Followed

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

I get up from being sprawled across the muddy ground and wildly look at my watch.

It's 6:34pm

The last thing I can remember is stepping out of my car some time around 3pm.

What happened?

Suddenly my memory returns in vivid detail.

After I parked my car I glanced from side to side. I couldn't see anyone in sight, nor was I expecting to.

I was in the forest beside the park. Every Sunday I drive there so I can jog. It's also a great place to relax and take my mind of things. This park had a not-too-dense forest just next to it; one of the many reasons why I like it so much. Rarely anyone comes here because people are afraid that animals will come out of the forest and attack them. A few months ago I was weary of that too, but I've come to realize that the only animals in the forest are bugs, birds and the occasional squirrel. So, for the most part, it's peaceful here. The only problem with this park is that it's not in reasonable walking distance from my house. But this is not exactly a major issue, besides I like driving.

Usually, I leave my car in the parking lot a few minutes away. But today I decided to do things differently.

Looking back on this, it's clear that not following my normal routine was a bad choice. Maybe I could have avoided this mishap all together if I didn't try to fix something that wasn't broken in the first place.

Instead of dropping off my car, I continued to drive until I found a path leading into the forest. As I'd hoped the path lead me to a clearing large enough for my car. I have a fairly good memory so I assumed I would have no problem navigating my way back. After all, I knew this forest inside and out. 4 months of weekly jogging there, surely, I was quite familiar with the place.

On average, it takes me slightly under an hour to complete the trail. Everything started off well; good weather, cool breeze, and a nice pace. Around 15 minutes in, I was caught off guard because I swore that someone had called my name.

"Rielly..." Said a rough male voice.

I stopped jogging and focused on my surroundings. The distinct smell of nature lingered in the air. Sweat would bead on the back of my neck from the humidity and heat. Hearing nothing, I decided it might be the temperature playing tricks on my mind.

Could it be heat stroke? I drank water constantly so I doubted I was dehydrated.

I persuaded myself to cut my run off for the day and head back to my car. Maybe it was my health at the back of my mind pushing me to stop. But by the speed of my heartbeat and pulse it was more likely the screaming voice in my head saying "It wasn't your imagination. Get the hell out of there Rielly."

The image of my car and its location popped into my mind. I tried to navigate my way though the trees but it all looked the same. I spotted my dark blue BMW in the distance and relief overwhelmed my body. The sound of movement came from behind me so I took off in a run before I even had the chance to look back. I reached my car and stumbled to unlock the door with trembling hands.

It was too late

An icy cold hand had already grabbed my arm and thrown me to the ground. I shut my eyes afraid of what I would see happen next. A warm cloth covered my face. It must have been drugged. I was unconscious from that point on so there's nothing for me to remember.

Now, 3 and a half hours later, I am standing next to a smashed up car in the middle of the woods.

It's my car! And I'm still in the parks forest!

Besides this I'm still in bewilderment that I myself wasn't harmed. Or at least I didn't think so. I glance into the car window and stare at my reflection.

Everything seems to be normal.

As I look at both sides of my face I notice my right cheek is really red. I touch it and an indentation surprises me. I take a closer look in the window and I see a faint impression of a keyhole engraved in my face.

I think for a moment.

Realization hits me and I nearly collapse at the thought.

It was a gun.