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…

Abyss

I reached the bottom of the stairs, my breath pluming in the freezing air. The heavy oak door was ajar.

The modern padlock hung uselessly from the latch, its steel shackle cleanly sawed through. Mateo. It had to be Mateo. The old gardener had risked everything to break the lock while the thunder masked the sound of his tools.

I didn’t hesitate. continue reading …