While Someone Watches

by L A Walton

  “Great,” Laci mumbled facetiously under her breath as images of being shoved into the van ran through her head. Her pace slowed as she looked around the parking lot. She doubted anyone would even notice her being abducted into what she imagined as a dream vehicle for kidnappers everywhere.

  She took a deep breath, “Chill out Laci. It’s just a van. Just a creepy van that parked next to your car even though there are about a million empty spots closer to the store.”

  She walked to her car and cautiously placed her hand on the door handle.

  The sound of the van’s side door sliding open startled her, and she gave a frightened yelp.

  A few kids began laughing as they scrambled out of the van. Laci had her back to her car with her hand over her chest.

  She was becoming paranoid.

  When she finally got home, a car she didn’t recognize was parked in her driveway. As she walked inside, she saw her brother Declan talking with his friend Robert.

  “Hey Laci, Robert’s here.”

  Laci smiled, “Thank you Captain Obvious and hello Robert.”

  Robert laughed, “You two act like kids sometimes.”

  Declan shrugged then looked at Laci, “Robert works at a security company. He’s going to help us install an alarm system.”

  “Really? I didn’t know that Robert.”

  Robert grinned, “Yeah. I’ve worked there for a few years. I was telling Declan he wouldn’t get so many shiners if he had an alarm system installed.”

  Declan touched his black eye and grimaced, "Yeah...this black eye is stopping me from getting dates."

  Laci laughed, “Sure. Blame it on the black eye.”

  Robert laughed and Declan frowned. "I swear if that guy tries to break in again...it's on like King Kong."

  “So are you paying for the security system Declan?” Robert asked his friend which gained Laci’ attention.

  “Yes, Declan, are you paying for this security system?” Laci repeated.

  Declan pretended to huff and answered, “I’m not some homeless drifter. I work. I can afford it.” He looked at his friend Robert and whispered, “How much is it?”

  “If you install the upgraded package, the installation and two cameras are free but the price per month is a little less than sixty dollars.”

  “We get cameras?” Declan asked.

  “Yeah, you can watch the house from your smart phone or laptop…whichever you like.”

  Declan whistled, “That sounds pretty high tech.”

  Laci thought of the virus in her computer and how technology was helping to scare her, “I’m not sure if we need something that fancy Robert. An alarm system with just a code key should be enough.”

  “Are you sure?” Robert asked looking from her to Declan.

  “I’m sure. Declan, you don’t have to pay for it. I will.”

  “Laci, I can pay for the alarm system. Besides I live here too.”

  Robert stopped them before they got into an argument, “You can always upgrade later if you want to. Laci, how about you and I discuss the installation?”

  Laci nodded, and placed her laptop down.

  “You picked up your laptop. Did they fix it?” her brother asked.

  “Yeah. They also installed new virus protection so I think I’ll be okay.”

  Declan and Laci continued talking about the laptop while Robert stared at it.

  “Hey man are you okay?” Declan asked his friend.

  “Huh? Oh…sorry, my mind drifted off for a minute. Yeah I’m fine.”

  “Still thinking about your ex?”

  “What?” Robert asked, embarrassed.

  “Hey there’s no shame in getting dumped. If you need help, ask Laci. She’s a love doctor remember?”

  Laci smiled at Robert, “I’d be happy to listen if you ever want to talk Robert.”

  Declan interjected, “Just don’t forget to return the favor by way of a discount on the security alarm.”

  Robert laughed while Laci punched her brother in the arm and chastised him, “Stop being King Kong.”

  After the three of them had decided on a date to install the alarm system, Laci walked upstairs.

  It had been a few days since the break-in and she was still paranoid. She looked around her room, taking in the familiar dresser, nightstands, and lamps. She was amazed that just a few days ago, everything in the room had felt foreign to her.

  “I can still see you.”

  Laci turned around to look at the doorway. No one was there. She wasn’t sure if she had heard anything. Did someone just whisper to her? A few minutes had passed but she didn't hear the voice a second time.

