New Neighbors

New Neighbors

by Spencer Frederick

         Steve Beaumont never forgot the first time he saw the Darcy’s. It was nearly Halloween. He and Danny Grant were riding their bikes. The sun was nearly down and the breeze was blowing out of the north, scattering the fallen leaves. Suddenly they heard the growing rumbling of a large truck. Danny, tall and lanky, stopped to check the source of the noise and promptly tripped over his pedals. “Dufus,” Steve said with a snort as he continued to ride his bike in an ever-shrinking circle. He watched as a moving van lumbered to a stop across the street.

         “Cool,” said Danny, “somebody’s finally moving into the old Franklyn place.” Long vacant, the house’s once white paint was now dull green with mildew, the roof pockmarked with gaps of missing shingles. A rusty black metal fence surrounded the house like a prison wall, with its gate chained shut to keep out intruders. “Maybe they’ll have kids,” Danny said as the movers climbed out of the truck.

         “It’ll be great,” Steve said as he tried unsuccessfully to pop a wheelie, “if they have a couple of boys. We need some more guys our age around here.” Danny nodded as a car drove up and stopped behind the moving van. It was a large black car, but Steve didn’t know what kind. The windows were heavily tinted, reminding Steve of a car he had seen in a movie once. The car was possessed and tried to kill people by running them over. A man and a woman got out of the car and looked around the neighborhood. When they saw Steve and Danny, they smiled. Steve didn’t think their smiles were friendly, though. They reminded him of the time Jeff beat him up for his lunch money and smiled the whole time. The woman then whispered something to the man, who looked over at the boys and nodded. Then they started talking to the movers.

         “Nobody else in the car,” Danny said as he rode his bike in a figure eight. “Looks like they don’t have any kids.”

         “Oh well,” Steve said with a sigh.

         “You wanna see if we can help?” Danny said, “Maybe they’ll pay us or invite us in?”

         “Nah,” Steve said, “My folks don’t like me talking to strangers. Let’s just watch.” The movers backed the van up the long driveway and began unloading. After a few minutes, though, the growing darkness forced Steve and Danny to go home.

         Steve put his bike away and washed up for dinner. The table was set and his mother was just getting the meatloaf out of the oven. “Great,” Steve said, “meatloaf. Hey, it looks like some people moved into the old house down the street.”

         “That’s nice,” his mother said from the kitchen, “I’ve heard that place has been vacant for years.”

         “It’d be good for the neighborhood.” his dad said, “So how was school today?”

         “Okay, but I’m glad tomorrow’s Saturday,” Steve said with a smile.

         “Chuck, could you give me a hand?” Steve’s mom called from the kitchen. “I’ve got the meatloaf and potatoes, just get the broccoli and Steve’s vitamins.”
They brought out dinner, with Mr. Beaumont handing Steve the five pills.

         “I hate taking these,” Steve said with an exaggerated frown that wrinkled his nose.

         “You need to take them. They’re good for you,” Steve’s dad said as he went back into the kitchen to get the broccoli.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

         A little after noon on Saturday, Steve returned home from playing at Danny’s. “Hey, mom,” Steve said as he walked in, “I’m home. What’s for lunch? I’m hungry.”

         “You should be. You skipped breakfast and didn’t take your morning vitamins. You know you’re not supposed to do that,” his mother said with a half frown.

         “Sorry mom,” Steve said, “I’ll take ‘em with lunch.”

         “Okay,” she said as she handed Steve a baggie of five brightly colored pills.
“How about a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?”

         “Great, hey what’s that basket for?” Steve asked as he walked into the kitchen.

         “Oh, I thought it would be nice if I took a welcome basket to the new neighbors. I tried earlier but they weren’t home.” Steve sat on one of the barstools in the kitchen, and stared at the basket as he waited for lunch.

         “I’ll drop it off after lunch.” Steve said as his mother made his sandwich, “It’s not far.”

         “That’s my helpful little guy,” his mom said, smiling at him as she handed him his sandwich.

         After lunch Steve took the basket in both hands and started over to the new neighbors. As he got closer, he noticed a sign on their pole light. It read “Darcy”. I guess that’s their last name. It’s such a pretty day, why aren’t they out doing something. Everybody else is playing or raking leaves. They must be weird or something.

