The House On Turner Street

Chapter 14 - Scream

A rustling drew Evan's attention. He turned to see two rats looking at him with those glowing red eyes.

"Stephen, it looks like your friends are back,"

Stephen and Tyler joined him in teaching towards them. Stephen started to raise his stick. When a rat, the size of a beagle came out from behind them.

"I would suggest not messing with that one, "Tyler voice went tight, "Rats carry all sorts of diseases, and the really big ones can do some damage. We should leave and close this place up."

They backed away slowly. Stephen still held his stick but made sure not to world it in any manner that could be threatening. They may be rats, but they were still wild animals. The three rats followed behind them, still daring them to make a move. They made it out the door. Stephen took one more peek inside to see that the smaller two were eating again, and the really big one was watching the door. If it could be said that rats could smile, he knew that one was smiling mockingly.

"Well, everyone, that was tense. That big rat was no joke. I knew that could get large, but damn was that one huge. We have decided to cut the greenhouse portion a little short. It's my hope that if we run into any other trouble, it ends just as peacefully."

They re-entered through the kitchen without much talk. Stephen made some off-hand comments about those rats needing to be taught a lesson. Considering the way he squeaked and ran, it was more about saving face than a rematch.

Evan had developed a feeling of unease. The history of the house was bad enough without mutant rats. How had none of this gotten out to the community? There were still big questions. Vincent Rodgers? Tyler? There was just too much going on. There is no point in worrying the others. Stephen was oblivious as usual, and Tyler seemed unphased. Time to check on Val.

As if he prompted her by some weird chance, Val's scream broke his inward reflection. Evan took off ahead of the others. He had to get to Val. He ran into the main lobby and found Val curled up in her chair with tears in her eyes. Something had startled her.

"Val! What Happened!?!? Are you ok!?"

She looked up at Evan and threw her arms around him.

"Evan. This place really is haunted. I swear to you. The EMF started getting some strong readings. I switched to using the infrared thermometer, and there was what looked like a tornado of heat swirling under me. It was as if a gateway to hell was trying to swallow me. I didn't know what to do, so I panicked. I'm sorry, Evan. I didn't mean to scare you."

She held on tighter while Evan tried to convince her that it really was ok as long as she wasn't hurt. Stephen wanted to replay the footage but knew they'd have to go to the van for that.