Chapter 72

Setting the parameters as Cade had instructed Matt opened the data base containing the missing persons report, then rising from the seat he said, “Here you go partner and sorry about the phone call last night, but really, how was I to know that she would be at your place…?
Cade interjected, “Don’t worry about it.” Even though he couldn’t stop thinking about the events of the previous night, and what might have been if not for his friend’s untimely phone call. He had not slept at all and was more determined than ever to find out exactly who the beautiful, but extremely frustrating young woman really was. Thinking of the name KAT he instinctively started his search with the letter T, assuming that just maybe those letters represented more than just a catchy name.
Cade was quickly working his way through the T’s when he heard a detective from across the room announce, “We’ve got an Amber Alert!”
Cade hit the next page button with the mouse, but did not look at the screen to see the name or photograph of the missing young woman displayed on the computer screen. Instead, he joined the growing audience that was gathering in front of the television. Suddenly, a picture of a pretty young blond girl appeared on the screen, as the reporter said, “Details are sketchy at this time, but it appears nine year-old Michelle Collins was abducted around 11:00 A.M. this morning, from this location.” The camera panned to the reporter’s left revealing a small table with the words cold lemonade scrolled on a banner taped between the table’s legs, and two undersized chairs sat eerily vacant behind the table.
Cade’s heart stopped momentarily before he cried out, “That’s my Michelle. That’s my brother’s little girl.” He reached into his pocket and flipped his cell phone open, but the screen was blank. He angrily spewed out the word, “Shit” before turning to Matt and saying, “I need your phone.” Matt quickly handed over the phone to his shocked friend; Cade grabbed it and ran hurriedly from the room.
Matt yelled after Cade, “I’m coming with you!” Running after his terror stricken friend he paused momentarily and yelled over his shoulder, “The report…I have a mother and daughter coming in about an hour!”
The other detectives in unison indicated for him to go. Matt turned quickly and ran from the room. John Hill a young detective walked over to Matt’s desk and looked at the photograph displayed on the computer screen, the name Katherine Ann Thomas was displayed in bold dark letters directly above a young woman’s photograph. Taking a moment to stare at the photograph of the tall striking young female he appraised; “Now there’s real looker.”

* * *
Kat sat-up quickly upon hearing a loud banging sound. Blinking sleep from her eyes she attempted to gather her thoughts. Realizing that someone was pounding on her door she finally said with rising agitation in her voice, “Wait a minute would you!” She ran her hand through her hair, grabbed a robe from the corner of the bed and sneaked a peek into the mirror before making her way toward the door. Holding her temper in check Kat said, “Yes.”
On the other side of the door Darryl said, “It’s me.”
Kat replied, “I just woke-up or rather you just woke me up.”
“We need to talk.”
Shaking her head and rolling her eyes Kat replied, “Can it wait? I’m not even dressed.”
Darryl answered, “No it can’t. We need to talk like right now.”
Opening the door and seeing the determination in Darryl’s face Kat sighed, “Let me dress and I’ll be right back.” She quickly walked into the bedroom shutting the door behind her.
Darryl yelled out, “Does this old TV work?”
Kat yelled back, “I think so.”
* * *
After several minutes Kat emerged from the bedroom face washed, hair combed, wearing a pair of tight fitting jeans and a short sleeve pull-over knit top. Kat took a deep breath and said, “Okay what’s so urgent?”
Darryl waved his hand as if saying not now, all the while keeping his eyes trained upon the TV.
Kat stood looking at Darryl with a look of mild irritation before saying, “I thought you said we had to talk.”
Without taking his eyes from the television he said, “It’s an Amber Alert.”
Suddenly interested Kat walked over and sat down beside of Darryl.
Again without taking his eyes from the television Darryl said, “It’s a little girl. There that’s her there.”
Kat’s pale face grew ashen when Michele’s pretty young face appeared onto the television screen. The reporter’s words were drowned out as Kat wailed, “No! Oh, God no! Not her! What have I done?”
Darryl watched in horror as Kat buried her face into her hands and fell to her knees screaming, “It’s all my fault! It’s all my fault!”
Darryl looked from Kat to the television and back again and wondered how this little girl being kidnapped could be her fault. Wanting to sooth her Darryl tentatively placed a hand on Kat’s shoulder, and asked hesitantly, “How is this your fault?”
Kat’s face was twisted in anguish and pain as she turned to face Darryl, “It’s all my fault!”
Frightened at Kat’s reaction he said in confusion, “It’s not your fault. Bad things happen sometimes.”
Kat screamed as she turned once again to look at Darryl, “She was at his house last night! And now she’s gone because of me!”
Confused Darryl asked, “Whose house?”
Lowering her head into her lap Kat screamed, “My so called date’s house! He must have followed us when you drove me to his place, and now because of me this happens. Oh lord, Darryl, she was the most precious little girl!”
The room grew eerily silent except for Kat’s sobs, as Darryl sat next to his crying friend not sure what he should say or do next. Finally the male reporter’s words filled the room once again, “I’m at 238 Valley Road where the crime took place. I have just learned new information about the case. Evidently the victim and another young girl were selling lemonade in front of this address when a man approached them…”
Kat suddenly raised her head and said with a steely determination, “Let’s go!”
“Go where, Darryl responded.”
Pointing at the television screen she said sternly, “There! We’re going there!”
Darryl opened his mouth to respond, but starring into Kat’s stony anguished face he thought better of it. Anyway he thought what good would it do?
Chapter 73

When they arrived at the scene of the crime it was chaos. There were television crews from every station within a hundred miles and even CNN already had a crew on site. Marked and unmarked police cruisers were scattered about the street and several officers were directing traffic around and through the congestion.
“Here, pull over here,” Kat instructed.
Pulling over to the curb Darryl asked, “What now. I mean what are we going to now?”
“I don’t know yet, but trust me we are going to do something.”
Darryl added, “I thought you wanted to avoid scenes like this. I mean you’re always wearing sunglasses and stuff like in disguise all the time.”
Pulling on a New York Yankee baseball cap and a dark pair of sunglasses Kat turned to face Darryl saying, “Come on just follow my lead and above all be inconspicuous.”
Darryl thought be inconspicuous. How inconspicuous can a five-foot dwarf like myself be trailing along after a seven-foot Amazon, who thinks a baseball cap and a pair of dark sunglasses makes her invisible? Yeah, we’re going to blend right in.

* * *
Cade had been somewhat successful in the consoling of his brother, but there was no consoling his distraught wife. Cade knew the best way to help his distressed brother and sister-in-law was to find Michele, so he quickly busied himself compiling all the relevant data, as he and Matt tried to make sense of a senseless act, both were working frantically trying to discover any piece of information that might provide a clue to his niece’s whereabouts. Cade and Matt had worked these types of cases in the past, and they fully understood that the most important factor in deciding between a good or bad outcome was getting a break before...Cade could not even fathom or finish the awful thoughts that were attempting to gain entry into his consciousness.
Cade had interviewed his niece’s playmate, but the frightened little girl could only give the most basic of details. The man was short and was wearing a baseball cap and drove a green car. Not a whole hell of a lot to go on, but Cade realized that the shell-shocked little girl had tried her best to recall what had happened to her friend. And now her mother had taken her home and the family’s physician had given the little girl a mild sedative. Standing in his brother’s living room and starring out into the chaotic scene taking place in the street, Cade suddenly realized he did not have any idea of what to do next. His only hope was that an observant patrolman, or for that matter anyone had seen a short man wearing a baseball cap, driving a green car, with a little blond girl as his passenger had been seen. He fully understood the importance of finding Michele as soon as possible, because with each passing second it would become significantly less likely that they would find his niece unharmed or…Cade could not comprehend a world without his niece and knew without a doubt that his brother and sister-in-law could not or would not survive such an unspeakable loss. As for himself…he forced his racing mind to get back on track…to think…there had to be something else that he could do.
Cade was just turning from the window when he saw her. Yes, she was once again in disguise, wearing a baseball cap and a pair of sunglasses, but there was no doubt of who it was… it was in-fact her.
* * *
Having to take two steps for each step that Kat took Darryl hurried his pace. Once alongside of her he asked, “What are we going to do now?”
I don’t know yet, but there has to be something we can do. Look around; maybe there is someone we can talk to, or come across something that has been missed.”
Darryl said sarcastically, “Look around would you - the police are thick as flies on…”Kat turned to glare at him; he let the final word of the sentence die on his lips. “Okay, okay I’ll look around.” He walked in the opposite direction from which Kat was traveling mumbling to himself, “I was just pointing out the obvious.”
Kat’s mind was racing as she hurriedly made her way through all the chaos and confusion, but up to this point like Darryl, she had no idea what she could do, that would in any form or fashion help find Michele. Then she remembered the reporter’s words…there had been another little girl with Michelle at the time. She needed to find that little girl, and then use her so called ability to discover the identity of the monster that had taken Michele. And more important than discovering his identity would be uncovering a clue, any clue that might provide some insight to his whereabouts…their whereabouts. On the verge of a full-blown panic attack, Kat knew that if Michele was not found soon that in all likelihood it would be too late.
On the curb in front of her were the numbers 238. Kat slowly raised her head to stare in the direction of the home where she knew inside were two desperate and terrified parents. Her vision became blurred as warm tears began forming within her eyes, before finally overcoming their barrier and flowing freely down her cheeks, then from behind she heard him say, “What are you doing here?”
Removing her sunglasses Kat quickly ran the back of her right hand across her cheeks in a fruitless attempt to hide the stream of tears, and then she turned to face him, barely able to speak, “I want to help.”
Cade saw the concern etched on her face and had seen her futile attempt to wipe the tears from her face, but the tell-tell signs of red puffy eyes bared her soul to him, and he understood that she too was suffering greatly - even though she had only met Michele the night before.
“I’ll be honest. All we have is what the little girl that was with Michele at the time of the abduction has told us, and quite frankly it’s not much. All we know at this point is that the man was short and was wearing a baseball cap and that his car was green. Actually I don’t know what any of us can do at this time. I’m afraid it may be in God’s hands at this point - unless we get a break soon…” Cade’s voice trailed off as his composure threatened to fail him, finally he continued, “We need a break in the worst way. We need something that puts us on the trail of that green car. Anything short of that I’m afraid…” Cade stopped unable to complete the sentence.
Gaining her own composure Kat said, “I need to see the little girl that was with Michele.”
“I’m afraid that’s not possible, she’s under a doctor’s care and resting in her house. Actually she’s been given a sedative and will probably be sleeping for several hours.”
Kat glanced nervously about, “There has to be someone else that witnessed the incident… Someone that can tell us something…There has to be someone.” Kat turned around in looked across the street and saw the old gray haired woman sitting in front of the window. She continued, “Someone like her,” pointing to the old lady.
Cade said without much excitement, “That old woman in all likelihood did see Michele being abducted, but unfortunately she is totally catatonic and has been for months. She has been unable to communicate in any form since having a major stroke several months back. Trust me, our own psychiatrist has tried, matter of fact he may still be on site somewhere, but really, he could only verify what the daughter had already told us, that her mother has been too badly damaged by the stroke to help us.”
Kat immediately started walking in the direction of the house where the old woman sat looking out upon the scene. Cade yelled, “What are you doing?”
Pointing toward the old lady in the window Kat said, “I need to see her.”
“I just told you…”
Kat interrupted him and looking back at him over her shoulder said with a tinge of agitation in her voice, “Do you have any better ideas counselor?” Cade could only stare blankly at her, because in fact, he didn’t have any better ideas.
Chapter
74
Kat felt the vibration of her cell phone and turned to see if Cade was still following her. Not wanting to answer the call in front of anyone she let the vibrations continue until after several seconds the phone went still.
A voice boomed from behind, “Cade!”
Cade turned to see who was yelling his name. It was Matt and he was in his unmarked police car. Matt motioned for Cade to get in as he excitedly said, “Get in! A green car has been spotted at a nearby hotel!”
Cade wavered momentarily between following Kat and getting into the car with Matt, before finally deciding that Matt’s lead offered the best chance in finding his niece. As he jumped inside the car he took one last glance in Kat’s direction.
His glance in Kat’s direction did not go unnoticed, “Following Cade’s eyes Matt too watched the tall young woman cross the street, “Is that her?”
“Quickly turning to Matt Cade asked, “Is that who?”
“Don’t be coy Cade. That’s her isn’t it?”
“No it’s not her. Are we going or what?”
Matt said, “You’re full of shit counselor.”
After turning on his siren Matt pushed down on the accelerator. Kat turned in the direction of the speeding car only to find Cade starring intently at her. Kat returned his stare and as the car sped by Cade turned in his seat to keep her in his view for as long as possible. Again following his friend’s gaze Matt interrupted, “Man it’s a good thing you’re not Pinocchio, because if you were your nose would be a foot long.”
Cade replied, “Just drive the car would you?” Before he could settle in his seat though, he saw the cab, the cab with plastic sheeting covering the passenger-side window, the same cab that had picked her up from his apartment last night.

* * *
The phone in Kat’s jeans once again came alive. She flipped it open and said, “Yes,” expecting either Darryl or Roger on the other end as they were the only people she had given her number to.
But the voice on the other end of the line was definitely not Darryl or Roger. “Tick tock, tick tock, the mouse ran up the clock…”
Already on edge Kat agitatedly asked, “Who is this?”
“I’m afraid time is running out for your dear sweet little friend.”
A cold chill ran along her spine as she recognized the voice on the other end of the line. Kat spoke with venom laced within her words, “Simon Perry.”
“And to think I was afraid you had forgotten all about me.”
Kat felt like screaming into the mouthpiece and telling the psychopath what she would do to him if he harmed Michele, but for Michele’s sake she knew that she needed to remain calm and keep her emotions in check.
Simon Perry continued, “What’s the matter cat got your tongue?”
Kat could practically see the smile on his face as she listened to his mocking words. It took all the self-control she could muster not to yell into the phone. She wanted in the worst way to tell him what she would do to him if...
Gaining her composure Kat replied, “I thought you liked your girls a little older.”
Simon Perry answered Kat’s accusation, “Now, now, now, you don’t really think I would do such a horrendous act such as abducting an innocent little girl like Michele do you?”
Kat knew she was in no position to threaten him as he held all the trump cards as she acquiesce and said in almost a pleading voice, “Let her go, please! Take me instead. I’ll meet you anywhere and I promise I won’t tell the authorities. I’ll do anything, just don’t harm Michele!”
“I’m afraid it’s out of my hands. And as I alluded to earlier unfortunately the clock is ticking and regrettably as you’re very well aware of…” he paused before continuing, “time is quickly running out for your sweet little Michele. I’m afraid my associate in this matter keeps a very tight schedule and sticks to it most diligently. Your little friend in all likelihood has only a few hours or perhaps no more than minutes before she is welcomed into the world of…”
Kat realized that he had been toying with her from the beginning as she exploded with rage, “You monster! If I do nothing else with my life…” Kat paused wanting to emphasize her next words, “I’m going to make you pay for this!”
“My, my, my, are you upset with me? Does this mean you won’t be coming to see me after all? And I had been so looking forward to your visiting me.”
Kat’s face twisted with an anger she never thought possible as she spewed out the words, “Oh, believe me Mr. Perry, I’m coming…you can count on that.”
Still toying with her Simon Perry said, “Oh, one more thing before I go. The old lady in the window, well, I’m afraid she’s in no condition to be of any assistance to you.”
Kat flipped her phone shut as she nervously fumbled to shove the phone back into the pocket of her jeans. She was shaking uncontrollably as she stepped into the yard and looked up at the old lady peering out the window. The old lady appeared to be starring directly into her eyes as if she had just heard the whole sordid affair. Kat took a deep breath and stepped up the two steps onto the front porch and pushed the door bell to announce her presence.
When the woman opened the door Kat immediately saw the fatigue in the woman’s eyes. She was approximately fifty years of age or so, but she seemed tired beyond her years. The lady asked somewhat impatiently, “Yes.”
Kat answered, “I need to see your mother.”
“Are you with the police?”
“No, I’m not, but it’s imperative I see your mother.”
“The woman quickly grew frustrated as she said, “I don’t know how else I can say this! My mother is not able to help! Do you think I wouldn’t do anything within my power to help find that little girl! Jesus Christ I adored…adore Michele! She would visit me from time to time…” she began to cry. She stepped back inside letting her hands slide to the inside of the door as she gently began to swing the door toward Kat.
Kat caught the door with the palm of her hand before saying, “Please, you have to let me see your mother. I know how this must look to you, but I promise I’m not mad. I can see that you love Michele and as you said would do anything within your power to help her. I’m begging you to please give me this chance! Five minutes, I promise five minutes. What if by some miracle your mother and I were somehow able to help find Michele. Would you deny Michele that opportunity?”
Kat looked into the woman’s eyes for any sign that she might relent. Suddenly a look of despair entered into the woman’s tired eyes as she slowly opened the door wider without saying a word. As Kat stepped through the doorway the woman simply said, “Five minutes.”
Chapter

