Lila Spencer - Deadly Premonitions CHAPTER ONE A teenaged girl sat on a patch of dirt with her arms raised high above her head as her wrists were lashed tightly to a steel pole. She whimpered pathetically through the cloth fixed securely in her mouth with tear-streaked eyes for she was completely terrified inside the small shack she was imprisoned in. It was deathly quiet inside the ramshackle structure as the sound of her rapid heartbeat was the only sound she could hear. Her abduction came fast and sudden as she was walking back home alone from the strip mall, then taking a shortcut through the railroad overpass ... and that was the last thing she remembered. A noise was suddenly heard, breaking her somber thoughts. She looked fearfully among the shadows that surrounded her and soon spotted the source of her dread approaching methodically in the form of a medium-shaped figure dressed in some form of clown-type garment. However, what made the ominous person even more unnerving to look at was the white porcelain-smooth visage of a baby doll concealing the face. Her adorable hazel eyes widen in absolute panic as she saw her abductor holding a large kitchen knife in its gloved hand. She tried frantically again at freeing her bound limbs in a last ditch effort to escape from what looked to be her final moments on this earth. The baby doll figure stopped just short of the panic-stricken girl, and began playfully moving the pointed end of the lethal blade along her abdomen. She twitched nervously in response to the sickening carefree display being administered on her. The constant threat of being butchered alive was even more horrifying than the act itself. Then, as sensing her alarming thoughts, the figure suddenly raised the knife high up and began to thrust it down towards her. The girl let out a howling scream through her muzzle ... * * * A piercing scream was heard breaking the quietness of the darkened surroundings. A light was then turned on revealing another teenaged girl lying in a plush bed. Sweat covered her pale complexion and her long brown hair. Her breaths were deep and rapid like if she had just run a 26-mile marathon. She reached for her chest, twisting the moist fabric of her white nightshirt, as her heart ached from the intense nightmare she just experienced. Or was it? ... CHAPTER TWO Lila Spencer strolled through the extensive cafeteria at Hamilton High with Tina Palermo walking right alongside of her. Although not officially designated, the new freshmen were delegated to the far corner of the eating area as a way of the upper-class""mainly seniors""alienating the new students even further. Lila wasn't too thrilled of having to walk all the way across the large room just to sit down with her meal. Tina, on the other hand, took advantage of the short hike as she displayed herself among the multitude of students (particularly the boys) with her usual ostentatious attire""this time wearing a pink cashmere sweater, black short skirt, and her favorite pink high-heeled pumps accentuating her shapely nyloned legs. After the tirade of whistles from the over-excited males, the two girls finally sat down at an empty table. "Two months into high school now, and you're already making another name for yourself," Lila commented at her friend's flashy sense of fashion. "Are you trying to one up your sister so soon?" she asked before taking a sip of her apple juice box. "Rachel may have been voted the hottest looking girl at school, but she didn't look this good when she first started here," Tina replied almost snooty. "She had to break barriers with my folks regarding alluring outfits to school, and now I'm just enjoying the fruits of that labor. Besides, I have another photo shoot right after school and I didn't want to take the time to change""have you seen the bathrooms they have here?" "God forbid you should have to change clothes ... " Lila added mockingly as Tina replied back impishly with sticking her tongue out. Lila suddenly waved her arms high up in the air. "Ashley ... over here!" she yelled out as she spotted her among the crowd of people present. Ashley Emerson soon appeared at the table with another girl standing right next to her. "Hey, Ash ... " Tina said in between drinking her can of diet soda, " ... who's your friend?" "This is Jennifer Fowler," Ashley replied as she presented the long brown-haired cute-looking girl to her friends. "She just moved here a few days ago, only two houses down from my place." Jennifer smiled timidly at the two girls seated. "Hi, I'm Tina ... " she said all friendly as she shook her slender hand. Jennifer's eyes couldn't help but notice Tina's brazen apparel, for it was in stark contrast to her more demure style consisting of a brown blazer with tan blouse underneath, a flowered-pattern skirt, and white tights with brown loafers. Lila stood up and reached out with her hand to the newcomer. "And I'm Lila, it's a pleasure to meet ... " Jennifer suddenly went stiff as soon as she grasped Lila's hand. Her eyes widen with shock and she began to shudder, like if she was having some sort of seizure. Ashley swiftly grabbed her lunch tray before she dropped its contents right on Tina's lap. Lila quickly released her grip with Jennifer, and the girl began to calm down somewhat. Ashley then helped her to an empty seat next to Tina. "Are you okay?" she asked deeply concerned to her new friend. "Yeah ... " she responded shakily. "I get these ... attacks once in a while." Lila looked extremely troubled, for it was her handshake that apparently caused this little drama. "Do you want us to take you to the nurse?" she offered anxiously. "No ... I'm fine, really ... " Jennifer replied more strongly now, putting their fears at ease. "It's no big deal ... I'm taking some medication for it." Ashley took the remaining empty seat, still not completely convinced. "So ... Ashley said you just moved here ... from where?" Tina asked, wanting to break the tension in the air. "Indiana ... " Jennifer replied. "It's just my mom and I ... I'm an only child." "Well, welcome to Florida," Lila said happily, seeing that she appeared to be alright now. Jennifer grinned back in response to the kind greeting, but her green eyes were telling a different story as she looked a bit troubled at the auburn-haired girl seated across from her. Something horrible was going to happen to her ... CHAPTER THREE Later that evening, after dinner was over, Lila was just finished loading up the