         Steve walked up to the front gate. It was unlocked, so he opened it and went up toward the front door. He couldn’t tell if anybody was home, since there were dark curtains in all of the windows. Why would anybody want to keep their house so dark? Steve went to the front door and rang the doorbell. He waited. He wasn’t sure he even heard the doorbell ring. He knocked, but nobody came to the door. Okay, I’ll just leave the basket by the front door. He turned to leave, but hesitated. While I’m here, I might as well see what the rest of the place looks like. He looked in the front windows, but the curtains were too thick to see through. He looked around. Nobody in the neighborhood was looking. He ran around to the side of the house, but the curtains were the same.

         Steve walked around to the back of the house and saw a small window without a curtain. Finally. He ran over to it and cupped his hands around his eyes and looked inside. It was the basement. It was dark and the inside of the window was filthy, so he had a hard time making anything out. Then he noticed the floor was covered with sealed boxes and unopened crates. I guess they haven’t unpacked everything yet. Wow, some of those crates are huge, big enough for a person to fit in. Steve remembered seeing a movie about vampires that had their coffins in large crates.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

          He ran over to Danny’s house. Danny and his younger brother Matt were sitting on the front steps. “What’s up?” Danny said.

         “Not much,” Steve said, with a smile. “I just delivered a welcome basket to the Darcy’s, the new neighbors.”

         “So?” said Danny.

         “So, I found out why nobody’s seen ‘em,” Steve said.

         “Why?” Matt said.

         “Cause they’re vampires.” Steve said.

         “What?” Danny said. “There’s no such thing.”

         “Yeah,” Matt said as he shook his head.

         “Sure there are and I can prove it.”

         “How?” Danny said.

         “I’ll show you guys the coffins in their basement.”

         “There’re no coffins.” Danny said, “You’re just making it up.”

         “Am not.” Steve said, “and I’ll prove it unless you guys are scared.”

         “We’re not scared,” Danny said, “are we Matt?” Matt just looked at the ground.

         “Okay,” Steve said. After dark, we’ll go over to the Darcy’s house and I’ll show you the coffins.”

         “Why do we have to wait until it’s dark?” Matt said.

         “Cause we can’t have everybody in the neighborhood see us sneaking around their house. What, are you scared to go after dark?”

         “I’m not scared,” Danny said as he stood up.

         “What about you,” Steve said to Matt.

         “I don’t want to go,” Matt said as he shook his head. “Mom and dad will get mad.”

         “He’ll go,” Danny said as he put his hand on his brother’s shoulder. Matt looked up at his brother and slowly shook his head, but Danny just nodded.

         “It’ll be fine, Matt,” Danny said. “You’re coming with us.”

         “Cool,” Steve said with a smile, “let’s go play a game.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

         Steve, Danny, and Matt played a game of Sorry until dinner. Steve liked playing at Danny’s house. His parents left them alone in the basement to play, plus his mother let them eat while they were playing. Tonight, she fed them burgers and fries. It was great. “Steve,” Mrs. Grant said as she handed him his plate, “your mother dropped these off. She said to tell you to take these with your dinner.” She handed Steve a small baggy with some pills in it.

         “Thank you, ma’am,” Steve said as he took the baggie, “I’ll take them.” Steve sat the baggie down next to his plate. After Mrs. Grant went back upstairs, Matt looked over at the baggie.

         “How come you take vitamins at night?”

         “Yeah,” Danny said, “and they don’t look like the vitamins we take. Is there something wrong with you?”

         “Sure looks like it,” Matt said before Steve could answer.

         “There’s nothing wrong with me,” Steve said slowly, his face turning red.

         “Is too,” Matt said, “you’re weak like a girl.”

         Steve slowly turned toward Matt. “Take it back.” Take it back or I’ll hurt you.

         “Nope,” Matt said with giggle.

         “Steve,” Danny said as he grabbed Steve by the arm, “sit down. He’s just a kid.”

         Steve shook his head. “Oh, yeah, no problem.”

         “Okay, let’s finish eating.” Danny said. It’ll be dark enough in about an hour to get going.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

         The boys left the television on in the basement, to cover their absence. They walked silently to the Darcy’s house. It was a chilly night, made cooler by the nervous energy slowly growing in the three boys. When they reached the Darcy’s house, Steve just stood and stared at it.

         “C’mon, let’s go,” said Danny, “it’s getting cold out here.”

