Chapter 1 Emma's doubt

It's finally dawn. Emma hasn't slept well since she moved in more than three weeks ago. When jerome woke up; He noticed her staring nervously out of the window, meditating.

"Emma, honey, are you okay?" he asked; Emma continued to stare out of the window.

Now leave her trance state, "what? Sorry, what did you say?"

"I said," jerome went over and hugged her. "Are you okay?"

"No," she replied unconvinced, "I'm fine." "Emma."

"No, really; no problem. Really."

He gently put his finger under her chin. "What's the matter?"

"I don't know," she replied gloomily.

"Emma, come on."

She broke free from her husband's arms and continued to look out of the window.

"Don't you find it strange that we spent so little money on this house?"

"What do you mean strange?" jerome asked as he began to dress.

"I was talking to Tracy the other day. When I told her how big the house was and how much land we got with it, she was stunned. She said, we could have easily paid four to five times the amount we paid."

"So... We're lucky."

"Maybe... I don't know... I just feel strange. I mean, pay so little for its value?"

"You know, this is not pasipani in New Jersey, but beaver ridge hell in Rhode Island

I don't even know if this place is on the map. Maybe the real estate market here is not so profitable. Anyway, I won't pay attention to gifts. "

”"I think. But it's not just the money we pay for the house."

"What about that?"

"Whenever Anna and I go into town; people stare at us without saying a word."

"Well, we are still strangers in this area, so..."

"No, it's different," Emma paused briefly to think. "I believe it's not just because we're new."

"Well, what is that?"

"I have a feeling that they know something about the house, but they don't want to tell us. Or they are afraid."

"You know what I think; jerome straightened his tie." I think you read too much. "

Stephen King's novel. "

Emma turned to her husband. "I'm serious. I think there's something in this house that people didn't tell us."

"Emma, honey," he put his hand on her shoulder, "not all towns hide the secret of the house they just bought from the new family. At worst, the old house is full of termites, and the real estate agent just wants to throw it quickly to some unsuspecting poor fools before they realize it... I really hope not."

"So you mean... You think all this is just my idea; I've made things out of proportion?

"No. I mean, our lives have just undergone some major changes. Emma, you've experienced a lot in the past few months from my new job to moving to a new place. It's perfectly understandable

You're a little nervous, as anyone will. You'll find that once things slow down and you have a chance to step back and take a rest, you'll realize that everything is fine... And there's no problem with the house. No one will keep a secret from you. Okay? "

"Do you think so?"

"I know." he kissed her on the forehead. "I have to go to work now. See you later. I love you. Bye."

"I love you too. Bye."

Emma looked at jerome from the window, waved and drove away. She thought of what he said... Once things slow down, everything will be all right. She muttered...

"I hope so."

Emma finally came out of their bedroom window and went downstairs to bed

Make breakfast for her and Anna.

When she was holding the frying pan, the uneasy feeling overwhelmed her when she stared at the cabinet. Emma closed her eyes and tried to imagine how she put the pots and pans under it. She opened her eyes and immediately closed them tightly; then she opened them again and stared at the cabinet. Emma opened the other cabinets and drawers and found that everything inside had been moved. When her hands trembled She began to breathe quickly and heavily.

She stumbled back to reach for the table and suddenly fell into a chair; she almost turned it over. Her hands were clenched in front of her mouth and began to hyperventilate as she trembled. Fear now overwhelmed Emma.

A voice came from the kitchen door. "Mom?"

Emma jumped up with a short scream

One hand gripped her chest and the other hand twisted the side of the table to prevent her from falling off her bent knees.A bewildered Anna rushes to her mother's side. "Mommy, are you okay?"

Emma catches her breath while feeling a little sensation returning to her previously rubbery legs. Managing to stand semi-erect, she stumbles forward, using her body's weight momentum, making her way over to the sink. Emma turns on the water, grabs the sponge and starts fumbling with the dishes as if she were washing them. She tries to compose herself before answering her daughter; who's standing almost motionless, watching her mom with an anxious expression on her face.

