Stroke Of Fear

Chapter Nineteen

Aubrey

Three weeks. It has been three weeks since Tanner went creeper hunting. No notes, no evidence of him in the cabin. It’s like he disappeared. Not that I’ve forgotten about it. The look in Tanner’s eyes when he told me about the dive was frightening. The look was off. It’s too coincidental. What are the chances? But, as far as I’m concerned he’s still in prison. Right?

Cassie cusses underneath her breath while digging in her makeup bag. “You guys coming to the party?”

I shake my head and pull on the shortest shorts I have. “Nope. We have plans.”

Cassie raises an eyebrow and a smile tugs at her lips. “Really? What plans may those be? I mean you’re already getting used to the water again. And you’ve already gotten some Tanner loving, unless you’re going back for another round.”

Tossing my pillow at her, I make sure my bikini strings are tight. “We’re going to spend the night alone. No campers. No distractions. Just us.”

Cassie smiles. “I’m glad you’re happy, Aubrey. I haven’t seen you this happy in years.”

“I know.”

“Okay. I’m going to the firework show and BBQ. If you guys change your minds give me a call and I’ll wait for you.”

Tucking my hair behind my ear, I nod. Tanner should be here in about thirty minutes. I tidy up our messy room and throw Cassie’s clothes into our clothes basket. I need to go to the laundry room and do some or we’re going to be wearing dresses to work in next week.

I double check my makeup which is light and run a brush through my hair again. Its five thirty and Tanner still hasn’t called or came by. Biting on my thumbnail, I give him a call. Straight to voicemail. Weird. I shove my cell into my pocket and head toward his cabin.

A slap of humid air rakes over me, but I’m too worried to care. Tanner’s cabin lights are on. It isn’t until I get to the porch that I realize the door is partially cracked. The florescent light shines through the opening, and I push it open with my hand. The entire place is a wreck. Their beds are flipped over, curtains ripped from the windows. My breath comes out in shaky gasps. The floor is littered with clothes, papers and… is that blood? No. No. No.

Dialing Cassie’s number it rings until her voicemail picks up. Shit. I try Eric and he picks up on the third ring. “Hello!” he’s shouting. The music from the BBQ is loud behind him.

“Come to your cabin. Please now, Tanner’s gone. It’s a wreck—”

“Hey? I can’t hear you hold on a second.” I hear ruffling on the other end. “Okay, what is it?”

“Tanner’s gone. Your cabin is destroyed. I need you to come here now.”

“What? Aubrey, where the hell are you?”

God! “Eric. Come to your cabin right now. Now. Please I need your help.”

“Okay, give me a second.” He hangs up, and I bring my phone to my forehead. Please God, let Tanner be okay. Please. I can’t handle him not being here. Not now. Not ever.

The window is opened to the left and it picks up several papers blowing them along the cabin floor. That when I see the Post-It note. It’s the same writing as the one on the other note. The same familiar writing. Despite it being light it feels heavy in my hand and I squeeze it tightly between my fingers.

Aubrey. Come alone or I’ll kill him.

Aubrey. He knows my name. He knows I’m here. And I know that writing. Michael Powers is out of prison.

The note soars to the floor, fluttering down without worry. Alone? I can’t go alone, he’ll kill me. He failed the first time, but he won’t the second. Why hasn’t anyone called me? Why hasn’t the police been sent to get me? What the fuck is going on! I’m screaming in my head, pulling my hair.

Eric’s shadow passes by the window, and I turn toward the one above Tanner’s bed. He can’t see me. He can’t come. He’ll kill Tanner. He can’t kill Tanner. Scurrying toward his bed, I open the window and slide out before Eric gets through the door. I land with a soft thud and sneak around until I’m hidden behind another boys’ cabin.

This can’t be happening. It can’t be. I have no idea where they could be. He didn’t give me any directions. Think, Aubrey. Think. Pressing my face into my palms, I try to control my breathing. Just like Tanner taught me.

I’ve only ever seen him at the cabin and… the abandoned house. It wasn’t a hallucination. It never was. It was always him. Michael stalked me before the incident and now he’s out to do it again. Only this time he won’t fail.

