Carter is a teacher in London. One night he steps out into an autumnal storm and, on the way to his car, the oncoming night engulfs him and transports him to another, more sinister world. Almost immediately he senses he isn’t alone. When he turns and sees a shadowy figure approaching, he launches himself at the stranger. He soon discovers that Paul, the handsome Australian man pinned beneath him, is in a similar state of disorientated bewilderment. Together they begin to explore their surroundings, hoping and praying they can find a way back home. What they are about to encounter will send terror coursing through their veins. Little do they know this is a mere taste of the nightmare to come. Will their growing feelings for each other survive what follows? Can they themselves survive?

The Collection

“On three,” said Harrison. “One, two, three!”


Together Paul and Harrison pulled, straining till every muscle was taut.


Carter couldn’t do much in the small space but did manage to position himself so he could push away from the wall using the balls of his palms. At first nothing happened. Harrison kept counting to three, and on three they’d do their best to move the mighty machine. Finally, Carter felt it jolt beneath him.


“Again!” said Harrison. “One, two, three!”


Carter pushed away with his hands and again he felt the machine jolt away from the wall. Now he was able to lean back on the machine and get his feet against the bare rock. He held onto the machine and on Harrison’s command pushed away with his feet. Again the machine scraped an inch or so across the floor.


“Once more,” shouted Harrison. “Give it everything you’ve got! One, two, three!”


The machine slid another two inches and when they stopped Carter leapt off the machine.


Chapter 23