Fight For Your Life

Part One

Prologue

Two men sat talking quietly in a corner booth, the pub they were in was crowded and there was a lot of noise coming from a group of people at the bar who were watching a rugby game.
The two men paid no attention to the game, but they were both speaking in voices no louder than whispers. “Thank you for meeting me on such short notice tonight.” Said Paul, the anxiety in his voice was clear. “It’s no problem.” The other man said calmly. “I heard you come highly recommended for the situation I am in, which is why I’ve come to you.”
Paul seemed hesitant to continue, so he took a few gulps from his glass of beer. “And why have you come to me exactly?” The other man asked. “I’m going through a messy divorce and-.” The other man cut him off, “Divorces aren’t my area of expertise, so I suggest you speak to a lawyer.” Paul laughed a shaky laugh, “I know that’s not your area of expertise, I-.”
The other man cut him off again, “Then why don’t you just tell me what it is you want done? I don’t need or want to hear about your petty problems.” He snapped; Paul took a few deep breaths. “I want you to kill my wife and daughter.” The other man looked remotely amused. “Your wife and your daughter? And here I thought you were such a family man.”
Paul looked uneasy under the man’s stare. “I don’t want them dead just to end the divorce proceedings, Sharon can keep Poppy for all I care; I want them dead for the money.” The other man sat in silence for a minute, coldness and rage rolling off of him in near tangible waves. Once the silence had Paul squirming in his seat he spoke, “Look, sorry I came to you with this, maybe I should find somebody else.”
The man spoke calmly, “If that is how you feel Paul then I won’t stop you... But can you guarantee that this other person won’t make any mistakes? Will he be able to blend into society as well as I can?” “Yes I think so.” Paul replied. The other man slowly leaned across the table, “Lies!” He sneered, “I’m the best at this and we both know it, why surround yourself with second rate people?”
His voice turned calm and emotionless again. Paul took a deep breath, “Does this mean you’ll do it?” The other man replied, “Assumptions are the mother of all fuck-ups; never assume anything about anyone Paul, especially me.” Paul flinched as though the man had shouted the words at him, but the other man continued to whisper. “Yes, I’ll do this for you, what I need for you to get me is a picture of your house, wife and daughter.
“I will also need the street name and the area you live in; I’ll be here in two days at this time.” The man stood up and Paul stood up with him, they briefly shook hands then left the bar together.


Two Days Later


Paul arrived at the bar earlier than was expected, he met the other man outside and they went inside together and ordered two pints from a heavy set man at the bar, they then sat down in the same corner booth as before.
“Do you have what I asked for?” The man asked, “Yes.” Paul replied. “Show me.” The man said in that same empty voice as before. Paul took out his wallet and pushed three photos across the table. “Everything you need is on the back of the photo with the house.” “I’m impressed Paul, I didn’t think you were capable of being subtle.” The man said. Paul looked taken aback, “You thought that I’d have given you everything you needed to know on sheets of paper?”
“That was my initial thought yes, like I said; I’m impressed.” The man said slightly amused. Now that Paul had an inkling of what impressed the man he said, “Sharon and Poppy are home every night, they do this ‘mother daughter thing’ and usually go to bed at around eleven.” The man noticed the change in Paul’s tone when he spoke of his wife and daughter.
“You seem somewhat... Jealous of your daughter, I wonder why that is?” Paul didn’t hesitate to tell the man with undisguised hate in his voice. “Sharon cares more for Poppy than she ever did for me, at this very moment Poppy has a trust fund with over five million dollars in it.” A flicker of emotion went across the man’s voice, but before Paul could see what it was, the emotion had gone.
“So Paul, where do you want this done?” “At home would be the best way, if you wait until Friday night to do it, they normally sleep in on the weekends and it’s not until early Friday evening they go out to the cinema. So it’ll give you plenty of time to get in and out without arousing suspicion.” The man picked up the three photographs and put them in his jacket pocket. “Now Paul about the payment, my fees will be three hundred thousand dollars.”
The man paused for a moment, “With that money it’ll pay for a clean killing of both your wife and daughter, and in case any of your daughters’ friends stay over for the weekend etc, etc... I prepare for any and every scenario there is.” Paul took a deep breath, “So how do I do this? Pay you I mean?” The man smiled briefly, sending chills down Paul’s spine.
“I want you to invest, invest in your daughter’s future.” “What?” Paul demanded. The man spoke slowly and clearly, “There is a company listed in the New York stock market called ‘HTY,’ I want you to buy three hundred thousand dollar shares at seventy five cents a share, I’ll take care of the rest.” Paul slowly nodded his head in agreement, the man got ready to stand up.
“I’ll contact you in a week after I confirm your investment.” The two men stood up and left the bar together.


