Hunted: A Suspense Collection

by J. L. Drake

  Lasko

  I turned the volume knob up on my stereo. I stood naked in front of the mirror, admiring my long, skinny body and running my hands along my pasty flesh. Bach’s Cello Suite 1 Prelude filled the tiny motel room. Classical music soothed me.

  I opened a small, metal box and carefully pulled out a tiny blade, setting it on the counter. I then lifted the lid off a container and took out a large cockroach. Its legs wiggled back and forth as it tried to get away. I held it down on the counter with my index finger and brought the blade to its back. I started sawing slowly, relishing its terror. I stopped mid-way through, moving to its antenna and chopping it off like you would cut a hunk of meat. I flipped the insect so it was now on its back and continued sawing until it was split in two. It was a beautiful sight. My finger dragged in the cockroach’s juices. I brought it to my tongue and licked it clean, swirling the liquid in my mouth as if it were a fine wine.

  The sound of my neighbor screaming in delight and pain reached me. I flickered my gaze up to a picture of Emily taped to the mirror. I pulled it off and walked back into the living room area, pushing the chair up against the wall so I could feel the vibrations from the neighbor’s bed. My fingers slid across and unlocked my smart phone and started to type.

  Lasko: Get me something used.

  Hank: Consider it done.

  I reached down, closed my eyes, and pretended the screams were Emily’s.

  ***

  Emily

  “Emilyyy.”

  I woke with a jerk and looked around, seeing I was in my room alone. I rubbed my head, wishing I could get his face—well, the part of his face I had seen—out of my mind. I heard the sound of people talking outside, and it was pleasant to know I wasn’t alone.

  My skin felt sticky. Yuck, it was hot out already. I groaned at the idea of having another California heat wave.

  I went to the window and saw Pete, Alex, and Scott throwing a football around. Yes, it was nice having people nearby. I peeled off my tank top and kicked my panties at my dresser as I headed into the shower. I changed into a black and silver bikini and jean shorts.

  I met Garrett coming out of his room. “Morning, Em.” He had changed into his swim shorts. “It’s stupid hot out.”

  I laughed at his choice of words. “I know, hey?”

  Garrett opened the front door and darted out, joining in the game. I leaned out over the porch railing; Erin waved her hand over her face and mouthed the word, “Hot.” I nodded, agreeing with her.

  “Hey,” Seth said from behind me. He was sitting on the porch swing.

  “Hi.” I didn’t turn around, but I heard the creak of the swing as he stood and came up next to me. He was wearing shorts and nothing else, which wasn’t helping me ignore him very well. He handed me his coffee. “Thanks,” I muttered, taking a sip. We both had a dangerous obsession with caffeine.

  Scott stepped on the railing in front of us. “Good morning, how are ya?” he asked me, ignoring Seth.

  “Good.”

  He put his hand on mine. “Come play.”

  I leaned back “I will. I just need to eat something first.”

  He nodded, and I left them on the porch in search of breakfast.

  As I walked into the kitchen, I heard a buzzing noise. I picked up my phone and saw an unknown name and number. I let it go to voice mail.

  It buzzed again, same number. This time I answered it. “Hello?”

  It was silent.

  Okaaaay…I got a bottle of water and an orange, then sat on the counter and started peeling the orange. Seth came in, grabbing a water.

  My phone started buzzing again. “Hello?” I snapped. There was a breathing sound. “Who is this?” Nothing. “Whatever,” I muttered, hanging up.

  Seth looked at me questioningly. I shook my head. “Someone must be pocket dialing me.”

  He took the phone from my hand and started looking through it. I hopped off the counter, pulling my hair off the back of my neck. I stood in front of a fan, letting the blades push cool air across my skin.

  Seth reached for a bottle of tequila. He poured himself a shot and then poured more in a blender, adding ice and some mix. I went over to watch. It looked refreshing. He cut up a lime and looked at me.

  Okay, let’s play. I reached for the salt. Then I leaned in, took an ice cube, and slid it up the side of his neck. I sprinkled a little salt on his neck. He reached for a piece of lime, his eyes glowing with amusement. Standing on my tippy toes, I pressed my warm body into his.

