Oh No! I’m back. I am surrounded by inky black nothingness. The air is musty…damp, my nostrils fill with the smell of dank basement. Like in a haunted house, filled with saws and chains and bloody hooks, this is the perfect place for any psycho to hide his tools of the crazy trade. I’m trembling, from the all-encompassing fear, eating at every cell in my body.
Where am I? My fingers search out for clues. Beneath me is a thin mattress on a hard surface. My head rests on a concrete-like pillow hard. My breathing escalates as the panic rises in my chest. I open my mouth to scream, but only a muted croak escapes. Over the thunder of my pounding heart, I hear a booming crack, a gunshot. I recognize the sound from a trip to the range with Jake years earlier.
I swing my legs over the side of my perch, thinking in my blind panic to run even though I cannot see. I can’t ignore this intense urge to flee. But my impulse is thwarted by an unknown restraint trapping my left arm, a rope? Panic has me in its grip. I gasp for air to fill my lungs but produce only whimpers and muted pleas.
A loud screech reverberates through the darkness. Rats? Oh, please, no rats! Could this get any worse? I’m fully hysterical and I yank relentlessly on the rope tethering me. With each tug, the line cuts deeper into my skin. My arm warms as blood seeps from the gouges, coating my hand and fingers.
Behind me, the sound of footsteps startles me. Before I can turn to confront my visitor, I feel the rush of air preceding the impact to the back of my head. A blaze of bright stars then, a different blackness envelopes me.
As I sink into the welcoming arms of unconsciousness, my body lurches sharply and I feel the bite of the seatbelt across my chest as my head snaps forward.
“What---?”
I scan my surroundings to get my bearings. Just a dream…the same nightmare…again, why does this dream keep plaguing me?
“Learn to drive, you idiot!”
I look over at the usually uber-chill love of my life and my heart rate settles. I’m safe. It was just a dream. I’ve got Jake here with me. It’s all good. Jake takes his eyes off the road for a second and gives me one of his sunshine-bright smiles. I go a little gooey inside.
“What happened?” I survey the road in front of us, rubbing my neck.
“Hey, Love Bug. Sorry to wake you like that. Guy in the red Camry has been riding my bumper and backing off for miles. Suddenly decides he’s going to pass me like his car is on fire. Then, he cuts me off for no reason. You okay? Feel all right? You don’t usually sleep in the car and you were out before we even reached the freeway.”
“No, I’m fine. I’m just tired. I never went back to sleep last night after the nightmare. Sorry I disturbed you.”
Jake reached over and slid his hand onto my knee. My heart still flutters when he touches me.
“You didn’t disturb me. You were upset. I’m here for you – always. If you couldn’t sleep, you should’ve woken me up. We could have talked. You’ve been jumpy and having nightmares since I started interviewing for that job in San Francisco. If you didn’t want to talk, I can think of a few other things we could have done. Take your mind right off that nightmare.”
I couldn’t help but smile as I placed my hand on top of Jake’s. He snagged my fingers in between his and gave a little squeeze.
“You know you can talk to me, right? We’re a team. Something you want to tell me?” He returned his hand to the steering wheel.
“Nope. We’re good. I’ll be fine.”
I actually had more doubts about Jake taking the job than I’d let on, but this was his dream and I didn’t want to crush it.
“I just want to enjoy our little vacation. Relax. Get a little exercise.”
Jake snapped his head around to look at me. I just rolled my eyes.
“You know hiking, swimming, and canoeing.”
“Oh, the boring kind of exercise, we could try that too.”
Then, he grinned. Nobody can bring me out of a mood like my six-foot hunky IT husband. Who says computer nerds are boring?
“How far to Lorelai Park?”
“Not too far. Good thing. I’m starving.”
We rolled up to the lodge at the park just before dusk. The sun, low on the horizon, bathed the lake in a fiery orange glow. It was a serene scene, and my body began to relax, forgetting about my concerns over the possible move. Jake pulled the bags out of the trunk, but when I reached to take mine, he snagged me by the waist and pulled me close. His kiss was gentle at first, but when I put my arms around his neck, it turned into something more intense. I was surrounded by strong arms, the heady scent of his cologne and a protective love. How could I ask for more?
He rolled the suitcases into the lodge and checked us in. While waiting, I perused our weekend home. The hotel lobby’s centerpiece, a breathtaking three-story flagstone fireplace, offered warmth. A mom, dad and four young girls relaxed in front of the hearth, laughing and eating pizza. The children’s blonde hair glistened in the firelight.
