24 Hour Lockdown

by Virginia Henderson

  Melody tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. I feel a lecture is about to begin and I quickly usher her out of my office.

  Before leaving she calls out, “You will return those to their rightful place on the shelves before you leave.”

  “Do I look like a librarian?” I reply.

  I can hear her storm off, annoyed with my treatment of the books. I don’t care though. I check the time and see that it’s ten minutes to two. It occurs to me to go downstairs and demand that librarian to open the door, but I know when I return, my office will be gone with Melody up here.

  I let out a groan. It wasn’t enough that I’m trapped in this library. Now I’ve trapped myself in here.

  Joseph

  I finally gather the courage to leave the bathroom. The longer this lockdown takes, the more desperate I become. I hate Marc and I want to pull off this job so bad I can taste it. So, then what’s holding me back?

  If I did kill him, who could prove it was me? I could make it look like an accident. It wouldn’t be so hard. I could knock him unconscious and push him down the stairs, everyone would think he tripped over his big feet. I would have to come up with an alibi though. And I’m sure the security cameras are back on now.

  I crack my knuckles. I should have done him in sooner when I had the chance. I find my way through the back aisles, furthest away from him. With the lights back on I have to be more careful if I’m going to murder him.

  Maybe I could draw him out of that ridicules clubhouse he has and lure him to the bathroom. There’s no cameras in there. But how would it look if I leave the bathroom and he never comes out? Unless I take his clothes! I could wear his suit and shoes when I leave and it will look like he left and I’m still in there. We’re about the same height and we both have dark hair.

  I could prop him up real nice in one of the stalls like he’s using the bathroom and lock his body inside. No one would bother him until after we’re let out and by then, I’ll be out of town.

  It’s not my original plan, but it’ll do. Technically, it won’t be my fault. I had planned to let him live. It’s this whole lockdown that messed up everything.

  Everything is finally going smooth. I stand in the back corner and try to think of a way to draw him out. My jaw drops when I see a swish of blonde hair pass by.

  No. It can’t be! I quietly move a book to the side and peak through the shelf. Just as I thought. Melody’s up here. I replace the book and run my fingers through my hair. I can’t pull this off now with a witness up here. Especially a nosey witness like her.

  Unless…

  Melody

  I run my fingers across the hundreds of book spines and let out a content sigh. There’s nothing like breathing in books. I just wish everyone knew how to properly appreciate them. Imagine Marc using them to build a play house. I shake my head and turn the corner to the next shelf.

  I’ll have to remember to look into what George said about magazines. I would never want to knowingly harm the earth. I know enough about chemicals to know they are horrible.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I see a book nearby move slightly. I frown and wonder what that’s all about. What ever it is, I suddenly feel uncomfortable, as if there are negative vibes nearby. I chuckle as I answer my own question. Those vibes are coming from Marc.

  But why did the book move? I turn around and there’s no one there. I stop and move a book to see if there’s anyone on the other side. Again there’s no one. Maybe I imagined it…

  I continue running my fingers across the books. As I turn to go to the next aisle, Joseph jumps out and grabs me! He stops me from screaming and I feel a knife at my throat.

  He whispers in my ear. “Sorry kid, but you’re in the way.”

  I try to struggle and fight, but his grip tightens. I can almost feel myself bruising from his grip. I need to get someone’s attention! Joseph starts to drag me away and I try to call out for help.

  I fumble around for a weapon. I’m against violence, but self-defense is different. My hand grabs a book from the shelf and I put all my energy into slamming it into his face. Joseph cries out in surprise and lets me go.

  I take off and race to the stairs, screaming as loud as I can.

  Chapter ten

  Susan

  “Mommy! Wake up!”

  I sit up when I hear Amelia’s voice. She’s shaking my shoulder and I see fear in her eyes. I’m wide awake now. I notice Melody is gone.

