Chapter 24

The sound of a single gun shot rang out as it sliced thru the air and pierced her skin. She cryed out in pain, her eyes wide with shock as the blade fell from her hand, clattering to the floor. He'd only shot her in the arm. Only to scare her, slow her down. She held her right arm with her left hand, blood sliding down the length of her arm.

"I..I cant believe..you shot me", she said slowly as she moved backwards, stumbling into the table behind her.

"I cant believe you dont take me more seriously", he said.

Leaning against the table she began to slump to the floor, still clutching her arm.

"Too much blood...my blood..not my blood", she stammered.

Jackson walked over to her slowly. She leaned over to the side, her head hit the floor. Switching on the safety Jackson pocketed his gun and kneeled over Orchid. He lifted her head. Placing two fingers on her neck he took her pulse. She was fine. Apparently she had passed out. He eased her head back down and stood up. He looked around the room for something to tie around her arm. He had to stop the bleeding. Not having any luck, he rip the sleeve of his shirt to use to tie her arm. After that was done he picked her up and lay her on the bed. Taking a seat in what he was beginning to feel like his chair, he prepared himself to wait, until his cell phone rang.

Chapter 23

"No!", Orchid said as she jumped up.

"What now", Jackson asked.

"You think Im stupid dont you. I fall back and you tell Amy everything I just told you! I worked way to hard to keep this little duo in tact and I am not about to let you come along and ruin everything I dont care how sexy you are!"

Jackson stood up, thrown off by her sudden out burst. He watched as she walked quickly to a table on the other side of the room, pulling open a drawer, she started to toss things onto the floor until she found what she was looking for. She turned around slowly, a switch blade she held tightly in her hand. His breath caught in his throat. Reaching in his pocket he pulled out his gun, stopping her in her tracks as soon as she started towards him.

"Stay right where you are!", he demanded.

She looked surprised, yet she still held on to her weapon.

"Drop the blade or I'll shoot."

"You wouldn't shoot me. You may not like me very much, but I think you have a soft spot for Amy. You hurt me..you hurt her."

"You dont know me as well as you think you do. Make one more step in my direction and I'll shoot you."

Orchid laughed. Clearly testing him, calling his bluff. She moved towards him again. Jackson pulled the trigger.

Chapter 22

"Im listening", Jackson said.

She scooted back until her back was leaning against the head board, pulling her legs up to her chest, wrapping her arms around her knees.

"Amy has had a hard life. Terrible things have happened to her. Things so horrible that the only thing that kept her from completely loosing it was to basically create someone who could handle the things she couldn't."

"She couldn't cope, so she created another person in her head?"

"Yeah..I guess you can put it that way. But its much more complicated.

She unfolded her legs and turned towards him, leaning in as if she was about to tell him a secret.

"You see Amy was so severely traumatized that she became catatonic. She just...checked out. But I fought for her. Ugh..how do I put this so you can understand? I guess you can say I have always been a part of her..that strong part of her that fights and never gives up. But some how she lost that part of her. She gave up. She stopped fighting. Even tho she lost sight of that part of her, it never died. I was not about to die, so when she checked out, I took over. She truly did wake up another person. Everyone kept using the word amnesia. But they didn't realize Amy was still asleep. Her family..well, I guess you can say our family kept doing things to try to jog her memory. The more they pushed and reminded her, the more that old part of her started to wake up. I wasn't very happy about it. For awhile, I fought it. I was afraid once Amy was back, she'd remember everything and push me away again. I had lay hidden deep inside her for so long..I was afraid if shoved down again, this time I would truly die. But thankfully for me and her both, she never remembered those horrible things that led her to that point. She doesn't even remember being hospitalized. Maybe now you can understand why its better that we keep Amy in the dark."

Jackson just sat there for the longest time, not sure what to say or do next. Snapping back into focus when he felt Orchids hand caressing his face.

"I think Im ready to talk to Amy now", he said.

Chapter 21

Jackson frowned. He knew she had given in too easy. She was still playing games. He hated games, especially head games.

"Look, Im not in the mood for games", Jackson told her.

"Then, what are you in the mood for?"

"You really dont want to try me", he said threw his clenched teeth.

Orchids eyes grew wide then. Finally, the fact that he was dead serious was finally sinking in. She took a step back, her eyes narrowing. You really are dangerous aren't you?

"Was their ever a doubt", he asked.

"No..not really. Thats probably why Im so turned on by you".

