Her fatigue and desperation was at its peak, as she looked to the sofa and saw that Victor had returned. He looked on with great despair and sorrow as he inspected what had happened. After a few seconds, Victor kneeled before Amberly and explained to her what was going on. That the remaining unsettled spirits of the old cult that he had ordered killed, were tormenting her to get their revenge on him and Elizabeth. He could not stop them from the other side. She would have to take measures herself to put a stop to it. He apologized again, showing great remorse, and just like that faded away again.
Amberly sat stunned. Up to me? What exactly was she to do? As Laney dozed in her arms, she finally came to the answer. At least she hoped it was the answer……
Through Trust Lies Hope
In her rational mind, it seemed utterly ridiculous and futile. Sometimes, though, Amberly told herself, you just did the irrational when all other options had either been exhausted or unsuccessful. Perhaps, when faced with the unthinkable, this is what you were left with.
Amberly had shunned any form of religion after her unbearable life under the fundamentalist rule of her foster parents’ beliefs. She was afraid anyone she knew personally might think her insane, so she sought help from St. John’s Catholic church, just down the street from where she worked. She was not afraid of the priests there laughing at her or thinking her crazy. This was her last option. All she knew of an intervention from priests in such cases was what she had seen in the movies.
She met with Father Thomas, who had been with the diocese for over thirty years. He listened to her story without exhibiting any doubt, and nodded as she concluded the tale. Just to confirm what she had told him, he visited the house and saw the mess. He stayed over for one night to witness the mayhem first hand. It was like nothing he had ever seen and he agreed to try and do what he could to cleanse her house, and the site of the old cult, of all the negative spirits. He set Amberly and Laney up with the nuns at St. John’s while he worked. He did have some experience in such manoeuvres, and he had seen them go wrong.
Father Thomas did not want Amberly and her daughter to get caught in any resultant collateral damage, but also thought that having her physically out of the house might make his efforts easier. He gathered his vestments and moved into the little bungalow on Beech Street. Amberly was grateful for the attention of Sister Angela, despite her lack of faith, as she was finally able to rest completely for the first time in days. Two days went by and Father Thomas did not return or contact the church.
On the third day, a harried, but triumphant looking Father Thomas returned to the rectory and sat with Amberly. He took her hands in his and smiled.
“All is well, my child. It was a chore, but I think your house is now cleared and safe for you to return to.”
“Are you alright, Father? You look….”
“Worn down? Yes, a bit. I am not as young as I once was and the entities that were tormenting you were, shall we say, stubborn!”
“I do not know how to thank you, Father.”
“It is OK. I even had some volunteers from the parish come and clean up the mess so you would not have to come home to a disaster area.”
Amberly felt her eyes fill with tears as she warmly embraced the priest. She profusely thanked Sister Angela as well, and made her way home with Laney. She paused at the door before entering. Upon breaching the threshold, Amberly could not believe her eyes. Not only had the members of the parish cleaned up, but they had replaced everything that had been reduced to rubble. It was like a miracle. She cried as she took it all in. Perhaps, she thought, I might have to give this religion thing another look.
Amberly retreated to her bedroom as night fell, very anxious and skittish, hoping with all her might that Father Thomas had been successful, after all. It was the advent of night that had seemed to bring forth the discontented spirits. She lay in the bed with Laney, her heart pounding as she waited, her eyes wide open. All was quiet. The house was just as it had been before all the activity. The wind was blowing gently through the high leafy branches around the house, and soon Amberly fell into a deep and peaceful slumber.
………….
A few weeks went by without incident and Amberly finally recovered from the most bizarre and harrowing experience of her young life. She had returned to work and was thrilled with the fuss her co-workers made over Laney. Helen had dropped by as well, hearing about her arrival into the world. She brought with her a carload of whatever she thought Amberley and the baby would need. Amberly was somewhat embarrassed by all the attention, but accepted it all with grateful thanks. She did not, however, mention to anyone any of what had gone on over the past month or two. And she had become a regular member of St. John’s, finding it to be everything that the beliefs her foster parents had pushed or her, were not.
