Page 111 of Serenity Falls

‘Where are we going, exactly?’

They’re nearing the edge of the fairground, the rides thinning out, the music and screams fading away.

‘Almost there.’

It’s darker here. The bright lights don’t reach this far, and night is settling in. Up ahead, Sadie can see a high wooden fence securing off an area. It’s been decorated with pictures of animated Winsom characters:

‘Keep out and keep yourself safe.’

‘We’re building on the fun. No peeking.’

‘Remember – safety rules. Keep out.’

They stop outside the fence.

‘What is this?’ she asks.

Ellis grins, teeth gleaming in the semi-darkness. ‘This is where the old Ghost Train ride used to be. Years ago, a kid got crushed on it.’

Sadie remembers Larry’s words: ‘This one time, years ago, a kid died on one of the rides.’

‘What happened?’

‘Apparently, this kid was riding on the train and messing about, standing up when he shouldn’t. I think his name was Owen. Anyway, he fell out and got crushed. But he didn’t die right away. He was stuck there all mangled while they tried to get him out.’

‘That’s pretty nasty.’

‘Yeah. They closed the ride after that. Almost thirty years ago. Never reopened.’

‘So, they’re not actually “building on the fun”?’

‘Nope. They built a new Ghost Train on the other side of the fair.’

‘Why didn’t they just knock this one down or build something else?’

Ellis shrugs. ‘Who knows? But there’s more. C’mon.’

Slightly reluctantly, Sadie follows Ellis around the side of the fencing. Ellis pulls a small flashlight out of her pocket and flicks it on. Sadie takes out her phone and presses the torch. There’s a narrow door cut into the fencing. Ellis looks around then pushes the door open. She ushers Sadie quickly inside. Sadie hesitates for a moment but walks through. Once in, Ellis slips a small padlock out of her pocket and secures the door from the inside.

Sadie stares at her. ‘You’re locking us in?’

‘Just making sure no one else follows. There used to be a padlock on the outside, but Dax broke it off.’

They both stand for a moment and stare up at the disused ride. It must have been a cool Ghost Train when it ran, Sadie thinks. It’s painted in dark green and black. Winsom characters in Halloween costumes adorn the front. The big sign at the top has been removed, leaving loose wires hanging down. A row of carriages sits on the rails as if waiting for riders.

‘Creepy movie set 101, right?’ Ellis says.

Sadie nods and starts to raise her phone. Ellis grabs her arm. ‘No photos. We’re not supposed to be here, so if anyone sees them, we’ll be in big trouble.’

‘Okay, got it.’ She lowers her phone again, feeling a little disappointed. Dad would love this. But then, he’d also be pissed off that they broke in.

Ellis leaps up on to the loading platform of the old ride. ‘Coming?’

‘Is it safe?’

‘As long as it’s not moving,’ Ellis replies.

‘Comforting.’