75
As Kat entered the old lady’s room it was evident that the woman trailing behind her kept a neat and orderly house and her mother’s room was no exception. Kat turned to ask, “What is your mother’s name please?”
The daughter said almost in a whisper, “My mother’s name is Claire…Claire Reeves.”
Her hair was a metallic gray and brushed to the point to where it seemed not a single strand appeared out of place. She was dressed impeccably in a blue dress with gold trim around the collar and sleeves. It was plain to see that her daughter had painstakingly groomed her mother and Kat began to understand the tired eyes that had greeted her earlier at the door.
Kat kneeled just to the side of the old woman; she had a soft face that was evidently unaffected by the harsh stroke that had left her a shell of her former self. Kat maneuvered herself to where she could look Claire directly in the eyes, which also meant that Claire too was starring into Kat’s eyes. Kat began, “I know that you don’t know me, but I believe you saw a little girl being kidnapped earlier today and I’m afraid you are our only hope in helping us find her. Looking over Claire’s shoulder Kat glanced to see that her daughter eyes were glistening with moisture. Looking at the daughter Kat asked, “May I touch your mother’s hand?”
Unable to speak the daughter nodded her okay. Kat hesitated momentarily suddenly growing nervous about what she might discover while at the same time fearful of the possibility that she might learn absolutely nothing new about Michele’s abduction. Kat slowly placed her trembling fingers atop Claire’s; they were cool almost to the point of cold, but her fears of learning nothing new about Michele’s abduction were quickly erased, as images immediately flowed from one woman to the other. It was as if Claire had been waiting to tell her story and Kat’s unique ability had provided the perfect conduit from which her story could be told. The images were of Michele and only Michele; Kat knew without a doubt whatsoever that Claire had been waiting for a chance to share with someone Michele’s terrible fate. Kat thought how terrible it must have been to have witnessed such a terrible incident and be unable to speak of what she had seen. Kat looked deep within the old woman’s eyes, but they sat motionless, empty and void of any knowing or feelings whatsoever, showing no signs of life except for an occasional involuntary blink.
The images were coming so fast and clear it was as if Kat was watching a movie in fast-forward, Kat wanted to turn it off, but she knew Michele’s survivor depended upon her learning as much as possible from the images appearing and disappearing from her sight. Suddenly the pace of the images began to slow as an image of a strange looking little man came into view; he was watching a little girl walk hesitantly across a wide lawn before bringing his attention back to a terrified Michele. Kat felt the tears welling-up in her eyes as she watched what happened next, she wanted to desperately remove her hand from Claire’s, but she realized the importance of allowing the images to continue until their conclusion. When the little strange man saw Claire in the window and realized that there had been a witnessed to his crime fear immediately filled his eyes, then realizing he had to leave he quickly slid into the driver’s seat…then suddenly without warning one image froze in place, not moving, demanding Kat’s attention. Kat could not believe her eyes it was a large key numbered 31 with the words Cliff Resorts imprinted directly onto the instrument. Kat immediately looked up into Claire’s eyes and even though they gave no hint of what they had just revealed, Kat knew without a doubt that Claire was without question controlling the flow of invaluable information from herself to Kat.
Finally realizing that she had what she had come for Kat whispered, “Thank you so very much and may God bless you and your daughter.” As Kat began to remove her hand from the old lady’s small cold fingers the image of the key disappeared. New images slowly began to enter into Kat’s vision, this time however the images were of a loving daughter tending lovingly to her mother. They revealed a daughter affectionately bathing and dressing her invalid mother with such devoted love that Kat felt as if her heart might burst. Another image showed a daughter patiently reading a newspaper to her imprisoned mother and finally the last image were of mother and daughter holding hands looking out a window onto a serene landscape and within that picture was a little blond girl riding a bike…it was Michele.
Kat straightened and slowly removed her hand from the old lady’s and gently patted her on the shoulder. Before leaving the room she stopped in front of the distressed daughter and said, “Thank you so very much.”
Almost choking on her words the daughter said, “I’m sorry if I seemed rude or…”
Kat shook her head and placed her hand softly alongside the daughter’s face and felt the warm tears touch her fingers. Kat said, “She loves you very much. I think very soon your mother will come back to you. And before I go I think she would like you to know this. She enjoys you reading the paper to her tremendously and the way you care for you ill mother is something to be so very proud of.”
The daughter choking on words attempted to speak, “But…”
Realizing she needed to leave Kat finally said with expediency, “I have to leave.” Before rushing out the door Kat turned to see the daughter on her knees with her arms draped tenderly around her mother.
Chapter
76

Bernard walked nervously about the small cottage peeking through the blinds looking for any signs of unwanted guest. Once satisfied that they were alone he walked into the bedroom to look at Michele; she was lying on a white comforter with her golden hair splayed around her pretty face. Bernard whispered to himself, “Just like a little angel…my little angel.” He watched as Michele’s eyelids fluttered ever so slightly. Bernard smiled knowing that his time with Michele would be here soon – very soon.
He walked into the bathroom looked into the mirror and ran his hand through the few remaining long strands of hair still left on his mostly baldhead - placing them as best he could to cover the barren areas. Next, he brushed his teeth – not wanting to have bad breath when the time came, which was quickly approaching, then he pulled a small red pill from his pocket…the small pill that would allow Michele to enjoy their time together.
The pill would place her in a state somewhere between fantasy and reality, but there were just enough variance within the pill’s effects on his captives that allowed each of the victims to display varying degrees of both enjoyment and horror. And it was this unknown reaction that Bernard found most satisfying. He filled a small cup with water. With the tiny red pill in one hand and the cup of water in the other he began making his way toward Michele. Once in the bedroom he stopped momentarily taking in the beautiful little girl before finally sitting softly onto the edge of the bed so as not to disturb her. He placed the cup of water onto the nearby nightstand and then placed his free hand gingerly under Michele’s head. Michele attempted to open her heavy-eyes, but they were still full of sleep as Bernard placed the red pill between her lips. When he placed the cup of water to Michele’s lips she once again attempted to open her eyes – this time her attempt was successful. She looked with both shock and bewilderment upon seeing the strange man looking down at her, but there was not enough comprehension as of yet to not swallow as Bernard eased the cool water into her mouth. Once the pill was safely swallowed Bernard gently laid Michel’s head back onto the pillow before slowly backing away to stand at the foot of the bed. He would only have to wait a few minutes before he could join his little angel on the bed, but with each passing second he found it more difficult to control the desire and hunger that raged within him. He wanted to – no he needed to satisfy his insatiable needs - if only for a short while.

Chapter
77

Once outside Kat swerved and weaved around the circus-like atmosphere, the street and lawns were covered with reporters interviewing anybody and everybody, looking for a sound-bite that might resonate with their viewers on the evening news. Pulling the bill of the baseball cap low over her eyes, Kat hurriedly made her way toward Darryl’s cab, keeping her eyes looking straight ahead, not wanting to attract any unwanted attention.
She found Darryl sitting on the hood of the dirty yellow cab, once he saw her approaching he jumped to his feet – not wanting to appear as if he had been loafing on the job, but Kat was not interested one iota about what he was or was not supposedly doing. Within ear-shot Kat simply said, “Let’s go.”
Darryl asked, “Where to?”
“Do you know where Cliff Resorts is?”
“Yeah, it’s about a twenty-minute drive from here.”
“That’s where we’re going.”
Darryl queried, “You get a lead?”
“Maybe, I’ll let you know when we get there.”
Darryl wanted to ask for more information than Kat was letting-go of, but one look into her suddenly hard-eyes let him know rather quickly that at the moment she was in no mood for any further questioning. Twenty-minutes later they were driving under an arched stone entrance that read Welcome to Cliff Resorts.
Darryl asked, “Which way?”
“I’m not sure, for now just follow this main road.”
After a few seconds Darryl brought the cab to a stop at a T intersection. He and Kat both read the small green sign that indicated with arrows that cottages 301-310 were to the left and cottages 311-320 were to the right. Kat instructed, “I’ll take the cottages to the left and you take the ones to the right.”
“What, just walk-up to the door and ask, hey buddy you got a little girl in there that you kidnapped?”
Kat slowly turned to face Darryl and said calmly, “What if you drive up in front of the cottage, blow your horn as if you’re there to pick someone up. And if a little strange looking man comes to the door, then that’s our guy.”
Darryl scrunched up his face as if studying the idea, “Yeah that could work.”
Kat added, “I’ll meet you back here in about an hour.” Surely that would give me enough time she thought.
“What do I do when he says hey buddy I didn’t call no cab?”
Kat opened the door, slid across the seat and just before she slammed the door shut she said, “I’m sure you’ll think of something.”
Darryl watched as Kat quickly began walking toward the first cottage. Putting the gear shift into drive and pressing the gas pedal he mumbled, “I don’t think we have a 50-50 partnership here.”
Once Darryl had driven away Kat immediately began running in the direction of cottage 310. It was true that time was of the essence, but Kat also realized the inherent dangers of what could happen when and if Michele’s captor became aware that his time was up. So for that reason she had sent Darryl and his noisy cab in the opposite direction from which she now found herself running – plus the fact that she did not want Darryl complicating what had to be done.
Kat sensed a feeling of dread and foreboding as she ran toward cottage 310. Sunlight was filtering through the dense canopy of the tall pines that dominated this area, and the shielding of the sun from her sensitive eyes allowed her to remove her dark sunglasses. As she ran by the small mailbox for cottage 301 she noticed for the first time the cottage was completely hidden from view. A small gravel drive evidently led to the cottage, but it was designed for privacy as well, as it curved around and through the old growth forest of tall pines.
Kat felt sweat begin to trickle down her spine as she ran by the mailbox for cottage 307 and suddenly she became aware of her labored breathing. Glancing at her watch it read 2:30, meaning that Michele and her captor had been in cottage 310 for approximately 2 or 3 hours. The sense of foreboding that she felt only minutes earlier seemed to settle in every cell of her body with the realization that in all likelihood she was going to be too late.
She and Darryl should have driven directly to where Michele was being held and to hell with the idea about her playing commando and sneaking quietly upon the cottage; Instead they should have pulled up to the front door like they owned the place and blowing caution to the wind simply knock the door down and do whatever needed done.

* * *
Nervously checking his watch Bernard knew the magical pill had had time to perform its job. Bernard slowly walked over to where Michele laid peacefully under the spell of the pill. Again he sat down gently onto the bed beside of Michele, but this time he whispered in Michele’s ear, “It’s time my little angel.”
Michele felt the warm puff of Bernard’s words enter her sensitive ear canal as she murmured ever so slightly, “Hmm.”
Hearing her words sent shivers of excitement down his spine as he edged himself onto the bed beside of his little angel. And when he felt Michele’s warm body touch his he felt a desire so strong and so powerful that he was hardly able to keep himself from recklessly attacking the tiny girl that lay next to him. But he knew moments like these were meant to savor and enjoy like a delicious rare steak in a fine restaurant.
He shifted gently to his right side as he trailed his left index finger across Michele’s soft cheek. Michele instinctively brought her right hand up to her cheek as if to swat away a fly. Flushed with desire Bernard watched as Michele’s small hand attempted to swipe away his finger that was lightly caressing her face. Smiling at her futile attempt to remove his hand he allowed his finger to trail down Michele’s small delicate neck.

* * *
Sweating profusely and breathing heavily from the exertion of the run, Kat paused momentarily to read 310 on the small green mailbox. She had been growing more nervous with each step, but now her raw nerves were beginning to get the best of her. She knew if anything happened to Michele that she could never forgive herself, because ultimately what was playing out was all her fault, and would be her burden to carry for the rest of her life. Recalling her Aunt’s diary and the words she had been brave enough not only to write, but she also had been courageous enough to act upon. Her Aunt had not been a coward as Kat herself had demonstrated over and over, but rather her Aunt had been a strong-willed woman and had put others safety before her own. As Kat stepped from the asphalt road onto the dusty gravel drive the interaction of shoes and gravel reverberated loudly throughout the silent forest. As she made her way along the twisting path Kat made a decision – one that her Aunt had so unselfishly made years ago – one that now she would make. But first there was Michele to think about - bringing herself back to the here and now she began to focus her attention back to Michele.
Suddenly the small wooden log cabin came into view. It had a green tin roof and two small windows that sat on each side of a covered porch. From appearances the small cottage gave no indication of the monstrosities that were or had already taken place inside its walls. Kat could no longer hear the clutter of her feet against the gravel as her heart was booming in her ears with both anxiety and fear. At any time Kat expected a strange little man to erupt from the doorway of the small cottage and shoot her dead, but as her eyes scanned the widows there was no movement at all. Leaving the gravel drive she suddenly stepped into silence as her feet landed onto a soft-bed of grass and brown pine needles. At the last moment she ducked around to the side of the cottage, until finally coming to a stop just short of a green plastic garbage-can that sat directly underneath a window. Pressing her back against the rough strewn logs she attempted to catch her breath and gain her senses about her, she was sure that her loud gulping of much needed oxygen could be heard inside. Inhaling deeply she attempted to quiet her breathing as she leaned forward and cautiously peered into the window. The window blinds were drawn as she had noticed on her approach, but the blinds were old and worn and there were noticeable gaps between some of the panels. Tilting her head and pressing the right-side of her face to the window she attempted to look in between the small openings, but the glass became fogged-over with warm moist air escaping from her over-worked lungs. She immediately wiped away the moisture from the window-pane and this time holding her breath she once again peered inside. At first she didn’t see anything, but then, a subtle movement caught her eye, steeling herself for the horror she expected to see, Kat focused her vision onto the movement. It was the strange little-man that the old lady had shown her. He was lying on his side facing in the opposite direction from the window, then; Kat looked on with horror as he lifted a hand containing a large mass of blond hair.
A shrieking cry escaped from Kat upon seeing the strange-looking little-man toying with a handful of blond hair. She was too late! Oh, dear God she was too late!
Upon hearing the God awful scream Bernard turned to see a silhouette from behind the blind. In a state of panic he jumped to his feet not yet knowing what to do.
Feeling crazed with both anger and despair Kat grabbed the garbage can by a curved hand-hold and swung it recklessly into the window. From the powerful force the window shattered leaving shards of glass and debris scattered about the floor. Picking up the lid Kat cleared the remainder of the opening. Grasping a handful of plastic panels from the blind she yanked it free sending it to the floor in a loud crash.
On his feet Bernard yelled, “What the hell!” He could only watch with dismay as the tall woman leaned headfirst into the window. Placing her palms onto the window sash Kat could feel lose shards of glass penetrating her soft skin, not feeling any pain though, she pulled herself through opening as she stepped onto the debris that was once the window. With wolf-like eyes she moved toward Bernard who was still so shaken by Kat’s entry that he had not yet found the courage or will-power to move.
But at the moment Kat was not interested in Bernard because her eyes were trained on the small body lying unmoving behind him. Kat grabbed Bernard by the remaining few strands of hair still on his head and flung him against the wall at the foot of bed. He crumpled to the floor in a heap. Kat was interested in only on thing and that was the precious little girl lying on the bed, at this point Bernard had been an after thought, Kat had simply removed a barrier between herself and Michele.
Hope flashed brilliantly into Kat’s eyes as she noticed for the first time that Michele seemed unharmed. Could it be true? Had she gotten to her in time? Kat touched the little girl’s face – it was warm and soft. No bruises, no scratches, and no marks of any kind…she seemed perfectly fine.
Rising from the floor and still shaken Bernard said defensively, “I didn’t touch her! I promise I didn’t touch her. I didn’t place one finger on her!”
Kat continued to inspect Michele not believing for the moment that maybe, just maybe that Michele was okay. Kat leaned over kissed the little girl on the cheek and whispered, “Don’t worry everything will be fine – just fine.”
Without opening her eyes Michele asked in a soft-voice, “Kat is that you?”
“Yes it’s me darling. Now, go back to sleep and when you wake everything will be just fine.”
Gaining his senses somewhat Bernard pulled himself from the floor and looking about asked shakily, “You by yourself?”
Kat slowly turned to face him for the first time, “Yeah, I guess I am.”
Gaining confidence and evidently forgetting the rage that Kat had shown only seconds before, Bernard said with malice laced within his words, “You should’ve brought some help with you bitch!”
Kat rose from the bed and looking down at Bernard said matter of fact, “I don’t think that will be necessary?”
Pulling a large black knife from his pocket he added, “We’ll see about that won’t we?”
Kat had been so elated at finding Michele unhurt and unharmed that the little man in the room had seemed irrelevant, as if he hadn’t been present - that is until now. All the pent-up emotion suddenly came to the surface, this man had kidnapped Michele and would have done despicable things had she not arrived in-time. Anger quickly flared in Kat’s eyes as her full attention shifted from a safe and evidently unharmed Michele to the monster, now threatening her.
Kat heard a metallic clink as Bernard released the long silver blade from its protective housing. Glancing toward the shiny blade Kat’s most primitive survival instinct quickly flared to life. Kat did not feel the fight or flight instinct, instead; what she felt was even more primitive – the instinct to protect one’s young.
The sudden transformation in Kat’s appearance stopped Bernard in his tracks. Gone was the look of horror and despair that had been so present when the young woman had made her dramatic entrance, gone also, was the look of relief and gratitude that had encased her facial features on discovering that Michele was not damaged goods. Her facial features were almost animalistic in nature; red wolf-like eyes were boring into him looking for any signs of weakness, as if measuring him as an enemy combatant. A vein along her forehead began filling with dark-rich blood, until becoming engorged and seemingly ready to burst at any moment.
Confronted with this new adversary Bernard’s facade of defiance crumbled with the realization that he was in way over his head by this new foe that had seemingly transformed from human to wild-like animal within seconds. Shaking violently, Bernard nerves failed him, as he began glancing about for an escape route from the wild creature that looked as though it would spring into action any second.
Finally Kat broke the silence with a hiss of hatred and anger as she nodded her head in the direction of the knife, “Are you going to use that, or are you going to just stand there and shake?”
Frightened and shaking badly Bernard started backing in the direction of the missing window. Pointing the knife in Kat’s direction he said with a shaky voice, “If you follow me…I – I – I promise I’ll kill you.”
From behind Kat heard, “Kat?”
Kat turned back toward the bed and placing a hand on Michele’s cheek said, “Yes, it’s me.” Kat’s cut palm left a smudge of bright-red blood on Michele’s face, and for a moment Kat began to panic, until she realized the blood came from her and not Michele. Taking the cover from the bed Kat gently wiped the blood from Michele’s face.
“Is he still here?” Overcome with drowsiness from the effects of the pill Michele once again found herself unable to keep her eyelids from closing.
Kat added softly, “No darling, he’s not here. Please go back to sleep and when you wake everything will be fine…I promise.”
Outside Kat heard a car door slam shut. Whispering to herself Kat said, “No. I’m afraid it’s not going to be that easy today.” The next thing Kat knew she was standing beside of the driver’s door watching Bernard’s futile attempt to place a key into the ignition. Glancing up at Kat he looked as if he had seen a ghost. Kat took a step back and slammed her foot against the window, sending shards of broken glass into the interior of the car, and in doing so covering Bernard in the debris.
Shocked and scared Bernard slid across the vinyl seats, exiting from the side opposite from the crazed creature. Panic-stricken Bernard began running along a narrow path that led away from the cottage and the crazed woman, if she could be called such a thing as a woman. Kat quickly began pursuit of her quarry as he disappeared along the small path that led through and around the tall old-growth southern pines. A few seconds later Kat Emerged from the forest only to find Bernard standing on the edge of a rocky embankment that overlooked a vast valley with huge gray cliffs surrounding the gorge on all sides. With the knife still in his shaking hands Bernard turned to face his predator, “I don’t know what the hell you are, but if you come near me, I’ll cut your fucking head off!”
Kat moved closer and said in a low voice, “Unless you’re going to grow wings in the next few seconds, I suggest you lay the knife down and step back from the cliff.
With one final attempt at freeing himself from the clutches of the crazed creature, he threw his knife, but unfortunately for him his throw missed, sailing harmlessly to Kat’s left and clanging lifelessly into a large boulder, before settling harmlessly onto the soft earth.
Kat smiled, revealing two large sharp daggers as she closed the gap between herself and the terrified little man, but suddenly without warning he abruptly leaped backwards into nothing but empty space. Kat reached in an attempt to pull him from sure death, but he jerked his hand from hers, not wanting to be saved. Stepping to edge of the rocky cliff she watched with horror as gravity pulled Bernard ever closer to his certain fate, but strangely even as he hurtled toward certain death his terrified eyes never left Kat’s. His death curdling scream echoed loudly throughout the valley for what seemed minutes, until finally they were replaced by a new and even more disturbing echo – as a sickening thud of soft-flesh impacting with a rocky out-cropping some two-hundred feet below began slowly replacing a distant fading scream.
Chapter
78
Somewhat shaken by the little-strange-man’s decision to jump from the cliff Kat watched as a puddle of blood began pooling around the damaged body. Kat slowly turned and started walking back in the direction of the cottage. Removing the phone from her pocket she punched in Darryl’s number, “Yeah.”
“I’m at cottage 310.”
“Is…”
“Everything is fine. Michele is fine. Everything is fine.”
“What about the man that took her?”
Kat paused before answering, “You can see for yourself when you get here.”
Once back at the cabin Kat called Roger. “Yeah, it’s me.”
Kat asked, “Where are you?”
“I’m at the residence where the little girl was abducted.”
“She’s with me.”
“What!”
“Do you know where Cliff Resorts is?”
“Yeah sure, I’ve been there a few times.”
“Come to Cottage 310. That’s where we’re at.” Watching Michele sleep she hurriedly related the whole story to Roger.
When Kat finished Roger asked, “And what do I tell the police when they arrive?”
“Tell them you received an anonymous tip, use your imagination, make something up, I don’t really care. Just hurry; I’m sure Michele’s parents are at the end of their ropes with worry.”
Everything was moving to fast, it was as if he was on a roller-coaster and it was never going to stop, but he also knew without a doubt that it was better than the obits, and his nightly love affair with Jack Daniels. “Okay, okay, I’m on my way.” He couldn’t stop thinking how his life had so suddenly turned for the better, two big stories in a matter of days - exclusive stories at that. Now, if he just didn’t wake-up in rehab to discover that once again it had all been an alcohol induced dream.
Hearing a screech of tires against asphalt Kat said, “I have to go. I hear Darryl coming.”
“Who is Darryl?”
“You’ll meet him when you get here.”
Upon hearing the crunching sound of rubber displacing gravel Kat made her way toward the front of the house. With a storm of dust trailing behind, Darryl brought the cab to a noisy stop, then jumping from the vehicle he asked excitedly, “Is she okay? Did he get away? Where is she?”
Pointing to the room Kat added, “She’s in there asleep, so be quiet.”
Following Darryl she watched as Darryl looked from Michele to the smear of blood, to the missing window, to the debris scattered throughout the room, before slowly turning his gaze back to Kat with a questioning look, before asking, “So where is he?”
“If you must know, there’s a small path behind the cottage – just follow it, but hurry we’re leaving as soon as Roger gets here.” Answering Darryl’s question even before he could ask she continued, “He’s a reporter and you’ll meet him in a few minutes.”
Kat was holding Michele’s hand when Roger walked through the door. Unlike Darryl he did not speak, but he did nevertheless take notice of the little girl and of the damaged done to the room. Kat gently released Michele’s hand before motioning Roger into the next room.
A few minutes later an excited and animated Darryl returned to find Roger already at work, he was busy taking photographs of the damaged window and the debris scattered about the floor. Kat instructed Roger, “Remember, no photographs of Michele.” Roger nodded his head that he understood.
Darryl added with a smile, “Yeah, but you might want to look over the cliff out back.” Turning to Kat he asked, “Is he going to photograph us?
“No, he’s not going to take our photographs, and we are leaving shortly.” Turning to Roger Kat added, “Roger it’s time to call the police.”
* * *
A few minutes later as she and Darryl sped from Cliff Resorts Kat turned to Darryl with a well-deserved smile, “You know Darryl we did good today.”
Darryl replied, “Yeah, didn’t we though, but I have a couple questions if you don’t mind, and if you do mind I still have a couple questions.”
Continuing to smile Kat said, “Anything, ask me anything.”
Narrowing his eyes and glancing toward her from time to time he asked, “You’ll tell me the truth, right? I mean us being partners and all.”
Feigning injury Kat answered, “What kind of question is that Darryl; of course I’ll tell you the truth, and yes, we are partners.”
Pulling to the side of the road and stopping the car Darryl turned to face Kat as he asked, “Did you know they were at cottage 310?”
Without blinking and looking Darryl directly in the eyes Kat answered, “Absolutely not,” and quickly moving the conversation forward she added, “come-on let’s go to McDonalds, I’m starving.”
“You have any money?”
“Yes matter of fact I do. It seems Roger has had a windfall of late.”
“Okay, but I still have one more question.”
“Okay”
“Why did he jump from the cliff?”
“That was the strangest thing, when I got to the cliff’s edge and saw him down there; I was as surprised, as I imagine you were upon seeing him like that.”
“And why don’t I believe you.”
Placing her right hand over her heart Kat said, “Scouts honor.”
Darryl added sarcastically, “First of all, I don’t think you were ever a girl scout. And second, by the terrified look still on his face, I seriously doubt he jumped of his own free-will. You know what I mean.”

