Ash Return of the Beast

CHAPTER 22



The Next Day…

Kane and Ravenwood drove along Millionaire’s Row checking the addresses.

“Look at these places,” Kane said. “Must be nice. Devil music must pay pretty good.”

“Yeah. Cowl’s place should be just up ahead.”

Kane slowed down as the decaying old mansion came into view. One of the front windows was boarded up. Old yellow shades and heavy dark curtains were drawn closed on the others. “Jesus Christ. Looks like the goddamn Munsters live there.”

“Kind of fits, though, doesn’t it?”

Kane parked the car on the street and they climbed the crumbling stone steps up into the cool shadows of the large front porch. A tangle of dried vines from several long-dead Wisterias still clung to the cracked pillars on either side of the stairs. The worn ‘Welcome’ mat below the front door was slippery with moss.

Kane looked around. “I’m surprised there isn’t a ‘Beware the Hound of the Baskervilles’ sign nailed to the door.”

Ravenwood looked surprised. “Wait. You actually read the book?”

“What? No, I saw the movie. Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee.”

“Serious? How old are you anyway?”

“Late night TV.”

Ravenwood shook her head and grabbed the tarnished brass ring that hung from the door. She gave it three solid raps. “That oughta wake the dead.”

The door creaked open just a crack.

Kane whispered. “Perfect. Complete with sound effects.”

“FBI!” Ravenwood called out. “We just want to talk with you.”

No one answered. She drew her gun and nudged the door a little further. “Rye Cowl? FBI. We’d like to ask you a few questions.”

No answer.

She pushed the door all the way open and whispered over her shoulder. “You got my back?”

“Right behind you.”

She took a breath, raised her gun and stepped into the darkness.