Katherine

“I have a question. Just the one. Do you like violence? Like, I mean real violence? The kind where people scream in terror. Cause I do,” he smirked.

Katherine’s heart was beating ferociously as she listened to his twisted diatribe. One wrong move or comment would inevitably lead to a further blow but what was the correct response to this deranged fiend. So she crossed her fingers, opened her battered eyes and smiled – “Oh yes”.

The week had began so well, full of hope and anticipation. She would turn twenty two that Friday. The celebrations had already been planned, meet some girlfriends for some shopping and then a nice five course meal with some wine thrown in. Later, she would meet up with her boyfriend of six months, Rick. He was handsome and athletic, everything she always wanted. It was to be an extra special night for both of them. Rick was to take her virginity. In truth, she was eager to give it to him, feeling that she was now far too old to be a virgin.

But now all her plans, as well as her virginity lay in ruins. She never saw him trailing her. Never for one second expected to be kidnapped as she left her car. It has been a beautiful, summer Thursday morning and for once, she had not a worry in the world. The air was crisp. It all changed so quickly.

The hand with the cloth covering her mouth, the loss of consciousness almost immediate. Then unspeakable things; the beginning of a living nightmare. But even in those earliest moments, she had made an important decision; she would do whatever it takes to survive. No matter what he did to her, she would celebrate with her friends once more and her mind had at all times remained chaste for Rick.

So she said “yes” and she convinced the monster that she meant it, giving herself totally to him. They plotted the capture of the next woman. He had already selected her, a petite brunette just like her. She would be the bait and then he would attack her. Then she too would endure unspeakable things, this time by them both. Together, they laughed at the torture she would endure.

He trusted her so much now, he showed her where the chloroform was. Then, by a sleight of hand, he was the one who was unconscious. It was him that then endured unspeakable things and true to her word, she enjoyed listening to screams and pleading.

“Please no, not there! Don’t cut it off!”

And she laughed in response, telling him not to worry. He had no more need for it after all and anyway, it wasn’t very impressive.

As he finally succumbed, she torched the house that was once her prison. This would be her little secret, ordinary people might just not understand.