Pawns
Chapter Twelve: Set into Motion
The music pounded in her ears, and she kept her pace in step. The music drowned out the march of over a hundred seniors following the winding pavement nestled between the lush trees of the botanical gardens.
She held her head straightforward, a practiced smile painted on her lips and her cap aligned perfectly parallel to the ground.
She led the class of 1997 through the center aisle, where hundreds of family and friends snapped pictures and waved at their loved ones. Then, they approached the large canvas, draped over the folding chairs arranged in two clusters.
She continued onto the raised stage, and stood in front of the seat beside Mr. Caplan himself.
The river of students in yellow and indigo gowns flowed slowly, each one finding his seat just as practiced. Then, once all the students stood before a seat, the marching music died down.
On cue, the students sat down.
Mr. Caplan, principal of Angel Grove High School for seven years, approached the podium. After a moment of silence, the stern yet caring administrator addressed the graduates.
"Here you are, all gathered together as one," his powerful voice rang for all to hear. "The last time you sat before me as a class, you were barely teenagers. You were bright-eyed and enthusiastic, when you first walked into the auditorium of Angel Grove High School. But you were also intimidated. You were freshman; the young and naïve of the school. You were eager to learn and grow… yet unsure of yourselves." He smiled, a rare expression for the ill-tempered educator. "Just look at you now!"
The audience applauded, the parents' hearts filled with pride and eyes filled with tears. The students fidgeted in their seats, anxious for the pomp and circumstance to end so they could attend the graduation party.
Yet Katherine could hardly hear it.
She sat in her seat, careful to keep her back straight and legs crossed at the ankles. She looked like she was paying complete attention, just as the valedictorian should.
However, her eyes swept the audience row by row, searching for dark hair, a red shirt, and a warm smile.
It took effort to keep her disappointment from showing.
He already said he wouldn't come, she reasoned, He had his diploma mailed to him. He didn't… feel the need to attend.
Still… it hurt.
He'd withdrawn himself completely, sequestered in his uncle's cabin, his bedroom, or that dreadful speedway. When the Pink Ranger learned of her boyfriend's dangerous new hobby, it took every ounce of her control to keep herself from meeting him at the track and making a scene.
Did he want to get himself killed?
It chilled her to the bone when she considered that maybe, some secret part of him did.
I just don't know anymore, she realized. I don't know what he's feeling. I can only guess what he's going through. He…doesn't want me to know, I think.
He held her at arm's length, as if she were some sort of poisonous snake. She was convinced that, of all the Rangers, he was least comfortable facing her.
Which made sense. Every time he looked into her eyes, he must've thought of what her love cost him.
Does he blame me for what happened?
It was a question that had haunted her private thoughts for weeks, but the underlying guilt traced back even further.
To the day he received the letter.
It's not my fault… I couldn't help my feelings. No one can control whom they're attracted to.
Sound reasoning, yet on the day Tommy read the letter… when his face twitched in pain and eyes flooded with bitterness… Katherine found the guilt stabbing her like a knife.
Deep down, she had wished that their perfect relationship didn't exist. She never wanted either of them to ever get hurt… but she couldn't deny that she did long to be with the knightly White-turned-Red Ranger.
She had wanted him from the start. Whether it was Rita's influence or her own heart that created that attraction, she could never know. But it didn't go away after the spell faded to nothing.
Was it possible that it didn't? That somewhere, deep down, she held malevolence to Kim? Did she retain some supernatural power to influence others? Did she somehow cause Kimberly to send the letter?
It was silly… yet it wasn't entirely impossible. And the very thought that she could have caused Tommy such pain, even indirectly or unwillingly, made her sick.
The guilt that her secret, selfish wish had come true galvanized her to action. She needed to help him heal.
She gave up a weekend to accompany him and Billy at the ski slopes, despite her dislike of the cold. She put every effort into convincing Heather Thompson to give him another chance.
At that turbulent time, she was too ashamed to even think that she could take Kimberly's place in this most personal, intimate way. But hesitantly, over the months that followed, their relationship moved in that direction.
She wanted to ease his pain, and she eventually helped fill the void her predecessor created. Three scant weeks ago, while they weren't overly affectionate with one another, they were officially a couple.
But as it turned out, Kimberly didn't create that void. She didn't hurt him. Some other, as yet unidentified, player was to blame for four months of heartache for both of them, not to mention tireless commiseration from their friends.
And for the past few months, she'd been slowly forging a relationship with a man still technically involved with someone else.
