Prologue

It was a calm, summer night in New York City. The weather had cooled down to a breezy 68 degrees, the sun setting in the distance and causing rays of purple, pink and orange to paint the sky. It was the perfect evening for a walk, which was exactly what Stella Bonasera was thinking. She'd gotten off early from work, a pleasant surprise, and had felt anxious to do something outdoors the minute she'd stepped out of the precinct and into the summer air. So, she had gone home, changed into a pair of capri's and a tank top, pulled on a pair of running shoes and set out to take a walk through Central Park.

The park was surprisingly bare. Sure, there were a few kids on the playground and some dog owners walking their pets but other than that, it was like a ghost town. It didn't bother Stella, not one bit. Nope, she kept a smile on her lips as she walked through the park, stopping to admire birds here and there, or a flower. She was in a great mood. She'd cracked a case, she had a date with Mac Taylor later that night, and she was getting a kitten. Yes, she was in a really great mood.

But someone else wasn't in such a good mood.

No, someone else was watching Stella with a glint in their eye, and not a good glint. The kind of glint a murderer got in his eye when he glimpsed the person that he just knew was destined to be his next victim. In a way, it was the same for the person watching her. They knew that she was going to soon be in their grasp, that they could do whatever they wanted to her and no one could stop them. And it amused them. It amused them that someone who claimed to be so strong, was actually so weak. Weak and pathetic. A snarl came to their lips as they saw her smile again, laughing at a dog who was licking her and laugh again while talking with the owner. It was sickening.

Come tonight, Stella Bonasera, you won't be smiling anymore..

MEANWHILE

"Yo, Mac. Just got word that Norick attacked the cops who were escorting him. Thankfully they're alive and kicking, but.. Norick's gone."

Detective Mac Taylor looked up from his computer screen, staring blankly at the man who stood in front of him. Don Flack waited for the older man's reaction, which came two seconds later. "Norick escaped?" Mac asked, pushing his chair away from his desk and leaning back.

Don nodded. "Yep. We got an APB out, Officers are searching for him, but so far not even a hair from the guy's head has turned up." He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck with his left hand. "Just thought I'd let you know."

Mac sighed and nodded, turning away from Don to face the window. The sun had almost completely dipped below the horizon and what had seemed beautiful two minutes ago now seemed creepy and sinister. Lee Norick had been a thorn in the crime lab's side for quite some time, always evading them and getting away. But not now. They finally had had enough evidence to arrest him and without a doubt convict him. He was notorius for kidnapping women, beating raping and torturing them before finally hanging them from light poles in intersections. But now, he was back on the streets and Mac had no doubt that he would go straight to finding a victim. "Okay, Thanks. I'm gonna.." He trailed off, motioning to his phone. "Gonna call Stel, let her know."

Don nodded again and ducked out of the office, face tight. Mac sighed and ran a hand over his tired face, pausing before lifting the phone reciever to his ear and dialing the familiar cell phone number.

"..Hey, you've reached Stella Bonasera. I can't answer my phone right now, so just leave a message and.."

Mac hung up, frowning at the phone. It had rang several times, so that meant the phone was on. Why wasn't she picking up?

CSI NY

Stella sighed as she continued her slow walk through the park, glancing at the sky. It was almost completely dark, but despite Central Park's reputation, she wasn't scared. Strangely, she felt peaceful. Hearing a sudden rustling noise, she turned sharply around and blinked.

More rustling.

"Who's there?" She called.

No answer.

"Hello?"

Silence.

Laughing at her jumpiness, Stella shook her head and turned back around, continuing her walk. But before she got very far, her world went black.

A low laugh. "Say goodnight and goodbye, Stella Bonasera."

Author's Note: I'd like to thank mj0621 for helping me with this! And keep in mind, people, not everything is as it seems! Please Review and remember flames aren't nice!

Jade