Author Anon

“I think you lied to me,” says Damian.

“I haven’t lied to you,” says Stephanie.

“Yes, you have,” says Damian. “That’s why you’re trying to run away.”

“I’m not,” says Stephanie. “I’m just having my son delivered, then I’m going home.”

“Really?” asks Damian. “Who’s bringing him?”

“Dr. Steele,” she says.

“And what are you going to tell her when she asks questions?”

“There’s no need for her to ask questions,” says Stephanie.

“And if she tries to stop you?”

“She has no right.”

“Suspicion seems to have turned from her,” says Damian. “Don’t you think she’s aware that we are being sought for questioning in regards to David Golde’s shooting?”

“I had nothing to do with it,” insisted Stephanie.

“Maybe not,” says Damian. “But you told him certain things about me, didn’t you? That’s why you’re running away. You’re afraid he might say something.”

“No, I didn’t!” cries Stephanie.

“Oh, yes, you did,” says Damian. “You see, I was there. I heard you. And I told you I’d kill you if you ever told anyone.”

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“Well, Lucas,” says Amanda. “It looks like your mother is late.” Gathering him up in her arms, she sits down on a park bench. He is subdued.

After fifteen minutes, she looks around the park again and sees no one. She decides to call Michael. “Hello, there. Stephanie hasn’t shown up and I can’t make conversation with Lucas very well.”

“Where are you?” asks Michael.

“In the middle of Sunnydale Park. And there’s not a soul around.”

“I don’t like the sound of it,” says Michael. “Hold on.” He puts her on hold while he calls Nicholas to inform him of Amanda’s location. Then he heads out of his office.

“I’m back,” he says. “Just stay on the line while you’re waiting. Nicholas and Detective Daze are on their way there. And I’m coming as well.”

“But why?” asks Amanda.

“They want to question Stephanie. I don’t trust that she’d come back to town to be questioned. Besides, there’s Damian Stone.”

“Damian Stone, the blackmailer? How do you know he’s here?”

“Long story. Nicholas found that out. But what’s this about blackmail?” asks Michael. In the background he hears a scream. “What’s that?” he asks, alarmed.

“I don’t know. It came from the woods. I’m going to see.”

“Amanda, no!” He is disconnected.

Meanwhile, Amanda follows a trail into the woods, holding tightly to Lucas. The burden impedes her progress. The trail leads down to a small stream and in a little clearing to the side, she sees a man bending over a figure, one arm upraised. In a split second, she sees a bloodied knife in the hand, just before it comes plunging down on the prone figure.

“Stop!” she cries.

The man turns around and sees her. He gets up and makes a move towards her, but a rustling in the woods above them stops him in his tracks. He looks up and sees two men coming down. He turns around and runs in the opposite direction.

Amanda approaches the figure on the ground. She recognizes Stephanie and puts Lucas down, facing him away from the sight.

“Amanda!” calls Nicholas.

“I’m down here!” she answers. Turning to Stephanie, she shakes her and asks, “Are you all right?”

Stephanie’s breathing comes out in gasps. “Damian,” she says.

By this time, Nicholas and Cody reach them. “She’s bleeding too much,” says Amanda. “There’s nothing to stop it.”

“I’ll call for Lifeline,” suggests Cody.

“Damian,” Stephanie says again.

“Shhh. Save your breath,” Amanda tells her.

“Damian,” says Stephanie. “He shot David.” She takes a last gasp and dies.

“Oh, my God,” says Amanda.

Nicholas pulls Amanda up. “There’s nothing more you can do. You’d better see to Lucas.”

Cleaning her hands in the cold water, Amanda agrees. “I’d better take him back.”

“Yes, we’ll get things cleaned up here and follow as soon as the paramedics arrive.”

She carries Lucas back to the car, relieved to note that he seems unaffected by events. Driving back to Brighton, she takes her time. Half her attention is taken up by reviewing recent events.  When she rounds a curve and sees a black sedan in the middle of it, she is taken by surprise and has to swerve to avoid it. The car skids on the slippery road and lands in a snowbank on the side.

She turns around to make sure Lucas is okay. Her door suddenly opens and she feels a sharp object slice across her back. Instinctively, she thrusts her left elbow backwards and knocks her assailant back. He lunges again with the knife arm in front. She grabs his wrist and knees him in the groin. He bends forward and drops the knife. Amanda kicks the knife away, then starts to kick him in the face. However, he grabs her leg and she loses her balance. They struggle on the ground, but the fight is interrupted by another skid in the road. Damian jumps off Amanda and runs away.

Michael gets out of his car and runs to Amanda. “Amanda,” he cries. “Are you hurt?” He pulls her up into his arms. Lucas is screaming in the car.

“He got away,” says Amanda.

“I don’t care right now. As long as you’re okay.” He looks at the black sedan. “I guess that’s Damian’s car.”

“Yes. He killed Stephanie.”

Michael sighs. “We need to get you back to Brighton.” He looks up to see another car approach. Nicholas and Cody emerge.

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Filed under: All That Glitters