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looked like farmland and the beginning of the

vineyards. The road wasn't as wide as the main one,

and the macadam was broken and full of areas where

rain had washed out sections. The motor home

bounced so much at times that I was sure he would

emerge to see what was happening, but he didn't. I drove as slowly as I could, but the time was worrying me. If I got lost again or broke down, he would be

enraged for sure.

I came to another crossroad and pulled over to

study the map more closely and be sure I'd made the

right decision. As it turned out. I hadn't. The road I

chose was even worse than the road I had been on,

and after ten miles. I saw a sign that indicated it was

not a through road. Panic seized me, and I stopped.

There was no place nearby to turn around. I was afraid

that if I attempted a broken U-turn. I might get the

motor home stuck in what looked like a soft road

shoulder.

It's no use, I thought. I have to wake him and

tell hire What's happened. I left the engine running

and went back to the bedroom door, knocking and

calling to him. He did not respond. I knocked harder

and listened. It was silent. He wasn't even playing his

tapes. I tried the doorknob but found the door was

locked.

"Uncle Palaver, please wake up. I'm afraid

we're lost," I called, waited, listened, and knocked so

hard I was really pounding.

Still, there was no response.

I turned and twisted the doorknob and pushed and rapped on the door. Finally, the tiny lock that held it shut gave way, and the door flew open, with me stumbling awkwardly forward and into the room. I caught myself on the edge of the bed and looked at Uncle Palaver lying with his leg twisted over the Destiny doll, his eyes slightly opened, a stream of dried blood streaking down his chin from the corner

of his mouth.


Tags: V.C. Andrews Shadows Horror