  “What’s wrong, baby?” She probably had a nightmare. It’s not the first time I’ve woken up in the dead of night to comfort her.

  Suddenly I hear an ear-piercing scream! I stand up fearfully and see George dashing toward the stairs. I can’t imagine what’s going on, but I know Melody is in trouble.

  Amelia tugs at my skirt. “Mommy, I’m scared.”

  I kneel down to her level and pat her hair. I force myself to smile to calm her down. “Everything’s okay, sweetie. Can you be a big girl and stay here?”

  She cries out and buries her face in my shirt. I sigh and rub her back. This is the second time today I’ve had to consider leaving her alone. I look back toward where the commotion is.

  Without a second thought, I pick Amelia up and we leave the children’s section. Depending on what’s going on, I may be able to help.

  George

  I heard that hippie let out a bone chilling scream and I bolt from my chair. I’ve heard that scream often enough in my imagination when I write a horror scene, to know that she’s in trouble.

  My chair falls to the floor behind me, but I don’t bother picking it up. I take the steps two at a time, following the sound of her screams.

  Then silence… I pick up the pace, huffing and puffing. I’m not built for physical activity. Just at the top of the stairs, are Melody and Joseph. I’m shocked to see he has a knife to her throat. I have to lean over to catch my breath.

  “What do you think you’re doing?” I demand as I lean against the railing. Melody seems unharmed, just scared to death. I suddenly feel like I’ve stepped into the shoes of my favorite character I created, Dylan Dell. He’s always looking out for the little guy and has talked criminals down several times from doing something desperate.

  Joseph takes a step back, taking Melody with him. “Go back downstairs, George. I’m not after her.”

  I frown and think over my words before blurting them. “Tell me what’s going on.” I take another step closer and he holds Melody tighter.

  Joseph’s eyes are almost as wide as Melody’s. “Not another step!”

  I hold up my hands to show I’m no threat. “Listen man, whatever’ s wrong, it isn’t worth it.”

  Joseph raise his voice, hate dripping in his words. “You don’t know me! You don’t know my life!”

  I nod in agreement. It’s never wise to argue with a guy like this. It’s obvious he’s desperate. “You’re right. I don’t know you. But let’s talk and you can explain it to me and I can help you.”

  He lets out a forced laugh. “I ain’t falling for that! You just want her back.” He holds the knife closer and Melody squirms in his grasp. “As far as I’m concerned, she’s collateral now.”

  To make matters worse, Susan arrives at the foot of the stairs, carrying Amelia with her. I hear her let out a gasp.

  I turn to face Susan and point back to the kid’s area. “Get out of here! He’s dangerous!”

  In the short time I turn from Joseph, he takes off with Melody. I mentally kick myself for letting him get away. Dylan Dell would never have let that happen.

  At that moment, Marc decides to emerge from some pile of books he was hiding under. “Can you people keep it down out here? I’m trying reorganize my business calendar.”

  Marc

  Honestly, do these people not realize they are in a library? All I’ve heard for the last few minutes is a lot of screaming and yelling. This is exactly why I came up here, to get away from these people.

  George is looking at me like I’m crazy. Befor
e I can say anything, he races past me, nearly knocking me down in the process. He’s calling for Joseph.

  I brush off my shoulder and shrug the whole thing off. I start to head back to my temporary office, when I hear Susan call my name. She’s standing at the bottom of the stairs holding Amelia. She looks scared.

  “Marc! Go help George! Melody’s in trouble! I’m going for help!”

  In trouble? I look in the direction of where George ran and I notice Joseph is furiously kicking at the elevator door, apparently trying to get in. When he turns to the side I see Melody with him. He’s got her in a chokehold of some sort.

  I always knew he was a delinquent. From his scruffy hair and his smelly rags. I bet it was him up here causing mischief! I should give him a piece of my mind, but then it would mean getting involved and that’s just not my style. I’ll gladly be the first to admit that I’m no one’s hero.

