Chapter 8

'Woof woof'.

'Yeah I'm happy too'.

We were in the cab already heading to where would either be our doom or salvation.

Though I suspect the former.

But that wasn't the case with Roddy. It was very obvious that he was very happy and thought that where we were heading was our complete salvation.

Whatever he thought changed the moment we got to the front of the manor.

'Woof?'.

'Yeah, this is where we're staying'.

'Woof!'.

'I know, it's very bad looking. But let's get inside and you'll see the real definition of bad'.

I had to drag Roddy into the manor. It was obvious that he was scared of whatever lies inside the building.

Well who wouldn't be?

I succeeded in dragging him inside by telling him how I regret taking him along with me and how he isn't faithful by wanting to leave me to stay here alone.

It worked because after I said that he started running into the building and dragging me along with him.

Determined to bite away all the evil there for me.

Such a cute dog isn't he?

He stopped short when we got to the narrow hallway.

'What? Are you scared?'.

'Woof!'. And with that he ran with such a speed I envied pulling me along.

See? All I had to do was bruise his nonexistent ego.

We got to the glass door and he stopped short.

'Here we go'. I reached out and opened the door, revealing the dark office of Julia peters.

My heart skipped a beat. I hadn't realised in my fear the day before that the office was unnaturally dark.

The only light available was from a lantern at the farthest corner of the room.

I thought someone like that should be able to afford to buy thousands of bulbs and chandeliers.

I shrugged and looked around the room then I noticed a movement from the corner of my eyes and there she was.

Seated in her chair, staring at me.  No not me, Roddy.

I was quick to explain. 'He's my dog'.

'I had to bring him with me....there's not one to care for him at home'.

'I know'.

'Oh, OK'.

'But I hate dogs'. She said through gritted teeth.

'Grrrrr'. Roddy was upset with what she said and showed his teeth.

'I'm so sor--'.

'It's fine'. She waved her hand.

'My second in command, Arina will lead you to the others'.

And with that she snapped her fingers and a black girl appeared. She had black and purple hair and she was very pretty and lean.

She motioned for me to follow her and I did, pulling Roddy with me.

Surprisingly he wasn't as scared as I thought he'd be. He kept pulling and sniffing the air.

'This way'. Arina led me through another narrow passage, then we turned left and walked then turned right again. I was starting to think the house had no end when we came to a dead end.

There's was a very small door which opened itself.

It was very empty inside.

'I thought she asked you to introduce me to the oth---'.

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She held up a hand to stop me and tapped her foot against the floor twice.

The floor parted into two.

My mouth hanged open, even Roddy's jaw slacked.

'This can't be happening'. Arina threw me a look as if I'm stupid.

I'm sure that was how the Israelites felt when moses parted the sea.

Or was it Abraham?

I'm not sure which one, don't me I'm not a full time believer.

But I'm pretty sure this was how they felt.

Arina took a step backwards and before I could ask what to do, she kept into the open space beyond.

Perfect.

Absolutely spiffing.

I peeped into the big hole. It was dark. Very dark. Like a mice hole.

I tried very hard to see what was inside but failed.

'Woof?'.

',yes, we have to jump'.

'Ready?'.

'Woof!'.

'Jump!.

And off we went. Through the dark, empty, tube or is it barrel?

With Roddy's occasional woofs being the only thing keeping me sane.

I was starting to think that this was the way to hell and Julia was the devil herself when I saw a tiny light enter into the tube from the bottom.

'Arrrrggghhh'.

'Woof woof'.

We both screamed as we landed on the solid ground on our buttocks.

It hurt like hell.

I expected to see other demons waiting to torture me for my sins when I opened my eyes.

But what I saw was different.

I looked like they were having a feast. I saw ladies in gowns made with diamonds and men in suits made with the best materials.

They all looked pretty and rich.

Did the tube lead to the wrong place?

My question was answered when I spotted Arina few feets away from me.

I moved closer to her.

'Uhm-- is this the place----where we're heading'.

She nodded.

'You don't talk much do you?'.

'Do you have to ask?'. She shot me a look.

'Oh, sorry'. I chuckled nervously.

'This way please'. She led me through the place.

People were throwing me curious, while some were throwing me rotten looks as well as Roddy.

Probably not expecting a dog in here were they?

Well, they were in for a disappointment cause I'll chose a dog over them a thousand time over.

She led me past the hall to a place with different rooms. It looked like a hotel.

'This is your room'. She handed the key to me.

I moved to enter the room when she stopped me.

'Wait, you have to change into something more suitable first and join the party before settling for today'.

'And your--dog--will be staying with other dogs'.

'There are other dogs?'.

'Yes, you'll be taking the dogs with you on the hunt'.

'Oh'.

'Can I take Roddy with me?'.

She stared at me for a while and shrugged.

'If you want'.

And with that she turned and headed back to where she came from.

Maybe it won't be so bad after all.

I smiled.

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