He clenched his fist at his side. But eased up when she walked toward the bed and layed down, her back turned towards him.

"So its that simple", he asked. "You just lay down and go to sleep, and you wake up another person?"

"Not another person really, just a different personality", she said

He sat on the bed beside her, starring at her in amazement.

"When you wake up as Orchid, what do you do?"

She closed her eyes and said, "I thought you wanted to talk to Amy."

"I do..eventually, but Im thinking I'd probably learn alot more by spending more time with you. Amy seems to be lost and confused."

"And I'd like her to stay that way", Orchid said.

"Why?"

"The less she knows the better."

"I dont understand", he said.

She sat up and looked at him. "I can make you understand, if you want."

Chapter 20

She got up from the bed and walked over to Jackson.

"What a nice surprise. Did Amy leave me a present?", she asked stopping a few inches from him.

Jackson stepped back a few paces. Not yet sure of what was happening.

"Amy?", he asked.

"Amy's asleep", she said.

"And you are?"

She shook her head from side to side and said, "Dont tell me you've forgotten me already. "

"Humor me", he said.
"I remember you", she said. "Jackson...right?"

"Right..and you...".

"Orchid."

Jackson nodded slowly.

"Why is Amy sleeping? Can you wake her back up?"

"Now, why would I want to do that?"

"Because I need to talk to her."

She walked closer to him, placing a hand flat on his chest, letting it travel downward until he caught her hand with his own. She looked him right in the eyes and smiled. He let her hand go and folded his arms across his chest.

"Oh come on! Why would you want to talk to a boring nobody like her when you can talk to me. Im here. Dont you want to get to know me better? You seemed pretty interested the other night."

"That was before.."

"Before what? Before you knew I was one half of a head case?"

"Thats not what I mean."

"Then what?"

"Amy knows. Thats why I need to talk to her."

"Well, whatever you need to tell her, you can tell me."

"It doesn't work that way", Jackson said as he walked around her and took a seat in the chair.

She followed behind him. Stood over him while he sat in the chair. Her hands on her hips. Still holding a sly smirk on her lips.

"Then tell me how it works."

"You bring Amy back so I can talk to her and then we go from there."

She shook her head. "No..no, no..I dont like being out of the loop."

"I promise to fill you in later."

"Why dont you fill me in now", she said as she straddled him in the chair.

Jacksons breathing was getting heavier. He closed his eyes, trying hard to keep his composure. She wasn't playing fair. But who does? Did he? He opened his eyes when she started to grind in his lap. He quickly lifted her off him as he stood up and sat her down on the bed.

"Ooh! Your so strong!"

He rolled his eyes and went back to take his place in the chair.

"You stay over there", he said to her.

Now she was the one folding her arms across her chest.

"Why are you being so mean", she asked while pouting.

"I'm nicer when I get what I want."

"So am I", she said.

Jackson sighed loudly. His frustration getting worse. After a few minutes of silence, he stood up and walked toward the door. Orchid jumped up.

"Wait! Where are you going?"

"Dont worry about it", he said as she reached for the door.

"Ok! Ok! I..I"ll.."

Jackson turned slightly to look at her, his hand still holding on to the door.

"You'll what?"

"I'll let Amy come back."

He released the door knob and walked over to her. The smile on his face fading as soon as she said..

"On one condition."

Chapter 19

Jackson sat in a chair across the room, watching Amy. She hadn't moved since he'd laid her down on the bed. He found himself checking her pulse again and again, sometimes leaning over her slightly, watching the rise and fall of her chest. Only to make sure she was still breathing. At least thats what he kept telling himself. Yet, he found himself fighting back the urge to touch her. He wanted to reach out and caress her skin, run his fingers thru her hair. He wanted to lay beside her, wrap his arms around her and protect her. He had been there over an hour now. He grew tired, impatient. Pacing back and forth across the room was something he did when he was anxious or nervous, and right now he was both. He stopped mid pace when he heard the bed creak. She was turning over, but she wasnt awake. He cursed under his breath. This wasn't right. What he was doing was wrong. Why was he here trying to help this strange woman when he was hired to end her life? Then again, wasn't it wrong to kill someone? Wasnt what he did for a living one of the biggest sins? What could she have possibly done to deserve a death sentence? Clenching his fists so tight his finger nails dug into his hands. He had never let anything or anyone get in the way of doing his job. He should leave right now. Go. Better yet, he could take her out right now. Over and done with. So easy. Maybe the easiest job ever. So why was he still standing here? He was stupid that was why. In the middle of the argument he was having in his head, he heard the bed squeak again. He turned around quickly, surprised that not only was she sitting up, she was smiling at him.

