The Hole

25

“Bill, come here,” Janet said. “Into the protection.”

She stood in the circle, frantically trying to find a page in the journal. She’d seen it earlier, but had failed to note its position relative to other passages.

And now, when I need it, I can’t find it.

She sensed movement, looked up. Red eyes stared back at her from the alcoves and shadows. The neon light above flickered and dimmed, just slightly, but more than enough to allow the demons to creep farther into the chamber.

“Bill!” she shouted, more insistent this time. That got the sheriff moving, but still he refused to step into the circle, choosing instead to walk the perimeter, washing light into the dark places. It was obvious to Janet that he wouldn’t be able to do enough to keep the things at bay for long.

“Sheriff,” she shouted again. “Get your ass in here. I need you if we’re going to help the others escape.”

The appeal straight to his duty worked. Bill waved the light into the corners one final time, then stepped over the grooved outer circle to join Janet inside the pentagram.

The demons crowded forward into the chamber, flowing and melting in the light, but the sheer bulk of them were pressing more and more of their viscous material through. Very quickly, the etched circle was surrounded.

Their path to the iron door, their route of escape, was completely blocked.

We have no way out.