. They stepped out and were surprised to see a couple standing in the hall turning the key to their room. They looked up and smiled.

  Faye took a very deep breath. The man’s face was one she was very familiar with. He was the bloa
ted damp man from her bathroom and from their escape attempt. His smile was smug as he pushed his door open. His companion turned to smile at them. Her face was splotchy and black with large boils on it. She gave a little head nod, and then followed him into the room. The door closing shattered the silence.

  They ran to their door, turning the key with fumbling hands. They tumbled into the room, slamming the door behind them. Eric and Adam both jumped.

  “Damn, Faye. You scared the hell out of me.” Adam said as he settled back in his chair.

  Faye was pleased to see the cart was already in the room. She didn’t have to face another one of the walking dead tonight. Faye walked over and sunk into the desk chair. Her whole body felt cold. Rose walked over with the bandages and knelt on the floor in front of Eric. While she wrapped up his foot and prepared the ice pack, she told them about the journey downstairs, the conversation with Phillip, the nurse, the headless man, and the people across the hall.

  “You should have seen the guy who brought the cart.” Adam said with a shiver.

  “I’d rather not know-- I’m hungry.” Faye said, making her way to the cart.

  She began to pick at the desert plate as Rose instructed Adam to lift his shirt. She gently wrapped his ribs.

  “The nurse gave me a bottle of aspirin. I’m slightly untrusting of her, however they don’t want to hurt us, so I think it may be safe and taking the edge off the pain would be helpful.” Rose said, popping the bottle open. She handed each man two pills, which they downed with their gin and tonics.

  As Faye finished off the dessert plate, she walked into the bedroom. She fished around in her bag and found a nightgown.

  “I don’t know about you, but this has been one of the longest days of my life and I would like very much for it to be over.” Faye said as she headed to the bathroom to change.

  “I can’t say that I disagree.” Adam said, struggling out of his chair. He located his pajamas and followed Faye into the bathroom.

  “I will help you get changed.” Rose said to Eric. She walked to her bag and pulled out bed clothing for both of them. Slowly and carefully, both men were dressed for bed by their loving wives.

  As the clock read quarter after midnight, both couples were ready for bed. The door and window locks were checked even though they knew it wouldn’t keep out those here if they wished to come in. After a few tense and tired Good Nights, they turned out the lamps and went to sleep. This night Rose’s dreams were unbothered, Faye was not so lucky.

  She stood on the patio in her Ball gown. She gazed out over the garden and as she watched, it began to burn. The hedges curled up in the hungry flames. She felt the heat on her face, but she found herself unable to move. She watched as the flames spread across the lawn. She heard a very familiar voice speaking behind her, but she couldn’t turn to see who it was.

  “You are being lied to. The old one is using you. You cannot believe what you are told. The child lies. Please believe me.” The voice said.

  “Who are you?” Faye asked as she fought to turn.

  “Don’t let the blood flow.” The voice replied.

  The flames crept closer. The floor around her began to burn. She screamed, but the hot smoke filled her lungs and she just coughed and sputtered, fighting for air. Just as she felt herself starting to pass out, she sat up in her bed. Her nightgown was stuck to her body with sweat. Everyone around her was still asleep. The clock read 3 AM. She lay back against the headboard, thinking about the message she received. She struggled to recognize the voice, hoping if she could figure out whom it was then she would know more about whether or not she could trust their words. She closed her eyes and went over the memory again. Just as she was about to give up and go back to sleep, it hit her. It was Phillip.

  He had said not to believe all the offers of help that were given, but why would Emily want to hurt them. She had been the one to show them the truth, to tell them what was to happen tomorrow night, and how to get away. It was possible that she was sent to lure them into a false sense of security and to keep them from trying to leave before the Ball. It was hard to distrust such a sweet child. However, the Old One may be counting on that and it could be why she was chosen. It was all very confusing and hard to follow. She would discuss it with the others in the morning. She did know one thing for certain-- yesterday was going to be nothing compared to today and she needed sleep. Settling back down under the covers, she very carefully snuggled up to Adam and fell almost instantly back to sleep.

  Below them, in the almost deserted lobby, a heated argument raged. On one side was Emily, her young face red with anger. On the other was Phillip, whose fists were balled in rage.

  “This has to stop. I don’t know what you’re up to telling them to try to run, but I know you. You will not allow your kingdom to fall.” Phillip spat angrily.

  Emily gave a cruel laugh. “No, you don’t know what I’m up to. I’m trying something new this time. It’s something that may free me from this place.”

  “You’ve told all your little followers that if they protected them from listening to us that they would also be freed. You don’t give a damn about any of us. You never did. We were for your amusement.” Phillip said, his voice rising.

  Emily’s face turned very cold. “I am still the old one, I am still your leader and you will obey me.”

  “Or what Emily, what else can you possibly do to me? I’ve been living under your thumb too long. It’s time to stop this madness. The ritual will not be completed and whatever it is you think you’re going to get away with, we will stop you.” He said with determination.

  Emily’s young face contorted with rage. She hissed before stomping out, “There is still a lot I can do to you. Do not underestimate me and do not test me fool.”

  Phillip stood there a moment. He wasn’t sure if he had accomplished anything at all. Arguments with Emily generally went like this, but he had had enough. She had destroyed too many lives just to have people to play with. He wished he could figure out what she was up to. She had never interacted with other live ones like this. Sure, she had played with them, but he had never, in the nearly eighty five years he had been here, known her to tell them the truth or told them to escape. Was this just some kind of cruel joke to her? Or was there something about them that he didn’t see? Other then Rose having the sight, he didn’t see anything different about them than the hundreds of other live ones she had brought here over the years. He stalked out to the garden, his anger fueling him, trying to figure out what he could do to keep the hourglass from tipping again.

  Natalie who had watched the argument from the shadows followed him to the garden. She found him standing in front of the fountain staring at the hourglass. His hands were clenched in rage. He jumped when she placed a hand on his shoulder. He turned, ready for another confrontation, but when he saw her face he couldn’t help but smile. Pulling her into his arms they kissed softly.

  “Oh Phillip” She said her words a whisper.

  “Natalie I’m so sorry, I just can’t do it anymore I won’t sit by and watch her do it again. For decades I’ve let it go on, telling myself it’s worth it just to still be here with you. Hell I’ve even watched her consult the hourglass to pick her victims. I love you so much, but.” He said his voice becoming agitated but she simply held up her hand pressing it gently to his lips.

  “When you died, it was far more then I could bare, having this second life with you was like a miracle, but I do understand I’m starting to feel the weight of the souls trapped here. I agree with you, this must end.” She replied her fingers moving to gently stroke the side of his face.

  “It’s the right thing to do, and no matter what is beyond this existence. Love like ours cannot die, we will be together for eternity” She finished smiling up at him.

  “Thank you, thank you for being the most amazing woman and for speaking the words my heart needed to hear. We will need to gather others to help us. I do not know what she is up to, but I sense it has so
mething to do with one of the two women. Whatever it is, if we can keep her away from them, until the 12th chime, we will be free.” He said pulling her into his arms. They stood there watching the moon reflect on the water, finally at peace with themselves.