Chapter One

2006

“Now, this is a cosy flat. And it’s within your price range. I believe it meets all your requirements, Mr. Willis,” the real estate agent burbled. “What d’you think?”

Matt spun around on his heels slowly, taking in the flat through critical eyes. “Why did the last owners move out?” he asked. He hadn’t meant to, it had just slipped out. He couldn’t help himself. There was an odd, sort of supernatural, vibe about this place.

This flustered the agent, who had proven herself to be quite a chatterbox since Matt had met her that afternoon. “Um… The last owner only lived her for a few months, then moved out suddenly. Actually, a lot of the previous owners seem to have done that…” she marvelled, consulting her clipboard of details. “Is this your sort of thing? If not, there is another flat we haven’t looked at yet…”

Matt turned to her, “If I go to see the other flat and I don’t like it. Could I come and look at this one a little more?”

“Of course.”

*****

The second flat was nice, and had a real homey feel to it. A living room, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a bedroom, that’s all Matt really needed. He had only moved to Edinburgh to escape his old, boring life. Not for any other particular reason. And this had all that. But for dome bizarre reason, he found himself desperately wanting to go back to the other house. He had no idea why. There was just something about it that enthralled him. An energy that he had sensed. An energy that fascinated him but at the same time scared the living daylights out of him. He had to go back. That was the house he wanted.

*****

Living room? Check. Bathroom? Check. Kitchen? Check. Bedroom? Check. Phone socket? Check. Electricity? Check. Room for my sofa? Check.

Matt ran through his mental list of requirements as he wandered through the mysterious house once more. This house seemed to call to him as soon as he entered. Like a sweet song that would lead him to his brutal death. He turned to the estate agent. “This is the house I want.”

She seemed taken aback by my sudden determination. “Are you sure, Mr. Willis?”

“Certain.” He stared straight at her, and her brown eyes locked onto his own hazel ones. “I’m willing to place an offer.”

“It’s a set price. You meet the cost, it’s yours.”

Matt looked around the house one last time, “Don’t worry. I’ll meet it.”