My legs wobble as I stand up, but I know I have to go. I can’t let Tanner die because of my problems. I’m going to save him. Tanner’s truck is still sitting in the parking lot. Eric is searching the woods behind the cabins and calling out my name. Tears slip down my cheeks, but I gently open the passenger door and reach underneath the seat for his hatchet. My fingers land on clothes that are mine and finally grip onto the handle of the tool. I sling it to my side and look down. It feels unfamiliar in my hands, but I know it’s my only hope. Tanner’s keys aren’t in his truck, so I run.

I’m pushing myself harder than I’ve ever pushed myself before. The road that takes me to the abandoned house is three miles away from the camp. I have no idea where this strength came from, but I’m pushing through the burn. I road with Cassie here and I’m not bringing anyone else into this. Having Tanner in the middle is already too much.

Sweat coats my body, sliding down to absorb in my clothes. My hair clings to my skin. The trees clear for a small section showing me the trail. It’s not dark, but the sun is starting to dip lower in the sky. It makes me run faster. The dark always makes everything worse.

The house looks just as frightening in the setting sun. The shutters clack against the house in the wind, and the porch swing sways slowly. The wood squeaks underneath my weight. I wonder if he knows I’m here yet. I can feel eyes crawling over me. A silent sob is trying to break from my lips, but I push it down. Tears aren’t going to fix this situation.

I’m not even sure I’m moving. I don’t feel like I’m controlling myself. A dreamy gaze seems to be hovering over me. I don’t feel real. My body is numb. The door opens slowly sending a small creak across the room. Everything looks the same. Same cobwebs. Creepy photo. Same dusty floors.

Light spills in from the windows, but it’s darkening in front of me. The sun is setting farther behind the trees, leaving the moon the job of helping me see. No noise. No movement. It looks empty, but I know it’s not. Taking small steps, I tiptoe up the stairs. I saw him in the room at the end of the hall. I’m crying like a baby now, trying to keep myself calm. My grip tightens around the hatchet, and I tuck it as closely to me as possible.

The hallway is clear. Each eerie person in the pictures watches me as I walk by. The last of the sunbeams for the day flows through the windows as I walk by every room. The large wood door at the end is closed. Pressing my free hand against it, I push it open. It looks like the master bedroom. A huge oak bed sets in the middle, the sheets torn and ragged. My eyes settle on the dresser, then the desk. Everything looks in place. Did I not come to the right spot? Sorrow is building in my throat. This has to be the right place.

Taking a step, I ease my way into the room. Checking behind the door and then to the closet. I swing it open, and my breath catches in my throat. Tanner is sitting in the corner, blood dripping from his head down his cheek. Falling to my knees I crawl to him and cradle his head in my hands. “Tanner… no! Tanner, please.” I’m rocking back and forth, feeling for a pulse. A straggling pulse moves against my fingertip.

“He’s alive.”

Voices are so unique and everyone has their own. Some you forget and others you don’t. I will never forget this one.

Moving my eyes up the floor, I glaze up at Michael. He’s sitting on the bed, legs spread wide. His fingers interlaced with one another. The white cap covers his face, but when he meets my eyes I see him. A rush of memories flood my brain. The good. The bad. The fucking terrible. All of it. He looks the same. Same blue eyes. Same strong jaw.

“Michael.”

He screws his eyes shut and grips his hair. “Don’t!” he yells, jumping to his feet. “You.” He points his finger at me. He’s way bigger than I remember. Maybe it’s because I’m cowering down in the closet holding my boyfriend’s bloody head in my lap. “Aubrey, I’ve been watching you.” He grins and it sends ice over my bones. “Since the summer started. My mom had mentioned you were here. I knew it was the best place to get you. The best place…” He trails off, his eyes focusing on nothing.

“Michael. Please let me go. Let us go.”

He snarls and stalks toward me, dropping to his knees in front of me. “Aubrey,” he coos, running a finger along my skin. I try not to snatch away from him. I don’t want to make him any angrier. “You smell so fucking good. I can remember that smell.” He leans in and sniffs my hair. I jump, shaking from his closeness.