  “Laci!”

  She jumped and turned around to see her brother and Robert standing in the doorway.

  “We’re going to pick up some burgers. You want one?”

  “Uh…yeah. Get me a cheeseburger.”

  “You got it.”

  After Declan and Robert left, Laci sat on her bed and couldn’t help but wonder if she was going crazy.

  CHAPTER 15

  Laci was trying to wrap her head around the fact that it was already Friday and tonight was her date with Andrew. She looked over at him. He turned his head to face her and winked, causing her to quickly look away.

  “Ahh the chemistry between you two is too cute. I could take some pictures and put them on the show’s website. I think the female listeners would eat it up. Dr. Cummings the love guru snatches herself a sexy psychologist.”

  “I’m not sure how I feel about you calling me a sexy psychologist.”

  George waved a hand at him in dismissal, “It’s not the forties Andrew. I can call you sexy and it’s not weird at all.”

  “Really? Because it feels a little weird to me since you’re my boss,” Andrew laughed, “Besides, we’re just going on one date. It’s a bit too premature to try and advertise us as a couple.”

  “Couple?” Laci asked in surprise. She wasn’t sure what was going on with George but she didn’t like it. She stood up, “Okay…well this has been fun but playtime is over. George, you need to cut the celebrity dating crap out or I swear I’ll cancel this date.”

  “What?” Andrew asked, clearly not expecting her to say that.

  George also stood up, “Hey now…no need to get over excited Laci. I’m just kidding…I would never do anything to jeopardize this show or the synergy you two share.”

  “I don’t care George. I agreed to go on a date with Dr. Brett but I can just as easily change my mind.”

  An uncomfortable silence filled the room after Laci spoke.

  “Well…this is awkward. I’ll just leave you two alone for a few minutes,” George said as he gathered his notepad and some pens. He sneaked a glance at Andrew and mouthed, “Good luck.”

  Andrew chose to ignore George and as soon as he was alone with Laci, asked, “Is something wrong Laci? Listen, I’m sorry if you felt pressured into going on a date with me. I know the segment had to deal with co-workers dating. If you think it’s not a good idea…we can always cancel it.”

  Laci listened to Andrew giver her an out and she frowned. She wished she didn’t suffer from verbal diarrhea and hadn’t just threatened to cancel her date with Andrew. She really couldn’t, even if she wanted to. Her stalker had made sure of that. He wanted her to ask Andrew out on the air or he would hurt her friend Kay.

  Laci hadn’t heard from her harasser in a couple of days. It was oddly quiet and for some reason it had made her more apprehensive than usual. She looked at Andrew and faked a smile, “No. I’m sorry. I don’t want to break our date. It’s just George is so gung-ho about this couple thing that it just surprised me. That’s all. I don’t like people trying to tell me what to do.”

  “Don’t worry Laci. I’m not trying to rush to be in a relationship with you…or anyone for that matter. I’d love to spend some time with you. Maybe get to know you a little better. I think you’re an incredible woman and I’m surprised you’re still single.”

&
nbsp; Laci couldn’t help but give a genuine smile, “I could say the same for you.”

  “That I’m an incredible woman?” Laci laughed in response and he went on, “Since we’re done for the day…I guess I’ll see you later?”

  She nodded. Their show had already ended, giving her thirty minutes to get ready. Earlier, Andrew had warned her not to worry about dressing up.

  “Are we going to McDonalds? Because that wouldn’t be my worst first date.”

  Andrew just shrugged and answered, “Don’t wear anything you wouldn’t mind tossing.”

  She wasn’t sure how to take that. Was he trying to be sexual? If he was, he was failing. She decided to go with turquoise skinny jeans, a loose sleeveless off-white top, and some cute wedges. She decorated her outfit with a gold bangle necklace and a bohemian turquoise bracelet.

  She was at home waiting for her date when she heard someone give a wolf whistle. She turned around to see her brother Declan.