Her fists clenched the folds of her gown. She hated it when her mind wove down that dangerous, stomach-turning track! I have nothing to be ashamed of… nothing! None of us knew we were being played for fools!
Still, she couldn't explain where the letter came from.
Unless… it came from her.
Unlikely, yes; but not impossible. And what other explanation could there be? Who else had any vested interest in Kim and Tommy's relationship? Who else had that seed of evil, planted long ago, but never completely uprooted?
She had no memory of even dreaming up such a scheme… but she also had no memory of some parts of her service to Rita Repulsa.
She felt her lip tremble, and anxiously bit down to suppress it.
She couldn't put the unease to rest. She simply didn't know what Rita had done to her, how deeply she had been corrupted. She didn't know what feelings, or powers, could possibly linger just under the surface of her consciousness.
And she couldn't confide in anyone. Tanya was her closest friend, but she wasn't a Ranger during Katherine's stint as Rita's pet kitten. She couldn't relate, either… she'd never been evil. Neither had Adam. Justin was far too young and inexperienced to unload such fears on. And even though Jason had been stripped of his purity by the Flame of Destruction, that spell had lasted for less than an hour; hardly comparable to weeks of servitude as Rita's spy.
Only one person knew how it felt to be locked inside your body yet unable to influence its actions. Only one other person was freed from that influence, and had to face the questions that followed.
Only one person had the power to convince her it wasn't her fault. Yet every action he'd taken since Muiranthias only made her feel worse.
Three weeks ago, they were so close. Now, he couldn't bear to look at her.
"…to address the class, the valedictorian and representative speaker, Miss Katherine Hillard."
Kat glanced up, momentarily startled by the applause that urged her to the podium.
Her smile returned, and somehow she found the resolve to rise to her feet, and take the dozen steps to the microphone.
She took a deep breath, clasping the podium with both hands. Despite herself her eyes kept searching… looking for an encouraging smile.
She had hoped Tommy would come. She had hoped he'd sit in the audience, just to hear her speak. To lend her silent support, and bolster her confidence with his smile.
Just a fleeting smile from him would mean the world to her…
Well, I'll just have to do without it.
She opened her mouth, and somehow found her voice.
oooOOOooo
"This is so unreal…"
Divatox glanced up from her compact mirror, her lip quirking as she watched her newest crewmember stare through the periscope.
"What?"
"They actually made her the valedictorian!" Her grip tightened on the handles. "What the hell happened… did all the brain power at that school migrate? She only went to Angel Grove High for one year! How could she possibly have the highest GPA?"
The Pirate Queen frowned at the smell of heated metal. "Calm down, Kim, or you'll melt my periscope!"
With a hiss of annoyance, the spawn of evil obliged, backing away from the device and folding her arms in outrage.
Divatox snapped her compact shut, and rose to her feet. "All right, you walking Marshmallow!" she screeched, glaring at Porto, "Is that bomb ready yet?"
The resident scientist glanced up from his workstation, his hands still carefully adjusting and connecting wires. "Just about…" he said distractedly. "There!"
He re-attached the front panel, and held up the cubical explosive for all to see. "It's been set for thirty minutes. It should give Miss Kimberly plenty of time to escape the complex."
Kim scowled. "What would I need that much time for? It just gives the Rangers a bigger window to deactivate it."
Porto cringed at the impatience in her tone. "Our teleporter won't work within the power facility," he carefully explained. "The energy that is being generated disrupts our scanners and communicators as well." He meekly offered the bomb. "It will achieve maximum devastation if placed as near the generator as possible, meaning you will have to wind your way through the complex, and back out again."
"Fine," she huffed, snatching the device from Porto's hands. "Just teleport me to the entrance of the plant, and leave the rest to me."
oooOOOooo
"…we made it through the good times, and the bad. We'll cherish the memories of three championship Varsity football seasons, and the class trip to Australia. These memories give us pride, to build our future dreams upon. We survived the standardized testing, monster attacks, and… and the loss of friends. These memories give us determination, to fight whatever challenges cross our paths… to leap over any stumbling blocks Life puts before our feet. And now we're adults. We're ready for those dreams. We're ready for those challenges. We're ready to succeed."
Katherine's voice was drowned out by applause, as all the students, faculty, and parents eagerly agreed.
"I can't believe they're graduating," Alpha sighed, his robotic voice oddly choked.
