Wait Until Dark

By Keith Adam Luethke

The Shambling House of Horrors sits on top of a desolate hill. When Erin drags her friends to the haunted house they find the horrors are real. Only Alicia escapes and house is closed for business. Alicia never thought she'd step inside the place again, until a new owner takes over; reopening the House of Shambling Horrors one year later. Alicia returns to the house to unravel the mystery within.

• Language: English
• Publisher: eTreasures Publishing
• Release date: Jan 4, 2011

Keith Adam Luethke

Keith Adam Luethke obtained his BA in English from The University of Tennessee and is currently pursuing a graduate degree. Other works include: The Wolves of Elkhorn Peak, Black Tamanous, and The Dweller. He resides near the Smoky Mountains and in his spare time enjoys hunting for monsters and new fans. Keith enjoys feedback via Myspace and Facebook.

Book preview

Wait

Until Dark

By

Keith Adam Luethke

©2009 Keith Adam Luethke

All Rights Reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any format or by any means without express written consent from the publisher. This book in electronic format may not be re-sold or re-distributed in any manner without express written permission from the publisher.

Published by eTreasures Publishing at Smashwords 2011

eTreasures Publishing

4442 Lafayette St.

Marianna, FL 32446

This book is entirely fiction and bears no resemblance to anyone alive or dead, in content or cover art. Any instances are purely coincidental. This book is based solely on the author’s vivid imagination.

Wait

Until Dark

By

Keith Adam Luethke

Smashwords License Statement

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Chapter 1

We're not alone, Erin whispered.

Did you hear that? I think I saw something down that hallway. Cody probed the darkness, searching for the hunched figure.

A ragged misshapen shadow crept along the wall and merged with the inky blackness.

Did you see that?

No, said Alicia. She crossed her arms. Quit being stupid and let's get this over with.

I saw it, piped Melissa at her side. Her trembling hands wrapped around Alicia’s waist like a snake.

You know, smirked Erin, as she entwined her fingers with Cody, I heard this house is really haunted.

Cody squeezed her hand. Baby, I think I really saw something down there.

I want to leave, said Melissa. Let's turn back now.

Alicia sighed. She removed Melissa's hands from her waist. Of course. it's haunted. That's why we paid to come in here, right?

The floor moved beneath them, pulling the four out from the dim light and into an unseen void. Cold blasts of air sprayed from the walls, slapping their faces and slicing under fresh skin like a sharp blade.

Alicia was yanked from behind.

Stop being such a wimp, Melissa, she sighed.

Alicia felt along the hem of her short pleated skirt and found a hand slipping under the thin fabric. Stop it. Alicia slapped the hand away.

I'm not doing anything, replied Melissa.

From the direction of her quivering voice, Alicia guessed she was standing right behind her. If you’re not here…who is?

Grubby hands reached from the walls, seeking soft flesh.

Alicia screamed and batted the hands aside. Some sought purchase under her skirt; others rubbed her milky thighs.

Let me go! Erin and Cody were cursing further ahead, and then both familiar voices faded away.

The floor pulled Alicia forward, into the black void. More groping hands shot from every wall.

Melissa? Can you hear me? Melissa? A muffled cry came from behind her, but before Alicia could offer her aid, the floor gave way. One minute, hundreds of hands probed her body, the next she was sliding down a slanted chute. The cold metal scraped her bare legs. She reached for the sides of the chute but found no handholds. The slide brought her body sailing downward. Alicia brought her feet up and placed her palms behind her. The chute caught on her naked flesh. She yelped as a ridge of metal dug into the fabric of her underwear. Alicia came to a complete stop. Her world was black and cold. Had Erin and Cody fallen down here, too? Alicia called their names into the dark. No answer came. Cool air pulsed from above. She wrapped her arms about her body. How did I let them talk me into this? I could be at home eating sherbet and watching reruns of House.

A shrill scream echoed behind her.

Hello? Melissa? Is that you?

The scream became louder. The metallic chute shook beneath her. Instinct shouted for her to run, but where could she go? The darkness blanketed her sight, draped it over every sense. Even the air she breathed was filtered with the dark. She took it into her lungs, consumed it, and blew it out. The scream pounded into her head. She had to act. She had to escape. Then a wet body crashed into her, arms and legs twisted and wove together, bringing Alicia helplessly sliding down. She fought the arms gripping her neck, digging her polished nails into the soft flesh.

