Page 12 of Resolutions

“T-two days from n-now.”

“READ IT.”

“Suicide Pact: Four Found Dead in Local Basement.” My voice breaks.

“Read on.”

I can't speak.

“Melanie. READ ON! OR ELSE.”

Through tears: “Found d-dead in ap-parent su-suicide pact were Charlie and Evelyn Wh-Wh-Whitaker and their sons Carson and Colton. Note confessed to all allegations saying they were glad the truth was finally known. They also begged privacy for widows and children. The Whitaker's youngest son, Cameron, was unavailable for comment.”

“Melanie, listen carefully. If you marry Cameron today, ALL this happens. Your mom and aunt die. The precious Whitaker name gets destroyed before they die. All because of you. It's all your fault.” Each word falls like a hammer.

“How can you? Cameron's your friend.”

“Cameron's a tool, nothing more than a cover. His perfect family, perfect home, now perfect fiancée.” Michael's voice drips venom. “Long ago I learned my supposed best friend would lie for me, do anything for me. So, I used him. He's just a pawn. What I need is you. My business comes first, always has. You are what they want.”

“Who's they?”

“Never mind. You'll learn soon enough. Now-”

“I don't think you can kill them.”

“Oh, I certainly could. Their house is wired with explosives - has been for weeks. I could send it sky high anytime. I know you recognized the basement in the photo. Call it foreshadowing, it will be nothing to position the Whitakers in the same way. Now, Melanie, time's up. What's your choice? Go through with the wedding and everyone dies, or save them by leaving?”

My mind races uselessly, searching for an escape where everyone lives.

“OH, I almost forgot. Even though they want you, I've decided I deserve some fun, too. And because this is for me, nothing gets me harder than a chase. God, I love the sex after the conquest. Fuck, I might blow my load right now just thinking of it. But I won't, because I want to see your scared face as you run. Watch it as I pile-drive myself into someone else. Anyway, I'm giving you the chance to run and hide like a scared bunny. Don't worry, you won't stay hidden for long. I'll find you. We have a tight timeline, but we have time for a little fun. Plus, it gives you some time to stretch your muscles before you go to the warehouse.”

My stomach dropped as the clarity of what he was after came to light. “Warehouse?”

“Yes, think of it as your new home away from home. I do.”

“You want me to run and hide from you?”

“Exactly. Now we're pressed for time. What's your choice? Need more motivation? Check your tablet.”

The three men loom over Mom and Aunt. They're so helpless.

“A good chase needs rules,” Michael continues. “Keep this phone always. Answer every call. Contact anyone but me, I print the papers and start the ball rolling. They'll be dead within four days.” His voice turns giddy. “Remember, I have all their phones bugged. I'll end any call, stop any text if I need to. Now, take everything and go. Closet has a small door. Through it, downstairs. Once you reach your car, our game begins.”

I stand frozen, torn between calling his bluff and running.

“What's your choice? You do realize your mom and aunt will die first before you even get the words out of your mouth.”

“No. Please.” I beg.

“Oh baby, you're making me stiffen up with that begging. Keep it up and I'll shorten the chase time.”

I can't think past the terror. “If I go, will they live?”

“Yes.”

I looked around the room.

“Remember,” Michael said, “leave, and this all goes away with you. Stay and everyone you love dies - and I'll still get you. Your choice. Clock's ticking.”

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