Haunted: Devil's Door Read online

  Haunted: Devil’s Door

  Lee Mountford

  Contents

  Free Book

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Chapter 46

  Chapter 47

  Chapter 48

  Chapter 49

  Chapter 50

  Chapter 51

  Chapter 52

  Chapter 53

  Chapter 54

  Chapter 55

  Chapter 56

  Chapter 57

  Chapter 58

  Chapter 59

  Chapter 60

  Haunted: Devil’s Door

  Inside: Perron Manor

  Other Books by Lee Mountford

  About the Author

  Acknowledgments

  Free Book

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  1

  January 1982.

  ‘It’s big,’ Ray Pearson said, looking up at the house before him.

  ‘And our home for the foreseeable future,’ his wife Rita added, sounding almost hesitant. She stood beside him, and her brown eyes were squashed into a frown. ‘Do you think we’ll be able to handle it?’

  ‘I hope so,’ he replied.

  It did seem an imposing task, but right now they were acting out of necessity.

  ‘I like it,’ their six-year-old daughter said. Chloe stood in front of her father, smiling, showing the two missing teeth from the top row. Ray’s big and calloused hands rested gently on her shoulders. ‘It’s like a mansion,’ she said.

  Ray gave her shoulders a squeeze beneath the thick red coat she wore. Both he and his wife were well wrapped up, too, given the biting January cold. The clouds above were dark and threatened rain, and the gravel underfoot was wet from an earlier downpour. Their car—an old, burgundy Ford that had barely made the journey up here—was behind them, parked at the head of the long driveway the family now stood on.

  Rita was right. The house, which was bigger than any Ray had seen, was to be their home now. The thought of living here was difficult to comprehend. He was used to small, terraced houses with families living practically on top of each other, where things were noisy and chaotic, yet warm. Here, they could live at different ends of the house and rarely see each other.

  He didn’t like the thought of that.

  At the top of the walls in front of them—high above and over three stories up—were three distinct peaks cut into the roofline. They offered character to the front elevation of the building, and a symmetry Ray liked. The house was predominantly stone, but the craftsmanship of the stonemasonry was definitely something he could appreciate. The windows were taller than they were wide, with thin wooden frames and arched heads.

  They sure didn’t make them like this anymore.

  ‘Suppose we knock?’ Rita offered, which seemed the only reasonable course of action, given no one was coming out to welcome them. Ray had thought perhaps the noise of their car would have alerted the owner to their arrival. But, apparently not.

  Rita took the lead, as she so often did, and started to walk up the steps before her, towards the front door. Whether she felt it or not, Rita never showed any signs of nerves or fear in social situations. Conversely, Ray wanted nothing more than to crawl back into his car and light up a smoke. And that was just at the thought of meeting the owner of Perron Manor.

  Marcus Blackwater.

  With his hands buried into his pockets, Ray traced a nicotine-stained finger over his tobacco tin inside, feeling the pull. But he couldn’t roll one up now. Rita had earlier warned him that first impressions counted, so he didn’t want to have a rolled-up cigarette hanging out of his mouth for the first meeting with their new boss. Instead, he followed his wife, who was dressed in a smart, figure-hugging grey coat and matching wool beret. Beneath the long coat, legs wrapped in tight jeans poked out, and she had calf-high tanned boots on her feet.

  Mid-way up the steps, Rita stopped and turned back to him.

  ‘Well come on, then,’ she said, quickly flapping her hand in a come here motion. He was dawdling… deliberately so.

  Chloe skipped ahead and her long brown hair flowed behind her. The distinct red coat Chloe wore was as stylish as her mother’s, and cost more than Ray had been comfortable paying. His own clothes—an old navy blue jacket, faded jeans, and boots—were simple but adequate in comparison. However, they did the same job and cost a fraction of the price.

  He reached the top and stood by his girls, letting Rita take the lead. She was better at the social game than he was, and if first impressions did indeed count, then Rita would do well. To Ray, she was stunning, smart, and highly professional.

  Ray held his breath. This was it: the first day of living in a mansion. And their job was to turn it into a hotel for the owner.

  Rita used the brass door knocker—a lion’s head, with a large ring hanging from its mouth—to signal their presence. After a few moments, Ray heard someone approach on the other side and saw a shape moving through the privacy glass set within the door. The door opened, and there stood Vincent Bell, Rita’s older brother.

  Ray had always found Vincent something of a flake, though he could be nothing but grateful to the man for casting Ray and his family a lifeline when they needed it most.

  In truth, however, Ray didn’t really understand the relationship between Vincent and Marcus, so he was interested to see what the situation here actually was.

