by Mary Stone
Valerie strained to hear the other person, but her kidnapper was too far across the room. He started to turn, and Valerie closed her open eye, focusing on deep, even breaths so he would think she was sleeping.
“Understood. It’s probably for the best. No reason to move her now, and she needs to rest up.” His laugh sent a chill up Valerie’s spine. “We should’ve sold them together, but it’s a fitting outcome, to say the least. I’ll make sure she gets there.” The fire crackled as he threw another log into the flames. “Yep. I’ll message you when it’s done.”
Valerie’s stomach clenched. It took everything she had to keep her eyes closed as his footsteps drew nearer, and she barely stopped herself from letting out a shriek when his hands came down on her. He scooped her up from the floor and carried her across the room.
“I know you’re awake.” His breath was hot on her face.
She tensed but didn’t open her eyes.
“Doesn’t matter. You’re not going to fool me.” He set her down roughly on the bare floor in front of the hearth. Tying her feet together, he ran a rope between her cuffed hands and bound ankles, bringing her knees up to her chest. “There you are. Nice and snug. You can attempt escape, but I’d almost like to see you try. Get some rest. If you’re still alive when I get back, we have a long road ahead of us.”
“Are you going to kill me?”
“Not my thing, sweetheart.” She shuddered, to which he laughed. “You don’t have to worry about that, either. The only thing I want to do to you is get you out of my hair.”
“If you let me go, I won’t tell anyone about you.”
“If I let you go, you won’t survive the night.”
“I’ll take my chances.”
“Keep talking, and I’ll tie you farther away from the fire.” He gestured to the orange glow that touched her bare feet. “This should warm you up and make you a little more comfortable until I can get you some actual clothes.” He turned away, pulling on his jacket to leave. “Behave yourself.”
Panic bloomed in her chest and spread like wildfire through her blood. “Please don’t leave me here alone.”
He kicked the paper bag that held her sandwich and what was left of her water bottle across the room. “No idea how you’re going to eat with your hands and feet tied together, but I’m sure you’ll figure it out. I’ll be back.”
He slammed the door on his way out. When the deadbolt tumbled and he shook the door to make sure it was secure, her stomach dropped.
She struggled against the ropes, but the knots were strong, and no matter how she twisted, they stayed tight. She was trapped here and completely alone. Bottom lip trembling, tears spilled over her cheeks. She lowered her head in defeat, shaking with thick, heavy sobs that rose from the depths of her soul.
The only thing worse than being in the cold, dark cabin with the strange man was being alone and unable to escape. It was the unknown that had her sobbing in misery, terrified of what would come next. Would he take her somewhere and kill her quick, cleaning up Arthur’s mess with a single bullet? Or would she end up in another basement, destined to be the plaything of another rich man with more money than morals?
Maybe the man was right and dying in her sleep was the better option.
But Valerie didn’t have it in her to give up. Even as the flames faded until they were nothing but red glowing embers crumbling into gray ash, letting the cold seep in, she planned her next move.
If there was a way out, she was going to find it.
Escape was her only hope.
20
Ellie scanned the doors for apartment three twenty-seven, wrinkling her nose at the drab mocha floors with tan floral printed wallpaper that lined the third-floor hallway. Three men walked silently behind her, hurrying to keep up with her long stride. At the end of the corridor, a tarnished brass seven hung upside down from a nail, next to a three and a two.
She knocked, smiling when Jillian opened the door. “It’s moving day,” she sang, shoving a bag of food into Jillian’s hand and ruffling the hair on Sam’s head. “I thought you’d like to eat dinner while they work.”
Jillian smiled, opening the bag and inhaling. “It smells so good.” She gestured at the men, her expression filled with questions.
“I brought movers.”
“I thought you were bringing people to help me move, not actual movers.”
Ellie raised her eyebrows. “Trust me, once you’ve had professional movers, no one else measures up. We’ll have you out of here in an hour.”
“If that long.” The man standing immediately behind Ellie stuck out his hand. “George Heritage of Heritage Movers.”
“Thank you for coming on such short notice.” Jillian shook his hand. “I hope this isn’t too much trouble.”
George shook his head, peering into the apartment from the doorway. “No trouble at all. You ladies can relax while we work. If you have something that needs special attention, just let me know, and I’ll handle it personally.”
Jillian’s lips parted, but George and his crew were already filing into the apartment, and George was taking notes. He gave his men a few orders, and they went to work with organized precision. “They’re packing my things too?”
“They’ll unpack it also,” Ellie said with amusement. “That’s how this works. Unless you want to do all the work. Haven’t you ever used a mover before?”
Jillian laughed and shook her head. “Not a chance. I hate moving. And no, I haven’t.”
Sam watched the men with narrowed eyes, turning to Jillian for reassurance. Once she saw that neither woman was concerned about the intruders, she went back to her normal friendly self, wagging her tail.
Ellie patted the dog on the head. “I can’t believe anyone could think Sam is a nuisance. She’s so good.”
“She really is, and I hate to ask you again, but are you sure about this, Ellie? I don’t want you to feel like I’m taking advantage of our friendship.”
