The Absence: 03

- The country can be a dangerous place for an elderly woman such as yourself. - the same man finished.

A deadly silence followed his last sentence. No sound of boots on the floor, no whispers. I could barely hear my own breathing. We were all waiting for the smallest hint of each other's presence. They must have known there would be at least one more person in the house. As twisted as it was, the cop's presence was a relief, balancing things a little towards our side.

- Oh well! - practically shouting Louise broke everyone out of the general paralysis. We heard her walking from the front door to the kitchen. - I'll get you guys some good ol' country water. Just wait here, gentlemen.