The Ghost of Torwick

By Jared MC

A town is struck by tragedy, but there is something far more sinister at work. People try to ignore it, cover it up, but its power is growing. As the local rhyme goes, “He will come for you, pale as the clouds on a gloomy day, waiting, watching. Staring at you until you obey. He stands there, like a ghost, waiting until he finds a way. By day he is mostly unseen, but by night, beginning to intervene. Lurking in the moving night, watching you fall asleep. Waiting until the right moment is insight, when he will finally reap."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: May 5, 2019
• ISBN: 9780244781026

Book preview

The Ghost of Torwick

The Ghost of Torwick

Jared MC

Copyright Jared Cutliffe 2019

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, sorted in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, recording, scanning, or other, (expect for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles) without the prior written permission of the author.

Cover design by Jared MC

ISBN 978-0-244-78102-6

Chapter 1

The night grew still as the broken echoes of crow’s calls splintered the night. The clouds dimmed as they covered the bright shine of the moon. The forest floor was deep with cracked stones, sticks and leaves. A blanketing atmosphere descended, cold and dark, the time had come. A man ran like the wind, ‘It’ was following him. His coat rustled in the wind as he sprinted through the thick air of the woodland. Every step felt like a mile as the crackling of leaves and sticks snapped below him. He ran as fast as he could but tripped, slamming his face into the ground. The pain rushed through him like boiling water, burning his cheeks. He struggled but managed to lift himself up and shook his head as he tried to refocus his mind. He suddenly turned and gasped as he saw a grey, dim figure was approaching. Searching. He lifted himself up and started to run again. The figure saw him, and the world seemed to freeze. The young man’s heartbeat got louder as it began to feel hollow within his chest. He felt dim. Quiet. He couldn't hear his own breath. All the noises were blocked out, like echoes, but he kept running. Suddenly he turned by a tree and skidded on the leaf covered mud. He dragged himself up and stood there silently. Terror-stricken. Leaning against the tree, he held his breath as the grey figure emerged. The figure was tall, straight, no features, it looked like mist forming the shape of a man. It was on a hunt. The air thickened like a liquid within his cold breath. The wind rustled and wheezed as the drumming of the man’s heart echoed through his skull. The grey figure turned its head towards the tree behind which the man hid. The man clenched his lungs, keeping his breath in closer and tighter. Time stood still, it stiffened around him. Finally, the shadowy figure lost its interest and moved on, the man breathed out and slumped himself onto the floor. There he rested his head against the bark of the tree. He brushed through his hair with his hands fighting the lingering panic as tears welled in his eyes. He knew this wasn’t over.

Sunday 11th October

South Torwick – 9 Westwood Avenue

The night sky glistened and twinkled, as its blue canvas darkened. The wind was blowing hard, like the world was taking a deep breath. The trees whistled and whined against the wall of air. The clouds crept their way over the land, murky and coarse. Everything was grim, but the laughter of young women echoed from a house in the middle of the street, slicing through the heaviness like a piano being played in some old mansion.

That was crazy! We should totally do that again! A young girl laughed, as she ran into the living room. She was seventeen years old. Her long brown wavy hair flowed like water from her head as it rested on her back. She wore a bright yellow dress around the slim body that she was as grateful for whatever she ate never affected her size.

I know right! What you did was hilarious, Jess! Another girl laughed, smiling brightly. She was also the same age. She stroked her hand through her soft, long blonde hair which settled on her shoulders and flowed down her chest as she walked into the room, cheering with laughter. She wore a blue dress which she tightened up slightly. She was just like Jess, almost like a twin, but she made sure she was slim, because she was trying to gain the attention of a certain young man.

Did you see their faces? Jess mumbled with laughter, the blonde girl wheezed and laughed with her.

Another girl rounded the corner and replied sarcastically Yeah getting drunk is such fun! She spoke as she slumped herself down onto the sofa. She was also in the same school year. Her tone was coarse and rough, she wasn’t having a good time. Another blue dress twinning the other girls, but she had her brown hair tied back into a ponytail.

Alice come on, its Olivia’s birthday, the blonde girl responded with remorse.

Yeah but getting drunk isn’t good Stephanie! Alice reacted with her temper inflating. Stephanie’s eyes widened as she raised her hands up in the air in submission. Okay… okay… calm down. Stephanie sharply replied.

Alice, what’s wrong? Jess asked sternly. Placing her hands on her hips.

