At Evil's Cusp: The Red Water Series, #2

By GARGI DATAR

At Evil's Cusp is the second book in the Suspense - Horror, Red Water Novella Series written by Gargi Datar.

The story begins on the night of Halloween and follows Luke and his friends, who happen to pass by what looks like a very old and creepy house. Rebecca being the curious kind, can't help herself from peeping what's inside while Everly and the others try to stop her - before it's too late. But something strange happens and they find themselves inside the same house, sending everyone into a state of panic as they make their way out.

The next morning brings in normalcy in their lives as they resume school and everything about their Halloween night is forgotten.

But their peaceful state doesn't last very long as some of them start behaving differently which affects every aspect in their lives. Things get even bizarre when a supposedly missing girl starts chasing them - like a ghost.

It drives the group to a point when they decide to stand together once again and solve the mystery behind everything going on in their town.

If you like Suspense Horrors and stories about rock solid friendships, then you will love this fast-paced story full of twists, growing dread and risking it all only to protect your closest companions.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gargi Datar
• Release date: Dec 16, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201490409

Book preview

Introduction

My warm regards to you for choosing to read this book which is the second from my series about a fictional town called Red Water. I thoroughly enjoyed writing it and I hope that you like it as much as the previous one. Happy Reading!

Chapter 1 - The Night of Halloween

All right class, we’re done with differential equations. said the Maths professor before leaving 11-A on a pleasant autumn afternoon.

I never thought I’d be so happy with Algebra. Thanks for being an awesome guide. George told Luke, who had been helping with his studies.

That’s okay, buddy. Luke smiled.

He walked up to the girls table where he saw Everly & Rebecca chatting away as usual.

But this time around, Luke was a lot confident as he knew Everly liked him too. He asked them regarding the costumes they had planned for the evening.

Rebecca was glad that he asked about it. I’m gonna dress up as a corpse bride with lots of dark makeup. She was very excited.

Cool. What about you, Eve? Luke leaned in towards her

No scary costumes for me. But I’ll still be attending for the volunteering part. Everly’s reply didn’t surprise her friends as they knew dressing up special for parties wasn’t her thing.

Come on, Eve. I promise it will be fun. Besides, I'll help you with the costume. Rebecca tried her best to change Everly’s mind but finally had to settle with her being Queen Grimhilde from Snow White painting her lips red, wearing a black cape and carrying a basket containing a few apples. That’s the most she was willing to do.

It’s a brilliant idea. Luke commented

I just thought of it. It was so spontaneous. Everly blushed

It’s really great. Luke scratched his head.

Rebecca was done with their awkward banter and intervened, What are you wearing?

I don’t know. I’m not like you or Albert. Luke said further adding, I may not dress up for it.

You guys are no fun. Rebecca was annoyed. She couldn’t stand there any longer.

Am I in trouble? Luke pondered as they saw Rebecca leaving class.

She’ll be alright. Don’t worry. Everly giggled. Tonight’s gonna be great. I can feel it. She said

Yeah, it ought to be. Luke was looking forward to the evening, just as the others.

After all, it wasn't like any ordinary Halloween party. It was organized by their school management on the occasion of their school completing twenty years.

There were invites to all school alumni and their families besides a host of special guests to grace the occasion.

A few dances and plays by the school students were planned for the night. Luke and his friends were volunteering. They were supposed to remain present an hour before the program was to start and could only leave at the very end.

Luke was home by noon. He spotted his mother descending the stairs carrying a few old jackets.

He asked her what she was going to do with them.

I’m giving it to the NGO nearby. Can’t let them keep lying upstairs forever. Mom sounded in a rush

Can I have one? Luke asked

These are worn out. Wear your new one. Mom said

I’d need it for the event. Luke asked and his mother gave him one which solved his costume emergency for Halloween night. 

George! Mrs. Emmons called him out.

What is it mother? George woke up rather irritated

The whole town is getting ready for the school’s function and you’re lazing around instead. Mrs. Emmons wasn’t happy that George chose to sleep on a day like that.

I’m gonna skip it, mom. He said

Why? Mrs. Emmons couldn’t believe George for a moment.

I know everyone will tease me and call me names. I don’t want that to happen. He held his ground

George, you’re seventeen. You need to learn to stand up for yourself. How many years are you going to stay away from events like this just because you fear others would make fun of you? Mrs. Emmons started counselling him. I went to school too. I had bullies but I never felt helpless as I knew I was unique. And I was fine.

Mom it’s not 1983. It’s 2007. Things are a lot different now. George tried to reason while his mother couldn’t believe he still wasn’t getting her point.

But there was no way she was letting George stay home that evening. Mrs. Emmons told him to get ready and drove him to school. Have fun. She said and left only after seeing her son get in through the school gate.

The whole school had been decorated with string lights and there were pumpkins carved out at the entrance along with some spooky figures hanging from the trees.

Back at the school hall, Luke and his friends were distributing refreshments to the guests as the headmaster; Mr. Sebastian made his way to the stage and welcomed everyone.

He then passed the microphone to Chris and Ross who were in charge of anchoring the program.

Guys, let’s get seated. Luke asked his friends after making sure they weren’t required at that time.

I’ll be back. Albert hurried to the washroom.

Why did you have to drink so much orange juice? He was mad at himself as he got to the washroom in the dark.

Albert was scared even more after realizing he was alone and he started singing songs to not feel that way.

Albert rushed out a moment later and heard two of the boys from his class talking in the lobby.

I’m telling you. There’s something strange going on in here. Said Rob

Yeah, I know what that was. Replied Mac

What did you see? Albert had to ask

Mac took a glance at Rob and said, We saw the spirit of Angus.

Albert’s eyes popped out. He asked, You saw a spirit? Are you high?

It’s no joke. Mac said while Rob added, Why don’t you discover it for yourself?

Yeah, if you keep roaming around on your own, you’ll definitely see her. Mac commented

Albert was completely freaked out. He decided to get back to his group.

Thank you for having us here, Mr. Sebastian. Said one of the alumni present on stage. Happy twentieth Birthday, Red Water High. He further said and the whole crowd shouted out, Happy Birthday! in unison.

That’s when Albert returned. Luke, I need to talk to you.

What’s the matter? You don’t look so good. George asked all dressed in a giant pumpkin costume.

I got some news for you. And it sounds super scary. Albert said

I don’t wanna know. George cried

Hush everyone, you’re being too loud. Rebecca whispered

Let’s go. Albert pulled Luke by his arm as George followed them out.

I thought you weren’t interested. Albert asked on finding George following them.

I changed my mind. If something’s really scary then I’ll get an excuse to head back home. George reasoned