Chapter
79
As Kat had instructed Roger was sitting near the bed in case the little sleeping girl woke disoriented or frightened, after a few minutes he heard sirens blaring in the distance. He steeled himself for the onslaught that was surely about to take place. As Roger stepped through the doorway onto the porch, marked and unmarked cars with sirens screaming were already sliding to a stop. Uniformed and plainclothes officers alike exited vehicles with their weapons drawn, ready for whatever they were about to face. Roger instinctively raised his hands, not wanting some rookie cop, or for that matter a seasoned cop to mistake him for anything that he wasn’t.
Running ahead of the pack of officers, Cade paused briefly before breathlessly questioning a shell-shocked Roger, “Where is she?”
Without speaking Roger pointed toward the open doorway, as he quickly stepped to the side to avoid being trampled by the stampede of bodies. Then Roger yelled after Cade, “Don’t worry the blood is not from the little girl.”
Cade stopped in his tracks when he saw Michele sleeping peacefully on the bed. Over his shoulder he motioned for everyone to stop, as he informed the ever-filling house, “She’s okay! She’s okay!” He immediately took her in his arms and whispered, “My little princess you’re okay – you’re okay. With the realization that his niece was actually safe, Cade began to cry openly, letting the tears flow freely down his cheeks, releasing all the pent-up emotions that he had somehow held in-check until now. The blood on the white bedcover alarmed him, but on closer inspection he realized that the blood was as the man on the porch not from his niece. Quickly glancing about the destruction in the room he found the source; the sash of the window also had a smear of the red liquid. Cade noted that the blood had in all likelihood came from Michele’s rescuer.
Turning from the door Matt began giving instructions to secure the area and for everyone to leave the premises, indicating that the house was a crime scene and that only crime-scene-investigators would be allowed on-site.
Coming-around Michele said sleepily, “Uncle Cade.”
“Yes Princess, it’s your Uncle Cade, and everything is going to be fine – just fine.”
Opening her eyes wider Michele looked up into her uncle’s eyes and asked, “Is Kat still here?”’
Shocked by his niece’s comment Cade did not immediately respond to the question. Bending down to kiss Michele on the cheek he whispered, “No honey she’s not.”
Cade was carrying his niece to the waiting ambulance when his brother and sister in-law came rushing toward him. They had been informed that their daughter was unharmed, but their faces were still twisted in unbelieving anguish, as they ran toward their only daughter.
When Alice snatched her daughter from Cade’s arms she kept repeating, “My baby, my baby, my baby” all the while scouring over every inch of Michele’s body for any signs of damage or injury. Derrick tried his best to get to his daughter, but her mother was not allowing anyone else including a relived father to get near her. For the time being like everyone else he simply watched, as a distraught mother showered her child with kisses and words of love. Finally, Derrick turned to his brother and without speaking the two brothers embraced while they both cried with relief and happiness at their good fortune.
At last a reluctant paramedic led both the mother and child to a waiting ambulance. Pulling from his brother’s embrace Derrick ran to catch-up with his family and with the assistance of a paramedic piled into the back of a waiting ambulance.
Cade turned and immediately began walking with earnest back toward the small cottage. He knew Matt would already be in the process of questioning the man who had somehow, miraculously, found his niece, and for that he would be forever grateful to him, but with that being said, there were questions to be asked, and questions to be answered. Cade did not want to step on any toes, especially Matt’s, but he was determined to be part of the process, and not only as a lawyer for the District Attorney’s Office.
Walking into the small rustic kitchen Cade found Matt and Roger sitting on opposite ends of a small oak table. Matt looked up smiling as he said, “It seems Mr. Fryman got an anonymous call alerting him that there was a little girl being held at this cottage, but instead of informing the police of the call, he thought it best he investigate things himself.” Turning back to Roger he asked, “Isn’t that right Mr. Fryman?”
Roger turned to Cade saying, “I thought it was probably a prank call or something, so like the detective said I thought I would just check it out.”
Matt turned to Cade, “Cade I don’t think you’ve had the pleasure. This is Mr. Fryman, he’s a reporter for The Leader, and Mr. Fryman this is Mr. Collins from the District Attorney’s Office.” Both men nodded their acknowledgment of the other before Matt continued, “Mr. Fryman here seems to be on a roll of late. Only this morning he broke an exclusive story on the Simon Perry trial that just ended, and now it seems by this afternoon, he’ll be breaking another, even bigger story, hardly giving the ink a chance to dry on the first - a heck of a day if you ask me.”
Looking from one to the other Roger said smiling, “What can I say. Just lucky I guess.”
Cade let his eyes drift toward a camera and cell phone that lay on the table along with other personal effects, all the items were enclosed in plastic zip-lock bags, evidently being retained as possible evidence. Following Cade’s eyes Matt continued, “Yes, it seems Mr. Fryman has already taken photographs for his big story, and now he’s demanding that we let him go, so that he can get his next blockbuster story out to his eager public.”
Roger said, “I think the word demanding is a bit strong, but yes, I would appreciate your releasing me so that I may get-on with my work. I imagine there is a horde of reporters out there as we speak biting at the bit to get at this story. I would think after helping save that little girl, well, you guys would give me a break here.”
Cade asked, “Did you take pictures of my niece?”
“No, actually the anonymous caller instructed that I not take pictures of the little girl, so I heeded the advice given to me.”
Matt said, “Go ahead counselor look at the pictures. Like they say, a picture tells the story of a thousand words, and in this case it’s absolutely true.”
Cade quickly reviewed the digital photographs, but slowed when he came upon the horrific photographs of the dead perpetrator lying in a puddle of his own blood. There were no photographs of his niece, and Matt had been right with assessment of the photographs, they were worth a thousand words, but the photographs, revealing as they were, still left more questions unanswered than they answered.
As Cade reached for the cell phone Matt interrupted, “He’s already erased his calling history.”
Roger immediately said, “One has to protect the identities of his sources, surely you guys understand how important that is, especially in our line of work.”
Something was bothering Cade, but he couldn’t quiet put his finger on it, but something seemed amiss with the reporter’s story, the parts simply did not fit the whole, but what was it? Then he remembered his niece’s word, “Is Kat still here?”

* * *
Kat felt the vibration of the cell-phone in her pocket. Thinking it was Roger she answered, “Yes”
“I have to admit young lady; you’re proving to be a most worthy adversary after all, but alas, an adversary who ultimately will succumb to my superior skills in the arena in which we play, and unfortunately for you my dear, I find myself growing weary of your incessant meddling.”
“Should I take that as a threat Mr. Perry.?”
“Yes, matter of fact you should, and as for your little gopher friend sitting beside you, well, I may come after him first.”
Furrowing his brow Darryl asked, “Who’s that?”
Kat said angrily, “Why don’t we make this mano a mano, you know, just the two of us, or are you afraid that you’ll meet the same fate as your unfortunate colleague, who I might add at this very moment is lying at the bottom of a cliff in a puddle of his own blood.”
“My colleague, if you will, was no more than an errand boy, and as far as your challenge of you and me going one-on-one, I’ll have to graciously decline, but make no mistake, I’ll have you when I want you, and not a second sooner or later than I decide.” Allowing anger to creep into his words Simon Perry added, “Trust me you little bitch, when I tug on your strings, you’ll know it. Matter of fact, I imagine you might enjoy it rather immensely, but if not, don’t worry, I’m sure I’ll enjoy it enough for the both of us.”
Before Kat could reply the phone fell silent. Darryl questioned, “That’s him isn’t it? Let me talk to that son-of-a-bitch!” Darryl grabbed the phone from Kat’s grasp only to find the line dead. “What did he say? What did he say?”
Turning slowly to face Darryl Kat realized that it would only be fair for Darryl to know that Simon Perry would possibly be coming after him too. Hesitantly she replied, “Simon Perry said that he may come after you first.”
Pressing the accelerator Darryl pulled the cab onto the pavement before responding loudly, “Good, let him come! Kat wondered if Darryl’s outburst of bravado was in fact a sign of courage or an attempt to mask an underlying fear that always seemed to lurk just behind his large round dark eyes.
Chapter
80
Looking at Roger Cade said, “It’s not that we don’t appreciate what you did here, because trust me we do, not an hour ago we had nothing and now my niece is safe and sound in the arms of her mother and father, and for that my family and I will always be in your debt. Believe me right now my family could care less what led to your discovery of my niece, we care only that she was found unharmed, but with that being said Mr. Fryman, I’m afraid the Lieutenant here has a job to do.
“I understand that, but I have a job to do to also. I’ve already told the Lieutenant everything I know. All I want to do is get my story out before one of my overly ambitious colleagues finds a way to take advantage of my being detained and scoops my story out from under me. An exclusive I might add at that.”
Matt said, “You’ll get your story out, don’t worry, my guys are not going to allow anyone to get anywhere near the crime scene. I tell you what Mr. Fryman; walk me through this labyrinth of crime scenes and help me put all the parts together, and after that you can do your thing.”
Sensing an opportunity Roger quickly replied, “Okay.”
Matt stood and indicated for Roger to lead the way before saying, “Why don’t we start in the bedroom.” Matt turned to Cade and asked, “Coming counselor?”
“Cade replied, “No, I think I’ll sit here awhile and gather my thoughts for a few minutes,” sighing he added as if exhausted, “It’s been a long day.”
Matt nodded his understanding before shepherding Roger into the bedroom, with his fellow officers trailing behind, leaving Cade momentarily alone in the room. Cade immediately grabbed the bag containing the cell phone, pulling it free, he quickly hit the send button, and instantly felt both nervous and excited when a telephone number appeared on the small screen. Placing the phone to his ear he listened carefully to the familiar clicking sounds of a cellular call being completed, when he heard the phone on the other end begin to ring, he anxiously glanced about the small room for any unwanted observers. The phone along with the other items on the table were all possible evidence in a crime, and he knew what he had just done was against all proper protocol, but he had an urge or was it a need to find out who would answer the phone. Suddenly his niece’s words came to life again, “Is Kat still here?”

