They Always Run series

THE LAST THING I HEARD

The sound of silence was disturbing as the thick snow wrapped its lifeless corpse around everything it could touch. It was like the whole world was holding its breath, waiting for something to happen. I shivered and turned from the window, pulling the warm fleece blanket up over my shoulders.

I came out to the cabin to get away from it all... by "it all" I mean David. He is the love of my life... or was. He has changed somehow, and I don't feel like I can truly trust him anymore. My head says no but my heart says yes kind of thing. Being at the cabin high on an Appalachian Mountain miles away from the nearest neighbor was the best place I could think of to do some soul searching.

I made a fresh cup of tea to calm my nerves and curled up on the couch. I grabbed the remote and turned on the tv to distract myself. Unsolved Mysteries was the first thing that I found that slightly piqued my interest. After a half hour of listening to Robert Stacks oddly soothing voice, I started to feel my anxiety start to melt away and I began to drift off.

Something woke me up with a start. Instantly I realized I had been drooling in my sleep and quickly tried to clean myself up. Doing so the second thing I realized was I had fallen asleep in an awkward position which caused cramping in my neck. The third thing I realized was I had been sleeping for hours and it was after midnight. Apparently, there was an Unsolved Mysteries marathon tonight as it was still playing on the tv. I looked around, wondering what had woken me.

Suddenly I heard what sounded like a gunshot. I screamed and jumped up off the couch. Did it come from the tv show? I quickly looked at the tv and saw a whole bunch of people standing at a crime scene. It wasn't impossible for it to have come from there, but my gut told me otherwise. I slowly scanned the room as I slowed my breathing down with some effort and tried to compose myself. There is no reason for me to feel so jumpy.

Rubbing my neck, I went to the kitchen with my cup to make some more tea. I caught a chill as I walked down the hall and decided to check the thermostat on my way back. Soon the tea kettle whistled, and I once again had my hands wrapped around the mug, the heat helping to still the chill. I headed back to the living room, checking the thermostat on the way. It was still set at 70 degrees.

Back in the living room I set my tea on the coffee table and once again turned my attention to Unsolved Mysteries. Again, Robert Stacks voice began to melt away the anxiety until, faintly, I heard a noise on the roof. It sounded like someone was walking slowly, dragging something as it went. I looked out the nearest window but of course it was too dark to see anything. There is no moon tonight. I was so frightened that the only thing I could think of was to call someone. I grabbed my phone to call the first person I could think of... David. Of course, my first thought was to call David. Pacing the length of the living room I decided against calling him and trying Hank instead. He is the caretaker of the property and knew the place better than anyone. He is also the closest.

The phone rang as I prayed he would answer, it was so late. Finally, a groggy voice answered. "This better be good."

"Hank!" I practically screamed into the phone.

"Carry?" his voice became crisp and clear instantly. "What's going on?"

"Hank, I think someone is here, up on the roof! Please come!" I scream whispered. There was a sudden loud thump right above my head. I screamed and crouched in a corner holding the phone in both hands, shaking uncontrollably. The footsteps started again but this time it was moving faster.

"Carry, hide yourself, I'm on my way!" I could hear his wife ask what was wrong, right before he hung up.

It was extremely quiet now. I was too afraid to move but I knew I had to. Where could I hide? I crept forward on my hands and knees, glancing around to see what my options were. The basement door was to my left and a long dark hallway that led to the kitchen. On my right was a broom closet, a bedroom and the stairs that led to the balcony. The balcony was out of the question obviously. I quickly tossed around defense opportunities and escape plans just in case. The kitchen had knives and the front and back doors, the bedroom had better hiding places and a window for escaping.