dishwasher when she happened to hear something coming from the television that caught her interest. Walking into the darkened living room, the news was currently on, and what the reporter was saying seized her attention completely. " ... according to police reports, the body of 21-year-old Casey Arnold, who had been reported missing since yesterday afternoon, was discovered by a hiker at Green Acre Park in the early hours of the morning. The police are not commenting on any suspects at this time, but Sheriff Cartwright does feel confident about the investigation and urges all residents to be extra vigilant and not walk anywhere alone ... " "Oh my gosh ... " Susan responded in aghast at the awful news, " ... that's only five miles from here." Bruce, too, looked deeply concerned for there could potentially be a serial killer on the loose now ... preying on young woman. He looked over his shoulder, seeing his youngest riveted to the TV. "Maybe we should cancel the Halloween party this Saturday ... " Susan suggested apprehensively. Every year, the whole town throws a big costume party complete with all the trimmings over at the Tower Farm, a group of interconnecting barn-like structures located on the outskirts, used mainly for large social events. Susan was head of the organizational committee for recreation and festivities. Lila heard that statement, and it brought her back to the conversation at hand. "No ... you can't cancel it. It's one of the best parties all year. I worked really hard with my surprise costume ... " Bruce motioned her to join them in the living room. "No one is canceling anything yet. But I think your mother is right in that it should be discussed in a group. Hopefully this maniac will be apprehended soon before anyone else gets ... " Lila pouted for a moment, but quickly realized the pain that girl's parents must be going through right now, for calling off some party seemed inconsequential in comparison. She did hope that the police will be able to track this person down and quickly. * * * At the same time, Jennifer also heard that alarming news and was currently in her still packed-up bedroom, lying on her plush bedspread. She had a terrified look on her face as her whole body was trembling slightly. How did he know where to find me? Mom was extra careful that no one back home even knew we left. It's gotta be someone else ... a copycat killer ... yeah, that's it. That bit of reprieve didn't help her anxieties one bit as she was just fooling herself. Between the "dream" she experienced last night and the disturbing vision she received when she touched Lila's hand, she knew deep down in her soul that he did indeed track her here to Florida, for he still wasn't finished. She did consider telling this information to her mother, but that would only make her want to pack up and leave again. If he followed me here, then running away will accomplish nothing, for he'll just find me again. Jennifer realized what had to be done, but first she would have to speak with Lila in an effort to save her life. CHAPTER FOUR Lila groaned in frustration as she struggled with sorting her school books in the smallish locker. She hoped that with Hamilton being a larger school, they would have larger lockers""guess that was too much to hope for. Getting the books she needed for her afternoon classes, she slammed the door shut and jumped suddenly at the sight of Jennifer standing right next to her. "Whoa ... you almost gave me a heart-attack sneaking up like that!" Lila exclaimed alarmingly, but not too harshly at the new girl. "Sorry ... " Jennifer replied dolefully, " ... I seem to have a habit of doing that." Her face then turned serious. "I really need to talk with you ... in private if that's alright." "I was heading to the cafeteria for lunch, you want to join me? ... " Lila offered as she began to walk down the hall. "It's about that girl that was found dead ... " Jennifer said simply, and Lila stopped dead in her tracks, turning to face her with her mouth opened in surprise. "You know something about what happened to her?" she asked enthralled with curiosity. "More than the police know ... " was Jennifer's cryptic response and she got the teen sleuth's full attention. Walking outside on the school grounds, the two girls sat a bench in a quiet section. "So who killed her?" Lila asked in complete suspense. "His name is Ben Russell, but he's better known in the media as 'The Babydoll Killer' ... " Jennifer replied in a hushed tone as not to be overheard by anyone passing by. "Babydoll killer ... " Lila said wistfully as she was conjuring up her memory. "Wasn't he like somewhere in the Midwest?" "Yes, he lived in my home state ... targeting young girls in four counties for nearly two years," Jennifer replied somberly. "But what is he doing all the way down here?" Lila asked for it couldn't be for the Florida sun. Then her blue eyes widen at Jennifer as she came to a revelation. "It's you ... he's after you ... " "Not quite ... " Jennifer answered back, which made Lila even more confused than before. "He's not after me per se, but is more like playing some sort of twisted game." "I don't understand ... " Lila replied still baffled. "There's something first I need to tell you that's related to all this ... " Jennifer said sounding a bit uneasy. "I have ... psychic abilities. I can see events before they happen, and when I come into contact with people I see glimpses about them like secrets and other things." Lila had a blank stare as she was digesting all this information at once. She, of course, has heard about psychics and their strange talents, but has never met one before in person. She then gazed at Jennifer and had another revelation. "Yesterday when you shook my hand ... you saw something about me, didn't you?" she asked carefully as she was beginning to believe her. Jennifer lowered her head, not wanting to look directly at Lila. "Yes ... I saw an image of you being assaulted by the killer." Lila gasped as she was taken aback even more than before at this hair-raising news. "So, what you're saying is that I'm going to die very soon?" she said in a frightened tone. "I don't know ... maybe," was Jennifer's only reply she could honestly give to the startled teen. "These visions I get are often sometimes hard to read, but I feel strongly that he's already targeted you." "If you can sense him, can't you get a handle on where to find him before he gets to me?" Lila asked hopefully. "I've tried