The Red Door: Volume 1

By Stephen Peeples

Every key is a new adventure. Every door is a gateway to forgotten knowledge.

Two boys, one mysterious door, and a choice. Open the door and change your life forever or walk away and live a normal life.

Andy and Koby are best friends. Koby is adventurous while Andy would rather read about adventures than participate. When they discover a mysterious door, they will have to make a life-altering decision. Open the door or walk away.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stephen Peeples
• Release date: Feb 28, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201618575

Book preview

THE KEY

I will not. Don’t expect anything else from me. Just appreciate the little information I’ve given you, and remember the warning. Keep the key safe, Frank said.

He was alone, sulking in the middle of a small, windowless room, his body strapped to a heavy, hickory chair. The chair’s legs were bolted to the concrete floor, and the room, dimly lit by a hanging light bulb, appeared to have no door.

Frank was in his mid-forties, his dull, brown eyes cast down, his bony shoulders drooping. He was beaten, and he knew it.

Flies collected around his grimy, white hair and landed in his wild, thick beard. A ragged t-shirt consumed his frail body and frayed pants, which were held up by a rope belt, blanketed his legs.

The sound of footsteps approaching pounded in his ears, but he ignored it. The steps stopped beside him and a cloth shot over his eyes, blocking his vision. It wrapped around his head and was tied at the back.

The straps around his body loosened. Strong hands lifted him out of the chair and pulled him to his left. He walked for over a minute before he was shoved into another chair. Restraints tightened around his body and the cloth was removed from his eyes.

At first the room was pitch black, but after a switch clicked, a bright light sprang to life, interrogating Frank’s face. He winced and turned his head away, shielding his watery eyes from the pain.

I wanna be honest with you, Frank, a male voice spoke, barely above a whisper. I grow tired of these games. This has gone on long enough. I’m exhausted. You’re exhausted. Stop all the foolishness. All I want is the key. One simple, little key. Why are you being so difficult?

Frank sighed. He closed his eyes and turned his face towards the light. His posture changed. He straightened his back, tightened his core, and puffed out his chest.

And what key is that? He smiled, his raspy voice filling up the room. My car key? House key? The key to my lawn mower? It’s not the best mower, but I can’t really...

Enough! The voice growled, immediately silencing Frank. You know which key I want. The key to the red door.

The red door? Frank paused. Oh, yes. The Red Door. Fine eating establishment. I do recommend it. However, you don’t need a key. You don’t even need a reservation. Just show up and they’ll seat you.

There was no reply. Frank squinted, trying to see his captor, but the bright light prevented him from discovering the man’s identity.

We’ve performed this song and dance many times, and I’ve never actually seen your face, Frank continued. Why is that? Are you ugly?

You try my patience.

So, you are ugly. My condolences. It happens. Not to me obviously. I mean, look at me. My parents should win an award or something. But, I’ve seen it happen to others. I have a cousin who could be the ugliest man alive. You wouldn’t believe we’re related.

Frank, I will get that key. Either you’ll hand it over or someone else will. The first scenario involves you cooperating like a team player. The second scenario doesn’t involve you at all because you’ll be dead. Now, which path shall we pursue?

Frank tilted his head to the left and rubbed his chin against his shoulder for a brief moment before turning his attention back to the blinding light.

I’m sorry, I wasn’t listening. My chin was itchy. What were you saying?

A smith ‘til the end, the man exhaled. Dispose of him. With him dead, the key will choose another. Maybe they’ll be more cooperative. Goodbye, Frank.

A cloth covered Frank’s eyes once more. The restraints loosened, and someone dragged him away. He walked for a while when a hand in his back finally shoved him forward.

I’ll be right back, the guard laughed.

Frank ripped off his blindfold. He was alone for the moment, back in the windowless room. He composed himself and stared off into space.

Proceed with caution, smith. This is my final warning. Be wary of those who seek the key for their own gain, he said.

CHAPTER 1

THREE-CARD MONTE

With his feet firmly planted on the sidewalk and his long sleeves rolled up to his elbows, Brady raised his arm and revealed three playing cards in his hand.

Ladies and gentlemen, don’t be shy. Step right up and give it a try, he called out. Three-card Monte.

He sat on two milk crates near the corner of Elm and Eighth, a cardboard table in front of him.

Just three cards. We have the Queen of hearts, the Jack of clubs, and the Jack of spades, he showed the gathering crowd. The game is simple. Find the lady.

I’ll play, a man said. How much?

Five to play. Twenty to you if you win.

The customer nodded and removed cash from his wallet.

After creasing the playing cards, Brady flipped them face-down on his cardboard table and continuously rearranged them.

Eyes on the Queen. She’s the one you want, but proceed with caution. Her two brothers follow her everywhere. And they are mean.

Andy stood off to the side, his amber colored eyes glued to the cards. His left hand gripped the backpack that rested on his left shoulder, and his right hand clutched a five dollar bill.

He was undersized for a boy of twelve with short, brown hair and a small, round nose. A simple t-shirt and