EPILOGUE--UNPLEASANT SURPRISES
At midnight, a man and a woman casually strolled down the busy city street toward their residence just a few short blocks away. They had attended a show at a nearby theatre and it had let out about five minutes ago. There weren't very many people milling about at this time of night, but they recognized a few couples walking arm-in-arm who had attended the same show. They tried to see a show at least two or three times a month, always walking to and from the theatre, never giving a thought as to what they were doing, what time it was, or that they might be in some sort of danger. It wasn't such a smart idea to be walking around in such a large city at this time of night, but they were basically asking to be attacked. However, they were convinced that nothing could touch them; they were young and thought they were invincible. Thousands of stars in the sky seemingly shined just for them as the heat of an early summer night embrace them intimately. In a few months, the heat would be stifling, but right now, it was completely tolerable.
Every few seconds, one or the other of them would stop and examine something insignificant hanging behind a glass window. We must be insane window shopping at midnight in this city, she thought. Oh well. I don't care. I want to spend a quiet night with this man I love so very much. I don't see him a whole hell of a lot as it is. In a few days, he would leave her again, and she always hated seeing him go. He never seemed to stay long enough to suit her. The brief respites were driving her insane and when he was home with her, she literally couldn't keep her hands off him.
After gazing at several pieces of overpriced furniture, she tugged him forward. She wanted to get home as soon as possible. Just gazing at him by the starlight was turning her on tremendously. However, he had other ideas. He took hold of her hand and drew her back. Letting out a mock irritated sigh, she stopped and came back around to look at what had caught his interest.
"I didn't think they still made those. Did you," he commented, chuckling.
"Nope, but I'd like to touch it, just to make sure it's real. It seems to be from another time, you know?"
He looked at her as if she'd lost her mind. "Why in the hell would you want to touch a washboard? You are one sick woman," he said with a warm smile.
"If you bought it for me, we could…ah…experiment with it."
"You can't be serious," he said, laughing.
"You never know about me." She slapped him playfully on the arm. "Look, you goof. It's a music store. People actually use these to make music. Incredible. Now, if you'll come along, we can make our own music."
More eager than ever to get home, she grasped his hand tightly to move him along. However, as much as he, she saw something that caught her eye. It was an old-fashioned baby crib. Sighing, she said, "Oh my God. That is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."
His hold on her hand suddenly tightened. "Are you trying to tell me something," he asked suddenly, suspiciously.
She rolled her eyes. "No, I'm not pregnant. I just think it's beautiful. We could buy it and use it later," she said, smiling up at him.
It was his turn to smile. "Maybe."
They walked on and could see the lights leading up to their residence. They were eager to get inside. Not only was it hotter than hell outside, but they were also hotter than hell for each other. It wasn't quite practical to make love out on the city street, not unless they wanted to get arrested. Of course, they weren't above a little exhibitionism here and there, but they weren't quite in the mood for that, either. They had some patience and could make it inside. Or at least they hoped they could.
When she turned to dig her keys out of her pocket to unlock the door, she could feel his hands on her shoulders, sliding down her back, and settling on her buttocks. God. He couldn't wait to be alone with her. She turned toward him with an admonishing smile that seemed to say; if you'll stop touching my ass for five minutes, maybe I'll get the door unlocked and we can get to it. He smiled wickedly and backed up, raising his hands as if he were surrendering to her. That's a good boy. She finally dug her keys out of her skintight blue jeans [she wore them to drive him nuts, he was certain of this]. Before she had even had the key inserted into the lock, she heard a soft grunt followed by a hard thud of a body. When she turned to see if it was her love who fell, someone very lithe and fast grabbed her from behind. She felt one hand digging into her shoulder as the assailant's arm went around her throat. She then felt the unmistakable biting sting of a knife at her throat. A viper like mouth came down to her ear and spat the most venomous of all poisons in the world.
"I told you I would get you."
Glancing down at her love one last time, she was certain that those seven words would be the last she would hear again.
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FINIS [or is it?]
A/N: Many thanks to Serena for suggesting this lil plot to me. A basic idea simply took off like a morning glory vine. I owe ya. Also, thanks to Shelley, Serena, and Deana for reading my ramblings and offering suggestions. You guys are the best! Finally, I appreciate each and every person who has left feedback, be it negative, positive, or neutral. I'd list everyone's name here, but I sorta feel like a person who has won an Oscar and can't shut up after the music has begun to play!