that before when the police in my home state asked me to help them with apprehending him. I was able to locate where his latest victim was being kept, but I couldn't reach any help at the moment, so I went there on my own, and when I got there ... she was already dead." "Was 'he' there also?" Lila asked ominously. "Yes ... he chased after me and I fell, then he grabbed me. He was really not that much bigger than you or I, so I was able to fight with him ... " Jennifer paused for a moment for she clearly looked upset at her recount. Lila held her hand in an effort of comforting her, but she wanted to hear more if Jennifer was willing to continue. "As I tried to get away from him, I ripped off his babydoll mask he wore and I saw his face ... it was etched in anger and hatred. And his eyes ... they were the blackest I've ever seen, like there was no soul behind them." She paused again, but kept on with her disturbing monologue. "He began choking me ... " she placed her hand over her throat now, " ... his grip was so strong, I think I was starting to black out, but something deep inside of me began to erupt, like some sort of psychic equivalent of an adrenaline rush. I remembered him being thrown back forcefully only I didn't even touch him. He landed right on top of an old mineshaft cover and fell straight through." Lila listened intently with every word Jennifer spoke, picturing in her mind of what it felt like being there. "The police did show up shortly after, but they couldn't find any trace of him. They said it was likely he survived the fall since it wasn't that deep to begin with. And after that he was never seen again, I guess mainly because I was able to provide a first ever description of what he looked like and the police were able to finally get a positive ID on him." "And so you moved here to get away from what happened ... " Lila guessed correctly as Jennifer nodded back to her in confirmation. "My mom was able to get a good job here, and she just wanted to put everything behind us and start over new and fresh. I really don't want her to know anything about this, not after we just got resettled in with our lives." "You know that we should go to the police with this latest information," Lila said carefully, seeing Jennifer's bothered reaction to that suggestion. "However, since I'm his apparent next target, I choose that we try and stop that from happening. You located him once, so you should be able to find him again." Jennifer smiled a little at Lila's graciousness to her situation, but a foreboding feeling came over her as this course of action could still have dreadful consequences ... for both of them. CHAPTER FIVE Lila called for a spur-of-the-moment study group at her house after school""only that the course to be reviewed today was "Serial Killer 101." Jennifer had just finished explaining to a captivated Ashley and Tina what she told Lila earlier today. "So, you could really see things in the future about someone when you touch them?" Tina asked Jennifer in fascination, in which she nodded affirmatively back to her. "Could you see if I make it big as a model," Tina then said and held up her arm to the psychic girl. "Tina ... grow up, this is really serious business!" Lila exclaimed irately to her more self-involved friend. "Excuse me ... " she replied back mockingly, " ... I was only trying to have a little fun""break the sour mood here ... " "That's okay for asking, Tina ... " Jennifer said genially. "I can't control what I actually see, it's just comes to me like if someone else was operating the projector, so to speak." Ashley remained silent during the exchanges going on for she was deeply troubled by what she had just been told. "Hey, Ash ... you alright?" Lila asked her for she should be the one worried instead of her""she really admired her inner strength she possessed. "Yeah ... I'm fine, just doing some thinking," she replied earnestly. "That's good ... for if anyone could come up with any good ideas, it's good ol' Ashley," Tina commented sincerely to her brainy friend. "So what do we know about this guy, other than what's been posted on the news?" Lila asked, wanting some fresh perspectives among the group. "Since his face has been shown all over the TV stations and Internet, he most likely would be in disguise ... probably staying in some motel in the area," Ashley offered thoughtfully. "That's a very good deduction, Ash ... " Lila acknowledged contentedly. "I'll generate a list of motels." "You know, I remembered hearing that he left a babydoll at the scene of each murder, but there was no mention on the news of one being found," Tina recalled. "If one was left, maybe the police didn't want that bit of information leaked out for fear of a mass panic. Or perhaps the killer just ran out of them to use," Ashley theorized in her usual analytical self. "If that's the case, then it's a good thing we're not going to the police ... " Lila echoed her decision from before. "Have you been able to learn anything else since last night?" Tina asked their resident "expert" on the killer. "Only that I feel he's close by, maybe even watching our moves ... " Jennifer replied ominously, which caused the dudettes to shiver with fright where they sat. "I still think this is extremely reckless ... going about this on your own without the police involved," Ashley spoke up to her detective friend as always the voice of reason. "You know what usually ends up from being irresponsible ... like what happened before on vacation?" "Well, not this time ... " Tina interjected smartly, " ... for I intend to stay close to Lila until this maniac is stopped." Lila smiled warmly at her friend's courageous statement for she had the best friends a person could ask for. "Okay ... " Lila said as she stood up, " ... Ashley, I want you to call the motels and check to see if anyone fitting the general description of our man has checked in the last few days. Jennifer ... just do what you do in trying to locate him ... " "And what're you planning on doing besides delegating tasks?" Tina asked their "leader" sharply. "I intend on making sure my mom doesn't put the whole kibosh on the Halloween party," she answered just as sharply back, making Tina pleased that another social event goes as planned. CHAPTER SIX The next morning, Jennifer walked out of her quaint single-story house and headed over for Ashley's place to meet for the bus ride to school. The weather down here for October was certainly much warmer