  ‘Sis!’ Vincent exclaimed, wearing a big smile that showed his teeth. His thick, unkempt beard coupled with his long, slightly greasy hair, gave him a grungy sort of look. It was a shame, as even Ray could tell that under it all, Vincent could have been quite a good-looking man. Although, he looked a lot paler than Ray remembered, and much more gaunt.

  Vincent’s less-than-pristine appearance was completed by a frayed beige shirt, unbuttoned to the chest, corded blue trousers, and soft loafers.

  He pulled Rita in for a hug, and Ray could tell his wife was a little surprised at the forwardness. It had been over seven years since they had last seen each other. It had been at their mother’s funeral, and Ray didn’t recall Vincent hugging Rita that day.

  ‘How are you, Vinnie?’ Rita sai
d after pulling away. She wore a big smile as well, one that would have fooled most people.

  Except for Ray.

  He knew that it was, in fact, her business smile. It showed plenty of teeth, but to him seemed forced, and it wasn’t nearly as warm or beautiful as her real one.

  ‘I’m good, I’m good,’ Vincent said. ‘And I’m really glad you guys are all here. The house is amazing. You’re going to love living here.’

  Vincent then looked over to Ray and held out his hand.

  ‘Nice to see you too, Ray. You’re looking well.’

  ‘Thanks,’ he replied, ‘you too.’ Ray didn’t exactly mean it, but didn’t want to be rude. Besides, he knew that he wasn’t exactly an oil painting either. ‘Listen, Vincent, I want to thank you for this. For letting us stay here and helping out. We really appreciate it.’

  ‘Ah, don’t mention it,’ he replied. ‘Besides, it was Marcus who agreed to it all, I just put the idea forward. You’re good with your hands, and Rita here has run a hotel before. You two are perfect. With your help, we’ll have this place up and running in no time.’

  ‘Thanks for the vote of confidence,’ Rita said.

  Vincent looked past them to their car on the driveway. Boxes were piled in the boot and back seat, which had forced Chloe to make the long drive up to Perron Manor riding on her mother’s knee.

  ‘You fit all your stuff in there?’ Vincent asked.

  ‘We travel light,’ was all Rita said. ‘So we won’t take up too much room here.’

  Vincent laughed. ‘Room is one thing we have an abundance of.’ He then stepped aside, revealing a grand entrance area inside, with a marble-tiled floor and wide oak stairs. ‘Come on in and meet Marcus before you unpack.’

  Ray and his family all walked into the foyer. It was double-storey space, with ceilings high up above giving a hugely grandiose feel to the entrance—which was no doubt what the original designers were shooting for. A plush carpet lined the centre section of the timber stair-treads, and the lower half of the walls had wooden panelling, which was the same dark oak as the stairs. The whole area had an odour of old wood and lingering varnish, which Ray appreciated.

  Chloe started to click the heels of her shoes on the marble, giggling at the echoing sound. The smile on her face grew wider. Ray knew that the young girl was in love with the house already, and she’d barely seen any of it. To a six-year-old, this must have all seemed like one big adventure.

  Vincent must have noticed the way they were all looking around in awe. ‘Takes your breath away, doesn’t it?’ He then held his arms out to his side. ‘Ladies and gentleman, I give you… Perron Manor. Or, as it will soon be known, the Blackwater Hotel.’

  Ray wasn’t sure what Vincent expected them to do after the cheesy little announcement. No doubt Vincent had intended it to be significant and grandiose, but it only came off as… forced. Was a round of applause in order? Instead, Ray just gave a small smile and nod.

  ‘So where is the owner?’ Rita asked.

  ‘He should be along shortly,’ Vincent replied, and then as if on cue Ray heard a door open to one of the walkways above. He heard footsteps move along the gantry until a figure appeared above them as it turned onto the stairs.

  While Vincent’s appearance was rather grungy, Marcus was the polar opposite. He had dark, brushed-back hair with no signs of grey, blue eyes beneath dark brows, a slight tan to his skin, trimmed stubble, and wore what looked to be an expensive black shirt and pressed dark trousers. To Ray, the man reeked of money and confidence, and he wore a charming grin, likely to show off his perfect white teeth.

  ‘Ah,’ Marcus said, his voice deep. ‘The hired help!’

  Ray assumed that was supposed to be a joke, even if it was mostly true, so he offered a polite chuckle. But Marcus Blackwater had yet to even look at Ray. His gaze had been focused purely on Rita and there was a wolfish, almost predatory look in those bright blue eyes.

  Marcus started to descend the steps slowly, taking his time. He still wore the smile that had at first been charming, though now it seemed just a little off to Ray.

  First impressions count, Rita had told him. Whether it was just Ray’s own insecurities clouding things or not, his first impression of their host wasn’t a great one.

