The Rattler (Rattler Trilogy Book 1)

by P. A. Fielding

  “Hello? Anyone in here?”

  Zoe panned the iPhone round the dark, large room. The only light came from four small, dusty windows. It was empty apart from a hefty wooden chest in the middle of the floor. Zoe made her way warily across the room towards the chest; the lid was closed and there was an opened padlock with a key hanging on the latch. “Well then, let’s see what secrets you hold,” she said, taking a deep breath and placing her hand on the lid.

  “BOO!” shouted James, throwing open the lid of the chest. Zoe almost dropped her iPhone. “James, you’re such an idiot! You frightened the life out of me! What on earth are you doing up here?” she said, angrily, as James climbed out of the empty chest, grinning. “Toilet, second floor bathroom’s the only one that flushes,” he replied as he took the lock off the chest and placed it on the lid. Zoe started to calm down.

  “You haven’t blocked the other two already?”

  “No. I’ve only been up here.”

  “Come on, let’s go and give mum and dad a hand,” Zoe said, tolerantly, hugging her brother and messing up his hair.

  4

  Jim and Mary were unpacking boxes in the lounge. “I know it’s going to need some work – the fact that it’s been empty for a few years hasn’t helped, but having said that, it already feels like home.”

  “I know. It’s much bigger than our old house, and it’s a bonus to have the extra rooms. I think we’ll be very happy here,” replied Mary, resting for a minute on the sofa. The removal men had already put the black leather la-Z-Boy sofa and two armchairs in place, with a coffee table in front of them. Jim smiled at Mary. “I’m absolutely knackered. Let’s just set up the TV, Mary; the rest can wait.”

  “Agreed.”

  Zoe and James came into the room. “So, dad, what’s this big surprise then?” asked Zoe. “Look under that stack of games,” Jim replied, with a smile. Zoe started to hunt amongst the games and came across a blank DVD case, which she opened, and found a disc labelled BL4 which Carl had dropped off with the builder the day before. “What’s on it?” she asked. “Now, that’s Battleline 4’s online beta and the first two levels,” answered Jim. “Seriously, dad? That’s amazing,” said Zoe, enthusiastically. “Yes, apparently marketing is struggling for ideas. They could really use your help.”

  “That’s easy,” Zoe smiled, “got it, the rage of gunfire is all around as my squad sit in a tank. Buildings collapse, snipers pick off the strays. And two lucky teammates enjoy a dog fight in the sky above. This isn’t a run and gun game, this is Battleline 4’s multiplayer. How’s that?”

  “Perfect,” answered Jim. Because Jim now worked for the game publisher Dread Stoning Games, Zoe and James were fortunate enough to be getting unreleased games to trial. “Zoe, what time are you expecting Vana to arrive?” asked Mary. “About 8.30. She said she’d pick up some supplies on the way.”

  “I’ll order the pizzas for 9 o’clock then,” said Mary, as she wandered off into the kitchen.

  5

  The removal men had just left when the Johnson’s doorbell rang for the first time. “I’ll get it,” said Zoe, jumping up from the sofa. She opened the door to find a water-drenched Vana.

  “Ha, is it raining?”

  “Yer think?”

  “Hurry up, get in here. I’m glad you finally found us.”

  Vana, a 19-year old slim, dark-featured brunette, followed Zoe in, just as a loud clap of thunder made them both jump. “Jesus! That sounded close,” said Zoe, closing the front door. “I know; I’ve been shitting myself all the way here.” Vana placed her small rucksack at the foot of the stairs. “I was dead certain the bus was gonna get it.”

  “Vana, you’re such a drama-queen.”

  Vana followed Zoe into the kitchen, where Mary had unpacked all of the kitchen utensils, stacking shelves with pans and crockery. “Hello,” said Vana as she placed her carrier bag on the centre island. “You must all be shattered.”

  “Just a little, but hey, we made it. It’s wonderful to see you,” said Mary, giving her a hug. “What have you got there?” asked Zoe.

  “Crisps, chocolate, milk and bread,” replied Vana.

  “Crisps and chocolate?” said Mary, in mock horror.

  “You’ve never tried them together, mum?”

  “I can’t say I have, dear.”

