Chapter 13

Creek. Taylor looked up fron the book he was reading. He held his breath for a moment. Creek. There it was again. He put the book beside him on the couch where he was sitting. He stood up. Silence. Where was that coming from? Creek. It was coming from the attic, he concluded. Cautiously, he started toward the attic.

Don't be an idiot, he told himself sternly, don't go up there. Do you want to get yourself killed?

But he didn't stop walking towards the attic. Up the stairs. First step. Creek. Was that him?

Funny, he thought, what exactly is it about the gates of hell that compells people to wander in?

Second step. Silence. Had the person heard him? His heart was pounding inside his chest. It hurt to breathe. Third step. He stumbled slightly. His legs were shaking. He partly felt ridiculous, but he rested one shaking knee on the fourth step and took a few deep breaths. Suddenly a wave of panic rushed over him. What am I doing? I'm going up there unarmed?! He frantically searched his pockets. His search yielded no results. Creek. Taylor froze. There was no turning back at that point. When he had calmed himself he resumed his methodical climb up the stairs. Fourth step. Nothing. This, for some reason, encouraged him, and he quickened his pace. He took the final step with his ears rining and his palms sweating.

He carefully stepped around the attic. Someone was up there. That he knew. Every minute or so, Talor looked over his shoulder to make sure no one was there.

Finally, in one corner of the attic, his assumption was proved. Someone was crouched int he corner holding a phone. Taylor realized with grim reality who it was- it was Zac.

Taylor returned to his thoughts and realized he had stopped breathing.

Might not be breathing for long, anyway, he told himself sarcastically.

Zac saw Taylor there and jumped up.

"Taylor!" he cried as Taylor backed off suspiciously. "Wait!"

He ran towards Taylor, and Taylor turned to run, but stopped himself short. He looked at Zac with cold eyes.

"You did it, didn't you?" he accused.

Zac's mouth dropped open in shock. For a moment he was at a loss for words.

"Taylor, how could you say that?: he stammered, the initial shock having not even hit him yet.

"What were you doing up here?" Taylor demanded, his steady tone showing no sign of changing his views.

"I was up in the attic, looking for something, and I brought the phone up just in case it rang. When I heard someone coming up the stairs- uh, that would be you, Taylor- I got scared and went into the corner to hide. I was going to call the police." Zac spit out the words quickly in his own defense. Taylor's face softened for a moment, but soon his suspicions had risen again.

"I- I don't believe you, Zac. I can't!" he said with tears in his eyes. Zac looked at him, astonished.

"Taylor, I'm your brother! You know I wouldn't do that! Why do you think I would? Taylor..." Zac whimpered.

Taylor's half terrified, half furious expression remained. He took the phone in his hand and dialed the police.