Fear: 13 Stories of Suspense and Horror by R.L. Stine Page B

lights, no sirens.”
    â€œWe did it!” Britney said.
    A few minutes later Todd said, “Left at the next corner, where the sign says ‘Lake Elgin’. Aunt Martha’s house is in about two miles.”
    Two miles! That didn’t give the police enough time to find me.
    Panic rose in my throat. I remembered Todd’s words: We’ll get rid of her after we rob the bank.
    Soon Todd said, “It’s the gravel driveway on the right. Park down by the dock.”
    The car slowed. The bumpy road curved several times.
    â€œLet’s shoot her in the car and push it into the water,” Britney said. “We’ll be rid of the girl and the getaway car at the same time.”
    â€œHey, this is a good car. We’ll shoot her and dump the body off the dock.”
    I couldn’t believe how calmly they discussed my murder. Had they killed before?
    The car stopped. “Let’s get it over with,” Todd said.
    They both got out. I slipped my hands back into the knotted cord. I needed more time. I had to stall.
    Britney opened the back door. “Out,” she said.
    â€œMmmm,” I said as I got out. “Mmmm!”
    â€œUngag her,” Todd said. “No one can hear her yell now.”
    Britney took the dish towel out of my mouth.
    â€œWhen your aunt dies, you’ll inherit this house,” I said.
    â€œWhat?” said Todd.
    â€œShe put it in her will.”
    â€œWhat about her daughter?”
    â€œShe said you visit her, and she wants you to have everything.”
    Britney looked at the classic old house, the wide lawn, and the lake view. “This place is worth a fortune,” she said.
    â€œWhen did my aunt discuss her affairs with you?” Todd asked.
    â€œSometimes she has tea with Mom and me. One day she asked Mom to recommend an attorney because she wanted to rewrite her will. Mom’s brother is a lawyer, and he handled it.”
    Todd hung on every word, believing my lies. “Where is this new will?” he asked.
    â€œMy uncle has the original. He was afraid your aunt would lose her copy, so Mom kept it at the shop. If you take me there, I’ll show it to you.”
    â€œShe’s trying to trick you into taking her home,” Britney said.
    â€œUncle Zach estimated the value of Mrs. Pameron’s estate at eight hundred and fifty thousand dollars,” I said. “She’s leaving it all to you.”
    Todd’s jaw dropped. “Forget Phoenix,” he said. “We should stay here and be nice to Aunt Martha.”
    â€œShe could live another twenty years,” Britney said.
    â€œUnless we help her along,” Todd said. “She takes a dozen pills every day. It would be easy to overdose on the wrong combination.”
    He said it as nonchalantly as if he were discussing what to have for dinner.
    Britney looked at the house again. “It gets too hot in Phoenix,” she said.
    â€œWe need to get that will. Then we’ll go to Auntie’s apartment and help her take her medicine.”
    An ancient Ford was parked next to the house. “We’ll take Aunt Martha’s car,” Todd said, “in case the cops are looking for mine. She leaves the keys in it.”
    This time Todd drove.
    After I lay down on the backseat, I peeked at my phone, hoping to see a message from Mom saying that help was on the way.
    The phone was dark. My battery needed to recharge. My texts had never been sent.
    Fear and despair washed over me. As soon as Todd and Britney realized there wasn’t any will, I knew they’d shoot me.
    Britney said, “Let’s go! Let’s go!” and the Ford shot forward.
    Seconds later, Todd swore, and hit the brake.
    I sat up.
    Two squad cars, blue lights whirling, blocked our path.
    â€œPolice!” yelled a voice. “Get out with your hands in the air.”
    Two officers approached.
    â€œStay down,” Todd told Britney.
    She put her head on her