One Week Later


Paul was just leaving his place of work, as he got into his car he felt someone in the backseat, Paul made to face the stranger when a cold voice said, “Don’t turn around; your investment has gone through as planned and you’ll need an alibi for this Friday night. I suggest you make plans.”
The back door opened and then closed, Paul was a little shaken up; his car had been locked before he’d entered it of that he was sure. Paul drove back to the hotel where he was staying and immediately made plans with his new ‘lady friend.’ His alibi was secure, yet Paul had a sinking feeling in his stomach as though something would go wrong.
Paul picked up the phone and almost called it off, but as he was dialling the last number he hung up and put his feelings down to nerves.


Chapter One


The week passed quickly for Poppy, she was impatient for Friday night to arrive, her two best friends Rashel and Thea who were also twin sisters were having a birthday party, and they were both turning fifteen. Rashel and Thea had invited most of their friends and as a result a hall had been hired in a local hotel where some of the teenagers would then be spending the night.
Poppy ran the comb through her long silver hair, her hazel eyes wide with excitement, as Poppy stood up, and she examined her five foot four inch slim figure critically. She was wearing skin hugger faded blue jeans with a silver slinky top which ended in a triangle at the front, and she was wearing silver strappy stiletto heels.
Poppy applied a blood red lipstick to her full lips and a little blusher to her cheeks. A knock on her door brought Poppy back to reality. “Come in.” She said, and her bedroom door opened and in walked her mother; Poppy had inherited her silver hair and height from her mom. “You look lovely.” Sharon said. “Thanks mom, I just can’t decide what to do with my hair, whether I should leave it down or tie it up.”
Sharon looked at her daughter proudly, “Leave it down love, just to let you know you’re ride’s here.” Poppy looked away from the mirror and grabbed her overnight bag from the bottom of her bed. Poppy had already packed the bag earlier on that day, and she added her comb to the bag and followed her mom downstairs. As Poppy opened the front door a white limo was sat outside.
She turned and gave her mom a cuddle and a kiss on the cheek. “Love you mom, see you tomorrow.” “Have fun love.” Sharon shouted as Poppy half ran to the limo. Once Poppy was inside the limo, she greeted her friends with squeals of delight, they then all took photos of each other, and were laughing and telling jokes all the while.
When they finally reached the hotel, the chauffeur opened the door for them and they got out, and then walked into the hotel. The receptionist gave them their room keys and the porter showed them the way, once they’d all put their stuff down they all headed back down to the reception where they were showed to the hall where the party would be.
Music was already playing in the hall, and most of the room had been converted into a dance floor, a few tables had been put together and were filled with food. Near the food area some small tables and chairs had been set aside. Poppy grabbed Rashel by the hand and pulled her to the dance floor, she was taller than Poppy by two inches but their figures were the same.
As they danced Rashel’s long black hair swayed from side to side and her blue eyes were glinting in the light. After three dances Rashel and Poppy stopped for a drink, Poppy looked around the hall for Thea but couldn’t find her, the hall was slowly filling up with their friends and Rashel went to play hostess while Poppy snuck out to look for Thea.
Thea was sat outside the front of the hotel on the steps and Poppy sat down next to her, “Hey, how come you’re out here?” Thea replied, “The hall is a bit stuffy.” Poppy moved a strand of long blonde hair out of Thea’s eye, and then moved to kneel in front of her and looked into Thea’s brown eyes. “So we’ll ask reception if we can open the doors, let a breeze in.”
Thea sighed then stood up; she was five foot five inches tall and had a slim build, “I guess.” Thea replied. A small grin was playing across Poppy’s lips, “What?” Thea asked. “Oh nothing.” Poppy replied. “Poppy...” Thea said in reproach. Poppy laughed, “OK, OK, Sean’s inside and I know he wants to dance with you.” Poppy took Thea’s hand and led her back inside.
The receptionist didn’t have a problem with them opening the doors that led off of the hall and onto the patio, Thea and Poppy re-entered the hall and saw Rashel dancing with Charlie, his short blond hair was spiky and his grey eyes looked silver whenever the light touched them; he stood at five foot nine inches tall and had a medium build.
They were dancing so exuberantly that the other dancers were moving out of the way for safety, Thea moved through the crowd and headed for the food table; she was stood in a corner of the room nibbling on apple slices. Poppy took the opportunity to escape up to her room and take out Thea and Rashel’s presents.
Poppy went back into the hall and saw Thea still on her own, she then spotted Sean at the bar buying two cokes and made a beeline for him, tapping him gently on the shoulder when she reached him. Sean turned around and smiled, “Hey Poppy, how are you?” Sean put the drinks down and took his change then cuddled Poppy and she returned the cuddle and replied.
“I’m fine thanks and yourself?” “Yeah I’m OK.” He replied, then sighed, “Have you seen Thea?” He asked, “Yes, she was stood by the food table.” Poppy replied, Sean thanked her then walked away with his cokes. Sean stood at five foot eight inches tall and his light brown hair was cropped short, he was of a medium build and his brown eyes had a sparkle to them.
Poppy moved to the edge of the hall and saw Sean offer one of the drinks to Thea, he then offered her his arm and they walked outside onto the patio. Poppy smiled to herself and then joined Rashel on the dance floor; Sean would be having Thea laughing in no time at all, he was very passionate about his friends, and many people would see that as a weakness but Sean didn’t care.
If everyone had a friend like Sean the world would be a better place. When a slow song started Poppy went and sat at one of the tables, Sean and Thea came back in both laughing and then started to dance. When the song was half way through, Poppy felt a light tap on her shoulder, she looked up and saw a pair of hazel eyes staring back at her.
“Jamie!” Poppy squealed and then threw her arms around him; he cuddled her back and then led her to the dance floor. His short black hair had been gelled and he stood at five foot seven inches tall with a medium build. The party continued on and everyone was having a good time, everything had worked flawlessly and all too soon it was time to open the presents.
When Thea and Rashel opened their presents from Poppy they gasped; inside the small box was a gold necklace with a pendant hanging from it; Thea’s pendant was a Topaz tiger and Rashel’s pendant had an Onyx wolf on it. The girls threw themselves at Poppy and then squeezing her tightly and gushing their thanks.
After having the necklaces placed around their necks they took the rest of the presents upstairs to their room and then returned to the hall and danced.


