Overnight – Choose what happens next – Part 2 – Investigate

What was that?

Tory’s hand gripped the restroom door firmly as she exhaled. She slowly backed up away from the restroom and looked at the door at the end of the hallway. She quickly glanced back at the stairs but against her better judgement she decided to investigate the sound that came from behind the door.

Maybe someone needs my help.

Tory slowly moved towards the door, her senses heightened by adrenaline and a tinge of fear plucking at her heartbeat. She stood before the antique wooden door and slowly placed her ear against the now silent door. She closed her eyes and listened intently. Tory could make out a sound that might be someone dragging a heavy object around the floor. She heard a low grunt of someone exerting themselves physically. Tory proceeded to lower herself on to one knee, closed her left eye, and proceeded to peek her right eye through the keyhole.

Tory saw a dimly lit room on the other side of the keyhole. Candles were the only source of light and they played with the shadows cast against the wall. She could make out the figure of a large man bent over on the other side of the bed. He was struggling with something on the floor. Tory squinted to try and make out what he was doing in the darkened room.

The man got up and walked over to the tall dresser on the right side of the room. She was able to get a glance of something that was peeking out from behind the bed.

Oh my god!

Tory saw the feet of a woman, one white bloodied heel still clinging to her left foot. She leaned back and let out an audible gasp. She quickly covered her mouth with her right hand. Tory hoped the man on the other side of the door did not hear her. She gradually leaned towards the keyhole again only to find herself eye to eye with the man on the other side.

Tory fell backwards and tried scrambling to her feet as the worn-out brass door handle to the antique wooden door unlocked and quickly turned. The door swung open. A towering male figure crept into the doorway and stood motionless staring down at Tory, still trying to stand. His head was slight lowered as he made his way to the other side of the doorway and stood up straight again. He smiled menacingly as he licked his ragged lips. He examined Tory in all her frightened glory. His eyes mesmerized by the look of horror on her face.

Tory’s heart felt like it would explode right out of her chest. She went to scream but no sound came out. She was struggling to breathe, the adrenaline choking her. The towering man leaned forward; his right arm outstretched.

“Come here lovely one, let us go play,” he said in a gravelly voice.

Tory closed her eyes and anticipated the worse.

“Tory! Honey! Are you done up there?” called out Paul.

The sound of footsteps coming up the stairs echoed through the hallway.

Tory opened her eyes and caught a glimpse of the man as he closed the wooden door behind him. A wave of relief washed over her body as she was able to catch her breath.

“There you are. Why are you on the floor? Are you ok?” asked Paul.