Chapter 1

Mark drove along the lonesome highway and deep in thought. His mind was on the important decision he had made and carried out. It had been 14 lone grueling years, since his debut. And after physical and emotional strains it had put on him, he had decided to take a years hiatus. To rethink his options for the remainder of his life.

He was moving along when his eyes picked up a large bundle lying on the side of the road. Some people he thought. Don’t care how the dispose of their trash or where. He continued on until he saw it moved, flipping over. He then knew it was someone and not something.

He quickly pulled the SUV over to the edge of the road, just before he would have come up to the person. He staked out the area, not sure if this was an actual incident or a set up for anyone coming down the road.

As he walked up on the person, he could make out one thing. This wasn’t a set up and the person lying there was genuinely injured. He ran over, falling on his knees next to them. His heart nearly sunk, when he saw the young woman had been beaten down and gosh forbid, maybe raped.

“Hey there! Lay still. I’m going to call for help. Don’t worry, you’re safe.” He said and turned to leave, when an hand grabbed the hem of his jacket, causing him to stop, turning to look at her.

“No! Please! Take me anywhere, but to the hospital.” She groaned out. He stared down at her and thought for a few. He wasn’t sure what t do or where to take her.

“Okay! What is your name and where do you live?” Mark asked. She rested her the back of her hand over her forehead, thinking.

“So strange!” She whispered.

“What?” Mark asked, trying to gain her confidence.

“I did remember, but now I don’t.” She looked up towards Mark.

“Okay! But honey, I can’t leave you here. You don’t know where you live and you don‘t want to go to the hospital. You need some treatment.” He told her. She looked up and him with a lot of fear.

“Whoever did this to me thinks I’m dead. If I go to the hospital, whoever my family is will find me.” She started. Mark stared down to her, listening.

“But that’s good. It would ease their worry.” Mark didn’t get where he was coming from.

“No it isn’t! Then the ones who did this will come after me. I don’t know who they are or my family. I need to be somewhere where they can’t find me, until my memory comes back.” She sighed and looked away from Mark. He stood up and paced for a few moments. She did make sense. She would be a sitting duck in the hospital.

“You’re right! Can’t trust anyone right now. My ranch is not too far from here. I’ll take you there and call a friend of mine. She’s trustworthy and a nurse.” Mark told her. She smiled, nodding her head.

Mark ran back to his SUV, pulled out a blanket and came back to her, wrapping her in the blanket. He picked her up off the cold damp ground. She relaxed automatically in his arms.

He carried her over to the vehicle and gently laid her in the backseat. She rolled over to her side and immediately passed out. Mark stared down at her for a length of time. Poor kid been through a lot and who knows how long she had been exposed to the elements.

He quietly closed the door and opened the door to the driver side, hopping in. he gave a quick glance to his backseat at her, seeing she remained sleep, started up the SUV and drove away from the side of the road, heading for his ranch. It was heavy duty secured.

Chapter 2

Mark drove up to the gate, leading to his ranch. He pulled out the remote control, pointed it, pressing the button and watched as the gate opened. He drove his SUV through it and down the road, obscured from the main highway by the trees surrounding his ranch.

Soon he came into the clearing that represented the ranch house area and pulled up in front of it. Turning off the vehicle and giving a quick glance in the back, where the young woman he had found on the roadside slept peacefully. Mark shook his head and wondered. What kind of asshole or holes, could hurt someone the way she was hurt? And leave her for dead abandoned in the woods?

Mark turned away and left the SUV, going to the back and gently pulled her from the backseat. Then he gathered her up into his arms, carrying her into and through the house, to one of his guest rooms and laid her down on the bed. He covered her with the blanket she had been wrapped in and left the room. He went to make a phone call.

‘I was back in a dark place, but not like before. This time my senses were alive and I could home in on everything about me. The man who had come to my rescue picking me up and placing me in his car. I could hear the roaring of the engine and feel the motion of the vehicle, as it went down the road. And the screeching noise the gate made as it opened.

I felt as the car came to a stop. Him opening his door and exiting it. Then opening the door to where I laid, pulling me out and taking me up in his arms, carrying me into the house. I felt the soft bed beneath me, as he laid me on it and covered me with the blanket that shroud me. Finally hearing his footsteps fade away.

Though everything is blank and my memory still evaded me. I knew something bad had happened and my life was still in danger. I get this feeling, it’s embedded somewhere in my sub-conscious mind. Waiting to surface. And the fact that what happened was so horrendous. I fear the most, the place it may take me.’

Mark went into his study and sat down in his leather chair. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. For a moment of solitude. The morning’s events had taken a little out of him. Not to mention the long drive.

Suddenly, he go this feeling he was being watched and someone was in the room with him. His eyes shot open and looked about the room. He was alone. He laughed, thinking his mind was playing tricks on him. This hiatus didn‘t come a moment too soon. Maybe he’ll take a nice hot bath, later.

Mark let out a huge breath and leaned over, reaching for the phone. He dialed the number he needed, leaned back in the chair and waited for the voice on the other end. It didn’t take long when he heard the phone click.

“Hello.” They came through.

“Hey babe!” He answered.

“Mark! Hi love. How are you doing?” She asked.

“Just great! I finally did what was needed.” He said, staring up into the ceiling.

“Don’t tell me you’re missing wrestling already?” She laughed. She knew him to well.

“No! That’s not it at all. It’s just the uncertain of it all. I never took in to consideration what I wanted to do.” He explained.

“Mark! Just give this thing some time. It’s just the first day.” She chuckled. Mark leaned in, remembering why he had called her.

“Well this first day is starting out eventful.” he said.

“What happened?” She asked.

“I need you to come over. I’ll explain when you get here.” He told her.

“Sure! Give me a few.” She replied and hung up the phone. He sat listening to the dial tone for a moment, staring.

Out the corner of his eyes, he thought he saw someone standing in the doorway. He quickly looked over, but saw that was vacant. He hung the phone up and walked over to the door, looking each way of the hall.

No one. So he went to the room where he had left the young woman, peering in on her. She was as he had left her. He’ll be glad when the servants get there in the morning.

Chapter 2

Mark drove up to the gate, leading to his ranch. He pulled out the remote control, pointed it, pressing the button and watched as the gate opened. He drove his SUV through it and down the road, obscured from the main highway by the trees surrounding his ranch.

Soon he came into the clearing that represented the ranch house area and pulled up in front of it. Turning off the vehicle and giving a quick glance in the back, where the young woman he had found on the roadside slept peacefully. Mark shook his head and wondered. What kind of asshole or holes, could hurt someone the way she was hurt? And leave her for dead abandoned in the woods?

Mark turned away and left the SUV, going to the back and gently pulled her from the backseat. Then he gathered her up into his arms, carrying her into and through the house, to one of his guest rooms and laid her down on the bed. He covered her with the blanket she had been wrapped in and left the room. He went to make a phone call.

‘I was back in a dark place, but not like before. This time my senses were alive and I could home in on everything about me. The man who had come to my rescue picking me up and placing me in his car. I could hear the roaring of the engine and feel the motion of the vehicle, as it went down the road. And the screeching noise the gate made as it opened.

I felt as the car came to a stop. Him opening his door and exiting it. Then opening the door to where I laid, pulling me out and taking me up in his arms, carrying me into the house. I felt the soft bed beneath me, as he laid me on it and covered me with the blanket that shroud me. Finally hearing his footsteps fade away.

Though everything is blank and my memory still evaded me. I knew something bad had happened and my life was still in danger. I get this feeling, it’s embedded somewhere in my sub-conscious mind. Waiting to surface. And the fact that what happened was so horrendous. I fear the most, the place it may take me.’

Mark went into his study and sat down in his leather chair. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. For a moment of solitude. The morning’s events had taken a little out of him. Not to mention the long drive.

Suddenly, he go this feeling he was being watched and someone was in the room with him. His eyes shot open and looked about the room. He was alone. He laughed, thinking his mind was playing tricks on him. This hiatus didn‘t come a moment too soon. Maybe he’ll take a nice hot bath, later.

Mark let out a huge breath and leaned over, reaching for the phone. He dialed the number he needed, leaned back in the chair and waited for the voice on the other end. It didn’t take long when he heard the phone click.

“Hello.” They came through.

“Hey babe!” He answered.

“Mark! Hi love. How are you doing?” She asked.

“Just great! I finally did what was needed.” He said, staring up into the ceiling.

“Don’t tell me you’re missing wrestling already?” She laughed. She knew him to well.

“No! That’s not it at all. It’s just the uncertain of it all. I never took in to consideration what I wanted to do.” He explained.

“Mark! Just give this thing some time. It’s just the first day.” She chuckled. Mark leaned in, remembering why he had called her.

“Well this first day is starting out eventful.” he said.

“What happened?” She asked.

“I need you to come over. I’ll explain when you get here.” He told her.

“Sure! Give me a few.” She replied and hung up the phone. He sat listening to the dial tone for a moment, staring.

Out the corner of his eyes, he thought he saw someone standing in the doorway. He quickly looked over, but saw that was vacant. He hung the phone up and walked over to the door, looking each way of the hall.

No one. So he went to the room where he had left the young woman, peering in on her. She was as he had left her. He’ll be glad when the servants get there in the morning.

Chapter 3

Strangely I could hear the man speaking on the phone. I could almost see his every moment. And even heard the voice of the woman on the other end. She seemed pleasant enough. They seem to be like a couple. And he was once a wrestler, taking some time off. It was good he came along, when he did or I would be dead.

I can hear someone approaching the house. This new found senses is freaking me out. Maybe this is just a transition from the coma I may have been in. I don’t know how long I was in the woods. I know nothing of time. Maybe as time goes on.

“Hey Baby!” Mark greeted the woman he asked to come and see about the young woman he had found.

“Hey baby yourself.” She said, giving him a kiss. He pulled her into him and deepened the kiss. She pulled back and smiled.

“Now what is it you needed me for, besides the obvious reasons?” She asked, feeling his member hard against her pelvic.

“On my way here, I found a young woman who had been beaten and maybe raped.” Mark explained to her. She made a gasping sound and covered her mouth. Her eyes looked towards the hallway where the room were.

“Oh my, Mark! Where is she?” She asked, heading in that direction. Mark followed behind her, giving her directions. They came to the room and went in. The young woman was in a deep sleep!

“What do you think Latasha?” Mark asked, as she stared down and the beautiful young woman, resting.

“We need to get her to the hospital and let them check her out. If she’s been raped, they can take samples.” Latasha looked to him. Mark crossed his arms over his chest and stroked his goatee.

“That may be a problem.” Mark started. Latasha tilted her head, curious to his reaction.

“Why?” She asked, looking at him then, back to the girl who was seriously injured.

“I tired that. She doesn’t want to go in case the ones who left her to die discover she’s a live and come after her. She doesn’t know who is who.” mark explained. Latasha thought about it for a while.