Chapter Two


Sharon was entertaining friends at home; the parents of her daughters’ friends were all their and drinking Margherita’s and telling stories of their children’s upbringings. A knock on the door interrupted the telling of a joke and Sharon stood up and answered the door, as the door opened Sharon saw a six foot two inch tall masculine man looking down at her.
“Hi, can I help you?” She asked, the man smiled; it was cold and empty and a shiver ran down her spine. “I’m looking for a-.” He pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket. “-Mrs Sharon and Miss Poppy Cosby.” He replied. “I’m Sharon and my daughter isn’t here, I’m entertaining some friends so what can I do for you?” Sharon asked. The man pulled a knife out of his jacket pocket and his steely brown eyes got harder, he pointed the knife at Sharon’s throat.
“Scream and I’ll gut you like a pig.” Every word he spoke was sincere and Sharon nodded and slowly moved backwards, his short curly black hair glistened wetly under the hallway light. After closing the front door he locked it and then rammed the knife through Sharon’s throat, he broke the handle off of the blade then kicked her against the wall.
With a loud thud Sharon hit the wall and then fell to the floor, a pool of blood already forming under her neck. The man pulled a 9mm gun from the back of his jeans and a silencer from his jacket pocket, he attached the silencer and moved silently into the living room; with the first six shots he killed all of the fathers and one of the mothers, while he replaced the silencer and magazine clip and kept his eyes on the remaining shell-shocked mothers.
All of that took just seconds, he then killed the remaining mothers and then searched the house; he found no trace of Poppy. The man then went back to the front door; he unlocked it and opened the door then went to his car and took out a full gas can, he poured the gasoline all over the living room and back out to the hallway, he then lit a match and threw it into the house as he was leaving.
The fire started instantly and spread rapidly, as the man shut the front door he took out the photo of Poppy and her friends he’d found upstairs and threw it on the grass where the glass smashed. He then got in his car and drove off.

