Books of Blood: Volume 2 (Books of Blood #2)

by Clive Barker

“It’s the subject of any worthwhile philosophy, Stephen. It’s the things we fear, because we don’t understand them. It’s the dark behind the door.” Steve thought of a door. Thought of the dark. He began to see what Quaid was driving at in his labyrinthine fashion. Philosophy was a way to talk about fear. “We should discuss what’s intimate to our psyches,” said Quaid. “If we don’t . . . we risk . . .” Quaid’s loquaciousness deserted him suddenly. “What?” Quaid was staring at his empty brandy glass, seeming to will it to be full again. “Want another?” said Steve, praying that the answer would be no. What do we risk?” Quaid repeated the question. “Well, I think if we don’t go out and find the beast—” Steve could see the punchline coming. “—sooner or later the beast will come and find us.”