than the autumn's back in Indiana, which she sort of did miss. Before making the move, Jennifer wasn't so sure she would fit in for she was typically a shy person by nature, but ever since she met Ashley""and her friends""she really felt like she could start all over again ... that is, until 'he' decided to show up. "Jennifer ... " a voice suddenly rang out, startling the psychic girl out of her pleasant reverie. She instantly turned, her eyes darting all around to see if that fiend was there. Not seeing anyone at all, Jennifer started to quicken her pace a bit. "You can't help her ... I'll get her, just like I did the others, including the one you couldn't save ... " "Stop it!" she yelled out. Then behind her, she spotted a man standing next to some tall bushes nearby. In a panic, Jennifer scampered over to Ashley's house and rang the doorbell. She then quickly turned to where she saw that man, but he was now gone. The door soon opened and Ashley appeared with a smile on her face, but her mood instantly changed when she saw Jennifer's troubled expression. "Is everything okay? ... " she asked carefully. "Yeah ... it's nothing," and with that, Jennifer promptly entered. * * * Later at lunchtime, Lila was the first to sit at their "assigned" table as she quietly ate her turkey and Swiss cheese grinder that was today's special. High-pitch clicking sounds of stiletto heels were heard and as if right on cue, Tina approached with her lunch tray in hand. "Nice boots ... " Lila complimented on the black ankle high boots Tina was wearing. "Thanks ... " she replied genially, " ... these are part of my costume for this year, and I want to break them in before the big party this Saturday. It is still on, right?" "Yeah it is, but unless something else bad happens between now and then, it's sayonara party," Lila answered moodily for she wants it to still take place as much as anyone else. Ashley and Jennifer soon appeared as they took their respective seats. "Any news on the motel end?" Lila asked Ashley, wanting to cut to the chase. "No ... sorry," she replied glumly. "How about you, Jennifer?" Lila directed her attention to her next. "I saw him following me this morning on the way to Ashley's house," she replied to the shock of everyone seated around. "You didn't tell me that!" Ashley raised her voice in response, which was rare for her to do. "I'm sorry ... I just didn't want to worry you, it's Lila he's after ... " Jennifer then looked at Lila, giving her a sympathetic look. "I guess he is playing some sort of sick game with you," Tina added to their newest friend. She shivered slightly at the thought of being stalked by a psycho killer. "So, what's our next course of action?" Ashley asked their auburn-haired "leader." "I'm not really sure ... I was really hoping that motel lead would yield some kind of results. He could be anywhere, maybe even sleeping in his car at night." "So, we just wait until he makes his move on you, and then try to stop him?" Tina said not liking that strategy. "That's exactly it!" Lila exclaimed brightly. "We know that he's coming to get me at some point, so we have the advantage, and when he does come for me, we trap him at his own game. There is strength in numbers since he's only attacked girls that were alone." "Yeah, but we don't even know where or when that would occur," Ashley interjected with her pointed reasoning. "We'd all have to stay together 24/7 ... how's that going to happen?" Ashley made a good point as Tina and Jennifer both looked stumped on how to accomplish that exactly. Lila groaned as well, as the situation didn't look good at all for her ... CHAPTER SEVEN The whole town has been a bit on edge since the horrifying news of one of their own being brutally killed at random. So much that the residents, particularly the youth, was heeding the police's advice on not traveling alone. At the public library, it was just about closing time, and the last group of students were now leaving. One of them, a teenage girl, stopped at the realization of something. "I shoot ... I forgot my notepad. I'll be right back," she called out to her friends and headed back towards the now darkened building. As she approached the glass doors, a shadow passed by her and she was suddenly grabbed from behind. The startled girl went to utter a scream, but a gloved hand had pressed tightly over her mouth. She was quickly dragged into the surrounding bushes as her friends close by were totally unaware the danger she was now in. Struggling mightily, the girl managed to get a glimpse of the face of her assailant and she wailed at the eerie sight of a babydoll staring right back at her. She could make out her friends standing idly by through the bushes""all she needed was one good alert before it was too late for her. Thinking quickly, she jabbed her elbow hard into the gut of her attacker, and was released momentarily. That's all the time she needed as she let out a howling scream. Her friends immediately responded to that and rushed over to help. By the time they reached their distraught friend, the attacker was nowhere to be found ... * * * It was later that evening and Lila was sitting at her computer, finding out anything she can about Ben Russell, aka "The Babydoll Killer." With his identity finally revealed to the public, a slew of information about him had now flooded the internet. Reading one particular article that Lila found fascinating, it explained how when Russell was out of high school, and before he started his murderous rampage, he befriended another notorious serial killer, John Michael Walton, while that felon was still incarcerated. It was not entirely known if Russell was involved with Walton's daring jailbreak, but the author had deemed it as a possibility. Reading Walton's name in the article, Lila found it very strange that her stalker was once associated with the stalker of another snoop friend of hers, Abbie Dwight, who she had met on the MysteyChicks forum a while back. I wonder if she knew anything about Russell ... Lila wondered. Logging on to MysteryChicks, Lila saw a number of members already logged on, including Abbie""who typically browses. An instant message screen suddenly appeared from Abbie, exclaiming: Hi, Lila! ... Hi, Abbie ... Lila quickly typed back in response. I was just thinking about you after reading an article, which mentioned Walton, and I wanted to ask you a question, if that's okay.Lila knew very well what a sensitive subject Walton was