ONE EYE BLIND

 

 

 

ONE EYE BLIND

The air was still, barely moving with each breath. Slowly the oxygen was pulled into his nostrils as it quickly was pushed out through the dry, cracked thick lips. The light was shadowy, grayish in hue. There was little to no sound in the basement laundry room as the cracked space  with the door was hardly noticeable. His forehead was pressed hard against the cracked door as he turned his head to his left. He could only see out of one eye since he had lost his left one in a jail fight. He knew the second the prisoner stabbed him in his left eye with a plastic fork he’d never see out of that eye again. All that was visible was the black patch that cover the socket where his eye once occupied that socket. There was only the waiting now, waiting for the perfect moment for the excitement to begin.

Footsteps, ah yes, the footsteps had been heard, his heart began to beat faster with anticipation of that perfect moment. Suddenly the shadow of a body was noticeable as the form of the young woman came into to view. He licked his thick crusty lips once again as he waited only a second before his playtime would begin. He had waited, planned and hoped and now the time had come as he slid from the closet and with one swift move took his victim as his prey.

Now, the countdown began and his game of power would only end the same as all of those before, death was on its way.

CHAPTER ONE

Morning sun was brighter than normal or so it seemed. Kassie stood on the sidewalk watching the movers haul furniture room by room into her first-floor apartment. Today was the beginning of a new era for her, but there was not celebration in her mind or heart.

Kassie had never wanted to move to her new place of residence, but somehow the plans and dreams she had formulated with Barry were now under the bridge, sunken and lost forever.

There would always be that troubling question, why did he cheat? Had she not given him everything that she could for happiness? What had she missed in five years of that relationship? For now, no answers would suffice her anger or curiosity of knowing what had gone wrong.

“ Well, damn it. I haven’t the time for all of this crap right now. Back to work ole gal and stop worrying about that dirt bag that CHEATED on you. A new day, a new life.” Kassie said to herself as she headed into her brand-new apartment. There will be time enough to cry over spilt milk and rotten cheese as she labeled her lost romance in her mind.

Saturday had been filled with nothing more than unpacking, unwrapping and making decision after decision of where to put this thing or that thing. It occurred to Kassie after hours of unpacking that she hadn’t eaten in hours so she searched for the brochures that the apartment manager had left for her in order to help her acclimate to the stores and vendors in her new surrounding community of Cornelus. If one thing was given this new apartment complex honestly did it’s best to make every tenant feel like they had lived there their entire life.

Bob Higgins the manager had been very happy to leave Kassie a list of stores, pharmacies, physicians’ offices and number, the local police department direct non-emergency number. He had even left brochures of restaurants, fast food establishments and gas stations. The only thing he didn’t give information for were the local schools. That much Kassie didn’t need considering she was a teacher herself. School business was her business and she had made sure that when accepting her position at the local high school, Cornelus High she also inquired about the other local schools.

After hours of working non-stop to put her life back in order Kassie decided it was time to stop for the evening. The cable had been connected on Friday before the move and the utilities had been turned on as well.  This was the perfect time to take a soak in her beautiful garden tub. A glass of rich wine with a little soft jazz sounded like the perfect antidote for her tired muscles and back and her still broken heart. Kassie really needed a few quiet moments before choosing what delightful fast food gourmet delicacy she would indulge in for dinner.

Returning to the living room Kassie noticed what she thought was a shadow that moved in front of her window that faced the parking spaces in front of her apartment building. She leaned close to the large window looking left then right with a creepy feeling crawling up  her spine.  Speaking to herself she said in almost a whisper, “Geee-sus Kassie you’re already freaking out.  Calm the hell down and breath. Dang, time to go soak. With that Kassie made her way to her bathroom and prepared for a nice hot soak in her new tub. Without realizing how close she was to truth of a presence outside of her apartment.

CHAPTER TWO

The short squatty figure moved slowly, deliberately without a hurried pace along the sidewalk in front of the apartments in building 1010. He  walked slowly as he was not in a big hurry to find out who it was that had taken apartment 1004 as he knew that information was fairly clear. New residents meant a new chance to scope out a new playmate and as he had watched the moving process of the latest female resident his attention quickly perked up. Just what he had been hoping for all these long months. Taking the job of handy man for the new apartment complex would certainly give him plenty of choices and he loved choices.

Hanley had made sure that no matter where he needed to be on this new moving day he would assure himself to be within ear shot as well as eye shot of the new lady of the Sunny View complex. A game, another game is what he longed for and now a game he may have and it excited him beyond all fantasies since he had had in quiet some time with a special playmate.

He stood so silent in the shadows of the parking lot as he walked at a very slow pace so as not to call attention to himself. The building that housed his tiny apartment in the small basement of the club house barely had any light at all. Hanley liked to dark as it was his preferred lifestyle where every desire could be written out and planned on in detail.

As Hanley entered the small room that served as the living room and dining room he turned to close and lock the door tightly behind him. Removing his utility-belt he laid it on a chair to his left and slowly dragged his feet to the small but, well-furnished bedroom. He wanted, no needed to start drawing the face of the woman that would soon become his latest playmate.  He licked his thick, dried, cracked lips at the mere thought of the beautiful brunette. How slender she was with those long trestles of curls, long slender legs with arms that could entwine a man for days. How he wished he had her already, but planning his day with her would require patience, time and thoughtful outlook.

Hanley smiled a wicked, deceitful smile in the mirror that hung above the dresser. “Wait, wait. Soon my friend she’ll be ours. The day and time will arrive and then,” tilting his round balding head to the left and peering above his thick wire rimmed glass he winked at his own reflection finishing his talk to his other self,” and then my friend we will have our most fabulous playdate. It’s been too long, far too long. Now we begin again.” He continued to smile at the reflection as if he stared at another human being knowing full well what the outcome already would feel like.

The night was a playground for the evil mind and hearts of many a madman. Tonight was no exception, except that mad man was Hanley the handy man for Sunny View Apartment Complex and nothing from this moment forward would ever be safe especially for the newest member of the community Kassie Evers who was completely unaware that her life had just changed for the worst.

Night demons roamed and where they settled no one ever knew the why. Only after the night demon had extracted in its’ entirety the blood and soul of an innocent could it rest, but never was it quieten for long. Night demons never sleep, rest or stand by idly, it waits till it strikes the unexpected target with glee and celebration.  The night demon waited.

CHAPTER THREE

Morning light came much quicker than Kassie had wanted. Her body felt every muscle that had been used for moving over the weekend. For a few extra seconds she laid in bed, stretching out her sore, tight muscles. Wow the night slid by so fast and she really wished she could just stay home from her duties at school, but the students would miss her and most likely try to act up with a substitute. Regardless of the soreness she threw the covers off her long body and made herself sit up on the side of the bed. She noticed right off the bat how quiet it was in her new apart. The space that Barry had occupied in her other life was noticeably felt.

“OH, crap. Seriously girl. You gonna start you day off like this. Come on, remember he cheated on you, forever.” Again, she reminded herself that this move was the best thing she could do for herself and her career. No matter what she was feeling now she was far better off right this minute than she had been for the last two years.

Forty-five minutes after getting up Kassie was pouring her second cup of coffee into her carry cup and with satchel bag slung over her left shoulder, a few files stuck under her arm and keys and coffee cup in her right hand she headed out the door. It would be a fifteen-minute drive to her new school. She had been teaching the Eight grade literature At Cornelus High School since the beginning of the school year. Only after a ton of arguing with herself had she finally made the decision to move into the apartment close by her workplace. Little did she know that eyes were on her every movement. While the mouse is away the cat will definitely play and plan.

Almost to the minute fifteen minutes had passed on her drive to the high school. Kassie pulled into a parking lot gathering her necessary items up, opened the door to her Jeep and stood up. Kassie loved high school students especially her eighth graders. At this age Eight graders had an opinion, but mostly they just wanted to sound intelligent and wise without anything backing up their thoughts. Kassie knew she still had time to impress on them the need for great language skills. Reading classic literature, writing essays and stories was the best form of expressing ones’ thoughts. She had hope for a great many as for the others all she could do was offer them a promise that if they worked hard, she’d do all she could not to fail them. Far too often life itself would do that.

Midday arrived as Hanley walked to his next apartment in the building across from Kassie. He had done nothing but think, sketch, planned and dreamed of his every move. No matter what happen, no matter how badly he wanted the game to begin Hanley knew he had to wait it out. Timing was everything and he had learned very well from his last mistake. “No more mistakes. This one has to be perfect. This time I have to win. I’ll show them all.” He continued walking to his next assignment with only the thoughts of what he hoped would come.

One hour, five minutes after the assignment had been completed Hanley left the apartment where he had finished his work and slowly walked in the direction of Kassie’s place. The key chain clanked from the weight of the excessive weight of keys required for each apartment which he had access to. When he arrived at the front door Hanely began flipping through the large assortment of keys. He finding the proper key to Kassie’s apartment he looked around with his one eye for anyone that could point him out. There was an overwhelming sense of caution within Hanley. He had been here before and being noticed had put him at the forefront of suspicion in the last playtime he had created.

There appeared to be no one with eyes on him as he entered the apartment. He had no real purpose to be inside Kassis apartment other than to spy on her. Hanley needed to find out as much about her as he could. There was always a reason women like her moved into apartments with such haste and Hanley had every intention of finding out the why.

With ease Hanley looked through each drawer in every room. He searched her bathroom, kitchen, living room and every inch he could think of. He had found some of her mail and a few cards from somebody named Barry which he read. In order for him to put his plan together he needed to know the best way to start and who it was that he could possibly place the blame on. Nothing was off limits.

Nothing was off limits for Hanley’s pursuit of knowledge. He opened the kitchen cabinets searching every item stored within. He wanted to know what were the foods that Kassie like to eat which meant he would turn his attention to the refrigerator and freezer. For a young woman there wasn’t much to inspect in her refrigerator. The usual yogurts, sandwich items, mayonnaise, eggs, muffins, butter and such. Inside the freezer he found plenty of frozen dinners by various companies and some kind of low sugar, low carb ice cream bars. How boring could a person food supply be he thought to himself. As he spoke out loud disgruntled, “Of course she has the shit in her frig. What crap. How disappointing she can’t even have an imagination for cooking good food. Hum, today’s modern woman is sick.” He turned making his way back into the living-room. With nothing more to hunt for at this minute Hanley turned the front door knob and pulled the door open only slightly peering outward.

He placed his good eye in front of the slit and looked right then left making sure that the coast was clear, then pushed the door a little wider so as to slip through the opening turning to lock the door quickly behind him. He pivoted around and walked hastily away from her apartment building disappearing behind the brick building. So far, so good. “Action One” of his plan had succeeded without any restraints. Hanley was pleased that the beginning of his plan had worked which signaled that he was on the right path.

As Hanley entered the darken, somewhat dampish room where he housed his-self he felt a sense of pleasure that had been set aside for over two years now.  How he had longed for a new plan, a new playmate to fill his mind with the excitement of power and pleasure. Just thinking about Kassie, the beauty that she was gave him a sense of enlightenment that had been buried far too long.

Now was the time to keep himself in some form of restraint, to watch, wait, plan and act with caution. This time more than anything would not turn out the same like the last many times had even though he had created a great plan.

Now, he had learned from being confined so many times before what he needed to do so as not to be founded out. Jail reform had taught him well and it was those lessons that would enable Hanley to create and carry out the best of all playtimes. This was his finest moment to show everyone just how truly magnificent of a legend he was, and one that he would forever remain to be.

 He was the greatest of all of them. He would be “THE KING of KINGS Stalker . ” Let playtime begin.”…………….

CHAPTER FOUR

The bell rang loudly as sixth period had finally come to end. Kassie reminded her students again that all essays were due on Friday and no later than by the end of the day. She began gathering her papers from the day and the test from today’s assignment for grading as she raised her voice ,”Ok, everybody essays are due Friday and no excuses. By the end of day. That’s final. Have a great evening and read chapter six through ten for discussion tomorrow.” Bye.”

She packed up her things, dug her keys out of her saddle purse and hoped to be out of the building in ten minutes. Walking up the hallway to the office Kassie meet up with her friend, “Peggy was your day good?” Kassie asked as she smiled at her buddy.

“OH yeah, you know teaching eight graders math that makes no senses is everything I dreamed of and you?” Peggy replied with a light giggle.

“Same here. These students can barely understand classic literature. They think comic books are classic reading, ugh, I swear.” Kassie responded as they entered the office. “You know Peggy sometimes I wish I just worked at a grocery store ringing up food items,” Kassie said as she rolled her eyes.

“Well, we do what we can to help the future. How do you think we’re doing?” she said with a huge grin as she continued, “Hey you got moved in right? I was thinking my brother Josiah has come home for good. He broke up with his longtime girlfriend after she cheated on him. How about that! Seems like cheating is the going things these days. So, anyways he doesn’t know a lot of people and Pete and I thought that maybe you both could use a nice home cooked meal and some great company. Interested in dinner Friday night?’ she finished as she took a deep breath.

Kassie stood in front of the sign out sheet and exhaled. Crap, she really wasn’t in the mood or head space for meeting a new guy. Peggy was her friend and she hated to turn her down, but and it was a big but, she just wasn’t ready for another guy jamming up her air waves. Finally, with as much grace as she mustered up Kassie responded,” Peg, I love you for caring about my life and the crappy place I find myself in, but honestly, I’m not ready to play nicety just yet with another guy right now. I still have a lot to do getting my place in order and just taking a break. While I’m sure your brother is a great guy, I’m just not in a good enough place to meet him. Perhaps we could revisit at a later date?”

Peggy stood there for a second. She actually understood very well. Josaih had said almost the same exact thing about coming to dinner and meeting Kassie. This was going to be a little more difficult to get these two together than she had hoped it would. Realizing that at this point in time she would just have to wait for another chance,” Yeah, it’s fine. I should have known you wouldn’t be ready. It’s a little too soon, hun? Okay, maybe later, say a few weeks. That way you can settle in and Josiah can too. He’s taking that position I told you about for the construction company. He’s going to be the project manager for the company since his boss retired. I was just hoping to celebrate both of you getting new lives.” With that Peggy gave Kassie a hug, said her goodbyes and left for the day.

Kassie sat in her Jeep for a few seconds turning her thoughts over and over. It would be so nice to have a great guy in her life, but so much had gone wrong with her and Barry that she just couldn’t bring herself to step out on that limb so soon, not now anyway. The last five months had been hell. Barry had left her then came back, cheated again, and again. It took Kassie a long hard time to finally tell Barry to just get the hell away and stay away.

Realizing that she had made this move so that she had a chance to have a clean slate for herself the truth was what she needed more than another man at least for now. With that she turned the ignition on, backed the Jeep out of the parking space and headed to her new apartment. Excitement was beginning to churn inside of her as she thought of arranging her new home space just the way she wanted it to feel. A place that was all hers and where she decided who came and went and how long they stayed. Owning herself again felt good and she couldn’t wait to see what came next.

Not far from Kassie’s apartment building a five foot-nine, thick stocky male stood watching the gates that allowed people to enter the complex. His scruffy, unshaven facial hair stuck out like a porcupines’. He licked his thick, cracked, crusted lips as his tongue flicker in and out of his mouth like a lizard. He stared at the gate with his one black, beaded eye as it darted back and forth watching every vehicle entering the premises.

His dark thoughts turning into anticipating her arrival. He wanted to see her, lay his one eye upon her being so as to know that she was real. His long- awaited desire to have playtime was building and building. He would have to fight his own compulsion not to act too quickly least he destroy his own plan nullifying everything, every reason he had waited for. Finally, he spotted her Jeep and his excitement increased as he watched her pull into the parking place in front of building where her apartment was located.

At this moment no one knew very much about the creepy maintenance man. The short, crudely looking creature that passed as a human who was a repeat offender of women, a monster to the safety and peace of females who posed a danger to all woman everywhere.

Hanley, the One Eye Blind menace who never loved the one he played with, but rather despised their very femininity, beauty, alluring sexual powers. He did not desire women for the goodness and grace they gave, but rather despised them for their treasonous, alluring attributes which assaulted the souls of every man.

It would be another feast for the having for the One Eye Blind, and then they would all see what he saw with one look from his dark mind.

CHAPTER FIVE

Darkness had come for this Monday and Kassie sat in her living room on the floor on her left side sat her dinner which consisted of a microwave selected dinner, a roll and a glass of red wine. To her right side sat a couple of stacks of papers which were the homework assignments from last Friday. After arriving home from school Kassie quickly changed and began to put away the rest of her clothes from the boxes that were stack against the wall in her bedroom.

She completed putting her bathroom in order hanging towels up, placing all of hygiene products in their proper place. Filling the cabinets with supplies that she used and making sure her hair drier and brushes, combs, hair product were all in place. She would hang her small selection of pictures and decorations for the walls later. Room by room she took to placing each item in the perfect place as she slowly began to put the pieces of her wrecked life back in order.

Without any knowledge of what was being planned by the one eye monster Kassie began to feel better about her choice of moving and starting over. She turned her attention back to her dinner and grading the homework assignments. There was a whole new future waiting for Kassie and she was happy to begin it. There was a great sense of relief with Kassie as she tried to imagine the future without Barry.

Unfortunately, in those thoughts there was no idea or concept of the danger she had just moved herself closer to. Danger, life threatening danger was just outside her door and she had not a single clue how evil that danger truly would become. Her life had changed, but perhaps for the worse.

In the shadows of the parking lots’ light a one eye monster stood against the red brick building staring at the apartment of Kassie Reed. He could only wait, watched and plan, but plan he was definitely doing. There was no certain decision about the time when he would declare his playtime was active. If he had to wait for weeks, bit by bit the dark recess of his intentions would grow and then the world would see from the eye of a King of Playtime.

CHAPTER SIX

The days slipped by faster and faster as Kassie settled into her new routine. Teaching had become her refuge. Easch day she stepped foot inside her school she felt the pain and hurt of the past shed away. Peggy continued to as about a dinner date with her and Pete and of course Josiah. So far Kassie had managed to make enough excuses to stay away from another situation with a guy that she just wasn’t ready to mingle with. Hopefully, somewhere in the future she would finally say yes.

The weeks had rolled by and the first long weekend break had arrived for the school session. Fall break had actually made it to the school calendar and Kassie could not be happier. A few days off from school and dodging Peggy’s constant invite to dinner would be a great break. Just the thought of sleeping in, be lazy, doing nothing was the best idea she had considered in a long time. Nothing but bliss, peace and rest. Exactly what a bad break up called for.

Day one of the Fall break the sunlight peeked between the blades of the blind that were down in Kassi’s bedroom. She rolled over slowly stretching her arms and legs and letting out a big yawn. Suddenly a shadow caught her attention. Quietly she laid in bed with her eyes watching the shadow move back and forth, stopping right in front of her bedroom window. From the shadow on the wall made from the rays of the sunbeam she could barely make out what looked like to be an outline of a head.

Taking small shallow breathes she watched as she pulled the covers up to her chin. With ease the shadow easily as if it floated moved right to left and back again. At one point the shadowy head seemed as if it was leaning in, as it grew a littler larger then receded. There was a most uncomfortable feeling that someone was trying to see inside. Her heart felt like it skipped several beats. Who in the world would be looking into her window and why? All of a sudden, she began to question just how safe she really was.  What could she do at this point? How she dreaded the thought of the night that had not come. What would the darkness offer her if the day had already turn safety to fear?

