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This old abandoned house looks like a good place to lay low for a while.

Cops were on my tail for a long time until I turned off on the dirt road that brought me here. They zoomed right by and never noticed. Now, I can relax and sort things out as to what I'll do next.

Old man Anderson never saw it coming. A quick twist of the neck and he was history. The only problem was his old lady. Thought she was supposed to be away. She saw me, then took off running before I had a chance to catch her when she ran out of the house, screaming and yelling for help, so I just beat feet.

But I got what I came for. The silver chalice I was paid to steal and get it any way I could. The buyer paid me fifty-grand for this job, but right now, I have to stay low for a day or two, then I'll call him to let him know it's a done deal.

This old house isn't all that bad looking inside. Kind of odd since the outside is looking one breath away from falling down . But inside, you would think the cleaning lady, or a maid just left, leaving this place spotless.

Another odd thing is all the furniture; looks knew, well, for being what looks to me to be nineteenth century.

There's the kitchen. Probably nothing in the way of food I could eat or munch on. Kitchen is spotless, too. I wonder if people bought this old place and maybe had stuff brought in. Maybe they'll be moving in here before long. I should be long gone before that happens.

Welcome.

"Huh? Who said that?"

I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned quickly, my gun in my hand.

No one was there.

Slow down and breath, Danny. It's just your nerves.

You do know the penalty for murder, don't you.

I started sweating. Whoever said that I couldn't see them.

Don't be so nervous. You are safe here. Perfectly safe. No one will find you here, ever.

"Show yourself, will ya! Stop with the games!"

Oh, Daniel Addams, this isn't a game. But it is your end of the road.

"What do you mean by that?"

You have come to the portal of hell, Daniel. And there is someone who

wants to meet you.

"Who? There ain't nobody here. Show yourself, I said!" My hand started

shaking.

He means me.

I felt another hand on my shoulder, jumping forward, I spun to my left and fired twice before I dropped the gun to the floor.

"Oh, hell no! It can't be you. You—you're dead!"

Of course I am. You killed me.

"But—how? Why?”

You snapped my neck is how. And the why is the silver chalice in your pocket.

"This is crazy."

From behind me, the other voice spoke.

No, it isn’t crazy. This is your time where time stops for you.

Not listening any longer, I run to the front door. It wouldn’t open.

When the ringing, macabre laughter behind me became louder, that was when I knew my life was over.