* * *
Darryl’s eyes opened wide in fright when he felt the phone come to life in the palm of his hand. Alarmed he immediately looked in Kat’s direction. Kat had also heard the low hum of the vibrating phone, “Let me have the phone Darryl.”
Darryl’s hand was nervously shaking, but he found the courage to say, “No. I’ll handle this.”
Kat quickly said, “Darryl, it’s not you that he wants, so please, let me have the phone.”
Darryl tentatively pressed the green send button and slowly placed the tiny phone against his ear. Kat reached for the phone, but Darryl jerked his body toward the driver-side door in an attempt to keep control of the phone. But unfortunately, Darryl’s left hand, which was still firmly planted onto the steering-wheel moved along in unison with the rest of his body, causing the car to swerve violently onto the shoulder of the small two-lane road. Retaining control of the phone and the car while barely avoiding a very large tree Darryl screamed, “You trying to kill us or what?”
Cade listened intently, not sure though of what he was hearing.
A strong surge of adrenalin began emptying into Darryl’s blood stream as his body automatically reacted to the danger it found itself in. Darryl’s natural instincts for survivor were still blossoming and growing, waiting for a signal from the brain to find out if he was going to fight or flee. Then Darryl remembered the phone in his hand and with all his senses on heightened alert, he made a decision either from fear or courage or both, as he yelled into the tiny phone, “Come-on you child molesting bastard! Come and get me!” Breathing heavily Darryl waited for a reply.
“Uhhh, is Kat there?”
Taking a deep breath Darryl turned toward Kat saying, “Here, it must be that Roger fellow.”
Surprised that Roger would be calling so quickly Kat asked tentatively, “Roger?”
After several long seconds Cade finally responded, “It’s not Roger.”
Kat felt her throat restrict when she heard the voice on the other end. Kat immediately wanted to terminate the call, but she also needed to know what had happened to Roger, after all, had she not got Roger into this mess. Then she felt an icy-chill run along her spine as she realized with certainty that the game was over, over before she had an opportunity to stop Simon Perry from committing another horrendous crime against another young innocent victim like Sarah had been.
“What do you want Mr. Collins? And where is Roger?” Each word was spoken slowly and resentment resonated within each syllable. How was she ever going to get out of this mess and worse yet, what would come of Roger and Darryl…she had recklessly placed them both in circumstances beyond their control.
“I want to see you.”
“Counselor, have you already forgotten my last words to you? Really, I don’t know how I can be any clearer on the subject.”
Still on his adrenalin high Darryl yanked the phone from Kat’s grasp, “Man, are you dense or something? She doesn’t want anything to do with you! And besides ass wipe, if you haven’t noticed at the moment we’re up to our eyeballs in bad guys. It’s not like she has time for a romantic interlude, if you know what I mean.”
Cade replied calmly, “Could you please hand the phone back to her?”
Kat said, “Thanks Darryl, but I do need to talk to him,” as she reached for the phone. “Where’s Roger, Mr. Collins?”
“At the moment he’s helping the police try and make sense of what happened here, but I think they’re talking to the wrong person, don’t you?”
“I don’t really care what you think Mr. Collins.”
“We need to talk.”
“About what?”
“About what happened here today? You will talk to me Kat. Either at a place of your convience or…”
With agitation rising in her voice Kat interrupted, “Are you getting ready to blackmail me again counselor?”
“No. I mean I don’t want to, but if you leave me no other avenue…”
Cutting him off mid-sentence Kat said, “You are a despicable human being Mr. Collins…”
Returning the favor Cade interjected, “Listen lady, I’m risking my career just talking to you like this. The least you can do is let me try and help.”
“I couldn’t care less about your career Mr. Collins, and as far as I know, no one asked for your help.”
Cade responded, “We don’t have time for this. If they return and find me on Roger’s phone, well, it won’t be good for any of us.”
Kat paused for several long seconds, but she knew once again he had the stronger hand, so once more she capitulated, “492 Belmont, Apartment 12 at 9:00 Mr. Collins.”
Cade said, “I’ll see you then, and Kat, thank you for everything. But, how did you know…” Cade let the words die on his lips when he realized that she had terminated the connection.
Shaking his head Darryl questioned, “Are you stupid or what?”
“I know, I know, but at least I bought us some time.”
Chapter
81
After putting the finishing touches on his story Roger walked briskly and confidently through the office and was not bothered one iota that his coworkers were once again craning their long necks to get a glimpse of him, because this time he was returning as a hot commodity -a reporter with two blockbuster stories out almost simultaneously, not as the washed-up has been with a drinking problem. He walked straight to Eddie’s office, opened the door without knocking.
Eddie was on the phone, but quickly said into the mouthpiece, “I’ll have to get back to you on that.” With a wide smile he said, “Roger, the man upstairs is absolutely ecstatic with your work. Matter of fact when we finish here he wants to see you personally in his office. Now, what can I do for you?”
“Eddie I need some money.”
“We advanced you two-thousand yesterday.”
“Yeah, and I need five-thousand dollars today.”
“I don’t think the old-man upstairs will go along with that. I said he was ecstatic with your work, but that doesn’t mean you can come in here…”
“Eddie, let me explain the situation to you. Now, pay close attention, because I’m only going to say this one time. It’s expensive to maintain a network of informants to keep up with what’s going on in the city, and before you say anything let me add this; you don’t want to know anymore than I’ve already told you, because if I tell you anymore than I already have, then, I’m afraid the police might want to question you as to your knowledge of my stories. And Eddie, one more thing, I have no qualms whatsoever about taking my gig across the street.”
Eddie’s face turned red with anger, but he did not want to do or for that matter say anything that might send Roger over to their competitor. But with that being said, he could not stop from thinking how sweet it would be to walk around the table and slap-jack that shit-eating-grin off Roger’s face, but he knew he wouldn’t or couldn’t act on his impulse, especially after the events of the past few days. Instead he bit on his lower lip in an effort to control his rising anger and said through clenched teeth, “Give me a minute.”
Roger continued to smile broadly as he watched Eddie pick-up the phone and punch in some numbers. Heck, he was rather enjoying this.
Looking at Roger with venom in his eyes Eddie said, “Sir, Roger is in my office demanding…I mean requesting that we advance him five-thousand dollars. I told him…Yes Sir. Yes Sir I understand. Yes Sir I’ll tell him.” Hanging up the phone Eddie bit his jaw before forcing himself to say, “Payroll will have your check ready in fifteen minutes. And the man upstairs wants to see you…” Eddie paused, took in a deep exasperated breath before continuing, “When you get the time.”
Roger stood with a smile that seemingly covered his whole face, “Eddie, it’s been nice doing business with you.”
Chapter
82
“Its eight o’clock already, have you decided what you’re going to do when your boyfriend gets here,” Darryl asked.
“No, but I think it best if you’re not here when he arrives.” Kat responded. “And he’s not my boyfriend.”
“You don’t need to convince me of that fact, but evidently your boyfriend is a bit-slow, or maybe he’s getting mixed signals or something.”
When a dark threatening thunderstorm formed within Kat’s bright emerald eyes Darryl diplomatically said, “Well, I guess I could pick-up a few fares while you…uh, entertain this evening.
At eight-thirty Kat was freshly showered, dressed in tight-fitting faded jeans, and wearing a snugly fitting short-sleeve gray knit top. The jeans accentuated her long lean legs and in addition displayed her derriere in a most remarkable way. Her modest but more than enough breast stretched the soft cotton material across her chest, revealing a small valley between two soft-mounds. A small gold chain draped around her thin delicate neck, attached to the chain was a tiny cross that lay protectively in the hollow of her neck; two dangling gold earrings completed the ensemble. She wore little if any make-up, but yet her auburn hair and pale copper skin tone meshed together perfectly, each making the other more pronounced. Checking her appearance in the tiny bathroom mirror she wondered why she had bothered in the first place, but she already knew the answer to that question.
But yet she did not feel attractive in the least, instead she felt as if she was a complete and total failure, and worse yet she felt a foreboding sense of doom creeping into every fiber of her body. At any moment she half-expected a swat-team to come through the door and put an end to the circus that she had so carelessly created.
Kat walked over to the small table in the entry-way, opened the drawer and removed the shiny metallic handgun. It was both cold and heavy in the palm of her hand; she starred at the weapon for several long seconds until her vision became distorted and blurred with tears. She delicately placed the gun back into the drawer and apprehensively watched it disappear as she deftly shut the drawer.
Fighting for composure she took in a large gulp of much need oxygen, turned and walked out the door. Stepping into the hallway onto worn and dusty carpet she turned left toward the elevator. Everything about the building smelled of decay and mold, it was as if every part of the old building had fallen into disarray at the same time. Kat pressed the number 10, then listened with indifference as poorly maintained pulleys and chains creaked in unison to slowly drag the box along its path.
On the 10th floor Kat stepped from the elevator and suddenly felt her legs turn to jelly, forcing her deaden legs to move, she made her way to the red exit sign that lead to the roof top. She knew it was time. It was time to end this masquerade. Time to be the person her Aunt had been so many years ago.
From the east the soft yellow glow of the moon was just coming into view over the horizon. Overhead stars twinkled as if the night sky was a birthday cake lit by millions of candles. The smell of fresh tar radiated up from the roof’s surface, displacing the usual city smell of exhaust fumes. Walking on a soft layer of new tar Kat hesitantly made her way across the black flat roof. Her legs felt like lead as she stepped up and onto the raised edge of the roof. “Do it now! Get it over with…before you lose what little courage you have left,” she told herself. But she stood atop the ledge teetering, one step from certain death, a step she knew she must take, if for no other reason than to spare pain and death to innocent people that she had so carelessly pulled into her own deadly circle.
Pulling to the curb, Cade placing the gearshift into park before turning the interior light of his car on, he wanted to make sure he was at the correct address. Double-checking the address on the small slip of paper with the number on the building, he stuck it back into his shirt pocket. He stepped from the car, shut the door, and placed both hands on the roof of the car before taking in the surroundings. The streets were strew with garbage and surrounded on both sides by tall brick and concrete buildings in varying degrees of decay. Many windows were either broken or missing entirely, old rusty air-conditioning units jutted out from other sites.
He had expected what? Not this he thought. He had known that the young woman was hiding from something or someone, but yet, he had not expected her to live in such an environment such as this. For a moment he thought about getting back into his car and driving away, forgetting about the whole matter, but the gravitational pull of the young attractive woman that called herself Kat was simply to strong. He was smitten, of that he was sure, but he also knew that in all likelihood it was more than that – in fact much more. His mother had once told him that love does not come knocking at your door, but rather it finds you, finds you when you least expect it. He didn’t understand what his mother was saying back then, but now the meaning of her words were as clear as melting snow rushing down a mountain stream in early spring.
He was about to step away from his car when he caught a glimpse of something moving along the roofline of the building. Placing a hand along his brow in an attempt to block the glare of the streetlights, he focused onto the area in question. The object was silhouetted against the backdrop of the soft yellow glow of the moon. Cade immediately reached for his cell-phone, but just as he was about to punch in 911 he paused. How would he, or could he explain what he was doing in this part of town. He placed the phone back into his pocket and began running toward the entrance of the building.
As he entered the run-down building he felt both excited and guilty at his actions. On one hand he was going to attempt to save someone from jumping to a certain death, but on the other he felt guilty for not making the call that should have been made. Ahead in the hallway he saw a door left ajar, he yelled into the opening, “Call 911 now! There is someone on the roof about to jump!” He waited a moment for a response, but there was none. Loud music was booming from across the hallway, no doubt drowning out his words. He hesitantly entered the small dungy apartment, but there was no sound or movement whatsoever from within the apartment. With a dark premonition Cade backed into the hallway and hesitantly raised his eyes to the numbers above the door, but he already knew what he would see; stenciled in white above the door was the number 12.
Turning to his right he saw the elevator. He began punching the up button over and over, but the light never moved from the number 10. Screaming repeatedly, “Son-of-a-bitch, motherfucker,” he banged the door with his fist before making his way toward the exit sign.
* * *
Bracing herself and summoning the courage to take that one step, Kat shut her eyes and took in a deep breath, but images of her mother and father quickly replaced the darkness that she had hoped for. Kat knew what she was about to do was a sin, but certainly taking her own life was the lesser of two evils, surely God would understand that she was sacrificing herself, so that others may live. She understood with certainty that she would not be able to rid the world of both Simon Perry and of course Vlad, before one or both of them harmed or killed the very people that she loved and cared about so deeply.
She opened her eyes in attempt to purge her parents from her vision, but to no avail, as images of her parents continued their assault upon her senses, and then other images began to replace those of her parents. The first one was of an image that had been long forgotten, Kat was applying make-up to her kid sister, suddenly, she remembered, it was her baby sister’s first real date, and they had had such a wonderful time, talking playfully while preparing her for that special moment in a young girl’s life. Then without warning images of Michele entered into her consciousness, they were from the night that she had first met the precious little girl – she was all smiles.
Then abruptly the tone of the images changed. Kat gasped loudly as images of Sarah Evans once again began appearing in her tear filled eyes. Kat felt her body begin to move forward ever so slightly, she was not yet at the point at which there would be no turning back, but she was definitely headed in that direction. With her trembling body tilting ever so slowly over the edge, Kat wondered if she should or even could at this point stop her body from tumbling over the edge of the building, but why bother she thought. Her only goal at this point was to fall face forward, to obliterate her facial features beyond recognition, she wanted to die alone and nameless, and now it was going to happen. Without warning or reason a warm cozy feeling began enveloping her as she moved ever closer toward the point of no return.
Then without warning a distant image of herself emerged, it was an image that was not familiar to her, but on closer inspection Kat realized it was not her at all, it was her long-ago Aunt. Her Aunt’s lips were moving, she was saying something, but Kat could not make out her words. Then the image moved closer, so close in fact that it seemed almost life-like, causing Kat to wonder if she was already dead, was already in heaven, but no she would not be in heaven, after all had she not just committed a mortal sin. Without warning her Aunt’s words became audible, “Do not do this child. I was the coward, not you. You must live. You must live to do what I had not the nerve or courage to do so long ago.
Gasping for air and drenched in sweat Cade erupting onto the roof. His heart stopped beating when he saw Kat perched on the raised edge of the roofline. Trying to control his ragged breathing he moved closer to where she seemed poised to step off into the moonlit night. Cade was surprised that she had not heard his loud entry onto the roof. His instinct was to run and grab her from behind and pull her to the safety of the roof, but he understood the inherent dangers in such a dramatic try. Controlling the flow of air from his lips he said in a low voice, “Don’t do it. Please don’t do it.
Hearing a voice from behind jolted Kat back to the here and now, but when she opened her eyes she was surprised to discover that she was still standing erect on the edge of the roof. Had she not been falling or at the least been in the process of falling? She was confused, even mystified to find herself still standing on the edge of the roofline. Then remembering the voice from behind, she slowly turned in that direction. She slumped with exhaustion or weariness or both when she connected the voice to the person. “You again,” she said with extreme fatigue. “You are without a doubt the most annoying man I have ever met.”
Stepping closer Cade whispered, “Don’t do this. Whatever it is that is troubling you, trust me, jumping from this building will not solve it.”
Kat smiled with an air of confidence that she had not felt only moments earlier, “Trust me counselor, what I’m about to do is the only thing that will solve the problems that I have created. And don’t come any closer.”
“Okay, I won’t come near you. I’m going to move over to your left and sit down, that’s all, and I won’t get within 10 feet of you, I promise.”
Kat watched as Cade slowly moved to her left. Through stinging tears she said, “You are wasting your time counselor. I have endangered everyone around me. I will not, I cannot allow that to happen again.”
Cade began to speak, “But…”
Angrily Kat interrupted, “What happened to your niece was because of me! Now do you understand Counselor?”
Cade said in a low but firm voice, “The only thing I understand is that I think I love you. No, that’s not exactly correct. I am in love with you, of that, I have no doubts.”