After lying in bed for almost an hour the presence had left her window and had not returned. Kassie decided to get up and get on with her day. She made a mental note to speak to the on -duty manager about the occurrence and ask if they could question anyone that have seen someone outside her window. Without having to have an answers Kassie knew that the likelihood of anyone having witness strange things going on in the morning was just about a zero positive response.

For the remainer of the day Kassie nervously kept a peek over her shoulder when she was out. The sad part for Kassie was that her joyful long day weekend had begun with a huge sour note and this was not good. A thought flooded through Kassie consciousness as she sat on the living room floor again as was her custom when grading papers or reading written assignments. Had Barry found her in this new apartment complex? She had been sure not to inform Barry of her location just in case he decided he wanted to try for another shot at a relationship.

If it was Barry, how would he have founded out where she lived. She had a post office box off site in the next small town four miles outside of the city limits where she actually lived. It had been a choice just so there wouldn’t be any chance he could find her and bother her anymore. She contemplated the chances that her ex- boyfriend could even possibly find her and would he actually have the nerve to spook her? Into what? Getting back with him so he could eventually cheat on her again?

One thing Kassie knew for sure was that this one incident set her on the defense. She would most definitely be on the lookout from now on to make sure it wasn’t Barry. If it is him and he is playing games, especially a game that scares her Barry will face the hardest consequences that she can levy at him. Kassie knew that she will not be harassed or intimidated by anyone. She was in charge of her life and she was determined to stay in charge.

Not far from the apartment where Kassie Reed lived a short, stocky man that resembled a human only partially carried a ladder across the parking lot of the complex. To the average person he looked as though he was busy taking care of maintenance issues. In truth the human like creature named Hanley was readying his next step in his plan to rattle his playmate. Slowly, but surly he had begun to act on his impulse and this latter played a nice part in the next step. He turned his head to his right so as to view the apartment door where his playmate lived. His lizard like tongue flicker slowly out of his mouth as he licked those cracked, crusty lips eyeing Kassie’s front door. There was a thin evil grin that formed on his thick lips as he tilted his head as though acknowledging her speaking in a raspy tone, “Enjoy your long weekend my playmate. May your skin begin to crawl and your heart fill with fear. My playtime has only begun in slow fashion. Soon, my sweet playmate, very soon we shall play for real.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

Kassie had finally finished grading all the students written work around six that evening. She sat back against her couch looking up at the large screen television as the weather man began explaining the storms that were working their way towards her area of the county.

“Great. Just what I needed, a thunder storm. Well, sounds like a hell of a beginning to my first long weekend in my new place. Dang, not what I was expecting.” Kassie said out loud. With a huge gush of air coming from her lungs Kassie stood up and headed into the kitchen.

She wasn’t really too disappointed about the weather as the weather guy shared that the storms would move out of the area and sunshine would be in full swing for the rest of the weekend. Sounded as if she would be able to get out and about to do some local shopping.

As the quiet of the night fell into place Kassie settled in among her new bed linen. How wonderful it was to be able to relax on your brand- new bed and comforter, sheets and pillows. There was not one trace of Barry anywhere to be found in her apartment.  This space was hers and hers exclusively. Nothing could upset her at this point as she began to make plans for her new  life.

The night time hours rolled by easily as midnight approached the complex. A few parking lot lights were lite but turned down as not to glare through any windows keeping residents await. Slow easy thunder could be heard as it made its way into the area. The spring storm had made it’s known yet not abrasive enough to cause alarm.

Kassie slept peacefully underneath her new covering. The television in her room flicker light across the walls with a low sound coming from her set. For now, her mind was at peace ad she fell asleep grateful for the ease and calm she felt. No one saw the creepy shadow of a human like man that crept just outside her bedroom window and peering in.

Every few seconds a round head with almost no hair turned to look over its shoulder glaring to see if anyone could see him. Satisfied that he was unnoticeable he leaned closer to the window, breathing heavily causing a fog to appear on the window from the humidity. He wanted, no, he needed to see her, to put his one eye upon her feeding his grotesque obsession.  How, he longed to see what she was wearing. A thin see threw night gown he hoped. Anything to heighten his evil, crude obsession of his new playmate. Hanely knew that soon he would move forward with his plan of attack until the day came when the two would meet face to face.

Oh, what a day of revel that would be. The beginning to the fun and desire of complete and utter monstrous control. Who could ever be a better, greater challenge of a playmate than him?

CHAPTER EIGHT

She wasn’t sure but for some unknown reason Kassie suddenly woke up as the thunder sounded loudly crashing into the still night sky. She wasn’t afraid of thunderstorms, never had been. It was just opposite for her as a child she loved listening to the giant bellowing roar of the  thunder as it claimed it mightiness across the universe.

This was different as she sat up and looked around the bedroom. There was an eerie feeling peeling off the space where no danger seemed to exist. Something was off, strange in context to her. It was as though she had been watched, a feeling of eyes staring at her, but from where? Kassie had never really believed in ghost and such, but this, this had an air of spooky, danger, downright creepy that she could not explain.

With that thought she got up and headed for her kitchen. Perhaps a snack with milk might help settle her down. It was after all just a storm and she was safe from any harm. She counted out some small crackers and took a couple of cheese sticks, glass of milk and just a few M & Ms. That sounded pretty good to her as she headed back to her bedroom to relax again.

Maybe if she could fall deep into some kind of a movie it would help her settle down and get back to sleep. Her imagination just over played itself at times. This must be one of those times. She recognized that she was new at being alone after such a long relationship with Barry. Honestly being alone again would take time. She needed to be confident in her ability to be alone and build her life according to her needs.

Outside the bedroom window stood a creature that was only composed of a few deceit qualities. He leaned closer to the window pressing his body as close to the brick wall as he possibly could. He heard her get up and he was desperate to lay his eye on her. The hot, torturous compulsion was almost too much to bear. At this point Hanely might have to excel his plan in order not to trip over his own desire and get caught, again.

Unfortunately, he didn’t have enough space for his one eye to catch a glimpse of the Brunett beauty that he obsessed over. Hanely became more and more frustrated as his ability to visually see Kassie become less and less of probability. With that Hanely stepped away from the brick wall and turned to head back to his tiny space of a living quarter.

He had already decided to move forward with his playtime. This waiting around did not suit his needs and he was not one to delay the process. As Hanely settled into his room he looked down at the list on his small kitchen table. He would have to start putting supplies together later on this morning. Hanely grinned as he once again reviewed the list. There were items on the list that he could procure from his job. That made this all the better for him. There’d be no videos or receipts of him in any store purchasing his playtime equipment. Hanely loved believing himself to be smarter than all of the investigators and police in any county or city.

Even though the monster had been confined more than once in his life no cage could hold him forever. The problem with confinement was when the monster was set free again the beast inside had had time to rest, and reflect. Each time there had been accessed to knowing what would help the monster’s beast understand how better to perform his playtime next trip to freedom.

He had watched and learned, now he was ready to play and the beast within was hungry, and it was very hungry.

CHAPTER NINE

The weekend had flown by as Kassie rose on a sunny Tuesday morning. She had enjoyed the quiet time of the weekend even though the loneliness of not having a companion was very noticeable. Eventually she knew that feeling would disappear as she settled into this new life with new friends and maybe somewhere in the near future a new guy to spend time with, one that wouldn’t feel the need to cheat every other week.

Collecting her school items, saddle purse, and coffee mug Kassie left the apartment for a full day of literary adventure with her eight grade students.  At least her knew what she was up against and that was just fine with her.

The small, hunky round man with a white t-shirt, baggy khakis and worn-out black tennis shoes walked through the parking lot holding tools, light bulbs and several trash bags. He carefully turned his head side to side watching every speck of the complex. He was always very aware of his surroundings making sure who he noticed could identify him.

One very important element to his playtime was being very aware of all things around you. Hanley needed to turn his head to a greater degree in order to keep his eye on everything. His one eye had adapted to having a wider view since it was his only available method of sight. No one was noticed as he continued across the parking lot.

It only took the short man a few minutes to make his way to Kassie’s door. Using his key, he turned the lock and entered her place. He noticed right off the bat how clean the apartment was. There was even a fresh clean, flowery scent all through the apartment.

Hanely was more than impressed by what he found. A well decorated, organized place of living. He found her apartment space to be very inviting and homey. He felt a sort of comfort being here which was something that he rarely related to. Sitting down the tool belt and the bag of light bulbs, O- ring, nails, hammer, duck-tape, Hanely headed into the master bedroom. His first order of business was to make a few adjustments to the shower. It was the first way to create a reason to be in her apartment after she had arrived home. It was almost a guarantee that within a few days he would receive a work order for him to check out Kassis shower. He only wanted an excuse to be close to her for a few moments. Some sort of small chatter perhaps, but either way he could watch her in her own environment making it easier for him to formulate or tailor make his plan just for her.

As Hanely finished up in the master bathroom he stopped in front of the closet. There was no way he was going to pass up looking through her clothes. He needed to see what kind of taste she had in her style. Opening the doors he stood staring at the assortment of clothing items. On one side hung dresses in a variety of styles. There were long summery looking dresses for casual wear, nice styled dresses for evening outs or special occasions. Below the dresses wear high heels in all shapes, style and colors. So far Hanely thought she had good taste and he liked that.

To the left side of her closet were her pants and blouses all in the same order as the dresses. Casual blouse then dressy blouses, nice pants then casual pants and below an assortment of shoes to match. He certainly could tell that Kassie was a professional woman. Her clothes and style reflected that very well.

After the closet Hanely rambled through her dresser drawers inspecting every article of clothing. The drawer with her personal undies was his favorite. He was more than delighted that she had some flare to her personal expression of who she was. His thought, nice to know this was all he could say to himself. After more than an hour Hanely concluded his business noting everything he needed for now. He would slither back to his living space so as to continue his planning.

With each day that went by Hanely was coming closer and closer to the moment of truth. The One eye blind man would claim his prize and oh what a celebration he was going to have.

CHAPTER TEN

The school year was rolling along fairly quickly. Kassie had settled into her new life and was actually feeling very good about how it all was going. She met up with Peggy after school as they both had joined the teachers that stayed to offer tutoring for students that were in need of help. She had taken the Improving Reading Skills class for seventh graders. Peggy was tutoring seventh graders of basic math skills in order to prepare them for eight math which was a higher required skill level. They worked three days out of five to help these students to improve their over grade point average.

“Afternoon, Peg, how was your day?” asked Kassie as she smiled at her friend.

“Oh, you know just peachy. Most of my students managed to pass their test today. I’m so relieved. It’s hard enough to get them to listen during the day now we take on round two. Hope we are really making a difference, ya know?” Peggy replied half smiling back.

Kassie grinned as she went through the office door heading towards the seventh-grade hall. Stopping at her room she spoke before too many students showed up and she would need to get started, “Hey, we should get together soon. Maybe do an easy dinner or go out to eat, a girl’s night out. I’d love to have you and Pete if you’d like over for a meal soon.”

Peggy sort of grinned at her friend as she replied, “Well, I think that’s a great idea however I’d like to bring someone along with us if you will be okay with that?” Peggy answered

“Okay, what would that favor be?” Kassie inquired of her only real friend.

“Josiah hasn’t been seeing anyone yet. I was hoping that maybe we could invite him along. Kassie, I promise he’s really a good man. He works so super hard and just loves to be around people who enjoy life. He could use a nice female friend and I think you qualify.” Peggy seemed to be pleading somewhat for her friend to say yes.

For a long second Kassie stood in the hallway and thought about Peggy wanting her bother to come along. It was apparent that Kassie knew she needed to just say okay. In the end what difference would it make. She wasn’t agreeing to see him after this one dinner. In the end Kassie agreed to meet Josiah. Never in a million years had Kassie ever thought that her life would soon change for the better, at least for a little while.

CHAPTERS ELEVEN

Josiah stood at the kitchen sink looking out of the window. Brother he wasn’t even sure how he had let his sister talk him into meeting her friend and co-worker. After the months of him trying to settle down into a single life Josiah just didn’t feel as though he was ready to mix it up with another crazy woman.

He turned looking Peg straight in the eye and with a long huff spoke, but not harshly,” Sis, come on do we really have to do this? I mean, I know that I don’t know this Kassie chic, but damn, look at the mess I’ve managed to leave behind. I’m still not sure. “ He stated turning to look at Pete who stood quietly behind his wife just looking confused and sorry for him.

Peg reached out to touch Josiah’s arm in comfort trying her best to reassure him,” Come on Jo, I promise I wouldn’t introduce you to another fruitcake. Ok, ok, I know Lisa was a nut, but Kassie, she’s so great really and truly.” He words were as comforting as she could make them as she tilted sideways in a pleading fashion. Then speaking again in her calm tone, she smiled as she continued, “Besides, it’s just dinner and if you really can’t find her as a good enough person to spend more time with then I’ll accept your choice. Who knows Jo, you may find that you two have much more in common than you can image.” Peggy just kept smiling as she hoped he would not change his mind.

Since Josiah really couldn’t find a reason other than his hurt feelings from another woman, he finally let a long hard breath out and simply said, “Sure. Okay, one dinner and no promises. Right?” he looked intently at his sister and smiled.

“OH, thanks Jo I promise you’ll be pleasantly pleased. She so smart, funny and a really great person. Just wait and see, I promise. Right Pete, she is, right?” She turned to Pete giving him that look of come on agree with me.

All Pete could do was stand there and nodded his head in agreement with his wife. He grinned at Josiah as he shrugged his shoulders as though he had enjoyed this tiny battle of wits between Peggy and Jo.

Josiah moved past Peggy only saying that he was going to shower and get ready for his “dreadful unintentional date.”

As Josiah headed upstairs to his room Peggy called out after him, ‘It’s casual, nice jeans and a nice shirt will suffice, nothing fancy especially if you’re not trying to impress anyone.” With that she turned to Pete giving him a big hug as she spoke with glee,” He might just find her appealing anyway. Cross your finger Pete. These two are meant for one another.

Seven o’clock arrived much sooner than Kassie thought it would. She had planned a nice, easy meal for herself and guest. The aroma of scented candles filled the apartment mixing with the fragrance of the Italian spaghetti. She had cooked the sauce the night before so that it was already and could set and absorb all those wonderful seasoning and spices. She had come straight home, showered, changed and went straight to the kitchen to begin finishing her meal.

With the table set and the food prepared Kassie set the bottle of red wine on the counter with four wine glasses and waited for her gust to show up. She had chosen a selection of soft jazz for the music background which she hoped Josiah would be accepted of. Entertaining someone you have never meet is difficult, but thanks to her relationship with Barry she had been in this situation may times. She only needed to trust her instincts and she did.

Kassie only had to wait fifteen minutes when the knock at the door came. She turned and taking a deep breath, squaring her shoulders so that she could stand at her full height of five-eight she walked over to the door and smiling opened it. With a gentle nodding of her head she spoke,” Well hello guys. Just on time, come on in. She stepped away from the front door and waved everyone inside. Kassie took note of the handsome, dark headed man who was a good six feet- three inches tall, with a well-built slender body. His good looks did not pass her by and her good looks had not gone un-noticed by Josiah either. What a good beginning for a new beginning for two unsuspecting people both needing a much more hopeful future.

What would start out as a wonderful evening would spark a fire in the wrong person. A fire that would draw two persons both wanting and looking for the same thing, only the dreamed they had dared to hope for would become a flaming fire and it was deadly as it meant to only leave ashes.

CHAPTER TWELVE

The dinner between friends had been very pleasant from the start. Peggy introduced her brother Josiah to her friend Kassie as the wine had been opened and poured for each of them. Kassie plunged straight into conversation asking Josiah right off the bat about his broken relationship,” So, Peggy has told me that you also recently broke off a relationship. How are you settling in to your newly acquired single life?” she asked as she stirred the sauce on the stovetop.

Josiah looked at her out of the corner of his eye as he continued to pour Pete a glass of wine, answering in his slow thought tone,” Oh you know I continue to glue the piece of a shattered life back into place. It’s a process. An You, how are you doing with your rebuilding?” he shot back at her.

Kassie let out a small skirmish laugh as she responded, ”Oh, you know I just bury myself under the stacks of papers from Eighth- graders and hope that I’m heading in the right direction again. Nothing like the young people to lend you encouragement to get back to the dating world of blissfulness. Young love, right?” she quipped looking him directly in the eyes.

Well, Josiah gave her this much she certainly could handle herself. It wasn’t easy putting those pieces back together, but so far Kassie appeared to be doing a hell of job. He was glad to see that she could hold her on and bounce right back at him. He knew this much about the slender beauty before him, she had grit and he liked it.

For the rest of the night the gathering went very well. Both Kassie and Josiah found themselves feeling very comfortable with one another. There was an easiness between them. Laughter filled the apartment as everyone shared their thoughts about every subject on earth. With a lot of agreement and some dissenting opinions, but nothing too damaging that they could not have a grand time.

Not far from the front door and crudely shape stood in the darkness of night. His blood was boiling as he waited for those intruders to leave the apartment of his playmate. He was not pleased that Kassie had invited people over for a gay time while he was busy working on his own personal plans for her. Her life, her time was his and no one was going to occupy any of time other than him. If he had to wait all night he would. No one cared about him, but soon that wouldn’t matter because his time would belong to Kassie. Then and only then would playtime count for anything.

Hanley waited, listen and burned inside as the group made merry as he could only image what the unwanted other man was planning for his playmate. He’d take care of that interloper once and for all and then he would be free to pursue Kassie all for himself.

The moon hung high in the night sky as Hanley, a madman leaned against the red brick building just on the other side of Kassie’s front door. The dark, evil thoughts ran freely through his tortured mind, one after another. His mouth salivated, thick watery juices from his glands causing him to smack his crusty lips as though he was eating a delicious piece of meat.

There was no understanding of the mind of a human who’s only purpose was to hurt, inflect pain and ultimately destroy a life all for the sake of satisfying an evil hunger with no ending. Evil had arrived at this apartment complex and it would remain until death had been fed.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Time had flown by so quickly since the first meeting between Kassie and Josiah. Strange how everything can change when you never expect to have someone new in your life. Kassie could not believe how smoothly she and Josiah ha hit it off. Soon after the dinner at her apartment he called her asking if she’d be interested in meeting him for a drink.

Never had Kassie thought she would agree especially after her turmoiled relationship with Barry. Kassie had promised herself that her state of singlehood had to last a long time. “Great, some kind of strong girl I am. First handsome construction worker I come in contact with and I melt like snow on a hot day.” She had said to herself. Yet she was so pleased that Josiah had called the very next day just to chat.

Now a month later she was leaving out to go meet up with that handsome construction worker and she couldn’t be happier. Fifteen minutes later she sat at the table half back in the sport bar, “Easy Moments”. It wasn’t too long of a wait when Josiah arrived and headed back to where she sat. Kassie noticed the big smile on his face and a huge sense of relief was felt.

As the two single adults sat having a drink the creepiest of all humans made his way over to the apartment where Kassie lived. The thick body man slithered more than walked swiftly to the front door and turned the key. With a quickness he slipped inside the apartment and shut the door locking it behind him.

