Sinister Deceptions
Emily's grandfather, Edward, couldn't shake off the ominous feeling settling in the pit of his stomach. Something was amiss.
He dialed Emily's number, but it went straight to voicemail. Understandable, perhaps she was already asleep, her phone on silent.
Edward's concern deepened. He needed reassurance.
He called his daughter, Emily's aunt, Rebecca
Rebbecca answered on the first ring, her voice cheerful.
"Hey, Dad! What's up?"
Edward's unease lessened slightly.
"Just checking on Emily. I haven't heard from her."
Rebecca's tone remained light.
"Don't worry, Dad. Maybe she's still in college, working on important projects. She'll call you when she gets home."
But Edward detected a faint undertone, a hint of malice.
"Rebecca, is everything alright?"
Claire's laughter sent shivers down Edward's spine.
"Of course, Dad. Why wouldn't it be?"
As they spoke, Rebecca's hands moved deftly, scissors snipping through Emily's hair, cutting it short. Her smile gleamed with malevolence.
"Dad, I have to go. Emily's... uh... studying. Don't worry."
Edward's instincts screamed warning signals.
"Claire, put Emily on the phone."
Claire's voice turned sugary sweet.
"I'll tell her you called, Dad. Love you!"
The line went dead.
Edward's heart sank.
Something was terribly wrong.
Meanwhile, Emily stirred, her head throbbing.
She opened her eyes to find herself in a dark, unfamiliar room.
Her aunt's cackling laughter echoed through the shadows.
And then, everything went black.
To Be Continued...