Author's Note: I'm not sure if people are receiving chapter updates. Just hoping for some more feedback, as was little disappointed in the feedback of the last chapter. Also, please let me know what you think of the recent chapter of Dark Dreams. I like to hear what you think, thank you!
Warning - mention of child molestation.
Chapter 3
Despite feeling her curiosity to ask her father questions about their planned day out at the park. Katherine had kept her questions to herself. Her father had seemed in a buoyant mood, and she didn't want to change his cheery disposition. A little smirk kept playing at his lips throughout the evening as he made their dinner, as though he was planning something. Was he hoping to meet the newcomer on their day out? If so, would he approach him and talk to him? She knew that her father would speak to Donald Thompson or another adult from the street about any new people in town. And on the odd occasion he would introduce himself to the new arrival. Just like he did with Michael Turner's father last year. But if this new guy really had hurt children where he last lived, would her father hurt him? Before this new guy could get the chance to do anything to her. He had always promised that he would protect her. Maybe he would warn the man to keep away from her.
She trotted into the bathroom after waking up and saw her father standing at the mirror. He was used a thin sharp shaving blade to lightly drag over the thick shaving gel that was smeared over his chin and part of his cheeks. He glanced down at her as she strolled past him and pulled over a small wooden stool that she normally used to stand on and was her face.
Freddy grinned and lightly shook the foam from the blade in the pool of warm water in the sink. "Morning, baby"
Katherine hopped onto the stool and beamed back, "Morning daddy"
He reached up to trail the edge of the razor along his chin, skimming over the skin to graze away the edges of his light blond stubble. Katherine watched in quiet interest as he did so. Her jaw was slightly agape as he repeated the action a few more times. Most of the foam was wiped away. Leaving his skin smooth and clean. He took a fleeting glance as he finished off a few areas around his chin and cheeks. A broad smile grew across his face. "What is it?"
"How can you do that so easily daddy?" She asked.
"Plenty of practice" He winked at her and reached into the soapy foamy water to pull out the black plug. "Now, brush your teeth and wash your face. I have your clothes set out for you. I want to make sure you look lovely today"
He washed his hands, and she began to lift her white toothbrush to brush her teeth. After spitting out a mouthful of toothpaste residue she grabbed a small oval shaped bar of soap and twisted on the cold and hot water taps. She zealously rubbed the bar of soap in her palms under both streams of water and then made a lather of bubbles in her hands. Her brown eyes snapped closed, and she rubbed the soap into her face, over her chin, cheeks and forehead. Then plunged her hands under the water cupping the together to gather the water before splashing the warm liquid over her face, once then twice. She then quickly dried her face and ventured down towards her father's room. Just like every morning he preferred to dress her in his room.
She found him sitting at the dresser facing the bed. Neatly strewn on the bed was her outfit for the day. Bright lemon dress with a lace rim at the edge of the dress and matching lace trim collar. Around the waist was a thin white silk band that was tied at the back in a bow. There was also a pair of knee length white socks, fresh pair of white cotton pants and white cardigan decorated with yellow bows stitched into the white cotton fabric. Her usual footwear were her black baby janes. She obediently stood before her father and waited his instructions.
"Come on strip off" He commanded.
Katherine took a deep breath. Despite stripping in front of him hundreds of times, it still unnerved her and made her skin crawl with aversion. But she had to obey. Her hands trembled as they trailed down her thighs to the rim of her nightdress and swept the garment over her overstretched arms in one swoop. Her eyes darted to her father as his vacant eyes roamed over her bare chest and down over her stomach to the apex of her thighs.
Freddy slowly curled a finger at her back and forth. "Come here"
She shifted uneasily on her bare feet and moved towards him. When she was in arms reach his lean arms curled around her back tugging her body in between his opened legs. He murmured quietly to himself as his palms lightly ran down the arch of her spine towards the edge of her pants. Her mouth trembled and she felt him tilt his head to the right as his lips brushed over the curve of her neck, inhaling her scent with a low moan.
