A Scent of a Woman

by Shaolin Kitten

Part 10

Master Dao closely followed Kwai Chang. He had to admit, Kwai Chang's skills as a tracker were much better than his own. Dao, however, doubted that the other priest's skills with weapons could be all that great. He knew from talking with other priests and hearing stories that Caine had not been at the temple for many years. Maybe when this was all over, Dao could prove that, and maybe even eradicate the brands of Kwai Chang Caine.

Ping Hai tried to follow the other two priests. He carried Kwai Chang's brown pouch with him, knowing that it could be needed. He watched the other two priests follow the trail of the kidnapped woman. Thoughts came to his mind as he tried to stay as close as possible. He observed that Kwai Chang's skills were quite powerful for someone as young as he was. His sensory perception was more like that of someone from Shambhala than any ordinary priest. His chi was quite strong and, if developed properly, could grow so that he could use skills even Kwai Chang did not know he could possess. During their search, Ping Hai was also observing Master Dao. He could see that the weapon's master seemed more interested in keeping Kwai Chang in his sights, not from concern, but as if he were an opponent. Back at the house, Ping Hai had recognized the look in Master Dao's eyes. They were the eyes of a warrior, someone who was used to battle. Master Dao was not what he seemed.

Kwai Chang continued to follow the trail. It led through a wooded area and then circled back. Kwai Chang made frequent stops to be sure he was still on the right trail. There were many breaks in the pattern, and Kwai Chang knew he had to be careful. The wooded area was part of a large park. Many people would come out hiking its many trails, as well as hiking off them and trying their orienteering skills. There were also many animals that would cross paths with humans. A broken branch or similar footprint could cause them to go off course if Kwai Chang wasn't careful. Kwai Chang stopped and fell to his knees. The fear returned. He raised his head and tears showed in his eyes. He quickly rose and took off like a deer. Master Dao tried to keep pace, but was soon left behind. Ping Hai also struggled to keep up with the driven Shaolin.

Casey returned. He was not pleased with what he saw.

"What's the matter Pauline, don't like my company?"

Casey grabbed Laura by the ankles and pulled her across the floor. Laura struggled to get free, but soon found herself being tied to a nearby chair. The ropes burned her skin as they were pulled tightly across her. Laura tried to suppress the fear she felt. She knew this man saw her as his long dead girlfriend. If only there was a way to try and reach him and make him see she was not Pauline.

"Please, let me go. I'm not who you think I am. My name's Laura."

Laura pleaded with the man to try and break through the fog that surrounded him. The result was a backhand to the face. Tears streamed down her face as she tried to stifle a scream.

"Don't play games with me, Pauline. They aren't going to work this time."

Laura watched in fascination as the man fashioned a hangman's knot with the rope he held. "What are you going to do with that?" she asked in a whisper, already suspecting the answer.

"I'm going to punish you. You need to be punished."

"Why, what have I done to deserve this?" Laura had to keep the man talking. She did not know how much sooner it would be before help would come.

"You've strangled my feelings for you. So, it's only fair that I do the same to yours. You took all my hopes and dreams and smashed them. The lovers you took night after night. Sometimes, two or three."

Laura listened intently, appalled at what she was hearing. "I am not who you think I am." Laura again tried to plead with the man. Tears formed in her eyes as she watched in horror as the man continued to fashion the rope. He did not seem to hear her.

"It really doesn't matter now. Denying it won't help you. It was fun at first, swapping, but it was only supposed to be that one time. Instead you thought I'd get a kick out of watching you with other men. Only it never turned out that way. Oh, it was nice at first, but you just kept doing it. Then you would tease me and when you weren't there all I could do was dream about you."

"What do you want?" Laura asked trying to keep the trembling in her voice from showing.

"You were mine. You should have paid attention to me. Did the things you did to your lovers to me." Casey came closer and ran his hands over Laura's face and down the front of her blouse. "You haunted my dreams. Teased me with your body. Driving me crazy only to laugh and run away."

Laura's breathing became shallow and fast. Softly she repeated, "What do you want from me?"

"I want you to stop haunting me. Ever since you came back, I have not been able to sleep. You've invaded my dreams and every waking moment. I wanted you, but I could never have you because you didn't want me. You teased me beyond what I could stand. For that, you will be punished."

Again, Casey turned back and concentrated on his rope. Laura's head sagged to her chest. Hope of rescue was slowly fading.

End of Part 11