PEEPHOLE

By Chanell Howard and TBD

 

Mr. Keller's recent job promotion necessitates a significant family relocation to what appears to be a quaint, ordinary house in the small town of Canyon, Texas. However, the reality may be far from ordinary. As they settle in, Ms. Keller finds herself grappling with a unique gift, one that challenges her ability to discern b

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chanell Howard
• Release date: May 27, 2024
• ISBN: 9798869333810

Book preview

Prologue

Screams fill the corridor as the door rattles from the violent pounding of fists. The rustic red oak wood splinters and groans under the force, sending tremors to the ceiling. A woman wails in agony, her eyes drenched with sorrow. With a broken heart, she weeps uncontrollably. They took my family away from me!

Boom! The mahogany door shattered as a black steel pipe, three feet long, crashed through it. Six police officers rush in with canine units and guns drawn, ready to face any danger. They arrive at a scene of horror, greeted by blood splattered on the floors, furniture overturned, and a woman lying on the floor holding a knife. The officers scan the scene for clues about the attack. They notice a shattered window and a back door that is slightly ajar.

The woman hears the officers closing in on her and shouts, Don’t come any closer! I have a knife! She clutches the blade tightly in her hand as she curls up on the ground. She looks up and sees a circle of shiny boots around her, and beyond them, six guns pointed at her head. She ignores their commands to drop the weapon and tries to get up. She swings the knife wildly in the air. You don’t understand! They’re in the water! And I’ll be joining them soon!

Ma’am, one officer said, we are on your side. Please put down the knife. We don’t want anyone else to get injured.

She twisted her face in pain. Injured! They are gone, and you failed to help them.

The officer moved closer. Please hand me the knife. I promise we can talk about those promises.

How convenient, officer, she said, waving the knife nervously.

The officer’s eyes widened as he retreated, seeing her point the knife at her throat. Ma’am, he said, trying to find the right words to defuse the situation.

You don’t understand me, do you? I can’t live without my babies.

Ma’am, please look at me and stay calm. I’m here to help you. Tell me where they are.

She turns around and sees the other officers closing in on her. He gestured to the other officers to stay put and tried to get the woman’s attention. He spoke softly, feeling her reluctance to hurt anyone. It’s okay, you can drop the knife. Look, I’m unarmed, he spins around, shifting his eyes from the blade to the woman.

She hesitates, holding the knife above her chest. Boom! She gasps as the officers strike her from behind. Her face smashes into the cold tile floor, sending a jolt of pain through her skull. The knife she was holding clatters to the ground, sliding under the table. She desperately stretches her arm to grab it, but she feels a warm trickle of blood on her lips. She groans in frustration.

She tries to hide her tears as the officer’s knee crushes her back with every turn, but he doesn’t let up. Giving up, she lays motionless, with her eyes shut and her breath steady. As the black boots scuff the floor, she feels a surge of hope. She rests her head on the cold tile and prays for a miracle. She wonders how it all went wrong, and what she could have done differently.

Who else is in the house? one officer demanded, his voice stern as he removed his knee from her back.

She felt a wave of gratitude wash over her as she sighed. The police officers ordered her to get on her feet, but she defied them and stayed put. She wriggled and twisted, trying to break free, but it was no use. What about our talk? she protested, gesturing with her hand as the officer grabbed it. What are you doing? Let me go! she shouted, pulling her arm back and accidentally scratching the officer’s face.

A second officer came to his aid. He clasped her arms and secured them behind her back.

She sobbed with indignation, You don’t believe me? Look at the woman beside you.

He looked around the room. Miss, you’re alone here, he reached for his cuffs on his waist.

How can you say that? They’re both right there.

They exchanged a glance and lifted her up gently. She felt the cold metal of the cuff around her right wrist and knew he was about to make his move for her left hand. She waited for his grip to loosen and then struck him hard in the eye. Breaking free, she ran for the back door, leaping over the porch and heading for the lake. She shouted, Mommy will be there soon!