"YES." Zordon concurred. "KATHERINE GAVE A SUPERLATIVE SPEECH." His voice grew wistful. "THEY ARE ALL SO STRONG. SO MATURE."
"I wish I could've been there," Alpha continued. "Oh, I know! We can decorate the Turbo Chamber, and have a party for them!" He jumped eagerly. "Justin, can you help me-"
Alpha stopped, noticing how the young Blue Ranger sat in absolute silence on a nearby console. He barely paid any attention to the ceremony displayed on the Viewing Globe. His expression was contemplative as he stared at the nearest wall.
A monument to the Power Rangers, back when Power Coins fueled them with strength from the Great Power. Six bright costumes, shimmering with their signature color, adorning mannequins frozen in ready stances.
Yet he was only looking at one of them.
"This was her… wasn't it?"
The boy's soft question doused Alpha's excitement like rain on a campfire.
Zordon decided to speak, his booming voice gentle. "YES."
Justin hopped off the console, and slowly made his way to the wall. His rested his palm against the thick glass, and gazed wonderingly at the pink armor.
He'd been to the Turbo Chamber a few times since his assumption of the Blue Turbo Power, but he never had the opportunity to ask the questions that had burned in his mind for three weeks.
He felt he was missing something. He didn't belong with the others. They all suffered, mourning for a person he didn't know. They never spoke about it in his presence, perhaps assuming he was too young to be burdened with their pain.
Little did they realize that it hurt him, too. Despite his age he was still a Power Ranger, dedicated to saving innocent lives just like all the others. And on his very first mission, he'd failed.
When that reality finally sank in, it felt like a small bit of his spirit died with her.
"What was she like?" he wondered.
He only knew her when she was under Maligore's spell. He remembered her as a vicious fighter, driven to destroy the Power Rangers. His memory didn't do her justice; he wanted to replace it with an impression of who she really was. The young woman the other Rangers so obviously loved and missed.
Alpha sighed, glancing up at Zordon to defer the question.
"KIMBERLY WAS THE HEART OF THE TEAM," he uttered. "SHE HAD AN UNCANNY ABILITY TO CARE FOR EVERYONE. SHE COULD MAKE FRIENDS WITH JUST ABOUT ANY INDIVIDUAL SHE MET. WHENEVER SOMEONE SUFFERED, SHE TOOK A PIECE OF THAT PAIN WITH HER, AND RESOLVED TO END IT TO THE BEST OF HER ABILITY."
After a brief pause, Alpha felt moved to continue. "She was always optimistic," he murmured, "She believed in all of us so much. Her faith made you feel like you could move mountains."
Silence fell, as each dwelled on his own thoughts. The silence was short-lived, however; the alarm claxons shrieked to life, shaking everyone out of his reverie.
"What's going on?" Justin demanded, shouting over the loud alarm.
"Aye yi yi!" Alpha shrieked, "The sensors have picked up a teleportation signal in Angel Grove!"
"THEN THE UNEASY PEACE IS AT AN END," Zordon realized. "ALPHA, BRING UP A VISUAL OF OUR VISITOR."
The small robot huffed. "I can't! The destination was right outside the Angel Grove Power Plant, but I'm not reading any unusual life signs. I can't scan inside the complex, either."
"Why not?" Justin wondered.
"THE GENERATOR INTERFERES WITH THE SIGNAL, CREATING TOO MUCH SENSORY STATIC TO DETECT ANYTHING CLEARLY." His tone turned grim. "IF A MALEVOLENT BEING WERE TO DO SOMETHING TO THE POWER PLANT, THE DESTRUCTION COULD POTENTIALLY TAKE HUNDREDS OF LIVES."
"Then let's get going!" the Blue Ranger determined, digging for his Turbo key.
"We can't contact the Rangers," Alpha noted, pointing to the Viewing Globe. "They're in the procession to receive their diplomas! We'll have to wait until the ceremony's over."
Justin's face lit up with inspiration. "Why don't I run interference in the meantime? That way, we can make sure the bad guys don't do any damage until the cavalry comes."
Zordon frowned. "WE CANNOT ANTICIPATE WHAT SORT OF BEING YOU MAY ENCOUNTER, JUSTIN. IT IS UNWISE TO SEND A SINGLE RANGER ALONE IN SUCH A SITUATION." He then turned to Alpha. "BRING UP TOMMY'S LOCATION ON THE VIEWING GLOBE."
Alpha's pudgy fingers flew across the controls. "He's driving a racecar at the Stone Canyon Speedway."