After one long day, Amberly settled into the recliner to relax and read. Laney was awake, but blessedly quiet in her crib across the room. The lights flickered and Amberly let her book fall away as the light came back to full strength. She was about to resume her progress with the novel, when she looked up to see both Victor and Elizabeth sitting on the sofa, just where they had appeared to her in the beginning. Victor apologized again for all she had been forced to endure due to his actions in life. In a humorous vein, he also apologized for the flickering lights.
“Sometimes when we cross back over, it messes with the airwaves.”
He shrugged and Amberly laughed with him. He and Elizabeth had come with a request. All the vengeful and angry spirits had indeed been cleared away and had moved on to the next plane. To their next phase. Amberly had no idea what this meant, exactly, but was glad this was the case, nonetheless. What he and Elizabeth wanted to know was whether it would be acceptable to her if they visited from time to time. Just to see her and talk and watch their granddaughter grow.
Amberly was touched. She agreed immediately and they all settled into this non-traditional, yet somehow acceptable and comfortable family. As an infant, Laney had been aware of Victor and Elizabeth from the beginning. They just seemed like a natural part of her life. Life went on and Laney grew as Amberly came to know her own parents better. It was, she thought, weird and inconceivable to the average person, but so what? She and Laney were healthy and happy…. life was good….
The Haunting of Alfred House
By Riley Amitrani
Prologue
8th September 1937
Alfred House,
Lake District
England
7:49 PM
Benny put on his best tie whilst looking at his reflection in the mirror. He got a comb out of his pocket and neatened his hair into his usual side parting. He could hear Fred Astaire’s The Way you Look Tonight coming from the record player downstairs. He looked at his watch, aware he was keeping his guests waiting.
He headed downstairs to the hallway and lifted the trap door to the cellar. He walked down the walnut wood stairs. The light was dim, highlighting the glow in the gold art deco wallpaper. As he walked down the stairs the record came to an end and let out a low hissing sound. He carefully reset the needle and played the song again.
His wife, Louisa was sat reclined on the sofa. She was wearing the green dress which she knew was his favourite, and had a fur stole wrapped around her shoulders. Her hair was up and decorated with a gold and pearl pin. Her blue glass clear eyes were looking to her friend Gwyneth. Gwyneth was sat on a stool at the bar. She had an empty glass in her hand.
“Sorry to leave you Ladies. I just wanted to freshen up before our last guest arrives. Can I top up your glasses?” The ladies accepted the gin he poured out. Benny sat down, ready to join in their conversation. The doorbell rang.
“No Ladies, you stay here and enjoy the party. I’ll go and greet out guest.” Benny ran up the stairs two at a time. When he got to the hallway he hesitated. He turned back and shut the door to the cellar. He then opened the front door. He left the chain on and peered through the gap. He recognised
the pretty young redhead. He shut the door, took the chain off and answered it.
“Hello Ruby, welcome. Please come in.” She looked hesitant as she stepped inside.
“Good evening, Mr Alfred? I wasn't expecting to see you.” Ruby said.
“Ah yes, my wife probably didn't mention me in her letter,” he said having anticipated this reaction. “I am away a lot on business you see. Forgive me for intruding on your ladies night. Please come in.” He took her suitcase and ushered her into the living room. Ruby followed and took a seat placing her handbag on her lap. Benny poured them both a glass of gin. Ruby hesitated for a moment than accepted it.
“Is your wife joining us soon?” Ruby asked.
“Yes, of course, she's just getting ready.” Benny said. “She has told me much about you. You have been pen friends for a long time I hear?” He set his drink down on the side table, and gave Ruby his full attention.
“Yes, we are old school friends,” Ruby said, then took a sip of the drink. She wrinkled her nose.
