Promised Land Lane

by Brown, Marcus

  “I don’t want you to come back. I’d never forgive myself if Maisie found a way to harm you. Your family has suffered enough.”

  “That’s my risk to take.”

  “Sandra, if you care for me, you’ll do as I ask. I’d rather watch you walk away than have Maisie take you away from me. She knows what you mean to me and won’t ever forget, but please, please, my darling,” he pleaded. “Stay away from here. I want you to live a long and happy life.”

  Sandra knew David didn’t want to let her go. She could see in his eyes that he was hurting.

  “But I want you in my life.”

  “And there is nothing I want more, but it isn’t meant to be. Go now, please.” David bent down and kissed Sandra on the lips before turning his back on her.

  “David, please.” She wiped the tears from her eyes and watched as the man she was in love with walked away.

  She didn’t want to let David go so easily and rushed towards the side of the house after him. She could go no further as the passageway to the garden was full of cats. Despite her fears, Sandra tried to step over them, but they began to hiss and scratch at her legs, forcing her back. There was no doubt in her mind this was David’s last attempt at keeping her away and she screamed out of frustration.

  Sandra turned around to see Stephen had got out of the car and was now waiting at the front gates.

  “Sandra, are you ok?” he shouted.

  Even though it broke her heart, she gave up trying to get to David and walked towards Stephen, tears running down her face. He pulled her into his arms.

  “I love him, Stephen.” She sobbed into his shoulder.

  “I thought as much.”

  “He doesn’t want to see me anymore.” Sandra was heartbroken.

  “And why do you think that is?”

  “Because he wants to protect me.”

  “Yes, but also because he loves you too. He’s doing what he thinks is right. Surely, you know that?”

  Chapter 37

  David watched from the upstairs window as Sandra sobbed against Stephen’s shoulder. A single tear ran down his cheek as she drove away.

  It hurt him to tell Sandra to leave and never return, but there was little choice. He knew Maisie was growing stronger. He loved Sandra too much to risk anything happening to her.

  David had felt his own strength diminish over the last few months, but didn’t know why. It felt strangely coincidental.

  He walked out of the room and wandered around the house as he had done many times over the years he had been bound there, but something felt different.

  He made his way to the staircase and looked over the bannisters remembering all those who had come and gone– foolish drunkards, homeless people seeking shelter, and even Dianne Gallagher. What happened to Dianne affected him deeply. He felt immense guilt for what Maisie had done to her, and knew he could have done more to protect her.

  The past swallowed David and he found himself standing in the hallway on that very night and watched as the little girl he loved maimed another innocent person. Why didn’t Dianne listen to his warning and run whilst she had chance?

  He walked down the stairs and stopped in the entrance hall. Looking around, he felt sad to see nothing had changed in all these years. He shivered as a strong cold gust of wind blew past him.

  He was certain he heard footsteps upstairs, but it wasn’t possible for anyone to be in the house without him knowing.

  “Who’s there?” David shouted.

  Then again, the sound of footsteps.

  “Hello!” David shouted again. “Is anybody up there?”

  David wasn’t in the slightest bit scared as he knew nothing could hurt him, but somebody was in the house. He ran up the stairs, the thick carpets spewed dust with every step he took.

  He walked towards the master bedroom and opened the door and was shocked to see Dianne’s personal belongings had been rearranged on the dressing table. David was confused as to who would have touched her belongings as nobody had touched any of her personal possessions since she had been taken away. It seemed Mrs Gallagher didn’t even want them and, from what Ray had told him, she ordered the house closed off to everybody but security.

  Maybe Ray had been there, but why would he disturb any of the rooms? He was there to make sure nobody entered the house during the day.

  Another gust of wind startled David. He looked to see if the window was open, but it was locked.

  He left Dianne’s room and made his way back downstairs. The French doors were already open and leaves had blown inside and were scattered across the floor of the spacious kitchen.

  David felt unnerved - as though he was being watched. He tried to tell himself his mind was playing tricks.

