An Inescapable Place

An Inescapable Place

“Let’s get out of here.”

Kevin Creed poked Brian Lockwood hard in the shoulder.

“What’s the matter? Scared?”

“No, I hear rustling outside.”

Brian popped his head above the window ledge to peer out.

“I don’t see anybody,” he said.

“You won’t, until they jump us!”

Brian snickered.

“Boy, you have some imagination, Kev!”

“It’s not imagination, I know these guys!”

Brian tried to catch a glimpse of the other boy’s face in the ambient light of the old house. It was useless. He’s lost his glasses while they were running away from the prank they pulled.

Kevin grabbed his arm and began to drag at him.

“I’m telling you; they’re coming!”

“If they’re coming, I’ll stand and fight!” Brian said stubbornly.

“Suit yourself, I’m leaving!”

There was the sound of dust-muffled footfalls as he did just that. Kevin listened but heard no door close.

“He’s faking me out! We’ll see who can outlast who, then!”

As he continued to kneel at the window trying to see what was going on outside, Brian wished he’d brought a flashlight for the umpteenth time.

A scratching sound grabbed his attention, so he turned away from the window to try and follow it to its origin. It seemed to be everywhere. It grew louder and louder.

The next morning, Kevin’s dad turned on the radio to hear the news. Kevin gasped.

“A young local boy was found dead in the old Pearce mansion this morning. Identified as Brian Lockwood, he was found clawed severely and half-eaten at the base of the living room window. No one is sure how he got in as the place is very secure. There was no evidence of anyone else having been with him. If you have any information, contact the local police.”

Kevin shivered.