Nightmare Fuel: The Ultimate Collection of Short Horror Tales by Wesley Thomas Page A

claws slashed. Even when teeth chomped down, skin was peeled, bones were broken, and a will to live or fight was destroyed.
     
    Unlike Greta's parents, her own mutilated carcass wore the expression of misery. Not fear. Not horror. But a deep depression and sorrow. An eternal ache that was embedded into her soul. These were the expressions also worn by the police and paramedics the following day as they came to the scene of another unimaginable crime. The death of a law enforcer, two parents and their child. This dominated the news for weeks, along with another rash of grizzly deaths that eventually came to an end. Never able to determine what was doing it. But little did anyone know, that the deaths hadn't stopped, but simply relocated. The scarecrow was working its way through America, slowly but surely killing the populace, until extinction of the human race was inevitable. And scarecrows would reign on earth.

 
     
    Vengeance
     
    Crickets chirped into the night as Neve strolled down the street headed for the Butterfield's house. A typical Saturday night babysitting the adorable twins. Most teenage girls only performed such tasks as a means of getting money, but Neve genuinely loved the children. Barely three and indescribably cute. The breeze was faint on the warm summer night, with the stars glimmering above. Warm glows from houses and muffled conversations echoed in the street, along with the blurry television screens shining through blinds. The house was only five minutes away, resting atop the hill of homes. The haze of shadows rushing around to get ready were visible through the windows.
    Neve took a moment to enjoy her new clothes that she had bought earlier that day at the mall. Tiffany and Sadie had accompanied Neve on a cheeky trip for some retail therapy. Mostly window browsing, unless a killer sale or irresistible deal was on, then caution was thrown to the wind and their allowances vanished. Not that Neve had to worry about that, she had regular babysitting work. The silky t-shirt rubbed against her skin, as a pair of soft joggers stroked at her legs. Mint milkshake still lingered on Neve's tongue from the mall's quaint diner where they had each slurped up sweet dairy goodness. Fond memories of gossip and scandal made a smile stretch out her face as Neve approached a bundle of children playing in their front lawn. Which seemed a little dangerous as they looked no older than seven. The neighbourhood was not in question, but common sense told most parents vigilance was key to keeping your children safe from perverts and murderers these days. It was then that the parents could be seen sat on the porch swinging on a large chair. They each held a tumbler of green liquid, the tip of each glass rimmed with sugar. Neve presumed it was an alcoholic drink, after all it was Saturday. She knew there were many adults, including her parents that enjoyed alcohol on a weekend after a hard working week. The children ran around playing tag, each rolling and jumping to avoid being touched and having the daunting task of chasing being passed onto them like a plague. Girls squeaked while the boys chuckled, tumbling in the grass. The parents wore huge grins, staring at their children with adoring, and slightly glazed over eyes. Neve now immediately took back her judgement on the parenting skills of the clearly loving, caring couple. She gave them a wave as they sipped their drinks. Each returned the sentiment with a raised tilt of their glasses.
     
    After passing neighbours, dogs and picturesque homes Neve was now approaching the driveway to the Butterfield's. Toys were strewn on the lawn and the garage was wide open showing a mess of garden furniture and equipment. She stepped up onto the wooden porch and knocked at the door. Neve quickly used the reflection to fuss at her blonde hair and rearrange her jacket before someone answered. Which was when Mrs Butterfield came and opened the door wearing a stunning black dress and