The Spider Weeps

By Dolly Coley

Kidnapped and transported to an unknown destination, Kate is used as a powerful man's secret toy. When he tires of her, she is drugged and taken back to her home.Neither the police nor her only family, her brother, Bryn, believed she was kidnapped and brought back to her flat. It just didn't make sense as Bryn had received photographs of

• Language: English
• Publisher: URLink Print & Media, LLC
• Release date: Nov 20, 2019
• ISBN: 9781643679976

Dolly Coley

The most important day of my life was a day I cannot remember. It was the day of my birth in Oudtshoorn, South Africa, where Lesley Marlene Riley made her first and noisiest entrance. My brother decided I should be named Dolly, and that is the name by which most people know me. My parents tried to call me Lesley, but it just never worked. When I was six weeks old, my parents moved to Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, where I was declared an illegal immigrant and they were given twenty-four hours to remove me from the country. After much dancing, my father managed to sort the immigration out, and I was thankfully allowed to stay. At school, essay writing was my favourite homework subject, and after marking one of my essays, my English teacher suggested I consider writing as a career. Of course I wanted to be a pop star, but for that you first have to be able to hold a note, which was certainly not my forte. After school, I went to the Tech, where I studied secretarial skills and later became a personal assistant. The Rhodesian war escalated, and now married with three children, we lived on the Mozambique border, a real hot spot, where I had to learn to shoot and, if necessary, defend my family. At the end of the war, we moved to South Africa and later to the Transkei, where I bought a florist/gift shop. My English teacher had piqued my interest, and I took a short story writing course and have written numerous short stories for my own pleasure. At present I live with my husband in Gonubie, East London, South Africa. My interests being story writing, floral art, and antiques.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

She did not want to go on the camp as she was afraid, but no matter what she said, her par ents insisted it would do her the world of good, and help her with her spiritual upliftment. But she knew he would be there and she was afraid of him. After all, he was the leader of the Catholic Youth Group. He was not a Catholic priest, but a well respected parishioner, who had an interest in the youth and took them on parish picnics and camps. Every Friday night he dedicated his time to giving them Bible study and other activities, consistently preaching to them on the evils of drugs and alcohol.

In her young mind he was old, but he was only in his late twenties, with thick black hair. Some of the older girls thought he was dreamy, and the other younger children laughed at her when she tried to tell them she was afraid of him. She didn’t like the way he looked at her or the way he touched her, whenever he had the opportunity. He made her feel dirty. She had said she would not go, but he had approached her parents and told them she was his star pupil and he insisted she should come to the camp, if only to assist with the younger group.

Now she was at the camp it had started all over again. Every time she was near him he would touch her. Just a light feathery touch on her shoulder or her arm but she could always feel the heat of his fingers burning through her clothes. When she tried to walk away he discreetly pulled her back towards him again, and held her there, terrified, trapped like an animal.

It was dusk and he was talking to a group of youngsters. Slowly walking around the group he made his way to her. He stood up close behind her with his hot hands ‘innocently’ on her shoulders, burning her, invading her space. His right hand left her shoulder and slowly travelled down her back until it reached her buttocks. Still talking to the group he discreetly caressed the small of her back and then her buttocks. She tried to move away, but he held her firmly with his left hand.

They were in the shadow, so nobody could see what was going on. She tried once again to pull away, but he held her firmly and moved closer to her, pushing up against her. She could feel his stiff manliness firmly in the small of her back, making her feel soiled. She did not fully understand what he was doing, but she knew she didn’t like it. She wanted to cry, she wanted to scream, but no noise came out. She was too scared to make a noise. He was talking about God’s will and how His will must be obeyed at all times, ‘even if it is not what we want to do’. And he, as God’s messenger, was best equipped to advise them on what was God’s will.

When dinner was over, they sat on the grass, around the campfire, singing cheerful hymns. He sought her out and sat next to her, rubbing her leg, the heat of his fingers burning through her jeans.

