Katie Spencer: Case #6 - Fatal Passion CHAPTER ONE Uniformed girls scampered out through the main entrance of St. Mary's Academy as classes were done for the week. Among the mass of students heading to either buses or rides waiting for them, Katie Spencer and Stacey Campbell instead left the school grounds and made their way over to Hyde Park. Stacey's mom called them that she was going to be running late in picking them up so the girls decided to wait for her at the park, and to get away from the pesky nuns that hung around the school until all the students were gone. Stacey carried her large handbag, which was overfilled with all sorts of small gifts as it was her sixteenth birthday today. "I think you should've brought a second bag with you, or better yet, a dump truck," Katie said to her friend. "Ha ha, you're just jealous that I got so many gifts today," Stacey retorted playfully. "Yeah, right," Katie replied, rolling her eyes. Crossing the street onto Ford Road, Hyde Park was just ahead. "Have you decided on what time we're suppose to meet up at your place?" Katie asked regarding Stacey's sweet sixteen party tonight with her girlfriends. "I think six should be good, that way after the movie we'll have more time to hang out at the Zodiac later," Stacey replied. The latest movie starring Brad Pitt had opened last week and Stacey had been dying to see it since it was no surprise to anyone that he was her absolute favorite actor. "I heard from Janice that the group Four Corners are playing at the Zodiac tonight," Katie said. "Are you serious that would be totally cool!" Stacey beamed at hearing that. The Zodiac was a nightclub that catered specifically to teenagers in the community in an effort to keep them off the streets and from getting into trouble. Local bands from the entire tri-city area book gigs there regularly to gain exposure. "Tonight will definitely rank as my best birthday party yet." Arriving at the park, the two girls sat on one of the many benches and unloaded their bags to the ground. Stacey gazed up at the clear blue sky overhead as the sun shined brightly on a warm spring day, her long dark tresses swayed as a mild breeze moved through. "I hope that this rain storm we're supposed to be getting would off until Sunday. I certainly don't want anything to ruin my big date." Katie discreetly rolled her eyes in loathing at Stacey's fiftieth mention of her 'big' date with Martin tomorrow night. Apparently he had something very special planned and Stacey had been nothing but a bundle of nerves since. "I wonder what he plans on doing? He won't even tell me what restaurant we're going to for dinner. All he said was to look my best. So I'm going dress shopping at my mom's boutique tomorrow, they just got in the hottest spring styles." "Look, Stace. I'm not one to interfere in anyone's relationship, but don't you think that maybe you and Martin are moving just a little too fast? I mean you only known him, what six months, and what have you really learned about this guy? You said yourself that he doesn't like to talk about his past. I just think that if two people are together they should be open and honest with each other." Stacey looked at her friend with a slightly annoyed expression on her face. "Martin says he has his reasons for being guarded, but promised me that very soon I'll know everything about him." Katie had small chill run down her back at hearing those words that Martin Chambers had spoken. What does he mean by that?... CHAPTER TWO Katie quietly opened the door to her house as it was just after 11 PM. She saw her father and Karen curled up on the sofa watching some movie they had rented. "Hey pumpkin, did you girls have a good time tonight?" he asked as Katie went over to them. "Yeah, it was really great. I arranged to have the band that was at the Zodiac to actually sing a birthday song to Stacey, she was so embarrassed. Of course she did say that she intends to pay me back when I turn sixteen." She then yawned as fatigue had set in. "Well, I'm off to bed now, you two have a good night," she said and kissed both of them on the cheeks, then headed upstairs. She entered her room and quickly noticed on her computer screen, which was left on, that she had new email to read. Sitting on her desk, Katie clicked on the small mail icon and browsed at her incoming mail. Most of it was the usual garbage, however, one subject did catch her attention as it was titled, "Martin Chambers." Shortly after the dreadful events that occurred at the Colonial Mall, Katie began to do a background check into Martin just to satisfy her curiosity using what little information she got from Stacey. To her surprise she came up empty. Realizing her resources at searching for someone was limited, Katie recalled during the ceremony she attended at the White House that Joseph (the train conductor) mentioned to her that he ran into an old friend who happened to work for the FBI. Acting on that, Katie emailed Joseph and asked him for a huge favor if his friend in the Bureau wouldn't mind checking into Martin. She gathered up all the data she collected and even attached a digital picture of him that she took without his knowledge. Katie knew that if there was any dirt on that guy, his friend at the FBI would surely be able to find out. It took almost two months for this reply to come back to her. Anxious, Katie clicked open the message