It’s just that you lot got drunk and I was the one who had to clean up the mess! Alice sharply replied.

Woah calm down Alice, we weren’t that drunk. Stephanie smiled. Then a fourth girl entered the group, almost swaying her hips. She was like a clone blending instantly in with the other girls. Her long jet-black hair shining as it matched her polished heels. Oo! There’s the birthday girl, Stephanie squealed smiling brightly. Did you have a good day? She asked.

Yep it was perfect, mainly because my best friends were all there. Olivia smiled, hugging Stephanie. Alice huffed in annoyance in the corner of the sofa. Olivia smiled brightly as she hugged Jess, thank you girls, I had the best eighteenth birthday.

No problem, what are friends for? Stephanie smiled.

Oh, in other news… Olivia smiled. Derek is going to call me later.

Really? Stephanie squealed. Jess was gobsmacked, her mouth dropped open.

Olivia smiled as she stared out the window. The road outside was dark and gloomy but a street light cast a bright cone of light onto the path and there someone stood, staring right back at her. A figure; pale grey, tall and straight, and featureless. It just stood there watching.

Olivia was frozen still, her face relaxed but her nerves became tense. Her mind went blank. She couldn’t focus, her friends’ voices just echoed as all she could hear was her own heartbeat. Olivia! Stephanie shouted. Olivia snapped out of her trance, she blinked rapidly as she pulled herself together, Yeah? She muttered.

You okay? Stephanie laughed with concern. You just blanked out for a second.

Uh yeah, I’m fine. Olivia smiled. She rubbed her head as she spoke attempting to sound normal, but she was faking it.

Okay… Stephanie laughed. I guess it’s time we headed home, we don’t want our parents to be mad, Stephanie chuckled.

Yeah I guess so, Olivia smiled. Well I’ll see you all tomorrow, now remember Stephanie, tomorrow is the day. she spoke as she bobbed her eyebrows up and down smirking.

Shut up, Stephanie laughed. Olivia and Stephanie both hugged one more time, before Olivia hugged Jess. Thank you girls. Olivia smiled. She went over to Alice to give her a hug, but she refused. Olivia’s eyes widened with confusion, but she moved on anyway as Stephanie and Jess both headed for the door, and Alice followed them slowly. They walked into the corridor where their coats were hanging, and the heavy wooden front door kept out the chill. See you soon girls, came a voice from behind them up the stairs.

See you soon Mrs Price. Stephanie smiled.

They opened the door and walked outside into the brisk air and the girls’ hair blew like fire in the wind, twisting in the cold breeze. Alice shortly joined them outside as Olivia stood in the door way and all four girls had their arms crossed to keep themselves warm.

A bit cold out isn’t it. Stephanie laughed.

I didn’t realise. Jess replied sarcastically, smiling at her own comment.

All the girls laughed but Alice, who stood there with a frowned face. Well we will see you tomorrow birthday girl. Stephanie smiled.

See ya tomorrow girls. Olivia grinned as she waved them off. All three girls walked away from the door and across her front garden. Stephanie ran to the other side of the street to the house opposite. On this road every house was identical, even the front gardens, nothing but flat grass glazed over. Alice walked to Olivia’s right heading to the house next door and Jess headed left. They all waved and smiled as they said goodbye.

Olivia shut the door behind her and breathed in heavily, but a smile grew again as she walked into her living room, remembering the joyful day as she waited for a call.

She stood in the middle of the room and looked outside the window. She saw Stephanie walk inside the house opposite, Olivia’s smile disappeared as she stiffened when she looked to her left. There was the pale figure again. Standing there. Watching. Her face dropped as her nerves tensed. The hair on her neck stood on end as she heard her own heartbeat beginning to thump. She just stood there, frozen. She couldn’t move, only watch. The figure seemed to grow, the world became distorted, warped. Olivia was scared, and nothing but fear encroached her.

Suddenly the phone rang from Olivia’s bedroom, echoing through the house, it snapped Olivia out of her trance, and she headed out of the living room and ran upstairs. She quickly walked into her bedroom, as the fear still lingered within her. The curtains were open, allowing the bright light from the street lamps to shine into her room. Olivia’s bed was in the middle of the room, with a dresser and desk against the cream coloured walls, the plain colour broken up with a picture frame here and there. Olivia flicked on the light and picked up the phone, hey Olivia! A young man spoke.

