Chapter Fifteen

The old couple watched as he came in through their gate. One knitting on her rocking chair, the other shearing his hedge.

Alex approached the duo as humbly as he could, though keeping his senses in a state of alertness. After all, this was one weird couple he was approaching.

"Hello, Mr and Mrs Thompson?"

They said nothing but stared on, the old man's shears instantly cutting off a rose, sending chills down the visitor's spine.

"We found something strange under our house," he began, getting bolder as he spoke. "And we were wondering if you knew anything about it?"

"We?" The old lady threw back looking surprised. "Well you've come to the wrong place mister, and you're certainly speaking to the wrong people."

"I don't...what do you mean?"

"The lad's mother knows everything about it." The man replied, keeping his stern look. "Perhaps, it will do you more good if you asked her."

"Who's mother? Anna's Mom? Wait, what exactly are you talking about?" Alex asked all at once, still perplexed at their words.

It was the woman's turn to speak.

"Sussan Kent is the key. The boy wants his family."

"So give them to him." The old man added.

Alex grew more confused.

"Who the hell is Sussan Kent?"

"Go home stranger, you don't belong here. Go, or he'll come for you." The man said finally, and the couple busied themselves again, while ignoring the 'stranger'.

"I got your text." Olivia began as she sat down at the table, facing Beatrice. "Sorry about the calls, work has been hectic."

"Thanks for meeting me. Can I get you started on anything? I heard they serve great coffee here."

"Don't bother. I don't have all the time in the world, straight to facts."

"It's about the house." Beatrice began. "We found a lot of dead bodies underneath it."

"On second thoughts, I think I'll have that coffee. And keep your voice down," Olivia chided. "We don't want people listening."

"Sorry. Um..hey!" Beatrice called a waitress. "Can I get two cups of coffee?"

"On it." The blonde in an apron replied.

"Thanks."

They were served their drinks and they sipped it slowly and silently for a few minutes. Then Olivia looked at Beatrice straight in the eyes.

"They are, 'rumours'."