Kissing Death

Chapter 1: The Beginning

            I slowly stood from the tall grass and furiously tried to wipe all the dirt and grime from the skirt of my once beautiful pale blue evening gown.  I frantically looked around, trying to see if anyone was around to help me.  Where was I?  How did I get here?  What is this place?  I frowned and walked past vacant building after vacant building.

            I felt the crisp fall air envelope me as I walked down the vacant street.  I pulled my jacket tighter around me, trying to beat the bitter French air.  The rain was falling at a soft, steady rate on the dirt roads.  My sandy blonde, shoulder length waves framed my face as I searched for any form of company.  I could hear horses’ hooves clicking across the hard ground behind me.  I glanced over my shoulder and saw a broad man eyeing me from his high pedestal.

            “Caroline,” he hissed, sending a chilling glare in my direction that froze every muscle in my body.  “I’ve been worried sick about you darling,” he said offering his hand and gesturing for me to get on his horse.

            “Sir, I’m afraid you’ve mistaken me for someone else,” I said nervously pulling at the fabric on my dress and glancing around.  “You must have me confused with someone else.”

            “Certainly not, you’re my Caroline, I’d know you from a mile away,” he said impatiently, reaching for my hand.

            “I’m most certainly not.  Now will you please excuse me, I’m trying to find someone,” I insisted, stepping back from him.  At this point we were gathering a crowd around us.

            “My love, please will you come home.  I’ve been worried sick about you for weeks,” he begged, warily looking around at the crowd around us.

            I felt a warm hand on my shoulder and I turned to see a petite brunette with beautiful green eyes looking back at me.  “Caroline, Benedict has been so worried about you darling.  You mustn’t make him worry further,” she insisted.

            How did she know my name?  Why was she treating me like a dear friend?  Why was this man acting as if I were his lover?  A million questions raced through my mind as I warily stepped towards the man.  He gave me a soft smile and set me in front of him on the horse, wrapping his muscular arms around me and taking the reins.  “Thank you, Isabelle, I can take care of her from here,” he insisted, tightening his hold on me.

            The horse sped through the rain down the winding road.  I glanced out of the corner of my eye up at the man who seemed to have left his compassion back in the town center.  “Where have you been?” He demanded.

            “I don’t know,” I said softly, trying to recall what exactly happened.  In fact, I couldn’t remember anything at all for the past few months.  “I-I cannot remember,” I whispered.

            “You can no longer hide from me, Caroline.  I won’t have it,” he said through clenched teeth.  “I’ve been very patient with you, but this time I’ve had it.  I’ve had enough of your games.”

            “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said softly, trying to keep my body from quivering in his arms.  “I don’t know what’s going on.”

            We stopped at the stables and he leapt from the horse and took hold of my waist, setting me on the ground.  “You’re a wonderful actress, Caroline.  You almost have me convinced,” he sneered.  I could see the hurt and worry buried deep in his eyes as I fought to recall what had happened.  “Too bad I know the real you, not the timid, sweet, wonderful woman you pretended to be.  I’m a fool to have thought we could have had a real future.”