         “Yeah,” Matt said as he rubbed his bare arms, “I’m freezing. If you’re not going to show us anything, I’m going home.”

         “I’ll show you guys I’m telling the truth. Follow me,” Steve said as he started walking across the street. Danny and Matt followed silently. They got to the gate, but it was now padlocked.

         “I thought you said the gate wasn’t locked,” Danny said. “Are you sure you were in their yard?”

         “I told you, I took a welcome basket and put it by their front door,” Steve said. “They must’ve locked their gate after they saw the basket. They don’t want people sneaking around. They don’t want people knowing.”

         “Okay, then,” Matt said, “the gate’s locked. We can’t get in. Let’s go home.”

         “Don’t be a baby. We can climb the fence,” Steve said, although he wasn’t sure how.

         “How?” Danny said. “If we stand on the bottom, we can’t reach the top. It’s not like climbing any of the other fences around here.” Matt looked on, feeling sure that there was no way to get into the yard.

         “You guys are just scared,” Steve said. They’re right, there is no way to climb the fence. But he refused to admit he was wrong. “Let’s take a look around the house,” he said after a minute.

         “For what?” Danny said as Matt rolled his eyes.

         “A way in,” Steve said, as started walking around the perimeter of the yard. Matt looked at Danny, who grunted and followed Steve. They walked around the side of the house. Soon, they had walked out of the friendly glow of the neighborhood streetlights and into the cold dark of the night.

         “I can’t see,” Matt said. “Let’s go back.”

         “Quiet,” Steve said without turning around, “or they’ll hear us.” Then, Steve suddenly stopped. “There’s our way in,” he said, pointing to an old oak tree that was growing next to the fence. “We’ll climb the tree and drop down into the yard. C’mon.” They all ran over to the tree.

         “I can’t climb that,” Matt said with a whine.

         “No problem,” Steve said, “Danny and I will help you.” Steve dropped to his hands and knees and braced his back. “Danny, help him get to the first limb.”

         “But,” Matt started.

         “It’s too late to stop now, so get going,” Steve said, trying not to yell. Matt looked at Danny, and then stepped on Steve’s back.

         “Okay Matt,” Danny said as he grabbed him under the arms and lifted, “grab the branch.” Matt was soon up on the overhanging branch.

         “Cool,” Steve said as he stood up. “Okay, Danny gimme a hand.” Danny clasped his hands together and helped boost Steve up so he could grab the first limb.

         “Matt, go ahead and jump,” Steve said once he was midway out on the overhanging limb. Matt was on the end of the limb, which was sagging under the weight. Matt stayed still, squatting on the branch. “Matt,” Steve said, “you’d better jump.”

         “No,” Matt said, “you guys are just gonna leave me in the yard.”

         “Go ahead, Matt,” Danny said, still waiting to climb up, “I’m not going to let anything happened to you. I’m right behind you.” Matt looked at Danny and then down. He slowly lowered himself into the yard. He backed away from the branch as Steve and Danny followed him.

         “Follow me,” Steve said, “and be quiet.” Steve led them to the rear of the house. “Okay, there’s the window,” he said, “go ahead and look.” Danny walked up to the window and peered in.

         “I can’t see anything. It’s too dark,” he said as he swatted the back of his neck. “Stinking mosquitoes.” Matt walked up and looked in.

         “I can’t see anything either,” Matt said as he swatted a mosquito on his arm. “We’re getting eaten alive. This is stupid. Let’s go.” They both turned to look at Steve. Steve ran up to the window and pushed Matt aside. He looked in the window and stayed motionless for a few seconds.

         “Dammit,” Steve said, “it’s too dark.”

         “Steve, let’s go.” Danny said, “my parents will kill me if I get caught.” Steve sighed in disgust.

         “This was stupid,” Matt said, “there’s no such, hey there’s something in my hair.” Both Danny and Steve screamed as they saw a bat attacking Matt. “Get it off, get it off.” Matt screamed as he flailed as arms around.

         “It’s them, it’s the vampires,” Steve yelled as he ran after Matt. Danny tried to knock the bat off of Matt, but it wouldn’t move. It just kept flapping its wings and squeaking. Then they heard a noise coming from the house and a bright light shown in their eyes.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

         “Steve, I want to know what you were thinking,” Mr. Beaumont said. He and wife sat in their living room on the sofa facing their son. Steve stared at the floor. “Steve, our neighbors find you and your friends prowling around their house at night, and I want to know why.” Steve didn’t move. Mr. Beaumont sighed and began to stand up, but his wife gently put her hand on his arm to calm him.

