“ I knew you ’ d be calling ,” Ms . Grigsby said , draping the shampoo soaked cloth across Sarah ’ s mouth .
“ Thank you for coming ,” Marcus said , hoping the shriveled old woman that lived downstairs would be able to help . Her apartment always like spoiled cabbage mixed with a high school locker room . It was disgusting .
“ She ’ s in a dark place , Marcus . Lost and alone , she ’ s struggling . All she sees is a barren landscape , nothing but things scratching at the door , aching to get in , hungry for her .”
Marcus felt sick to his stomach . Was this really what he was pinning his hopes to ? Shame clenched his heart for an unsteady few beats . He wiped his palms on his pants .
“ How do you know ?”
“ Riley Marie Kingston ,” Ms . Grigsby whispered , and Marcus crumbled , tears spilling down his face .
“ How did you know …?” “ She ’ s there with Sarah .”
Marcus just stared at her . How was it possible ? How could Riley be with his wife ? His daughter was dead . She was stillborn . It wasn ’ t possible .
“ She ’ s in the devil ’ s acre right now , with nowhere to turn and no one to trust . Everything she sees and feels is real to her , but all it does is drive her further from us , further from life , further from reality .”
“ Devil ’ s acre ?”
14