Saving Cassie (Fairfield Corners)

by Remenicky, L. A.

  “Sure, Cassie,” Marie says as she walks back into the living room drying her hands on a dishtowel, “what’s up?”

  “I think someone is upstairs,” I whisper as a door slams somewhere upstairs. “Did you hear that? Where’s your phone? I think I left mine upstairs”.

  Marie is dialing as I slowly freak out, “James, get over to Cassie’s right now! I think someone is upstairs!”

  She waits as James replies “OK, we’ll be waiting for you on the front porch.”

  Marie grabs my hand and pulls me toward the front door. “Come on Cassie. Let’s go wait for James out front. He was at his office so he’ll be here in about two minutes. Don’t worry, he’ll catch whoever’s up there,” she says. I don’t know if she’s trying to reassure me or herself, though, I can’t tell.

  We get out to the porch as James comes driving up at what seems like 90 miles per hour. He jumps out of the car and makes his way towards the front door with his gun drawn. I hardly ever get to see James when he’s in full-on cop mode. Wow, impressive! He whispers for us to go get in his cruiser and lock the doors and makes his way through the front door.

  Marie and I get in the cruiser and lock all the doors. We wait for James to come back out with someone in handcuffs. James finally comes back out the front door, alone. As he walks to the cruiser Logan pulls up in his Jeep. Great, now I have to deal with him again.

  “Are you sure you heard someone upstairs?” James asks. “There was no one up there and all the windows are locked from the inside. Same thing on the first floor; the back screen door was latched from the inside too.”

  “We heard someone walking around up there and then a door slammed. There was someone up there, I could feel it!” states Marie, giving her husband that “I dare you to contradict me” look that some women just know how to do.

  “I’m sure you did. I’m just trying to figure out how they got out without anyone seeing them. Did either of you see anything?”

  “No,” I reply, “but there was someone there.”

  “What happened,” Logan asks, “are you two OK?”

  “They heard someone upstairs but I didn’t find anything. I don’t see how they got out without anyone seeing them. All the windows and doors were locked, good thing Cassie hasn’t gotten used to small town life yet otherwise everything would have been wide open. Logan, I want you to stay here tonight and see if anyone returns. Cassie, you’re coming over to our house for the night. I don’t like the way things are happening around here. It’s the only way I can be sure that you’re safe.”

  “Wow, treat me like I’m six years old why don’t you,” I say. “I can take care of myself you know. But if you insist.”

  “I’m sure you can, but something weird is going on and it’s my job to keep you safe as a resident of this town. Not to mention that you’re my oldest and best friend. I don’t know what I would do if something happened to you.”

  “Let me pack a bag, it’ll take me about 10 minutes.”

  “Logan, stay here with her and make sure she makes it over to my house,” James commands, still in cop mode.

  “Sure James, I’ll watch out for her.” Logan motions for me to walk in the front door, “C’mon Cassie, let’s get your bag packed and get you next door.” James and Marie get in his cruiser and drive off towards the sheriff’s office. Logan follows me into the house and up the stairs.

  “I feel like such a fool. I could’ve sworn there was someone up here,” I mumble.

  “I believe you Cassie. I’m just trying to figure out how and why. Maybe they’ll come back tonight so I can catch them in the act.”

  I pull a bag out of my closet and start putting in clothes. Now, where did my t-shirt and boxers go? I left them on the hook behind the door this morning. Oh, there they are, on the chair over in the corner. Man, I must really be stressed, I keep putting things in the wrong place and forgetting about it. Why is my hairbrush on the dresser? It should be in the bathroom in the drawer with the hair dryer. Then, I notice the picture sitting on the nightstand. It’s the one that was down on the mantel earlier today.

  “Logan, someone has been moving things around. This picture was downstairs earlier today and I know for a fact that I did not put it up here. It’s my favorite picture of Gram and it is always on the mantel. Someone must have moved it.” It suddenly sinks in that someone has been in my house, touching all my things. I start to shiver.

  “Hey, what’ wrong? You’re shivering.” and he puts his arms around me and just holds me.

