Only For You Page 24

  I approached my car, wishing I was already home in bed. I set my coffee on the roof while I unlocked the door. Retrieving it, I reached for the door handle when I heard movement behind me. I instinctively spun around and came face-to-face with Heath. Startled, I dropped my keys. I had a bad feeling, my gut was screaming, RUN! I quickly assessed my surroundings—I had parked facing a cement retaining wall, effectively cornered. I would not be able to escape without passing him. Not willing to take my eyes from Heath to locate my keys, I stood still and waited to see what he did.

  “Everleigh, what brings you here this evening?” Heath asked congenially.

  “I was visiting a friend.”

  I looked directly into his eyes, hoping I projected the confidence I wasn’t feeling.

  “Would that friend be Samantha?”

  “I’d rather not say.”

  How did he know it was Sam? It would be a reasonable assumption on anyone’s part, but I feared he knew it was Sam for a more sinister reason.

  “You don’t need to say it, I know it was her.”

  There it was, all the confirmation I needed. Heath was the one who had attacked Sam. I needed to create an opportunity to get the hell away. I knew Heath was infinitely stronger, so I needed to avoid physical confrontation. I had to stall until I could run.

  “You’re the one who attacked her,” It was a statement, not a question.

  “It was you I wanted, but your guard dog was always around. When Robbie warned me off Sam I was not pleased, hence when the opportunity presented itself, I took it,” Heath’s grin was sinister. “She was a particularly succulent piece of ass, and I don’t mean that figuratively.” He chuckled at his own depraved joke. “Since she is awake and I’m not being pursued by our friends in blue, I presume she didn’t know it was me.”

  “No, she has no clue,” I answered, not wanting him to target Sam again if I didn’t make it out alive.

  “None of them knew, I used a Lycra hood and they never saw us, I was careful never to speak. It was brilliant really,” he mused. “They never saw anything, never heard anything. I wore gloves and a hat, as well as different sized shoes each time. I even wore a weight belt to vary the depth of the footprints each time. I was exceedingly careful not to leave any DNA evidence. You know, I shaved my whole body, even my pubes. Now that is commitment, don’t you think?”

  He paused thoughtfully, “In the future, I think I will select women based on specific traits, instead of just letting opportunity direct my conquests. A few of those girls were real dogs. I deserve better.”

  “Why did you kill those three girls but let Sam live?”

  I edged away from my car, trying to position myself for an escape. I let my purse slide down my arm, hanging from my wrist.

  “The first girl was an accident, I got a little carried away. I realized I limited my risk of exposure if I left no witnesses, it was the sensible decision for the subsequent two. Plus if I’m being honest, I rather enjoyed it—an added rush.” He smiled reminiscently, “As for Sam, I didn’t let her live. The bitch was as good as dead when I left her. If the damn police hadn’t stumbled upon her, she would be in the ground already. I won’t make that mistake again.”

  He was certifiable. A complete psychopath. A serial killer, already planning for his future murders with no remorse or guilt.

  “Why are you telling me this? Why are you letting me see you? I could identify you.”

  I knew the answer, but I had to keep him talking. I subtly dropped my purse to the ground. I would not be able to find my cell phone in the jumbled mess and it would only slow me when I ran or hinder me if forced to fight.

  “Come now, Everleigh, you’re a smart girl. You won’t be able to tell anyone because you’ll be dead. I don’t plan on risking exposure in the future, but for you, I just had to let you know it was me. You’re special, you deserve my undivided attention. I couldn’t share you.”

  “How nice,” I said drolly.

  “There’s the fire I love. Would you like to know what I plan to do with you? What I did with the others? We have to hurry; I don’t want to risk lingering here much longer. Perhaps just a little preview to whet your appetite. I’m going to incapacitate you and bind your hands with rubber restraints. I will take to you into the woods on the other side of this retaining wall, tie your arms and legs to trees to open you up for me, and then I’m going to fuck you senseless. When I’m done, I will likely rape and sodomize you with a small tree branch, to ensure you bleed out any possible DNA evidence. Never can be too careful, you know. Then I will beat you to death. Inspiration will come and fill in the details, but you get the gist.”

