Sixteen
Serena stared disbelievingly clutching Liz tenderly by her forearms "Liz, Liz Parker is that really you?"
Liz nodded in affirmation "Yeah Serena its me I've come home, I've come back home."
Serena pulled back grasping Liz by the shoulders as she smiled brightly.
"It's been so long I haven't seen you since- well I haven't seen you in a long time."
"Six years to be exact."
"So what brings you here after all this time are you finally going to take over the daily running of the center because you know it's what Claudia would have wanted."
Liz shook her head absently scanning the office "no it's nothing like that Serena your doing an excellent job and I want to keep it that way, I'm not here to interfere I'm leaving this place in your hands."
Serena clutched Liz's hand tenderly as she led her to the couch.
"Liz that's not what I meant not at all, your grandmother was my friend as well as my employer and I know that she would want you to carry on her legacy."
" I just can't right now Serena this place holds a lot of painful memories. I'm only here because I need your help."
"What exactly is it that you need?"
"I need some information on a member, a girl named Alaura Whitman."
Serena strode towards the filing cabinet she rifled through the files until she retrieved the one she was looking for.
"Here we go Alaura Whitman; she's been attending the center for a little over six months. Her abilities are extremely advanced for one so young."
"Yeah I know could I see that?"
"Of course."
Liz sifted through the various pages pausing when she came in contact with the smiling face of Alaura Whitman. She ran her hand gently over the photograph before returning her gaze to Serena.
"Is there any documentation on the staff members that Alaura would have came into contact with?"
" No we never felt the need to keep such things, but it's likely that she's come into contact with most of the staff. Liz I don't mean to pry but if something's happened to Alaura and the centers connected I think I have a right to know."
"Serena Alaura was abducted a few days ago I'm helping the police with their inquiries."
Serena’s brow knotted in confusion, as she looked at Liz a sense of dread rising from the pit of her stomach.
"Oh my god that poor girl and her parents but what does this have to do with the Parker foundation?"
"I have reason to believe that the man responsible has some connection with the center."
"What you think he may work here or attend himself?" Serena questioned.
"It's highly unlikely that he attends the center he would never have the opportunity to access files."
"So someone on the staff is responsible for this child's disappearance?"
"Yes I believe so but Alaura isn't the only child to be abducted, there have been others it's just I'm not sure we can connect them to the center."
Serena felt her way around the edge of her desk slumping heavily into her chair.
"Well let's see if we can find out if those other kids attended the center. Have you got any of their names?"
Liz moved to stand directly behind Serena peering over her shoulder as she typed information into the computer system.
"Imogene Saunders, Ben Chapman and Shelley Anderson that's just a couple of the other abducted children's names."
" No there aren't any matches on the computer system it looks like they never attended the center."
"Damn it! I know this place is connected with the reaper. Alaura more or less told me so I just need to-"
" Wait the reaper? " Serena whispered visibly paling.
"Yeah."
"Oh Lord! I've read about him in the newspapers. He kills those kids he abducts."
Liz watched as the colour drained from Serena’s face she rubbed her shoulders soothingly as she turned her around to face her.
"That's why I need to find him as soon as possible we don't have much time before he kills again."
" You said that Alaura told you that there was a connection between the reaper and the foundation?"
Liz hesitated her gaze falling away from Serena "ever since the reaper murders started I've had these dreams, visions about the children he abducts. Sometimes I'm not sure if the images are from the children or that sick bastard but this time I'm sure it's Alaura."
"Do you think the reapers aware that you know all this?"
"I don't think so if he did I suppose he would have taken me out by now. It's not as if my offer of help had ever been accepted until now."
" I just find it hard to believe that this monster could actually work here."
"I know it's hard to believe that anyone could abuse their position in that way but I just feel that there's some connection."
"How are we going to find out if he actually is working here?"
" I'm not sure yet but the first thing I have to do is inform the detective in charge of the case."
Serena smiled "well they will have the centers full cooperation."
"Thank you Serena, I better get going we'll talk soon okay."
"Okay and Liz if I find anything out I’ll contact you."
"Here's my card my cell numbers on the back, if you find out anything even if you don't think it's important-"
"I’ll contact you straight away" Serena assured.
Liz walked towards the door she reached for the handle when Serena called out to her. She turned slightly when the woman advanced toward her.
" Here I think you should have this."
Liz stared at the small brass key placed in her hand she clutched it tightly as she felt her stomach lurch.
" Serena I-"
"we've kept it locked all these years it's just the way she left it none’s been inside since- well since she passed away."
"Thank you."
"Liz I know it's going to be hard I know it holds painful memories but there are things you might want to see, your grandmothers journals-"
"Thanks Serena I’ll take a look when I get the chance but I really need to go."
She walked briskly down the corridor breathing deeply to gain some semblance of control. The metal key boar into her palm as she squeezed tightly halting abruptly she stood before the door to her grandmothers office. Liz's gaze traveled from the lock to the key wedged firmly between her fingers, she stepped forward her breath quickened as she turned the key. She placed a shaky hand on the frame and pushed the door open with force, the sound of it crashing against the wall reverberated around the deserted hallway. Her blood ran cold as an image of her grandmothers cold and lifeless body lying face down in the corner assaulted her senses. Bile rose in her throat and her legs began to give way when she felt herself being steadied by a pair of strong arms wrapping firmly around her waist.
Max clutched Liz firmly concern etched into his features "Liz are you okay talk to me"
Liz turned in Max’s arms her eyes rising to his concerned gaze.
"Max what are you doing here?"
"I was looking for you, I stopped by the apartment and tried your cell I was worried."
" How did you know I’d be here?"
"I didn't Maria suggested that you might already know that-"
"That Alaura Whitman attended the center."
"Yes, Liz you do know what this could mean don't you?"
" The reapers connected to the center in some way. I've already discussed this with the center manager Serena Lewis but we've drawn a blank Alaura’s the only abducted child to attend the center."
" I'm still goina have to check this out for myself you do realize that."
"Max you'll have the centers full cooperation."
"Liz I-"
Liz pulled back from Max’s embrace she maneuvered around him until she stood at the door she gestured for him to follow and with one last look she closed the door and locked it firmly.
"Come on I just need to get out of this place."
"Okay that's go."
**********************************************************
Tess strolled through the precinct lapping up the admiring glances from the officers. Her smile widened as she saw Kyle Valenti heading in her direction.
"Tess wait I need to talk to you."
"Kyle what a pleasant surprise, what can I do for you?"
"I just wanted to say that I had a really great time last night and I hope we can do it again sometime."
Tess looked into the hopeful eyes of Kyle Valenti biting back a smirk she sighed loudly as she shook her head.
"Yeah last night was great and all Kyle but it was just dinner and a quick fuck and there definitely wont be a repeat performance."
Kyle looked at Tess in bewilderment he couldn't believe that this was the same woman he'd spent last night with.
"I don't understand I-"
"Look Kyle it's very simple I’ll spell it out for you we just had casual sex there isn't going to be any big romance you've served your purpose."
"Served my purpose- Tess you can't tell anyone about what we discussed last night, I never should have told you what I did, it could jeopardize the case."
"Kyle don't worry I wouldn't do a thing like that, Liz Parker's involvement in the reaper case will remain strictly under wraps. Look I'm real busy so I’ll see you around."
Kyle watched Tess Harding’s retreating figure as a sense of panic over took him.
"What have I done?"
Seventeen
The car came to a halt outside the apartment complex, they had been silent for most of the ride each consumed by their own thoughts. Liz glanced at Max as she unbuckled her seatbelt she noticed how tight his grip on the steering wheel was and wondered why he was so tense.
"Thanks for the ride Max, do you wanta come up for a coffee or something?"
"I should actually be getting back to the station I have a report I need to write up" Max replied with some reluctance.
"Oh um, that’s okay maybe we’ll talk later?" she asked hopefully.
He reached for her arm as she grasped the door handle she turn towards him her eyebrows raised in question.
"Liz I’m sorry I don’t want you to think that there’s anything wrong I do have a lot of paper work its just-"
"Max you know you can talk to me, if something’s bothering you let me try and help."
"But would you let me help you Liz?" he questioned softly, his gaze intent.
Liz shook her head in confusion as she looked directly at Max.
"I don’t understand I thought this was about you then you turn it around on me."
"Liz I saw how you reacted when you were at the center. I know that it’s painful for you to be there I’m sure it holds lots of memories of your grandmother."
"Max you don’t understand."
He placed his hand under her chin gently tilting her head until she looked directly at him.
"Then help me understand."
"When you found me today at the center I was in my grandmothers office."
Max reached out for her "It’s okay Liz."
" I told you yesterday that my grandmother died of a heart attack what I didn’t tell you was that I found her."
Max leaned forward embracing Liz tightly in his arms as her body shook, tears seeped through his shirt as he rocked her gently.
"I’m sorry Liz, I’m so sorry."
"I’d stopped by her office to take her to lunch; we’d spoken on the phone just an hour before I went to pick her up. She told me she was reviewing the case file again, I told her she was working to hard. I remember I stood outside her office and I put my ear to the door just in case she was busy but I didn’t here anything. I thought it was strange so I pushed the door open, I didn’t see her at first but something in the far corner of the room caught my eye. She-she was lying face down her body motionless, I ran to her and turned her around but she wasn’t breathing her body was cold, so cold and I couldn’t rouse her."
Max held her tightly as she sobbed into his shoulder his heart ached for the woman enclosed in his embrace.
"It’s okay, it’s goina be okay."
Liz pulled back slightly taking a deep breathe she smoothed her hand over her tear stained face laughing nervously when she glanced at max.
"I’m sorry I’ve made a complete fool of myself; I never should have dumped all that on you."
"You can dump on me anytime" he said light heartedly attempting to raise a smile from her.
Liz leaned in and touched her lips to Max’s, he ran his fingers through her hair as he deepened the kiss; a tap at the window startled them as they broke apart.
"Maria?" Liz questioned as she peered out the window.
"Yeah sorry to interrupt love birds but I just had to check to see I’ve you were okay. I’ve been walking the walls at work thinking that something terrible had happened since a certain person who was supposed to call didn’t."
Maria looked pointedly at Max as she leaned further into the car.
"Shit Maria I’m sorry when I found Liz it completely slipped my mind."
"Yeah, yeah I get that you dig my girl Max so you’re forgiven, this time."
"I’m fine Maria honestly" Liz assured.
"So are you two comin up or are you just goina sit in the car and give the passers by a free show."
"I’m coming Maria, Max has stuff to take care of at the station."
"No Liz I can come up-"
"Its okay Max, I’m fine and besides I’ve got Maria for company."
"I’ll talk to you tomorrow.." Max mumbled as he pressed a kiss to her forehead acutely aware of Maria's presence.
"Yeah tomorrow."
Liz and Maria linked arms as they walked towards the apartment block.
"So you went to the center today."
"Yep" was her short reply.
"Is that all your goina say?"
"What do you want me to say, yes it was painful to go back there after all this time but it was just something that I had to do."
"But you’re holding up okay?"
"I got a little upset but I’m okay."
"Just making sure chica."
Liz stopped abruptly her gaze transfixed on the newsstand, Maria looked at Liz noting the horrified expression on her face.
"Liz chica what’s wrong?"
"Maria I-"
Liz looked helplessly from Maria to the news stand pointing to draw Maria’s attention to the object. Maria moved closer placing the money in the slot she grabbed roughly at the newspaper her gaze travelled from the news headline to Liz.
"Oh my god………….."
THE SEEKER (AU,ALL,MATURE/ADULT) (COMPLETE)
Moderators: Anniepoo98, Rowedog, ISLANDGIRL5, Itzstacie, truelovepooh, FSU/MSW-94, Erina, Hunter, Forum Moderators
-
cornflakegirl
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 62
- Joined: Fri Jul 04, 2003 4:46 pm
Last edited by cornflakegirl on Tue Nov 18, 2003 2:17 pm, edited 3 times in total.
'Give me life, give me pain, give me myself again...' Tori Amos
-
cornflakegirl
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 62
- Joined: Fri Jul 04, 2003 4:46 pm
Eighteen
"OH MY GOD!" Maria gasped.
Maria stared open mouthed at the tabloid clutched firmly between her hands. Her gaze flickered to Liz as she shuffled forward placing a shaky hand on her best friends arm.
"Chica?"
