Page 10 of The Haunting
I shivered in the freezing air. “It’s still cold in here.”
“Come and get dressed. Put on something warm. I’m hoping the fireplace isn’t blocked,” Lucian said, grabbing a rusty bucket.
“Be careful you don’t cut yourself on that!” I exclaimed as I hurried to the suitcase on the bed. Lucian busied himself laying the fire, and crossing his fingers, he lit the paper. It caught quickly, and I waited on edge in case the smoke rolled back into the room. Luck was on our side as the fumes streamed up the chimney.
“Thank God,” Lucian muttered, but kept the bucket of water close by. He’d just started yanking on clean clothing when a scream broke the silence.
“Sabine!” I cried and bolted to the door. Lucian toppled over as he stamped his feet into his boots.
“Maggie, wait!” he shouted, but I’d already rushed outside. Doors opened up and down the hallway as Sabine came racing out.
“What the hell is that?” I yelled, staring at her hands.
“Blood. Blood. There’s blood coming from the taps!” she cried.
“What the fuck?” Drake boomed as Daniel shot out of the room. He was paler than I’d ever seen him.
“Daniel?” Lucian bellowed, appearing in our doorway.
“The blasted taps are pouring blood,” Daniel gritted out. Lucian shoved past everybody and entered Daniel’s bedroom with Drake and Chance on his heels. James and Calamity gathered everyone together and guarded us. Vladimir also appeared and took a side, his head swivelling around constantly.
“There’s water coming from the faucets now,” Drake said with a frown.
“There was blood! Daniel witnessed it too! Otherwise, what is on my hands?” Sabine cried as Daniel wrapped her in his embrace.
“Sabine, I said now, but I saw the blood before it cleared,” Drake replied.
“What the hell is this shit?” James demanded.
“Maybe we should leave. Even if we have to sleep in the cars,” Phoe suggested, biting her lip.
“That wouldn’t be an issue except it’s freezing out there and there’s the threat of carbon monoxide,” Daniel argued.
“What do you suggest then?” James snapped with a bite.
“We have to stick together. Daniel, grab your things and move them into my bedroom. We’ll take the floor, and the women can have the bed,” Lucian suggested.
Daniel nodded as I held Sabine tightly.
“I need to wash my hands,” she whispered.
“Our shower was running hot water and was clear. Come on, you can use that,” I said, hugging her still.
“Thank you. I want to go home. I need Oakwood,” Sabine murmured.
“Sabine, I understand. Everything will be fine. Daniel, grab your bags,” Lucian ordered. Daniel rubbed Sabine’s back.
“Go with Maggie, dear heart. I’ll be there in moments,” he replied.
“Drake, I don’t wish to be alone. Can we share with someone, too?” Phoe asked, and Drake nodded.
“I’ll stick with Inglorious; I came with him,” James said, keeping Inglorious close.
“Calamity, stay with Chance,” Drake ordered, and Calamity agreed. Drake turned to Vladimir and Emmaline as I began moving Sabine into my room. “You don’t know us, apart from a brief meeting where we discussed bikes. But you and Emmaline are welcome to remain with us.”
Vladimir and Emmaline swapped glances, and I saw something in their eyes. I was unsure what it was, but as I closedthe door, Vladimir answered, “That would be appreciated, thank you.”
“What is going on here? Have we walked into a horror movie?” Sabine asked me as I guided her into the bathroom. Running the tap on the sink, I checked the water and was relieved to see that it was still clear.
