The House Across the Lake

As the storm rages outside, Casey interrogates Len about his murders. He tells her that he’d always struggled with the urge to kill, but still trying to earn her sympathy, he blames it on his terrible childhood. Casey is still angry and admits that after she learns where he’s placed his victims, she intends to kill him once more. Len, speaking from within Katherine’s body, tells her that she would also be killing Katherine.

Just then the storm reaches a zenith and the electricity in the house goes out. Casey gathers candles, reflecting on how ugly the situation has become. While talking more with Len, she learns there is a way to bring Katherine back, but Len refuses to share it with her. As Casey threatens Len with a knife, he tells her, “I always knew we were a good match” (297) causing her to realize with horror that she also feels part of Len within her.

Len tells her that after death, part of the soul dissipates into the natural environment. Because he drowned, part of his soul went into the lake. By just breathing on Casey, he was able to infect her with part of himself. Spooked by this new horror, Casey goes downstairs to pour herself a drink.