Chapter 2

Even at this late hour, people could be seen while the motion of lights gave a vitality in contrast to my melancholy feelings. I keyed in my entry code to the building and climbed up the few flights to the third floor corner apartment. It had been a nice find with windows that overlooked a bustling corner giving me a glimpse of New York City Life. Even the welcome mat outside my apartment door with its cheery "Hello" failed to brighten my mood. I keyed in the code to my rental and pushed the door open. Maybe I should have taken a girlfriend with me on this trip. I heard the roar of the city and a light passed acrossed my face from the window. I thought I had closed the drapes. I blinked and looked at the window. The curtain was pulled back and light was eclipsed by a dark shape …, was that the dark shape of a man in my apartment? I felt my apprehension rise as he turned. I took the coward's move and went low to the ground to hide behind the couch. Should I have turned on the lights? Ah idiot, I should have gone back into the hall and called the police. I strained to hear him. No change in sound, save the traffic. What should I do? It was a studio apartment so this was it, no sneaking to another room for me. I should try for the door. Maybe he didn't notice me. Yeah sure, he didn't notice you opening the door. I sprang up and sprinted to the door only to run smack into a bony frame. I screamed and then a hand was clamped over my mouth while another arm came around my middle. I was going to die, a New York City tourist statistic. I wiggled and squirmed every which way, but he was strong.

'Shh,'' his voice sounded near my ear. "I won't hurt you."

I felt the opposite and I struggled harder.

"Cease," he commanded and held me more firmly against him.

My mind was racing with all the possible outcomes, none of them good for me. The hand over my mouth became slick with my tears of frustration. I sagged against him, hoping for a release.

"I can't let them find me," he whispered gently.

He was now holding me up, supporting me. It was such an intimate connection to someone I didn't know. I wanted space but his hand was still across my mouth. Mucus had built up in my nose and I struggled to breath. I tried to pull at his arm. But his grip was strong, his fingers were long, wrapping easily across my face. "I cannot allow you to scream and draw them here"

Softly and gently his voice began to sing, surrounding me and as if casting a spell I felt my fears fade.

XXX

Thank you for reading.