The Twisted Read Free Page B

Harrying Avenue. It looked more desperate then ever.
    Dave was still not very used to the twists and turns – but he managed to get there. The car pulled into the drive of Deepwater Cottage, home of Victoria Richards.
    Victoria, in their last adventure together, had been a heroine. She had effectively saved the day and rendered Victor Left powerless by magically wrapping his arms around his neck. It was a move that led to the saving of kidnapped actress Dawn Hughes but Victoria didn’t stick around for the celebrations and the gang had not seen her since.
    The brown door opened and a man in his late thirties stepped out. “You guys looking for Victoria?” he asked in a very gruff, deep voice. “She’s in the shower. Come in.”
    The group made its way into the living room.
    â€œIt’s unlike Victoria to be having a shower,” said Dave. “And who exactly are you?”
    â€œI’m her agent, Oscar Blade.”
    â€œCool. Can I call you Oscar?”
    â€œNo. You may call me Mr Blade.”
    â€œOK then Oscar.” Dave grinned.
    Oscar Blade sighed.
    The gang heard footsteps.
    â€œThat’ll be Victoria,” said Blade, rising to meet her.
    â€œHi!” she said to the guys. “Long time no see. I take it you’re here about the monster situation?”
    â€œYep,” said Dave.
    â€œWho do you think could have done this?”
    â€œRichard Blake. Grand Sorcerer – I believe you are aware of his work?”
    â€œYes.” She said. “Actually Dave, I need to talk to you urgently about something. Come into my study. And don’t tell anyone! ”

    The Baroness sat back at the dining table. She was feasting on a meal fit for a king after seeing off Richard Blake and his accomplice.
    She knew it wasn’t the end but she decided to celebrate the small wins.

    Arish Doom smiled. Dave had just entered her room. Angeline, a qualified nurse, and Dr Haysworne, The Three Circles medicinal help, were tending to her wounds.
    â€œAre you OK?”
    â€œI’m fine, Dave. Or at least, I will be fine.”
    â€œI am not going to sit here and watch you being operated on. I am a civilised person.
    Arish Doom smiled. She touched Dave’s shoulder in a gesture of, what appeared to be, friendship and appreciation – but something didn’t feel right. Her hand was cold and as he looked at her in horror her skin began to crumble. She grew long nails and sharp fangs and he knew – it had all been a show. She was already Twisted.
    â€œRun,” he shouted at Angeline as he grabbed her hand and pushed Dr Haysworne with the other. They took a left and headed for Room Five. Skidding in they shut the door, out of breath and wondering what their next move should be.
    Sitting in the room already were Paolo, Vivian and Giuseppe. Daniel was over in the kitchen, or so said Vivian.
    After keeping a watch out from a crack in the door Dave finally decided they could make a run for it again so they held onto each other and dashed down the hallway picking up Daniel, who was busy eating biscuits, on the way.
    The only other person in the castle at the time was Rose Dahlia but she could look after herself….or could she?
    The group ran to the Bentley and piled in. Behind them was Rose’s car.
    â€œOh no,” muttered Dave, “Airish has obviously got reinforcements in and they’ve hijacked Rose’s car. At least she’s not…”
    â€œThey’ve got Rose,” screeched Paolo.
    Rose was there, in the front seat of the Hyundai Coupé following them. She looked manic – just not herself – and she looked hell bent on catching up with them. There was a strange mist in her car and The Fragola Brothers realised with a sinking feeling that Rose was most likely Twisted too.
    It was confirmed when suddenly a car came skidding down the road towards them. The driver was smiling. He was short and had brown hair shaved