Jessie’s Nightmare

Prologue


Walking home from work on a crisp and sunny afternoon, Jessie is blissfully aware of everything around her, her music blasting through the earphones from her MP3, the wind blowing strands of her long dark brown hair in front of her hazel eyes, and the wind swaying in the wind.
As Jessie cut across a large playing field, which was also used for regular dog walking, a new song started playing and for a moment she stopped, feeling as though someone was watching her. She shook herself mentally but still looked around the empty field unable to repress a shudder, taking a deep breath of warm clear air Jessie continued on her way home, not knowing that everything was about to change.
Ten minutes later Jessie found herself walking down the quiet street to her home where her mother and two brothers were no doubt arguing over a games console. When Jessie walked up the driveway and to her front door everything was quiet, there were no raised voices to be heard, only the low thrumming of Malcolm’s club land music.
Jessie hesitated for the space of a heartbeat then opened the front door and stepped inside, she expected to hear her collie bark and then run and jump up at her, tail wagging. Or to see her cat come slinking out the lounge, and mewl for attention whilst hissing at the dog.
But none of that happened, Jessie closed the front door and walked a few steps down the short hallway, poking her head round her mums door saying “Hey mum, how are you-.” Jessie cut herself off, her mum Crystal wasn’t there, but her laptop was still running on her bed. She then looked into her brothers’ room, and yet again they weren’t there.
It was then that Jessie noticed the smell, it smelt sort of coppery and there was a familiar odour mixed in that kind of burnt at her nostrils. It was the smell of blood and urine, Lots of blood and urine. Jessie walked into the lounge and gagged, her mum, two brothers, cat and collie had been slaughtered like animals.
There was blood spray all over the walls and furniture, all over her books and numerous shelves of DVD’s. Her family had been tied and gagged together in the middle of the floor; her animals had been crushed to a pulp, their soft and silky fur matted with blood and gaping holes all over their bodies.
Her mum and brothers had looks of pure terror and recognition on their faces, did they know their killer? If they did it was a secret they’d take with them to their graves. Jessie was backing away from the lounge door, when she almost out of sight of the bloodbath that had been her family, a large spot of red caught her eye and she looked up assuming it was more blood splatter, she was wrong, it was words written in blood.

Poor Jessie, you’re all alone
but not for long.
I promise you’re next! See you soon.

Jessie screamed and screamed, running from the house. Once outside on the warm hard grass she collapsed onto her knees, gave one final scream of agony and grief then started crying.


Chapter One


Things moved quickly after that, yet Jessie had no memory of calling the police, nor did she remember how she ended up sitting in the passenger seat of a police car with a blanket wrapped round her smoking a cigarette.
Yellow police tape was blocking off the driveway and people in white suits with large professional briefcases were walking in and out of her home. She was vaguely aware of someone trying to get her attention and the feel of someone’s hand removing something from her arm.
Jessie looked up and flinched, a man wearing a green uniform was knelt down, so that his blue eyes were level with hers. He gave her a comforting smile and then Jessie tried to block out the sound of his voice, with little success. “Can you tell me your name?” The man asked, as Jessie finally started paying attention she saw concern etched all over the man’s face, he was patiently waiting for a reply to his question.
“Jessie, my name is Jessie.” She replied her voice hoarse and cracked from screaming and crying. The man smiled briefly, “OK Jessie, my name is Dan and I’m a paramedic, now I want to perform a few tests and ask a few questions, if that’s OK?” Jessie nodded; Dan took a pin from out of a fresh packet and started applying a small amount of pressure to the inside of one of her fingers.
“Can you feel that?” He asked, Jessie nodded and Dan smiled again. “Can you tell me today’s date?” Jessie replied, “Its 5th September.” Dan nodded, “I’m going to take your blood pressure OK?” Jessie nodded and briefly closed her eyes, instantly regretting it as she saw the lounge and her family dead all over again.
Two fresh tears leaked down her already tear stained face, a crumpled tissue in her hand she used it to wipe away the tears. Dan seemed satisfied with the results and said “I’ll be back in just a moment; I just have to speak to the offices.” Jessie nodded again, too numb to think or want to say anything. She looked up and saw the paramedic talking to a tall man with a shaved head.
He was wearing black shoes, trousers and a white shirt underneath a black stab-proof vest, a radio on the vest was flashing and crackling. Jessie made out some of the words the two men were saying, “She’s fine within herself but in shock after the trauma, I’d recommend a strong cup of black coffee, and then you’ll just have to wait for her to heal.” Dan said.
The officer nodded then replied “Will she be able to answer questions down at the station?” Dan thought about that for a moment then said “She should be able to answer the questions, just go easy on her.” The two men shook hands and Dan came back over to where Jessie still sat. “OK Jessie, I’m going to leave you in the capable hands of these officers, take care of yourself now.”
Jessie took a deep breath, “Thanks, I’ll try.” Dan nodded then stood up and walked back over to the ambulance, he got in and shut the door. As the officer walked over to where Jessie was sat, a black van pulled up with the words ‘CORONER’ stencilled in white writing across the side. She stood up and watched as two men got out and walked to the back of the van where they took out a gurney with a black body-bag on it.
The officer stood by her side and together they silently watched as the bodies of her family were slowly wheeled one by one out of the house. Eventually all five body bags were removed, Jessie watched as the two men closed the van doors walked to the front of the van, got in and drove away with her family.
The officer waited until the van was out of sight before he turned his grey eyes on Jessie, evaluating her condition, Jessie went into her bag and pulled out her pack of cigarettes, and she took one out from the pack and fumbled with her lighter. She didn’t realise how cold she felt until the thick blanket was once again draped over her shoulders.
After Jessie had smoked half of her cigarette, she said “What happens now?” The officer stared hard at her then glanced away “Miss Werner, I’d like for you to accompany me down to the station to answer some questions, and we’ll go from there.” Jessie nodded, she finished her cigarette and stubbed it out on the ground before getting into the backseat of the police car where the officer sat next to her, and another two officers got in the front of the car.
As they were driving away Jessie looked back at the house, she put one hand on the glass pane and said “I’m sorry mum, I’m so sorry.” Before dissolving into tears again.