After lights out, when all the children were asleep, she was suddenly awakened. A hand had been firmly placed over her mouth. She tried to sit up and scream, but the hand pressed her down. Shsh, he said. Don’t make a sound. Come with me, quickly. God has said I must show you something. With his other hand he roughly pulled her out of bed and led her down the passage and into his room. He locked the bedroom door.

All she had on was a thin nightie and a pair of panties, leaving her feeling exposed and naked. I’m going to take my hand away from your mouth. You promise you won’t scream? Too terrified to do anything else she nodded. Slowly he removed his hand. She stood rigid, silent. Do you remember this evening I was talking about God’s will and how you must obey it at all times, even if it’s something you don’t want to do? The nuns at the Convent had also instructed them on obeying God’s will. She nodded. Well God spoke to me tonight and He told me what He wants me to do. I told Him I don’t like doing this but He said you and I were chosen and we must obey Him. Are you prepared to do God’s will and obey what He told us to do? She stood silent, not daring to move.

Remember it’s not for us to say whether we want to obey or not. We must do God’s will. We were very lucky that He chose us. He only chooses special people, look at the saints. They were all special, that’s why they’re saints. Are you prepared to obey what He told me and do His will, just like the Blessed Virgin did? She still did not make a sound. Taking her roughly by the shoulders he put his face close to hers and said again, are you prepared to do God’s will? Answer me.

His eyes looked like two fireballs in his head. Terrified, she nodded. He smiled. Good. God has told me I’ve been chosen to make a woman out of you. I know it sounds terrifying and I asked God ‘why me?’ and He told me you have been chosen for something very special in life, but first you must be a woman. It’s not something I want to do, but God has spoken and I must obey Him, and you must obey Him as well. YOU MUST OBEY HIM, he said, firmly.

She nodded. He took her nightie and pulled it up over her head and threw it on the floor. Her breasts were just developing. He smiled and cupped his hand around one. His huge hand more than covered her small, firm mounds. She wanted to scream but no sound came out. She couldn’t understand why this would be God’s will. Holding her by the shoulder with one hand he slowly let his other hand drift down to her panties. His hand went inside her panties and he could feel the soft tuft just starting to cover her pubic area. He pushed his hand further down between her legs.

I won’t hurt you, he whispered, as he pulled her panties off her. He kissed and licked her pubic hair and flicked his tongue between her legs. So sweet for one so young, he said.

She felt dirty and tried to move away.

Stand still, he said, roughly, quickly pulling off his shirt and then his track suit pants. She had never before seen a naked man, let alone an aroused one. God is telling me to tell you to take this in your mouth and lick it, like I did to you. I don’t know why He wants you to do that, but He is telling me to do it. Come on, we must obey Him.

He pulled her towards him and pushed himself into her mouth. She felt herself gag. He moved in and out of her mouth, moaning and groaning. Suddenly in a whispered shout he said, Yes Lord, we will obey, we are Your servants. Yes, yes, yes. He pushed harder down her throat so she felt he was ripping her apart. And just as quickly he pulled out of her mouth. Falling down into a kneeling position he held her tightly and said, we are God’s servants. God has told me when you’re older you’ll understand why He has chosen you. He has also told me this is a secret between Him, you and me. He said if you disobey His secret He will bring His wrath on your family, even death. Understand.

She nodded. Good, now get dressed and go to your bed. We will wait again for God to call us, as I’m sure he will. And ‘God’ called three times more before the end of camp.

CHAPTER 1

It was a strong wind, that was blowing, the beginnings of the Cape Doctor, as it is known. Its impending arrival announced by the rolling mist, known as the table cloth, creeping over and covering the flat, table like mountain. It is a vicious wind that blows the foam off the sea, across the sidewalk, washing anything in its path. When it reaches its full potential it sends the swollen sea crashing over the road, keeping any sensible person at bay. It howls through the ci ty like a pack of wolves stalking their prey, keeping everybody alert and awake.

