Shadow in the Dark
Hi all! I was writing this ages ago and never finnished and then forgot about it. However, I found it recently and decided that it would be waste if was left unfinished, with Halloween this weekend I thought that something a little creepy would be appropriate. Until next time, Tettie xoxo
“How did that sound, Gaz?” asked Mark resting his plectrum on the arm of the sofa.
“Play it to me again” he said, as he closed his eyes and started to accompany Mark’s guitar on the piano. “Swap the G and the A chord around. That’s better... Now add in an E minor after the D7, that’s it, great! I think that’s a wrap.”
“Do you want to try it with the lyrics?”
“To be honest, I only have half of the lyrics and I’m pretty tired now.”
“Being tired has never stopped you before.” Smiled Mark
“I know but I’m just not in the mood.” Said Gary as Mark began to play some sort of Spanish tune on his guitar. “What’s that supposed to be?” questioned Gary.
“This, Gaz, is called “Un poco beso para mí””
Gary shook his head once as if to say “meaning?” before saying “Sounds raunchy. What does the title mean?”
“You mean “Un poco beso para mí”? It means “a little kiss for me?” said Mark as he raised his eye brows up and down in a sexy and suggestive manner at Gary “So how about it, Gary? Un poco beso? Are you still not in the mood now?”
“Well...minds can be changed. But I’m not so sure about “a little kiss”” he said lifting the guitar strap from round Mark’s neck and placing it to one side. “But, a big kiss, I think I can manage”. He put his arms around Mark’s neck as he climbed on top of him - his legs either side of his. He playfully rubbed his nose against Mark’s, and though boyish smiles started to kiss.
“Km hum” Somebody coughed.
Startled, the two men jumped in surprise. Gary fell backwards, pulling Mark with him. They both landed in a heap on the floor, before quickly standing up; Gary, straightening out his shirt and Mark, running his hand through his hair - both trying to keep their cool.
Howard stood at the door and nodded “Yep! Real smooth guys (!)” he said, sarcasm thick in his tone. He smiled to himself and sat himself down on the stool by the piano.
“Hey, Howard.” Greeted a breathless Gary.
“Don’t mind me. You two just carry on.” Smiled Howard as he leant back on the piano keys, producing a terrible clash of notes and making Gary cringe.
“Watch it Howard, that’s my baby!” Exclaimed Gary
“Sorry mate.” Howard lifted his arms off the keys and leant forward and rested his elbows on his knees and rested his head in his hands. “So, where were you?” he asked with a glint in his eyes.
“What?! We aren’t putting on a show for you, forget it! I don’t care how we have known each other!” said Mark in a typical “Umhm, that’s right bitch!”Fashion (finger snapping and head roll included).
“In that case then...” Howard slid from the stool onto the floor and undid his belt.
“Oh, I see. Join in when you feel like it.” Criticised Mark, however, Howard wasn’t taking the hint.
“What do you think this is? Gift week?!” Mark stood with his hands on his hips.
By this time Howard was completely naked in the middle of the room and then took it upon himself to undress Gary - who didn’t really have a say in the matter.
“Oh, come on Gaz! Gary! You ain’t going to let him are you? Howard, look mate...” Mark was cut off as the two men made out, groping and moaning in front of him.
“Oh, I see what this is! You come in here and decide to marauder over and take my Gary! MY Gaz! Hey! Watch it Donald, that move is copy righted! Well I just want you to know that I will take no participation in this activity.” Said Mark, with folded arms and turning his back on Howard and Gary. Two arms wrapped themselves tenderly around Mark and gently started to undo the buttons on his shirt and slowly slid it off his beautiful shoulders. Mark’s harsh features melted into bliss, he then pulled himself out of the moment. “I know your game, Howard, and here’s a newsflash for you, it ain’t working. I told you that and if I have to tell you a million times, then, then, I will! Yeah, you heard me.”