  “Does someone have a date or are you playing dress up?” Declan asked.

  “With Dr. Brett?”

  “Yes. Why do you ask?”

  Declan shrugged, “No reason. I like him. I think you two would make a good fit and not just because you’re both shrink wraps.”

  “Declan, I told you we’re not shrinks.”

  “Yeah…yeah. Anyway, I hope you have fun tonight. You deserve it after everything that’s been going on."

  Laci smiled at Declan. She knew he was worried about her. She noticed that he would check on her several times a day. He probably had no idea that his simple, “Everything okay sis?” meant the world to her.

  “Thanks. Declan. I’m not sure where we’re going but he said not to dress too fancy.” Declan was going to respond when the doorbell rang.

  “I bet that’s him!”

  “I’ll leave you to it. Have fun tonight.” Declan quickly ran upstairs and Laci took a deep breath and opened the door.

  Andrew was standing on the other side wearing black pants and a dress shirt and of course topping it off in the ever famous hat. In his hands he carried a dozen long-stemmed red roses.

  “Oh Andrew! Are those for me?”

  “No, they’re for your brother. Where is he?”

  Laci chuckled and reached out to take the roses, “Oww!”

  “What’s wrong?” Andrew asked.

  “The stems have thorns. One of them poked me.”

  Andrew gently took her finger in his hand and inspected it, “It’s just bleeding a little.”

  Laci realized, as she put the flowers in a vase, that she had never felt Andrew’s hands that way before; they were so gentle. Twenty minutes later, they were seated in a fancy restaurant across town.

  “You said not to dress up,” Laci admonished him.

  “You look perfect so don’t worry about it.”

  As they waited for their food, Laci looked around at the other patrons. She wondered if her stalker had followed her and Andrew. As dinner progressed she started to feel comfortable with Andrew. He told her stories about his childhood and his family. She shared stories about her friends and working with George. Before Laci realized it, she felt relaxed.

  “Is there anything else I can get you two?” the waitress asked.

  They both answered in the negative and as she walked away, Laci noticed someone out of the corner of her eye. A man sitting at a nearby table with a menu covering most of his face. What she thought was strange was that he was wearing sunglasses indoors. Laci picked up her phone and turned the camera on. She switched it to selfie mode and faced the camera towards the man. She had the phone angled to make it seem as though she was looking at herself. In reality she was watching him. She could’ve sworn she saw a camera from above his menu.

  “Is something wrong Laci?”

  She looked at Andrew and whispered, “Don’t look, but do you see that man in the sunglasses?”

  Andrew laughed, “How can I see if you told me not to look?”

  “Just be stealthy,” Laci whispered in frustration.

  Andrew grinned and pretended to drop a spoon. He bent down to pick it up and looked at the man wearing sunglasses. “What the heck? You’re right.”

  “What did you see?”

  “I think he’s watching us.”

  Laci nodded. Chased called the waitress over to pay the check and as they both got up, Laci noticed the man in sunglasses was gone.

  She turned over to Andrew, “He’s gone. Did you see him leave?”

  He shook his head, “Let’s just go.”

  As they walked to Andrew’s car, Laci felt uncomfortable. She looked around her and was surprised to see a man standing behind a van close to where Andrew was parked.

  “Andrew,” Laci whispered.

  He looked in the direction of her gaze and saw the man from the restaurant. The man quickly raised his phone, and snapped a picture. Laci gasped and the man knew he had been caught. He started to run but Andrew began racing after him.

  “Stop right there!” Andrew yelled. Laci slipped out of her shoes and began running after them. She tossed her wedge shoe at the man's head, hitting him, and causing him to stop for a second. Andrew was able to eventually tackle the guy to the ground. The two wrestled for a moment. Laci came running as best she could, picking up her shoe and placing both of them back on.

  Andrew had the man pinned down to the cold cement.

  “Who are you?” Laci asked. “Why are you stalking us?”

  The man choked out an answer, “Some guy paid me to do it.”