Chapter
83
Shaking her head from side to side Kat said, “Love, what do you know of love? We hardly know each other, and yet you proclaim your love for me. I think Counselor you confuse lust with love, and even worse, I think you see yourself as a brave knight coming to the rescue of a damsel in distress. And let me assure you on this point counselor, I am no damsel in distress, and you Sir, are certainly no brave knight, and please listen carefully to what I say next, I am in no shape or form, even remotely in love with you, any more than you are with me. Now turn around and leave before you soil your expensive suit, and get into more trouble than you could ever imagine. And I’m sure it would not be good for your career if you were found anywhere near here, especially near me.”
Cade stood slowly and nervously stepped onto the raised edge of the roof before saying, “I know how I feel. You may not love me, heck, you may not even like me, and I can understand that completely, but I know what I feel in my heart. If you jump from this building,” Cade glanced down onto the street and sucked in a deep breath before continuing, “then I will too.”
Jerking her head toward Cade, Kat said angrily, “You are without a doubt the most stupid man on the face of this planet.”
“Yes I’m sure it must seem that way, and you may be right in your poor assessment of me, but I know you jumping from this building is the last thing on earth I want.”
Totally frustrated Kat said, “Let me assure you Sir of one more thing, you are definitely not having the desired effect on me that you had hoped, quiet the contrary, I want to jump from this building more than ever, if for no other reason than to escape your incessant meddling into my affairs.”
Cade did not respond he only starred at Kat for several long seconds before finally saying, “Then, shall we?”
“You dim-wit fool, you cannot be serious.”
“Let me assure you, I am truly serious. If you step from this building, so will I.”
Suddenly, either from fear or frustration or both Kat began crying, “There is no other way. I must do this, and if you are foolish enough to join me, then by all means, do what you must, but I take no blame for your actions Counselor.” Kat shut her eyes, took a final breath, and let her body ever so slowly begin to move out over the edge of the building.
Cade watched as Kat’s facial expression changed from fear to one of determination, and when she shut her eyes, he made his move. He began silently sliding along the edge, but when he saw her begin to move forward, he knew that in all probability he would not get to her in time. Sensing it was now or never, he dived in one last frantic effort to stop her forward movement. He crashed into her with a thud and immediately wrapped his arms tightly around her, and seemingly against gravity, physics, and all the laws of motion, somehow, miraculously, found a way to propel their tangled bodies toward the safety of the roof top.
They both opened their eyes at the same time. Cade was lying astride Kat with his arms still wrapped securely about her.
Kat spoke first, “Could you possibly be any less intolerable!”
Taking advantage of his dominant position Cade did what he wanted to do every time he was near this most bewitching woman, he lowered his head and covered her mouth with his. Kat tried to expel him from atop her, but soon realized that her efforts to remove him from her person were proving to be futile. After a few seconds she stopped struggling to free herself and allowed her body to relax, she was not certain if she was pausing momentarily to gather herself for one more go at him, or if she had completely given-up the struggle to free herself.
Then surprisingly she became aware of his lips pressed against her own, they were soft, moist, and determined. She allowed her mouth to open slightly, which permitted him better access to her lips and mouth, he immediately pressed on his relentless attack. Kat gathered his lower lip between her teeth and squeezed them lightly…you will be getting off me very shortly counselor, but then she became aware of his hard maleness pressed against her own femininity. She heard a small gasp or cry of pleasure escape, shocked, she was not sure if the sound had come from her or him. What was happening to her, surely she was not succumbing to this annoying man’s charm, if indeed he actually had any, but when she felt her hands running through his hair, well, she knew all was lost.
Without reason or warning Kat suddenly felt more alive than at any previous moment in her life, and strangely, she also had never felt more frightened, or for that matter more like a woman. She understood with certainty that in all likelihood what she was feeling was the direct result of her nearly ending her own life, but now it seemed things were taken on a life of their own. She knew intellectually that she had allowed herself to become totally out of control, but for the life of her, she didn’t know if she could stop where they were definitely headed, or worse yet, didn’t know if she even wanted to.
Sensing that things were moving surprisingly in a positive manner, Cade began to cautiously move his mouth southward, but soon discovered he was unable to separate his lips from hers, as she was holding his lower lip tightly between her teeth. Raising his head ever so slightly, he felt his lower lip pull taut, their eyes met for several long seconds, Cade’s large dark round eyes were bright, alive, and dancing with both desire and to a lesser extent fear, while Kat’s dark green emerald eyes were smoldering with want, and a need so strong that everything else, including all the problems that had weighed so heavily upon her just a few minutes ago, now, seemed distant and inconsequential, as they quickly faded into oblivion.
Cade felt her teeth dig into his soft flesh even more, then after a few more worrisome seconds of fearing mortal injury, he felt her slowly release his sensitive lower lip. Then, without warning Kat grasped Cade with both hands about his neck, pulling her face to his, and surprising them both, pressed her lips hungrily to his.
Not yet believing his good fortune at saving them both from a certain death and also equally amazing he thought was this beautiful creature’s sudden, and unexpected positive reaction to his attempt at chivalry.
Buoyed by the surprising turn of events Cade stood with Kat still draped about him. When he felt her tongue push eagerly between his lips he immediately became so caught-up in the moment that he, like Kat lost all sense of time and place. They were standing under the soft-glow of the moon, embraced in a passionate long kiss, hands busily exploring the other, and their bodies fused tightly together as one.
Finally, in unison they both began making their way toward the door that led back into the building, but their lips never parted and their exploring grew more aggressive and intimate. They stumbled into the building and once reaching the elevator, they both began punching the down button. Kat stepped back from Cade, starred lustily into his eyes, pushed him against the elevator door, then, pressed tightly against him, before assertively reclaiming his lips.
They were so caught-up in their amorous ways neither of them heard or felt the elevator begin to open, so as a result when the door opened they both tumbled into the elevator, only the far wall of the small room prevented them from sprawling onto the floor, but even their tumble into the elevator did not interrupt or even slow their relentless attack upon the other.
Reaching the 5th floor an older lady entered the small compartment. Kat opened her eyes only to see the old woman starring intently at them. Over Cade’s shoulder Kat said, “Oh, sorry.”
The old woman smiled pleasantly before saying, “I’ve seen worse. Hell, honey, I’ve done worse.”
On the first floor they both ran hurriedly hand in hand toward apartment 12.
Chapter
84
The man handed Darryl a twenty and said, “Keep the change.”
Darryl replied, “Thanks,” He checked his rearview mirror and moved out into traffic in search of another fare, but when he glanced in the mirror again, he noticed a black SUV pulling from the curb. He immediately took the next left and drove slowly checking his rearview mirror every few seconds. And when the black car appeared from around a corner and pulled into his lane of traffic Darryl said, “Well, well, well, it looks as if our old friend has reared his ugly head once more,” as a cold chill raced along his spine.
He started to punch in Kat’s number, but stopped just as his index finger was about to hit the first digit. “No,” he said to no one in particular. “If my so called partner can play solo, then so can I. Yeah, I’ll handle this by myself.” Glancing toward the plastic sheeting covering the passenger-side window and checking his rearview mirror once more he continued, “Anyway I owe you one.”
Darryl slammed his foot against the brake, while simultaneously jerking the steering wheel to the left, and in doing so, somehow managed to execute a perfect u-turn. Cars traveling in both directions had to hit their own brakes to avoid Darryl’s reckless driving, then horns erupted in a display of both fear and frustration, but Darryl’s attention was focused on the black car about two blocks away. Pressing the accelerator even more Darryl screamed, “Come on you poor excuse for a human being! But, I got news for you asshole, I ain’t no little girl!”
Darryl hit the steering wheel with the palm of his hand in frustration when the black car took a right at the next intersection, then, screamed, “You ugly son-of-a-bitch” in disappointment when several cars drove into the intersection, thus blocking his path.
Chapter
85
Pulling Kat through the open doorway Cade quickly shut the door behind them, then, with both hands pinned Kat’s shoulders to the closed door with authority, next, he searched her shimmering eyes for any signs of defiance, finding none he pressed her against the door firmly using the entire length of his body as a wedge, then, he eagerly covered her inviting lips with his.
Kat’s breath was coming in ragged gasps as she fought for control, but soon gave-up any notions of controlling anything, as she allowed herself to become totally lost in the moment. And for once in her life she allowed the wants and needs of her body to overrule any thoughts of morals that were trying vainly to creep into her consciousness, but at this point any thoughts other than enjoying this moment, enjoying this man, was simply not possible.
Cade slipped his mouth to Kat’s long delicate neck and sucked with a passion that he had never felt. His hands were exploring every nook and cranny about Kat’s body, and she seemed to respond positively to his every touch. Suddenly, Kat pushed Cade back and without taking her fervent eyes from his, reached with both hands, and quickly unknotted his tie, then, yanked it violently from around his neck. Next, she lowered her hands and starting with the collar of his shirt began to unbutton his shirt. When finished with the last button, Kat pulled the shirt up and over his shoulders, allowing the shirt to fall harmlessly to the floor.
Next, as if they were taking turns, in one swift movement Cade raised Kat’s knit top up and over her head, then hastily flung it across the room. They stood starring at each other for several long seconds, then surprising Cade once more; Kat grasped Cade by both hands and stepping slowly backwards, began pulling him toward the bedroom, all the while never taking her overheated eyes from his.
Once in the bedroom neither of them seemed able nor for that matter willing to reign-in what little self-control they had remaining, as they greedily came together in a violent clash of bodies. With their mouths and bodies locked tightly together both began to fumble recklessly with buttons and zippers on what little clothing remained on the other. Once again though, Cade fumbled helplessly with the bra strap’s tiny mechanism.
Breathlessly Kat said, “Let me.”
Stepping back as he had the night before Cade let his eyes drift to the two beautiful mounds of flesh attempting to overflow their constraints. This was the vision that had tormented him so…ever since the previous night anyway. He could hardly believe that he was actually getting a second chance. He held his breath as Kat deftly reached behind her with both hands and effortlessly unsnapped the troublesome mechanism that had proven so difficult for him. The small undergarment fell silently to the floor.
Cade exhaled deeply before saying, “You’re beautiful,” after several long seconds of starring he finally lifted his eyes and repeated, “You’re beautiful.”
Walking slowly toward him Kat said in a whisper, “Yes, I think you covered that.”
Never taking her eyes from his Kat placed her finger tips onto his chest and slowly let them slide down and across Cade’s taut stomach. Her touch sent an electric shock that coursed powerfully throughout his whole body. Reaching the top edge of his slacks Kat hooked a finger around his belt and pulled it back until the metal buckle cleared the small hole that had held it in place. Continuing to stare into Cade’s eyes she slowly pulled the belt free, before flinging the dangling piece of leather across the room. Then grabbing his trousers with both thumbs and forefingers she quickly had the pants unfastened, next, using her right thumb and forefinger she pinched the zipper handle and began moving the metal tag slowly downward, all the while never taking her eyes from his. But, when she felt his hard manhood pressing through the thin material against her fingers she paused. A low groan escaped from deep within Cade’s airway, and she took in a large gulp of much needed oxygen.
Kat nervously stepped back from Cade. Like Cade before her she to wanted a view from a distance. Hardly unable to contain himself any longer, Cade quickly stepped out of his pants. He was standing in white briefs and she a pair of tiny bikini undies. Cade moved first dropping his hands to remove his last article of clothing. Breaking eye contact Kat bent at the waist and lowered her head as she slid her panties down her long lean legs before stepping out of the tiny piece of clothing that lay around her bare feet. Kat began to straightened, but suddenly stopped, when her eyes fell upon Cade’s rigid manhood pressing against his stomach. Somehow gaining her senses about her she stood erect and attempted to raise her eyes, before it seemed her wide eyes involuntarily drifted lower; catching herself she quickly looked away. After several long seconds of indecision Kat finally raised her eyes, half expecting to find him smiling at her, but his eyes were no where to be found as they were busy scouring over every inch of her body. That is until they became fixed upon the small dark triangle that lay at the apex of legs and abdomen.
This time their warm bodies came together not in a violent clash as before, but softly, as their lips met in a tender kiss, but when Kat’s firm breast touched against Cade’s sensitive hairy chest, an electric current once again raced throughout his body before settling in his loins. A second later Kat felt her knees buckled when Cade’s hard hot manhood pressed into her soft abdomen, she would have collapsed if not for the fact that she was hanging onto Cade for dear life.
Finally, sensing it was time Cade lifted Kat into his arms and began making his way toward the bed. Kat was actually relieved when Cade hoisted her into his arms, since she was not certain how much longer her jelly-like legs could continue to keep her upright. Cade gently laid Kat onto the bed and stood in amazement looking down at her remarkable beauty, and wonder just how all this had come about. It was exactly what he had wished for when he had first spied her in the courtroom, but now, it seemed surreal, almost as if it was all a dream – a dream come true he thought.
Looking up into his eyes Kat said breathlessly, “Make love to me Cade. Make love to me now, please.”
Joining her in bed they once again began exploring the other, but this time there was even a greater urgency to their exploration than before. Finally Kat whispered almost pleading, “Please. Make love to me.”
But Cade did not want to hurry, did not want to rush, did not want this to ever end. Lying beside Kat he took her in his arm and placed his lips onto hers. The kiss was tender, much like a first kiss would be; it was as if they were starting from the very beginning, definitely not like two overheated lovers in the very midst of lovemaking.
But the kiss quickly deepened in intensity as Cade found it impossible to slow Kat’s aggressive attack upon him, as her tongue eagerly sought out his. Kat was delirious, almost out of her mind with desire and a need she had never felt before, a need that she would never have dreamed even possible only a few days ago, but alas, a need so overpowering that she had no defense against it…she only knew that she needed to satisfy, to quiet this ever growing ache that was simply overwhelming her totally and completely.
So overcome with desire and need Kat was not even aware that she was pressing her sex against Cade’s rigid manhood with reckless abandon. She was beyond thinking, beyond caring what he thought of her, she only knew that she had an overwhelming need that needed taken care of in the worst way. She wanted this man to make love to her, she wanted this man inside of her, and she cared not about whatever ramifications might result from their coming together…she was totally and completely out of control, and for once in her life felt free. She finally felt free to be herself, free to be a woman, free to enjoy this moment in time.
Finally, with her voice coming in ragged gasps Kat said almost pleading, “Please, dear God do it now! Please do it now!”
Kat’s words sent chills along Cade’s spine, but he was determined not to rush their love-making, because there were still things he had not done, things that he had yet to sample of. He felt her push herself against him over and over and he feared that she might succeed in her quest to have him in her. Not yet he thought, not yet. He ran one hand slowly along her rib-cage feeling each one individually, while the other crept nervously up her thighs. Cade slowly began moving his hand from her rib-cage toward the soft-mounds that lay so enticingly out in the open, when he cupped one breast in his open hand, Kat let out a loud moan of, “Ohhh God,” as her body quivered involuntarily for several long seconds, but when his other hand came into contact with her wet womanhood, she began trembling from head to toe.
Kat pleaded into Cade’s ear, “I think I’m going to die if you don’t…” but the words caught in her throat when Cade touched an erect nipple with his tongue. Kat twisted her body and moved under him, and when she felt his hard sex against her own, she made one final adjustment and pushed hard against him, and surprisingly, felt him finally enter her, if only slightly, but it was enough, for now anyway.
Now, as Kat had felt only moments earlier, Cade felt as if he was on a chasm about to plunge into a deep unknown abyss. He had wanted to take it slow and easy and enjoy this moment in time forever, but now he instinctively felt it was time to make love to this special woman squirming beneath him.
He was not a virgin by any sense of the imagination; but then again his sexual partners could be counted on one hand. He had enjoyed having sex with each and every one of them, but this felt so totally different, so totally right he thought, and far beyond what he had felt with the others. The other woman had seemed to enjoy his lovemaking, and had responded positively to his touch, but none of them responded to him even remotely like this woman that he was about to share himself with.
Cade rose up onto the palms of his hands and looked down into Kat’s eyes. They were full of desire and passion he was sure of that, but they were also full of something else. Cade instinctively knew what filled them, because he saw it every time he looked into the mirror the past few days in his own eyes…there was love hiding just beneath the surface, seemingly ready to burst out from around the edges of her dark green emerald eyes. He didn’t know or even understand how he knew it to be true, but he did see it, he did know it, and he would in one way or the other be standing before her when that love bloomed and filled her eyes. Continuing to stare into her eyes he wondered if she could see the love for her that filled his.
Unable to contain himself any longer and also wanting to please her, Cade pushed himself into her, but immediately stopped when he felt an obstruction, and froze with concern when he saw pain register in her eyes and upon her pretty face, and when a cry of pain followed he became fearful. Afraid that he had hurt he quickly began to pull from her, but Kat promptly placed her hands onto the small of his back to keep him inside of her.
“Don’t,” she said.
Opening his eyes wide with recognition Cade sputtered, “I didn’t know.”
Starring intently into Cade’s eyes Kat appealed breathlessly with both pain and desire etched onto her face and also laced within her words, “Please don’t stop…the pleasure is much greater than the pain.”
Cade replied, “I didn’t”, but cut short his argument when he felt Kat press herself against him.
Hesitantly, he began to move ever so slowly inside of her. Still suspended over her with his palms planted on either side of her he attempted to gauge her reaction to his tentative movements. When Kat grimaced slightly Cade immediately stopped dead in his tracks. Sensing his hesitation Kat opened her eyes and saw the apprehension within his, she quickly moved her hands from the small of his back and placing them around his neck pulled his face toward her, placing her mouth firmly over his. Any doubts about what he was to do next were quickly extinguished when he felt her once again push hard against him. Sensing the time was right he met her push and suddenly felt himself move deeper inside of her, until finally, their sweat glistened bodies came together completely. They both ceased moving for a moment, but each for a different reason, he to gauge her level of comfort, she to simply catch her breath and to be quiet frank, to enjoy being joined with this man. But when Kat felt a powerful force building within her loins once again, she began to move her sex against his in an effort to satisfy her need. Once again taking his cue from her he met her push with a push of his own, a few seconds later their movements began to mesh completely together, as each pushed and pulled in perfect unison.
Any sign of pain on Kat’s part was a distant memory, as only moans and groans of pleasure were escaping from her at this point. Without fear of hurting her any longer and with a growing need and urgency of his own, Cade began to use more force, but surprisingly, found that his more powerful attack upon her was being met with the same passion and zeal as his own.
Kat was racing toward her much needed sexual release when an even stronger and more powerful emotion appeared onto the horizon; in fact she quickly became completely intoxicated by this new euphoria that was washing over her. It was as if time and space had stopped, as if everything up to this point was unimportant, or in the very least paled in comparison to this new and powerful sensation that was overloading all her senses. The beating of Cade’s racing heart filled her ears and she could distinctly hear the swooshing of his blood as it raced throughout his vessels in an attempt to satisfy his body’s needs.
Then her eyes were drawn to his bare neck, where just underneath his translucent skin his jugular was rising and falling with each beat of his heart. Kat was mesmerized; completely under the influence of this new and potent force, so much so that the line between reality and fantasy became blurred. Up to this point her sexual needs had been driving her, but now this new force had propelled her into overdrive. She wanted to satisfy her sexual needs, but now it seemed there was an even greater need that was demanding its own satisfaction, and it was this new need that was pushing and pulling her along at a much and faster rate than she seemed able or even capable of comprehending. All she knew was that she was very quickly reaching a point in time and place that she had never been before. Unable to think clearly she let this insatiable need drive her along even further, she only knew that it must be satisfied, that it must be quieted.
At this point in time she was more like a wild animal than human, being driven by primitive instincts to reach something or somewhere beyond even sexual fulfillment. Kat raised her head and focused her suddenly wolf-like eyes onto Cade’s exposed neck where his engorged jugular continued to rise and fall with each beat of his racing heart. Opening her mouth wide, two long elongated daggers slipped from behind their sheath; she was a predator going for the fatal blow, as she slowly made her way toward the intended target. But just before plunging the twin daggers into Cade’s exposed neck, Kat caught a glimpse of her image in the dresser mirror, the image was shadowy, but there was no mistaken what she saw.