to Abbie after she had learned that he brutally murdered Abbie's family and almost killed her some years ago. But the strong young girl managed to pull herself out of her psychological trauma with the love and support of her adopted family, the Dwight's. And now talking about 'him' was easier for her. After a short pause, Abbie replied: What do you want to know? Have you or your sister, Abby, ever heard of a Ben Russell? Again, Abbie took her time answering back as Lila was suspecting she was trying to find an answer to her question""perhaps she was discussing it with Abby right now, for she was abducted by Walton just prior to the massacre of Abbie's family. A message then popped up: I've never heard of that name myself, but Abby just told me she did recall hearing it while she was being held captive by Walton with another younger-looking man. Why do you want to know, if I may ask? Have you heard of the Babydoll Killer? ... Lila typed. Yes ... I read on the internet that he was on the run with the police somewhere in Indiana, I think. Well, Russell is actually him, and he's apparently down here in Florida now ... and I think that he maybe after me. Another pause, and Abbie replied with a sad emoticon: I'm very sorry to hear that. Do the police have any clues in capturing him? No, not really ... Lila responded with a glum feeling even without a proper emoticon. She then continued: I'm just grasping at straws in trying to find anything useful to stop him ... before he gets me. If I didn't live on the other end of the eastern seaboard, I'd be there in a heartbeat helping you track him down ... Abbie stated rather emphatically with a determined-looking emoticon attached. Lila grinned at reading her response for Abbie reminded her so much of Tina when it came to her take charge personality. Even though she has her support group here, she could certainly use more in that department, particularly one who was studying the martial arts. After conversing back and forth for a while with some other girls that joined in, Lila shut down for the night. She felt somewhat better now, talking about her anxiety to someone who knows from first-hand experience regarding the horrors that some people are capable of. She was now in the bathroom brushing her teeth, when she happen to spot something from outside. Peering through the small window, she noticed a discernable image in the darkness of night. Shutting off the light to get a better look at it, she gazed at it more carefully, and she perceived that it was a person standing ... looking right back at her! Lila dropped the toothbrush in dread as she backed herself up to the opposite wall of the small room. The pasty white face kept its steely gaze on her as Lila was now starting to hyperventilate""she realized in an instant that she was face-to-face with her fate. BAP ... BAP! She jumped all at once at the sudden sound of someone knocking on the door. "Lila ... is everything alright in there?" the voice of her mother sounded concerned from the other side. Regaining her senses from being startled even more so, she quickly turned back to the window and noticed that the figure was now gone! Lila swallowed worriedly, wondering how much time she would have left in this life ... CHAPTER EIGHT Lila couldn't shake off the feeling knowing that she was indeed being watched by this maniac. Since waking up this morning she kept constantly looking over her shoulder""as if the killer could show up at anytime. She was currently at her locker, taking out her books for her morning classes, when she felt someone touching her shoulder. A loud shriek was suddenly heard followed by books flying up in the air. "Lila, I'm sorry ... I didn't mean to scare you like that," Tina uttered ashamedly at her jumpy friend. Calming down a bit, Lila smiled sheepishly at her paranoid behavior. She bent down to pick up her books, and Tina assisted her. "Are you okay this morning, you look like you didn't get much sleep," she observed the slight rings under Lila's weary blue eyes. "No, not really ... I saw 'him' looking at me through a window last night," Lila replied just as exhausted. "Okay, that's it ... I'm staying over at your place until this guy is caught," Tina said emphatically, which did make Lila feel somewhat better as she smiled back at her in response. * * * "I heard that a girl was attacked last night over at the library, but was fortunately saved," Ashley said while having her lunch with her friends. "Was it the Babydoll Killer?" Lila asked anxiously, still reeling from last night's fright. "No one's saying anything ... " Ashley responded warily. "The police really want to keep his identity a secret," Tina added. "Did you happen to sense anything about him last night?" Lila asked Jennifer, hoping for something positive during this unsettling week. "I did have a feeling that he was agitated and wanted to kill again ... " she responded, " ... so it's very likely that it was him who attacked that girl." "So, we're still back to square one ... " Tina spoke out in frustration. "Do you think the party will be canceled even though no one got hurt this time?" Ashley wondered. "Knowing my mom ... she probably already voted to call it off," Lila said bleakly, which mirrored her own despair of being victimized. * * * Everyone's concerns came true as Mayor Thompson announced later in day that the Halloween Party for this year was indeed canceled for security reasons in light of the harrowing events over the past four days""they just couldn't guarantee everyone's safety. The killer heard that news as well and realized that plans would need to be adjusted accordingly. One way or another, Lila Spencer was as good as dead ... CHAPTER NINE In response to the bad news regarding the party being canceled, John Olsen (the wealthiest man in town, and a huge Halloween fan himself) generously offered up his large mansion-styled house as the setting for a party just for the kids to attend""since it was they that cried for a party the most. Sheriff Cartwright did reluctantly allow it, but had assigned four deputies to be stationed outside the house to keep watch that no one else""namely the killer""gains access to the festivities inside. Mr. Olsen""dressed as the grim reaper""stood at the foyer, verifying each costumed visitor that arrived, just to ensure there were no party crashers of the 'deadly kind.' His hazel eyes suddenly gleamed at the sight of another guest approaching, and a cute one at that. "Taking