He recoils back as if I slapped him. “You’ll let him touch you, but you won’t let me? I had you first! You’re mine!” He’s yelling so loud. My ears hurt from the sound. He looks down at Tanner and jumps to his feet. Before I can think, he’s moving his leg back to kick Tanner’s head. Covering him with my body, he lands a hard kick to my upper back.

I scream at the throbbing pain—my eyes blurry, my body hurting. Michael grabs my hair and pulls me toward him. Every single hair in my head burns. I’m trying to grab his arms, but he’s moving too fast. My feet slide against the wooden floors, my clothes snagging at the old wood. I’m screaming and tears pour down my face. I kick, hit and bite. He growls, pulls me up and tosses me on the bed. No. No, this isn’t happening. No.

I land on the old bed, the covers smell of mildew. The sheets are torn and smell like death. Michael stands over me, staring down at me like I’m his lover. I once was. I once loved that face. That small smirk. Those blue eyes. Not now. Vomit is rising from my throat. Tanner’s body slumps against the wall. He’s out of it. Wake up!

Grabbing his shirt, he pulls it off his chest. No. Tears stream down my face. His knees touch the bed. His gaze crawls down my body, and then back up to my face. “Stop crying. You didn’t cry when he fucked you, did you? Stop it or I’ll break his goddamn neck.”

Shaking, I lie still, waiting for him to touch me. I have to get out of here, but I can’t leave Tanner. I just can’t. Michael leans down and trails a finger from the top of my foot all the way to my short shorts. He groans, massaging my thigh. “You use to shiver when I would do this,” he whispers. A distant look is on his face and then it’s gone. Back to sinister. “Now, you’re gonna scream.”

Michael climbs on top of me, and I know it’s my only chance. Kicking my leg straight up, I hit him between the legs. “Fuck!’ he screams, rolling over to his side.

He’ll be up in two seconds. I scramble to the floor, tossing my phone toward Tanner. I grab my hatchet and run.

My body is heaving from leaving Tanner behind. But I know Michael is coming after me. He doesn’t have time to deal with Tanner. I take the stairs two at a time, sliding against the wooden floors and fumbling with the door. I hear his hard footsteps behind me. They’re getting closer. It’s completely dark when I get outside. The moonbeams send enough light to barely see the trail. Jesus, please let me make it. Please. The trail will take me to the road, and I can cut across toward the camp.

“Stop running, Aubrey. I’m going to catch you either way.”

He’s so close. The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. The hatchet in my hand feels like it weighs a thousand pounds. My legs are burning, my throat on fire. I have to make it. I have to get out of here.

The road is vacant, not a car in sight. My heart sinks, but I stagger across the two-lanes and into the woods on the opposite site. This should take me to the camp. I don’t hear Michael’s footsteps anymore, and I don’t hear him yelling. Falling onto all fours, I scramble up and look behind me. He’s not there. Did he leave? Did he fall? I turn circles looking for him. Bats fly above me. The trees wave in the wind. Leaves fall around me. He’s gone.

All I can hear is the wind and my breathing. It’s heavy in the darkness. I relax my shoulders and bring my hands to my face. Then a limb snaps. Then two. Then all I can hear is someone’s footsteps heavy in leaves. I turn, swinging my hatchet, and I catch the side of his arms.

He howls out a cry and grabs his arm. It’s barely a scratch, but blood is dripping down to his fingertips. “Bitch. You’re gonna fucking pay for that.”

A loud thump hits the back of my head, and I watch as the sky swirls and my vision blackens. He’s going to kill me.

That feeling is back. My senses are heightened, and I can almost taste the water. The hurried sound of it hitting the cliff wakes me. It’s still dark. Holes are all throughout my clothes, giving the wind easy access to my skin. A deep headache burns the back of my head and it’s sticky. My fingers tangle in my hair and—what I can assume is blood—is caked in it. God, no. He’s here. I can sense his gaze on me.

“You’re awake. Finally.”

No. I groan, rolling onto my side to sit up. The cliff is right beside me. If I put my arm out anymore I’d roll off into the abyss. I know what he’s going to do to me now. The same as last time. Drown me.

“Beautiful isn’t it?” he chuckles. The tip of his shoe is touching my back. One good kick and I’ll be falling to my death. Fingers slide down my hair all the way to my back. “I remember when you would practice for hours. Just like me.” There is a smile in his voice. I pray there is at least one ounce of compassion left in this man I used to love. Rolling onto my back, I stare up at him. He bends to his knees and cups my face.