"Mommy's fine, Sweetie; you just surprised me, that's all. You hungry?"

"Yes."

"How about some eggs?"

"Yes, please." Anna replies while heading over to the table.

Emma dries her hands on her apron while going to the refrigerator. "Sweetie, you didn't happen to move things around in the cabinets; did you?"

"No."

"Do you know if Daddy did?"

"I don't think so."

"Oh... okay. How do you want eggs, scrambled or sunny-side up?"

"Sunny-side up, please."

Emma starts melting butter in the pan, then cracks an egg open. She screams from a horrifying sight...a blood-filled egg yolk.

Anna jumps up and runs towards the stove.

Emma grabs Anna to stop her. "Go sit back down, please."

"But Mommy..."

Anna's cut off by a frazzled Emma. "Go sit down now! Please! Just sit!"

Emma starts crying; then suddenly stops. "Sweetie; Mommy's sorry. Everything's fine. Just go back to the table and wait."

"Okay." Anna returns to her chair.

Emma slowly approaches the stove; while Anna meticulously watches her every move.

Emma gathers up her nerve, and leans over to look into the frying pan. Once again, Emma's shocked by the sight. The once blood-filled egg yolk has returned to being a normal yolk.

Emma steps back, taking in a deep breath, then rejoins Anna at the table. She's beginning to wonder if jerome could be right about the stress of the move getting to her. Is it all just in her mind?

Chapter2 Now Presenting...Mary

Emma sat on the sofa in the living room for hours; As her thoughts began to drift. She began to recall the nights she spent at her grandmother's house as a child.

At night, with every step you take in the dark, the corridors and stairs stretch exponentially. The faster you run, the farther your destination is from you; Until some magical formula in quantum physics makes you catch up with it.

Then there was a terrible noise in the dark... As they said, things bumped in the dark. Every sound is amplified and beats in your ears all night. Terrible sounds haunt your memory for the rest of your life. You will

Never forget them completely. They just lie quietly, waiting for the awakening of time to echo in your mind again. It's time Emma woke up.

In a self induced trance, Emma was fascinated by the idea of her night at her grandmother's house; When she knocked on the front door and suddenly "woke up".

While staring at the front door, someone knocked again.

"Who is it?"

No reply. "Hello? Who's there?"

No answer; But knock again. Emma decided to go to the door; But before grabbing a candlestick from his cloak.

Emma walked slowly towards the door. More knocking at the door. She stopped and held the candlestick tighter

At the same time, pull it to her chest, breathe deeply and exhale...

"Who... Is... Who?!"

No answer. But there was no knock.

Then a disturbing recognition came into her mind... Anna is out there alone! Emma rushed to the door and looked out; But just as she reached for the handle, she heard the banging of the kitchen back door.

Now care about Anna... Without hesitation... She turned and ran quickly to the back door. Just as Emma turned the knob hard and pushed the door open, the crash stopped. She rushed back; Prepared Candlestick Holder.

No one was there.

Emma noticed Anna skipping rope by the barn. Anna saw her mother and stopped to wave to her. Emma, she lifted her daughter's fine,

Smile and wave back. Anna started skipping rope again.

Emma was stunned and laughed. She doesn't want to; But I can't help it. Then she heard; The laughter stopped.

The front door slammed shut. Emma walked back into the house; She tottered back to the back of the sofa. Emma stood behind the sofa and looked around.

There was no sign of anyone there. Now, I'm thinking, maybe who left; Emma lowered herself, but still held the Candlestick Holder. She went over to look at the front door.

When she came to the door, she quickly raised the Candlestick Holder back to the "hitting position", because her knuckles turned white immediately by holding the candlestick tightly. Her heart began to beat and her breathing became heavy. She was shaking like sweat

The locked latch had been locked and the door had been locked again. Emma came to a disturbing conclusion: the man who closed the door must still be in the house; At the moment of Lucent's thinking and reasoning, she rushed to the phone and dialed 911. She picked up the receiver... There was no dial tone.

