Danger Lurks in the Shadows
*******************
Chapter Two: The warning
He felt like he was floating. It was like being in a state of dreamless sleep, devoid of any nightmares. However, as moments passed on, his head felt heavier and heavier by the minute. He slowly became aware of his surroundings. He felt the pounding in his head get worse and worse. He forced his eyes to open, in spite of the blinding light that shines on his face. When he opened his eyes, he was greeted with an unfamiliar sight.
"Sir, can you hear me?" Beside him, a blond woman stood. "Can you tell me your name?"
He blinked several times before the whole scenario registered on his mind: she was a doctor, and he's in a hospital. 'Oh shit. What have I gotten into?' He furiously looked at his surroundings, and thought of a quick escape. Obviously, he had none. He then decided to resist being treated. "I'm fine, really. I really don't need anything but some band-aids." He nodded, as if to convince them. "Really big ones, probably." He muttered. The woman looked at him as if he was crazy. "You don't understand. I need to go." He pleaded.
"Why don't you just relax, sir," a soothing voice said. 'How am I getting out if this one?' His mind screamed at him to do something. "Abby!" he suddenly cried out. "Abby! Where's Abby?!"
Susan turned around and gave Abby a curious look. "Do you know this guy?"
"No," Abby quickly answered. She looked around her and realized that everyone in the room was giving her a funny look, including Carter. "C'mon, guys. It must have been another Abby!" she exclaimed with a little laugh.
The man's eyes went wide. "No, Abby! It's me, Will, remember? We were neighbors." He said almost pleadingly. 'This is my only chance.'
Abby's jaw dropped. "Wi-Will? William?" She rushed to his side. She tried to remember the Will she knew back then. His pale blue eyes, sandy blond hair, thin and gangly body, and that sweet smile he always had. Looking at the man before her, recognition hit her as she saw those same eyes, hair, and that warm smile. "Will!" she exclaimed with recognition
'Good. I need to do this fast.' He grabbed her hand and pulled her close, surprising her. "Listen," he whispered to her. "I need you to do me a favor, please." He reached for something into his pocket and shoved into her hands. 'Keep this safe for me." Their eyes locked and for second, Abby sensed the urgency in his eyes. He released her as Susan and the other nurses attend to him.
***********************
Abby sat on the couch with a cup of coffee in hand. On the table was the strange package she received from Will. She just got off five hours ago and headed straight to her apartment, with the package tucked inside her bag. She didn't bother to look at it. Considering the events of that day, it was a little too much to handle. She took a sip from her mug, her gaze glued to the package. She sighed as she put down her mug, walked over to the table and picked up the package.
"What's this?" she asked aloud as she noticed a small paper attached to it. She flipped it open, and scribbled inside was a name of a local motel and a room number. 'Must be where he's staying.' She folded it again and tucked it into her pocket. Her gaze now fell on the package she held in her hands. It was rather small, wrapped in a brown envelope. She hesitated a moment, unsure on whether to open it or not. In the end, she decided to take a peek. Her heart raced as she carefully open it. The suspense mounted by the second, and her hands trembled slightly as she open it. All of a sudden, the door opened and Carter walked inside.
"Hey," he greeted her. "I got some Italian food on my way home," he announced as he took of his coat.
Abby felt like her heart has lodged itself in her throat. "Um, yeah, Italian is good," she stammered.
"Are you alright?" he asked, his eyebrows furrowed.
"I'm fine," she answered with a small laugh. "You almost gave me a heart attack. I didn't hear you coming."
Carter set down the food on the table. "Sorry," he said as he turned to her. His eyes fell on the small package Abby has in her hand. "What is that?"
"Uh, a friend asked me to hold on to this for a while."
"When you say friend, do you mean the one who was screaming for you last night?" He cocked an eyebrow.
"Yeah." She said with a slight nod.
"Well can we see it?" He asked excitedly.
Abby shook her head. "It's probably nothing important, really. Besides, I don't think he wouldn't mind if we snoop around his belongings, do you?" she smiled at him. She hated lying to him. They promised each other that there'll no secrets between them, but in Will's case, she couldn't resist.
"If you say so," he conceded, faking a hurt tone. Abby rolled her eyes. He smiled at her playfully. "If I didn't know better I'd say you already took a peek at it yourself."