Chapter 18

"I dont know", she said.

"Its the only way you'll be able to figure out what happens."

Amy tapped her fingers on the table. Unsure what to do. When she didn't respond Jackson

interrupted her thoughts.

"So, what do you say?"

"You said that Im in danger?", she asked.

"Yes you are."

"Why? You still haven't told me what Im in danger of. And how do you know? Better yet, why do you even care?"

"I really cant devulge that information at this time. I just need you to trust me, Im trying to help you."

"How can I trust you when I dont even know you?"

"Its up to you. But if you value your life, you'll work with me."

"I dont know. This is too much. I cant.."

She leaned over holding her stomach.

"I feel sick", she said.

"Let me walk you back home", he said.

She stood up but her legs wobbled beneath her. Jumping up quickly, Jackson ran to her side. Grabbing her by her waist he held her up. She leaned against him as they walked slowly out of the resturant. Half way up the road she started to slump, her feet dragging across the pavement as he held her up.

"Amy", he called to her.

He realized that she was out. He stopped, lifted her up and carried her the rest of the way home. Once he was at the apartment he sat her down on the steps and tryed to wake her up, but she wasn't budging. Reaching inside her pants pocket her pulled out her keys. Picking her up again he put the key inside the lock and turned. He was thankful that she only had one key on her key ring. He pushed the door open and walked inside, closing the door behind them.

Chapter 17

"Well, for about a year I've been experiencing black outs. But in the last few months, its been happening more frequently. It started out just being maybe once every few months. Then it went to be about every few weeks, to every other day and now in the last week Ive been blacking out every day. And when I say blacking out, I mean Im loosing full days. Sometimes its only an hour or two but more often than not, I wake up not knowing what I did the day before."

"When you wake up from these blackouts, do you notice anything different", Jackson asked.

Amy pulled at her short hair as she said, "I used to have shoulder length hair. I woke up one morning this way."

"Red streaks?"

"Yeah, I woke up with that surprise too."

"Looks good on you."

"Thank you. Its not too bad. I'm still trying to get use to it."

"Any other transformation happen during a black out", he asked.

"No...", she said slowly.

"But something else did?"

"Yeah a few things have been happening, things Im not proud of."

"Like.."

"Like waking up with a strange man in my bed. Waking up in strange places I dont remember going to. I've woken up sore a couple of times."

"Sore? Where were you..."

She quickly shook her head.

"Oh..you mean..."

"Yeah lets not get into that ok, I'd rather not."

"Its fine, none of my buisness anyway", he said

Jackson cleared his throat and leaned back in his seat.

"So, anything else?"

"No, thats it. The strangest thing thats happened recently is when you showed up at my door calling me Orchid."

"Right. Well, I have an idea of how we can get to the bottom of whats happening with you, but your going to have to keep an open mind and work with me."

"How open minded?", she asked.

"What do you think about me staying with you for a few days?"

Chapter 16

"First thing I need to know, what is your name?"

"I told you, Amy."

"Do you sometimes go by a nickname?"

"No. Everyone calls me Amy."

"So, you've never been called Orchid?"

"Never."

"And you dont remember anything about lastnight?"

"I remember singing at that club. I went out to eat with my friend..but after that, I just cant remember. Was I drunk lastnight?"

"You seemed pretty sober to me", he said.

She nodded her head but said nothing more.

"Does that happen often? Forgetting things?"

"Sometimes", she said as she looked down at the table.
By that time a waitress had come over but he waved her away.

"Amy, do you have any enemies?"

"Not that I know of. I mean, Im sure im not everyones favorites but.."

"Anyone who'd want to hurt you?", he asked.

Her eyes grew wide.

"Not that I know of, why?"

"Because I think you might be in danger", he said.

"Now your starting to scare me. What aren't you telling me?

"Do you think someone is out to get me?", she asked.

He looked her in her eyes and nodded slowly. She sat back in the booth, sliding down as if the air was slowly seeping out of her.

"Amy, this is serious. I know this comes as a shock to you, but you need to be completely honest with me. Has anything strange happened to you? Even if it seems crazy, I need to know. Even the smallest detail could be important."

She sat up straight, smoothing back a strand of hair that had fallen out of place.

"Something strange has been happening for awhile now. But its going to sound weird."