  I stop in my tracks and turn around when I hear Joseph exclaim, “You!”

  There’s a lot of anger and passion behind that one word and somehow, I feel it’s directed at me.

  Joseph

  I don’t know what I’m doing anymore. How has this situation gone so completely out of my control? One minute I’m planning the perfect murder and now I’m on the run with a hostage.

  She’s fighting to get away, but I can’t afford that. I need some sort of leverage in this deal.

  I’m running through the aisles, flustered and desperate. How did this even happen? Why couldn’t one thing in my life go right? All I know is that I have to escape, to hide. I know George is on my tail, trying to play hero and catch the bad guy.

  Just then I spot the elevator. Why didn’t I think of that before? I race over to it, dragging Melody with me. I punch the down button and wait impatiently for a second.

  Nothing happens. I pound it a few times with my fist and kick at the door. Still nothing. Melody says something, but I don’t have time for her.

  “Shut up!” I stand back and furiously kick it some more. Sweat runs downs my face and I know I’m running out of time. Any minute now George will show up and I’ll be cornered.

  I face the room to find a different way of escape and that’s when I see him. The monster who ruined my life. He’s so smug thinking he’s better than the rest of us. Violent anger burns in my eyes and blurs my vision.

  “You!” I snarl in his direction.

  In one swift movement I dump Melody on the ground and dash toward him. I don’t need her anymore, I have my target insight.

  Marc looks concerned. He should be. Behind me, I hear Melody scream at me to stop.

  I’m within reach when I’m suddenly tackled to the ground. No! I fight to get up until I’m trapped. A big arm wraps around my neck and applies pressure. I fight and punch at my attacker, but I’m feeling lightheaded.

  Another minute and I lose consciousness.

  Melody

  My hands automatically reach for my wig that went lopsided when I fell. My hands shake as I quickly adjust it. I hope no one noticed.

  I look over to where Joseph is and open my mouth in surprise. “You killed him!” I stand up and stagger over to where George is practically sitting on Joseph.

  “Why did you kill him? He wasn’t going to hurt me. He said so.”

  George grunts as he stands to his feet. Joseph’s head lulls to one side as he does. He looks completely lifeless. George looks at me and raises an eyebrow critically.

  “Really? I bet you believe everything you read on the internet too.”

  I ignore the nasty comment and kneel down next to Joseph to feel for a pulse. It takes a moment but I finally find it. Relief fills me.

  George is behind me now. “Why are you so worried about him anyway? You got Stockholm syndrome already?”

  I stand up and face him, annoyed at his lack of compassion. Should I be angry at Joseph? Most people would be, but I’m not like most people. “You could have killed him! You didn’t even give him a fighting chance!”

  George takes a step back, apparently shocked at what I’ve just said. “A fighting chance?” He points a finger at Joseph. “You honestly think he deserves a fighting chance? The guy had a knife! And for your information, I knew I wouldn’t kill him. It’s called a sleeper hold and I’ve done enough research for my plays to know how to properly do one.”

  I let out a sigh. I don’t even know why I’m arguing. I hate arguing, it’s pointless. I guess my positive vibes got a little messed up in all the commotion.

  I inhale a deep calming breath and exhale slowly. “You’re right. I’m sorry. Thank you for saving my life.”

  George waves off my apology. “Don’t thank me. He let you go. Why, I don’t know, but he did.”

  Out of the corner of my eye I see Marc walking over to us. I can’t help but notice he seems to be in a daze as if reality just made itself known. I often feel the same way when that happens.

  He stands beside us. “Me. I think…he was after me.”

  George wipes sweat from his brow. It’s still pretty warm in here. “A crazy fan of yours or something?”

  Marc shakes his head impatiently. “No. He was angry. I could practically feel the hate radiating off him.” He stares down at Joseph and glares. “But what did I do? I don’t even know the little flea!”

  I’m outraged that after all that just happened Marc can call him names and treat him less than human.

