The nurse finally completed her call and hung up the phone. “I’m sorry, Detective, but there’s been no change. The doctor should be here in about a half-hour if you want to speak with him.”
Mac knew there was no sense to press the nurse any further because she was not authorized to offer any more information than she already had. She turned to walk back to the waiting room when alarm buzzers went off. The nurse jumped to her feet and ran toward the room where Erebus was recovering from surgery.
Mac stood frozen as several nurses and hospital staff ran into the room and worked feverishly on his motionless body. “You better not die. We still need to talk to you!”
Rick ran out of the waiting room with a terrified look on his face. “What’s going on? I heard buzzers, and people running!”
“I’m not sure, but it looks like they just went in with cardiac equipment. Rick, what will we do if he dies?” Mac wished she could take those words back, as soon as they had left her mouth. “I’m sorry; I’m not thinking clearly. It’s my responsibility; none of this would have happened if it hadn’t been for me!”
Mac felt her strength dissolve with each passing second. They were doing their best to resuscitate him, but she knew the longer it took, the less chance he had for survival.
They had worked on him for what seemed like an eternity when suddenly they stopped. Mac looked at Rick and watched the color fade from his face. “He’s dead,” were the only words Rick said as he turned and walked back into the waiting room.
Mac was unable to move, or speak. She had dreamt many times for Erebus to die, but now all, she wanted, was for him to be alive. How would she be able to find Mandy now? Was the kidnapper like Tyrone? Was he someone forced to kidnap her for Erebus, and where was she hidden? Was she still with the kidnapper, or had he left her somewhere for Erebus?
I need to go check on Rick. She walked into the waiting room and over to where Rick was sitting with his face cupped in his hands. She sat next to him and placed her hand on his shoulder. “I’m so sorry; I know things look hopeless, but I promise…”
At the touch of her hand, Rick’s body tensed and he jerked away. “Don’t touch me, and don’t talk to me! I need to think! He would never have taken her if I had stayed out of his damn game! Hell, I bet Jenni is already dead! I’m sure he killed her as soon as he found out Tyrone had betrayed him. What better way for him to keep you in his game than to take someone who is important to you. The only problem is she is my daughter, not yours! I need to get home to Sharon so we can figure out what we’re going to do next. I’m sure if he follows his regular plan; he’ll be asking for money. I only hope he doesn’t want a million dollars because there is no way I can ever come up with that kind of money! Come on, I will drop you off at the Department so that you can get your car then I’m going home.”
Not a word was spoken on the drive back to the Department, and once he dropped Mac off, Rick pulled out of the driveway and headed toward his house.
Mac closed her eyes and heard Rick’s words replay in her mind. “It’s your fault!” She knew he was right, and she knew she needed a plan to find Mandy and bring her home. Mac could not blame Rick for being angry, and she wondered had the roles been reversed if she would feel the same.
She pulled up to the security gate to her apartment complex and thought how funny it was for the first time in a few weeks she actually looked forward to going home. When she pulled into her parking space, she saw the evidence left behind of what had happened earlier in the day, and she sat for a moment trying to imagine where she had gone wrong.
“I will find you, Mandy. With my last, dying breath, I promise that I will find you.”
She opened her front door and turned on the light. For some reason, she noticed a different feeling in the air this evening. Mac walked to the kitchen, wanting something to eat, but once there she decided she was not hungry, after all.
“I need something to help me relax.” She opened the cabinet above the sink and pulled out the bottle of scotch she was given for Christmas two years ago. She had laughed when she opened her gift from the Secret Santa. No one would own up to drawing her name, but they all agreed she could use a little from time to time to help her unwind.
She told them she would keep it for a special occasion, and after the recent events, it was a perfect time.
Mac got a glass down from the cabinet and put a few ice cubes in it. She had never had scotch before, so she had no idea what to expect. She decided she was not in the mood to watch television, so she started her favorite jazz CD. As she relaxed in her chair, sipping on the scotch, she went over the day’s events.
Mac thought back to what had happened, but she was unable to figure out where she went wrong.
Had I pushed him too many times? Had I challenged him in a way that angered him? The words swirled around in her mind.
John Cooper had told her how Erebus demanded complete control of every situation. So was that it? Did he want to prove to me that he was still in control, even though Joey had was rescued?
The question burned in her mind. Mac felt her eyelids grow heavier with each passing moment, and before she realized it, the mixture of scotch, along with the soothing sound of the music had carried her off into a dream-filled slumber.
***
Mac awoke to the morning sun shining through the curtains announcing the start of a new day. She was glad the night was finally over because visions of Mandy crying in a cold, dark room had filled her dreams. She knew she ought to get ready for work, but the thought of facing Rick this morning made her sick.
If I can just find Mandy, things will be back to normal again, she thought.
She walked to the kitchen and started a pot of coffee then was about to make some toast, when the alert buzzer went off on her cell phone.
