Page 1 of Haunted Prey

PART 1

A FRESH NEW HELL

CHAPTER ONE

The rain had stopped, turning into a fine mist as night settled in. Raindrops coated the window, merging with others as they slid down the glass.

I stared at the rows of twisted bare trees into the dark woods. Beyond the darkness, lights twinkled down the hillside.

But in my mind’s eye, I saw the river.

I closed my eyes and sat straight on the bed, listening to the trickle of water falling from the roof. Splashing to the ground…gushing…roaring.

The roaring of the water was so loud in my head.

I covered my ears.

I saw him go under again and again.

The water turned to blood, and a scream split my skull.

Gasping, I opened my eyes. The roaring disappeared, leaving silence.

Except for an insistent dripping that sounded from behind me.

I turned my head a fraction and saw the shadow of a man as water pooled around him.

No, not water.

I shuddered and didn’t dare look at him.

But I knew what I would see if I did.No, I couldn’t look.

I shut my eyes and covered my face.

Go away. Go away. I can’t face you, I can’t.

GO AWAY.

A knock at the door startled me, and I jumped off the bed. The shadow disappeared as the light from outside the hallway filtered in.

“Eve?”

Nurse Jackie, a small older woman, who had a kind smile that didn’t match the icy blue of her eyes, opened the door so the light reached me and she could see my face.

“Just checking in. Do you need anything before you sleep? Some water?”

I hugged myself as if I were cold, so cold, even though I wasn’t. The room was warm enough, and I wore a gray sweater that was a little too big, covering the top of my pajama pants. Thick socks kept my feet off the cool wood floor.

I should be as comfortable as anyone. I had a warm bed, a dresser with a mirror, and an orchid plant on one side. The walls were painted a nice deep blue with little flower patterns on the edges, covered by neat tropical paintings that made me want to cry for some reason. There was a little blue rug beside the bed and a nightstand to one side with a green glass lamp. The ceiling was high and had a decorative fan. A door to one end led into a bathroom with green and blue tiled floor, a marble sink, and a standing shower. Everything was clean and shiny. It was nicer than a bed-and-breakfast or a hotel despite its simplicity. So unlike a typical psychiatric hospital room.

But they didn’t call it that. Nurse Jackie preferredRehabilitation and Recovery Center.

“Eve?” she repeated when I didn’t answer right away.

I licked my lips and swallowed. “I’m fine,” I said softly.

“If you need anything, just ring. You know where to find us.” She shut the door, shrouding me in darkness.

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