Chapter 1 - She Did Exactly What You Said
Claire Bennett was halfway down the grand staircase when Eleanor Blackwood screamed behind her.
“You’re not leaving this house!”
Claire ran faster.
Bare feet struck polished wood. One hand gripped the banister while the other gathered her champagne satin dress. She looked back once.
That was enough.
Her foot missed the next step.
Claire tumbled down the final stairs and hit the lower landing hard.
She curled inward, sobbing.
“Please... just let me go.”
Eleanor remained above her, furious.
“You have no idea what you're doing.”
Claire recoiled as Eleanor descended.
But beneath the folds of her dress, Claire’s fingers found her phone.
She lifted it beside her face.
The screen was already connected.
For several seconds she said nothing.
Her breathing slowed.
The trembling disappeared from her mouth.
Then something astonishing happened.
Claire smiled.
“She did exactly what you said.”
Eleanor stopped.
The fury on her face changed.
Not fear yet.
Recognition.
Claire listened.
A distorted voice answered:
“Good. Now ask her about the basement.”
Claire’s smile vanished.
She slowly lowered the phone.
Eleanor had heard.
“Who told you about that?”
Claire stared up.
Then she laughed once, cold and nervous.
Before she could answer, a long, muffled moan drifted through the mansion.
It came from the basement hallway.
Claire froze.
Eleanor backed up one stair.
That reaction disturbed Claire more than the sound.
Because Eleanor was supposed to be the monster in this house.
Yet now she looked terrified of whatever was downstairs.
Claire whispered:
“What did you put in that basement?”
Eleanor stared at her.
“I didn't put anything down there.”
Another faint sound came through the floor.
May you like
Then Eleanor said something Claire hadn't expected.
“Your husband did.”