From the moment he entered the apartment he began to check his watch. He had allowed himself a good thirty minutes, maybe forty to set up his move in his plan. He made his way back to the master bedroom then the bathroom. He laid his wrench down on the sink and began unscrewing the four light bulbs above the large mirror that hung over the sink and removed them. Next, he took a piece of silly putty and press it into each light sock then replaced the bulbs.

Turning attention to the shower head he unscrewed it removing as he had the bulbs. He again placed a ball of silly putty inside the neck of the shower stem, replaced the head and left the bedroom. Hanely needed a reason to get inside that apartment hopefully when Kassie was there. It would hopefully give him time to listen in on a phone conversation which would offer a little more information.

Next, he placed a mini camera on a new lampshade that was exactly the same as the one Kassie had placed on the table beside her couch. From where he stood there was no difference in the lamps. Then he placed another camera in the kitchen placing it in the soil in the flower pot that sat on the counter. Hanley felt satisfied that he had her covered for now. His plan did however call for a couple of cameras in the bedroom, but he did not want to push his luck.

As quickly and quietly as he went in the apartment he slipped back out and around the corner of the apartment without anyone seeing him. If there was one thing that Hanley had refined in his lifetime of sneaking around, slipping in and out of a person’s living space was the art of being as invisible as possible. For a man who was so hideous to most people he went virtually unnoticed. It was the biggest attribute he had and one that he used in every way.

Kassie sang all the way back to her apartment with joy. It was a feeling that had not been a part of her life for too long. Meeting Josiah had been a great choice and it had yielded an invitation for dinner out next Saturday. She was already wishing that the week was over and she was preparing for that dinner. Kassie had no idea that a new player was in her life. A player that she wasn’t necessarily interested in and one that she would wish that she had never crossed paths with.

When evil decides to make a plan not all players would willfully engage in the game. Unfortunately, there were only two players that would be of interest in this game, Kassie was one and the other was Hanley and between the two of them Hanley was the only one who wanted to play at all.

Evil would soon be on its way in full force and Kassie would not like the rules, nor was she expected to win the game.

 

CHAPTERS FOURTEEN

The week of the first actual date between Kassie and Josiah was hours away. Kassie hurriedly packed her belongings as the students filed out of the room leaving for the weekend. For the first time in the longest while she was excited about her date with Josiah. As it turned out he was a really good person and lots of fun to be around.

So far, their phone conversations had been very revealing for the both of them. Neither of them had realized how much they were alike in their private life and just how many situations they had in common especially when it came to failed romance. Neither of them wanted to add another broken relationship to their list of failure.

Josiah arrived on time at Kassi’s apartment. He had taken special care to wear his button up casual navy-blue shirt and a dark pair of wash demi jeans and tennis shoes to match. He was a good-looking man of 35 with big beautiful deep blue eyes and a gorgeous smile. He was tall, slender and well-built and he made a wonderful looking companion in all aspects.

Kassie tried to be in too big of a hurry to answer the door, but she was more than ready to explore this evening with Josiah. She had selected a silvery blouse that cut down into a V- shape just barely exposing the top of her round breast. It was her “just a tease” blouse as she called it. The one that gave a hint of promises not quite made. Kassie picked her black jeans and black boots to round out her outfit. Without seeing it Kassie was a beautiful woman herself. Her long curly brunette hair hung down past her shoulders and the thick curls swayed as she moved with precise motion.

There was a smile upon both of their faces as opened the door to see Josiah standing there with a magnificent bouquet of assorted flowers. Titling her head slightly to the right she let a small stream of air escape from between her lips as she spoke softly,” Oh Josiah, thank you. Honestly you didn’t have to do this.” She said as she smiled lovingly at him. Then she opened the door wider and motion for him to enter. Josiah simply replied, “Well, he paused as he stepped in the apartment continuing, “ Well, I heard it’s a good thing to try to make a lasting impression first time out.” Then as he entered the apartment he finished, “So, how’d I do?” he asked grinning at her.

Before leaving for the night out Kassie had placed the flowers in a clear vase sitting them on her kitchen table. Her next move surprised Josiah and Kassie as well as she put her long slender arms around his neck hugging him tightly, “Thank you. It’s been a long minute since anyone gave me flowers. It’s very much appreciated.” She almost whispered the words. Her breath warm against his cheek as she squeezed his neck for a few seconds.

With that Josiah and Kassie left the apartment and all things unimportant behind for a night of companionship, conversation and hopefully a new beginning. Both Kassie and Josiah had high hopes that there would be much more to come in the following weeks and months. This night held the idea of hope and a wish that finally good things would to fruition, but the dark shadows that hid the worst kind of secret was only one corner of the building away.

With every good thought of hope there is a dark space where evil plans waits and this night, this evil, was no different.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Around midnight Josiah and Kassie arrived back at her apartment. He parked his Range Rover next to her Jeep turning his vehicle off. He sat for a few seconds as he looked into the eye of the woman he had just spent the evening with trying to figure out how to tell her how much he had enjoyed her presence. Clearing his throat the words sort of tumbled out of Josiah’s mouth, “Um, it was a really grand night tonight. I, um, I hope you had a good time.” His words stumbled out.

“Of course I did. It was wonderful, just wonderful.” Kassie answered. She looked into his eyes and smiled to reassure him all was well.

“Perhaps we could do dinner here again, if you’d be more comfortable, I mean. I love to cook.” Taking a deep breath, she continued,” it’s been a long while since I’ve had anyone enjoy or just appreciate my cooking.”

“I don’t want to be pushy or too expectant of our situation, you know?” Josiah replied seemly concern.

With a little light giggle Kassie responded, “I’m good Josiah. So, what’d say? How about Saturday, say around six thirty or seven for dinner? I promise I won’t bite, not yet anyways.” She finished giggling as the last part of her sentence trailed off with gleeful pleasure at the moment.

Josiah walked Kassie to her door but she approached the door she stopped and looked at Josiah with a puzzled expression.  There was a note taped to the door which she removed and read. It only said, “I know where you are now.” There was nothing more than that to alert Kassie that someone was apparently watching her. Turning to look at Josiah her worried expression told him so much.

“What’s wrong?” he asked with great concern.

“Look”, she said as she handed him the note. Waiting for him to read it she spoke again, “This isn’t funny. I mean I don’t even know anyone that lives here so who could this be?” she asked then continued, “I just resolve one crazy relationship and yet I’m still haunted. Damn, now what’s going on?”

Josiah turned to look around the parking lot hoping he could relieve her concern, but there was absolutely no one anywhere in sight especially at this time of night. He did the only thing he could think of,” Should I stay, make sure you’re okay? I can bunk down on the couch, no worries.” He hesitated then finished his thought, “better safe than sorry, right?”

Looking around the outside of the apartment complex Kassie final answered, “I should be okay by myself. If need be, I’ll contact the manger in the morning see if the weird maintenance guy could add a slid lock on the door.” She spoke the words that did not give her and feeling of safety.

Since there wasn’t any sign of danger all Kassie and Josiah could do was to end the date night with a hug and a cheek kiss, say goodnight and contact the manger for help. For the life of Kassie, she had idea who would have left such a note unless it was Barry. That was a thought that Kassie really didn’t want to consider. Surely Barry wouldn’t be so desperate to pull this kind of stunt, at least she hoped not.

There were no real rules to the game, no one to give penalties or time outs. There were no time outs or half times, only the game as it unfolded in the mind of a one eye blind man who was more creature than human. His joyous moments had begun as he watched from the dark shadows of a new apartment complex. The barely lit parking lot lamps give off eerie forms of all sorts of living things. The only problem with one of those forms was that it housed the mind of a madman whose sole purpose was to win the game he had developed. He was the only one who knew the rules and the players and at this time his best player was his playmate, Kassie.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

First thing Saturday morning Josiah called Kassie making sure that she had been able to get some rest last night. It did not take long for Kassie to answer her phone, “Hello.” she said already knowing it was Josiah from caller ID.

“Morning. You, okay?” Josiah asked with concern noticeable in his tone.

“Yes. Tired, but good. You know you didn’t have to call. I don’t want you to feel responsible for me.” She said hoping that she hadn’t already begun to be a problem.

Josiah’s tone was solemn as he spoke with affection, “It actually matters to me if you are safe Kassie. I realize we’ve only been out once, however the lovely lady I had dinner with last night is a lady I hope to shar many things in the coming future. You are to first woman that I have had any slight interest in at all. I care, a lot.” His voice quiet, calm but the concern was noticeable.

“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be dismissive. I hate to think after just one date I’m a problem. Sorry if I sounded like I wasn’t appreciative of your concern. I truly am.” She admitted.

“Okay, so now that we’ve established that we both hate inconveniencing other people with our crap how would you feel about breakfast, on me?” he asked with a smirky laugh.

“Breakfast, well let me check my schedule, um oh I just happen to have an opening. So, I guess breakfast will work. What time?” Kassie confirmed.

“Would thirty minutes do?” Josiah asked.

“Sounds perfect. I’ll see you in thirty then. Hey Josiah, thanks. “Kassie said as she realized just how happy she felt despite the confusing note from last night.

As Hanley headed out across the back lot of the apartment complex, he spotted the Ranger Rover that Josiah drove pulling into the guest spot in front of her apartment. He stopped in his tracks as he watched him exit the vehicle. Hanley had not expected Josiah to show up especially in the morning. He was curious as to why he was even here. Nothing he did would change the course of the game. However, it irritated him to his core that the hero thought he could save the damsel in distress.

One thing was for sure at this point Hanley understood that he would most definitely up his game plan. Somehow every damsel always believed that in the end she would be rescued. That was only true in fairy tales and this was most definitely not one of those.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

The plan had been fairly easy in Hanley’s mind. He would invent situation that disrupted Kassie normal routine although the while allowing the excuse needed to have him check out whatever the thing was that wasn’t right in her apartment. It was the best way to continue setting up the plan for playtime, keeping an eye on her and taking care of anyone who got in the way. Most of all he had a great deflection plan so as not to be discovered.

While Kassie was out with sir hero as Hanley now referred to Josiah Hanley made his way to Kassie place again. He knew that it wouldn’t be long before the light bulb trick did its thing. He’d get that call to go check out whatever the problem was and fix it even though he had caused the problem. Unlocking the door Hanley stepped inside and quickly shut the door.

He needed another situation to cause problems so as to gain entry to the apartment. Finally taking a bag of dirt, oil and grounded up cloth with vegetables he poured the entire bag into the garbage disposable and flipped it on. There was a hard grinding sound, then a smell that was completely disgusting, then nothing but a little drift of smoke. Aha, that should suffice for sure Hanley thought. It didn’t take him long to check around the living space then quickly left so as not to be discovered.

Just as Hanley rounded the corner of the red brick building diagonal from Kassie’s building Josaih and Kassie showed up from the venture out. All Hanley had to do was go about his business and wait for that call to come in. The way he figured it in about two to four hours his phone would ring and his manager would be telling to go check the problem in Kassie Reed’s apartment. His mouth watered at the thought of being close to her again.

Kassie had invited Josiah in for a few minutes to continue their discussion. She made a pot of coffee and took two napkins placing them on the small kitchen table along with two coffee cups.  “How do you like your coffee? Black? Right.” She asked.

“You got it.” He looked around the kitchen noting how nice and neat everything was. She was very organized and prepared he had noticed. That was a nice change since his relationship with Lisa.

“Please have a seat.” Kassie told him as she pointed to the wooden chair. “I have some pastries so I’m not going to try a taste of you, not yet.” She replied with a silly wink of her eye. She set a plate of Danish cherry pastries on the table with his coffee and took the seat beside him.

Kassie sat stirring her coffee for a few seconds then spoke,” Well, I have been thinking about what happen last night. The note I mean. Truthfully it feels like Barry in some ways, but for the life of me I can’t think of how he could have figured out where I live. Can he google me and find my new address?” she asked looking concerned.

Josiah sipped his coffee as he chewed the cherry Danish answering her, “Probably. You know you can find anyone for a price. There’s a lot of those sites you pay that can tell you what time someone goes to bed and gets it. It’s completely bullshit. What you can find out these days is insane.” He finished taking another bite.

The two of them talked for over an hour about last night’s strange event without figuring out anything. Josiah had to leave as he needed to go by the construction site to check out the progress. He told he’d call later but made her promise that if anything else happen she would call him, no excuses.

With a promise and a quick kiss on the cheek Josiah got into his vehicle and slowly left the complex. Kassie stood at the door and watched him disappear knowing that in one way she wished he could have hung out, but on the other hand they weren’t quiet there. That moment when you no longer want to be without that someone and you knew it without question.

As always Hanley was spying around, just waiting for that phone call that he needed to happen. His one eye twitched as he stared at Kassie as she closed the door. Any minute he’d get that call and then he could take his sweet time fixing that stupid garbage disposal. Right now, all he wanted was to be close to his playmate. Soak up her fragrance, be as near to her as he could and plan his next move. Without a second of remorse or fear Hanley waited for that call to come.

The silence in the small basement room was broken harshly by the ringing of a black phone. The thick fingers reached out and held the phone to his thick, fat earlobes, “Yes.” Hanely answered, “Uh-huh, got it. Be right there.” His grin told it all as those brownish, green teeth slightly showed between his cracked, crusty lips.

He licked his lips as though he was about to feast of a leg of lamb, but instead his darkness was feasting on the thoughts of the woman of his obsession and the enjoyment he would engage in with his playmate. His mind was full of nothing but darkness and it suited him well.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

For some reason the garbage disposable wasn’t working correctly as Kassie tried again to get the food from her refrigerator to grind up. So far all she managed to do was create smoke as the grinding sounded got louder and louder with each try. She was so irritated since she’d only lived her a few weeks. As far as she knew this apartment complex was new. There shouldn’t be any problem with the equipment at this stage.

Within a few minutes of her placing a call to managements answering service there was a knock on her door. Finally, the maintenances employee had arrived. She opened the open and found herself facing a man that was so shabby looking, his hair what there was of it stuck out as if he hadn’t shampooed it in weeks. The scruffy bread was not trimmed or in order as the gray prickly hairs stuck out from his overly round face.

Taking a deep a breath and trying to find a way to smile she spoke, “Hi, you must be the grounds keeper?” looking a bit surprised at his presences.

“Yeah.” Hanely replied as he titled his head to the left so as to see inside the apartment better as he waited for her to invite him in.

“Oh, please come in. My garbage disposable doesn’t seem to be working. Perhaps you could take a look at it. I’d appreciate it.” Kassie continued as she stepped back letting Hanley through the doorway.

Hanely stood in the living room waited for her to show him to the kitchen area. He followed her as she took the few steps needed to be in the kitchen space. Without saying a word Hanley stood in front of the sink, flipped the switch on and looked down into the pipe with his flashlight. He knew exactly what to do, but in order to get what he needed from this contact he moved slowly so as not to be finished before he had spent a few minutes with her.  Standing up to his full height of five nine Hanley turned and looked at Kassie. He noted how beautiful she was. His eyes traced every curve of her face and body in one quick glance. He loved that long, curly brunette hair that hung perfectly down her shoulders cascading over her shoulder blades to hang in twisted curls.

Feeling the weirdness of his silence Kassie asked her question so to break the tension that surrounded her,” Well, can you fix it? Do you know what happened? I just moved in a few weeks ago.” She said feeling nervous as she watched him just standing in front of her and staring.

“Yep, I can fix it, but not tonight. Tomorrow. I need a few things.”  He answered as her cell phone rang in the middle of his explanation.

“Oh, excuse me I need to take this. One moment if you please.” She said very hastily.  “Hi, I’m glad you called,” she replied to whomever it was that had called at this inconvenient time. Kassie walked away and down the small hallway so as to speak with her caller. Her tone revealed how uncomfortable Hanley was making her, “Hi. I’m okay. My garbage disposable isn’t working so I called the maintenances guy.” She almost whispered.

Josiah was speaking asking her if she was okay. She sounded off and that bothered him so he asked, “Everything okay though? Did he fix it? He asked.

“No, he doesn’t have what he needs. Guess he’ll have to come back, again.” She said as the last word trailed off. She turned to look back at Hanley as he just stood there watching her.” I suppose he’ll have to return tomorrow after I get home from school. I hadn’t expected he’d make two trips.” her tone shaky.

“I can swing by after you get home, say how about I meet you there. I’ll leave the site early meet you as you arrive if that helps.” Josiah offered.

Kassie turned one more time to glance at Hanley then turned and took a few steps towards her bedroom speaking, “ I hate to ask so much of you, however honestly I’m noy feeling this, you know what I mean?” she asked.

“Well, then in that case I’ll meet you at the apartment tomorrow after school lets out. I think it would make us both feel better. After all, if you’re not feeling it, I’m not comfortable with that. You know, better safe than sorry.” Josiah emphasized. He continued, “Kassie, no arguments. I’ll be there.” With that the conversation ended and Kassie turned back to the creepy little man still staring at her in her apartment.

Without recognizing it, no greater words had been spoken than those that Josiah had shared with Kassie, “Better safe than sorry”, words that would haunt him for days to come.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

As their prediction had turned out to be right the police arrived with two officers meeting Kassie and Josiah at her apartment. The conversation went as they had expected. The lead officer began with the obvious questions, “ So, did you notice anyone unusual around the apartment yesterday or last night?” he asked as though he was already tired of being at her home.

Kassie answered knowing that the shortest answer would suffice,” No, but then I do not have a habit of staring out of my window scanning the parking lot everyday either.” Her replied reflected her disappoint at their concern.

“ Well, you know, you might have noticed someone that looks out of place, you like a stranger.” The officer replied with a smirk.

“ So, do you think that maybe one of you could at least take a report just in case there’s another incident that’s unusual , for her safety, of course. You understand the need to be safe, right?” Josiah snapped back. Their lack of concern for Kassie’s safety was an indication of just how much the police really didn’t care.

To add her own voice Kassie sounded off as well, “ I mean I don’t want to hold you up in case you’re needed for any rough stuff that you might miss out on. You know? Maybe a pad and pen for a statement might help? What do ya’ll think?” she rolled her eyes as her voice trailed off in disgust.

The officers looked at one another and realizing that they needed to allow her to write a statement or they at least needed to make noted for a report dug around in his shirt pocket finally hold his pad and pen. He scrambled some notes as Kassie had told them about the unexpected note she found on her front a week before. Moving on to the vase of flowers the officer continued to write even when Josiah added his own details of lasts night events. Speaking Josiah asked straight out,” So, I guess this does not warrant enough of a dangerous situation for maybe a drive through, you know to keep an eye on her? She’s a single woman and this smells of danger to me.” He said with such a serious tone.

Both officers glanced at each other then the one officer who seemed to be in charge answered back, “

“ Honestly, it’s not up to us. We have to hand in our report and then it gets reviewed by our Captain. You are welcome to call the station and ask for Captain Robbins. Speak with him, but you should give him a day of two in order to read it.” His answer felt so much hollower, than the air he was breathing.

Josiah was not satisfied, but was not in the mood to argue,

“Fine. We’ll make plans to speak to your Captain. In the meantime, let’s hope no one does anything horrific to her. Maybe whoever it is that is messing with her, frightening her will not decide to do worse.” His anger clearly noticeable.