Beyond the fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows created the illusion of bringing the outside in. I gazed out the windows and watched a twenty-foot runabout drag an inner tube full of children. The tubers’ gleeful squeals reverberated through the vestibule. We’ll definitely get the relaxation we need this weekend.
My stomach growled like a raging lion.
“Honey, I’m starving.”
“Feel free to enjoy our lounge. I’ll ensure your bags are taken to your room,” exclaimed the young front desk clerk.
Jake and I headed across the lobby to the lounge.
“Seat yourself.” The elderly bartender must have eyes in the back of his head because he never looked up. We found a booth near the back and I slid in next to Jake. We enjoyed the food and drinks, snuggled a little and fed each other from our dessert orders.
The bartender who doubled as our waiter asked us if we were on our honeymoon and before I could declare otherwise, Jake pronounced, “Always.”
That was perhaps the most romantic thing I think he’s ever said. I was starting to tear up when Jake pulled out his wallet and handed me a five-dollar bill.
“Here, go pick out some songs. I know that jukebox has been calling your name since we walked in.”
I bounced over to the jukebox like a teenager.
“There goes my party girl,” Jake exclaimed.
After I’d made my selections and the music started, I stalked across the dance floor toward the booth where Jake was waiting, his beautiful big blue eyes shining.
“Come on, baby. Let’s show these people how to dance.”
Jake shook his head and leaned back in the booth to watch my ridiculous display. Top artists like Usher, Nelly, Bruno Mars, and Drake broadcasted across the bar. I pulled back my long locks with hair bands that I wear on my wrists for such an occasion. My husband laughed while I danced like no one was watching. As we were the only customers in the lounge, the bartender ignored my unencumbered display of booty shaking.
For a moment, I forgot about everything but the wonderful man who had made me his wife. We were fairly exhausted when the last selection began, Lonestar’s “Amazed.”
“Our wedding song,” Jake commented.
He walked over and pulled me close. I put my head on his chest, closed my eyes and remembered that fabulously perfect day in October when the weather had been warm, the sun bright and our future stretched out ahead of us. It had been the happiest day of my life. I was determined I wouldn’t let anything stand in the way of many more just like that one.
As the song was winding down, Jake tipped my chin up and kissed me. I was losing myself in the soft lips gently brushing mine and the strong arms holding me firmly when a loud crack and then the booming rumble of thunder startled me. I suddenly became aware of the fierce downpour beating against the roof and howling wind whipping the tree branches. I was immediately seized with an inexplicable feeling of dread. Jake must have sensed my tension, because he pulled me closer.
“Everything’s going to be okay, sweetie. I’ve got you.” I pulled back slightly to look into eyes filled with love and support.
“I know.”
We left the restaurant and turned in for the night.
The next morning, sunny skies had returned. We’d awakened early and had breakfast in bed. Afterwards, I stood on the balcony in my silk robe and watched a bald eagle soar over the trees. Jake, wearing just a pair of dark jeans, came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist. I could feel his soft breaths against my ear, sending tiny ripples of sheer bliss up and down my spine. The day was perfect, this moment flawless.
“Love Bug, how about we take a hike? Don’t want to waste this great fall weather.”
We dressed quickly and decided on taking the Lorelai long trail, an eight-mile walk through a majestic canopy of sycamore, oak, maple and ash trees. As we were leaving the hotel, another couple similarly dressed in hiking apparel passed by us.
“Wow, don’t they look like us?”
I asked Jake when the duo headed off toward the entrance of one of the shorter trails. The woman was my height and weight and had long, dark, curly hair, hanging loose down her back. The man was a stunning duplicate of my well-muscled husband.
“Hey, you’re right. I knew they looked good,” Jake responded with a wink. “Lucky man,” Jake added as he pulled me close for a hug.
Crimson, chartreuse and auburn leaves painted the forest. Last night’s storm plastered the pathway leading to slippery spots of fallen leaves and mud. Dappled sunlight filtered through the tree branches to light our way. The crisp aroma of autumn surrounded us.
“I’ll miss the fall if we move to San Francisco,” Jake said somewhat wistfully.
“They’ve got seasons in northern California,” I teased. “Hot and less hot, as God sends down more California sun.”
“Yeah, but it’s not the same.” Knowing Jake as well as I do; I heard remorse in his voice.
“Are you having second thoughts? It can’t just be about the weather, right?”
“No, I guess not.”
Previously, he’d sounded so certain about the opportunity in the new job. He’d pumped me up with notions of hiking all year around, and of course, the ocean at my doorstep. You may not be able to see the other side of Lake Erie, but it certainly isn’t the same as the Pacific.