As Mark pathetically rambled on, Howard span him around, placing his hands on Mark’s arse, gently pushed him closer and dug his hard cock into Mark’s groin. Mark was starting to get a little breathless and lose concentration. “I ain’t cracking! I... I... I’m telling you. Gaz, you aren’t actually going to sink to his level” You are so... typical Howard! I just -”
Howard cut him off with a full on kiss. “Mark! Shut up.” he told him as he pulled the fly on Mark trousers down. Soon the three men found themselves in an erotic threesome.
“Shh! Hold it!” said Gary
“Ok then!” said Howard excitedly as he took hold of Gary’s erecting cock, making Gary shudder and sweat.
“I didn’t mean that. Listen.”
“To what?” asked Howard
“Mark, shut up moaning.”
“...ugh... Can’t...”
“Everyone shut it! I think I hear someone coming!” said Gary in a panic.
“Relax, Gaz” said Howard “Nobody’s in the studio at this time; apart from us three.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right. I must have imagined it.”
The three men carried on and a few seconds later, Gary’s ears pricked up again.
“Oh Shit, someone else is here. Can’t you hear them? Guys? Howard! Stop playing with Mark for a minute and listen!”
“Oh, Gaz! I was enjoying that!”
“I can’t hear nothing.” said Howard, straining his ears
“Sorry guys. I don’t like this. It’s one thing screwing each other back at the flat but we’re not at the flat, we’re in the studio anyone could be around - at anytime.” Gary started to get his clothes back on. Mark and Howard, reluctantly, did the same. As he was dressed first, Gary decided he would have a look around the place just to check nobody was around. He opened the door that lead out into a dark and uninviting corridor.
“What you waiting for, Gaz?” asked Howard as he pulled on his maroon turtleneck. Gary looked back over his shoulder.
“Nothing, it’s just... well... the studio gives me the creeps at night.” Admitted Gary sheepishly
“We’ll come with you, Gaz.” Mark perked up. The three fell silent as they stepped out of the door into the corridor.
“Where’s the light switch?” asked Gary
“At the far end, I think.” Said Howard
Slowly they shuffled down the bleak passage to reach the light switch; the only light they had was spilling out from the room they had just left.
“Shh!” Ordered Gary sharply as he put a hand up to emphasise his demand, a frown of concentration creased his face. “Someone’s down stairs. Listen! Can’t you hear them moving?”
“Someone or something.” Said Mark, Howard and Gary frowned at him. “Or maybe just someone.” He added on the end.
The three listened again.
“I heard something that time” said Howard. There was a pause, a pause that almost seemed to have an energy of its own, the air seemed stifling and claustrophobic and then, in a sickly heart beat, the light from the room in which the boys had come out of went out. Leaving the three immersed in pitch black darkness.
Mark yelped and flinched backwards towards the others.
“Fucking Hell!” Howard breathed in shock. Gary reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, he turned the flash on and used it as a torch.
“Hello?” Gary shouted calmly up the deserted corridor. “Is someone there?” he asked. There was no reply. They looked at each other; the only sound that could be heard was their rapid breathing. Gary took a step closer; he glanced behind at the others.
“We’re right behind you.” Howard reassured Gary. Mark nodded along as he clung to Howard’s arm. Gary was just able to make out the outline of Mark’s trilby in the dark.
“Hello?” he called again “Is anyone there? Could you put the light back on please? Hello?” The three reached the door, slowly they walked in.
“Why couldn’t they have built this place with the light switches by the side of the doors?” moaned Gary as he walked across the room. It was silent. Gary’s flash on his phone filled the room sufficiently with a bright white light; Mark walked over to the light switch and flicked it on. Nothing happened. He tried it again and again, getting faster every time, frantic to get some light in the place.
“Oh you’re shitting me!” he cursed
“What’s up Markie boy?” asked Gary
“The light won’t turn on.” Mark said in a panic
“But I know who is.” Said Howard with a smile on his face as he walked over with Gary
“Trust you to crack a joke like that in a situation like this.” Said Gary
“Who said anything about joking?” asked Howard with a false innocence, however, as Gary tried the light for himself, the atmosphere in the room became serious again.
Maybe the bulb’s blown” suggested Gary
“Hey, don’t look at me.” Warned Mark
“I’ll get it short-asses.” Said Howard; in a good natured way. Gary and Mark glowered at him.