Liz stared blindly ahead her body numb as the implications of this revelation hit her full force. Maria jumped slightly as the newspaper was snatched from her grasp and thrown haphazardly in the gutter. Liz clutched her arm firmly as she guided Maria toward their apartment complex.
" We need to get off the streets there could be reporters."
"Liz how could this happen? I thought that your identity was supposed to be protected to prevent this sort of thing."
"Well I thought so too but clearly I was mistaken."
They stopped short of the front doors peering cautiously around the corner, once satisfied that the coast was clear they proceeded to towards the front entrance.
"That's just get inside the apartment as quickly as possible okay."
"Okay" Maria nodded in agreement.
Maria exhaled loudly in relief as the elevator doors slid closed. She jammed her finger on the button repeatedly looking towards Liz. She wrung her hands together nervously as the floor numbers flickered. They exited the elevator walking briskly towards their apartment as Liz fumbled in her purse for her keys. A strangled gasp escaped Maria’s lips, as she stood motionless, her eyes fixed on something in the distance. Liz's head whipped towards Maria, she noted her pale pallor and the look of shear terror etched into her features. Maria’s mouth opened and closed soundlessly as she tried to speak.
"Maria what's wrong, come on talk to me!"
Maria raised a trembling hand pointing towards their apartment as her stunned gaze locked with Liz's. Liz turned her head slowly her purse falling to the ground with a loud thud. She gravitated towards the apartment her gaze trained on the object that hung from the door handle. She was rooted to the spot, only her eyes moving, flickering back and forth, up and down, riveted to the grotesque ornament. She tried to take a step backwards but there was no strength in her legs. She felt the bile clawing its way up from her stomach clogging her throat as she managed to shake her head in utter disbelief.
The small doll dangled from the doorknob taunting her to reach out and touch it. Her eyes stung and her heart seized in her chest as she looked at the noose tightly fastened around the dolls neck. Unable to restrain the nausea she slumped forward expelling the contents of her stomach. She wiped at her mouth grimacing at the acrid taste of bile. Maria placed a hand on her back rubbing soothingly in a circular motion as she helped her friend to stand.
"Liz are you okay?"
Liz nodded mutely unable to form words due to the burning sensation at the back of her throat. Swallowing convulsively she raised pained eyes towards Maria as she spoke.
"Maria I can’t-I can't touch it could you-"
Maria moved swiftly ripping the doll from the handle a numbing coldness ran through her body as she looked towards Liz, whispering softly.
"It's still warm."
Liz moved instinctively, falling to her knees as she retrieved her keys. Her eyes darted the length of the corridor as she turned the key in the lock pushing forcefully until the door opened inward.
Liz leaned against the frame trying to keep a grip on consciousness. Maria clamped a hand over her mouth attempting to stifle a sob; her legs shook as her eyes fixed on the cloth doll she'd thrown on the coffee table.
"He knows where we live Liz; the reaper knows where we fucking live!"
Liz closed her eyes breathing deeply through her nose in an attempt to regain some semblance of control. She walked towards the coffee table her hand hovering above the doll.
"It had to happen eventually."
Maria’s brow creased in confusion her head shaking from side to side as she spoke.
"What do you mean it had to happen eventually? If it hadn't been for the press that bastard would never have known your involvement."
"Maybe, but that doesn't change the fact that he knows were I am."
"Maybe we should get out of here, go to a hotel-"
Liz turned an angry stare toward Maria her nostrils flaring in frustration as she spoke.
"No! He's intruded in my life enough over the last four years. I will not be intimidated out of my home, I'm not some four year old child that sick fuck can manipulate and bully."
"Liz I understand how you feel really I do but you could be in real danger. That doll was a warning."
"I know but I'm tired of running Maria I have to confront this head on. I'm goina take my life back."
Maria hugged Liz close, her head resting on her shoulder. She couldn't help but feel concern for her best friends safety. Tears coursed silently down her cheeks as she stroked Liz's hair affectionately. She had to be strong for Liz and support her decision.
"Your right Chica no more running."
Liz pulled back slightly her fingers sweeping gently over Maria’s tear stained cheeks.
"Thank you Ria, I need your support more than ever.
Maria: You know you've got it. I’ll always be here Liz always. I think we should call max, he should really know what's happened."
"No Maria I don't want to discuss this over the phone. I need to talk to Max face to face. I think I should head down to the station now."
"Wait, I’ll come with you."
Maria sealed the doll placing it in Liz's purse as they exited their apartment. They hailed a taxi at the front of the building unaware of the figure that loomed in the shadows……..
"OH MY GOD!" Maria gasped.
Maria stared open mouthed at the tabloid clutched firmly between her hands. Her gaze flickered to Liz as she shuffled forward placing a shaky hand on her best friends arm.
"Chica?"
Liz stared blindly ahead her body numb as the implications of this revelation hit her full force. Maria jumped slightly as the newspaper was snatched from her grasp and thrown haphazardly in the gutter. Liz clutched her arm firmly as she guided Maria toward their apartment complex.
" We need to get off the streets there could be reporters."
"Liz how could this happen? I thought that your identity was supposed to be protected to prevent this sort of thing."
"Well I thought so too but clearly I was mistaken."
They stopped short of the front doors peering cautiously around the corner, once satisfied that the coast was clear they proceeded to towards the front entrance.
"That's just get inside the apartment as quickly as possible okay."
"Okay" Maria nodded in agreement.
Maria exhaled loudly in relief as the elevator doors slid closed. She jammed her finger on the button repeatedly looking towards Liz. She wrung her hands together nervously as the floor numbers flickered. They exited the elevator walking briskly towards their apartment as Liz fumbled in her purse for her keys. A strangled gasp escaped Maria’s lips, as she stood motionless, her eyes fixed on something in the distance. Liz's head whipped towards Maria, she noted her pale pallor and the look of shear terror etched into her features. Maria’s mouth opened and closed soundlessly as she tried to speak.
"Maria what's wrong, come on talk to me!"
Maria raised a trembling hand pointing towards their apartment as her stunned gaze locked with Liz's. Liz turned her head slowly her purse falling to the ground with a loud thud. She gravitated towards the apartment her gaze trained on the object that hung from the door handle. She was rooted to the spot, only her eyes moving, flickering back and forth, up and down, riveted to the grotesque ornament. She tried to take a step backwards but there was no strength in her legs. She felt the bile clawing its way up from her stomach clogging her throat as she managed to shake her head in utter disbelief.
The small doll dangled from the doorknob taunting her to reach out and touch it. Her eyes stung and her heart seized in her chest as she looked at the noose tightly fastened around the dolls neck. Unable to restrain the nausea she slumped forward expelling the contents of her stomach. She wiped at her mouth grimacing at the acrid taste of bile. Maria placed a hand on her back rubbing soothingly in a circular motion as she helped her friend to stand.
"Liz are you okay?"
Liz nodded mutely unable to form words due to the burning sensation at the back of her throat. Swallowing convulsively she raised pained eyes towards Maria as she spoke.
"Maria I can’t-I can't touch it could you-"
Maria moved swiftly ripping the doll from the handle a numbing coldness ran through her body as she looked towards Liz, whispering softly.
"It's still warm."
Liz moved instinctively, falling to her knees as she retrieved her keys. Her eyes darted the length of the corridor as she turned the key in the lock pushing forcefully until the door opened inward.
Liz leaned against the frame trying to keep a grip on consciousness. Maria clamped a hand over her mouth attempting to stifle a sob; her legs shook as her eyes fixed on the cloth doll she'd thrown on the coffee table.
"He knows where we live Liz; the reaper knows where we fucking live!"
Liz closed her eyes breathing deeply through her nose in an attempt to regain some semblance of control. She walked towards the coffee table her hand hovering above the doll.
"It had to happen eventually."
Maria’s brow creased in confusion her head shaking from side to side as she spoke.
"What do you mean it had to happen eventually? If it hadn't been for the press that bastard would never have known your involvement."
"Maybe, but that doesn't change the fact that he knows were I am."
"Maybe we should get out of here, go to a hotel-"
Liz turned an angry stare toward Maria her nostrils flaring in frustration as she spoke.
"No! He's intruded in my life enough over the last four years. I will not be intimidated out of my home, I'm not some four year old child that sick fuck can manipulate and bully."
"Liz I understand how you feel really I do but you could be in real danger. That doll was a warning."
"I know but I'm tired of running Maria I have to confront this head on. I'm goina take my life back."
Maria hugged Liz close, her head resting on her shoulder. She couldn't help but feel concern for her best friends safety. Tears coursed silently down her cheeks as she stroked Liz's hair affectionately. She had to be strong for Liz and support her decision.
"Your right Chica no more running."
Liz pulled back slightly her fingers sweeping gently over Maria’s tear stained cheeks.
"Thank you Ria, I need your support more than ever.
Maria: You know you've got it. I’ll always be here Liz always. I think we should call max, he should really know what's happened."
"No Maria I don't want to discuss this over the phone. I need to talk to Max face to face. I think I should head down to the station now."
"Wait, I’ll come with you."
Maria sealed the doll placing it in Liz's purse as they exited their apartment. They hailed a taxi at the front of the building unaware of the figure that loomed in the shadows……..
Last edited by cornflakegirl on Tue Nov 18, 2003 2:17 pm, edited 3 times in total.
'Give me life, give me pain, give me myself again...' Tori Amos
-
cornflakegirl
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 62
- Joined: Fri Jul 04, 2003 4:46 pm
Nineteen
They strode hand in hand towards the front desk; Liz smiled broadly when she saw Kyle Valenti raise his head.
"Officer Valenti Hi, I was wondering if I could speak with Max, I mean detective Evans."
Kyle swallowed past the lump in his throat as he nodded mutely. His hands clutched tightly to the newspaper he'd been reading.
"I’ll just call through and let detective Evans know that you're here Miss Parker."
"Thank you."
Maria tapped her foot impatiently as she gripped the handles of Liz's purse.
"I don't see why we can't just go down there, it's not as if we don't know the way."
"Maria……"
"I'm sorry just a little bit on edge" Maria replied.
They stared at each other smiling in understanding when they heard someone clear their throat.
Liz and Maria turned to find a petite blonde smiling warmly at them her gaze trained on Liz.
Liz eyed the woman suspiciously she recognized her face but she couldn't place it.
"Yes, is there something we can help you with?"
Tess extended her hand to Liz smiling in satisfaction.
"Hello Miss Parker, my names Tess Harding. I just wanted to ask how it felt being famous?"
Maria stepped forward "Tess Harding where do I know that name? Wait one damn minute you're the fucking reporter that wrote that story on Liz."
Tess glanced quickly at Maria before returning her gaze to Liz.
"So you've had time to read the article, perhaps maybe even seen it on the news broadcast. You must tell me what you thought Miss Parker."
Liz shook her head in disbelief at the woman who stood before her, she had consciously endangered her life and the life of her best friend and she had the gall to stand there and ask her opinion on her article.
"Listen Miss Harding I have nothing to say to you on the record or off. I think you've done enough damage."
"Well have it your way, you could make a lot of money if you gave an interview."
Maria stepped forward pushing Tess backwards slightly as she wagged her finger in her face.
"Listen up you bitch, no ones giving an interview to you or anyone else is that understood. Now if you don't get out of our faces I'm goina kick your ass all over this station."
Tess smirked her head shaking from side to side as she pushed Maria.
"I'm not going anywhere until she talks with me."
"I warned you-"
Maria raised her hand only to have Liz pull her back.
"Maria don't she's not worth it."
Tess followed closely behind as Liz walked Maria towards the waiting lounge.
"I'm sure your dying to know who gave me the inside scoop Miss Parker that's probably why you're here."
"Just leave us alone."
"Well that's just say my source was only too willing to spill his guts for a little action. I believe your intimately acquainted with him yourself."
Liz froze turning her head slightly toward Tess her expression remaining blank.
"Are you trying to tell me that Max gave you this information?"
Tess’s eyes flashed as she smiled in satisfaction moving closer to Liz to whisper in her ear.
"That's exactly what I'm saying. You see you aren't the only one Max is fucking."
Liz's fist clenched as she struck Tess propelling her backwards, Tess held her nose to stem the blood as she yelped in pain.
"Truth hurts doesn't it? Poor Liz you really thought he cared."
"Your Lying."
"Just except the fact, you've been duped. Max was just using you."
Liz felt the tears well in her eyes, all her old insecurities coming to the forefront; she shrugged off Maria’s attempts to comfort her.
