Chapter 2

Sand stone Manor stood immense. But no longer friendly. The enormous building stood over Thomas and Benjamin. Who had placed these overgrown plants to cover the untouched, stone Manor? On the outside, the plants screamed to be free; on the inside things were far worse than Benjamin expected.

His hand felt stiff as he turned the golden handle. The door creaked open like a mouse squealing. The shelves were packed with silver cutlery and large bowls of expired food. No pictures were hung or no fires were lit. Benjamin pulled a huge sigh.

“Come on,” Thomas whispered, noticing the stress in Benjamin’s eyes, “let’s still go. Perhaps you misunderstood the meaning of your father’s message.”

“No,” Benjamin exclaimed, lifting his head slowly, “it’s got be up there. It’s our only option.”

The pair went up the rickety staircase. On a rusty peg hung a black, charcoal coat it belonged to father. “Check his left pocket,” Thomas demanded!

Benjamin pulled out a damp note. “Ah Ha, papa always keeps notes in his left pocket.

Thomas was amazed that now they could finally leave the manor but suddenly a pair of evil eyes appeared from the blackness his pale hands reached out and grabbed the note from Benjamin. He demanded, “Give that back!”

Seconds later, two more gigantic shadows appeared from the blackness. Benjamin grabbed Thomas and shot to the door like a bullet then the lights went out…