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Chapter 1-4: Demon Night
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He estimated that there were at least eight of them.
Sounds more distinct on the hardwood floors, don’t you think, boss? You can almost picture those blood-drenched nails scratching away.
You’re not helping, Russell thought back.
Sorry, boss. I know… how about you cut the bitch’s head off, toss it out of the closet, and we’ll see who wins the jump ball?
Russell briefly considered shooting himself in the skull to silence the prick. Instead, he slowly positioned himself in front of Janet and helped her up on wobbly legs. Making sure he had her attention, Russell motioned toward the chute.
She nodded, letting him lead her to sit over the edge of the hole. His intent was to lower her down.
The first creature shattered the closet door in half.
Hide-and-Seek is over, boss. Better move.
Russell lifted the revolver and fired the two remaining rounds in the direction of the first creature clawing its way through Janet’s wardrobe. The beast howled out in pain.
Before Janet could do anything, Russell unapologetically put a foot to her back and shoved her into the chute.
She slid down fast, unprepared to brace herself, and came crashing out through the lower hatch that emptied into the pitch-black laundry room. She landed painfully on the edge of a small laundry basket, half full of old magazines, which tumbled over in the darkness. Janet hardly registered hitting her head on the hard floor as she felt her left ankle snap. She mustered all her strength and tried not to scream. The pain was excruciating.
Russell discarded the gun and quickly followed, using his arms and legs to control his descent. He looked up to see a large form block out the light at the top of the chute, as a long, clawed hand extended downward, just missing his head.
The beast let loose a frustrated wail that reverberated in the narrow chute, causing Russell to let go. He dropped the remaining distance, landing cleanly on his feet, and crouched down to maintain his balance.
Russell took a deep breath, welcoming the darkness—the great equalizer between man and beast.
Don’t get too comfy, boss. They saw you just fine before.
Russell looked up as the faint remains of bedroom light trickled down the chute. The creature either couldn’t or wouldn’t follow. He could hear floor boards creaking above. The ruse was up. They were coming… fast. In seconds they would reach the stairs.
Russell could just make out Janet next to him. She was holding her ankle and rocking to shut out the pain.
She’s lame, boss. Better leave the bitch and get out. She’s only gonna get us caught now.
“No.”
Break her fuckin’ neck, oh, mighty savior, and be done with it!
“I said… NO! She’s mine.”
The other one said no more.
Janet stared at him. She hoped he would overlook her in the darkness and leave.
“Janet,” he called. “Hold on, I’m coming.”
The pain prevented her from responding. She wept instead.
Russell quickly got his bearings. The garage door was just a few feet to the left. That was their ‘out’.
He could hear the creatures crashing down the staircase. They would have to cut across the kitchen to get to the laundry room.
Russell moved toward Janet and picked her up in his arms.
She cried out in pain. “I think… my ankle is broken.”
He went directly toward the garage door.
Rat-a-tat-a-tat
They’re in the kitchen, boss. Wanna make em’ a quiche?
Russell opened the door, letting in a cold draft. There was no time to speculate on what they might find in there after he turned on the lights.
His attention to detail continued to pay off as he reached to his left, hit the switch, and flooded the garage with light.
No monsters in here but you, boss.
From three feet behind him, the first creature hissed in outrage as the light caught it off guard and sent it scurrying back toward the darkness.
How did it get so fucking close without me knowing? Russell admired the creature’s stealth.
He slammed the garage door shut behind him and then laid Janet down on the cold concrete. Russell watched for the door knob to move. There had been no time to consider just how cunning these creatures were until now.
Can they open doors?
If so, the game was over.
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(Continued in next reply...)
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