“You’re so right. Until she gets her memory back, she would be safer here. I need you to run her a bath. We need to get her cleaned up and I need to asses her wounds.” She turned to him. Mark nodded and left the room.

‘I felt them come into the room and heard there conversation concerning me. It was a good feeling. I felt protected. I could feel myself emerging from my slumber.’

Mark went into the bathroom adjoining the room and drew her a nice hot bath. he added some oils and delicate bubble bath. Latasha slowly pulled back the covers to get a better look at her wounds. The girls eyes opened.

“Hello, I’m Latasha! Mark’s friend.” She introduced herself. The young woman looked at her then around the room.

“Mark? Is that his name?” She asked, staring once again at Latasha.

“Yes, it is. What is yours?” She asked, sitting on the edge of the bed. The young woman tried to search her mind for something, but seemed not to be able to recall.

“I don’t know! But there’s a name that seemed to float in my head. Christy!” She told her. Latasha smiled and nodded.

“Well, we need to call you something, then nothing. So Christy sounds good enough. At least until we find out who you really are.” Mark said, coming back from drawing the bath. Both women looked to him, as he came up to them.

“Christy it is. Now how about we get you cleaned up and some food in you?” Latasha took over the care. Christy smiled and nodded.

“I would like that.” She told them, feeling the life slowly flowing back into her.

Mark lifted her up into his arms and carried her to the bathroom. He sat her on the edge and left the two women alone. He went into his living room and headed straight for the bar.

He pulled out a JD and a can of beer, went and took a seat. He poured a shot of JD and threw it down, followed by a gulp of beer. That felt good all over. He relaxed and closed his eyes for a moment, drifting off to sleep.

Chapter 4

Latasha had assisted Christy into the huge oval tube. She seemed delighted to feel the nice warmth the water felt over her body. Latasha had noticed the lacerations and bruises over her body. Two she found very interesting. The type of wounds they seemed and where they were located. She knew that was impossible.

Christy sat on the small seat placed in the tub and leaned her head back so Latasha could wash the dirt and blood from it. Christy grew so relaxed, she fell off to sleep. Latasha didn’t get alarm with her sleeping so much. She knew this was her body’s way of mending itself.

Mark had fell asleep from the long drive to his ranch and the unexpected discovery of Christy, left for dead in the woods. He was just coming out of his nap from a huge snore that shook his body, when he felt someone in the room with him.

His eyes flew open and stared at a nude Christy, standing in the doorway confused. He dropped the can of beer that he was holding in his hand, by some miracle and reached to pick it off the floor. When stood up to confront her, she was gone. He rushed door and looked down the hallway, staring in the direction of her room. he saw her nowhere, so he went to her room and saw the door closed. He opened the door and entered, feeling something bad had happened. He didn’t know this woman and who with she was affiliated.

Christy came out of her sleep and sat straight up gasping for breath. She looked as if she had seen a ghost. She looked over to where Latasha sat bewildered. She felt maybe she remembered something of her ordeal.

“What is it Christy?” Latasha asked. She stared at her, unable to speak. At that moment Mark barged into the bathroom, staring form Latasha to Christy. Their eyes met. At that moment, something unspoken came between them.

“Mark C!” Latasha said, standing to her feet and pushing him out of the bathroom.

“I’m sorry! I thought.” He started then elected to keep it to himself. Lastasha stared at him strangely.

“You thought what?” She asked. He shook his head and began to walk away.

“Nothing! I had a bad dream, that’s all. How is she doing?” He asked, scratching his head. How did she do that? Maybe he was dreaming. She couldn’t be in two places at once. Yeah, it was a dream, he thought.

“She’s okay. Sleeping a lot though. But then that’s expected.” She told him, peering into the bathroom from time to time, assuring she wasn’t sleeping again.

“So she’s been with you all this time?” Mark asked, staring at her. Latasha tilted her head to the side and crossed her arms over her chest.

“Yeah! What kind of question is that?” She asked him. Mark sighed and shook his head.

“Nothing! I’m tired and worried about al of this and whether or not we’re doing the right thing about contacting the authorities.” He began pacing, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Mark! You said she was safer here, until we at least find out who she is. Now Christy may be her first name. Maybe she’ll remember her last. But whatever, she’ll be better off here.” Latasha told him. Mark looked at her then his eyes went to something pas her. She saw this and turned to see what he was looking at.

“Are you going to send me away?” Christy asked, struggling along the wall. Mark hurried towards her and picked her up into his arms.

“Whoa lil’ lady! You’re not ready for that just yet.” He told her and carried her to the bed, sitting her on it. She sat dangling her feet over the edge, staring from him to Latasha.

“No we’re not! Mark is just concerned that someone out there is missing you a whole lot. And he wants to make sure you’re getting the best of care. He always second guesses his decisions.” Latasha said, coming to sit next to her and placing her arms about her shoulders. Christy smiled, she liked Latasha. And Mark as well.

“Okay! And I understand that too. I wondered who they are and if some day we’ll be able to ease their pain. Mark, thank you. I owe you.” She told them.

They sat down to eat diner. Latasha noticed Christy didn‘t eat anything. This among other thing worried her. Afterwards, Mark and Christy went out on the porch, staring into the night. A full moon lit up the sky. Latasha was cleaning up the dishes.

Mark still had an uneasy feeling about all of this. He had been seeing things since she arrived. But then it could be the after effects of him leaving the WWE for a while. It’s probably his uncertainty of the future.

“Mark! You should have a little more faith in yourself. You think things through well enough. And you’re decision are right on the money.” Christy said, staring up into the moon. Mark’s head snapped in her direction. It was as if she was reading his mind.

“What did you say?” Mark asked. At that moment, Latasha came out to join them.

“What were you two talking about?” She asked, coming to sit next to Mark. Christy looked at them both.

“It’s a beautiful night. Too beautiful for three. I’m going to bed now. You two enjoy your night.” She struggled to her feet. Mark shot up and over to her.

“No, Mark! Let me try. I feel okay.” She told him and moved along the wall and into the house. Latasha looked at him and he returned the gaze. She shrugged her shoulders.

“Christy’s a gutsy little thing.” She told him as he stood watching her move through the house and disappear. Then he came to sit next to her.

“Yeah, but how much is that a put on for us?’ He asked. She hooked her arm into his. Then went into deep thought. Mark could see her mind churning.

“What is it?” He asked. She bit her bottom lip, then let out a breath.

“Something that I found interesting about two of her wounds.” She started. Mark looked at her.

“What about them?” Mark asked, seeing this was bothering her.

“Mark! Gunshot s. One straight through the heart. And the other through her temple. It’s as if they semi healed themselves or.......” She stopped.

“Or what?” He asked, giving her his undivided attention.

“I can’t believe I’m saying this. Or they faded to conceal themselves.” She looked at him with a very dumbfounded look. In all her years as a nurse, she had never seen anything like this before.

“Okay! Old wounds. So? Maybe you‘re mistaken by the seriousness of them.” He shrugged not getting where she was coming. She left his side, then went to the banister and looked out to nowhere in particular. Then after a few moments, she turned back to him, leaning back in it.

“You didn’t hear what I said, Mark! They’re faded, but fresh wounds. And they aren’t superficial wounds. They’re deadly ones. Mark! She should be dead!” She explained to him. Mark’s jaw nearly dropped.

Chapter 5

Christy sat gazing up to the moon. It was as if it was calling to her, beckoning her to come join it. It had been a very long day. She left the window and limped over to the bed. She crawled under it and shifted her body until she was comfortable. No sooner than her head relaxed in the pillow, she drifted off.

It was a Friday night and the locals were out at the bar having them a night out on the town. Especially, four close friends who shared a secret between them. A deadly one. Everyone were talking about the missing girl who had worked at the diner at the edge of town.

Her parents were distraught over their missing child. She wasn‘t in front of the diner, as usual whenever her father came to pick her up. He was told she had left four hours earlier.

Her boss explained he had let her go home early, due to she was having problems with four roughnecks and didn’t want anything to happened to her. The boss told her father she said she had called him and was going to wait out front for him.

Her father wondered why she lied to her boss, telling him she had called him, when she never spoke with him. It’s been three long months, since that night. And no sign of her whereabouts or any leads to who had caused her disappearance.

Some had their suspicions on what had been done and by who. But no one said a word. So when the four entered the bar. Everyone stared them down, as they made their way into a dark corner.

“I told you it was a bad idea to come here.” Gus told his three buddies. Troy, the ring leader ignored him and beckoned for a waitress.

“Well, if you’re so afraid of these losers, then go!” He looked at him. Gus just leaned back in his chair, staring at his hands.

“You’re going to make everyone think we had something to do with the missing girl. Keep up with the stupid way you’re acting and get us in trouble.” Sam leaned in and started in Gus. He glared at Sam, the weasel of them all.

“Look you little slime. We did have something to do with it. o don’t forget it.” Gus spurted back to him. just then a waitress walked up and Troy hit Gus’ arm to silence him, then looked at the pretty waitress and smiled.

“We’ll like a pitcher of beer and some jugs please. Yours will do just fine.” His failed attempt to be a smart ass. The waitress took down the order and sneered at him.

“Little bitch!” Troy said and looked around the place. He saw a couple of guys, standing at the bar, looking at them and then saying thing to each other. He flipped them the bird, causing them to look away from him.

“I can’t keep doing this. It’s like since that night my life stopped. I never know when they’re going to find her and pin it on us.” Gus started. All the men at the table looked at him. They could see he was freaking out on them. Troy reached over and grabbed his arm, putting pressure on it.

“We’ve been over this how many times with you? If you don’t get control of yourself, I’ll kill you myself.” His voice low and calm. The other men just stared at the two then to each other. The waitress came back with the pitcher of beer and mugs, sitting it down on the table. All them were silent.

“I’m out of here!” Gus said and left the three staring at him. Craig went to go after him, when Troy gesture for him to sit down.

“Let him go! We’re here to have a good time. If he wants to act like a sissy, then let him.” Troy reached for the pitcher and poured beer in the three mugs. The men each took a mug and began to drink it. They soon forgot about Gus.

Gus made his way to his truck, fumbling for his keys. He finally found the key he wanted and went to put it in the lock. He turned around and stared, after hearing a rustling sound from behind him. Nothing unusual, so he turned back to his truck and the task of unlocking it and getting away from this place.

Once again the noise, this time closer than before. He swung around, ready to confront what or whoever was playing mind games with him. Maybe one of his buddies had followed him out and wanted to scare him to come back in. He looked in all directions.

Only people he saw were going into the bar or leaving. He felt himself getting edgy. This had been the worst three months of his life. Only if he had stayed home with his with. Then he wouldn’t have been apart of this horrible thing.

He turned back to his truck and unlocked the door, pulling the door open. He entered the truck and took in a deep breath, allowing it to exit his body. He started the engine, backed the truck up and left the parking lot, heading down the road home.