Chapter Two


Sat in the interview room with a Styrofoam cup of hot black coffee in front of her, Jessie looked around; she could see the two-way mirror and a make-shift shelving unit full of paperwork, the metal table in front of her had a tape player on it, and two straight-backed wooden chairs on the other side.
The carpet was a maroon colour, it was thin and had worn away in places, the woodchip wallpaper was peeling in places and mould was starting to creep up the walls. The chair next to her was empty, she couldn’t recall how long she’d been sat here for, but thought it couldn’t be that long as the cheap coffee was still hot.
The door to the interview room opened with a loud click and Jessie jumped. Two police officers walked into the room followed by a chubby woman in a skirt suit carrying a briefcase. Her short blonde hair hung evenly to her shoulders and her walk rang of authority, she had a slightly nasal voice that also rang of authority.
The woman sat in the chair next to Jessie and said “Miss Werner my name is Dora McAide, I’ll be your solicitor for the duration of this interview. Now as you may well know the police officers haven’t charged you with anything but I don’t recommend you answer their questions without taking me through today’s events first.”
Jessie sat in silence, her mind going into over-drive; haven’t been charged? With what I didn’t do anything? Today’s events, was she crazy or just a cold bitch? Jessie took a deep breath and looked at the woman beside her. “Look, I don’t know who the hell you are but I was asked to come here, I was not arrested! You want to go through today’s events? Is that all my family are to you? An event? And what do you mean ‘don’t answer any questions’? Are you crazy? I want the bastard caught! Whoever the hell murdered my family; I want that bastard to pay! Now, if you’ll take your smarmy ass out of my face and out of this room I will call a proper solicitor, not someone who thinks they know everything about my situation when you don’t.”
The woman looked offended but stood up and walked out of the room, closing it behind her. The two officers who’d accompanied her into the room shared a stunned glance then left the room. Jessie glared at the now cold coffee and threw it across the room, she then stood up and walked to a corner of the room and sank to her knees where she cried.
Jessie wasn’t sure how long she sat there crying, but a gentle knock on the door made her look up, the door opened and in walked a young man wearing an expensive suit and an aura of kindness. His face showed nothing but compassion, and his pale blue eyes scanned the room before spotting Jessie huddled in the corner, hugging her knees and crying.
The man closed the door and slowly walked over to where Jessie sat, “Miss Werner?” Jessie nodded and watched as the man knelt down to her level, keeping eye contact all the while. “My name is Detective James Bridal, I’m so sorry for your loss.” He took a deep breath as fresh tears rolled down Jessie’s face. The crumpled tissue now in shreds at her feet.
The Detective took out a pack of tissues from his pocket and offered it to Jessie, she accepted and took one from the pack, then gave it back. The Detective shook his head “It’s alright Jessie, keep the pack, I daresay you need them more than I do.” “Thanks.” Jessie mumbled, drying her eyes.
“You’re welcome, now is there anything I can get for you? Another cup of coffee perhaps? Or something to eat maybe? I understand that this is hard for you.” Jessie gave a shallow laugh “You understand how hard this is? Let me ask you something Detective, have you ever lost anyone you love to murder?”
The Detective considered her question, he then took a deep breath and still keeping eye contact said “Yes I have, I witnessed my twin brother murdered in cold blood, this is going back about ten years, I was just finishing school and about to enter college.” Jessie took a deep breath feeling ashamed of herself.
“I’m sorry, sorry for your loss, did you catch the killer?” The Detective shook his head, “No, I never did, but the time will come, I have faith in the system, after my loss I decided to change career paths and become a Detective.” Jessie nodded, she could understand that. She took a few deep calming breaths then said “What’s going to happen to me?”
The Detective replied “At the moment, we’re waiting for autopsies on the cause of death and the forensics team is still at the crime scene. I know this is hard but I need you to take me through your day, leaving out nothing, can you do this for me?” Jessie took a deep breath, she could still smell the blood, as she nodded and stood up, she caught sight of herself in the two-way mirror, her white shirt was covered in blood, bloody handprints down the front of it and splotches of blood on the back.
The Detective waited whilst she collected herself then led her out of the depressing interview room and down the hallway where he stopped outside a wooden door with ‘ladies’ written on it. A female officer appeared out of nowhere with a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, she also had a clear white bag with her. Jessie looked at the Detective questioningly; he gave her a small warm smile and said.
“We need the clothes you’re wearing for evidence; we managed to find these in lost property.” Jessie nodded and followed the officer into the bathroom. As Jessie took off her bloodied white shirt the officer gasped. Jessie knew what she was seeing, three long, deep scars going from her right shoulder down her back in a diagonal stroke to the bottom of her spine.
Jessie stripped off her black trousers and put both items in the clear bag, she slipped on the jeans and was about to pull the t-shirt over her head when the officer spoke. “Will you wait here for a moment please?”
Jessie nodded, pulled the shirt over her head and washed her hands at the sink. She was drying her hands when the officer came back in followed by the Detective; the Detective looked from the officer to Jessie confusion on his face and said “What’s this about?” The officer said “Show him.” Jessie turned round and lifted the shirt up so the scars would be revealed.
The Detective gasped and took a step closer whispering “How did this happen?” Jessie replied “My scars are not the reason I’m here Detective.” The Detective noted her unwillingness to say what happened to her back and nodded. Jessie pulled the shirt down followed the Detective from the bathroom; he led her up a set of stairs to an office with comfy armchairs and a glass coffee table.
The room looked warm and inviting, the Detective gestured for Jessie to take a seat so she sat in one of the armchairs and watched as the Detective sat next to her and pulled a mini tape recorder out of his jacket pocket. As he placed the mini recorder on the table he said “This will be easier for you than sitting in an interview room.” Jessie nodded; she crossed her legs and leaned into the back of the armchair.
Jessie thought back to what the snotty woman Dora had said. “Detective? That Dora woman who said she was my solicitor, although I don’t remember asking for one, something she said caught my attention and I was wondering whether you could answer something for me honestly?”
The Detective looked at Jessie and nodded, so she continued “She said that I hadn’t been charged with anything yet, but I don’t understand how I can be charged over what happened when I wasn’t there.” The Detective replied “In some cases the survivor of an attack on this scale is usually the prime suspect, but I can’t get into that until you’ve said what happened today. Now before we start is there anything I can get you?”
Jessie shook her head and looked at the Detective; he took a deep breath and said “Are you ready?”


