Page 22 of The Silence of Hell

“Yup, hiding from Jinx,” Chatter replied.

“I’m surprised to see you here,” Lavender said to Chatter.

“He’s into sadism, loves to torture himself with sheer terror,” Slaughter announced, grinning, and hurried away as Chatter threw a punch at him.

“That fucker is going to die,” Chatter murmured as Harlequin also laughed and disappeared.

Lavender lifted an eyebrow, and Chatter blew his cheeks out. “I wanted to check if you were okay after the other night.”

“I’m fine, thank you. It was scary, but yesterday drove the fear away. It was so exciting and worrying! But thankfully, Slaughter is installing cameras to cover every hallway. He’s also talking about putting thumb locks on the doors so only I can open them,” Lavender said.

“Good idea,” Chatter agreed.

“Would you like to see the Manor? All the doors are locked, and there are no dolls out,” Lavender offered.

“I’d love to. Houses like this fascinate me, but I wouldn’t get past your entrance hall,” Chatter admitted.

As much as he wished to explore, Chatter couldn’t. His phobia was out of control.

“Trust me?” Lavender asked softly. She held her hand out, and Chatter looked down at it.

He reached out slowly and took it, but his feet refused to move.

Lavender frowned, and then a crafty smile crossed her lips. She stepped up close to Chatter and grabbed his ass before giving him a swift kiss.

Lavender’s actions stunned Chatter enough that she was able to lead him up the steps and onto the porch and inside Ravenberry Manor before he realised it.

“What the hell?” he asked, finally finding his tongue.

“I could tell you wanted to see, but your feet wouldn’t move. Thought I’d give you a helping hand,” Lavender replied with a grin.

“Do you usually kiss men who have severe phobias?” Chatter demanded. He was unsure whether to be aggrieved or amused.

“Nope. Only those who rescue me and then attempt to murder my valuable doll!” Lavender quipped, and Chatter decided on amusement.

“It worked,” he said lamely.

“Yup, and look. No hidden nightmares!” Lavender teased.

“They’re gone,” Chatter exclaimed, not seeing a single doll anywhere.

“We cleared a small room down here. The students have been packing up the dolls, labelling them, and moving them to the cellar. We are keeping them in room order. Three rooms have been sorted so far,” Lavender explained.

“Found any interesting… cretins?” Chatter didn’t even wish to speak the word in case one appeared.

Lavender laughed at his wording.

“Too many. Tomorrow, we’re heading upstairs to begin clearing some of the bedrooms. The students can then stop sleeping on the floor,” Lavender said with a chuckle. “I can show you rooms without forbidden cretins, but with other items. You only have one phobia?”

“Yeah. Thank God, because the one I have is a fucker,” Chatter replied.

“Oh, I’ve seen. That homicidal rage you had the other day couldn’t be faked. It was, frankly, quite terrifying,” Lavender said. “Come on, I’ll show you what I can.”

Lavender

Chatter asked questions as he admired the Manor. He didn’t comment on the cobweb curtains or the dust covering everything. But he noted the fine detailing, carved wood, and decorated ceilings. Sometimes, we had to double back on ourselves to avoid the certain areas. Chatter clearly enjoyed Ravenberry, and so did I. It was a shame he couldn’t see some of the grander rooms.

“Thanks, Lavender, that was amazing,” Chatter murmured as we headed into the garden. “Have you checked that out yet?” he asked as the widow’s tower caught his eye.

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