* * * *

Back at the hotel the party had finished and the friends of Thea and Rashel had left, upstairs in their room the three girls sat talking. Poppy excused herself and tried to call her mom to wish her goodnight. After trying three times and only getting a dead tone Poppy grew worried.
She went back over to where Thea and Rashel sat, “What’s wrong Poppy?” Asked Thea, “I can’t get through to my mom, it just keeps giving me a dead tone.” Replied Poppy. “It’s probably nothing Poppy; she’s probably drunk by now or accidently unplugged the phone or something, don’t worry.” Said Rashel. Poppy nodded and tried to relax, but something deep down told her something was wrong. When the feeling wouldn’t go, Poppy went and knocked on the door of the room that the boys were sharing and when it opened Charlie was stood there.
“Hey Poppy, what can I do for you?” He asked, “Can I borrow Sean for a minute?” Poppy replied, trying to keep her voice light. Sean came to the door and stepped into the hallway closing the door behind him, “What’s wrong Poppy?” He asked, “This may sound silly but, I’ve tried calling my mom, but I just keep getting a dead tone.”
Sean thought for a moment, “Come on, I’m sure the receptionist will let you use the phone, and Poppy? It isn’t silly.” Poppy nodded and followed Sean downstairs, the receptionist agreed to let Poppy use the phone, but the line was still dead; the receptionist came back and shook his head. “Still no luck?” He asked. “No.” Replied Poppy.
“Is something wrong?” Sean as ked the receptionist, he hesitated then said; “There’s been a breaking news announcement on the television tonight, apparently some house on Goddard Street was burnt down.” Poppy froze, “Goddard Street? Are you sure?” The receptionist looked at her and replied, “If you don’t believe me then look for yourself.”
He then picked up a remote and pointed it at a small television mounted on the wall, sure enough there it was; the house was just starting to crumble due to the heat of the flames. Poppy’s legs gave out from beneath her, and tears were rolling silently down her face. Sean stared frozen at the television and then glanced at Poppy; she was leant up against the wood of the desk.
Sean tried to force a reaction out of Poppy; the receptionist was frantically apologising for traumatising them, but Sean paid no attention to him. When Poppy suddenly screaming Sean’s eyes returned to the television; black bags were being removed from the smouldering house. There were too many to count, Sean looked up at the receptionist, “Turn the damn thing off will you?”
The receptionist hastily obliged and then helped Sean get Poppy to her feet; the last words that Poppy heard before the set was switched off, was a police Detective appearing on the screen, he was easily six feet tall and big built with short ginger hair and deep blue eyes. “This is a tragedy, we don’t yet know who the victims are, but anyone with information regarding tonight’s incident then please call the number below.” The receptionist helped half-carry, half-drag Poppy into the large bar area and deposit her in a chair, where she was now openly crying. Sean tried to comfort her but when she said “They’re dead! They’re all dead!” Sean froze, in a shaky voice he said; “I think you’d better call that number from the television and call down our friends.” The receptionist nodded and was glad to move away from the shaken and crying teenagers.
When the others came downstairs Sean showed them the news then led them to Poppy. Thea and Rashel were crying, Jamie and Charlie had faces like stone but they still couldn’t stop the tears from rolling down their cheeks, and Sean was trying to keep his composure but failed. The receptionist came into the large bar area a few minutes later with six steaming mugs of hot chocolate, sugar, milk and biscuits on a tray.
Sean thanked him and then forced a mug of hot chocolate into Poppy’s shaking hands. Charlie and Jamie were trying to comfort Thea and Rashel as well as themselves with little success; Sean wasn’t having much luck with Poppy. “Listen Poppy, it may be the wrong house, the houses down your street all look the same.” “I know it’s my house Sean, I used to climb that willow tree when I was little.” Poppy replied in an uneven voice.
Sean fell silent and continued to hold Poppy close, the six friends were in a state of shock, if Poppy was right about it being her house; which Thea and Rashel knew she was, it meant that all of their parents were dead. Fifteen minutes later the receptionist entered the bar area followed by two men, Poppy and Sean recognised one of the men from the television. “My name is Detective Markus Powell, and this is my partner Detective John Saunders.”
John Saunders stood at six foot one inch tall, he had short ashy blond hair and deep blue eyes, and he was well built. “We understand that you have information regarding the fire tonight?” John asked. Poppy nodded “I do, that’s my house.” Markus and John sat on a sofa opposite Sean and Poppy. “Are you sure Miss?” Markus asked.
“Yes I’m sure, my address is thirty-five Goddard Street.” Poppy replied, and the Detectives looked at each other, “Can you tell us who else may have been in the house tonight?” “All of our parents.” Replied Sean, the others nodded in agreement still too shocked to speak. “We’re very sorry for you loss, and we’ll have to wait for identification on the victims.”
Rashel suddenly burst out, “Identification? We know our parents are there, that’s why we had the party here! So that they could meet up and have a few drinks.” She then started crying again and held on to her sister Thea for support. “Party? What party?” Markus asked, “Their fifteenth birthday party.” Jamie replied in a shaky voice.
“Do you know of anyone who would want to hurt your parents?” John asked, “No, I can’t think of anyone, my parents are divorced.” Poppy replied. “Where can we reach your father?” Markus asked, “You can’t, he gave up his parental responsibilities, he doesn’t want a child.” Poppy replied bitterly. “We’re going to have to check the Court proceedings for verification, its standard procedure.” Said John, Poppy simply nodded.