and examined it through thoroughly. Her eyes soon opened wide with surprise at what she just read ... CHAPTER THREE Katie rode her bike to Stacey's place the next day with a somber expression on her face. Ever since she read that email she received last night, Katie couldn't help but feel bad for her friend, but she had to know. She did harbor suspicions about Martin primarily by the way he acted, but she never would've thought it could go deeper than that. Arriving at the quaint two-story white colonial house, Katie rang the front door and Stacey's mother answered it. She looked like she was in a rush judging by the earring she was trying to put on. "Why hello, Katie. Stacey's up in her room. Sorry for me rushing around, but I don't want to be late for my train," she said in one breath. Katie then recalled hearing about the fashion show that she was invited to attend down in Manhattan for the weekend. "That's okay, Mrs. Campbell," Katie said and scampered up the stairs. Katie could hear music playing from Stacey's room and opened the door to find her sitting at her vanity, applying mascara to her long eyelashes. She turned at Katie's presence and lowered the radio volume. "Katie, I didn't know you were stopping over. Anyway, since you're here I want to show you my new dress I'm wearing for tonight." She got up and headed for her closet pulling out this alluring pink satin strapless dress with a pair of matching open-toed high-heeled slingbacks. "Well, what do you think?" Katie tried to smile for her friend. "It's very lovely, Stacey." "I know Martin is going to love it when he sees me wearing this," Stacey said, placing the dress and shoes on her bed. "Stace, there's something important that I need to show you before you go out tonight," Katie said, and handed her a folded piece of paper. "What's this?" she asked as she took it. "It's about Martin, if that's even his real name." Stacey sat down in her chair and began reading what was printed on the paper. Katie could see her quietly gasp at certain parts as she continued reading it. The contents of the letter explained about a boy named Stephen Doyle whose description matches that of Martin. Apparently, two years ago he was the subject of an investigation into the disappearance of a teenage girl in Connecticut. No body was found and no physical evidence of any kind was discovered, so the case went cold. After Stacey finished reading it, she looked up at Katie angry. "Is this some kind of sick joke, what makes you possibly think that this is Martin?" She crumpled up the piece of paper and threw it in her trash bin. "Look, Stacey, I know that this must be a shock for you, but hear me out. I'm not even 100% certain that Martin is in fact that boy listed there, but honestly how well do you know him? In all the times you've been seeing him has he ever once invited you to where he lives to meet his family?" Katie tried speaking calmly as best she could. "I already told you he lives with his sick grandmother, and that she's not up to seeing visitors. God, Katie you're starting to take this detective thing too far now. It's like if someone doesn't meet your approval on personality you'll drum a bunch of lies to make them look like a criminal? What's next, you're going to tell Brenda who she can date?" Stacey blurted out in anger. "It's not like that at all. I did this because I'm concerned about you. What if this is really true, what if he did take on a new identity; wouldn't you want to know?" Stacey got up right in front of Katie with fury in her brown eyes. "The way I see it the only boyfriend who really is a criminal is yours!" she spoke coldly at her. Katie stood there stunned that her best friend whom she knew since the second grade would ever say such a horrible thing. Looking like she was about to break down, Katie ran out of Stacey's room. She didn't even bother to say goodbye to Mrs. Campbell as she hurried out through the front door. Halfway to home, Katie stopped her bike and collapsed to the ground. She began crying, wondering if she possibly lost her best friend. CHAPTER FOUR Katie sat quietly during the morning mass at St. Michael's Church. She tried to pay attention as Father Leahy gave his homily, but her thoughts were still deeply rooted from her terrible fight with Stacey yesterday. After returning home from Stacey's house, Katie sought counsel from her father later that night, asking him if she did the right thing in trying to help Stacey. Charles Spencer was a man of many talents, and one of them certainly was wisdom. He told Katie that her friendship with Stacey wasn't worth breaking up because of some boy, and even though he understood Katie's motives for checking into Martin, it was still none of her business getting involved, that was Stacey's relationship and Katie should respect that despite her concerns. Right after mass had concluded, the church asked those that can stay to join them for their annual spring picnic being held in the spacious yard behind the Rectory. Her dad and Karen had volunteered to stay and help work at the picnic, with her dad donning the ceremonial chef hat and apron working the grill. Katie wasn't in a very cheerful mood and decided to skip out on the festivities. Besides, she realized that Stacey's house was only about a mile away and she could walk over there since the weather outside was sunny and mild, even though rain was