Read Online Deadly Games by Anthony Masters - Free Book Online Page B

that already seemed light years away. This time, Jenny realised, she would have to focus on her own.
    She gazed down into the pale eyes of May andLeslie. “Go away,” she said fiercely. “Just go away.”
    They laughed at her, their fingers pointing in mockery.
    Go away
, Jenny repeated, concentrating her mind until her head blazed with pain.
Leave him alone. Leave us all alone
.
    She could feel the misery and rejection that was inside May and Leslie. “Go!” she yelled.
    The ghost children abruptly disappeared under the surface of the pool and the light began to fade.
    â€œTake it slowly,” Jenny admonished as David began to move forward again. “Take it very slowly.”
    â€œCome on, Dave,” said Sid. “You’re nearly there. I’m ready for you.”
    With a sudden spurt, he was in Sid’s arms and Jenny hurried to join them.
    â€œThat was close,” she said. “Too close.”
    â€œI got some matches.” Sid scrabbled in his overcoat pocket as they were plunged back into darkness.
    â€œMaybe the jungle isn’t too far away,” said David.
    â€œWhy did you say that?” demanded Jenny.
    â€œSay what?” he looked at his sister blankly.
    â€œJungle. That’s what May and Leslie called the old repair yard.”
    â€œSo what?” The hostility in David’s voice frightened her and Jenny looked searchingly into her twin’s eyes, which seemed paler than usual. A dreadful thought entered her mind. Could May and Leslie be inside him? Possessing her brother? As she gazed at him, Jenny thought she saw a mocking glint and again she focused her mind, this time more intently than ever. Immediately, David flinched.
    â€œWhat are you doing?” asked Sid, confused and afraid.
    â€œYou’ll see,” Jenny snapped and focused harder.
    â€œBoys and girls,” said David’s lips but with someone else’s voice. “Come out to play.”
    Go
, said Jenny in her mind.
Get back to the pool
.
    â€œThe moon does shine – ”
    There was a plopping sound, and from her twin’s mouth came a balloon, like bubble gum. In the sphere, she saw May’s and Leslie’s grinning faces. Another joke, she thought, but they won’t get away with it. The balloon rose over their heads and drifted down into the dark waters of the pool with a spreading, rippling light. Then it was extinguished.
    â€œI felt funny,” said David. “As if I wasn’t here.”
    â€œThey were inside you,” said Jenny, utterly exhausted.
    â€œThey get up to all kinds of tricks, them two.” Jenny turned on Sid fiercely. “When will youget it into your head that those children are really testing us out? And that’s an understatement. Whatever Mrs Garland did – if she did anything at all – she’s been paying for it for a very long time, even after she was dead.”
    â€œI don’t think she’s chasing them because she’s angry or she’s going to hurt them,” David said. “She wants them back. Maybe she even wants to protect them from themselves. Do you remember what that kid Ken Davis was like when he was in care? Always testing out everyone at school and always being left on his own as a result.”
    â€œYes,” said Jenny. “Maybe Mrs Garland wasn’t so bad after all, Sid.”
    â€œYou’ve forgotten something,” said Sid. “OK, maybe she didn’t shove Alan under a train – maybe he threw himself under it – but how did May and Leslie get to become ghosts, never resting in peace, like? You tell me that.” David and Jenny couldn’t, and Sid continued. “You’re too young to know what it’s like to long for kids of your own. But I yearned for them and it was like I went on the road to find May and Les. I guess that’s why they want me so much. They’re proper little varmints, they are, but they know