Traveler in a Strange Land

Chapter 1 Rain slithered down the café window like transparent serpents. William Blackwood tapped his fingers against the table, checking his watch for the third time—7:43 PM. His contact was thirteen minutes late. "Another no-show?" he muttered, the scar above his left eyebrow faintly visible under the neon lights. A souvenir from Syria three years ago. The shrapnel had missed his eye by two centimeters. The doctors called it a miracle. William knew better—it was just Death refusing to take him yet. The café door chimed. "Sorry! Flight delay from Bangkok." A girl with a chestnut braid and a backpack slung over her shoulder slid into the seat across from him. Mud streaked her cargo pants, along with something darker. "Jackie Monroe. You must be the guy who insists on discussing murder scenes over coffee." William eyed the five crystal bracelets on her wrist. "A psychic?" "Paranormal investigator," she corrected, pulling out a tablet. "And I’m guessing you didn’t watch David’s full footage." The video showed their mutual friend, David, standing in front of a Victorian mansion. "Guys, this is the infamous Warren Estate—locals call it the 'Man-Eater House'—" The camera jerked violently. A metallic screech tore through the audio before the feed froze on a door covered in deep gouges, fresh blood dripping from five finger-shaped marks. William’s pulse spiked. The scratches lined up perfectly with David’s throat. "There’s more," Jackie said, swiping to a forum post. "Twenty-three disappearances in ten years. No bodies. But this?" She pointed to the latest thread. The user, GhostHunter87, had last been online three days ago. Their status read: DECEASED. Thunder cracked outside. William pulled an envelope from his coat. The yellowed paper bore a message in rust-red ink: You are cordially invited to witness the truth at the Warren Estate this All Hallows’ Eve. Come alone. Unless you wish to find David’s... remaining pieces. "That’s not blood," Jackie said, leaning in. "Too metallic. More like ink mixed with—" She froze as William grabbed her wrist. "What’s on your pants?" "Vermilion powder. For Taoist rituals— Oh, for—" She yanked her collar aside, revealing a yellow talisman taped below her collarbone. "Happy? No actual blood here." William released her, the ghost of a smirk on his lips. "At least you’re not a complete amateur." He flagged the waiter. "Two black coffees. Double sugar." "I thought tough guys drank it straight?" "Tough guys also know hypoglycemia kills." He turned his laptop toward her, displaying a blueprint. "The Warren family vanished on Halloween, 1923. Police found seven place settings in the dining room. Silver forks driven straight through the table—each pinning down a piece of—" "Bones?" "Flesh." The waiter set down their coffees. Jackie’s hand trembled, spilling sugar across the table. William caught her fingers. "Don’t look now. Gray trench coat, third table behind you. Been watching us since we mentioned murder." "Lucas!" Jackie waved. "Met him in Chiang Mai. That’s Mia." William adjusted the concealed pistol in his waistband as the couple approached. Lucas slapped his phone on the table. "You won’t believe what our thermal cam caught outside the estate." The screen showed seven humanoid heat signatures inside the walls—arms outstretched. "Like they’re begging for something," Mia said, her upside-down crucifix swinging as she chewed gum. William stood abruptly. "We leave now, we’ll beat midnight." He tossed cash on the table, but Jackie grabbed his sleeve. "Sign this first." She produced a contract stamped with a bloody handprint. "House rules. Every visitor leaves behind a— Hey!" He was already at the door. "Bring your waiver, Madame Medium. Hope your crystal ball didn’t foresee you pissing yourself tonight." Jackie cursed, scrambling after him. Neither noticed the café TV glitching to static, nor the news ticker: ...FLORIDA POLICE CONFIRM HUMAN REMAINS FOUND NEAR WARREN ESTATE... Outside, a pale hand slapped the rain-streaked window—right where William had been sitting—then vanished.