She put down the receiver and candlestick stand at the same time; Standing there paralyzed by fear. She wants to move; But not.

Emma remained motionless for a long time and heard a child's footsteps running around on the floor above her. Suddenly, she was able to move; Then he began to follow the footsteps and move back and forth on the ceiling.

They stopped; So is Emma. She waited and listened.

Emma jumped with fright; Then call Anna back, "wait, honey, I'll be there in a minute."

Emma could no longer hear footsteps, so she went to Anna; Who is going to pour two glasses of orange juice at the kitchen table.

"Mom, have you seen Mary?"

Emma was still upset. She looked back at the other room as if she were "autonomous driving" and instinctively continued the conversation, "no, who's Mary?"

"She is my friend."

"Your friend? I didn't know you had a friend here."

"Yes, we've been playing in the barn."

"Oh, great, I'm glad you have someone to play with me." Emma kept looking for it

Walk from the kitchen to the living room. "Well, how is she?"

"Yes, very good."

"That's great. You have to introduce her to me sometime." then Emma understood. "Honey, wait a minute. Why did you ask me if I saw Mary? Isn't she playing with you?"

"Yes, but she asked if she could use the bathroom."

"So, you let Mary use our bathroom?"

"Yes, it doesn't matter, does it, mom?"

Emma bent down and hugged Anna. "Yes. Yes, of course it doesn't matter, honey." she hugged Anna again and kissed her cheek.

Finally relieved, she sat at the kitchen table and Anna poured the juice. They sat waiting for Mary to come downstairs.

Mary never came down that afternoon.

Chapter3 Mary’s Home

jerome sat quietly at the table, sipping beer and watching Emma move madly; Sometimes one or two things fall in the process.

"I'm not crazy," Emma said fiercely. "I'm not. Someone's in this house. I swear, someone's here, jerome."

She continued to fiddle with things in the cupboard.

"I don't think you're crazy," jerome stood up, put his arm around Emma and began to shake her gently left and right. "It's all right. It's over now."

Emma began to cry and pushed her husband away. "No! No!"

Emma ran out the back door crying; Then he stopped and leaned against a tree. jerome is out

Follow her. When he reached Emma, he put his hand behind her shoulder. Emma turned, buried her face in his chest and continued to sob. jerome put one hand behind her head and patted her back with the other hand. He didn't want to make her sad anymore. He just stood there holding her and didn't say anything. Emma kept crying.

A few minutes later, Anna came out. "Mom."

jerome told Anna, "pumpkin, mom doesn't want to talk now, okay. Why don't you go back and watch TV. We'll go in in a minute."

"No, it doesn't matter. I'm fine." Emma sobbed one last time as she dried her eyes and cheeks. "What's the matter, honey?"

"I talked to Mary and she said she decided not to use our bathroom," Anna continued. "She's sorry to let us wait for her."

"Never mind. It's okay to tell Mary; I'm not angry with her. Now, why don't you go back in and watch some TV before you go to bed?"

"OK." Anna returned to the room; But she stopped on the back porch, turned around and shouted to her mother, "Mom."

"What, dear?"

"Mary also said she was sorry to disturb you this morning."

Emma was confused now and asked, "what do you mean, it upset me this morning?"

"Everything is moving. When I told her you were asking me if

A completely confused Emma interrupted her daughter, "what? What do you mean she moved them? What? When, Anna, what's going on“

"Sorry, mom;" Anna was sad and tried not to cry. "Mom, I didn't know she did it. She said she just wanted to help and put things in the way her mother lived here. She said she just missed her mother... That's all."

Anna couldn't help crying any more. She suddenly cried, "I'm sorry, mom“

Emma ran over, knelt on her knees and began to hug Anna. "No, don't cry, honey; it's okay. Shh. Mom, I'm sorry to yell at you; it's not your fault. No, no... don't cry any more, Anna... Shh."