His life had changed. How much? He had no clue, until he felt a piercing pain shoot through his chest. His foot hit the gas pedal and the truck sped up down the road, swerving from one side to the other. Until it careen off the road and plowed into a tree, instantly killing him.

Christy stirred out of her deep sleep. She was having a very bad dream and needed to wake from it. A man was killed, when his heart was ripped from his body and his truck smashed into a tree.

She shot up in bed, sweating. She wiped her hand over her face, feeling something sticking and wet. She left the bed and went into the bathroom, staring into the mirror.

Mark sat on the top step of the porch, with Latasha at his side. They were making out like teeny-boppers. They were just really getting into it when, a scream interrupted their pleasure.

It was Christy! Both hit their feet at the same time and ran through the door to her room. They feared whoever was looking for her had found her and was trying to get her.

Mark was the first to enter and search the room. He saw the bathroom light on and ran in, stopping short seeing her curled up in a corner, staring at her hands.

“Christy!” Mark called to her and slowly walked towards her, not wanting to frighten her. She stared up at him, breathing rapidly.

Latasha passed Mark and kneeled down in front of her. She had seen this before, she was in shock. Something had terrified her.

“What is it Christy? You remembered something?” She asked. She took a big gulp and shook her head. Then lifted her hands to them. Latasha looked at her hands, then to her confused. Mark leaned down to her.

“Something wrong with your hands, honey?” Mark asked trying to get her out of this. She nodded her head.

“Blood! They’re covered with blood!” She said and started crying uncontrollably. Latasha looked at Mark and he to her. They felt she was losing it. There weren’t any blood on her hands.

Chapter 6

Latasha and Mark put Christy to bed and watched her fall asleep. She had a nightmare about some man being brutally killed, waking up to seeing blood on her hands and face. Latasha went home to get some things. She thought it best for all concerned, if she stayed with them until everything was sorted out.

‘I knew I had fell into a deep sleep and felt as if I was floating on air, heading somewhere. I passed through a light and found myself standing in front of a small building. It was a diner and I had this feeling I knew this place.

Next I was standing at a table where a couple were sitting, as if it was the natural thing to do. At that moment four loud men walked the diner and took a seat at a table. I looked over to them and knew they were trouble. I turned away form them and to the couple.

“Hello. May I take your order, please?” I asked as if it was the most natural thing to do.

“Hey! Can we get some service over her!” One of the men yelled out, while the others just laughed.

“I’ll be with you in a minute.” I told them, looking over my shoulder towards them.

“Well, I want my order now. You can take care of them after us.” He yelled at me. I lowered my pen and pad and stared across the room at the far wall for a moment, the turned to face them.

“After I take these people’s order, I will be there. They were here fist.” I told hi, glaring long and hard. He seemed to take me in and looked at his friends who had gotten quiet. Then he rose form his seat and came over to us.

“I don’t thin these people will mind if I go first. Now will you?” His eyes dark slits, stared down at the man. He shook his head. I saw a few people leave and that just made me more angry. Why can’t people have a nice time out without low life ruining it.

“Yeah, they do mind. I said I will come to you next.” I said and walked away. The man acted as if he was backing up, but came back to the couple.

I was giving the cook their order, when I turned my head just in time to see him leaning on their table, He said something to them, then walked away. They jumped up out of their seats, scurried out of the diner and sped out of the parking lot. This just riled me more.

“I’m going to call the police if you don’t get the hell out of here.” I told them and walked towards the phone.

“What’s going on?” My boss asked as he came from the back, seeing me with the phone in my hand.

“Those men over there are acting like a bunch of rejects from the freak show. They’re running your customers off.” I explained and he looked over to the four men sitting in the booth, I noticed he knew these men because he seemed to get real nervous.

“I’ll handled this. Put the phone down!” He ordered me and headed over to where the men were sitting.

He leaned in over the table, talking with the men quietly. My boss then looked my way and then back to the men, very anxious. They were in deep conversation. He stood there for a few moments, then turned and walked slowly to me.’

Christy came out of her deep sleep and looked around the room. The sunbeams were peeking through the little spaces between the curtains. She stretched her arms and sat up in bed. She had slept through the night. But was plagued with another dream. Not as the other, but very vivid.

How much was dreaming or memory she wasn’t sure. She threw the covers off and walked into the bathroom, pulling off. She stepped into the shower and allowed the warm soothing water to flow over her hair and body.

She turned off the water and stepped from the shower, grabbing a towel and wrapping it around her head and began to dry herself with another. She looked at the bruises and wound she had received from her assault. She particularly stared at the two Latasha was concerned about. She touched the one over her heart and felt a huge jolt. It was as if a rushing went through her mind, causing her head to swim. She backed into the wall and safely slid to the ground.

She sat there for some time, trying to gather herself. That was the weirdest thing she had ever felt in her life. After calming down, she stood to her feet, waited to see if the dizziness had passed and walked out of the bathroom. She got dressed and left her room, seeking the other two. No one was stirring.

She went into the kitchen and poured herself a tall glass of water. For some reason, she more thirsty than hungry. She went out on the porch and sat down in a rocking chair. She noticed Latasha’s car was gone. Mark’s SUV was still parked where he left it the day before. Either they are together or Mark is still sleep.

Mark had tossed and turned most of the night. It had been the most unusual day he had had. Very stressful. First leaving the WWE for a year. Then finding a half naked beaten girl on the road.

Seeing and feeling things that aren’t there. And Latasha telling him two wounds she has should have killed her. That didn’t help the weird stuff going on. He sat up in bed and looked over to where Latasha had slept. She was up and out. He left the bed and took a quick shower, dressed and headed out to check on Christy.

he walked down the hallway to her room and knocked. When there was no answer, he cracked the door and called to her. Still no response. he pushed the door all the way open and looked at her empty bed, then listen for any movement in the bathroom.

“Christy!” He panicked and raced through the house calling for her. She was outside, when she saw Latasha driving up, but Mark calling for her. He seemed excited. So she went into the house.

“Yes, Mark!” She said, standing in the doorway, half looking at Lastasha parking the car and him rushing into the living room.

“Oh! There you are. I was a littel worried when you weren’t in your room.” Mark explained. Latasha walked in with a bag and the newspaper. She stopped short and stared at Christy as she walked passed her out to the car.

“What?” Mark asked. Latasha pointed to her as she came back pass her and went straight for the kitchen.

“Mark! She’s not limping. or struggling to walk.” Mark looked at her emerging form the kitchen and going out to the car once again.

“Yeah! Is that possible?” Mark asked.

“No! And you know what else? Her color is back. As if she had a blood transfusion.” Latasah told him, as they watched her walked by like she hadn’t been near death the day before.

Chapter 7

Detective Shaw and Kruse were going over the evidence, they obtained from the scene of the crime. Shaw looked through the notes of information they had received from people who had seen him at the bar and leave. They elected to talk with his friends separately to make sure the story were the same.

“Nothing unusual here.” Kruse looked through the bag of small items, they picked up around the area.

“Well, Andy! You never know. It’s always the insignificant things that can tell a big story.” Shaw told him, setting the files down and reaching for a small object in the pile.

“What’s that?” Kruse asked, as Shaw studied it closely.

“Looks like a charm or something. You know, from a bracelet?.” Shaw looked to him.

“Well that should give us some clue. A woman or girl ripped the man’s heart out cleanly.” He said sarcastically.

“Maybe! I could break a man’s neck with out a sweat.” Shaw told him.

“That’s different Rita, you’re a black belt in what‘s that? Way too long? And not too mention a real a lethal weapon. Not like that movie.” He smirked. She glared at him and looked back at the small half moon shaped charmed.

“There’s something familiar about this. I can’t put my hands on it, but it’ll come to me.” She set it back in the pile. Kruse scooted it up with the rest in the bag.

“Let’s go talk with this Troy guy. He seems like the head honcho of the group!” Kruse stood to his feet, reached back and grabbed his jacket.

“Yeah! Was it me or did they seemed like they were scared stiff at the scene?” Shaw asked, following her partner out of the office. He looked back at her, not knowing what she was talking about. She looked at him knowingly and shrugged her shoulders.

“You don’t find it weird, that he’s killed not even several yards from where we left her?” Sam paced back and forth. Troy gulped down some beer, watching him go back and forth.

“Sit your ass down! You’re making me dizzy.” Troy yelled at hi, causing him to nearly fall over himself from stopping in mid step.

“Yeah, Sam! You’re making me nervous. But you have to know it’s really strange Troy!” Craig told Sam, then turned to Troy.

“Look you two little girlie men. I don’t have time to deal with your insecurities. What’s done is done. We can’t change what happened. So do me a favor, either turn yourselves in for her what you did and leave me out of it. Or shut the “F” UP!” Troy came to his feet and stared them both down, then went to get him another beer. Craig and Sam looked at each other, then to Troy as her joined them.

“Anyway! You tow better leave. The cops are coming over to question me.” He informed them as he sat down and popped the can of beer.

“Yeah! They’re seeing me today too.” Craig said, staring out the window and seeing a car drive up in front.

“Me too!” Sam added.

“I think they’re here!” Craig turned to Troy. He stood and went to look out the window.

Mark and Latasha were amazed at Christy’s recovery. Maybe it wasn’t as bad as first thought. She continued to drink fluids but didn’t want anything to eat. That was very strange. But as far as Christy was concerned, everything was strange.

It came to midday when she seemed to be fading. Latasha caught it first. She was going pale once again and her movement wasn’t flowing as before. Finally the day had taken its toll. She went to her room and laid down for a nap.

“She may have over did it.” Marks said, staring down in the direction of her room. He turned to Latasha, who was sitting down on the couch reading the newspaper.

“That is so strange how she goes from one thing to another.” She looked over to him, resting the paper on her lap.

“Yeah! Never know what to expect.” Mark said, leaning back and taking a page of the newspaper in his hand.

Latasha was turning her page and began to read when she noticed an article. She grew very silent, frozen. Mark noticed it and looked at her then the paper.

“What is it Latasha?” He asked, staring at her.

“Speaking of things that are strange. Get a load of this. Some man was found dead in the next town.” Mark looked to her, confused and shrugged his shoulders.

“His heart was torn cleanly from his body and all blood drained.” She read to him and stared in his eyes. Mark took the paper form her and began to read. His eyes went form the paper to her.

“It’s right where I found Christy!” He exclaimed. She nodded. This whole thing was about to break wide open.

Chapter 8

Sam and Craig left Troy with the detectives. They didn’t want to have to deal with them at this moment. Sam made his way up the stairs to the back house he rented from his brother and sister-in-law.

They had been very stand offish with him since the rumors circulated he had something to do with it. They never asked. That’s how his brother dealt with things. he felt what you don’t know won’t hurt. And Sally, his sister-in-law just went along with his brother.

He unlocked the door and went in, heading straight for the refrigerator. his nerves were on edge. He was to see the detectives later that day. He thought one beer shouldn’t hurt.