Chapter
86
So overpowering was the hunger within her that the shadowy image in the mirror did not register with her as being real. The image had definitely been there, but now it seemed more fantasy than real. She could no longer make a distinction between what was real and what was not. Everything around her was moving at warp speed, she felt as if she had little or no control at all of the quickly unfolding events before her.
The sensitivity of her twin weapons were such that she felt them pierce the most outer layer of Cade’s neck and then she tasted of his blood for the second time in as many days. The taste of him sent a powerful shock of want and need hurtling throughout her, she felt as if she was flying through time and space, on the verge of a great discovery. She only wanted one thing. To sample further of this great nutrient that was filling a great empty void with her, but then the shadowy image in the mirror flashed before her. Just as she was about to strike the fatal blow and sink her long canines further into Cade’s soft exposed flesh; Kat somehow found the will power to retract her deadly twin daggers. But, not before leaving behind two dark red indentions that lay directly atop his swollen jugular. Burying her face into his strong shoulders, she cried out loudly, then, circling her long legs around his, pulled him deeply into her, wanting and needing as much as him in her as possible.
Cade felt himself nearing the point of no return as he picked-up both the pace and force of each thrust into her, for Kat’s part she too was quickly approaching the great release that she so desperately sought and needed. With his breath coming in ragged gasps Cade managed to say, “I do love you. You have to know that,” into Kat’s ear. He was not sure if she heard his words, since, between the two of them their sounds of pleasure and passion was reverberating loudly throughout the small room.
Suddenly without warning Kat and Cade met in one final thrust. Cade felt Kat’s power as she encircled him with both arms and legs and held him tightly against her, as her body convulsed in a great release of pleasure, finally, liberating all the pent-up energy and sexual tension that she had so desperately needed to free.
Unable to restrain himself any longer, Cade joined Kat in his own great release of his own sexual tension, as he emptied his seed deep within her. In one last final act of pleasure, Kat gave a loud wolf-like primitive scream, releasing what sexual energy remained within her. Then her whole body went limp, as if completely drained of all life. She continued to breathe heavily from the exertion of their lovemaking, but she had neither the energy nor willpower to do anything except to gasp for some much needed air to replenish the sorely needed nutrient.
Cade too found himself very much in the same state of affairs as Kat, at least physically, if not mentally. He lay atop her and like Kat was totally spent and drained, but unlike her in one important area, he was well aware of, and for that matter very much enjoying his current perch. Lying atop her Cade was basking in the afterglow of just making love with the woman that he was totally, undoubtedly, and unabashedly in love with - of that he knew there was no question whatsoever. But he also knew that in all likelihood the young woman that he was still joined with did not share those same affections, and in all probability was not even aware of her true feelings toward him.
Knowing that his weight must be a burden for her to bear, Cade started to lift himself from her, but once again Kat placed her hands to the small of his back and whispered hoarsely, “Not yet,” all the while keeping her face buried into his chest, not wanting him to see the predator that lay in his arms.
Cade was more than happy to stay-put for a little while longer, heck, if she asked, he was more than happy to stay-put for the rest of the night, or for that matter the rest of his life. Not wanting to push his luck though he simply said in a low soothing tone, “Okay.”
After several minutes their labored breathing quieted, but yet neither of them moved a muscle, both were still trying to recover physically, as well as mentally from their coming together.
Cade once again had something to say to Kat, but this time he was determined to have eye contact when he spoke. Lifting his upper torso from her he was surprised how meshed together their bodies had become. Their sweat dried bodies did not want to separate; the sweat that only moments ago had acted as a slippery lubricant, now had dried and was now behaving much like cured glue would. Their overly sensitive skin clung tightly together, pulling taut and separating only reluctantly as Cade raised himself onto the palms of his hands.
Crouched over her Cade could still see the lingering effects of their lovemaking upon Kat’s face. Her cheeks were flushed pink, her short auburn hair was tousled about, and her face was radiating with the afterglow of satisfaction as only a woman’s can, but her emerald green eyes were vividly alive, animated, almost animal-like in their keenness. Cade began hesitantly, “I don’t want to sound needy, pathetic, or unmanly for that matter, but I’m sure I’m going to appear all those things and more.” Gathering himself he continued, “I’m in love with you and I think it’s important I tell you now, because I have never felt this way about another person, and to be quiet frank, I don’t think I will ever again,” pausing he emphasized his next words, “I love you Kat.”
Kat wanted to say something, anything at this point, but for whatever reason her mind went totally blank, void of any thoughts whatsoever. Their eyes locked for what seemed an eternity, but Cade’s eyes never faltered for a second. He had said what he felt in his heart needed said, and was waiting stoically, if not patiently for Kat’s reply. He felt as if it was midnight on a dark isolated road, and he was a deer frozen in the headlights of a fast approaching semi. He wondered if she would simply run him over and be done with it, finally putting him out of his misery.
Ohh myy God, Kat thought, did she really want to say those three words back to him. Don’t do it! Please! Dear God keep your mouth shut!
Cade watched as Kat pursed her lips slightly in preparation for words, but it was the look on her face that gave him hope. She seemed shaken, even unsure of what to do or say, but it was her eyes that were most telling. They were moist and lacking in their usual confidence, now they were full of uncertainty and indecision.
Seemingly involuntarily Kat heard herself say, “I…”
A loud banging at the door interrupted her words.
As if jarred from a deep sleep Kat opened her eyes wide before hastily saying, “I… I have to get that.” She ducked under Cade’s outstretched arms, picked-up the first item of clothing she could find and made her way out of the room, all the while mumbling to herself, “What, you a Black Widow now. Mate ‘em and then kill ‘em. Jesus Kat what’s next?” Once at the door Kat asked, “Yes.”
Darryl replied, “It’s me. Let me in.”
Cade quickly moved toward the door, straining to hear.
In a low voice Kat said, “Darryl, I’m tired, it has been a long day. We can talk in the morning.”
“What? I can’t hear you.”
Looking back over her shoulder and then leaning toward the door she said a little louder, “I said we can talk in the morning.”
“No, we’ve got to talk now. I’m telling you it can’t wait.”
Shaking her head in frustration Kat said, “Just a minute.” That’s when she noticed the article of clothing in her hand was a man’s shirt. “Just great, just great, she mumbled.”
Cade inched closer to the open doorway, wanting to hear the conversation.
As soon as Kat opened the door Darryl excitedly rushed in talking non-stop, “He’s done to us what we did to him!”
“What are you talking about Darryl?”
“That Perry asshole! He’s bugged our car! He knows every move we make! Looking about the room he continued, “Hell, he probably has this room bugged too!”
“Not so loud Darryl. Everyone in the complex can probably hear you.”
That’s when Darryl noticed the man’s shirt she was wearing. Darryl glanced about the room before asking in a low tone, “Is your boyfriend here?”
“No, no one else is here. And I don’t have a boyfriend. Now, if you don’t mind I would like to go back to bed. I’m sure this can wait until morning.”
Darryl opened his mouth to speak but closed it quickly when Cade walked out of the bedroom, shirtless and barefoot, with only his slacks on, minus the far flung belt. “Don’t mind me. I’m just going to get a glass of water.”
Kat dropped her head in despair and without looking up introduced the two, “Darryl Cade, Cade Darryl.”
The two men nodded at each other. As soon as Cade was out of earshot Darryl said, “So, this is how you discourage potential suitors huh.”
Dejectedly Kat responded, “It’s complicated.”
Leaning against the door jab just out of sight Cade was smiling, listening intently.
With a large grin of his own Darryl said, “Yeah, I guess this can wait until morning. After all you’re tired and need to get back to bed…you know, to sleep.”
“Are you enjoying yourself Darryl?”
“Yeah, I kinda am.”
“If you can stop smiling for a moment. I need the keys to the cab.”
“Why?”
“I need to run an errand in the morning.”
“I’ll drive you.”
“No, it’ll just take a few minutes and I’d rather do it alone if you don’t mind.”
Darryl hesitantly placed the keys into Kat’s outstretched hand, before asking, “I didn’t think you had your driver’s license?”
“Don’t worry I’ll be five minutes tops”
Before removing his hands from hers Darryl added, “You might want to put something on that cut. It looks sort of red, like it’s infected or something.”

“Looking at her hand Kat said, “Oh, it’s nothing. It’ll be fine. Thanks Darryl.
Darryl was turning to leave when Cade walked back into the room with a glass of water in hand. Cade asked, “Kat, are you coming back to bed?”
With her face turning a deep red Kat replied in a mumble, “Yeah, just give me a minute.”
As Cade continued toward the bedroom Darryl added, “Complicated huh? Yeah, I can see that,” as he watched Cade strode through the room and then disappear into the bedroom.
Chapter
87
Once Darryl had left, Kat turned in a huff and marched toward the bedroom, but as soon as she stepped through the doorway Cade grabbed her by the shoulders, turned her facing the wall, then pressed her to the wall roughly with his hard body. With one hand he grasped both her wrist and held them high above her head, with his free hand he tore his shirt from her, sending buttons flying throughout the room. Then reaching around to her front, he slowly ran his hand up Kat’s taut stomach to her breast. They were hard and erect, and when he eagerly ran his hand from one to the other he heard a low moan escape from deep within her, a second later he felt her knees give-way.
Kat had every intention of putting him in his place, but now once again she found herself in unfamiliar territory, as the only thing she could think of was letting this man make love to her again. Cade deftly flipped her around and pressed himself against her, as he slipped his hand from her wrists to her hands, still continuing to hold them high above her head. Then, he felt the small swell on the palm of her right hand. Stopping for a moment he lowered her hand down between them before asking, “How’d you do that?”
Her words were laced with more desire than agitation, but both were present as she replied, “Do you want to discuss how I cut my hand, or do you want to have sex?”
Cade responded, “It’s not that important,” but what he really wanted to say was that he already knew how she had received the cut.
Grabbing the initiative Kat pushed Cade back until his thighs came into contact with the bed. Then, Kat said, “Take off your pants.” Cade quickly bent and removed his pants as instructed, but as he was straightening from pulling his pants off Kat pushed him backward sprawling onto the bed. Kat slowly approached the bed, stood over him for just a moment, before climbing atop him. On both knees astride him she slowly lowered herself until once again they were joined together as only a man and woman can be.
This time their lovemaking was at a much more relaxed pace, but with that being said the end result was the same, except, this time Kat lay atop Cade completely exhausted and spent.
Lying beneath her Cade could not believe that he had not only just made love to this woman, but that they had actually done it twice. Cade listened as Kat’s breathing fell into a gentle rhythm indicating that she had fallen asleep. He felt her chest rise and fall against his own with each soft breath she took. The love that he felt for this woman at this moment was beyond anything that he had ever felt before, but with a dark thought, he also knew that in all probability that he may never have the opportunity to feel this way again.
He wanted to be awake when she woke, but like Kat he was also mentally and physically drained. He fought the sleep building within him, but after only a few short minutes his breathing like Kat’s became steady, as he slid into a deep restful sleep.
Chapter
88
A loud banging at the door jarred Cade from a deep sleep. Blinking sleep from his eyes he began glancing about the Spartan-like bedroom in an attempt to gain his senses about him. It took him several seconds before he remembered where he was, then, the events of the past night flashed before him. He quickly sat-up and noticed for the first time that Kat was not in bed with him, then, he heard the banging at the door – surmising that the banging on the door was what had waken him. Jumping from bed he hurriedly scooped-up his shoes, cell-phone and clothing that lay strew about the room, then began making his way toward the incessant banging.
Not bothering to ask who it was Cade simply opened the door.
Darryl started to rush into the room, but checked himself when he saw Cade standing in the threshold. After a few seconds of indecision he pushed by Cade and demanded, “Where is she?!”
“I don’t know, I just woke-up,” Cade replied.
“Damn it,” Darryl blurted out.
Growing concerned Cade asked, “How long has she been gone.”
“Too long! Last night she said she would only be gone a few minutes.” Glancing at his watch Darryl added, “I heard her leave over two-hours ago.”
Cade asked, “Where was she going?”
“I don’t know,” Darryl responded.
“I’m sure she’ll be back anytime,” Cade said in attempt to soothe Kat’s friend.
Raising his eyes to Cade’s Darryl said, “You don’t understand.”
“Understand what,” Cade asked.
Darryl said, “Never mind,” paused a second before saying, “I need the keys to your car.”
“Do you think she’s in some kind of danger,” Cade asked guardedly.
Darryl continued, “I’ve already said too much. Are you going to give me the keys to your car or not?”
Buttoning the few remaining buttons that were not ripped from his shirt the previous night Cade said smartly, “I won’t give you the keys to my car, but I will help you find her.”
Darryl could tell from the stern look on the man’s face that he was not about to hand over his keys. Darryl said, “Okay, let’s go then.”
Cade stepped through the doorway before Darryl said, “You going looking like that.”
Balancing himself on one foot while putting a shoe on Cade asked, “Like what?”
Darryl simply said, “Nothing let’s go.”
In the car Cade checked himself out in the rearview mirror. His beard was way beyond a five-o’clock-shadow and his short hair was plastered about his head in total disarray. Looking in the mirror Cade smiled broadly, knowing that he looked as if; well, as if he had had the best night of his life. But with the worried look on the little man’s face, Cade felt a knot of concern begin to form within his stomach.
Once in the car Cade asked, “Where are we going?”
Darryl replied, “I have no idea, but he does…”
“Cade interjected, “Who does?” Darryl did not reply. After several seconds Cade said somewhat harshly, “I cannot help find her if you don’t at least give me an idea about what is going on,” then he remembered what Darryl had said last night…“ that Perry asshole!” Cade turned to face Darryl and asked, “Tell me she didn’t go after Simon Perry!” Darryl’s no response and blank look told Cade everything he didn’t want to know.
Cade shook his head side-to-side, hit the steering wheel with the palm of his hands and said angrily, “Son-of-a-bitch!” He turned to face Darryl and continued, “Why in the hell would you let her go after someone like Simon Perry alone.”
Darryl responded, “I didn’t know what she was up to,” then dejectedly continued in a lower tone, “but I guess I should have known.” Then he turned to Cade, “Why aren’t you with her asshole, after all you did spend the night with her. Where did she tell you she was going?”
“She didn’t.”
Darryl said, “If you haven’t noticed by now…”
“Cade.”
“Right, as I was saying if you haven’t noticed by now,” Darryl paused before continuing, “She has issues…major ones at that. Matter of fact, I’m not even sure if she values life like the rest of us.”
Hearing those words sent an icy chill through Cade because he thought Darryl’s words rang with at least some truth to them. “Okay, last night you said something about him bugging your car. Are you saying he has a GPS type device hidden on your car?”
Darryl replied sarcastically, “Don’t miss a thing do you?”
Cade mumbled to himself, “She is drawing him out,” then raising his voice he continued, “and using herself as bait.”
After several long seconds of silence Cade turned to Darryl and asked, “Why not just let the police handle things?”
“Yeah, they have done such a wonderful job up to this point haven’t they?” Darryl responded.
Cade replied, “So, I guess the two of you just decided to take matters into your own hands. You know since the police have proven themselves so inept.”
“Right and I think you could throw in the District Attorney’s Office as well. Those bungling fools are the reason that little girl…”
Cade said, “It’s okay Darryl, I know it was Kat that saved my niece.”
Feeling somewhat offended Darryl quickly added, “Hey, I was there too, you know.”
“Then you have my belated thanks.” Cade paused for a moment before continuing, “So how long have the two of you been doing this sort of thing.”
“What sort of thing?” Darryl interjected.
“Well for lack of a better description, “Crime fighting.”
Darryl added warily, “I think I’ve said enough for now.”
Cade apologized, “I’m sorry if it seems I’m plying, I don’t mean to, really. But, if you don’t mind my asking one more question. How did she know where my niece was being held?”
Darryl said somewhat apprehensively, “I don’t know how she knows or finds this stuff out, but somehow she does.” He turned to look at Cade, “We’re partners in all, but she doesn’t tell me everything the way a good partner should, but as soon as we’ve finished with this Simon Perry character, trust me, there’s going to be some changes made in our so-called partnership.”
Pulling out into traffic Cade stated, “I guess we’re looking for a yellow cab with clear plastic covering the driver-side window.”
Looking questioning at Cade Darryl replied suspiciously, “Yeah, I guess we are.” But he was thinking that this guy had been one nosy ass-hole the past few days. Then Darryl noticed two small red-indention’s that lay alongside Cade’s neck, “What happened to your neck?”
“What?”
Touching his neck in the same general area Darryl said, “Here, it looks like a copperhead bit you or something.”
Cade adjusted the rearview mirror before placing his right index finger near the affected area. He studied the injury for a few seconds, returned the mirror to its original position, hunched his shoulders and said, “I have no idea.”
Darryl mumbled, “Maybe it wasn’t a copperhead.”
Not hearing Darryl’s comment Cade asked, “What?”
Darryl answered, “Nothing, it’s not important.”



Chapter
89
Kat checked her watch 9:00 A.M., she had been driving around for over two hours and still no sign of Simon Perry. Checking her rear-view mirror for what seemed the thousandth time this morning Kat let out a sigh of frustration amidst her words, “Come on Perry. Where are you?” Deciding to try another approach Kat pulled into the back of a Denny’s Restaurant, but before exiting the car she placed the small blinking transponder into her pants pocket. It had not been hard to find. Perry had simply placed the homing device into the side pocket of the passenger-side door.
A few minutes later she was sitting in a booth trying to enjoy a cup of black coffee while continuing to scan the street for any vehicle with dark tinted windows, but she could not keep her thoughts from drifting to the previous night. On reflection she knew last night had been a mistake – a very large mistake, but so help her God she did not feel guilty, only remorse that once again she had put someone she cared for in imminent danger. Yes, she cared for him, probably much more than she cared to admit even to herself, but she had no right to place another person’s life in danger, but once again that was exactly what she had done. But with that being said Kat did not feel guilty about what had taken place between the two of them, matter of fact last night was and would always be one of the highlights of her life up to this point. She had given herself to him not once, but twice and more importantly had given her virginity to him, something she had vowed to save for her wedding night…but she knew the odds of her ever having a wedding night were slim to none. So last night with Cade would have to suffice for the wedding night that she knew would never take place, but last night had been fantastic… Then without warning Kat’s sixth sense jolted her back to the here and now; a black sedan with darkly tinted windows stopped at the red-light directly in front of the restaurant. It was not the SUV that she had expected, but her sixth sense was on edge, the hair on the back of her neck was stiff with alarm, and her breathing increased noticeably as her heart began to race with both fear and anticipation at what she knew was to follow.

* * *
Unbeknownst to Kat though Simon Perry had been aware of each and every turn she had made the entire morning, in fact his high-end GPS’s three-inch screen gave a graphical display of the cities streets as the red blinking cursor that represented Darryl’s cab moved about the city. He had stayed on her trail all morning, albeit from a safe distance. But, now he felt it was time, time to bring the chase to a satisfactory end. He felt the excitement grow within him, as his breathing increased in anticipation of the events that were about to unfold. It was true that he did not have an elaborate plan for her capture as he had for the others, but this would be his last slay, at least in the United States. Yes, this time tomorrow if all went as planned he would be in Colombia, South America, where amidst all the poverty, slums, and homeless children, a few missing young girls would hardly register on the radar screen of the corrupt local officials and police. Smiling broadly he wondered why he had not thought of this earlier, then, after a few years he would return, to resume his work.
For the first time in over two-hours the blinking cursor on the screen was not moving. Checking his watch he realized that it had not moved for several minutes. Coming to a stop at a red-light in front of a Denny’s restaurant he scanned the area for the yellow cab with the clear-plastic covering the driver-side window.

* * *

Kat had come to trust her sixth-sense, she could not see the driver through the darkly tinted windows, but alarm bells were sounding loud and clear. Never taking her eyes from the vehicle, she straightened in the booth and slipped her hand into her pants pocket, and withdrew the small transponder. If she was wrong she would lose her only chance to discover where Simon Perry was in hiding, but her sixth-sense was screaming that the driver of the car was indeed the monster Simon Perry. She placed the blinking mechanism onto the floor and slammed a two-inch pointed heel directly down onto it. The transponder exploded into several parts beneath the punishing blow.
Simon Perry glanced back to the display screen just in time to watch it go blank. Suddenly the thrill of the chase was gone; in its place a fear of entrapment began to fill his thoughts. A cold sweat broke along his forehead, had the young woman been playing him all along this morning. He half expected a swat-team to rush his vehicle at any moment. When the light turned green he pressed the accelerator down harshly. With his advantage now gone he knew it was time to leave. He did not like the idea of leaving unfinished work behind, but he also enjoyed his work so, and thinking of the easy pickings waiting for a slayer such as himself in Colombia, made today’s disappointment a little easier to bear.
But Kat had already turned into the street behind him and was watching intently as the black vehicle sped from the area. And just like that their roles had suddenly become reversed, Kat was now the hunter and Simon Perry had unknowingly become the quarry.
A few minutes later as she had expected the black vehicle’s brake lights came alive, next; it made a sharp turn into what seemed a drove of large pines, but as Kat approached she saw a narrow asphalt road that weaved through and around a small island of tall, dark pine trees. Behind those trees she knew was the lair that belonged to a deadly killer of young girls. Pulling onto the small driveway she came to a stop and exited the cab. On rubbery legs she began making her way toward the stand of trees that surrounded the property. She had blocked what she hoped was the only way in and out of the property. She knew without a doubt that only one of them would be leaving the way they had come… upright and alive. Walking toward the thick stand of trees she was not feeling nearly as confident as she had imagined she would be at this time.
Kat mumbled, “Money certainly has its privileges,” as she peered out from underneath the canopy of tall pines. The house was a two-story red-brick salt-box immaculately maintained with a lush green lawn that led directly to the large pines that surrounded the entire property.
Taking a deep breath more for courage than anything else Kat stepped from the safety of the small forest out into the bright sunlight and immediately shielded her eyes with her right hand from the invasive brightness that seemed to be growing stronger with each passing day. Blood was pounding in her ears and for an instant she almost turned and ran back into the safety of the trees, but then an image of a bloodied, bruised, and very dead Sarah Evans flashed before her.