"Im all ears", Jackson said.

Chapter 15

"Ok, this is weird", Jackson says to her.

He didn't know what to say. He had seen this woman lastnight. Given her a ride home. Realizing the next morning that she was his next target. Now here he was trying to get to the bottom of this and she was standing here looking at him like he was crazy.

"Theres a coffee shop right up the road. Its a public place, lots of people. Please do me this one favor and sit down and talk to me. Give me 30 minutes of your time at least and I promise, I wont ask you another question."

She continued to look at him strangely but she slowly nodded her head.

"Ok. 30 minutes and thats it."

"My cars right there", he said as he pointed across the street.

" I think I'll walk, its not that far."

"Well, can I at least walk with you?"

"Yeah, thats fine."

They walked in silence. He wanted to wait until they were seated to ask her anything. He wanted to be able to look into her eyes to see if she were lying. Five minutes later he was holding the door open for her. He was thankful that she walked toward to back and sat in the booth in the corner.

Apparently she didnt want what she said to be heard either. Sliding in the booth across from her, he leaned forward. Crossing his arms on the table in front of her, he cleared his throat. Readying hisself to do the most difficult line of questioning he ever had.

Chapter 14

Jackson was standing at Orchid's door. Still struggling with the questions that rang out in his head. Knocking hard on the door he waited. A few seconds later he heard shuffling behind the door. A soft voice whispered,

"Who is it?"

He was thrown back for a second. He looked around, making sure he was at the right place. Certain that he hadn't made a mistake, he lifted his hand to knock again, but stopped when she asked again, this time a little louder,

"who is it?"

"Its Jackson", he said loudly.

It was quiet behind the door for a moment and then he heard the lock on the door being turned. He looked up as the door eased opened slowly. She didn't open it all the way, only slightly, yet wide enough to see her face. It was definately her. She had sounded different thru the door.

"Hey. You said that I should stop by today."

She squinted her eyes at him.

"What?", she asked.

"You remember lastnight, I gave you a ride home.."

"Oh! Lastnight. Im sorry...I...I dont remember. Lastnight was..I think..who are you?", she stumbled.

"Jackson. I mean we dont really know eachother but we met lastnight."

"Lastnight is kind of a blur", she said.

"You mind if I come in?", he asked.

She shook her head wildly.

"No, no..you cant come in."

"But you said lastnight.."

"I already told you I dont remember lastnight!", she yelled.

He held his hands up quickly as in surrender.

"Look Orchid, I know you dont remember me but I really need to talk to you, its very important."

"What did you call me?"

"Orchid."

"Are you sure you've got the right person? My name is Amy."

Chapter 13

Jackson was back at the hotel now. Not long after arriving he was fast asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. He woke up the next morning to a knock on his door. Looking out of the peep hole he didn't see anyone. Grabbing his .22 from the dresser drawer, he held it close to his side as he slowly looked around the corner. Noone. But a package was sitting outside of his door. Snatching it up as soon as he saw it, he rushed inside. Ripping it open he quickly read over the information on the top sheet. Name, Address, location, directions. He stopped when what he had just read sunk in. It was the name. Not a name a person could mistake. In big bold print the name read "Orchid". He didnt want to see anymore, but he had to look. The picture. There was always a picture, identifying the target. Maybe there was a slim chance that it was someone else. He took a deep breath and flipped to the next page. It was exactly what he was dreading. There in black and white, a photo taken of Orchid. The girl he had just met. What cruel act of fate was this. He was starting to feel like the butt of somebodys sick joke. A joke he didn't find funny at all. He didn't know what to do. His first thought was to call Killer, but he decided against it. No, he'd deal with him later. First he needed to talk to his next mark. He had been looking forward to taking her up on her invitation. Now he was confused, but anxious to get to the bottom of things. He wasn't sure how soon he should go over, yet he didn't know how long he could wait it out. In the span of 2 hours he had smoked 3 ciggerettes and itching for a fourth. Deciding he couldn't take it anymore he rushed out of his room taking long strides down the hall, rounding the corner so fast he almost knocked two women over. As soon as the elevator opened he was pushing past a chubby bald guy and a tall lanky fellow that seemed to be taking their time figuring out if they were getting on or off. He counted to 10 in his head and exhaled.

"Is this your floor", Jackson asked the men.

"I dont think so", the bald guy replied as he pushed the button for the 1st floor.