He sat down on his couch and turned on the TV, flipping the channels. He felt a cold breeze fly pass him. He sat up and looked around to see if a window was open. Everything was locked shut. He turned around in his seat and resume looking at TV.

He thought he heard a noise coming from his bedroom. He rose to his feet and headed down the hall, to his room. He walked in looking around. He couldn’t find anything usual. He shrugged his shoulder and turned to leave, when he thought he heard something in his closet.

He picked up the bat he kept near his bed and slowly walked over to the door, bracing himself for whatever or whoever may be in there. He bent slightly and grabbing the knob, snatched the door open. Out flew the cat, brushing his shoulder as he scurried out of the room and into the living room. Sam stood there leaning against the wall, trying to catch his breath. This has been the worst time of his life. Starting with the incident with the missing girl. Only the four of them knew what happened. Well three now that Gus was murdered.

He went to steady himself on his feet and return to watching TV, when a hand came through the wall and covered his mouth. A sharp pain ripped through his body, stemming from his chest. He screamed in pain, before the dark took him away from his agony. No one heard his cry for help.

Mark and Latasha were sitting cozy on the couch, enjoying each others company. Mark had just planted a nice deep kiss on Latasha’s lips. It had been awhile since they had been bed buddies. It was well overdue and they both were feeling it.

But they knew until this mystery was solved with Christy, ain’t nothing happening. A cry came from Christy’s room. Mark perked his head up and heard it again. He jumped to his feet and ran down to her room, Latasha on his heels.

“It’s okay Christy! Everything is okay!” They found her sitting up in bed, staring at her hands. Mark slowly walked over to her, seeing this was a repeat from the night before.

“Blood! Blood on my hands. I had another dream.” Christy looked at Mark who had come to sit next to her and Latasha on the other side.

“No honey! There is no blood. What kind of dream?” Latasha trying to calm her.

“A man! He was killed like the other. I saw it so vividly.” She looked form Latasha then to Mark. Who was looking at Latasha. The same thought went through their minds. She had seen the other man’s death. Maybe there was some connection. But what?

“He a cool one.” Detectives Kruse and Shaw had finished speaking with Troy.

“Yeah. But even the cool ones slip up some time.“ Shaw said, driving up in front of the house where Sam lived.

“Well, let’s see what this one can tell us.“ Shaw said, stepping out of the car and staring at the house.

“Or not.” Kruse reminded her and started up the walkway. A woman came to the screen door.

“May I help you?“ She asked, as a child peered from behind her.

“Yeah! I’m Det. Shaw and this is my partner Det. Kruse.” She introduced themselves.

“I guess you’re here to talk to Sam.” She said, more as an statement than question.

“Yes, we are. Is he in?” She asked.

“Yeah. I saw him come in an half hour ago.” She told them, pointing around to the back house. Rita looked in the direction she pointed and followed Kruse who was already walking towards the back.

“It would be stairs.” He said as he began to ascend them. Rita looked around and observing the her surroundings. She spotted a car she had noted that sat in the front of Troy’s home. And was gone when they left.

“I saw a car parked in the garage that looks a lot like one I saw parked in front of Troy’s house.” Shaw said as she stepped up on the porch. Kruse was knocking on the door.

“I guess they were having a meeting of the minds.” Kruse joked and knocked once again. Rita saw Sally coming out of the back door. She had been watching them. And seeing as Sam wasn’t answering thought it strange.

“He ain’t answering?” She asked, looking in the garage and seeing his car.

“No! Maybe he slipped out.” Det. Shaw suggested.

“Naw! He don’t go no where without that bucket of his.” She joined them and bam on the door harder.

“Weasel! Probably saw you coming and hiding out.” She said, pulling out some keys and unlocking the door.

“Ma’am! We can’t enter without his permission.” Det. Kruse explained.

“Well I can, since I’m his relative. Sam! Sam! The police are here to see ya.” She screamed and went through the house.

“So much for that.” Kruse joked. Shaw shook her head. Then they heard a shrilling scream come from the back.

Both immediately drew there guns and ran into the house, towards the scream. Kruse fell into the room gun pointing and Shaw at his back. They pointed around the room. Then their eyes fell on Sally, pasted against the wall and a look of horror on her face. They followed her stare, coming to rest on Sam. Both nearly choked on the words that wanted to come up. Sam was lying on the floor dead. A hole in his back and white as a sheet. From their observation. His death was the same as his friend Gus.

Chapter 9

Mark and Latasha had stayed with Christy until, she calmed down and laid resting. They went to the front of the house and out onto the porch. They didn’t want her to hear them speaking. But she did. Her keen senses were in full bloom.

“What do you think?” Mark asked Latasha who walked over to the banister and leaned on it, looking out. The sun was hig up in the sky. It was about noon. It seemed like it had been a very long day.

“Her color was back to as it was earlier. It seems as if after each nightmare, it happens. I won’t be surprised if she is up and running as she was this morning.” Latasha turned and stared at Mark.

“What do you think about these nightmares? I mean look! Some man was killed like she said. And not too far from where I found her. Don’t you think that’s weird?” Mark walked up and down the porch.

“Maybe she was so close to death, she’s psychic now. You know how those people talk about how they see the light, having these near death experiences. May be that’s what she’s going through. It’ll probably blow over when she get her memory back.” Latasha reasoned. Mark stood stroking his beard. Then he turned his head over to Latasha.

“You know you may have something there. She loses one thing, her memory. And so she compensates for it, by seeing things in her dream.” Mark snapped his finger.

“Yeah! Something like that.” Latasha said, not fully convinced. She was concerned with the fact of the two deadly wounds and the constant change in her body.

Christy had left her bed and sat on the window once again, after hearing Mark and Latasha explanation of what was going on with her. She thought it was as good as any. She somehow felt a little better and went back to bed. It wasn’t long before she went into deep sleep.

‘I watched my boss come back towards me clearly shaken. They seemed bent on what they wanted. He stood there for a few moments. Then he looked to me. I could see these men scared him.

“Why don’t you take the rest of the night off? We can handle everything here. Do you have a way home?” He asked. Looking at me, then glancing over to the men who were glaring our way.

“Hey, they came in acting like baboons. Why are you sending me home instead of kicking their asses out?” I asked, very loud. The men smirked, turned away from me and began to murmur to each other. My boss grabbed me by the arm and dragged me into the back.

“Look you little snot! I’m trying to save you and my diner. So don’t get hard ass on me.” He said, his voice low but angry. I stared at hi, seeing he was afraid, then I took a quick glimpse at the men and realized they weren’t to be played with. So I turned my eyes to the ground. He was always nice to me, so didn’t deserve what I was giving him.

“I‘m sorry. I didn’t mean to stir up trouble. You know how I am.” I told him and walked into the back to get my coat.

“Do you have a way home, Christy?” He asked again. I looked over to him.

“I’m okay. I can walk.” I said. He seemed to go into spasms.

“No!” He half yelled. I jumped back startled. He had never spoken to anyone of us so harsh.

“I mean, I don’t think it’s a good idea in this rain and all.” He said calmly, looking over to the men who were staring. I stared at him for a moment, then smiled. He was like a second father to us, always looking out.

“I’ll call my Dad and let him know I‘m getting off early.” I went into his office and called my dad. But I think he was probably out in the garage and couldn’t hear the phone ringing. I hung up the phone and left the office, meeting my boss.

“He’s on his way. I’ll wait out front.” I lied.

“No! Go out the back way. I don’t want them following you and causing your father an you any trouble.” He was overly worried about something.

I went out the back and walked around to the front, coming to the road and began to home. The rain was pouring down now and it was nearly pitch black. I saw the reflection of the headlights of a car coming up from behind me. I stepped to the side and so they wouldn‘t hit me by accident. I was so deep in thought and never paid much attention or noticed the car was creeping up behind me.

It came parallel with me and the door flung opened. I reacted too late, the huge man got out of the car and grabbed me, pulling me inside. I struggled to get free, when I felt the pain from his fist go across my jaw. I saw his face before I went out.’

Christy’s eyes opened, looking around the room. She remembered a face. It was the face of the man she had dreamed of earlier. Why would she dream of this man hitting her?

She went into her bathroom and freshen up. She was feeling much better than before. She left the room in search of Mark and Latasha. She found them sitting before the TV. They looked up at her as she entered the room and smiled.

“Hey! What’s on good tonight? I hope there is a all night movie fest.“ She flopped down on the couch, full of energy as Latasha had predicted.

“Just don’t over do it.” Latasha told her and left Mark with Christy as she went to prepare them some lunch.

“Want me to help?” Christy said, jumping to her feet. Latasha smiled, glad to have the company. Christy immediately grabbed a huge glass and poured her some ice cold water, gulping it down and grabbing for another. Latasha observed how she seemed to crave water, but didn’t do much eating.

“What the........” Mark’s voice boomed from the other room. Latasha left Christy drinking her third glass and went to see what was going on with Mark.

Mark! What is it?” She asked. He was standing up, staring at the TV. He put his finger over his mouth to hush her and pointed to the TV. She looked to see what had him upset.

‘As reported earlier. A second murder has rocked this small town, in less than 12 hours. The residents are outraged and fear for their safety. No one knows whose next. Police are not saying much. Only that the two murders are identical. And the biggest news we received, is that they were very close friends. A possible connection can be found soon. We’ll keep you posted on any developing news.’

“Well I guess our psychic theory is true.” Mark looked over towards Latasha, who wasn’t buying this at all. She decided she would go speak with the authorities, to see if there is a connection. She felt it was best to not tell Mark.

Christy back away from the kitchen door, after hearing the news. She was getting this feeling, there was something more to her nightmares, dreams and the death of two men. She didn’t want to alarm Mark and Latasha. She thought it would be best if she left. Maybe all of them are connected and the same person who killed them, is the same one who tried to kill her.

Chapter 10

“This is insane!” Troy paced back and forth. Craig sat scared out of his wits. Two of their friends had their hearts ripped out and drained of blood. Now they were put under police protection, feeling the person who killed the others was after them all.

“The only thing insane is, seeing two men get their hearts ripped out of their bodies and drained of every ounce of blood.” Shaw was looking out the window. She was waiting for Kruse to began the watch, hoping to keep these men alive. Until they find the killer or killers. The first question would be why?

“This is Karma!” Craig said, after a sitting in this place for one hour and not saying a word.

“Shut up!” Troy came over to him and grabbing his shirt.

“Let him go! Now!” Shaw yelled from across the room. Troy continued to grip the shirt and stared at her. She unhooked the strap to her gun.

“Don’t make me say it twice.” She told him. He shoved Craig and back away, hands in the air.

“You’re pretty tough with that gun. I wonder how tough you are without it?” He sneered. She slowly walked closer to him.

“Tough enough. If you ever want to find out, please be my guest.” She stared in him in the eyes. He looked in her and saw no fear. He snorted, turned and fell on the bed in the room. She looked over to Craig.