“Sorry,” Benny said, “It’s a bit strong. It’s a herb mix, I brewed it myself.”
“Oh, it’s very nice.” Ruby said in a tone that didn't convince. Ruby looked around the living room. “This is a very interesting collection,” she said. She was referring to the very large assortment of taxidermy that was displayed around the room. On the mantlepiece was a ferret. Next to him was a large falcon with a mouse hanging out of his mouth. On the wall were several stag heads and various antlers. There were frames containing butterflies and moths and jars of mice and moles.
“Thank-you, I’m a taxidermist by trade. I see myself as a great admirer of beauty, if I find something beautiful I want to preserve it and keep it forever.” He leaned over and topped up her glass. “You were saying you were old school friends with my wife. You are not married are you?”
“No, I live alone.” Ruby said.
“I’m sorry, that is quite an invasive question to ask of a woman I have just met. You had to travel quite far, did no one escort you?”
“Actually I travelled on my own. I didn't even tell anyone I was visiting. It was quite spur of the moment. But your wife’s last letter was quite insistent. Is it possible to have some water? I feel rather dry from the journey.” Ruby picked up the sound of the music coming from the cellar. “Can I hear music?”
“Why yes, I must confess Ruby that my wife and her friend Gwendoline are already in the cellar enjoying the party. I just wanted to take a moment to get to know you first before we join them. You must forgive me.”
“Oh, of course. But I would rather like to see your wife now.” Ruby took the last sip of her drink and set down her glass. Benny stood up and went to the hallway and opened the door to the cellar. Ruby followed.
“Down there?” Ruby said, looking concerned. Benny gave her a warm smile.
“Yes, it’s converted, you must see. Let’s go join them, shall we?” Benny led her into the hallway. Ruby looked puzzled to be heading to a party underneath the house. She peered in, she could see the blonde hair of the back of Louisa’s head. She felt reassured for seeing her. She started to walk down the steps.
“Hello Louisa it’s Ruby. I have so been looking forward to seeing you after all of these years.” Louisa did not turn, and neither did Gwendoline. “Hello, I’m Ruby it’s a pleasure to meet-” Ruby didn't finish her sentence, as she had seen Gwendoline's face. She was holding her glass up as if to take a sip. But her mouth was closed. Her skin taut and pale. Ruby turned “Louisa?” She looked at Louisa who was equally as pale. Her blue glass eyes were unfocused. Her blonde hair was a wig. They weren’t alive, yet had not been given the dignity of a proper death. They were suspended in time as much as the ferret on Benny’s mantlepiece. Ruby turned to run, but Benny was on the stairs, blocking her only way out.
“What have you done to them, you monster!” Ruby felt dizzy, the sight of these woman too much for her. She looked around. She saw a metal letter opener on the side. She picked it up and held its blade out. “Get away from me!”
Benny ignored her. “Don’t worry Ladies, our guest will join you soon enough.”
Ruby’s head started spinning. Her stomach felt like it was burning and stars were forming in front of her eyes. She fell to her knees, the letter opener falling out of her hand.
“Just stay calm Ruby, let the poison do its job. Don't struggle too much, I wouldn't want to restrain you, I might damage you. I want to keep you young and beautiful forever.” Benny turned around and shut the door to the cellar. He walked to a locked cabinet in the room and took out his tools. “I’ll begin my work soon.”
19th July 2016
A1 Near Wetherby
England
7:49 PM
Alison Hamby cranked the radio up as her favourite song came on. She opened the window wider to let in some fresh air. Looking in the rear view mirror of her battered old Land Rover she could see her blonde labrador Tess sitting in her cage, her head down.
“Don’t worry Tess, I know it’s hot. We’ll stop in a minute.”
Sure enough Alison soon found a sign to a rest stop. She pulled off the A1 and found a small empty car park next to a woods. She pulled up, opened the back door and unlocked Tess’ cage.