“I offered, and I meant it. You’re not an imposition. My apartment is huge, and honestly, it’s lonely sometimes.”
Jillian eyed her skeptically. “Now I know you’re just trying to make me feel better.”
“I’m really not. Growing up, there was always someone in the house. Whether it was the cook or our housekeeper, even when I was alone, I was never really alone. My apartment is the first place I’ve lived in my life where I’ve been the only person there. It can get lonely.”
Jillian pinched her lips between her teeth, nodding with teary eyes. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this.”
“You’ve thanked me enough.”
The men walked out of the apartment with the first load of boxes stacked on dollies and returned minutes later.
An angry man with a receding hairline and a drab green sweater followed them into the living room, his face red. Pointing at Jillian, eyes narrowed and mouth contorted with rage, he was shouting before Jillian could speak. “You can’t just break your lease. You’ll owe for whatever damage that mongrel did to the apartment and the months that are left on your lease.”
Ellie stepped between him and Jillian, eye level with the man who was a couple inches under six feet. “You need to dial that back.”
“Who the hell are you?”
Ellie smiled. “Detective Kline, but you might know me as the daughter of Helen and Daniel Kline.”
The man’s jaw dropped. He recovered quickly, speaking in a voice that was much more respectful, but fury still bubbled below the surface. “I’m not sure what this woman has told you, but her dog is a nuisance. Barking all hours of the night and digging holes in my carpet.”
“Can you show me the holes?”
The man blinked. “What?”
“The holes. Show me where Sam has dug holes in your carpet, and we’ll take care of that right now, before she’s moved out.”
“They’ve been replaced,” he said, his face turning redder.
Behind her, angry breath hissed t
hrough Jillian’s clenched teeth.
But Ellie’s eyes were locked on the landlord’s. “This carpet has been replaced? The entire thing?”
He nodded slowly, jaw tight, and clearly lying.
Ellie put her hands on her hips and arched an eyebrow. The landlord stared back at her. Ellie heard one of the movers clear his throat, but she was focused on the lying fool standing right in front of her. “That’s weird, because this print has been out of style since the seventies. Where did you ever find more of it to install?”
“I had extra.” He obviously wasn’t going to back down.
“And I guess you have an invoice for the installation?”
“I did the work myself.”
Ellie tilted her head, gesturing at the hallway through the open door. “Did you also replace that portion in the hall, because the wear on them is identical and they seem to flow together seamlessly.”
“What are you getting at, lady?” His voice was low, his feet moving as if he was thinking about retreating and couldn’t figure out how.
“I want you to let it go.”
“Let what go?”
Ellie gathered every ounce of patience she possessed, holding back a sigh. “All of it. You’ve been harassing my friend for months. If you push this any further, I’ll be forced to turn this over to our family lawyer.”
He sneered, glaring at Jillian. “She’s not family to you.”
“She doesn’t have to be, she’s a friend and coworker at Charleston PD.” She eyed him, with a that’s a lot of cops look.
The man was stubborn. “She’s breaking her lease.”
“You could bring that to court, but I’m guessing the judge would love to hear about how you terrorized her at all hours of the night, claiming her dog was barking when she was home and the dog was not barking. Then there are the times you entered her apartment without the proper time period being observed.”
“They were emergencies,” he countered quickly.
“So, you’re saying Jillian’s apartment was in danger of burning down and taking the whole building with it?”
“No, the dog was barking and disturbing the neighbors.”
“I think we both know the dog was not barking.” Ellie paused, stepping out of the way of one of the movers, who continued to work as if there wasn’t an angry man blocking his path. “You’ll return her full deposit.”
The landlord’s head snapped back. “I will not.”
“It’s cheaper than legal fees and punitive damages for harassment.”
“It’s her word against mine.” His voice was loud, but another, louder voice rose over his from the hallway.
“You’re a fool if you think the rest of us won’t testify.” The woman was short and stout, her floral housedress so thin that it left little to the imagination. “You can’t kick us all out.” She came into the living room and shoved a paper in his face.
“What is this?”
“It’s a list of everyone who’s willing to testify against your claims of the dog barking. You’re going to have a hell of a time convincing a judge that twenty of us are lying.”
Sputtering, he crumpled up the paper.
The woman laughed, foam rollers jiggling in her silver hair. “You don’t think that’s my only copy, do you?” She put her hands on her hips and glared at him, mirroring Ellie’s stance.
He turned to Ellie, but she shrugged one shoulder, giving him a lopsided grin. “It’s your funeral.”
Groaning, he took his wallet out of his back pocket and glared at Jillian. “I’m retaining half for cleaning and repairs.”
Ellie shook her head. “She’s paid her rent this month, and she’s leaving two weeks early. You can take whatever minor cleaning you’re going to do out of that, and nothing is in need of repair.” She gestured around the apartment. “We’ll be taking photos of everything, every nick.”
“Fine.” He counted out the cash and handed it to Jillian.
Ellie shot him her most patronizing smile and pointed to the door. “You can go now. She’ll leave the key on the counter. I’m assuming you still have yours handy.”