Katherine clamped her eyes shut and squeezed back her tears.
Please don't do anything. Not now.
She wouldn't be able to endure going out to the park if he were to touch her now…
Freddy mumbled softly against her flesh. "You're mine…." His lips kissed brusquely against her neck and his fingers began to slide down under the rim of her pants. But before he could go any further…
Krueger. Now is not the time…
His lips gave her neck one last bruising kiss, and he growled in disdain. As much as he hated to admit, those voices were right. It wasn't the right moment to touch her. They both had a long day ahead of them. There was always the opportunity tonight.
Reluctantly he lifted his head from the crook of her neck and studied her blushing shaking face. "Sorry baby. I was just a little excited to see you"
Katherine sniffled back her tears and nodded.
"You know that no-one else is allowed to touch you. But me. You understand that don't you?"
"I know daddy" Katherine whispered quietly. "You said that the boys will use me"
He smirked cruelly. "That's right. Bring me over your clothes. I'll get you ready and then we'll go to the diner for breakfast"
"Really? We're going out to the Craven Inn?" Her eyes quickly brightened at this piece of news.
"Yes. You can get anything you want"
"Can I get a milkshake after my breakfast? A strawberry milkshake?" She asked, "Please?"
"Yes, now get your clothes. C'mon" He flicked his fingers towards the clothes. She spun on her heel and trotted over to the bed grabbing the clothes and within minutes she was dressed. With her brown locks tied back in her normal pigtails with the red ribbons.
Freddy suddenly pulled her onto his lap and lightly tipped her chin upwards. Making direct eye-contact with her. "Today I need you to do exactly what I tell you"
She nodded against his palm.
"When you are in the park, I'm allowing you to go into the playground. I know that you will be nervous being around the other children. But you need to be brave. You need to do this for me" He stared intently into her big brown eyes. They began to brim with tears. A flicker of fear sparking in her eyes. He knew that she detested being around the other children. The only times she would have ventured into the playground was when there were only a few children playing inside or if it was empty. Today would be very difficult for her if there was a large crowd of those brats there. He knew that her confidence had been shaken throughout the last few years. He had a part to play in it, of course. But the recent bullying, especially by those little bitches Lucy and Melanie also caused her confidence to wane. However, those little whores were dead. Their corpses not but ash in the boiler room.
He heard his daughter softly clear her throat as she timidly asked. "How long will I be able to stay in the playground for?"
"As long as I tell you too. I will be sitting at one of the picnic tables outside the playground. I'll be close by and will give you a little signal to let you know when to come to me" He tenderly trailed his fingers over the rim of her chin, soothing her as she exhaled softly.
"What kind of signal?" Katherine asked.
"I'll light up a cigarette"
She quicky nodded.
"Like I told you yesterday, I want you to keep an eye out for that man. The newcomer to the town. He should be there with his dog" He saw her bottom lip quiver slightly. "Don't worry, you'll be fine honey. If he comes near you, I want you to pretend to be curious about his dog. Try and really get a good look at him"
"Uh, what if he talks to me?"
"Don't reply" He stared sternly at her. "And if he asks you to go with him, what do you do?"
"I go straight back to you" Katherine responded swiftly. She felt her hands shake and she sucked in her bottom lip as her eyes began to brim with fresh tears. "Daddy, I'm going to be scared"
He drew her into a comforting hug, and she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck. Snuggling her sobbing face into his neck. "I know baby. But I also know that you are so brave. Just remember who you are doing this for. You're doing this for your daddy. For me"
He felt her head nod against the curve of his neck, and he nudged her backwards, seeing her cheeks wet with tears. She tremblingly took a long deep breath and exhaled. "Okay daddy. I'll do it"
Freddy smiled with pride. "That's my girl"
…
10.30am, Craven Inn….