  George only shrugs and picks up Joseph by the feet. “He’ll be waking up in a little bit. Help me carry him downstairs.”

  Marc backs up and he looks so scared for just a moment that it tugs at my heart. But his fear quickly morphs into indignation. “After his attempt on my life? No way! He can rot up here for all I care.”

  “Marc! Can’t you see he’s a tortured soul who needs to be shown that there is some good in this cold, cruel world?”

  Marc frowns and folds his arms. “Tortured soul or not, he tried to murder me! Me! Marc Amos! I’m an important person and my pinky finger alone is worth more money than his entire miserable life!”

  Before I can respond, Susan calls up to us. “What happened? Melody, are you okay?”

  Chapter eleven

  Susan

  I’ve been waiting for what seems like hours for someone to come down or let me know what’s going on. When I saw that Joseph had Melody at knife point, I completely froze. If it hadn’t been for George, I don’t know what would have happened! Marc was obviously no help.

  After I left I ran straight to the back room where the librarian was hiding out. I banged on the door and called for her to help us but she never replied. I guess she is asleep.

  All I know is that I had to keep Amelia close by and safe. So, I took her to a table and have been waiting with her ever since. Thankfully, she doesn’t understand what’s going on and isn’t afraid. After ten rounds of rock, paper, scissors, I couldn’t stand the suspense any longer and called up to see what’s going on.

  Melody just called back, “I’m fine, Susan. There’s just been a slight setback during the lockdown. Joseph is currently unconscious.”

  I bring my hand to my mouth and shake my head. This entire thing is downright frightening!

  In a few moments, I watch as George and Melody carry Joseph’s body downstairs. Marc follows behind, keeping a few steps away. As soon as they set him down on the couch, George leaves the room, saying he’ll be right back.

  I hurry to Melody and hug her tightly. “I was so afraid for you! Are you alright? Did he hurt you?”

  Melody rubs my back. “I’m fine, he never hurt me.”

  I pull away and search her eyes for any hint of dishonesty. I notice her hair is out of place and tuck a strand behind her ear and ask, “Weren’t you terrified?” As I move her hair, I notice it’s really a wig she’s wearing and there are a number of sores beneath it.

  She nods. “Very! I felt like my heart would explode it was beating so fast!”

  I can’t help but hug her again, so thankful she is al
right. The more I think about it, the more concerned I am that it could have been Amelia. We’re not safe with him around.

  I let go of Melody and look down at Joseph. “What happened to him?” It’s unsettling seeing him like this, almost as if he’s dead.

  From a nearby chair, Marc lets out a snort. “Not near enough of what he deserved. You can be sure I’m taking him to court when we get out.”

  “What did he do to you? Melody was the one in danger.”

  Marc leans forward in his seat and points to himself. “I’ve been the one in danger this entire night! The scum was after me!”

  Melody shakes her head and gently states, “You’ve been saying that, but how do we know for sure?”

  I hear Amelia coming over and quickly stop her from coming any closer. I pick her up and we head back to the table. Close enough for me to observe what’s going on and far enough so we can run and hide.

  Just as we begin another game of rock, paper, scissors, George returns, carrying a coil of rope. I do my best keep Amelia’s attention on the game.

  George

  While those people are standing around hugging and arguing, I go off in search of something to restrain Joseph before he wakes up. He’ll be angry when he regains consciousness and now that his cover is blown, he has almost nothing to lose.

  Now that I’m alone for a bit, I have to smile and admit that I did a nice job back there. Dylan Dell would have been proud of that awesome tackle I did. And that sleeper hold was something else. To be honest, I had never actually tried it out on anyone. Hope I didn’t do too much damage…

  I can’t help but feel guilty. If it weren’t for me encouraging Melody to go upstairs she wouldn’t have been in this mess. On the other hand, who knows what could have happened. Marc keeps insisting that Joseph was after him…