The Haunting of Holland House by J. J. Maguire

Author:J. J. Maguire
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Tags: young adult, paranormal, horror, young adult horror, teen horror
Publisher: J. J. Maguire
Published: 2024-03-29T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

Todd pedalled furiously through the woods, Imogen perched on the rear rack of his bike as they raced along the leaf-strewn path.

Dappled sunlight filtered through the canopy of oak and birch trees overhead, casting everything in an eerie greenish glow.

They were deep in the heart of Temperley Forest now, the sounds of the town fading away the further they ventured along the remote trail.

"Are you sure this is the right way?" Imogen asked, raising her voice to be heard over the whirring gears and crunching tires.

"Yeah, I think so," Todd shouted back.

Sure enough, they rounded a bend and a narrow, overgrown trail branched off from the main path. A weathered signpost pointed towards "S. James" with an arrow.

Todd skidded to a halt, his tires sending up a spray of damp leaves.

"This is it," he said, catching his breath.

Adrenaline coursed through his veins at the thought they might finally get some answers. Imogen slipped off the bike rack, her boots crunching on the forest floor. She approached the signpost, running her fingers over the faded lettering.

"She doesn't seem to want to be found," Imogen murmured.

Todd glanced down the shadowy trail. The trees and underbrush encroached from either side, making it appear impassable in areas.

"Well, we've come this far," he said. Taking a deep breath, Todd led his bike onto the slender trail.

Imogen followed close behind as he navigated around jutting roots and low-hanging branches. The canopy grew so dense overhead it felt like dusk rather than late afternoon. Strange bird calls and other eerie noises echoed around them, raising the hairs on Todd's arms.

After fifteen minutes of cautious pedalling and ducking to avoid obstacles, the trees suddenly opened up.

Todd and Imogen found themselves in a small clearing, dominated by a ramshackle cabin tucked against the treeline. Todd exhaled slowly.

He leaned his bike carefully against a tree, not wanting to make any loud noises to draw attention.

Together, he and Imogen slowly approached the solitary cabin. As they got closer, details emerged from the gloom - strings of beads and dreamcatchers hung from the eaves, a weathervane in the shape of a crow perched atop the sloping roof, thick velvet curtains blocking the windows.

Runic symbols had been carved into the door frame.

The place had a decidedly ominous, esoteric vibe.

"Are you sure this is the right Shirley James?" Imogen whispered. "She seems a bit..."

"Eccentric?" Todd supplied.

Imogen nodded, eyeing a particularly large dreamcatcher swaying from the porch rafters. It looked like it had been crafted from animal bones and feathers. Todd felt a prickle of doubt himself, wondering if they were about to encounter some backwoods occult fanatic rather than the expert ghost hunter he'd seen on TV.

But they had come too far to turn back now.

As they ascended the creaking steps of the porch, Todd noticed a well-worn path leading around the side of the cabin. He gestured for Imogen to follow as he crept over to investigate.

Peering around the corner, he spotted an old motor scooter with a sidecar parked close to the back door.

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