  “You do realize you’re criminally insane?” I had to ask. He just described brutally violating and killing me, as if he was giving me a recipe for lasagna.

  “That is certainly what I will claim if I’m ever caught,” he smiled maniacally.

  He took a step in my direction and I feigned left before moving right. He quickly adjusted and moved closer. He was only four feet away from me, almost within arm’s reach. He faked a grab and I jerked. Pain registered on my hand and I realized I was still holding my coffee—my hot coffee. I pried off the lid with my fingernails while taking a step in his direction and threw the coffee in his face.

  Heath shrieked in pain. It was not enough to do permanent damage, having cooled slightly, but it was still hot enough to scald. It was all the opening I needed—I ran. I ran for all I was worth, throwing every ounce of energy into propelling my body forward. I only focused on the hospital in front of me, pretending there was no Heath in pursuit. I probably only had a five second head start, but that would be enough. It had to be enough.

  My lungs were burning, but I pushed on, twenty feet from the hospital entrance. I registered Heath was closing in on me, but I didn’t allow him to distract me. Ten more feet. I was going to make it. Five more feet. Almost there. I was at the door. The stupid mechanical doors cost me precious seconds opening, allowing Heath the opportunity to grab my wrist as I began to cross the threshold. I screamed like a banshee while twisting to break his grip. I continued to call for help and I screamed “rape,” as if my life depended on it, because it did. I heard commotion in front of me and I looked up to see a security guard approaching. Heath turned and ran.

  I stumbled through the door into the atrium and screamed for the security officer to call the police and tell them the Hensley murderer had just attempted another attack. He followed my instructions immediately. A second guard assisted me to a nearby couch where I continue to fight for breath. I couldn’t intake enough oxygen to satisfy my body’s need, and my panic was rising.

  I was also beginning to feel incredibly nauseous. I realized I was going to be sick and darted to a nearby garbage can, vomiting violently. After several minutes, my stomach was empty and the dry heaves ceased. I felt a hand on my back and jumped, swinging around with my arm in a defensive position. My fisted hand nearly connected with Dr. Bilatus.

  “Miss Carsen, it’s me, Dr. Bilatus—Lauren.” She was safe, I knew she was. “Are you okay?”

  I shook my head. She took my arm and guided me back to the couch.

  “Tom, grab me a blanket and a pair of scrubs,” Lauren requested from a nearby employee.

  “Were you attacked, Miss Carsen?”

  “Ev. Please call me Ev.”

  She nodded. “Were you attacked, Ev?

  “Yes, in the parking lot. It was Heath. Heath attacked me and he’s the one who hurt Sam.” The words poured out of me in a staccato rush.

  “Okay, the police are on their way. They will find him, and I’ll send security up to guard Sam’s room.”

  “Ian, can you please request a guard be stationed outside Samantha Whitney’s room, ICU? Urgently.”

  “Yes, Doctor.” He stepped away and radioed the request.

  “Were you hurt, Ev?” Lauren returned her focus to me.

  “No, I got away. He didn’t get me.”

  “Are you
certain?”

  “Yes, I was having a hard time breathing and I threw up once I made it here, but I’m okay.”

  “You were hyperventilating and vomited as a result of the adrenaline surge you experienced. It’s to be expected. Just focus on taking a slow deep breath, count to three, and then release. Let’s do it together.”

  She breathed with me several times until she was satisfied with my performance. The orderly returned with a blanket and scrubs a few moments later. He handed them to Lauren along with a plastic bag.

  “Ian, can you walk us to the ladies restroom and make sure it’s empty, and then guard the door while we are inside?”

  “Absolutely,” Ian agreed.

  “Come on Ev, let’s get cleaned up.”

  Lauren helped me rise and guided me to a restroom around the corner.

  After Ian had ensured it was secure, Lauren and I entered.