With little more to be done the officers left as Kassie and Josiah stood watching them leave. Neither of them felt an ounce better or more confident that whoever was playing games had only begun.

Neither Kassie nor Josiah could have ever predicated just how right they were. The games had literally just begun………

CHAPTER TWENTY

Kassie had looked forward to the end of the day on one hand, but on the other she had dreaded it as well. Knowing that Josiah would be at her place after work was great, but that guy, that awful little man that was so weird and creepy made her wish that there was another maintenance guy for the complex.

The worst part of her feeling this way was that the creepy guy had never done anything inappropriate to her, ever. He was just well, creepy. There was something that didn’t feel right, but without him having done anything wrong it was just feelings.

As Kassie pulled into the complex she said a little prayer under her breath, one that she hoped the heavens could hear, “Please, please, please let him be here already.’ She whispered as she pulled into her parking space. With a smile on her face there he was just leaning against his Rover, arms crossed with a big, big smile on his face. With that Kassie felt a great relief and let her breath out as she pulled in.

Josiah walked around to the driver’s door and opened it for her smiling as he stuck his hand out to help her out of the jeep. “Nice to see you, my lady.” He said with a smile as wide as a river.

Kassie smiled back at Josiah as she said,” Nice to see you. I must say I’m quite happy you made it. Come on in.” She finished as she unlocked the door stepping inside.

Josiah followed her in looking around trying see what problem she was having. He turned his head asking, “So why do you need to maintenance guy anyway?”

“Oh, my garbage disposable isn’t working. All it does is grind and make smoke. It smells awful so I needed it fixed.” she said as she headed to her bedroom to change. “I’ll be right back. Let me go change before he gets here.” She went in to her room closing the door behind her so she could change her clothes to casual.

Josiah decided to go take a look at the disposable for himself. After all he was a construction foreman and had done plenty of maintenance work on tons of equipment from the age of fifteen. He might be able to save the creepy guy as Kassie referred to him a trip here. He walked over to the sink, turn the water on flipping the switch and looked down inside. Just like Kassie had said the disposal sounded like it could throw a few gears and the smell was pretty bad. As he looked around the kitchen for a flashlight Kassie joined him, “So, you going to be my repair guy now? What do you think?” she asked him peering over his shoulder.

“Flashlight, you got one?” he asked

Kassie turned walked over to a drawer beside the microwave taking a flashlight out and handing it to him with a smile.

Needing no instruction Josiah began to look inside the disposal and within a few minutes he turned winked at her holding up his index finger saying, “I’ll be right back. I got it.”

Within a matter of fifteen minutes Josiah had retrieved a couple of tools from his vehicle, began to work on the disposal and had solved the problem. He extracted a wade of something gummy from the underneath side of the flow pipe which had clogged up the disposal. Water could escape slightly, but nothing solid could get by. The grinding came from the blades trying to break down the solid material causing smoke form the lack of being too freely turn.

Hanley crossed the parking lot in a huff. He recognized the Ranger Rover as being that guy that was taking up time with his playmate. That was upsetting in a very big way. He continued his way to Kassie’s  apartment as he just wanted to be inside as he had no care for that guy that was taking up space inside.

Kassie looked to Josiah before answering her door. She opened it with a smile on her face as she began to explain to Hanley why he was no longer needed, “Hi, I’m so sorry that I didn’t contact you sooner.” She started off saying, “My friend came by and of all things he was able to fix the disposal for me. Sorry that you came all the way here for nothing, but I do appreciate you coming by. Alls well.” She said with a big smile on her face.

Josiah walked up behind Kassie as she finished explaining the situation to Hanely. He looked the scruffy, little man eye to eye sensing the hostility that oozed from Hanely’s appearance.  It’s all good here buddy. So, you’re not needed. But, hey, thanks anyway.” Josiah informed Hanely with a grin.

For a few seconds Hanely just stood there moving his right eye from Kassie to Josiah and then back again. He was visibly furious that this jerk had interfered in his plan.  All he could do was nod his head in agreement and he only said in response, “Call if you need anything else.”  With that he turned a began to walk away. In his mind he was already thinking about how to disappear this guy. In order for his plan to work Range Rover dude had to go. Now, for a time being his focus would be on the enemy who was preventing him for playing his game.

    Death comes to every human that lives. It matters not who must die first.

 

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

A month had rolled by quickly as Kassie and Josiah steadily moved forward with their new relationship. Despite neither of them expecting to enter into a new situation with another person they easily founded themselves happy to be in the same place together.

Neither had expected life to be so good as to offer up a new interesting person with which they could spend quality time together and still be in a great space.

Kassie glanced over to where Josaih stood in front of the grill talking to Pete and Jason another friend of Peggy’s and Pete. How nice to feel so relaxed around people that actually made you feel happy and secure.

So far, Josiah had turned out to be a very nice guy. He was a hard worker, dedicated to his job and the responsibilities he had. He was polite, courteous funny and quite serious about the rules of a relationship with a woman. He wanted a good, steady girlfriend that trusted him and respected the relationship that they had. Josiah was just a really great person.

Since change her circumstances and meeting up with Josiah Katie has found herself in a wonderful place that she had not anticipated happening. Memories of her ex-boyfriend was rapidly disappearing from her daily thoughts and that for her was a nice feeling. Peggy broke Kassie’s train of thought as she rattled off in one long stream of words referring to some of those awful students that so obviously needed better home discipline, “ I mean serious Kassie if these students get any worse than they already are I might as well become a Walmart greeter, you know?” she asked laughing at her own humor.

With a smile Kassie’s let out a light laughter as they both had spoken so often of becoming a greeter for Walmart. She often thought how hard could that really be? “ Oh, I know Peg, at least people try to be nice most of the time, but then again, we won’t have crabby parents wanting to chew our feet off because their child isn’t right in the head. I mean it’s sad to say, but you know what I’m saying.” Kassie retorted as she thought of some of the crazy students she’s had over the years.

Pete closed the grill lid shouting, “ It’s dinner time people. Hoit meat coming in. Peg everything ready to go?” he shouted at her.

“ Yes Pete, it’s always ready to go, just like you sweetie.” Peggy quipped back in a playful way.

The couples walked to the table on the patio taking a seat with hungry faces. The night BBQ with a real delight as everyone dug into the lovely fixings. Wine was poured, jazz played on the CD player and for a brief while there was fun, relaxation and peace to be shared.

The sanctity pf the night felt good as the couples enjoyed their gathering, but only thirty minutes back to the apartment complex where Kassie lived the dark vale of evil waited. One way or the other Hanley would have his moment. He had spent all day researching what he needed to move forward with the game.

Just around the corner a disruption was coming. For the main characters in this game it would test their patience, restraint of fear and dig an uneasiness that was not easily evaded.

Stage two of “Playtime” activated.

CHAPTER TWENTY -TWO

The night darkness had fallen over the parking lot of the apartment complex as Josiah and Kassie arrived back at her home. After parking the Range Rover and exiting Kassie stepped up on the sidewalk with keys in hand. She and Josiah were chatting away about the cook out noticing how good being around a few people they really enjoyed had been.

“ Well, that was really a solid time, wasn’t it?” Josiah said as he looked at Kassie with a big smile on his face.

Slightly turning her head, she grinned back at him feeling very comfortable that he too agreed their time together was working so well, “ I’d say that was a grand time. It’s nice to be able to relaxed and feel comfortable about the people you spend time. We should have Peggy and Pete over for a little dinner. That’s be nice wouldn’t it.” She replied as she opened the door.

As took a step to enter the living room her foot struck something and she looked down to see what was in her way. There in front of the door was a vase filled with red roses. This was something that Kassie had not been expecting and was not sure who placed them there or why they.

She looked at Josiah asking, “Did you do this?” with a confused expression on her face.

Josiah shook his head indicating that he had not put those roses in front of her door. He was uneasy about the whole situation asking, ”Why would I have put those there. I picked you up, so wouldn’t I have just given them to you in person?”

Taking the vase in her hand, she opened the door and entered her apartment. There was a feeling of concern immediately inside her whole being. It seemed eerie and more than a little strange. Kassie did not like this at all even though the roses were gorgeous.

Josiah followed her in as Kassie took the vase to the kitchen adding water for the rose could thrive. Leaving the vase on the counter she turned to Josiah speaking with great consideration of the situation, “ Josiah this is more than weird, isn’t it? I mean I really don’t know that many residents in the complex, um this isn’t really making any sense right now.” She hesitated for a second continuing,” I don’t like this. It’s creepy.”

Reaching out and taking her hand he gently so as to calm her nerves he stepped closer to her trying to offer his comforting presence, “ Hey, if you would feel better, I’ll take the couch for the night just in case the creepy isn’t done. It may not make you feel more secure, but I carry a gun, just in case someone wants to mess with me. Left over military awareness, and all that.” He told her with a reassuring grin and wink.

As strange as that sounded to Kassie in the moment it sounded really great. The thought of being alone especially after that unknown someone had left a gift did not exactly make her feel very safe. Kassie had always had conflicting ideas about guns and being around people who owned or carried them, however right now those conflicts were taking a backseat to how deep her warning light was shining. Right now,  she more than welcomed Josiah’s company over night.

The decision had been made that Josiah would be Kassi’s guest for the night. She had brought out an extra blanket and pillow for him to use. Kassie handed him the cover and pillow as she spoke, ”If you wake up before me there’s towels and wash clothes in the cabinet along with body wash. Oh, you’ll find a cup with brand new tooth brushes and toothpaste. Make yourself at home.” Taking a breath, she stood in deep thought then continuing,” I usually set the coffeepot to come on about Seven AM. I’ll set a cup out for both of us. I’m sure you can find the sugar, milk or cream if you want that. How about a quick breakfast? I’d love to repay your kindness with at least a hot morning meal.”

“ Don’t go to any trouble for me. I can always stop by a fast- food place.” Josiah responded.

Tilting her head she grinned saying, “ NO. no, no. Breakfast it is. I mean it’s the least I can do. It’s settled I’ll cook in the morning. Unless you don’t think I can cook?” she snapped back with laughter.

Taking one step closer he reached out pulling her closer to his body as his words were softer and pleasant, ”I know you capable of doing anything that you choose to do. So, breakfast it is. I cannot wait.” He leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on her lips,

Kassie did not pull away nor did she resist. Without over thinking anything she kissed him back. A new beginning was taking place for two people that desperately wanted to be together. They were turning the page on an old bad history and heading for their new start.

Nothing is ever as easy as you hope for and Hanley had a very different idea for a new beginning. It did not include Josiah and Kassie making a relationship worked.

The dark forces of evil had begun to stepped in front of veiled curtain. It would test the limits of two newly joined lovers in a way that they could have never imagine.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Without any incident the beautiful bright rays of the sun streamed through the window blinds of the living room in the apartment. Birds could be heard chirping welcoming a new day. The light shades of lavender, heather blues mixing with tinges of sherbert oranges and shadowy pinks broke across the horizon. No one was more relieved to see the morning come as was Kassie. Thank goodness there had not been any trouble during the night. Hopefully that indicated that today would be a great Sunday. Time would only tell.

Josiah was up, had folded the blanket and laid the pillow on top of it. He had taken up Kassie’s offer to shower very quickly, brush his teeth, comb his hair so as to look presentable. He was excited to be in the company of the beautiful woman he had shared a kiss with last night.

It only took Kassie a few minutes to collect herself, make up her bed, and head into the living room where Josiah sat at the kitchen table reading something on his phone sipping a cup of hot coffee. He looked at ease as she entered the kitchen smiling at how natural he looked in this place. “ Well, good morning, sir. How’d did you sleep? Well, I hope?” she spoke as she poured her coffee.

“ Turning to look at her he smiled feeling very content,” I slept well. At least your couch is more accommodating than some. Peggy has the worst couch on earth for sleep overs.” He said as he let out a funny little laugh. He stood up and took a step towards her leaning over and placing a kiss on her lips,” Good morning. I see you are feeling a little more comfortable?” he asked.

“ Yes, very much so.” She placed her palm on his cheek smiling a big smile at him,” I’m grateful you gave up her night to defend me sir.” She giggled at him.

“ My lady, I’m at your service.” He replied back bowing in a most gentlemanly fashion.

The morning past with Kassie and Josiah sharing breakfast which Josiah thanked her for saying that it was fantastic. A few hours had passed when Josiah readied himself to leave as he stood at the front door. He knew that he really didn’t want to leave her, but he needed to swing by the construction site and check on the job. He was under a deadline and he had the obligation of making sure that everything got done right and on time.

Kassie stood close to him hugging him before he left as he opened the door to head out. As the door swung open there in front of the  doorway was a medium size teddy bear dressed in construction clothes including a hard hat. In big bright red letters, the words, ‘Death to the Construction Boss’ followed by a huge red X  were plainly noticeable. Kassie sucked in an enormous breath of air as she viewed the teddy bear. The message was perfectly understood and to whom it was directed was unmistakable. Again, someone had made an attack without violence, yet the impact felt the same.

Picking up the bear Josiah spun around glaring out to the surrounding parking lot and other apartment buildings. He was trying to figure out who would leave such a haunting message and why. He took Kassie’s arm and pushed her back inside the apartment shutting the door. It was so obvious that the roses were not meant as a gift, but the first move in a game of cat and mouse. The hairs of the back of Jisiah’s neck were telling him that something was being fashioned in a bad light.

A beautiful morning had presented itself to the two people inside of the apartment that had just been warned that the game of life had taken a turn. What had begun as a new and hopeful beginning for Kassie and Josiah had quickly morphed into a dark and frightening  scene. Neither Kassie nor Josiah understood the reason or the rules of the game.

The games master stood peeking out from the side of the apartment building across the parking lot from where Kassie’s apart sat. His devilish grin appeared from cheek to cheek as his dark greenish teeth were revealed through those cracked and crackling lips. Every moment that he was witnessing their discomfort and slight fear energized him even more. Let the games begin. Only a little time left before he and his playmate would be sharing his well, prepared space of fun.

                                             “The darkness of his soul was afire and he could barely wait for the game to begin”…..

CHAPTER TWENTY -FOUR

Deep into the darkness of night a short, overweight dirty looking man with only one eye worked diligently within the sub-flooring of a rickety wooden building. It was dimly lit up by one forty-watt bulb screwed into the ceiling light fixture in the center of the beam that ran along the top of the building.

The floor was concrete, nasty from dirt and dust  and mud that apparently never got swept. Hanely read over his list checking to ensure he had covered every aspect of his game play. Hanging on the wooden walls were several photos of Kassie and a few of Josiah. The apartment where Kassie lived had had photos of it taken as well and hung randomly around the building interior.

Hanely had learned from past games and mistakes that preparedness was key to executing  any good plan. Errors made from past games would not be played out again. He had waited for four years, planned, dreamed and longed for another game. This time he would show all of them just how smart a one eye man that barely had any education could be. Working on his next step he took his time to place each piece of material in just the perfect spot. He had taken the time for the last month to pull this one piece of the puzzle together. He couldn’t wait to share this with his playmate.

Josiah held Kassie in his arms trying to reassure that someone must have been playing a joke. Even though he was hoping that she might accept that explanation in his mind he knew that was a load of crap. He pulled his head back looking straight into Kassir’s eyes,” Look, if you want to call the police we can. It’s going to be hard to do much other than make a report, but paper work is always a good thing to have. You know what they say about paper trails.” He smiled a small smile at her.

For a few seconds Kassie just looked at Josiah in disbelief replying to his suggestion,” If nothing else the cops would know that something strange was going on. I’m not sure if that message was for you or me. Why the roses and now that damn bear? What is this all about, I don’t understand any of this.” Her face turning to a pale color as the fear she had thought was at bat had returned.

“ I’m calling the police.” Josiah saif flatly. He took his phone out from is back pocket pressing the nine-one-one number, and waiting. Some ten minutes later Kassie and Josiah sat in the kitchen at the table and discussed the events that had occurred. They waited for the police to arrive not expecting anything more than a report to be made.  After twenty minutes their call had been answered with a knock on the door. Opening the door to their surprise it was not the police but none other than the maintenance guy, Hanely. Of all the persons they had expected he had not even been a consideration.

Josiah stood looking at the unappealing man quickly asking, “May I help you ?”

Hanely stood at the door with his hands inside his pockets just glaring at the tall man that was keeping him from his goal only asking a strange question,” Um, sorry to interrupt, but I was wondering if the lady got her flowers last night?” he said looking past Josiah.

Kassie took a step closer to Josiah making sure to stay behind him as she peered over his shoulder to see Hanely. Why was he asking about flowers, she thought, but simply said,” How do you know about the flowers?’

Without a sign of deception Hanely answered her,” I saw some guy standing outside your door last night as I was taking my ladder back to the shed. At first, I wasn’t sure what he was doing, but then he sat a vase down in front of the door filled with roses I think.” I wanted to make sure that someone didn’t steal them, that’s all.” He said so smoothly.

“ Did you see him clearly? Could you describe him , maybe to the police?” Kassie asked immediately.

With a moment of sheer glee inside his head Hanely responded, “ Oh, absolutely I can describe him. Should I contact the police for you?” he said with a little gleam in his eyes.

“ No need, they should be here very soon.” Josiah interjected.

“Should I wait then?” Hanely inquired with pleasure.

Kassie looked to Josiah and they both nodded their heads saying “Yes.”

    ” From behind the curtain the foe has come as a friendly  offering to protect all from all harm. Beware  as the curtain is pulled back  where the vace of the protector has evolved into  a demon of death.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Some thirty minutes after Kassie called the police to ask for an officer to come to her apartment the police car finally pulled into the space beside Josiah’s Ranger Rover. Two uniform officers exited the car walking up to her door and knocking. Josiah opened the door greeting, “ Good day officers please come in.” he said stepping back to allow them entrance.

The officers took a quick look around the living room as Kassie walked in speaking, “ Thank you for coming officers.” She said with a smile.

“ Yes ma’am. Did you call?’ the lead officer replied. “ Can you tell us what happened?’ asked as stood  with his thumbs tucked inside his utility belt as though he was completely bored.

“ I seem to have a situation that quite frankly is unnerving. Two weeks ago, I found a card taped to my front door apparently from someone that I may or may not know. The card wasn’t threatening, but it also was not signed. Which I find strange. Last night I was out with my friend,” she continued indicating Josuah , continuing and when we arrived back here there was teddy bear propped against my door. Here, this is what we found.” Kassie said as she took the bear from her couch and showed it to the officers.

Taking the bear in his hand he looked at the construction dressed bear and hard hat, “ So, do you know anyone who does construction?” the officer asked.

Josiah interjected to answer that question, “ That would be me.” He replied flatly.

“ Okay, so you work in construction?” the officer asked as though he was confused.

Josiah turned to look at Kassie with a quizzable expression,

“ Right. Actually, I am the project manager of the work site my crew is working on now.”

The officer who remained silent spoke for the first time, “ Ah, probably someone joking around. It doesn’t seem harmful or threatening.”

Kassie felt her anger rising up at how easy they dismissed any sense of strangeness or danger. She blurted out with a little disrespect at his stupidity,” Oh, well I suppose you need a gun shot or knife attack, maybe a blackeye or strangling, something real dangerous like that? How about physical assault to a woman, hun, just a little more danger than this? Right?” she rolled her eyes in disgust.