"You can't interrupt him now! What if he gets into an accident?"
Zordon considered the boy's argument. It was potentially fatal to distract the Red Ranger while he was driving at such speeds. "FINE. JUSTIN, GO TO THE POWER PLANT."
Justin pumped his fist in excitement.
"BUT KEEP IN MIND; YOU CANNOT TELEPORT INTO OR OUT OF THE PLANT. ALPHA CAN SEND YOU TO THE ENTRANCE, BUT ONCE INSIDE, WE CANNOT HELP YOU. I URGE YOU TO TAKE EVERY PRECAUTION. SEEK OUR VISITOR, AND DETERMINE THE THREAT. DO NOT ENGAGE IT IN BATTLE UNTIL TOMMY ARRIVES."
Justin nodded firmly, lifting his wrist into the air. "Mountain Blaster Turbo Power!"
oooOOOooo
"That takes care of that…" Kimberly breathed, dusting her hands. The explosive sat nestled within the piping grid surrounding the generator, the detonator set for thirty minutes.
Although she knew next to nothing about power plants, finding the generator was rather easy. It only took about ten minutes of walking, and the absence of any technicians in the area, thanks to the automation of much of the plant, made her search even easier.
She straightened her body, feeling the weight of her bow beneath her cloak. She had to admit, she was a little disappointed. None of the Rangers showed up.
She'd been thirsting for a battle for three weeks, and on her first mission to Angel Grove, it looked like no one paid her any mind.
She leapt gracefully from her perch, somersaulting until she reached the ground. After straightening her cape, she began walking at a casual pace.
Suddenly, a loud clang and subsequent whistle rang in her ears.
oooOOOooo
Stupid, stupid, stupid! Justin berated, clinging to the pipe hanging over his head. How could I be such a klutz? None of the others are klutzes!!
Granted, none of the other Power Rangers experienced a growth spurt of over a foot when morphed. While the Power did compensate for his new center of gravity, allowing him ease of motion with ultra-long limbs, he had yet to get used to being over six feet tall and one hundred eighty pounds.
He had leapt onto some thin piping, trying to close the distance between himself and the black-clad intruder without giving himself away. He'd attempted to climb above it, and get a view of what it was up to.
Unfortunately, he neglected to factor in the added weight of a full-grown man's body.
The piping snapped off, forcing him to cling to the nearest protrusion that could support his weight. The broken pipe collided with other arms of the web of metal, causing a grating crash that seemed deafening in the relative silence that preceded it. Then, the loud whistle of the escaping steam put the Blue Ranger's teeth on edge.
Gosh… I hope this steam isn't toxic or-
His thoughts gave way to a yelp of pain as something seared his strained hands. Unable to maintain his grip, Justin slipped off the piping, colliding with the lower network of metal until he finally succumbed to free fall.
He groaned as his body hit the concrete floor.
"Well, well, well… I was hoping for a bit of company, but I really wasn't expecting to find the Junior Power Ranger playing in a jungle gym."
Justin shook his head to clear the fuzz, and jumped to his feet. He'd heard that voice before…
"No way!" he exclaimed.
The last child of Maligore smiled wickedly, throwing her arms out theatrically. "Ta da!"
oooOOOooo
"That kid's unbelievable, Jeff."
The racer nodded his agreement, watching in awe as the colorful racecar shuttled down the track at a phenomenal speed.
When Tommy appeared at his doorstep two weeks ago, he looked utterly lost. He looked like his entire world had crumbled around him. He looked like he needed to get away.
So Jeff gave him the keys to his race car.
He loved his sister's adopted son like his own. Tommy had turned out to be a terrific young man. Smart, respectful, strong, handsome; there was just so much to be proud of. Plus, Jeff never got around to "settling down" himself… nor did he intend to. Racing was in his blood; he could never stop moving. He raced on the track for work, then he raced on the waves for sport. Frankly, Tommy was his legacy.
He thought his nephew would get a kick out of sitting behind the wheel of a real "hooked-up" Pro Stock car. Most teenage boys did. Take the driver's seat, maybe run a few laps at fifty or sixty MPH, waving at some imaginary chick in the stands. Once in a while, a boy would be brave enough to gun it passed eighty.
So when Tommy pulled the car onto the speedway and topped off a one-twenty, Jeff's chin nearly hit the leather seat he was glued to.
For a moment, Jeff saw his life pass before his eyes. Flying down the track with an inexperienced, crazy driver! The kid only had his license for two years!
