The Third Horror Read Online Free PDF Page A

turned and made her way quickly to the white stretch limo waiting for her at the end of the line of trailers.
    "I don't believe her!" Kody declared, starting to feel a little more normal.
    "Save your anger," Bo told her. "Remember how you feel right now. Save it for when we shoot. You'll need it." Shaking his head, he hurried up the lawn to talk to the sound crew.
    "You okay?" Rob asked, his expression concerned.
    "Yeah. I guess," Kody replied shakily. "Persia really thinks she can get away with anything—doesn't she!"
    "She probably can," Rob replied seriously. "Ready to go to your hotel?" He pointed to the black car waiting across the street.
    "Know what? I'm going to cool out in my trailer for a while," Kody replied. "Just till I catch my breath. Send the car back for me—okay?"
    She could see disappointment on Rob's face.
    I think he likes me, Kody thought. The idea pleased her.
    But then she told herself: Rob seems to like everyone. He's a really friendly, warm, outgoing guy.
    Don't start getting ideas, Kody, she scolded herself. Rob grew up in Beverly Hills. He's been around movie and TV stars his whole life.
    Why would he be interested in me?
    But then, to her complete surprise, he leaned forward, wrapped his arms around her shoulders, and kissed her.
    A long kiss. A hungry kiss.
    Kody felt so startled, she just stood there at first. But then she eagerly returned the kiss, moving her mouth over his.
    He turned away quickly, ending the kiss, and started toward the car with long, loping strides. "I'll be in my room later," he called back to her. "If you want to call me."
    She watched him climb into the backseat of the car. He gave her a quick wave as the driver pulled away.
    Kody shut her eyes. She could still taste Rob's lips on hers.
    Does he really like me? she wondered.
    Or was he just acting? Like Persia. Trying to get into character.
    He's just an actor. They're all actors.
    She realized she wasn't thinking clearly. It had been such an upsetting, exciting, horrifying day—a day of one emotion piling on top of another.
    She climbed the three low steps and pushed open the door to her trailer. The sun had lowered behind the trees. She stepped into the darkness, pulled the door shut behind her, and made her way blindly to the low couch against the wall.
    Darkness. Cool, quiet darkness, she thought.
    She lay down and stretched out on the unfamiliar couch. The leather felt cool against her skin. The air inside the trailer smelled stale. She lowered an arm over her eyes, seeking complete darkness.
    I probably should have gone back to the hotel, she thought. But I need a few minutes alone. A few minutes to catch my breath. To think.
    She pictured Persia. Persia's taunting eyes. Persia's cruel smile.
    How am I going to deal with her? How? Kody wondered.

     
    I can't ignore her. We'll be working together for weeks and weeks. We have so many scenes together.
    I can't try to compete with her. There's no way I can be as sarcastic and cutting. And I don't want to be.
    I can't compete with her. But can I get along with her?
    With these troubled thoughts floating through her mind, Kody drifted into a troubled sleep.
    A knock on the door startled her awake.
    At first, staring into blackness, she had no idea where she was. The coolness of the leather couch under her hands reminded her.
    When did I fall asleep? she wondered. How long have I been sleeping?
    Her T-shirt clung to her back. Her throat felt dry and sore.
    She reached out, struggling to find the lamp switch. But she lowered her hand when she heard the knocks.
    Three short, soft knocks.
    Tap tap tap.
    A pause. Then three more.
    Tap tap tap.
    "No!" she cried in a choked whisper.
    The soft tapping on the trailer door sent chills down her back.
    She jumped to her feet.
    I remember those knocks.
    Yes, I remember them. The soft knocks of a ghost.
    Standing stiffly in the darkness of the narrow trailer, Kody froze.
    Tap tap tap.

     
    The same sounds Kody had tapped on Cally's