“ Ma’am, I’m sorry that you took my statement that way. I only meant that from where I stand it could be a prank. We see things like this all the time. If you want, we’ll take a statement and hand it in.” The office said as though that was the most that they could offer.

“Ok, then what happens?” Josiah inquired.

“I’ll hand it over to my Captain and he will review it. You can call the station in a day or two and speak with him.” He explained.

Josiah looked to Kassie who was shaking her head in disbelief. So, this was policing in America these days. No wonder the criminals were winning the streets and crime was bigger than the police could control. The police were showing just how much they could care less about citizen that just wanted to live in peace.

After nearly forty minutes of bull shit with the cops Josiah and Kassie watched out of her front windows as the officers pulled out of the complex. For them they were no better off than they were before the police had arrived. Kassie was in fear and Josiah was more than just a little concerned. This visit had amounted to nothing more than a waste of time for everyone involved. Kassie stood in front of Josiah  with her arms around his waist. For the first time she wished that he could stay for a long time. The reality that she would be spending time alone made her more than fearful. Kassie felt panic and there was nothing that she could do to change any of this.

Two figures stood in the middle of a living room holding each other. Confusion was building and at the moment nothing was going to change how either  of them felt. Whatever came next, if there was a next time was unknown to them.

Josiah looked down at Kassie only saying, “We can call the captain and see what he suggests. Till then we have to be vigilant about our surrounding and anyone we do not know. Together we will find a way to be safe. I promise.” He said smiling at the woman that he had just realized was far more important to him than he had planned.

Life’s little surprises often turn out to be life’s little terror. Nothing could be further than the truth than the terror yet to come.

CHAPTER TWENTY- SIX

Another week had come and gone without anything affecting Kassie’s life. So far all was calm  and quiet as everyday proceeded as it should. For a moment Kassie thought that whoever it was playing a trick on her had given up trying to scare her and she was more relaxed day by day.

While changing clothes Kassie’s phone rang. She picked it up knowing that it was more than likely Josiah, answering, ” Hello.”

“ Am I interrupting anything?” the voice asked very politely. It was Josiah calliung to check on her.

“ No, not all. I’m getting comfortable, that’s all.” She replied  back lightly.

“ So, we still on for tonight, I hope?” Josiah asked more than happy to see Kassie again. Kassie smile answering, “ Sure. You up for a homemade casserole? It’s a recipe I kind of invented.” She asked

“ Sounds homie. I like the sound of it. Do you need me to bring anything.?’ He inquired

“ Nope, just you. That’ll do. I figure a salad and some rolls will work just right too. What time should I expect you?’ Kassie wanted to make sure she was ready when he got here to set everything on the table.

Josiah thought a second then replied, “ I going to stop by Peggy’s to shower and change. Should be there between six and six thirty. Is that good?”

“ Definitely.” Kassie answered continuing, “ see you then and please be careful.” She worried that some crazy nutbag might be following him to do harm.

“ You know I will. See you in a while.” “ Can’t wait. Bye, bye.” Kassie finished her conversation hanging up.

Hopefully tonight would go smoothly as she believed they both needed a nice cozy evening in without any stress.

At the very back of the apartment complex property a rickety old shack building stood. At first glance it did not appear to pose any danger at all. However, looks were deceiving for inside the old shack an evil soul sat on a  steel bar stool creating his next little surprise for his playmate and her friend.

No one that saw that old building would be aware of the evil, tragic thoughts that was building a dark game of pain and sorrow. The night would come and the shadow of deceit would follow and with it another test of fear vs strength of heart. Hanely knew which one he was betting on. It was not strength.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Hanely sat on the stool for over an hour. When he had finished his latest project he slid off the stool , stretched his short-contorted frame and made his way to the shower. He needed to wash off today’s work orders and just relax under a hot shower. His mind was racing fast with the ideas and images of what was to come.

It irked him to think about that over indulging man that was spending too much time with his playmate. As Hanely stood in the hot shower with the water beating down upon his skin, he began to see that maybe things were not as bad as he had first assumed.Now he was beginning to understand a very key important element that he had not originally considered. Normally he played his game focused on only one playmate at a time, but what if he was expanding the game? What if the lesson he needed to learn from his last mistakes was to include more than one player.

That was it! He thought out loud, “ Damn, I almost missed this one. Hanely you’re a genius. Yes, yes, yes, change is always necessary in order to evolve the game and not get caught. There’s no way I’m going back, no way, ever. Change the game.” He couldn’t be prouder of himself than he was right at the moment. With that new light burning in his soul Hanely knew that his planning technique would change to go in a different direction. His brain was on fire with ideas, but he had to control his impulse otherwise he’d burn himself to the ground only to end right back up in prison.

Josiah had arrived and he and Kassie had enjoyed a delightful meal with good home cooking and great conversation. The more time they spent together the more they found out just how much in common they had. After dinner they both cleaned up the kitchen and took their places on the couch for some television time. There was a movie that both wanted to watch which was comedy. Both of them knew a little laughter would be good for this Friday evening.

As the night begun to come to an end Josiah decided to ask Kassie the question that he had put off all evening. He just needed to get it over with,” Hey, I was wondering what you might think about me spending the night over, again? I am still a little worried for you and just to hopefully show anyone that could try to scare you again, well, I’m here.” He said as he looked at her with such care and concern.

Putting his hand inside her palm she looked at him for a few second gaging his tender concern. Actually, more than anything in the world she wanted him to stay, but it couldn’t just be because he was trying to protect her. She was thinking that perhaps he might really want to be with her as woman, a very close woman. The kind of woman that you only wanted to be with and no one else.

After a long silence she spoke in a quiet tone, “ It’s no surprise that you know I’ve been hurt by the last guy I was close to. You, yourself know how it feels to be with someone you love or at least believe you love. Then they just crap all over you and not because you deserve it, but because they can.” She paused trying to see if he was following her thoughts.

Again, she spoke, as honestly as she could,” I want, no, I need to know that part of the reason you are staying is because you want to be with me. Not because I need protecting, but because somewhere inside yourself I have value. A trust that you can believe in and count on. I do, you know.” She held his hand inn hers in order to show that she was not going anywhere without him.

“ He lifted their hands and placed a kiss on top of them speaking with all the truth that he had,” I’d like to stay for many reasons. It’s hard to trust someone after your heart has been stomped on, but I know with a doubt that trusting love to a new person is like rebuilding a house that gets destroyed by a catastrophe. Either you rebuild from the ground up knowing that you trust your ability to build stronger this time around or you continued to be without a home. Love needs a good home and when you rebuild with a new foundation you have a greater chance of weathering any storm.” he leaned over and gently kissed her,” I hope that I’m right that you are my new foundation. I truly want to be yours.”

In a matter of a few short months Josiah and Kassie had found one another. This was a good beginning for both of them despite the wrinkle of someone’s insane foolery.  Knowing that they could weather any storm the two were now bonded to follow a path where it would lead with undeniable love and strength. What would come at the next turn no one knew, but they had each other and they face each day not alone.

Strength often comes from endurance and endurance from experience. Neither of them had  neither the endurance or experience  to face a demon like the one that worked at the apartment complex. In time, that demon would test more than endurance and experience, it would test durability of one’s very soul.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Positioned in a  well- hidden spot in the darkness where not even the dimly lit light from the light pole in the parking lot of the apartment complex Hanely leaned against the cool red brick watching Kassie’s apartment. As midnight drew near his reality was made clear that the man who had placed himself between him and his playmate was not leaving. Hanely grew more and more irritated  with every second that pasted by.

After another hour the  thick, short, scrubby man peered out from around the corner of the building across from where Kassie lived, looking for any signs of life moving around that could spot him. Satisfied that it was clear enough for him to scoot across the lot very quickly Hanely moved keeping a watchful lookout for anyone’s presence.

Surprisingly, the small stature cretin moved extremely fast for his weight and size as he slithered to stand in front  of Kassie’s door. Hanely quickly glanced over his right shoulder checking for any spying eyes that could identify him. Everything that he planned to do depended on his ability to be a ghost. In order for his game to play out anyone seeking answers to who and why should never suspect him as the source.

Hanely had spent a lot of predesigned time his last spin in prison figuring out exactly how he had gotten caught and what led the police to him in the first place. If one thing was clear Hanely pride himself as being very efficient at understanding how not to make the same mistake twice. Knowing how to move about uncover was key and he meant to use every bet of uncover that he could find.

Silently he took the figures out of the bag attached to his tool belt. Taking the thumb tack and pushing it into the door with all of strength he was secured that it would hold. Next, he took the two figures that he had fixed together and hung them from the tack. The last item he taped to the door right above the two figures that were now hanging from the door of Kassie’s apartment.

He stepped back feeling very pleased with his visual and written threat. He could not wait to see the look on both Kassie and her new guy’s face. If nothing else he was sure that this little gift would make the point of what he had planned next. With a gleeful expression on his face, Hanely moved around the side of the building and easily slid back into the dark edges of the night. He could barely wait for the morning to come as he knew the surprise that he had left for them would be joyously delightful. Hanely loved it when he had the advantage in the game of who’s who in the mystery of why?

There was a lovely, secure feeling as Kassie woke up with the bright sun rays splitting into streaming lines through the window blinds of the bedroom. She stretched rolling over on her side placing her hand on Josiah’s waist. For the first time in over a month she had slept through the night unafraid. Kassie couldn’t remember what it actually felt like to sleep so well. She was so grateful that she had agreed to have Josiah stay over.

There was a quiet comfort in her as Josiah slowly turned over on his back turning his head to look at her. She was just as beautiful in the morning as she was at night. Josiah scooted over closer to her pulling her tighter to him speaking in a calm tone,” Morning. How’d you sleep? Better I hope?” he asked with a sweet smile on his face.

Kassie smiled a big, bright smile back at him answering,” I slept so very well, finally. It’s been weeks since I had rested the way I need to. And you?”

He gave her a light kiss as he said, “ It was marvelous. It was nice to sleep with someone that cares for me as I care for them. You have no idea  how lucky and grateful I am to have you in my life.” His tone so serious he shared his feelings for the first time openly.

For a long second Kassie just looked at him now knowing that Josiah really did care for her and she understood just how much and how deep his caring went. It was a welcomed relief for her since she had had strong feelings for him for over a month. Could this be the beginning of a new and better relationship? Perhaps the one that both of them had sought.

Out of hurt and sorrow of a broken love the spirit of truest love comes full force when someone you never had sought to find it with is revealed.

Deep within the darkness of the abyss lies the purest evil formulated from an unknown source of hatred. Biding its time to shred the boundaries of love and compassion. Seeping out of the cervices of anger and abomination the evil grows, consuming all that is good and serene.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

The morning moved along with a very good breakfast and relaxation as Kassie and Josiah sat drinking coffee as they began to share past memories with one another. They understood that this was the first stage of building a quality relationship which including trust. For both of them the need to share their past experiences of failed relationships was imperative for having a strong beginning.

“So, after five long years Barry turned out to be one of those boyfriends that wanted a steady girl to show up at parties, family gatherings, looks right and has a good profession whiling continuing to treat himself to any chic that passed his way. He didn’t have a wandering eye, he had a wandering penis. That became a huge issue for me.” She said with disgust. “ To say the least I finally understood that one of us had to make a change, so I did. Here I am, not missing Barry.” She smiled as she held Josiah’s hand.

Josiah let out a chuckle as he responded,” Yeah, I get that a hundred percent. Cindy was the same person in female form. She loved being with me and any other guy that look somewhat nice and might have more money than I did. She actually was bold enough to invite one of Friday night special to a cook out a friend of ours were having. Talk about being the pass around at a party. She was something else.” He said with a little sadness.

For just a minute they say holding hands comforting each other just with quiet silence and togetherness. Neither wanted to ever go through that again. After finishing kitchen duty Josiah told Kassie that he needed to swing by the site then head over to Pete’s and Peggy’s for a change of clothes.

“ You know we are never going to keep this situation a secret from Peg. She’s like Sherlock Holmes when it comes to figuring out who’s in love with whom. I suppose I should just say something when I get there. Save her from asking a million question “ he said with a happy grin on his face.

Kassie let out a laugh know exactly what he meant since she had known Peggy since last June when they met at a teachers’ conference for their school district. Shaking her head in compliance Kassie answered,” Yes, please do tell her whatever you think will work. She’ll know anyway simply because you’ve been here more than once overnight. Guess that’s much of a secret.” She said as she stepped closer to him giving him a hug.

“ We can figure out what comes next. If there’s no more incidents that are threatening then we can take our time figuring out what we want our next move to be. “ Josiah hesitated then continued, “ so long as it includes us being together, if that’s okay with you.”

Since they were both clear on at least what the next few hours would consist of Josiah stood in front of the front door sharing a kiss with Kassie explaining when he thought he’d be back, “It should take a couple of hours. What do you think about me bringing an overnight bag with me on my return?” he asked

With the hugest smile she could muster up Kassie responded with joy, “ Absolutely. We can make plans for dinner tonight and tomorrow if you’d like to stay and eat with me.”

Josiah turned the handle on the door pulling it open only to be met with a surprise. There hanging in the middle of the door were two doll figures with a long thin piece of threaded twine tied around their necks and a long nail protruding from the back of the male doll all the way through into the front of the female doll. The male doll was dressed with a hard hat, toolbelt and a hammer attached to one hand with the words ‘Death to Construction workers” on the hard hat. The female doll was fashioned in a jumper, with black framed glasses, holding books in the right hand and rule in the other rest on the shoulders of the male worker doll. It was a warning.

There was a folded noted on the door which read, “Those who play outside their game will always suffer a deadly lost”.

CHAPTER THIRTY

The gift that had been left smacked Josiah right in the face as he glared at the two doll figures in anger, “ Damn it, this is total shit. Kassie, get back inside.” he shouted as he thought to protect her from any attack that could happen. He snatched the blind back peering outside to see if there anyone around watching. He was beyond furious at this crazy insane attack.

“What is going on? Why is this happening, I don’t understand this at all. I’m calling the police. Josiah, please go take a picture of those things. We may need them.” Kassie asked of him.

Josiah took his phone out opening the door again he stepped outside in front of the door and snapped more than a few pictures even opening up the folded paper revealing the written note inside.

With her voice breaking from fear and anger Kassie called nine one- one relaying exactly what had occurred to the dispatcher. She answered each question while keeping her eye on Josiah making sure he was safe. Her heart was pounding with confusion and fear with no idea of why this was happening and who could be doing such a sick thing. She was more worried than she had ever been in her entire life and that did not feel good.

Twenty minutes rolled by before the police arrived to investigate the mystery of the hung dolls. As per usual the police officers that showed up didn’t seem particularly concerned about the display of threatening hung dolls or the note. They stood on the front sidewalk in front of Kassie’s apartment staring at the dolls and the note mumbling to one another but not really saying much.

Finally, Josiah being irritated beyond sanity spoke up in a very harsh tone, “ Okay, so now what? You guys plan on doing anything, anything at all this time?” he sneered at them. His anger almost to his level of tolerance.

One taller officer raised his head snapping back, “Not much here to do anything about sir.” He emphasized the sir in a condescending manner as though Josiah and Kassie were just wasting their valuable time on a hoax.

Kassie looked to Josiah then spoke to the officer, she was not happy with his attitude,” Oh please, don’t let us keep you from your doughnut break. Were we interfering with your ability to abuse a citizen or something?” she inquired with disbelief.

“ Ma’am this could just be a joke. There’s nothing here to indicate a crime as such. All we can do is take down your statement, take picture and file it without captain.” The office explained.

“ Oh, to hell with you. It’s obviously that you don’t give a damn that this is the second time that someone has attacked me in a non-violent way. I can see just how worthless you cops are.” She said turning to go back inside her apartment slamming the door so hard it vibrated.

Josiah was disgusted as well, but he held his anger until he needed to let it out. Speaking with a very controlled tone he made his feelings known,” You cops beg us citizens to trust you, believe in you, have faith that you are here to help and yet, your lack of concern or care proves you liars. I promise you this if I find the person that is frightening my girl, making her fear for life I will end them myself. Let’s see if you will be able to prove that I actually did anything. Have no doubt, I paid very close attention to my military training and it will serve me well if I need it. Now, you have body cams, correct?” Josiah asked with a hostile expression.

“ Yes, we have body cams. The smaller cop answered.

“ Then here’s my statement, on your body cam. WE really didn’t expect much from any of you since the last time your kind came out here. Guess we were right. Let’s get this done. I need to figure out how to protect my girl since you people are completely worthless and clueless.”

With that Josiah gave his statement to the officers on their body cameras. Just how much of a difference it would make he didn’t know, but at least if anything happen there would be a record. If anything, happen to Kassie and she got hurt or worse he’d be the first in line to file a law suit of “dereliction of duty”, against them.

Not far from where Kassie’s parking lot sat a creepy little man with a dirty tee shirt and khakis stood on a ladder repairing a shutter of a window across from the apartment building where the cop car was parked. The creep watched with his one eye as he pretended to work diligently, but it was no more than a slick cover.

Each moment the fear and terror floated into the air and the evil could feed from it was more moment of delight to the dark heart that pumped black blood. What was fear to one person was delight to the monster who had his own game to play. As it turned out, the evil was in the lead heading for a grand slam. Next up, a new strategy for another move in the playtime of the greatest, darkest game ever seen.

Evil abounds and takes no prisoners.

 

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Kassie and Josiah stood holding one another just feeling at unease. There was absolutely no way of knowing who was doing this ridiculous attack and the reason for why was beyond their understanding as well.’ After several minutes Josiah pulled backed from Kassie having made a decision concerning their situation,” Hey, listen why don’t you get ready and come with me to the site. At least that way  I  know you’ll be safe.” Said expressing just how worried his was for her safety.

Looking at him she already knew that she was not going stay here alone, especially now.” Yeah, you’re right. Let me go change really quick. Um, are we going anywhere else?’ she asked

He thought for a second replying, “ we’ll go to Peggy’s and Pete’s. I think we need another set of eyes on this. Maybe they will have some idea of how to keep you safe.” He leaned over giving her a quick kiss on her forehead.

Hanely walked around the parking lot giving the appearance of working. He carried the long ladder from one building to another always staying insight of Kassi’s place. There had been plenty of entertainment as the police arrived only to leave about thirty or so minutes later. Since only two officers showed up for the scary complaint and left with little to no fuss Hanely deduced that nothing would be pursued.

At least his plan was working and he’d say working very well. His next step was to move ahead with ridding Kassie of that boyfriend who kept interfering in his playtime. All night Hanely had worked on his idea of how to remove that damn nuisance of a construction worker out of his way.

There was only one true way to make that happen and Hanely was perfectly okay with which way he’d go. He’d remove that irritant from his game and his site. The sooner the better.

With Josiah and Kassie situated in the Ranger Rover they pulled out of the parking space and headed out for the work site first. The drive their involved a lot of conversation about the strange happenings that had occurred over the last month. Kassie turned her attention to a matter that she had yet discussed with Josiah. Now would be the correct time to share with him about an incident that happened a week ago.

“ Josiah, I need to tell you something. At the time that this occurred I didn’t think too much about it, but now maybe I was wrong. I’m just not sure what to think.” Kassie began.

Josiah turned to her smiling,” Ok, I’m listening.” He responded.