Jackson didn't wait for the men to move, quickly shoving them aside, he bounded across the lobby floor, people in his way scattering left and right. He fingered his .22 nuzzled snug in his pocket as he went. He didnt know what he was going to do or say but he had to see her now. This was one thing that just couldn't wait.

Chapter 12

Orchid Caressed the blade in her hand. Gentely, careful not to cut herself. She liked to cut. Clean straight lines opening skin so seemlessly. The slow forming of red leaking thru. She liked to cut other people, not herself. It would be a shame to mark up her pretty skin. So she used other people as her canvas. Most of her subjects were willing, sometimes not. She cringed as she thought of the mess she'd made with the last one. She had gotten a little carried away, it was a mistake. Everyone made mistakes right. She shook her head, trying to shake away the memory. She had to move on. There was nothing she could do to change what happened. Apparently saying Im sorry wasn't good enough. Tossing the blade onto the table she sighed. The inspiration was gone now. No longer feeling like looking for a new toy to play with, she started to fumble with her clothes. Too many buttons. She rolled her eyes as she finally shrugged out of the ugly brown top. Slidding off the matching skirt, she bundled up the clothes and tossed them in the laundry basket. Smiling as she looked down at herself, checking herself out in the mirror on the bathroom door. "At least she has cute bra's and panties", she said to herself. Going back to her room she lay across the bed, tucking a pillow under her head. The last thing on her mind before she passed out was Jackson.

Chapter 11

Jackson was smiling as he drove down the road. Thinking of the strange but unique encounter he just had. He had the strongest urge to turn around and go back. He didnt know why but he felt compelled to satisfy this urge. So he turned around and drove back to Orchids house. He was surprised to see her squatting down on the side of house. He couldn't see what she was doing. He decided to get out of the car to make sure everything was ok. He walked up behind her. She must have heard him coming because she jumped up, holding her right hand behind her back.

"Is everything ok?", he asked her.

"Why are you still here? I thought you left."

"You didn't answer my question."

"Well, I wasnt aware that I had to answer to you."

Jackson laughed and shrugged his shoulders. "You dont have to, I was making sure you were ok."

"Im fine", she said.

"What are you hiding?", he asked.

"You ask alot of questions."

"Well, you do alot of questionable things."

"This is probably true, but we already decided that I dont have to answer to you."

"We did. Its just so obvious that your hiding something."

"It should be just as obvious that Im not going to tell you what Im hiding."

He watched as she slid something into her pocket. It was too dark to see exactly what it was but it was definately something small.

She walked passed him and he followed her up the stairs.

"Did I invite you in?", she asked.

"Not yet."

"Then I wouldn't hold my breath. Its late and I dont know you well enough. You could be an axe murderer for all I know."

He laughed and said, "Your right, I could be."

She squinted her eyes at him as if she were trying hard to see him clearly.

"Are you..an axe murderer."

"Do you really think I'd admit it if I were?"

"No. But answer the question anyway."

"No, Im not an axe murder."

She tilted her head to the side and squinted her eyes again.

"I dont know if I believe you. You seem like the dangerous type."

"Right. So you should probably stay away from me then."

"Probably.

"But you wont", he said.

"No. Not if I can help it."

"Are you inviting me in now?"

"No. Your a stranger and its late.."

"Stubborn."

"As a bull."

"But cute."

"I know."

He laughed again and turned to leave.

"Wait. Where are you going?", she asked.

"Doesn't make sense to keep standing here since your not inviting me in because Im a stranger and its late."

She laughed this time.

"You should stop by tomorrow, maybe I'll invite you in."

"Maybe I'll stop by."

He turned again to leave. Silently hoping that she would stop him again but she let him leave. Stopping at his car, he looked back to see her closing the door behind her. As he got into his car and drove away he thought how weird it was that he felt so good about something so simple, when his life was anything but simple. Maybe, that was exactly what he needed.

Chapter 10

Orchid smiled at Jackson flirtatiously. He looked kind of cute. But it was hard to tell in the dark. He seemed to be the mysterious type, and that she definately liked.

"So where are you headed", he asked her.

"Home. I need to get out of these clothes".

"And into what?"

She laughed at his two sided remark.

"Wouldn't you like to know."

She folded her arms across her chest as the wind began to make her shiver from the chill.

"Here", Jackson said as he took off his leather jacket and handed it to her.

She waved it away at first, but after he insisted, she accepted it. The over sized jacket swallowed her in, warming her instantly in its cocoon.

"Thank you", she said as she pulled it tightly around her.