  His skin felt hot. I ran my tongue slowly all the way up to his ear, then reached back for the shot as he slid the lime into his mouth. I tossed the shot back, not breaking eye contact with him.

  He leaned over me as he bent his mouth down to mine. My tongue slid across the lime playfully. The corners of his mouth went up, and his eyes flashed me a wicked look. Then I carefully bit at the lime, not touching him with my lips. He gingerly let go of it. I pulled it into my mouth and sucked it, letting the tart liquid tease my taste buds.

  Tossing it on the counter, I moved in inches from his lips and let my cool breath roll over his senses. A smirk escaped my lips. His eyes went wide. I could tell he was fighting his feelings—I just didn’t know why.

  “Hey, all, you put the lime in the coconut. Gotta love morning margaritas!” Pete sang in his velvet voice as he walked into the room. I smiled and turned on the blender. Then I grabbed a bunch of glasses and poured the mixture into a big pitcher. Pete walked out, still singing, leaving Seth staring at me.

  “Coming?” I asked.

  “That’s not fair.”

  Just barely touching his skin, I reached over and ran my finger along the top of his belt. I pulled slightly on his belt buckle and looked up. “You started this, remember? But you also thought it was a mistake.” I picked up the tray, turned, and walked out. Pffff! Chew on that! I heard him mutter something under his breath, but I couldn’t make it out.

  Eight years ago, my dad had built a huge deck on our beach with a built-in barbecue, stereo system, and lights. There was a fire pit down on the sand with brown lounge chairs and bright orange cushions surrounding it.

  My parents loved to host parties—frankly, my parents just loved to party. They were always being pulled out to big benefit events. I figured this was the way my dad blew off steam. I remembered the long nights of being dragged out to boring parties where people would throw a disgusting amount of money around. Thank God my dad felt the same way I did. We would spend our time playing poker or making fun of the insane dresses women wore. I felt a twinge of pain in my gut. I missed my dad terribly.

  Erin and I laid out our lounge chairs and started to put on some tanning oil while Pete and Alex decided what music to play. Seth passed out the drinks. I noticed Scott talking to Garrett. Garrett didn’t seem too interested in what he was saying.

  “Hey, guys,” I heard Mindy say as she came down the little path to the beach with a trail of friends. She went over to Seth and gave him an awkward hug. Then she started telling him a funny story…well, at least one she thought was funny.

  Erin looked at me. “Nice that she thought to bring some more people.”

  “Whatever.” I shrugged, downed my drink, and desperately wanted another.

  “Sooo, Scott?” she asked carefully. “What’s his deal, anyway?”

  “Just friends, Erin,” I said, and moved to stand up.

  “Yes, but does he know that?” she whispered after me as I walked over to the table where Seth and Mindy were talking. I sighed as I quietly poured myself another drink. Scott came up and started talking to me about school. Garrett caught my eye and grinned. I smiled back. Then he started walking forward with that look.

  “Oh no, no way!” I shouted raising my hands. Scott backed away from me as Garrett got closer.

  “Just give in, Emily,” he said, with a loud laugh.

  I started to walk backward. “Seth!” I yelled and looked to him for help.

  “You know it
has to happen, Em,” Seth said cheerfully as Garrett moved closer to me.

  Mindy shot me a dirty look from the other side of the table as I moved behind Seth and grabbed his waist. “Seth, help me, the water is cold!”

  He just smiled and turned a little so Garrett could grab me. Traitor.

  “Garrett, no!”

  He scooped me up, tossed me over his shoulder as he ran into the water, and pulled us under. I came up to the surface to find him laughing hysterically.

  “You’re so mean!” I splashed at him.

  He ducked to shield himself and then put his arm around me. “You know you’re my most favorite person in the world.” I gave him a shove, but he still had a firm grip on me, so we both ended up going under again. When we got back on the beach, Garrett let me go, still laughing as I trudged toward my chair, looking like a soaked cat.

  “Serve and protect, my ass,” I hissed at Seth. He grinned as he came over and wrapped a towel over my shoulders.

  “Water warm?” he asked innocently. I shot him a glare. Mindy stepped a little closer, and I was sure she wanted to know what we were to one another.