The Diner was bustling with activity. Saturday morning was normally a busy day for the establishment. This morning was no different. All the red leather booths were occupied, by boisterous groups of teenagers or families. Tucked at the back of the diner beside the large jukebox Freddy and Katherine sat huddled close as they finished their breakfast of bagel, eggs and bacon. Katherine eagerly sipped at her strawberry milkshake. In front of her was a large multi-coloured magazine with the name Jack and Jill written in bright yellow letters. The pages were opened in the middle were five small various word puzzles, words search, and a crossword designed for children her age. She had just completed the previous page that had several maths and multiple-choice questions on a few topics she had recently been taught in school. Her father had told her about a few months before Christmas that as much as he loved her being interested in art and exploring her artist side. He wanted her to focus more on her academic side and had urged her to attempt numerical puzzles and word searches. He had said it would help her improve her grades and after last months' school report and teacher meeting, she discovered he was right. Her grades had improved significantly. To her surprise she was enjoying it too. It also helped her self-confidence. Freddy saw it more than just a self-confidence of her. It was a way he could show her that she was more important than the other children. She was a Krueger after all.
Freddy took one last gulp from his coffee and peered down over Katherines left shoulder as she slowly drew a thin line around a word that she discovered. It stretched down diagonally from left to right. It spelt out – Wonderful. And then she scribbled out the word on the list beside the large rows and columns of letters. He smiled and praised. "Good girl, Kat"
She twisted her head around towards him and grinned. Then turned her attention back to her word search. Freddy saw two figures approaching the counter to his left. it was Donald Thompson and his Lt James Garcia. He was hoping to bump into those two fuckers and it was stroke of luck that they were here. It would be common knowledge that there was a newcomer to Springwood. It was a small town; news would travel fast. But did Thompson know about Bob Stevens? And if so, what? Freddy pushed his mug of coffee to the side and whispered to his daughter. "I'm going to pay for our breakfast. Just stay where you are. I'll be back soon"
Katherine quicky looked up from her word search and gave a quick nod.
Freddy rose to his feet and weaved his way around the various silver tables towards the counter. His right hand snaked its way into his back pocket to pull out his wallet. He gave a thinly lipped smile at Donald. "Good morning, Sheriff"
Donald turned to face him. Forcing an amiable smile in return. "Good morning, Fred"
Garica gave a polite nod in Fred's direction.
"Have you heard of the new guy to the town?" Freddy asked quietly.
Donald took a step closer and lowered his voice. "Yes, I have. Have you?"
"Just from what I heard in work. He works the night shifts. He just started a few weeks ago I believe" Freddy counted out several dollars and handed them over to the waitress.
"Have you met him?" Garcia questioned.
Freddy shook his head. "No, I'm just curious. I have heard rumours about town. I just wanted to know if it's true" His gaze flew towards Katheirne as she continued to work at her puzzles. "I'm concerned about what I heard. For Katherine's safety"
"Well, I had made some enquiries with the Lancaster Police. And they believed that this guy did commit the crime. But due to lack of physical evidence and the young child wouldn't testify, Bob Stevens was allowed to walk free" Donald lowered his voice to a whisper.
Garcia took their two large Styrofoam cups of coffee and stepped up beside his boss.
Freddy nodded slowly. "That's what I heard too. Do you have any idea where this guy lives?"
"Unfortunately, no. It's all we need though. Another suspected child predator coming to the town" Donald said grimly. He took a pensive, inquisitive glance at Freddy's face. Trying to discern any flicker of emotion. But his face was impassive. Not a twitch of his lip or eyes. "Though, I have noticed that there were a few rental signs that have been taken down over the last month or two. Some of them were near Elm Street. At the back of your row of houses"
"The other side of the water tower?" Freddy titled his head to the side, instantly becoming interested. He knew that the row of houses that backed onto the alleyway was Sycamore Drive. Could the fucker be living right behind his house?
