Are You Afraid Of The Dark   ::   Sheldon Sidney

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NOW GARY WAS dead. I think my life is in danger. Her brother had not been killed in an accident.

He had been murdered.

Lois looked at her watch. It was too late to do anything now, but in the morning she was going to make the phone call that would avenge her brother's murder. She was going to finish what Gary had planned to do. Lois felt suddenly drained. It was an effort to get up from the couch.

She had had no dinner, but the idea of food nauseated her.

Lois headed for the bedroom and fell onto the bed, too tired to undress. She lay there, dazed, until she finally fell asleep.

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LOIS DREAMED THAT she and Gary were on a speeding train and that all the passengers in the railroad car were smoking. It was getting hot, and the smoke made her cough. Her coughing woke her up, and she opened her eyes. She looked around in shock. Her bedroom was on fire, the blaze racing up the curtains, the room filled with smoke. Lois stumbled out of bed, choking.

Trying to hold her breath, she staggered into the living room. The entire room was engulfed in flames. She took half a dozen steps toward the door, felt her legs give way, and fell to the floor.

The last thing Lois Reynolds remembered was the flames hungrily licking their way toward her.



CHAPTER 10

TO KELLY, EVERYTHING was happening at a dizzying pace. She quickly learned about the most important aspects of modeling: the agency had given her training courses in image projection, poise, and carriage. Much of modeling was attitude, and to Kelly that meant acting, because she felt neither beautiful nor desirable.

The phrase "overnight sensation" could have been invented for Kelly. She projected not only an exciting, provocative image, but also an air of untouchability that was a challenge to men. Within two years, Kelly had risen to the top tier of models.

She was advertising products in a dozen countries.

Much of Kelly's time was spent in Paris, where some of her agency's most important clients were located.

Once, after a fashion extravaganza in New York, before heading back to Paris, Kelly went to see her mother, who looked older and more careworn. I've got to get her out of here, Kelly thought. I'll buy a nice apartment for her, and take care of her.

Her mother seemed pleased to see her. "I'm glad you're doing so well, Kelly.

Thanks for your monthly checks." "You're welcome. Mother, there's something I want to talk to you about. I have a plan all worked out.