  “I think your girlfriend is waiting for you.” I leaned my head in her direction.

  He sighed. “She’s an…interesting…girl.”

  Erin came up to us, holding the empty pitcher. “Oh, here.” I took it from her hands. “I’ll go make some more.”

  Erin looked at Seth, then shifted her eyes at me.

  “Erin!” I hissed in embarrassment. This girl had no shame.

  “What?”

  I gripped her arm. “We’ll be right back.”

  “You’re killing me,” I mumbled when we were out of hearing range.

  She tossed her hands in the air. “What’s it going to take for you guys to just admit you should be together?”

  I rolled my eyes, wanting to tell her about the two hot encounters, but in the end I decided not to jinx it. I wrung out my hair and finger combed through it the best I could. When we got to the house, I noticed the patio door was partly open and slightly off its track. We exchanged puzzled glances. Maybe someone had arrived late? I took a step toward the door and looked around. “Hello?”

  “Maybe we shouldn’t.” Erin’s voice was unsure. I stepped into the kitchen and picked up Seth’s baseball bat when I heard a noise like footsteps coming from upstairs. Ahhh…

  Erin clutched my arm. “You heard that?”

  I nodded. “Go get the guys.”

  She shook her head, her eyes pleading with me. “Come with me.”

  “Don’t let the others know, just the guys. Go!” I whispered loudly. She hesitated and then turned and ran.

  I gripped the bat tightly as I leaned over, snatched my cell, and slid it in my bathing suit bottom. I gently pushed open the door that led to the living room. I looked all around. Through the window, I saw Erin in a full out sprint down the yard.

  My heart was racing so loudly I had to strain to hear anything else. I turned to the stairs and peered up. What the hell are you doing? I screamed to my braver—or stupider—side. But I didn’t stop. It was like my mind knew better, but my body kept going. I took a deep breath and moved up the stairs.

  I had to be careful as the water dripped down my legs, making the wood stairs slippery. I heard a noise like a thud. I was almost to the top when the step creaked, the sound echoing off the walls. My lungs froze.

  Erin waved at me through the top window, frantically trying to get me to come back down. I pointed forward and mouthed, “My bedroom.” Her face dropped, and then she shot me a look of panic. I kept going. I had that bat ready to swing. I walked slowly down the hallway, my fingers trembling, and each step felt like lead. I peeked in the first door. Nothing. I passed the doorway. Suddenly I felt a hand go over my mouth. My adrenaline pumped into overdrive.

  “Stop!” Seth whispered in my ear. I nodded, feeling my heart pound out its aggression on me. He had his gun drawn; I turned to see Garrett behind him. Seth grabbed my waist and slid me behind him and shielded me from whatever was in there.

  Garrett hissed, “Go downstairs.”

  I nodded, feeling a huge sense of relief that they were there. I slowly went down and stayed with Erin in the kitchen, neither of us saying a word.

  A few minutes later, they returned.

  “We checked every room. There’s no one here. Are you sure you heard something?” Seth asked.

  I looked at Erin. “I…I thought so. Maybe we were wrong.”

  Erin folded her arms. “I don’t know. Maybe it was Penny?”

  I shook my head. I was unsure, but I had that same horrible knot back in my stomach—something felt off. I went over to the counter and started to make the margaritas. I needed something to focus on, something to do with my hands. Erin went back to the beach; Garrett got a beer and stood outside, making sure Erin got back to the group all right.

  Seth came up next to me. “Are you trying to get yourself killed?” He was pissed.

  I turned and looked at him.

  “No. I just, I-I don’t know what came over me,” I said, attempting to clear my head. “I don’t.” I looked down at my hands, and they were shaking. Seth leaned over, reached for my arm, and pulled me into him. I rested my forehead on his chest.

  “God, baby, you’re trembling.”

  I nodded, trying to calm myself. My phone rang loudly, which made me jump.

  Seth picked it up. “It’s that number again,” he muttered. He put it through to voicemail, tossed the phone back on the counter, and then nuzzled his nose in my hair. “It’s okay, baby, I got you, but we need to talk,” he murmured. I closed my eyes and let his words I got you repeat over and over in my head. I wanted to stay like this forever. It was safe.

