What did you see earlier? Sarah asked. When we were in the hallway talking to Dean and Celia?
Jack pushed the first-floor button again as if it could speed up their descent. Im not sure what you mean, he said, feigning ignorance.
Come on, Jack, tell me, Sarah pressed.
It was nothing, Jack insisted. The elevator finally arrived at their floor and the doors opened to an empty, quiet hallway. It was cold and eerie, and Sarah couldnt help but wonder if they kept the morgue down here, as well. Jack turned right, following the sign directing them to the cafeteria, and Sarah quickened her pace to keep up with him.
Jack, you looked like youd seen a ghost.
Jack stopped abruptly. Cut it out, Sarah. I didnt see anything, he said, but Sarah looked at him expectantly. Okay. Fine. For a second I thought I saw my dad.
Your dad? she questioned in confusion. He was the last person she expected Jack to mention. Thats impossible.
I dont know. Its not like I got a clear look at whoever it was.
I know its not easy being back here. Im sure its bringing up a lot of old memories.
They entered the cafeteria, where the dim recessed lighting and a low ceiling made the room feel downright dismal. The smell of overboiled broccoli and strongly brewed coffee filled Sarahs nose. The room was empty except for a woman in a white apron and a hairnet perched behind a cash register, flicking through a magazine, and a man sitting alone at a table, staring out a rain-spattered window into the black night, his food untouched in front of him.
Sarahs eyes searched the room and landed on a table in the far corner. There, she said, pointing. They walked past the cashier, who didnt look up from her magazine, and made their way toward the back of the cafeteria.
God, he still wears this old thing. Jack smiled as he bent over and picked up the hat from the worn green linoleum. I think Amy got this for Hal for Christmas, like, twenty-five years ago.
It must mean a lot to him, Sarah said.
Jack grew quiet.
Hey. Sarah nudged him gently. Its okay. Everythings going to be fine.
I just cant shake the feeling that I saw my dad, Jack said. You must think Im nuts.
Of course not, Sarah replied, trying to comfort him, though she couldnt help but feel a little uneasy. Last month I thought I saw my grandpa at the grocery store and he died when I was seven.
Yeah, but I bet youd be happy to get the chance to see your grandpa again. I cant say I feel the same way about my dad. I wont ever be able to forgive him.
Never? Sarah asked. Youll never be able to forgive him?
Would you be able to forgive your dad if he killed your mother? Jack asked pointedly as he motioned to leave the cafeteria. Sarah followed as Jack bypassed the elevator and pushed open a heavy metal door that led to the stairs. The stairwell was windowless and weakly lit by dusty fluorescent bulbs. Cobwebs swung precariously in the corners where drab cement block walls met the ceiling and Sarah quickened her pace.
I dont know, Sarah answered honestly. Id like to think Id be forgiving, especially if it was an accident.
Their footsteps reverberated on the metal stairs as they wound their way upward. Sarah almost preferred the rickety old elevator to the confines of this dingy, damp stairwell. She felt relief when Jack pushed open the door to the fifth floor. They were both slightly winded from the climb.
You must be a better person than I am, Jack said somewhat breathlessly, and Sarah decided it was best to end the conversation there.
When they returned to the waiting area, Hal was sitting by himself, staring up blankly at a television set affixed to the wall.
Found your hat, Jack said, handing it to his uncle. Hal set it on his bald head and adjusted it into place.
No coffee? Hal asked, noting their empty hands, and Sarah realized they were so distracted they had completely forgotten to get the coffee. She instantly longed for the rush of caffeine.
Coffee looked like sludge, Jack replied, and Sarah wondered why he didnt just tell Hal the truth. Where is everyone?
Amys still with Julia, and Dean and Celia went to see if they could find out what time the doctor is doing rounds tomorrow.
Ill go see if Amy needs a break, Jack said. He gave Sarah a peck on the cheek and she smiled warmly as he turned and exited the waiting area, leaving her alone with Hal.
Sarah sat down in one of the stiff-backed chairs next to Hal. Purple rings of exhaustion circled Hals eyes and were magnified by the thick lenses of his glasses.
I shouldnt have left her home alone, he said, sliding his thumb and forefinger beneath his glasses and rubbing his eyes. Her balance hasnt been very good lately. Shes been stumbling a lot.
