Oh my goodness! This is liking watching one of those old black and white scary movies on Friday night when you were suppose to be in bed but you sneak to the TV and watch and then can't sleep the rest of the night.
Excellent story!!!!!
thanks,
Terie> who refuses to read this when she is the only one awake in the house.

Sue played the song as many times as her fingers would allow. It was such a comfort. She wasn’t trying to impress anyone; it didn’t even matter if her fingers were on the right keys. No one was listening. It was as though she were playing in broad daylight, in an empty field, surrounded by peaceful, caring arms. She smiled to herself, beginning the song again, thinking of arms she wished were waiting for her. “Jack.” The whispered name resonating on her lips could never be as sweet as the kiss she longed for. He should have been here by now.

Suddenly, she felt very alone, and very tired. It wasn’t the empty mansion that left her feeling abandoned; it was the fact that she was, in fact, alone, in the middle of the night, essentially trapped until daylight returned…

The fact that Jack wasn’t there with her made her worry more than usual. He should have gotten the message by then. But, at this point in time, she couldn’t busy herself wondering why Jack wasn’t there. She was too tired to think straight. He could just wake her up when he arrived.

Telling herself that there was nothing to worry about, she stood and sleepily, cautiously, crossed the room in hopes of finding the sofa she’d seen before. The darkness was disorienting, and closing her eyes made no difference, so she kept them closed. She tried to focus on a mental map of the room, but her attention would not stay put. She could think only of the man she wished was there—someone to take charge, one who could be her ears, her support, her everything… She was alone, and the fear that plagued her before finding the piano was quickly returning.

Finally, her feet hit something solid. Reaching down, she felt soft cushions beneath the sheet she touched. Too exhausted to remove the sheet, she dropped down onto the sofa. She welcomed sleep, but it didn’t welcome her. Her mind could only keep reminding her of her strange surroundings, of the nature of their case, of how alone she was. She shook her head, trying to ward of the alarming thoughts.

Even if I had made it to the door, it wouldn’t have been safe to drive home like this. I’m too tired. It’s a wonder I made it here in one piece.

Snuggling into the old, dusty sheet, closing her eyes tight, she willed herself to think of Jack, to imagine his arms holding her, comforting her, keeping her safe, imagining his kisses warming her...

Eventually, she drifted off into a sound sleep.
*****

Something tells me something is very wrong.....


~laura michelle~

Ok - I'm still here! Where is Jack!!!!!

Em

Something does indeed sound very wrong. I hope daytime comes soon.

well first I am and and because you have started another story. And then I start reading and quickly discover that for my own peace of mind I have to read from in here but soon eve that doesn't feel safe enough so I shuffle on under here only isn't this where unsuspecting Sue has fallen asleep on this dark and dreadful night while someone is watching her? And that someone isn't Jack? Where's Levi? Where's Jack? What happened to the batteries in her flashlight?

kav

Lizzy, first of all, I'm excited you are writing another story!!!

Secondly, you really know how to get the Halloween feeling going, don't you?? I am sitting here shivering, too afraid to sprint to the safe place under the bed!!!

Why is Sue so tired all of a sudden - something is terribly wrong about that, I think!! Did the message get through to Jack?? He would have gotten there as fast as he could, if he got the message!! And, is this madman going to wait until she wakes up?? Is he just going to stand there and watch her as she sleeps???

Joy

Okay, can I say that I'm hoping the next post is of Jack being concerned and having a plan. I waited a few posts before reading again and am dismayed to find we progressed much, much farther but not much better. I sticking with you Lizzy because I know it will be well worth the angst.

Something is very wrong with this picture, where is Jack????

Sam

I'd give you more to read, but I have to finish up homework before classes start in 45 mins. For now, here's a snippet... more later!


He knew his psychology. He watched her from the stairwell, studying her as she slipped from one stage of sleep to the next. At times, she rolled about, almost falling off the couch. At other times, she snored softly, peacefully. But she never once woke. She was a sound sleeper.

A sinister smile crept its way onto his lips. Flipping the switch he’d installed on the wall, he laughed as every lock to every window clicked shut. The sound echoed in the large house.

Flipping another switch, he watched with fascination, as his handiwork slid and locked into place.

There would be no escape.
*****

Lizzy this is creepy!!!

Sam

cath

here seems a safe place to stay

Sue is going to when she wakes up. Seriously - WHERE IS JACK?????

Em

will someone hold my hand!

i will if you hold mine

I need to remember to only read this in the daytime

Dianna

“Luce, what is it? It’s four o’clock in the morning,” Jack grumbled into his cell phone. It’d been a long day full of nothing, in the way of leads, and he did not appreciate being woken up after two hours of sleep.

“Are you with Sue?”

His heart leapt up into his throat. “No, why? She isn’t home?”

“I’m worried about her; did she call you earlier?” Lucy asked, her voice clearly laced with concern.