We slowed our brisk pace as the path inclined, talking sporadically, but comfortable with the silences as we took in the views. Jake led the way, holding out his hand for me to hop over slick spots or climb over fallen branches. As we reached a flat stretch, Jake stopped.
“Need a breather?” I asked.
“No. Look, yesterday I got an email from the company in San Francisco. They invited us there for a final interview and a few days extra to scope out the housing situation. I need to tell them one way or the other when we get back home. Can we do this? Do you want to do this? I know I’ve talked it up, given you all the advantages, but I’m not clueless. There are some negatives too. I just don’t want to force you into something you don’t want to do. I want you to be honest. I suspect your nightmares are because of the job. Tell me if you can’t see doing this, babe.”
Fairly taken aback, I collected my thoughts.
“You can tell me, Love Bug. You’re more important than any job.”
I looked into marine blue eyes that held love and just the slightest tinge of expectation. I wouldn’t deny him his dream or give him a reason to put aside his aspirations. He didn’t need to assuage my nebulous, irrational fear.
“You have my complete support, Jake. We can do this. We’re a team.” I could see the relief and sheer joy brighten his face.
“Great. You’re amazing, honey. Now, I just need to land the position.” He gave me a big hug.
As we trekked deeper into the woods hand-in-hand, a chill ran up my spine. Why can’t I shake this feeling that someone is watching us? Then I heard someone yell. I froze in place and raked my gaze over the forest, my eyes ricocheting in their sockets like a frightened animal.
“Are you okay, honey? You’re squeezing my hand.” I wheeled around to face Jake.
“Did you hear that? It sounded like a scream.”
“I didn’t hear anything. You’re still awfully jumpy.” Jake put his arm around my shoulders.
“No not at all. It must’ve been some wildlife.”
It was a huge lie. I heard a human scream or was it an animal? Screw it! You need to support your loving husband.
We rounded a bend and a large hill emerged. I sprinted ahead of Jake half-way up the mound ad turned back toward Jake. “Come on, hurry up. That’s what you get for the big breakfast, you ordered. It’s weighing you down,” I teased. “Meet you at the top, slow poke,” I added over my shoulder as I surged on ahead.
To challenge myself, I moved over to a rocky outcropping, grasping at branches to reach the apex. Despite his rather strong aversion to heights, Jake soon appeared next to me.
“Wow, what a view,” his masculine voice gasped behind me.
“Worth it, huh?”
“Lovely. Now, let’s get down.”
The shrill cry of a red-tailed hawk rang out as it flew overhead. As we watched, it swooped down and grabbed a furry brown rabbit, carrying it off into the brightly, colored canopy. My blood ran cold. Nature has no good and evil. The hawk was hunting food, not purposefully terrifying a gentle creature, but the sight disturbed me.
As we scrambled down off the rocks, another human-like screech rang out. This time Jake looked at me. He’d heard it too. He tugged me close.
“Probably another hawk,” he muttered unconvincingly. “You’re shivering. The wind’s picking up. We should get back.”
“Good idea,” I agreed.
But I wasn’t shivering from the cold. My eyes were stinging from holding back the tears, welling up from the image of the hawk carrying off the poor bunny. I imagined his terror, assured of his fate. Was someone watching me? I wasn’t interested in being a rabbit to their hawk.
Jake and I jogged back to the lodge at a quick pace, hopping over tree roots and scattering small chipmunks and other vermin as we pounded the path in sure-footed strides.
As we emerged from the trail, the lodge’s parking lot was lit up like a Christmas tree with flashing lights from five local police cars, a sheriff’s car, an ambulance, and a park ranger vehicle.
“What do you suppose happened?” I asked Jake as we moved closer. “That’s a big response.”
“Don’t know; probably nothing,” Jake attempted to reassure me. “I imagine they don’t see a lot of action out here. Everyone comes out to take a look at nothing.”
We made our way up to our room through a side door. Jake flopped on the bed and picked up the room service menu.
“Let’s order in. It’s probably a zoo downstairs. I’m starved. What do you want?”
“You’re always starved. You had a huge breakfast. How can you be hungry?”
“I’m a growing boy. Plus, I need my strength to keep up with you.”
He grabbed me by the waist and wrestled me onto the bed. I squealed with delight and feigned temporary resistance. My surrender was rewarded with a steamy kiss and an after-lunch romantic interlude, followed by a sexy shower and a well-earned nap. This vacation was giving our honeymoon a run for its money.