“ About a week or maybe a week and half ago I got a weird call from Barry. I wasn’t expecting to hear from him, but he sounded strange. He was talking about how badly he’d messed up with us, how he wished he could have one more chance to do it right.” She paused taking a deep breath, then continued, ” he actually told me that he now realizes that he really does love me and if I could just give him the time to prove that I’m the right woman for him he’ll do anything to make it right. He sounded so desperate, so sad. I, I just didn’t know what to say.” She finished looking like she had lost her best friend.

For a long minute Josiah just kept driving without replying at all. Kassie wasn’t sure if she had made him mad, or if he was just putting his thoughts together. His silence unnerves her as they had just started a relationship and perhaps, he thought that she had not been truthful with him. This was not the way she wanted their new beginning to start off.

Speaking, Josiah was calm and matter of fact, “ How are you really feeling about Barry? Were you considering trying again at the time of his call?” asked not implying or accusing her of anything.

“No, absolutely never. He cheated on me for five years at every turn, every chance he could. He thought he was king of cheating and never considered how it left me.” She said raising her voice in emphasis of her disgust and hurt.

Josiah pulled into Peggy’s driveway parking the truck. He took Kassie’s hand in his speaking in a much quieter voice, smoothing her,” That’s all I wanted to know. You’ve let that man go and we are together, me and you. He’s not her trying his best to keep you safe, I am. I will always be here Kassie, just me for you.”

With a reenforced understanding of their commitment they enter Peggy and Pete’s home together. Maybe the four of them could develop some sort of safety plan that the police had thought was not validated. At least for this moment they felt like they had a good start to being secure for what might come next.

Hanely stood in front of the back wall of the rickety shack admiring his work. Talk about a wheel of fortune, here was his wheel and he had built it himself. That awful wolfish grin appeared on his face again. The sign that his evil flames were burning bright. Tonight was only hours away he thought and then we’ll see what Mr. Construction guy can do.

Night will fall and the beginning to a whole new game would soon be upon two unsuspecting characters in a game that had no rules.

“Evil played not by rules, but by fire and death. Not every player could hold their own against the flames of the dark deceit.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

Four grown adults sat at the kitchen table of Peggy and Pete, Josiah’s sister and brother- in- law. Josiah and Kassie had spent over an hour going through everything that had happen. They were trying to give an exact detail description of when this all started so as to be updated with both of them.

Peggy sat next to Kassie with her hand on top of Kass’s right knuckles.” Oh, sweetie, I wish you would have told me that you were going through so much. My goodness, I cannot image how frighten you must be. We have to do something. I’m scared to death for both of you.” She said with such concern in her voice. The thought that anything dreadful happening to either of them created a level of fear unfamiliar to her.

“ So, I take it that the police are not offering any protection for either of you? I’m not surprised honestly.” Pete added not sparing his disappointment of the lack of concern by the city  police as Josiah answered him with his thoughts, ”Neither time did any of the cops that showed up seem to give a slight damn about what we were telling them. It’s obvious that the cops are so over paid if this is the best we can expect from them. What a waste of time.” Josiah ended with pure disgust on his face.

“ It doesn’t matter now. We have to figure out what we do next. If the cops aren’t going to help then we’re on our own.” Kassie replied.

Another two hours passed by as the four friends and family talked discussing what could be done and which plan would work out better. Not one of them could say for sure if anything they were willing to try would work, but at this point something was better than nothing. How taxing the whole event had become. It could have been an easier situation to figure out if only the law enforcement officials could have cared just a tad about a citizen’s cry for help.

Josiah had decided that he would pack two large suitcases so he would be able to stay with Kassie just in case the crazy came back. Even if the nut job left other surprises for them, he would be in the apartment to stand between the fruitcake and his girl. As he placed his clothes and toiletries in his suitcase he reached into his side drawer beside his bed to retrieve his gun. Now, his military training was back in play and what he knew that the crazy didn’t know was that he was a sharp shooter. Missing a target for him was the difference between a life saved and one lost. Losing a target never crossed his mind in twelve years of service.

After saying goodbye and promising to keep them informed Josiah and Kassie loaded up and headed out. They would be swinging by the site as Josiah needed to check on the progress of the project, then a run by the store for supplies. Neither he nor Kassie had any idea that this morning would be pushing them into a live in position sooner than they might had planned.

One thing was for sure the crazy fruitcake had pushed this plan forward and now this is where they would be, together. They understood that their life’s trajectory had just taken a turn that wasn’t for the worse as Kassie and Josiah knew they were going to be together no matter the current circumstances.

The hours dragged along as Hanely walked around the complex completing his work assignments. He had been busy all day doing all the crap that he hated to worry about. He couldn’t could less if these peoples’ toilet never flushed, or their washing machine wasn’t getting hot water or the dishwasher would stop rinsing when the cycle was done. He only wanted to keep his eye out for his playmate. All day he had waited for her return and honestly, he was running out of patience. He had things to do, but at least he was able to get to her apartment and set up his next move .

Hanely lips were wet from his saliva that had increased in production as he was much more excited about what was to come in a few hours. He wished the sun would fall out of the sky so he could get on with this game. For over two months from the first days’ planning till to date he had watched and waited to finally get her in his grip.

Slowly but surely the sun began to drop behind the horizon coloring the sky with brilliant oranges, yellow, pinks and touches of light blues. Tiny specks of stars twinkling in the sky popped up across the sky as Hanely’s excitement increased. After another hour the Range Rover finally pulled in to the parking space in front of Kassie’s door.

Two newly paired lovers unloaded groceries from the vehicle never suspecting that most of the product they had purchased possibly may never get used. It was a shame to let all that food go. Perhaps maybe Hanely could drop by before anyone discovers the missing lovers.

It was obvious that evil had no limits nor ending. Tonight, would be one example of the depth of that evil.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

For the rest of the day or what was left of it, Josiah and Kassie went about putting up their supplies away and picking out what they would have for dinner. It had been decided that for a while they would be home bound except for work.

Since they both had full time jobs, they had no choice but to part ways during the day. Josiah had requested that when Kassie left the school’s parking lot she text or call him so he would know she was safe. In turn when Josiah left his work site he would call or text Kassie.

With Kassie’s permission Josiah had suggested they stop by the hardware store and pick up some easy placing cameras inside the apartment and maybe outside. Kassie had picked out a pretty wreath with lots of flowers and greenery and tiny cameras that were well placed and hidden inside all that flowery work. Hopefully whoever was hanging that crap on the door or doing anything else on the sidewalk in front  of Kassie place would be caught on the camera.

Each room inside the apartment had some version of a hidden camera just in case the creep got inside. Josiah felt slightly more secure, at least for now. They only real security would come when and if the creep got arrested of killed. Josiah knew which he preferred as he’d learn from his military days that it was always a guaranteed finale when the enemy was never able to rise up again.

As the newly formed couple stood in the kitchen working on their dinner the discussion turned to the planning of securing each other in every way possible.” Okay, so we have eyes on us which is a good beginning. Hey, that eye spying on us isn’t going to be spying in ways that it shouldn’t? Like when we shower of when we are having our personal moments? Yuck, please tell me it’s not filming that.” Kassie sounding so serious.

With a loud laughter bellowing out of his throat, Josiah simply said, “ Of course not. What kind of guy do you think I am? NO, Kassie, I have it pointed at the door only.” He assured her.

Each took a sip of their wine and laughed at the thought of that scene. For the moment there was a small sense of relief for them both. The relief they were experiencing would be short lived.

Within the next several hours as the darkness laid it’s blanket of layers of the ebony night upon the apartment grounds the stocky, creepy toad-like creature that tried to pass as human would come out play.

Not all playgrounds were for children. There were those playgrounds that were design for the evilest of intent and tonight the playgrounds of a wooden shack would yield the worst of the worst of evils. It would come to play for keeps.

CHAPTER THIRTY- FOUR

Sleep for a while had been hard to come by, but as of late Kassie was finding a much more peaceful night to lay her head down and become one with the quiet nighttime. Josiah had left the apartment to go back to his sister’s house in order to gather a few more clothing items. They had decided that at least for now Josiah, would hang out with Kassie hopefully to settle down whoever it was that was trying to frighten her.

At this point there was no clue as to who was causing such havoc. The understanding of why was more perplexing than ever, but one thing was certain whom ever it was that was making Kassie’s life hell was definitely enjoying the results.

Two hours had passed since Josiah’s departure as Kassie stood in the kitchen putting dinner together. She had chicken breast in a frying pan braising them to add to the salad for their consumption. The garlic bread was ready for the toaster oven and the wine bottle standing on the counter with two glasses waiting to be filled.

She felt so much more content knowing that she had agreed to have Josiah stay with her even though the plan that she had formulated for herself was one year of settling in before any relationship moves.

Obviously, the plan had changed, but at least she was happy with the change thus far. The question that continued to rattle around her brain was who was doing this and more importantly why?  She had thought about Barry as a possible suspect. The question was, why?

Kassie and Barry hadn’t exactly parted on great terms only because Barry wasn’t ready to admit that the relationship had failed because of his choices. He still believed even to this day that he and Kassie could work it out. Only a week ago he had called her to try to convince her to try again.

The problem with his request was she had already meet Josiah and there just wasn’t any comparison to that or how she felt about this new beginning. At the end of the day, she no longer trusted Barry and she one hundred percent did trust Josiah. Without notice the condition of the air quality had begun to change within the apartment. After thirty minutes of preparing dinner Kassie began to feel strange, very strange. She felt tired, an over whelming tiredness without a reason. It seemed as every minute slipped away her body and mind just wanted to sleep. With every ounce of her strength, she fought the lulling of her mind. Forty minutes into trying to prepare dinner Kassie lay on the kitchen floor completely unconscious.

It would only take a few more minutes before the game would begin. The first player was ready and the batter up was on deck. Strike one straight across the plate had come and now strike two was on its way. The pitcher took his position on Homeplate whispering to himself, “ May the best team win.”

CHAPTER THIRTY- FIVE

Packing the Ranger Rover with everything he could think of for his trip back to Kassie’s he wanted to make sure he hadn’t forgotten anything important. He checked one more time to see if he had his box of bullets for his Forty-Five caliber pistol. Josiah never thought that he would need to shoot his pistol as a civilian even though he made a trip to the shooting range every week.

Peggy and Pete had come to see him off knowing that there was nothing they could say to keep him from protecting Kassie. Peggy hugged her brother saying good bye with a little advice attached to it,” Please be super safe. If you can call us let us know what’s going on. I know I’ll see Kassie at school, but…” the sentence trailed off as she looked at him with love and concerned mixed.

Pete shook Josiah’s hand only saying, “ we’re here. Watch your Six, please.” Nodding his head with respect.

Josiah stood for a second speaking before he entered the vehicle, ”I have to go to her. She’s very important to me now and someone is trying to hurt her. That can’t happen on my watch.” Swallowing hard he nodded his head at them both, loaded himself into the Range Rover and back out of the driveway.

All the way back to Kassie’s place all Josiah could think about was losing her. He was not sure who it was, but it did not matter to him. His military trained was in full stride. He was locked and loaded and would go to war with whomever it was that would do harm to the woman he had fallen in love with.

War is hell. There is no such thing as a safe attack. There is no way to protect the innocent. War always required blood. It was the nature of war and this, this was war. There was an old Latin saying which still is reflected of today’s world and the choices that must be made for the good of the majority. “ Fortune Favors The Bold”   Josiah intended to be favored.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

The ground was softened by the grass that was full and thick as it spread out across the back field of the lot. The wooden door was rickety from the rust brackets that attached it to the frame. At the far back of the wood structure a strange large frame shaped like a wheel hung from the back wall. To the right side of the building along the wall a shelf extended from the wall.

The blanket that covered the body which rested on the left shoulder of the maintenance worker dangled as the man walked to the shelf laying it down. No sounds were coming from the lifeless body, except for the light breathing of Kassie.

Hanley stood in front of her looking down at the blanket grinning to himself. For all of the mustering of anger and heroism Hanley had taken his prize without any fuss. How easy this had been for Hanley to just take Kassie down with sleeping gas. All that he had to do from there was to use his keys, go into the apartment and scoop her up. It was so good of that boyfriend of hers to leave her alone. That was the perfect opening that Hanley had needed.

There was a renewed sense of anxiousness in Hanley as he stared down at Kassie’s form. He wanted just this minute to last before his next step took place. Very carefully he removed the blanket tossing it on the floor. He slowly viewed her body, the length of her arms and legs. Their shape, muscle formation. He picked up her right hand and caressed his cheek gently as though she herself were doing so.

Part of the thrill for Hanley was to replicate what he believed would be physical exchanges if they were actually a couple. He had to create the very thing that he would never participate in with a real, live woman. This was the one aspect of a real life that Hanley had never nor would he ever have or experience.

Without any interference his mind flipped back to unstable processing as he jerked his self away to prepare the next move. Walking toward the back of the building Hanley reached up spinning the wooden wheel around and around. He wanted to make sure that it would spin in full circles before he hung up his prize toy.

Moving to the end of the wall he removed a large hammer, long nails, and steel brackets that could clamp around any item. There was a set of long screw and a screwdriver sitting beside the rest of the items that Hanley had laid out. Now, turning back to look at Kassie one more time he grinned again. All that was left was to prepare her for the game.

An hour had past as Hanley stood looking at the new dressed as it was body of Kassie. Her mouth was completely covered with gaze and tape to prevent any sound from escaping. What would take place next required silence from her lest her screams alerted any unwanted person to the house of games.

The batter had been readied; the pitcher had deduced his next pitch and what happened when the ball meets the bat was far beyond thrilling at to the pitcher. Batter up, the darkness was pitching and the three strikes you’re out were headed Kassie’s way.

CHAPTER THIRTY- SEVEN

Josiah was relieved as he arrived back at the complex. He pulled into the parking space next to Kassie’s car. Stepping he grabbed his bag from the front seat, taking his gun and placing it inside the bag along with the box of bullets. He would not under any circumstances leave his weapon in the vehicle.

Taking the key to the apartment that Kassie had made for him he turned the lock announcing himself, “ Hey Kas, I’m here. Kas, where are you?” he shouted as he entered the living room to silence. Josiah set his bag down walking to the bedroom only to find that Kassis was not there. He backtracked to kitchen looking around. He immediately knew something was wrong, very wrong. As he walked into the kitchen, he notices first off, the chicken in the frying pan partially cooked. He saw the cutting board, knife and seasoning on the countertop along with the table being set, the wine sitting by the glasses and the butter-garlic bread ready to be toasted.

His instincts shot up to a thousand percent as he knew Kassie would never leave food like this unattended especially when she was waiting for his return. Taking out his phone he made the nine one-one calls hating to see who would arrive for this incident. One thing he knew for certain this trip out somebody was going to give a shit or heads would roll.

Without sirens sounding two patrol cars entered the apartment complex pulling up in front of where Josiah stood outside. Two of the officers had been here before and he was not  impressed that those two showed up again. What was going on here was too important for the idiots that those two were.

Josiah ignored the two officers that had been here the last time and spoke directly to the new officers on the scene. He introduced himself as Kassie’s boyfriend and quickly explained what was going on. On two occasion one of the first officers, he had interacted with a few weeks back kept trying to inject, but Josiah was having none of that, “ Stop interrupting me officer. “ Josiah snapped at him,” I’m not talking to you. Remember, you didn’t care enough about the last threat we had so do not jump in now. Stand down.” He said in a commanding tone that held authority.

“ I don’t take orders from you. You called us.” The officer quipped back.” He looking as stern as he knew how.

“ I didn’t call you at all. I was hoping for a cop that gives a shit, that’s not you.” Excuse me Sergent, may I speak to you over here. We’re wasting time and time we don’t have.” Josaih said insisting.

The Sergent agreed and both men moved over to Kassie’s car out of speaking distance from the other officers. “ Ok, so tell me what’s going on. I’m not familiar with any prior incidents. Catch me up if you will.” The Sergent spoke in a calm slow mode. He could tell that Jisiah was extremely upset and by his behavior realizing that he had had military training.

With slow deliberate tones Josiah retold the events that had occurred over the month and a half. He intentionally included how the officers that were her had dismissed the worry and concern from both him and Kassie. He emphasized how they had tried to get the officers to see that someone was silently attacking them and that harm would follow.

The Sergent listen politely as Josiah explained that he and Kassie had decided for him to move in so she would be hopefully safe. Now, here he was unaware of what had happened to her, but something definitely was wrong and he could sense that danger was intimate. He need for them to understand that someone had taken her for evil purposes.

Finally the Sergent asked to see the inside of the apartment, take pictures and absolutely write a report. He would pull the incidents reports for the prior two nine-one-one calls and put a request for a missing person. He’d issue a BOLO for Kassie with a picture and issue it to the news feed. He promised Josaih to do everything in his power to find her and if he’d give him a few hours he’d pull a search team together to search all around the apartment complex. He’s even having his officers knock on doors to ask questions. Perhaps there would be a lead that would help them find her.

Night had fallen, the spirit of evil covered the back woods of the property as an eerie fog casted itself upon the grounds and within the trees. The sounds of tree frogs croaking sounded with loudest like no one had ever heard, alerting the spirits of evil to the lite energy.

Within the rickety wooden structure, a young woman had been placed on a wooden cross. Her arms outspread, her feet hanging, dangling down. Her big brown eyes wide with fear as she realized her limbs were confined to the wood cross. A metal clamped had been placed around her wrist and her ankles, screwed into the wood. A metal band strapped tightly around her forehead to prevent her from turning her head to any degree.

A man, a hideous man, small in stature with thick fingers, cracked, crunchy looking lips and a creepy glaring smile on his face that only housed on eye looked down at her with an evilness she could feel all through her bones. He spoke with his tongue flickering over his lips like a snake, almost hissing his words,” Finally, I have you my sweet playmate. We have a night filled with surprises and fun at least fun for me. You have no idea how long I had to wait to play my game again, but here we are.” He hissed at her.

“I know this isn’t most likely your type of game, but there are those of us  who yearn for the darkest side of pleasure as we need our satisfaction as much as your normal people do. I have always chosen to design my own pleasure even at the cost of the one who I take it from.”

He picked up the hammer and a long nail as he placed the nail’s pointed tip on the soft part of her wrist right below where the palm meets the forearm. Raising the hammer high above his hand one looked at her with his one eye only saying, “ You may want to take a deep breath and gently blow it out for this. As much as this hurts you, it gives me pleasure and isn’t that why I brought here?” he asked.

In a wooden barnlike structure, the innocent life of a woman who’d never harm anyone was being abused. No one could hear the silent screams of the woman captive as evil was set free to drain the life out of another’s soul. The games the sick minded play are costly, but evil takes no heed to a life taken as long as the flames of sadistic beings are fed. Tonight, Hanley would begin to feed his flame and with the flame came a pleasure that only an evil demonic force could enjoy.

 

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

They had gathered, police, constructed workers who had meet Kassie and wanted to volunteer to search for her, Peggy, Pete and several other teachers, janitorial workers and a few others that had meet the wonderful teacher since she moved to the area.

The Lead detective used his bull horn to bring everyone’s attention to him as he waited to speak, “ Okay, everyone let’s gather around so we can divide the search area.  We are burning daylight and we have a missing woman to find. Come on, gather up.” Detective Hans shouted out. He was impatient to get started as every second that passed was another second that Kassie’s life was at risk.