Let go of me, Alicia cried.

The arms did not stop. The chute sped them faster and faster until a red light blared below. Alicia shoved the body away, but fingers coiled about her calves.

It's me, Alicia. It's me.

Melissa? Then the chute spit them out. The black void was lifted and replaced by a red light. Alicia sailed through the air. Hard concrete greeted her. She put her hands out in a feeble attempt to lessen the fall. When she landed, the concrete bounced her back. Alicia lay for a minute gasping for breath. The red light enveloped her. She could see Melissa quivering in the crimson glow. The velvet blouse she wore was torn where her breasts met, and teeth marks adorned every inch of bare flesh. She wept and crawled to her. Alicia let her cling like a child to a mother. Alicia held her. She could still feel the grubby hands from the walls groping her upper thighs, seeking the warmth under her pleated skirt.

Alicia?

We're okay now, she answered. Alicia patted her shoulder. Her hand came away sticky and wet. What happened to you up there?

They grabbed me. They came out of the walls and grabbed me. Melissa's eyes darted to the chute as though her assailants might be lurking down the metal slide.

Alicia rose to her feet and brought Melissa with her. She was small and petite for seventeen, but Alicia knew she was strong on the inside. Did they hurt you? Alicia asked. She ran her fingers through her hair. Melissa nodded, tears streaked down both cheeks. I don't know what's going on, but we have to find the others and get out of here.

Together, they stumbled down a sloped narrow hallway. The ceiling was adorned with fake green spider webs, which played havoc in the red lighting. The farther they went, the more the stringy webs descended. Alicia forced her friend to walk faster.

We must be at the end of this stupid house by now, she assured Melissa, as much as herself. The hall went on and on until the walls themselves seemed to close in on them. As they progressed, Alicia noticed hundreds of black hairy legs dangling from the green webs. She paused. Before she could blink the spiders tumbled down. Melissa shrieked and threw her hands up as a giant bulbous body engulfed her. Alicia managed to elude one of the arachnids, but others landed on her head. She was knocked on her back, hairy legs pinned her arms.

Alicia! Help me! Melissa screamed as she fought her way from beneath a giant hairy black body.

Alicia wiggled her arms, but couldn't break free of the spider’s grasp. Dozens of eyes stared at her from a head fitted with two dripping fangs. She brought both of her knees into its swollen belly and kicked. The spider's head dropped, and the dangling mass of bodies crawled back to the ceiling, taking their places among the green webs. The eight-legged arachnids stayed in position, waiting for the next victims.

Alicia stumbled on her feet, grabbed Melissa, and the two raced down the hall.

Hurry, we have to get out of here!

Melissa sobbed behind her, but kept her pace. The hall branched off into two different directions: one path was obscured by swirling white mist. The other path led up a flight of dusty stairs.

Which way should we go? Alicia asked.

I don't know, panted Melissa. Just get us out of here.

Alicia's neck tingled when a set of fingers tapped her shoulders.

Hey, I was wondering what happened to you two. Erin was leaning against the wall, a smirk spread across her glossy lips.

Alicia jerked away from her touch. Erin? Where the hell have you been? You scared the shit out of me.

I've been right here waiting for the slow pokes. How do you like The House of Shambling Horrors so far? It's creepy, huh?

I want to leave, said Melissa. She rubbed the teeth marks on her neck.

What's wrong? Did you mess your pink panties?

They hurt her, Erin, answered Alicia.

Erin raised an eyebrow. She went to Melissa. Hurt you? Who hurt you?

Melissa hugged herself. I don't know what they were, but they bit me and grabbed everywhere.

Erin was all business. Where were you? She addressed Melissa.

Upstairs, she sobbed, when the lights went out.

Erin examined the bite patterns on her neck; countless red circles had broken into her skin. Bastards, come on. We're getting out of here and going to the manager, then the cops. Whoever did this to you is in big trouble. Erin held her close, let her cry, and matched eyes with Alicia. Did they hurt you, too?