"Just leave me alone."
" Liz your not goina listen to that poisonous bitch are you?"
Liz looked towards Maria confusion etched on her face, so many emotions dancing in her eyes.
"I have to get out of here!"
Maria ran towards the doors calling frantically after Liz as the car speed from the parking lot. She turned her head slightly her gaze landing on Tess Harding as a group of concerned bystanders huddled around her. Maria felt her anger rise as she stalked towards Tess.
"You fucking Bitch!"
Maria grabbed for Tess only to feel herself being pulled away, she spun round her face coloured with an angry blush as she locked eyes with Max Evans.
Max looked at the scene before him, Tess Harding sat in the corner battered and bloody, Maria looked like she was about to explode and the station was in Pandemonium.
"What the hell’s going on here?" Max questioned.
From the corner of his eye Max saw a hand inching closer to his face, he winced as his face stung. Raising his hand to his cheek he rubbed gently his gaze fixing on Maria.
"What the hell was that for?"
They strode hand in hand towards the front desk; Liz smiled broadly when she saw Kyle Valenti raise his head.
"Officer Valenti Hi, I was wondering if I could speak with Max, I mean detective Evans."
Kyle swallowed past the lump in his throat as he nodded mutely. His hands clutched tightly to the newspaper he'd been reading.
"I’ll just call through and let detective Evans know that you're here Miss Parker."
"Thank you."
Maria tapped her foot impatiently as she gripped the handles of Liz's purse.
"I don't see why we can't just go down there, it's not as if we don't know the way."
"Maria……"
"I'm sorry just a little bit on edge" Maria replied.
They stared at each other smiling in understanding when they heard someone clear their throat.
Liz and Maria turned to find a petite blonde smiling warmly at them her gaze trained on Liz.
Liz eyed the woman suspiciously she recognized her face but she couldn't place it.
"Yes, is there something we can help you with?"
Tess extended her hand to Liz smiling in satisfaction.
"Hello Miss Parker, my names Tess Harding. I just wanted to ask how it felt being famous?"
Maria stepped forward "Tess Harding where do I know that name? Wait one damn minute you're the fucking reporter that wrote that story on Liz."
Tess glanced quickly at Maria before returning her gaze to Liz.
"So you've had time to read the article, perhaps maybe even seen it on the news broadcast. You must tell me what you thought Miss Parker."
Liz shook her head in disbelief at the woman who stood before her, she had consciously endangered her life and the life of her best friend and she had the gall to stand there and ask her opinion on her article.
"Listen Miss Harding I have nothing to say to you on the record or off. I think you've done enough damage."
"Well have it your way, you could make a lot of money if you gave an interview."
Maria stepped forward pushing Tess backwards slightly as she wagged her finger in her face.
"Listen up you bitch, no ones giving an interview to you or anyone else is that understood. Now if you don't get out of our faces I'm goina kick your ass all over this station."
Tess smirked her head shaking from side to side as she pushed Maria.
"I'm not going anywhere until she talks with me."
"I warned you-"
Maria raised her hand only to have Liz pull her back.
"Maria don't she's not worth it."
Tess followed closely behind as Liz walked Maria towards the waiting lounge.
"I'm sure your dying to know who gave me the inside scoop Miss Parker that's probably why you're here."
"Just leave us alone."
"Well that's just say my source was only too willing to spill his guts for a little action. I believe your intimately acquainted with him yourself."
Liz froze turning her head slightly toward Tess her expression remaining blank.
"Are you trying to tell me that Max gave you this information?"
Tess’s eyes flashed as she smiled in satisfaction moving closer to Liz to whisper in her ear.
"That's exactly what I'm saying. You see you aren't the only one Max is fucking."
Liz's fist clenched as she struck Tess propelling her backwards, Tess held her nose to stem the blood as she yelped in pain.
"Truth hurts doesn't it? Poor Liz you really thought he cared."
"Your Lying."
"Just except the fact, you've been duped. Max was just using you."
Liz felt the tears well in her eyes, all her old insecurities coming to the forefront; she shrugged off Maria’s attempts to comfort her.
"Just leave me alone."
" Liz your not goina listen to that poisonous bitch are you?"
Liz looked towards Maria confusion etched on her face, so many emotions dancing in her eyes.
"I have to get out of here!"
Maria ran towards the doors calling frantically after Liz as the car speed from the parking lot. She turned her head slightly her gaze landing on Tess Harding as a group of concerned bystanders huddled around her. Maria felt her anger rise as she stalked towards Tess.
"You fucking Bitch!"
Maria grabbed for Tess only to feel herself being pulled away, she spun round her face coloured with an angry blush as she locked eyes with Max Evans.
Max looked at the scene before him, Tess Harding sat in the corner battered and bloody, Maria looked like she was about to explode and the station was in Pandemonium.
"What the hell’s going on here?" Max questioned.
From the corner of his eye Max saw a hand inching closer to his face, he winced as his face stung. Raising his hand to his cheek he rubbed gently his gaze fixing on Maria.
"What the hell was that for?"
Last edited by cornflakegirl on Tue Nov 18, 2003 2:18 pm, edited 3 times in total.
'Give me life, give me pain, give me myself again...' Tori Amos
-
cornflakegirl
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 62
- Joined: Fri Jul 04, 2003 4:46 pm
Twenty
Max rubbed absently at his stinging cheek as he looked on in bewilderment.
"Does someone wanta explain to me what the hell’s going on here?"
Max’s eyes darted from Tess to Maria as he waited for an explanation.
Maria glared at Tess over Max’s shoulder; her hands shook with effort as she tried to keep her temper in check.
" That was just in case that skanky whore was telling the truth, I warned you Max If you fucked with Liz-"
Max’s brow wrinkled in confusion as he raised a hand gesturing for Maria to stop.
"Back up a minute Maria, I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about."
Maria’s mouth twisted into a frown, as she looked Max straight in the eye.
"So I’d be right in thinking that you didn't tell the blonde hoe in the corner about Liz helping on the reaper case."
"That what she told you?"
Maria nodded her head in affirmation of Max’s question.
"That's not all the skanks been saying, apparently you two have been fucking the whole time you've been with Liz."
Max’s jaw clenched as he glanced over his shoulder at Tess, she avoided his gaze her eyes trained on the floor.
Maria shook her head in disdain as she looked towards the bloody figure of Tess Harding. She placed a hand on Max’s shoulder to draw his attention thrusting a newspaper into his palm.
"So I guess you haven't seen the papers yet or the news."
Max’s gripped tightened on the paper in his hands as he scanned through the article. Flinging the paper on the ground he stalked angrily towards Tess grabbing her roughly by the arm he hoisted her from her seat turning her around to face him.
"You fucking bitch, were did you get this information?"
"Why from one of your fellow officers, look I'm sorry if I've upset the apple cart but your girlfriend obviously doesn't have much faith in you."
Tess winced as Max’s grip tightened; he slammed her forcefully against the wall.
"You better start talking Harding or I might just do something that'll cost me my badge."
Tess’s lips twisted in to a malicious smile as she looked directly at Max.
"You better loosen your hold Max or my next story might just be on the brutality of LAPD Detectives."
"You have no comprehension of what you've done have you? You've jeopardized this case and Liz Parker's safety."
"YOU SLUT!"
Maria lunged forward her hands reaching out to grip Tess’s throat as she was wrenched backwards, she struggled muttering protests as she tried to free herself.
Kyle held Maria fast, his wrists locked around her waist as she struggled against his chest.
"It was me, I told her about Liz."
Maria froze against Kyle panting for breath as she absorbed this information; his hold on her eased and she shoved his arms away, spinning around to face him.
"It was you?"
Kyle nodded his gaze never flickering from the figure of Max Evans.
Tess shrugged sighing as she looked directly at Maria, a vicious gleam in her eye as she spoke.
"Well endangering Liz Parker's Life was just an added bonus; this stories catapulted me into the big leagues.
"I didn't know what I was doing Max, I'm sor-" Kyle pleaded.
Kyle gasped for breath as Max’s hand wound round his throat, his back collided with the wall as Max forced him backwards.
"Do you have any idea what you've done, I ought to kill you and if anything happens to her believe me I will."
Kyle slumped to the floor clutching his throat as he panted for breath. Max glared at the hunched figure of Kyle Valenti; panic seized his heart as he thought of Liz. He spun around clutching Maria’s arm urgently as he spoke.
"Maria where's Liz?"
"She ran out after Tess told her that you'd been sleeping together."
Max scowled as he looked at Tess, she knelt on the floor beside Kyle trying to help him to his feet but he rejected her advances.
"How the hell did you know that Liz and I were seeing each other, and you better give me a straight answer Harding."
"Well she did turn up at your apartment in the early hours of the morning and didn't leave. I think anyone could deduce that you were sleeping together."
Max shook his head as he moved towards Kyle, clutching him firmly by the front of his uniform Max gestured towards Tess as he spoke.
"I want that bitch taken into custody."
"On what charge?"
Max ignored Tess as he looked pointedly at Kyle.
"Book her for harassment, stalking, jeopardizing a police investigation and anything else you can think of."
Kyle nodded in agreement smoothing his hands over his shirt when Max released his grip.
Tess struggled free from Kyle dashing towards Max as he walked Maria towards his office.
"You can't do this!"
Max continued to walk as he guided Maria towards the door; he glanced over his shoulder calling out to Kyle.
"Cuff the bitch."
The last thing they heard as they entered the office was Tess’s screams of protest.
Maria fell heavily onto the couch gripping Liz's bag firmly as she watched Max pace the length of the office.
" I have to find Liz."
"Max-" Maria called as she followed closely behind.
"I have to tell her that it was all a pack of lies; I would never do anything to hurt her, I Lov-"
"MAX!"
Max stopped abruptly his eyes locking on Maria as he waited for her to speak. Maria’s hand shook as she dumped the contents of Liz's bag onto the table directly in front of her; an anguished sob escaped her lips as her gaze locked on the doll.
"It was pinned to the door when we got back to the apartment. She didn't want to tell you over the phone that's why we came here but then Tess-"
Maria dissolved into sobs rocking back and forth as she glanced blindly towards Max.
Max felt the blood run cold in his veins, his gaze locked on the small object as he inched forward slowly, his heart hammered against his chest as he looked at the intricate detail of the doll, the small trail of crimson dotted along it's delicate features, the noose that hung loosely from around it's neck. He ran a shaky hand through his hair trying to gain some semblance of composure, which was almost impossible as thoughts of Liz alone and in possible danger, clouded his mind.
"We have to find Liz; she's a valid target for the reaper."
Maria nodded mutely as she wiped her tear soaked face.
" She might be back at the apartment she was pretty upset."
Max reached out a hand to Maria pulling her up he hugged her close.
"Don't worry I'm goina keep her safe."
Maria smiled slightly pulling back to look at Max as she spoke.
"I believe that Max I really do, oh and about me slapping you-"
"Don't give it a second thought Maria; I'm just glad Liz has someone like you in her corner. Come on let's go I’ll call Michael on the way."
Twenty-One
As the door slammed behind her she slide to the floor, burying her face in her knees she sobbed uncontrollably. She felt so betrayed, she had trusted Max and he had used her. Liz had never let any man get as close to her as she had let Max, always afraid that she would have her heart broken. She laughed bitterly wiping angrily at the tears as they cascaded down her cheeks against her will. The ringing of the telephone jolted her but she made no effort to answer it. The machine picked up the message, she listened intently half fearing, half hoping it was Max, but the familiar but strained voice of Serena Lewis echoed around the apartment.
"Liz it's me Serena, if your there please pick up it's important."
Liz struggled to her feet she made a dash towards the coffee table snatching the receiver clumsily in her hand as she answered.
"Hello Serena it's me what's wrong?"
"Oh Liz I don't know were to start, I've done some digging since you were last at the center. I think you were right about the reaper being connected to the center. I'm certain I know his identity but I can't discuss this on the phone. Can you meet me at the center?"
"Serena just calm down I’ll be right there just don't move from your office."
"Okay."
Liz let the receiver fall to the floor as she rummaged in the drawer for a piece of paper. She hurriedly scrawled a note for Maria placing it were she would see it before she exited the apartment, her destination the Parker Foundation.
Max rubbed absently at his stinging cheek as he looked on in bewilderment.
"Does someone wanta explain to me what the hell’s going on here?"
Max’s eyes darted from Tess to Maria as he waited for an explanation.
