The Blackham Mansion Haunting (The Downwinders Book 4)
Page 20
Jacob and I both speculated, Lorenzo replied. Energy in the house developed in response to all the séances, and I felt it had manifested in him, just after his burial. Jacob thought it was more than that, that Bingham held a malevolent ability while he was alive — hence his murderous tendencies — and that we triggered something even bigger in him. Where that kind of evil comes from is a mystery to me…perhaps the devil. It terrifies me to think you’re trapped in there with such a person. Can you get out?
I’ve tried. You can walk and walk for miles, and it’s all just darkness, never ending. I ran into the same people again and again. I think it loops back on itself, like you’re walking in a circle but you don’t know it.
You seem rather calm for being trapped in such a terrifying place, Lorenzo said. I applaud your clear thinking. I was crazed with fear for the first few months I was imprisoned, before I learned to adjust.
I was petrified until I talked to Lyman, she replied. If you had seen me before then, I was hysterical. Now at least I understand what happened. Or, I think I do. I’m not entirely sure.
Who is Lyman?
That’s a good question, Lorenzo, Deem replied. I thought he was just a powerful old ghost that I knew, someone obsessed with fighting against the church. I think my estimation of him was way off.
Fighting against the church? Lorenzo asked. That seems unwise. Why would he do that?
Because of what they did to him, she answered. It’s a long story. I’ll tell you all about it sometime.
He talked to you? Where you are, now?
Well, not him directly, Deem replied. He sent messages to me through someone else. I’m trapped in a soul cage, and there’s no way out. Well, take that back, there is a way out, but Lyman would have to let everyone else who’s in here out with me, and he can’t do that yet. He’s been collecting people in here for some big attack he’s designing. Now that I’m wrapped up in it, he’s accelerating his schedule. At first he seemed really upset that I was in here with these sickos. Now, I think he’s developed a way to use me to help him complete his plan.
He’s taking advantage of the fact that you’re in there?
Basically. I’m happy to help him. Anything to get out of here. You can’t believe the weirdos I’ve run into. Really twisted people. You’ve been the first sane person I’ve talked to.
Sounds horrible. But at least there are people there. Here in this empty house, there’s no one.
They’re not people worth knowing, Lorenzo. At first I was desperate and tried to communicate with a couple of them. One guy I was talking to suddenly started relating his string of serial killings; he’s reliving them over and over. You could see the delight on his face as he described each gory death. I couldn’t take it, so I abandoned him. Another guy seemed reasonable at first, then he started babbling. He claimed we were in a place called Volocro, and that everything was about to collapse. When he tried to rape me, I left him, too. Ever since I got word from Lyman about what’s happening to me, I’ve tried to just find my own patch of darkness and stay away from the others. They’re all in here as part of a weapon, because of their twisted minds. I’m just here by accident, waiting to get out. And to execute whatever plan Lyman has in store.
It sounds as if you might be on your own for a while, then.
Well, it’s better than that, Lorenzo. I’ve got you! And you’ve got me. We can keep each other company.
That’s true, he replied. And although I may be stuck in this house for eternity, you still have some hope of becoming free from wherever you are.
Don’t lose hope, Lorenzo, Deem replied. There may be a way to get you out.
I lost hope a long time ago, Deem, Lorenzo said. I would have thought you’d have realized that by now.
Then let’s just take things moment by moment, shall we? Deem replied. We’ve got each other for now, and that’s enough.
I should take you at your word, Lorenzo answered. After all, before you came along, Bingham was still in that house, terrorizing people and trapping them. You’ve put a stop to that, at least. Even though I’m still trapped where I was, things are better because of what you’ve done.
And what my friends did, Deem interjected.
Yes, them too. And I have you to talk with now. So, on balance, if I can’t be dead, I suppose this is better than what it was. At least for me. I can’t speak for you, trapped with the horrible people you describe.
Deem paused. I’ll survive them. If for no other reason than to see what Lyman has in store.
There was a pause in the conversation. Deem was just happy to sit and say nothing, satisfied that someone could hear her if she needed to speak. After a few minutes, Lorenzo spoke.
Deem?
Yes?
I’m feeling weak. I think I need to go back into the house.
Go, Deem replied. Come back out when you feel better. I’ll be here.
Alright. Don’t worry, I’ll be back.
I won’t worry.
Deem looked around her, her eyes unable to pierce the darkness that surrounded her. Every now and again she thought she saw a dim figure pass by, but she knew most preferred to avoid each other as much as she wanted to avoid them.
She wrapped her arms around herself, allowing her mind to sink back in on itself until she didn’t have to think any more.
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Michael Richan lives in Seattle, Washington.
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And if you haven’t already, enjoy the books of the companion series, The River.
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By the author:
The Downwinders series:
Blood Oath, Blood River
The Impossible Coin
The Graves of Plague Canyon
The Blackham Mansion Haunting
The River series:
The Bank of the River
Residual
A Haunting in Oregon
Ghosts of Our Fathers
Eximere
The Suicide Forest
Devil’s Throat
The Diablo Horror
The Haunting at Grays Harbor
It Walks At Night
The Dark River series:
A
All three series are part of The River Universe, and there is crossover of some characters and plots. For a suggested reading order, see the Author’s Website.