Chapter Three


Jessie thought ‘I’ll never be ready,’ but nodded her head. The Detective pushed a button on the recorder and said “This is the testimony of-.” He gave a meaningful look at Jessie and she said “Jessie Werner.” “-In regards to the tragic events that took place at fifty-four Bandels Road on the 5th September 2009.
“The Detective conducting and witness to this testimony is Detective James Bridal, the time is twenty-fifty five and the date is 5th September 2009. Do you agree Miss Werner that there’s no-one else present?” “Yes I agree.” Jessie whispered. The Detective nodded, took a breath and said “Miss Werner, in your own words could you please for the benefit of the tape describe in as much detail as possible, everything that happened today from the time you woke up, to the time the police were called?”
Jessie took a deep breath “I woke up this morning at six-thirty am when my alarm clock went off. I switched my alarm clock off and got dressed for work; I made my bed and then went to the toilet.
“Afterwards I put my shoes on and unlocked the front door and had a cigarette on the front porch, once I’d finished that I went back into the lounge and got my bag ready for work, I made sure I had my phone, purse, fags and lighter and went into the kitchen fridge to get my energy drink. When I was leaving the house I looked at my clock and the time said seven-fifteen am.
“I locked the front door, took my keys and walked to the bus stop on the corner of Magnolia Crescent; I got the seven thirty-five am bus to work and arrived there roughly at eight-twenty am. “I had a cigarette before I went upstairs to work, had lunch at twelve noon and I ate a quarter plate of chips.
“I had a cup of coffee then went outside for another cigarette then went back to work for half twelve. I finished work at three pm and decided to walk home as it was a nice afternoon, I had my phone in my pocket so I’d hear and feel it ring as I have the phone on vibrate and ring. When I was about ten – fifteen minutes from home, as I was walking across the playing field by Sameera Lane, I felt as though someone was watching me, I stopped and looked around but I couldn’t see anybody so I carried on home.
“When I got home I expected to hear my brothers arguing over a games console, with my mum having a go at them, but there was silence apart from my brother Malcolm’s music. I opened the front door and expected to hear my collie bark, then run and jump up at me like she normally does, or to see my cat slinking out of the lounge, but I didn’t see either of them.
“I put my head round my mum’s door to say hi, but she wasn’t there even though her laptop was on, I could hear her game music. I looked in my brothers’ room but they weren’t there either. That was when the smell hit me, and I still can’t get rid of the smell or the images in my head of when I walked into the lounge and saw their bodies, and the blood. I remember backing out of the lounge screaming.
“I then saw the writing on the wall, I started screaming again and ran outside, my knees gave out from beneath me and I fell onto the grass. I remember screaming again then crying. The next thing I remember is speaking to the paramedic and seeing the coroners van. I saw them load up my family’s bodies and then drive off. I was then bought here and put in that interview room, and you know the rest from there.”
Jessie dissolved into tears again, hugging her knees in the chair. The Detective waited whilst she calmed down before he started asking questions. “Where do you work?” “The Cosmos Hotel, I’m a chambermaid.” Replied Jessie. The Detective knew her alibi would hold up so he asked about something she’d said earlier.
“Miss Werner, on the way here to the station, you said something in the police car, can you remember what you said?” Jessie looked up; she nodded then remembered the tape recorder. “Yes, I remember what I said, I said ‘I’m sorry mum, I’m so sorry’.” “Can you explain why you said that?” The Detective asked. Jessie took a deep breath.
“If I’d have been at home, I would’ve been able to protect them, but now I can’t, I’ll never be able to protect them and the looks on their faces, it was as though they knew who killed them.” The Detective looked Jessie in the eyes when he asked what would be one of the most important questions in the investigation. “Miss Werner, do you know of anyone, or can you think of anyone who’d want to hurt you or your family?”
Jessie sat and thought, there were a few people who wanted to hurt her, the jilted ex-lover, the guy who’d attacked her and scarred her for life, or it could’ve been her old boss whom she’d had fired for sexual assault.
But none of them as far as she could tell would ever kill an innocent family just to get her. “No Detective, I can’t think of anybody, but if I do you’ll be the first to know.” The Detective concluded the interview and pressed stop on the tape recorder. He then stood up and looked at Jessie, “I’ll make copies of this tape and send them out through the appropriate channels to the courts, I know this is hard for you and I really am sorry for what you’ve lost.”
Jessie nodded and bit her lip, she didn’t want to cry again, but the tears kept flowing down her face regardless. She took a deep breath and said “Is there a place I can go for a fag?” The Detective nodded and held his hand out to offer Jessie a hand out of the chair, she took his hand and stood up. The Detective dropped her hand and led her to the back of the station where she lit and smoked her cigarette.
The Detective stayed with her and remained silent, Jessie finished her fag then asked “Detective? When can I go home?” The Detective looked at her sadly. “I’m sorry Jessie but your house is still a crime scene, we’ll have to make other arrangements.” Jessie nodded and followed the Detective back inside, wondering what was going to happen next.
All she knew was that the future looked dark and bleak, stretching out into an endless road before her eyes.


