Brian was sitting on the couch watching TV. He noticed that Emily and Sarah were asleep on the other two couches. Only the two boys were still awake, but hardly. There was a faint knock on the front door. Brian scanned the room wondering who would be in the streets this time of night. He did not expect any guests except for Craig and the two boys, but Brian did not expect them back any time soon. If they returned after all. Brian had a bad feeling as he struggled to his feet leaning heavily on his walking stick.
Brian headed for the front door and paused for a moment just to be certain that it had been a knock on the front door earlier. He was just about to turn back when he heard it again. Soft and respectful to the people of the house especially this time of night. Brian got the front door key from a large wooden plank that hung on the wall. He made sure that the chain was latched before he unlocked the door. He did not want to take any chances during such critical times especially not after what happened to Sarah. He opened the door slightly peeping through the small gap the chain allowed. He noticed an attractive young woman staring back at him.
'Good evening, sir. I am really sorry to bother you this time of night, but I have an urgent message from Craig. He asked me to give his wife the message,' Hecate said.
'You can give it to me. I'll hand it over to her once she's awake,' Brian said. He noticed a smile on the beautiful woman's face.
'So she's here after all,' Hecate said with a voice that changed into something demonic.
Brian shook his head for a moment trying to rid himself of what he thought he heard, 'As I said, she's asleep - '
Brian felt the door bust open in his face. The chain had been torn from the door frame where it was bolted to. The chain violently swung around. Brian lost his balance and fell backwards. He tried to steady himself by using his walking stick, but it was too late. He connected the floor and felt a warm pain shoot up from his right elbow. The door swung open again. Brian noticed the grin on the woman's face as she halted inches from where he was lying on the floor. He feared that he would not be able to protect Craig's family any longer. He would not even be able to protect his own life. It was not the average woman who had the power to rip a chain out from a door frame.
'Delmar,' Brian croaked. 'Bernard.' He felt another sting from his stomach as she kicked him, forcing out the wind he had left in his lungs.
Brian noticed her heading towards the TV room where Sarah and Emily were sleeping. He hoped that they were awake and already trying to escape through the back door. He grabbed her leg to stop her from proceeding. Maybe he could win them sometime. Hecate kicked off his hand like it was an old rag.
Bernard ran towards the front door with a baseball bat in his hand, ready for anything. When he came around the corner he saw Brian lying on the floor accompanied by some wood splinters. He knew they had trouble when he saw the dark eyes of a woman in the house.
'Delmar,' Bernard shouted. 'Get them out of here.' He got the bat ready to attack the woman who was walking towards him. He swung the bat when she was within reaching distance. There was a loud thud, but unfortunately, it did not do any damage. She blocked the blow with her left hand. Bernard knew a swing like that would have broken her arm, but not in this case. She simply twisted her arm around the bat and jerked it out of Bernard's hand with tremendous power. She brought her right hand forward and landed it flat on Bernard's chest. He felt the impact as if his heart was going to explode. He was certain he heard his ribs crack as he was sent flying backwards. His head connected the wall behind him and his world faded to black.
Delmar knew they were in trouble when he heard the commotion from the front door. He rushed towards the back door with Emily and Sarah short on his hills. They were still confused being yanked from a deep sleep. Delmar knew the back door was locked but still, he yanked on the handle as if it would magically open. The key was not in the lock. Delmar searched for the key and found a bunch of them on the kitchen table. He grabbed them and fiddled through them, but he knew it would not be easy to find the right one, especially with his hands shaking. He needed more time.
'Come on, come on,' Emily said almost hysterical.
Delmar entered the first key in the lock. He twisted. It did not turn. Second key. Didn't fit. Third key... He looked behind him. The woman entered the kitchen. Her eyes were dark. The key did not turn. Delmar tried the fourth key. It slotted in. He knew he had to do something to buy some time. The woman was too close now. He heard Sarah and Emily screaming. He noticed a large butcher knife on the counter next to the zinc. He leapt forward and grabbed it. He almost dropped the knife, but he managed to hold of the blade. He held the knife in front of him. He could not help to wonder if Brian and Bernard were badly hurt or even killed but judging by the stranger's dark eyes, anything was possible. Emily and Sarah were standing behind him as he positioned himself in the way of the danger, protecting them. He could hear someone fiddling with the keys in the door. The woman was too close. Delmar swung the knife cutting through the air. The tip of the knife sliced the woman's right hand which she used to block. Delmar saw how the blade cut into the palm of her hand leaving a trail of gaping flesh and bones behind. It only stopped her for a short moment as she regarded the damage caused by the blade. Delmar thought he had heard the familiar sound of a lock sliding. He prayed that Sarah and Emily had found the right key. He would not be able to hold off the woman much longer. She was possessed. That was certain. He felt the wind on his back and knew they had found the right key. The door was open. He feared for his life, but the cold breeze was a great relief. He knew he was not going to make it out alive because the woman was too close. At least Emily and Sarah would have a chance to escape. Delmar stepped back slightly hoping that Emily and Sarah had left the house already. He could not lose sight of the enemy. One single mistake would be his last.
'Come on Delmar,' he heard Emily screaming desperately. Her voice was a little softer and Delmar knew they were outside already. He took a chance and gave two quick steps backwards. He bumped his shoulder on the door frame and was thrown off balance for a moment. He felt a strong grip on the sleeve of his jersey and he swung the knife violently. Again he felt the impact of the blade. This time he could see a large gaping cut across her left forearm. The grip on his sleeve was still firm. He only had one choice. He stabbed. He felt the knife penetrating her body as it disappeared into her stomach. The grip released a little, and he jerked away from her. He stumbled backwards and fell to the ground.
Delmar could smell the freshness in the ocean air. It was good to be outside. Just before he got to his feet he saw the woman coming for him despite the stab wound he had inflicted on her seconds ago. It was not humanly possible. He wondered if she even felt the knife entering her body. Her face was grim and her eyes seemed darker.
'Come on!' Emily shouted.
Delmar darted towards Emily and Sarah who were ahead of him. He knew he would be able to outrun the crazy woman, but would Emily and Sarah be able to do the same? They had to find another place to hide.