Backwards Into Hell

Part One: The Lodge

Jake's Diary

Monday 25th October

'What do you mean the phones aren't working?' asked David, leaving Caleb by the stairs and walking to Darren.

Darren blinked. 'They just... aren't. I can't even get them to ring.'

David opened his mouth to speak again, but Lottie jumped in.

'We'll just have to go into town. The police station will be open and it's not like there's any immediate danger.'

A ripple of nerves spread through our group. How did they know they weren't in danger? I could almost hear their thoughts and did my best to appear as scared as they were.

What would they do when they realised we were the only ones left on the Island? It might put everyone on high alert, making my task harder, or it could lower morale as they found there was no escape. I left Lily's side and stood next to Lottie.

'We should try our own phones again first.'

I hoped to delay them for a second so I could think about what to do.

As everyone pulled out their phones, David scanned the lobby, counting. 'Wait,' he said after a moment. 'Where's Delilah?'

'That's what we were wondering,' Lily said.

'Has anyone seen her?'

David watched our reactions as everyone frowned or shrugged, thinking the same thing. Maybe she's the killer.

'Anais and I have master keys.' Darren leaned against a wall, acting like this wasn't the end of the world. 'We can look for her while you contact the police.'

At this, Anais' face twitched. Even then, I knew they were hiding something.

David nodded. 'Right then. Jake and I will go down the station—it shouldn't take long.'

I puzzled over why David had chosen me as his right-hand man—why not Darren, Anais, or even Lily? It was a good sign, though. It meant I was trusted.

'Wait!' Lily got off the floor. 'I'll come too—I need a walk.'

David's eyebrows knitted together, but when he saw the seriousness in Lily's gaze, he changed tact. 'Fine, but no one else.'

'We can look after the little one.' Lottie beamed and David—seeming to have forgotten Caleb existed for a moment—gave his thanks.

So it was decided, David, Lily, and I were going to the police station while the others managed The Lodge. I heavily doubted there was anyone to find, but it was an opportunity to test the Old Man's promise and see if I was safe.

As we stepped into the cold Scottish sun, David holding hastily jotted down directions from Anais in his hand, I felt a small bloom of pride in my chest as I realised I was one of the trusted ones. No one suspected a thing. I could almost forget Delilah, hidden under my bed.

Almost.

By then, I'd figured out the perfect hiding place, but getting her there was going to be difficult.