The Midnight Within

Chapter 41

Throwing open his closet door Trez dug through the mounds of junk that had accumulated over the years inside the small dark space. Old toys, baseball cards, action figures and shoes began to pile up behind him. He had awoken still afraid that the twins would show up at his house. They had warned him not to go to the Haunted Farm but his friends were all going to be there . He couldn't sit at home when he knew that people were in danger. In the back of his mind he still had the crazy idea that he could leave with Daniel. Maybe Daniel would show up to say his goodbye to the others? Britt had banned Trez last year but that didn't mean he couldn't avoid her, he knew the places she would most likely be. It was a risk he was willing to take.

Finding what he wanted he headed up the stairs. The sky outside had gone from blue sky to gray, it looked like it might even begin to snow. It was not unusual for Minnesota in October. Parents would just put their costumed kids in winter coats and hats if that was the case.

In the tiny bathroom he spiked up his hair and put on his make up. His mother had gone out early thankfully, leaving him in peace. If she knew he was dressing up she would have had a fit and tried to ground him. She had tried to ban him from Trick or Treating since he was ten but that had never stopped him, in fact it made him want to dress up even more. He thought about going over to Mia's house just in case she was home and decided against it, although she might be willing to give him a ride out to the farm if he asked her, he sure as hell was not going to ride his bike all the way out there.

Grabbing a handful of candy from the bowl on the steps he picked up his bike with one hand and stuffed the candy into his pocket with the other. He decided to ride down lake st.

Passing a few early Trick or Treaters as fat drops of rain hit the pavement. The rain reminded him of happier times in his life, times before his mother started to drink and his world had turned to shit.

Passing Cheapo's carlot, he waved to a few kids running down the street. Every Halloween he made it a point to stop at the Pagan bookstore to say hi to Will and Matty and this year was no different but when he got there it was dark. Odd since Halloween always seemed like a busy time for them. He tried to knob and it turned under his hand.

" Hello? "

The shop was dark except for a few case lights and a single lamp behind the register. He opened the door a bit more wondering why the door would be open if they guys had stepped out. Then again it was not unlike Will to go get stuff they needed leaving Matty alone to run things.

" Matt? You here? Hello? "

Something moved in the darkness and Trez jumped a foot. He got spooked a lot when browsing in the dimly lit isles with its huge assortment of statues, candles and books. Making his way back he felt like turning and running out but that was silly. Will always told him the ghost wouldn't hurt him as long as he didn't piss it off and Matty would shake his head and tell him not to spook the kids.

He could see the dim lit square of doorway. Matty probably didn't hear him when he had come in. Stepping down the three short steps he called out once more and was surprised to hear silence. He pushed aside the black beaded curtain and stuck his head inside the workroom. The table was a mess of supplies and something dark. It dripped onto the floor and fouled the air. His brain told him it was paint but the smell said otherwise. Going to the table he looked down at the red stains. He was standing in it, whatever IT was and then something moved and he looked up, his face going white.

Matty was there alright, pinned to the wall with what looked like every blade they had in the store. His face was white, his eyes closed and Trez didn't know what to do. Who would do such a cruel thing? And then his blood ran cold as he though of the twins and their warning. They would definitely do such a thing.

Matty had been the kindest person he had ever known. Will on the other hand wouldn't have been a surprise. You either loved him or hated him. Had Will done this? No Will had not done this, his MS wouldn't have allowed it. Reaching out he touched the book that was laying open on the work table. It looked like some kind of protection spell. The book went out of focus as tears spilled from his eyes. That was no way to go out.

" Trez? "

Blinking he looked up to see Matty squinting at him and hurried around the table. " Yeah Matty, it's me. What happened to you? Who did this? "

" No time. " Matty whispered. " Find kate. Help Kate. "

" Kate? " Was he talking about Miss Jade? He could be talking about anyone, Trez knew a dozen Kate's,

" Go find her. Tell her....Tell Will I love him... " Matty's head dropped and he fell silent.

" Who! Who's coming? The twins! Did those things do this? Matty please don't leave me! " Panicked Trez tried to pull at the blades but they were stuck with such force that he would need more than just himself to get Matt down.

Crying he staggered out into the shop, went to the front and picked up the phone with shaking hands. He quickly called 911 and went outside. He wanted to wait but there was blood on his hands and shirt. He would miss Daniel for sure and if Matty had meant the librarian then he needed to be gone by the time the police arrived.

" Need a ride? "

Startled he turned to look at the street. It was Paulie in his truck at the stop light. He waved at Trez to come on over. " You're your going to the haunt right? Get in and I will give you a ride. "

Grabbing his bike Trez hurried over, tossing the bike in the back on top of the bags and ran around to the passenger door.

" Thanks a lot. "

" No problem. Nice costume. " Grinning at him Paulie leaned over patting Trez's leg. Tez's eyes widened but it was too late now, they were speeding down the street, Areosmith's " Pink " blasting from the speakers.