Chapter Four


Detective Bridal and two plain clothes officers drove Jessie to a local hotel where they booked two adjoining rooms. The officers at Detective Bridals direction ordered room service, they had a selection of fruit and various meals along with juice, tea and coffee bought up to the room.
Jessie took an apple and a glass of juice, then retreated to the bedroom, she sat on the bed staring at the apple and juice for about two hours before a gentle knock on the door brought her to her senses. “Come in.” Jessie said, her voice cracking. The tears had flowed non-stop since she’d had to re-live the horror of her family’s demise.
Detective Bridal entered the room and saw Jessie sat cross-legged on the edge of the double bed. She’d taken her shoes and socks off but that was as far as she’d gotten, the Detective sat next to her “How are you coping?” He asked. “I’m fine, I just still can’t believe it, and I can’t believe they’re gone.” Jessie replied, then burst into tears again.
The Detective wrapped an arm around her shoulder for comfort and Jessie leaned into him, crying on his shoulder until her eyes ran dry. The Detective looked at her and said “Why don’t you go and take a long hot shower and try to relax?” Jessie nodded “Thanks Detective, I will.” “James, please call me James.” He replied.
Jessie’s lips twitched as she stood up, she heard the bedroom door close and opened the bathroom door. A few hours later, after she’d tried and failed to relax her muscles, and after she’d cleaned herself up, she went back into the bedroom and saw her clothes were missing. Jessie clutched her bath towel tightly and walked into the small lounge area. One of the officers looked up, “Is something the matter Miss Werner?”
“Jessie, my name is Jessie, uhm where did my clothes go? I left them on the bed but they’re gone.” The officer smiled “My partner took them to go and get cleaned.” Jessie nodded, she turned round and headed back into the bedroom, hearing the familiar gasp. Her hair was up in a towel so the top of her scar was visible.
Jessie grabbed her cigarettes and lighter and headed back into the lounge, she sat partially dry on the edge of the sofa and put a fag to her lips. Just as Jessie was about to light it the officer coughed and pointed to the balcony doors. Jessie stood up and went out onto the balcony and sat in a chair. She shivered slightly and lit her fag, jumping as a jacket was draped over her shoulders.
Standing up and moving quicker than the other person expected she turned round and saw James. “Sorry, I should’ve said something, I was just going to put this round you so you don’t freeze.” He said. “thanks, I guess I’m just a little jumpy.” She replied. Jessie accepted the jacket and lit her fag savouring the first drag, she noticed that James also smoked and sat back down.
They sat in silence for a few minutes until Jessie said, “Normally this time of night I’m curled up in bed asleep and ready for work in the morning, my collie usually sleeps next to me.” “I can see if I can find a teddy or something soft for you if you like?” He offered. “Thanks but somehow I very much doubt I’ll be sleeping.” She replied.
James nodded, “I didn’t sleep for three nights after my brother was killed, I know what you’re going through but I’d strongly suggest trying to get to sleep.” “I’ll try, but I highly doubt it.” Jessie replied, the doubt obvious in her voice. Jessie stood up and gave James his jacket back, as she did so the towel slipped slightly, revealing more of the scar.
Jessie quickly covered herself over and went back inside and straight to the bedroom. She closed the door, dropped the towels and climbed naked into bed, she knew that James wanted to know the story behind the scar, but that was still painful to talk about, and she had enough pain inside to fill up the Grand Canyon, Jessie turned off the lamps and rested her head on the pillows.
She lay staring at the ceiling, and listening to the television in the lounge, but before she knew it, Jessie had fallen asleep. She was opening the front door to her home, police tape gone as though it’d never been there. She walked along the hallway, it seemed longer than It used to be, but Jessie eventually reached the lounge, she pushed open the door and saw a dark shadow hovering over something that was squirming on the floor.
Suddenly the shadow turned and produced a bloody knife, her mum had stopped squirming, and the shadow had just finished killing her and was now coming for Jessie. Jessie screamed and sat up in the bed, tears streaming from her face, James and the officers came rushing into the room together, alert and ready for action. James rushed to her side and pulled the covers up over Jessie’s chest, covering the scar that was bigger than he thought.
He wrapped his arms around Jessie and rocked them both backwards and forwards murmuring soothing words, after half an hour Jessie calmed down, James looked at the watch on his wrist, it was four am. James went to move but Jessie gripped his bare arms with surprising strength, “Don’t leave me, please? Please just stay with me tonight? I don’t want to be alone.”
James nodded “I promise, I won’t leave you tonight.” He nodded to one of the officers and they threw something long and white at James, a blanket. James covered what he could of Jessie then he turned round and gave her some privacy. When she was covered they went outside to the balcony and had a cigarette. “How long was I asleep?” She asked, “Two hours.” James replied. Once they’d finished their fags and went inside Jessie looked at the officers.
“Sorry for giving you such a scare.” The officers waved her apology away and resumed watching the television. James followed Jessie into the room and turned around to give her privacy while she got in the bed. “I’m covered.” Jessie said, she lay on her side and waited for James to lie down, she felt the bed indent with his weight. Jessie turned over and said “Is it OK if I snuggle up? I swear nothing will happen.”
James chuckled softly and lifted his arm up so that Jessie’s head was resting on his shoulder, she draped her arm over his bare chest and felt him stroke her hair. She’d always found it soothing having her hair stroked, within a few minutes Jessie was asleep, but every tie James tried to move, she’d stir.
The next morning Jessie woke up in the position she’d fallen asleep. She was bleary eyed but felt better having slept a dreamless sleep. As Jessie sat up she realised James was awake, and that the covers had slipped revealing even more scars. James’ eyes went wide. Jessie covered herself up and went into the bathroom, when she came back out James had gone, but freshly cleaned clothes were on a chair.
She got dressed and went into the lounge, she saw the officers and James having a discussion so she went and had a cigarette on the balcony. Five minutes later she was back in the lounge. James had a look in his eyes that meant business. Panic flooded through Jessie, “What? What is it? What’s happened?” James sat next to her and said, “My superior was on the phone just now, we’re moving you to a safe house.” He replied.
“Something’s happened, something else, what is it?” Jessie asked, James shook his head and one of the officers said “You may as well tell her, she’ll soon find out.” James looked at the officer and nodded, “The person/people who’re responsible for your family’s deaths sent a letter to the station, and it’s not pleasant.”
Jessie froze, “Isn’t pleasant? What does it say?” James took a notepad from his pocket and showed her what was written;

