Chapter Fourteen

Marcie knocked gently on the door, standing back for a moment waiting for it to swing open. Joe Buchanan opened the door, stepping aside. How are you doing?

Marcie nodded slowly. Day by day I guess. she said I wanted to thank you for everything you did for me... letting me stay with you and Jen.

The door is always open, Marcie, Joe smiled. You're always welcome here.

Marcie smiled. Is Jen here... or did she take off for the day?

She's in the bedroom Joe said. You can go on up there.

Marcie thanked him and made her way to the bedroom. she said knocking softly.

Jen placed the phone down and stood from the chair, opening the door. Hey... Marcie Jen said.

You OK? Marcie asked,

Yeah, yeah. I was just waiting on a call... from my mom. I'm just a little freaked out I guess. Madison... I mean it couldn't have happened to a nicer person but this guy killed Madison and Marissa in two days. Makes me wonder who's next.

Well you just have to remember not to go anywhere alone at night Marcie said. If we all stick together like that, we should be safe. She paused. You've got Reverend Joey. He wouldn't let anything happen to you.

You have your brother, Ron.

Oh... I don't have to worry. The killer's not coming after me. I don't fit his profile.

Jen looked at her. Marcie, you still have to be careful. Nobody's safe.

Marcie sighed going into her bag and handing over a skimpy tanktop. I just came by to give this back to you. I must have picked it up by mistake.



I thought you might miss it.



I've gotta go. Marcie was upset. The whole situation really tore at her. I've gotta.. go, Jen.

Jen said as Marcie abruptly turned and left the room. Marcie, come on. Marcie! Jen sighed, returning to the chair, sitting, taking hold of the telephone again, curling up, waiting for it to ring.



It was the doorbell, not a ringing phone that shook Jessica from her slumber. She placed the phone back in the cradle, standing very shakily and slowly approaching the door.

Natalie said. Jessica? Jess are you home? Jessica sighed in relief swinging the door open. Natalie said. You OK?

Yeah, I was just... waiting for Uncle Bo to call. He told me he'd call to see how everything was.

He'll call. Natalie said. He's probably swamped. She paused. I brought some stuff.

I appreciate you staying with me for a while.

Oh no problem. Natalie smiled.

Jessica walked back with Natalie into the other room and sat down again. I'm just a little freaked. I keep seeing Madison just lying there... she shivered. God it was horrible. And... I can't help the police. All I know is what happened with her and Michael...

John's brother Michael? Natalie said. Is he a suspect?

Jessica shrugged. I don't know. But everyone saw him arguing with Madison. He grabbed her...

He seemed like such a great guy. Natalie sat. I can't believe that he would kill anyone.

John doesn't think so either. Jessica said. But Uncle Bo really thinks that he did this.

John has another suspect?

I don't know. Jessica said. It's scary that The Music Box Killer could be somebody that we all know. Somebody we see everyday. Jessica shivered. It could be Michael, or Joey, or Kevin... or John.

Natalie defended. John is not the Music Box Killer. He's gonna find out who is... and we'll be safe. We'll all be safe and this'll be over. Natalie took a deep breath Uncle Bo is probably with John right now. That's why he hasn't called yet.

Or Uncle Bo could be the killer. Jessica curled up.

Natalie said. To many murder mysteries for you. Uncle Bo is not the killer. John McBain is not the killer. We don't know who the killer is, but it's not somebody we love. And it doesn't matter, because he is not going to get us. We are going to be OK. You need to relax. Natalie stood. Come on. I'll wake you if Uncle Bo calls. You need to try to sleep.

You'll wake me. she said

Natalie smiled. Come on. She led her to the bedroom, waiting as she fell asleep and then returned downstairs, curling up in the chair by the phone, falling asleep herself.