“Just get the blub” said Gary irritated slightly.
Howard reached up “I can’t reach it. The ceiling in here is higher than normal.” Gary sighed and then looked at Howard, who was already looking at Mark.
“Ugh, fine!” He said “Drop me and you’re dead Howard.” Howard smiled.
“Open your legs” he ordered Mark
“Like I’ve not heard that before.” Mark mumbled, as Howard ducked down and slipped his head between his friend’s legs. Slowly and carefully he stood up, Mark’s arms outstretched and waving everywhere, a look of terror on his face, in a fight to try and stay balanced on Howard’s shoulders.
“Hold up a light for me?” Mark asked Gary
“Oh, sorry mate. That better?”
“Yeah, cheers.” Mark unscrewed the bulb and shook it gently. “The filament is still intact. It’s not blown.” He said.
“That’s just a little bit concerning.” Said Gary with a shudder “Put it back in.” he said as he started to look around the room.
“Hey guys” said Howard “How many members of Take That does it take to screw in a light bulb?” He looked across at Gary, amused with himself; however, Gary glared at him.
“What? Lighten up you two!” he said as he lowered Mark down
“Lighten up?” Mark repeated once on his feet “Lighten up?!” he shouted “How can we? We are not the only people in this building and I am just a little bit freaked out right now. How can anyone lighten up in a situation like this unless you just happen to be Howard Donald?!”
“Come on you two, let’s not fall out. Maybe there’s been a power cut or something.” Mark shook his head at Gary.
“Look” he pointed “The TV is on standby.” The boys looked at the little red light on the side of the TV and then back to each other in uncertainty. It fell silent again. Gary started to get annoyed.
“Is there anyone in this bloody building because I am tired of playing games!” he bellowed. Nobody spoke; Gary’s heavy breathing filled the room.
“What do you think it is?” asked Mark
“I dunno” said Gary as he looked at Mark “oh, come on Mark! Someone is just taking the piss, that’s all and in all honestly the way I’m feeling right now, I am going to sue!”
There was a vibrating noise from Howard’s pocket.
“Jay’s just text me, he says that he is stuck in traffic still but he is trying to get down to the studio as soon as he can.”
“Not that I won’t be happy to see him, but why is Jay coming at this hour?” asked Gary
“Well, we knew that you two would be here and up to you little rendezvous and I didn’t want to miss out on the fun and I just thought that Jay might have wanted to come along.” Said Howard
“Fair do.” Said Gary
“Excuse me, lovebirds, but in case you’ve forgotten” Mark said calmly before panicking “We are in a building that we know we’re not alone in, the lights go out on us and we can’t turn them back on, we are in the dark, there isn’t a power cut and we have NO LOGICAL EXPLANATION!”
“Maybe...” said Howard in thought “Maybe the fuse has blown the lights, I mean, the fuse box. We should go and have a look at it.”
“See Mark, there is always a logical explanation for everything. Do you know where the fuse box might be?” Gary asked Howard
“There’re usually in garages aren’t they?”
“Yeah, but we don’t have a garage.”
Howard sighed and smiled shaking his head “Oh Fucking Hell.” He said in disbelief “What has this building got down stairs?” he asked Gary. It took a moment Gary register what Howard meant and then it dawned on him.
“A cellar” Said Gary
“Yep, and I bet you anything that that will be where the gas metre is and the electric box and the boiler and stuff.”
“You can bugger off!” Mark protested “You ain’t taking me down there!”
“Fine” said Howard “You can stay up here, in the dark, with no light whatsoever, in a room that appears to turn the lights off all by itself... alone...”
“Come on then, Gaz. What are we waiting for?” asked Mark, with a change of heart. Gary smiled and was about to speak when a noise made their blood run cold.
-------------------------------------------
“Was that the...?” asked Gary, eyes wide with fear. Howard nodded gravely and if the light was good enough for Gary and Howard to have seen, Mark had turned a ghostly white.
“Gary!” Mark shouted out in fear “Something just moved passed the door! I saw it!” Gary looked in front of them, at the open door that led out into the corridor. The dark seemed to swirl and move making patterns, the fear of the unknown filled all three.
