One Way Or Another

Chapter Two

Still shaking from the sight of the letter, Venus sped in her car to the bar where Mike worked. Pulling up outside, she practically leapt out of the vehicle and through the bar doors, a river of tears poured down her face as she cried out for Mike.
"Honey what's wrong?!" He shouted as he jumped from behind the bar and ran to her. She held him close as she sobbed into his chest.
"Venus, what happened? Was it that dickhead Tom again?" Finally, she spoke.
"Someone broke into the house and left me this weird note saying they'll make me love them!" She screamed through tears. "First I thought you were home early but then I found that note in the kitchen, and I'm scared, baby, I'm scared!"
"Wait what?! Someone broke in? Did you call the police?"
"No...I just came here. I didn't know if they were still in the house or not!" She began to sob again.
"Ok honey, it's ok, calm down." He sat her down at the bar as the owner, Sam, came over.
"Everything ok Mikey?" He asked.
"Not really Sam, someone's broken into the house. Is it alright if I go check it out?"
"Jesus, course you can buddy, take as long as you need." Sam told him.
"You can't go back!" Venus yelled. "What if it's dangerous?"
"Honey I have to. I'll call the police and get them to help, ok? And then I'll be right back, I promise." He gave her a hug and kissed her on the forehead. "Look after her for me will ya?" He said to Sam, who gave him a faint smile and a nod as he left.

Venus sat at the bar for a while calming herself down. Her head rested on one hand whilst the other drew out non existing images in front of her.
"Here V, a root beer for your troubles." Sam said as he pushed the drink in front of Venus. "On the house."
"Thanks." She said flashing him a kind smile.
"So...what's this I hear about a note?"
"Nothing, the guy who broke into our house left me this weird note. 'I'll make you love me V'. Scared me at first, now I'm just more pissed that someone broke into my house than I am about the note."
"Any idea who wrote it?"
"No idea...someone who calls me V I guess. So my brother, my producer-" she paused abruptly .
"Everything ok?" Sam questioned.
"Yeah... I think so..." Venus said hesitantly. "I'm just gonna go to the bathroom..." she said slowly getting up.
"I'm afraid you can't do that."
"Why not?."
"They're out of order...need fixing."
"Really?"
"Yeah, there's this piece of shit getting in the way of things. Just gotta remove it, then everything will be perfect."
"Right..." she walked towards the door. "I'm gonna go..."
"Ok then. See you soon...V..."

As soon as she left the bar she ran back in her car and drove off. That was too creepy for her to handle...

She arrived back at her house and joined Mike in searching for any missing items before relaxing in bed together.
"How well do you know Sam?" She asked.
"From the bar? Three months, as long as I've worked there. Why, what's up?"
"There was something about him today that just seemed...off."
"Off?"
"Yeah, off. He kinda creeped me out a little to be honest. The way he spoke...reminded me of a guy I once knew back in high school."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah...he always said things weirdly... like everything had a second meaning to him. Crap, what was his name...oh well, like it matters now anyway."
"What happened to him?"
"The kid? Probably stayed in town after I left." She paused for a moment. "Why?"
"Nothing, just making a list of suspects for that note?"
"He could have had a crush maybe. Popular, pretty, blonde cheerleader, guys used to dig that...but I don't think he ever called me V, just 'Ms Reed'. Always hated that..."
"Riiiiight... I think you should get some rest honey. It'll do you good."
"Yeah you're right, night babe." She kissed him before turning on her side to fall asleep, oblivious to the eyes fixed on her from afar, as a living shadow watched on, licking its lips.

"That's right my love, sleep. You've got a long week ahead of you and you'll need your rest..."