Right now the wolves were still coming up to full volume, drawing Kate out of a deep, heavy sleep. Her first conscious moment was the sound of the howling wind. She had not heard it for a long time. It pounded the windows as if trying to get in to tell her to ‘wake up, get up out of bed, move yourself’. For the first time, ever, it was comforting, warm and safe. Snuggling deeper into the bed and pulling the duvet tighter around herself, she felt a warm, fuzzy feeling in the pit of her stomach. All she wanted to do was go back to sleep. It all just felt right, something she hadn’t felt for a long time, and yet she knew, in the deep recess of her fuddled mind, that all was not well. The wind howled louder. She was too afraid to open her eyes, and just wanted to descend back into the dark world of sleep. The howling wolves told her if she roused herself she would remember, but she did not want to remember. Slowly she drifted off again, into blissful oblivion.

Waking up for the second time, she heard the all too familiar boom of the cannon as it announced mid day. As far as she knew it was only in Cape Town that this happened. She had never heard it when she was in the nightmare, so she had to be back home, lying in her own bed, with her eyes closed, listening to the wolves pounding her window. Feeling the comfort and familiarity, the smell of fresh linen, it was all too much, she had to do it, she had to open her eyes to see, to take it all in. But she was scared, in case it was all just a dream. She told herself at some time she would have to open her eyes and it might as well be now. She couldn’t walk around for the rest of her life with her eyes closed and she certainly could not go back to sleep. A stronger gust of wind rattled the window, giving Kate a start. Her eyes opened, wide as she sat up and looked around. She was in her old bedroom, with all her own, familiar things. Paul had kept his word. He had promised her she would go home, eventually.

Everything was as she had remembered, but how did she get back, or had she never gone? Was it all just a bad dream? She looked down at her left hand. It was bare – no engagement ring. And as there was no engagement ring, it could mean only one thing – this had been no bad dream. It was all true, horrifically true.

Kate buried her head in her pillow and started to cry - loud, racking sobs.

For the first time since this ordeal began, she felt she could let go.

The howling wolves seemed to stop for a minute to listen to her cry, then they started up again, rattling the window even louder. When she could cry no more she wiped her eyes with the pillow case, sat up in bed and held her head for a while. Eventually the room stopped spinning and she looked around, taking in everything in her bedroom. It was as it had been so long ago, her antique dressing table with her prized wooden jazz singer with the trumpet and trombone players decorating the left side of it. On the other side, neatly laid out, was the gift her grandmother received for her coming of age birthday – a silver brush, comb and mirror set. Engraved in the middle of each item was her grandmother’s name, Belle. Kate had inherited it when her grandmother had died. On the left side of the room was her cupboard. It was open, and completely empty. The other side of the room was her old monk’s bench which she had bought at a garage sale. Lying over the bench was a spotted green and white dress, one she had never before seen. It was all too much. Putting her legs over the bed she sat for a few seconds and then tried to stand. Feeling weak and dizzy, she staggered across the room, opened the curtains and slid the window upwards. The wind nearly knocked her over as it pushed its way into the room, as if being set free from captivity. Holding onto the window sill, she took a deep breath, drinking in the fresh air – the air of freedom. She did not want to move, to lose her freedom. All too soon the wind became too much, and closing the window she staggered across the room.

Opening her door she held the frame as she walked into the sitting room. Everything was the same as it was before, the overstuffed couch with a coffee table in front of it. On the other side of the coffee table were two overstuffed chairs. The T.V. and the hi-fi were still there. Her work desk was in the corner with the laptop that Jack had given her.

She stumbled to the kitchen to make herself some coffee. Her mouth felt dry so hoping they had been considerate and left something for her, she opened the cupboard. She was in luck. There was milk, coffee and sugar. Thankfully she made herself a cup of coffee and slowly walked into the lounge to drink it.