Markus’ cell phone started ringing and he left the room to take the call, when he came back in he said, “John may I have a word with you?” John stood up and followed Markus out of the room; they were gone for a few minutes, when they returned they had grave looks on their faces. “What is it?” Charlie asked, and the Detective hesitated.
“Some new evidence has just come to our attention; whoever killed your parents threw a picture on the lawn. I’m afraid you’re going to have to come down to the station with us.” John said. “What! We haven’t done anything wrong! We’ve been in the hotel all night.” Sean said outraged. “I know that, we’re taking you to the station for your own protection, we’ll explain more when we get there.” Markus said gently.
The six friends went up to their rooms and got dressed, they then returned to reception and handed the keys back. The receptionist gave Thea and Rashel some bags for their presents and helped carry them out to the car. Markus called for another car to come to the hotel, a few minutes later a car pulled up and the teenagers got in and were taken to the police station.
At the station the cars pulled up around back, and the teenagers were then led through the station to a very warm and comfortable office, the six friends sat on the two beige sofas near the radiators against the back wall. John and Markus sat on an oak coffee table in front of them. “OK, Poppy we’ve been sent the manuscript from the divorce proceedings, and you’re right; your father has disbanded all parental responsibilities of you.” John said. “We’re now waiting for dental records to identify the victims in the fire, although you’re sure it’s your parents, we need to be sure.” Markus said.
“How many times do we have to say it before you believe us? That’s my house that burnt down, my friends’ parents all went over to my house for a few drinks.” Poppy snapped. “You said at the hotel that new evidence had been found, I’d like to know what it is, especially since we’ve been brought here for our own protection.” Sean said.
John hesitated so Markus spoke, “A picture of all of you was found smashed on the lawn-.” John’s phone started ringing and he left the room to take the call. “- outside of the house, at this point we’re not sure what it means so we’ve brought you here for safety as a precaution.” John re-entered the room looking graver than before. “I’m sorry to break this to you but the dental records have been matched to the victims in the house, which were your parents.
“An accelerant had also been used after death.” All six teenagers started crying, Poppy had been right all along; they were now orphans and the killer was still at large. “What’ll happen to us?” Asked Thea through her tears, “The safest option for you all is to enter the witness protection program, we don’t as of yet have any leads on who the killer may be or who the intended victim was. I’m so very sorry for your loss.” Markus said, and then continued on.
“We’re dispatching officers to your places of residence, they’ll pick up your clothes and bring them back here, Poppy; your mothers’ lawyer has just arrived and would like to see you, don’t worry either myself of John will accompany you.” “No, I want Sean to come with me.” Poppy replied, she then stood up and was followed by Sean, and a uniformed officer escorted them downstairs to one of the interview rooms, where he waited outside. Poppy and Sean entered the room and saw the lawyer, he had his briefcase open on the table.
“Poppy I’m so sorry to be meeting you under such circumstances, but there are a few things we need to discuss.” He said, Poppy and Sean took a seat after shaking hands with the lawyer, once they were all seated he said, “Your mother’s will states that everything goes to you, the house including the land, which will be paid from the insurance, her bank accounts are to be liquidated and added to your trust fund which currently stands at-.”
Poppy interrupted him, “Wait, trust fund? What trust fund?” The lawyer smiled, “Your mother who was a good friend of mine set up a trust fund for you when she found out that she was pregnant with you, and over the years it has grown tremendously, it currently stands at five million dollars, but with the money from your mothers’ accounts, the house and land, it now stands at six point five million dollars.”
Poppy sat speechless, the lawyer smiled again and took a deep breath, “The law stipulates that you cannot gain access to the trust fund for another three years until you turn eighteen, but under the circumstances I’m going to be appealing to the Courts to have that rule changed on your behalf, so that you’ll gain access to the trust fund when you turn sixteen.”
Poppy took a deep breath, “Thank you, we don’t know what our future holds for us, but if you do successfully over-turn the judge’s ruling and keep the money from my fathers’ grasp it’ll be greatly appreciated.” The lawyer smiled again, “The trust fund your mother set up is in your name, so by law he cannot touch or gain access to it, and as your mother died before the divorce proceedings were finalised, your father won’t get a cent, the house and the land was in your mothers’ name, and as your father has renounced any paternal claim upon you he will only receive half of the money from the joint account they shared.
“The will also states that any and all money in the event of her death should be put into your trust fund.” Poppy nodded and stood up, “Thank you again Mr Golsberg.” They shook hands once again and Poppy and Sean returned upstairs to their friends. Markus and John had had drinks brought in for the traumatised teenagers.
Sean picked up two mugs of hot chocolate and handed one to Poppy. “OK, we have a safe house set up for you, and only John and I know its location.” Markus said. “We’ll be leaving after you’ve drunk your drinks and have had a bathroom break.” John said. Half an hour later the six friends were being loaded into an unmarked van and headed off towards their destination.


