“Once we get there. I want to talk to you about coming with us.”
“I told you before I’m going to stay here.”
Sam started the car. Two others joined the first two figures. They all leaned over Mark’s body..
Sam pulled away from the curb. By the time she turned the car down the next street, no one was insight. Marie assumed they’d had carried Mark into the nearest building. At least she thought she saw the tall one they’d spoken to meld with the dark outline of the building.
The glimmer of light she’d seen before grew stronger, then faded. What’s going on? There was strange emptiness to the dark they left behind.
“I know you said you were going to stay here.” Sam drew Marie’s attention back to the subject she’d promised to bring up. “Can’t you tell that’s not a good idea?” As if to accentuate the question, a ball of lightning bounced across the street in front of them. Sam slammed on the breaks. “That was close.”
“Just take me home. I don’t want to argue anymore.” Marie crossed her arms over her chest. Another ball of lightning bounced along the sidewalk beside the car. All she wanted now was to get inside her house and curl up in the blanket Bill had given her.
“But—“
“No. Just take me home.” Marie put her hands over her ears.
Sam remained silent until she pulled into the driveway and turned off the engine. “Can I come inside?” she asked.
Marie wanted to say no, but the look on Sam’s face made her give in. What can it hurt? I’ve made up my mind, she thought. She unlocked the door and let them in, as a rumble of thunder announced another storm. The house shook, but once she closed and locked the door, Marie felt safe.
“This isn’t going to get any better, you know?” Sam sat down on the couch.
“Yes.” Marie left everything in the dark, hoping that would chase Sam away sooner. She should have known it wouldn’t work, especially after the wild ride through town.
“Do you have anything to drink?’ Sam stood, picked up the cup they’d left on the table in front of the fireplace.
“No.” Marie gave no further explanation. She was getting angry at this push and shove of Sam trying to make her do something she had no intention of doing. “I’m going to bed. You can let yourself out.” Marie stood, but before she could take a step, there was a knock on the door. “Who can that be?” Marie couldn’t move. Her body began to tremble. What’s going on? She looked at Sam, hoping for answers.
“I have no idea.” Sam was not nearly as reticent as Marie about opening the door to find out. She started to turn the knob when Marie stopped her.
“You may not be afraid of anything, but I want to know who’s out there.” Marie grunted as she pushed Sam aside, and slid the security chain in place. When she looked through the peephole it was not the gray darkness of the storm they’d left outside. Bright light blinded her. Marie stumbled back. Dark spots swirled around her.
“What the…” Sam said, then guided Marie back to the sofa. Heavier pounding came from the door.
“Anyone in there?” a strangely accented male voice called. “Come now. Let me in.” The words slurred together with an icy chill.