The voice from the grave

e moved toward her, the glittering blade in his hand gl

here. Now you're part of the story," the man said, his low rasp sending chills wriggling down her spine. He had a chill, voice dark than simple malice-something intensely private. Her mouth parched as she stumbled back involuntarily. One had nowhere to go. Behind her was the grave, the heavy trees loomed around, and tiny chapel. Mary's was too far for

ther high, nearly stilted, and his motion were crisp and intentioned. Instinctively, Rachel retreated furt

ily-she could not have another opportunity if she did not act now. But the stranger next words froze her in

like a dirty secret that will disappear if you merely scratch th

only, and they both appeared to believe she was following phantoms. She had not shared anything about her research. She had made no reference to the letter, the whispers, the

ovide an opportunity for her to get away. Though she shouted, "Stay back," her voice faltered under the rising anxiet

it had already started? Rachel's trembling hands moved to the sheet

what sense did he say, "It's already begun"? She tried to concentrate, to still her running though

lf together. Brightly shining, the blade headed toward her in an arc.

falling into the grave, she staggered backwards, but she barely caught herself in time. She coul

ed Sheriff Matthews' number, begging for a miracle. But then she understood: the phone rang, the signal almost nonexistent and the call barely going through.

got up. Could it distract him or give her a moment to breathe? Though the man's eyes narrowed as the papers fl

ch forward as the man swung the knife once more, her sights set on his chest. He staggered back in shock as it connected with a sickening thud. Still, it was inadequate. The blade remained in his hand, still shining in the poor light. Rachel staggered back another inch, her breath ragged. The man appeared undismayed by the punch; his face re

hel's eyes opened wide. Here she did not find herself alone. Another individual was watching. Someone else had seen what was going

dy she didn't know. It was a different masked figure, however. Moving de

stiff. His eyes fluttered. "Darn it," he grumbled under his voice. Once Rach

he had just become entangled in it. "Get away from her!"

the knife snarled and retreated. The man holding the knife appeare

ure didn't respond. He moved nearer, therefore obscuring Rachel from the d

rself be caught in whatever sick game was playing out, although she had no idea what these people were after.

ng her compulsively. She could hardly make out his countenance through the shadows, but she could sense his presence thick, strong, and more lethal than anything she had ever known. At last, he talked. Sent to shield you." He ad

me if you want to live. As her surroundings started to spin