She reached the end of the dock, but there was no escape. A sudden, powerful hit to her head made her see stars, and she crashed into the railing before blacking out. The officer felt a surge of fear as he hurried to touch her neck. He was relieved to feel a faint pulse. He quickly locked her wrists with the cuffs and turned her around to examine the gash on her head.

Officer Reed joins him, holding a bag full of pill bottles in one hand and a bloody rag in the other. This is it, he said, giving the bag to the officer.

The officer nudged her softly until she opened her eyes. Stay with me, he said, showing her the bag. Who owns these items?

She shut her eyes.

He nudges her and tells her to open her eyes. We must locate the kids. Where are they?

She can’t believe her eyes when she sees the bag. She tussles with the officers to stand, but her legs are weak. Take me to the brick people! Tell them, please, Linda!

What is she talking about? the officer whispers to his partner. Water people, brick people, what does that mean? Yes, get her out of here. He shakes his head and points to the house. Come on, let’s get her in there and to the car.

They drag her to her feet and push her through the lawn, where the street is alive with the dazzling colors of blinking red and blue lights. The neighbors crowd around, their voices loud and chaotic. She feels exposed as she looks at the officers in blue near the streetlight. She gasps for air as she faces the hostile crowd. Their fingers point at her like daggers, blaming her for everything.

She feels herself fading away until she sees a familiar face talking to an officer as she enters the patrol car. He looks at her and smiles. In a bid to resist the officer’s grasp, she unleashes a swift kick toward the vehicle hoping to gain some freedom, only to be met with a forceful push that sends her headfirst into the car. In a fit of rage, she screams at the top of her lungs, before violently striking her head against the window. Water people! That’s the one! She screamed as the police car drove off.

One

At last, we’ve arrived, kids, Nancy says, sounding weary. We’re home now, after a long journey.

With a burst of energy, Stacey dashes past Nancy and into the living room. She tosses her backpack aside and hurries across the room, beckoning Matty to follow her. Stacey’s heart pounds as she climbs the stairs, hyperventilating.

Feeling crushed, Matthew tosses his bag aside and exclaims, See what? This house?

Obviously, the rooms, Stacey said, with an eye roll.

Nancy felt a surge of excitement as she followed Stacey up the stairs. She was sure that Matthew would love the new place once he saw how big and warm it was. She was eager to show him the fireplace and the comfortable bedrooms upstairs. However, she decided not to insist.

He takes his sweet time as he slings his backpack over his shoulder. He climbs up the old wooden stairs, each step creaking under his weight, making him more nervous. Nancy, with a taunting voice, warns him to be careful or he might hurt himself. Matthew stays cool. He slows down his pace as he tunes out the world. He reaches the top of the stairs, looking like a ghost as he scans the corridor. Where is my cell? he says, tossing his hair.

Stacey laughs incredulously. You’re kidding, right? She cracks open the door on her left and peeks inside, a smug smile spreading on her face. It’s exactly like the pictures, no surprises there.

Matthew hesitates, wary of Stacey’s pranks. He nudges her gently and peeks his head through the door. The shock silences him. His cheeks are damp with sweat and his stomach is in knots. This is home, he tells himself. His eyes flash with sadness as he glances at Nancy, but she looks away.

Meanwhile, Stacey tugs at her arm and pleads to explore her room. Pretty please? she implores, her eyes brimming with expectation.

Nancy gazes at Stacey, then at Matthew, aware that no words or actions of hers will ease his sorrow. She whispers, You’ll be alright. Giving his shoulder a gentle pat, she gestures towards Stacey’s room across the corridor. As Nancy turns the doorknob, its cold and damp sensation strikes her, and she notices a subtle number two etched in the center. She exhales deeply. Her eyes briefly meet Matthew’s door.

What is it, mom? Stacey asked.