Chapter Three

Two Months Later


The killer had been staking out the ‘safe house’ for a little over a month, thanks to the information leaked from one of the Detectives inside, he knew that the teenagers thought themselves to be a little secure in this location, he was about to prove them wrong.
The killer drove to a nearby bar and waited for his contact to arrive, while he waited he took tow pictures out of his jacket pocket, he liked to look at these two pictures as they gave him power over the Detective. Susan and little Lucy Saunders were tied up and gagged; they were in his rented apartment a few miles down the road.
The bar door opened and in walked John Saunders, he walked over to where the killer sat, “You’re late.” The killer said in a flat and empty voice. “I’m sorry! It’s difficult to leave my post.” John stuttered. “do you love your wife Detective?” The killer asked in a cold voice. “Yes I love them, and that’s why I’m helping you, so that I’ll get them back safely.”
John said as tears were beginning to well up in his eyes. “Don’t become emotional here, you wouldn’t want anyone here clued in, poor Susan and Lucy would pay the price.” He sneered. John took a few deep breaths and then sat down. “Do you have what I asked for?” The killer asked, “Yes.” John replied in a shaky voice. “A camping trip has been arranged and will go ahead in two weeks’ time.” John hesitated then continued, “When will I get my family back?” “When I get what I want.” The killer said coldly.
John took a piece of paper out of his pocket, “The place we’re taking them to is called Lake View and it’s quite secluded.” John pushed the paper over to the killer who picked it up. “How many officers will be there?” The killer asked in an amused voice. “Three, they’ll be posing as team leaders and will be taking the teenagers out in groups.” John replied. “How quaint.” The killer said, he put the paper in his pocket and stood up.
“You’re to meet me here the night before you leave for the trip, I will then give you the location of your family.” He said. “Thank you.” John replied, the relief evident in his voice, “But be warned John, if I so much as see one police officer who isn’t meant to be there, I’ll come for you and your family, and I promise you this; you’ll watch them die very slowly and painfully.” The killer said in a cold and empty voice, he then left the bar before John could reply.


Two Weeks Later


The killer was sat in the same place as before, John walked in the bar a little earlier than expected and walked straight over to where the killer sat. “You’re early John.” He said, “Well I thought it better planning to be early rather than late.” John replied.
“When will they leave?” The killer asked, “Markus and the teenagers will leave the safe house at seven thirty tomorrow morning.” John replied. The killer sat in thought for a moment then said, “Are you not going to be joining them tomorrow John?” “No, I’ve booked some time off work and I plan on spending it with my family.” Replied John.
“Ah yes, the predictable heart. I wonder what your colleagues would think of our little arrangement.” He mused, John looked shocked. “You... You wouldn’t tell them... Would you?” He stuttered, “I might do.” The killer said coldly. “Why?” John asked incredulously. “Because I can.” The killer replied harshly, John looked at the killer helplessly.
The killer seemed to enjoy watching John squirm in his chair, “Now, for the matter of your family.” The killer said calmly, John looked up hopefully. “Will you tell me where they are?” Replied John. “Manners mean everything these days John, and you are just a worthless pawn in my game of chess.” The killer snapped. “Please? Please tell me where they are?” John replied, a hint of desperation in his voice.
“Begging now are we? Begging will get you nowhere.” The killer said ruthlessly. John sat in silence; the lives of his wife and daughter were in the hands of the sadistic cold man sat in front of him. The killer slowly withdrew a picture from his jacket pocket, and then pushed it across the table. “This is the location of your family, if all goes the way I want then you’ll never hear from me again, but... If things go wrong, there is no place on this Earth that you’ll be able to hide.”
The killer said sincerity and ice etched in every word; there was no sign of a bluff or of any emotion on his face. The killer stood up and walked out of the bar; John waited a full five minutes and then also left the bar with the photo of his family’s location.