  “Paid you?” Andrew asked.

  The man attempted to nod, “Yeah. He gave me fifty bucks and said to take as many photos as I could.”

  “What was his name?” Andrew asked.

  “I don’t remember. He just said to e-mail him the pictures and he’d wire me the money.”

  “What was his e-mail address?” Laci asked.

  "junglegeorge@loveguru.com," the man groaned.

  Laci fumed when she heard the name, “I’m going to kill George when I see him!”

  Andrew laughed and let the guy he had tackled get up. “Listen, I don’t know why he hired you, but I wouldn’t share those pictures you took tonight.”

  The man rubbed his shoulder where it had been slammed into the ground, “Fine. I won’t send them to Jungle George. Instead I’ll just save them.”

  Andrew was about to respond when Laci shook her head, “Don’t even think about it. Give me your camera or I’ll have my friend here throw you back onto the ground.” He looked from Laci to Andrew and surrendered his camera. They allowed the man with the camera to leave after deleting his photos.

  “Well that was a definite killjoy,” Laci muttered.

  Andrew was driving his car and she noticed he wasn’t driving in the direction of her home, “Andrew, where are we going?”

  He turned over to her and smiled, “I have a surprise.”

  “A surprise? What kind of surprise?”

  Andrew pulled off onto an old country road, “Do you trust me Laci?”

  “Andrew, I hate it when people ask me that. If you have to ask you know I don’t.”

  He laughed and agreed, “You’re right. Trust is communicating without speech.”

  “So where exactly are we going?”

  Andrew laughed wildly, startling Laci. His speed increased as he drove forward.

  “Andrew slow down!”

  He didn’t listen, but turned his floodlights on to illuminate the road ahead of him.

  “Don’t worry about my driving skills, I am a stunt driver in another life.”

  “Andrew. I’m serious slow down!”

  Still Laci was ignored. Andrew continued to look forward when he asked, “Laci I really think you’re going to enjoy this. I wasn’t sure if you would but after seeing you with that man earlier…you’re tough enough.”

  “Tough enough? Tough enough for what?”

  Andrew smirked, “Mayhem.”

  “What the heck are yo
u talking about Andrew? You don’t sound like yourself. What is it that you want to do exactly?”

  “What do I want to do? It’s not that Laci. This is something I want both of us to do. Did you know that most first dates are only successful if the couple has a date where they do some kind of activity together as opposed to just having dinner and seeing a movie?”

  “You want us to do something together?” Laci asked, trying to make sense of what he was saying.

  “Yes.”

  “Okay what exactly do you want us to do tonight?” Laci asked.

  Andrew turned his eyes away from the road and looked at Laci. She was frightened and was gripping her purse. She needed to inconspicuously get her cellphone and call for help.

  “Don’t be scared Laci. I’m not going to ask you to do something that I don’t think you can’t handle.”

  Laci looked out at the road and back to Andrew. She placed her hand in her bag and felt for her phone while continuing to speak to Andrew, “What is it that you think I can handle?”

  Andrew turned back to the road before answering in a clear and distinct voice.

  “Murder.”

  CHAPTER 16

  “Murder?” Laci felt for her phone and tried pulling it out without Andrew noticing.

  Andrew grinned and sped forward to an old building. There were a few cars parked out front.

  “Where are we?” Laci asked.

  “This place belongs to a friend of mine.” Andrew parked his car and ordered Laci to get out, “What are you waiting for?”

  “I don’t want to be here,” Laci whispered.

  “What?”

  “I don’t want to be here,” she said in a stronger voice. “I want to go home.”

  Andrew looked disappointed, “I’m sorry Laci but we need to do this.”

  “No we don’t. We really don’t,” Laci pleaded.

  “Are you scared?” Andrew asked before getting out and walking to her side of the car. She locked her door and he laughed, pressing the button on his keys that unlocked the car. He opened her door and she struggled against him as he tried helping her out.

  “What’s the matter with you Laci?” Andrew asked laughing.