In a minute everyone stood still so they could listen to the detective as he gave his instruction, ” I know you all are wanting to get going, I agree. We have a young woman. Kassie missing and there is evidence that foul play could be the reason. Here’s the plan for searching. Me, Josiah, Pete, Peggy and two uniformed officers will go with me. Everyone else will split into groups of five and two officers taking the search path we handed out. We have from now until five hours from now to search. There will be a break for lunch and bathroom breaks then meet up and begin again until dusk. I’m sorry to say as darkness falls, we will be very limited as to what we can do. If Kassie is not found another search will resume tomorrow, here same time. Any questions?” the detective ended his instruction as he looked around .

Having no questions presented he made the motion for everyone to spilt up into the their and begin searching. Without saying more there was not one person who didn’t understand that time was of the essences here. All there knew a life was stake and hopefully before anything happen that could not be undone, someone would discover her.

To the disappointment of the searchers the day had not yielded Kassie. As the night wound down, she was still missing and Josiah’s concern had increased by a thousand percent. He stood in the parking looking lost as his mind raced a hundred miles an hour. He had gone over a million times everything that had occurred the day before, that night and today.

Pete walked over to where Josiah stood leaning against his Ranger Rover. There was a sad expression on Pete’s face that was not encouraging. As Pete stood beside Josiah he cleared his throat, then spoke,” Hey, the detective said we can make a new search plan for tomorrow. He’s not giving up, so don’t you. Kassie needs us to be strong especially now.” His voice did not carry such a reassuring tone and neither did his expression.

For a long while Josiah said nothing. He wasn’t sure what to feel of think other than Kassie had just vanished inside her apartment whiling cooking dinner. He hated that he had taken so long to return back to the apartment. Fifteen minutes earlier and maybe she would have been safe from whomever had taken her. He knew one thing was for sure, his training was screaming out loud that she was in danger and the person that had taken her meant to harm her, maybe even kill her.

As the night took over the daylight there was nothing left to do except go inside the apartment and think. Josaih had to review his entire day before and the night trying to figure out what had happened. One way or the other he would find her even if he had to search for her alone.

After hours Josaih had a thought about something Kassie had said days before her disappearance. She had told him that her ex-boyfriend had called her trying to convince her to try again. She told Josaih that Barry was not happy that she had someone else in her life and had said she should be very careful. His words exactly to her were, “ You never know when someone has been pushed to the edge and the very person that put them there will go over the ledge with them. Crazy comes easy to some people.” Josiah grabbed Kassie’s phone, scrolled down till he found what he was looking for and dialed the number.

A man Jossiah had never meet answered the phone completely unaware of what had occurred to his ex-girlfriend, “ Hello.” The voice said sounding mostly cheery.

All that came out of Josaih’s mouth was, “ Where is she you piece of shit?”

The stage for a showdown had begun however the only problem was this showdown was with the wrong person.

Hanley stood back as he eyed Kassi as she spun around the board looking more fearful than ever. There was nothing but sheer enjoyment on the face and in the eye of the monster who played his sick game. The evil mind that was carrying out his demonic plan was totally engrossed at what was happening in front from him. How incredible that a human being as it was could derive such pleasure from another person pain, suffering and torture.

This night would become some of a feat for Kassie’s mental ability to endure. All she could do was breathe, pray and wait for Josaih to find her. This night could very possibility be her very last one. Evil had come to town and snatched up an innocent person in order to wage his pure evil, hatred and anger upon them. In the stillness of the night life and death battled for the same soul and no one was sure which would be the victor.

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

Morning arrived with Josiah up having coffee and making his plan for the search. His instincts were screaming at him shouting inside his mind that Kassie had to be close by. He had spoken to Barry last night, but after a long conversation he had come to the conclusion that Barry was not involved in her disappearance.

The only thought left to him was that there was someone close by that had planned her abduction. For what reason he wasn’t sure, yet, but he would double down on his efforts to find her. Ten minutes after after Josiah finished his second cup of coffee there was a knock on the apartment door. Josaih opened the door to see the chief and several officers standing there. With a hopeful slight smile he asked, “ Anything? Anything new?” he asked.

With a disappointing look the chief answered in a somber tone, “ No, I’m sorry to say, but we do want to search again today. May we come do we change strategize with you?” his worry well defined on his features.

Stepping back and opening the door wider he motioned them to enter. “ Please, come in. Can I get you some coffee, maybe a Danish. Kassie had bought them before this all came about. I’m sure she would want me to share. Please, let’s set down and figure out what comes next.” Josiah said feeling as though he needed to be on his best behavior for Kassi’s sake.

For the next hour Josiah, the Chief of police and five officers drink coffee and ate the Danish pastry while looking at a map and deciding their next move. Chief Holbert spoke after a long silence, he had made a decision for the better,” Our best bet is to split this large wooden area here at the very back of the property. I was told that the original owners had intended to build another section of apartments there.” He said as he pointed to the last thirty areas of the back property.

“ Ok, sounds good. I was wondering, should we call in dogs to assist us?” asked Josiah knowing that this could be the last- ditch effort to find his girlfriend.

Letting out a big breath the chief replied, “ I seriously try to hold off on that move until we have exhausted every area in our viewing. I see that as a last move more for recovering a body, not a survivor.” He was explaining with such a sad tone.

Without even looking at the chief Josiah understood his explanation. He knew that the chief was right. While serving over in the middle east too often the tracking dogs that also were bomb dogs had to be used for recovering soldier’s bodies. His heart would always break when the dogs showed up after a bombing or heavy onslaught of fighting from both sides. A heartfelt solemn reminder of the price of man’s war.

“ Right . You’re right. Okay. I suppose we need to wait for any volunteers to show up in the next thirty minutes then split into groups and begin the search.” He looked at the map feeling so much more desperate than he had when he woke up.

Thirty rolled by faster than the chief and Josiah had thought it would. Little by little people began to show up, water bottles  and walking canes in hand just in case they had the need to search tall grass. Peggy and Pete stood off to the side holding hands, squeezing each other’s finger tightly, fighting the fear they felt.

Josiah walked over to his sister giving a tight hug, patting her shoulders in an effort to reassure her, “ So, today we should be able to find her. We seem to have a good crowd, that’s helpful.” Said trying to sound positive.

“ Yeah, after all she really doesn’t the area well enough to go too far. I’m sure if someone took her, they’re about ready to hand her back to us. Kassie does love to be right, a lot.” Peggy shared with a shaky sense of confidence.

Finally, after another twenty minutes of getting everyone and everything organized the chief stood in front of the group of searchers, “ Attention everyone, if you please, give me a minute.” Chief Holbert was saying, “ First let me thank all of you for coming today. As you know we have one of our middle school teachers missing under suspicious circumstances. I realized that we searched for Kassie yesterday, but we are dedicated to searching again and exhausting all of the places that she might be. I can say this one thing for sure, I nor my detectives believe that Kassie left of her own free will. There had been a couple incidents where someone we thought was playing a cruel joke on her, trying to scare her. For what reason we do not know. We are all here for the same reason, so with that said, find your group and get your instruction for the search area. Look hard, look carefully and if you think there’s danger radio me or my lead detective, Bill Weathers immediately. God speed. Let’s go.”

The groups moved out taking their maps and saying a prayer that Kassie would be discovered, alive. Josiah walked beside Peggy and Pete turning his head from side to side, trying not to miss anything of importance. As his group rounded the back  corner of the first apartment building Josiah caught a glimpse of a short, disheveled man, dragging a ladder across the back grass area of the building’s complex.

Noticing the weird and strange look on the shaggy man’s face as his one eye watched the groups split and continue on the way Josiah suddenly had an uneasy feeling encompass him. As he walked further into the dense woods Josiah tuned back watching the  shape of what should be a human man that stood eyeing him with only one eye. Strange how this one eye blind thing of a human made Josiah take note to check him out.  He did not know why, but something was not right and he would find out why.

The unnoticeable little man watched as the brave hero headed off to save the day, but unfortunately the one eye blind man had already implemented his game. Soldier boy might have been something special on the battlefields of the middle east, but here in this place he was just another pawn to be played.

      Evil always had its own set of rules for war. If you are not born of evil, you are already outplayed.

CHAPTER FORTY

Seven o’clock was the cut time for the search and little by little each team returned to the parking lot outside of Kassie’s apartment. The faces on the weary searchers told the story of today events. Everyone was extremely disappointed that there was no sign of Kassie anywhere. Josiah, Peggy , Pete and the chief all stood together talking in low tones as though there was a grand secret being hidden.

When everyone had reported back in the chief once again gathered everyone up in order for him to end the day, “All right people let me have your attention.” He waited for everyone to settle down then spoke again,” I’m sorry to report that we came up empty, again. Tomorrow is a work day so I realize that many of you have to work. We thank you all for giving up your Sunday to help. I truly wish that I had more to say, but be assured me and my team will continue to search for Kassie and clues.  We are ever so grateful. We’ll keep you in the loop. You may take your leave, do be safe.” He finished his statement.

Josiah, Peggy and Pete stayed a little longer in order to go over a few details about what would come next. Josiah wanted another search; however, the chief told him that might not happen, not right away . Everything in situation like this ultimately it came down to money and resources. One of life’s little disappointing truths.

With there being nothing more to discussed the chief and his men left to head back to the station. Josiah stood there looking around not sure what his next move would be. He felt angry, disappointment as a dark light began to burn inside him. He knew exactly how much he wanted to get hands on the person that had taken his girlfriend. If he got the chance, it was more than probable that Josiah would beath them to death. The cops could have what was left and that would suit him just fine.

Night had fallen and the once sunny parking lot was empty and lifeless as Hanley stood against the building across from Kassie’s place. He watched intently to see if the boyfriend was moving about or coming out of the door. He had spied the tall construction worker this morning as everyone set off to search for his girl. Hanley was still safe, so far which meant that if all went well the game he’d played would find it’s ending. He licked his cracked, rough lips as if he was getting ready to have a bite of a nice juicy steak. It was a sickening sight and sound.

The night was unsettling as Josiah sat in the Livingroom trying to rethink today’s search. Something felt off and he had been in enough situation during his tours for the special forces to know that there were pieces he wasn’t seeing. He began listing everything that he remembered about the start of the trauma from the first incident of the roses in the vase, to the little things that did not make sense. His list began with the unusual noises that Kassie heard outside her bedroom window  to the light that blew up. Next it was the garbage disposal that went haywire, then the rose, the bear and then the dolls. With each listing his mind kept seeing that grotesque little maintenance man after today’s search.

Josiah had spied that guy more than once when he had come to visit Kassie. It never dawned on him, but now his sense was coming to life in a new way. How many times had Josiah and Kassie been together when the weird little man seemed to just show up, glaring at them with his one eye? Out of nowhere that creep just made himself known after the search, hawking at him in particular as if he wanted to see if anything had been discovered.

Now, Josiah was seeing something very different about this whole set up. His military training to look further than where you stand was coming into play. He closed his eye and reviewed every time he had noticed the creep in conjunction with him and Kassie. The puzzle pieces were coming together and the answer hit him in the face like a hot towel, “ It’s him!” exclaimed Josiah jumping up from the couch in excitement.

Taking his note pad Josiah began to transcribe everything that Kassie’s had told him regarding how the maintenance had made her feel uncomfortable. He noted that as soon as she moved in within a week odd, things began to happen and when she contacted the home office for help, they sent Hanley over.

Kassie had stated to Josiah that it seemed as though Hanley took a lot longer to finish up his work than normal repairs should. There had been one time at night that she had seen Hanley wandering around the parking lots seemly watching her apartment in particular and later on that night she had been frighten by someone making a scratching, scraping Nosie outside her bed room window.

The next day her screen on that window had been split down the middle and slightly peeled back. She was so afraid and that was the beginning of all of these scary moments. Josiah also noted that it appeared that when he and Kassie became friends, things got worse and after they had finally decided to be a couple the threats increase expeditiously. For Josiah, every ounce of evidence pointed to the creepy guy that worked as a maintenance man.

The plan was simple for Josiah as he took out his phone and placed a call to an old buddy from his  squad. A person may think that they can float around silently never be exposed for their evil doings. If a person just happens to have a friend that has the ability to pull information from certain sources, then no one is ever hidden. Anything that you might need to know about an enemy will be discovered. Josiah waited till the voice on the phone answered, “ Hello.” The voice sounded without emotion.

“ Taylor, Josiah. Are you available for some off books request?” he voice remaining calm.

“ You pulling an opt?” Taylor asked.

“I may be taking an enemy out. Someone has my girlfriend and I intend to find out who my enemy is.” Josiah explained emphatically.

“ I’m in.” was all that Taylor had to say.

Within hours of his phone call and plan was being formulated to overtake an enemy. True friends are rare, but real life and death friends are rarer, one in a million. There is something to be said for those who have stood on a battel field, fighting an enemy they’ve never meet. Standing side by side, back-to-back in defense of those who need help and saving.

Never a day went by when those brave soldiers did not have each other’s Six. Tonight was no different and a new war plan was in play. Josiah pitied the fool that had taken Kassie. He and his squad were not referred to as “ Special Ops” for nothing and those skills could out maneuver any foe.

Let the war games begin……..

CHAPTER FORTY- ONE

Intel had been designed and formulated by Josiah and his buddy, Taylor. Funny thing about service men who have returned home after years of Special Ops assignments, they yearn for the battle, the undercover assignments, all that secrecy. Between the few contacts that both Josiah and Taylor still had the information that needed to be discovered had come through.

Josiah sat at the table with Taylor on that early morning putting all that information on Hanley the maintenance man. What a history this guy had and it wasn’t a good look, none of it. There were reports from as far back as Hanley’s tenth year of birth. His very first incident was noted as an act of supreme violence towards animals and other children, especially young girls.

As evident from his long and very lengthy criminal history as Hanley aged his crimes against other humans, targeting all women of all ages was so extent it required almost thirty-five pages. Both Josiah and Taylor already had hard feelings for this guy knowing full well that he was comprised of nothing but evil.

“This enemy has to go, you know it and so do I. He’s not really a human anymore, eviler than anything. We’ve killed for way less. Reasons.” Taylor said dryly. He was only seeing a foreign enemy in front of him and that was a much as Taylor needed.

Josiah let out a long, tired breath, his exhaustion evident replying, “ I have no problem ending him. However, we have to be sure to secure Kassis’s safety first. We need a plan where we have the upper hand. I have no thoughts about putting him in the dirt, you know that.” Josiah said emphatically.

“ Sounds right to me. Any idea where she’s being kept?” Taylor inquired.

Josiah looked at the map and the areas that had already been searched. He placed his index finger at the very back of the property which was heavily wooden. There was one lone shabby building that the parties didn’t have time to search. Light had run out and for some unknown reason the chief decided to come back to it. Josiah had little faith that any of the cops would show up just to search a crumbling, shabby shack.

“ Here,” Josiah pointed to the shack area. “ This is the only place that little creep could have her. No one, not even me  would have  thought that murdering, devious creature could make it with a body all the way to this place.” He said looking up at his friend,” but you and I know that when determination out plays physical limits, determination wins every time. We know what it takes to finish a mission.” He finished looking squarely at his war buddy and nodding his head.

Taylor stood up leaned over to view the area, “Let’s do some recon today while that ruthless little piece of shit is working. I have an idea, you interested?” he said with his mission grin on his face.

“ I’m listening” was all Josaih needed to say.

For over two hours two ex-military special ops soldiers pulled together a mission for finding and saving Kassie. They knew that time was a factor, but caution would save the day. In every mission they participated in, slow to go with great planning would always get the result you fought for. This was no different except it required a different war strategy.

Three hours after their meeting at Kassi’s apartment two ex- soldiers geared up for stage one mission, “save girlfriend”. They had maced up, housed their Super Ninja slide blade, holster their Forty- Five caliber gun and strapped on their M-16. Carrying several clips for extract fire power and of course a bottle of water two men dress in camouflage and army issued boots set out on a mission not commissioned by any authority, civilian or military. Their focus was simple find Kassie, capture her assailant and end his siege.

One un-spoken element to this uncover, un-sanction ops went without discussion. End the predator’s life.

Mission complete.

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

Taylor moved out of the apartment stepping to his left heading to the corner of the building where Kassie lived. His plan was to move around the building scoping out Hanley, keeping his eye on and informing Josiah of his where abouts. He leaned around the corner of the building easing his body around the side making sure he was a flat to the structure as possible. He looked ahead, then left, then right and back over his shoulder to his front. So far there was no sign of the creep he was trying to spy on. He radioed Josiah,” Tiger King to Fox Hunter enemy not sighted. You have a clear path around the building. Copy?”

“ Copy Tiger King, moving out east bound to side. Meet up? Copy?” he responded

“ Copy that Fox Hunter.  Eyes on grounds. Be ghosting.” Taylor replied. Moving slowly towards to back of the complex carefully sweeping his eyes in all directions.

Leaving the apartment Josiah took the exact path that Taylor had since he’d already cleared it. As long as they didn’t run into Hanley, they have a chance of finding Kassie and setting her free without any kind of a fight. Josiah would take care of Hanley after he had to secured his girlfriend.

Each step with taken with care as Taylor moved ahead of Josiah making sure they were safe as they journeyed further into the woods where no one had searched. Time was essential as both men wanted to find Kassie before dark fell. They had been in plenty of mission during the night, but it was much easier and safer to save a captive in day light.

Minutes after clearing the last row of building in the complex the men walked side by side feet apart. They took a slow even pace making sure to watch every aspect of ground and surrounding woods around them. So far, Hanley had not been spotted which meant that he either was busy being the maintenance creep of he was at the shack.

Hanley walked pass Kassis’s apartment stopping for a moment to listen at the front door. He took his ring of keys searching for the one he needed in order to enter. Having located the key, he placed it in the door turning and opening the door with ease. Pushing the door, he stepped inside and closed the door quietly looking around to make sure he was alone. He walked to the opening doorway to the small kitchen and seeing nothing of interest he turned and made his way to the bedroom.

Hanley was disappointed as there was nothing there to see other than the usual items in a woman’s bedroom. He was sure that there would have been some information that he could use to figure out what her stupid boyfriend was up to. He wanted to kill him first, make his little playmate watch before the finale of their game.

Finding nothing to help him Hanley exited the room heading for the front door. As he got to the living room, he thought maybe he should check the trash can just in case he missed something. Taking the trash can from beside the counter he opened the lid peering inside. There sitting in the trash was a note pad piece of paper with the words, “Mission, save girlfriend” written on it.

He pulled the paper out and began to read it immediately fuming at what he found. Throwing the paper back into the trash can he headed for the front door with anger swelling inside his evil heart. He had to stop what was being planned or everything would be ruin. No one, he meant no one would stop his playtime or the final inning of his game. He had waited too long and he was set to end this game on his own terms.

In a flash one creepy maintenance man made his way around the apartment building with more speed than anyone could have image. Hanley moved with a speed that seemed so unfamiliar to his body structure, but he moved with a hostile purpose. He knew that troublesome boyfriend was gonna be a problem and now Hanley was wishing that he had just killed him the day he realized he was a problem for his game.

