The Midnight Within

Chapter 30

Across the street at Darkwinds, Kasie was just locking up for the night. Her last chore was to put back the stack of books she had collected from different parts of the store back where they belonged. She certainly didn't mind. It meant that someone had been interested enough to at least pick the book up and look through it. Her feet always seemed to hurt the most at this time of night, letting her know it was past time to go home to a hot bath and her beloved Dr. Who.

" I'm going home now hun."

Locking her desk drawer she almost jumped a foot when Rich stuck his head around the corner, grinning at her. " Goodnight Rich, I think I am going to put the books away and head right home. See you in the morning? "

" Are you sure you don't want to come to the casino with us? "

" Oh no. You go ahead and have a good time. " The last thing Kasie wanted was a long car ride there and an empty wallet when she got home, and by the look of relief on Rich's face she knew she was making the right choice.

" Ok, night. " Rich gave her a wave and shot down the short hallway to the back door.

Kasie listened to him leave, shaking her head as the door slammed shut. He never wasted a minute when off the clock yet was the master of goofing off when he was supposed to be

working. Scooping up the books she walked out of the office, saw that she had missed a book on the table by the window and went to get it. She clucked her tongue as she picked the book up, it happened to be one of those poorly written smut books the kids liked so much and that she herself had wanted to keep out of her store but the demand was so high she had to stock it.

Wanting to put the book in the trash she set it on top of her pile, glanced out the window and had to do a double take. Mia's empty bug was sitting at the intersection up the street. Putting the books down Kasie went to the till, grabbed her keys, coat and purse before locking up the store and walking up the block. She could see a yellow ticket tucked under the wiper, made sure the cars was locked up and empty before heaving a sigh. She hadn't even realized she had been holding her breath until she exhaled.

Mia must have run out of gas and had either walked home or gone down around the corner to the Quick-Mart. Seeing the bug reminded her that she had been meaning to give Mia a call. It was horrible what had happened to Principal Ryane and she didn't want to be a gossip so she thought maybe Mia could fill her in. She had tried a few times to invite Mia to a movie, there was a midnight showing of Rocky Horror down at the theater but with Kasie's work load and Mia's odd hours of free time they never seemed to be available at the same time anymore.

Shivering against the wind, Kasie walked away from the bug, headed back down the block to make sure the store door was locked. It was locked up tight of course, making her

feel pretty foolish. Muttering to herself, Kasie turned to head home and was startled to see a man with long dark hair standing on the corner watching her. Instantly her radar was up. He wasn't dressed for the weather and didn't look like any of the collage age kids she was used to seeing. Instinctively she crossed the street slipping her keys between her fingers like she always did when out alone and not sure of a situation. Wanting to hurry and get home she picked up her pace trying hard not to look over her shoulder as she walked. She got halfway before feeling spooked and glanced back. He was right behind her, grinning.

" You know you can't run from me right? " His voice held the barest hint of amusement.

" Watch me. " Kasie's high heeled feet were screaming as she bolted down the block and ducked into the alley that would take her directly to Darkwind's back door. It suddenly occurred to her that perhaps she had been set up by Rich or one of his friends and she instantly felt pretty foolish. She decided to call Mia and ask about the car and just to hear a friendly voice. Of course her phone was dead when she went to turn it on. Of all the silly cliches, A women alone thinking she's being stalked and her phone is dead. She waited a few moments to see if he would come around the corner and laughed at herself as she walked back to the street. Muttering about how silly she was Kasie continued down the block. She really should have not been open today in the first place with what had happened to Nick. They had not been friends but she knew him well enough to feel sympathy for his family and the others that knew him.

Standing on the empty street she decided to walk around the block to Mia's house. It would only take her a minute to reach it and they could then have a good laugh about the whole thing while catching up.

Keeping an eye out for the stranger she noted how dark and spooky some of the streets of Disdain could be and forced a smile. Had she really just run from a really hot man? Oh how Rich would laugh at her in the morning. He had gotten her with some good pranks before and this one was one of his better ones. Maybe she should fire him for it? But if she did that then she would have no one to work the holidays.

Feeling pretty dumb she reached the corner and turned onto Mia's street. She loved the all the decorated houses especially Mia's. She always went all out for Halloween. The duplex itself was dark, meaning that Mia had gone to the Quick-Mart and would probably come flying around the corner at any moment. She thought about going to the door anyway but it was late and she was tired. She glanced over her shoulder one last time and saw the man about ten paces behind her. She didn't like the grin on his face. Well she would teach this Jacksass. She bent down, snagging a good sized rock off the ground and raised her arm into the air.

Cold icy fingers locked around her wrist preventing her throw. She gasped as she was spun around into a solid wall of muscled flesh. Her wide hazel eyes traveled upwards, growing bigger as she got a good look at her assailant. He had the same style of cloths as the other guy but his hair was white-blond and his icy maddened eyes held no warmth. She wound herself up to scream as Shatter grabbed her by the throat, lifting Kasie straight up into the air and all she could think as she began to black out was that she had led them right to Mia's front door.