Sarah and Charlotte arrived to an empty house; Sarah shuddered and was reluctant to enter. Charlotte flicked on the light and saw a plain envelope propped on the hall stand. She turned and looked at Sarah, her mother-in-law, who was clearly thinking the same thing; not more letters. She picked it up and slowly removed a neatly folded piece of paper.

Dear Darling,

Please understand that I need to go away for a while. It has nothing to do with you. I will tell you everything when I return. Please do not try to follow me.

Please, please forgive me any wrong I have caused you.

Your loving husband

Kenneth

Charlotte read and re-read the letter before passing it over to Sarah. Charlotte noticed how white she went. ‘What’s the matter?’

‘Nothing. It’s nothing,’ she said turning away but Charlotte could see the anguish on her face through the mirror on the wall.

‘You have to tell me,’ insisted Charlotte ‘What does all this mean?’

‘We have no time to loose we must go directly to St Giles’ church, my husband will know what to do.’

‘Do about what?’

‘Trust me. There is no time to lose.’ Arriving at the church they found it in darkness apart from a faint glow in the apse. A figure was moving to the left of the altar; Sarah recognised it to be that of George, her husband.

‘George,’ she called out. Her voice echoed around the empty church

‘Who’s that?’ he peered down the aisle.

‘It’s me, Sarah.’

‘What are you doing here?’

‘A letter… a letter from Kenneth,’ she waved it in the air as she rushed up the aisle.

George grabbed Sarah by the elbow and beckoned Charlotte to follow. He led them into a side chapel , ‘We’re not safe at the moment,’ he said in hushed tones as if some one might over hear. ‘Kenneth has done a terrible thing.’ Charlotte was about to speak but George held up his hand. ‘Before you were married Kenneth came to see me. He was shaken and I knew from his face he had dabbled with something evil. Through the course of his conversation I learnt that he had made a pact with the devil. A few of his friends had been to see ‘Dorian Grey’ at the theatre….’

‘But what has that got to do with his disappearance?’ pleaded Charlotte, tears rolling down her face.

‘What day is it?’

‘All Hallows Eve,’ said Sarah and then the penny dropped, ‘Oh my God!’

At the far end of the church stood a lonely figure.

‘Come up to the altar,’ demanded George.

‘I can’t.’