AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I want to go, but I can’t do it alone. I need your help.”
He shook his head. “Marie, this is too dangerous. We could send a stand-in to get this guy, not you.”
I touched his chest. “I’m scared but I have to do this. A stand-in might escalate things. This is our chance to get this person. This could be a trap. Call the police; I’m sure they’d want to help with this.”
He sighed. “You know you can be stubborn at times. Okay, I’ll do this, though I would hate myself if anything happened to you.”
“I’ll be fine. I can protect myself, and with you around I’ll be safe. You...” A message popped up on my phone. They sent the address warning me against bringing anyone. I looked at Karl’s face. It was hard and cold.
“Let’s go get this nuisance.” He immediately went on a call, talking to the chief of police. With our plans set in place, we left the house in separate cars.
After just finding my son, the last thing I expected was to grapple with the fact somebody was threatening me. I don’t have enemies who would want to hurt me. One thing was certain, I had to handle this latest threat.Nobody is taking me away from my son.I have to make sure that no harm will come to him. We decided to leave him with his nanny and Rose while I put myself in harms way to deal with this threat against me.
A little while later, I was parked in front of a hotel in a deserted area of New York. It was dark with a few lights illuminating the building. I stayed in the car and called Karl with a small phone that I could hide. He was parked somewhere out of sight. “I’m here. I’m about to go in.” I breathed out, slowly.
“Be careful and keep the call going. If anything goes wrong, I’ll come in immediately. The cops are already parked around the perimeter of the building.”
“Okay.” I didn’t end the call; Karl must have been recording it. I hid the phone and left the car. I went straight to the room where they asked me to meet them. I turned the lock and the door creaked open. It was dark inside. I called out, but there was no response.
I looked behind me; it was a deserted place. No cars were parked, and few moved on the street. I took assurance with the presence of Karl. I entered the room, and the door closed behind me. I tried the light switch, and a low light illuminated the area. There was no one there. The room was a cramped small space with a dirty look to it. I was disgusted.Who the hell was this person?
I heard a car drive by. I went to the window to check it out. It was a black escalade. The car parked. For a minute no one came out. Then the door opened, and someone stepped out. It was dark, but I could confirm that it was a guy. Was thisthe person?My heart raced with fear and hate. I must get him. He walked to the room quickly.
I moved away from the window, staying far from the door. I reassured myself with the switchblade hidden at my back. The door opened to present a man of medium height and dark hair. He wore black gloves with a mask on his face, hiding his identity. He calmly closed the door.
He faced me saying nothing. That irked me.
“That much of a coward, huh?” I teased, but I noticed the way he carried himself reminded me of someone.
“I’ve got you now. That’s all that matters.” I could instantly tell he was faking his voice. He sounded a whole lot like...
“Howard! You fucking imbecile. Is that you?” I let out a manic laugh. He flinched, obviously caught off-guard.
“I’m…I’m not him. Shut up!” he screamed, ripping his mask away from his face. It was Howard alright.
“Why all this, Howard? Releasing my photos, stalking and threatening me. Why? You could have any woman you want.” Since Karl was recording the conversation, I had to get Howard to confess to his crimes.
He grinned. “After disgracing me at that party, I had to get back at you. I discovered that you are no saint. Releasing your images to the world was the tip of the iceberg. I’ve got you here, so you better be cooperative. Get naked and lie on the bed. If Karl can have you, so can I.”
My skin crawled.Never.I resisted the urge to get out my switchblade.
“Over my dead body.” That was the distress signal. Karl and the cops should be moving in immediately.
Chapter 24
KARL
AssoonasIheard the distress signal, I signaled to the lead detective, Benson. He gave the orders to his officers to move in. I dashed forward immediately, ignoring Benson’s calls. I heard what Howard said, and he’d have to go through me before he laid a finger on Marie.
Still on the call, Marie was trying to stall him. I was proud, noting the lack of fear in her voice. I reached the room and kicked the door open. The door swung in, slamming into Howard. He yelled, falling to the ground. Immediately, I pounced on him, restraining him.
“Damn, you! Let me go, I have your life in my hands,” he screamed. His attempts to shake me off didn’t work.
“You messed with the wrong people, Howard, and this time you’ll never know freedom, I promise you.” The officers entered, relieving me of the burden. Marie rushed into my arms.
“I’m glad you’re okay. That bastard deserves worse.” I said.
She smiled and said, “We’ll make him pay. Please take me out of here. I’ve had enough of this.” Outside, the cops were pushing Howard into the patrol car. Benson came over.
