The tower : A New start

The gift

“Girl – lee, Come out, Come out and play – ay.” The Butcher rasped as he loped around searching for her. “You can't stay hidden for long. I will find you.” He hissed through his teeth as he continued to search for her. She whimpered as she pressed deeper into the closet hoping he wouldn't find her.

She knew his idea of fun ended up with her dead. She read the papers and remembered the detailed accounts of his exploits. She wasn't planning on joining the others if she could help it. Suddenly, she remembered the phone. She'd been on the phone with Jessie when he broke in. Dear God, she thought, please let Jessie have heard everything and let The Butcher have missed the cell phone still on speaker phone by the couch. Please don't let Jessie become his next victim because of me.

Before she could react a hand shot into the closet where she'd hidden and latched onto her shirt. With a jerk, he yanked her out of the closet. She screamed as she stumbled out into the room. The butcher leaned down and licked her face from her chin to her ear. “You taste so good, my dear, I can hardly wait to taste your flesh once it has been roasted.” He whispered into her ear and laughed evilly.

He dragged her down the hall to the dining room and all but shoved her onto the table. She fought as he tied her down. The Butcher stabbed her in the calf and she screamed...

“Ahhhh!” Sapphire shot upright in bed breathing hard and trembling. She pressed a hand to her mouth as tears streamed down her cheeks. She felt the presence around her as if she were being held by someone.

“It's OK. Your safe. It was only a dream. I'm here.” She heard the voice whisper. She reached over unsteadily and switched on the light catching a glimpse of the clock. 3:30 am. She sighed wishing The Butcher would simply let her go. But, he won't preferring to torture her even in sleep.

The feeling lingered a moment longer dissipating when a loud knock sounded on her bedroom door. Sapphire got up and crossed the room. “Nice job girl, wake the the whole house with your caterwauling.” She muttered using her grandmother's favorite saying.

She opened the door and found herself facing not only Mace and Deacon, but also a third man. All three men looked as though they been through the wringer. “ You OK.” Mace asked looking her over.

“Sounded like you were being tortured in here?”Deacon added. The third man said nothing just looked her over and crossed his arms as if the whole thing was one big annoyance.

“I'm fine. It was just a nightmare. I'll be fine.” Sapphire reassured them, “Sorry, I woke you all. Who is this by the way?

Mace and Deacon both turned to the third man, “This is Officer Lewis. He was on his rounds checking the neighborhood when he heard you scream.” Deacon explained.

Officer Lewis stepped forward and offered his hand. “Had to check it out. I thought someone was being murdered. Ma'am. Glad you are OK. I heard that scream just as I pulled up, gave me quite a start. It did.”

Sapphire nodded to the officer, but did not take his hand. “It's a pleasured to meet you Officer Lewis. There is no murder here as you can tell, unless you count murder in dreams? Again, I'm sorry .”

The officer chuckled at Sapphire's attempt at humor, “No we don't count murder in dreams. I need to get back to work, but don't hesitate to call if you have need.” He saluted the two Marshals and left the house.

Deacon smiled and explained, “He insisted on checking things out after he heard you scream.” Sapphire nodded and headed to the kitchen with Deacon and Mace following behind.

Note to self, she thought, sound proof the bedroom. Don't need to be advertising my dreams to the neighborhood. She put the tea kettle on to boil and removed cups, saucers, spoons, sugar, creamer, instant coffee, and teabags from the cupboard. These she placed on the table. “Care to join me for a cup of coffee?” she asked the Marshals.

“Nah, I'm heading back to bed. It's late we all should try to get some more shut eye.” Mace answered and headed down the hall with a yawn.

Deacon studied Sapphire a minute, “You sure you're OK?” He asked stifling a yawn.

Sapphire nodded, “Yeah, Like I said it was a nightmare. I'm good. I just need something to distract me so I can get back to sleep. You're exhausted go ahead and get back to bed. Don't worry about me.

Deacon looked as if he might argue, but he just nodded instead. “I'll just double check the locks and take a peek around the house, just to be safe. Try and get some rest. OK?” He said softly.