  “You’re missing out. We’ll try to save you some.” The girls laughed as they went out of the kitchen.

  6

  10.45 pm and all the pizzas had been eaten. The majority of boxes had been unpacked and Jim and Mary were relaxing on the sofa with a bottle of red wine. James was asleep, and Zoe and Vana were sitting on Zoe’s double bed, both in their pyjamas, whilst they watched a movie on television. They were eating chocolate and crisps, washed down with the occasional swig of hot chocolate. “Vana, you haven’t told me how last night went with Matthew?”

  “Oh, yeah, I got a little bit too drunk and we half had sex.”

  “You’re never going to enjoy it if you keep on falling asleep.”

  Vana chuckled. “I know. I’ll cut out the wine next time.”

  The two friends concentrated on the movie they were watching. A man and a woman were making out on a bed; suddenly the door was kicked down and two men, dressed in black and wearing ski-masks, rushed in, brandishing silenced guns. “WAIT!” the man on the bed yelled, holding up his hands. “I have money!”

  “That’s exactly why we’re here,” said one of the gunmen, before shooting them.

  “At least they died hard,” Vana remarked, at which Zoe burst out laughing and, in the process, sprayed the bed with crisps – a typical Zoe and Vana evening, full of amusement. They went back to eating their chocolate and crisps. “What do you make of this house? And be honest, hun.” Vana gave the spacious room the once over. “I love it. It’s a really nice house. Why, has something happened?”

  “No. Not really,” answered Zoe, moving her legs towards her chest. “Only James trying his level-headed best to scare me in the attic, that’s all. He well and truly got me – the little bugger. But, I’ve really enjoyed my year without them. Is that wrong?”

  “No. I know how you feel,” replied Vana, who was acting like a hyperactive bunny; chocolate tended to have that effect on her. “But think of it this way, you’ll have lots of extra money for partying. And, anyway, it’s a big house; you’re not exactly going to be on top of each other, are you?” Zoe finished off her hot chocolate. “No, I guess you’re right.”

  “And, don’t forget, you can still crash at mine whenever you want,” Vana added, “so, you’ll have the best of both worlds, lucky bitch!” The friends laughed, and knocked their mugs together. “Campus rebels,” they both said.

  6: It’s old and creepy, nothing like a new house

  1

  Saturday, 8.30 am. Jim, Mary, Zoe and Vana were sitting around the table enjoying their breakfast when James came in, playing his 3DS. “Seriously, son, you’ll go cross-eyed if you play that thing 24/7. And besides those games have got to last you a week’s holiday,” Jim said as he looked over the top of his morning newspaper. “I’m not on a new game, it’s an old one,” replied James. He closed the lid and sat down at the table. “Morning, chest boy! Your stunt is doing really well on Facebook,” Vana remarked. “Chest boy? Facebook?” asked Mary.

  “Oh, it’s just some video I made of the house. James jumped out of a chest trying to scare me,” explained Zoe. “A chest? Where?” asked Jim. He placed his newspaper down, his curiosity aroused. “It’s in the attic, dad. I heard someone running around up there, so, I went to check it out, only for him...” she pointed at James, accusingly, with a piece of toast in her hand, “to jump out of an old chest. The little shit scared the life out of me!”

  James burst out laughing. “James, you shouldn’t do things like that, you’ve only got one sister! And besides, you shouldn’t be running in the house,” said Mary. She carefully stacked the dishwasher. “I wasn’t running, just exploring,” replied James
, with a mouthful of cereal. Mary poured Jim a refill of coffee. “Thanks dear. Now, the important question; how was everyone’s first night, and how did you all sleep?” asked Jim. James was the first to answer. “Mostly on my left side, turning occasionally,” they all laughed. “Where did we get him from? It was strange at first, dad, and the creaking noises didn’t help matters,” Zoe stated. “It’s an old house, it’s bound to have some movement,” Jim replied as Mary sat back down at the table. “So, what are you all doing today?” asked Mary.

  “Vana and I are going into town. Why, what are you guys doing?”

  “James needs some holiday clothes, and your dad’s fixing up great Aunt Sally’s room. Plus looking into the toilet issue.” Jim screwed up his face and sighed. “Looks like a full day for me then!” Zoe cleared the remainder of the plates and put them in the dishwasher. “Will the paint be dry for tomorrow?”

