Insane - Who Are You To Judge? (Gripping Psychological Thriller)

Chapter 65 - Avery

I spring into a completely upright position and stare back at them, as if I am a deer stuck in headlights.

I can't see their face, but I can feel their eyes burning my skin. They lift their hand out of their coat pocket and slowly wave.

I want to run after them. I know who they are. But my legs are frozen – my reason is screaming at me to move them, but they won't obey.

I watch the figure turn, stroll down the street and round the corner. As if they know I can't move.

They have disappeared from my sight for a few minutes before my frozen body decides to thaw.

When it does, I clench my fists and scold myself. What the hell am I doing?

I then shoot down the street and follow their route around the corner. I don't see them, but I spot the tail of their coat flap in the wind as they turn another corner. I pursue them, being careful of my footing so that there is not a repeat of last time.

It's late, but there is still a sliver of light seeping through the night's blanket, so I am aware of where I am and where I'm going.

I see them again. I'm closer this time, but they're still round the next corner before I can reach them. I'll get them this time.

When I turned onto the new street, my body is pumping with adrenaline, ready to lunge at that stupid black trench coat.

But they aren't there.

I growl in frustration. Where could they have gone? How could they have disappeared so quickly? I was right behind them.

I sprint to the end of the street and survey the area – nothing. I sprint back to see if I have missed them – nothing.

My eyebrows tense and my jaw is locked. I don't understand, it doesn't make any sense.

And then I see it. I know why they led me here.

At the end of this street, opposite the road is a house standing on its own. A little white clapboard with worn away wooden shutters. Its thatched roof is no longer tightly enough bound that it is stable and will keep the rain from seeping through.

I can still smell the thick scent of scorched wood, radiating out of the clogged-up chimney. Dad always wanted to use coal, because it burns better, but Mum liked the homeliness of a wood fire. I can't say I understand her logic, exactly, but I have to agree that it was the cosiest to snuggle in front of in winter, in our ski clothes with a mug of hot chocolate. Dad made the best hot chocolate.

I haven't been back here in years – not since I moved back to Southhurst. It's uninhabitable – practically falling apart. I'm surprised the council haven't bulldozed it yet – that's what they usually do nowadays.

Once I've spent enough time staring at the broken down structure, I shake the nostalgia from my back and spin around, making my way back to the pub. I've been gone for thirty-two minutes. Hopefully everyone is drunk enough that they haven't noticed.

"Babe!" he bellows while he zigzags towards me with his arms open. I'm not certain if his arms are out to hug me or to give himself balance. "Where have you been? I've been looking for you," he slurs as he collapses onto me.

I may be feisty but I'm certainly not strong enough to take his weight – I drop him as my knees are about to give, but luckily he doesn't smash headfirst into the pavement. I help Him to find his balance and I reply, "I just went to get some fresh air. Don't worry." I peer through the window and see everyone but Kelly and Grant either lying on the sofa or on a stool.

"I think we should get you into bed, okay? You stay right here," I say whilst propping him up against the brick wall, "And I'll call us a taxi."

I don't wait for his response – he's pretty much unconscious.

Once I've called a taxi service, I pop back inside to say goodbye to those who are still standing.

"Hey, guys, I think we're going to call it a night," I announce.

Grant throws his arms into the air. "Oh, good riddance! Your fella gets way too handsy when he's had a few too many."

I giggle softly, "It was great to meet you, Grant." I turn my attention to Kelly and I nestle my face into her curls. "I love you, girl. I'll see you soon okay? You have to invite me to Australia sometime."

She laughs. "I don't think you'd be able to handle the outback."

I squeeze her one last time, wave goodbye to Frank and head back outside to tend to my passed-out boyfriend. The taxi really couldn't have arrived any sooner.