a pit stop off of the yellow brick road, Dorothy?" he said in jest at Lila all decked out as the heroine of that much beloved fantasy movie. "Yeah, the good witch said there was a party in here, and my feet could use a rest after all that walking from Munchkin Land," Lila continued humorously while staying in character""she even carried with her a wicker basket complete with a full-sized stuffed "Toto" standing inside. Mr. Olsen glanced down at her shoes, and sure enough they were shiny faux ruby slippers, but with a slightly higher heel than Dorothy herself would endure on her long trek to see the Wizard. "Come on in, Lila ... I think some of your friends are already here," he said warmly, allowing the pig-tailed girl to enter. "Enjoy the party ... " he said again. "Thank you," Lila smiled back at him just as friendly and she entered the spacious house, which was marvelously decorated with all sorts of typical Halloween decorations, both playfully and scary. As many times she's seen this immense place from the outside, this was the first time she actually got to see inside of it, and it was a lovely looking home""even with the ghoulish decor. The sound of the perennial Halloween song, "Monster Mash" was heard coming from the large game room. Entering the even more decorated space""Mr. Olsen certainly spared no expense""Lila caught sight of a couple of familiar faces in the crowd of costumed kids and approached them. "Oh - my - god! ... " Tina announced loudly at the sight of Lila's outfit. "You told me you were gonna go as someone from an old movie, I figure you'd be Princess Leia from 'Star Wars' or something ... that's really old, but I do love your cute shoes, by the way ... " Tina continued as she herself was dressed as a very sexy cat for she wore a tight-fitting one-piece spandex leopard print suit, black eye mask with long whiskers, black leather gloves, a furry black tail dangling along her leg, and the black three-inch high-heeled boots she wore to school earlier. "Oh, stop it ... " Ashley interjected in her friend's defense, " ... I think you look adorable, Lila." Ashley was a vision in white as she was dressed as an Angel. She had on her full ballet outfit (which she no longer wears anymore), large folded feather wings mounted on her back, and a silver glittered halo fixed directly over her head. Looking around the room, Lila spoke up. "Is Jennifer here yet?" she asked, hoping their new friend was indeed coming like she said she would, even though she hadn't had a costume planned in advance due to her impromptu move to the community. "She told me that she was going to the costume shop today to see what was there to wear," Ashley answered, hoping that she would make it to the party as well. Just then, a large pink bunny approached the trio of girls, and tapped Tina on the shoulder from behind. She jumped and yelped in surprise at the sudden touch. Turning around, she saw the bunny removes its 'head', revealing the smiling face of Jennifer underneath. "You sure jump like a cat," she said humorously at Tina's expense. "Nice costume ... " Lila said at the adorable furry bunny outfit. "You look like you could use a basket of eggs to complete the look." "Oh, and I love yours so much ... " Jennifer said in fascination to Lila's, " ... the Wizard of Oz is one of my favorite movies of all time. If I had known that, we could've all dressed up as the characters. Me as the Scarecrow, Ashley as the Tin Man, and Tina as the Lion ... which she sort of is already." "Ah ... I don't think so," Tina responded a bit snooty at that suggestion. "The bulky fur doesn't do a thing for my shapely figure ... perhaps a sexy female lioness instead?" Ashley then looked seriously. "You don't think that 'he' will show up here, do you?" she asked fearfully. "I doubt it, there are too many people in here ... besides, the police have the place fully covered," Lila replied as she was just reassuring herself that she was not in any imminent danger, but still ... "I say let's enjoy this party then!" Tina shouted out as a fast-paced dance song began to play, and she started moving in sync to the music. Ashley held Lila's basket as she and Jennifer stood at the sidelines, watching their friends, as well as some of the other kids dancing wildly to the loud pulsing music. She liked it that Jennifer was more like her in personality and could relate to. Lila and Tina was always a bit more alike and she often at times felt a bit left out at social gatherings. Jennifer turned to Ashley and smiled, figuring she was going to like living here in Florida now ... especially with a new friend. CHAPTER TEN Later into the party, Lila and Tina were talking and laughing with some other girls from school when Lila then noticed that she hadn't seen Ashley for some time now. Feeling a bit bad at ignoring her this whole time, she broke from the group in an effort to find her. She also noticed that Jennifer was not accounted for""her pink bunny costume was not that hard to miss. Maybe they decided to do something on their own ... Lila thought, but if Ashley did indeed leave she would've at least told her first ... especially with what has been going lately with a serial killer on the loose. She then spotted her basket with her 'dog' still inside, left unattended on a chair. Retrieving it, she began to look a bit more worried now. Just then, the sound of her cell phone started to ring from inside the basket. Lila quickly left the main room of the party and reached a relatively quiet alcove of the house. Grabbing her phone, she saw that the call was from Ashley and answered it right away. "Ashley, where are you? ... " she asked all concerned. "I have your two friends here with me ... " the sound of low rasping voice spoke quietly on the other end, which sent a icy chill down Lila's spine as she realized in an instant that the killer was speaking to her! "P-please, don't hurt them ... " she stammered while trying to stay calm, for her friends' sake. "Oh, it's not them I'm interested ... it's you that I want. I'll tell you where they are, but you need to come alone, otherwise they die ... " Lila was beginning to get flustered at the almost impossible choice before her. "Alright ... I promise to come alone," she replied while tears ran down her cheeks. "Come to the Tower Farm, and you will find your friends ... " and with that, the killer abruptly hung up the line. After she closed her phone up, Lila looked back at the party as she wiped