forecasted for later in the day. The truth was she really wanted to see Stacey again and apologize to her. Katie glanced down at her church attire she wore, which consisted of a white short-sleeved blouse, powder blue skirt, and her nice white sandals, but still intended on making the trek. She told her dad that she would be home later, and to have fun cooking all that grill food. During her walk, Katie went over in her mind the best way to apologize. Stacey had been known to hold grudges, even for months at a time. But Katie was confident that she could get through to her regardless, after all they're best friends. However, one thing that Katie would want Stacey to take back was her offensive remark concerning Jake. It's not that Stacey lied about who Jake was, but he did deserve a second chance as he was making an effort to turn his life around. Besides, Katie didn't go accusing Martin of any specific wrongdoing, so she in turn was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. One thing though that still bothered her about that email was that if Martin wasn't charged with any crime, then why would he leave his hometown and change his name? Katie's thoughts then drifted back to Jake. The good news was that he had only two more weeks left of his incarceration, and Katie wanted to make their first date special. Maybe after we finished making up, I'll ask Stacey if I could borrow her new pink dress ... and what the heck I may even wear her new shoes, I'm sure Jake would really like that. Just what is it about men craving over girls in high heels anyway?... Katie didn't have time to ponder about that little conundrum as Stacey's house came into view. Walking up to the front door Katie noticed that it was slightly ajar. She froze there for a moment, then very gently she pushed it open. Stepping quietly into the foyer, Katie heard noises coming from upstairs. Could it be a burgler? Her instincts told her to run out and call the police from her cell phone, but Katie's ever-stubborn curiosity again got the better of her. She went over to the fireplace and picked up a poker, then very softly she walked up the carpeted stairs. Reaching the top, she definitely could tell the noises were coming from Stacey's room, which she could see the door also slightly ajar. Peering through the slim opening, Katie saw Martin coming out of Stacey's closet with some of her clothes in his hands. Letting her guard down, she dropped the poker and entered the room, startling him in the process. "Whoa! Katie, you scared me," he spoke with a slight high pitch to his normally monotone voice. "How did you get in here?" "The front door was left open, you need to really shut it good to keep it closed. Is Stacey here?" He paused for a moment before speaking again. "She's over at my place. She got violently ill from some-thing I'm pretty sure she ate, and since her mom was away for the weekend, I thought it was best to have her spend the night there until she gets better." "Then why are you packing some of her stuff?" Katie noticed a bag on the floor filled with her bathroom things; even her favorite Winnie the Pooh bear was packed. "Oh, I wanted her to have some of her necessities, and some change of clothes so she can get out of that very nice dress she wore." Katie looked at Martin carefully, wondering if she should believe him. Come on, Katie ... what did you say before about giving him the benefit of the doubt?... "I want to go with you to see her," she said not taking no for an answer. "Sure," he said shrugging his broad shoulders. "Would be so kind as to pick up that duffel bag behind you please?" Katie turned around and bent down to grab it. As she began to straighten back up, a movement, a shadow on the wall, caught her eye. She started to turn, but it was too late. Something heavy and hard crashed against her the back of her skull. Pain exploded in her head and pinpoints of light flashed in front of her eyes. Her knees buckled and she slumped to the floor. "You really want to come over to my place, Katie?" Martin's voice hissed in her ear. "Why not? Stacey will be really glad to see her best friend!" Dizzy and sick to her stomach, Katie gasped as Martin yanked her head back and forced the belt strap of Stacey's pink bathrobe between her lips. He wound it around her head, snagging her blonde hair, then tied it as he roughly hauled her up to her feet. Katie groaned, gagging on the terry cloth. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him stuff Stacey's first place winter pageant trophy into the duffel bag. Katie then felt her arms being pulled back behind her as Martin tore one of the white pillowcases in half and used it to tie her hands together. "Looks like I'm going to have to cut short my stay here, but that's alright, I have more than enough to take back with me now." Helpless for the moment, Katie couldn't even fight back as Martin ripped off Stacey's white sheet from her bed and wrapped it tightly over her body, then hefted her over his shoulder like a sack of grain. Katie could feel being taken down the stairs, through the house, and out the back door. Gravel crunched under his feet as she knew they were cutting across the next-door neighbor's yard. Katie heard the sound of a car door opening, and then she was shoved roughly inside, not on the seat, but on the floor. The door slammed, another one opened and slammed, and the