"No problem. You need a ride home?"

"Actually..I do."

She followed Jackson back to his car. Once inside she thought for a second that maybe she should just walk back. In the very next second, she thought how exciting this was. Accepting a ride late at night with this mysterious stranger. Definately a dangerous thing, yet she wasn't moving. Before she could think again he was pulling off, asking her what direction to take. The ride back home seemed to be really short. She sat inside his car a few seconds longer than necessary. Hoping he'd say something. Starting to feel silly, she told him thanks for the ride and opened the car door.

"Maybe I'll see you around sometime.", he said.

"Maybe."

Before she closed the door she remembered that she had on his jacket. Before she could take it off he shook his head and told her to keep it. She smiled and thanked him again, carefully closing the door. She walked away, trying very hard not to look back.

Chapter 9

"Ugh! Not again!", she said to herself as she got up from the floor.

Once again she had woken up in one of the most unlikely places. She felt disgusting as she looked around.

"Gross..is this a bathroom? When was the last time anyone cleaned it?"

She was annoyed. She didn't enjoy the lapses of times. So many things she missed out on. So many things she had to make up for. But, she did love a challenge. She looked down at herself, turning her nose up at the clothes she was wearing. The first thing she had to do was take a shower and change out of these dreadful clothes. She walked over to the sink and washed her hands careful. After drying her hand she used a paper towel to pull the door open. He eyes widen when she realized where she was.

"Great, I would be in the one fastfood joint I hated".

Walking as fast as her legs could take her she sped to the door. Using her paper towel to open yet another filthy door. Once she was outside she dropped it on the ground. She stretched as the cool breeze danced around her. She felt as if she'd been asleep for days. She turned as she heard a car door open in the parking lot. She couldn't see clearly who it was but she could tell it was a man. He wore dark clothing and dark glassed covered his eyes. He was walking toward her. She knew she should be leaving. This was the last place she wanted to be. But she was curious to see who this person was. Instead of walking passed her, he walked right up to her and stopped.

"Do I know you?" she asked

"No. Not yet anyway. Im Jackson."

"Nice to meet you. My name is Orchid."

Chapter 8

Amy sat in a booth across from Kasey at Brusters Burgers. She watched her friend devour a burger, large frie and a pecan pie. All she had was a large Cocoa-cola. She was still to nervous and on edge to even think about trying to digest anything solid. Looking at Kasey stuff a hand full of fries into her mouth was starting to make her stomach turn.

"You ok?", Kasey asked her.

"I dont know. I think I need to run to the bathroom."

Kasey nodded as she continued to eat. Amy walked as fast as she could to the bathroom. Not wanting to make a spectical of herself. Pushing her way into the bathroom, she looked around, checking to see if anyone else was there. Certain that she was alone, she leaned back against the wall, slowly sliding down to the floor. She was feeling dizzy now. Holding her head between her legs she tryed to steady her breathing. It wasn't helping. She held her hand up to her chest, her heart beat was racing. She inhaled one last time before she passed out on the floor.

Chapter 7

The last song had ended. And now she was gone. He looked around hoping he'd catch her on her way out. But it was hard to see with all the people crowding around the dance floor as the music blasted louder from the DJ's booth. He noticed a girl getting up and walking to the door. He remembered that she had come in about 5 minutes before the singer walked out on stage. Thinking that maybe they had come together, he got up, pushing past the crowd of people, fighting his way to the exit. A burst of cool air hit him as he stepped outside. It was a welcomed feeling compared to the stuffy atmosphere he had just left. He looked around quickly, hoping that she hadn't left already. He spun around when he heard the engine of a car. He spotted it just as he was pulling off. He raced to his car and jumped inside, waiting a few seconds before pulling off behind them.

Chapter 6

Jackson sat out in front, sipping on a gin and tonic. The guy playing the saxophone looked familiar, but he couldn't place him. It was probably best that he didn't. The people he knew were usually people not worth knowing. Feeling on the edge of boredom, he was about to leave when this girl walked out on stage. You didn't expect to see a girl like her in a place like this. There was something different about her. The intensity in her eyes as she stared into the audience. It seemed as if she were startled by the spotlight that surrounded her. But that only lasted a moment. When she opened her mouth and started to sing, he couldn't help but stare in amazement. An angelic voice singing Mariah Careys "My All". He hadnt heard that song in so long. But hearing it now, the words tumbling from the lips of this gorgeous stranger, it was like hearing it for the very first time. He didnt like what he was feeling. Yet he couldnt stop it. He didn't usually get caught up, his job didn't allow it. He knew he should just get up and leave now before he did something stupid. But he didnt move, couldn't. All he could do is sit and stare as she sang the words that seemed to pierce his heart.