"Yes. But as I say, I'm not sure where exactly this new guy lives" Donald shrugged. His eyes roved over towards Katherine. Her head was bowed as she focused on her magazine. "Just be wary when you are out with your daughter. Keep her safe"
Freddy followed Donald's gaze and held back a sneer. How dare the asshole look over at her. If he had the opportunity, he would gouge out his eyes. He clenches his fists tightly behind his back and strained his lips to pull upwards into a pleasant smile. "I will. Thanks"
Donald nodded as Freddy spun abruptly on his heel and made his way back towards his seat beside his daughter. Once at her side the young girl shuffled closer to him. As Donald took his coffee from Garcia, he kept taking quick glances over at Freddy. The man was now whispering to Katherine who giggled softly and snuggled into his red and green sweater as he draped his right arm over her shoulder.
He suddenly felt a small nudge in his ribs as Garcia whispered. "What is it, sir?"
He blinked sharply and whirled towards his Lt, shaking his head. "Nothing. I'm just thinking"
"What about?" Garica took a curious look over at the Krueger's as he followed Donald out of the diner.
"Nothing. I'm being paranoid" Donald muttered. He took a little sip at his coffee as his mind began to drift. A barge of thoughts ran through his mind. He always knew that there was something off about Fred Krueger. He was always aloof and distant. Donald remembered a few occasions whenever Fred was out with his wife and daughter to the local neighbourhood barbeques or fun days in the park that Fred would abruptly trail his family home without an explanation. Loretta wouldn't argue and silently left like she was afraid to voice her opinions.
But ever since his wife 'supposedly' left him, his demeanor was even more detached. He was more overprotective towards his daughter Katherine. And as for the little girl, her mannerisms had changed dramatically. More so after the last three years. She was now timid, quiet. A sense of anxiety always seemed to grip her whenever she was playing in the park. She was jumpy and full of fear. Maybe she was being bullied. However, from what Nancy had told him, Katherine never played with anyone. She was isolating herself from everyone.
Donald sighed as Garcia drove their marked police car through the winding streets of Springwood. Maybe the toll of the several years was catching up on him. Was he suspecting his neighbour in his wife's disappearance? But why would he hurt her? If Loretta really did leave him as he said, why would he not bring her daughter with her? He never came across a martial break up where the mother left the child with the father. Something was wrong with the situation, and he was going to find out what it was.
Freddy gestured for his daughter to fold up her magazines. She tucked them under her arms, but asked a question before they left their booth. "Daddy, does Sheriff Thompson know about the man who moved here? Does he know that he hurt that little girl?"
"Yes, he knows" He rose to his feet and pulled on his long brown trench-coat, "This is a small town. News travels fast here, baby"
Katherine grasped his hand as he led her out of the diner and within a matter of minutes they were driving towards the park. The feeling of nausea curled inside Katherine's stomach as they finally parked in one of the free car-bays. As he looked down at her Freddy began to reassure her. "Don't worry, sweetheart. You'll be okay. Just remember what I said"
She inhaled sharply and nodded. Forcing a smile, she exited the car and walked side by side with her father into the park…
The park was crowded with young families. Childish laughter echoed in the air. Dozens of young children their ages ranging between five and eleven years old ran and played either inside the large playground or partaking in a friendly game of tag on the various large grass lawns that were spread out around the park. A few undercover police men wandered sluggishly along the gravel paths that twisted and weaved throughout the park. Freddy and his daughter had arrived at a small picnic bench that was directly to the right of the playground. As he settled in his seat Freddy allowed his contemplative gaze to drift towards the cluster of children that were playing on the swings and slides. His predatory blue eyes darted towards two smartly dressed males as they wandered around the edge of the wired fence that encircled the playground. He knew that they were policemen despite not being dressed in their uniforms. It was becoming the norm for a few officers to patrol the parks during the weekend. No doubt they were under orders from that fucker Donald Thompson. Krueger knew it was another way to try and stop him from enticing the children to him.
It had been nearly two months since his last kill, and he was starting to become irritated. His eyes darkened beneath the rim of his fedora as he eyed a young girl aged no more than seven or eight years old as she wandered past holding her mother's hand. The rim of her light purple dress fluttered around her scrawny legs, and she absently reached under the dress to scratch her thigh. Inadvertently scrunching up the dress to under the edge of rounded ass. The tip of his tongue lightly skimmed over the edge of his bottom row of teeth as his eyes flickered towards her thighs, and he let out a deep breath, before turning his gaze back towards Katherine.