Nancy gently swung open the door to Stacey’s room, her voice a soothing whisper, It’s nothing, as she stepped over the threshold.

In a flash, Stacey exploded into the room, her eyes alight with sheer amazement and uncontainable glee. She darted from one end to the other, her tiny feet imprinting a path of joy across the room. Nancy’s heart swelled with happiness at the sight of Stacey’s boundless energy. But as all storms do, Stacey’s whirlwind of excitement gradually waned. Her little legs grew weary, and with a final burst of affection, she scampered into Nancy’s open arms for a tender, loving embrace.

Can we decorate? Stacey asked, eyeing the barren walls. Approaching the closet, she paused momentarily before swinging the door open. A gasp escaped her as she took in the capacious interior. Mom, I need more dresses to fill up this space.

We’ll see about that, Nancy said with a wink.

Stacey peered into the closet for a moment, then proceeded to shut the door. However, a shadow cast on the rear wall caught her attention, prompting her to reopen it swiftly.

Piqued by curiosity, Nancy asked, What’s there?

A sigh of relief washed over her as the shadows dissipated. She secured the closet door once more and gave it a contemplative look. It was nothing but my imagination, she reassured herself.

Are you certain it’s nothing? asked Nancy.

Maybe it’s just my imagination messing with me.

If you say so, Nancy said, with a spark of curiosity in her eyes.

As Stacey glanced around her newly discovered room, her gaze landed on a sight that made her heart skip a beat. There, just outside her bedroom window, was a young girl whose presence was as vibrant as a painting. Her hair was a cascade of red curls, her dress shone like the midday sun, and her blue bicycle gleamed with the promise of adventure.

With an eagerness that matched the girl’s bright aura, Stacey rushed to the window, her hands fumbling with the latch in her haste to greet this unexpected visitor. But alas, the window resisted her efforts, stubbornly jammed until, with one determined pull, it relented. She leaned out, her eyes searching, but the street had swallowed the girl’s colorful figure. A sigh escaped Stacey’s lips as she closed the window, a mix of disappointment and wonder lingering in the air.

Together, Stacey joined Nancy in the corridor to explore the rest of the house. They delved into the secrets of their parents’ bedroom and ensuite bathroom, peeked into the corridors closet’s depths, and finally arrived at the last door. Yet as they opened it, an unwelcome scent of sulfur assaulted their senses, halting their advance. Nancy stepped forward with caution, her mind racing with possibilities of what could have caused such an odor.

Suddenly, Matthew appeared behind them, his face twisted in disgust. That smell is atrocious! he said, his voice tinged with both humor and horror. He made a beeline for the window and threw it open with gusto, inhaling the fresh air like a man reborn.

You guys are so dramatic, said Nancy.

That’s terrible, mom, Matthew said, gesturing dismissively.

Despite a thorough search of the room, Nancy is unable to locate the source of the odor. She dismisses her concerns and allows her gaze to drift across the vivid colors that accentuate the dark wooden flooring. It will be alright.

Best of luck, mom, Matthew says, pulling his shirt over his nose and quickly leaving the room. Stacey follows suit.

Nancy gives the room a final glance before unlatching a few windows near Sarah’s bed, hoping to fend off the stench. She then closes the door and returns to the foyer to speak with Dave. Suddenly, a short elderly man dressed in gray overalls and a baseball cap appears near the driveway.

Hello, he says to Dave, tipping his hat courteously. Are you the new neighbor?

That depends on who’s inquiring, said Dave, while extending his hand. I’m Mr. Keller, Dave. And you are...?

Ted, the man says, firmly shaking Dave’s hand.

Dave retracts his hand. Just Ted?

Apologies, Ted Riley, he corrects.

Dave looks at Ted and casts a glance towards Nancy, who emerges onto the front porch. That’s my wife, Nancy, he points, as she greets Ted with a friendly wave.

