Defect

Nightmares

There was a slight chill in the night air, but Evan seemed unfazed by it. He was leaning against a brick wall with his arms across his chest. There was the buzz of restlessness and the dead weight of boredom churning inside, causing him to feel reckless. Evan closed his eyes and exhaled. He heard faint footsteps from somewhere up the block. The sound was the light clip clop of a woman's heels, with the occasional scrapes when she didn't lift her feet up enough. The sound was getting louder. She was headed this way. Evan shrunk back into the shadows a bit so he could observe her unseen. The woman finally came into view as she approached the intersection and stopped. A small gasp escaped his lips. She was a knockout! Her golden hair was twisted up into an elaborate do. A few wisps dangled down around the back of her neck. Her sleeveless blue dress stopped just above her knees and was just tight enough to show off her hourglass figure. As Evan quietly approached from behind, he noticed she seemed to be staring at the street signs. He reached out and tapped her bare shoulder.

"Excuse me, miss?"

She did a little hop and let out a short, sharp scream that rattled his eardrums, and sent tingles dancing down his spine. Evan took a step back. He wasn't sure if she was one of those excitable women that would whip herself into a pepper spray frenzy. She put her hand up to her chest, just at the base of her neck. She giggled and Evan relaxed his stance.

"You scared me half to death!" She giggled some more. Her voice was high pitched and squeaky.

How can a voice that ugly come from a mouth that pretty? He quickly pushed the thought away.

"I'm sorry. You just looked like you needed some help." He took a careful step closer to her.

"Well, actually I'm late for a stupid work thing. I seem to have gotten myself turned around."

"Where are you trying to go?"

"The Cambridge Building on Legend Avenue." She let out a small, irritated breath. Evan smiled to himself. He could feel his confidence starting to return. Now, just transform yourself into the charming, helpful stranger and the trap is all set.

"This is Legend Avenue, but you're at the wrong end of it. You need to go eight blocks back the way you came." She stared in the other direction with an exasperated look on her face. "I could show you, if you'd like."

"No, I'll be fine. Girl power and all that. But, thank you for your help." She started on her way, but Evan stepped in front of her.

"I don't mind." he said. "It would make me feel better to know you made it safely." He flashed a warm smile.

"No, thank you." she replied with an edge in her tone. She stepped around Evan and continued walking. He reached out and grabbed her arm.

"Please."

"I said NO!" She yanked her arm out of his grasp and started to run.

Evan smiled. He liked it when they ran. It made the game much more fun. When she glanced back over her shoulder and saw Evan in hot pursuit, she screamed. It won't do her any good, he thought to himself. This area is a ghost town this time of night. He was gaining on her easily. I'll never understand why women try to run in heels. I would kick them off like an NFL punter and run like the wind, unfettered. She turned down an alley and realized about halfway, it was a dead end. She turned around and saw Evan with a satisfied smirk on his lips. He started walking toward her, his expression unchanged. She looked around for a weapon or a passerby or anything.

"Please." She whispered. Her voice was shaky with fear. "I only have a few bucks, but you can have it."

Without warning, he charged at her and tackled her to the ground. His moves were quick and precise. He turned her body so he was behind her. He covered her mouth and nose with his hands and clamped down. She tried to scream, but his hands were so tight, she couldn't move her jaw. She was thrashing wildly, but he held on to her. She could feel her lungs starting to burn and panic was setting in as the last bit of oxygen in her was quickly disappearing. Evan held her, the same smirk still on his face, until she finally stopped struggling. He stood up and walk away.