Maria glared at Tess over Max’s shoulder; her hands shook with effort as she tried to keep her temper in check.
" That was just in case that skanky whore was telling the truth, I warned you Max If you fucked with Liz-"
Max’s brow wrinkled in confusion as he raised a hand gesturing for Maria to stop.
"Back up a minute Maria, I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about."
Maria’s mouth twisted into a frown, as she looked Max straight in the eye.
"So I’d be right in thinking that you didn't tell the blonde hoe in the corner about Liz helping on the reaper case."
"That what she told you?"
Maria nodded her head in affirmation of Max’s question.
"That's not all the skanks been saying, apparently you two have been fucking the whole time you've been with Liz."
Max’s jaw clenched as he glanced over his shoulder at Tess, she avoided his gaze her eyes trained on the floor.
Maria shook her head in disdain as she looked towards the bloody figure of Tess Harding. She placed a hand on Max’s shoulder to draw his attention thrusting a newspaper into his palm.
"So I guess you haven't seen the papers yet or the news."
Max’s gripped tightened on the paper in his hands as he scanned through the article. Flinging the paper on the ground he stalked angrily towards Tess grabbing her roughly by the arm he hoisted her from her seat turning her around to face him.
"You fucking bitch, were did you get this information?"
"Why from one of your fellow officers, look I'm sorry if I've upset the apple cart but your girlfriend obviously doesn't have much faith in you."
Tess winced as Max’s grip tightened; he slammed her forcefully against the wall.
"You better start talking Harding or I might just do something that'll cost me my badge."
Tess’s lips twisted in to a malicious smile as she looked directly at Max.
"You better loosen your hold Max or my next story might just be on the brutality of LAPD Detectives."
"You have no comprehension of what you've done have you? You've jeopardized this case and Liz Parker's safety."
"YOU SLUT!"
Maria lunged forward her hands reaching out to grip Tess’s throat as she was wrenched backwards, she struggled muttering protests as she tried to free herself.
Kyle held Maria fast, his wrists locked around her waist as she struggled against his chest.
"It was me, I told her about Liz."
Maria froze against Kyle panting for breath as she absorbed this information; his hold on her eased and she shoved his arms away, spinning around to face him.
"It was you?"
Kyle nodded his gaze never flickering from the figure of Max Evans.
Tess shrugged sighing as she looked directly at Maria, a vicious gleam in her eye as she spoke.
"Well endangering Liz Parker's Life was just an added bonus; this stories catapulted me into the big leagues.
"I didn't know what I was doing Max, I'm sor-" Kyle pleaded.
Kyle gasped for breath as Max’s hand wound round his throat, his back collided with the wall as Max forced him backwards.
"Do you have any idea what you've done, I ought to kill you and if anything happens to her believe me I will."
Kyle slumped to the floor clutching his throat as he panted for breath. Max glared at the hunched figure of Kyle Valenti; panic seized his heart as he thought of Liz. He spun around clutching Maria’s arm urgently as he spoke.
"Maria where's Liz?"
"She ran out after Tess told her that you'd been sleeping together."
Max scowled as he looked at Tess, she knelt on the floor beside Kyle trying to help him to his feet but he rejected her advances.
"How the hell did you know that Liz and I were seeing each other, and you better give me a straight answer Harding."
"Well she did turn up at your apartment in the early hours of the morning and didn't leave. I think anyone could deduce that you were sleeping together."
Max shook his head as he moved towards Kyle, clutching him firmly by the front of his uniform Max gestured towards Tess as he spoke.
"I want that bitch taken into custody."
"On what charge?"
Max ignored Tess as he looked pointedly at Kyle.
"Book her for harassment, stalking, jeopardizing a police investigation and anything else you can think of."
Kyle nodded in agreement smoothing his hands over his shirt when Max released his grip.
Tess struggled free from Kyle dashing towards Max as he walked Maria towards his office.
"You can't do this!"
Max continued to walk as he guided Maria towards the door; he glanced over his shoulder calling out to Kyle.
"Cuff the bitch."
The last thing they heard as they entered the office was Tess’s screams of protest.
Maria fell heavily onto the couch gripping Liz's bag firmly as she watched Max pace the length of the office.
" I have to find Liz."
"Max-" Maria called as she followed closely behind.
"I have to tell her that it was all a pack of lies; I would never do anything to hurt her, I Lov-"
"MAX!"
Max stopped abruptly his eyes locking on Maria as he waited for her to speak. Maria’s hand shook as she dumped the contents of Liz's bag onto the table directly in front of her; an anguished sob escaped her lips as her gaze locked on the doll.
"It was pinned to the door when we got back to the apartment. She didn't want to tell you over the phone that's why we came here but then Tess-"
Maria dissolved into sobs rocking back and forth as she glanced blindly towards Max.
Max felt the blood run cold in his veins, his gaze locked on the small object as he inched forward slowly, his heart hammered against his chest as he looked at the intricate detail of the doll, the small trail of crimson dotted along it's delicate features, the noose that hung loosely from around it's neck. He ran a shaky hand through his hair trying to gain some semblance of composure, which was almost impossible as thoughts of Liz alone and in possible danger, clouded his mind.
"We have to find Liz; she's a valid target for the reaper."
Maria nodded mutely as she wiped her tear soaked face.
" She might be back at the apartment she was pretty upset."
Max reached out a hand to Maria pulling her up he hugged her close.
"Don't worry I'm goina keep her safe."
Maria smiled slightly pulling back to look at Max as she spoke.
"I believe that Max I really do, oh and about me slapping you-"
"Don't give it a second thought Maria; I'm just glad Liz has someone like you in her corner. Come on let's go I’ll call Michael on the way."
Twenty-One
As the door slammed behind her she slide to the floor, burying her face in her knees she sobbed uncontrollably. She felt so betrayed, she had trusted Max and he had used her. Liz had never let any man get as close to her as she had let Max, always afraid that she would have her heart broken. She laughed bitterly wiping angrily at the tears as they cascaded down her cheeks against her will. The ringing of the telephone jolted her but she made no effort to answer it. The machine picked up the message, she listened intently half fearing, half hoping it was Max, but the familiar but strained voice of Serena Lewis echoed around the apartment.
"Liz it's me Serena, if your there please pick up it's important."
Liz struggled to her feet she made a dash towards the coffee table snatching the receiver clumsily in her hand as she answered.
"Hello Serena it's me what's wrong?"
"Oh Liz I don't know were to start, I've done some digging since you were last at the center. I think you were right about the reaper being connected to the center. I'm certain I know his identity but I can't discuss this on the phone. Can you meet me at the center?"
"Serena just calm down I’ll be right there just don't move from your office."
"Okay."
Liz let the receiver fall to the floor as she rummaged in the drawer for a piece of paper. She hurriedly scrawled a note for Maria placing it were she would see it before she exited the apartment, her destination the Parker Foundation.
Last edited by cornflakegirl on Tue Nov 18, 2003 2:19 pm, edited 3 times in total.
'Give me life, give me pain, give me myself again...' Tori Amos
-
cornflakegirl
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 62
- Joined: Fri Jul 04, 2003 4:46 pm
Twenty-Two
Maria flung open the apartment door calling out frantically to Liz as she ran from run to room searching. Max and Michael followed closely behind as Maria became more agitated with each passing second.
"She's not here I was sure that this is were she would have came."
Max’s gaze fixed on the receiver that had been knocked from it's cradle, he walked slowly towards the table crouching to pick up the phone, he replaced it gently in it's stand as he scanned the note beside it.
"Liz was here Maria she left you a note she's gone to the center."
Maria snatched the note from Max’s hand her head shaking from side to side as she read it.
"This doesn't make sense why the hell would she go to the center, I don't understand."
Max noticed the flashing LED of the answer machine; he pressed the play button raising his finger to his lips to gesture for Maria to be quiet. They listened anguishedly as the message from Serena played out.
"Liz how could you be so stupid! Why didn't she call us?" Maria questioned.
Michael spoke up "well in all fairness, Liz thinks that Max betrayed her trust."
Michael regretted his words instantly when he saw the pained expression on Max’s face.
"Sorry Max, I didn't mean that the way it sounded."
"We have to get over there right away, for all we know the Reaper could already be there."
Michael nodded in agreement as he looked towards Maria.
"Maria you should stay here."
"Like hell I will this is my best friend we're talking about."
Michael stepped closer frowning, as he looked Maria directly in the eye.
"This could be dangerous; I don't want to see you get hurt."
Maria’s eyes softened as she smiled at Michael.
"I'm touched by your concern Michael but I don't give a rat's ass If it's dangerous or not. Liz Parker's the only family I have and I’ll be damned if I'm goina let anything happen to her."
Michael relented "Okay, Okay but just do as your told."
" We haven't got time for this crap; I need to find her before-"
Max lowered his head breathing deeply as he tried to rain in his emotions, Michael and Maria looked on sympathetically.
"We'll get to her on time Max we will." Maria reassured, praying that they did just that.
Liz leapt from the taxi sprinting up the steps towards the foundation. She wandered along the unlit corridors towards Serena’s office glancing over her shoulder every so often to make sure that she hadn't been followed. She reached the office hesitating to enter. She twisted the handle inching the door open slowly, the room was in utter darkness and she strained to make out objects around her.
A sense of dread rose from the pit of her stomach, something just didn't sit right with this Serena had promised to wait in the office.
"Serena are you there?"
Liz listened to her voice echo, the place was deserted.
"Were the hell are you Serena?"
She turned abruptly her hand raising instinctively to touch the base of her skull were she'd been struck, gasping she looked at the tall figure before succumbing to the darkness.
Twenty Three
The first thing she noticed was the smell, the stench of dampness and decay filled her nostrils. As Liz slowly regained consciousness she sucked in a painful breath, moaning softly she tried to open her eyes but she still felt groggy. The sharp blow struck across her face jolted her into awareness. She gasped softly as a searing pain pulsed at the base of her skull, her back ached and as she tried to straighten up she realized that both her wrists were firmly fastened to a large wooden beam. As she struggled to free herself the rope pulled tightly against her wrists, the friction slicing gashes in her flesh, realizing that the struggle was futile she slumped backwards.
Her hair was matted with congealed blood and her head throbbed were she'd been struck. The wound hadn't been dressed as far as she could tell, the steady trickle of blood coursing down her face a clear indication of this. She squinted her eyes trying to adjust to the darkness, the cloth of the blindfold cut into the flesh at the bridge of her nose. She raised her head slightly and felt another stinging blow impact her face. Her head swung to the side with the force of the blow, she gasped once more and tried to swallow but her throat had become extremely dry.
The blindfold was ripped roughly from her face and she closed her eyes tightly to block out the piercing light as she readjusted.
Liz opened her eyes glancing quickly around the room before her gaze landed on a figure shrouded in the corner, she felt her pulse quicken as realization swept over her, she'd been kidnapped by the reaper.
"Who's there, who are you?"
Liz struggled leaning forward to get a better look at the person seated in the corner, the ropes binding her wrists pulled tighter and she winced when she felt the hot blood trickle into the palms of her hands.
"Show yourself damn you!"
Liz was distracted by a shuffling noise coming from behind her; she craned her neck trying in vain to see what it was. A soft whimper from behind her startled her, reaching out her hand she came in contact with small warm fingers.
"Alaura, Oh my God is that you?"
"Yes."
A sudden sense of relief swept over Liz as she heard the girl speak, she stretched her hand out further ignoring the sharp pain in her wrists. She smiled slightly when she felt a small hand clasp her own.
"Its okay sweetie, everything's goina be okay now. I'm goina get you out of here."
The crash of a chair hitting the floor startled Liz she jerked her head to the side in time to see a figure advance toward her.
Auburn hair clung to his face obscuring his features; his face was further shrouded by his hunched position as he ambled forward. Liz scowled at the figure as he came into full view his glassy blue eyes staring intently.
"You keep the hell away from us or I’ll-"
"Or you'll what? I don't think you're in any position to threaten me Liz."
"Your not goina get away with this, people will notice that I'm missing they'll come looking."
"Maybe so but they wont find you, I wouldn't pin all my hopes on Detective Evans rescuing you, I'm always one step ahead."
"You sick fuck your goina pay for-"
Liz was cut short as another figure entered the room; she shook her head in disbelief as Serena Lewis walked slowly toward her.
"Hello Liz, this is a sorry state of affairs but you should have kept your nose out."