“You said something about Karma. What does that have to do with anything?” She pulled a chair up and sat down across form him. His eyes sneaked a peek at Troy, who wasn’t looking at him.

“Nothing! Just me spouting off.” He said and went into the bathroom. She leaned back in her chair. Craig knows something. She wish she knew what. She looked over to Troy. Her take was Troy the leader and the others followed. Craig seemed a tag along with them. A knock at the door sent some relief.

“I’m so glad you’re here. Watch Troy boy! e thinks he’s an intimidator.” Shaw looked his way and glared at him. He pursed his lips and sent her a kiss. She shook her head. Pig! Came to mind. Then a thought went through her mind.

“Okay Andy! I’ll see you later.” Shaw said and left the motel room they were staying out of town. It was a secret place no one knew about.

Rita Shaw walked quickly through the police station and came up to the door of her office she shared with Kruse. Something was nagging her about all of this. She picked up the bag housing some items they had taken from near the second body.

She spread them out on the desk and picked through them. Something caught her eyes. She picked it up. Another charm. She stared at it for a long time, sitting back in her chair.

Then she took the other bag from the first murder and pulled out the little charm she had saw before. There was something familiar about both of these charms. She saw them somewhere but couldn’t place them. She leaned back in her chair, twirling her pencil.

“It’s Karma!” Ringed in her ears. What was this man talking about? And why did Troy get so upset?

She rose from her chair and walked around, trying to clear her mind. Maybe she was too close to this case. She sat back down and put everything connected to the case aside and picked out another case to give herself a break.

Maybe looking at another would give her some ideas. She pulled a file and open it. She stared at the pretty face of the young woman who had been missing for a while. That’s when something caught her eyes. A bracelet. And on it the charms found at the scene of the crimes.

“Oh my!” Is all that came out of her mouth.

Latasha had left Mark interacting with Christy. She was in her full of energy mode. Mark wanted to show her some of his bikes. Latasha made it to the next town. It was a hour drive. She went to the library to look up any news of a missing girl. S

She walked in and asked where their periodicals were. The lady at the desk took her to a room and brought the information up on the computer. They found it easier to keep them stored there.

Latasha went back a month. Nothing. Then two months. Nothing there, finally she came upon something from three months back.

‘A young woman named Christy Allen, was walking home from work one night and disappeared. No one had seen her since. The police figure foul play since no ransom note was ever received or anyone asking for money. It has left the locals baffle.’

“Christy Allen! Maybe our first clue.” She continued.

‘Some customers stated, four men came into the diner she worked and started acting out. She stood up to them and her boss sent her home early, so she would be safe.’

“What? Four men? So much for safe. They may have tried to kill her.” Latasha brought up a picture. It was Christy alright, staring back at her from the computer window.

Latasha jumped from the chair, knocking it over. She had to get to the local police and tell them what she knew of Christy’s disappearance. Her family will be so happy. So she thought.

Chapter 11

Mark was riding around on his cycle, showing off to Christy. She sat on the banister, laughing. This is the most fun she has had in a few days. Seeing him fly on thing was very nice. He was a natural.

“Can you teach me to ride?” She asked Mark, as he rode the bike up to the porch. He looked at her and smiled.

“Sure! Hop on and I’ll show you how to steady it.” Mark told her. She jumped from the banister with the prowess of a cat. He watched this with amazement. This is the girl not even a day or so go, was lying near death and barely able to move. Here she is jumping from the banister onto the ground, without missing a step.

“Are you alright?” he asked. She looked at him confused.

“Yeah! Why?” She answered, looking up and down her body, then back to him.

“You jumped from that banister there. You didn’t hurt anything did you?” He said.

“No! I feel great. If that answers your question.” She gave him a look that he had never seen from her before. Something was definitely going on with her. But what? He didn’t know.

Det. Rita Shaw was re-reading the case of the missing girl. Maybe there was something in it she had missed that might help both of these cases. Somehow her gut told her they were connected. Then she found for what she was looking.

‘Boss stated sent victim home because she had an altercation with four customers. Boss also stated sometime after girl left, customers decided they didn’t want anything and left. Boss wasn’t worried, because girl was being picked up by father.

A couple who had been interviewed stated they had left because four men came into the diner and threaten them if they didn’t allow them to be served first. And that one of the men had a run in with the waitress. Which turned out to be the victim.’

“Okay! Four men! It has to be more here.” She read more but didn’t get names of the customers who had, had a run in with this young woman.

“I smell cover up here. That may be the reason this case was never solved. No one wanted to come through with the names of the men or come right out say they did something to Christy.” Rita Shaw through the folder down on the desk in anger and left her seat, running her hand over her face. She put her hand on her hip and stared at the table.

“Did I hear you say Christy.” A voice came unexpected, causing her to jump in midair, turning to face the person with one smooth movement.

She stared into the face of a tall woman, about 5’10”. Slender built, beautiful crystal clear blue eyes, that pulled you into them and long black hair, pulled up in a ponytail. She had on a button down and jeans, that were tucked down into boots.

“Excuse me! May I help you?” Det. Shaw asked, a little annoyed she had intruded.

“Oh! I’m sorry Ma’am. I didn’t mean to ease-drop. Your door was ajar and I heard you when you said her name. I was told to come here by the policeman at the front desk.” She explained, pointing down the hall.

Latasha stared at the very attractive woman who was a detective. She about 5’3”, medium built but shapely. She had the clearest beautiful caramel skin. Her hair was cut short, reddish-brown, with blonde streaks in it.

Her eyes were dark green and looked right straight through you. She wore a pants suit, with a white button down blouse. Latasha could see her shoulder holster imprint in the jacket.

“Come in and have a seat. And I’m sorry! Just having one of those weeks.” She gestured to a chair in front of her desk. Latasha walked over and sat down, as she watch Rita take her seat.

“I’m Det. Rita Shaw!” She said, extending her hand. Latasha took it and smiled. A woman in charge, she got from her.

“I’m Latasha Falk.” She told her. Det. Shaw smiled and nodded her head. Latasha knew she was pass the small talk and wanted to get to the chaste.

“Let me start from the beginning. We may be in a position to help each other.” Latasha started. Det. Shaw leaned back in her chair, giving Latasha her undivided attention.

Chapter 12

Mark had given Christy a few dry runs. But was surprised at how quick and well she had picked up. She was flying threw the yard like she had been doing this forever. He sat and watched her laughing. Something she had no reason to do. Maybe she was a biker chick? He thought. Her memory may be lost. but things she did before she was still able to do. Just like that movie Bourne Identity! He thought.

Christy felt as if she could take to the air, she was having so much fun. She wondered if she knew how to ride before. She looked over to Mark, standing there watching her with this strange look on his face.

Latasha and him were the only family she had now. But deep in her she knew she had to go on. She couldn’t stay with them forever. Her memory would come back or they will find out she is a live and come for her. Putting Mark and Latasha in danger. Either way, she had to go! And this bike will be her transportation.

Christy was suddenly feeling exhausted and thirsty. She rode up to Mark. He could see it. She was going pale again. He helped her from the bike and carried her into the living room. He couldn’t get how she changed from full of energy then completely drained.

“May I have some water please?” She asked as he gently laid her on the couch.

“Sure, hon!” He said and rushed off to the kitchen. Mark came back with the water. She sat up and gulped it down. Mark looked at her blankly. Nothing about this girl surprised him anymore.

“Can I have more?” She asked, lifting the glass to him. Mark nodded, taking the glass. She laid back down, feeling herself drifting off into a deep sleep.

Mark came back with the water. He went to hand it to her, when he saw she was out cold. He shook his head. Maybe they shouldn’t let her over extend herself even if she feels okay. he at the glass down on the table, maybe when she wakes up she’ll want it. He left her to go out and put the bike up and do some work.

‘It was cold and wet, when I came too. My jaw was aching like hell. I looked up into the faces of the men who had come into the diner and cause problems. I turned on my side to get off the cold ground. One of them kicked me in the side, sending me back to the ground. I began to cry.

“Ain’t so tough now!” The one that kicked me said.

“Hey guys! Maybe we shouldn’t be doing this?” Another said.

“Shut the hell up Craig! You’re in this whether you like it or not.” I looked up at this man. He looked at me and bent down, slapping my face.

“What the hell are you looking at?” He said and took a drink from a bottle he was holding.

“Let’s get this over with.” The one that kicked me said. Then I felt them turn me over onto my back. One on each side of me holding my arms down. I screamed for help.

“Save your breath, wildcat. We‘re deep in the woods. No one can hear you scream.” He said and began to laugh. The others except for one laughed with him.

“Get over here Craig. And see how real men do it.” He laughed again. This man turned away disgusted with the whole thing. Then the leader parted my legs and ripped my panties from me.

I tried to fight them, but they were strong and many. I watched him unzip his pants and pull them down, exposing himself. He caught my flinging legs and pulled them up to my chest, getting a clear entrance into me.

I knew what was going to happen. And the worst part, was I was going to lose my virginity in such a way. I cried and scream, unable to move as he entered me with one huge thrush. I yelled out in agony, as he moved into and out of me without mercy.

The one called Craig ran away, crying. I will always remember that, I felt. Someone did cry for me that day. Each man took his turn with me. They beat me without feelings. I went numb, after a few rounds of them entering me over and over. Then finished with me. They sat around talking about what to do with me.

“Why do you guys always have to make it so hard? You know what needs to be done. If this were to get out, we’re done for in this town.” He stood to his feet and pulled out a gun. he walked over and standing over me, pointed the gun. I felt the pain rip through my chest and life pouring out of me. Then just before the dark came, I felt another pierce my temple. Then everything went dark.’

“Aaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiieeeee!” Christy sat straight up, eyes wide open. Is this a dream or did this really happen? Mark ran into the house, knowingly he ran to her.

She fell into his arms. Why did she get the feeling they would soon be parted? She went limped in his arms. He laid her on the couch and picking up the phone, dialed a number. He needed Latasha back there ASAP!

Chapter 13

“Now let me get this straight. You found a young woman on the road two day ago and didn’t think to see if she was a missing person?” Det. Shaw had listen to her accounts of the pass couple of days.

“I know! I know how this all sounds to you. But until now, we had no idea who was she. And we weren’t going to take a chance on the ones who did this to her, would find out she was alive and come after her. So arrest me for being concern for someone’s safety.” Latasha allowing that temper to shine through. Rita looked at her and smiled.

“I like you! You do what you gotta do and stand by it. No matter what.” She said and rose from her seat. She was walking and thinking about all Latasha had told her, when Latasha’s cell phone went off.

“Hello! Mark!” She answered it. Det. Shaw listened.

“What? Okay, let her rest. You know how it is with her. I’m here in the next town. And I think I know who Christy is and where she belongs. I’ll tell you about it when I get there.” Latasha told him and hung up the phone.

“What’s going on with her?” Det. Shaw asked. Latasha had left out some vital information.

