ROGUE ANGEL - Book One: The Beginning

Chapter Two

IT WAS already dark when I reached Ipoh, thus going to Ng Chan Villa was out of the question. Besides, I didn’t know the roads well; it was my first trip to this ex-mining town. Also,I was tired, confused, and most importantly, I was damn hungry. So first things first. I had my dinner at a Malay nasi lemak roadside stall, ignoring the ogling and wolf whistling from lusty men while I was at it – I didn’t know I was sexier than my bike – before I looked for a hotel whose rates wouldn’t break the bank; I only had RM255 with me.  

Eventually I found one in the secluded part of the city; the locals called this place Old Town. It was a new budget hotel named The Lodge and for RM45 per night, I got an air-conditioned room with en-suite facilities and breakfast. To me, it was a good value for money deal so I decided to put up a night here and continue my journey tomorrow. But the male staff at the front desk had other ideas.

“I see that your 24th birthday was two days ago … Miss King,” he said, when he took my ID card for registration purposes. His name was Sirius Jeow, as stated on the name-tag pinned on his dark blue coat. He was of medium height and build. His wavy hair was neatly combed back, his eyes were like silver lightning, and his smile never seemed to leave his face.

“Is it? I didn’t notice,” I replied, returning his smile. It was the truth. I mean, who gave a hoot about birthdays at a time like this?

“Well, you’re in for a treat as we’ve a special this week,” said Sirius,showcasing his pearly white teeth to me. “Because it was your birthday, we’re offering you only RM70 for a two-night stay. That’s more than 30% off our usual rates. How about that?”      

When I didn’t respond, he added, “And we’ll even throw in a birthday cake for you.” His tone sounded desperate.

Finally I quipped, “Business is that bad, eh?”

There was a pause. Then, gesturing at me to come closer, while darting his eyes around the lounge as if he didn’t want anyone else to hear us, he said with a sigh, “I’ll be honest with you. After more than a week, you’re our first customer. Stiff competition, you know. Too many budget hotels springing up here lately.”   

“I see.”

“So, two nights then?” he kind of pleaded, giving me puppy dog eyes. 

Due to my tight budget, I had no intention to stay that long but I didn’t want to disappoint him – he was cute – so I made up an excuse: “Let me sleep on it. I’ll let you know tomorrow during breakfast.”

“That’s great!” he enthused, taking my reply as a yes and handing me my room key. “Your room’s on the second floor. You may use the lift on your left to go up. Have a pleasant evening, Miss King.”

“Thanks, and the same to you,” I replied, slipping the key into my jeans pocket. I was looking forward to a nice, cold shower. “And oh yeah, do you know where Ng Chan Villa is? I’m dropping in there tomorrow.”   

Sirius did not answer. He just stood there frozen.

“What’s the matter?” I asked, curious. “You look as if you’ve seen a ghost.”

“My blood runs chill by the mere mention of its name,” he finally spoke,fear and astonishment on his face. “The mansion’s not far, about 15 kilometers east of here, but nobody dares to go in there. It is … haunted.”

Growing more curious, I requested he tell me more about Ng Chan Villa and out of his lips tumbled one fantastic story. Apparently, some fifty years ago, in the small hours of the night, half of Ipoh was suddenly rocked by what appeared to be an earthquake. As people rushed out of their homes in panic,they saw a dazzling great ball of fire soar to the sky from the mansion which was located on top of the hill. The ground was groaning and shaking. Before anyone knew what was happening, Ng Chan Villa burst into flames and toppled over. The owner and his wife were believed to have perished in the fire but their bodies were never found. Until today the mystery behind that night’s strange occurrence was still unsolved.

Then a few weeks later, when news began circulating that punters who flocked there to obtain lucky numbers never came back and those who did became mad and died soon after, everyone was convinced that the Villa was the Devil’s den and they stayed clear of it. As the years rolled by, the once-grand mansion, now left to rot, gradually morphed into a malignant horror house.          

“Interesting,” I commented, not knowing whether to believe his story or not. “From where did you hear this tall tale?”

“It’s not a tall tale but the truth, Miss King,” insisted Sirius. “My grandparents used to live near the Villa. They saw everything. I strongly advise you not to visit that evil-infested mansion. If you’re looking for adventure, try Kellie’s Castle. It used to be haunted too, but the place has since been spruced up and turned into a tourist attraction, so it is safe.” 

“Ha, Kellie’s Castle is for sissies,” I scoffed. “Ng Chan Villa is where the real action lies. An adventure without risk or danger is no fun, don’t you agree?” Frankly, I was surprised at myself for uttering those words peppered with macho bravado. It sounded so, well, unfeminine. After all, I was a sweet young thing, right? Right?

“Yes, but –”

“Goodnight, Sirius,” I cut him off and headed for the lift. This Ng Chan Villa talk was beginning to be a real drag. I shouldn’t have brought it up in the first place. “See you tomorrow.”    

“Err … yes, goodnight and pleasant dreams, Miss King,” replied Sirius,his eyebrows up and curved, making him look kind of funny. I bet he must bethinking, good grief, is this woman off her rocker?