Alright okay. Chapter, um, let me check... okay. Now I know. I'm writing this way too early, so hopefully this chapter makes sense. It was supposed to be the second chapter in this story, but I forgot, then remembered, then forgot and now it's going to be Chapter 5.

Chapter 5 of Dangerous Memories

-The Symbolism of Red-

Kimiko's POV

Because of previous events, Raimundo and I both jointly decided to hire bodyguards. Yes, bodyguards. It may seem a little extreme, but at this rate, with the amount of fear I kept being on the receiving end of, I might not live past thirty.

Glancing out the window of my bedroom, I looked at the pool. It seemed different today, as if it held a different tint of color. But then I shook my head. I was imagining things too much lately. It seemed as i\f every creak and every noise in this house had a story. And believe me, there is a lot of them. I've been straining my ears for every out-of-place sound, half wanting to hear the noises, and half hoping silence would be the only noise at all. For the time being, I only heard house sounds. Normal run-of-the-mill sounds. That was definitely fine with me.

It had been two days since anything happened. No creepy poems, footsteps in the house, or people touching my lips. (Well, besides Raimundo.) Raimundo was still asleep. I knew it was because he had been taking every precaution to keep me safe, and he's been up half the night worrying about me.

Giving an inward sigh, I made my way downstairs, pausing in the parlor, where I turned on our plasma screen television, and began watching the news. Weather, then some minor news reigned for the first 10 minutes. Now, the channel was focusing on a story that happened two days ago. Apparently, in an area not far away from this house, a mid-20's man had been killed. At the time, he was going by James Matthews. His throat had been slit. I flicked off the TV, not wanting to watch anymore. Whoever this James person was, I knew that I had it better off then he did. Even with all the things that were happening to me, I didn't have any of near death experiences. Yet.

Raimundo's POV

I had already checked the bodyguards I had posted on each corner of the house, aligning the perimeter. Everything seemed to be in order, and hopefully, this stalker would stop his shit long enough to let the professionals catch him. I did feel skeptical of all that was happening. The guards were a last resort, because I really did not want any of them to get hurt. Most of them had wife's and families, but they were putting themselves in danger by being here. It was at least, good to know that some people were not total slime like the person Kimiko had been dealing with as of late.



Scanning my eyes across the expansive area of our home, I remembered that Kimiko had gone upstairs to change into her bathing suit. Something about it being a really good day for a swim and tan. It was pretty hot out today, but I'm sure that most of my day would consist of staring at a computer screen. I was really admiring Kimiko's strength right now. She was doing her best to show me that none of this was bothering her. I knew she didn't want me to worry about her, but it had always been the first instinct I felt with her, even when I first met her. I always wanted to keep her safe and protected, and for the most part, I wasn't doing too good of a job lately.

Hoping Kimiko was outside by now, I walked out the sliding doors to the pool. Typical. She wasn't there yet. Looking at the pool, I immediately noticed that it was a blood red. Almost like someone had poured gallons of red food coloring into the pool. At least I hoped it was food coloring. One thing was for sure, Kimiko was not swimming in the pool. In fact, I didn't want her anywhere near the pool. Darting my eyes around the area, I noticed a slip of paper held down by a small rock. Quickly making my way over to it, I grabbed it, and stuffed it into my pocket just as Kimiko came out.

I watched as she looked at the pool. "Um, Rai...is there a reason the water is red?" She asked, not sounding the least bit suspicious.

Coming over to her, I also studied the water. "You know," I said, "I think the filter is broken, something red probably got into the water. Chemicals maybe?"

Kimiko gave a frown. "Dammit. Today really is a good day for swimming." Sending her eyes up, she gazed at the sky, her aviator sunglasses absorbing most of the sun's rays.

"How about you go to the bookstore?" I asked, wanting her out of the house if something was about to happen. "It's always cool in there."

She tilted her head, giving thought. "Well...okay." After a moment, she asked, "Are you doing anything today?"

I ran a hand through my hair. "I have lots of paperwork I really should be doing right now."

"Okay then. Listen, there's a street festival coming up, so I thought maybe we could go?" Kimiko told me, giving me an irresistible smile.

"Of course we can go," I replied, putting my arm around her.

Kimiko's smile widened. "Good, I'll get a flyer when I go out today, so you can clear up any meetings."

Always the planner. "Alright. Now go and get ready, or you won't make it to the bookstore in time." Then I gave a pause.



Kimiko noticed. "You want me to take someone with me right?"

Caught in the act. "I'm just worried about you. It would put me at ease to know your not alone."