Poor Jessie, alone in the
world, but don’t worry
you won’t be for long.
Some scars come back to
haunt you. You know what I
mean, the police can’t protect
you from me forever. History will
repeat itself. See you soon!


Jessie sat frozen at the words. “What does this mean?” She asked. “It means that you were the intended target, whoever is doing this won’t stop and it’s personal. We’re leaving in five minutes.” James said, the officers were already making calls.
Five minutes later, Jessie, James and the two plain clothes officers were leaving the hotel and heading back to the station.


Chapter Five


Jessie found herself sat in the same room as the day before, the only difference was that the blinds were open and sunlight was streaming in through the windows. Detective James Bridal was pacing the space between the desk and the chair where Jessie sat, deep in thought.
The obese man sat in the chair behind the desk was watching his Detective, after a few moments the man said “James sit down, I’m sure between the three of us we can work something out.” James went to reply when there was a knock on the door, the obese man said “Enter,” and the door swung inwards revealing the plain clothes officers from the night before.
“Captain, we’ve found a secure location for Miss Werner, we’ll be ready to leave momentarily.” The Captain nodded and stole a glance at James, “Detective Bridal, I’d like for you to stay here and work on your case files, I’ll have Detective Sanders -.” Jessie abruptly stood up “No!” James looked grateful and the Captain looked at her, “Miss Werner, why are you saying no?”
Jessie took a deep breath, “With all due respect Captain, I’d rather have Detective Bridal with me, I trust him and feel safe with him. And I’d rather be with someone I trust then someone I don’t.” The Captain looked thoughtful but the expression barely hidden underneath made Jessie shiver, after a few moments the Captains face relaxed and he nodded.
“Very well Miss Werner, Detective Bridal shall accompany you and these officers to the safe house.” Jessie relaxed and sensed James do the same, but she still didn’t trust the Captain, something about him was decidedly off. The Captain was still looking at Jessie, it was a curious look which immediately made her tense.
“Miss Werner, these notes that the killer leaves, they seem very personalised to yourself, for instance can you explain what this person meant he or she wrote ‘Some scars come back to haunt you, you know what I mean’.” Jessie flinched, then tensed and closed down her emotions facing the Captain she replied calmly “I think this killer is referring to the scars on my back, and they run partially across my chest, but that is something I’m not comfortable with sharing or re-living.”
The Captain looked at her suspiciously but let it pass, Jessie didn’t doubt that he’d try and dig into her past, but she knew without a doubt that he wouldn’t find anything. The plain clothes officers were watching the conversation with curious glances from the Captain to Jessie. Detective Bridal cleared his throat, Jessie, the Captain and the two plain clothed officers looked at him.
“We have a few of the finer details to attend to before we move you.” Detective Bridal said, and then motioned to the office door. Jessie was only too happy to follow him, well aware of the Captain watching as they left his office. When they were one floor lower James said “The Captain will run a search into your background to find out how you got those scars.”
“He won’t find anything.” Jessie replied matter-of-factly. James gave her a sharp look but didn’t say anything; he knew that pressing the issue would get him nowhere. James led Jessie into a small room with a few mismatched chairs and an old coffee table; he gestured for Jessie to sit in one of the chairs and waited until she’d done so, closing the door behind him.
James took a seat next to her and said “Jessie, when we leave this room you won’t be allowed to take anything with personal with you. That includes any bank cards and everything else with your name on it, so I strongly suggest you empty your bag and now before we go any further.”
Jessie nodded and undid her bag, she put her fags and lighter on the table first, then took out her MP3 with additional batteries, her empty bottle of energy drink, her phone, purse and then her keys. Jessie pushed her phone and keys towards the Detective, then reached for her fags and lighter and put them in her jeans pocket. She took off the bag and reached for her purse.
As Jessie opened her purse she took out all of her loose change and the notes, also taking out a small photograph of her mum and two brothers. She looked at James and said “I still have money in the bank, am I allowed to withdraw it?” The Detective thought for a moment then nodded “I’ll escort you to the nearest cash point and back.” “Thanks,” she replied.
Jessie took out her bank card and then reached for her MP3 and the batteries, putting the loose change into her pockets she stood up and followed James out of the room and out of the building, as they approached a cash machine Jessie grew nervous. She stopped and looked around as she had done on the playing field. James noticed her hesitation and saw her look around; he walked back to her and asked.
“What’s wrong?” “I don’t know I feel as though someone’s watching me.” She replied, James looked around but didn’t see anyone suspicious, the afternoon traffic around them was normal and there were a few tourists walking in groups eager to go into a shop. Jessie shook the feeling off and walked the few remaining feet to the cash point, she withdrew her limit for the day and added it to what she already had.
On the way back to the station the feeling of unease increased, she kept looking around and spotted something, or rather someone darting into a shop, she grabbed James’ arm and pulled him to a stop. “What is it?” He whispered, Jessie replied “Someone’s following us; he just darted into that store behind us.” Jessie’s eyes widened as James tugged at her hand and pulled her towards the store “Relax.” He whispered into her ear.