engine roared to life. "I think I've got everything now." Martin sounded eager and pleased with himself. As the car took off with a jolt, Katie closed her eyes, shaken and terrified. CHAPTER FIVE Still wrapped tightly in the bed sheet, Katie frantically twisted her hands, trying to free them. If I can get loose, I could jump out and get help. The car turned a corner, and Katie banged against the backseat, then rolled forward onto her face. Her nose bumped painfully against the floorboard as the car bounced across a pothole in the road. All the while Martin drove, Katie imagined a frightened Stacey being held captive somewhere by this lunatic. She cursed at herself for not following her intuition, as it would seem that Martin was in fact now guilty of something, the abduction of her and Stacey! Katie groaned through her terry cloth gag as the car jolted over another bump and lurched to a stop. The engine went silent. Katie heard Martin get out and open the back door of the car. She felt his hands grip her arms, dragging her out, and throwing her over his shoulder again. She felt like a sack of potatoes. The dizziness and weakness had faded now, and Katie twisted and kicked with all her might, trying to free herself. As her feet pounded against his legs, Martin tightened his grip, squeezing the breath out of her. "Don't be stupid, Katie," he muttered in a harsh voice. "You can't get away. Besides, think of how disappointed Stacey will be if she doesn't get to see you!" Unable to still see around her, Katie felt the sensation of climbing down some stairs as she was being led deeper into this unknown location. "I had it all planned so well, until you had to spoil it by checking up on me. Stacey told me about your email and how she didn't believe it, which was good. But now because of your interference, I had to accelerate my plans a little sooner." Katie continued to kick, but it didn't help. Martin staggered a few more steps as he continued to talk. "You can imagine my astonishment when you caught me at Stacey's house. Somehow knew I would be taking you here even before you demanded to see her. And now you'll finally get that chance." Martin then dumped her off his shoulder, holding her upright with his arm like a vise around her neck. Katie heard what sounded like a lock being undone, then the creaking sound of some old door opened. Suddenly, she felt herself being shoved forward. Katie grunted loudly as she crashed onto the hard floor. She struggled to get herself back up as she felt like a mummy being completely wrapped in that queen size sheet. From out of nowhere, she felt hands pulling at the sheet, unwrapping them. Her head was free and to her surprise and relief she saw Stacey kneeling down working on the rest of the sheet. Her face was grimy and her dress unkempt, she looked as though she didn't get any sleep judging by how bloodshot her large brown eyes were. "Don't worry, Katie, I'll get you free," she spoke with a raspy voice like she'd been crying. She got to Katie's hands and untied the knot holding them together. Once they were free, Katie reached over and pulled the bathrobe strip out of her mouth and over her head. She then was able to wriggle herself loose from her sheeted cocoon. "You girls enjoy your little time together, I'll be back later," and with that Martin shut the door and locked it behind him. The two girls hugged each other like never before. Stacey was trembling as she began to cry. "I'm so sorry, Katie ... you were right. Please ... forgive me," she blurted out between sobs. Katie too began to cry as she tried her best to comfort her terrified friend. "It's okay, Stacey. We're going to be fine, I promise we'll get out of this somehow," she whispered soothingly in Stacey's ear as she held her tight. Stacey kept on crying as Katie looked around their small dimly lit prison fearfully, wondering exactly how they were going to get out. CHAPTER SIX After Stacey had finally calmed down, Katie sat her down on an old mattress in the corner of the room, where she no doubt had slept on for the night. >>From what she can make of their surroundings, they appeared to be in some sort of basement. The house from which it rested on Katie reasoned must be remote enough since Martin didn't bother to keep her and Stacey gagged, and she was also certain that there was no 'sick grandmother' to take care of either. "What happened last night?" Katie asked to the still frightened Stacey. "He took me to dinner and asked what was troubling me, I told him about the email you showed me ... sorry," she said. "He then suddenly asked me to run off with him, far away from everyone. He said that if I really loved him, I would go with him. I told him I couldn't do that, I mean I do love him, but I couldn't leave my mom and my friends behind." She began to cry a little as Katie held onto her tightly. "After dinner was over, we were riding in his car and I began feeling lightheaded, the next thing I remember was waking up in here." "It sounds like to me that he slipped you a drug to knock you out and bring you here, wherever here is," Katie said. She got up and began surveying the place. "I already checked to see if there was a way out, and I couldn't find any. And it's pointless to scream since there doesn't seem to be anyone around close by to hear," Stacey spoke in a defeated tone. Katie took note of her friend's opinion, but