"Very funny, John," she answered dryly, as she tried to hide the guilty look. "Hey, could you set the table? I forgot something in the bedroom."
"Yeah, sure," Carter answered. He walked towards the kitchen and rummaged around to set the plates. Abby made her way towards the bedroom. She quietly closed the door behind her, and sat on the bed. As fast as she could, she tried to open the package without damaging the envelope. When she finally got the thing open, her heart stopped. 'A disc?' Her excitement felt like it was flushed down the toilet. Inside was a disc, not unlike the ones played on stereos. She scolded herself. 'Nice going, Abby. What did you expect, a bomb or something?' She took a careful look at the disc once more. 'How the hell could this thing be important?' She shrugged as she put it back. When she was sure that it was neatly in place, she went out of the room.
"You ready?" Carter asked from the kitchen.
Abby walked over to the couch once more. "Just a sec," she called out as she placed the package on the table by the couch.
Carter emerged from the kitchen. "Everything all right?"
"Yeah." Abby answered with a smile. "I'm starving. Let's eat."
*************
"Tell me something about your friend. William, right?" Carter asked. They were on the bed, with Carter's arm wrapped around her waist. Abby, who has her back towards Carter, turned around to face him.
"Uh huh, but it'll probably bore you." she answered.
"Try me."
She looked at him uncertainly. "I don't know where to start."
"How about when and how you met him." He suggested.
It took a beat before she answered. "Well, my brother and I met Will when we were kids. I was probably around nine, or ten years old." Carter nodded and signaled her to go on.
"They moved to the house across the street. I don't know why, but we instantly became friends." Abby smiled as she remembered the times they shared together. "We made our own base, behind the bushes, and we sometimes stay there until his mom screams for him to go home." Her smile was suddenly replaced with a look of sadness. "Eric and I used to hide in there when my mom had her episodes."
Carter looked at her sadly as he stroked her face. He knew that relieving her childhood was especially hard on her.
"Anyway," she continued. "Years later, his parents suddenly decided to move, and I haven't seen him since then."
"It must be nice to see him again."
"Yeah, it is." She looked at him for a moment. She slowly leaned over and gave him a light kiss on the cheek. "Goodnight, John." She snuggled close to him and closed her eyes.
Carter smiled. He also leaned over and gave her a light kiss. "Sweet dreams, Abby," he whispered to her ear before he fell asleep as well.
**************
Abby awoke to the sound of the phone ringing. She glanced at the clock; it read 6:30. Beside her, Carter started to stir. 'Shit, I'm gonna be late!'
"Ignore it," he said sleepily as he tried to pull her back to bed.
Abby smacked him with a pillow. "John, it's already six-thirty. Wake up." She got up and looked for the phone.
"I'm not on until nine," he murmured. He buried his head on the pillows. Abby walked out of the room and picked up the phone. The line went dead just as she answered it.
"Who was it?" Carter asked from the bedroom.
Nobody. It hung up," she called out.
She quickly made her way to the bathroom, and twenty minutes later, she was all set. She rummaged around for her keys.
"I'm going, John," she called out after she found her keys.
"Okay," he answered from the bedroom. "Be careful, Abby."
************
Hi, can you connect me to the room of William Reed, please? He was admitted last night." Abby said as she talked on the phone.
"One moment, please," the woman from the other line, answered. "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid he has checked out already, against doctor's advice of course."
A look of disappointment passed over Abby's face. "I see. Well thank you anyway." She put down the phone. A few moments later, the phone rang. Frank looked at her expectantly.
"Well, aren't you gonna answer it? You might as well since you're standing right beside it." Frank stated.
Abby held up her arms. "Wasn't part of my contract," she said with a smile.
Frank grunted in reply. "County," he answered. "It's for you," he said, shoving the phone in her hand. "I told you to answer it. I'm not your goddamn secretary."
Abby dismissed him with a wave of her hand. "Hey," she greeted.
"Abby, it's me, Will," he answered urgently. "Listen, I need another favor. Remember that small package I gave you? I need you to mail it for me, please."
"Uh, sure, where?" Abby replied. Will dictated the address and she scribbled it down on a piece of paper.
"Okay, I'll mail as soon as I get home." She told him.