Jessie tried to relax and walked into the store with James; she walked up to the counter and purchased some cigarettes. While waiting for her change she looked into the security mirror above the counter and saw the man who’d been following her, she repressed a gasp, collected her change and purchase, and then walked over to where James was.
She intertwined her fingers with his and squeezed lightly then added “Ready to go hun?” “Sure thing babe.” He replied then led her from the store, once round the corner from the shop she breathed one word “Run.” They started running towards the station; once safely inside Jessie let out a shaky breath, James looked at her “You saw who it was?” Jessie nodded “I know the face as well.” The scars on her back starting to tingle.
As Jessie and James entered the room, he looked at the officers “We’ll move her tonight, she was spotted, and it will be easier to move after dark.” Jessie slumped in the chair and shakily reached for her fags, James waited until she’d lighted one before kneeling in front of her and said one word “Explain.”
Jessie let out her breath and nodded, she was about to reveal the most dangerous secret she’d ever held. Her recently deceased family didn’t even know about the scars, or the reason behind them.


Chapter Six


Jessie finished her fag and stubbed it out in the ashtray then stood up and said “For you to understand how and why I have these scars, I need something from my purse.” James nodded and handed the purse over; she opened it and drew out a folded piece of paper.
She opened it and lay it flat on the table; James picked the paper up and examined it, then placed it once again on the table. “That bit of paper as you’ve just seen was of an ultrasound taken when I was sixteen weeks pregnant. My partner at the time appeared to be ecstatic, but then as the weeks progressed he grew moody.
“I tried everything to make him snap out of it but it never made any difference, I went out one afternoon for lunch with an old friend, someone I hadn’t seen for years. My partner caught us having lunch but assumed it was something more. My friend and I spoke to him together and then separately, and we finally had him convinced that nothing was going on.
“A few days later he surprised me by saying that we were going camping in the woods, for a few hours that night everything seemed perfect, then he got a dark look in his eyes. He stood up and walked over to our tent; he was rummaging around for a few minutes then came out with his hands behind his back. He stood behind me and helped me stand up, the next thing I knew; he’d dug something in the flesh above my heart.
“He kept digging and raking whatever it was over my back and down to my spine. He turned me around roughly, swearing to kill me for cheating on him, for getting pregnant with another man’s baby, and refused to believe me when I swore it was his. I saw something flash in front of my face before his hand cam down, my only thought was for my baby, and before it all went dark.
“I remember waking up in a strange room, it wasn’t a hospital. Someone was doing something to my back, I screamed and tried to sit up, I tried to tell whoever I was with that I was pregnant, but was pushed back down onto my stomach and injected with something, and then I fell into darkness once more.
“I don’t know how long I was out for, but I remember waking up in the woods where we went camping, all of my stuff had gone. I walked to the train station and jumped the train home, I told my family that we’d had an argument and had broken up, but when I looked in the mirror a few days later while trying on some clothes, that was when I saw the scars. I’d lost my baby at some point during the attack and told my family it had been a false alarm, but I knew it wasn’t.”
Jessie took a deep calming breath then lit another cigarette; she looked at James and said “You remember the bits of the scars you saw?” James nodded, so Jessie continued. “That was only a part of it, they go much deeper than you realise.” James took a deep breath then asked “Can I see the scars?”
Jessie nodded and finished her cigarette; the two plain clothed officers looked at each other then stepped out of the room. Jessie waited until the door was shut then took off her t-shirt and un-did her bra strap, she took the left side of her bra off and watched as James stared in disgust.
There were three large pink scars going from her left nipple up and over her shoulder, when Jessie turned around he saw that they continued down to the bottom of her spine. James took a step closer and ran his fingers across the scars, he felt Jessie tense up and said “Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you nervous, but these scars look like a bear has attacked you.”
Jessie set herself right then nodded to James so he could open the door and let the officers in, Jessie sat back down in the chair and James sat next to her, “While we wait, do you want anything to eat or drink?” Jessie declined and they sat in a thoughtful silence while they waited for the sun to go down. James looked as though he was about to say something several times, but just as he was about to speak he’d close his mouth and shake his head.
Jessie could slowly feel the tension in the room begin to rise considerably. As the sun began to set, Jessie stood up and walked over to the window to watch. When the sky was finally dark James said “You may want to have a final cigarette before we leave, as you won’t be able to smoke in the vehicle.”
Jessie nodded and lit her cigarette, she offered one to James and he accepted. Once they’d finished their cigarettes James said “OK, here we go.” And together they left the room, Jessie left behind everything that made her who she was, and continued on down the dark path before her.