But he'd been wrong. Tommy kept his composure the entire time, his jaw setting with a fierce determination Jeff rarely saw… except in the mirror right before a big race. His hands were steady on the wheel, he glided around the turns with deceptive grace, and his eyes remained fixed on the roadway.
And suddenly, Jeff Rush had realized he was in the presence of something great.
"Unbelievable… and then some," Jeff agreed, tapping his soda can against the rail. "It's not every day that a kid rolls out of bed with the skills to control a car pushing one-fifty." He took a long sip, finishing off the soda, and then fixed his companion with grim eyes. "But his heart isn't in it. That kid's never been a party-boy, but now he's being really grave. Even for him."
Artie, his good friend and mechanic, frowned thoughtfully. "Didn't you say he was dating that athlete that disappeared last month?"
"I thought so, but Lil tells me they broke up months ago. When she found out her son'd been coming out here to race, she made me swear up and down not to even bring it up."
Artie whistled quietly, clicking his stopwatch as the car completed its final lap. "Damn… he beat his personal best by eleven whole seconds! And with only two weeks of racing? If he keeps this up, by the time the Keystone Nationals roll around-"
"Don't even think about it, Art," Jeff interrupted.
Artie's eyebrow rose. "Why not?"
Jeff shook his head adamantly. "Like I said, his heart isn't in it. He needs a distraction, and I'll let him play games for now. But I'm not putting any more pressure on that boy's shoulders than there already is."
"You could at least mention it to him," Artie argued, "He just got outta school… what's he doing this summer? He might want to join us!"
"He won't." Jeff jerked his head toward the track. "C'mon… I'll show you what I mean."
The two men made their way down to the track. They found Tommy climbing out of the car, pulling off the helmet.
"Congrats, Tommy!" Jeff greeted. "You beat your old record by eleven seconds!"
Tommy shrugged. "Thanks."
Artie blinked. "That's incredible, Kid!" he pointed out, "You're a natural!"
The young man offered a wan smile. "Just beginner's luck, I guess."
Artie turned his wide-eyed stare to Jeff, who just grinned a silent 'I told you so.'
It was clear Tommy had no love, or even genuine interest, for racing.
Then what the hell was he doing out there?
The sudden sound of his watch beeping stole Tommy's attention. His eyes widened, as if a shot of life was suddenly injected into his body. "Uh… I'd better get going. I didn't realize how late it was!"
He quickly high-fived his uncle, and waved at Artie. "I'll see you guys later!"
Artie smirked, folding his arms. "Something sure lit a fire under his kiester!"
oooOOOooo
Tommy ran into the bathroom as if monsters were licking at his heels. After quickly peaking beneath the stall doors, he lifted his communicator.
Breathless from effort and anxiety, he managed to rasp, "Tommy here. What did you find?"
The hope in his voice was almost palpable. It had been over two weeks since he'd heard anything from Zordon.
But the alien's tone quelled his enthusiasm instantly. "TOMMY, SOMEONE TELEPORTED TO THE POWER PLANT APPROXIMATELY FIVE MINUTES AGO. I AM UNABLE TO IDENTIFY WHO IT IS, BECAUSE THE ENERGIES GENERATED BY THE FACILITY MAKE SCANNING IMPOSSIBLE."
Tommy frowned at the less-than-thrilling news. Though, at least it was something. "Can you tell from the teleport signature who it could be?"
"NO; ONLY THAT THE TELEPORTATION METHOD USED WAS MECHANICAL. A TELEPORT SPELL COULD TRANSMIT THROUGH THE DISTURBANCE CAUSED BY THE GENERATOR. BUT THAT IS NOT THE ISSUE. YOU MUST GO TO THE POWER PLANT IMMEDIATELY. JUSTIN HAS GONE AHEAD."
The Red Ranger's eyes widened. "By himself?"
"THE OTHER RANGERS ARE PARTICIPATING IN THE GRADUATION CEREMONY, AND THERE WAS AN IMMEDIATE NEED TO DETERMINE THE THREAT. JUSTIN LEFT WITH INSTRUCTIONS NOT TO MAKE HIS PRESENCE KNOWN UNTIL YOU ARRIVED."
Tommy nodded, his protective nature helping him focus on the immediate task. "I'm on my way."
