Moonlight Becomes You by Robert Herold

Author:Robert Herold [Herold, Robert]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Horror; Twilight Zone; Dark Fantasy; Supernatural; Paranormal Mystery; Ghosts; Werewolves; Monsters; Mystery; Victorian Era; Gothic; Gaslamp Fantasy;
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Published: 2021-01-20T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

Edgar’s heart pounded in his chest as he and Saphne made it to a drying shed at the edge of the field. He looked back across the tobacco field. Did they have a chance? He expected to see the demon creature hurtling toward them.

The moonlight shimmered on the expanse of dew-soaked broad-leafed plants and the wisps of fog forming across the field. No sign of the wolf. Edgar studied the building and realized the shed offered no protection—being open on all four sides. They needed to get to Garraty’s house.

The wolf’s howl sounded again. Nearer, but from which direction? From Garraty’s place? Between here and there? Did they have any other option? Edgar’s mind raced with the possibilities until he realized they had to act. Any action was better than inaction.

“Come on!” He took Saphne’s hand, and they ran onto the road leading to the mansion.

“What if Garraty sees you!” cried Saphne, panting for breath.

“No choice,” Edgar answered, pulling her forward.

The two rounded the bend, and the mansion came into view. From here, they could see the side of the impressive white-washed building. Most of the windows shone bright with light. “At least they are up and about,” Edgar said. He had imagined them being attacked on the front porch while the household lay abed.

Edgar and Saphne called for help as they cut across the lawn and came around to the front. Garraty stood alone on the porch waiting for them, holding a shotgun propped up on one hip. The servants peered through the windows behind him.

“Thank God!” shouted Saphne. “Save us, Mr. Garraty.”

Garraty lowered his shotgun so it pointed at them. “Hold up, you two!”

Edgar came to a sudden halt, but Saphne slipped as she tried to stop on the dew-slick grass. She landed hard on her backside, still holding onto one of Edgar’s hands. Edgar got her to her feet, and they headed for the porch.

“Not another step!” Garraty snarled as he stared down at them, still pointing the shotgun.

“You heard the wolf?” asked Edgar.

“I heard it.”

Edgar tried to reason. “You can’t just leave us out here to fend for ourselves.”

“I can do anything I goddamn well please. This here’s my place, and you’re trespassing.”

“But Mr. Garraty, sir!” Saphne wailed, tears springing to her eyes.

“You can stay,” Garraty said, “but not him.”

“What?” Saphne’s voice caught in her throat, and she turned to face Edgar.

“Go inside,” said Edgar. He put his hands on her cheeks and used his thumbs to wipe away her tears. “I want you safe.”

Saphne shook her head. “I can’t.”

“Yes, you can.” Edgar insisted, letting go and taking a step back.

Garraty descended the steps and grabbed Saphne’s right wrist. He hauled her onto the porch, then put his arm around her waist and pulled her to him. “Don’t you worry now,” he said to Edgar, leering, “I’ll take real good care of her. Now, git!” Garraty fired a shot into the air, then lowered the gun again and pointed it at Edgar. “Next one’s for you! Get the hell outta here!”

Edgar turned and considered his options.

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