The afternoon brought another thunderous rainstorm and roused us from our siesta. Jake stretched and rubbed his eyes; I bounced out of bed.
“Let’s go swimming. They have an indoor pool.”
Water and jukeboxes are admitted weaknesses.
Jake acquiesced. “Fine. Let’s go.”
We changed, took the elevator to the ground floor, and followed the signs to the pool. I scurried along ahead of Jake, who had probably long ago resigned himself that when it came to pools, he’d married a ten-year-old.
“Slow down, it’s not going anywhere.”
A blast of chlorine filled my nostrils as I pushed open the door. I sneezed loudly into my hand. The pool attendant turned from stacking towels to see who let the rhino in.
“You’re back? They released you from the hospital already? That was quick,” the attendant began. I turned more fully toward the lifeguard who gasped.
“Oh sorry. You aren’t her.”
The woman took a long look at Jake as well. He is not a stranger to the appreciative stare, but this was different.
“Her?”
“I thought you were my friend, Deanna. Is that your husband? You two are dead ringers for Deanna and her husband, Johnny. The resemblance is uncanny. Someone attacked them on one of the trails earlier. Johnny said a man came out of nowhere and conked him on the head with a gun. Then he knocked Deanna down and kicked her in the stomach. She hit her head on a tree stump. Another couple found them and helped them back. The other couple saw a guy rush past them at the trail head, almost knocking them down. He sprinted to the parking lot and jumped into a red car, fishtailed out of the park, tires screaming.”
“Are your buddies going to be okay?” I asked.
“The ambulance took them to the hospital. The EMT said Deanna will need stitches. Johnny had a bump on his head and a wicked headache, but he didn’t pass out, so the ambulance guy thought they both should be fine. He suspected the hospital would keep them overnight. That’s why I was so surprised when you strolled in. Wow, you two sure do look like them.”
“That sounds really strange. Any idea what the attacker wanted?” Jake chimed in. “He just roughed them up and ran? The whole thing seems pointless to me.”
“Yeah, right? But you know what’s really weird? Johnny said the guy muttered something right before he kicked Deanne.”
“What did he say?” I wondered with a rapidly rising sense of anxiety.
“He said ‘stay in Ohio.’ That’s nuts. They live in Ohio, next town over. They got no plans to go anywhere. Crazy huh? Got a screw loose, I guess.”
I looked at Jake and I could see he was reading my mind.
“Well, didn’t you say he’d hit his head. Maybe he misunderstood.”
Jake was speaking to the attendant, but his eyes had never left mine. I could hear the urgency in his voice and the appeal to my rational self. Don’t panic, Ginger. There’s a reasonable explanation but it wasn’t helping in the least.
I reached out my hand to take Jake’s arm to steady myself. My knees went weak. I stumbled onto a poolside deck chair. Jake caught me and held me upright.
“You okay, babe?”
“Yes, I’m fine. Just clumsy,” I lied.
“Sit and relax for a few minutes.”
The attendant shook her head and handed two towels to Jake. “Guess, I better get to work. You folks enjoy your stay. Say, if you’re still around, maybe you can meet up with Deanne and Johnny. Just can’t get over how much you two look like them. Wow, guess you’re lucky. That guy could have mistaken you for them. Isn’t life funny?”
Jake pulled up a deck chair next to mine and sat facing me, his feet on the floor over the side. I stretched out with my feet up, trying to corral my feelings. It was all coincidence. I wouldn’t let this ruin our vacation. I was being silly, letting my imagination run away with me. Jake didn’t seem worried and he was probably right about Johnny just misunderstanding the guy. It was just a random nut, drunk or something.
Willing myself to just put it all aside I got up and dove into the deep end of the pool. Jake quickly followed me in. I soon forgot all about the hawk, the rabbit, Deanne, Johnny and their mystery assailant. Can’t be sad in a pool, not me. We splashed around, dove for coins and played water volleyball for a few hours. Even with the afternoon nap, I was getting exhausted and Jake was hungry again. We ordered in, snuggled on the bed watching an old movie until sleep overtook us.
I bolted upright in bed, my blood pounding in my ears and tears stinging my eyes. Jake stirred, but didn’t wake. I swiped at my eyes and checked the clock, 2:10am. I laid there watching the minutes flicking by on the digital display, scared to go back to sleep. That same nightmare returned. I ran the recollection around in my mind, a dozen times. No real images, just blackness, terror, and searing pain. Something was different this time, but I couldn’t place it. And that scared me even more.