the tears with a handkerchief she brought along. She wanted to tell Tina""anyone""that two of her friends were being held captive by a sadistic maniac, but she was more fearful of their safety than of her own at the moment. Seeing no other choice available to her, Lila quietly slipped out from the party to keep her appointment with destiny ... CHAPTER ELEVEN Sneaking past the deputies that were supposed to be stationed around the perimeter of the large house was not as difficult as Lila would've thought for they were currently all talking around one of their squad cars. That would certainly explain how Ashley and Jennifer could've gotten snatched without any of them knowing about it. This killer is certainly a bold one ... The walk to the Tower Farm was not very far from the Olsen house, which would probably explain why he chose that particular location. Lila's feet ached a bit during the trek as her "ruby" slippers were pinching her toes. She considered taking them off, but the paved road she was traveling on was way too chilly to walk in her ankle-socked feet""just one more bit of discomfort she had to endure before it would be all over for her. Lila kept trying to block out those gruesome feelings that invaded her mind ... if she went into this situation with a sense of hopelessness, then she might as well assist the killer in doing her in. She was, of course, scared out of her mind, but knew that she needed to be strong ... to be brave ... Her first priority would be to make sure that Ashley and Jennifer was safe, then she would have to confront the killer to ensure that they remained safe. She knew going into this trap was dangerous from the get go, and trusted this vile person of a human being to keep his word on letting her friends go. For all she knew, they could be dead already. Driving that dreadful thought out of her head, Lila then saw the Tower Farm in the distance""the original location for tonight's party, and now the setting for a final showdown on who lives, and who dies ... * * * Entering the large wooden structure, Lila could make out Halloween decorations in the darkness as this place would be bustling with loads of costume-garbed people right now. Now it was an empty tomb of a place ... where a killer waited in the shadows. She suddenly heard some soft noises up ahead, like sobbing. Racing over to it in her heels, Lila came upon a faint image of a figure sitting in a chair. Facing it, her mouth opened in shock at seeing Ashley, tied up and gagged! Her green eyes were etched in complete panic as she mewled urgently to her friend in helping her. Lila did as she wanted and went to reach for the cloth wedged in her mouth ... when suddenly, Ashley's eyes then widen in fright as she saw a pale white face suddenly appear in the darkness ... right behind Lila! "HHHHHHMMMMMPHHH!!!" Ashley wailed through her gag as loud as she could at warning an unsuspecting Lila as the killer approached purposely with a large knife in hand! Lila noticed Ashley's attention diverted away from her, and quickly turned around ... She gasped at coming face-to-face up close with the infamous Babydoll Killer! Before she had anytime to react, the killer swung down with the knife, tearing into the sleeve of Lila's dress ... and into the flesh of her arm! "AAAAAAAHHHH! ... " Lila wailed in pain from the sudden attack and quickly backed away, clutching her injured arm. The killer immediately turned and advanced towards her with the lethal knife raised up high. Not wanting to leave Ashley in her helpless state, Lila wouldn't be any good to her if the killer managed to strike her down right there. Seeing as he really does want her, Lila ran into another passageway from the room they were all in, hoping to lead the killer away from her captive friend. Struggling against the tight ropes that held her to the chair, Ashley cried out at seeing the killer pursuing Lila deeper into the darkened building. She began crying uncontrollably at the real thought of losing her best friend. In her despair, she heard another noise coming from behind her, and suddenly saw Tina appearing in front of her with a look of shock on her face. CHAPTER TWELVE Lila held her wounded arm tightly in an effort to slow the bleeding from the awful gash. Over the pounding sound of her own heartbeat racing and her ragged breaths coming out, she could make out the footsteps of her pursuer, but they were steady and even, like he wasn't in a rush to kill her. Trying desperately to maintain a sense of calm if she stood a fighting chance of getting out of this alive, Lila would need a weapon to defend herself against that deadly knife. However, first things first, she bent over to remove her pumps to allow her to move faster among the hallways. In addition to saving herself, she was also searching for Jennifer, for she had assumed she would've been with Ashley. The killer, it seems, had wanted her to actually rescue her friends to give them a chance of staying alive, and what better way to make that task more difficult than to separate them inside this large structure. Knowing that Jennifer was most likely bound and gagged like Ashley was, Lila would need to call out to her to better her chances at locating her, but she would risk giving her position away as the killer continued to stalk her relentlessly. Walking around in the darkness, Lila suddenly tripped as her foot rammed into something lying on the floor. She let out a cry as she hit the wood flooring hard. Quickly picking herself back up to her feet, she touched the object that caused her to stumble, and it felt like a piece of the floor planks protruding up. With both hands she tried prying off it off as hard as she could""the sounds of footsteps were getting closer now. In the distance, she could make out that eerie white face coming into view! The plank made a cracking sound as Lila managed to break off a portion of it. She then ran off again and stopped when she out of his view ... waiting anxiously for him with the plank firmly in her trembling hands. A few moments later, the killer suddenly appeared right near her, and Lila swung her stick forcefully at him, connecting at the abdomen. A grunting sound was then heard as the killer fell down from the assault. Lila raised the stick for a second blow, but fell to the floor as the killer grasped her ankle tightly and pulled hard. Keeping a hold on her, the killer swung the knife fast at Lila her thigh, but she narrowly dodged the attack by