A Dagger through Dimensions — Chapter 5

Cold Rain and Cold Woman

In the back, a massive fieldstone fireplace stood all the way to the ceiling. As we passed, a clock chimed out the time on a stone mantelpiece. That’s where I saw the gun cabinet next to the fireplace with one door opened.

“Shit, does he have a gun?” I’m pretty sure that my voice broke. Even if I found it embarrassing, I never claimed to be a hero.

The woman didn’t reply, and she was already heading down an iron rail staircase. With growing reluctance, I followed her. At the end of the stairs, she led us to a closed door.

“Joe, I’m back,” she called out. Then the woman knocked on the door gently while testing the locked doorknob.

“Joe! Come on, open the door.”

There was no answer.

“It’s Sally. Please let me in!”

They heard movement in the room, but whoever was there did not reply.

“Kick the door down!” She suddenly whispered to me.

It was a striking look of concern and pleading, which struck me as absurdly beautiful and damn dangerous. Then I looked at the solid wooden door and glanced at the woman dubiously.