Anna stopped crying, but she was still sobbing. Emma wiped the tears from her daughter's face and stroked her hair. She smiled at Anna. Anna smiled, too. Emma asked...

"Honey; did Mary tell you she used to live here?"

Anna nodded.

Anna nodded again.

"Anna, dear; where does Mary live now?"

Anna raised her arm, pointed to Emma, turned and looked, "there... In the barn."

Emma has been sitting on the back porch for hours. Some of Emma's questions have been answered; however, more questions have taken their place. Emma is sure that they need to leave the house.

jerome looked out the back door and saw Emma sitting on the porch, staring at the barn. He was with his wife.

"You know; jerome took his wife's hand." there's no one outside. "

Emma continued to stare at the barn. "I know."

"OK," jerome paused and continued, "I asked Anna why we didn't see Mary

Still staring ahead, "no, what?"

"She said we couldn't go. Mary told her that only she could see her."

"HMM."

"You know what that means, don't you?"

"No, jerome, what does that mean?"

"That means Mary is Anna's imaginary friend, isn't she, Emma?"

Emma finally looked at jerome. "Anna had never had an imaginary friend before, so why now?"

jerome was a little unprepared and struggled for a while to come up with an answer. "I don't know. She used to have other children around; but now she's here, a little lonely and no one around. Maybe she just needs to find a friend to play with."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, I don't think she's making up Mary?"

Now jerome was completely confused. "What do you mean she didn't make up Mary? Mary is an invisible person. She doesn't exist at all. I mean, come on, Emma."

Emma looked up at the night sky; then she turned back and said to her husband, "what if everything in the kitchen has been moved? Knocking at the door? Running footsteps? Who did it; Anna? What about the blood in the egg yolk? I think our daughter did the same?"

"Wait a minute... Wait a minute... What's the blood in the egg yolk? What are you talking about? You don't make sense, Emma."

"jerome," Emma became excited, "there was blood in the egg yolk this morning; but,

Then it's gone. Anyway, it doesn't matter. Mary has been doing all this, okay; she's not fictional. She's real. "

"Really?"

"Yes, really."

"A real little girl; who no one else could see but Anna?"

"Think about it; Anna said that Mary was arranging things the way her mom use to when they lived here...that she misses her. Any of this adding up with you yet?"

"No; I must have missed math class that day. What are you saying, Emma? Please, enlighten me."

"I'm saying; Mary's a ghost."

jerome scratches his head. "A ghost?"

"A ghost."

"So, let me get this straight; the idea of Anna making up an imaginary friend is

totally absurd...but, her playing with a ghost makes perfect sense...I see."

"You don't get it, do you? Forget it."

"No. No, Emma; I get it. I really do. Our little girl is hanging out with Casper...it makes perfect sense. Fine. Well then, now that that's resolved, let's go to bed."

Emma slides away from jerome, crosses her arms and looks off to the side. "Don't patronize me, jerome."

jerome moves in closer and tries to put his arm around her shoulder; but, Emma pushes it away. jerome pulls back and attempts to apologize.

"Emma, Hon', I'm sorry. I didn't mean to come off like that. I'm just a little confused about what's going on. I'm sorry, but it just doesn't seem possible to me that Anna's communicating with some sort of ghost; that's all I'm saying."

Emma starts to calm down, and is now able to look at jerome while talking with him. "I know it's difficult to believe; but, that doesn't mean it's not possible. There are plenty of cases of haunted houses..."

"Come on, Emma."

"No, really; you hear about it all the time. I'll bet you that's why we got this place so cheap; because they knew it was..."

"Whoa. Hold on. Emma, listen to what you're saying."

"I am listening to what I'm saying. Are you listening?"

"Emma..."

"jerome, we have to leave."

"What?"

"You know I've had a really bad feeling about this place. We can't stay here."