  “I’m quietly confident. I’m using the sponge roller so it shouldn’t take too long.”

  2

  10.30 am. Jim, dressed in white overalls, waved goodbye to his family. “Right, let’s tackle that bedroom,” he said, closing the front door. Jim was a very good painter and decorator; he had learned the trade working in the firm that his dad had set up many years before. He always wanted Jim to join him in it, but Jim had had other ideas and wanted his career to go in a different direction. He had been educated at a very good public school and did not see himself in the decorating business. His dad accepted that but, because Jim was an only child, it meant that the family company would end with his father.

  Sadly, Jim’s parents had died last year in a plane crash in South America. Their deaths had hit him hard, and he hadn’t had the heart to sell the company. It was difficult, but Jim had managed so far to keep it running.

  3

  Jim got the room ready. He placed dust sheets on the floor, and put the paint in the middle of the room – magnolia for the walls, and white for the ceiling, skirting boards and door. Eventually the old light and plug fittings would be changed to brass, but not just yet. He started to paint the ceiling, whistling along to U2 from the playlist on his iPhone which was on a stool outside the room, when electronic scratching coming from the phone interrupted him. Then, the floorboards on the landing creaked.

  “Hello!” Jim shouted, “I’m in here. You guys are back early!” No response. “That’s strange. Jim, lad, you’re absolutely losing it. Just hurry up and finish the ceiling.” He had the weird feeling he wasn’t alone, but shrugged it off and carried on painting.

  Jim had finished the ceiling and one wall by lunchtime so he went down to the kitchen for something to eat. He enjoyed a ham and cheese sandwich that Mary had made before she left for town. He made a mug of strong, Yorkshire Tea, had a quick look at the sports news in the newspaper, and finished his lunch.

  “Time to get back to it.” He stretched, and started to walk slowly up the stairs, mug in hand, his footsteps echoing as he walked. He paused to look around the stairwell. The house was by far their biggest property to-date and, with over £750k spent on its bricks and mortar, was certainly the most expensive.

  He walked towards the bedroom, and was just about to place his mug down next to the iPhone when he heard footsteps running along the landing. “What the blazes was that? Definitely heard something that time.” He put the unfinished tea down and walked purposefully up the stairs to the second floor. Jim knew he was alone but was determined to get to the bottom of it. James was a bit of a practical joker, and it wasn’t far from Jim’s mind that his son was playing a prank. He walked up the final few stairs, half expecting to find some kind of remote toy moving about. Nothing. Jim looked into the bedrooms and bathroom – all empty. He stood, scratching his head.

  “What have you been up to this time, James?” he said, scanning the landing. Suddenly, two loud bangs could be heard coming from the attic. Jim quickly ran towards the stairs leading up to the attic, found the light switch, flicked it – nothing. He started to climb the dark stairs. There were no further sounds – and the only thing Jim could hear was his increased heartbeat.

  As he approached the attic door a ghostly light was trying to poke itself under the gap at the bottom. He slowly turned the knob and pushed open the door. If James had jumped out at him at that moment, he would probably have shit his pants! The attic was empty apart from the wooden chest at the far end, opposite the door. He looked around carefully as he walked towards the chest. Without warning, one of the windows smashed hard against the frame. Jim almost jumped out of his skin. “Bloody hell! That’s probably what I heard.” He took a second to compose himself, shook his head, and then walked over and closed the window.

  He examined the chest. It was empty but, as he closed the lid, his eyes were drawn to what seemed to be freshly made, deep, scratch marks on the floor in front of it. “The kids must have moved it.” He shut the attic door and started down the stairs, just as the phone in his pocket started to ring, startling him and causing him to stumble. “Get a grip, man!” he cursed, before he sat down abruptly and answered it.

  “Hello?”

  “Jim, it’s Carl; how’s it going?” Mary’s older brother, Carl, was sitting outside a popular pub in central London. “Not bad, thanks, mate. I’m just finishing off painting the guest bedroom, ready for Aunt Sally. What can I do for you?”