         “Steve, tell us why you, Danny and Matt were in the Darcy’s yard.” Steve exhaled in resignation.

         “We were just looking,” Steve said quietly.

         “What were you looking for, son?” Mr. Beaumont said.

         “Mom, I’m tired, can I go to bed now?” Steve said as he began to stand up.

         “Steve, sit down. You will stay seated until I tell you to get up.” Mr. Beaumont said. Steve sat down.

         “When I dropped off the welcome basket, I went looking around their house.”

         “Steve, that’s terribly rude. What were you thinking?” Mrs. Beaumont said.

         “Well, I went around to the back of their house and was just looking around. I looked in their basement and saw some big crates. They looked like coffins.”

         “Steven, for goodness sake. That’s ridiculous.” Mrs. Beaumont said.

         “Well, I just wanted to show Danny and Matt. And then the vampires attacked us.”

         “Steve, you’re being silly. There are no such things as vampires and you know it.” Mr. Beaumont said.

         “Then why don’t they come out during the day? And why did the bat attack Matt?” Steve said as he stood up.

         “That’s enough,” Mr. Beaumont said. “Tomorrow after church, you will go and apologize to the Darcy’s.”

         “But, dad.”

         “No buts. You will thank them for not calling the police and then you will come home. You are grounded until Friday. Now, go upstairs and get to bed.” Steve walked up the stairs to his room. As he did, he could hear his parents whispering.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

         After his family returned from church, Steve walked over to the Darcy’s house to apologize, but they weren’t home. Steve ran home immediately. When he walked up to his house, his father was in the doorway. Watching me to make sure I came right home. “They weren’t home,” Steve said as he walked in, “or they didn’t answer.”

         “Steve,” Mrs. Beaumont said as she walked in from the kitchen, “I just finished talking to Mrs. Grant. Matt is sick.

         “How sick is he?” Steve said.

         “Very sick,” Mr. Beaumont said. “The bat bit him.”

         “The bat bit him,” Steve said as his jaw opened.

         “Yes.” Mr. Beaumont said. “Unfortunately, nobody thought to catch the bat, so Matt has to have a series of shots to make sure he doesn’t get rabies.”

         “Rabies?” Steve said, “I thought that was just from dogs?”

         “No, son,” Mr. Beaumont said, “you can catch rabies from all sorts of animals.”

         “Mom, dad, can I go over and see Matt?” Steve said, “I promise I won’t stop anywhere else along the way.” Mrs. Beaumont looked at her husband, who let his face crack a smile.

         “Certainly Steve,” she replied, “but no stopping any place else. And you come right home.”

         “Thanks,” Steve said as he rushed upstairs to change clothes.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

         Steve ran over to the Grant’s house. Danny was sitting on his porch with his arms crossed over his knees and his forehead lying on his arms. “Hi Danny,” Steve said. “Did you get into trouble?”

         “Yeah,” Danny said without looking up. “I can’t go outside of the yard to play until Saturday. You?”

         “I’m grounded till Friday,” Steve said. “How’s Matt?”

         “He’s real sick,” Danny said. Steve’s face got pale and he grabbed Danny by the arm.

         “Don’t you understand, Danny? The bat bit Matt. Matt will turn into a vampire unless we do something.”

         “Steve, you’re crazy,” Danny said as he pulled his arm away. “Matt has to get rabies shots. That’s all.

         “Danny, think,” Steve said. “Have you ever seen the Darcy’s during the day?” Danny was silent. “No you haven’t. They’re vampires. Now, you can sit here like a baby and let Matt become a vampire, or we can save him.” Steve stood still and folded his arms.

         “What should we do?” Danny said.

         “We need to meet in front of the Darcy’s house at midnight,” Steve said.

         “In case you forgot, Steve, we’re both grounded.” Danny said with a look of disgust. He didn’t want his weeklong punishment to extend into a month.

         “In case you forgot, Steve, we’re both grounded,” Steve said in a high-pitched voice. “Matt’s your brother, and you won’t do this for him.” Steve turned and walked away.

         “Do what? What’s the point?” Danny said.