Hey Derek, how goes things? Olivia smiled.

I’m good, hey I’m looking forward to Friday, Derek added joyfully.

Olivia was ecstatic, she laid herself on her bed, fiddling with the phone wires, Derek and Olivia talked for what seemed like hours. The moon had disappeared, nothing but the bright lights of the street lamps lit up the road. Suddenly, as Olivia laid on her bed, the room shook, her lamps, desk and items rattled in their places. The light flickered, casting Olivia in darkness for a few seconds. Olivia felt the hair on the back of her neck stand up, she trembled as she sat up. She began to feel her chest tighten, and her breath echoed through her mind. Sounds began to contort and change. Everything became distorted. Olivia began to panic as she turned around, only to see a dark shadowy figure loom over her. It looked over her like a ghost, a misty figure flickering in the lights. A deep hollow gargle echoed from the silhouette. Olivia sat there rooted to the spot, her name resonating from her phone. Derek was calling her name, but no reply, all Olivia could do was tremble. Suddenly there was a flash of white light which coated the room. Olivia screamed as her last breath lingered through the building.

Olivia!? Her father shouted. Footsteps clattered and ran but silence, she didn’t answer. The old man swung open the door as he sprinted through the doorway. Olivia! he shouted in concern as he ran to her aid, but she lay there lifeless. Her skin had turned a pale white as a stream of dark red blood dripped from her mouth. She was silent, laying on her bed like a puppet without strings. She had dropped her phone and it hung by the cord with nothing but an eerie static echoing from the speakers that seemed to move, twist and change. The old man turned her over and pressed his head onto her chest to listen for any sign of a heartbeat. Olivia? Her mother spoke in concern as she came through the doorway. The old man turned to face the woman who had tears in her eyes, he only gave a look of sorrow.

Outside. In the cold, a young man was hiding and resting in a tree, he had clambered himself onto one of the branches. He had a pair of binoculars which he used to peer into the window and lowering his binoculars his face shaped by concern and anger. His anger boiled within him as his muscles tensed and body boiled. He saw everything. He saw the lights flicker, he saw what happened to Olivia.

Chapter 2

Monday 12th October

South Torwick High school

A bell rang bouncing sound round the hallway like a train roaring through a station. A flood of children of all ages rushed out trying to find their stuff from their lockers and bags, all chatting and talking, creating a buzz of noise. It was the start of the school day and the lessons had just begun. Stephanie walked out of her classroom, her shapely form grabbing the attention of many young men as she passed. So, girls are you ready for our plan today? Stephanie giggled with a cheeky grin. Jess? Alice? Stephanie beamed.

I don't think we should do this. Jess replied cautiously. I mean you sure you want to do this? Jess was slightly taller than Stephanie and look to be slumping over, dreading the day ahead.

Come on Jess don't be a wuss. Alice laughed. Alice was slightly shorter than Stephanie.

Ha-ha, very funny. Jess responded sarcastically.

Hey girls it's him... Stephanie blurted as they all turned and gazed down the hallway.

A young man walked around the corner, his face looked miserable, but somehow concerned, as if there was something plaguing his mind. A few girls giggled nervously as they watched him walk past, for he was quite attractive. He was wearing a brown jacket which was slightly torn and darkened by patches of mud, dark blue trousers and a dark blue shirt. He walked over to a locker and began to open it using the combination.  He was facing the locker, but he quickly darted his eyes to his right. There he saw a group of girls all laughing and enjoying themselves, but one of them caught his eye. It was Stephanie, but he didn’t know her name, all he knew was that she had a bright smile and glowing blue eyes. She held her books tightly to her chest as she laughed with her friends. They seemed to have noticed him but were obviously trying to hide it.

The young man huffed in annoyance as he looked at them. All three girls just kept laughing and giggling having a good time and although a little embarrassed he still would like to get to know them better especially Stephanie. Boo! a broad young man suddenly jumped up on him. He sniggered as the young man slammed himself into his locker dropping all his books and his bag onto the floor. Everyone around him laughed. Oh, what's the matter Johnny? The broad young man laughed, a few specs of spit flew from his mouth as he outstretched his arms. He was taller than Johnny, or John. The man who jumped him had larger muscles and a broader shape, and a shaved bald head. John gathered his stuff as he placed a few books into his locker. The man behind him laughed. Come on big boy! You need a hug? He chuckled. He had a small gang of friends who crowed the two and all laughed with the bald man. John had noticed that the blonde girl was watching with a look of concern all over her face, as his frustration turned into anger.