Holding back the bile rising in my throat, I look up at him. “I remember.”

He smiles. It’s so familiar. Then it fades and a look that would strike fear in anyone forms. “Then you left. You left me all alone. I lost my scholarship.” He bends to my ear and begins yelling. “I lost everything!”

I close my eyes and pretend I’m in Tanner’s arms, in his bed.

“Are you listening to me? You abandoned me. You took away the water from me. You took it away!” As crazy as he is, I understand. I know how it feels to have the one thing you love taken away from you.

It’s the worst thing that’ll happen to anyone. The loss you feel. The emptiness that consumes your every move. “I’m so sorry, Michael. My parents—” He slams his foot down on the side of my face. Darkness swarms my vision. I can barely make out his figure above me.

There is no hope for the monster standing over me. No love is left in his heart. I’m as good as dead. He bends down to pick me up, and I feel light. My body is so tired I can’t move. My head throbbing and more blood seeps down my back.

“Aubrey,” he whispers in my ear. “I love you.” A helpless cry shakes through me, my body quaking in fear. It’s coming. I know. I try to lift my head, but it slumps back against his chest. His lips part and he takes my mouth in his. I don’t kiss him back. I sit there unable to move or get away. Unable to fight for my fucking life.

He moves his lips over mine. They’re rough and hard against my own. Blood mixes with his mouth, and I feel it drain down my throat. He’s mumbling in my ear that he loves me over and over when I feel us move backwards. He’s stopping. He’s going to spare me.

“Drop her now.”

Tanner. Every single cell in my body flames, and I try to crane my neck to look at him. Michael turns with me still in his hands. “You think you’re going to save her, Tanner?”

Tanner’s eyes avert to my own. His shirt is torn, blood is stained down the front of his unbuttoned shirt. The hatchet I had earlier is in his hands. “I know I am, Michael.”

Michael snarls and drops me to the ground. Rocks dig into my skin, but I scoot away from him. Tanner’s dark hair has fallen in front of his eyes. Sweat pours from his forehead. I can’t imagine how fast he ran to get here.

Michael shakes his head back and forth. “She’s mine.”

“You’re goin’ to kill what’s yours? What sense does that make. Why kill her?”

“Because she took everything from me!” he shouts, ripping at his hair. “She took it all!”

Tanner nods. His Adam’s apple moves when he swallows. “You’re right. She did. But it was your own fault.”

Michael sneers and runs at Tanner. Tanner swings the hatchet but Michael jumps back just in time. They maneuver around each other, swinging and kicking. I can’t hear anything but the erratic beat of my heart and the water below. “The cops are on their way, Michael. It’s only a matter of time before they catch you again.”

He barks out a laugh and snatches his hat off his head. His dark hair is way longer than before. A slight blanket of hair covers his cheeks. “I got away once, and I’m sure I can do it again. They’re so fucking stupid. I had one of the janitors sneak someone in to replace me. He did a great job, too. I’m sure they’re still scratching their heads.”

That’s how he did it. It’s been him the entire summer, watching me like a tiger on his prey. I basically signed my own death certificate when I took this job.

Tanner eyes me and then the cliff. At first I think someone is behind me then I realize what he wants me to do. Jump. No. No. No. I shake my head a cry slipping from my lips. “Shut the fuck up!” Michael screams at me.

Tanner takes a swing at him and it cuts Michael’s chest. “Don’t fuckin’ talk to her like that. I’ll kill your ass.”

Tanner gives me another look. “You can do it,” he says, lowly.

Michael is trying to cover up the blood that’s seeping from his chest. He’s moaning and groaning. The blood soaking his shirt completely. I look at the guy that’s haunted my dreams for years. The man who tried to take my life… twice. I’m not going to be the victim anymore. I’m going to live.

Standing up on wobbly legs, I steady myself. “Don’t move,” Michael yells, stretching his bloody hand toward me. “I’m not finished with you yet.” The look in his eyes is pleading. He takes a swing at Tanner but misses. He’s losing a lot of blood. He’s dying.

