Spare Key
R. Frederick Hamilton

Rachel was cursed. She was sure of it. She always seemed to get the fruitcake neighbours. No matter where she went they were always the same: selfish and inconsiderate people who had no respect for anyone. But the last one had been the worst of all: rude and obnoxious, fond of loud music and endless parties. He'd made her life a living hell. Once he disappeared, she was certain no one could ever be that bad again.

 

She was wrong.

 

After two months of peace, a new tenant is moving in next door and Rachel is about to discover how bad a neighbour can be. Because even though her new neighbour is supposed to be starting a new life, even though he is planning to take the pills just like the doctor told him, Ben Fowler has a Red Room in his mind. A special, secret place he built where he takes revenge on the lady responsible for the horrors of his childhood. It's just unfortunate that Rachel looks exactly like her...

 

... And that a neighbourly gesture of good will years earlier could provide Ben with all the temptation he needs to slip back into his old habits.

 

The debut novella by R. Frederick Hamilton is a graphic and disturbing story of urban horror that is not for the faint of heart. Included in the volume are two short stories guaranteed to leave a bad taste in your mouth. The Filmmakers: a horrific portrayal of teens degenerating into sadism, and Writer's Block: a surreal trip into the world of a boy held captive by his body-building mother.