Rockinghorse by William W. Johnstone Page B

road became so rutted it was almost impossible to keep pedaling.
    Leaving their bikes, brother and sister walked on. The road was very narrow, with just enough room for a single vehicle. And it was dark. The limbs of the trees formed a thick canopy over the single lane, creating patches of near darkness with narrow lines of light lancing through the overhang. The kids walked on.
    The barking of the dogs was now very loud.
    â€œWe’re close,” Jackie said.
    â€œI never would have guessed. We’d better take it easy from here on,” the boy said. “Kinda sneak up on the place.”
    â€œLike I said, Johnny. You’re sneaky, boy. Real sneaky.”
    â€œRelax,” Lucas said. “There is nothing up there the kids can get into. I’ve driven up this road as far as the road goes. There isn’t another house anywhere near the road.”
    â€œThen where do you suppose that car and truck go?” she asked. “We’ve both seen them several times, right?”
    â€œFar off the road, wherever they go. Trace, we can’t keep them prisoners. Jackie’s almost thirteen, and she’s a very responsible young lady. We let them go to the movies by themselves back home, don’t we? God knows, Trace, it should be safer down here.”
    She sighed. “I guess you’re right. ”Oh . . . I know you are. But didn’t Jim tell you those people not far from here worship the devil?”
    Lucas fought to hide his smile. “No, he didn’t. He said some people claim they do. Now, come on, Tracy.”
    She met his eyes and shared his smile. “Maybe I just don’t like the idea of my firstborn growing up so soon.”
    â€œYou think I do? Speaking of that, I think it’s about time you . . . ah, well, you know—had a talk with Jackie.”
    â€œOh?” she teased him. “And what would you like us to discuss?”
    â€œThe facts of life.”
    â€œOh. I see. The birds and the bees, huh?”
    â€œTracy . . . ”
    She tugged at his short sleeve. “Lemmie see your tatto, baby; it turns me on.”
    â€œDamn it, Tracy!”
    She laughed at his antics and patted his arm. “Relax, old man. I’ve already had several chats with our daughter.”
    â€œWell . . . good. And I wish you’d tell her to stop wearing her shorts so tight. They’re almost . . . well, indecent .”
    Tracy laughed, then did a perfect parody of her daughter’s reaction to such a suggestion. Putting her hands on her hips, she said, “Mother!”
    Lucas laughed and said, “OK, I get the point.” He looked at his watch. “Good Lord! It’s only been a half-hour since they left.”
    Far above them, on the landing, the rocking horse began slowly rocking, back and forth. Its eyes blinked, the eyes containing a savage look. A look not of this earth. Not of this world.
    * * *
    â€œLook at that place!” Johnny whispered hoarsely. “It’s like something right out of a horror movie.”
    The house that lay before them, situated behind a six-foot-high chain link fence, was made of brick and wood and native stone. A long narrow structure, it contained few windows, all of which were shuttered closed. On each corner of the second story, at the roofline, a huge, grotesquely hideous gargoyle perched, the sightless eyes seeming to be in constant search in all directions, observing all, silently absorbing each movement, mutely recording every sight and sound. Four big Dobermans roamed inside the fence, huge black animals with massive jaws and very unfriendly eyes.
    A large sign affixed to the top of the gate read: THE UNKNOWN IS HERE.
    â€œGod!” Jackie breathed. “You suppose the place is haunted?”
    His reply was tersely given. “If it isn’t, it should be.”
    Both kids froze as several pairs of footsteps whispered in the grass behind them. Johnny turned and looked up into mean