CHAPTER 001
CHAPTER 001
As I sat idly eating my popcorn, watching The Haunting of Ravenwood, the latest horror show. Having heard so much buzz about The Haunting of Ravenwood, I felt compelled to see for myself what all the excitement was about.
My attention was focused on watching the movie when, suddenly, the door slammed open with such force that my popcorn dispersed all over the floor in surprise. Thinking it might have been Oliver, my brother, with his habit of slamming open every door whenever he arrived home for any special reason and making dramatic entrances, my heart skipped a beat; my eyes widened as my popcorn dissipated like water on its journey across my floor. I frowned as Oliver is known to make dramatic entrances every time he arrives home, making his grandiose entrance every time he arrives home, always creating quite an impressive presence!
"What the hell is wrong with you, Oliver?" I let out an angry exclamation before a group of masked men abruptly entered the room.
One of the men had his gun pointed directly at me; I did not move, as I did. I did not want to escalate matters further. His voice was calm yet firm: "Miss Brooks, please stay still and quiet."
As I stood, my mind whirled with uncertainty as to what was taking place around me. My eyes focused on one of the masked men holding guns; his gaze locked onto mine.
"Please...don't kill me," I begged in my trembling voice.
"No one is hurting you, Miss Brooks. Not unless I say so." These were the words spoken by a young man dressed in black who wore an almost opaque hat that almost obscured his eyes while carrying a golden cane in one hand. His presence made an impression that he was the leader.
My fear intensified. This was something new for me; I didn't recognize these men and knew it wasn't positive news; they weren't here for a friendly chat; they were here because of Oliver.
"Don't be alarmed, Miss Brooks. I won't harm you; instead, I'm here to ask some questions and gather more information."
"I'll answer whatever question you pose; please just don't hurt me," I replied, my voice quivering slightly.
He reached for my cheek and touched it gently, telling me, "Like I promised, I won't hurt you. Now I understand why my nephew kept chasing after you. When he smiled coldly at me, there was something quite unnerving about his mannerisms."
"Your brother killed my cousin two days ago and refuses to accept responsibility," he continued, his voice cracking with emotion.
My mouth opened, yet no words came out. I was speechless as Oliver shot my boyfriend Leo dead despite my warnings of imminent danger to myself and everyone around us. We had been so close that people joked we might get married; yet Oliver never approved of our intentions and eventually took matters into his own hands.
Days had passed as I mourned Leo's passing; I couldn't even see his body due to Oliver keeping me at a safe distance from it. Instead, I spent most of my days sitting in front of the TV eating popcorn to ease my suffering.
Oliver hadn't come home since that night; instead, he sent people to check on me and ensure I remained secure from outsiders. Little did he realize...
"I haven't seen Oliver since that night," I lamented, tears streaming down my cheeks. He never called, just sent people to check on me. He wouldn't let me view Leo's body; in truth, I don't remember anything about that night."
"Don't cry, my sweetheart," the man softly advised.
"Put it away!" the officer demanded of the individual holding a gun. Immediately, they obeyed and placed their firearms back into their pockets.
"Take a photo of her. Send it to Oliver."
I was puzzled and didn't understand what they were saying; at first, I thought he wanted me to see an image of Oliver, but when the man took out one instead, it showed my photo! I felt taken aback.
"We will send this letter to your brother. "Let him know we have him safely in custody," the officer replied, his smile cold and empty.
"No! No! "Please, you can't take me!" I pleaded in fear as panic rose in my chest.
"This is the only way we know to bring him in. Once he surrenders, we'll release you," the man explained.
I begged him to let me go, but my words went unheeded. They led me out to the car, where by the time we reached it, I had passed out from exhaustion, my body simply too exhausted to stay conscious any longer.
When I awoke in a small, dim room with my head throbbing and body aching, it was difficult to remember how I got here; but as the fog cleared, I realized something: I was trapped.
One of the masked men walked through the door. I didn't look up at him because I was too afraid of moving; this man wasn't here to assist; rather, he was here to keep me under control.
But then the man in a suit who seemed in control was standing coldly by the doorway with his gaze, icy searching me out like some puzzle to be solved.
"Let me make this easy for you," he promised, his voice controlled but deliberate. "Just tell me where Oliver is, and we can put an end to this matter."
"I don't know where he is, as I told you before; I don't have any information." I spoke quietly.
He hardened his tone. "Miss Brooks, you may be lying. However, I am patient and there is time."
"What did he mean?" I was uncertain, but one thing was certain. I wouldn't reveal any secrets from Oliver to anyone! As always, his protection must come first.
As the man began his walk away, he said to him, "Don't go anywhere until I have all the information I require, and trust me; it won't take long until we locate him.
"Oliver... don't let them get to you," I whispered.
As I sat there contemplating what had just happened, it wasn't surprising that Oliver hadn't been there when I needed him, but I couldn't help but wonder why he had abandoned me in such a manner.
But one thing kept me going through all my pain and fear: hope. No matter how difficult things seemed, there had to be a way out if they wanted me gone forever.
Oliver stood alone in his house, staring down at his phone in his hand. If these men were after me, it was important that he take swift action immediately. Where could he go, and how could he save me?
Feeling frustrated, he slammed his fist against the wall, feeling its weight as his mind whirled with thoughts of exacting revenge on those responsible. No longer was he going to let them win this time around!
Over the coming days, I remained locked inside this small room, waiting and wondering when Oliver would arrive or even care to come visit me. Every day that passed was one more reminder that Oliver had already abandoned me.
But I refused to surrender, refusing to allow them the victory; no one would come save me now; just keep fighting, even though nobody was coming for me.