“I think you should know about her dreams.” Latasha said sheepishly.

“Dreams?” Det. Shaw asked and reclaimed her seat. Latasha leaned in.

“Okay! When she sleeps she goes into this deep sleep. Then she would wake up screaming, saying there was blood on her hands.” Latasha began. Det. Shaw leaned in, very interested.

“Go on!” She told her.

“Well, of course there isn’t any blood on her hands. But she saw in her dreams of the men being killed. She said their hearts were ripped from their bodies.” Latasha revealed to Det. Shaw, who sat back in her chair.

“Wow! This gets more strange as it goes along. A young woman came up missing nearly three months ago. Now she has resurfaced. But could she had survived that long?” Det. Shaw looked up to her.

“I’m a nurse, Det. And even though I see it with my own eyes, I doubt she could have been exposed to the elements in that condition for so long.” Latasha had to admit. Det. Shaw, nodded and left her chair.

“So strange this case. Unlike any other.” She felt in her gut, something beyond her was going on.

“And Det. There is something else that has puzzled me since I examined her.” Latasha walked over to the Det., who looked at her curious.

“Yes?” She asked, knowing from her expression this wasn’t going to be good.

“Gunshot wounds! They were in her temple and through her heart. No way she could have survived those wounds. And yet she walks and talks.” Latasha told her. Det. Rita, got this churning in her gut, as a chill ran up an down her spine.

“Maybe! You say she‘s sleeping now?” She said and picked up the phone. She had to talk to her partner. He may be in danger.

“Yeah!” Latasha’s brows burrowed together. She got this uneasy feeling from Det. Shaw’s reaction.

“Kruse! How is everything?” She asked. And listened to his response.

“Everything is fine. Why?” Kruse asked. Troy looked over to him, knowing he was talking to that female detective. Boy would he like to plant himself in that nice brown cunt.

“I’m going to use the bathroom.” Troy said loud enough for Det. Shaw to hear. Kruse never looked his way. He was getting on his last nerve.

“I have someone here who may help us to open this case why open.” Det. Shaw told him. He stood to his feet and looked over to Craig who hadn’t said a word for a while. He just sat in a corner staring. As if waiting for something. Kruse went so he couldn’t hear him talk.

“What did you find out?” Kruse asked.

“I’m on my way there. I’ll fill you in.” Det. Shaw told him and hung up the phone. She turned to Latasha.

“You mine coming with me and telling my partner what you told me?” She asked.

“Sure!” Latasha answered and watched the Det. pull the drawer of her desk out, retrieve her gun and holstered it. She gave Latasha a quick, smile then headed out the door. Woman in charge. Is the only thing that came to Latasha’s mind, as she followed her.

Mark was standing in the doorway, looking out. The sun had set and the stars were out in full force. He couldn’t wait for Latasha to get back. He felt much better if she were here with them. After all she is the nurse. And he wondered why didn’t she tell him where she was going and why?

He looked back to Christy, she was resting well. Then he thought he saw a vapor rise from her, then disappeared. Well, at least he thought so. He went over to her, looking her over. He touched her gently. She seemed very cold. He got a blanket and covered her. She seemed so pale and still. As if she were dead.

Troy was just finishing up in the bathroom. He bent down and washed his hands. Then raised up to look in the mirror, admiring himself. He blinked and saw the young woman standing behind him. He turned and she wasn’t there. He searched the bathroom, but knew he was only seeing things.

“No! It couldn’t be! She’s dead!” He said to himself, shaking his head. He had recognized her. He turned back to the sink and steadied himself. He was just as afraid as Craig or Sam, when Gus was murdered. And the way. He just couldn’t let them know it.

“Not so tough now.” The voice flowed from behind him. He looked up in the mirror and saw her standing behind him.

Chapter 14

“Yaaaaaaaaah!” The blood-curling cry came from the bathroom. Det. Kruse was leaning back in his chair when the scream sounded. He sat up and listen, hearing nothing jumped from the chair. Craig had ran to the door trying to get out.

“Don’t even think about it.” Kruse told him, pointing his gun. Craig backed away and into a corner of the room. .

Kruse rushed over to the bathroom, gun in hand and kicked it open. He entered, crouching and pointing the gun all around the room for the assailant. But finding no one but the dead body of Troy, lying on the floor as the two before him.

Craig decided to make a dash for it, when Kruse entered the bathroom, but was stopped in his tracks. Kruse backed out of the bathroom and turned to Craig. He was frozen where he stood, as his eyes came fixed on the scenery before him.

Craig cowering in the corner, shaking like a tree branch blowing in the wind. Before him a young woman, almost transparent, with beautiful blue and white lights surrounding her.

“No! No! Please don’t kill me! It wasn’t my idea. Honest! I tried to stop them, But they wouldn’t listen. Please don’t kill me!” He pleaded with her, covering his face with his hands and sobbed like a baby. He was frighten he was going to meet the same fate as his buddies. She hovered in front of him, tilting her head from side to side and listening.

“You are the one who cried for me.” She said knowingly, staring down to him. Craig slowly raised his head out of his hands and stared up at her.

He saw in her eyes she remembered he had ran away, not wanting to see what they were going to do, after failed attempts to stop the madness. The connection of that day flowed between them. And he knew for that simple act, she didn’t feel alone. That someone cared and mourned for her.

“I’m so sorry!” His voice shaking and tears flowing from his eyes.

“I know! Thank you for not hurting me as the others. I wasn’t alone that day. You were there.” She told him.

“Yes! Everyday since that day. You have been with me. I just wish I had been stronger and been able to save you.” He embedded his face in his hands, crying.

“Christy?” Latasha called from the hotel room door. Det. Rita Shaw eased along the wall towards her partner, who was standing outside the bathroom door dazed. Christy turned around and floated towards Latasha. Rita instinctively, pulled her gun and raising it, got off a couple of shots. The bullets never phased her. She looked over to the detective and smiled, then vanished.

“Mark!” Latasha said, knowing that Christy will wake and come out screaming. She pulled out her cell phone to call and warn him. To let him know, the dreams weren’t dreams, but actual invents. But there was no answer.

“I have to go!” Latasha looked over to Rita, who was putting her gun back in her holster and walking towards Kruse. He had come back when he heard the shots. But before he could remove his gun, Christy had gone. He shook his head, trying to figure out what just happened there.

“No wait! I can’t allow you to go alone. There’s been a foul-play and maybe one in progress. I need to be there and notify the locals, so they can drive out to the ranch.” She stopped Latasha. She then turned to her partner.

“What happened here, Andy?” She asked. Kruse still stunned looked in the bathroom.

“She killed Troy.” Is all he could get out. He really needed a drink.

“Craig! I don’t understand. She could have killed you, but she didn’t. Why?” She walked up to him curled up in the corner and crying. He looked up to her, his bottom lip trembling.

“I cried for her.” He said and went into a trance. She stared at him for a long time, then looked over to an impatient Latasha. She made a quick call to the local police in that town, telling them that an homicide may be happening. This didn’t sit well with Latsaha.

“Let’s go! We’ll use my car. It’s faster.” She said as the two women left the men in the hotel room and sped away to the next town.

“Mark! Where are you?” Latasha said, trying to reach him again. It would take them nearly an hour to get there. She kept trying to reach Mark, but there was no answer. Rita looked over to her concerned.

“Maybe he’s outside doing something.“ Rita tried to calm her, racing down the road.

“Maybe! But you seen what she can do. I fear we’ll be too late. Oh Mark! Please be alright!” She tried to hold back the tears.

“Maybe she won’t harm him, she didn’t Craig. She knew he had tried to help her and remembered that. He had showed her some compassion when the others didn’t. Your boyfriend did the same and more. He became her protector. And you as well.” She reasoned with her. Latasha listened and felt she was right. She just wanted to be there if anything happened. This wasn’t an ordinary girl they were talking about. She was something, she wasn’t sure what.

Chapter 15

Mark had picked Christy up and taken her to her room, after he saw she was deep into her sleep. He covered her with a blanket, seeing she was cold as ice. He couldn’t wait for Latasha to get back and looked her over. She just seemed different this time around.

He went out to work on his bike, while she was napping and thought she would probably be out until Latasha came home. He never heard the phone ringing. After some time out working on his bike, he came back to the house and checked in on Christy.

She was still in her deep sleep, resting well. He also noticed, she had changed again, as she usually does after a nice sleep. Her color was back. So he decided to take a nice hot shower.

He went to his room, closing the door behind him and went into the bathroom, starting the water going. The phone rung for the fifth time, but it was drowned out by the water going in the shower.

Christy sat straight up in bed, looking around the dark room. She sat there as her mind came to life, sorting everything out. Her dreams and nightmares were not that at all, but the cold reality of what had happened to her and what she had become. She knew everything, it was finished.

She knew who she once had been and what she had become. And the fact she was brought back to serve out justice to the three who were responsible for her death. With her death avenged, she had to go on now.

She threw the covers off her and swung her feet over and off the bed. She sat on the edge of the bed for a few moments, replaying the last couple of days in her mind. But her mind went back further. To three months ago and beyond. Everything was coming clearer with each second. Her amnesia had passed.

She knew she had so little time to do what she had to do. Latasha was on her way and the female detective with her. They will take a little while to get there, she had plenty of time to spend with Mark. Before that time for her to leave came.

He was the one who discovered her. She needed to do something for him before her departure. As a gesture of her gratitude, that she would not be just another static and posted on the side of milk cartons. Her feet touched the floor lightly as she slowly made her way out of her room and down the hall in search of Mark.

“Damn! Where is he? And is he alright?” Latasha tried to call once again.

“Calm down! We’ll be there soon enough. I still think his life is in no danger. She owes him big time.” Rita glanced over to Latasha.

“I don’t know! She killed three men without a thought!” She looked at Rita then the road, almost willing the car to fly.

“But spared the other.” She reminded her.

“Maybe!” Latasha gave her a look. Rita turned her attention back to the road. Maybe she was right. Maybe she’ll come after him another day.

Christy glided into the living room, through the hall. She heard the phone ringing and stopped. She knew it was Latasha trying to call and warn Mark. She lifted the phone out of the cradle and set it aside, then sense Mark’s whereabouts.

He was in his room, showering. She went back down the hallway to his room and opened the door, coming in. She went to his bed and taking a seat, waited for him to come out. Mark stood under the hot steamy water, his mind going in and out of the last couple of days.

“Great! Latasha yelled, slamming the phone closed.

“What?“ Rita asked.

“Now the line is busy.“ Rita gunned the car. She knew that wasn’t a good sign. But she didn’t want Latasha to know that. It will only freak her out more than she was already.

Mark stood under the hot steamy water, his mind going in and out of the last couple of days. The nice hot shower, relaxed the muscles that was tensing. It felt so good to feel the hot water flow over his body.

He stuck his head under it and washed this long red mane. He then finished his shower and turned off the water, drying himself and hair. He tossed the towel to the side and left the bathroom.

