Chapter One

"Typical Monday morning," Ed tiredly murmured to himself, locking the front door of his house and then turning, heading for his car. It was so early that the streets were still dark and deserted, but he was already on his way to work. It was mid-winter, and it was freezing outside. He released a breath, shivering and trying to ignore the cold in vain. He swiftly crossed the porch and made it to his car, unlocking and opening the door.

He was ready to get in when he felt someone behind him. Before he could react, large hands firmly grasped his arms and his eyes widened. He let out a frightened gasp, and as he tried to break free he felt a hand move from his arm to his mouth, a wet cloth pressing against his lips. He recognized the scent, and he tried to hold his breath. Chloroform. It was already too late, he'd inhaled some of it when he gasped, and he was paying for it now.

His vision began to darken and return to normal, repeating a couple of times. He felt his legs weakening, his body slowly sinking to the cold ground. He easily slipped out of the man's grasp, and he felt freezing snow underneath him. After that, he didn't remember anything but blackness.