Chapter Four


It’d been ten weeks to the day since the deaths of their parents, and the six teenagers were subdued for the ride to Lake View, and they were to be spending two weeks doing various activities such as kayaking, horse riding and cross country. Once the teens arrived at Lake View they were shown the bunkers in which they’d be staying and put their things away.
The team leaders were police officers from a training facility, they were the best at what they did, and Poppy had a feeling that their schedule would help them forget the significance of today’s date. Once the teenagers had all unpacked and were in suitable clothes, the team leaders took them on a tour of the Lake and showed them the facilities available.
Thea and Rashel chose to do kayaking while Jamie and Charlie went off to do archery; Poppy joined Sean on a long horse ride around the lake. One of the team leaders went with them, but allowed them to take the lead, “Poppy, about what your lawyer said, I’ve been thinking, you don’t think your dad would be behind all of this do you?” Sean asked nervously.
Poppy looked at him, “No, he wouldn’t do anything like this, I’m sure of it. My dad has always had his own money, why would he be after mine?” “I don’t know, but it was just a thought I had.” Sean said, Poppy nodded silently, she kept thinking back to the last night she’d seen her mom and knew deep down that it was her fault they were dead.
So as to not let Sean or the team leader see her cry, she made the horse gallop hard and fast, the wind blowing in her eyes and her hair blowing out behind her. Sean caught up to Poppy first and shouted, “Poppy what are you doing?” “I just need to be alone for a minute.” She shouted back, her voice was strained. “Poppy talk to me please.” He called, worry for his friend etched in every word.
“I can’t, I’m sorry Sean but I can’t.” She called back, her voice breaking in places. Poppy galloped the horse back to the Lake; she dismounted the horse in the stables and ran crying back to her bunker. Thea and Rashel returned to try and see what was wrong with Poppy, but they couldn’t get through. Rashel gave up first and went back to her activity, but Thea stayed and held Poppy close.
“I’m so sorry Thea, I really am, this is all my fault I can feel it.” Poppy said between her sobs, “How so? We were all at the party Poppy, not one of us is to blame.” Thea said, as tears were rolling down her face. “It happened at my house Thea, all of our parents were there, if it’s not my fault then why did this happen?” Poppy asked, but for that Thea had no answer.
Poppy couldn’t shake her guilt, it just kept coming back at her, and each wave was more painful than the last, made all the worse because it had been on Thea and Rashel’s birthday. Thea left Poppy alone at her request but returned with a glass of milk and a sandwich which she left on Poppy’s bedside table. Poppy cried herself to sleep that night, clutching the pyjamas her mother had bought for her, the milk and sandwich remained untouched.
Poppy awoke in the early hours of the morning; she crept out of the bunker and sat on the steps outside, listening to the sounds of the night. She looked at the calm lake and then at the bunker next to hers, a shadow moved and a scream caught in her throat. “Poppy?” Asked Sean, “Yeah it’s me, what are you doing awake?” She replied.
“I couldn’t sleep I’ve been worrying about you all day, since you came back here.” He said softly. “I’m OK I just needed to be alone for a while.” Poppy said, “You’re not OK Poppy, and I can see that just looking at you, come for a walk with me?” He asked, Poppy nodded and stood up. After they’d walked in silence for a few minutes Sean said, “So what was wrong today?” Poppy hesitated, “I just feel so guilty, like this is my fault.” She replied.
Sean stopped walking and looked at her, “This isn’t your fault Poppy, and no-one could’ve prevented this from happening.” He said softly. “It happened at my house Sean, all of our parents were there, if this isn’t my fault then why did this happen? Why throw the photo of all of us on the grass?” She replied. Sean thought for a moment, “I don’t know why this happened, and I don’t know why the killer would throw the photo of all of us on the grass, maybe the killer was just acting randomly, had a thing for the number thirty five or just liked the look of your house.
“whatever the reason it’s not your fault, and if it’d happened at my house then I’d feel guilty and try to blame myself as well.” Poppy thought about what he’d said, was the guilt just because it had been at her house? Or was it a deeper guilt? “Sean I’ve been thinking, what if it was no random thing? What if my mom and I had been the intended targets? What if your parents had been killed because they were there? What if this isn’t over?”
Sean’s face turned to stone, “If you and your mom were the intended targets, then it’d be something much more serious than what I thought, and it makes sense for our parents to have been killed, and if it isn’t over yet then this killer is in for one hell of a fight. You’re my friend Poppy and I’d never willingly allow anything to happen to you, or to the others.”
Poppy cuddled Sean and he cuddled her back, they stayed that way for a few minutes, when they broke apart they headed back to the bunkers. “Try to get some sleep Poppy it’ll be alright you’ll see.” He said. “Thanks Sean, you really are the best, I don’t know what I’d do without you.” Poppy replied. Sean smiled then waited for Poppy to enter the bunker then returned to his own.
The following morning after Poppy had showered, dressed and eaten, she thanked Thea for being there when she’d needed her. “It’s no problem Poppy, what are friends for?” She’d replied, Poppy returned the untouched tray to the cafeteria and signed up for some archery and cross country. That night as she prepared for sleep, she could hear some sort of commotion outside.
Poppy put her trousers and boots on over her pyjama bottoms and poked her head out of the door. Poppy looked to the east past the boys’ bunker and saw the team leaders’ cabin ablaze. She went back inside and said, “Get dressed, there’s a fire.” Thea and Rashel quickly changed and the three girls rushed outside, a muffled screaming could be heard from the ablaze cabin, Poppy gasped, “They’re still in there, oh my god they’re being burnt alive.”