John stood up and turned around to face the man as he stared fiercely into his eyes. You want to fight big guy? the man laughed. John smiled as he had a plan that was hiding behind his expression You know what Derek? I don't, I have far bigger problems than your pathetic attempt at getting attention.  John turned to gather the few things he had left in his locker and placed them into his bag before he pushed past the crowd of people and walked down the hallway. So, you’re just going to walk away, like a coward! Derek shouted, laughing and smirking. Everyone around laughed with him. John walked past the three girls and smiled awkwardly as he passed by, Words do not sway me Derek. he shouted as he headed down the hallway putting his hand into the air to wave at Derek while giving a smirk. You’re a loser you know that right! Derek shouted. John ignored him and just shoved open the door to a classroom.

What was that all about? Stephanie asked Derek as she walked up to him.

What are you on about? You've seen him, he doesn't talk, and he doesn't interact properly with anyone. He’s a loser! Derek chuckled.

Yeah but that doesn't mean you should call him names, he might have some family problems. Stephanie replied harshly.

Why do you care about him suddenly? Derek replied with anger.

Look, he doesn't have any friends here, I'm going to see what's up okay. Stephanie smiled.

Stephanie, you seriously just going to start following this guy? Derek replied startled.

Yes, I am. Now, are you coming or what? Stephanie smiled. She looked into Derek’s eyes, she thought she could see something like fear and pain, something deeper, and just like John, something was plaguing his mind.

What no! I'm not following that creep. Derek rejected with anger.

Fine. I'll see you tomorrow then. Stephanie sighed. She then walked towards the classroom door where her two friends were waiting.

What was that fight about Steph? Jess asked.

I don't know, but Derek’s not coming, come on girls let’s finish this school day before we put our plan into action. Stephanie gave a wry smile as they walked into the classroom.

I really think this is a bad idea… Alice added as she hung by the doorway.

Well it is Olivia’s idea Jess added as she sat down at one of the desks.

Well, she’s not here, anyway I’ll see you at lunch. Alice smiled and walked off. Stephanie sat herself down at one of the desks to her right was Jess by the window, and behind her in the corner of the room sat John, minding his own business. He was slumped back in his chair and was fiddling with a pencil in his hand, he looked straight back at Stephanie who quickly turned her head, her nerves tingled, her breath became heavy, and she nervously curled a strand of her hair over her ear.

The lessons dragged on, hour after hour. Class after class. The bell rang, finally bursting through the hallways like fireworks in a night sky. Everyone rushed out to get lunch in the cafeteria, Stephanie and Jess walked out of their class room, hot and bothered. It’s the middle of autumn yet this school feels like it’s the middle of the summer! Jess laughed.

I know… they need to turn this heating down. Stephanie smiled. She then spotted Alice walking from her classroom, hey Alice She shouted waving her arm and smiling. Alice ran up to them smiling, What is it? She panted.

Nothing, just calling you over. Stephanie laughed.

Oh, I thought you guys had a problem or something. Alice added out of breath.

No, it’s just that did you notice anything strange about Olivia last night? Stephanie asked.

Yeah she did blank out a few times. Alice added.

It only began before we left, you don’t think she just ate something nasty, do you? Jess added.

I don’t think so, either way I hadn’t heard from her all day. Alice replied worried.

Jess did Olivia say anything to you today about her not coming to school? Stephanie asked turning towards Jess.

No, nothing… Jess replied worried.

Stephanie sighed in annoyance. Well when I have time I’ll go over to hers to see if she’s okay. She added.

The girls walked into the cafeteria almost swaying as they went, they grabbed their lunch and sat at a table. The voices of children and adults mixed with the dense smells of chips, fish and freshly baked cookies drifted through the room.

They sat down together on a table in the middle of the cafeteria. Girls look to your right, without looking. Stephanie whispered, there the girls could see John by himself again in the corner of the room. John was by the large windows which opened onto the field. It was raining, and the droplets slid down the windows making little streams. John had binoculars, he was looking out the window peering through the scopes and looking at something. The girls were confused and looked at each other silently mouthing the word, ‘what in the world?’

What is he doing? Stephanie broke in curiously trying to understand what he’s doing.

Bird watching? Jess chuckled. In Torwick? She sniggered.