Feeling stronger, she took stock of everything. She was wearing a red silk night gown, nothing she could ordinarily have afforded. Besides that everything on the outside appeared normal, except maybe the suitcase lying in the lounge. It was open and looked as if somebody had rummaged through it. Perhaps it had been made to look as if she had taken her nightgown out.

Kate looked at the photograph of her and Jack that had been on the pedestal next to her bed, now standing in the lounge. She wondered why they had left it there. She went to the phone, picked it up and dialed Jack’s number. She had to speak to him, to hear his voice, to tell him she loved him and to explain what had happened. After all he must be frantically searching for her, the love of his life, his fiancée. He must be out of his mind with worry. Now he could stop searching and she was sure he was going to be so relieved. His phone was ringing. At least his number had not changed.

Hello, it was a woman’s voice.

Kate was quiet for a few seconds. Hello, the woman said again.

Hello, I’m looking for Jack please. Is he there? Is this the right number, may I speak to him, please? Kate’s voice croaked.

Jack’s out of town at present. He won’t be back until tomorrow. May I take a message? It was still the same number. She had kept it in her mind for how long.

Who’s speaking? Kate asked, intrigued that a woman should be answering Jack’s phone.

This is Ruby, the voice answered, curtly.

Ruby? asked Kate. Um. Sorry Ruby, but who are you?

I’m Jack’s wife. Who am I speaking to please? Ruby appeared to be getting annoyed.

What! shouted Kate. Since when?

Since when what? Who’s speaking? asked Ruby.

I’m Kate. I’m, ah, um, engaged to Jack.

Ruby was silent for a while. Kate. Yes, Jack told me about you. You ran off with that tycoon without first explaining to Jack. What you doing back? Why do you want Jack? It’s a bit late for explanations now. Just leave him alone. Leave us alone, do you hear me. She sounded calm to begin with, but as she continued to speak it sounded as if she was going to get hysterical, almost as if she was going to be in competition with the wind.

But I didn’t run off. I was………. Kate heard the click as the phone was cut off.

She sat on the bed, stunned. Jack certainly hadn’t waited for her. But she didn’t know how long she’d been gone. What was she going to do now?

The sudden shrill of the phone ringing made her jump. She felt too frightened to pick it up. The only people who knew she was here were the people who kidnapped her, abused her and finally returned her. Kate sat looking at the phone. The shrill sound continued, hurting her ears, until she could take it no more and eventually picked up the receiver.

Hello, she said, slowly.

Kate, welcome back. So good to have you home. We sure missed you. How could you just take off like that? It was Bryn, her twin brother. He was talking so fast she couldn’t get a word in. But then, how did he know she was home?

Oh, Bryn, she started to cry.

Don’t worry, Kate. There’re plenty of other fish in the sea? She thought he was referring to Jack. It’s Sam’s loss, not yours. I’m just glad you’re home. When’m I going to see you?

Her ears pricked up. Sam! Who’s Sam? I don’t know a Sam. How did you know I was back? Kate suddenly became alert as to what Bryn was saying to her, and snapped at him.

Sam. Your husband! The tycoon you ran off with. Bryn was irritated by her tone.

Bryn, I never ran off. I don’t know a Sam. I was drugged and kidnapped. I’ve had the most awful time. I don’t know how I got home. How did you know I was back? Kate was getting upset. The wind was suddenly annoying her, Jack was married to somebody else and Bryn was telling her she had run off with a tycoon. This was too much, everything had gone mad. This was like the twilight zone, almost as if she was in another place, another time.

You sent me a postcard telling me you would be home and that Sam had a mistress and had kicked you out. You sent me pics of your wedding, honeymoon, everything. Have you forgotten?

Bryn, that’s all a lie. A great big fat lie, she screamed at him. Turning to the window, she looked at it in annoyance, as it banged. Can’t you stop that? she shouted at the window.

Kate, calm down. I have the proof.