The three girls rushed to get buckets to put the blaze out with, but it was hopeless. Sean grabbed Poppy’s arm, “Poppy we have to go, Markus wants us all out of here now!” He said, Poppy looked next to her and saw Thea and Rashel backing away from the fire. “The horses.” Poppy replied, and she ran to the stables. Together Poppy and Sean managed to get the horses out; a few ran off into the woods away from the flames.
Sean suddenly said, “stay here, I’ll be back.” Poppy nodded and was left holding two bits of rope, a sudden thought came to her, Poppy tethered the horses to a nearby tree and went back into the stables and grabbed the equipment to saddle a horse, Sean came back half carrying, half running with a screaming Thea and a dazed Jamie behind them.
“What happened?” Demanded Poppy, Sean pointed to the west and Poppy saw a partial fire in the trees. “The killer’s here, he’s blown up the minivan, Charlie and Markus were trying to get it started, Rashel was standing too close when it exploded.” Sean explained. “What do we do now? Where’s the killer? He could be anywhere!” Cried Poppy.
The killer is most probably thinking we’ll go the only way where there’s no fire, we take these horses and we keep in the open, and head for the exit. But it means riding past the minivan.” He said, Poppy looked at Thea, “Are you able to ride past the minivan?” She asked, Thea didn’t answer, “She’ll have to ride with me, we’ll make it out.” Sean replied.
He un-tethered one of the horses and mounted it, then held out a hand and helped Thea up behind him. “I don’t know how to ride a horse.” Jamie suddenly said. “It’s OK Jamie you’ll be riding with me.” Poppy un-tethered her horse and mounted it, then helped Jamie up behind her. Poppy and Sean nodded to one other to signal that they were ready.
Once they were clear of the trees, they urged their horses into a trot through the burning campsite and slowed when they got near the trees. “Are you ready for this?” He asked, “We’ll have to be.” Replied Poppy. Sean took the lead and felt Thea’s arms tighten around his waist, “Hold on to me tightly Jamie.” Poppy said, she felt his arms tighten around her and then said, “OK Sean, let’s go.”
Sean took the lead and Poppy followed behind him, as they galloped past the wreckage of the minivan Poppy looked around and instantly regretted it. Rashel’s body was slightly charred and was impaled with debris from the blast; one of her arms was missing, blown off in the blast as she’d tried to open the door. Charlie and Markus had been totally obliterated, but there were chunks of their bodies all around the wreckage. The minivan had a gaping hole in the middle, which was where the bomb had gone off.
The roof of the minivan was gone, and parts of the metal were twisted upwards in an unnatural way. Poppy knew that she’d never get that image out of her head, and all of her sympathy went to Thea, who’d not only suffered the loss of her parents along with the others, but who’d also lost her only sister. The main road was almost invisible in the darkness, Sean and Poppy didn’t slow down, and they kept as close to the path as possible.
Once they reached the main road they turned left and slowed the horses to a canter as they rode in the centre of the road to the nearest police station, which was in the village about six miles due south of Lake View. It was roughly three am the following morning when the shaken and crying teenagers arrived at the station. After explaining their ordeal to the Super-Intendant, officers were dispatched to Lake View and the teenagers were put up in a hotel with officers outside their doors. The horses were put in a local stables.
The next morning a tape arrived at the front desk of the station, and it contained the conversation between Detective John Saunders and the killer. The teenagers listened in shocked disbelief to the conversation, officers were sent out and arrested John Saunders, and a large scale man hunt was under way to find the killer.
A sketch had been taken from John Saunders and was shown on television, un-known to the police it was a false sketch, John didn’t want his family hurt and said that he felt guilty for selling out the teenagers. Thea was beyond grief, and went through bereavement counselling to help her deal with the loss of her parents and twin sister. The killer was still at large, and still trying to kill them, it would just be a matter of time before he struck again.


Epilogue

Six Months Later


As Thea, Poppy, Sean and Jamie boarded the plane that would take them overseas to start a fresh life, they never looked back, and she’d been contacted by her mothers’ lawyer and had been told that he’d won the appeal in light of the recent events.
Poppy would turn sixteen the day after they arrived in Taos, New Mexico. The four friends had only brought a few things with them, and as the plane took off a sense of calm flooded through Poppy, it’d been almost a year since their parents had all been killed, and six months since the murders or Charlie, Rashel and Markus. Thea was quietly talking with Sean in the row in front of them and Jamie had his head resting on Poppy’s shoulder as she stared out of the window.
Looking at the fast disappearing landscapes, they all knew they were still in danger, but they were being met at the airport by two F.B.I agents who would accompany them to the new safe house. As they thought ahead to the new start, they didn’t pay any attention to the business man a few rows behind them; he was looking at the teenagers with a vicious longing.
He knew that their time was up, and he would be the one to make sure that they joined their families and friends. The killer had never had any target escape him before, and these teenagers had done just that at Lake View. They wouldn’t be so lucky the next time, he’s make sure of that...

To Be Continued....

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Tag der Veröffentlichung: 04.01.2011

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