Jack sat up quickly, steadying himself against the bedpost. “No, she didn’t. Luce, what happened?”

“She said that she was going to call you at home. Check your messages.”

He stumbled out of bed, quickly leaving the room. “Will you just tell me what’s going on?” Glancing at the answering machine in the kitchen, he could see the message indicator light was flashing.

“Howie called her; he gave Sue some sort of clue. She said that she was going to call you to give you directions, so you could meet her there. She was in a hurry to leave. Jack, she didn’t even take Levi. I wouldn’t have known she was still gone if he hadn’t woken me up, ‘cause he needed to go out.”

“What time did she call?”

“About ten o’clock.”

Jack groaned. “I didn’t leave the office until one-thirty.”

“Well, she’s not home yet. It’s been six hours, Jack. Something must’ve happened to her…”

“I’ll call you back, Luce. Thanks.” He snapped the phone shut, hitting the play button on his message machine, trying to calm his rapid breathing.

Her voice was sweet, as always, but rushed, as it played back at him. “Hey Jack, I think I got the timing right on your machine. Anyways, Howie gave me a tip. There’s a house on 36… that needs to be checked out. Meet me there as soon as you can.”

Jack sunk down into a chair. Some truck driver had honked in the background and Sue hadn’t realized it. The only parts of the address that were discernible were the first two numbers. There was no way of knowing where Sue was.

A horrible gnawing ate away at him from the inside. From the beginning, this case had him scared. He wouldn’t admit it to the team, though; he was their leader. He had to be strong. But the fact that this killer was preying on women, that he had been watching, stalking them… it was unnerving to no end. They took every precaution, never leaving someone else from the team alone—especially Tara, Lucy, and Sue. Some nights, the guys would stay with the women, other times, the women would stay together.

And still, the killer would watch them, taunt them.

Jack’s heart ached. He was afraid for Sue, with every fiber of his being.
*****

There must be some way to get that answering machine tape analyzed to isolate what Sue said....right????? You sure know how to leave us

No kidding!!! And I LOVE that hanging emoticon - too cute!!!

jack, go wake howie up

cath

I'm with learningtosign...GO BEAT DOWN HOWIE'S DOOR!!!!!!!!!! ACK!!!!!

Lizzy, you must have watched a lot of scary movies....cause you have the tension down, girl! I'm just glad we can't hear music with your story. I wouldn't be able to read it.

Let me just repeat....ACK!!!!!!!

i'm so scared for sue right now....this is not good

Lizzy, I think you scared the reply button - it took the longest time for it to work - I'm sure it had to crawl out from under a bed or chair!!!

Jack, go get Howie and get the address - then run like the wind!!!

I'd go with you, but I'm too afraid!! It's not helping me, Jack, to find out that you're scared too!!!

Joy

JUST BREAK DOWN EVERY DOOR ON EVERY STREET THAT STARTS WITH 36!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lizzy, you have me all of a twizzle!!! HEEELLLPPPPP!!!!

Jen

Sam, can I hold your hand???

Uh oh!

At least jack is trying to find her, eben though he doesn't have much of a clue to where she is, perhaps Howie could help?

I'm with everyone else... Jack go wake up Howie!!!!! And HURRY!!!!!! Sue needs you NOW!

I need a hand to hold too!

Em

Much as we don't like this, Howie's probably Sue's only hope now. So Jack, go find him!!

Lizzie, are you stressed by midterms? Is this where all the angst is coming from? This is me consoling Jack in Sue's absence.

kav

Run like the wind Sparky!!!!

Woah! Just caught up! Creepy stuff Lizzy!! I hope Jack get's to Sue on time!!

Hey everyone,
Before you read the next post, I just wanted to let you know that upcoming posts will be thin. I'm hoping to have a "binge writing" session Friday, but until then, college is keeping me extremely busy. I've got a monstrous bio paper due Friday, and I have a call back audition for a school play/production Thursday night (please keep me in your prayers and thoughts!), and I'll be gone for much of this weekend.

SO, all that to say this post may be it for a little while... but, I have a feeling it may leave a lasting impression, so it's ok.....

Enjoy this next scene... *Lizzy runs and hides* *decides chair isn't big enough*

Liz


He figured a moment away wouldn’t hurt his plan. She wouldn’t be going anywhere, anyways. There was nowhere for her to go, and he could watch her from the screen he’d set up.

Sticking his fingers into the crevice beside the doorjamb, he pressed against a panel, and a section of the wall gave way, revealing a small stairwell. He ascended the steps, then slipped down the hall at the top, being sure to press another button, to close the door at the bottom of the staircase.

Crouching down, he crawled into the large dumbwaiter, and began to pull himself up by the rope along the wall. He stopped after passing two floors. Exiting, he walked a short distance, then dug into his pocket. Pulling out a key, he inserted it into the lock in a door to his left. It silently gave way, and he entered the room.

