We arrived at a moderately sized town. It didn't have the bustling sensation of the cities, but it wasn't as desolate and peaceful as the countryside. As we arrived on the platform, we noticed a few figures standing a few feet away from us. Black suits, which looked tailor made, as well as a brown suitcase in their right hand. Three to be more precise, which we instinctively assumed to be for each of us. Harold seemed a bit wary to make the first move, as did Annabeth, so for a few minutes, we just stood in a fixed position, making eye contact with these strangers. Not long after the short yet never-ending silence, one of the men slowly approached us.
"Welcome." He said whilst bowing. "I hope your train journey wasn't troubling. We have all been anxiously waiting for your arrival. Please follow us as we shall drop you off at the laboratory. Mr Psychologist has been anxiously waiting for you. It isn't wise to make him wait... whilst he is so excited." His tone was stern yet warm, but we all sensed the underlying danger behind his words.
Nervously, we followed them towards a cab. Black all around, even the windows were tinted black. Sitting inside, we peered one last time at the train station, which, without a doubt, was our sanctuary for the current journey.
Dead silence. No one uttered a single word. We all sat with our arms resting on our laps. Harold stared out of the window whilst Jolynn fiddled with her thumbs. Sensing her jumpy behaviour, I placed my hand on top of her, trying to comfort her. Noticing my attempt of help, she gifted me a smile in exchange. I could see a sweet, innocent soul in front of my eyes. And I had to make sure that no matter what happens, I would be there to protect her...to help her.
The journey felt like eternity. We had already sat for an extended period of time on the train, and now, being inside the cab didn't allow my legs to awake in time. Inside me, there was this jumpiness that I could quite describe, but it continuously ate me up. Trying to find a way to pass time, I stared outside of the window, taking in the surroundings.
It was a beautiful town. It's not too small, not too big. People walking around different shops, a large watchtower that seemed miles away towering over the entire town. There was a huge light in the middle of it, which I presumed was used during the night to make navigation much easier, that lay silently near the edge of the pole it was attached to. Children were grouped up outside a large building, presumably a school, with bags in their hands. I could see the enthusiasm and eagerness they had waiting for the gates to open so that they could rush in at once. A small smile creeped upon my face as I began reminiscing the time with my own daughters. Distancing away from them made life seem harder, and I could not wait to return back with the money I would receive.
After a while, I turned my attention towards Jolynn and Annabeth, who were conversing about their day to day lives. It was hard for me to find the correct moment to jump into the conversation, so I sat silently and watched as they continued to talk. They had this beam of joy around them that seemed so infectious I couldn't help but smile profusely even at the most mundane conversation.
Several minutes later, the cab stopped abruptly, sending us jumping up in our seats for a few seconds before scrambling out. In front of us was a massive building. Two doors at the front of the stairs were already opened up as we could see a chandelier inside. Two pillars stood at the entrance that held the weight of the entire building. Intricately drawn patterns of ancient figures of the past were carved onto the pillars. The building released a sweet honey like smell that was attached to our noses instantly. In the middle of the building was the massive logo of the business.
Men Of Science.
"Seems legit." Jolynn said, trying to light up the mood.
"It is an amazing building, I must say. Whoever runs this is undoubtedly rich." Annabeth added.
"Let's not let our guards down. From now on, we have to tread carefully. Do not leave each other's side." I said, making sure that they did not lose their focus.
Everyone nodded as we made our way inside. It was a lavish hall with beautiful paintings hung on either side. A few dozen to be exact. Another man from within made his way towards us. He wore a white suit with a small handkerchief resting on his arm.
"Welcome." He said, bowing down. "I hope your journey here was a comfortable one. We have been thoroughly awaiting your arrival. Follow me as I lead you to your chambers. We have supplied you clothes to wear during the experiment that you shall get changed into. After you are done, please make your way back here." His voice was very nonchalant.
Before we followed him, the men behind us handed us the suitcases instructing us not to open it until advised to. Walking down the hallway, an ominous feel began to approach us. It was plastered with old wallpaper, the light flickering on and off, as well as the man in front of us humming in a slow manner. A small bead of sweat trickled down my forehead as we continued to follow.
