8 Waking nightmares

Chapter 8 Waking nightmares Thora Mulch was the nosiest person in Nether Bogey. She was always asking awkward questions. Why did so many people drown in the marshes? And what had frightened Jimmy Flint?

Thora thought back to other strange events. Old Ma Gibbons had thrown herself under a cart, screaming that witch-hunters were after her. Leave me alone! Thomas Bradpole had drowned himself in the river, to escape from the shadows that haunted him every night.

And Magnus Duggan had broken several ribs after his dreadful fall. Now, he was being cared for at Mystery Mansion. The village doctor was checking up on him every day... Dr. Grimm's here to see you, again.

...but poor Magnus was still seeing bats. Calm down, you'll soon feel better.

Now, Thora had started having nightmares too. Many years ago, her husband Norman had tripped over the cat and broken his neck. Every night, his ghost was haunting her with its neck all twisted. Thora was terrified that she'd be the next to die.

That morning, Thora was walking into the village when she heard some footsteps close behind her. Peering through the mist, she saw a shadowy figure with a strangely twisted neck. Oh no, not Norman! A piercing scream rang through the air as Thora Mulch collapsed in a heap.