He found the back dirt road that would lead up to the shack knowing that this road had not been used in over ten years. He had decided to used a gold cart in order to out maneuver Josiah. He wasn’t allowed to use the carts, but this was an exception as far as he was concern. His short tongue hung out of his mouth like a dog’s tongue did when his head was hanging out of a car window.

Hanley’s eyes were glazed with fury as he thought of this military SOB getting in his way after he had planned this whole game so well. He would gladly show this hero what a badass really looked like. Within minutes Hanley arrived at the shack parking the golf cart at the back for as not to be noticed. He wanted no surprises to interfere with these last moments.

Opening the door to see Kassie hanging on the “Wheel of Death”, gave him more pleasure than the thought of killing her boyfriend. He stepped inside as his words spewed an evil intent, “ Well hi there my beauty. I see you’ve hung around. Are you ready for us to finish the game? I think we have come to our final conclusion . Oh, before we tie this all up, I just want you to know that when I’m finish with you that stupid over ego boyfriend is trying to find you. Don’t worry though Kassie my love, when I’m finished with him then we’ll finish up with you. I’ll give him a sendoff that will make you proud and then you two will be together forever, in death. “ He said with an awfully evil grin on his ugly hideous face. “ Sound good? I thought so too.”

Kassie’s eyes were as wide as they could be as tears streamed down her face and only a smothering gurgle of cries could be heard from her. She could save Josaih or herself and she knew without a doubt that the two of them would meet a most painful, torturous death. She wasn’t sure which would be the worst, watching this monster slaughter her new boyfriend or just ending the pain that he had inflicted on her.

There were not enough prayers in the universe to save either of them. Time was not their friend as evil was at play and there was no one to rescue or stop this tragedy from happening.

Evil carried a name; it sat on the face of a one eye blind monster named Hanley. And darkness fell.

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

Josiah and Taylor made their way out into the deepest part of the word behind the apartment buildings. They had been walking only about fifteen minutes when Taylor stopped holding up his fist indicating for them to stop. He looked around quickly trying to locate exactly which direction the sound was coming from. Josiah had heard it too turning, swinging around trying to locate its position. A few seconds after first hearing the sound they turned to their right and stepped forward listening intently. There it was again, that distinct motor sound like a small go-cart or something.

Noting the direction of the sound they took at a super-fast speed running hoping to see exactly who it was coming their way. As both of them took off flying towards the sound of the motor they barely caught a glimpse of a small man in a white tee shirt driving a golf cart at the highest speed it would go. Josiah noticed the patch on the man’s face shouting at Taylor, “It’s him. There he is. He knows we’re onto him. He’s heading for Kassie.  We gotta go.” He shouted over his shoulder as he increased his running speed.

“ On your Six buddy. Let’s get him.” Taylor shouted back as he too picked up his running speed. He felt the adrenaline rushing through the body giving him a super charge of energy.

Seconds of running brought the two men to a dirt road covered in grass showing signs of not being used for a long time. They took both sides of the road scanning each side of the wooded area for that shack. Time was of the essence for them, but more so for Kassie.

With careful watch they moved down the road path’s anticipating their arrival at the shack. Taylor held his M-16 close to his chest, every once in a few seconds holding it up to peer through his scope. He did not want this crazy psychotic murder to get the upper hand.

Less than eight minutes down the road where it ended a much thicker band of trees huddled together as they had grown taller than many of the other trees and there behind those trees sat the shabby, mostly dilapidated shack they had searched. Both men stopped several feet from the front of the door. From here they had to be more than careful. They had to be very strategic in every move they made or Kassi’s life could be ended, if she was still alive.

Whispering Josiah spoke leaning close to Taylor stating his thoughts, “We need to get close to building, listen to see if she’s actually there.”

Taylor nodded only replying, “Affirmative, you take the right, I’ll take the left. Check for windows.” He stepped to his left and easily headed to the shack staying as low to ground as possible.

Josaih did the same as both of them were in position to move in to the shack so as to see if Kassie actually was there and still alive. Josiah’s heart rate had increased when seeing Hanley on the golf cart. It was the first time in a day and half that he had hope of rescuing his girlfriend. He only concern was to get her back. What became of Hanley was of no concern to him.

With the ease of well-trained Special Ops soldiers both men took careful steps coming up on the wooden shack and stepping around the side of the building. There on both sides was a window, dirty, foggy looking like it had not cleaned in fifty years. Taylor stood up half way to peer in first seeing the wooden floor, a couple of horse benches sitting in the middle of the room.

He noted that wire electrical cords were plugged into a generator with cords running from shelves to a back wall. He could that menacing little man standing in front of the back wall and thought he saw something hanging off the wall. He needed to radio Josiah but was cautious not to alert Hanley. Taylor made the decision to walk around the back of the building to the other side and motion for Josiah to meet him there. It was to only way they could make their final stand.

Josiah peered into the window on his side straining to see through the filthy window. He could Hanley, all the electrical wires, the work horses, tools of all types scattered around laying on shelves on both sides of the walls to the left and right. He locked his eye on the one eye blind creature as it stood at the back wall doing something that Josiah couldn’t see clearly.

Leaning closer to the window Josiah could see that there looked as though there was a large wooden cross hanging on the wall in front of the maintenance man, but he couldn’t see clearly enough to make out exactly it was. Hearing Taylor hiss at him Josiah ducked under the window and made his way to where Taylor stood.

“ He’s in there and something is not right. Did you see all those electrical cords, and the generator? What’s that for?”

“ Yep, I saw them. I have a bad feeling about why he needs so much electricity. We need to rush him. Put our guns on him and go in.” Josiah was saying tired of waiting to free Kassie.

Taylor put his hand on Josiah’s shoulder to calm his thoughts,

” Don’t rush brother. That’s not our style, smooth and easy. We are saving a life, take a breath Josiah. Remember, you and I, we’re the best.” He said reaffirming their training and how good of Ops they were.

“ Affirmative.” Josiah replied looking more grounded. “ Okay, you got an idea.” He asked.

With a huge smile on his face Taylor answered,“ Don’t I always have a good plan?”

Minutes counted down as two old army buddies sat by a shabby wooden shack where an innocent woman was held captive. This was an incident civilian that had been inserted to become part of a  plan of some evil-minded terrorist. This type of murderous actions had played out more than once in the eight years these friends had serviced in the military.

It was well known that if a mission of deep secret had to happen with any chance of success, then Josiah and Taylor were first on the list to be assigned.

No one related to the military commander or any other personal that would be assigned were in doubt that the mission would not be accomplished as plan and without failure.

Taylor and Josiah were known as “The Perfect Thread”, never losing one single comrade of any assignment or objective. They were better than the best.

THE THUNDERSTORM WOULD RAGE.

 

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

Moving slowly into position Taylor maneuvered his body back to the front of the building joining Josiah .They leaned against the old wooden shed speaking in the lowest tone they could not wanting to alert Hanley of their position outside the door.

“ We need to hit him at the same time. I‘m thinking knees. You?” Josiah spoke in the lowest voice he could holding his M-16 tight to his chest still eyeing the door.

Taylor glanced over to the doors sighing as he spoke,” We have to cripple him on first entry. He can’t defend himself of he’s on the floor. It safe guards Kassie.”  He said flatly.

Josiah nodded his head in agreement knowing that Hanley had to go down upon breeching those doors. They might not get a second chance to save Kassie without harm otherwise.  He leaned over reminding Taylor of how unpredictable a crazy person like Hanley could quickly become increasing his level of mania. That was the most concerning part of what everyone faced.

Seconds passed as Josiah and Taylor drew their weapon close to their chest, rearranging their gas mask. Their plan was simple, toss two smoke bombs into the building making it more difficult for Hanley to focus on their position. Aim, shoot, taking out his knees, Josaih on the right, Taylor on the left, move in. This has been a hit plan they had instilled in many of their mission.

Hanley stood in front of the huge wood wheel speaking with a laughter to Kassie as he reveled in delight at knowing he would win this game one way or the other. He spoke with hatred and satisfaction at the same time,” Well now, guess we’ve reached the pinnacle point of the game, eh? From the moment I laid eyes on you I knew that you would be my perfect target. I can see it in your eyes, you still believe your war hero will come and save you, right?” he leaned in towards her face with fire in his eyes.

He used his short thick index finger to trace the length of her jaw admiring her beauty. He wanted, no longed to make the game last, but even Hanley understood when the end had come never extend the playtime. If he was not careful, he’d end up back in prison most likely on death row. He had no intention of either of those things happening, ever again.

With the realization that his game had to end in order for him to survive to play again Hanley knew the wheel had one more turn before the finale arrived. He could resist to sharing one little point with Kassie before the spun the wheel,” By the way dear Kassie your soldier boy and his buddy got left in the dirt by me. I saw them gearing up to come search for you. Ha, I jumped one of those golf carts and  out ran them so I could end my game before they could come and save the damsel in distress. “

Hanley grinned as he continued,” You think this is a fairy tale sweet Kassie. Your knight in shining armor will come and recue you with his best knight buddy? Well, I’ve re-written the tale and in my story I’m the winner of every game. I, Hanley am the only winner of my playtime and you, my playmate is the ultimate sacrifice.” He said almost shouting at her.

Taking a step back Hanley reached up and to give the wheel one last big spin. Before he swung the wheel around, he shared his last thought, “ I have enjoyed you being my playmate. Don’t take this personally. Think of it as an honor that I handpicked you and from this moment forward you will always be associated with the greatest serial killer ever, The Wheel of Death Murder. Now that’s an ending my sweet Kassie.”

With that Hanley took both hands placing them on the framing of the large wooden wheel giving it a hard twirl. He picked up his man mad reconstructed nail gun readying it to fire. He held his breath in excitement as he watches the wheel spinning around and around. The time had come, raising his nail gun upward, holding it like a rifle he took aim. The moment of perfection had come and with his one eye he focusses on the wheel and fired.

The sound of the nail gun expelling the long, sharpen nail echoed around the room as it exploded from the make-shift gun. It was the sound of either certain death or extreme painful wounding. Either way the thrill of the game was at its highest and it had only begun.

Life or death was in suspended animation. Which one would win out had not yet been determined, but time was clicking away and resolve was just on the other side of the wooden door.

CHAPTER FORTY- FIVE

As the sound of the nail gun be discharged Taylor and Josaih stood up and kicking the door in stepped inside releasing both gas bombs as they rolled them towards the back of the room. Josaih and Taylor moved in with precise motion each stepping to the right and left with gas mask intake. With one quick click Josiah aimed his M-16 rifle at the back of the knee of Hanley firing and hitting him as another shot rang out from the left side of the room hitting Hanley in his left knee.

Hanley never turned around before his knees gave way leaving him to crumbled to the floor still holding the nail gun. He rolled slightly over on his back pulling the nail gun around and firing wildly at Josiah and Taylor. His shots had missed both men as they dropped to the floor on one knee re-sighting their guns at Hanley. Neither of the ex-soldiers gave a thought of only wounding the enemy. With excellent aim each fire a shot one hitting Hanley in the forehead the other squarely in the middle of his chest.

It was done. The siege was over as Hanley had reached the end of his game. Josaih moved his gun to hang beside me as he and Taylor walked up to the wooden wheel stopping it from swirling around.  Kassie opened her eyes wide with fear as she saw both men standing in front of her. Tears began to streamed down her face as she could not believe that Josiah had founded and saved her.

With great care and easy tenderness Josiah and Taylor began working to detach the wooden wheel from the back wall. Taking into mind the pain that Kassie had already suffered and how much more she could still suffer they made a decision place the entire structure on the floor and wait for help.

Taylor radioed the police station as he put out a nine-one-one call for help. He alerted the police station despatcher that and ambulance and fire department were needed for special rescue efforts. As Taylor went outside to wait of recue and police Josiah knelt beside Kassie removing the tape over her mouth.

With slow deliberate motion Josiah pulled the tape back using an alcohol-soaked rage to loosen the glue on the back of the tape. He looked at the woman that had become so important to him speaking with a soft tone, letting her know that she was completely safe, ”He’s done Kassie. We got him. He’ll never do this to any other woman. I’ve got you.” He said reassuring her as he wiped her mouth and cheeks with the rage.

There was much emotion attached to Kassie’s mind and heart she could barely speak through her tears. She was still trying to take in that she had been saved. For over a day and a half she had tried to reside herself to the fact that she would not survive Hanley’s crazy maniac game. He was so insane she was certain that no one could ever find her before time ran out.

“ I, I, am so grateful to you and your friend. I, I can’t believe this.” She said barely able to speak.

In the distances the sirens could be heard blaring as the police cars, firetrucks and ambulance all headed to the field behind the apartment. Taylor stepped back in telling Josiah his need to make sure they were in the right spot, “ I’ll go and lead them to you. Let’s make sure they get here asap.“ he said. He turned to leave then turned half way back looking at Kassie,

” I’m very happy to meet you, Kassie. I hope we get the chance to talk when things are settled. You’re safe, that’s all that matters.” Taylor told her nodding his head as though saying how glad he was that she was safe. He placed he hand on Josiah’s shoulder letting him know that he was exceedingly glad that all was well.

For the next forty-five minutes the wooden shack was overrun with police, firemen and paramedics each using their skills to safely remove and disassemble the Wheel of Death. Police investigators collected statements and evidence as paramedics were monitoring Kassie’s condition until she could be thoroughly checked out. Josiah and Taylor handed over their weapons so the investigators could compare the kill shot bullets.

Each professional carried out their duties efficiently in order to put this case to rest. At this point there appeared to be no charges against either Josiah or Taylor. It was a simple case of defense of life. Questions were always a part of the closing investigation, could Josiah have contacted the police with his information and suspicions giving the police time to rescue  Kassie? Could a swat team have been put into to place so there would be no loss of life? Maybe, but in the eye of Josiah time was of the essences.

As the grounds, building and weapons, assailant and heroes  had all  been contained the police began leaving the site. Kassie had been painfully removed from the cross as the nails had been removed, but not before Josiah demanded that she be given pain medication. He was adamant that she would not suffer any more.

Josiah and Tylor watched as Kassie was loaded into the ambulance to be whisked away to the local hospital for immediate care. Taylor spoke to his long-time buddy, “ Hey, I’m going to let you head on over to the hospital to be with Kassie. How about I touch based later tonight, just to check on her?” he said placing his hand on Josiah shoulders in comfort.

“ Thanks man. I couldn’t have done this without you. I can never thank you enough for saving her.” Josaih replied, looking at his longtime friend that had stood by his side in war and peace.

“ Yeah, I know. We’re too good of a team to let a silly man like that get the better of us. He might have been crazy, but man he doesn’t know the real crazies of war. Come on bro. You’ve got me side by side. “ He laughed as he reminded Josiah of their friendship giving him a fist bump.

Night had come as Josiah stood at the door of the Intensive care unit looking in at Kassie. His relief of her being safe was at its highest. He stood watching her slept soundly with IVs pushing fluids into her body as she was severely dehydrated from her captivity. She was battered, bruised and still frighten from her experience. He still couldn’t figure out how the crazy man who had such a strong and lengthy history of serial stalking and murder could have even been free.

Several minutes passed when the doctor arrived to check on Kassie one more time before leaving for the night. He spent five or ten minutes checking her vital signs and speaking to the nurses. It didn’t take long before the doctor exited the room stopping to speak to Josiah,” She’s doing very well. Everything is normal and she’s less dehydrated which is good. If she continues to improve, I’ll order breakfast for her and most likely move her to a regular room.”

“ When can I expect her to be ready to go home?” Josiah asked.

“ I’d say if she is safe to be discharged maybe one day in a regular room then we’ll let her go the next. Two days at most. Look, after all that she’s been subjected to let’s just make sure she’s in a good place.” The doctor explained,

Josiah glanced over at the beautiful lady had extreme feelings for. He agreed that her health was the most important aspect of this time. “ Agreed. Thanks for all of your help. I know she really appreciates everyone help.” He answered back to the doctor.

With that the doctor left for the night and Josaih knowing that he could do nothing more decided to leave and go get some sleep. He would check in with Peggy on his drive back to the apartment as Kassie made him promise he’d stay there.

Sitting in front of the apartment Josiah stared at the door Infront of him. So many thoughts flowed through his mind as he could see from the very first sign that Hanley had left till the ending just how sick some people really were.

He kept asking himself how missed that creepy little weirdo who was right in front of him so many times. Josiah was so much more tired than he had thought he was, but he at least could rest well tonight. He got out of his Range Rover heading into the apartments quiet space. All he wanted right down was a hot shower and a bed.

Tomorrow would come in its own good time. With it was the hope of a good, wholesome beginning for both Kassie and Josiah. No matter the war that must be fought there was always that moment when the war was at peace and hope for a better day ahead could flourish.

Tomorrow would be that day.

CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

Days had passed since Kassie’s discharge had come and gone. She had not returned to her classroom as of yet though she was excited to get back to her students. Even though she was absent from her classroom and students they had not forgotten her. The students had taken it on their selves to make her a huge get-well card and buy a big bouquet of flowers for her.

They students gathered after school and headed out with their parents to present their get-well gifts. The surprise on Kassie’s face when she opened the door to her apartment was so big she broke into tears. There in the parking lots were all of her students holding up a huge sign with every student’s signature on it and her favorite poem. They included a message of wellness and prayers for her.

She could not believe what they had done for her as she was overwhelmed. Each student gave her a hug before leaving as she promised she’d be back to be with them in another week. Her best friend Peggy stayed behind as the students and parents were leaving the parking lot. She stepped inside the with Kassie trying to get the card through the door. Setting it down she turned and hugged her friend,” So, how you doing, really?” she asked.

Kassie put the flowers in a large vase speaking in a quit tone,” I’m alive so I’m working with that. It’s tough, some days are better than others. Trauma is hard Peggy. It never lets me go.” She said with sadness in her voice.

Peggy held her hand trying to find the right words,” Then take whatever time you need. Did you find a therapist yet?” she asked.

“ I have my first appointment this Thursday. I’m ready to get back to my life. Josiah has been so great. I still can’t believe that he and his buddy Taylor actually found me. It’s a miracle.” She smiled as she thought of how brave they both had been.

In the days to come Kassie would meet her therapist. She and Josiah would begin working through the events of the attack. It would take time as the fear of almost dying was a difficult event to come to terms with. Each day would present a new reason to grow beyond those moments of fear and sorrow.

No one ever knows what each day will bring. All any of one has is the hope that when faced with the worst moment of your life the courage that you house deep down inside your soul will shield you. Josiah and Kassie sat at the kitchen table with the candles burning bright and a glass of wine. They were celebrating the six months that had passed from the One Eye  Monsters attempt to end Kassie’s life.

They had meet perhaps by chance and yet it was a greater fate that they would remain together. When faced with a life-threatening situation that seemed to have no positive ending, they had endured. Toasting to the life ahead they vowed to face any and all one eye monsters with the same strength and faith. They had been through the worse so far and together no matter what challenges they must face they were ready to do battle.

Kassie and Josiah had faced the evil monster and in the end their victory spoke for itself.

Good over evil would always win the day and so it was with that conviction in mind from now on their life was a treasure. As it should always be.

 

By:

CJAyers

The book is the property of CJAyers. Any reproduction in any form much be agreed upon by author.

October 30, 2025