“Gary, I want to go home, now!” whispered Mark
“Let’s just go...” said Gary
“Gaz” said Howard “That noise before - the click”
“I’m sure it was just our imagination” reassured Gary
“Three people don’t just imagine the same noise at the same time.” said Howard in frustration. The three looked at each other re-playing the click! noise in their heads and then in unison they ran together out of the door turning left down the corridor to reach the front door. Gary seized the handle and pulled.
“Oh you’re shitting me!” Mark almost cried. Gary tried again but the door was locked. Howard tried.
“See, I told you Gaz, three people don’t imagine the sound of a door locking!”
The three turned around and looked down the despondent corridor; a long empty space of darkness that lay ahead of them. Gary shone his phone down the passage.
“Look at it this way,” Said Gary, still trying to be rational “the only way off the corridor is the room we’ve just been in and the door right down the bottom. We know that nobody can be in the room we have just been in because, if Mark is right, then whoever it was-”
“Whatever it was” corrected Mark
“Whoever it was” continued Gary “could have only exited the corridor through the door at the bottom.”
“Well” started Howard “We need to head that way anyway and - Oh my God! Did you hear that?”
“It sounded like it came from downstairs; it’s like what I heard, just before the lights went out. Come on you two, let’s get going or else we’ll never get to the bottom of this.” Said Gary, like a born leader.
“Gary” said Mark in a long drawn out whisper “I know I’m a grown man, but I swear to you that I saw something walk past the door!”
“What are you trying to say Mark?” asked Howard
“I think it was a ghost! There, I’ve said it, alright? It was a tall black shadow and human shaped.”
“Look Mark, I have been doubting that we have not been alone for an hour or so now and if I were to tell you the whole truth I honestly think that we have company. But, I don’t think it’s a ghost. How many ghosts make noises?” asked Gary
“Maybe it a poltergeist?” said Mark. Gary sighed to himself.
“Come on you two” Gary said for a second time “Let’s get going.”
“Gary” said Mark
“What now?” He said, trying to hide his impatience.
“Can I hold your hand?” he asked timidly with puppy dog eyes.
“How did that sound, Gaz?” asked Mark resting his plectrum on the arm of the sofa.
“Play it to me again” he said, as he closed his eyes and started to accompany Mark’s guitar on the piano. “Swap the G and the A chord around. That’s better... Now add in an E minor after the D7, that’s it, great! I think that’s a wrap.”
“Do you want to try it with the lyrics?”
“To be honest, I only have half of the lyrics and I’m pretty tired now.”
“Being tired has never stopped you before.” Smiled Mark
“I know but I’m just not in the mood.” Said Gary as Mark began to play some sort of Spanish tune on his guitar. “What’s that supposed to be?” questioned Gary.
“This, Gaz, is called “Un poco beso para mí””
Gary shook his head once as if to say “meaning?” before saying “Sounds raunchy. What does the title mean?”
“You mean “Un poco beso para mí”? It means “a little kiss for me?” said Mark as he raised his eye brows up and down in a sexy and suggestive manner at Gary “So how about it, Gary? Un poco beso? Are you still not in the mood now?”
“Well...minds can be changed. But I’m not so sure about “a little kiss”” he said lifting the guitar strap from round Mark’s neck and placing it to one side. “But, a big kiss, I think I can manage”. He put his arms around Mark’s neck as he climbed on top of him - his legs either side of his. He playfully rubbed his nose against Mark’s, and though boyish smiles started to kiss.
“Km hum” Somebody coughed.
Startled, the two men jumped in surprise. Gary fell backwards, pulling Mark with him. They both landed in a heap on the floor, before quickly standing up; Gary, straightening out his shirt and Mark, running his hand through his hair - both trying to keep their cool.
Howard stood at the door and nodded “Yep! Real smooth guys (!)” he said, sarcasm thick in his tone. He smiled to himself and sat himself down on the stool by the piano.
“Hey, Howard.” Greeted a breathless Gary.
