What is it? Dana asked, snatching the note away from Helena, surprised the feisty woman allowed her to do so. She read the note quickly, then glanced to Helena. Is that whats in the box? Helena nodded, and so Dana turned to the others. Im going to read this note out loud: Im sure that by now, youve all realized that this isnt exactly your average party. This party is a little different. Ive decided to make things even more fun. In this box, youll find eight guns. Use them for protection, or whatever else you see fit. I must warn you, though, one of them is filled with blanks. Now, let the games begin.

What the ***** does that mean? Mark asked angrily, using a cloth napkin to wipe blood from his face and arms.

Helena opened the box once more. Its true. There are eight guns in here.

And eight of us, Shane realized suddenly.

Well, I dont want one, Tina spoke up. I think this is a bad idea.

A bad idea? Bette said, speaking for the first time since Kits death, A ***** bad idea? I think its a great idea. I just watched my sister ***** die, and Im not taking it sitting down. There is a ***** madman around here killing people, and if I find him, Im going to kill him first. Give me one of those! she demanded, thrusting her hand out toward Helena.

Hesitantly, Helena pulled out a gun and dropped it into Bettes hand. Seeing her expression, Bette laughed evilly. Dont worry, Helena, Im not going to use it on you. Holding the gun up, she raised one eyebrow. Unless youre the killer, that is.

Gimme one of those, too, Alice decided, stepping forward.

Helena began to hand the guns around. Tina took hers hesitantly, amazed at how heavy it was.

Whoa, whoa, wait a minute, Shane interrupted.

What? Helena demanded sharply.

The note said one of the guns was filled with blanks, right? Maybe we should figure out which one it is first. Id hate for one of us to find out the hard way, Shane pointed out.

Thats actually a great idea, Mark agreed, cocking his gun. Lets find something to fire into to test them all out.

But then well waste bullets, Alice said.

Id rather waste a few bullets than get stuck with a gun that doesnt have any, Mark replied.

Just as Alice was about to agree, they were interrupted by a horrible scream. They all jumped. What was that? Alice shouted, nearly dropping her gun.

Who was that? Dana corrected, whirling around.

Shane glanced around the room, quickly checking to see who was there. *****! Its Carmen. Shes gone!

There was another scream that suddenly faded out. It sounded like it came from this way! Helena said, running toward a doorway. The group all ran together, guns up, toward the sound of the screaming. Helena halted when they entered the doorway of what appeared to be a bedroom. I think it was coming from here.

I cant see anything, Alice complained, fumbling around for a light switch.

Do I smell blood? Mark whispered to Dana, suddenly worried.

The overhead light flickered, and then came on, to reveal Carmens body slumped over in an armchair, her throat slit and her gun missing.

Carmen! Shane yelled, running forward. Oh my God, what did they do to you?

Carmens lifeless eyes stared back at her as bright blood dripped into Shanes hands. Shane dropped her head in defeat, tears pricking at her eyelids. *****, it was too late. Carmen was gone. At that thought, Shane felt a sudden surge of anger. Standing up, she turned around to face the group, tears in her eyes as she wiped her bloody hands on her pants. Its time to stop ***** around. Everyone back to the dining room.

Everyone silently filed back to the dining room, sticking close together. Before leaving the bedroom, Shane kissed the top of Carmens head and then made the sign of the cross in the doorway, before closing the door behind her.

Now everybody sit the ***** down, Shane instructed, pointing with her gun toward the table.

Will you watch where you wave that thing? Alice demanded, flinching.

Shane stuck the gun into the back of her waistband and watched as everyone sat down around the large dining room table. When everyone was seated, she banged the table loudly with one balled up fist, causing everyone to jump. Its time to stop sitting around like sitting ducks and form a plan. Her eyes blazed, literally, as the bluish orbs eerily reflected the bright flames from the fire.

Shes right, Bette spoke up quietly, gripping her gun tightly. We need revenge.

Not revenge. Its about survival, Mark butted in.

Shane glanced at him. Survival, and then revenge, she said firmly, meeting eyes with Bette.

There only one thing I want to know, Dana began slowly, looking down at the discarded glasses cluttering the surface of the table. Who else is in the house?

All eyes turned to Helena. She shrugged. I didnt see anyone else here when I came in.

Then were searching this house, Shane said resolutely, rapping her knuckles against the table for emphasis.

That sounds like a good idea, Mark agreed.

Well split into pairs, and – Shane began, but Mark cut her off.

That doesnt sound like a good idea, Mark interrupted.

Hes right, Dana put in. Theres safety in numbers.

But how else can we get the house searched as quickly? Tina pointed out, turning to Dana.

Dana leaned back, crossing her arms. I dont like it.

Look, someone else is in this house, and were going to find them, Bette said through clenched teeth. And, I imagine Peggy must be around here somewhere, and, if its not too late, we need to warn her there is a murderer running loose.

Helena paled slightly. Yes, we need to find mother.