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying we can't stay here; we have to g〇.”

"Go where?"

"Anywhere. Anywhere but here, jerome." "Emma, Hon', look..."

Suddenly, the serenity of the night is broken by the screams of a child.

"Anna!" Emma hollers, as both jerome and her charge into the house to get to their daughter.

As they run to the staircase, the screams echoe throughout that overly spacious house. They race up the stairs, nearly stumbling over each other to get to Anna. The screams get louder as they near Anna's room; becoming deafening as they rush to her door.

They bust through the door, nearly taking it off its hinges, as the last of the screams are heard. Emma and jerome, shocked at the sight, embrace each other and start to cry.

Anna's in the bed...sound asleep.

Chapter4 Breakfast at the Diner

The next day, with a dire need to get away from that house, Emma decides to spend the day in town with Anna; and, possibly dig up some information. Her first stop; the local town diner for some breakfast.

As they enter, all conversation seems to momentarily stop, and all eyes turn on to them; then, just as quickly, all activity resumes to as it was.

A waitress grabs two menus and approaches Emma. "Smoking or non-smoking?"

"Non-smoking, please," Emma answers.

"Follow me." While showing them to their table, she turns around to Anna. "Why; aren't you a cutie?"

Anna smiles and replies, "Thank you, Mam."

She chuckles, "Mam? My; aren't we a polite little girl as well?"

As the waitress engages in small talk with Anna, Emma notices that at every table they pass, conversations abruptly cease; and, brief glances are made in their direction.

Upon reaching the table, she takes out her order pad. "Okay now, I'm Delilah, and I'll be your waitress today. Can I get you two something to drink?"

"I'll have a cup of coffee. What about you, Sweetie; OJ?"

"Yes, please."

"Alrighty then; I'll go get your drinks." Delilah starts to walk away.

"Excuse me," Emma gets her attention, "Delilah, is it?"

"Yes."

"Hi, I'm Emma." Emma continues, "Delilah, I was wondering; have you lived here in Beaver Ridge long?"

"Lived here my whole life."

"Let me ask you something then; if you don't mind?"

"Sure; what's on your mind?"

"I was just curious what houses usually go for around this area? For instance, what did you pay for your house?"

"Actually," Delilah answers, "I don't own my own place; I rent. I really can't tell you what homes are going for around here because I haven't looked into buying one. Sorry I can't be more help."

"That's okay;" Emma's a little disappointed, "can't answer a question you don't know anything about. Thanks anyway."

"Sure." Delilah starts to leave, then turns around, "So, just out of curiosity; why are you asking?"

Emma's disappointment fades away as she sees an opportunity to get some answers. "Oh, just wondering, that's all. My husband and I bought a house just outside of town off County Route 152 on Milsbridge Road. It's an old, four story Victorian on about half an acre of land; even has a barn on the property...do you know the place?"

Delilah starts to look a little nervous. "Yeah...I might know the place you're talking about...But, not a hundred percent sure though if it's the one I'm thinking of."

"Anyway; we got it real cheap...I mean, ungodly low. We weren't sure if home prices around here were this low all over, or if we just got a great deal...or...if maybe there was something wrong with the place."

Emma can see she hit a nerve with Delilah,

who begins to tap her pen on her order pad and avoid eye contact.

"Like I said," Delilah starts to slowly back away from their table, "I really don't know what they're asking for these houses. Sorry, Emma. Um, don't want to be rude or nothing, but, I got to check on some of my other tables now."

"Oh sure," Emma's positive she's shaken Delilah up, "go ahead. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to keep you from you work."

"That's okay," says Delilah, who's hands are quivering just ever so slightly while fumbling with her apron pocket, trying to put her pen and order pad back in there. "I'll be back with your drinks."

She walks away at a quick pace.

"So, Sweetie, what do you want to eat?" Emma asks Anna.

Anna answers, "Eggs."

