Chapter Three –

Jenny Owens' eyes sparkled as she laughed. The trees' green leaves seemed to bring out the life of nature. They seemed to stretch so far upward that they reached the heavens. The flowers smelled like sweet honey on a clear day. The grasses dew sparkled in the early morning sunlight, bringing out the life in the grass. The lake and pond waters shone as the sunlight touched them and when she looked in it, the water was crystal clear. This is what Heaven's going to be like. she decided as she walked. She stopped to smell a rose, then looked around at the different displays of life in this little place. There was every kind of flower she could even imagine. There were roses, dandelions, tulips, sunflowers, daisies, azaleas, lilies, violets, black-eyed susans, and magnolia flowers. She looked at the trees. There were seemingly endless trees that reached as far as the eye could see and beyond. There were Fir trees, Cyprus trees, Oak trees, Pine trees, Maple trees, Dogwood trees, redwood trees, Magnolia trees, and evergreen trees. She looked at the crystal-clear water that reflected her image just perfectly. There was no other place she'd rather be than here. It was perfect. Beyond perfect. She just wanted to stay here forever. She continued walking down the garden path, admiring the flowers, all different and creative, each in its own way. She sighed. Nothing else could make her happier. She looked over to the right, where Alex, her boyfriend, was walking alongside her, holding her hand. She looked at him and continued to look at the variety of flowers. He smiled back and squeezed her hand. She looked at him again and smiled. Yes, it's perfect. she thought as he leaned in to brush a kiss against her cheek.

***

Darkness loomed over her like a veil. The shadows filled the night, creeping up like a wave that never seemed to stop. The dark stain filled the sky and the ground. The only source of light was from the specks in the sky that seemed impossible to count. She shivered as the cold wind rushed by her. She looked up at those white specks, that seemed to reach as far, and maybe even farther than her eyes could see. She blew out a breath and she saw her breath rise up in a cold mist in front of her face. Yes, it was a cold day. A really cold day. An unusually cold day. But maybe that was her imagination. It was November after all… She didn't usually mind the cold, but today seemed…different. Everything seemed out of place. She didn't know why. Everything seemed vague, and her vision was blurry. She felt sick, felt like she had a hangover. She felt like she was going to throw up any minute now. She began to run. Then increased her pace, running faster, her breath coming out harder the faster she ran. She hoped she'd make it in time. Before something really bad happened. Her stomach felt like it was on fire, the flames eating away her body slowly. She felt like she couldn't hold it in any longer. She had to hurry…or else…

She stopped typing and re-read what she had written. Yes, it fit perfectly with what she had planned. She grinned, showing her perfect teeth. She couldn't wait until tomorrow…until she could unleash her plan. She couldn't wait to put her plan into action. Time was short and it was about to get even shorter. She couldn't wait to see their faces when they realized what horrible sins they had committed. They would soon realize that they couldn't escape His great power and that they would suffer for their sins. She grinned. Everything was going according to His plan.

The dark alleyway loomed ahead. Its shadows casting an evil eye everywhere she looked. She glared back at the shadows, trying to conquer her fear of what was yet to come. She shivered as she imagined the scene. Crimson stains coated her, making her skin turn red. Those stains left their death marks as she placed her hand on a tree, trying to get a moment's rest, before falling over roots and stumbling in this never-ceasing darkness. The crimson stains shed their tears; making her legs numb, weak; her arms swollen; her hair tousled everywhere; her entire body vulnerable. She tried to keep going but she didn't have the strength. The tears kept flowing, never going to stop, never going to waver. The tears were transformed into puddles, small puddles as they flowed. Those lifeless tears that would soon end her life. Well, threaten to end it. Maybe she could stop it. Or so she wished. She wanted, needed to get out of this place. This should never have happened…

The darkness slowly lifted, revealing a misty fog that covered the tops of the trees that surrounded her. Emily McCants sighed as she watched the thin rays of light that stretched across the sky, reaching as far as the eye could see as the glowing globe rose higher into the sky, conquering the shadows. The sunlight sprinkled through the fog, lighting up the entire sky with a soft, warm glow. The fog lessened to reveal a gradual golden light that began to slowly creep up over the horizon, making the fog glow in the bright light before the fog surrendered to the light, lifting like a veil, to vanish into thin air.

She heard the crunching of the leaves underneath her feet as she walked. She felt the cold yet calm chill of the wind as it sent a wave through her hair. She smiled. She actually liked it out here, where everything was quiet in the morning, no big city with too-much traffic and too much noise. It was good to wake up at the sound of the birds singing instead of the honking of horns blasting in your ears. She whistled and a black and white collie trotted to her side. She stopped to pet the dog then continued to walk, the dog trotting alongside her. She watched as the dog sniffed at a branch, the turned its head away, looking disgusted, like it had just smelled a skunk. Emily laughed as the dog perked its ears up, then ran off into the woods. She continued to walk, enjoying the way the trees were placed, how the birds and squirrels made the small forest seem even livelier as the sun came out. She wished she had this feeling of joy all the time. But soon it would be time to head back and face reality once more.