Chapter 5

Kasey had picked her up on time for once. She did say much, just asked how she was doing. Amy got the feeling that Kasey was worrying about her again. If that was the case it was a good thing she was keeping it to herself. It was the last thing she needed at the moment. She was already as nervous as it was. It only took them 20 minutes to get there but the ride seemed much longer. She went in thru the back, Kasey dropped her off and parked in front. She talked to the manager for a minute or two. He didnt ask her many questions, just asked for her id to make sure she was legal. She was waiting back stage now. Listening to this musician play his saxophone. She closed her eyes and wondered how her voice would sound with the sound of a saxophone playing along. She was startled out of her day dream when the manager suddenly appeared behind her and told her in his very rough sounding tone, "Your on in 5". Her knees suddenly got weak. She wondered if she could really go thru with this. She still had time to leave. She could walk out of the door right now and never look back. But she'd never forgive herself for not trying. She had to try, just once. Before she knew it, she was being pushed out on stage, the spotlight shinning on her. For a split second she felt frozen in place, until she heard the sound of the piano playing softly in the background. She closed her eyes and sang from her heart as her body swayed to the music.

Chapter 4

Amy had no idea where her day had went to. She didn't meet up with Kasey like she usually did. So she had no way of knowing what had happened. She had woken up on her bed, still in the same clothes she had wore the day before. She ran to the bathroom to check herself out in the mirror. Nothing looked out of the ordinary. Besides her hair being a little messy, nothing seemed altered or out of place. She rolled her tongue around in her mouth, searching for a distinguishable taste. Lifting her hand up to her mouth she blew and sniffed. Certain that she hadnt been drinking, she sighed in relief. Still annoyed that she couldn't rememeber the missing hours, she quickly pushed that from her mind when she remembered, she had a job to do. She crawled across the bed, picked up her cordless phone and dialed Kaseys number.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Kasey..its me."

"Is everything ok?", Kasey asked.

"Yeah..at least I hope so. We didn't go out today did we?"

"No. I came by. You didnt come out so I figured either you weren't home or still sleeping."

"Oh..not sure what I was doing."

"Another black out?"

"Yeah, I think so. But I know this time it wasnt from drinking. I seriously think something is wrong with me."

"I think you should see a Dr.", Kasey urged.

"You know I dont like doctors. I'll be fine."

"Sure..just trying to be a friend."

"I appreciate that Kasey, really I do. I just dont think this is something a Dr. can help me with."

"Well..Im here, you know."

"I know...hey, you still picking me up right?"

"As far as I know. What time?"

"8:30pm. I gotta be there at 9."

"Alright. I have to run and do a couple things first but I'll be there by 8:30. See you then, ok?"

"Yeah, see you. Bye."

"Bye"

Amy hung up the phone. She was nervous. She loved to sing but she wasnt used to singing in front of people. She decided to go ahead and get ready. Sitting around thinking about it was making her nerves worse. After she got dressed she would stand in the mirror and practice singing with her hair brush while she waited for her friend to pick her up.

Chapter 3

Jackson stared out the window of his hotel room. Always another hotel. But with the line of work he did, he couldn't afford to even begin to built a foundation or even hope to settle down in one place. He lit another black and mild as he watched the clock. In five minutes he should be getting a phone call. The calls always came on time. He felt on edge. The aniticipation driving him to smoke one cigarette after another. Along with the anticipation came excitement. The thrill of the next chase. The ritualistic dance of the hunter and its prey. The phone rings. As always he let it ring twice before picking up. It was his contact, Killer.

"Jackson", he said after picking up the phone.

"You in?"

"Yes, Im in."

"Your package will arrive tomorrow morning. Inform me when its recieved."

And that was it. The dial tone sounded in his ear. Killer was never one for small talk. Straight to the point as always. He liked it that way. No bull..just buisness. He got up from the bed after putting out his cigarette on the bedside table. He had to get out of these four walls. Seeing as he had to wait until the very next day before he could begin his next job. He might as well find something to do to help pass the time. He had spotted a decent looking night club on his way into town, he thought he'd stop in there. He could definately use a drink.