Proof, what proof. Come over here please, Bryn. Bring me the proof. I need to see it and now, she screamed. I believe Jack is married. I feel so lost. Please Bryn, she whispered, trying to calm down.

Okay. It’ll take me a little while, but I’ll get there as soon as I can. You know what it’s like trying to get through the ‘Cape Doctor’. I’ll help you through this, Kate. I promise. We’ll get you help. Kate replaced the receiver. She didn’t need help. She needed to be believed. She would convince Bryn of what had happened to her. She had to, so he would help her.

Kate quickly made the bed, dragged the case through to the room and emptied it out. There were two dresses, two pairs of shorts, one pair of longs, three blouses, a light jersey, two pairs of shoes, cosmetics and underwear. Kate had never seen any of it before. There were no labels on the clothes. They were expertly home made from expensive material. She looked at the spotted dress. It was also expertly done, even with no labels inside of it. She had a flashback of having to fit it but she didn’t know why. She was rather groggy at the time, so maybe she was drugged. Nobody would answer her when she questioned what it was for. She had forgotten the incident, until now. But her mind was too fuzzy to recall more, and the howling wind didn’t help.

She ran the water for a shower until it was piping hot. Stepping in she scrubbed herself until she felt she was going to bleed. Nothing would be able to wipe off the filth that she felt covered her. She sat dripping, naked on the bed and cried, until she felt all the tears had been cried out of her.

She had no alternative but to put on those strange clothes, after all she couldn’t walk around naked, she reasoned. Everything she put on fitted expertly, and seemed to be of her taste.

Kate stood by the window looking out, feeling nervous of what was to come. The window seemed to move with the wind, but she wasn’t afraid of it. She had been out in it many times.

It took another hour before Bryn arrived. He hugged her tightly, but she didn’t cry, she had to be strong. She breathed in deeply, enjoying the smell of his aftershave, always a bit overpowering, but familiar and safe at this time.

Hi, it’s good to see you. You’re looking a bit pale and so thin. I would have thought living the good life, all spoilt and pampered, you would be the picture of health, Bryn noticed.

Kate was instantly annoyed. Bryn, it’s not what you think. Where’s the proof? Give it to me before I tell you anything. She put her hand out, moving her fingers, beckoning urgently.

Bryn handed her four postcards which, on first glance were all in her handwriting. "Surprise! I met the most wonderful man and we decided to elope, so romantic. Here we are, on our honeymoon, outside the pink palace in Monacco. Will be in contact. Love Kate and Sam. P.S. Sam is not only gorgeous he’s filthy rich. I’m fine, so don ‘t worry. Kate turned the postcard over. There was a picture of her standing in a sarong with a man she had never seen before. He was tall, well built, blonde hair with a huge toothpaste smile. He had an arm around her holding her close. The other postcards all had pictures of her, alone, in Egypt and Hawaii. She looked the picture of health and happiness. All the news on the reverse side of the card told of the wonderful life she was supposed to be living, and the exotic places she was supposed to be visiting. They all said how happy she was until she came to the last one. It was a plain card, the postmark said New York. Bryn, I’ll be home Wednesday night. Please don’t wait for me. Sam has given me a settlement and I’m leaving. I found out that he has a mistress, whom he has had for a very long time. When I objected he threw me out. I’m devastated, he chose her over me. But don’t worry, I’ll be fine. Love Kate. P.S. I suppose it’s too late for Jack – just a thought.

Bryn had been to the kitchen to make two cups of coffee. He came in and put one down in front of her. She looked up at him, lifting her hands and putting them back down again. Bryn, I don’t know this man, I’ve never seen him before. I’ve never been to these places. I didn’t send these postcards, her voice got louder and louder until she was shouting at him. She felt herself getting hysterical again. Don’t you think I would’ve phoned you at Christmas and New Year at the very least. Don’t you think I would’ve phoned you when I was coming home to meet me at the airport. She dropped her voice to a whisper again.