"No, you don't understand Abby. It needs to be mailed now!" he exclaimed.
Abby was surprised by the tone of his voice.
"I'm sorry," he apologized. "I just really need it to be mailed. Please Abby, would you help me?"
"Okay," she finally answered. "I'll do something about it. Listen, why don't you call me at home later?" She gave him her number, after which he quickly hung up. Abby looked at the watch and picked up the phone again.
**************
Carter ran around the house like crazy. He looked at the watch; it was forty minutes past nine. 'Weaver's gonna kill me for this!' He walked over to bedroom, and few seconds later emerged with a small envelope in hand. The phone ringed and he rushed towards it, putting the envelope at the table beside the couch.
"John, it's me," Abby said from the other line. "I need you to drop by the post office and mail something for me."
"Are you kidding?!" he asked incredulously. "I'm going to be late! Again!"
"John, I really need this." She pleaded. "Please? I'll make it up to you, promise."
"Alright, alright." He sighed. "What is it?" he asked.
"The small package on the table by the couch. I need you to mail it to this address." Abby quickly gave out the address and hung up.
When he looked over the table, his face fell. He unknowingly placed the envelope side by side, which was a bad idea, since they both looked exactly alike. "I don't have time for this," he exclaimed. He quickly grabbed one of them and scribbled an address. He picked up the other one, ripped it out of the envelope. When he saw that it was a cd without a name, he quickly tossed it on the box beside the radio, which was also full of cds. 'I guess I'll deal with my cd later.' He quickly bolted out of the room.
************
Abby hurriedly left for home once her half-shift ended. The ride on the El was uneventful, as usual. She thought about stopping by the grocery store, but in the end, she realized she just wanted to get home, relax, and enjoy a hot bath. As she neared the door of her apartment, she fantasized on how to spend a relaxing evening. She was pulled out of her thoughts when she heard the phone ringing. Quickly, she opened the door to her apartment, and grabbed the phone by the table.
"Hello?" she said as she answered the phone.
Will never bothered to greet her. "Did you mail the package?" he sounded impatient.
Abby frowned at his rashness. "Yes, this morning." She answered tightly.
"Good," he said, relieved, although his voice still sounded urgent. "Listen, Abby," he started. In the background, Abby heard the sound of hurried footsteps. "I need to tell you something."
"Is something wrong?" she asked. She walked over and collapsed on the couch. Will gasped in the background.
"They're here, Abby, they're here!" he whispered. She was surprised when suddenly he sounded so frightened. "They were after me Abby, and now they'll be after you." He quickly confessed.
"What are you talking about?" she asked. She was beginning to get scared, and shot out of the couch.
"I'm so sorry to have involved you in this," he apologized sincerely. The footsteps sounded very near now.
"Stop it, Will. you're scaring me." She pleaded nervously.
"Don't trust anyone!" he whispered. "Trust no one but you, Abby!" She heard his heavy breathing. "They pretend to be cops, neighbors, or someone part of your life, but they aren't. They could even get to your friends." He sighed, sounding defeated. "Be careful, Abby, and know your friends from foes. Don't talk to anyone about this, or they'll get involved too. I'm so sorry that I got you involved."
"What are you talking about?" Abby worriedly demanded. She paced back and forth the living room.
"Shit! They're here!" he exclaimed. Abby heard the phone dropped. In the background, she heard a door burst open.
"Will, what's happening? What's going on?" she pleaded. No one answered her pleas.
"I don't have it, I swear!" Abby heard Will scream in the background. She held the phone so tight her knuckles turned white. Her heart furiously pounded in her chest. Something inside screamed at her to do something, but in her mind she knew she couldn't. She waited, dreading the terrible things that deep inside she knew she was about to hear. However, nothing could have prepared her for the things that happened next. "No, no, no!" Will screamed. Abby's flew to her mouth and a gasp escaped from her lips, as three popping sounds echoed, followed by a low moan. The phone fell from her grasp, and bounced on the floor. Tears rolled down her face, as blackness engulfed her.
**************
Please, tell me what you think. I made this as long as I could because it might take a while before I post the next chapter, probably around Friday. I'm kind of busy at school right now, so I hope you understand. ^_^
By the way, thanks for the tip. Could you suggest someone? I really appreciate it. ^_^
Thanks!