Chapter
90
Stepping onto the concrete porch Kat quickly pushed the small button before losing what little nerve remained within her. She heard a faint chime from inside the house, and a few seconds later the small peep-hole on the door grew dark. Inwardly she was shaking to her very core, but outwardly she hoped her appearance displayed a confidence that she neither felt nor sensed was within her.
Without warning the door swung open. He glanced at her only for a second, before his eyes slowly scanned the area from left to right and then back again. Then he met her eyes with a murderous stare, before asking, “You alone?”
Kat opened her mouth to speak, but found it difficult to form words – any words. Knowing how important it was to at least appear confident she finally was able to get out, “No, no, I’m alone, with those few words she grew more confident as she continued, “I told you I would come.”
“Yes, so you did.”
Kat said flatly without any emotion present in her voice, “You are going to admit to the world your guilt in the rape and murder of Sarah Evans, let me assure you Mr. Perry anything short of that…and I will kill you”, pausing for a moment Kat continued, “you are never going to harm another person like Sarah and Michelle ever again.”
A thin smile spread across Simon’s pocked-marked face. He grabbed Kat by the wrist and pulled her violently inside, shutting the door behind them. Then he began running his hand up and down Kat’s body.
Kat slapped his face hard with her free hand, “Don’t touch me you monster. I’m not some little defenseless frightened girl – trust me.”
He brought his hand up to his face and slowly ran it along side the red imprint that Kat’s hand had left. He narrowed his eyes and asked angrily, “You wearing a wire bitch?” He pulled back a lace curtain expecting to find the police rushing to her aid, but there was no movement whatsoever outside. Still not believing for a moment that she had come alone he continued, “I think I’ll just end this now. I’m going to cut your throat cunt, then he whispered, “scream as if your life is about to end this very instant.”
Kat gave a half-hearted scream, waited a few seconds before saying, “I’m alone Mr. Perry. The only person you need to fear is me.”
“Letting the curtain fall back into place he said, “Yes, it seems you are indeed alone. He turned to Kat with a dark ugly desire deep within his eyes, “I’m going to enjoy you very immensely dear.” Turning his full attention to Kat he allowed his eyes to travel over the contours of her feminine body, until they once again settled upon her pretty face.
Simon Perry said, “Let’s begin shall we?”
With more courage than she felt Kat replied, “Yes, lets.”
Without warning the monster erupted from Simon Perry, he grabbed Kat about the throat bringing her face with inches of his, “You talk a big game little girl! Let’s see how you like to play!” With his free hand he took hold of a fistful of Kat’s hair and began hauling her up wooded steps that sounded loudly under his heavy steps as he dragged Kat upward.
Kat screamed, kicked and flung her legs and arms in an attempt to free herself, but his strength was much greater than her own. Remembering the dream…remembering what had happened to Sarah suddenly came into sharp focus. She like Sarah would wait for the right time, but hopefully, she would not meet the same fate that Sarah had met.
When Simon felt Kat stop resisting he gently said, “There…that’s a good girl. In a few minutes it will be all over and then I’ll set you free – I promise.” Once in the bedroom he flung her onto the bed and ordered, “Don’t move or I will be forced to hurt you. You don’t want me have to do that, now, do you?”
Kat meekly said, “No.” Kat was surprised to find herself in this situation, at least the way things had played out so far anyway. Where was the courage and strength that she had so easily displayed saving Michelle? What was different? Was she going to die? Oh my God, he is going to do to me what he had done to Sarah and the others! Suddenly Kat felt a terrible rage building within her. She was not going to be another victim. Kat quickly stood and said, “Actually Mr. Perry I’m not that good of a girl!”
Perry lurched toward Kat and swung his fist in a vicious swing! He struck Kat directly behind the ear and watched with satisfaction as she fell harmlessly back onto the bed. Then, he said with satisfaction, “Oh, but you are.”

* * *
Kat opened her eyes and immediately felt a tremendous pain on the right side of her head. She attempted to place her right hand to the painful spot, but found that she was unable to move her arm altogether. Feeling disoriented and confused she began rapidly blinking her eyes in an attempt to bring clarity to her blurred vision as well as her current state of affairs. Where was she? What had happened to her? Then she heard his voice and slowly the fog began dissipating as her brain slowly came back to life. She frantically began glancing about the room and was shocked to discover that her wrists and ankles were bounded with duct tape to the four corner posts of the bed. With understanding she hesitantly lifted her eyes. Small, round, dark eyes were scouring over every inch of her body and Kat saw the sickening lust and desire that filled his small round beady eyes. She attempted to speak, but soon discovered that duct-tape had been used to cover her mouth as well.
“There you are. I hope you don’t mind,” Simon Perry said, as his eyes roamed over her once more before he continued, “I took the liberty to make you a little more comfortable while you slept.”
Kat glanced down only to discover the awful truth. He had removed all her clothing except for a bra and the briefest of panties. Kat felt her stomach begin to roil, but fought against the temptation to empty the contents of her stomach, since the only avenue of escape was currently not available for use.
Simon Perry spoke in a quiet voice, “I’ll remove the tape from your mouth if you promise to behave and not scream. Now, do you want me to remove the tape?”
Kat nodded that she did.
Simon stepped close to the bed and gently removed the tape from Kat’s mouth and said, “That’s a good girl.”
Kat watched as his eyes once again drifted over her nearly nude body before he continued, “You are such a pretty girl,” pausing he said with a smile, “or should I say young woman.” He lightly placed his hand onto Kat’s shin before slowly letting it glide up and over her knee before coming to rest on her thigh, where he gently began messaging her flesh with his thick fingers. Simon saw the look of fear on Kat’s face and enjoyed it immensely, but he also saw something else, a look of disgust that she openly displayed. In a few minutes he knew how she felt would not matter one way or the other, because the only thing that truly mattered was how he was going to feel when he finished with her.
His fingers kneading her thigh made Kat sick to the core of her being. Last night with Cade now seemed as if it had taken place a million years ago. Last night had been so right, so beautiful and this was so repulsive and so ugly. Wanting to delay the inevitable Kat frantically sought for a way to distract the monster from…suddenly noticing suitcases near the doorway she said, “Are you going somewhere?”
Simon glanced at the suitcases for a moment before bringing his attention back to Kat. “Let’s not worry about anything except how I’m making you feel.” Sliding his busy fingers up higher he asked, “Now, doesn’t that feel good?”
Kat felt the sour contents of her stomach creep into her throat, but she fought against the reflexive impulse, not wanting to push the monster standing over her into a violent outrage. She needed time - there had to be a way of the predicament that she had so carelessly placed herself in. But when he ran his index finger along the band of her brief panties she knew her time had all but expired. Kat watched in horror as he ran his tongue along his thick lips in anticipation of what was to come. Suddenly Kat could hear Simon’s breath coming in ragged gasps, so sensitive was her hearing it was as if he was breathing directly into her ear canal, and not standing directly over her.
It had been too long, way too long since Sarah Simon Perry thought, but now, very shortly everything would be okay again. He slowly began disrobing, but never took his hungry eyes from Kat. After he had removed the last piece of clothing he said, “It’s time.”
Kat pulled and tugged against her constraints with every ounce of strength she could muster, but the gray duct-tape was non-giving and held her firmly in place. After a several seconds she stopped struggling.
His body was sickly-white and bloated like a corpse that had been water-logged for several days, and his large round head with its pocked-marked face looked more like the surface of the moon on a bright cloudless night than that of a human face. Kat did not let her eyes drift lower because she knew that was exactly what he expected her to do; instead, she kept her gaze glued to his round beady eyes. He paused, waiting for her eyes to drift lower to his erect member, but unlike the young girls before her she refused to play his game.
Undeterred at her reluctance to lower her eyes Simon Perry bent at the waist and kissed Kat directly on her inverted belly-button, and then extending his large course tongue circled it around the small opening that had once connected her to her mother and life. Simon Perry lifted his eyes up to Kat’s as he slowly ran his thick tongue up her stomach along her rib cage, slowly traveling up and over each individual rib bone. When his heavy wet tongue reached the base of her neck Kat swung her face away in a futile effort to escape his sexual advance upon her.
His wet tongue upon her sensitive skin sent an icy chill racing down her spine, before spreading throughout her entire body. His breathing was growing more erratic and she could feel his hot breath against her cool skin, he smelled of old sweat and decomposing flesh, like an animal that had lain alongside a busy highway under a relenting summer sun for several days.
When images of a dead, bloodied and bruised Sarah flashed in front of her, Kat felt a surge of rage and anger rush through her. Kat silently said, “No!”
She slowly turned her face back toward her captor, but the terrified young woman of only a few seconds ago had disappeared. Bright red veins had mushroomed along her forehead and her dark green emerald eyes had morphed into a pair of menacing red-streaked balls of fire. She looked and felt like a wild-animal that had been cornered and was now prepared to fight for its very survival, and if needed to its death.
A feeling of calm washed over her as she felt the power of her rage race through her suddenly red hot veins. When she heard the loud beating of Simon Perry’s heart, followed by the swooshing of his blood as it raced to meet the demands of his sexually excited body, Kat felt a smile spread across the entire width of her face.
Simon Perry sensing that something had changed within his quarry retracted his tongue and raised his face slightly from hers. He expected to find a terror-stricken whimpering little girl pleading for her life, but was shocked to discover something else entirely.
The young frightened woman was gone; in her place was a wolf-like predator of the sorts he had never seen before. Simon Perry’s terror was such that he was frozen in place, unable to move a single muscle.
Kat could feel Simon Perry’s gaze upon her, but her attention was focused else where, her eyes were zeroed in on his neck, more specifically onto the rising and falling of his jugular.
By the time Simon Perry realized the grave danger he was in - it was too late. He could only look-on as two, shiny, long, and very sharp daggers slowly appeared from behind an ever-widening smile. Kat struck lightening quick like a Cobra, but unlike a Cobra upon releasing its deadly paralyzing poison into its victim bloodstream, Kat did not immediately retreat. Instead, she sank her long canines even deeper into her victim’s neck much like a lioness would an Antelope it had just tackled to the ground on the wild plains of Africa. But unlike the powerful predator on the plains of Africa that slowly suffocates her prey by blocking its airway with a powerful grasp about the neck, Kat, instead, drank deeply of her prey’s blood.
Chapter
91
Simon Perry gave a feeble jerk of his neck in an attempt to escape, but he knew immediately that there would be no escape from the clutches of the wolf-like creature that was clamped onto his neck with a death-grip. As the sudden turn of unfortunate events began to sink into his consciousness he wondered why this was happening to him. Tomorrow he was to be in South America where young girls were plentiful and more importantly where a few missing homeless young females from the streets would be of little importance to the local officials.
After only a few seconds Kat released Simon Perry from her powerful grip. He immediately staggered back landing with a jar against a wall; then, with a look of astonishment slowly slid down the wall before landing with a thud onto his huge bare behind. He watched as Kat turned her head to stare at him. There was a trickle of blood running from one corner of her mouth, but it was still the eyes that drew his attention. They were trained on him as if he made one move she would once again spring to life and resume her attack upon him, even though she was still restrained about the wrist and ankles with duct-tape.
Kat slowly let her eyes drift to a restrained wrist. Simon Perry watched in amazement as Kat curled her right wrist and extending her index finger placed her fingernail against the gray tape. Simon Perry looked on helplessly as Kat’s fingernail slid through the tough tape as if it she was spreading butter atop toast.
Bringing her attention back to Simon Perry Kat slowly raised her now free hand and began tapping her index finger against the side of her neck. Simon Perry watched in confusion, unable to follow her meaning. Kat motioned with her head and eyes to his right. He slowly moved his eyes in the direction Kat had indicated. At first recognition did not register in his eyes, but after a few seconds he realized that the long stream of red liquid being pumped into the air was being discharged from the gaping wound on his neck. Mesmerized he watched as the red liquid landed onto a white-lace curtain, and immediately mushroom into an ever widening circle with each new beat of his heart. Finally, with understanding he placed his hand to the side of his neck in a futile attempt to stem the flow of blood. When Simon Perry turned back toward Kat she had completely freed herself and was towering over him.
Regaining some of his composure Simon Perry angrily said, “What the fuck are you?”
“I’m certainly no defenseless young girl am I Mr. Perry?”
Warm blood was oozing from underneath his hand and streaming down onto his bare chest and stomach in small red rivulets. Simon Perry felt the flood of panic wash over him, as he suddenly realized that in all probability he was going to die if he could not staunch the flow of blood. It was at this very moment that he felt a strong desire to live, to live at any cost. Yes, he wanted to live. With a shaky voice Simon Perry pleaded, “Call 911 now; before I bleed to death!”
Kat picked up a phone, but just before dialing she said, “As I was saying earlier Mr. Perry you are going to admit your guilt in the rape and murder of Sarah Evans or I am…”
“Yes, yes, yes, I did it! Just make the call please!”
Kat stood motionless not saying a word.
“Okay, okay in the brown suitcase by the door. Everything you’re looking for is in there. Photographs, locks of hair, even my journals. Please just make the call. I don’t want to die.”
Kat opened the suitcase and quickly found the incriminating evidence. Once again picking up the phone Kat quickly punched in 811. After a few seconds she said, “Yes, there has been an accident.
Simon Perry said in a weak voice, “Tell them that I’ve been bitten by a madwoman and that I’m bleeding to death as we speak.”
Kat calmly returned the phone to its cradle and said, “They’re be here momentarily.”
Still clutching his neck Simon Perry said in a low weak voice, “But, you didn’t give them this address.”
Turning to face him Kat said, “They already had that information Mr. Perry.”
“They had 1233 Hillside Drive?”
“Yes, that was it. Now, just relax I’m sure they will be here shortly.” In the distance Kat and Simon Perry heard a siren. Kat added, “That’s probably them now.”
But, even as she spoke Kat could see the life fading from Simon Perry’s round beady eyes. She felt neither pity nor sadness, but she did feel a sense of accomplishment in the fact that he would never again harm another young girl.
Suddenly without warning Kat felt another presence in the room.
“I forgive him for what he did?”
Kat recognized the now familiar voice. The voice belonged to Sarah Evans. Kat turned slowly and said, “Hi Sarah.” Sarah was unblemished and unharmed. A beautiful young girl, still seemingly in the prime of her life.
Sarah replied, “Hello Kat.”
Kat continued, “He would have raped and murdered again Sarah. Of that I have no doubts whatsoever.”
“Yes, I’m sure you’re right, but I still forgive him for what he did to me.”
Glancing toward Simon Perry Kat added, “I guess really when it comes right down to it, I’m no different than he is?”
Forcing his eyes open for a moment Simon Perry asked, “Who you talking to?”
Kat replied, “They’re be here shortly Mr. Perry.”
Sarah glanced toward Simon Perry briefly before continuing, “No I don’t believe that for a moment. Nor do you.”
Kat starred at Sarah for a long moment before asking, “Why me?”
With a slight smile Sarah answered, “I don’t know, but you know what they say.”
Kat shook her head slightly “No, I’m afraid I don’t know what they say.”
Sarah replied, “God works in mysterious ways.”
In a low whisper Simon Perry asked, “Are they here yet?”
Glancing back to Simon Perry Kat responded, “It won’t be long now.”
Continuing Kat asked, “Are you saying…” but when Kat turned back toward Sarah she was gone. Leaving her and Simon Perry alone in the room.
Snatching her cell-phone from her pants she quickly brought up a number and hit the send button. A few seconds later Roger answered, “Yeah.”
“It’s me.”
“Hey, that was a good idea my getting a second phone under an alias. I’m sure my other phone is being tapped.”
“Roger go to 1233 Hillside and be sure to bring your camera. And one more thing make sure you get your story to your editor before you call the police this time.”
Roger asked hesitantly, “What’s going on and more importantly who’s there with you?”
“Simon Perry.”
“Is he alive?”
Simon Perry’s head was slumped over his chin resting on his chest. Blood was oozing slightly from the twin puncture wounds and his hand that had been used earlier to stem the flow of blood was lying lifelessly on the floor beside of him.
Kat replied, “I think so?”
“What do you mean! You think so!”
“Don’t worry Roger, he’ll be dead by the time you get here.”
“Are you sure?”
Taking a quick glance over her shoulder Kat answered, “Pretty much.”

Chapter
92
Darryl said, “You know counselor I don’t mean to complain or anything, but we don’t seem to making any headway here. I mean it’s been like four fucking hours or so and we haven’t seen a thing. Is there someone you can call or something? Like for a lead or something.”
Cade knew it would be taking a huge chance, but he also realized at this point that calling Brad could be their only opportunity at discovering her whereabouts, or at least where she had possibly been. He flipped open his cell-phone and quickly punched in the number.
Brad answered, “Yes.”
“It’s Cade.”
“Where the fuck have you been, I’ve been trying to reach you for the past two hours!”
“It’s a long story. Anyway I’m here now. What’s up?”
“You might want to drive on over to 1233 Hillside. Your new boss is here. And you will never guess who else is here.”
“I’ll be there in about 10 minutes.”

