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Although slightly muffled, the one thing she recognized was voices. This man trying so hard to hide his identity was Chris Jenkins.
Trying to act nonchalant and keeping her head down so the cap shadowed her face, she nodded. “I thought the clown mask was a joke. I didn’t really expect you to wear one.”
“I wanted you to be sure you’d found the right guy. The woods can be dangerous.” Chris rounded the hood of the truck and his gaze drifted over her.
Glad she had the sunglasses as a disguise, she stuck out one hip in a pose she had noticed many teenage girls use. “Well then, now you know it’s me, why don’t you remove it?”
“Ah, because I like to play games.” He chuckled. “All girls like to play games. You do, don’t you?”
“Then I’m keeping on my sunglasses.” She put one hand on her hip and snorted. “I thought we were going to have sex. Have you changed your mind?”
“Nope but I want it to be fun and memorable. Anyone can do it like your parents.” He moved closer but did not attempt to touch her. “I’m gonna make it special.”
“Okay, but let’s get on with it. I’m hot and thirsty.” She shrugged. Acting impatient often put them off guard. They did not want to lose their prize. “Is the cabin far?”
“See that trail just up there yonder?” Chris pointed to a track about six yards away on the right. “It’s just down there. Do you want to hop in my ride and I’ll drive you there?”
I’m not that dumb. “I’ll ride my bicycle if you don’t mind.” She could feel the knife in the sheath pressing into her ankle and its presence spurred her on. “Why don’t we walk the rest of the way?”
“I’ll do whatever you want but I don’t want to leave my vehicle here. I want to make the cabin nice and cozy for us. I have the liquor you wanted and the chocolates.” He pulled his bag from the truck then gave her a long look. “You sure are pretty. I can’t wait to see more of you. Wait here, I’ll park up there a-ways and walk back.” He dropped his bag, jumped into the SUV, and drove away.
Not long after, she watched him jog back to her, still wearing the clown mask, and it made him look ridiculous. When he reached her side, breathing heavily, he picked up his bag. “I told you I wouldn’t be long. Ready for some fun?”
She swallowed the bile rushing up her throat and forced her mouth into a smile. She had to act naive and not afraid but right now, she wanted to get as far away from him as possible. Dammit, I have to stop messing around and kill this son of a bitch.
Chris’s hand trembled as he touched her back. “This way, down this track.” He led the way into the forest.
The idea of Bobby-Joe being close by worried her but she bit the bullet and asked the question burning on her tongue. “I saw another SUV go by just before. That man won’t bother us, will he?”
“No.” Chris’s hot palm ran down her back. “I promise, he won’t come anywhere near the cabin. It’s just you and me. I’ll take good care of you. You can trust me, darlin’.”
A cool breeze rustled the trees and she snapped back to full alertness. She must play the part. The plan played through her mind, each step she needed to take. She hoped he would do exactly what she expected. So many things must fall neatly into place and if she made one mistake and did not strike at the first opportunity, she would be the one to die.
She climbed off her bicycle and leaned it against a tree. Taking a deep breath, she followed him inside the cabin. At once, he dragged out the contents of his bag and covered the bed with a plastic sheet and a large towel. When he noticed her staring at the bed, he chuckled.
“We don’t want to make a mess and upset the rangers or they’ll lock these cabins and we’ll have no place to meet.” Chris moved closer and peered at her through the hideous smiling mask. “Why don’t you take off those glasses, sit down, and relax. We’ll have a drink.” He chuckled.
She kept her head down, acting reluctant. “Okay, but I want to see you first.” She removed her backpack and sat at the table.
“Sure.” He stepped back and pulled his T-shirt over his head but the mask remained intact. “I’ll do whatever you want.” He tossed the shirt onto the table then undressed. He strolled over to the small table and took a bottle of soda from a cooler. He opened it and held it out to her. “You should have a drink, it will help you relax.”
The smell of him, aftershave and sweat, accosted her nostrils. She took the drink and pretended to sip it. “That’s a bit strong.” She coughed dramatically. “You look different from your photo, older.”
“Sorry to disappoint you. Drink some more, it gets better the more you swallow.” He loomed over her. “Then take off the sunglasses, I’m anxious to look at you.” He moved closer and stood in front of her.
“I’m fine and the glasses stay just like your stupid mask.” She put the bottle to her lips again, watching him closely, then placed it on the table. “I’ll have to take off my shoes first.” I don’t want your blood all over them.
A shiver of disgust went through her as he ran his hands over her shoulders. She bent in front of him to untie her laces then tossed her shoes some distance away. Before she straightened, she closed one hand around the hilt of the knife attached to her ankle. The bone handle felt warm and comforting against her palm. With a roar, she pushed upward and plunged the knife under his ribcage with the force of eight long years’ rage. The sharp blade slid into him like butter, missing bone and slicing into his heart. She pulled back and thrust again, cutting deep. As a hot scarlet spray soaked the front of her shirt, laughter bubbled up inside her and she dragged off his mask.
“Hello, Chris.”
He made a gurgling sound and blood trickled from his mouth. He staggered, clutching at her with his rough hands. She winced as his fingers bit deep into her shoulders and she pulled off her sunglasses. “Look at me, you son of a bitch. I want to watch the life go out in your eyes.”
He let out a feral moan and his eyes widened in stunned surprise.
She twisted the knife. “Does it hurt?”
Without a second thought, she spread her feet, dragged the sharp blade out, and forced it deep again. His eyes, now slightly unfocused, stared at her face and his grip lessened. She watched his mouth trying to form words but she did not give a damn what he wanted to say. His lungs were filling with blood and life was ebbing away.