she wasn't about to just sit around and wait for that psycho to return to do whatever his sick mind pleases. There was a storm cellar door leading outside, but that of course was locked up tight. All the small windows along the ceiling perimeter of the room were boarded up strong. To her added disappointment, the entire basement was completely cleaned out, only a mattress and blanket was left for Stacey. Katie could tell right away that she was dealing with a very smart individual""he wasn't leaving anything to chance. Katie sat back down next to Stacey and grudgingly accepted the fact that they were indeed trapped. She soon noticed Stacey giving her an ominous look. "If he plans on taking me away somewhere, what's going to happen to you?" Katie looked down with a sullen gaze, not wanting to answer that dreadful question. She spotted a run on one of Stacey's sheer nylons, traveling all the way down her to her ankle. It was Stacey's turn now to hug Katie as she began to silently weep for her best friend. CHAPTER SEVEN After some time had passed, Stacey fell asleep on the mattress for she was very exhausted from her distressing ordeal the night before. Katie, however, couldn't rest as her mind kept racing as to what her fate was at the hands of the deranged Martin ... or should it be Stephen? A sound then came from the door as the lock was released and the door creaked open. Martin entered with an anxious look on his face as he held a small gun in his hand. Katie shook Stacey to wake her up. She slowly opened her eyes, then sat right up at seeing Martin's presence. "It's time for us to go now. Stacey, put your shoes back on please," he asked calmly. Stacey reached over to the end of the mattress and grabbed her sling-backs. She slipped them on her nyloned feet one at a time. Katie stood up and helped Stacey to her feet; her ankles wobbled a little on the five-inch stiletto heels as her leg muscles were still a bit limp. "Why are you making her wear those, can't you see that she has trouble standing in them ... Stephen?!" Katie shouted at him. "Do not call me by that name," he spoke coldly as he gave Katie a really dirty look. "Anyway, she went through all that trouble to make herself look good for me, and I still want to enjoy it," he stated simply. "Katie, pick up those things I used to tie you up with." She grudgingly crouched down grabbing the pink sash and pillowcase strip off the floor. "Please let Katie go, I promise I'll do whatever you want," Stacey pleaded urgently with him. "I know you will, Stacey. But first I need you both to gag yourselves; make them nice and tight please." Katie handed the pillowcase to Stacey and both girls reluctantly inserted their respective cloth strips into their mouths and tied the ends firmly in back of their heads. Martin then reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a piece of clothesline""he tossed it over to Katie. "Tie Stacey's hands behind her back," he said. Katie went through the motions of wrapping the white rope around Stacey's crossed wrists. She tied the ends in a neat little knot. Martin went over to them and quickly secured Katie's hands behind her back as well with more rope. He then checked Stacey's wrists to make sure they were secure enough. Satisfied, he went to the storm cellar door and unlocked it. After opening it he stepped aside, gesturing with the gun for them to walk through. The girls looked at each other fearfully as they made their way to the storm door. Katie let Stacey walk up the steps first, for if she should stumble with those tall heels on, Katie would be able to help cushion her fall. The sky outside was overcast and dusk had set in. Drops of rain started to fall and the wind began picking up as the storm approached. The girls shivered in the raw chilliness of the air. Katie quickly took notice to a two-story house in the distance with a light on in a window. If only I can scream ... She tried to work the gag out with her tongue, but unfortunately she tied it on too tight, just like he wanted. Up ahead in the driveway was a blue Pontiac sedan. Martin opened both the passenger and rear door. "Get in the back, Katie." Katie gave him a sneer as she stepped into the back seat. Once inside, Martin shut the door and then escorted Stacey in the front seat. He fastened her seatbelt and dropped the seat all the way down to keep her concealed from the outside. He shut her door and went around to other rear door and opened it. Katie squirmed as Martin grabbed her and forced to her lie on the floorboard. From where her head was Katie could see Stacey leaned over in her seat looking back at her with a terrified look on her gagged face. Martin finally got into the driver's seat as the rain was now coming down harder and started the engine up. He backed out of the driveway onto the main road. "Don't worry my love, soon we'll be alone and spend the rest of our lives together," he spoke rather sinisterly as he drove along the rain swept road. CHAPTER EIGHT The sound of the wiper blades against the windshield swished back and forth as the rain came down even harder. "When the weatherman said there was going to be rain tonight, he sure wasn't kidding." Martin then turned his attention briefly to his lovely trussed-up passenger lying right beside him. Stacey looked up at him with terrified eyes. Her full lips quivered over the white fabric of the pillowcase