The Tea Party - A Novel of Horror (38 page)

Heather was excited, and Liz smiled and held Doug’s hand as they crossed the lobby for the front doors.

Someone called his name.

He turned, and the desk clerk beckoned.

“Mail for you, sir.”

Doug froze, then walked over to the counter slowly, not liking the way his feet sounded on the tiles.

Too much like midnight.

Too much like stone.

“Are you sure?” Liz asked, peering at the postcard the woman held in her hand.

“Mr. Douglas Muir, right?”

He nodded, took the card, and looked at the picture.

Liz pulled away with a soft cry, grabbed Heather and ran out.

It was a greystone building in a large city, flanked by two others, its stoop filled with grinning people, every one of them facing the camera, laughing, and waving.

Standing in the doorway, a broad smile on his face, was Eban Parrish.

“Sir? Sir, are you all right?”

He turned the card over, read the message, and grabbed the counter.

Douglas,

I Want to protect you.

I will protect you.

See
you soon.

            Love,
Judith