“Don’t mind me. You two just carry on.” Smiled Howard as he leant back on the piano keys, producing a terrible clash of notes and making Gary cringe.
“Watch it Howard, that’s my baby!” Exclaimed Gary
“Sorry mate.” Howard lifted his arms off the keys and leant forward and rested his elbows on his knees and rested his head in his hands. “So, where were you?” he asked with a glint in his eyes.
“What?! We aren’t putting on a show for you, forget it! I don’t care how we have known each other!” said Mark in a typical “Umhm, that’s right bitch!”Fashion (finger snapping and head roll included).
“In that case then...” Howard slid from the stool onto the floor and undid his belt.
“Oh, I see. Join in when you feel like it.” Criticised Mark, however, Howard wasn’t taking the hint.
“What do you think this is? Gift week?!” Mark stood with his hands on his hips.
By this time Howard was completely naked in the middle of the room and then took it upon himself to undress Gary - who didn’t really have a say in the matter.
“Oh, come on Gaz! Gary! You ain’t going to let him are you? Howard, look mate...” Mark was cut off as the two men made out, groping and moaning in front of him.
“Oh, I see what this is! You come in here and decide to marauder over and take my Gary! MY Gaz! Hey! Watch it Donald, that move is copy righted! Well I just want you to know that I will take no participation in this activity.” Said Mark, with folded arms and turning his back on Howard and Gary. Two arms wrapped themselves tenderly around Mark and gently started to undo the buttons on his shirt and slowly slid it off his beautiful shoulders. Mark’s harsh features melted into bliss, he then pulled himself out of the moment. “I know your game, Howard, and here’s a newsflash for you, it ain’t working. I told you that and if I have to tell you a million times, then, then, I will! Yeah, you heard me.”
As Mark pathetically rambled on, Howard span him around, placing his hands on Mark’s arse, gently pushed him closer and dug his hard cock into Mark’s groin. Mark was starting to get a little breathless and lose concentration. “I ain’t cracking! I... I... I’m telling you. Gaz, you aren’t actually going to sink to his level” You are so... typical Howard! I just -”
Howard cut him off with a full on kiss. “Mark! Shut up.” he told him as he pulled the fly on Mark trousers down. Soon the three men found themselves in an erotic threesome.
“Shh! Hold it!” said Gary
“Ok then!” said Howard excitedly as he took hold of Gary’s erecting cock, making Gary shudder and sweat.
“I didn’t mean that. Listen.”
“To what?” asked Howard
“Mark, shut up moaning.”
“...ugh... Can’t...”
“Everyone shut it! I think I hear someone coming!” said Gary in a panic.
“Relax, Gaz” said Howard “Nobody’s in the studio at this time; apart from us three.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right. I must have imagined it.”
The three men carried on and a few seconds later, Gary’s ears pricked up again.
“Oh Shit, someone else is here. Can’t you hear them? Guys? Howard! Stop playing with Mark for a minute and listen!”
“Oh, Gaz! I was enjoying that!”
“I can’t hear nothing.” said Howard, straining his ears
“Sorry guys. I don’t like this. It’s one thing screwing each other back at the flat but we’re not at the flat, we’re in the studio anyone could be around - at anytime.” Gary started to get his clothes back on. Mark and Howard, reluctantly, did the same. As he was dressed first, Gary decided he would have a look around the place just to check nobody was around. He opened the door that lead out into a dark and uninviting corridor.
“What you waiting for, Gaz?” asked Howard as he pulled on his maroon turtleneck. Gary looked back over his shoulder.
“Nothing, it’s just... well... the studio gives me the creeps at night.” Admitted Gary sheepishly
“We’ll come with you, Gaz.” Mark perked up. The three fell silent as they stepped out of the door into the corridor.
“Where’s the light switch?” asked Gary
“At the far end, I think.” Said Howard
Slowly they shuffled down the bleak passage to reach the light switch; the only light they had was spilling out from the room they had just left.
“Shh!” Ordered Gary sharply as he put a hand up to emphasise his demand, a frown of concentration creased his face. “Someone’s down stairs. Listen! Can’t you hear them moving?”