  “Just calling to see if there’s any feedback regarding the BL4 beta?” Jim moved his fingers thoughtfully and slowly over some gouge marks on the stairwell’s wall. “Not had chance to play it yet, but we’ll give it a good run out tonight, and no doubt Zoe will carry on with it whilst we are away next week. She enjoys being a games tester.”

  “That’s great. No worries. Just hope it’s what she’s been expecting, that’s all. The game’s getting good previews from the journalists who have been invited to try it out, so hopefully..., fingers crossed.”

  “Right then, mate. I’ve got to go. I’ll text you later, and speak to you sometime tonight.” He ended the call. “OK. Back to the painting. I suppose my brew’s gone cold.” Jim walked back into the bedroom. All went quiet again.

  7: The house has history

  1

  A little while later the room was finally finished. Jim stood in the doorway and admired his handiwork. “Bathroom’s next,” he sighed, walking into the room opposite. All the bathrooms in the house were decorated the same, with a yellow bathroom suite, a wooden airing cupboard, and a black and white squared vinyl floor. As he entered the room the washbasin taps started running. “Looks like the seals have gone in the taps. That’s the first problem noted,” said Jim, turning them off tightly.

  He then bent down to look at the toilet, and lifted the lid of the cistern. “No wonder it wouldn’t flush, it’s bloody empty. Wonder if there are any leaks?” he said, kneeling down to inspect the toilet base and underneath the cistern. Suddenly, a cold shiver tingled his spine. “Someone’s dancing the Conga over my grave,” he muttered. The temperature on the landing fell sharply and, unseen by Jim, a black shadow glided past the bathroom door.

  Jim got up, walked down the stairs and out into a good-sized, badly-overgrown garden, where he saw two dripping overflow pipes. “I should’ve had this checked and repaired last week while the builders were in.”

  2

  It was now mid-afternoon and Jim was washing out the brushes and roller in the kitchen sink. He heard the front door opening. “Hello?” shouted Mary, “it’s only us.”

  “I’m in the kitchen,” replied Jim, “I’ll put the kettle on.” Mary and James came in, laden with carrier bags which they emptied onto the centre island. “How was your day? Did you manage to finish the painting?”

  “Good, thanks. Painting’s done and the furniture can go in tomorrow once it’s properly dried.”

  “What would I do without you?” smiled Mary, kissing him on the cheek. “Any luck with the bathroom?”

  “I’ve had a quick look and there was no water in the cistern so that must m
ean the water inlet valve needs replacing. I can stop the leak ‘til we get the plumber in, hopefully next week. Come on, I’ll show you what I’ve done.”

  3

  Jim and Mary headed up the stairs to the second floor. “Oh my! It’s cold up here,” said Mary, hugging her arms. “I’ve had the windows open all afternoon, to let the smell of paint out.”

  “It looks great, Jim. What a difference a coat of paint makes. Your dad would be proud,” said Mary, affectionately. The couple were walking down the stairs when Zoe came in with her shopping bags. “Hi love,” said Mary, “Vana not with you?”

  “Hi guys,” replied Zoe, closing the door. “She can’t stay tonight but she’ll probably be back on Monday.”

  “Well, make sure she does,” answered Mary, putting an arm around her daughter as they all walked into the kitchen. “I don’t like the idea of you being on your own in this big house. What have you been buying?”

  “Hoodies, new jeans and a PlayStation game.” Jim’s ears pricked up. “Which one?”

  “Ditchfront. Vana and some other friends have had it for a while. They’ve been bugging me to get it for a few weeks. Any luck on the toilet front, dad?”

  “Not really, I’ll have to get a plumber in to look at it sometime next week.”

  “Great! Morning trips to the second floor – reminds me of Halls – the benefit of living back at home!” Zoe smiled.

  4

  After the family had enjoyed one of Mary’s specialities for dinner, spicy chilli beef, and a few gaming hours together, it was time for bed. Mary was busy in the kitchen. “Hot chocolate for you, Zoe? What about you, James?”

  “Keep the chocolate, thanks, mum,” replied James, using a phrase he’d adopted from one of Jim’s American colleagues. Mary brought in the hot drinks as requested; chocolate for Zoe, hot milk for James, and Horlicks for her and Jim. “It sure has been a long day,” said Jim, “think I’ll turn in now. Goodnight all.”