Chapter Seven


They left the station via the back entrance and bundled Jessie into a black SUV, as Jessie buckled up, the car lurched forwards and they drove off into the darkness.
Jessie had her head resting on the darkly tinted windows and felt her eyelids droop, she resisted for as long as possible but stress and lack of sleep persisted, and sleep inevitably won. Thankfully her dreams were free of nightmares, but were pleasant memories of when her family was alive and well.
Someone gently shook her shoulder and she woke up rather reluctantly, not wanting to leave her family. As Jessie opened her eyes she saw that they had arrived at a large town house. The house was well kept, a fresh coat of white paint on the outside and the blue window shutters were flapping lazily in a light breeze.
From a glance the porch looked incredibly well kept, and the swinging bench swayed slightly. There was a balcony that ran the length of the second floor, and the slanted tiled roof had a chimney. Jessie wasn’t sure how long they’d driven for but as the sun rose over the crest of the house, she could see woodlands closing in around the house.
She stared in awe at the house then slowly exited the SUV, as she stood gazing up at the gorgeous house; she looked to her left and saw James talking his phone. She could hear him talking on the phone, his voice soft and gentle as though he were talking to a lover.
A pang of jealousy shot through Jessie at the thought, but she stopped herself short, she had no right being jealous over a girlfriend he may have, after all he was doing his job by bringing her here and keeping her safe. Jessie waited until he’d finished his phone call then slowly made her way to the porch steps, pausing at the front door.
A voice behind her made her jump “The door’s open, so go on in and make yourself at home.” Jessie turned around and saw James, he had an amused expression on his face, and she faced the door again and turned the handle, the door opened with a slight creek.
Jessie stepped inside and gasped, she’d just entered a large and wide hallway, wooden floorboards newly polished. A chandelier hung from the ceiling and the walls had been painted warm beige, a dozen squashy armchairs were scattered about with a few tables in the middle.
The hallway had three doors leading off of it, the first and closest was the one on her left, she opened it and saw what appeared at first glance to be a coat cupboard, but closer inspection revealed the fuse box and a keypad with various numbers and letters on it.
Jessie closed the door and moved to her right where a large lounge was revealed, it contained several squashy sofas and chairs as well as the coffee tables, and bay windows, and it also boasted a small bar. To the right of the bar was an additional door, she opened it and saw a modern toilet.
Jessie came out of the lounge and went to the one remaining door, as Jessie put her hand on the handle she glanced to her right and saw a wide wooden staircase, knowing she’d explore them next Jessie opened the door to see a cavernous kitchen.
The counters were a mahogany marble and the breakfast aisle had stools surrounding it, the cupboards, fridges and freezers and pantry were fully stocked, and a set of French doors led out to a large patio area. Beyond the patio was a clearing that ran roughly one hundred foot long and fifty foot wide.
A large pond with a wooden edge and a short dock, where you’d be able to let your feet hang over the edge and brush the surface water. Jessie headed back inside and stopped at the staircase she’d noticed earlier, gripping the brass banister she slowly went up the stairs, her hand sliding over the cool metal.
When she reached the second floor there were four rooms spread out on it. Jessie opened the first door and saw a single bed with a wardrobe and two sets of chest of drawers. There was a bedside table with a lamp on it, one of the chests of drawers held a small plasma screen television.
Another door was by the wardrobe and as Jessie entered it she saw a small bathroom complete with a shower. Jessie came out of the room and went to the next door, the room was decorated exactly the same as the first room. The third room was the same, but as Jessie entered the room furthest from the stairs, she saw a double bed, and the bathroom contained a bath/shower combination.
Jessie decided to look on the last floor before claiming a room, she went up the stairs and saw only two doors on this floor, she opened the first door and saw another double room, complete with a bath and shower. As she entered the second door she gasped.
The room was nothing less than an extremely large library, there must have been at least a hundred thousand books, there was a medium sized coffee table surrounded by large comfortable looking chairs.
As Jessie looked around the library examining some of the titles she saw a door near the back that was open to a small balcony area, not visible from the front of the house. Jessie made her way back down the stairs to the lounge where James and the plain clothes officers were drinking coffee.
“This house is amazing!” She exclaimed. James looked up “Glad you like it, have you chosen a room?” Jessie nodded “The top floor, the room next to the library.” James nodded “It’s a good choice, now come and sit down while we go over some ground rules.”
Jessie sat and listened as they told her not to go out after dark or to wander in the woods, after the ground rules were set Jessie headed to the kitchen and heated up a tin of ravioli then made herself a mug of cocoa and retreated to the library.