“Someone or something.” Said Mark, Howard and Gary frowned at him. “Or maybe just someone.” He added on the end.
The three listened again.
“I heard something that time” said Howard. There was a pause, a pause that almost seemed to have an energy of its own, the air seemed stifling and claustrophobic and then, in a sickly heart beat, the light from the room in which the boys had come out of went out. Leaving the three immersed in pitch black darkness.
Mark yelped and flinched backwards towards the others.
“Fucking Hell!” Howard breathed in shock. Gary reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, he turned the flash on and used it as a torch.
“Hello?” Gary shouted calmly up the deserted corridor. “Is someone there?” he asked. There was no reply. They looked at each other; the only sound that could be heard was their rapid breathing. Gary took a step closer; he glanced behind at the others.
“We’re right behind you.” Howard reassured Gary. Mark nodded along as he clung to Howard’s arm. Gary was just able to make out the outline of Mark’s trilby in the dark.
“Hello?” he called again “Is anyone there? Could you put the light back on please? Hello?” The three reached the door, slowly they walked in.
“Why couldn’t they have built this place with the light switches by the side of the doors?” moaned Gary as he walked across the room. It was silent. Gary’s flash on his phone filled the room sufficiently with a bright white light; Mark walked over to the light switch and flicked it on. Nothing happened. He tried it again and again, getting faster every time, frantic to get some light in the place.
“Oh you’re shitting me!” he cursed
“What’s up Markie boy?” asked Gary
“The light won’t turn on.” Mark said in a panic
“But I know who is.” Said Howard with a smile on his face as he walked over with Gary
“Trust you to crack a joke like that in a situation like this.” Said Gary
“Who said anything about joking?” asked Howard with a false innocence, however, as Gary tried the light for himself, the atmosphere in the room became serious again.
Maybe the bulb’s blown” suggested Gary
“Hey, don’t look at me.” Warned Mark
“I’ll get it short-asses.” Said Howard; in a good natured way. Gary and Mark glowered at him.
“Just get the blub” said Gary irritated slightly.
Howard reached up “I can’t reach it. The ceiling in here is higher than normal.” Gary sighed and then looked at Howard, who was already looking at Mark.
“Ugh, fine!” He said “Drop me and you’re dead Howard.” Howard smiled.
“Open your legs” he ordered Mark
“Like I’ve not heard that before.” Mark mumbled, as Howard ducked down and slipped his head between his friend’s legs. Slowly and carefully he stood up, Mark’s arms outstretched and waving everywhere, a look of terror on his face, in a fight to try and stay balanced on Howard’s shoulders.
“Hold up a light for me?” Mark asked Gary
“Oh, sorry mate. That better?”
“Yeah, cheers.” Mark unscrewed the bulb and shook it gently. “The filament is still intact. It’s not blown.” He said.
“That’s just a little bit concerning.” Said Gary with a shudder “Put it back in.” he said as he started to look around the room.
“Hey guys” said Howard “How many members of Take That does it take to screw in a light bulb?” He looked across at Gary, amused with himself; however, Gary glared at him.
“What? Lighten up you two!” he said as he lowered Mark down
“Lighten up?” Mark repeated once on his feet “Lighten up?!” he shouted “How can we? We are not the only people in this building and I am just a little bit freaked out right now. How can anyone lighten up in a situation like this unless you just happen to be Howard Donald?!”
“Come on you two, let’s not fall out. Maybe there’s been a power cut or something.” Mark shook his head at Gary.
“Look” he pointed “The TV is on standby.” The boys looked at the little red light on the side of the TV and then back to each other in uncertainty. It fell silent again. Gary started to get annoyed.
“Is there anyone in this bloody building because I am tired of playing games!” he bellowed. Nobody spoke; Gary’s heavy breathing filled the room.
“What do you think it is?” asked Mark
“I dunno” said Gary as he looked at Mark “oh, come on Mark! Someone is just taking the piss, that’s all and in all honestly the way I’m feeling right now, I am going to sue!”
There was a vibrating noise from Howard’s pocket.
“Jay’s just text me, he says that he is stuck in traffic still but he is trying to get down to the studio as soon as he can.”
