Kidnapped

Chapter 18

While Jason got rid of the bodies, Sherry spoke to her mother via Skype. Luckily, Mrs. Cooke was alone at home at this moment, so they could talk about more private stuff freely, without any other ears listening.

"So, how are you doing there, honey? Is everything alright?" she asked.

"Yeah, I'm perfectly alright," Sherry said. "Jason is now away, mining his own business, so all is fine."

"Does he treat you well? I hope nothing has changed to the worse?" Although Sherry said things were going fine, mother had to be sure of that. Living with a serial killer as your neighbor is a serious matter.

"Don't worry, mum. He is the second person after my family that treats me well and respects me," Sherry explained. "Despite being a killer, he knows what respect means."

"Very well. Glad to know that he is not just a killing machine that knows nothing but death."

Sherry nodded, as they spoke via the video call, so they could see each other's faces.

"He has killed some people though while I was there," Sherry continued. "First there were four young adults, and Jason locked me in my cabin while he did the dirty job. Second time there was one couple around the same age, but then he just left me inside, without locking. He trusted me that I would not interfere."

"Yes, and you better not," mother said. "I know he's most dangerous when in killing mood."

"Of course. It's only us that he allows to come to his camp. Otherwise he can't stand trespassers."

"Well, lucky us then," Sharon laughed.

"I really can't comprehend why teens and young adults continue coming here. What is with this place that it attracts such type of people?" And that was right, Sherry truly was unable to understand it. "There are so many forested areas by the lake, so many parks. But they still choose Camp Crystal Lake. And from their talks I heard that they knew, or, at least, had an idea about Jason living here. I'm sometimes deeply surprised by human stupidity. And I highly doubt that adult people, like of your age, would ever visit the camp. They sure are smart enough to stay away from it."

"I know, dear," Sharon agreed. "I guess younger people like some sort of challenge."

"Maybe," Sherry replied. "But still it doesn't mean putting your life at stake for nothing. And it's impossible to get away from Jason. If you are here, he will find you. After all, he knows these woods like his own home."

A minute or two passed in silence until Sharon spoke again.

"I wonder if he sees us every time we come to visit you in the camp?"

"I'm sure he does," Sherry replied. "Believe me, mum, he has a good memory. He knows how you look like, your vehicle as well. He watches very carefully who comes to his territory before deciding whether these people should stay alive or not."

"I see. But why does he never come out to us?"

"I think the reason is him being ashamed of himself," Sherry explained.

"Ashamed? Why?"

"You see, it's the psychological trauma that he carries since his childhood. He was born hydrocephalic, and because of that always bullied by peers, until it finally resulted in his drowning in this very lake. I managed to persuade him to meet Richard though, so Jason doesn't hesitate to come out when he comes. I might try to do the same when you or dad arrive here. I think he wouldn't mind. After all, we became friends, and you are my family."

Sherry hoped for the best. If Jason didn't refuse to meet Richard, then why should he object against meeting her parents as well?

"You know..." Sherry began "...I think I am growing attached to Jason." While speaking about this, she blushed a bit. "One day he took me to his hut deep in the woods and showed something that is sacred for him."