Page 41 of The Silence of Hell

“I’ll take your recommendations and look into them,” I said thoughtfully. I’d not picked the names of the people out of a hat, but had done research. Clearly, Tatum knew things I hadn’t discovered.

A murmur rose, and we glanced up from where we sat on a blanket and watched the opening credits to the movie. With a smile, I settled in to watch.

???

Tatum had got up halfway through the film and brought drinks, more popcorn, and hot dogs. I squealed at the right moments, and Tatum laughed and leant me his shoulder. Despite his attractiveness, we lacked chemistry. I wasn’t feeling it, and I was saddened by that. We both shared similar interests, and on paper, we were perfect, but my lady parts merely went ‘meh’ instead of ‘hell yeah, baby’!

“Don’t worry, Lavender, tonight was great, but you’re not feeling it, are you?” Tatum said.

“Are you?” I asked cautiously.

“No,” he answered with a laugh, and my shoulders relaxed. “Honestly, I was hopeful, but it’s not there. But we can be good friends, I hope!”

“That’s definite.” I smiled.

We walked to the car and for a brief moment, I thought I saw someone watching us. Before I could be certain, the figure darted back behind a tree. Tatum and I laughed about the film and discussed some of the plot on the drive home. As we headed up the lane, I frowned, and Tatum hit the brakes.

“Did you see that?” he questioned.

“The light in the trees? Yes, nobody should be out here,” I replied, peering into the darkness. My spine began to crawl, and I shuddered. “Tatum, get us back to the Manor.”

“Yeah, I’m sensing that threat, too,” Tatum murmured and drove off.

“What the hell was that?” I asked as the Manor appeared. I spotted a couple of lights on. Harriet and Dan’s bedrooms.

“I’m not sure, but it didn’t appear friendly. Are you certain this place isn’t haunted?”

“As far as I know, no. The last time I was here, I was just a child, so who can say for sure?”

“Maybe you need to research Ravenberry’s history,” Tatum said.

“I’m starting to lean that way. Thanks for a good evening, Tatum. I enjoyed it,” I replied.

“Same here, despite the zero chemistry.” Tatum chuckled as I exited the vehicle. He walked me to the door, and I let myself in after pecking his cheek.

Tatum waited until I’d shut the door and then left.

Four hours later.

Heavy footsteps banged above me. It sounded like somebody walking about in boots. But they couldn’t be. I knew for a fact that room hadn’t been cleared, and it was rammed full of items. Nobody could possibly be up there, and yet they were. Someone knocked on my door, and Jinx let himself in.

“Lavender?”

“Tell me you’re hearing this,” I whispered.

“Yeah. It’s echoing in the entrance hall. Somebody can’t be in there,” Jinx said.

“I know. And I’m starting to feel scared,” I replied.

“Tomorrow, I’ll check that room properly. See if I can spot any signs of disturbance. I don’t believe in ghosts, but—”

“I’m going to do some research,” I cut him off.

“Good. Do you want me to stay?” he asked. The footsteps stopped, and we both glanced up.

“No. Try to get some sleep,” I murmured and settled back down. Something weird was happening at Ravenberry Manor, and I needed to understand what.

???

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