serial killer / hs

chapter 26

I wake up with a start, my heart racing and my mind foggy. I look around, trying to remember what happened. I see Harry standing over me, his knife in his hand. He looks at me with a mixture of confusion and anger.

"What happened?" I ask, my voice shaking.

"I don't know," Harry says, his voice tight. "You just collapsed. I thought you were faking it at first, but then I realized that something was wrong."

I try to sit up, but I feel dizzy and weak. "I don't feel well," I tell him. "I think I need to see a doctor."

Harry hesitates, his eyes darting back and forth. "I don't think that's a good idea," he says finally. "If we go to a hospital, they'll ask questions. They'll want to know how you got hurt."

I shake my head, tears filling my eyes. "Please, Harry. I can't go on like this. I need help. You need help. This isn't right."

Harry looks at me for a long moment, and then he sighs. "Fine," he says reluctantly. "But if you dare open your mouth to say a word--." "I won't, I promise, please", I beg. But I know deep down this will be my way to escape my abduction.

As Harry helps me to my feet, I try to steady myself. My head is spinning and I feel like I'm going to faint again. Harry wraps his arm around me, supporting me as we make our way out of the small room.

We move slowly, each step an effort for me. I'm scared and confused, but I know I need to get to a hospital. I don't know what Harry has done to me, but I know I can't stay with him any longer.

As we approach the car, I see a police officer walking by. I try to call out to him, but my voice is weak and barely audible. Harry sees the officer too, and he hurries to get me into the car.

"We need to go," he says urgently. "Now."

I nod, unable to speak. I cling to Harry as he drives, my eyes fixed on the passing scenery. I know I need to find a way to escape, but for now, I'm just grateful to be getting away from the small room and Harry's knife.

As we drive, I muster up the strength to speak. "Harry, what happened to the couple that lived in this house?" I ask, my voice trembling.

Harry looks at me, confusion etched on his face. "What couple?" he asks. "That's my friend's house. He's the only one who lives there."

I furrow my brow, thinking that he must be delusional. "But I saw them," I insist. "The man and woman who lived here. What happened to them?"

Harry shakes his head. "I don't know what you're talking about," he says. "You've been through a lot, Tess. Maybe you're just seeing things. You've been with me for a long time now. It's possible that your mind is playing tricks on you."

I can't believe what I'm hearing. It's clear that Harry is in denial, or perhaps he's lost touch with reality. I decide to keep quiet, not wanting to provoke him further.

But I make a mental note to tell the authorities about the couple when we get to the hospital.  They need to know what happened to them, and they need to help me escape from Harry.