         “We need proof that they are vampires and I’m gonna get it.” Steve said as he continued to walk away. “It’s your fault Matt’s sick, anyway. He didn’t want to go and you made him.”

         “Okay,” Danny said after a few seconds, “I’ll meet you at midnight.

         “Bring a backpack with a flashlight.” Steve said as he walked away. “And don’t tell anybody.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

         Steve stood under a tree to shield himself from the streetlight. Luckily it was a cloudy night, he thought. He hadn’t been able to leave his house until a few minutes past midnight, but Danny still wasn’t here. He’s gotta show. This won’t work without him. He waited, becoming more and more angry as the minutes past. The longer I stand here, the better the chance somebody’ll see me. Finally, Steve heard a noise from down the street and saw Danny walking toward him. Idiot’s not even trying to hide. Steve waved him over. Danny waved back.

         “Get over here,” Steve said, grabbing Danny by the arm and pulling him behind the tree.

         “What’s wrong?” Danny said.

         “What’s wrong?” Steve said, “How stupid are you? We can’t let anybody see us.”

         “Okay,” Danny said rubbing his eyes, “I’m here. Now what?”

         “Now we get into their house,” Steve said.

         “And then what?” Danny said.

         “And then we get proof,” Steve said. “Let me see your backpack.” With a grunt of disapproval, Danny handed it to him. Steve unzipped it and started loading it with some items from a plastic grocery bag.

         “What’s that?” Danny said.

         "Tools,” Steve said coldly as he handed Danny the backpack. “Now let’s go.”

         “What’d you put in there? This thing weighs a ton?” Danny said as he put on the backpack. Steve kept walking. They were soon in the yard. “Now what?” Danny whispered, “How do we get in their house?”

         “Follow me,” Steve said with a frown as he made his way to the back of the house. “I saw a cellar door the other night.”

         When they got to the door, Danny sighed. “It’s padlocked, we can’t get in.”

         “Turn around,” Steve said, “I need something.” Danny turned around slowly. Steve pulled out a pair of bolt cutters. “Grab that handle,” Steve said, “I can’t cut the chain myself.” They both grabbed a handle with both hands and pushed, but the chain held.

         “It’s no use, we can’t cut it.” Danny said, “Let’s go.”

         Steve stared into Danny’s eyes. “Grab that handle and push. We can cut this if we both try.” Danny gritted his teeth and picked up the bolt cutters with Steve. They both pushed the grips together as hard as they could, their faces turning red. “Almost there,” Steve grunted. Finally with a snap that sent both boys tumbling, the lock was cut. They both sat on the ground, panting. Danny rubbed the blood off of his left knee where he had just torn his pants. “There’s time for that later,” Steve said as he stood up. “Go ahead.”

         “After you,” Danny said as he gestured toward the now unlocked door. Steve eyed Danny carefully. Can I really count on him? Steve pulled two flashlights out of the backpack. He walked into Danny, putting his face so close he could see his reflection in Danny’s eyes.

         “Now follow me.” The rusted hinges on the door screamed as Steve slowly opened it. The stench of stagnant water and rotting wood was so strong that Steve had to pause to collect himself.

         “What are you waiting for?” Danny said as he bumped into Steve. Steve exhaled loudly to calm himself, but said nothing. He continued slowly down the steps. Their small flashlights did a poor job of illuminating much of the basement. The boxes that Steve had seen before were still there, some stacked nearly to the ceiling. It was like being in a giant maze.

          “There,” Steve said as he shown his flashlight on a large crate. “I told you there were coffins down here.” Danny wet his lips and stood very still.

         “Now what?” Danny whispered.

         “Now start looking around.” Steve said as he shoved Danny towards the back of the cellar. “You check in the back and I’ll be over by the stairs. We need to find something to prove they’re vampires.” Danny walked slowly, scanning walls, ceiling, and floor. He swore he could hear something moving around, but he couldn’t see anything. All the boxes he was able to open were filled with clothes. He couldn’t open the crates, they were nailed shut. Maybe Matt was just bitten by a real bat. Maybe this is just a total waste of time. Suddenly he heard the sounds of breaking glass and clanging metal. The vampires, they’ve got Steve. He gasped and made his way to the other side of the basement. A metal shelf had fallen over, laying in broken glass and debris. Danny had his flashlight in Steve’s face. Steve looked like he was smiling.

