In the wardrobe

Leanne went for the wardrobe. Without wasting time she leapt into the closet and quietly closed the door behind her. As she tried to control her breathing she heard what sounded like two or possibly three old women entering the room. There was a crack in the door and she watched as they came into view. They seemed friendly enough. Maybe they'd be understanding about her situation and even help her.

She thought better of coming out from her hiding place. At least until she was sure the women were safe. After her earlier experiences she didn't trust anyone so much. Even little old ladies.

The three residents chatted as pensioners tended to do. She heard them discussing their grandchildren and then the conversation moved onto cooking. She didn't catch everything they said but enough to get the gist of the conversation. Eventually they began speaking about preparing something there in the room.

'If this smells good, they're gonna hear my stomach rumbling,' thought Leanne.

She stayed where she was and watched closely as two of the women moved a table to the centre of the room while the third carried over a large pot. As they each poured various liquids and dropped items into the pot Leanne wondered what they were preparing.

"Thrice and once the hedge-pig whined," began the first old lady.

"Harpier cries 'tis time, tis time'," added her friend.

"Round about the cauldron go." continued the third. "In the poison'd entrails throw. Toad, that under cold stone. Days and nights has thirty-one. Swelter'd venom sleeping got. Boil thou first i' the charmed pot."

By now Leanne was starting to get a little freaked out. Were these old women joking or was there something sinister happening? She wasn't sure if she wanted to find out. Either way she was trapped and had no way out.

"Did you get the dog tongue?" asked one of the old ladies as she stirred the ominous mixture.

"Of course," answered another. "But we couldn't find any frog."

"We'll just have to see if it works without," replied the first resident. "Bring the specimen."

Leanne's heart raced. Did they know she was there? Had they seen her? Her fears grew as she saw two of the old ladies coming towards her hiding place. She closed her eyes and tried to move back as far as she could behind the clothing. The doors opened and the two pensioners peered inside menacingly.

"Ah, here it is," they reached inside before dragging out the naked body of a young man. His arms and legs were strapped together and he seemed half conscious. As they led him back to the centre of the room he faced Leanne. His glazed eyes suddenly widening as he spotted the girl. He released muffled screams through the gag **** down his throat. If the old women saw her she could be next. Whatever they were planning she didn't want to be part of it.