He scowled and walked out without answering, slamming the door behind him.
Ellie and Jillian turned to each other, then dissolved into laughter. Jillian introduced Ellie to her neighbor, Judy. “I wish I had that on video. You were both amazing.”
Ellie waved her away. “You just have to know how to handle men like him.”
“I can’t believe I never have to see him again.”
Judy patted Jillian on the arm. “Everyone on this list is jealous because of that fact, dear.”
George approached them, checklist in hand. “If you’ll do a final walkthrough with me, we’re ready to go to your new home.” He winked. “And not a moment too soon.”
Ellie had barely registered the disassembled bed being carried out, and the other furniture. But when she glanced around, she saw that the room was empty.
Jillian’s cheeks colored slightly. “Thank you for ignoring that man. I’m sorry you had to see that.”
“I enjoyed watching him get his ass handed to him.” George grinned at Ellie and gave her a nod. “It’s always a pleasure, Miss Kline.”
After the movers arranged everything inside Ellie’s apartment an hour later, she flopped down on the couch and sighed. Sam was stretched out beside her in an instant, head in Ellie’s lap, brown eyes filled with love. The dog stretched out and groaned, looking like she was planning on staying in that position for a while.
“Sam, get down.” Sam opened one eye at Jillian’s command but didn’t budge. “Sorry about that. She’s always been allowed on the couch with me. I’ll have to teach her to stay on the floor. It’ll take her some time, but she’ll get used to it.”
Ellie shook her head at Jillian, who was still scowling at the dog. “She’s allowed on the furniture. This is her home too.” Ellie sat up, digging in her pocket. “Speaking of home, here’s your key.” She pointed to the bar that separated the kitchen from the living room. “Your remote for the parking garage is on the counter.”
“Thank you.”
“You said that already.”
“It’s all still sinking in. I’ve been living in this state of anxiety for so long, just waiting for things to get out of hand. This is almost surreal.”
Ellie patted the couch cushion beside Sam. “You’re exhausted. Sit down, Jillian. Relax. No one is going to shove their way into your apartment anymore. You’re safe here.”
Jillian sat down and let out a deep breath. “You know what, you’re right. It’s been so long since I could just exist without worrying about that man pounding on my door.” She smiled, letting her head rest on the cushion. “Safety. That’s exactly how it feels. Like I’m safe for the first time in a long time.”
“I know what you mean.” Ellie sank her fingers in the dog’s fur. “Well, I did know the feeling.”
Jillian’s smile faded. “It’s going to be okay, Ellie. We’ll find him.”
“Not if Fortis has anything to say about it.” She smiled as Sam nudged her hand, prompting her to keep petting. “I’m starting to wonder if all these cases are just busywork to keep me from reopening old cases.”
“You can’t think like that. Fortis has regulations he has to follow, and that includes making sure you’re doing things by the book. It’s frustrating for sure, but I don’t think there’s anything to it.”
“Still.” Ellie bit her lip. “I can’t stop thinking about Valerie. She’s alive out there. I can feel it in my bones.”
“We’re not giving up on her. But you’re not doing her any good stressing about it now. Get some rest. Tomorrow is a new day.”
“You’re right.” She yawned and stretched, glancing at Sam, who was already sound asleep in her lap. “I know she’s not the best guard dog, but I’m glad she’s here.”
“Don’t let that sweet mug fool you. When it comes to protecting the people she loves, Sam is as fierce as they
come.” She stood and patted her leg. “Come on, Sam. Let’s go to bed.” Sam thumped her tail once without moving. Jillian rolled her eyes. “I’ll see you in the morning, Ellie.”
Ellie scratched the dog’s head one last time. When Jillian motioned to Sam again, the dog slid off the couch with a heavy groan. Jillian shuffled off to her room with Sam on her heels, tail wagging happily.
Ellie was still smiling when she slipped between the sheets and snuggled into the pillows. Opening her home to Jillian and Sam had been the right decision. But not for the reason that Jillian thought.
She would never tell Jillian, but she wanted to keep her friend close, just in case.
Somewhere, an evil man hid in the shadows, and there was no telling when he would strike again.
Until he was behind bars, no woman in Charleston was safe.
21
Ellie screamed in her sleep, flailing and kicking, trying to break free.
Arms tightened around her like a vice, squeezing her until her lungs cried out for air.
Thrashing her head from side to side, she tried to bite the man, but he only laughed.
“That’s right, puppet. Keep fighting! I like a girl who’s feisty. You’ll make a good subject.”
There was a pinch at her shoulder, and the world started to dim. Her voice went silent as her body began to melt. Muscles heavy, she sank against him, bile rising in her throat. Frantic, unable to believe what was happening, she struggled to breathe. Tried to speak but ended up choking instead.
“What’s that, puppet?” he taunted. “Are you trying to say something?” Light glinted off the needle of the syringe he still held in his hand.
She thought she gasped, but her body didn’t cooperate. Cold settled into her fingertips and toes, moving inward with frightening speed. She opened her mouth again, forcing herself to try to speak even as darkness crept in, and her thoughts grew jumbled.