Chapter 35

Another terrifying scream breaks the silence. What–the–fuck!

We jump out of bed, scrambling to put on clothes as we race downstairs. I hear movement coming from the kitchen and bolt. Luke close behind me.

Mum is holding onto the bench in the kitchen, clutching her chest.

“Mum?” I yell.

“S-someone’s out-outside!” she says breathlessly.

Luke and JJ race to the back door. Shit! Dean! Daniel’s immediately calling the police.

“Come sit down. Are you alright, mum?” I move her to the dining room table and sit her down gently on one of the dining chairs.

“I’m alright, Darling. I wasn’t expecting to see someone outside, that’s all.” She coughs while trying to catch her breath.

“Who screamed?” Stacie asks wide-eyed.

“Mum, she saw someone through the kitchen window. Luke and JJ are outside. Can you look after Mum?”

I don’t wait for an answer. I race upstairs, throw on a pair of sneakers and grab Benny. Like most teenagers, Lucy has slept through the whole commotion.

“Come on Benny, let’s find th