  He stepped outside, closing and locking the French doors behind him. He pushed the key deep inside his trouser pocket.

  That morning he had put the doll back in its rightful place and, when he returned to the cavern, Maisie had been still pacing, but had seemed less angry.

  He walked over to the doll house and lifted the plastic. He removed the doll once again and cradled it in his arms. “If only I could destroy you,” David said aloud. He tilted it back and watched as the eyes opened and focused on him. He knew Maisie hated him touching it. “You always had such beautiful eyes, Maisie.”

  David headed back towards the well cradling the doll. He sat momentarily on the wall swinging his legs before dropping down and landing on his feet. Maisie sat up and faced him.

  “You’ll never destroy me, David,” Maisie said cunningly. “The love you have for me blinds you.”

  “I’ve never wished to harm you, but the time will soon come when I’ll have to make a choice.”

  Maisie giggled. “I’m growing stronger by the day, and soon I’ll be able to leave this place, and nothing you do will stop me. I no longer have to sleep through the day. You do know that, David?”

  “I guessed as much, but why did you allow Sandra to leave here?”

  “I will take her when you can no longer live without her. That will hurt you the most and will be my ultimate revenge.”

  “Revenge for what? I’ve never done anything to harm you.”

  “You failed to help me all those years ago when you promised to protect me.”

  “Maisie, if I could go back and stop what happened to you I would, but I can’t.”

  “And you won’t be able to stop me when I take her from you.”

  “Sandra will never return here. She’s safe from you.”

  “She will never be safe. I will find her.”

  “I was sent back to protect the innocent and I will until the end of time.”

  “I was innocent. Why didn’t you protect me?” Maisie spat. “You’re becoming weaker as I’m growing stronger. Soon you won’t be strong enough to stop me, David. You feel it, don’t you?”

  David was stunned at the vitriol with which Maisie spoke. “I would have protected you if I could, but your mother was too clever.”

  “My mother was a common witch, and nothing more. She did this…” Maisie stopped talking and put her hands to her face, “… to punish my spineless father, but I don’t think she knew how powerful I would become. She made me into so much more than she ever dreamed of.”

  “Samantha presented a respectable face within the village. Nobody believed she was mistreating you.”

  “You knew, David, and should have tried harder to protect me. Perhaps if you had, I wouldn’t hate you so much.” Maisie walked towards him and looked up. “Do you still think I’m beautiful, David, even without my eyes?” She pulled her hair away from her face exposing the torn flesh around the cavities where her eyes had once been.

  “You’ve always been beautiful to me.” David reached out to touch Maisie, but she retreated.

  “Is that why you caress that thing?” She pointed towards the doll. “And cuddle it, like it’s a real child?” Maisie paused. “Because it reminds you of me.”

  “It holds the l
ast pure part of you.” David interrupted and stepped forward with the doll as Maisie retreated further away.

  “Take it away,” she demanded. Her face showed disgust. “I don’t want it near me.”

  “Why does being so near to it bother you so much?”

  “It reminds me of that snivelling child and how she used to talk to it after her mother hit her.”

  “That child was you, Maisie…”

  “That child is long gone,” Maisie interrupted. She ran her tongue over the brown and rotted teeth before smiling chillingly at David.

  “How much do you remember of the girl you used to be?” David had a horrible feeling he already knew the answer.

  “I remember everything,” Maisie hissed before turning around. “Take that thing away from me.” She crawled back to her usual sleeping place and lay down on the floor.

  David looked down at the doll again, tilting it, and watched as the familiar, once beautiful eyes stared back at him.

  “I won’t tell you again, David. Take it back,” Maisie shouted.