*******************
Chapter Two: The warning
He felt like he was floating. It was like being in a state of dreamless sleep, devoid of any nightmares. However, as moments passed on, his head felt heavier and heavier by the minute. He slowly became aware of his surroundings. He felt the pounding in his head get worse and worse. He forced his eyes to open, in spite of the blinding light that shines on his face. When he opened his eyes, he was greeted with an unfamiliar sight.
"Sir, can you hear me?" Beside him, a blond woman stood. "Can you tell me your name?"
He blinked several times before the whole scenario registered on his mind: she was a doctor, and he's in a hospital. 'Oh shit. What have I gotten into?' He furiously looked at his surroundings, and thought of a quick escape. Obviously, he had none. He then decided to resist being treated. "I'm fine, really. I really don't need anything but some band-aids." He nodded, as if to convince them. "Really big ones, probably." He muttered. The woman looked at him as if he was crazy. "You don't understand. I need to go." He pleaded.
"Why don't you just relax, sir," a soothing voice said. 'How am I getting out if this one?' His mind screamed at him to do something. "Abby!" he suddenly cried out. "Abby! Where's Abby?!"
Susan turned around and gave Abby a curious look. "Do you know this guy?"
"No," Abby quickly answered. She looked around her and realized that everyone in the room was giving her a funny look, including Carter. "C'mon, guys. It must have been another Abby!" she exclaimed with a little laugh.
The man's eyes went wide. "No, Abby! It's me, Will, remember? We were neighbors." He said almost pleadingly. 'This is my only chance.'
Abby's jaw dropped. "Wi-Will? William?" She rushed to his side. She tried to remember the Will she knew back then. His pale blue eyes, sandy blond hair, thin and gangly body, and that sweet smile he always had. Looking at the man before her, recognition hit her as she saw those same eyes, hair, and that warm smile. "Will!" she exclaimed with recognition
'Good. I need to do this fast.' He grabbed her hand and pulled her close, surprising her. "Listen," he whispered to her. "I need you to do me a favor, please." He reached for something into his pocket and shoved into her hands. 'Keep this safe for me." Their eyes locked and for second, Abby sensed the urgency in his eyes. He released her as Susan and the other nurses attend to him.
***********************
Abby sat on the couch with a cup of coffee in hand. On the table was the strange package she received from Will. She just got off five hours ago and headed straight to her apartment, with the package tucked inside her bag. She didn't bother to look at it. Considering the events of that day, it was a little too much to handle. She took a sip from her mug, her gaze glued to the package. She sighed as she put down her mug, walked over to the table and picked up the package.
"What's this?" she asked aloud as she noticed a small paper attached to it. She flipped it open, and scribbled inside was a name of a local motel and a room number. 'Must be where he's staying.' She folded it again and tucked it into her pocket. Her gaze now fell on the package she held in her hands. It was rather small, wrapped in a brown envelope. She hesitated a moment, unsure on whether to open it or not. In the end, she decided to take a peek. Her heart raced as she carefully open it. The suspense mounted by the second, and her hands trembled slightly as she open it. All of a sudden, the door opened and Carter walked inside.
"Hey," he greeted her. "I got some Italian food on my way home," he announced as he took of his coat.
Abby felt like her heart has lodged itself in her throat. "Um, yeah, Italian is good," she stammered.
"Are you alright?" he asked, his eyebrows furrowed.
"I'm fine," she answered with a small laugh. "You almost gave me a heart attack. I didn't hear you coming."
Carter set down the food on the table. "Sorry," he said as he turned to her. His eyes fell on the small package Abby has in her hand. "What is that?"
"Uh, a friend asked me to hold on to this for a while."
"When you say friend, do you mean the one who was screaming for you last night?" He cocked an eyebrow.
"Yeah." She said with a slight nod.
"Well can we see it?" He asked excitedly.
Abby shook her head. "It's probably nothing important, really. Besides, I don't think he wouldn't mind if we snoop around his belongings, do you?" she smiled at him. She hated lying to him. They promised each other that there'll no secrets between them, but in Will's case, she couldn't resist.
"If you say so," he conceded, faking a hurt tone. Abby rolled her eyes. He smiled at her playfully. "If I didn't know better I'd say you already took a peek at it yourself."
