Prologue
The sand felt soft beneath his bare feet, and the water licked his toes. The rays of the sun danced on the ocean, almost causing him to sneeze. His skin was deliciously hot and a little achy.
Probably have a little bit of sunburn, Adam Huntington thought as he kicked at the water. The briny smell of the sea tickled his nose, and the screeching of seagulls filled the air. He smiled as he looked around at the amazing sight, a picture-perfect day: the blazing sun, the brilliant blue sky, the crashing waves causing a fine mist to cool him down. There was nothing better than a lazy day at the beach. Yes, a picture-perfect day.
Then in walked George Gary Smith.
This can’t be! He’s dead. THIS CAN’T BE! He doesn’t belong here! Adam stood frozen, his heart hammering. Fear clawed at him. Sweat poured down his face. His brain felt ready to explode. His vision narrowed to a tunnel. All he could see was George Gary Smith. All he could hear were the screams—the blood-curdling screams of people being tortured, being tormented, being killed. They always came with this monster. Adam struggled to speak. His lips wouldn’t move. His voice strained to come out, but only a whisper emerged. “GGGet the ffffuck awwway fffrom meeeee!”
The creature smiled: his maw a cavernous grin, his dead eyes staring, his skin shifting like it didn’t fit right.
Adam couldn’t move. He knew he had to—his life depended on it. He couldn’t move! His mind screamed at him to run, to fight, to yell and draw someone’s attention. HE COULDN’T MOVE! Helpless! Help!
“Time’s up, boy!” George Gary Smith hissed and reached for him.