Demons Rising (Book 2)

Chapter 12

They pulled up to a large gate in the middle of the countryside. There was no house in sight. 'Are you sure this is where dad lives?' Dani asked.

'This was the address he gave me.' Katherine said as she looked around for a bell or communication system. 'And I know he sold our house after we all moved out so he had some money.'

'Looks really creepy if you ask me.' Dani said from the back seat. She and Lauren had gathered up all the supplies they could fit in the trunk and Christina had the amulet in her bag, locked in a small box. Lauren stuck her head out of the window and saw a camera hooked to the gate.

'Up there, he can see us.' She started waving. 'Hi dad.' The gate began to creek open and they were met with a long dirt pathway.

'I guess we follow the dirt road.' Lisa said as Katherine began to drive slowly towards what they hoped was a house. A few minutes later they did stumble upon a structure. It was a large house, painted white with black window frames, and the porch stretched all the way around it. The steps leading up to the porch suggested a basement and the window on the very top floor suggested an attic.

'How much did he sell our old house for?' Amy wondered as Katherine stopped the car. They all started to get out as their father appeared at the top of the steps.

'You're here!' He called, jogging down to help them. 'It's so good to see you.' He said, hugging Katherine and Lauren before turning to Christina.

'Christina.' He said, nodding.

'Robert.' She replied, getting an eye roll from Katherine.

'How are you all? Everyone good?' He asked the group. 'Well obviously you're not that good, you're here.' He laughed awkwardly.

'Dad, you're rambling.' Dani said. 'Take a bag.' She handed him a small suitcase.

'Right.' He said. 'Follow me.' He led them all into the house. They stepped into a large entrance hall, sparsely decorated, with more rooms in every direction. 'So the kitchen is right through the back, living room is this way. Upstairs you each have a room.' He motioned for them to head up the large staircase in the middle of the property. 'There's only two bathrooms but I know you're used to sharing.'

'It's great dad.' Katherine smiled. 'And thank you, for having us.'

'Oh please, it's my pleasure. I miss you girls.' He said. 'Right, so dinner will be at six, I've made roast chicken.'

'Since when do you cook?' Christina asked bluntly.

'What Chris means is thanks dad, we're looking forward to it.' Lauren interjected.

'Well, I'll leave you too it. Shout if you need anything.'

'We will, thanks.' Amy said. They were standing in the middle of the second floor bedrooms as their father made his way back down down the stairs.

'You need to be nice.' Lauren said to Christina.

'I was just asking a question.' Christina said.

'No you weren't.' Katherine backed Lauren up. 'Come on.'

'Fine.' Christina raised her hands. 'But I won't be saying much to him then.' She said, before heading into one of the bedrooms.

'Oh, this is going to be fun.' Lisa said. They all picked a room and prepared themselves for what was sure to be an entertaining evening.

xxxxxx

They were all sitting around the dining room table, the only noise was the scraping of knives and forks on plates. Christina was more pushing her food around, but the others were all enjoying their meals. 'So.' Katherine started. 'How did you find this place dad?' She asked.