Chapter 27
9.45 p.m.
The house stood, majestic in its own dark and brooding way. The bricks, deep red and imposing, always overshadowed by the height of the slate grey roof. Its five Gothic windows at the front remained edged in black paint. The only glimmer of human existence was in the light that seeped around the edge of the curtains. This house, always shut to the world. But it had enchanted her once, and it captivated her still.
The moon cast a pathway along the flagstones and Julia followed it. A shadow fell in front of her as the tree branches swayed and rustled. There was no sound beyond that. The house held its breath. It was waiting for her.
It was so close now. She clutched the railings as the belly rolled over and made her queasy and her knees quivered, then finally buckled
