The Library of Dead Souls

Chapter Three

I

Candace Mills distanced herself from her Mom.

She started to eat her dinner.

"The Shelton Library is open at nine o'clock tomorrow".

"That's good, Candace", Hilda smiled.

"Yeah. I have homework to do. Maybe we can see a movie on Saturday".

"I'd like that", she said.

"Good, I was concerned that you'd be stuck in the musty old library all day".

"No. I have the owner to thank for the job. I'm almost sixteen".

"Yeah, and you're going to have time for boyfriends".

"I have no time for boys. Besides, I have a responsibility to the owners to do the right thing". She smiled, as Hilda nodded.

***

II

After dinner, Candace read 'Night Show' by Richard Laymon. She relaxed, as the cold breeze caused her to shudder.

Hilda watched television in the spacious lounge room.

Two of the lamps illuminated the glass windows.

"Candace, I'm getting dressed in my bedroom".

"Okay, Mom! I'll do the same".

***

III

Candace closed the curtains, and the door.

When she wore a pink nightgown, she put on her slippers.

And read the book that her mom would disapprove of.

***

The door opened.

"Are you reading a horror book?", Hilda asked.

"Yes, so", Candace answered.

"Richard Laymon is a great horror writer".

"Maybe you've grown up. You're not reading Jane Austen".

"Yeah, Mom. I like all kinds of books".

"I guess so".

"I did my homework. I'll go to bed at nine-thirty".

"Fine, just don't be scared".

"It's only a book, Mom".

"I read George Orwell and F. Scott Fitzgerald".

"I'm glad you like the classic authors, Mom".

"Yeah, I am. Now I'm seeing 'NCIS'".

"Good night, Mom".

"Good night, Candace".

And she smiled, then kissed her daughter, and headed back to the lounge room.

Then she sat down on the sofa, and watched the military crime drama until it ended at ten o'clock.

***

IV

Outside, three hooded figures stood at attention.

In their hands were sharp machetes.

They glided up and down the Lawrence, Kansas road.

None of them were bothered by the Louisiana Police.