Sapphire nodded and watched him check the kitchen. The kettle whistled as Deacon slipped into the hall. Sapphire turned off the stove and poured the water into her cup over the tea bag. After setting the tea kettle back on the stove, she picked up her cup of tea and a note book she'd been jotting her dreams in. She'd picked it up when she left the bedroom.

She settled in the breakfast nook and began to write down her dream what she could remember, anyway. The presence returned. “Are you OK? The police was here.” The voice asked and she could feel the concern.

She decided to try to respond after all it must be boring to carry on a one sided conversation. “Yeah, I'm good. It was just a nightmare. I get them a lot.” She tried to sound non nonchalant as she answered hoping whoever she was speaking to heard her.

“I'm glad to hear that. I will let you get to bed.” he responded. Sapphire's eyes widened, Oh My God, She thought, He actually heard me! I actually spoke to him! She sat there a moment shock at this new development in her ability. Never in her life had she believed she had the ability to communicate mind to mind with someone. As amazing as it was to her, It was also scary. What if she couldn't control it? What if she read the wrong person's mind or allowed the wrong person to read hers? And did it mean someone could just reach out to her and control her using their mind? Panic hit briefly with the last thought. Sapphire mentally shook herself. That won't happen, she thought, they'd have to get past her defenses, right? So, she'd just have to practice shielding herself and only allowing those through she knew were good.

She satisfied with her solution she got up to get her computer. “I've got work to do.” she muttered taking her cup and notebook with her. She walked down the hall to the bedroom and entered. Setting her cup on the night stand and tucking her notebook into the stands drawer. She selected an outfit for the day and went to grab a shower. When she got back to her room after her quick shower Sapphire grabbed her computer and coffee, pausing only to glance in the mirror at her petite china doll appearance. With her auburn hair, she looked paler than ever and exhausted. “This three am deal is getting to you, girl.” She muttered, “Gotta find away to get better sleep.”

She felt the amusement of her unknown confidant and smiled herself. “you got a point there girl. I don't know how you do it. It's exhausting for me and I'm a night owl.” He commented, “ Oh don't worry so much about your ability you've got time to learn it. I'll drop a line tomorrow and see if we can get you something to help you sleep better. Sound good?”

“I'll sleep better when they've caught that serial killer. But, I'll try whatever you've got in mind.” she returned and crossed the hall to the library. She glanced at her watch, 4:15 am. She turned on her laptop, opened Microsoft Word and got to work. She had to upload her article today.

Two hours later, Sapphire was in full working mode, Writing, making phone calls to get things going for the locks and security system, and ordering additional things for the house. A loud knock echoed through the library and Sapphire groaned, “Really,” She muttered getting up from her desk and stalking to the library door. Sapphire really hated interruptions when she was working. She yanked the door opened and looked at Deacon. “Yes?” she asked.

Deacon smiled, “Just wanted to know if you wanted any breakfast and to let you know the locksmith is here as well as the security people. They are installing the locks and security system.”

“Good,” She said gifting Deacon a smile, “I'll be right in for breakfast.” Deacon saluted her and headed back to the kitchen. Sapphire closed the door and went back to her desk to save her progress and grab her phone.

Stepping into the hallway, she could see people working at both doors installing the extra locks and security system. That helped her relax some, at least The Butcher would have his work cut for him if he wanted to get in to her home again. Satisfied, she ambled into the kitchen and joined Deacon and Mace at the breakfast nook. On the table they had eggs, bacon, hash browns, toast, and coffee. Sapphire helped her self to the food and refilled her cup. Mmm, she thought, this hits the spot. “You guys sure can cook.” she complimented them and popped another bite in her mouth.

“It's all Deacon,” Mace Said, “All I did was set the table.” Deacon blushed.

“Thanks, I just know the basics like eggs and bacon, steaks and baked potatoes, that sort of thing. I'm no chef, but I don't starve.” He grinned.

“Well, it's delicious. Thanks for breakfast.” Sapphire said meaning it. She devoured her food and helped herself to seconds while chatting amicably with Deacon and Mace.