"Do you feel unsafe, Sir?" The man said as he stared at me.
"Not at all, just a bit jittery after the train ride." I replied, trying not to raise suspicion.
He smiled at me before showing us to our rooms. They were right next to each other, and before we made our way in, he left us with one last thing.
"I ask you all only one thing. Be afraid."
And then he was gone. We looked at each other, starting to feel even more nervous but grudgingly went inside our rooms to begin changing.
The room was empty. A lone box in the middle of the room lay there with a note on it.
For Harold Bane,
If you are reading this, that means that you have made your way to my lab. I thank you for accepting my offer and will be arriving at the location shortly. Please get changed into the clothing that I have provided in the box. I also ask for you to bring the photos of your loved ones after you have changed. I shall be waiting.
How does he know what my photo is about?
I questioned my face filled with fear. Quickly, I ran out of the room and began to bang aggressively on Jolynn and Annabeth's door.
"Open up! We have to get out of here!" I screamed.
They suddenly flung their doors open as I saw a similar fear induced expression on their faces as well.
"How does he know about my locket?" Annabeth said shakily. "And... and how does he know of the pictures inside them?"
"Me too. He knew about my family photos." Jolynn added clearly distressed.
"We need to go now." I quickly told them.
We made our way down the hallway, always glancing over our shoulders every few seconds in case someone was following us. As we made it to the main hall, we noticed the lights were turned off. Pitch black. It was impossible to see anything. Carefully, we kept advancing forward until we reached the main door. Turning the handle, we noticed it was locked.
"LET US OUT! ANYONE THERE!" Annabeth screamed as she began to break down.
We continued to rattle the handle until it fell off. We were stuck. Jolynn and Annabeth continuously banged on the door, hoping that someone outside would notice.
Thud. Thud.
"Stop, did you hear that." I said my voice barely a whisper.
Knock Knock. Knock Knock.
"It's somebody from outside!" Jolynn said, filling with hope. "Help! We are stuck. Please call for help!" She shouted.
Knock Knock. Knock Knock.
"Why are they still knocking?" She asked.
"How? How is it here? No... it can't be here, can it?" Annabeth said as she staggered back. "He couldn't have known, could he?"
"Annabeth, what is it?" I asked, holding her arms.
"The knocking. It's the same exact pattern I heard at my house when I found the letter!" Looking into her eyes, I saw pure fear. Her eyes popped out as her face contorted into something that could have resembled the devil himself.
"Guys, I don't feel too good." Jolynn said, making us turn and stare at her.
"What is it?" I asked her.
"I don't... I don't... I don't know." She said, her voice becoming quieter and quieter.
And then she fell. We both rushed towards her, shoving her to wake up.
"Jolynn! Wake up!" Annabeth shouted, moving her violently.
Suddenly, gas started to slither into the room from all corners.
"Get to the middle." I told Annabeth as we dragged Jolynn with us.
"Harold, what do we do now?" She asked, terrified.
"Cover your mouth with cloth. I'm going to look around for an exit."
"No, don't leave." She said, grabbing my arm.
"It's okay, trust me." I said, smiling at her before disappearing.
Clutching onto Jolynn, I covered my face with my dress as I waited for Harold to return. It seemed like eternity, but I held onto hope. Looking around, the gas loomed closer. It was slow, but it made it more frightening. I knew my doom was near, but the time it took to kill me felt so long. Every second that passed, the gas grew closer. My heart palpitated intensely as my breath became uneven.
Thud.
Jolting my head up, I looked around to find the location of the sound. Then I saw in the gas a faint outline of what appeared to be a human body on the ground, which I realised to be Harold's. My eyes darted wide open as my blood began to freeze. Crouching over his body, I saw a silhouette of another figure. As it turned its head to stare at me, all I could see was two red bloodshot eyes. My body froze.
Monster.
That was all I could think of. It slowly got up and made its way to me. The gas covering its body makes it impossible to make out any noticeable features. Staring deep into my soul, it was the first time I truly felt fear. In front of such a terrifying beast, I dared not move a muscle nor breath.
Then it raised its hand, and I saw that it was holding something. Before I was struck with it, it said one last thing in a low ominous tone, and then everything went black.
"Night night."