She glanced curiously took a glance at the girl as she passed and then back to her father. The look that crossed his face was one that she was starting to become familiar with. It was when she had asked him to take Lucy and Melanie away last autumn. His lips had twitched upwards into a menacing grin. The normal caring, devoted gleam that tainted his eyes had changed. Distorting into a malevolence, dark and twisted. A burning look of hunger, murderous hunger. Katherine knew that she wanted to take that girl away. She vaguely remembered her from the school playground. Her name was Cassandra.
"Now, Katherine"
Katherine blinked once as she focused back on his face as he smiled down at her. She took a few steps forward to settle in between his legs. "Here is some money" He placed a few one-dollar bills into her hand. "If you are thirsty, you can get yourself some lemonade from the kiosk or an ice-cream"
A small group of children, a mixture of boys and girls giggled as they ran past into the entrance of the playground. Katherine fearfully glanced over at them as she tucked the money into her right pocket of her cardigan. Several children scampered up the steps of the large multi-colored wooden jungle gym structure and broke out into small groups into various bridges that connected different parts of the structure that lead to a variety of steep metal slides. There were way too many children at the park today. How was she going to be able to cope without having a panic attack? Why was he asking her to do this?
Freddy watched her with attention, knowing too well she was having second thoughts. He had to reassure her again. "Katherine"
Her head whipped towards him, and she gulped hard. Her bottom lip quivered slightly. "Yes, daddy?"
"I know the park is busy" Freddy took a quick scan of the playground. A few young girls were kneeling at the far end of the park. They were drawing a large hopscotch design with numerous coloured chalks. "But you can do this. I know you can. I have faith in you, baby girl"
Katherine felt a surge of buoyancy swell through her and she nodded quickly.
"You know what to do, don't you?" He raised his eyebrows smartly.
"Yes" Katherine answered quickly
"Good girl" Freddy smiled and with a deft nod of his head, he ushered her forward towards the playground.
An hour later…
The metal creak of the chains of a swing echoed against the backdrop of children's giggles and voices. Katherine swung her legs back and forth as she propelled herself on her swing. Her hands gripped the metal chains tightly as a flutter of butterflies soared in her stomach. She let out a soft giggle and finally opened her eyes to gaze at the playground. For once in a long time, she felt happy being allowed to play in the park. Most of the children knew to avoid her. They knew who she was. An outcast, a loner.
Her stomach fluttered again as her seat surged forward and she slowly lowered her feet, allowing them to lazily hang underneath her. Soon, the strong swinging motion began to ebb, and the movement slowed to a leisurely sway. Her head craned to the left towards the picnic bench where her father still sat at. The Springwood Gazette was spread out in front of him as he pretended to read the pages. His eyes moved with precision underneath the rim of his hat as he scrutinized the people around him, then they landed on her as he straightened up. He reached into his pocket and took out his packet of Marlborough cigarettes, lighting one up.
Katherine frowned and planted her feet firmly on the ground, staring over at him with interest. Was he signaling for her to return to him? Her legs straightened as she stood to her feet and was about to trot out of the playground when she saw him quickly shake his head in disagreement. He wanted her to stay where she was. It wasn't time to go back to him yet.
She chewed for a moment on her bottom lip and then head around the back of the swings towards one of the large wooden jungle gyms. It would help if she had a better view of the park from an elevated level, somewhere high up. The last hour had been uneventful. All the adults she seen were neighbours from her street or the neighbourhood. People her and her father both knew. There was no sign of the newcomer. Today was going to be a waste of their time. And she knew that her father would be annoyed, irritated and could perhaps take it out on her…
Katherine quickly dodged a few girls as they hurried past her, one of them tried to knock her of the way. But Katherine was quick to catch on and steadied herself by side-stepping around her. Taking a quick deep breath, she jogged over towards the slanted wooden slope and held the thick rope that hung from the top of the platform above. Her feet pressed against the bottom of the wooden slope and gripped the rope, pulling herself upwards until she hopped onto the metal platform. It was eight feet from the ground. High enough to have some scope around the park.