“Not that I won’t be happy to see him, but why is Jay coming at this hour?” asked Gary
“Well, we knew that you two would be here and up to you little rendezvous and I didn’t want to miss out on the fun and I just thought that Jay might have wanted to come along.” Said Howard
“Fair do.” Said Gary
“Excuse me, lovebirds, but in case you’ve forgotten” Mark said calmly before panicking “We are in a building that we know we’re not alone in, the lights go out on us and we can’t turn them back on, we are in the dark, there isn’t a power cut and we have NO LOGICAL EXPLANATION!”
“Maybe...” said Howard in thought “Maybe the fuse has blown the lights, I mean, the fuse box. We should go and have a look at it.”
“See Mark, there is always a logical explanation for everything. Do you know where the fuse box might be?” Gary asked Howard
“There’re usually in garages aren’t they?”
“Yeah, but we don’t have a garage.”
Howard sighed and smiled shaking his head “Oh Fucking Hell.” He said in disbelief “What has this building got down stairs?” he asked Gary. It took a moment Gary register what Howard meant and then it dawned on him.
“A cellar” Said Gary
“Yep, and I bet you anything that that will be where the gas metre is and the electric box and the boiler and stuff.”
“You can bugger off!” Mark protested “You ain’t taking me down there!”
“Fine” said Howard “You can stay up here, in the dark, with no light whatsoever, in a room that appears to turn the lights off all by itself... alone...”
“Come on then, Gaz. What are we waiting for?” asked Mark, with a change of heart. Gary smiled and was about to speak when a noise made their blood run cold.
-------------------------------------------
“Was that the...?” asked Gary, eyes wide with fear. Howard nodded gravely and if the light was good enough for Gary and Howard to have seen, Mark had turned a ghostly white.
“Gary!” Mark shouted out in fear “Something just moved passed the door! I saw it!” Gary looked in front of them, at the open door that led out into the corridor. The dark seemed to swirl and move making patterns, the fear of the unknown filled all three.
“Gary, I want to go home, now!” whispered Mark
“Let’s just go...” said Gary
“Gaz” said Howard “That noise before - the click”
“I’m sure it was just our imagination” reassured Gary
“Three people don’t just imagine the same noise at the same time.” said Howard in frustration. The three looked at each other re-playing the click! noise in their heads and then in unison they ran together out of the door turning left down the corridor to reach the front door. Gary seized the handle and pulled.
“Oh you’re shitting me!” Mark almost cried. Gary tried again but the door was locked. Howard tried.
“See, I told you Gaz, three people don’t imagine the sound of a door locking!”
The three turned around and looked down the despondent corridor; a long empty space of darkness that lay ahead of them. Gary shone his phone down the passage.
“Look at it this way,” Said Gary, still trying to be rational “the only way off the corridor is the room we’ve just been in and the door right down the bottom. We know that nobody can be in the room we have just been in because, if Mark is right, then whoever it was-”
“Whatever it was” corrected Mark
“Whoever it was” continued Gary “could have only exited the corridor through the door at the bottom.”
“Well” started Howard “We need to head that way anyway and - Oh my God! Did you hear that?”
“It sounded like it came from downstairs; it’s like what I heard, just before the lights went out. Come on you two, let’s get going or else we’ll never get to the bottom of this.” Said Gary, like a born leader.
“Gary” said Mark in a long drawn out whisper “I know I’m a grown man, but I swear to you that I saw something walk past the door!”
“What are you trying to say Mark?” asked Howard
“I think it was a ghost! There, I’ve said it, alright? It was a tall black shadow and human shaped.”
“Look Mark, I have been doubting that we have not been alone for an hour or so now and if I were to tell you the whole truth I honestly think that we have company. But, I don’t think it’s a ghost. How many ghosts make noises?” asked Gary
“Maybe it a poltergeist?” said Mark. Gary sighed to himself.
“Come on you two” Gary said for a second time “Let’s get going.”
“Gary” said Mark
“What now?” He said, trying to hide his impatience.
“Can I hold your hand?” he asked timidly with puppy dog eyes.