"Serena, what the hell’s going on here?"
"Oh I know your confused Liz, your asking yourself what possible connection I could have to the Reaper."
"Yeah something like that. Liz bit back bitterly."
"Liz this is Eric, my son."
Liz's brow knotted in confusion as she looked between Serena and the reaper.
"I don't understand, I thought you didn't have any children."
Serena stepped forward crouching beside Liz she swept a lock of hair from her face.
"The only person that knew of Eric’s existence was your grandmother, she realized that he was gifted but she couldn't work with him."
"Gifted?"
"Yes Liz that's right Eric's a seeker."
Liz looked disdainfully towards Serena as she spoke.
"I pity you having a sick bastard for a son but to know what he was doing and not stop him you must be as sick as he is if not more."
Liz yelped in pain as her head was yanked backwards, Serena pinned her firmly to the pillar as she glared at her.
"Bloods thicker than water, don't you see that there was nothing I could do? I've pleaded with him to stop but he won't listen, no matter what he does he's still my flesh and blood and I won't abandon him."
"So you brought me here because I was too close to exposing your precious son, don't you realize that he's a monster, killing innocent children, torturing families you must see that he needs to be stopped."
"SHUT THE HELL UP! I didn't want it to come to this Liz but it was you or my son."
"Go back to the center make sure those detectives aren't sniffing around."
"But Eric."
"I said go!"
Liz shuddered when the reaper ran his fingers through her hair and across her face.
"Exquisite, I normally only enjoy killing little girls but your powerful, I’ll enjoy this even more."
Liz snapped her head away, revulsion evident on her face as she stared at the reaper.
"You sick fuck, so that's why you're doing this your feeding off of their fear, their pain."
"You have no comprehension of the feelings that course through a persons mind and body when they know they're about to die, the thrill-"
"Your Psychotic!" Liz spat out with venom.
The reaper shrugged a lazy grin creeping across his lips.
"Some would say that but I think I'm just a little eccentric. So how are you goina go Liz, quietly or are you a screamer?"
She spat in his face, her revulsion clearly evident.
" Get the fuck away from me."
"I’ll leave you alone for now but don't get to comfortable your stay will be a short one."
Liz let out a shuddering breath as the door slammed closed, turning slightly her eyes locked with Alaura’s as she spoke.
"Alaura you have to listen very carefully to what I say…."
The car came to a screeching halt outside the center, doors slammed forcefully as they made their way into the building, the sound of hurried footsteps echoing down the corridor. When they reached the office Michael held Maria back as Max withdrew his gun, kicking the door forcefully he entered the darkened room turning in a full circle before lowering his weapon.
Michael ushered Maria into the room holding her protectively at his side.
Max looked hopelessly toward his companions "she's not here we're too late."
Maria flung open the apartment door calling out frantically to Liz as she ran from run to room searching. Max and Michael followed closely behind as Maria became more agitated with each passing second.
"She's not here I was sure that this is were she would have came."
Max’s gaze fixed on the receiver that had been knocked from it's cradle, he walked slowly towards the table crouching to pick up the phone, he replaced it gently in it's stand as he scanned the note beside it.
"Liz was here Maria she left you a note she's gone to the center."
Maria snatched the note from Max’s hand her head shaking from side to side as she read it.
"This doesn't make sense why the hell would she go to the center, I don't understand."
Max noticed the flashing LED of the answer machine; he pressed the play button raising his finger to his lips to gesture for Maria to be quiet. They listened anguishedly as the message from Serena played out.
"Liz how could you be so stupid! Why didn't she call us?" Maria questioned.
Michael spoke up "well in all fairness, Liz thinks that Max betrayed her trust."
Michael regretted his words instantly when he saw the pained expression on Max’s face.
"Sorry Max, I didn't mean that the way it sounded."
"We have to get over there right away, for all we know the Reaper could already be there."
Michael nodded in agreement as he looked towards Maria.
"Maria you should stay here."
"Like hell I will this is my best friend we're talking about."
Michael stepped closer frowning, as he looked Maria directly in the eye.
"This could be dangerous; I don't want to see you get hurt."
Maria’s eyes softened as she smiled at Michael.
"I'm touched by your concern Michael but I don't give a rat's ass If it's dangerous or not. Liz Parker's the only family I have and I’ll be damned if I'm goina let anything happen to her."
Michael relented "Okay, Okay but just do as your told."
" We haven't got time for this crap; I need to find her before-"
Max lowered his head breathing deeply as he tried to rain in his emotions, Michael and Maria looked on sympathetically.
"We'll get to her on time Max we will." Maria reassured, praying that they did just that.
Liz leapt from the taxi sprinting up the steps towards the foundation. She wandered along the unlit corridors towards Serena’s office glancing over her shoulder every so often to make sure that she hadn't been followed. She reached the office hesitating to enter. She twisted the handle inching the door open slowly, the room was in utter darkness and she strained to make out objects around her.
A sense of dread rose from the pit of her stomach, something just didn't sit right with this Serena had promised to wait in the office.
"Serena are you there?"
Liz listened to her voice echo, the place was deserted.
"Were the hell are you Serena?"
She turned abruptly her hand raising instinctively to touch the base of her skull were she'd been struck, gasping she looked at the tall figure before succumbing to the darkness.
Twenty Three
The first thing she noticed was the smell, the stench of dampness and decay filled her nostrils. As Liz slowly regained consciousness she sucked in a painful breath, moaning softly she tried to open her eyes but she still felt groggy. The sharp blow struck across her face jolted her into awareness. She gasped softly as a searing pain pulsed at the base of her skull, her back ached and as she tried to straighten up she realized that both her wrists were firmly fastened to a large wooden beam. As she struggled to free herself the rope pulled tightly against her wrists, the friction slicing gashes in her flesh, realizing that the struggle was futile she slumped backwards.
Her hair was matted with congealed blood and her head throbbed were she'd been struck. The wound hadn't been dressed as far as she could tell, the steady trickle of blood coursing down her face a clear indication of this. She squinted her eyes trying to adjust to the darkness, the cloth of the blindfold cut into the flesh at the bridge of her nose. She raised her head slightly and felt another stinging blow impact her face. Her head swung to the side with the force of the blow, she gasped once more and tried to swallow but her throat had become extremely dry.
The blindfold was ripped roughly from her face and she closed her eyes tightly to block out the piercing light as she readjusted.
Liz opened her eyes glancing quickly around the room before her gaze landed on a figure shrouded in the corner, she felt her pulse quicken as realization swept over her, she'd been kidnapped by the reaper.
"Who's there, who are you?"
Liz struggled leaning forward to get a better look at the person seated in the corner, the ropes binding her wrists pulled tighter and she winced when she felt the hot blood trickle into the palms of her hands.
"Show yourself damn you!"
Liz was distracted by a shuffling noise coming from behind her; she craned her neck trying in vain to see what it was. A soft whimper from behind her startled her, reaching out her hand she came in contact with small warm fingers.
"Alaura, Oh my God is that you?"
"Yes."
A sudden sense of relief swept over Liz as she heard the girl speak, she stretched her hand out further ignoring the sharp pain in her wrists. She smiled slightly when she felt a small hand clasp her own.
"Its okay sweetie, everything's goina be okay now. I'm goina get you out of here."
The crash of a chair hitting the floor startled Liz she jerked her head to the side in time to see a figure advance toward her.
Auburn hair clung to his face obscuring his features; his face was further shrouded by his hunched position as he ambled forward. Liz scowled at the figure as he came into full view his glassy blue eyes staring intently.
"You keep the hell away from us or I’ll-"
"Or you'll what? I don't think you're in any position to threaten me Liz."
"Your not goina get away with this, people will notice that I'm missing they'll come looking."
"Maybe so but they wont find you, I wouldn't pin all my hopes on Detective Evans rescuing you, I'm always one step ahead."
"You sick fuck your goina pay for-"
Liz was cut short as another figure entered the room; she shook her head in disbelief as Serena Lewis walked slowly toward her.
"Hello Liz, this is a sorry state of affairs but you should have kept your nose out."
"Serena, what the hell’s going on here?"
"Oh I know your confused Liz, your asking yourself what possible connection I could have to the Reaper."
"Yeah something like that. Liz bit back bitterly."
"Liz this is Eric, my son."
Liz's brow knotted in confusion as she looked between Serena and the reaper.
"I don't understand, I thought you didn't have any children."
Serena stepped forward crouching beside Liz she swept a lock of hair from her face.
"The only person that knew of Eric’s existence was your grandmother, she realized that he was gifted but she couldn't work with him."
"Gifted?"
"Yes Liz that's right Eric's a seeker."
Liz looked disdainfully towards Serena as she spoke.
"I pity you having a sick bastard for a son but to know what he was doing and not stop him you must be as sick as he is if not more."
Liz yelped in pain as her head was yanked backwards, Serena pinned her firmly to the pillar as she glared at her.
"Bloods thicker than water, don't you see that there was nothing I could do? I've pleaded with him to stop but he won't listen, no matter what he does he's still my flesh and blood and I won't abandon him."
"So you brought me here because I was too close to exposing your precious son, don't you realize that he's a monster, killing innocent children, torturing families you must see that he needs to be stopped."
"SHUT THE HELL UP! I didn't want it to come to this Liz but it was you or my son."
"Go back to the center make sure those detectives aren't sniffing around."
"But Eric."
"I said go!"
Liz shuddered when the reaper ran his fingers through her hair and across her face.
"Exquisite, I normally only enjoy killing little girls but your powerful, I’ll enjoy this even more."
Liz snapped her head away, revulsion evident on her face as she stared at the reaper.
"You sick fuck, so that's why you're doing this your feeding off of their fear, their pain."
"You have no comprehension of the feelings that course through a persons mind and body when they know they're about to die, the thrill-"
"Your Psychotic!" Liz spat out with venom.
The reaper shrugged a lazy grin creeping across his lips.
"Some would say that but I think I'm just a little eccentric. So how are you goina go Liz, quietly or are you a screamer?"
She spat in his face, her revulsion clearly evident.
" Get the fuck away from me."
"I’ll leave you alone for now but don't get to comfortable your stay will be a short one."
Liz let out a shuddering breath as the door slammed closed, turning slightly her eyes locked with Alaura’s as she spoke.
"Alaura you have to listen very carefully to what I say…."
The car came to a screeching halt outside the center, doors slammed forcefully as they made their way into the building, the sound of hurried footsteps echoing down the corridor. When they reached the office Michael held Maria back as Max withdrew his gun, kicking the door forcefully he entered the darkened room turning in a full circle before lowering his weapon.
Michael ushered Maria into the room holding her protectively at his side.
Max looked hopelessly toward his companions "she's not here we're too late."
Last edited by cornflakegirl on Tue Nov 18, 2003 2:20 pm, edited 2 times in total.
'Give me life, give me pain, give me myself again...' Tori Amos
-
cornflakegirl
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 62
- Joined: Fri Jul 04, 2003 4:46 pm
Twenty-Four
"She's not here we're too late." A collage of emotions flickered across Max’s face as fear seized his gut. He knew instinctively that Liz was in trouble and he was powerless to help her. His fists clenched at his sides as he scanned the room for any kind of clue, some indication of where the reaper might have taken her.
" We need to find this Serena Lewis and talk with her."
"That’s if the reaper hasn't taken her." Michael added.
Maria flung her hands in the air in frustration "Damn it! never mind her what about Liz, where is she Max? "
Max looked helplessly at Maria; he had no idea what to say to comfort her. "I don't know Maria but I promise you this I'm goina find out"
Liz let out a shuddering breath as the door slammed closed, turning slightly her eyes locked with Alaura’s as she spoke.
"Alaura you have to listen very carefully to what I say, we need to get out of here sweetie so you have to be very brave and do exactly as I tell you, okay? "
Alaura nodded eagerly her chocolate curls dancing about her face, a small smile played on her lips as she looked admiringly at Liz "I knew you'd save me."
Liz tried to smile in reassurance not wanting Alaura to sense her fear. Her mind was in a whirl as she tried to formulate a plan, tried to forget that two people she loved and trusted had betrayed her.
"Sweetie do you think if I tried to loosen your ropes a little that you could pull your hands free."
Alaura nodded her head, Liz smiled brightly at the little girl opposite she was so brave, to have survived this kind of ordeal at her tender age. Liz pulled roughly on the ropes slicing her palms as she pulled tightly to make a gap for Alaura’s hands to slide through, her face strained with effort, the blood flow from her head had failed to stem and she was becoming increasingly weak.