“Come on Tess, lets go stretch our legs.” Tess jumped out of the car and ran around in excitement. Alison grabbed her by the collar and wrestled her lead onto her, getting slobbered and licked in the process. “OK, calm down girl.” They took a footpath and walked down some steps to get to a little woodland. Tess pulled on her lead, excited by the new smells. Alison was pleased to stretch her legs and felt the tension ease from her shoulders. Her phone started to vibrate in her pocket. It was Dan.
“Hey Dan.” Alison answered the video call and instantly regretted it. She realised that after a full day of driving, she looked a mess. She had her blonde hair scraped back in a messy bun. Her skin was tanned and dry from weeks of working outside in the sun and she had a small cut on her forehead from where she had hit her head against a low hanging beam. Alison was a self employed property developer. Dan was an engineer in the Army, at the moment based out in Iraq. When he was at home he helped Alison with the developments. Wherever ‘home’ was. They moved from house to house staying in each development, then moving on to the next when it was sold. Whilst Dan was on duty, Alison had just finished renovating a cottage in Surrey.
“Hey babe how are you? Your freckles are back, you look cute.” Dan said. Alison wrinkled her nose, she hated them. Dan was in his army uniform. His dark hair closely shaved. He looked gorgeous as normal. The picture kept freezing, jumping from image to image every second or so.
“I’m good, just taking a break from driving to let Tess stretch her legs.” Alison said. She found a bench to sit on as she talked.
“How is Tess, she ok?” Dan said. Tess heard Dan’s voice and jumped up onto the bench next to Alison and started looking for where Dan was.
“Down girl, get off.” Alison pushed Tess off of the bench. “She’s getting fat, I need to take her for more walks now we’re going to be in the countryside.”
“So are you at the Lake District yet?” Dan said.
“No, we’ve got a couple more hours left.”
“Another cottage isn’t it, just a quick job?” Dan said.
Alison nodded. “Yes, just a coat of paint, a bit of landscaping and I’ll be done.”
“Great, I can’t wait. Only two more weeks and I can come and join you and help you finish off. I can’t wait to climb Scafell Pike.”
“I’d rather have cream tea by a Lake.” Alison said. Dan didn't reply. She noticed that he had frozen. “Dan? Dan?” The phone cut out. She tried him again but couldn't get through. She wasn’t worried, it was common to lose connection. Alison realised she was griping the phone so tight her knuckles had turned white. She was stressed from lying to Dan. She hadn’t purchased a cottage, like she had told him. A small cottage or house would ha
ve been a sensible project. Something she could do by herself without Dan. But this time she hadn't played it safe. She had bought a large four bed house that required a lot of work. She had found it on an online auction site. It was such a steal she placed a bid, not really expecting to win. When she had won she was a mixture of excited and scared. It was so decrepit she hadn’t even been able to get a mortgage on it. She had put in all of her savings and maxed out all her credit cards. It was a risky move, made even more so but the fact she hadn’t actually seen the property. She had only seen the photograph of a grand double bay fronted house in the middle of a forest. If she could renovate it, it would be worth a fortune. It could even by the house that her and Dan could finally call their home. But she couldn't tell Dan she had been so reckless. She needed to get as much work finished before he found out what she had done.
“Come on Tess, let’s get back to the car.” Alison was keen to get on.
They headed back to the car. As she started to drive, the sun begun to dip in the sky. The hot day gave way into a muggy evening. She drove for a further two hours until they reached a sign saying Welcome to The Lake District.
“Now this is fitting isn't it Tess?” Alison said, referring to the sky. As if on cue as they drove past the sign, rain started falling. A rumble of thunder could be heard in the distance. It was a summer storm. They carried on driving north, past the villages of Patterdale and Keswick. They passed Bassenthwaite Lake and headed up a road, taking them deep into a forest. It was getting late, and both Alison and Tess were getting hungry.
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