  “I just realized that my home is not safe. I grew up in this house, it’s always been my safe place, the place I return to where everything is always OK. That must sound silly to you.”

  “Not at all,” he replies.

  I feel so safe wrapped in his arms, as if nothing bad can harm me. He looks down and me and kisses me on the forehead. “You really don’t realize how incredibly sexy you look right now. But, now is not the time for this. I need to get you over to James’ house before he comes looking for you.”

  “Can’t I just stay here with you instead?” I ask. “James is going to be like a mother hen all night. He’s gonna drive me and Marie nuts, I just know it.” I move out of his arms, turning so he can’t see my face. Did I just say that out loud? Did I mean it like it sounded? Argh! I’m so confused!

  Logan stares at my back with a slight smile, realizing that I just admitted I would rather stay there with him. “Nope, as much as I would like that I’m under sheriff’s orders to get you packed and out of here. Now, get to it.”

  “Oh, all right. Sheesh.”

  I finish packing and let Logan know that I’m ready to go. He’s looking out the window like he’s waiting for something to happen, so intense, really making me want to stay. Why does a man being protective make me all mushy inside? Heaven help me, I think I’m falling for him. We haven’t had more than a couple of kisses and I’m ready to rip his clothes off. He can keep the watch on, something so sexy about a man wearing a big, masculine watch.

  “Cassie, you ready?” he asks.

  “Hmmmm?”

  “Cassie, I asked if you’re ready to go. I think the situation is getting to you.”

  “Yes, let’s go. Oh wait, forgot something.” I walk to the bathroom to get my sleeping pills. It won’t do to wake up screaming at James’ house. The medicine cabinet door is wide open, the mirror facing the wall. “Logan, did you open the medicine cabinet in here? I distinctly remember closing it after I grabbed my toothbrush.”

  “No, I didn’t touch it. The only thing I moved in there was the shower curtain to check the bathtub.”

  “Things are just getting too weird around here, I must be losing my mind. I swear I just closed this five minutes ago.” I reach up and close the cabinet door and scream. Written on the mirror in what looks like blood is the phrase “Cassie must die!”

  “Logan!” I scream and things go grey around the edges. Who could want me dead? Why is this happening to me?” I back up…

  Chapter 17

  You thought going home would be safe, you were wrong, Cassie. Going home made it easier for me to find you. You cannot be allowed to live. I must kill you to save myself.

  Did you see the message I left for you, Cassie? I left it where you can’t miss it. Locked doors cannot keep me away from you. I am waiting for the right time. Until then, I am amusing myself by moving your things.

  I am coming for you soon! Time is ticking away – be prepared to die.

  Chapter 18

  I slowly become aware that I am being carried. I look up and see Logan’s face, looking very grim. Who can blame him – I have now passed out in front of him twice. That thought brings back the haunting image of those three words written in red on the medicine cabinet mirror: Cassie must die.

  I must have made a noise, Logan looks down at me worriedly, “Hey there beautiful. Would you please stop doing that? I think you took ten years off my life this time. Seeing you laying there with all that blood...
He stops and composes himself, swallowing the fear. “You’ve got a knot the size of an egg on your head and you’re going to need some stitches. You must have hit the bathtub when you fainted. I’m taking you to the hospital, no arguments!” His phone rings, “Miller here, get Steve over to Cassie’s, there is a threat written on the bathroom mirror and he needs to dust for fingerprints.” A couple of seconds pass, “Yeah, she freaked out and hit her head on the bathtub, looks like she’s going to need some stitches.”

  I can hear James’ reaction, “Dammit Reggie… she’s OK Marie. Logan’s taking her to the hospital for stitches.”

  “Tell Steve to make sure he gets a sample of the message. Looks to me like it’s written in Cassie’s lipstick. I’ll talk to you at the hospital, we’re leaving right now. Don’t worry, I’ll get her there in one piece…”

  Logan smiles down at me. “How are you feeling? Let me know if you feel like you’re going to be sick.”

