The Ladies of Horror
Picture-Prompt Writing Challenge!

Old Lady Cypher
by Kathleen McCluskey

As the blood moon rose into the fog filled night sky the old house seemed to breathe in the frigid air.  The mist crept in from the empty, discarded corn field; filling the dusty air with frosted droplets. The old floorboards began to creak as the shadows awoke for their nightly glide through the abandoned plantation.

James and his two delinquent friends waited in his rusted pickup truck for the stroke of midnight. “We are going to see if this legend is true. I still can’t believe everybody thinks this place is haunted.” James said as he drained his can of beer. Crushing it in his hands and callously tossing it out the window, he continued, “Everybody in this town are sissies! Afraid of a legend. Old Lady Cypher is dead.” Grabbing his daddy’s Smith and Wesson, he opened the door. “Let’s go”, his letterman jacket swung out behind him as they walked. “You guys aren’t scared are ya?” Both terrified but didn’t want to lose credibility with James, Larry and Kevin only shook their heads.

They approached the front door. Kevin jumped, “Did you guys see that?” James only shrugged and continued to pick the lock to the ancient home. Decrepit wood split as James kicked the front door in. He chuckled. A warm gust of wind followed them into the building as the door slammed shut behind them. The three of them jumped and spun around. James laughed, “We’re in. Let’s go upstairs.” He bolted up the stairs and into the blackened hallway. A shrill, high pitched scream echoed through the ancient mansion. James’ bloody head bounced down the stairs. Larry and Kevin both screamed and tried to flee. The door was sealed shut.

Larry and Kevin were both leaning on the door trying to catch their breath and their sanity. Floating down the stair came the specter that called the dwelling its home. Its long grey hair and flowing white gown billowed behind engulfing the staircase. The boys tried to scream but could only stare slack jawed as the apparition came closer.

The next day, the police found James’ truck abandoned; trying to find anything to lead them to the whereabouts of the three. “Hey! Over here!” one officer shouted. On the front porch were the heads of James’, Larry and Kevin. All three placed on platters ready to be served as a warning.

Fiction © Copyright Kathleen McCluskey
Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

More from Kathleen McCluskey:

The Long Fall: Book 1: The Inception of Horror

Lucifer always cunning and intelligent challenges father to a battle of wits. Being the angel of light he casts a judgmental eye upon mankind. He begins a war with his fellow archangels and God. Michael, along with his siblings defend their home and mankind from their deranged brother. Broad swords and hand to hand combat drench heaven in blood. The four apocalyptic steeds are released, each having their own destructive power. Betrayal and lust are at biblical levels. Understand the very creation of evil and the consequences that transpire in the first of THE LONG FALL series.

Available on Amazon!