The Wrong Side

By Heather Simon

Cassidy is living her best life, a promising career and a nice apartment in the city. She has also met the love of her life. Things could only go up from here, right? Little does she know she is being watched and hunted. A stalker has her in their sight night and day. Growing more disturbed by the minute, she may only have moments left in safety.

As bodies begin to pile up around Cassidy, she is thrown into a nightmare of someone else’s delusions. As events begin to unfold, her world is turned upside down, and she becomes the target of an unhinged mind.

Will she be able to break free of this nightmare? Will she be dragged down into the darkness with someone so vile that she may never again see the light of day again?

This is a disturbing look at what can happen when you land on the wrong side of obsession.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 21, 2019
• ISBN: 9781796040494

Book preview

Chapter One

The rain came down in spades. Lightening flashed, thunder rolled. He stood in the shadows smoking quietly and watching the lighted apartment window. A young woman was changing in her bedroom. She stood before a long mirror examining herself from every angle. Her long mahogany hair tumbled down her back like silk in waves and her skin glowed in the light. The man smiled to himself watching her pull on a blue velvet lounging outfit. He was glad she had forgotten to close the blinds tonight. He longed to see her midnight blue eyes but from the distance he was at could not see their color. He knew them like the back of his hand though, he had been watching her for a month now. He had purposely bumped into her in the coffee shop she favored two weeks ago and saw those haunting eyes up close. He didn’t know her name yet, didn’t need to in order to fulfill his obsession. That is what this was. An obsession. He had seen her across a crowded street one day talking on her phone, oblivious to others. She laughed at something the other person said and the sound was like music to him. Ever since that day he knew she would be his. His finest prize yet. The young woman switched the light off and he hummed to himself an eerie tune as he flicked the cigarette away and walked away into the darkness.

An alarm was going off loudly. Reaching blindly across the bed a graceful, pale arm with long slender fingers slapped at the off button. Sighing loudly Cassidy sat up in bed and looked around. The morning sun was shining brightly into the bedroom, filling the blues and grays with a glimmer. She pulled her hair out of the bun that was holding it atop her head and the mahogany tresses fell down her back in waves. She blew a random strand out of her eyes and got out of bed. She went into the bathroom adjourning her bedroom and turned on the shower, so it would get nice and steamy in the room. Unbuttoning her aqua silk pajamas, she let them fall to the floor and stepped into the warm welcoming water. Some time later she emerged from her bedroom into the kitchen wearing a grey linen pants suit with a deep aqua blouse that made her deep midnight blue eyes sparkle. She made coffee and sighed pleasantly at the first sip. A chirping noise caught her attention and she moved over to her phone to check the text message that had come in. It was from her friend Jenny that worked in the same office as her.

Just to warn you, Regina is on the warpath today. All upset about some memo that didn’t go out last night. You might wanna get her a coffee on your way in.

Oh fantastic, just what I need this morning. Cassidy muttered to herself. She grabbed her purse and keys and rushed out the door. Down on the main street she hailed a cab and climbed in telling him to take her to Java Bean on 14th. The driver smiled at her.

Rough morning? he asked sympathetically.

She glanced at his reflection in the mirror and gave him a small smile.

Oh, just my boss in a panic again about something. She is ALWAYS in a panic lately. Doesn’t bode well for my Friday is all. She explained. He frowned a little and then nodded as they pulled up to the coffee place.

I can wait if you need to complete the ride to the office. He said.

No, that’s ok. I can walk to the office from here. She smiled as she handed him her card for the fare. He rang her up and waved as he drove off. She waved back and entered the crowded coffee shop. She ordered her coffees and stood off to the side to wait for her order. She noticed a familiar blonde head bent over a laptop and moved over to him.

Felix, do you ever go to an office? she asked smiling widely. He looked up and his green eyes widened when he saw it was her.

I, well I sometimes go to the office but mostly I like to work from coffee shops and home. Helps me concentrate on it. He explained and smiled back. She tossed her hair to the side as he gazed up at her and she wondered when he was going to get up the nerve to ask her out.