  “Not too bad other than a killer headache,” I reply, “I can probably walk if you put me down.”

  “No way. I like having you helpless in my arms.”

  “Oh please, you are so full of it. Let me pull up my boots, it’s getting a little deep in here. We haven’t even had our first date and I may just change my mind about that.”

  As Logan gets to his cruiser, James pulls up. “Logan, get in – I’ll drive.”

  I try to lift my head to look at James but it makes my head pound even more. “Don’t move Cassie, you’ll just make it worse. They should be able to give you something for the pain after you get checked out. You OK to hold onto her for a while yet Logan?”

  “Sure, she doesn’t weigh much.”

  “I can hear both of you, my ears are working just fine. Quit talking about me as if I’m not here…” I mumble, sinking deeper into Logan’s arms; I haven’t felt this safe in months. I start to drift off.

  “Hey, stay with me Darlin’,” Logan says, “no sleeping until the Doc says OK.”

  “Sheesh, can’t even leave me alone when I’m hurt. You, Mr. Deputy, are a pain in my butt!”

  “That’s better, now you sound more like yourself…”

  We finally get to the hospital and I am immediately taken to an exam room. Logan waits with me while James takes care of the paperwork. I should be complaining about the two of them treating me like a child but I don’t have the energy. As the nurse whisks me off for an MRI Logan goes looking for James.

  “How’s she doing, Logan?”

  “Seems OK. They took her down for an MRI. The doc wasn’t happy with me being in the room but he relented when I explained the circumstances. I am going to get a cup of coffee and head down to MRI. I don’t feel comfortable with her being out of our sight until we figure out who is behind this. I think we should have someone with her 24/7. We both checked all the doors and windows and there was no sign of forced entry.”

  “You’re right, Logan, but that’s the problem with small towns. No one locks their doors and when they do there are multiple people who have keys in case of emergency. Who knows how many keys there are floating around to Cassie’s house. Hopefully Steve can get us some usable fingerprints; it would be a place to start. We have no other evidence. I’m beginning to wonder if I should be looking at Cassie’s Gram’s death as a homicide. Things just aren’t making sense. Someone is after Cassie and we need to figure out why. It could be Matt…”

  “Here comes Marie, I better get down to MRI and check on Cassie.”

  “Hi honey,” James says, “Cassie is going to be fine. I want her to come and stay with us for a while; at least until we figure out who is behind everything that has been happening.”

  “You know I don’t have a problem with that. Has Doc seen her yet?”

  “She’s getting an MRI right now, we should know something soon.” James looks up and sees us coming towards them. “Here they come now.”

  I am fuming. “Logan, would you just back off already! You’re hovering!”

  “See, Marie. Sounds like the Cassie we all know and love. Why don’t you go in and stay with her while I talk to Doc. I’ll tell you everything he says, I promise.”

  “Ok. I need to make sure she’s being taken care of.” She turns to me and gasps, “Oh, Cassie, how’s your head?”

  After the door closes, James turns to speak to Doc. “How is she Doc? Does she have a concussion?”

  “No, no sign of concussion. She’s going to need stitches and I would like to keep her here overnight for observation. She’ll be fine, nothing to worry about. That girl still has a hard head.”

  “That’s a relief. With everything that is going on, either Logan or I will be here at all times.”

  “Perfectly understandable. Any idea who is behind all this?”

  “No, but we are working on it. Until we figure it out, I’m going to be watching her like a hawk.”

  James’ phone rings and he answers, “Sheriff Marsten. Did you get anything usable Steve? No? Damn, I was hoping for a break there. Thanks Steve, I’ll expect your report tomorrow morning.”

  Doc walks into the exam room to stitch up Cassie’s head wound.

  “Well, looks like we’re back to square one Logan. Everything in the bathroom was wiped down, only Cassie’s fingerprints where she grabbed the mirror to close the cabinet. Whoever it is thinks they’re smart but they will make a mistake eventually. Maybe they already have and we just haven’t found it yet.” James starts pacing, his frustration with the situation growing. He starts talking to himself as he paces, “David owes me a couple of favors, I’m going to send the mirror to him. He can compare the handwriting to Matt’s. Maybe he can find something.”

