I heard a splash from the far side of the tunnel. I stopped, and listened, breathing as quietly as I could, fighting to keep from gagging on the blooming stench that was now coming from right underneath me.

Another splash, but it didn’t sound like a footstep. More like a fish, or the swish of a tail. It was coming toward me faster than anyone could walk. It sounded like something swimming.

“Hello?” This was Tire Iron, calling from the opening I’d entered from, blocking that entrance. I knew I was too far inside for him to see me. “Anybody in here?”

“I’m in here!” This voice came from the opposite end, from the direction I was heading.

“Me too! We’re having a party.” A third voice, a girl’s. High-pitched and manic with glee. “I’ve invited all my friends.”

More splashing, coming closer. Whatever it was must have arrived at the dead thing because it stopped momentarily. And then it started thrashing, splashing me with water as it attacked the decomposing meat.

I felt something bump my foot, then whip against my leg. It hissed.

I kicked my foot out reflexively and felt a hot poke in my calf, just below the knee. Searing pain set my leg on fire. I reached down and caught hold of something clinging to my leg. Something long and slippery with a rubbery feel, writhing in my hands. I pulled and it coiled around my forearm. I couldn’t stay quiet any longer. I screamed as I flung it away.

That was a snake. There were snakes in here.

Joyous laughter came from the girl. “Oh, goodie! My friends have found someone to play with!”

Then, from Tire Iron, “No fair, wait for me.”

I was surrounded, and I’d just given up my location. And that goddamn snake had bitten me. This was not a game.

Cold fire burned the spot where the snake had bitten me, my calf was cramping. There was no telling what type of snake it was or the brand of venom now coursing through my veins. Whatever it was, it was fast acting. And I doubted these maniacs had any antivenin on hand.

I heard the hiss of another snake and felt it slither over my foot, curling briefly around my ankle before letting go. It must have been at least three-and-a-half-feet long. Another one swam down the channel between my legs. How many were in here? What was the thing lying dead beneath me? The odds of it being human were increasing.

I had to get out of here, now. “I’ve got a gun!” I screamed. Or tried to. It came out in a strangled croak that echoed down the concrete tunnel and couldn’t have convinced a child.

“Now would be a good time to use it then, sweetie. We’ve come to kill you, you know.”