With one last ounce of might, Michael turns toward me and runs. The determination in his eyes is frightening. He’s been waiting to kill me again. Tanner’s chasing Michael my way, trying to stop him. Everything is in slow motion. The moon beams down, lighting up the water, giving me the urge to jump.

Michael reaches forward, almost touching me. Turning, I lift my arms above my head and dive straight into the black abyss. His voice echoes against the cliff’s walls. It’s the only thing I hear as I fall forward. The water slices around me, and the stillness is back. The memorizing feeling of the water consumes me. I’m diving deeper and relishing in the coolness. Breaking from the water, I gasp for breath. The rapids against the small lake is hard and doing a great job of pushing me downstream.

I smile into the night. Tanner’s voice is loud and clear. “He’s gone. You’re safe, darlin’. You’re safe.” It’s all I need to hear. Bracing myself, I take that stroke of fear.

I’m warm. Such a difference from the cool summer water. Such a difference from running through the trees and begging for your life.

Blinking, I glance up at the white walls. The florescent lighting shines down on me. A steady drip sounds in my ear. I’m in a bed…not my cabin bed or my bed at home. “She’s awake,” I hear.

Why does that voice sound so familiar? Whose is it?

“Darlin’. Are you okay?”

Pushing past the pain, I open my eyes all the way. A bandage wraps around his forehead, and his arm is in a cast. “Tanner?” I ask.

He smiles and then he gets shoved out of the way. “Are you okay? I called your parents they should be here tonight. Can you see me?” Cassie snaps her fingers in front of my face a few times.

“Get out of the way,” I hear then Cassie is being picked up and moved. “Hey,” Eric says, leaning on the rail of the bed. “You okay? You look like… ouch. Stop it, Cassie.”

“You’re going to upset her. Don’t tell her that you asshat.”

A giggle rises from my throat. “Tanner.”

Tanner comes back up to me and smiles down. His rough fingers rub against my face, stroking my cheek. I’ve never seen anyone so beautiful before in my life. The blue specks in his gray eyes are bright today. “He’s dead?” I ask.

A frown tugs on his lips. “Yes. I killed him.”

Dead. Michael’s dead? I knew he’d die one day. But I didn’t think by my own boyfriend’s hand. “Don’t cry, baby.” Tanner cups my cheek and plants kisses all over my face. “It’s okay. You’re safe. Perfectly safe.”

“Can I talk to her?” I hear and then some more mumbles. I’m still too tired to lift my head, but when I feel a hand on my arm I know who is standing in front of me.

“Jake,” I say, my voice pained.

“It’s me. Are you okay?”

I nod and open my eyes wider. He’s looking down at me. “Why didn’t you tell me?” he asks. “I would have understood.”

“I know you would have. I’m sorry. I just… everything fell into place when I got here. I think I’m where I need to be.”

Jake smiles and pushes his dark blond hair from his face. “I think so, too. I hope you know I love you, Aubrey. I’ll probably always love you.”

I do know that. I know I love him, too. But the perfect man for me wears work boots and has a sexy southern drawl. I was always meant for him. We fit together like a puzzle piece. He was my missing piece. All I had to do was wait. Jake, Cassie and Eric all say their goodbyes. Mrs. Jones is having a panic attack with all the kids.

I cling to my blankets and stare up at the ceiling. “You there?” I ask into the silence.

“I’m here, darlin’.” Tanner steps into my vision and sits on the edge of the bed. Light brushes of his fingertips send warmth over me.

“I swam today.”

The huge smile on his face shows me he’s proud. “You did. Brilliantly. When the paramedics came to get you, they said they had to pry you out of the water. You wanted to float in the shallow end.”

I laugh and it burns my throat. “Does Michael’s mom know he’s dead?”

“Yes. The police called them.”

I sniffle. “He’s dead because of me.”

“No, he’s dead because of himself. Don’t blame yourself. He was going to kill you, Aubrey. Twice. You were meant to live. You escaped it twice.”

Nodding, I wipe at my eyes until they’re burning from the friction. “Tanner?”

“Hmmm?”

“I’m glad I met you.”

He brushes a stray tear from my face. “You’re right where you’re supposed to be, darlin’.”