The stench was so strong that I drew back and slammed the door but not before a fly escaped.
“That"s disgusting!” Beth whined.
I turned to see Beth covering her nose with both of her hands despite the double layer of cloth tied around her face.
I nodded, and as we stepped away from the door a sudden noise from inside the room caught my attention.
“Sh!” I held up my hand to Beth and turned back toward the door. I put my ear against it.
“What –”
“Sh!” I interrupted. I closed my eyes and concentrated, sure that I"d heard some noise.
“It"s probably just a…m-mouse or something.”
I held up my index finger and tapped my lips, signaling for Beth to be quiet. As I was about to give up listening, another sound came through the door, and I was sure it was a groan. I placed my hand on the door