"Oh Alaura I'm sorry I know it hurts sweetie but you have to be brave. Do you think you can wriggle free? "
Alaura slipped her tiny hands through the gap rubbing roughly at her bruised wrists she turned bright eyes towards Liz. "I did it Liz! "
Liz sighed in relief her eyes closing briefly as she fought a wave of dizziness "great sweetie, now come closer so I can check that you're okay."
Alaura shuffled forward on her knees, stopping in front of Liz. Liz examined her as closely as she could, her clothes were grimy and she looked a little gaunt but there didn't seem to be anything seriously wrong.
"Alaura do you think you could reach up on the table and get me that penknife?"
Alaura’s gaze traveled to the table before she walked towards it standing on tiptoe she reached up knocking the knife to the floor with a loud thud. Liz sighed in relief as she saw Alaura retrieve the knife.
"Sweetie could you open it out for me, just flip off that little latch, that's it now be very careful. " Alaura did as she was told outstretching the knife towards Liz. "Okay come around behind me and put the knife in my hand Alaura. "
Liz seized the knife between her palms with great difficulty. She ignored the searing pain in her hands and wrists as she proceeded to cut herself loose.
Michael reached in his inside pocket retrieving his cell phone "I’ll put out an APB on Serena Lewis see what that comes up with."
Max nodded only half listening to what Michael had said, something just didn't sit right with him about all this. The phone call from Serena had been bugging him, she said that she knew the Reapers identity, that he was on the staff at the center but if that were true why ask to meet Liz there? He had to find this woman and quickly.
Maria sat numbly across the room, her hand shook as she tried to force down the tea Michael had bought from the vending machine in the hall, but it felt as if her throat had closed up. Setting it on the desk her gaze traveled between the two detectives, a sense of dread welling in her heart. "We aren't goina find her on time are we? "
Max had barley heard Maria’s words, his heart clenched when he looked at her hunched in the corner, she was already mourning for Liz. "Maria that's not true you can't give up hope Liz needs you to be strong for her. "
Maria nodded desperately blinking back her tears but it was futile. "I know but if I lose her I don't think I’ll be able to cope."
Michael folded Maria in his arms rubbing her back soothingly as he murmured words of comfort, of reassurance.
Max looked on helplessly, his brow furrowing as he tried to remain in control, Maria’s words weighed heavily on his heart. "I don't know what I’ll do either."
All eyes turned towards the door as it was flung open, Serena Lewis stared in confusion before stepping into the office. "Yes is there something I can help you with?"
"Yes Miss Lewis I'm certain there is" Max replied seizing up the woman before him....
Liz shook her head to clear the grogginess; she was becoming weaker by the second. Blood still poured from the gash in her head and her wrists were pretty bad too. She felt the last piece of rope snap. Sighing in relief she pulled her wrists free pulling Alaura to her body for a hug. Alaura’s arms wound around Liz's neck as her face burrowed into her shoulder. Liz stroked her hair soothingly as she whispered in her ear " its goina be okay now but you still have to be brave, so wipe those eyes."
Liz's breath caught when she heard the roar of a car, moving swiftly she grabbed Alaura by the hand pulling her towards the window. She peered out panic flooding her as she saw the car half way up the track.
"Alaura you have to listen to me, I want you to run as fast as you can don't stop until your out of the woods just follow the river. When you come to the road send help okay. "
" but what about you? "
Liz caressed the girl's cheek affectionately before leading her to the door. "We can't both make it out of here; someone has to keep him busy so you can get away. "
"But-"
Liz smiled in reassurance " No buts you see that track over there you follow it until you get to the river. "
Liz watched as Alaura ran down the path, the car was almost in front of the cottage, Liz closed the door once Alaura was out of sight. Running to the corner she grasped the penknife as she slide behind the door.
"Come and get it you bastard… "
Serena looked questioningly around the room as she stepped closer. "How exactly can I help you? "
Michael stepped forward "we're looking for a Miss Parker, Liz Parker we believe that she was coming here to see you."
Serena nodded "yes she was supposed to but she never showed up, I’d actually given up hope on her coming."
Maria: Oh My God! That means he kidnapped her on her way here if-
Max eyed her suspiciously something just didn't ring true with her story "Miss Lewis you seem very calm for someone who's just found three strangers in her center late at night. "
Serena hesitated slightly her eyes widening as Max observed her closely. "Yes well you're with the police so-"
"How did you know we were with the police?" Max questioned.
"Well I- "
Max reached forward pressing Serena’s arm almost savagely as he pulled her closer. "You better tell me were Liz Parker is and while your at it your involvement with the Reaper… "
He flung the door open scanning the room he cursed under his breath pulling roughly at his hair as he paced. Liz crouched behind the door her eyes following him around the room, she lunged forward the knife swiping in the air before imbedding deeply in Eric's back. He turned fierce eyes on Liz as he grabbed for the knife, she backed into the corner as he advanced towards her.
" You fucking whore! Your goina pay for that. "
He struck her across the face grabbing a fist full of hair he yanked her upwards pinning her to the wall, she struggled but the blood lost had drained her of too much energy, she was failing fast.
" Stupid bitch! Ever be baptized? "
Liz bit back the sob as he placed the blindfold tightly over her eyes; she refused to let this sick fuck see that she was afraid. Tears cascaded down her face as she thought about Maria and Max. She slumped forward as her head went light “Max” the last words on her lips as she succumbed to the darkness.
"She's not here we're too late." A collage of emotions flickered across Max’s face as fear seized his gut. He knew instinctively that Liz was in trouble and he was powerless to help her. His fists clenched at his sides as he scanned the room for any kind of clue, some indication of where the reaper might have taken her.
" We need to find this Serena Lewis and talk with her."
"That’s if the reaper hasn't taken her." Michael added.
Maria flung her hands in the air in frustration "Damn it! never mind her what about Liz, where is she Max? "
Max looked helplessly at Maria; he had no idea what to say to comfort her. "I don't know Maria but I promise you this I'm goina find out"
Liz let out a shuddering breath as the door slammed closed, turning slightly her eyes locked with Alaura’s as she spoke.
"Alaura you have to listen very carefully to what I say, we need to get out of here sweetie so you have to be very brave and do exactly as I tell you, okay? "
Alaura nodded eagerly her chocolate curls dancing about her face, a small smile played on her lips as she looked admiringly at Liz "I knew you'd save me."
Liz tried to smile in reassurance not wanting Alaura to sense her fear. Her mind was in a whirl as she tried to formulate a plan, tried to forget that two people she loved and trusted had betrayed her.
"Sweetie do you think if I tried to loosen your ropes a little that you could pull your hands free."
Alaura nodded her head, Liz smiled brightly at the little girl opposite she was so brave, to have survived this kind of ordeal at her tender age. Liz pulled roughly on the ropes slicing her palms as she pulled tightly to make a gap for Alaura’s hands to slide through, her face strained with effort, the blood flow from her head had failed to stem and she was becoming increasingly weak.
"Oh Alaura I'm sorry I know it hurts sweetie but you have to be brave. Do you think you can wriggle free? "
Alaura slipped her tiny hands through the gap rubbing roughly at her bruised wrists she turned bright eyes towards Liz. "I did it Liz! "
Liz sighed in relief her eyes closing briefly as she fought a wave of dizziness "great sweetie, now come closer so I can check that you're okay."
Alaura shuffled forward on her knees, stopping in front of Liz. Liz examined her as closely as she could, her clothes were grimy and she looked a little gaunt but there didn't seem to be anything seriously wrong.
"Alaura do you think you could reach up on the table and get me that penknife?"
Alaura’s gaze traveled to the table before she walked towards it standing on tiptoe she reached up knocking the knife to the floor with a loud thud. Liz sighed in relief as she saw Alaura retrieve the knife.
"Sweetie could you open it out for me, just flip off that little latch, that's it now be very careful. " Alaura did as she was told outstretching the knife towards Liz. "Okay come around behind me and put the knife in my hand Alaura. "
Liz seized the knife between her palms with great difficulty. She ignored the searing pain in her hands and wrists as she proceeded to cut herself loose.
Michael reached in his inside pocket retrieving his cell phone "I’ll put out an APB on Serena Lewis see what that comes up with."
Max nodded only half listening to what Michael had said, something just didn't sit right with him about all this. The phone call from Serena had been bugging him, she said that she knew the Reapers identity, that he was on the staff at the center but if that were true why ask to meet Liz there? He had to find this woman and quickly.
Maria sat numbly across the room, her hand shook as she tried to force down the tea Michael had bought from the vending machine in the hall, but it felt as if her throat had closed up. Setting it on the desk her gaze traveled between the two detectives, a sense of dread welling in her heart. "We aren't goina find her on time are we? "
Max had barley heard Maria’s words, his heart clenched when he looked at her hunched in the corner, she was already mourning for Liz. "Maria that's not true you can't give up hope Liz needs you to be strong for her. "
Maria nodded desperately blinking back her tears but it was futile. "I know but if I lose her I don't think I’ll be able to cope."
Michael folded Maria in his arms rubbing her back soothingly as he murmured words of comfort, of reassurance.
Max looked on helplessly, his brow furrowing as he tried to remain in control, Maria’s words weighed heavily on his heart. "I don't know what I’ll do either."
All eyes turned towards the door as it was flung open, Serena Lewis stared in confusion before stepping into the office. "Yes is there something I can help you with?"
"Yes Miss Lewis I'm certain there is" Max replied seizing up the woman before him....
Liz shook her head to clear the grogginess; she was becoming weaker by the second. Blood still poured from the gash in her head and her wrists were pretty bad too. She felt the last piece of rope snap. Sighing in relief she pulled her wrists free pulling Alaura to her body for a hug. Alaura’s arms wound around Liz's neck as her face burrowed into her shoulder. Liz stroked her hair soothingly as she whispered in her ear " its goina be okay now but you still have to be brave, so wipe those eyes."
Liz's breath caught when she heard the roar of a car, moving swiftly she grabbed Alaura by the hand pulling her towards the window. She peered out panic flooding her as she saw the car half way up the track.
"Alaura you have to listen to me, I want you to run as fast as you can don't stop until your out of the woods just follow the river. When you come to the road send help okay. "
" but what about you? "
Liz caressed the girl's cheek affectionately before leading her to the door. "We can't both make it out of here; someone has to keep him busy so you can get away. "
"But-"
Liz smiled in reassurance " No buts you see that track over there you follow it until you get to the river. "
Liz watched as Alaura ran down the path, the car was almost in front of the cottage, Liz closed the door once Alaura was out of sight. Running to the corner she grasped the penknife as she slide behind the door.
"Come and get it you bastard… "
Serena looked questioningly around the room as she stepped closer. "How exactly can I help you? "
Michael stepped forward "we're looking for a Miss Parker, Liz Parker we believe that she was coming here to see you."
Serena nodded "yes she was supposed to but she never showed up, I’d actually given up hope on her coming."
Maria: Oh My God! That means he kidnapped her on her way here if-
Max eyed her suspiciously something just didn't ring true with her story "Miss Lewis you seem very calm for someone who's just found three strangers in her center late at night. "
Serena hesitated slightly her eyes widening as Max observed her closely. "Yes well you're with the police so-"
"How did you know we were with the police?" Max questioned.
"Well I- "
Max reached forward pressing Serena’s arm almost savagely as he pulled her closer. "You better tell me were Liz Parker is and while your at it your involvement with the Reaper… "
He flung the door open scanning the room he cursed under his breath pulling roughly at his hair as he paced. Liz crouched behind the door her eyes following him around the room, she lunged forward the knife swiping in the air before imbedding deeply in Eric's back. He turned fierce eyes on Liz as he grabbed for the knife, she backed into the corner as he advanced towards her.
" You fucking whore! Your goina pay for that. "
He struck her across the face grabbing a fist full of hair he yanked her upwards pinning her to the wall, she struggled but the blood lost had drained her of too much energy, she was failing fast.
" Stupid bitch! Ever be baptized? "
Liz bit back the sob as he placed the blindfold tightly over her eyes; she refused to let this sick fuck see that she was afraid. Tears cascaded down her face as she thought about Maria and Max. She slumped forward as her head went light “Max” the last words on her lips as she succumbed to the darkness.