Emma, still unnerved from the yolk incident the other morning, quickly responds, "Sweetie, how about some pancakes instead?"

"Okay."

"Good."

Delilah returns with their drinks. She places a napkin down in front of Anna and puts the glass on it. Then she places a napkin in front of Emma, but, puts the coffee cup off to the side. She takes a quick glance around, then, taps the napkin a couple of times with her finger before standing upright. She pulls her order pad out and asks...

"Are we ready to order, ladies?"

"Yes," Emma says, glancing down at the napkin, "two orders of pancakes, please."

"You got it." She gives Emma a wink and leaves the table.

Emma starts to go for the napkin, but is

unexpectedly interrupted. "Emma Lazinski?"

"Yes?" Emma turns around and sees a man in a uniform.

"Emma;" he asks, "may I call you Emma?"

"Yes, that's fine."

"I'm Sheriff Lloyd Faulkner. I saw you sitting here, so I stopped by to say hello and welcome you to our town." IXirns to Anna, "Hi there little lady; and what's your name?"

"Anna."

"Anna; now that's a down right pretty name."

"Thank you. It's short for AnnaEmma."

"AnnaEmma; now that's a mighty fine grown up name. How old did you say you were, Ms. AnnaEmma?"

"Six."

"Six? Holy tar nations! I would've sworn you were at least seven!"

Anna giggles, "No; I'm just six."

"Well, if you say so. It's been a true pleasure talking to you Ms. AnnaEmma; we must do this again sometime."

"Yes, we must." Anna giggles again.

"And how are you enjoying our little town, Emma? Feeling at home yet?"

"Well, Sheriff Faulkner..."

"Lloyd, please."

"Well, Lloyd, before I answer that; can I ask you something?"

"Sure thing. What do you want to ask?"

"I know I'm new to the Rhode Island area; but if I'm not mistaken, I'm detecting just a hint of Texan coming out from you. Am I right?"

"Well now, I reckon you done caught me, Mam. I come from Galveston."

"So, what brings a good ol' boy from Galveston all the way up here to Beaver Ridge; of all places?"

"Let's just say I needed a change of pace. Now; how about my question?"

"I'm sorry; what question?"

"About our little town...Folks making you feel comfortable yet?"

"Oh, that question; right." Emma picks up her cup, taking a sip of coffee while glancing down, anxious to examine the napkin, "To be quite honest, Sheriff..."

The Sheriff purposely clears his throat and looks at her.

"I'm sorry...Lloyd." He nods, giving her a look of approval, as she continues, "So far, I'm finding most of them a little stand-offish; yourself excluded, of course.

Sorry." Emma shrugs her shoulders while looking up at him.

The sheriff nods, then laughs, "That's alright, Emma; I thought so too, when I first got here a year and a half ago. Give 'em some time; they'll warm up to you."

"So; you're new here too, Lloyd? I guess then you wouldn't know much about the town's history?" She glances at the napkin while taking a sip of coffee.

"Town's history?" The sheriff laughs, "Heck, between me and you, I don't think enough goes on here in these parts for this town to make history."

"Oh, you might be surprised." Another glance during another sip.

The sheriff puts his Stetson back on his head and adjusts it. "Well Emma, I hope not. When you're in my field, you learn to deal with surprises; but you don't really like 'em much."

He takes a look at his watch. "Well, suppose I'll be moseying along now;" tipping his hat, "pleasure meeting you, Emma. I'll have to meet up with jerome; I believe that's your husband's name?"

"Yes. You seem to know a lot about us, Lloyd?"

"Well, not that much, Emma; just your names. Anyhow; I suppose I'll meet up with jerome another time. You have a good day now."

He turns, tipping his hat to Anna. "Ms. AnnaEmma, once again, it truly was a pleasure to make your acquaintance. You take good care of your folks now. Good day, ladies." The sheriff walks away, and leaves the diner.