she bit down on. He smiled at her in a way that freaked her out even more. She whimpered at the lecherous touch of his hand on her smooth, nyloned thigh. "I've been waiting for this day to come ever since I first laid eyes on you at that Halloween party. I did have it all planned in advance you know, but your nosy friend over there had to throw a monkey wrench into the whole works. But things are still moving forward for us, I just need to take care of some loose ends before we can start are our life together." Katie moaned from the back seat at his comment towards her. "Since Katie went through all that trouble to find out the truth about me, you might as well know the whole story, since we're now being completely honest with each other at this point in our relationship." He slowed the car and took a left turn onto a narrow road through the forest. "Yes, I'm afraid my real name is Stephen Doyle, I always hated that name, and I did live in Connecticut, Killingly to be exact. That girl that was mentioned in the email, the one that vanished, well she was a friend of mine, and I did ask her to come with me, but she wouldn't, so I tried to make her see it my way that we were meant to be together. Unfortunately she wouldn't share my vision, and if I couldn't have her, then no one can." Stacey moaned quietly at that statement, and tried shifting herself on the seat away from him. "Killing her was a mistake, I admit that. But what was done couldn't be reversed. So I had to ensure that her body wouldn't be found. And since no one, not even the police could prove that I had anything to do with her disappearance, I just acted like nothing had happened." The car shook as it bumped over some mud holes in the road. "However, there was one little detail that your email failed to mention. Someone did finally found her body by sheer chance. I knew that it would only be a matter of time before they linked me to her, so I fled, and started a new life. And then I met you, my dear. You remind me so much of her you know. After you turned down my offer to run off with me, well I couldn't leave it at that, so I learned from my previous mistake, and well here you are. I must apologize for having you tied up like this, but it's only temporary. In time my dear, you'll learn to appreciate me and see that I care for you greatly. Remember I'm doing this for us." He soon stopped the car and turned off the engine. "Well, here we are, Katie. It's time to go for a little swim ... " CHAPTER NINE Katie's mind went into a panicked state as Martin opened the rear door her head rested on. She fought with him like never before as she was being dragged out. "Aaaaaaaaaaa!!!" Stacey wailed out through her cloth-filled mouth as tears streamed down from her dark eyes at what could be the final moments of seeing her best friend alive. Katie in turn gave Stacey a quick glance just as she was hauled out of the car and into the pounding rain outside. Stacey quickly turned her head over and could barely see through the rain soaked window of Martin dragging poor Katie by her neck to her watery grave. Refusing to sit there and just let her friend die needlessly; Stacey frantically twisted at her bound hands. After several seconds of struggling, she suddenly felt one of her wrists coming loose and realized that Katie must have done that on purpose when she tied her up. Stacey feverishly worked her slender wrist through the slackened rope until it broke free! Excited, she moved her arms back in front of her and unhooked the seatbelt that held her down. She then quickly sat up and pulled out the nasty gag from her mouth. With no time to spare she kicked off her high heels and exited the vehicle in a flash. Running through the wet sandy beach of the lake, Stacey spotted a fallen tree branch nearby and picked it up. Holding it firmly she made her way over to Martin who at the moment was already knee deep in the water while a thrashing Katie fought wildly with him in a desperate attempt to escape. The roaring sound of the rain against the water muffled Stacey's approach on Martin as she sneaked up from behind him and swung the heavy branch, striking him at the back of his head and sending him crashing into the water. Dropping the branch, Stacey grabbed Katie by her arm and pulled her back to shore. She extracted the soaked terry cloth from Katie's lips, then proceeded on freeing her wrists. "I can't untie the knot, the rope is too wet!" Stacey yelled through the deafening storm. Katie could see Martin stirring in the water as he was beginning to regain consciousness. "Forget that right now, we have to get away from here!" she shouted. Stacey noticed Martin as well, and the two girls ran through the beach and into the darkened forest that encircled the lake ... CHAPTER TEN Trudging through the sodden, murky foliage, Katie and Stacey slowly but surely tried to gain as much distance from Martin as they possibly could. With her hands still bound behind her back, Katie had difficulty in keeping her footing on the uneven terrain of the darkened forest. Fortunately Stacey kept a hold on her, as she too was careful of where she stepped as she plodded along with just stockings on. The cold dampness of the rain was now taking its toll on the two girls as they shivered in the frigid night air. We have to find some shelter soon or we'll no doubt catch pneumonia ... Katie dreaded that thought. "I