Last edited by cornflakegirl on Tue Nov 18, 2003 2:21 pm, edited 2 times in total.
'Give me life, give me pain, give me myself again...' Tori Amos
-
cornflakegirl
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 62
- Joined: Fri Jul 04, 2003 4:46 pm
Twenty-Five
The roar of the car engine jolted Liz into awareness. The blindfold had loosened considerably giving her a partial view of her surroundings.
She struggled to sit up ignoring the tug of the rope against her slashed wrists.
Turning her head towards the drivers side she grimaced when Eric smiled maliciously.
"You're awake finally! Hope the ride hasn't been too uncomfortable but it'll all be over soon."
Liz liked her parched lips swallowing thickly as she spoke. "Where the hell are you taking me? "
He chuckled softly his gaze flickering from the road. "You and I are goina have a little midnight stroll down by the river, now won't that be nice? "
Liz felt her stomach lurch, she bit roughly on her lower lip to suppress a sob, she refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing her upset, of seeing her vulnerable. "Your sick do you know that?"
"Your point being?"
Liz snarled in disgust as she struggled with the ropes binding her hands. Wincing she slumped back against the seat sighing in frustration.
Eric smiled "There's no use you trying to loosen those ropes. You're not going anywhere. You'll be meeting the same fate as all the others. "
Liz watched through the blindfold as Eric concentrated on the road, the dirt trail towards the river was dimly lit and secluded; there was no chance of anyone finding them.
She glanced at the road before returning her gaze to Eric. Her only chance of survival was to make a break for it. She studied him intently biding her time for an opportunity to escape. "That's were you took them to die isn't it."
Liz pressed back against her seat as Eric reached across into the glove compartment, retrieving a hunting knife, the six-inch blade glinting in the moonlight.
"They scream a lot, crying for mommy and daddy, pleading to live."
"Why do you do it? " Liz asked simply.
He turned angry eyes towards Liz jabbing her with the tip of the blade as if to emphasize his words. "You could never understand, the thrill in that split second when you see the light leave their eyes, the pain, the fear it's intoxicating."
Liz's breath was coming in short gasps as she felt her consciousness slipping. " I don't want to hear anymore. "
"I’ll kill you like I killed the others; slowly… you'll scream a lot probably beg for your life. That's the best part you know when they beg. "
"Shut up!" Liz screamed in anger.
" It takes some hours for death to come"
"Please-"
"It depends were you cut them you see."
"SHUT UP! "
"How deep the knife goes, how much they bleed, how much you'll bleed."
"I'm telling you…. " Liz gritted through clenched teeth
""It'll take a long time for you to die whore."
" No…….."
Liz roared at the top of her voice lunging forward to twist the wheel of the car so that the vehicle skewed across the road weaving dangerously close to the edge.
The sudden violent movement caused Eric to over balance; Liz took advantage of this slamming him heavily into the side of the car. The knife fell from his grasp as he tried to regain control of the car.
Liz grasped for the knife yelping in pain as Eric grabbed a fist full of her hair.
"BITCH! "
She lashed out as he yanked her upwards gouging the skin of his face, tearing deep furrows of flesh with her nails.
The car jerked violently as Eric clutched his face, in a blind rage he reached for Liz letting go of the wheel.
Liz screamed as the car crashed headlong into a tree before rolling over into a ravine her last coherent thought that this was it, this was how she was going to die…………….
Max ignored the protests from his back seat passangers, there was no way in hell he was slowing down. His gaze flickered to Serena Lewis as she fidgeted with her wrist which was cuffed to the dash board "you better be right about this lady or so help me god badge or no badge I'll kill you with my own two hands."
"I told you, he's taking her to the river that's where he takes them all!" she hissed acerbically.
Maria leaned forward her eyes meeting Max's in the mirror "we have to get there on time Max..... we just have to."
"Max nodded his head in affirmation "don't worry Maria we will.....that's a promise" and with that said he pushed alittle harder on the gas growing ever nearer to their destination.
Liz stirred her hand rising reflexively to her head to stem the flow of blood, momentarily dazed she wondered what had happened and how she'd gotten there. A moan from the driver seat drew her attention and she gasped as clarity enveloped her. Pushing herself upright she assessed the situation, the car had rolled pinning the passenger side to the ground she could move her limbs thankfully, but the only possible means of escape was through the drivers window.
She crawled cautiously toward Eric holding her breath as she angled her body over his trying to keep contact at a bare minimum for fear of rousing him. She proceeded to swing one leg out the window as she hauled her upper body into the opening, she realized the breathe she had been holding feeling for the first time that survival was possible that she may actually live to fight another day....until she felt a strong hand grip her ankle.
She whimpered struggling with all her might to free herself from his manacle grip "let go of me you fucker!" she kicked her leg viciously slightly startled when she felt herself plummeting from the window head first.
"BITCH" Eric boomed as he watched Liz's retreating figure as she limped through the trees, he fumbled with his seat belt "your goina suffer a world of pain when I catch up to you WHORE!" he scrambled from the window and went in pursuit a smile flickering across his lips as he caught sight of his prey "I always did like hide and seek...."
The car lurched to a stop, Max sprang from the drivers side unholstering his gun as he looked upon the carnage before him.
"LIZ" Maria sobbed as she tried to break free of Michael's grasp to follow after Max as he slide down the ravine toward the car wreck.
"Maria" Michael stated her name firmly drawing her face between his palms "just let Max check things out okay."
She nodded mutely her gaze flickering to Max as he scrambled back up the hill "is she-" Maria couldn't bear to finish the thought let alone the sentence.
Max shook his head "no she's not their.... it looks like they've gone on foot" Max withdrew the clip from his gun and once satisfied it had a full quota chambered it "Michael I'm goina need you to call for backup and stay here with Maria."
"No way bud!" Maria rounded on Max "that's my best friend down their so I'm going with-"
"No" Max countered "it's too dangerous and besides someone needs to stay here to direct the emergency services."
"Here" Michael said from the open trunk "let this off when you find her."
Max caught the flare nodding to Michael before setting off in the direction Liz and the Reaper had gone, a trail of blood he prayed wasn't her's guiding his way....
Liz stumbled her hands grazing the moist earth, her vision was blared she knew she'd lost alot of blood and didn't know if she could go any further, as she started to pick her body up from the ground she heard a branch snap behind her a scream escaping her lips as Eric stalked toward her, a thirst for blood gleaming in his eyes....
"Tag your it" Eric growled as he yanked her upright by the hair "tisk tisk Liz you've gone and soiled your pretty dress, I think it's time you went for a dip don't you?"
Liz smiled defiantly as her blood speckled spit peppered his face "fuck you" if she where going to die she'd do so fighting until her last bitter breathe.
She closed her eyes against the cold bite of the water gasping for breath as he pushed her head under determined to snub out any trace of life.
The scream had been close, Max had heard it as clearly as his own harsh breathing the river was close by, he set off the flare and ran with purpose oblivious to branches that lashed against his face and all else in his path his only concern reaching Liz.....
Liz struggled against his grip, trying desperately to surface, to take just one breathe. Her nails dug into the flesh of his hand drawing blood and clumps of skin until his hold relented and she broke through the water gasping for air.
"Don't you ever fucking die!" he thundered as his hand wrapped around her neck submerging her once again in the icy depths "just stop breathing Bitch!"
Liz struggled in vain her movements becoming sluggish as she felt her last morsel of strength drain away, she closed her eyes resigning herself to the fact she was going to die.....
Max broke through the clearing in the trees just in time to see the reaper grab ahold of Liz by the throat and dunk her under the water, he sprinted toward the water edge not even bothering to make his presence know, he aimed his gun and a shot ran out into the night air.....
Eric felt a stabbing pain in his chest and turned toward the bank, he caught sight of a man wading frantically into the water. He fought against the pain willing himself to keep a firm hold on the struggling body beneath him, only when her movement's stilled did he release his grip. Turning fully to Max he smiled past the blood bubbling from his lips and looked with satisfaction into Max's terror filled eyes and said "your too late detective, she's already dead."
Max narrowed his eyes his gun rising to administer a fatal shot to the head "so are you....."
"Michael!" Maria clutched at his hand drawing his attention "Max must have found Liz, lets go...."
"Maria....it's not a good idea for you to go down there."
Maria sighed "maybe not but it's something I have to do Michael, my girls down there. So are you with me?" Maria outstretched her hand.
Michael grasped it firmly "I'm with you" he replied as they made their way into the forest.
Max's gaze fell on Liz's prone body as she floated face down, her arms outstrecthed in the water. He swam the short distance to her gathering her cold body into his arms "Liz" he uttered her name bearly above a whisper, as he checked for a pulse there was none.
He scooped her into his arms and wadded through the water to the shore nestling her head against his thigh as he began to administer the kiss of life.
"Liz!" maria scrambled to Max's side her eyes flickering from her lifeless friend to Max as he tried to breath life into her body "Liz...."
Max pushed the sound of Maria's sobs to the back of his mind and continued to breath for Liz, he refused to let her die on him not after he'd just found her "come on breath!"
Michael felt Liz's wrist for a pulse his sorrowful gaze fixing on his partner "Max- it's no use she's gone..."
Max shook his head furiously as he pumped against her chest "no, no I refuse to believe - come on Liz honey just take one breathe for me."
Maria placed her hands atop Max's stilling his motions "don't Max" she muttered in defeat "it's too late."
Max rested his gaze on Liz's face he hovered inches from her lips as he swept her hair back from her face "I'm sorry I didn't reach you on time" his fingers stroked across her cheek his salty tears falling freely against her skin "there was so much I'd wanted to say to you and now you'll never know."
He smiled bitterly as his lips rested against hers "I love you....."
Liz's eyes flickered open and locked with Max's, he pulled away as her mouth opened expelling volumes of water.
"Liz?" Max asked in amazement his hands roaming over her face as she gasped for air, he bent lower at her gesturing and turned his ear toward her mouth "you didn't real-really think I'd let you off that lightly did you detective Evans?"
Max kissed her tenderly "I'd prayed you wouldn't....."
She smiled " oh and by the way, I love you too..." she sighed before her eyes flickered closed in exhaustion.
"So how you feeling?" Max asked Liz as he stood framed in the doorway, she'd been in hospital for a few days and besides some water inhalation and lacerations she was fine, and much to his relief would make a full recovery.
Liz gestured for Max to come close "I'm feeling great, especially now your here."
"Well I'm not the only person that's come to visit."
"no?" Liz questioned propping herself into a sitting position "who else is here, I swear if it's maria again..." Liz laughed as an image of Maria dangling a crystal above her head flashed in her minds eye.
"nope, this person just wanted to come by and say hi" Max stuck his head out the door "it's okay you can come on in..."
Liz watched as the little girl bounded into the room "Liz!" she exclaimed excitedly as she flung her arms around Liz's neck.
"Hi honey Im sure glad to see you" Liz placed a tender kiss to Alaura's crown savoring the feel of her small lifeful body against hers, everything she'd went through had been worth it for this one single moment, her gaze flickered to Max's smiling face, that and a certain declaration from a certain detective.
"Alaura Whitman! you stop that this instant Miss Parker needs to rest" Isabel chided her daughter her eyes lingering on the slip of a woman that had saved her daughters life "We just wanted to say thank you Miss Parker-"
"Please call me Liz."
Isabel nodded "we owe you everything Liz, we can never repay you for what you've given us back."
"no repayment necessary.... except maybe a few more visits."
Alex reached for Liz's hand squeezing gently "it's a deal."
12 Months later.....
"Freeze and step away from the vechile...."
Liz balked at Max as she removed the last grocery bag from the boot of the car "Max your off duty and I'm your wife" she flashed her wedding band before his face "not a criminal okay."
"Liz don't!" Max protested reaching to grab the parcels from his heavily pregnant wife's arms "we agreed no heavy lifting, not in your condition."
Liz shook her head "Max it's only a few groceries it's not like I was trying to lift a fifty pound dumb bell."
Max ushered her to the front door, depositing the bags on the doorstep he scooped Liz into his arms smiling when her distended belly bumped against him "that's just the sort of thing you would do Mrs Evans...just to spite me."
Liz smiled against Max's lips as he kissed her "you know me too well."
From across the street she watched unobserved hatred burning in her belly at the display before her, so Liz Parker was pregnant. Serena Lewis smiled bitterly as she watched the young couple, they would pay for what they'd taken from her; after all the good bible itself advocated retribution, an eye for an eye, a child for a child.....