Stepping towards a steep wooden slope she grabbed a thick rope that hung from the platform seven feet above her and positioned her feet at the base of the slope. Her teeth grinded together as she concentrated on hauling herself up the slope, moving her hands along the rope as she went. Her body lurched forward as she reached the platform and she grinned triumphantly to herself and stood. Instantly she walked towards a bright red coloured wooden railing and allowed her brooding eyes to roam over the park, particularly along the edge of the playground.
As her gaze roved to the left, she saw a movement behind one of the large oak trees that loomed behind the park. A man was walking along the back of the wired fence and in his hand was a lead connected to a small bouncy puppy. Her heart skipped a beat, and she swung around towards the direction of her father. He was curiously staring at her, and she discreetly nodded over her left shoulder towards the back of the playground. He had to see him. It was him; she knew it. The stature of the man, tall and slightly bulk frame was the same as the guy from the school playground. Her father had said she had to approach him. She looked over towards Freddy as he snarling gaze was set in stone at the man meandering behind the playground. He slowly twisted his gaze towards her and with a brusque nod of his head she knew that it was time to swallow her fear and do what was asked of her.
Freddy snubbed out his cigarette on the ground with his right foot, then rolled up his paper. He tucked it in the inside pocket of his coat and slowly made his way towards a stall selling coffee. As he purchased his drink, he kept a careful eye on Katherine as she slid down the steep slide and began her way towards the main exit of the playground. He took a sip of his drink and pondered, should he follow her? He was concerned that the asshole would take her away. It was so easy to lure a child away. He was an expert at it. But he had to trust her….
Tremors convulsed throughout Katherine's body as she walked slowly around the wired fence of the playground, nearing the corner. Her right hand lightly trailed over the twisted metal wires as she cast a curious look to her right. She saw a few kids gathering around at the back of the playground, most of them were kneeling as they patted a small pup. A man was kneeling before them, his voice deep and soft as he excitedly chatted to them.
Katherine turned right and peered suspiciously at the man, then willed her feet to move forward a few feet. She came to a stop halfway along the wired fence and tightened her grip on the metal. Her brown eyes wandered over the facial features of the man as he rose to his feet. A few of the young girls looked up at him and laughed as he told them a joke. Katherine was right as he inspected him. He was older than her father. In his late thirties with thick black hair, moustache and beard. He was bulkier in his stature and was neatly dressed in jeans, long sleeved blue shirt and V-neck navy sweater. In his right hand was a black lead that was attached to a collar of a golden Labrador. The puppy wagged its tail and licked at the young girl's hands as they petted him on his head. Two of the boys that were also lingering beside the man broke away and scarpered back to the playground.
Katherine had a sudden urge to leave too and as she was about to turn away, she stopped as the man finally lifted his gaze towards hers.
Bob Stevens felt like this world had stood still. He was starting at the most beautiful little girl he had ever seen. Dressed in a cute yellow dress and white cardigan. Her brown hair was delightfully tied back in two pigtails bound by red ribbons. She was a little older than the girls in front of him. Perhaps by a year or two. But he always liked girls aged around nine or ten years old. And he always had a thing for brunettes.
He wanted this little beauty.
The way she was bashfully glancing away and gnawing at her lips made his cock twitch. Fuck, he had to have her, and he was going to.
Ever since he finally gave into his perverted urges five years before, he was consumed with lust for little girls. He always knew he had a strange obsession for the young, innocent type and had frequently been involved in relationships with young girls aged sixteen or seven-teen years old. Plying them with gifts. At the time it had helped quell his lust. But in the end, it wasn't enough.