Alicia didn't want to make a scene. The hands had groped her, but left no marks. She felt violated and didn't want to speak about the incident. They had touched her legs, probed up her skirt, trying to claw inside of her. Alicia nodded her head. I didn't see anyone. Hands grabbed me from the walls.

Assholes, Erin sniffed. This was supposed to be fun.

Alicia watched her white shoes and avoided Erin's eyes. Well, it did take my mind off Drake…for a little while.

Erin gave her a sad smile. I'm sorry.

Where's Cody? Melissa broke away from Erin's loving arms. She was shivering, yet beads of sweat rolled down her neck and dampened her top.

He went upstairs to find help. We didn't want you two wandering around alone. I sent him to find someone who works here.

I didn't see anybody when we got here, said Alicia. She took Melissa's hand into her own; their fingers trembled together.

To tell you the truth, I've never seen anyone working here before, and I've been here at least ten times with Jessica.

Jessica would like a place like this, smirked Melissa. Your sister sure is a brat.

Yeah, she sure is, but I love her, replied Erin. She watched the stairs. Maybe we should look for Cody? He's been gone for a long time now. He should've come back.

Alicia looked over her shoulder into the swirling mist lining the other hall. How did I ever let you talk me into coming here? She remembered lying on her soft bed, huddled around her body length pillow and wishing it was Drake. How many tears had she shed over him in the course of two long days? Had she ever cried so hard for anybody else? Alicia didn't think so. Drake was the one and now he was gone. She wanted him back. She needed him back. She would've married him, bore his children, and shared her last breath with him.

Erin called two days after they broke apart. We're going to The House of Shambling Horrors. Want to come along?

Alicia had said no, but Erin kept on pressing her. Even after Alicia hung up the phone, Erin continued to call her back, and told her, I’m on my way, so get ready, and you better let me in, or I'll break the door down. Alicia had dressed, wiped her eyes, and waited outside. Erin had said, The house we are going to is for tourists on the Outer Rim. Alicia had never heard of the place. You'll love it, said Erin. They video tape you while you’re there, and at the end of the tour you can buy the tape. I have like eight of them at home. They still scare me.

Alicia never saw such a lonely and desolate house. Had they missed the warm weather-beaten sign welcoming them, she would've assumed the place was vacant. She was right. The ticket booth was empty save for a rattling machine decorated with human skulls that took money and gave out a coffin-shaped card. The tour began when the cards were slipped into a demon head on the front door.

Alicia shivered. I'm worried about Cody, she said. We should look for him.

Erin nodded, looking worried for her boyfriend as well.

He couldn't have gotten far. She led them upstairs, with Alicia bringing up the rear, and Melissa in the center. The age-old boards beneath them cracked and groaned, rusty nails protruded from the wooden railing. Erin reached the foot of the stairs and twisted the knob of a midnight-colored door.

Stay together, she whispered.

Erin brought them to a dim room lined with cages. The walls were stained with graffiti, sharp hooks swung from the ceiling and a foul smell like rancid meat hung in the air.

Alicia held her nose. This place stinks.

Tell me about it, said Erin and held her nose.

Alicia stared into one of the cages; a blanket covered a lumpy figure on a bedroll. She heard a groan escape from under it. The blanket slipped a little, exposing wet sores on chalky flesh the color of rubber silly putty. Vivid green eyes burned into her, and a clawed hand snatched the blanket over sickly flesh.

"Did you find something? Melissa asked.

I…don’t know.

Hey, come over here and look at this, urged Erin. She bent over a grate through the floor. I don't remember seeing this before.

Alicia came to her side and peered through the stagnate bars. Black water churned before her eyes, mangled arms and feet swirled at the bottom.

That's sick, said Alicia. She covered her mouth.

What? Melissa asked. Her face still pressed against the rusty bars of a cage.

Don't worry about it, said Alicia. She pulled at Erin's arm like a child eager to leave.

Erin smiled, showing straight white teeth. I think it's neat.

Well, you’re weird.

Jessica would like to see it.

She's weird, too, added Alicia.

Erin smirked, We are related.

I can tell. Alicia pulled her away from the grate with its swirling limbs. She remembered the horror movie festival Jessica held every Saturday night where they’d gather around the big screen TV and watch zombies munch on gleaming red organs or vampires lap blood. Erin’s sister would be smiling. Can we find Cody and get out of here now? Alicia pressed.