He’s strange I can say that much. Alice added as she went back to eating her food. Stephanie then stood up and walked over to John, Jess and Alice both confused called her name, but she ignored them. She came and stood next to him. There he stood gazing out the window with binoculars.

Hey… Stephanie smiled, her nerves tingling.

John jumped and almost dropped his binoculars, he turned to face her, uh… hey? John tried to crack a smile.

What are you looking at? Stephanie asked smiling and playing with her hair.

Something… uh… different. John muttered.

Different? Stephanie laughed.

It’s complicated… John added.

Okay, but it can’t be any more complicated than maths. Stephanie chuckled smiling.

Well… John responded, looking out the window with his binoculars, it really depends.

So, what is it? Stephanie asked softly as she closed the distance between them, trying to spot what he’s staring at.

What is what? John asked as he lowered his binoculars to look at Stephanie.

What are you looking at, you still haven’t told me. She smiled looking back to John.

A ghost John muttered. Stephanie eyes widened, something felt odd, her face scowling with confusion and curiosity. She didn’t know what, but it felt like he wasn’t really saying everything. Stephanie stepped back slightly okay so… John’s a nut job she muttered to herself in disappointment and slowly began to walk back to her friends who were watching the entire conversation. John turned away smirking as Stephanie walked away reacting to her muttering.

Stephanie arrived back to her friends table and slumped herself back down in her seat, she stared at John’s silhouette in the window, there was something about him that she knew he was hiding. So? Jess asked. Hmm? Stephanie mumbled as she snapped her attention back to her friends who were sitting opposite her.

What is he looking at? Jess asked curiously.

A ghost… Stephanie muttered.

Great we got a wacko in the school… Alice responded raising her voice as she stabbed her fork into a steaming potato. Everyone knows ghosts don’t exist.

Yeah possibly. I don’t know what it is, but there’s something about him which he’s hiding. Stephanie muttered.

So, we’re still doing this then? Alice asked concerned.

Yes… were still doing this. John has only been here for a week, we need to know what he’s up to. Stephanie responded as she returned her gaze back to him.

You serious? Jess whispered fearfully, This guy is a freak, who believes in ghosts, and we’re just going to follow him?

Yes exactly Stephanie smiled as she turned back to her friends.

What about Olivia, it was her plan Alice added.

We’re just going to have to do this without her. Stephanie added.

The bell rang once again, breaking the silencing within the hallways. The shouts of teenagers and children rumbled and rattled in the air. Stephanie and Jess waited beside the front door, wearing large thick coats to protect them from the cold autumn air that had drifted in outside. Stephanie was wearing a white Bennie hat from where her hair flowed onto her shoulders like a bucket spilling water. She hated the cold but loved the autumn season. They looked down the hallway, there Alice ran up to them. So, what are we waiting for? Alice asked panting.

John Stephanie replied.

You sure we should do this? Jess asked. You know he could be some kind of heroin addict?

That’s why we’re doing this Jess Stephanie chuckled, but her tone sounded forced, like she was hiding something.

The hallway finally became quiet as the girls stood like mannequins, bored out of their minds. Nothing but the sound of their own breaths and the footsteps of a few people walking to the doors to heading outside.

After a long period of nothing but the sound of their own breathing, John appeared from around the corner and walked up to his locker. The girls all tensed up, the time had come. Stephanie watched closely as Derek arrived with his little gang of friends. Yo, Johnny! Derek smirked as he leaned up next to him.

What is it now Derek? John huffed in annoyance.

Why were you talking to Stephanie earlier? Derek grimly added.

You mean at lunch? John muttered, he didn’t look impressed. He looked fed up. If you’re wondering, she talked first, I was just minding my own business.

Yeah look Johnny. Get this in your thick skull, I’m not going to let you harm my cousin, not after… Derek paused. His eyes burned with anger and sadness. He was clearly upset about something but choked it down, trying to keep it hidden from the people around him.

John just glared at him, his expression only showed that he was fed up with Derek’s attitude towards him. He just turned around and placed the final book in his bag before suddenly Derek slammed the locker door, sending John stumbling backwards slightly.

You listen here, Stephanie and I are close. I will not see her get hurt. Derek muttered with anger.

John just stared into Derek’s angered eyes, he didn’t say a word. John locked his locker door and just walked off. You’re a coward you know that right! Derek shouted. Why do you run from a fight!? He continued shouting down the hallway with his tone rising in anger.