Emma's sipping her coffee, looking around to make sure on one's watching her. She nonchalantly picks up the napkin, pretending to wipe her mouth. As she turns

it over, Emma notices writing on it. It reads -Woodland Falls.

Chapter5 A Gruesome Discovery

jerome, unable to concentrate on his work, meanderingly shuffles through the paperwork on his desk. There's a knock at his office door.

丨,Come in."

The door opens slightly, and his secretary leans in. "Mr. Lazinski."

"Yes, Joyce?"

"Mrs. Lazinski's here to see you. She and your daughter are in the reception area; would you like me to bring them in?"

"Yes, please, Joyce; show them in."

"Yes sir."

When Joyce returns, only Emma is with her.

jerome goes over to Emma, kisses her cheek.

"Where's Anna? Joyce said she was with you? Is everything okay?"

"I told Anna to wait out there. The girls at the desk said it was alright. I need to talk to you, jerome...And no; everything's not alright."

"What's wrong?" jerome holds her hands "Did something happen at the house?"

"No. Maybe. I don't know. We weren't home today."

"Good," jerome says with relief in his voice. "So what's wrong?"

Emma explains, "I went out to try to find out about the house."

•'Any luck?"

"If you want to call it that." Emma voice softens. "I met this waitress, Delilah, at the

diner; and I tried to see if she knew anything about our house...which I think she does, but wouldn't say...not yet anyway. I'll have to try talking some more with her another time. What she did do was write me a clue on a napkin."

"A clue on a napkin?"

"Yes. It said Woodland Falls."

"Woodland Falls? What's that mean? I don't get it."

"I didn't either; at first. But, then I got to thinking; it kind of sounded like a name of a place."

"Yeah; it does."

"It is."

"So; what does it have to do with our house?"

"jerome; remember the other morning when you said you didn't even know if

"Yeah"

"jerome; it isn't."

"It's not?"

"Nope. Let me show you."

Emma pulls out an old road map from her purse and opens it. jerome looks at her, smiling. Emma smiles back.

"What?"

"Oh, nothing." He playfully teases, "You always keep a road map in your purse?"

"If you must know; I picked it up at the library after finding out what Delilah meant by Woodland Falls, Smarty Pants! Anyway...look here." Emma starts to point at an area on the map, "Beaver Ridge should be about here on the map; right?"

"I suppose."

"Read that." She points to the name on the map.

jerome looks down at the map. "Woodland Falls?"

"Woodland Falls. That's what the town was called before they changed the name to Beaver Ridge."

"So; why the name change?"

"Ah; that's the question. Or at least, it was the question. I looked up Woodland Falls in the library's periodical section. jerome, you're not going to believe this."

"Emma, at this point, I'm open to anything being possible. What is it?"

"jerome; from 1947 until 1961, there was a serial killer in Woodland Falls. Whoever it was managed to slaughter thirty-two families over those years; then one day, the killings just stopped."

jerome's complexion turns pale. After a

brief absorption of Emma's discovery, jerome finally responds, "So; then I guess you were right, Emma."

"About what?"

"This town does have a deep, dark secret they weren't telling us. Crazy, huh?"

"There's more, jerome." Emma takes a deep breath, looks up to the ceiling and then back at jerome.

"Why do I get the feeling I should sit down for this?"

Emma's momentarily silent; then, takes a breath and tells him...

"The last recorded killing was September 18th, 1961. jerome, that murder took place in our house. It was a family of three; a father, a mother and their daughter - Mary ElizaEmma Howell."

2 AM arrives, and Emma can't stand thinking to herself anymore. It's time to break the

silence.

"There's got to be more to it?"

"More to what?"

"It still doesn't make sense."

jerome rolls on his side to face Emma. "What doesn't make sense?"

Emma rolls on her side now to face jerome. "The price we paid for this house."

"Christ, Emma; with all you found out today, you're still hung up on the price?"

"jerome, those killings stopped in 1961. They kept the killings quiet all this time; so why sell this house so low?"