It was five years ago in Bloomington, Indianapolis that he first had a proper taste of young flesh. The girl he had abducted was only twelve years old. It was a risky and spontaneous move. But he had snatched her on her way home from school and blindfolded her and tied her wrists together. He had taken her to an abandoned retail park and abused her for little over an hour. Finger fucking her and then finally sliding his pulsating, needy cock into her tight walls. She had screamed and writhed beneath him, trying to fight him off. But he was too strong. It had been so good. The dark need that had consumed him was satiated, fulfilled.
However, he wanted the next girl to be more submissive and so he had changed his way of thinking. He wanted to groom his next little girl. It had worked to a certain degree. The trust he had built with her when he was in a relationship with her mother Marianne Davidson had worked in his favour. For months he had touched her, luring her to touch him. And just when he thought he would get the chance to fuck the little girl, the little bitch had ratted on him to her mother. He knew he had to leave the town and had threatened Marianne that he would kill her and her children if she went to the police. And the threat worked. There was no report filed against him. He was allowed to pursue his next little girl. The little girl from Lancaster.
Thankfully, the little girl was so traumatized that she wouldn't testify against him and so he was on the move again. Springwood wasn't a destination that he considered. But now, he knew that he had made the right decision.
This little girl was his type. She would be next.
Also, from her behaviour seemed a little reserved. Was she a shy little girl? Usually, the kids would rush over towards him and his pup. But she was keeping her distance. A blush of embarrassment reddened her face as she looked away for a moment, then pulled her nervous gaze back to his.
He had to allay her fears. Get him to trust her. Find out a little bit more about her. Where she lived. If he could build up a trust with her, he could entice her to come to his home if she was out playing in the street. His left knee bent as he crouched down. A pleasant smile curved at his lips as he beckoned her over with his free hand. "Hey, little girl, do you want to come and pet him?"
A loud buzzing noise roared in Katherine's ears. God, she was going to faint. Why was she being forced to do this? She felt her heart thud vehemently against her ribcage. It was like her heart was going to explode from her chest. She bit hard on her lip and inched forward towards him. She saw his smile grew into a victorious grin as she approached him.
One of the other girls who was kneeling beside the dog rose from the ground and dashed past Katherine as her name was being called by her parents. There was only one girl left with bright blond hair. A girl she knew from her class. The girl peered over her shoulder and saw Katherine approaching. She stepped to the side allowing her to have some room as she came to a stop a few feet from them.
Katherine moved to the left and looked down at the puppy who hopped up and down on its hind-legs. She smirked. The dog was lovely. It was something she had always wanted when she was younger. Her head whipped over her right shoulder, peeking through the playground towards the picnic table where her father should have been. A wave of fear rushed over her. He was gone. Just where did he go?
She heard the man shuffle forward a few feet and she swung back to him. The glare of his eyes sent another wave of fear to shatter through her. His eyes were a dark hazel colour, so intense. Full of lust and desire. That look, it was the same look that her father would give her before he would touch her…
"What's your name sweetheart?" Bob Stevens cooed softly.
Katherine shifted uneasily on her feet and lightly patted the soft fur of the dog's head. Her eyes flicked with apprehension up towards his face as he waited her reply. Another blush of heat blazed over her cheeks, and she timorously looked down again.
Bob bit down on his lips, holding back a low groan of longing. He had never come across a young girl as shy as her. She looked like a little doll. A delicate doll that he wanted to use for his own personal gratification.
Out of the corner of her eyes Katherine saw him raise his right hand. It stretched outwards and as his fingers were millimetres from her shoulder she snapped backwards, swirling on her feet and ran. Her breathing came out in sharp, short bursts as she fought back the tears. She sprinted around the edge of corner of the wired fence and towards the gravel path that led through the middle of the park. Her eyes flickered with concern around the park. Where was her father? He wasn't at the picnic bench. Had he left her? What if that guy followed her?
She choked back a sob and dashed forward. A few curious adults looked over at her seeing the panic that was etched on her face. As she passed by the large oak tree where she normally sat with her father a figure stepped from behind the thick tree trunk and she opened her mouth to scream…