  A squeaking noise alerted Maisie and without hesitation she leapt forward and grabbed the big juicy rat trying to scuttle past her. It squealed as her tight grip crushed its tiny bones. She brought the struggling rodent up to her nose and sniffed it slowly. David watched as she clamped down on its long worm-like tail with her rotten teeth and tore it from the rat’s body. The animal’s squealing and distress seemed to please Maisie as she continued to sniff the struggling rodent. The blood from where the tail had been leaked over her fingers. He knew the smell of blood excited Maisie, and she hungrily licked at her fingers. Bored of playing with her food, she bit into the rat’s stomach and ripped a hole, sucking out the intestine. She chewed lazily before biting another chunk, clearly savouring the taste of the flesh. Bits stuck out of her teeth as she finished her meal.

  David had seen her do this many times over the years and was no longer affected by her cruelty.

  He climbed out of the well with ease, and, obeying Maisie’s command, headed back toward the doll house and placed the doll inside.

  David knew the tide was turning. He looked up to the heavens and said a prayer.

  Chapter 38

  Sandra pulled up outside Stephen’s house. She had spoken very little during the drive.

  “Do you want to come in for a coffee?” Stephen asked. “We can talk about it, if you want.”

  “No thanks, love. I’ll just get upset again. Besides, I’ve got to get home and make myself look presentable for tonight. You’re still coming, aren’t you?”

  “I wouldn’t miss a good party. I’ll be there. Don’t forget to text me the address.” He kissed her on the cheek before getting out of the car.

  Sandra wound the car window down and shouted, “See you at seven, and, Stephen, not a word about today please or Hils will shit a brick.”

  “Brownies’ honour,” Stephen said jokingly as he flashed his perfect smile.

  “Oh, fuck off. Don’t you start,” Sandra shouted. She laughed and drove off.

  ***

  Sandra was home within a few minutes. She walked into the house and headed straight for the living room. Nathan usually occupied it when he was home, but was working overtime, so she took advantage of the peace and quiet as she slumped into the big comfy armchair. She couldn’t hold the tears back anymore and for over an hour she wailed into the cushion.

  The last few weeks had taken an enormous toll on her physically and emotionally, but there was no way she would listen to David. She would go back tomorrow and try and talk him around -- surely he’d know she wouldn’t give up so easily.

  Sandra felt better after a good cry and decided she’d earned something stodgy to eat. Making her way to the kitchen, she settled for grilled cheese on toast smothered in tomato sauce. It tasted amazing, even after burning her lip on the scalding melted cheese. She was still hungry and raided the fridge settling for the homemade bailey’s cheesecake that had been tempting her for days. Nathan had made it knowing it was her favourite dessert, which was the exact reason she’d tried to resist. She knew he was trying to get on her better side, but didn’t want to give him any false hope simply because there was none. After two slices, she felt like a pig and made her way up to her bedroom. She had to pick something amazing to wear tonight and wasn’t going to let two gay guys upstage her.

  She emptied both of her wardrobes trying numerous dresses on, before she came across a short, backless, sexy red number she’d bought over a year ago and never had the chance to wear. She teamed it with what her mum would call hooker heels and stood in front of the full length mirror. “Oh yes!” Sandra said to her reflection, pleased with what was staring back at her. “Hot.”

  Making a final decision on the nude heels, Sandra told herself she would enjoy the party and worry about the lane tomorrow.

  A few hours later, she was ready. Standing in front of the mirror again, Sandra was impressed at how stunning she looked, which made a change from the casual and unkempt look of late. Wearing the chosen outfit from earlier, the heels made her legs look long and slim. She had put her hair into a chignon and with her face lightly made up, looked better than she had in a long time. She felt amazing.

  Making her way downstairs and into the living room, Nathan looked up and his eyes almost popped from his head.

  “Wow, you look amazing.”

  “Err, thanks,” Sandra replied, cringing slightly at the compliment.

  “Where are you off to?” Nathan asked. “Anywhere special?”

  “Just out.” Sandra wasn’t going to tell her soon to be ex-husband anything. “I’m going to wait in the kitchen. See you… whenever.”

  “Have a good night and take care of yourself,” he said as she closed the door.

  She grabbed the cordless phone from the docking station and dialled Hilary.