hate the rain, and I hate the mud," Stacey muttered quietly as her feet sank in the soaked ground. "At least you have your arms to balance yourself, I'm just waiting to fall flat on my face," Katie said to try and cheer up Stacey who always prided herself at looking her best. If the situation were different this scene could actually be comical. "Ow!" Stacey suddenly yelled as she stumbled to the ground, almost taking Katie with her. "What's wrong?" Katie asked in deep concern. "I don't know, I stepped on something sharp," Stacey replied as she managed to pick herself up. She tried walking but had some difficulty now. "Great, now I'm injured and you're still tied up. It's like the blind leading the blind," Stacey said half jokingly. Katie attempted a smile for they still had their sense of humor intact. "It's okay Stacey; I can manage on my own." She then began wondering if Martin was trailing them. The footprints they left behind in the sand unfortunately marked their escape route. After some more walking, Stacey stopped in her tracks and sat down on a large rock. She began crying. Katie went over to her and sat down next to her. "Let's face it, we're going to die! If Martin doesn't finish us off ... then this damn forest will," she spoke shakily between sobs. "Stacey Nicole Campbell, you listen to me!" Katie said with a confidence in her voice that she didn't even know she possessed. "We're going to make, you hear me. If there's one I learned from you is to never be a quitter." Stacey looked at her friend with her long, dark hair all matted over her oval-shaped face. "Because quitters always lose," she said finishing the sentence. "That's right. Look, I'm scared too, but we can't let that fear consume us and just give up, otherwise we will be dead." Stacey smiled and wrapped her arms around Katie. "I love you, Katie," she spoke softly. "I love you too," she replied all choked up. "C'mon, we gotta keep moving." Not long after they continued on with their trek, Katie stopped and sniffed the air. "I think I smell smoke, like from a fireplace." "Look over there!" Stacey pointed towards a faint light in the distance among the thicket of trees. Both girls began heading in that direction with a renewed rush of adrenaline. As they got closer to the light, they could see that it was coming from a cabin! CHAPTER ELEVEN Racing up to the front door, Stacey pounded on it with all the strength she had left in her. The door soon opened and a plump, elderly man stood there. He was rather short, dressed in a simple flannel shirt and faded jeans. He squinted through his round bifocal glasses at the sight of the two drenched and shivering teenage girls standing before him. "What in the devil are you girls doing out here in the rain?" "Can we please come inside?" Katie asked urgently. "Oh, I'm terribly sorry. Yes, please come in." He stepped aside and allowed them to enter. The warmth of the modest-sized cottage was a welcome change for the girls as they stepped into the quaint living room. The man immediately took notice to Katie's bound wrists and opened a small drawer, pulling out a Swiss Army pocketknife. He then went over to Katie. "Here, let me get you out of those ropes, miss," he said and cut them off with one swipe. "Are you girls in any sort of trouble?" he asked already knowing the answer. "Yes, we've been kidnapped by a man and he's after us. Please, you have to call the police," Katie said, rubbing her chafed wrists. The man grabbed two quilts that were folded on his couch and chair, and gave one each to them. They quickly wrapped the soft fabric around their soaked bodies and began drying off. "I'm afraid calling anyone at the moment is impossible, the phone lines are out because of the storm," he said regretfully. "But I'll take you to the Sheriff's station in my truck." "Thank you very much, Mister ... " Katie replied. "John. Please call me, John." "I'm Katie, and this is Stacey." Stacey gave him a friendly wave. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, ladies. Just give me a few minutes to get my boots and coat on and we'll be off." He then looked down at Stacey's muddy feet. "I'll see if I can find something for you to put on your wet feet. Don't want you catching a cold now." "Thank you ... John. That would be really great," Stacey said, and sat down on the chair near the fireplace to get the chill out of her. Katie slowly paced around waiting for John's return. "I can't believe I fell for him like that. Everything he told me was nothing but a lie. It's almost like he's a different person now. How could anyone be like that?" Stacey spoke in total disbelief. "I really don't know, Stacey. I wish I could answer that. Hopefully the police will catch him, and this time put him behind bars for a long time before he has a chance to hurt anyone else." "You know the thought of him still out there gives me the creeps. I hope he doesn't come looking for me," Stacey said with an ominous tone in her voice. "Don't you worry; I know half the police force. You'll have plenty of protection." "I'm sorry about what I said to you regarding Jake. I had no right," Stacey said with sincerity. "Apology accepted. You know I'm not sure if it's appropriate telling you this after everything you've been through, but a good friend of his has a secret crush on you." "Well, if he's half the man that Jake is by what you've told me then he