I wish I had that kind of freedom. I have to go in a tame the beast this morning. She said with a laugh. Felix smiled up at her and her stomach did a flip flop. He had the best smile. She had been harboring a crush on him since she had met him at a networking event three months ago. He looked amazing in a tuxedo.

Well, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Writing for Labyrinth can be a headache sometimes. Interviewing all the different bands and artists can take its toll on you. Dealing with spoiled celebrities makes my head spin sometimes. They all want the same thing. To be seen as a genuine artist and not the cookie cutter next big thing they truly are. He said it in such a way that he still just seemed like the nicest guy around and not like he was actually giving a dig on someone.

Cassidy! a barista called out and she turned at the name.

Well, that’s me. Guess I better go she told him and smiled again. Felix nodded and gave a slight wave then looked back down at his laptop. Disappointed she shuffled to the counter to pick up her order. All in all, not her best morning. She walked out the door without a backward glance, never noticing the dark-haired man in the corner watching her.

Later in the day her desk phone rang for what seemed like the 400th time and she answered it feeling exhausted.

Cassidy Samuels, how may I help you? The caller cleared his throat before answering.

Hi Cassidy, it’s Felix. I hope I am not bothering you.

Wha-I mean, no of course not. What can I do for you? she stammered. Her heart was beating in her throat and she gripped the phone receiver tighter.

Well, I don’t normally do this but after running into you this morning I can’t seem to stop thinking about you. So, I was wondering if you wanted to maybe grab some dinner this week. He sounded a bit nervous which wasn’t like him.

Oh, wow, of course I would. That would be very nice. When were you thinking? she hoped her voice didn’t give away how excited she was. She couldn’t believe he was calling her. She had only given him her card 5 times previously over the months always saying it was in case he needed any input on an article.

Well, what about tomorrow evening. Or do you already have plans? He said it matter of fact like.

Actually, tomorrow works great. Shall I meet you somewhere? she replied.

Felix was silent for a moment and she held her breath.

Well, how about if I just pick you up. I am one of the few people in the city that actually has a car. He said with a laugh. She laughed too and smiled to herself.

Sure, that sounds great. She gave him her address and they set a time for 7 pm the next day. She hung up and decided she needed to buy something to wear immediately. She texted Jenny to tell her to meet her at a store they loved and packed up her desk for the weekend. Her boss Regina had left hours ago so she knew she could scoot out a little early and no one would care.

He watched her and another girl leaving the upscale store laughing. That sound made him weak in the knees and want her so badly. He gripped the brick wall beside him and his vision blurred for a moment. The feeling was coming back to him and he knew he would need to act on it soon or he would get the raging headaches again. He knew it wasn’t time for her, so another would have to do. He hated to turn away, wanted to watch her longer but the nausea was starting to kick in and he knew he needed to go. He grimaced and stalked away. Soon, he thought.

Cassidy twirled in the mirror to look at her final touches and see if she needed to change anything. The dark silver dress floated just below her knees and shimmered softly in the light. The sterling heels matched perfectly, and she felt it made her blue eyes shine brighter then the dark midnight blue they usually were. She had pulled part of her hair to the side and the rest fell in curls down her back. She had done her makeup lightly with a bold red lip. She felt pleased with her reflection and just hoped Felix would appreciate the effort. He had told her he had made reservations at the Knight bistro and she was excited as she hadn’t been able to get in to the posh restaurant yet. Since it’s opening a month ago it was always booked solid. Being a writer for a hip entertainment magazine and blog must open up the right doors. She was just reapplying her lipstick when her buzzer rang. She had to stop herself from running to answer it and made her way casually to the door instead. She looked through the peephole and could see the top of Felix’s head and he held out a single, ballet pink rose in front of him. He heart began hammering in her chest and she opened the door.

Hi she said softly. He looked up at her and smiled his amazing smile and held out the rose.

I picked pink because it was soft and shimmery like you. He told her. She took the rose and stepped back to let him in. He stood in the entrance to her apartment and gazed around. He moved over to a black and white framed picture of a tree with a river flowing behind it. The tree was bare as if in winter and it looked as though it had been there for centuries.

