Overdue

A librarian learns there's a book for everything...wanted or not

"Billingsford Branch Library, how can I help you?"

Melinda listened politely on the phone, but her smile quickly turned to a frown, and she hung up.

"Was it him again?" Ingrid looked worried as Melinda nodded.

"Nothing but breathing. Well...no, actually this time..." she trailed off.

"What?"

"This time there was something like... chanting. Like he was breathing a chant in my ear over the phone. It was creepy."

"Well, I think you ought to call the police."

"For a heavy breather?" Melinda laughed. "The police haven't been interested in chasing down crank calls since your mother was a girl, Innie!"

Ingrid didn't laugh. "Yeah, but it's not just breathing. This is borderline stalk— "

The phone rang. The young women looked at each other; Ingrid shook her head, but Melinda picked up the phone. "Hel—

There was a loud screech from the phone. She dropped it on the desk and stared at it. Both women heard husky breathing and low chanting.

Over hill and far from home
Through nails and fire,
from flesh and bone
Come away
Come away
Come away with me

After it cycled twice, the voice stopped. Then, with a sickening chuckle, they heard a hissing voice. "Bring your friend along, too... Melinda!" And with that, the phone went dead.

As Ingrid and Melinda stared in fear at each other, trying to catch their breath, a tall man wearing a dark fedora low on his forehead entered the library and approached the front desk.

"Can... can I help you, sir?" Melinda asked.

His voice was low, husky, and terrifyingly familiar. "I'm returning a book." he paused. "I think you'd enjoy it, too." Smiling savagely, he turned and left. Melinda looked down at the book and moaned.

The book was called Over Hill and Far From Home.

NOTES: ▶︎

Word Count: 300
Submitted for "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge" 
Prompt: Use the words branch, hill, catch