“What now.” She opened the message and began to read: I have a final job for you, and to complete this job you must make a choice. I’m sure in your line of work you have had to make life and death decisions before, but this time it will be on a more personal level. There are two young girls involved, but only one will survive. I will not choose the one to live; you will make that choice. I will contact you later to let you know what you need to do.
Mac stood frozen, unsure if she had indeed read what she thought she had. “How can that be? He’s dead; he died yesterday!”
Suddenly a thought came to her, Why would he send a text message now? In the past, he had always called and talked to me whenever he had something to say. Maybe the kidnapper has no idea that he is dead and is continuing with his part in The Game?
She knew that Tyrone had left the note and shoes in the Afton’s yard and that he had watched over Joey after kidnapping him. Maybe this guy had kidnaped Jenni, and now Mandy. Mac felt her blood run cold at the thought of what he meant by a choice.
If this guy did not hear from Erebus, maybe he would panic, and kill both girls. Mac knew she had to play along, but how would she save them both.
Mac knew if she had to choose what she would do, but would she be able to live with the knowledge of letting one child die to save another?
“Even after death you’re able to play your damn game, Erebus! That’s fine; I’ll play. I’ll make my choice, but I want to warn you to be ready for the day when I join you in hell because Satan himself won’t cause you the pain and suffering that I will!”
Mac had finished the last of her coffee when her cell phone rang, “Hello.”
“Are you all right? I figured you would have been to work by now?” Rick asked.
Mac knew she should have called in, but she was not in the mood to speak to anyone from the Department because she knew they would try to stop her from what she was about to do.
“I know I should have called, but I have something I need to do before I come in. I’ll be in later.” She prayed this would pacify him because she did not want him to discover her plan.
Rick took a deep breath before speaking, “Have you heard anyt
hing about Mandy?”
Mac hated to lie to him, but she knew it was for the best because she had involved him enough. “No, I haven’t, but as soon as I do I will let you know. I’ll talk to you later.”
She quickly hung up the telephone, fearing he would discover she had lied to him. “Come on you asshole, let me know what to do next!”
Mac sat at the table and watched the minute hand on the clock slowly tick the minutes away. Every nerve in her body was on heightened alert to the point where the slightest sound made her nearly jump out of her skin.
After taking the last swallow from her cup, she decided to make another pot of coffee. “How long are you going to make me wait?”
She knew she did not need any more caffeine because her nerves were strung tight, but she needed something to take her mind off what she was about to do. There was no doubt, what her choice would be.
Mac knew she would choose Mandy over Jenni, but she also knew that decision would haunt her for the rest of her life. She had finished preparing the coffee when the alert buzzer went off on her cell phone.
She grabbed her phone, opened the message, and began to read: It’s time for you to choose, so I hope you have made peace with your God. You need to come to the old warehouse five miles south of town on the old county road. I’m sure you know the one I speak of as it was once a favorite hangout for the local teenagers. Once you’re there text me back at this number, and I will give you further instructions. I want to warn you to come alone, and do not try to trace this number because you will meet a dead-end. You have fifteen minutes. Mac’s heart was racing as she grabbed her keys and ran to her car.
Mac pulled up to the abandoned warehouse, looked at her watch, and realized she had three minutes to spare.
Okay, I made here in time; let’s see what you have for me next. She took her cell phone, and typed I’m here, then sent the message.
It only took a few seconds for a response. I have placed several explosives throughout the building that are set to go off in seven minutes. You will have just enough time to save one of the girls. When you go in through the door, you will notice a large open area with doors along both sides of the room. On the right side, you will see a door with a large X painted on it, and in that room, you will find Jenni Beltan. Then on the left side you will see another door with a large X painted on it, and in that room, you will find Amanda Jameson. If you hurry, you ought to be able to save one of them, and then get safely outside before the explosions begin. I would not waste any time if I were you.
Mac knew she had wasted precious time reading the message. She rushed inside and saw the two doors with the X’s painted on them. She knew her decision would cause an innocent child to die, but she also knew she had no choice. She ran to the door on the left, grabbed the handle, and pulled it open; however, nothing prepared her for what she saw.
Mandy was in the room, tied to a metal framed bed. “Oh, my God,” Mac cried out. She ran to Mandy and tugged at the ropes, trying to untie her.
Mandy cried and struggled against the ropes making it difficult for Mac to untie her. “Please, be still, so I can get you free! If you hold still, I promise that I’ll take you home to your mommy and daddy!”
Mac knew she was nearly out of time, so she prayed they would both get out of the building alive.
As she worked on the last knot, she heard a strange ticking noise coming from under the bed. She bent down to look, Oh, my God, it’s a bomb, and it’s counting down from one minute!
She tore the knot loose, grabbed Mandy, and then ran to the door that led outside. Her heart raced as she held tightly to a sobbing Mandy.
Mac ran outside to her car and tossed Mandy on the front seat. Just as she closed the door behind herself, the first bomb exploded inside the building. Mac started the car and slammed it into reverse.