"Very funny, John," she answered dryly, as she tried to hide the guilty look. "Hey, could you set the table? I forgot something in the bedroom."
"Yeah, sure," Carter answered. He walked towards the kitchen and rummaged around to set the plates. Abby made her way towards the bedroom. She quietly closed the door behind her, and sat on the bed. As fast as she could, she tried to open the package without damaging the envelope. When she finally got the thing open, her heart stopped. 'A disc?' Her excitement felt like it was flushed down the toilet. Inside was a disc, not unlike the ones played on stereos. She scolded herself. 'Nice going, Abby. What did you expect, a bomb or something?' She took a careful look at the disc once more. 'How the hell could this thing be important?' She shrugged as she put it back. When she was sure that it was neatly in place, she went out of the room.
"You ready?" Carter asked from the kitchen.
Abby walked over to the couch once more. "Just a sec," she called out as she placed the package on the table by the couch.
Carter emerged from the kitchen. "Everything all right?"
"Yeah." Abby answered with a smile. "I'm starving. Let's eat."
*************
"Tell me something about your friend. William, right?" Carter asked. They were on the bed, with Carter's arm wrapped around her waist. Abby, who has her back towards Carter, turned around to face him.
"Uh huh, but it'll probably bore you." she answered.
"Try me."
She looked at him uncertainly. "I don't know where to start."
"How about when and how you met him." He suggested.
It took a beat before she answered. "Well, my brother and I met Will when we were kids. I was probably around nine, or ten years old." Carter nodded and signaled her to go on.
"They moved to the house across the street. I don't know why, but we instantly became friends." Abby smiled as she remembered the times they shared together. "We made our own base, behind the bushes, and we sometimes stay there until his mom screams for him to go home." Her smile was suddenly replaced with a look of sadness. "Eric and I used to hide in there when my mom had her episodes."
Carter looked at her sadly as he stroked her face. He knew that relieving her childhood was especially hard on her.
"Anyway," she continued. "Years later, his parents suddenly decided to move, and I haven't seen him since then."
"It must be nice to see him again."
"Yeah, it is." She looked at him for a moment. She slowly leaned over and gave him a light kiss on the cheek. "Goodnight, John." She snuggled close to him and closed her eyes.
Carter smiled. He also leaned over and gave her a light kiss. "Sweet dreams, Abby," he whispered to her ear before he fell asleep as well.
**************
Abby awoke to the sound of the phone ringing. She glanced at the clock; it read 6:30. Beside her, Carter started to stir. 'Shit, I'm gonna be late!'
"Ignore it," he said sleepily as he tried to pull her back to bed.
Abby smacked him with a pillow. "John, it's already six-thirty. Wake up." She got up and looked for the phone.
"I'm not on until nine," he murmured. He buried his head on the pillows. Abby walked out of the room and picked up the phone. The line went dead just as she answered it.
"Who was it?" Carter asked from the bedroom.
Nobody. It hung up," she called out.
She quickly made her way to the bathroom, and twenty minutes later, she was all set. She rummaged around for her keys.
"I'm going, John," she called out after she found her keys.
"Okay," he answered from the bedroom. "Be careful, Abby."
************
Hi, can you connect me to the room of William Reed, please? He was admitted last night." Abby said as she talked on the phone.
"One moment, please," the woman from the other line, answered. "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid he has checked out already, against doctor's advice of course."
A look of disappointment passed over Abby's face. "I see. Well thank you anyway." She put down the phone. A few moments later, the phone rang. Frank looked at her expectantly.
"Well, aren't you gonna answer it? You might as well since you're standing right beside it." Frank stated.
Abby held up her arms. "Wasn't part of my contract," she said with a smile.
Frank grunted in reply. "County," he answered. "It's for you," he said, shoving the phone in her hand. "I told you to answer it. I'm not your goddamn secretary."
Abby dismissed him with a wave of her hand. "Hey," she greeted.
"Abby, it's me, Will," he answered urgently. "Listen, I need another favor. Remember that small package I gave you? I need you to mail it for me, please."
"Uh, sure, where?" Abby replied. Will dictated the address and she scribbled it down on a piece of paper.
"Okay, I'll mail as soon as I get home." She told him.