With a courteous nod of his head and a warm smile, Ted expresses his genuine pleasure in meeting them. He acquaints Dave with the neighboring residents by gesturing towards their homes. Over there live the Cleves, he says, pointing to the house adorned in tan and blue. Next to them are the Barkley’s. A shadow crosses Ted’s expression momentarily. And beside you all reside the Mitchells, he concludes, his gaze shifting towards their house.

A gleam of enthusiasm twinkles in Dave’s eyes as he beams, Let the fun begin. Ted remains impassive, casting a brief look down the street before returning his attention to Dave. Sensing the unspoken cue, Dave steers the conversation elsewhere. Where is Mrs. Riley? he asked.

She's away, Ted shifts the subject. Do you want help with unpacking? I'm happy to assist.

We’re nearly finished, but thank you, Dave said, glancing at the truck. My wife and I will manage the rest. Do you have children or grandchildren?

Ted chuckled and playfully retorted, Do you really think I’m of an age to have grandchildren?

I didn’t intend to assume—

Ted chuckled heartily and gave Dave a friendly push on his shoulder. He tried to cheer him up with a grin. They’re fine without me. They hardly visit, but I don’t mind that.

Dave remained silent.

Ted’s eyes darted away, sensing the unease that hung in the air like a dense fog. Hey, I didn’t mean to intrude, he said, his gaze lingering on the bustling moving truck. I’ll get out of your hair, he continued, his words trailing off into a whisper as he pivoted on his heel. And hey! he hollered over his shoulder, my door’s always open if you’re in a bind!

As Ted retreated to his house, his eyes flicked towards Nancy, carrying a spark of disdain that clashed with his cordial facade. Dave’s heart hammered in his chest, rendering him mute as his eyes flitted between Ted, Nancy, and their new dwelling. Ted snapped his focus back to Dave for a fleeting moment before sauntering towards his driveway. Meanwhile, Nancy made her way to the truck.

That’s odd, said Dave.

What was that? asked Nancy, carrying a box from the moving truck.

Dave glanced at Nancy. It’s nothing. How are the children?

Well, to put it this way: Stacey has already planned out her room. Who was that man?

That’s Mr. Riley, our neighbor.

And Mrs. Riley?

She’s not here at the moment, Dave said, setting down another box. I’m already loving it here. I can’t believe you were so hesitant.

I’m still not sure, she said, sounding disheartened. Moving is going to be tough, especially for Matthew. He had to leave everything behind and start anew.

I understand, honey. We all feel the same. It will take teamwork to find our way through this.

Sure, we’re all experiencing it, but children see it differently. I don’t know what hurt more: leaving his old school and friends in the middle of the year or joining a new one. I felt a pang in my chest as he walked into his bedroom. His heart sank, and I couldn’t comfort him.

He said nothing?

It’s what he didn’t say that worries me. I’ll let you deal with those issues if they arise.

Honey, honey, Dave says as he puts the box on the dolly and hugs Nancy tightly. I love you, he whispers, giving her a gentle kiss on her forehead. I know this is hard for you and the kids, but I’ll do my best to make it easier.

I appreciate that, and I’ll support you as much as I can, like I always do. Did you check out the upstairs yet?

Upstairs? I haven’t even set foot on the porch. I’m sure the photos and videos matched perfectly. Dave adds another box to the dolly. Is everything okay?

My concern is that...

A mover interrupts Mr. and Mrs. Keller with questions. Dave looks at them anxiously and wonders ‘if everything is okay.’ The mover, putting his jacket under his arm, reassures them that everything is fine and that they have finished the job. Dave reaches into his back pocket and retrieves his wallet. He hands a check to the movers, expressing his gratitude. Thank you, guys. I appreciate your help. After securing his wallet, he observes the movers as they complete loading their truck and wishes them a safe return journey. As the movers seal the truck and depart, they wave to the Kellers, wishing them joy in their new home.