Sarah thought again about the phone message that Julia had left on their machine and the tremble in her voice.
From across the corridor Sarah watched as Jack entered Julias room. Moments later, Amy emerged handling a pack of cigarettes as she moved toward the elevator.
I wish shed give those things up, Hal said.
It must have been terrible for Amy to find Julia after her fall.
She found Julia at the bottom of the steps and called an ambulance right away. Then called me.
That probably saved her life.
I think so, but a social worker came to talk to me this afternoon. Have you ever heard of that? I mean, after an accident?
A social worker? Sarah repeated. Why?
She was asking all these questions about Julias accident. I wasnt even at the house when she fell. I was in town. She asked if there were any problems in the family, any reason Julia wouldnt feel safe.
They probably have to ask those kinds of questions when theres an accident in the home, Sarah said, though she wasnt quite so sure and didnt want to let on to Hal that it worried her. What did you say?
I told her what I just told you. That shes been stumbling a lot lately. I mean, hell, so have I. Were getting older.
The social worker said someone reported that the fall might not have been an accident, after all. Why would someone say such an awful thing? he asked incredulously, rubbing the sharp gray stubble on his chin, his blue eyes clouded with worry.
What did Dean and Amy say? Did the social worker talk to them, too?
Just to me, I think. I havent told anyone. I didnt want to bother them with it. He shifted in his seat, pulled out a white, linen handkerchief from his pocket and smoothed it with his blunt fingers. Do you think we should be concerned?
I think you should tell them. Tell Jack. They can help you talk to the social worker, Sarah advised, and Hal said that he would.
It really helps having family here, he said, and crossed one leg over his knee, his heavy brown work boot weathered with age and toil. I know Jack doesnt like coming back here.
He wanted to come. We wanted to be here for you and Julia. Sarah reached out and patted Hals knee and he covered Sarahs hand with his own.
Well, I cant tell you how much it helps, he said, and cleared his throat. For a moment Sarah wondered if she should seize the opportunity to ask Hal about Jack, about the ghost of his father he thought he saw earlier. But instead she allowed silence to fall between them.
* * *
For the next hour Sarah sat in the waiting room while Jacks family took turns sitting with Julia. Hal was the last and after what felt like aeons he finally emerged from the room, haggard and weary.
I think were all tired, Dean said, pushing himself up from his seat with difficulty. Maybe we should all go home and get some rest. The nurses will call if theres any change.
What if she wakes up? Hal asked, twisting his hat in his hands. Shell be scared if she wakes up and no one is here.
Everyone can stay at our house, Dean said. Were close enough to the hospital that we can get here quickly if she wakes up. Jack, you and Sarah are welcome to stay with us. Weve got the room.
Jack rubbed the shadow of bristle that had grown on his chin. I dont think thats the best idea, Dean.
No shit, Amy muttered from her seat.
Be quiet, Amy, Dean said, tossing a magazine onto the coffee table. It slid across the surface and fluttered to the floor.
Fuck you, Dean, Amy snapped.
Whoa, settle down, Celia interjected.
Amy, Jack pleaded. Please dont.
Really, Jack? Amys tone softened, the anger replaced with hurt. You think that coming back here after twenty years is going to make everything okay?
None of this is good for Julia and thats who we need to be worrying about, Jack said. Hal, why dont you stay at Dean and Celias tonight? Sarah and I will get a hotel room.
Whats the matter, Jack? Amy asked archly. You dont want to spend a night in the house of horrors?
Amy, just shut the hell up. Deans face flushed with anger.
What do you mean, house of horrors? Sarah asked before she could stop herself. Up until then she had uncomfortably watched the tense exchange in silence. She didnt really know Jacks family, didnt understand their dynamics, and it was clear that it was better for her to stay out of it.
Never mind, Jack said sharply, and Hal lowered his face into his hands.
Please dont fight. Not here.
Youre right, Jack said. You should get some sleep. We can take you back to your house.
Stay with me, Hal insisted. Its silly for you to stay in a hotel. I want to sleep in my own bed, but I cant stand the thought of going home to an empty house. Please stay.
Sure, Hal, Jack said soothingly. Well stay at your house. To Dean he said, Thanks for the offer, but it would be strange staying in the old house.