“I'm glad to see your appetite has improved.” Deacon said as he watched her devour her second plate of food, “We were beginning to think you were going to starve to death for a while there.”

“Yeah,” Mace concurred, “You barely ate on the trip down here.”

It was now Sapphire's turn to blush. “I was so nervous the whole trip. I kept worrying about everything. It just ruined my appetite.”

“Well, we are glad you are doing better. It'll good for you to settle down here.” Mace and Deacon agreed.

Sapphire finished eating, helped clear the table and wash dishes. Then she asked, “You guys wanna join me in a stroll around the courtyard? It won't take long.” Both Mace and Deacon were only too glad to join her.

They stepped out the kitchen door into the court yard and the first thing they noticed was that there wasn't any plants in the planters or trees in the plots designed for them. Some of the bricks on the paths needed repair as did the benches and the picnic area needed redone. There was also the sis foot tall gate with foot tall spikes which was very rusty and needed polishing and painting. Sapphire noted these things and then realized the house needed a coat of paint. She knew she had her work cut out for her this spring and summer.

As they strolled, she began planning the repair work in her mind. She wanted this courtyard to be a place for her to retreat to. She was going to plant lilacs, morning glories, and roses in the planters. Cherry trees she thought would be perfect in the tree plots. She was going to replace the benches with glider benches and put in a whole new picnic area. The umbrella would fold down into the middle of the table for protection in storms and she was adding a barbecue, drink bar, and a waterfall style fountain. She was going to paint everything a blueberry patch blue. The house itself would be a light blue as it is now.

It was going to take awhile since she had to order everything a little at a time to fit her budget. But, in the end it was going to be worth it. Sapphire smiled as she realized she had a project to work on add her work and she should be able to keep her mind off The Butcher and her past. She might even be able to get a decent nights sleep for a change.

They all went inside again and Sapphire spent time answering the workers questions on how many locks she wanted on each door and window. Giving information needed for the security system and setting up a code for the System. They even installed a system for the rear gate so that it only opened when the buzzer in the house was pressed. She had cameras on the gate and doors so she could see who was calling before she ever opened them. According to Deacon, the place was going to be locked up as tight as Fort Knox. Mace agreed with Deacons assessment of the locks and security system.

For Sapphire, it was first time she felt she could relax since the nightmare began and with Deacon and Mace just a short distance away she felt even better. After, the work men left, Sapphire excused herself to finish work in the library and write a message to her land lord regarding the work in the garden. In fifteen minutes she had written the message and placed it in an envelope. She then proceeded to complete a final edit on her article.

It was five thirty by the time she finished the article and submitted it to her employer. Sapphire now emerged from the library and found the Marshals in the living room getting ready to go down to the bed and breakfast. “Hey we are heading out. Remember what we told you. No one can know about your life before you moved here. You cannot contact your family or friends. Stick to the script. This is a new life for you and your safety depends on it.” Mace reminded her firmly.

“I know and I won't forget.” Sapphire assured them though she was twisting her fingers nervously. This would be her first night alone in her new house.

Deacon patted her shoulder reassuringly, “We will just be a call away if you need us. You're safe now.”

“I know. Thanks for everything.” She said smiling nervously.

“It's all in a days works.” Mace responded with a smile, “Take care and don't hesitate to call.”

They said their goodbyes and Sapphire watched their car disappear around the bend of the driveway. She stuck the note in her land lords mail box and she had made sure to leave her number in case he had questions about what she wanted to do to the courtyard. Then she went inside the house, locked the door, turned on the security system and checked the rest of the locks.

In the kitchen, Sapphire heated up a TV dinner from the freezer not wanting to cook and made herself a cup of tea. She then settled in a seat in the breakfast nook to eat. The house was quiet and her thoughts roamed from place to place. The Butcher popped up and she ruthlessly pushed him out of her mind, she was not going to dwell on him. The next thing that popped up was the work to be done in the courtyard. She was certain she could fix it up and allowed herself to day dream of the finished product. She lingered on that for a time and the her mysterious landlord intruded on her thoughts. What did he look like? What kind of person was he? Would he allow her changes in the courtyard?

