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…

the heating vents, came a different sound.

A sharp, metallic snap. Followed by the heavy, agonizing groan of old wood opening.

I shot out of bed. The padlock. Something had happened to the padlock. I grabbed my flashlight and ran for the stairs, the cold draft from the basement rushing up to meet me like the breath of a dying beast.

Chapter 5: Into the continue reading …