Kimiko gave a soft smile. Putting her arms around me, she said, "I know your worried about me. You always are. And it's really sweet." Giving me a kiss, she pulled away. Walking a few feet from me, she called out again. "It's a good thing someone's coming with me. I need someone to carry all the books I'm going to buy."

I laughed, as she gave me an easygoing smile. "Be careful, okay?" I yelled after her.

"I will." She said, giving me some reassurance, as she closed the sliding door behind her.

When she was gone, I pulled the paper out of my pocket.

What else is red? What is red anyways?

A color or a fear?

Deep Red? Blood Red?

Or passionate red?

-Tivt

Yes. I was definitely happy Kimiko hadn't seen this. For the umpteenth time I asked myself just what the hell was going on. This person was taking stalker to a whole new level. I was seriously going to hurt this guy. Makingmy way to the entrance of the house, I began talking to the head guard.

Kimiko's POV

"All ready," I said, standing on the porch.

Raimundo gave a grin. "Don't have too much fun."

I laughed. "Don't worry. I will."



Walking to my purple convertible, I was followed by a trusted guard. I felt kinda bad for him. I was liable to spend the whole day just in the bookstore. I got in my car, as my 'shadow' did the same. We drove in silence. I mean, it was kinda awkward. I drove fast, wanting to get out of this position as soon as possible. Reaching the bookstore, I parked, and got out. Going immediately to the Manga section, I began piling books into my hands. My guard graciously offered to hold some. I had to think which volumes I already and didn't. The guard didn't complain, which made me feel good. Going to the Coffee Café in the back of the store, I ordered some coffees. I had a rather large pile of books. Good thing my parking spot was right by the entrance. Telling my 

guard that I had to go the bathroom, and that he didn't need to come with me, I began walking to the side of the store. Reaching the bathroom, my phone gave a small ting. Someone had sent me a text message. Leaning against the wall, I open the message.

You looked really good in your bathing suit

Maybe we can go swimming sometime

Be careful not to stay in the sun too long

Or you could burn : )

It was signed Tivt. Suddenly, the bathroom seemed like it was shrinking. Running out the door to the area where I left my bodyguard, I got a cold chill. He was gone. Grabbing my purse, and leaving my books, I searched all around the bookstore and then did so again, just to be sure I wasn't imagining things. I felt exposed being by myself. I really hoped nothing happened to him on my account. Looking twice more, I was getting increasingly frantic. Deciding he could get back on his own, I ran to my car, and went way past the speed limit the whole way home.

Arriving at the house, I found Raimundo in the back of the house, fixing the pool. Seeing me, he stood up. "Kim, your home."

"Raimundo, I lost my guard." I said, unsure how to say what happened, and wanting to get right to the point.

He gave a smirk. "Lost him? How?"

I frowned. "I think something happened to him. I got this text message right before he disappeared. And I didn't just lose him in the bookstore. I checked all around four times!"

"It's alright. I'm sure he's fine. Can I see the text message?" He asked.

"Showing him the message, he frowned. "Why don't we call him. All the guards have a cell phone." Following him to the front of the house, I expected the worse. Getting the number, we called him. No answer. We tried for the next 10 minutes, and nothing. There wasn't much we could do, except wait.

? ? ? POV

"You really think your capable of protecting Kimiko? Is that what you think? Well, crack up job you did. I could've taken her at anytime, although that time is fast approaching." I gave a malicious laugh. "Some guard you proved to be! Here's your pay."



Unmercifully, I beat him to the extent of my ability. Too bloody really, for my taste. I liked them screaming. But this man refused to give me the satisfaction. Rat bastard. I finally stopped, when he was inches away from dying. That fucking cell phone of his wouldn't stop ringing. In disgust, I smashed it against the wall. Probably his keepers trying to check up on him. Pulling out his 

wallet, I took his money. I had a special night to prepare for. Seeing a photo of what I assumed was his family, I stuck it in his face.

"Is this your wife? Oh, and some kids? Too bad you won't ever see them again." My voice was as cold as ice. With that last parting exchange, I left him there. And if someone didn't find him soon, that would be the end of him. Permanently.

-

--

I was crying at the wife and children part. The thing is, there really is people so malicious right now. I hope you like the story still. Four or five chapters left, depending how I split it. I was feeling particularly hurtful. I made a decision last night about something I've been pondering for a while. So we'll see. I was wondering if more people wanted RaiKim or more suspense or half of both. So tell me. Oh one more thing, this story should have a cool fan name, if anyone can think of one.

-RaiKimLover