"KEEP IN MIND, ONCE INSIDE THE FACILITY NO SENSOR, TELEPORTATION, OR COMMUNICATOR SIGNALS CAN TRANSMIT PROPERLY. YOU WILL HAVE TO LEAVE THE COMPOUND TO RETURN TO THE TURBO CHAMBER, OR CONTACT US."
"Got it."
"IF I DO NOT HEAR FROM YOU BEFORE THE CEREMONY ENDS, I WILL SEND THE OTHER RANGERS AFTER YOU."
"Thanks, Zordon. Can you teleport me there now?"
"BE CAREFUL, TOMMY."
With that last bit of advice, Tommy vanished from the men's room in a haze of vibrant red energy. When he re-materialized, he found himself just outside the high fence of the Angel Grove Power Plant.
He turned around, quickly scanning the area for signs of life. His hawk-like gaze passed the quiet parking lot, the abandoned security booth, and two video cameras perched on either side of the gate… both melted.
So whoever visited the plant has some firepower, he noted, his fist closing around his Turbo Key. And Justin is in there alone…
He jabbed the key into his morpher. "Red Lightning Turbo Power!!"
The power wrapped around him like electricity, charging his body with the strength and energy needed to face any foe. The red armor coated his body, durable enough to withstand almost anything evil could throw at it.
Once the transformation was complete, the Red Turbo Ranger raced across the pavement and leapt over the twelve-foot gates without breaking stride. He somersaulted through the air, landed in a deep crouch, and bolted off again, his features blurring as his pace broke the sound barrier.
Caution be damned, the facility was simply huge! He'd never find anything sneaking around like some cat burglar. And without the communicators working, or emergency teleportation available, Justin wouldn't have been able to seek any help if he needed it.
A sudden disturbance urged him to a stop. At supersonic speed, he couldn't make out any sounds, but he'd seen a strange mist collect above him.
Once he stopped he heard the grating whistle of steam escaping.
A piece broke, he realized, Someone was here…
He stalked carefully, approaching a machine fenced within layers of piping. Whatever it was, it certainly looked important.
Before he could investigate, a dull thud made him jump.
"Justin?" he murmured, his voice carefully measured. He waited a moment for a response, but when none was forthcoming, he hurried in the direction the sound came from.
He gasped, his mind whirling in disbelief, when he found a blue form propped bonelessly against the far wall.
"Justin!" he cried, falling to his knees beside his teammate. There was blood everywhere… cuts up and down his arms, legs, and torso. Tommy felt his stomach flip at the sight of blood dripping onto Power Ranger armor.
And he was under five feet in height.
"Justin!" Tommy repeated, unlatching the cracked blue helmet. He held his breath, steeling himself for what was potentially a horrifying sight.
Thank God…
The boy was breathing, although shallowly. His eyes were closed, and while blood dripped from the corner of his lip, his face was unmarked.
He was alive.
"Justin, can you hear me?" Tommy leaned closer, brushing the boy's long bangs from his eyes. "I'm getting you out of here."
Somewhere in the labyrinthine plant, whatever devil did this still lurked.
Tommy gently leaned Justin over his shoulder, gripping him tightly with both arms. Careful not to jostle the injured boy, he rose to his feet.
"Sorry, Tommy, but you've got far more pressing matters to take care of before the pipsqueak gets his band aid."
Tommy froze, his eyes widening as his sluggish mind recognized the voice that mocked him. Deep, sultry, and just dripping with such vile wickedness his skin began to crawl.
Suddenly, Tommy found no power in his knees. He laid Justin back down, careful not to injure him further, and raced to the center of the room.
It can't be…he thought, though his heart had never beat faster. His mind whirled in a daze… he couldn't tell whether he should be leaping for joy, or sobbing in despair.
The monster had nearly killed Justin.
It was about to kill him.
He took deep breaths, his every sense alert for even the slightest sound or motion. The delay was almost maddening.
Then, finally, a sound filled the spacious room, echoing in the empty air.
Heels clicking.
She emerged from the dense piping, a heavy black cloak sweeping around her petite frame. Black vinyl covered her arms and legs, and a gilded black bustier hugged her waist and chest. Soft brown waves framed her face, tumbling against her shoulders and gleaming in the fluorescent light.
But what was most disturbing was her face… painted lips twisted into a saccharine smile, and ferocious, fiery red eyes staring right through him, promising worlds of pain and retribution.
Retribution for sins he never intended to commit.
"Hello, Tommy," she murmured, casually strolling toward him, "Miss me?"
Kimberly…
He couldn't find the breath to speak her name.
To Be Continued…