TBC?
The roar of the car engine jolted Liz into awareness. The blindfold had loosened considerably giving her a partial view of her surroundings.
She struggled to sit up ignoring the tug of the rope against her slashed wrists.
Turning her head towards the drivers side she grimaced when Eric smiled maliciously.
"You're awake finally! Hope the ride hasn't been too uncomfortable but it'll all be over soon."
Liz liked her parched lips swallowing thickly as she spoke. "Where the hell are you taking me? "
He chuckled softly his gaze flickering from the road. "You and I are goina have a little midnight stroll down by the river, now won't that be nice? "
Liz felt her stomach lurch, she bit roughly on her lower lip to suppress a sob, she refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing her upset, of seeing her vulnerable. "Your sick do you know that?"
"Your point being?"
Liz snarled in disgust as she struggled with the ropes binding her hands. Wincing she slumped back against the seat sighing in frustration.
Eric smiled "There's no use you trying to loosen those ropes. You're not going anywhere. You'll be meeting the same fate as all the others. "
Liz watched through the blindfold as Eric concentrated on the road, the dirt trail towards the river was dimly lit and secluded; there was no chance of anyone finding them.
She glanced at the road before returning her gaze to Eric. Her only chance of survival was to make a break for it. She studied him intently biding her time for an opportunity to escape. "That's were you took them to die isn't it."
Liz pressed back against her seat as Eric reached across into the glove compartment, retrieving a hunting knife, the six-inch blade glinting in the moonlight.
"They scream a lot, crying for mommy and daddy, pleading to live."
"Why do you do it? " Liz asked simply.
He turned angry eyes towards Liz jabbing her with the tip of the blade as if to emphasize his words. "You could never understand, the thrill in that split second when you see the light leave their eyes, the pain, the fear it's intoxicating."
Liz's breath was coming in short gasps as she felt her consciousness slipping. " I don't want to hear anymore. "
"I’ll kill you like I killed the others; slowly… you'll scream a lot probably beg for your life. That's the best part you know when they beg. "
"Shut up!" Liz screamed in anger.
" It takes some hours for death to come"
"Please-"
"It depends were you cut them you see."
"SHUT UP! "
"How deep the knife goes, how much they bleed, how much you'll bleed."
"I'm telling you…. " Liz gritted through clenched teeth
""It'll take a long time for you to die whore."
" No…….."
Liz roared at the top of her voice lunging forward to twist the wheel of the car so that the vehicle skewed across the road weaving dangerously close to the edge.
The sudden violent movement caused Eric to over balance; Liz took advantage of this slamming him heavily into the side of the car. The knife fell from his grasp as he tried to regain control of the car.
Liz grasped for the knife yelping in pain as Eric grabbed a fist full of her hair.
"BITCH! "
She lashed out as he yanked her upwards gouging the skin of his face, tearing deep furrows of flesh with her nails.
The car jerked violently as Eric clutched his face, in a blind rage he reached for Liz letting go of the wheel.
Liz screamed as the car crashed headlong into a tree before rolling over into a ravine her last coherent thought that this was it, this was how she was going to die…………….
Max ignored the protests from his back seat passangers, there was no way in hell he was slowing down. His gaze flickered to Serena Lewis as she fidgeted with her wrist which was cuffed to the dash board "you better be right about this lady or so help me god badge or no badge I'll kill you with my own two hands."
"I told you, he's taking her to the river that's where he takes them all!" she hissed acerbically.
Maria leaned forward her eyes meeting Max's in the mirror "we have to get there on time Max..... we just have to."
"Max nodded his head in affirmation "don't worry Maria we will.....that's a promise" and with that said he pushed alittle harder on the gas growing ever nearer to their destination.
Liz stirred her hand rising reflexively to her head to stem the flow of blood, momentarily dazed she wondered what had happened and how she'd gotten there. A moan from the driver seat drew her attention and she gasped as clarity enveloped her. Pushing herself upright she assessed the situation, the car had rolled pinning the passenger side to the ground she could move her limbs thankfully, but the only possible means of escape was through the drivers window.
She crawled cautiously toward Eric holding her breath as she angled her body over his trying to keep contact at a bare minimum for fear of rousing him. She proceeded to swing one leg out the window as she hauled her upper body into the opening, she realized the breathe she had been holding feeling for the first time that survival was possible that she may actually live to fight another day....until she felt a strong hand grip her ankle.
She whimpered struggling with all her might to free herself from his manacle grip "let go of me you fucker!" she kicked her leg viciously slightly startled when she felt herself plummeting from the window head first.
"BITCH" Eric boomed as he watched Liz's retreating figure as she limped through the trees, he fumbled with his seat belt "your goina suffer a world of pain when I catch up to you WHORE!" he scrambled from the window and went in pursuit a smile flickering across his lips as he caught sight of his prey "I always did like hide and seek...."
The car lurched to a stop, Max sprang from the drivers side unholstering his gun as he looked upon the carnage before him.
"LIZ" Maria sobbed as she tried to break free of Michael's grasp to follow after Max as he slide down the ravine toward the car wreck.
"Maria" Michael stated her name firmly drawing her face between his palms "just let Max check things out okay."
She nodded mutely her gaze flickering to Max as he scrambled back up the hill "is she-" Maria couldn't bear to finish the thought let alone the sentence.
Max shook his head "no she's not their.... it looks like they've gone on foot" Max withdrew the clip from his gun and once satisfied it had a full quota chambered it "Michael I'm goina need you to call for backup and stay here with Maria."
"No way bud!" Maria rounded on Max "that's my best friend down their so I'm going with-"
"No" Max countered "it's too dangerous and besides someone needs to stay here to direct the emergency services."
"Here" Michael said from the open trunk "let this off when you find her."
Max caught the flare nodding to Michael before setting off in the direction Liz and the Reaper had gone, a trail of blood he prayed wasn't her's guiding his way....
Liz stumbled her hands grazing the moist earth, her vision was blared she knew she'd lost alot of blood and didn't know if she could go any further, as she started to pick her body up from the ground she heard a branch snap behind her a scream escaping her lips as Eric stalked toward her, a thirst for blood gleaming in his eyes....
"Tag your it" Eric growled as he yanked her upright by the hair "tisk tisk Liz you've gone and soiled your pretty dress, I think it's time you went for a dip don't you?"
Liz smiled defiantly as her blood speckled spit peppered his face "fuck you" if she where going to die she'd do so fighting until her last bitter breathe.
She closed her eyes against the cold bite of the water gasping for breath as he pushed her head under determined to snub out any trace of life.
The scream had been close, Max had heard it as clearly as his own harsh breathing the river was close by, he set off the flare and ran with purpose oblivious to branches that lashed against his face and all else in his path his only concern reaching Liz.....
Liz struggled against his grip, trying desperately to surface, to take just one breathe. Her nails dug into the flesh of his hand drawing blood and clumps of skin until his hold relented and she broke through the water gasping for air.
"Don't you ever fucking die!" he thundered as his hand wrapped around her neck submerging her once again in the icy depths "just stop breathing Bitch!"
Liz struggled in vain her movements becoming sluggish as she felt her last morsel of strength drain away, she closed her eyes resigning herself to the fact she was going to die.....
Max broke through the clearing in the trees just in time to see the reaper grab ahold of Liz by the throat and dunk her under the water, he sprinted toward the water edge not even bothering to make his presence know, he aimed his gun and a shot ran out into the night air.....
Eric felt a stabbing pain in his chest and turned toward the bank, he caught sight of a man wading frantically into the water. He fought against the pain willing himself to keep a firm hold on the struggling body beneath him, only when her movement's stilled did he release his grip. Turning fully to Max he smiled past the blood bubbling from his lips and looked with satisfaction into Max's terror filled eyes and said "your too late detective, she's already dead."
Max narrowed his eyes his gun rising to administer a fatal shot to the head "so are you....."
"Michael!" Maria clutched at his hand drawing his attention "Max must have found Liz, lets go...."
"Maria....it's not a good idea for you to go down there."
Maria sighed "maybe not but it's something I have to do Michael, my girls down there. So are you with me?" Maria outstretched her hand.
Michael grasped it firmly "I'm with you" he replied as they made their way into the forest.
Max's gaze fell on Liz's prone body as she floated face down, her arms outstrecthed in the water. He swam the short distance to her gathering her cold body into his arms "Liz" he uttered her name bearly above a whisper, as he checked for a pulse there was none.
He scooped her into his arms and wadded through the water to the shore nestling her head against his thigh as he began to administer the kiss of life.
"Liz!" maria scrambled to Max's side her eyes flickering from her lifeless friend to Max as he tried to breath life into her body "Liz...."
Max pushed the sound of Maria's sobs to the back of his mind and continued to breath for Liz, he refused to let her die on him not after he'd just found her "come on breath!"
Michael felt Liz's wrist for a pulse his sorrowful gaze fixing on his partner "Max- it's no use she's gone..."
Max shook his head furiously as he pumped against her chest "no, no I refuse to believe - come on Liz honey just take one breathe for me."
Maria placed her hands atop Max's stilling his motions "don't Max" she muttered in defeat "it's too late."
Max rested his gaze on Liz's face he hovered inches from her lips as he swept her hair back from her face "I'm sorry I didn't reach you on time" his fingers stroked across her cheek his salty tears falling freely against her skin "there was so much I'd wanted to say to you and now you'll never know."
He smiled bitterly as his lips rested against hers "I love you....."
Liz's eyes flickered open and locked with Max's, he pulled away as her mouth opened expelling volumes of water.
"Liz?" Max asked in amazement his hands roaming over her face as she gasped for air, he bent lower at her gesturing and turned his ear toward her mouth "you didn't real-really think I'd let you off that lightly did you detective Evans?"
Max kissed her tenderly "I'd prayed you wouldn't....."
She smiled " oh and by the way, I love you too..." she sighed before her eyes flickered closed in exhaustion.
"So how you feeling?" Max asked Liz as he stood framed in the doorway, she'd been in hospital for a few days and besides some water inhalation and lacerations she was fine, and much to his relief would make a full recovery.
Liz gestured for Max to come close "I'm feeling great, especially now your here."
"Well I'm not the only person that's come to visit."
"no?" Liz questioned propping herself into a sitting position "who else is here, I swear if it's maria again..." Liz laughed as an image of Maria dangling a crystal above her head flashed in her minds eye.
"nope, this person just wanted to come by and say hi" Max stuck his head out the door "it's okay you can come on in..."
Liz watched as the little girl bounded into the room "Liz!" she exclaimed excitedly as she flung her arms around Liz's neck.
"Hi honey Im sure glad to see you" Liz placed a tender kiss to Alaura's crown savoring the feel of her small lifeful body against hers, everything she'd went through had been worth it for this one single moment, her gaze flickered to Max's smiling face, that and a certain declaration from a certain detective.
"Alaura Whitman! you stop that this instant Miss Parker needs to rest" Isabel chided her daughter her eyes lingering on the slip of a woman that had saved her daughters life "We just wanted to say thank you Miss Parker-"
"Please call me Liz."
Isabel nodded "we owe you everything Liz, we can never repay you for what you've given us back."
"no repayment necessary.... except maybe a few more visits."
Alex reached for Liz's hand squeezing gently "it's a deal."
12 Months later.....
"Freeze and step away from the vechile...."
Liz balked at Max as she removed the last grocery bag from the boot of the car "Max your off duty and I'm your wife" she flashed her wedding band before his face "not a criminal okay."
"Liz don't!" Max protested reaching to grab the parcels from his heavily pregnant wife's arms "we agreed no heavy lifting, not in your condition."
Liz shook her head "Max it's only a few groceries it's not like I was trying to lift a fifty pound dumb bell."
Max ushered her to the front door, depositing the bags on the doorstep he scooped Liz into his arms smiling when her distended belly bumped against him "that's just the sort of thing you would do Mrs Evans...just to spite me."
Liz smiled against Max's lips as he kissed her "you know me too well."
From across the street she watched unobserved hatred burning in her belly at the display before her, so Liz Parker was pregnant. Serena Lewis smiled bitterly as she watched the young couple, they would pay for what they'd taken from her; after all the good bible itself advocated retribution, an eye for an eye, a child for a child.....
TBC?
Last edited by cornflakegirl on Tue Nov 18, 2003 2:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.
'Give me life, give me pain, give me myself again...' Tori Amos