Chapter Eight


Jessie remained in the library until after dark, finally taking down her empty bowl and mug, as she headed back upstairs to her room the lights suddenly went out.
Her instincts warning her that it wasn’t a normal power outage, Jessie panicked and as her eyes adjusted to the dark she retreated back down the stairs, fumbling her way to the lounge. She met James on the way to the lounge “Jessie? OK follow me and stay close.”
“OK.” Jessie whispered. As she followed him through the house, she heard two gunshot sounds from the front porch, then two bodies hitting the floor. James led her to the bar and pushed her behind him, “How did they even know you were her? Nobody knew but us three and the Captain.”
James was livid, she could sense the anger and betrayal coursing through his system, leaking into his aura. A shadow moved past the toilet door and Jessie crouched down even further, they waited until the shadow had passed then moved from their hiding place.
James led her to the foot of the stairs and whispered “Go upstairs and find a place to hide, I’ll come back for you once I’ve called for help and moved the car.” Jessie nodded and quietly started going up the stairs, she heard the front door open and then silently close, she was now alone in the house, and hoped that James would be able to call for help. As Jessie reached the second floor, she peeked out of one of the windows and saw James enter one of the SUV’s.
As he appeared to be fumbling something, Jessie heard the front door open, she tried to get James’ attention but it was too late, the moment James turned the ignition on to start the car, it exploded. White hot flames were consuming the car, and the force of the explosion sent the car two or three feet up in the air, crashing back down to earth.
The flames were now a deep orange on the outside, but still white hot in the centre, Jessie knew without a doubt that James was dead; no-one could survive an explosion of that magnitude. She was now alone in the house with a killer. Jessie forced herself to move away from the window, she fled to the top floor and ran into her room, re-arranging the pillows to make it look as though she were sleeping.
She then quietly opened the door to the library to try and find somewhere to hide, as Jessie disappeared into a row of books she heard muffled shots coming from her room. Jessie ran to the back of the library towards the door but then stopped; if she opened the door surely the wind would give her position away? That moment of hesitation was when the killer stepped into the library.
She froze then started creeping to her right, using the bookshelves for cover, hoping to be able to get out of the library. “Jessie, I know you’re in here.” The voice taunted, she knew that voice, and it was Adrian, the man who’d given her the scars on her chest and back.
“There’s nowhere to run Jessie, you’re all alone and no-one’s coming to help you. It’s just you and me.” Adrian taunted. The voice had come from her right so she moved back to the left and pressed her body up against a bookshelf. The thick carpet muffled her footsteps, so Jessie relied on her instincts to get her to safety.
Jessie moved to the end of one of the bookshelves and saw the door that led to the main staircase; crouching low she ran for the door, but halfway there received a sharp blow to her ribs. She cried out in pain and heard a menacing laugh to her left.
She then realised that this had been his plan all along, he’d been counting on her to go for the easy escape. As Jessie struggled for breath another blow to the ribs sent a new sharp pain up her left side and knocked the air from her lungs.
The suddenness of the lights going back on made her squint, she saw the boot come towards her again and felt it connect with her nose, and she felt the bone break and hot salty blood ran into her mouth.
Jessie tried to move but received blow after blow for her efforts, she knew this was the end, could feel death creeping up on her. She closed her eyes and saw her family waiting for her in a green meadow, a final kick to the ribs made her eyes open, she found herself staring down the barrel of a gun, heard the next bullet load and closed her eyes.


Epilogue


Jessie woke up abruptly to the sound of her alarm clock, she was in a tangled mess of sheets, and shaken from her nightmare. As she turned her alarm clock off she climbed out of bed and headed to the bathroom.
An hour later Jessie was washed, dressed and unlocking the front door to go to work, lighting a cigarette as she walked to the bus stop. All through the work day Jessie couldn’t shake off the nightmare, or the fact that something bad was going to happen.
She spoke to her mum during her lunch break and was smiling for the remaining few hours of work. When Jessie was finally on her way home, she relaxed into the bus seat listening to her music. Getting off the bus Jessie admired the sun shining down, and the cool wind blowing loose strands of hair around her face.
Jessie lit a cigarette and walked the few minutes it took to get home, outside the house she felt a strange sense of déjà vou, shaking that feeling off she walked indoors and into the lounge, following the trail of blood. Wait! Blood? Jessie nervously stuck her head round the lounge door and saw her family slaughtered like animals, their insides all on the outside.
Jessie stumbled out into the kitchen and saw a gun on top of a piece of paper; she moved the gun and read the note;

Jessie, Jessie, Jessie.
Make the choice, either end
It now or I’ll see you soon.
The choice is yours.
Love A.

Jessie knew what would happen if she chose life, so instead with tears rolling down her face, she picked up the gun, put it to her head and pulled the trigger.

The End.

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Tag der Veröffentlichung: 14.09.2010

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