  Twenty minutes later and I’m in a regular room. Marie has gone home and James and Logan are talking just inside my room. “James, I’ll stay and keep an eye on her tonight. You go home with your family. I’ll call you if anything happens…”

  “Are you sure, Logan? You still haven’t gotten your day off.”

  “You’ll make it up to me when we go out on a double date…”

  That grabs my attention. “When we what? I only agreed to one date to get you off my back Mr. Deputy!” I sputter.

  Logan looks over at me with that lopsided grin, “You’ll change your mind, Darlin’. You’re going to realize you can’t live without me!”

  “Yeah, when pigs fly!” I sputter.

  Chapter 19

  I am running down the hallway, trying to find somewhere to hide. All the doors are locked, there is no escape and I can hear him coming up the stairs after me. Oh God, what am I going to do? I keep trying all the doors until finally one of them opens. I rush in and close the door, looking for the lock. I’ve got to keep him out. He’s not himself. I don’t know what set him off but there’s no calming him down this time! Oh god, someone help me, he’s coming! I hide beside the dresser, holding my breath, I don’t want him to hear me breathing. He finds me anyway and grabs my arm and pulls me to the center of the room.

  “Why do you try to hide when, you know I will find you? Come here. It’s time for Cassie to die. I begin to scream and scream and scream.

  ”Why do you always scream like that?” Suddenly, there is a knife in is hand. I look up at his face. My God, those aren’t his eyes! His eyes are brown, not green! Why is this happening?

  I try to pull away but he is too strong; I can’t get away!

  “I’m sorry Cassie, it must be this way. You must die!” he says as he stabs me with the knife! I can feel it; the burning pain. I scream and scream and scream…

  “Cassie! Wake up Cassie. Come on Darlin’, it’s OK. It’s just a dream. You’re going to wake the whole hospital.” Logan’s voice finally gets through, pulling me out of the nightmare.

  I start to sob, clinging to him.

  The floor nurse opens the door. “Is everything OK in here?”

  “Yes, it’s just a nightmare. I’ll get her calmed down in a minute. Sorry if she woke anyone.”

  “Let me know
if she needs something to help her get back to sleep. Poor thing.” She closes the door and we are alone.

  Logan hugs me tighter, pushing the images in the nightmare away with his presence. “My god, Cassie. That must have been some nightmare.” He says, obviously shaken. “Tell me about it.” He hands me the box of tissues, letting me get myself under control.

  “I thought I was done with the nightmares. I’ve relived the night Matt beat me up so many times but since I’ve been back in Fairfield Corners the nightmares have gotten worse. The dream starts out just as it happened, up until he catches up to me. In the dream, he has a knife and tells me that I must die and then he stabs me, I can even feel the knife going in. Why am I dreaming this? That isn’t how it happened, he just beat me up and pushed me down the stairs, no stabbing. I feel like I’m losing my mind.” I sob, covering my face with my hands.

  Logan pulls me into his arms again, “Shhh, Darlin’, it’s OK. No one is going to get to you tonight. I’ll make sure of it.”

  I am finally starting to calm down, burrowing my face into Logan’s shirt. “Don’t you get any ideas, I still only agreed to one date.” I feel so safe in Logan’s arms that I finally start to relax.

  “Sure, Darlin’, whatever you say.”

  The next time I wake, it’s morning. I am curled up next to Logan wrapped in his arms. Just like last night I feel so protected. He stirs and says, “Hey there, Darlin’, feeling better this morning?”

  “I am not your ‘Darlin’’ so don’t get any ideas. It must have been a momentary lapse in judgment due to my head injury.”

  He chuckles, “You believe whatever gets you through the day, Darlin’. I’m willing to wait for you to realize what is right in front of you.” As he kisses me on the forehead, James walks into the room.

  James is smiling until he sees me lying in Logan’s arms. “What the hell is going on here? Logan, you’re supposed to be protecting her, not taking advantage of her!”