The new maid heard weeping beneath the mansion. Opening the heavy basement door, she found the missing wife, starved and chained. As gasps filled the dark room, the wife grabbed her hand, whispering, “Run before he hears you, or he’ll make you my replacement.” Suddenly, footsteps echoed on the stairs…

frail it sounded like dry leaves scraping together—spoke from the abyss.

“Clara…”

My name.

A jolt of pure electricity shot through my limbs. I scrambled backward, my bare feet slipping on the stone. How could whoever—whatever—was down there know my name? I had only been at the estate for days. I covered my mouth to stifle a scream, grabbed my flashlight,continue reading …