John just continued down the corridor and came to the girls. Stephanie, Jess and Alice all looked at him with confusion and concern. John just gave his awkward looking smile as he walked past and through the doors. There Stephanie turned to her friends with wide eyes before they followed John outside, it was cold and dim, the warm sheltered school gave way to a cold brisk wind from the autumn air. It stopped raining but there were puddles covering the ground, the clouds had gathered forming a blanket covering the sky. Stephanie and the girls watched John walking towards a bike rack on the left side of the school courtyard. John! Stephanie shouted as they ran towards him. John stopped and sighed with annoyance, he didn’t want to deal with this, but still he turned around. What do you want now? He asked sternly.

Myself, Jess and Alice just want to know what's going on. Why did Derek want to fight you? Stephanie asked.

John looked at his side and breathed deeply then darted his attention back to them. He saw Stephanie smiling, with Jess and Alice behind her, standing side by side like bodyguards almost like they were there to keep her from harm. I don't know. He shrugged. He just disagrees with me, but... wh... Why are you talking to me now? John asked.

Well I wanted to make sure you’re okay. Stephanie smiled.

Were just curious. Alice added.

Curious about what? My life? If so it's best if you know nothing. John replied sharply. He turned back to unchaining his bike. It was an old and rusty skeleton of metal and looked as if it had been there for years. John wait! Stephanie shouted.

Look stop now before it’s too late. I appreciate the concern but please talk to someone else. John pleaded as he jumped onto his bike and rode off. He peddled the bike onto the road as it screeched and groaned with age. The high-pitched squeaking and groaning made John wince at the sound as he headed left down the road.

What we going to do now Steph? Alice asked.

Like we planned. We’re going to follow him. Stephanie smiled narrowing her eyes in determination. She turned around to face her friends. Come on girls let's follow this guy. Stephanie grabbed one of the bikes off the bike rack and began to wheel it out, Stephanie strapped her bag onto her back before jumping onto the bike. Come on she commanded.

Wait you serious about this! Jess shouted.

Come on Jess, if we want to find out what's going on, then we need to follow him. Alice sternly replied. Steph wait up! She shouted as she grabbed a bike and followed.

Were really doing this? Right okay fine. Jess huffed as she snagged a bike and followed. Behind her she heard the shouts of a few guys shouting in anger as they watched their bikes being stolen and ridden down the road. She quickly glanced behind her and saw them waving their arms in the air, cursing at her. She just ignored the shouts and carried on riding on their bikes. Stephanie could just make out John in the distance. The girls were riding along a stretch of road where the autumn trees withered beside them, arching over the road and with barely any houses around just one long stretch of road with the deep forests around them it gave the place a feeling of isolation.

Steph, we don't know where he's going! He could be going anywhere! Jess shouted.

I know! Stephanie shouted back ignoring the warning. John who was up ahead, came to a crossing, there he waited for a car to drive past. Once the car had past, John continued forward onto a dirt track into the thicker parts of the woods. Stephanie, Jess and Alice made their way to the crossing and stopped for a breather. Seriously? Jess asked gasping for air. He's going into the northern woods! You know the stories.

A better reason to follow him. Stephanie laughed keeping a bright smile. They managed to keep John within just their sites, as they went along the dirt track. Stephanie ran through a puddle, the water splashed as it rained around her. The rustle and cracking of the twigs, leaves and rocks below them caused a strange sense of fear and caution within the small group of girls causing them to scan their surroundings, as they felt something could suddenly jump out of nowhere.

Look Steph I know you like this guy but seriously, we need to head home! Jess panted as she struggled to peddle over the rough terrain.

Well, our parents all think we're at each other's houses’ so it doesn't matter. Stephanie replied. Shortly they saw John take a right turn along the dirt track. They followed in pursuit and as they turned the corner they saw an opening in the woods, with a rusted static caravan trailer in the middle. The walls were covered in rust and green slime. The windows were greased and could barely let any light through. The trailer had one chimney situated in the middle and the smell of a smoky fire rose from the furnace burning inside. There were wooden steps leading to the doorway and alongside they saw John's bike resting on the floor near the trailer. Okay we need to ditch these bikes. Stephanie huffed, and they diverted into the trees where there was a small ditch traveling nearby the path. They rested the bikes onto the autumn floor and gathered near a fallen branch at the end of the ditch. The girls peered into the trailer.

I really don't like this place. Alice panted as she