I like this picture. You can almost feel the loneliness. He said softly.

I picked it for the same reason. Something beautiful about the melancholy in it. She explained.

He turned around to look at her and gazed for a moment before smiling and offering her his arm.

Shall we go? He asked, and she nodded and took his arm. They walked out and down to his car where he opened the door for her to get in.

After dinner they took a walk on the waterfront and talked. She learned he had grown up with three older brothers and a younger sister on a farmhouse in the Midwest. He had originally wanted to be a music producer and had landed the job he has out of college. It had stuck and he now only did music in his free time for fun. She told him about her younger sister and living in California. He told her he was envious of that as he loved the ocean and beaches. They were standing at the marina gazing out into the water when she saw it. At first she thought it was part of a mannequin floating near the shore but the longer she gazed at it she realized what it was.

Oh my god Felix, I think there is a body floating in the water! she gasped. He turned in the direction she pointed and sucked in breath.

Stay back he told her and moved closer to the shoreline. After looking at it for a moment he told her to call 911. She was shaking all over as she talked to the operator. It seemed like hours were passing as they waited for the police. Felix had wrapped his suit jacket around her and was holding her when they arrived.

Sir, Ma’am. Please stay back here while they bring the body ashore an officer told them.

They watched in silent horror as divers pulled a slim body out of the water. They laid the girl down on the grass and Cassidy gasped when she saw the face. The girl had been pretty once, there was no doubt. In death she was something out of a horror movie. Here eyes were gouged out of her head, her throat was slit ear to ear, and her breasts were removed. Down in the pubic area there were deep lacerations as if someone has tried to remove her womanhood. Cassidy turned into Felix’s shoulder and sniffled.

Excuse me, officer, but when can I take her home. This is all a little too much. Felix called to the nearest officer.

You have both already given your statements, you may go. Just make sure you are reachable at those numbers you gave in case we need to follow up. The officer said and smiled gently.

They were quiet on the walk back to the car. She held back tears as he helped her into the car and shut the door.

I am so sorry that happened. Are you ok? Felix asked her softly. She nodded.

It was just awful. That poor girl. Who would do such a thing? She wondered aloud.

A very sick person he muttered and started the car.

When they arrived back at her place, he walked her in and asked if she wanted him to come in with her. She shook her head.

I just need some sleep. I’ll be ok. I will call you tomorrow. She told him. He nodded he understood and kissed her cheek before leaving. Cassidy shut the door and let the tears fall. She sobbed for a long time at the horror she had seen and finally pulled herself together to get herself to bed.

The next morning, she lay in bed for a long time agonizing over the night before. As far as first dates went, it had started out so amazingly. How had it gone so wrong? What were the odds of them finding a body? She had never seen a body up close before except for her grandmother who had passed when she was 19. But her Grandmother had not looked like a slashed up, broken doll. Her phone rang, and she glanced at it before answering. It was Felix. She waited a couple rings before answering as she wasn’t sure what to say.

Hello?

Are you ok? he asked softly.

I will be fine. It was just a bad shock is all. She assured him.

Listen, I would like to try again. I know it may be the wrong time to bring it up, but I had a really good time with you up until that happened. He told her. She swallowed hard. It wasn’t his fault after all that that had happened.

I would like that. I had a good time with you too Felix. She told him.

They decided he would come by in the afternoon and hang out and cook dinner together.

In a dark room that smelled of mildew and rust a girl was coming to. Laying on a bloodstained mattress, she groggily sat up and tried to look around. She could hear water dripping somewhere which would explain the smell of mildew. It was so dark she couldn’t see much in front of her except outlines of objects. She realized she was naked and began shaking.

Hello? IS anyone there? she yelled. Only the dripping of water answered her. She started crying and hugged her knees to her chest.

Please, someone answer me she whimpered. Suddenly she her shuffling coming from in front of her and she could hear him breathing.

Hello? Who are you? Why are you doing this to me? she begged.