sounds alright." Just then John returned all dressed for the torrential rain. "I have a couple of coats for you, and some boots for you, miss." He handed them each a raincoat and placed the boots down next to Stacey. "I'm sorry that I don't have anything in your size, but I have no women's clothes here," he said apologetically to Stacey. "That's quite alright, these will do just fine," she said as she placed her soiled feet into the large rubber boots. "At least these are more suitable than my heels." After putting the small fire out, John grabbed his keys and proceeded to the front door. Upon opening it, standing right there in the rain was Martin Chambers holding the pistol in his hand. The sound of a gunshot was then heard ... CHAPTER TWELVE Stacey's piercing scream echoed throughout the small cottage as John fell to the floor with a gunshot wound to his abdomen. The girls looked up in petrified fear at the enraged Martin. "You've been a very naughty girl, Stacey," he said coldly. As he walked over to them, John managed to grab hold of Martin's ankle and tripped him up. "Get ... out of here ... " he managed to say weakly. Katie spotted his keys lying on the floor next to him. Grabbing Stacey by her arm, she scooped up the keys and bolted straight out the door. John's pickup truck was parked around the back of the cabin. Climbing inside, Katie sat in the driver's seat. "Make sure your seatbelt is fastened," she instructed to Stacey. Inserting the key in the ignition, she quickly noticed the stick shift. "Oh, shoot! This is a standard; I don't know how to drive a standard, let alone a car!" Katie was planning on taking driving lessons over the summer after she turned sixteen. "Just get us out of here!" Stacey yelled with panic rising in her voice. Katie started up the engine. The sounds of screeching and grinding can be heard as she tried to place the stick into first gear. She then pressed her foot on the accelerator and the truck lurched backwards, slamming against the cabin. "Oops, guess I accidentally put it in reverse," Katie said, and switched the control stick to 'drive'. The truck's tires were spinning uncontrollably on the muddy road as it finally began moving away. Katie had to make sure not to drive too fast for fear of losing control of the vehicle and smashing into a tree. Once they were clear of the cabin, Katie followed the narrow, muddy road, hoping she'll reach the main road soon. The rain was coming down so hard that even with the combination of the headlights and the wiper blades; it was still hard to see where she was going. Of all the times for me to start driving, I got to pick one of the worst rainstorms ever ... Up ahead, Katie could see the trees clearing, and the main road. She breathed a sigh of relief as she turned onto it and began driving at a nice, steady pace. "Do you know where we are?" Stacey asked worriedly as she stared out to the seemingly endless array of trees. "I haven't got a clue, but I'm sure this road will lead to somewhere eventually," Katie replied with hope in her voice. "You don't think that John is dead, do you?" Stacey asked fearfully. "I don't know ... I hope not," Katie replied solemnly. Without warning, the driver's side window was suddenly smashed from the outside, sending small pieces of glass everywhere in the cabin, then an arm reached in from above, grabbing a hold of the steering wheel. Stacey shrieked as she saw that the arm belonged to Martin. Katie fought wildly with him for control of the truck as it began to swerve all over the two-lane road. He had to of somehow got on the truck without either of them knowing about it. During the scuffle that was going on, Stacey noticed lights shining in front of her and looked out to see a tractor-trailer rounding a corner up ahead, heading right for them! Katie saw that too, her eyes widen with absolute terror as the huge semi blared out its booming horn. At the last possible moment, Katie managed to veer away from the oncoming vehicle, but as a result the truck ran straight off the road, crashing head on into a large tree! CHAPTER THIRTEEN The sound of the horn wailing constantly was the first indication to Katie that she was still alive. She slowly lifted her aching head up from the steering wheel and sat back into the seat. Katie's senses were still fuzzy as if what was happening was all just a dream, but she knew differently that this was too frighteningly real. Turning to her right, she saw Stacey not moving and slumped over the passenger window, which was now smashed. She took off her seatbelt and reached over to her friend. Carefully pulling Stacey back to her seat, Katie gasped at the nasty gash on her forehead as blood covered half of her face. She placed a finger on her neck and thankfully felt a steady pulse. "Hello, is everyone alright?" a voice was heard over the blaring horn from behind them as someone was approaching. Katie realized that it must be the driver from that truck they almost collided with. Moving back to her side of the truck, Katie silently thanked God for saving their lives. It was a good thing that they were both wearing their seatbelts. She looked out through the driver's side open window and could make out the shape of a person lying on the ground nearby. Katie could tell that it was Martin, and judging by the unnatural way in which the body was positioned, she knew that he was indeed dead.