Sudden Despair

Bud retrieved a large key ring from the right front pocket of his pants, and we headed for the front door. I tried the door first and found that it was locked, so Bud used his key to let us in. The door swung open to the inside. If Martha had an alarm system, it was not activated, and the house was silent.

I loudly called out Martha's name, but there was no response. We decided to search different portions of the house. Bud and I headed from the foyer towards the den and kitchen area. In the interest of discretion, Cathy volunteered to search the bedrooms down the hall.

Bud and I had just walked through the empty den and were stepping into the kitchen, when we were heard Cathy scream. I ran back through the house and down the hall, finding Cathy shaking and crying as she stood in the doorway of the master bedroom. I looked in and and was stunned and unable to move for a few seconds. Bud soon joined us and peered into the room over Cathy's shoulder.

'God help us all,' he exclaimed.

'Cathy was no where to be But everything went black'