Free House of Bones by Graham Masterton Page A

he could do was get away from Brighton as quickly as possible and go back home.
    He could have driven Liam’s car, but Liam had the keys, wherever he was, and John didn’t know how to hot-wire it. He kept pacing up and down outside the house, fretful and undecided. There was one thing he knew: he didn’t want to go backin. Whatever had taken Liam could just as easily take him too.
    John began to walk uphill, in the direction of Brighton station. When he reached the top of Madeira Terrace, he began to run, and he didn’t stop running until the station concourse came into sight.

9
    He called Lucy and said, “Liam’s gone.”
    â€œWhat do you mean, ‘Liam’s gone’?”
    â€œSomething terrible’s happened. I have to see you right away.”
    â€œI can’t. I’m supposed to be going out with my boyfriend at eight.”
    â€œLucy, I have to see you! I just have to see you!”
    â€œCome on, John. This isn’t a weekday at work, when I’ve got nothing better to do. This is Saturday night.”
    â€œLucy, don’t you understand me? Liam’s
dead
. At least I
think
he’s dead.”
    â€œWhat? What do you mean, dead? You’re joking.”
    â€œWe went into the house in Brighton and he was sucked right into the wall.”
    â€œOh, for goodness’ sake, John. You had me worried there for a moment. Now listen, I’m in a hurry. Paul’s coming round in a minute and we’re going to Volts.”
    â€œLucy, listen. It’s the truth. Liam was sucked right into the wall and now he’s dead.”
    There was a very long silence. In the background, John could hear pop music playing. Eventually Lucy said, “This isn’t a wind-up, is it? I know what Liam’s like.”
    â€œIt’s true,” he told her. There were tears in his eyes and he could barely speak. “I don’t know how it happened but it’s true.”
    â€œYou’d better come round then, as quick as you can. Where are you?”
    â€œStreatham Common station.”
    â€œIn that case, I’ll come and get you.”
    When Lucy arrived outside the station she was all dressed up in a short purple dress and dangly hoop earrings. She smelled strongly of some musky perfume. “I’m sorry,” said John, as he climbed into the car. “I couldn’t think of anybody else to call.”
    She looked at him seriously. He was very pale and puffy-eyed. “You’re sure Liam’s dead?”
    â€œHe must be. It happened right in front of my eyes. The same thing must have happened to Mr Rogers. The same thing must have happened to allof those people at Laverdale Square. Mr Vane’s houses can suck people in.”
    They had stopped at the top of Greyhound Lane. Lucy turned to John and her face was bathed in red light from the stop signal. “This isn’t a joke, is it?” she asked him. “This isn’t you and Liam pulling my leg? Because if it is, I’ll never forgive you.”
    John started to cry. He was desperately embarrassed but the shock of what had happened to Liam was too much for him. Tears dripped down his cheeks and his throat was so choked up that he could hardly breathe. Lucy reached over and squeezed his hand and said, “I believe you. Don’t worry. I believe you.”
    She drove him home. His mother was sitting in the living-room in her dressing-gown, and his father was feeding her with Horlicks. Bruce Willis was flickering across the television screen but they weren’t really watching.
    â€œDad – Mum – this is Lucy, from work.”
    â€œHow do you do, Lucy,” said his father. “There’s some Horlicks to spare, if you’d like some.”
    â€œUm, no thanks,” said Lucy.
    â€œJohn, you’re looking a bit peaky,” said his mother, out of the side of her mouth. “What about something to eat?”
    â€œNo thanks, Mum,