The House That Never Was

V: An Odd Couple

Finally reaching downstairs, Jack didn't see the old couple anywhere. Deciding to look for them to try to get some answers, he began to explore. Walking down a very wide hallway, he came to two giant doors at the end. Pushing one open, he entered the room. The room was decorated with a crystal chandelier hanging in the center of the room. Red carpeting trimmed in gold designs covered the floor. The room was filled with antique furniture. The walls were covered with paintings. On the opposite side of the room from where jack stood, was a fire burning in the fireplace. Sitting in two large, Victorian looking chairs were the old man and woman.

"Excuse me." Jack called out. "There is something very weird with this place, and I want answers."

Not so much as even turning his head to face Jack, the old man replied. "What ever do you mean?"

"You know damn well what I mean!" Jack said with anger and frustration in his voice.

"I am afraid I do not." The old man said. "We have been in here since all of you went to bed."

"Please come here young man." The old woman said, motioning for him to approach.

Jack walked over to them and stood between them and the fireplace. Looking at them was like looking at moving statues. No emotion in their expressions. No concern over Jack's outburst. No reaction whatsoever. It sent a chill up Jack's spine.

"What's  got you so upset?" The old woman asked, oblivious to anything that happened.

"Are you serious?" Jack asked, totally shocked by her demeanor. "You didn't hear what's been going on?"

"What are you talking about?" The old man asked, slightly leaning forward, still with no emotion. "We've heard nothing. It has been quiet all night."

Running his hand from his forehead, over the top of his head to the back, Jack was puzzled by their lack of emotion. He looked at the old man, and then, at the old woman. They sat there staring back at him as if they had no clue what he was talking about.

"Quiet all night?!" Jack yelled out in a frustrated tone. "We've heard screams coming from somewhere in the house. Dammit! My girlfriend is missing. The lights went out, and we heard a scream. When they came back on, she was gone." Jack stopped, took a breath and wiped his forehead. "So don't tell me it's been quiet all night."

"Nonsense." The old woman said. "She probably just wandered off and got lost. I'm sure she'll turn up somewhere." The old woman motioned with her hand as if saying to calm down.

"What in the Hell is wrong with you people?!" Jack asked as he made his way back to the door. He turned and looked at the old couple who were now standing in front of the fireplace. "If anything happens to her, Heaven help you."

At that moment, as the old man spoke, the fire flared up and roared as if gasoline had been poured on it. "I assure you, Heaven has nothing to do with it."

Jack furrowed his eyebrows, turned and walked away.

"The nerve of him." The old woman said." Threatening an old couple like that."

"Indeed." The old man replied as they both looked at each other and smiled evilly as he continued. "Heaven won't help them tonight."