Weeping Willows: A Thrilling Mystery Novella (Dark Desires Book 1)

by Zak Khan

  Not too far away from the cabin Jeremy was driving in his truck when spotted the vehicles patrolling the surrounding area with watchdogs sniffing up a trail. He veered off the track, he switched off the vehicle and observed. Was I wrong? He clenched his fist as fury engulfed him. He underestimated the old man, Frank Andrews. He had to be the one. He was initially confident that no one would come looking. Jeremy heard Suzanne tell the old couple that she would be leaving for New Zealand soon. He must have missed something. He banged his fists hard on the dashboard. Damn that man! His brain kicked into a high gear. If he were to swing back now, there was a 90% chance that they would catch him at the cabin with Suzanne. There was always that 10% chance of him getting her out in time and it would be a few good days before they discover his identity. But the cabin belonged to him, an alias that would trace back to Jeremy Cole and worse, his true identity. It was the hardest decision for him to make but he knew that getting captured or killed was not an option. Suzanne was going nowhere, as long as he was free, he’d find his way back to her. He put the truck in reverse and backed out turning the vehicle to head straight back to Rosewood Creek. Time was no longer on his side.

  The cottage felt cold, dark and eerie. Jeremy was late. Suzie shivered, pulling the blanket up to her chin as she lay on the cot in the room. The minutes turned into hours, she could hear the gusty wind shake at the seams of the cabin. Her lips felt ice. He hadn’t returned, she wondered if he was trying to use another tactic to starve and maybe freeze her into submitting to his will. Her mind felt confused, being locked up made a person feel crazed, ugly thoughts surfaced, one could lose perspective easily. She closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. A while later Suzie awoke to the sound of dogs barking. She asked herself if she was hallucinating. Days had passed with no sign of life from the outside world. She sat up, the sound getting closer and closer. Suzie began shouting, screaming for help as soon as she realized what could possibly be waiting beyond the walls of the cabin. Salvation.

  She wasn’t sure anyone could hear. The cabin appeared to be very soundproof. Just as her throat became hoarse from screaming Suzie could hear footsteps and the dogs barking emanating loudly from outside. A loud crash and the cabin door was knocked down. She heard a voice, it was him, Uncle Frank!

  The bold was forcefully pulled back as the door opened. A sea of faces greeted her, she clammed up both afraid and relieved. At the sight of Uncle Frank, her heart swelled with relief and she let out a wail of cries as he reached for her. The police scouted the room and enquired from Suzie of who her captor was. She told them it was Jeremy Cole, the lecturer from university. A message was relayed over the radio to the headquarters as the police rushed to issue an arrest warrant to find and arrest him. Suzie was handed to Uncle Frank as the man-hunt ensued. The police assured them that he would be apprehended by morning at the latest. No person can commit such an atrocious crime and escape the law. The police were confident that justice would be rendered.

  - Chapter 19 -

  Sitting on the couch the next morning at Uncle Frank’s tea, Suzie recalled her ordeal with them, tearful and pleased that her uncle’s perseverance had saved her life. She told them that Jeremy Cole had not revealed anything much about himself. She discussed how he’d bragged about killing Melly and her parents. The telephone rang as Uncle Frank rushed to answer. They all felt anxious awaiting the news that he’d been caught. Uncle Frank returned informing them that the police had called to warn them that Jeremy Cole was still at large.

  The search for him had hit a dead end. The apartment he’d occupied at Rosewood Creek had been cleaned out, his office at the university as well. They’d checked thoroughly, the identity he was using was false, the real Jeremy Cole was killed 5 years ago.

  This man, whoever he was, had covered his tracks very well. Suzie and family felt incredibly alarmed, they prayed that somebody would come forward as pictures of the man had been put up from Rosewood Creek all the way up to the city of London. Every T.V station was covering the man hunt too.

  - Chapter 20 -

  London, bright and bustling with its beautiful buildings. The Big Ben Westminster Abbey, the bridge hummed with its unique beat and vibe. The sidewalks packed to capacity as people headed about their business. This city was alive. The man in the black leather jacket pulled up his sleeve as he glared at his wrist watch, his dark brown hair brushed back neatly, clean shaven face and dark sunglasses, standing at the bridge casually surveying the scene. He felt relaxed, London had always been one of his favorite cities. It was a shame, he would be leaving. He picked up his bag as he headed towards the airport, he’d be at Heathrow really soon.

  The sky looked blue, a bright vibrant blue as the airplane left the runway. The flight to New York wound land in about 8 hours. The man removed his sunglasses, smiling at the air hostess with twinkly green eyes as he accepted the champagne on 1st class. Putting on his headphones he sat back closing his eyes and he settled down for the flight. A while later, he awoke to the airhostess leaning over him, “Sir, could you please fasten your seatbelt? We will be landing soon.” She said. He smiled and proceeded to do so.

  He was free.

  He’d done it again.

  - 12 Months Later -

  The Big Ben chimed in the distance. The girl looked out through the huge windows of her apartment building and stared at London, the strange sense of bliss resonated within her as she watched the stream of people make their way over the old bridge. It made her feel safe. Being in the big city with people all around her, it was comforting. She changed a lot since she left Rosewood Creek. She’d slowly began to come to terms with all that had happened, drowning herself in a large city was what she really needed. People in every apartment gave her the feeling of security.

  The only way to keep her sanity and break free from her personal prison was to venture out into the beautiful city of London. She’d built a little life here now. She was finally picking up the pieces. Surprisingly Uncle Frank and Aunt Lizzie were graceful enough to make the move with her. They too rented the apartment right next door to her.

  Suzie knew they did it for her and a part of her felt guilty. They were family now. She took a deep breath inhaling the scents from the open window when her doorbell buzzed. Suzie looked out the peephole. The young man at the door was Miles, their building manage, “Special delivery, ma’am” he said politely. Suzie unlocked the door, taking the long white box in. This was probably a gift from Uncle Jonathan from New Zealand. He’d taken to sending her presets almost ever alternate month. He sent her beautiful things, scarves for winter, hardcover books, clothing and even perfume. Suzie smiled thinking about it. Closing the door, she opened up the box, inside lay a red rose on a sheet of white paper.

  She opened it.

  It read,

  Until we meet again.

  Her hand shook as the box fell with a thud to the floor, she took an unconscious step back as she fell to her knees in horror.

  The End…For Now.

  Hey there! Please leave an honest review  Thank you for reading Weeping Willows and I look forward to our next journey with Jeremy Cole.

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