Chapter Two

Nick was slimming through the ancient book when he heard a crash in the hall. Jumping up from the chair, he ran out into the hall and found Derek crumbled on the floor. "Derek!" he cried. "Are you all right?" Derek stood up, looking dazed. "And what's this on you?" Nick added. There was sparking dust on him. "I'm OK." said Derek, "But I don't know what it is on me.". "Who did this?" Nick demanded to know. "Hitchcock." Derek replied. "But don't bother going off. He's gone."
Nick sighed, knowing Derek is right.

"But I'll bet the answer is in that book." added Derek. Sure enough, the answer was in the book but it was not enough.

"'The curse is the most deadly when it comes to love. The Cursed will not be loved by any one in the lifetime.'" Nick read from the book. "'There is no way to get rid of the curse.'"

"There must be a way." said Derek.

"What do you say if I suggest we go and visit the group tomorrow?" Nick said suddenly. "They must be there."

"I agree." That was all Derek said before going upstairs.

Back at the castle, Kathleen Gorman was unpacking her stuff in her new bedroom. She was happy to be in her new place but something had been nagging her. That man in the black jacket… Who is he? Kathleen thought. There is something about him that bothers me.

"Something is bothering you." a voice spoke from behind her. She turned around to face her boyfriend, Peter Welborne.

"Yes, something is bothering me." Kathleen said, turning back to continue her unpacking.

"It's that man, isn't it?" asked Peter.

"Yes, but I don't know why." Kathleen replied, putting the empty box down on the floor. "I don't even know his name."

"Come on down." Peter said, changing the subject as he wrapped his arms around Kathleen. "Dinner's ready."

"O.K." Kathleen sighed. I know him. She thought. I was there when Alicia died.

The next morning, while Kathleen, Peter and two other housemates were having breakfast, there was a doorbell. "I'll answer that." Kathleen said, standing up from the table. "I'm finished eating anyway."

Peter stood up. "No, let me. For all I know, we were supposed to be the only ones on this island." Kathleen shook her head and went in the hall. "Stubborn one, isn't she?" Peter sighed.

When she opened the door, the same men she had seen the previous day were standing on the doorstep. "Yes?" she asked.

"Hello," the man in black jacket said. "I'm Dr. Derek Rayne and this is Nick Boyle. May we come in?"

"Sure," Kathleen said, stepping aside. Peter eyed Derek from behind Kathleen. Kathleen guided the group into the Den. "How may we help you?" she asked.

"We were surprised to see you here." Derek explained. "We have no idea the second castle existed on this island."

"And we have no idea that you guys live here as well." Peter said.

"Well, we have two other people here but they're rather busy right now." said Kathleen.

"I don't see a problem with it." said Nick. "But tell us.. how do you find the second castle?"

"We have a feeling that the island is for us." Kathleen explained. "And we went exploring."

"That's where we found this castle." Peter added. "Tell us.. why all those questions?"

"We're just surprised to see you." Derek said. "We better get going."

"O.K." said Kathleen. I know you, Derek. she thought.

As if Derek read her mind, he turned around so suddenly that Nick had to stumble to avoid bumping into him. "Yes?" Peter asked, sounding impatient. Derek shot Kathleen a long glance before muttering "nothing." They left the house quickly.

"Funny," Peter said. "for a minute there, I have a feeling that Derek Rayne is in love with you."

"Don't be ridiculous." Kathleen said, wincing at the sudden headache.

"Are you O.K.?" Peter asked, rubbing her temples with his fingers.

"I hope no one finds out." Kathleen said. "There are still more to go."

"I know." replied Peter softly. "I know."

"What's this about back there?" asked Nick.

"I had a feeling." Derek said, looking back at the castle. That was all he said for the rest of the trip back to the House.