Why would it be strange? Sarah wondered. And what did Amy mean by house of horrors? It brought to Sarahs mind an image of chain saws and rubber knives, a silly Halloween gag. And yet the words lingered in her thoughts. Was Amy just being dramatic, like Jack said she always was, or was there more to it than that? And why had Jack brushed her off when she asked about it?
She wanted to believe that hed meant nothing by it, that he was merely trying to keep his family from combusting. But she had a sinking feeling that there was more to it than that. Jack was keeping something from her.
3
THE AUTOMATIC DOORS that led out to the parking lot slid open with an airy hum. A steady rain was falling and the lights that edged the parking lot illuminated the wet pavement, giving it a glossy, slick sheen. Fat raindrops sent ripples through standing puddles and the temperature had dropped ten degrees since they arrived in Penny Gate.
As Sarah and Jack walked through the quiet parking lot toward their rental car, Sarah wrapped her coat tightly around herself, chilled to the bone, the icy rain drenching her hair. Confusion and questions bounced around in her mind like a Ping-Pong ball. Sarah waited until they were out of Hals earshot before speaking.
Jack, what did Amy mean by house of horrors?
Jack slid his hands into his pockets and Sarah tried to keep up, the slap of their footfalls echoing throughout the nearly deserted parking lot. I really dont want to talk about this right now.
She tried to keep any accusation from her voice, any irritation. She wanted to give Jack the benefit of the doubt, but she could hear the reproach in her voice. Jack sped up as if trying to avoid her.
Jack, wait, she said, snagging his sleeve to try to get him to slow down, and he shook her away.
By the time they reached the car, both of them were soaked, their hair flattened, raindrops dripping from their noses. Jack unlocked the doors and they climbed in. He placed the key in the ignition, and Sarah reached over and put her hand over his. Jack, talk to me. Please.
Jack pulled his hand away and sat back in his seat. There isnt anything to say. You know Amy. Shes exhausted, Aunt Julia is hurt and Amys scared. Everything becomes one big drama and she lashes out.
Jack turned the key and the car rumbled to life. Sarah knew she only had Jack to herself for just a moment longer.
Im not trying to fight with you, Sarah said quietly, trembling as much from Jacks loud indignation as from the cold. Im just trying to understand.
I know. Jack lowered his voice. Hals waiting. Can we just talk about this later? he asked, but before she could respond, Jack had backed up the car and pulled out of the spot. Their conversation would have to wait.
He drove the car to the front of the hospital entrance where Hal was waiting for them.
You remember how to get to the house? Hal asked.
Of course, Jack answered. How could I forget?
As they pulled away from the hospital and back onto the highway, darkness enveloped them. They drove in silence, each of them lost in their own thoughts. Sarahs mind drifted to Julia, the image of her limp body hooked up to all those tubes and wires. She couldnt imagine what Hal was going through, what it was like to be so close to losing a spouse. Could she live without Jack if she had to? She shook off the thought.
They drove past an expansive field, and Jack pointed into the dark. I worked in that field for eight summers, Jack recalled.
I remember, Hal said with a nostalgic laugh. I had to drag you out of bed each morning.
That was hard work, Jack said. He held up one hand, putting it on display. I think I still have calluses.
Sarah sat back and looked out the window. The countryside seemed to have gone to sleep. Farmhouses were dark and still, and hulking equipment lay dormant in the fields. No other cars were on the road, and the rain continued to beat steadily on the roof of the car. The rhythmic swish of the windshield wipers was hypnotic and Sarah found her eyes growing heavy.
Jack slowed the car and carefully turned onto a gravel road. The rain had washed away much of the loose rock and the car bumped and bucked through the deep gouges in the road. Sarah grabbed the dashboard to steady herself. Walls of corn rose ten feet above the ground, surrounding them on both sides, a narrow tunnel nearly obscuring the sky. Sarah peered into the dark shadows between the stalks, wondering what might be lurking in the night.
Finally the tight passage opened up into a wide expanse, revealing the sharp-angled silhouette of a farmhouse, the sloped curves of a barn crowned with a weather vane and two dome-shaped grain bins. The house was still and dark. There was no warm glow from a porch light, no lamp burning from behind a pulled shade to welcome them home. Jack parked in the driveway and sat for a moment, hands on the wheel, staring at the house with an unreadable expression. Sarah knew he was shutting down.