The car charged backward, throwing rocks as it raced away from the now exploding and burning building. She had got to a safe distance before she stopped to check on Mandy. She was uninjured and curled up in a ball on the floor crying for her mommy and daddy.
Mac watched the building completely engulfed in flames and wondered how the choice she made would affect all those involved. Mac knew she would never be able to justify her decision to Jenni’s family, but first she had something important to do. She picked up her cell phone and dialed Rick.
***
Over the next few days, Mac found herself filled with a strange mixture of emotions. She was glad Mandy was home, but she also knew she would have to face Jenni’s grandmother and beg her forgiveness. She had decided to take some time off to pull herself together, but no matter what she did, she could not shake the feeling of failure that enveloped her.
Rick had apologized for turning his back on her, telling her he said those words in frustration and fear. Sharon had begged her to come and stay with them for a while because she should not be alone at this time, but Mac said she needed time to think things through alone. She only wanted to sit in her apartment and think of how she would ever come to terms with her choice.
The investigation was still going on at the warehouse, but they had not found a body yet. Rick had told her Jenni more than likely was not even there, so she needed to quit punishing herself for choosing to save Mandy. Mac knew he was probably right, but she needed to know for sure, so she would merely wait for the completion of the investigation.
Mac decided to fix herself something to eat when there was a knock on her front door. She was not in the mood for visitors, but she knew if she did not answer the door, she would never get any rest. She looked through the peephole and saw a young man standing there with a long thin white box in his hands.
“What can that be?” She opened the door, “May I help you?”
“I have a delivery for Lucinda Mackey, are you her?” the young man asked while holding the box out for her to take.
“Yes, I’m her, thank you,” Mac smiled, and then took the box before she closed the door. As she walked to the kitchen, she wondered who would send her a gift. “Well, let’s see what this is.”
She sat at the table and put the box down in front of her. She slowly opened the box unsure if she wanted to know its contents, but what she found inside both shocked and confused her. Nestled in the white tissue paper was a single, long-stemmed, black rose.
“Who would send something like this?”
Mac put the lid back on the box then quickly shoved it away from her. Was this a sick joke from someone because she had let Jenni die? If so, she was not amused.
She was about to throw the box in the trash when her cell phone rang. “Damn it, why can’t people leave me alone today?”
She picked up her cell phone and answered, “Hello!”
“Good afternoon, Lucinda, I presume you’ve received my gift? I felt it would be an appropriate one since I’m dead.” He chuckled as the image of the shocked look on her beautiful face appeared in his mind.
“Erebus? It can’t be you; you’re dead!” Mac felt her body go numb at the sound of his voice.
“I told you I had a new move for our game. I must say that I’m pleased with how well it played out and that it turned out much better than I had anticipated. You see, I knew you found my cameras, and I knew your friend had set your little trap for me. I must say, I was disappointed you would believe I would fall into such a weak trap, though. I told you from the beginning that I would always know your every move, but I do have to admit that you did surprise me with your trip to Philadelphia. I didn’t learn of your true destination until much later, so my hat’s off to you for your abilities as a detective. How is our mutual friend, John, doing? He was an amusing opponent, but much easier to manipulate than you, my dear.”
Mac knew what she ought to say, but the words escaped her. “I don’t understand how you…”
“What, my dear, how I came back to life after I was struck down by the city’s finest? I know everyone believes that I died in the hospital, but I assure you that I am no
ghost. You see, it was merely another move in The Game. I’m sure you would like to know who the man was that died in the hospital. He was merely a necessary piece for a move, and I do have to say it worked out wonderfully. You see, in the past, only my opponent knew of my existence, but you changed that when you told your friend of our game. Therefore; I had to change the rules and add an extra move to ensure you would be the only one who would know I was still alive.”
“You mean all this time you have known I told Rick about you, and that I talked to John Cooper? Can you tell me one thing; was Jenni in the building? Did she die because of my choice, or was she already dead?” Mac fought to contain the rage growing inside her.
“Would it make a difference? Let us say that she has been taken care of, so does it truly matter when, or if she died? What you need to focus on is how you saved little Amanda. You proved your courage when you saved her from that building before it exploded. I respect courage and self-sacrifice, but I must say for the first time I have to call this game a stalemate. You see, you have proven to me that you are a worthy opponent, so I have decided to end our game here, and move on. You have proven you will not let your personal demons stop you from performing your duty, or let pride prevent you from asking for help in a difficult situation. If John Cooper had the personal strength to know when he needed assistance with his problem, his precious Kathy would still be alive today, but alas, he was weak and gave in to his demons. I wish to tell you how much I have enjoyed our time together, and what an honor it has been to find an opponent I can respect. Goodbye, Lucinda, I will never forget you, and I’m sure you will never forget me.” The phone went dead for the last time.
****
Continued in Erebus – The final installment of the Next Move, You’re Dead Trilogy. Learn, who Erebus is, and why he plays his games.
~~~
I would like to thank you for reading book 2 of the Next Move, You’re Dead – A New Game. The final installment – Erebus is also available.
A New Game Page 18