  “Okay. Let’s wash your face and rinse your mouth first,” she directed me.

  I complied without resistance. I was coming back to myself, but it was nice not to have to think for a few minutes under someone else’s direction.

  “Perfect. Throw your clothes in this bag and put on these scrubs. Wait,” she grabbed some paper towels and wet them before handing them to me, “you can use these too.”

  I looked at her confused. She looked at my pants, and I looked down to find they were wet. Did I spill the coffee on me? No, I would have felt the burn by now. Oh, oh no. I wet my pants. I, a grown woman, wet my pants. Tears of embarrassment filled my eyes.

  “No, don’t be upset.” Lauren put her arm around my shoulders, “It’s another side effect of a major adrenaline rush, especially in cases of extreme stress. It’s not one of the effects highly publicized, but it’s prevalent.”

  I could not meet her eyes. “It could be worse. Do you know that the common male reaction to an adrenaline rush is an erection? Imagine the show if all those mixed-martial arts fighters weren’t wearing groin protection when their adrenaline surged. Female viewership would quadruple.”

  At that bit a trivia, I laughed. I laughed until my sides hurt and my eyes teared. I looked up and met Lauren’s eyes.

  “Thank you, thank you so much. You have been incredibly kind to me.”

  She smiled in return as I entered the bathroom stall to clean up and change. When we finally exited the bathroom, Detective Norse was outside talking to Ian.

  “Would you like me to stay with you?” Lauren offered.

  “No, I’ve met Detective Norse before, I’ll be fine. I can’t thank you enough for all your help.” I reached out and hugged Lauren.

  “It was my pleasure,” Lauren responded before waving goodbye.

  “Miss Carsen, I’m sorry we keep meeting under such somber circumstances. It’s an occupational hazard, I’m afraid. Do you mind telling me what happened, for the report?”

  “Please call me Ev. Yes, I will tell you everything. I think you will want to dispatch someone to track down Heath Varbeck.”

  “Let’s go sit down.”

  “My purse and keys are in the parking lot,” I exclaimed with worry.

  “The police units canvassing the area will recover them for you. I will have it brought here before we finish. If you’re ready, please tell me what happened.”

  I told Detective Norse every detail I could remember. I recounted every word Heath uttered. The only thing I omitted was the fact that I had soiled my clothing. I suspect he had figured as much based on my current attire, but he was professional enough to feign ignorance.

  “You did exceptionally well, Ev. You kept your cool and kept him talking until you were able to escape. Using the coffee was extremely resourceful. You did everything right. That doesn’t always guarantee a positive outcome, but I’m glad it did this time.”

  “Thank you, Detective.”

  “Just give me one moment, please.”

  He walked a few feet away and spoke to a uniformed officer. I heard Heath’s name and the order to ‘bring him in.’ When Detective Norse was done speaking to the officer, he returned to me.

  “They’re going to pick up Heath. I have an officer stationed outside Sam’s room and a squad car will be outside your apartment building as well. We will keep the protection in place until we have apprehended him.”

  “Thank you that is a definite relief.”

  “Your belongings should be here momentarily. Is there anyone you can call to pick you up? I do not think it would be wise for you to drive yourself home. You have had quite the ordeal tonight.”

  “I’ll call Hunter once I have my cell phone, it’s in my purse.”

  As if I conjured him, I heard Hunter call my name.

  “Everleigh.” He strode to my side, “Are you okay? What the hell happened?”

  “Heath attacked me. He is insane! He is the one who attacked Sam and all those girls at school. It was him all along.”

  Hunter’s eyes darted to Detective Norse who gave a brief nod. Hunter wrapped an arm around my shoulders and kissed the top of my head.

  “Give me a moment to talk to Detective Norse, I want to find out if they intend to protect you and Sam, then I’ll take you home.”

  He walked away before I could assure him that Detective Norse had offered protection for us.

  Several minutes later Hunter returned to me, with my purse and keys in hand.

  “Are you ready to go?”