He had been ready to find her for years, knowing she would be out there. It had taken so long… he’d begun to fear she didn’t exist at all. If that had been the case, every moment, every ounce of energy, every bit of study would have been worthless.

But then, he’d spotted her. In the newspaper. There was a picture of her with her hearing dog. The implication had driven him wild. She was deaf.

He knew it would make the torture all that much sweeter; no, the first wasn’t deaf, nor any of the others, but they weren’t the ones who mattered. They were decoys, only there to startle, frighten, and break her down slowly. To invade her life.

Looking around the room, chills shot up and down his spine, then wracked his entire body. His desire was so intense. She was here, within his clutches; he could do it now, if he wanted to. She would be easily overpowered. In a moment, she could be gone forever.

But no, that would defeat the purpose. She had to be aware of what was happening to her.

Opening another small door, he breathed in deeply, inhaling the lavender scent.

It was her favorite fragrance. Ever since he was a young boy, it reminded him of her.

It disgusted him now, and yet in a sick way, it still comforted him.

He shook his head, trying to rid himself of the tender thoughts. Slowly crossing the room, he braced himself for the response he knew would come. It always did.

The pictures… the dress… the flowers… her jewelry… They were all laid out on the altar. A single candle continued to burn; he’d lit it that afternoon.

The tears spilled, as he knew they would. Falling to his knees, he sobbed. He couldn’t deny that he missed her-- the comfort, the stability. He choked down the lump in his throat, continuing to cry. He was missed her even before her death. He loved her…

And yet she disgusted him. Every inch of her, every spark of every memory gnawed at him, eating him alive. He had to destroy her forever.

If others knew, they’d think he was a lunatic, practicing some bizarre voodoo. But it was so much more than that. He had to expel her from his mind, his being; she could no longer exist. He would be tortured no more.
*****

Hmmmm...not sure I should thank you for posting or not knowing nothing's coming for awhile. I'll keep my belt buckled tight and try to keep my palms from sweating too profusely and trusting that you'll give us an inkling of hope from your writing binge on Friday.

All that said, Lizzy, your writing is magnificent.

First - let me say good luck on your paper and your audition! I'll be praying!

Second - What are you trying to do to us?! Seriously, we're going to have to stay behind here There's lots of room, incase anyone wants to keep me company!

Em

Lizzy, good luck on your paper and audition!! I'll be thinking about you!!!

I have a small inkling of what's going on with this guy, but only a small inkling!! I'm staying under the bed anyway!!!

Joy

i just ....welll i'm...... .......i think i can't read thsi story further...my hands are in front of my eyes, and i need them.....this is

hope everything goes your way. you will be in my prayers.

all the best for your paper and audition

i'm wishig i'd waited till tomorrow morning to read this cos now i'll have nightmares

cath

Yep the guy is a nutcase. I hope that help is on the way

Dianna

That bad feeling I had eariler.....it's getting worse.....

Be praying for you over the next couple of days.....


~laura michelle~

Jack, if traffic's bad, get on your and GO SAVE SUE!!!!

Lizzy, you have me sending really loud mental thoughts to your characters!!! Exquisite writing, good luck with your auditions!!!!

Jen

Riveting writing as usual, Lizzy! And my are with you for your papers and callbacks! Hope everything goes well..

It seems to me that this man is thinking of using Sue as a replacement of someone who has hurt him in the past. Like killing Sue will be as if he was killing the person that hurt/betrayed him.. Very scary stuff, Lizzy! But you pull it off like a pro!

Yikes -- you have a masterful touch there, Lizzy. My hair looks like this and I can't believe you're going to leave us there for the weekend . You carefree college girls with a life! grrrrrr.

kav

haha, carefree?? I wish!

Have a good one, everybody. More as soon as possible! My callback is in less than 2 hours, so this is it!!

Good luck, Lizzy. Maybe you'll be so hyped from getting the part you'll want to come back to your room and write like crazy!

Good luck!!! I hope everything goes great!!


Can't wait for more!

I'm sorry to disappoint you, everyone. I don't have a post right now. I'm honestly not in the mood for writing, right now, and haven't been for a little while today... Not really depressed or anything. Just down. The whole "making friends" thing in college is not that easy, and the people I thought were friends... let's just say that most of the time, I feel passed over, and they do it without realizing it, but it's brutal... and I don't have other friends yet, so it's really not easy.

Anyways, could you pray for me, everyone? I'd really appreciate it. I'll try to have something ready for you ASAP.

Liz

sorry to hear things aren't going so well

for you

cath

Awww, Lizzy, here's a hug for you! I'm sorry that you've hit a rough patch right now....but hang in there! You've got cyber friends rooting for you!

I'm sorry that that particular part of college life is giving you a hard time. I remember (yes, I can remember that long ago) going through the same thing. I had 'friends' but they were more like acquaintances. It took several months to develop the deeper, more meaningful friendships that are still alive today.

I will pray for you, Lizzy.