I understand how you feel. I understand what you’re going through. This is so painful to you. You’ve blocked it out of your mind. Calm down. I’ll help you.

No, don’t you understand. Listen to me. Listen, Kate was screaming again, her fists tightly clenched, her head shaking. None of these things happened to me. I don’t know this man. I’ve never been to these places. I never sent these postcards. I never eloped. I was kidnapped, do you hear. I was kidnapped.

Kate, if you were kidnapped, why did they let you go, unharmed. There was no ransom note, no reason to kidnap you. Why bring you back, why not just kill you. What was their reasoning? Think about it. Why would they let you go so you could identify them? And, why the postcards?

Kate stood up and looked at Bryn for a few seconds. You don’t believe a word I say. You never looked further than the postcard. You didn’t care enough. It was easier to believe what was in front of you. Didn’t it occur to you that this wasn’t real? Why would I run off with a man I’d never mentioned before? Why would I leave Jack, when I had told you often enough that I loved him so much? Was it easier to believe because you didn’t like Jack? Her voice rose in excitement.

"Don’t get hysterical. Calm down. This is easy to explain. I thought you’d come to your senses about Jack. I’ve been telling you, for I don’t know how long, that he’s nothing but a prick. You realized you had made a mistake, but as usual wouldn’t admit it. You met this man, what’s his name, Sam. Where, I don’t know, but he swept you off your feet. You ran off with him, had a whirlwind romance and then found out you had made another mistake. But as we all know, Kate, and I’ve known you ever since you were born, you don’t like to admit your mistakes too often, even to yourself. So instead of just admitting you had made a mistake you blocked it out of your mind and came up with this story of being kidnapped. I’ll get you help. I’ll find a shrink who you can speak to, so you can admit what you did. Nobody will believe you were kidnapped.

As for Jack, well, he had a bit of a rough time, but moved on and got married.

Didn’t take him long, she whispered.

He married on the rebound, but that’s up to him. Come on, Kate. For once in your life admit what you did. It’ll help you accept it and move on.

You condescending bastard. You didn’t care where I was. You should have known, you above all people, that I would never have done that. I would never have just run off. If I didn’t want Jack any more I would’ve broken up with him. Y-o-u k-n-o-w t-h-a-t, Kate screamed at him, her teeth clenched, accentuating each word. You haven’t even heard what happened to me, and you’re telling me I’m lying. Get out, Bryn. Get out. I’ll sort this out myself. How’re you going to do that? he spoke to her as if she were a child. Calm down. As your brother I’ll help you. Alright, now if you want to so badly, tell me what happened to you.

Kate stared at Bryn for a few seconds, her mind in turmoil. She knew instinctively if she told him her story he would not believe her, he would probably have her committed. She had to get rid of him. It’s quite a story, she said to him calmly. I don’t blame anybody for not believing me, but I’m just so tired. I want to sleep. Please leave me for a while. I’m going to lie down. I’ll call you and then we can talk. Maybe by then I’ll have everything in perspective. Who knows, maybe you’re right. Kate smiled at Bryn.

That’d be a first. Sure you don’t want me to wait here, to be with you? Kate clenched her fists behind her back. She had to bite her tongue to keep herself from lashing out at him. No thanks. Anyway, I’ll call you sometime tomorrow. I just want to sleep now. Kate was moving Bryn towards the door when a thought suddenly struck her. Bryn, how come my flat is still here waiting for me? How was the rent paid? I’ve been gone, what, eighteen months you say, and my flat is still waiting for me!

I phoned your Super and she said you were paid up for a year.

You mean you never even came to see about my things!

Bryn sighed. Kate, please. You were happy and the rent was all paid up. What did I have to worry about your flat for?

Gently pushing Bryn to the door, Kate shook her head. Never mind! I’ll see you tomorrow. Don’t worry about me now. I’m going to lie down and have a sleep. I’ll phone you tomorrow. I’ll be fine. I’m just so tired. Kate closed the door gently. She knew what she had to do now.