  “Howdy, Brown Owl. Are you ready for me?”

  “I’m just putting my make up on then I’m done. What time are you getting here?”

  “I’m leaving in a minute, but need to stop off for some gin and tonic.”

  “Bloody gin. What’s wrong with good old vodka?” Hilary laughed.

  “I’m not drinking that muck. It’s like gnat’s piss dah-ling.” Sandra put on her snootiest voice and instantly thought of Rachel, pangs of guilt flooding through her. She hoped Rachel would forgive her, otherwise Sandra’s time in hell would be a whole lot worse than it was already going to be.

  “I wonder what gnat’s piss actually tastes like? I bet Tim knows.” Hilary’s laugh distracted Sandra from her thoughts of Rachel.

  “I worry about you sometimes. Right I’m off, I need to get to the shop.”

  ”It’s a bloody good job I know you so well. Tim’s already been out and bought two big bottles for you to drink so don’t worry about the friggin’ gin, just get me some cola please. My so-called husband made sure you were catered for, but forgot his own wife.”

  “The friggin’ gin. I’ve never tried that, I can’t wait.” Sandra burst out laughing.

  “Piss off, you sarky cow and just get me some cola.”

  “Yes, your Ladyship. Diet or full fat?”

  “If you come into my house with diet anything, I’ll ask Tim to put you out with the bins, now hurry up. I’m in desperate need of a vodka. Those little horrors have wound me right up today.”

  “Now, now, Brown Owl, what would Mother Owl think if she heard you say that about the little darlings?” Sandra loved to tease Hilary.

  She laughed and said, “Mother Owl can kiss my feathery arse right about now.”

  Sandra screeched with laughter. “Okay, I’ll see you soon. Love you.”

  “Love you, too.”

  Sandra rang off and put the phone down on the table.

  She smiled. No matter how bad things were, Hilary always managed to cheer her up. She felt bad for lying to her these last few weeks, but after she spoke to David in the morning, knew she would tell Hilary everything, and hoped sh
e would understand.

  ***

  Sandra knocked on the front door.

  “It’s open,” Hilary yelled from the kitchen.

  She stepped inside as Tim opened the living room door to greet her. His mouth dropped open and for once he appeared speechless.

  Hilary popped her head around the kitchen door and upon seeing how stunning her best friend looked said, “Cat got your tongue, Timothy?”

  “Err, no. Hello, Sandra. You look… nice,” he stammered,

  “Nice. Is that it? Cheeky sod. Took me four hours to look this fab.”

  “Oh, ignore him,” Hilary said, coming out of the kitchen and pushing past her husband. “He’s already had one raging hard on before you got here tonight. It must be full moon.” She pulled her friend into a tight hug. “You do look amazing,” she whispered. After breaking away, Hilary held onto Sandra’s hands. “How are you, trouble?”

  “I’m good and so looking forward to tonight. It’s been ages since you threw a party and I intend to get thoroughly rat-arsed.”

  “I’m glad you’re here. All that crap with the lane has really got you down, huh?”

  “Let’s not spoil it by talking about that,” Tim interrupted.

  “Shut up you,” Hilary said. “We need to talk about it.”

  “Look. I know there are things we need to discuss, but can we talk about them after I’ve had a few drinks at least?”

  “Yeah ok, but you’re not getting out of it,” Hilary warned.

  Sandra hoped plying her friend with a huge amount of alcohol would help her forget. Swiftly changing the subject, she said, “You’re gonna love Stephen.”

  “I keep telling Tim that,” Hilary tittered. “Don’t I Stud?”

  “Get stuffed, Hilary,” Tim cheekily replied. “She’s been winding me up all afternoon about this guy.”

  “Oh, don’t worry,” Sandra commented, “Stephen’s harmless, although I can’t say the same about the husband. I haven’t met him yet.”

  “Wonderful. My very own sausage fest.”

  “Don’t be getting any ideas,” Hilary teased. “We both know how kinky you are.”