Melissa edged away from the rusty cage. Please Erin, she pleaded, I don’t like this place.

Erin sighed. Come on, I’ll get us out of here. She gave a brief glance toward the rows of empty cages. It’s just so neat. I’ve never been to this part of the house before. I don’t even remember it being here. It must be new.

Alicia tugged her arm. Let’s go, weirdo. I want to get home before midnight.

***

Cody’s chest heaved with every breath he inhaled. The hallway held a series of metal doors decorated with padlocks. After pounding on each, one he slumped against the wall in defeat. Cody Banks was lost in The House of Shambling Horrors. How did this happen? he thought. Even he couldn’t answer that question for sure. One second he was in the maze of mirrors, the next he was in the hallway. The door had closed behind him, leaving Cody lost and lonely.

A sudden catch of locks caught his attention.

Hello? Is somebody there? He got to his feet and drew near the metallic sound.

A door creaked open, above him a voice full of static blared. Go through the door.

What? Cody heard the booming voice clearly, but spun around in confusion. Who are you? I need help. My friends are lost.

Go through the door. The voice repeated in the same drone tone.

Cody peered down the hall, hoping to spot a human form lurking in the shadows. Did you hear me? I need help finding my friends.

Go through the door.

He edged along the wall. One of the padlocked doors swung open, revealing bright white light beyond. What’s in there?

Why don’t you step inside and find out for yourself?

Cody peered inside, and saw an empty room. I don’t think so. Who are you?

If you want to see your friends again, you’ll do as I say.

Answer me, Cody shouted. Who are you?

Go through the door or else.

Or else what? Just what are you going to do, huh? You can’t order me around.

Down the hall a door squeaked.

Cody jerked his head.

Dark shapes, mangled and distorted, clawed along the walls.

Cody chuckled. You can’t scare me with tricks. To his surprise, the misshapen forms chattered from ragged mouths fitted with yellow stained teeth. He had seen one of them before, lurking in the dark upstairs. Cody bumped into the door. Lamp-like eyes closed in around him; bore under his skin, hungry for a taste of what lay underneath. He leaped through the awaiting doorway and into the empty room, but it wasn’t empty. A medical table was placed in the center, complete with leather restraints. That wasn’t here before. His mind reeled.

The door sealed shut behind him with a dull thump, and the voice boomed from the ceiling. Lay on the table. You’re going for a little ride.

No, said Cody. What the hell were those things in the hall? Where are my friends?

Lay on the table.

Go to hell. Cody scanned the room, seeking a hidden camera or a speaker. He found only four white walls, blank and sterile like a doctor’s office. Cody shivered as cool air blasted from a small skull size vent in the ceiling. The room was cold and still. He remembered when he had the flu a few years ago. The nurse had led him into a blank room much like this one, except his had a sink, mirror, and various medical supplies. The nurse said that the doctor would see him shortly and locked the door as she left. An hour crawled by, then another. He tried the handle, and when it wouldn’t turn, he’d banged on the door until his fists stung. The doctor came three mindless hours later, apologizing, saying that the nurse never checked him in. Now, he was trapped in that same blank office again, only this time he wasn’t alone.

Why are you doing this? Let me the hell out of here. I want to go.

Lay on the table.

You’ve had your fun, all right. I’m scared as hell. Now let me out, he screamed.

Do as I say, and you’ll see Erin again. Fail and she dies.

Cody swallowed a lump in his throat. How do you know Erin’s name? What kind of sick joke is this? Open that damn door and let me out.

The voice hesitated as though considering. If that’s what you want.

The door slid open.

Cody wet himself as talons and gnashing teeth shoved through the small passage. Hordes of pale-skinned humanoids crawled, lurched, and tore their way to him. He managed a single scream before drooling teeth and sharp claws ripped away every fiber of his being.

***

Which way do we go?

Right through the maze of mirrors, said Erin. Don’t worry. I’ve been through here before.

Stay close to me, Melissa, or we’re bound to get lost. Alicia wove her fingers with her friend’s. Her grip was like a trembling vice.

Have some faith in me. I know what I’m doing,