“Oh Shit!” He yelled, seeing Christy sitting on his bed, staring him up and down. He ran back into the bathroom, retrieving the towel.

He came back into the room, looking around. Christy was no where to be found. He scratched his head, knowing he had saw her. He dressed ad went in search for her, first stop her bedroom. There she was, sitting on the window sill staring out into the night.

“Christy were you just in my room?” He asked, walking in and wondering why she was sitting in the dark.

“Yeah! But I saw you weren’t dressed and left. I owe you that much.” She said, with a hint of sadness in her voice. Mark stared at her. There was something strange about her mood. Usually she is upbeat after a deep sleep. And something else he realized, she didn’t wake up screaming.

“What’s wrong? You seemed not your usual peppy self you are after a nice deep sleep.” Mark walked over to her and sat in front of her. She turned her head and looked at him.

“I want to think you for finding me that day. If you hadn’t, I would never had been found.” Christy said, her voice solemn.

“Hey, I did what anyone would have done. But you’re welcome hon.” Mark said. Then he went to leave, but she grabbed his hand.

“Please don’t go just yet. I need to tell you about a dream I never told you or Latasha.” She pleaded with him. He saw she was anxious, so he sat back down.

“Okay!” Mark listened to her. She gazed out the window into the dark night. And began her story.

Chapter 18

Detective Kruse pulled up to the spot Craig had directed them. After Detective Rita Shaw left with Latasha, he confessed to what ha happened the night Christy disappeared and told Kruse he would show him the spot where they buried her body.

Kruse stopped the car, got out and opened the passenger side of the back seat, allowing Craig to exit it. Three forensics car came up behind him. The pulled out their equipment and waited for Kruse’s signal. He looked over to Craig and he pointed the an opening leading into the woods. They all headed towards the burial site.

Mark stared at her confused. He felt a chill run up and down his spine and wasn’t sure he knew where this story was going. She continued to look him in the eyes. He thought he saw something he hadn’t noticed before. Her pupils were fully dilated. They seemed to have a dark far away appearance. No emotion! Lifeless, was the better thought that came to mind.

“Mark! She called to him softly, bringing him out of his thoughts and back to her. His eyes fell on her, as she reached out and touched his hand.

“Christy! Are you trying to tell me something?” He asked, voice somewhat cracking. She looked out the window, feeling something going on somewhere, but not sure where. But she had a felt she knew. The Sheriff and Deputy made their way down the road, towards the house. That she knew. She looked back to him.


“The young woman headed home, but didn’t know she was being followed. Until it was too late. The car came up beside her. One of the men, who she had encountered in the diner, jumped from the car and dragged her into it. She tried to fight them, but one of the men hit her across the jaw, knocking out.” Mark stared away from her. She was telling him what happened to her. He looked back down to her, seeing the streams of tears falling. Damn Bastards! He said in his mind.

“It was you! Wasn’t it?” He confronted her. She stood and walked away from him, holding herself. Then she turned, seeing the flashlights coming into view.

“I woke up, lying on the cold wet ground and the men sitting around me drinking. Except for one, who was standing away from us, against a tree. He seemed disgusted with the hold ordeal. When the began to brutally raped me over and over, he tried stop them, but they weren’t listening. ” She began to sob. Mark stood stiff as a board, fists balled up. He couldn’t look at her, knowing what had happened. He suspected as much, but actually hearing it from her mouth made it surreal.

“The man ran away crying, not wanting to witness anymore of the atrocity. I remember thinking, how not alone I was feeling. Because someone was crying for me. Somehow it made it better for me. Finished torturing and raping me, they disgust what to do with me next. One came up with a solution. Here is the killer part.” She paused and stared long at Mark. He saw something, that made him feel uneasy.

Craig lead them to the area they had raped and brutalized the young woman. he went over to a small mound. He pointed to it and stepped back as the men began to dig. Craig began to shed tears, as that night came back to haunt him.

“One man went into his pocket and pulled out a gun. He pointed it at me. Now the others were protesting this act. But he smiled down at me. It’s strange, but I was numb mentally and physically. It didn’t matter what happened next. I felt the first bullet rip through my heart, the pain was excruciating. The next pierced my temple. I felt the pain for a second before I fell into darkness.” Mark stepped back from her. His eyes enlarged as he tried to allow what she had told him satiated his mind.

“Wait!” His voice deep and rasp. She never took her eyes from him. Somewhere shovels were digging and soon her dead body will be recovered. So what Mark was willing to except to not, was really mute.

“I woke up from that dark place and crawled to the roadside, where you found me.” She finished, walking to the window, seeing the two men coming closer to the house. And knew in a few minutes, all will know. That a young woman was brutally murdered and raped, while a third ran from the scene and kept this a secret for three months.

“OMG! The wounds on your chest and head. The ones Latasha was concerned about. She was right!“ He said out loud, which made it not just reality, but a damn horror movie. He looked at her, horrified.

“The nightmares of the men dying?” Mark had to know. She stared at him blankly.

“They weren’t nightmares Mark! I killed them. Right now Latasha and a Det. are rushing here to save you.” She told him. He tilted his head to the side, confused.

“Do they need to save me?” He asked, point blank.

“Only three died. One cried for me. He made it easier. You found and cared for me. Why would I do anything to harm you? She summarized.

“I found something.” One of the men digging exclaimed. And continued digging. The they uncovered a thin layer of dirt, which caused them to turn away from the smell and cover their noses with handkerchiefs.

“I must go now!” Christy yelled out and darted pass Mark out of the room. He quickly pursued her. He needed to know more.

The Sheriff and the Deputy rounded the bend, the ranch house appearing. The watched as a young woman ran out of the house screaming and a huge man running behind her. They pulled their guns and rushed towards them.

“No Mark! Leave me alone!” She yelled as he grabbed her arm, swinging her around to face him. He nearly yelled out in terror. This wasn’t the Christy he knew. She was some fading corpse. He went to let her go when he felt the sharp pain ripped through his body. His eyes fell on her face, as her mouth made a movement.

“Mark!” She called to him. The dark swallowed him up. The Sheriff and Deputy came to the scene with guns drawn and watched as Christy Allen faded into the background.

The last bit of dirt that covered the body was thrown to the side. The wrapped up body of the small girl was revealed. Craig turned away reliving that night. He began to sob more. They all had done an horrendous thing and each had paid. Him with the memories. The others by her hand.

Chapter 19

Latasha and Rita drove up the gate and seeing the tow squad cars, drove through the gate and up tot he ranch. They came around the bend to more cars and an ambulance. They were loading someone. Latasha jumped form the car before it could stop and ran with all her might to the person. As she got closer she saw the mass of the body and instantly knew it was Mark.

“Mark no!” She screamed pushing the paramedics to get to him. She saw the mask on his face and the color rapidly leaving him. He was losing blood and his life.

“We have to get him to the hospital Ma’am. Are you his wife or something?” She was asked, she looked up to the one who had asked.

“I’m something and I’m going with him. Just try and stopped me.” She looked like a woman crazed. They looked at each other, then as she jumped up into the back and beside to Mark. They closed the doors and entered the ambulance, sounding the siren and sped away.

“So what happened?” Detective Rita Shaw came up to the Sheriff and Deputy, who were giving their report. They had discovered by the mayor of the town, this was Mark the Undertaker of the WWE. And Vince had already gotten news and was crying for the heads of the locals.

“We thought he was trying to kill her.” The Deputy tried to explain for the tenth time.

“Where is she?” She asked, looking around for signs of Christy.

“She vanished into thin air.” The Sheriff said, wiping the sweat from his brow.

“You been drinking again Lou?” The Mayor asked. The Sheriff looked at him and shook his head.

“I wished I had been. It would make what I saw more believable.” He said and walked towards where he saw her go.

“What happened to the man? She tried to kill him?” Rita asked, surprised she would spare one who had cried for her and not one who had shown her compassion.

Latasha held Marks’ hand tightly. She felt as if her heart would break. He looked so fragile lying there. She had never seen him like this. He has always been an invincible force. But now, he was near to the death.

How could Christy had done this to him? He had been nothing but caring and protected of her. She could see his lips and fingernail beds were bluing. He was hemorrhaging bad.

She raised the sheet that was covering him afraid at what she would see. She knew how dangerous and vicious the assault Christy dished out. She was surprised to see four wounds in his chest and abdomen. This wasn’t Christy’s work. He had been shot. She looked up at the paramedics.

“He was shot?“ She asked. One of them turned his head and looked at her, nodding.

“Yeah! The Sheriff and Deputy. Something about him trying to kill a woman or something like that.. Though I didn’t see one there.“ He informed her, then turned back in his seat.

He wasn’t assaulting her. She would have killed him. She must have tried to run away and he wanted to stop her. She looked out the window and saw that they were nearing the hospital. She could only hope they could make it in time. He was fading fast.

“We thought he was trying to kill her, the way she was screaming. He grabbed her and was overpowering her. He’s a huge man. We were to far away to help. We fired on him. When we got here, she was fading away. In thin air, I tell you.” The Deputy told her. Rita watched as the Mayor waved a hand of disbelief and swore he would have their jobs. She walked to her car, got in and drove to the hospital to see how Mark was doing and stand by for Latasha. She had grown an liking to her.

Latasha was standing outside in a waiting room, for news on Mark’s surgery. She heard the sound of footsteps coming her way and went to the door to see if it was a doctor or nurse with some news. It was Rita coming towards her. The two stared at each other then Latasha broke. Rita wrapped her arm around her shoulder, leading her back in the waiting room and to a chair.

“I gather there is no word as yet.” Rita said, holding her hand. Latasha looked up to her.

“It’s not good Rita. I’m a nurse and I know what I saw. He’s going. I can only pray.” She began to cry. Rita held her, trying to comfort her.

They lifted the remains of Christy from the hole that housed her for three months and placed it in a body bag. Then the put it on a gurney, wheeling through the wooded area and out to the road.

Kruse hand-cuffed Craig and placed him in the back of the squad car and watched them load her body into the black van. They drove away to notify her father, and get a positive identification. This mystery was over.

Chapter 20

“His pressure is dropping.” The nurse called out.

“I need more suction.” The doctor yelled.

“He’s bottoming out.” The nurse said again, looking at how rapidly his blood pressure was falling. Then the monitor began to buzz.

“He’s flat lining!” The long jagged ling went straight across the monitor, warning heart had stopped.

“Get the crash cart, quick!” The doctor commanded, moving back form him lying on the table. A couple of the staff scurried form the room and quickly came back with a cart. They rushed to set things up. The doctor grabbed the paddles from the nurse.

“Clear!” The doctor said, setting the paddles on each side of his chest and sending the surge through him. Then stepping back to look over at the monitor. It continue to sound and display the flat line.

“Clear!” He yelled and repeated the power surge through him. Everyone eyes were fixed on the flat line on the monitor.