rotating herself as the knife landed savagely in the floor, just inches from her! The killer then tried to pull it loose, but it was jammed tightly in the wood. Reacting quickly, Lila raised her free leg and kicked him hard in the face, knocking the babydoll mask off as a result. The sudden blow caused the killer to release her ankle, and Lila began to scurry away as she tried to get herself back up. The killer quickly recovered from Lila's attack and rushed at her, knocking her back on the floor. Gloved-clad hands wrapped around her slender neck as Lila felt tightening pressure being applied to her esophagus. She wrestled furiously to break free before he would choke the life out of her. Seeing the face of the killer staring right back at her, Lila's blue eyes suddenly widened in an absolute shock ... ... it was Jennifer! CHAPTER THIRTEEN Lila was utterly horrified at seeing Jennifer trying to kill her""it didn't make any sense at all! She coughed as she tried to speak to her, but her words came out in gasps as she tried desperately to get air in her lungs. Jennifer's amiable green eyes were now almost black and full of rage, just like how she described the killer's when she confronted him. A troubling thought had entered her mind as to the possible reason ... Jennifer was also surprisingly strong as Lila tried everything she could to topple her over, but the crazed girl would not yield one bit as she was dead set on killing her. Lila gasped a couple of more times and then began to black out, as oxygen was no longer getting into her brain. When all seemed lost now, Jennifer was suddenly being pulled away as Lila could just make out Tina grabbing the insane girl off of her. Her neck was released and Lila reached for it, coughing harshly as she began to breathe easier now. Tina must've spotted Lila leave the party and trailed her for that's what she promised to do ... not leave her out of her sight. Jennifer howled angrily at Tina and began clawing at her violently. Tina was no push over when it came to a fight, and she landed a hard kick into Jennifer's stomach, sending her backwards. Tina punched her across the face with a solid hook, however Jennifer acted like a woman posssessed and seized Tina by the throat. Squeezing her neck Jennifer then sended a vicious knee straight between her legs. As Tina screamed in pain Jennifer then headbutted her in the face which made Tina slump to the floor in a daze. Seeing the knife still standing upright in the floor, Jennifer grabbed it forcefully out and rose up, pointing it now at Tina who was laying stunned on the floor close to where Lila still sat. An evil smirk came over her pale face, and she went to rush at the two defenseless girls. Just then, there was a whapping sound, and Jennifer suddenly stopped with a dazed look, then fell straight to the floor. Ashley appeared from behind her, holding the piece of wood that Lila had. All three of them looked on in total disbelief as Jennifer""their new friend""lied very still in a state of unconsciousness ... CHAPTER FOURTEEN It was later that night at the police station that the dudettes all sat together with sullen looks on their still shocked faces. How on earth could Jennifer Fowler turn out to be the Babydoll Killer? ... Their parents were waiting for them in the main reception room to take them home once the Sherriff was done questioning with them. Jennifer was currently in a holding cell after she was being evaluated by someone who had strong psychic abilities of his own, to determine the cause for Jennifer's vicious "dual" personality. Sherriff Cartwright and another person entered, taking seats across from the girls. They all looked anxious at what he had to say. "Is she going to be alright? ... " Lila asked shakily as her throat was still sore from being choked. Her injury on her arm was stitched and bandaged up nicely from the paramedics that arrived at the scene. "That depends on what you mean by 'all right,'" the psychic man replied cryptically. "Girls ... this is Henry Sherman," the Sherriff introduced the middle-aged man that accompanied him, " ... he's been helping us with the search of the serial killer all this time." "Do you know what's wrong with her?" Ashley asked worriedly. "I was able to determine that the spirit, if you will, of Ben Russell resides within her, without her conscious knowledge of it." "But ... how is that possible?" Tina asked as this whole weird occurrence was still baffling her. "Isn't he still alive somewhere?" "As a matter of fact, Tina ... " the Sherriff spoke up, " ... we just received word a couple of hours ago from Haddonfield police in Indiana that they recently found the body of Ben Russell in that mine shaft he fell into ... apparently they didn't look hard enough the first time." "When Jennifer used her psychic abilities to fight him off, she must've allowed his essence to enter her at the time he died ... " Lila said, recalling what Jennifer had told her earlier about her encounter with the killer. "Yes, that's exactly what happened ... " Henry agreed, noting how bright Lila was. "She's very powerful psychic wise, but still not disciplined in how to handle that power effectively." "Can she be saved?" Ashley asked as tears welled up in her eyes. "With time and a lot of work ... I think she can," he responded with a sense of hope that put the girls' fears at ease somewhat. "Can we see her? ... " Lila asked the Sherriff carefully, still a bit fearful at facing her again. "I'm afraid not ... she's still 'Russell' right now," Cartwright replied dolefully as he now has to face the poor girl's mother about what they intend to do with Jennifer from a legal standpoint, which wasn't going to be easy for either one of them. The three of them held each other's hand firmly, thankful they were still alive, but each of them feeling remorseful for their "fourth" friend who they all prayed will be able to rejoin them someday. * * * Jennifer sat in the sterile jail cell all alone, wearing the harlequin costume that the killer wore. She stared aimlessly at the gray walls as if she was in some sort of trance. Her gaze then narrowed and her brow furrowed with contempt. Trapped in this abysmal, weak body ... being bested by a bunch of kids. I'll get out somehow, someway ... and when I do, everybody better watch out, because the Babydoll Killer is far from being through ... Her lips then slowly stretched out into a wicked smile as she grinned maliciously to no one around ...