Turning to Nancy with a look of confusion, Dave asked, Now, what were you saying?  

Grasping a box, Nancy shakes her head, It can wait.

Mopping the sweat from his brow, Dave grunts with effort as he hoists a hefty box onto the dolly, questioning, Are you certain?

With the box now on the dolly and her bag slung over her shoulder, Nancy glances at her watch and confirms, I’m certain. It’s getting late. Perhaps takeout for dinner would be prudent.

I agree with you.

Dave shuts the door behind him as he enters the house, his grin widening as he places the last box near the garage door. That was enjoyable, wasn’t it?

Nancy gazes at Dave, one eyebrow raised skeptically, yet amused by his buoyant demeanor.

You’re always so nervous, honey. You should take time to unwind, Dave rests the box on the step. Do we have any dinner plans, considering we’re newcomers to this city?

I intended to check out some places nearby, said Nancy.

Perhaps we should let the children decide, Dave suggests, thinking it would simplify the choice.

Stacey announces with enthusiasm, Pizza gets my vote.

Pizza is your usual choice, Matthew says.

Nancy’s exhaustion was palpable as she juggled the hunger-fueled impatience of her children. In a swift handover, she entrusted Dave with her phone, who promptly took on the role of dinner. Meanwhile, Nancy embarked on a treasure hunt for school attire amidst the cardboard chaos. Success crowned her efforts, and she retreated to the kitchen, where a glass of wine and Dave’s company awaited.

The children, Matthew, and Stacey, retreated to prepare for bedtime. Nancy, with a resolve as steadfast as ever, tackled the sea of boxes, methodically filling the cabinets with their contents. Dave’s words of caution were but a gentle breeze against her determined sails. Yet, he too joined in, wine glasses in tow, transforming the task into an evening soiree.

With the last kitchen box vanquished, they sought relief by the water’s edge, where the stars above mirrored their tranquil state. A curious glimmer caught Nancy’s eye—a mystery beneath the fence. As Dave ventured forth to investigate, the abrupt melody of the doorbell summoned him back. Wine forgotten on the porch table; he hastened inside. There, he saw Stacey’s eager descent; her steps a drumroll effect as she jumped off the landing.

Dave peers through the glass, his gaze sweeping over the empty porch. With a swift motion, he pulls down the shades, secures the latch, and steps boldly into the open. The night air is still, a quiet blanket over the neighborhood—until a car horn erupts, slicing through the silence. Dave whirls around to spot flashing headlights beckoning from across the street. As the driver’s window glides down, a friendly face comes into view. Excuse me, calls out the driver with a courteous tone, would this be the Kellers’ residence?

Dave’s voice cuts across the distance, firm yet curious. Who’s asking?

I’ve got a food delivery for this address, replies the driver, his voice carrying a note of sincerity.

Ah, you’ve got the right place, Dave says with a nod, as he races to the car. Closing the gap between them, his eyebrow arches inquisitively as he steps closer. Did you try the doorbell earlier? Was that you?

The delivery guy extends the bag towards Dave, his expression apologetic. ‘I’m sorry for any confusion earlier. It’s been one of those days,’ he explains. ‘Your total comes to $52.38.’"

Dave handed him seventy-five dollars.

As he ignited the engine and began to pull away, the delivery man was halted by Dave’s rapping on the roof. I have a question. Do you employ any safety measures or guidelines when making deliveries in this area after dark?

The man regarded Dave and cracked the window, Sir, it’s not about the neighborhood, it’s—

Darling, Nancy interjected, emerging through the storm door and surveying the vicinity, is everything in order?

I’ll be there shortly, Dave said.

As the delivery person sped away, Dave just couldn’t wrap his head around what was happening. He watched the car until it vanished at the stop sign. Shaking off his astonishment, Dave made his way to the house.

Don’t they deliver to the front door anymore? Nancy asked as Dave entered.

He gave a casual shrug,