She went into the bedroom and looked at herself in the mirror. Spoilt and pampered my foot. If I was living the life of luxury how come I’m so gaunt and pale, and my hair is so long and out of shape. That would never have happened, she said out loud, pulling her unruly, dark auburn hair out to the side of her. She had always been particular about her hair. It was always cut well and she never let it get too long. Now, it looked terrible. She brushed it well and tied it back, deciding she would have to deal with those things later.

Right now she had something more important to do.

She put the postcards into her bag and walked out, going down the steps until she came to the ground floor and knocked on the only door there. It opened.

Hello, Mrs Nero, she smiled.

Kate, she seemed surprised, suddenly she pulled herself up straight. Kate. How wonderful to see you again. Come on in, sweetheart. I’ve just put the kettle on. Mrs Nero took Kate by the hand and gently pulled her inside. Sit down and have a cup of tea with me. I’m just making myself some open toasted cheese sandwiches. Would you like some? Then we can have a nice natter. You can tell me all about that handsome man of yours. You’ve been gone for so long. I missed our little natters. Where’ve you been?

Kate suddenly felt ravenously hungry. She did not know when she had last eaten. Thank you. That would be good. I’m suddenly very hungry. Kate sat down and waited. She thought about Mrs. Nero who had always been such a dear friend to her. Kate had spent many nights pouring her heart out to the Super. Mrs. Nero was in her seventies, healthy and agile. She still dyed her hair light brown to hide the grey and put make up on every morning. A smart, elegant lady, who was the replacement for the mother Kate had lost five years earlier.

When she got the news that her mother had died in a car accident the first person Kate went to was Mrs. Nero. She sat and cried in the Super’s flat. Mrs. Nero insisted she drank a cup of tea and then went with her to the morgue. Bryn was away and it was left to Kate to make all the arrangements. Mrs. Nero was there for her, helping her along the way.

When Jack asked her to marry him, it was a very excited Kate who couldn’t wait to tell Mrs. Nero. Mrs. Nero was a bit surprised because she said she hadn’t realized the relationship had got so serious so quickly but, she had said, if it was what Kate really wanted, then she was happy for her.

And it was now Kate had turned once again to Mrs. Nero, when she felt Bryn had let her down. Mrs. Nero called Kate to the kitchen table, which she had neatly laid with a white, starched tablecloth, blue cups and plates. There were toasted cheese sandwiches and tea. Kate ate ravenously while Mrs. Nero merely picked at half a slice of toast.

It’s so good to see you again, Kate. I’ve really missed you. I always hoped you’d done the right thing. I didn’t hear you come in last night. What time was it? You must tell me about this man of yours, and why you’re home.

There is no man. I didn’t elope. I was kidnapped.

What! Where? When? Oh, Kate that’s terrible. Tell me what happened. Mrs. Nero seemed shocked.

That’s just the problem. Everything’s so hazy. I just woke up and I was somewhere else. I can tell you what happened to me after I woke up, but I’d rather not. You wouldn’t believe it. It was really terrible. I’ll have to deal with it, after I’ve found them and killed them all. I did get friendly with one of my kidnappers though and he told me I’d soon be home. I did everything they told me to do. Everything. Just anything to get home. It’s amazing what one will do for survival. Then I woke up again and I was in my bed. There are these postcards to Bryn that I was supposed to have written, but I know I never wrote them. Oh, it’s my handwriting alright, but I never wrote them. I’ve got a suitcase of clothing I’ve never seen before.

Oh, that is weird. But these postcards must tell you something. What about the postmark.

They’re from all over the world. According to them I’ve been gone nearly eighteen months. How was my rent paid?

"Well, the night you left you put a note in my post box with a year’s rent inside. I was sad you hadn’t taken the time to say good bye to me, but happy