"No, you don't understand Abby. It needs to be mailed now!" he exclaimed.
Abby was surprised by the tone of his voice.
"I'm sorry," he apologized. "I just really need it to be mailed. Please Abby, would you help me?"
"Okay," she finally answered. "I'll do something about it. Listen, why don't you call me at home later?" She gave him her number, after which he quickly hung up. Abby looked at the watch and picked up the phone again.
**************
Carter ran around the house like crazy. He looked at the watch; it was forty minutes past nine. 'Weaver's gonna kill me for this!' He walked over to bedroom, and few seconds later emerged with a small envelope in hand. The phone ringed and he rushed towards it, putting the envelope at the table beside the couch.
"John, it's me," Abby said from the other line. "I need you to drop by the post office and mail something for me."
"Are you kidding?!" he asked incredulously. "I'm going to be late! Again!"
"John, I really need this." She pleaded. "Please? I'll make it up to you, promise."
"Alright, alright." He sighed. "What is it?" he asked.
"The small package on the table by the couch. I need you to mail it to this address." Abby quickly gave out the address and hung up.
When he looked over the table, his face fell. He unknowingly placed the envelope side by side, which was a bad idea, since they both looked exactly alike. "I don't have time for this," he exclaimed. He quickly grabbed one of them and scribbled an address. He picked up the other one, ripped it out of the envelope. When he saw that it was a cd without a name, he quickly tossed it on the box beside the radio, which was also full of cds. 'I guess I'll deal with my cd later.' He quickly bolted out of the room.
************
Abby hurriedly left for home once her half-shift ended. The ride on the El was uneventful, as usual. She thought about stopping by the grocery store, but in the end, she realized she just wanted to get home, relax, and enjoy a hot bath. As she neared the door of her apartment, she fantasized on how to spend a relaxing evening. She was pulled out of her thoughts when she heard the phone ringing. Quickly, she opened the door to her apartment, and grabbed the phone by the table.
"Hello?" she said as she answered the phone.
Will never bothered to greet her. "Did you mail the package?" he sounded impatient.
Abby frowned at his rashness. "Yes, this morning." She answered tightly.
"Good," he said, relieved, although his voice still sounded urgent. "Listen, Abby," he started. In the background, Abby heard the sound of hurried footsteps. "I need to tell you something."
"Is something wrong?" she asked. She walked over and collapsed on the couch. Will gasped in the background.
"They're here, Abby, they're here!" he whispered. She was surprised when suddenly he sounded so frightened. "They were after me Abby, and now they'll be after you." He quickly confessed.
"What are you talking about?" she asked. She was beginning to get scared, and shot out of the couch.
"I'm so sorry to have involved you in this," he apologized sincerely. The footsteps sounded very near now.
"Stop it, Will. you're scaring me." She pleaded nervously.
"Don't trust anyone!" he whispered. "Trust no one but you, Abby!" She heard his heavy breathing. "They pretend to be cops, neighbors, or someone part of your life, but they aren't. They could even get to your friends." He sighed, sounding defeated. "Be careful, Abby, and know your friends from foes. Don't talk to anyone about this, or they'll get involved too. I'm so sorry that I got you involved."
"What are you talking about?" Abby worriedly demanded. She paced back and forth the living room.
"Shit! They're here!" he exclaimed. Abby heard the phone dropped. In the background, she heard a door burst open.
"Will, what's happening? What's going on?" she pleaded. No one answered her pleas.
"I don't have it, I swear!" Abby heard Will scream in the background. She held the phone so tight her knuckles turned white. Her heart furiously pounded in her chest. Something inside screamed at her to do something, but in her mind she knew she couldn't. She waited, dreading the terrible things that deep inside she knew she was about to hear. However, nothing could have prepared her for the things that happened next. "No, no, no!" Will screamed. Abby's flew to her mouth and a gasp escaped from her lips, as three popping sounds echoed, followed by a low moan. The phone fell from her grasp, and bounced on the floor. Tears rolled down her face, as blackness engulfed her.
**************
Please, tell me what you think. I made this as long as I could because it might take a while before I post the next chapter, probably around Friday. I'm kind of busy at school right now, so I hope you understand. ^_^
By the way, thanks for the tip. Could you suggest someone? I really appreciate it. ^_^
Thanks!