Finally, her thoughts landed on her newly discovered ability. She had so many question about it. She had already ordered books about it and was going to research it before bed tonight. She needed as much information as possible on it. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the front door. Sapphire hurried to the door and checked the camera. A delivery guy with a couple of boxes. She turned off the security and answered the door.

“Hi, I know it said to just leave the boxes on the porch, knock and leave but I need to sign for a package.” He said holding out a clipboard and pen.

Sapphire pulled her own pen from her pocket and signed the clipboard. “Thanks.” She said and watched him get into his truck and leave. She quickly moved the boxes inside, locked the door, and activated the security system. Then she turned her attention to the boxes. The first two had the last of her sheets and blankets. The next box had some new clothes she'd bought since she had only brought three outfits that had been purchased for her. Another box held the last of her dishes and the final box held several boxes of Chamomile tea, a CD, and a tree of life pendant. There was a note included. It read:

Dear friend,

I know you have suffered nightmares. I don't need to know anything, I just hope this helps. The tea will help you relax and calm you down after the nightmares. The CD has calming music to help take your mind off the troubling dreams and the pendant is something for you to hold onto when you are stressed to remind you that you have a friend in me and I'll be there if you ever need to talk. You only need to reach out.

Your friend,

A.D.

Sapphire sat in thought and then smiled. This was from her mysterious friend who she could speak with mind to mind. She was still afraid of this ability especially his ability to link with her at anytime, but she figured if he was going to control her or hurt her he would have done so by now. Wouldn't he?

With a sigh of frustration at herself for her lack of courage, she thrust her fears aside and focused on the care she could feel in the note and gifts, “Thank you my friend. I appreciate the gifts.” she sent out and then she began putting everything away.

“you're welcome.” he responded to her thanks. Sapphire worked quickly and when she finished she donned a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. Ambling back to the kitchen she cleaned up and decided to spend the evening in the library reading. She quickly made herself another cup of tea choosing this time the chamomile and headed into the library where she made herself comfortable on the chaise lounge with a paranormal romance. As she read, she fingered tree of life pendant she now wore. It made her feel safe.

Suddenly a loud crash echoed through the house causing Sapphire to jump off the lounge. She quickly searched the house for the sound but everything was in place. She then checked her cameras to see if it came from outside, but everything was fine. Sapphire finally decided to check with her landlord to see if he was OK when her mystery friend suddenly spoke, “Stay inside. Keep the doors locked some one threw a large cinder block at the house it hit the large vase on the front porch. I've called the police.”

She slumped to the floor her nerves on over drive. “Who would do this?” she asked. She shivered and trembled for a minute and then something suddenly clicked in her mind. Her friend must live near by to know exactly what was going on. “I do live near by and I saw him run up to the porch from my window.” he confirmed for her, “Unfortunately, I don't know who he is or why he did this.”

She was quiet for a moment then she remembered her security system records everything that happens around her house. “My security system records the video of the outside of my house. It probably recorded it. I'll save the recordings on a flash drive and the police can review it when they get here.” She informed him and hurried to do just that.

“Good.” he said and they waited until the police arrived. She answered the door and spoke with Officer Lewis who examined the damage and took the flash drive.

“We will look into this. Thanks for downloading your security camera footage it will help us find the culprit. Remember to lock up and set your security. We are going to talk to you landlord next door and see if he saw or heard anything.” Officer Lewis explained, “Chances are some teens were out drinking and thought chucking bricks at houses would be a hoot. But, we aren't ruling anything out. Someone could have been hurt.”

Sapphire nodded and thanked the officer. When he left to talk to her land lord, Mr. Drewe, she shut and locked her door, then set her security once more. Sapphire collected her book, what was left of her tea and went back to the kitchen where she sat for awhile. When she finished her tea, she put the cup in the sink and went to bed. She was drained emotionally and physically after the brick incident.

She settled into bed and felt the presence once more. “Goodnight.” he said and retreated as soon as she wished him the same. She fell asleep wondering what future would bring.