         “What?” Danny began, but he froze when he heard the sounds of footsteps, growing louder. “We gotta hide,” Danny said as Steve whipped the flashlight around the basement to try to find suitable area.

         “Over there, under the steps,” Steve said as they heard voices, growing louder. The boys stood under the wooden steps that came down from the house to the basement.

         “They’ll find us, Steve.” Danny said. “We’re gonna be in big trouble.”

         “Shut up and get ready,” Steve said as he reached into the backpack. The footsteps grew louder as Danny heard the Darcy’s come down to the first floor. "Here,” Steve said as he handed Danny a large stick with a pointed end.

         “What’s this?” Danny said, staring at the stick.

         “It’s a stake. It’s what you kill vampires with.”

         “Kill vampires?” Danny said as started to hand it back to Steve. Suddenly the footsteps stopped and the boys heard a doorknob slowly turn.

         “Turn off your flashlight and get back,” Steve whispered as he backed up against the wall. Danny bit his lip to stop himself from screaming. He heard the basement door slowly open. The light from the upstairs shot through the door opening and lit up the basement floor. Danny could here whispers, but he couldn’t make out what was being said. A few seconds passed and then he heard the door close and the basement grew dark again. He heard footsteps moving away from the door. Thank God, they’re not... Then he heard the creak of the basement steps as someone began walking down them. One, two, three steps. A pause. Trying to be quiet, Danny was barely breathing. He heard some muttering from the steps but dared not move. More creaks. Suddenly, Danny could make out the bare feet on the stairs, a few feet from his face. He held his breath. They’re going to kill us. The vampires are going to kill us. More creaks, and then a scream as Mr. Darcy fell down the steps with a thud. He was groaning loudly. Danny could hear footsteps growing fainter upstairs. He started to back away when Steve walked over to him.

         “Okay, let’s do it,” Steve said as he grabbed Danny’s arm.

         “Do what?” Danny said in a whisper.

         “The only way to stop Matt from becoming a vampire,” Steve said as he lifted his right hand to display a hammer, “is to kill the vampire that bit him.”

         “No,” Danny said as he began to shake. Suddenly he heard a loud noise from upstairs.

         “Danny,” Steve said as he led him over to where Mr. Darcy lay, “it’s your brother. Only you can save him. She’ll be here in a minute. If you don’t do it, Matt will die.” Steve guided Matt’s hand with the stake until it was over Mr. Darcy’s heart. Steve put the hammer in Danny’s right hand.

         “Hit it.”

         “Steve, I can’t.”

         “Hit it,” Steve said. “Can’t you hear her? She’s coming.” Mr. Darcy began to groan. Blood was trickling out of the corner of his mouth. Danny, tears beginning to form in his eyes, stared at Mr. Darcy. “Danny,” Steve said as he raised Danny’s right hand, “how much more proof do you need? Look at the blood. He’s a vampire. Kill him.” In the distance sirens could be heard. They sounded like they were getting closer. Footsteps approached the basement door.

         “Danny, your brother will be damned if you don’t do this.”

         “I want to go home,” Danny said as he began to cry.

         “Jesus Christ, do it now or we’re dead,” Steve yelled. The doorknob turned. Danny shot a glance up the stairs as the door opened a crack sending a bolt of light to where Mr. Darcy lay. Suddenly there was a loud crack of metal on wood, a scream, and then crying. The upstairs door flew open, lighting up Steve, Danny, Mr. Darcy, and a large growing puddle of blood. Mrs. Darcy ran screaming down the steps. Then, at exactly the same spot as Mr. Darcy, she fell. Quietly, Steve handed Danny the second stake.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

         “So how’s Steve doing?” Mr. Beaumont said.

         “He seems to be doing okay. I just can’t believe Danny killed those two people,” Mrs. Beaumont said.

         “Amazing how someone that age planned the whole thing out.” Mr. Beaumont said. “Up to the point of even tying wire around the steps to make the Darcy’s fall. You just can’t tell. So, what did the doctor say?”

         “Steve has a new prescription,” Mrs. Beaumont said. “It should cut down on any nightmares. We just have to make sure he takes them.”

         “Well, we’ve done a good job with his other pills.” Mr. Beaumont said as he walked up the stairs. “I’ll go check on him.” As Steve heard the footsteps growing louder, he took a small baggie stuffed full of brightly colored pills and stuck them under his mattress.