Dammit, I need a ***** drink, Alice said suddenly, jumping up and heading over to the liquor cabinet. She opened a bottle and lifted it to her lips, preparing to drink straight from it.

Wait! Tina shouted, jumping up.

What? Alice shrieked, nearly spilling Jack Daniels all over herself as she whirled around, expecting to see a gun-toting madman behind her.

What if its poisoned? Tina asked.

Alice squealed and quickly dropped the bottle, letting it hit the carpet with a soft thud, falling to its side as amber liquid began to seep out onto the floor.

Wait, dont let it all spill! It could be evidence or something, Mark pointed out, rushing over to right the bottle.

Evidence of what? Bette asked with a snort. What are we going to do, whisk it away to the other room and test it in our crime lab. This isnt CSI. Were not on a TV show.

I know that, Mark said, clearly frustrated. But when the police come, they might need to analyze this or something, to see if Marina really was poisoned.

When the police come? Bette asked, laughing bitterly. Dont you see? Theyre not coming. Were trapped here, and were all going to die!

Come on, Bette, lets try to be positive, Shane warned.

A loud boom from overhead interrupted them. Thunder, Tina whispered, as they heard rain began to suddenly pour down violently as the heavens opened, unleashing their fury onto the world, assaulting the old mansion with rain. The windows were illuminated with lightning.

Theres that storm Jenny warned us about, Dana muttered.

What did Marina drink? Helena asked suddenly.

Ummm, red wine? Tina responded, leaning over to peer at Marinas fallen glass.

The rest of us had either white wine, Jack Daniels, or water, correct? Everyone nodded. Do you know what that must mean?

Please, enlighten us, Bette said with a sneer.

Helena ignored her. Only the red wine must have been poisoned, or wed all be dead, too.

I think shes right, Alice agreed, realization dawning.

Okay, now are we ready to split up, then? Shane asked.

Everyone silently nodded. How are we going to do this? Tina asked.

We could draw straws or something, Mark replied.

That would take too long. Lets just pair off, Bette said.

Theres an uneven amount of us, Dana pointed out.

We could go in threes, Tina suggested.

Alice and I are a team, Dana said suddenly, clutching at Alices hand and pulling her close. Alice glanced at her happily. Dana gave her a crooked grin. If Im about to die, at least Ill be with you.

Fine, theres one pair, Bette said. Tina and I are another. Now, why dont you and Mark pair up, Shane, and take Helena with you.

Mark snorted, but covered it up with a cough when he saw the glare Helena was giving him. Sure.

The three teams split up: Dana and Alice going upstairs to the third floor, Bette and Tina searching the second floor, and Shane, Mark, and Helena on the ground floor.

Helena turned to Shane. Im taking him with me to search the other bedrooms. You can go over the rooms weve already been.

Behind Helena, Mark rolled his eyes. Shane reached behind her, touching the gun in her waistband briefly. Fine. Meet me back here in no later than fifteen minutes.

The two trooped off, leaving Shane alone to prod around the room. First she started by searching the obvious hiding places, seeing if anyone could be there. When she didnt find anyone, she began feeling along the floors and walls for hidden areas. Finding none, she had just sat back on her heels in defeat when Helena entered the room. Glancing at her watch, Shane was surprised to see it had been fifteen minutes already. Wheres Mark? she asked, looking behind Helena.

Helena glanced around, looking puzzled. I dont know. He was right behind me a few moments ago.

The two headed back toward the direction Helena had come from, calling Marks name and ducking into rooms searching for him. Dammit, you shouldnt have allowed him to wander off, Shane muttered.

Helena merely nodded, reaching for the doorknob of the last room they had to search on their floor. When the door swung open, both women stood there in silent shock. There was Marks body, dangling from a noose around his neck hanging from a hook in the ceiling.

No! Shane screamed, grabbing at his swinging legs, desperately hoping he was still alive. Helena quickly pushed over a chair and Shane stood on it, jumping up until she could reach the low ceiling, managing to free the rope from the hook. She and Marks body both tumbled to the floor in a heap.

Is he alive? Helena asked, helping Shane roll Marks still form over onto his back.

Shane quickly felt for a pulse, and then her shoulders fell as she turned to Helena and said quietly, No.

*****, Helena muttered, pulling at her hair.

Oh, Mark, Shane said quietly, feeling her tears from earlier threatening once more. She caressed her cheek softly. I completely forgave you.

Helena looked curious at that last comment, but had the sense not to pry. Well, we know he didnt kill himself. Look, she said, pointing to Marks hands, which were bound together behind his back with rope. She looked around a moment, then also added, And his gun seems to be missing, as well.

This is just ***** crazy, Shane swore, pulling herself to her feet. We need to go find the others. No more splitting up. I say we sit our asses down at that dining room table in there and just wait. Eventually someone will find us, and if were all right there together, maybe well be safe.

Helena nodded, standing up beside Shane, just as a piercing scream ran through the air. Not again! Helena groaned, grabbing Shanes arm as they sprinted out of the room and up the stairs toward the sound of the screaming.