It was cold, always cold. It was dark, always dark. The air was stale, the room small. The ground was concrete that hurt his feet when he walked on it. The walls were grim with bloodstains on them. Rusted chains hung from one end of the wall. Outside in the hallway, he heard the chatter of the other prisoners. He never talked to them; they were all on crack or just really stupid. All they talked about was how miserable their lives were and how they wished they could be back in their homes with their families. How did someone like him end up in a place like this? He heard footsteps coming down the hall. His eyes narrowed reflexively. When was he going to get out of here? That was if he even got out… Then the footsteps stopped. He opened his eyes as he saw a guard had stopped in front of his cell. At the sound of a turning key, the rats scattered. The rusted lock fell to the floor with a loud splash. The guard opened the door and stepped inside. She threw two knives at the chains from which Sean Walker hung. The rusted chains broke and he fell to the ground. He looked up at the guard, eyes filled with loathing. The guard kicked him in the ribs. He drew in a sharp breath but refused to react otherwise.

"Get up!" the guard ordered. "Follow me." She turned on her heel and started to walk out of the cell. Sean didn't move. He glared at the guard with distaste. The guard, noticing that Sean wasn't following her, stopped. "Hurry up, you fool! Do you want to stay in this dump for the rest of your life?" Sean looked at the guard, then looked around the prison. He quickly made up his mind and jumped to his feet and followed the guard, trying to keep up with his fast pace.

"Where are you taking me?" Sean asked as he walked.

"The Mistress has summoned you. You are to be under her care now." The guard explained. Sean thought a moment.

"What's her name?"

"You'll see." Came the reply.

"What's she like?"

"You'll see soon enough." The guard snapped as she stopped in front of a regular-looking door.

"Get changed." She ordered as she threw some clothes at his feet. Sean obeyed and was dressed in five minutes. The guard looked him over, gave a satisfied nod, then motioned for him to follow her again. They stopped in front of another regular-looking door. The door opened and the guard left. Sean stepped cautiously inside to see a woman who was dressed in jeans and a t-shirt. She had long, honey-colored hair that flowed down her back and stopped at her waist. She looked up at Sean and grinned.

"Well, well, well…if it isn't Sean Walker. Isn't this a surprise? Who thought the good 'lil boy would be stuck in jail? Certainly not me." Her emerald green eyes sparkled. Sean looked at her with disbelief.

"Savanna?!" He almost shouted as he ran forward to hug her. She laughed as she hugged him back.

"It's good to see you!" he smiled.

"Same here." she smiled back as she sat down and motioned for him to sit.

"So, have you been in touch with them?" Sean asked casually, hoping that she had. Savanna sighed.

"Well," she began, "The last time I heard from Jenny was…oh what was it…two months ago? No, make that three. And Hailey…five months."

"Oh." Sean breathed out.

"But they're doing good. I'm supposed to fly in to visit Emily tomorrow. Maybe you could come with me?" It wasn't really a question, but Sean happily agreed. Savanna typed something into her computer, then nodded to Sean. "Ok, it's a deal." She smiled.

As Sean got up to leave, he hesitated.

"Yes?" Savanna asked, noting his hesitation.

"What did I do to deserve this? I was in jail an hour ago and now I'm going to meet old friends like nothing's happened. What's going on here?" Savanna sighed.

"Ok, here's the deal. We need you to come help us with this…special case."

"Involving Jake Marstone." Sean grimaced at the name. Savanna didn't seem to take notice.

"You're fast." Savanna grinned.

"Well, what are we waiting for?" Sean asked, trying to lighten up the mood, as he jumped out of his chair.

"One more thing Sean." Savanna said, face grim.

"What?" Sean asked impatiently, eyeing Savanna cautiously. Savanna took a deep breath as she took out a piece of paper, her hands shaking. Sean took the piece of paper and found that his hands were shaking also. Sean looked at the piece of paper and gasped.

After returning from her walk, Emily sighed. She looked at the clock. It was two-thirty. Everyone is supposed to be here at six. she thought. A tremor of excitement coursed through her blood. It's been seven years since she saw everyone. She couldn't wait! She walked into the kitchen, flipped open a cookbook, and looked at some recipes. Hmm… What should I cook for dinner tonight?

The darkness lifted to reveal a soft light that crept up the mountains and shone brilliantly over the calm, crystal-clear waters. It was a great day to take a walk outside. She looked around at the fog-covered trees, the soft glow of the sun, and the sheer miracle that only He could create. She walked down the front porch, put on her shoes, and walked down a leave-covered path. Yes, Fall was the best time of year. It was the time when all old things began to fade away; the perfect time to execute her plans. Well, make that His plans. She was just a mere pawn in the game, but she didn't mind. As long as He sees my light shining for His glory, I'm sure he'll accept me. After all, I am the Chosen One. The killer thought as she grinned. Yes, the time was creeping nearer.