  “Emily?” Scott said. He and Mindy were standing in the doorway. I flinched as my head whipped over to look at them. “What’s going on?” Scott asked.

  Seth didn’t let go right away, not until I slowly stepped back, running my hand over my wet hair. Seth dropped his arms heavily to his sides. Garrett slipped through the door and rolled his eyes at the two intruders.

  “Nothing.” I stepped back. “It’s just some jerk who keeps pocket dialing me.”

  Seth handed me my phone and gently squeezed my hand. Mindy had a pissy look on her face. I cleared my head and forced a smile. “Thirsty?” I held up the margarita pitcher, but my voice didn’t match my fake smile. Seth leaned back against the counter and let out a long breath.

  Scott smiled at the look I gave Seth. I’m sure he thought I was mad at him. “Yes, very thirsty.”

  I turned to the other three. “Coming?”

  Mindy moved toward to Seth. “Yeah…Hey, you think you could give us a minute?” she hissed at me.

  Garrett went wide-eyed and mouthed, “Wow,” to me. He grabbed the pitcher, and I tried to hide my laughter as the three of us walked away.

  When we made our way back to the beach, Pete came up to me, dancing. Scott moved over to some friends. He still hadn’t gotten used to Pete’s ways.

  Pete led me to the table, the whole time shaking his hips. “Okay, love.” He clapped his hands together. “On today’s menu are red, green, and blue Jell-O shots.”

  I decided on blue, letting the smooth, rubbery square roll down the back of my throat. I did four. Hell, I was only going to be twenty-two once, right?

  “Wow!” They hit me fast. Pete turned up the music. “Hurt Like Mine” by The Black Keys came on. He was a fantastic dancer. He had moves for days. After a while I went over to the table and did a few more shots.

  Garrett came up to me. “Open your mouth and stick out your tongue.” I did, knowing it was bright blue. “You having fun?” I could tell he wasn’t sure if I was okay or not. I wasn’t sure, either, but the shots seemed to help.

  “Always having fun.” I handed him a shot as I saw Mindy come down the path, looking upset. “Uh-oh,” I said and pointed over his shoulder. She walked past us cursing about something, grabbed her stuf
f, and left just as quickly as she had arrived.

  Seth came over, shaking his head. “Dude, that girl is crazy. She practically had me picking out drapes!” I handed him a shot and tried to suppress my smile. He took it willingly. “Cheers.”

  I noticed someone was running along the beach. As he came into view, I recognized Travis.

  “Great setup you have here, Emily,” he shouted over the music. “Have fun.” He waved and continued. I waved back, but sensed both guys watching me.

  “Convenient time for a run,” Garrett muttered to Seth, who nodded in agreement.

  I laughed. “You two are unbelievable. He runs twice a day, give the guy some credit. Besides, he’s only trying to be a friendly neighbor.”

  “All I’m saying is that you heard someone in the house, maybe up in your room, and fifteen minutes later this guy comes running down the beach. Convenient,” Seth said, and gave me his best ‘Officer Connors’ stare. I rolled my eyes at them. They had to be kidding.

  “Travis wouldn’t hurt a thing.”

  “Said the spider to the fly.” Seth raised an eyebrow.

  Later that evening, I lit the fire pit and sat down on the sand. I ran my hands through my hair, still wavy from the salt water. I leaned against a chair and smiled when I saw Pete coming.

  He sat by me with his guitar and bumped my shoulder, flashing me one of his pearly-white smiles. We had known each other for so long that he knew what I thought before I did. His parents had been good friends with my father for a year before my dad died and Pete’s father left his mom.

  Pete had been crushed. He never forgave his father for the hurt he caused his mom, and they never saw him again. When my father died, Pete was there every step of the way, even when I tried to push everyone away. I would always be thankful for him.

  Seth moved over to the chair I was leaning on and put his legs on either side of me. Scott, Erin, and Alex joined us while Pete strummed a few chords.

  He turned to me. “Remember last summer when we did karaoke at the pub in Fullerton?”

  “Mmm…hmm.”

  His grin got bigger and he started to play the song “Give in to Me” by Garrett Hedlund and Leighton Meester. He started to sing in his velvet country voice.