  “Yes, please.” As we began to walk away, I paused. “Wait. I need to ask a favor of Detective Norse.”

  “Detective Norse,” I called.

  “Yes, Miss Carsen?”

  “Can you please make sure no one tells Sam anything before I speak with her? She doesn’t know who attacked her, and it would be best coming from me.” Detective Norse nodded his agreement. “Thank you.”

  “Okay, time to get you home.” Hunter pulled me toward the door.

  “It seems silly to leave; Sam will wake up in a few hours.”

  “I will call the nurses station and ask them to tell her you said you were running late. You need to get some rest before you return. When you come down from your adrenaline high, you’re going to be hurting.”

  I wanted to argue but I didn’t have the energy, which probably proved Hunter’s point. We walked to his car, parked at the entrance door of the hospital. He studied me for a moment before starting the Yukon.

  “You want to hear what happened, but you’re trying not to push, aren’t you?”

  He smiled guiltily. “You don’t have to relive it right now,” he stated conciliatorily.

  “It’s fine, if the tables were turned it would drive me bonkers not to know. Maybe if I talk about it I will be able to sleep tonight,” I offered. “Wait, are you staying with me tonight?”

  “Yes,” he said vehemently.

  “Thank you.”

  I proceeded to give Hunter a full account of what had happened from the time I left Sam’s room until he arrived at the hospital. Again, the only detail I omitted was my humiliating adrenaline induced accident. At several points, Hunter white-knuckled the steering wheel, clenched his jaw, ground his teeth, or hissed. He never interrupted, letting my thoughts flow undisturbed. When I was done, I waited for his response. He didn’t say anything for a couple of minutes.

  “So he didn’t touch you?” He was wound tight.

  “Just grabbed my wrist as I was entering the hospital.”

  “I’m so sorry this happened to you, angel, but I’m also extraordinarily proud of you. You handled yourself better than many trained professionals. You even managed to get a confession out of him.”

  “I can’t take any credit for the confession. I was only trying to stall him and he felt like bragging. I wish I had been able to hold him for the cops, but I was too scared.”

  “Baby, are you crazy? You got yourself away from him safely and without injury. That was your only goal. I would have been reaming you out if you had tried to apprehend him. My brave, crazy girl.”

 
We pulled into my complex and Hunter parked in front of my building. As we got out of the Yukon and walked toward my apartment, Hunter nodded at a random car.

  “Who’s that?”

  “That’s your unmarked police protection.”

  “Good catch.”

  “I was looking for them. Detective Norse guaranteed they would be here.”

  We walked inside and entered the apartment. Hunter set down a bag I had not realized he was carrying. He must have planned to stay the night before I requested it.

  “I’m going to take a quick shower.”

  “I’ll be here. Are you hungry?”

  “No, there’s no way I could eat. Be right back.”

  I brushed my teeth and took a record setting shower. When I exited the bathroom, Hunter rose from the couch and walked toward me. He took me in his arms, hugging me close. This was what I needed; I needed him to hold me, to love me. I wanted to feel him against me, to know everything was all right, that life would go on.

  I kissed his chest, working my way up his neck until I reached his lips. I dragged my lips across his, applying light pressure. On my second pass, I peeked my tongue out to lick the seam of his mouth, requesting entrance. He denied me access, and instead leaned back to look into my eyes.

  “You need your rest.”

  “I need you.”

  “You had an incredibly difficult night, your emotions are still all over the map. You need to go to bed, and you will feel better in the morning.”

  “I’m fully aware of how difficult my night was, how raw I feel. I know what I need, what I’m feeling. Right now, I need to be in your arms, to feel your body pressed against mine, inside mine. I need to be reminded that I’m alive and there are a lot more good moments than bad.”

  “Everleigh, we can’t. Please just go to bed and get some rest. I will be out here all night to protect you.”

  “Out here?” I asked confused.

  “I’m going to sleep on the couch.”

  “Why are you sleeping on the couch? Do you not want to sleep with me?”