  Though he did like the fact that Marcus was much shorter than him, looking about five-foot-seven at best. Given Ray himself was six-foot-two, it offered him a little comfort to be able to tower over Marcus as the man stepped out onto the marble floor to join them.

  Marcus walked straight over to Rita, keeping his eyes on her. He took a hand that wasn’t offered before planting a slow kiss on it.

  ‘Pleasure to meet you all,’ Marcus said, keeping his unblinking gaze fixed on her.

  Rita quickly pulled her hand away and gave a forced smile. ‘You as well, Mr. Blackwater,’ she replied. She then turned and held an arm out to Ray. ‘This is my husband.’

  It was only then that Marcus finally turned his attentions away from Rita. ‘Ah yes… Raymond, am I right?’ He held out his hand. Ray shook. Marcus’ grip was strong and tight.

  ‘Just Ray,’ he replied.

  Marcus nodded, still smiling. ‘Of course.’ Then he turned and looked down to Ray’s daughter. ‘And you must be Chloe?’

  Chloe giggled. ‘Yes, sir. Pleased to meet you.’

  Marcus gently ruffled her hair. ‘You too.’ He then looked back to Rita, but appeared to address them all. ‘Now, I’m sure you are tired after your long drive, so how about we get you settled into your rooms first? Then we can go about getting you all fed. How does that sound?’

  Rita nodded. ‘Sounds good to me.’

  ‘Excellent,’ Marcus replied, clapping his hands together. ‘Well, let’s get your belongings from the car.’

  They all walked out to the car, Ray staying by Rita’s side the whole way.

  2

  ‘What do you think?’ Rita asked as she hung one of her blouses inside the wardrobe.

  Unpacking their essentials was taking a while, but it was a job she wanted done quickly—one less thing to worry about later.

  ‘Think about what?’ Ray asked. ‘The house, or our host?’

  Rita smiled. She’d seen Ray tense up the moment he’d laid eyes on Marcus. But, in fairness, their new boss had been a little singular in his attentions while he blatantly focused on Rita. She hoped it wouldn’t develop into a problem.

  ‘Let’s start with the house,’ Rita said.

  ‘It’s beautiful,’ Ray replied. ‘And huge.’

  ‘I love it!’ Chloe added from her position on the bed, her legs dangling off the edge and swinging to-and-fro. Rita was glad about her enthusiasm, as Chloe not acclimatising to her new environment had been a big concern. Chloe had her large stuffed doll on her lap. The doll had button eyes and red, stringy hair. Chloe had named it Emma, and it was by far her favourite, even though it was starting to show its age and fraying at the edges a little.

  After meeting with Vincent and Marcus earlier, they’d all gone back to the car to retrieve the family’s belongings. Then the four of them—with Chloe helping where she could—had carried everything over to the two rooms designated for Rita, Ray, and Chloe.

  The whole time, Marcus had not been shy at looking Rita over, though she didn’t think Ray had noticed, thankfully.

  Her husband tended to be a little insecure at times, though not to a degree where it was ever an issue. She just wished he could see his own worth and his own attractiveness. He was a large and broad-shouldered man, with a square jaw, cleft chin, and dark eyes under thick black hair which was always worn in a simple side-parting. And he had a kind smile that lit up his whole face.

  The family had been put towards the back of the house, on the middle floor, and both rooms were on one of the protruding wings that ran out into the rear grounds. Chloe’s room was set at the end of a short corridor, with Rita and Ray’s just next to it. Those were the only two rooms in the short corridor.

  Both bed
rooms were nice and very traditional in their décor, befitting a manor such as this one. Rita and Ray’s room had a dull but thick brown carpet, pale green walls, black cast-iron radiators, and high ceilings with ornate coving and chandelier lighting. The furniture was dark oak—a theme that seemed to run through the house—but the centrepiece was, without doubt, the four-poster bed. The frame was dark wood, with cream fabric hanging down from the canopy, and the sheets and pillows were a mix of reds and whites. Rita had never slept in a four-poster bed, and none of the previous hotels she’d worked at had ever had them.

  Very fancy.

  Chloe’s room was similar in style and layout, but the carpet had a checkered pattern to it, and the walls were a plain white, which made the room feel lighter. Chloe had a four-poster bed as well, and upon seeing it her eyes had lit up.

  Rita continued to unpack, but she felt Ray’s eyes on her.

  ‘Do you think we’ll be able to do what they’re asking?’ Ray questioned. ‘I mean, just the four of us to run a hotel… surely we need more hands.’

  Rita shrugged. ‘I honestly don’t know. Depends on how quickly business picks up, I guess. Suppose we won’t know until we try.’