It’s not you I want, but you will have to do he growled and crawled over her. She screamed as he thrust himself inside her.

Please stop! she cried. He laughed quietly as he raped her. Finally, when he was finished he stood up over her and laughed down at her.

You think that was bad? Pretty little thing, you have no idea what is coming. He told her and she screamed again. She stopped suddenly when she felt the knife pierce her skin for the first time. She lay there in shock as he stabbed into her repeatedly. Soon her cries began again but were mere gurgles as blood ran down her sides. He laughed loudly as she shuddered her last breath. He got up and walked over to a far wall and pulled on a string that lit a single bulb. He turned back and looked at her mangled body. Her head was turned to the side, eyes staring at nothingness.

I hate when they stare. he growled to himself and went over to the body to dig out the eyes. He took his time slicing up the remainder of her and felt himself grow hard again thinking of her. He finished himself off with the corpse and then went to a sink to clean up.

Chapter Two

Cassidy awoke feeling relaxed and happy. It had been a while since she had felt so good. The past couple weeks with Felix had been amazing. They were always going out to fun places and romantic evenings. He was even more amazing then she had originally thought. He made her feel good about herself and safe with him. He let her talk about that night with the body whenever she needed to, and he remained calm and reassuring. He hadn’t even really made a move on her yet, aside from some steamy kisses. He was a true gentleman. She stretched in her bed and rolled over to gaze at the dozen ballet pink roses in a vase. He had sent them to her work yesterday with a note that said Thinking of your sweet smile. She giggled to herself and got up to go make some coffee.

While sipping her coffee she checked her phone and saw Regina had called. She rolled her eyes thinking the worst and listened to the message.

Hi Cassidy, it’s Regina. I am going to be out of the office the remainder of the week. I must go to my Parents because my Father had a heart attack. He is ok for now, but I need to be there. Just sit in on my meetings I have scheduled and take notes for me. We can discuss them next week. Thanks

Cassidy sent her a text letting her know she got her message and that she hoped her Father was ok. She felt a little guilty that she was glad she would be gone. It made her week that less stressful. Regina could be hard to work with. That was why Cassidy was the fifth assistant she had had in 2 years. People in the office called her a witch behind her back. But Cassidy just took it in stride and did her best to keep Regina happy. They got along for the most part, even though she had seen her tantrums a few times. Cassidy liked her job, and it more than paid her bills. Being in the city, that was important. Since moving here from California 3 years ago, it was shell shock for her at first. She had waited tables in a dive bar near the office and that was where she had met Regina. She had come in several times with coworkers after work and Cassidy always seemed to get them in her section. She was a good waitress and always made sure her customers had refills and made friendly chat with them. Regina had taken a liking to her and one day offered her the job as her assistant.

My girl now is incompetent, and I could use someone like you who knows how to multi task and be a friendly ear. Regina had said.

Cassidy had all but jumped at the chance. Getting out of the dive bar was her goal but she hadn’t really done office work before. She was a fast learner and knew computer systems, so it worked out. So far Regina seemed happy with her. There was room for advancement in the company too which was good.

Cassidy got dressed for work and went down to hail a taxi for the coffee shop. Since Regina was out, she could be a little late to the office and no one would care. She went inside and ordered then moved to the side to wait. She glanced around hoping to see Felix, but he wasn’t there today. She could feel eyes on her and turned to the corner of the shop. A very handsome man dressed in an expensive business suit sat there sipping his coffee. He had shiny dark hair that waved back from his face in a crisp cut, and crystal blue eyes. He was watching her and gave a slight smile when he noticed she was looking at him. She smiled back and gave a nod. Something about him unnerved her. He wasn’t doing anything, but he seemed too intense. The hair on the back of her neck stood up and she suddenly wanted to race out of the coffee shop. It was a weird reaction to have to someone so handsome. He was movie-star handsome and normally she would have been flattered to receive his attention. Maybe it was because she was becoming so into Felix, maybe it was loyalty or something. She glanced back over, and the man was looking down at something and not paying her any attention. She laughed a little to herself