* * *
1233 Hillside was a total zoo. Marked and unmarked police cruisers were scattered about the entire property. Cade noted the Coroner’s vehicle first and foremost. It was parked directly in front of the house with its doors flung open.
Darry bellowed, “What the hell is going on here?”
Cade instructed, “Just stay by my side. Today you are a private investigator working for the District Attorney’s Office, and by all means keep your mouth shut if at all possible.”
Stepping from the car Cade remembered his state of dress and cursed himself under his breath, but instead of dwelling on his current state of affairs he marched into the house as if he owned the place with his ID badge in hand.
A patrolman stationed outside the door of the house asked, “Who’s that with you counselor?”
Cade replied, “Oh, that’s one of our private investigators.”
Brad looked up as Cade and Darryl walked through the entryway. Brad looked Cade over from head to toe before asking, “What in the hell happened to you? You look as if you’ve been rode hard and hung up wet.”
“As I was saying Brad it’s a long story. What we got?”
Brad motioned for Cade to follow him, “Up there and prepare yourself it’s not a pretty sight.” Noticing Darryl for the first time Brad asked, “Who’s the little guy?”
“Oh, he’s just one of our investigators.”

* * *

Walking into the room Darryl said, “Mother of God!”
Cade was just as shocked as Darryl at the sight of a naked, bloody, and very dead Simon Perry, but unlike Darryl he somehow found the wherewithal to keep his comments to himself.
Brad continued, “We are still trying to figure out what happened here. Look at those puncture wounds on his neck. I’ve never seen anything like them before. It looks as if a wild animal of some sorts got hold of him.”
Cade immediately brought his hand up to cover the small red indention’s on the side of his own neck. His quick movement did not go unnoticed by Darryl. Cade asked, “Any leads or ideas about who or what did this?”
Brad answered, “I don’t have a clue, but I think our boy over there knows exactly who is responsible for this.”
Cade turned to the far corner. It was Roger. Without speaking Cade turned back toward Brad. Brad said, “Yup, it seems his so-called source has struck again. Our boy there is well on his way to becoming a media darling it seems. That is if he can stay out of prison for obstructing an official police investigation.”
Smiling slightly Roger said, “We meet again counselor.”
Cade replied, “Yes, so it seems.” Cade watched with interest as Roger’s eyes drifted toward Darryl. Cade saw a look of recognition flicker in Roger’s eyes, before he quickly returned them to Cade.
Continuing Brad said, “He outdid even himself this time. Instead of immediately calling the police upon his arrival at a murder scene, it seems he had more important things to do. Like taking photographs and putting his story together, and then, he even had the nerve to send it all to his editor via the dead man’s own computer – can you believe that. Our superstar reporter there says that Mr. Perry was dead when he arrived, but you know Counselor I’m not sure that’s the case. The coroner is going to look really hard at the time of death and if there is any possibility that our boy was here before our victim died, well, I’m going to nail his over zealot ass. Oh, by the way Counselor in that brown suitcase by the door is all the evidence that you didn’t have at our victim’s trial. Photographs, locks of hair, even his fucking journal. Can you believe that?” Looking at Roger he continued, “and this ass wipe gets it handed to him on a silver platter.”
Cade asked offhanded, “Brad is there any chance of having a word with Roger?”
“Go ahead knock yourself out. We can’t get a thing out of him, except that his source is confidential.”
“In private.”
“Hell no. He’s not to speak to anyone, even you, unless I’m present.”
After a few minutes Cade said, “Well, I had better get cleaned up. I’ll be at the office late if you need me Brad.”
Frowning Brad responded, “Right.”












Chapter
93
As soon as they were both inside the car Darryl said sarcastically, “Well, that went well didn’t it?”
Cade added, “Yeah, just great.”
“Where to now?” Darryl asked.
“Back to your place I guess. That is unless you have any better ideas.”
A few minutes later Darryl said, “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
Cade quickly replied, “No, I’m sure I’m not, but I do have a question for you. You knew the reporter in there didn’t you?”
Darryl turned to face Cade before saying, “You answer my question first.”
“Okay.”
“You think she did it don’t you?”
“Did what?”
“Killed that Simon Perry asshole. You know put those holes in his neck.”
Cade replied stone-faced, “No I don’t.”
Darryl said, “No I don’t know him.”
“I don’t think you’re telling the truth.”
With a slight smirk on his face Darryl turned to face Cade before asking, “When you saw those holes in Simon Perry’s neck why did you cover those two red places on your own neck. Something hit a little close to home counselor?”
For a long moment Cade did not know how, or for that matter want to respond to Darryl’s question and felt a great relief when he saw Darryl’s cab parked outside Kat’s apartment. “There’s your cab!”
“Finally,” Darryl said.
Cade added, “I have a few questions for our AWOL girl.”
Darryl said, “I wouldn’t hold my breath counselor, as I’ve been trying to tell you, our girl has a way of letting you know only what she wants you to know when she wants you to know. It’s something we’re going to work on though, you can bet on that.”
Darryl stopped to inspect his cab. He took a quick tour around the car before sticking his head in the driver-side window, patting the steering wheel with his open hand and declaring to no one in particular, “You look good baby, as soon as we get you a window there you're be good as new.”
* * *
Not bothering to knock Cade opened the door to the apartment. Just to his left were two suitcases. Then as if on cue walked Kat walked into the room and immediately froze in her tracks. Looking to his left Cade said, “Going somewhere?”
Without bothering to answer Kat asked, “What time is it?”
“It’s 8:30. Were you even going to say bye?”
Kat answered with a mix of both agitation and fear within her words, “Listen counselor, we had a one-night stand, nothing more, nothing less.”
Cade continued, “Last night was more than a one-night stand to me, actually, much more.”
“I can’t really help that, now can I. I know how I feel. Now, if you don’t mind I have to leave before...”
Coming through the door Darryl asked, “Where we going?”
“Before what?” Cade asked.
Confused Darryl asked, “Would someone mind telling me what’s going on here? I mean we have been looking for you all afternoon. Oh, by the way partner, did you know that Simon Perry asshole is dead?”
Glancing out the window Kat said, “Jessus Christ it’s already getting dark! You have to leave now, the both of you!
Cade said perplexed, “You’re not making any sense. Calm down and…”
Kat screamed, “You don’t understand. He’s coming, I can sense it.” Looking directly into Cade’s eyes she continued, “He will kill you. You understand what I’m saying, you will die if you don’t leave now!”
Cade spoke stoically, “I’m not going anywhere unless you come with me.”
The hair on the back of Kat’s neck stiffened in alarm as her sixth sense sent a cold chill racing down her spine. Then a look of horror washed over her face as she said, “It doesn’t matter now, it’s too late.”
Confused Cade asked, “Too late for what?”
Darryl said, “It’s that asshole that called me your servant or some shit like that isn’t it? I have a score to settle with him anyway.” Placing his hand in his pocket he felt for his knife.
Kat was not about to let anything happen to either of them as she moved stiffly to the small entryway table. She slowly pulled the drawer open and with trembling fingers removed the gun. It was cold and heavy in her palm and when she placed the barrel against her temple she felt its hardness.
With tears streaming down her cheeks Kat turned to face Cade and Darryl, “There’s no other option. At least this way he may let the two of you live.”
Speaking calmly Cade said, “There’s always options.”
Using her free hand Kat attempted to wipe the tears from her face before she spoke, “I do care for you, I guess you should know that before…and Darryl thank you so very much for everything you have done for me.”
Kat turned her head to the window facing the street when she heard the squeal of rubber against asphalt, as a black luxury sedan with dark tinted windows came to a sudden stop. With renewed determination she tightened her fingers against the metal trigger.
Cade watched as Kat’s finger pressed ever tighter against the hard steel of the trigger, which forced blood to flow away from the point of contact. Cade knew he could never get to her in time, but he also knew he at least had to try. But, just as he moved Darryl placed a hand onto Cade’s chest halting his forward progress.
Everything in the room seemed to freeze in place except for Kat’s finger, the trigger, and finally the hammer. The click of metal against metal was loud, but surprisingly there was no explosion of gunpowder. There was no bullet that exited the gun.
Pushing Darryl’s arm away Cade quickly moved. He removed the gun from Kat’s grasp, letting it fall to the floor with a thud before pulling her stiff body into his own. They held onto each other as if they were the last two people in the world, as if somehow if they could just cling to each other a little longer everything would be okay.
Finally Darryl broke the silence, “With all your issues, did you really think I was going to live in a house with you…and a loaded gun?
Chapter
94

Then Vlad walked into the room dressed in a dark pinstriped business suit looking confident and self-assured. It did not take long for him to correctly appraise the situation. He glanced toward Darryl for only a second before turning his attention to Cade. He studied Cade’s face intently for several seconds before finally moving his dark eyes to stare into Kat’s then, he slowly let them drift to the floor and the gun. But, when he raised his eyes the confident demeanor he had displayed only seconds before immediately evaporated from his pale angular face. His dark intense eyes became streaked with red and his face became distorted with anger and rage. The sudden change in his facial appearance contrasted greatly with the form fitting business suit that clung tightly to his well-sculpted male body.
Unwrapping herself from Cade’s embrace Kat said, “I’m ready to go Vlad.”
Vlad watched the two lovers untangle themselves. After several long seconds Vlad spoke, “You did not keep your promise child, so I’m afraid our agreement is null and void. It seems I will have to take another course of action.”
Kat spoke with a tinge of anger within her words, “I never made you a promise Vlad. You know that, but I am willing to go with you now. You only have to vow to never harm either of them.”
Cade said, “You’re not going anywhere with him.”
“It seems your betrothed has other plans for you child.”
Darryl added, “I think it’s time you leave.”
“Once again I tire of your manservant. Katherine you are leaving with me, but unfortunately not in the fashion I had hoped. You will not become my wife, instead, you will spend eternity or a time of my choosing serving the family, but do not fret my child for I will have a descendant of your…”
Interrupting Vlad Kat said, “My Great Aunt Katherine – my namesake.”
“Ahh, but you have busy, have you not child?”
“Yes, Katherine. As I was saying before you so rudely interrupted me. I will have a descendant of my Katherine, just not at this moment in time, but alas, time can be of little importance to someone like myself. See my child I may have the offspring of your sister, yes she is of child, or who knows I may even have a child from your own womb.” Waving his hand in Cade’s direction Vlad continued, “Yes, his seed grows within you as we speak.”
Dumbfounded for a moment Cade finally said, “I’ve heard enough from this insane fool.” He reached into his pocket and removed his cell-phone, but before he could dial Vlad took three long strides and grasped Cade by the throat and using his other hand gently removed the phone from Cade’s paralyzed hand. Then, with seemingly little effort he crushed the phone in the palm of his hand, before flinging it into the nearest wall.
Kat screamed, “Let him go Vlad! I’ll do anything you want, including becoming your wife, but please don’t harm him!”
Turning to face Kat Vlad said sarcastically, “I’m afraid that ship has already sailed my dear, but do not fret my child, if your offspring is born female, then I have special plans for you…and your daughter.” Then suddenly Vlad flung Cade across the room as if he was a rag doll. He hit the wall with a sickening thud before collapsing onto the floor in a lifeless heap. “Katherine it is time we go.”
From behind Darryl yelled, “Not so fast asswipe!” Undeterred even after watching what Vlad had done to Cade Darryl moved directly toward his intended target with his small pocketknife pointed menacingly at Vlad. After several seconds of sizing up his opponent and indecision Darryl gathered himself and leapt forward with the knife extended in front of him. Vlad effortlessly caught Darryl by the throat and wrist, then began squeezing with both hands.
Darryl had not felt such power in his life, he attempted to hold onto the small knife with everything he had, but his fingers quickly became numb and refused to obey his brain’s instruction. He watched helplessly as the knife and any hope slowly slid from his grasp. Darryl felt as if his head was about to pop from the pressure being applied to his throat. He was gasping for his breath as the room began to spin violently around him, then as if in slow motion he felt himself flying through the air. He was not even aware when his body crashed into a small coffee table smashing it into pieces. Darryl lay among the debris of what was left of the table, not able to move, but eyes open and strangely still aware of the events unfolding before him.
When Vlad turned back Kat was bent over Cade.
Kat whispered into Cade’s ear, “I am so sorry and please forgive me for what I am about to do…and yes I do love you. You should know that.”
Cade fought to open his eyes before saying weakly, “Kat.”
Kat opened her mouth revealing the two long canines she’d used earlier in the day to kill Simon Perry with. Again their use would be for survival, but this time she would not use them for her own continued existence. This time she would use them so that the others may live. Kat knew with certainty that for Darryl and Cade to live that Vlad had to die. Kat sunk the long canines into Cade’s soft flesh and drank of her lover’s blood, because she knew it would be his only chance to survive the evening. She felt the power surge through her as her senses came sharply alive. A few seconds later she stood and like the cornered animal she was hissed her anger at Vlad, and in doing so revealed two long canines streaked with blood.
Vlad did not bother with speaking he simply inhaled deeply revealing his own long deadly instruments. Kat hurled herself into Vlad’s direction with everything she had knowing that this would be her one and only chance. Her body was horizontal with the floor as she pushed her body forward with a power she never realized she possessed. Her long nails were targeting Vlad eyes in hope that he would protect them first and foremost, possibly leaving his vulnerable neck open for her lethal twin fangs.
Kat slammed into Vlad with all the force that her one hundred thirty-pound frame could muster, but her nails and more importantly her fangs did not meet their intended target. Instead, Vlad deftly deflected her to the side, encircled her waist and arms with his own powerful arms. He was holding onto her tightly from behind as she fought with every ounce of strength she had remaining within her spent body, finally, exhausted she stopped struggling.
Pulling her backside into his chest Vlad used his free hand to tilt her head slightly giving him access to her long slender neck. Now smiling Vlad said, “You do so bemuse me child. I am going to drink of you now and then we must leave.” Looking about the room he continued, “Katrina can tidy up the mess.” He bent Kat’s neck over exposing her jugular. He moved his head back slightly and opened his mouth wide once again revealing the two long daggers that he would use to puncture Kat’s exposed jugular, but just as he dipped his head forward his body froze, not moving.
Kat felt Vlad’s grasp about her loosen, she immediately untangled herself from him and stepped away, before quickly turning to see what had happened. His mouth was ajar and his eyes were blinking rapidly with confusion, then he lowered his eyes down until they settled upon his chest.
Kat followed his eyes and took in a deep breath of surprise when she saw the jagged bloodied piece of wood sticking out from Vlad’s chest cavity. After several seconds of teetering Vlad finally collapsed to the floor. Directly behind where Vlad had been standing stood Darryl.
Darryl blurted out more from relief than anything, “He should have listened when I told him it was time he left.”
Looking down at Vlad not yet believing what had just transpired Kat said, “Yes, I think you’re right.”

Chapter
95
Kat was once again kneeling over Cade when Katrina entered the room. She starred at Vlad’s lifeless body for several long seconds, before turning to face Darryl, “Now you die!”
Kat’s survival instincts were still on over-drive as she rose and said confidently, “Not tonight Katrina.”
Starring intently at Kat Katrina said angrily, “You don’t know how many times I’ve asked Vlad to let me put an end to you. I tried to warn him that you were not the woman he dreamed of…his precious Katherine, and now look what has befallen him.”
Kat replied, “I think you should leave Katrina.”
Katrina bared her long fangs and hissed loudly, “Not quiet yet Katherine. After all how would it look if I returned without Vlad and yet you live another day. I’m afraid that could never happen.” Smiling broadly Katrina continued, “And when I finish here Dear Katherine I may visit your loved ones.”
The transformation was quick and dramatic. Kat seemingly morphed into a wild animal instantly. Her forehead mushroomed with large bulging veins and her eyes turned menacing red, and when she opened her mouth two long canines appeared with saliva dripping from each. Moving toward Katrina Kat hissed, “You should have left when you had the opportunity Katrina!”
Katrina stepped back from Kat with both fear and confusion filling her eyes. This new adversary before her was not what she had expected. Katrina went from killing mode to survival mode in a matter of seconds, because she quickly surmised that she was not Kat’s equal. Continuing to back away Katrina said nervously, “They will come for you Katherine you have to know that.”
Kat checked her forward momentum, “Tell them there will be no need for that. Tell them I am coming for them…for them all! Now leave before I change my mind. And Katheine if I ever see you again I will kill you. And one last thing before you leave, if I ever sense you near anyone in my family and I will sense it, I will track you down like the rat you are and you will suffer a thousands deaths. Now go!”
Darryl screamed as Katrina turned to leave, “Tell em’ I’m coming too”
Chapter
96
As soon as Katrina left Kat punched in 911 on her cell-phone.
“911 operator.”
“Yes, we need an ambulance at 4512 Riverside Apartment 12.”
“What is the nature of the emergency?”
“My friend has been hurt, hurry please!”
Darryl added, “Tell them he’ll probably need some blood.”
Kat flipped the phone shut before saying, “Come on Darryl we have to go.”
Pointing to Cade Darryl said with concern, “What about him?”
“They will be here in three minutes. He’s going to be okay Darryl, trust me I would not leave him if I thought his life was in danger. Now, let’s go.”
As soon as they pulled from the curb the ambulance arrived. Looking over his shoulder Darryl said, “Well, I guess he’s taken care of. Now, what are we going to do about Roger? When I last saw him the police was none to happy with him.”
“Oh, I think Roger will be just fine. He’s a big time reporter now.”
Darryl thought about that for awhile before saying, “Well, I guess it’s just the two of us again.”
“Yep, just you and me,” Kat agreed.
Smiling Darryl asked, “Where to partner?”
Kat replied, “New Orleans. There’s a family I need to see.”
“The Big Sleazy huh. Maybe we can go to that Mardi Gras thing.”
“I believe that’s in either February or March Darryl.”
“Anyhow I’m starved,” Darryl added.
“How can you think of food at a time like this?”
“A time like what? Anyway, I haven’t dined twice today like somebody I know.”
A few minutes later at the drive-thru the voice over the intercom said, “Yes, may I take your order please.”
“I’ll take a number 5 and you can super-size that with a coke.”
“Would you like ketchup with that Sir?”
Darryl replied quickly, “No, no ketchup tonight.”
Later back on the road Darryl said, “I think we need to talk about our so-called business relationship. You know the one where I’m only given information on a need to know basis.”
I guess I could be more forthcoming. After all I think you’ve earned that much.”
“You think! And another thing if you ever try to bite me, well, we are going to have a serious problem.”
Darryl waited patiently for a response before finally asking, “Did you hear me?” Again silence. “Hello, did you hear me about the biting thing!”
Kat finally answered, “Yes, I get it. No biting.”