Kruse put Craig in his cell and closed the door and walked back to his office. He sat down in his chair, leaning back and massaging the bridge of his nose. He let out a long groan and leaned in on his desk, trying to think how to began the report. The phone ringing next to him, snapped him out of his thoughts. He grunted and reached over, taking the receiver up and brought it to his ear.

“Det. Kruse here!” He snorted into the phone.

“Hi Andy. How’s it going on that end?” Det. Rita Shaw’s voice came through. He leaned back in his chair, relieved to here a familiar voice. Her voice.

“Really crazy.” he said, exhaling.

“I bet not as crazy as here.” She replied. He raised his eyebrow. So the case moves on, he thought.

“Like?” he asked.

“No you first.” She toyed with him. He smiled, she could do that for him. They had been partners for many years and she knew when he was stressing.

“Okay! After you left, Craig started singing like a bird. What he told us, made me want to beat the living daylight out of him for keeping this to himself for such a long time.” She could tell this case was getting to him.

“Was it that bad, Andy?” She sat down and looked over to Latasha pacing back and forth.

“Yeah Rita. They torture that poor girl in every unthinkable way. Then he took us to where they disposed of the body. I wouldn’t dare be disrespectful by calling it a grave.” he blew out a long breath, fighting back the tears that rose in his eyes.

“We can discuss this case over a couple of beers when I get back. Let me tell you what happened here.“ She knew it was time to get of that aspect of the case. She would take it up later while she was with him. Andy was that kind of guy. Very sensitive to women and their perils.

“Can it get worst?” He asked, leaning in on the desk.

“Oh but it does.” She says to him and sees Latasha walking over to a window and staring out. Still no word from the doctor.

“Well it took us almost 45 minutes to get here. By the time we arrived everything had been done. The locals thought the man we were trying to protect was the assailant and the girl the victim.” Rita relayed part of the events to him. Andy sat back in his chair, poised for the rest.

“Don’t tell me.” He said, closing his eyes and waiting for what he knew she was going to say.

“Yeah, they shot him. It appears the girl was running away and he was trying to stop her, but they assume he was trying to hurt her so the open fire on him.” She stood to her feet and walked out of hearing range of Latasha. No use rehashing what had happened.

“Oh no! How is he doing?” Andy asked, hoping they weren‘t that good of shots.

“He’s in surgery now, not sure if he’s going to make it or not. Oh and the locals said the girl disappeared right before their eyes.” She told him. He sat straight up.

“Do you think she’s coming back here to get Craig?” He asked, not waiting anymore unexplained deaths on his hand.

“I don’t know. I don’t think so. If she wanted him dead she would have killed him. I get the feeling she is at rest now. Her body was found and now she can get a proper burial.” Rita surmised.

“I think this was what it was all about. Not wanting her father to sit and wonder whether she was dead or not. Now he can have some closure. I don’t he would be able to completely.” Kruse stared out the window.

“Yeah. I’ll talk to you when I get back.” She said, seeing the doctor coming towards the waiting room.

“Okay! Take care.” Kruse said and hung up the phone.

Rita was finished talking with Kruse. Seeing the doctor entered the room and Latasha rushing over to him. Craig had told them what happened and where they buried her. Since the others were dead and unable to be prosecuted, Craig would have to stand trial for his part. Which would get him a few years and his life. Can’t say the same for the others. But justice had been served.

“Hello!” The doctor walked in the room. It had been a long two hours. Rita hung up the phone and came over to stand with Latasha. She took Rita’s hand in hers, fearing the worst.

“It was touch and go. I want to be honest with you.” He looked at her then away. She could see there was something bothering him.

“Sure!” She said, giving Rita’s hand a gentle squeeze.

“Well, it’s the darnest thing. He flat lined and we worked on him the allotted time. He wouldn’t revive.” He stood and walked over to stare out the window.

“And now?” She asked. He turned to look at her and smiled.

“He’s fine. We got him back. Took longer than expected, but he came back.” He told her, looking away as if something was on his mind.

“But with the length of time it took, he may be brain damaged.” She injected, saying what he didn’t.

“I’m afraid so.” He was being honest with her.

“Can I see him?” She asked. He nodded and led her to the recovery room they had placed him. Rita walked away and stared out the window. Something wasn’t sitting right with her. She got this strange feeling in her gut, after hearing the doctor relayed what happened in the operating room.

“Why do I get the feeling, this ain’t over. But just the beginning?” She whispered to herself.

Latasha slowly walked down the corridor and behind the doctor, towards the recovery room they had placed Mark. She wrung her hands in anticipation, of what she was going to see. She could only imagine, being in the nursing field for so many years. Her mind sent her the worst scenario. The doctor walked up to a door and turned to look at Latasha. From the expression on his face, she knew this wasn‘t going to be good.

“I just want you to know. As we nearly lost him, he is very weak and it shows. He had lost a lot of blood before he came and the wound he suffered didn‘t help either.” He told her, then turned and pushed the door open with his hand. He stood back and allowed her entrance.

Latasha looked up at him and wiped her now sweaty hands on her pants, as she entered the room. She made two steps, her hands shot up to her face, covering her mouth and scream she wanted to send out.

The tears flowed freely down her face. She made her way to his bedside and looked at him, laying still as a mouse and semi comatose. He had tubes in his arms and his face covered with a mask, to assist his breathing. He looked as bad as Christy. She took a seat next to him and gather his huge hand into her small ones.

“Mark my darling.” She started, but had to pause to fight back the sobs that wanted to take over. She kissed his pale knuckles and rubbed his hand against her cheek. She knew how much she loved him until this very moment. She knew without him in her life, would lead a huge void.

“I love you Mark! I love you with everything within in me. I don’t want to lose you. Please my darling love. Please don’t leave me.” She broke down. She collapsed on him and cried her heart out.

Rita had come down to see if she would be alright alone with him. She had heard her crying through the door and entered. She walked over to her knew found friend and placed her hands on her shoulders.

“Let’s go Latasha. It’s not much you can do here.” She told her and gentle pulled he roof him. Latasha stared down at him.

“He’s so pale and he looks as if he will go any moment. I can’t leave him. I need to be here. What if he wakes up and I’m not here?” She said, between sobs and staring wildly at Rita. Rita knew that look. If Latasha didn’t get some sleep, she’ll be laying in some hospital bed soon.

“Okay! Just see if we can find a room near here and you get some rest. I’ll be asked them to notify you if anything goes wrong. Deal?” Rita reasoned. She looked over to Mark, then back to her.

“Okay! But I know I’m not going to sleep worrying about him.” She concluded as they left the room, in search of a nurse who could arranged for Latasha a room.

Mark’s eyes fluttered open, as he stared into the dark room. He couldn’t feel anything, but himself slowly floating up to the ceiling. Where was he going? He thought. He looked down at the bed below. It was him with tubes and things coming out of him. Boy did he look pale. Was this what you called a out of body experience? He thought.

There was a loud sound going off and people running into the room. A couple of them rushed in with a cart and began to work on him. But the buzzing sound continued. He looked over to the door. That’s when he saw her. Latasha his love and a strange woman standing next to her, with her arm wrapped about her shoulders. Latasha looked so drained of all the energy he has come to love about her.

Then he realized what this all meant. He was either dying or dead. The people stopped working on him and one went over to the door and said something to Latasha. She screamed out and fell to the floor.

Two of the men in the room rushed over to her and picked up, carrying her away from the room. They pulled a sheet up over his face and walked out of the room leaving it as they had come. Was he dead? He thought to himself, bewildered.

Mark floated there for a while, until he saw a light flow into the room below him. It had beautiful sparkling lights of various colors within it. It seemed to reach up to him and he felt himself slowly drifting back to his bed. The dark consumed him.

Mark laid on his bed covered with the sheet. Slowly it was pulled back from off his face. The light hovered next him and within it a beautiful young woman formed. She leaned in to Mark and stared down at him with love and admiration.

“Mark, listen to me. You need to come back from where you are.” She said to him. But he didn’t respond.

“Mark! You are needed here. Latasha isn’t as strong as you think. She has things in her life she has never revealed. You were the one who gave her the strength to go on. Don’t be the reason she stops.” She continued to plead.

She waited for a moment, then sensed something of his essence and knew what was the problem. She went back into the light and came to hover over him. Then slowly, she floated down onto and covered him. No one saw the light that filled the room, like a silently explosion. Or like a nova, blow out.

Chapter 22

“So there! That’s it in a nutshell.” Rita sat on her balcony and across from Kruse, sipping her coffee. He stared at her, not believing his ears. They had been comparing notes on this case and decided to just close it.

“This started out as an normal case, then went to the X-files!” Rita stared at him for a few moments, then stood and went to lean over the balcony rail. Kruse could tell when something was eating at her.

“Okay! What‘s wrong?” He asked, turning around in his seat to look at her. She turned her head to him.

“I got this gut feeling this ain’t over.” She nodded her head, then look back out, staring into space.

Five months later..................

“Ohhhhh yeeeeaaaah!” Paul Bearer’s voice stunned the arena and cause a explosion heard around the world.

Latasha watched the monitor in the dressing room, waiting for her husband of three months, to make his way down the ramp towards the ring. After that night when she woke to find Rita gone and thought something was going on. She went in search of her and saw all the commotion coming from Mark’s room. She slowly came to see what was going on and saw him sitting up like nothing had happened to him.

He came home and they decided to get married as soon as possible. He decided that the year hiatus wasn’t needed and came back to work with a renew attitude. And a newer version of his old persona of the Deadman gimmick.

There was something different about him. He wasn’t the same Mark. He was loving and what could she say about the nightly love fest. He was like a stallion in more ways than one. But there was something about him. Something she couldn‘t quite put her fingers on. He had changed. To what? She wasn’t sure. Only thing she was sure of, was his love for her. And that was enough.

Mark waited behind the curtains as everything set up for him to appear. Out of the dark corner, a beautiful pale blue light appeared. His head turned to it knowingly. Out stepped Christy, smiling from cheek to cheek.

“Hello Mark!” Her voice soft and haunting. He smiled at her.

“Hello darlin’!” He replied. She walked around him, looking him up and down.

“How do you like the life force I gave you?” She asked. He turned his head and looked straight ahead, smile still intact.

“I like very much.” He replied. She stepped back and nodded her head.

“Good! They didn’t do much with it when they were alive anyway. But I see you’re making very good use of it.” She told him. he nodded, listening for his cue.

“It’s strange though. When you first came, you played a Deadman who was alive. How ironic, you’re back playing a Deadman who actually is dead.” She said and chuckle. He turned his head towards her and laugh, as his eyes sent off the green glow.

“Yeah!” He answered, then hearing his cue, walked through the curtains to an arena full of cheering fans.

“Goodbye Deadman! It’s time now. I must go on! See you in the next life. Or not. Ahahahaha! Ahahahaha!” Christy laughed, as she stepped back into the dark corner and disappeared forever.

The End