Chapter 2

After she had taken a quick shower, she got dressed in a plain white tee, tight blue jeans and white tennis shoes. Pulling her maroon curtains back she looked out the window, tapping her right foot impatiently. She was waiting on Kasey. And she was late as usual. Every morning Kasey would come by and pick her up. They'd go to star-bucks and drink ice coffees and Kasey would tell her all the things she couldn't remember. Altho she trusted her friend, she sometimes wondered if Kasey told her the full truth. Wondering if her words were sugar coated to protect her feelings. Today was no different than any other. She sat at a table across from her friend. Nestling her throbbing head in her hand. Waiting on the verdict Kasey was about to render.

"Lastnight was rough, you got really drunk", Kasey said.
Amy looked at her, waiting for her to finish the story. She hated these dramatic pauses in between.

"I tryed really hard to stop you, honestly I did, but you just wouldnt listen. You kept hanging on to this guy Joel the whole night. I didn't leave you alone tho, everywhere you went I went. "

"Kasey, what did I do", Amy sighed.

"Well, there was this one time..I left you, only to use the bathroom, I mean I really had to go or I would have pissed all over myself. Anway..when I got back you were gone. I asked Deon, the guy Joel was with, were you were and he said you had snuck off to the back with him. So I went looking for you. I ended up getting lost back there. By the time I found my way back you and Joel were stumbling out of the broom closet.

"Great, so I screwed another random guy?"

"Possibly", Kasey said.

"I really should stop drinking."

"You should stop doing alot of things", Kasey pushed.

"You should mind your own buisness!"

After Amy snapped on Kasey, she immediately felt sorry. But she didn't apologized. Her days lately have been full of apologies. Full of things done and things said that couldn't be taken back. So she did what she did best and quicky changed the subject.

"So I got that job at that dance club down town."

"No!"

"Yeah I did. I start tomorrow actually. Im scared girl!"

"And your gonna be doing what?"

"Singing..whatelse?"

"Theres other things.."

"Things I definately wont be doing!"

"Im just saying.."

"You say too much."

"So what are you singing?"

"Haven't figured it out yet. But you'll be there right?"

"Of course. How long will you be singing?"

"Well..Ive only got one night gauranteed so far. I guess its like trying out or something. But I sing three sets, so I need three songs. Im not sure how much I'll be getting paid but I gotta start somewhere right?"

"Yeah. Your right. So Im picking you up for this?"

"How else will I get there? You know I dont have a car."

"Im just checking to make sure."

"Im guessing we should go. I need to go home and practice."

They left Star-bucks. Kasey took her home. Made her promise to call her later and sped down the road to whereever she went when she left her. Dropping her purse in the middle of the floor she sprawled across the bed and began to sing to herself as she planned tomorrow in her head.

Orchid

Chapter 1

Amy lay back against the headboard sipping on a miller light. She looked at herself in the mirror across the room. Wondering if she was truly loosing her mind. Lastnight was something that she couldnt quite remember. She woke up the next morning on the bathroom floor. Her hair damp and matted to her head. It was shorter now..she had obviously cut it but why. It had hung slightly over her shoulders but now it was just pass her ears. Black hair with red streaks was the colors she sported now. She still wasnt sure if she liked the change. But there was nothing she could do about it now. She chugged the rest of her beer from the can and sat it on the bedside table. Laying on her stomach and stretching across the bed she continued to stare across the room. Not at anything in particular. More of a blank stare. She hated these black outs. Not knowing what had happened. What she had done, where she had been or even who she had been with. It was kind of scary. But she didn't know how to stop it.

Part 55 The Conclusion

Hours later Melanie Starkwell happened to be driving by and spotted Andrews apartment, or what was left of it. Her heart beat rapidly increased as she quickly turned and drove up to the blackened building. Andrew sat in the corner by a wall, legs pulled up to his chest, rocking back and forth. She got out of her car and walked over to him slowly. She didn't want to alarm him. The state he was in seemed so..fragile. She squatted beside him, trying to catch his eyes, but he was so far away.

"Andrew, its Melanie. Do you remember me, from the support group months ago?"

He said nothing. Just continued rocking. She wondered what had happened here. It had been awhile since she had seen him. Back then she could tell he was going thru something, and he didnt seem to want her around. So she had backed off. Now, she wished that she had stuck around. Fought harder to help him. But there was no going back. There was only now. And in that moment. She vowed that she would do whatever it took to help him.

To Be Continued....

Part 54

When Andrew arrived back at Ryans apartment, he pulled his .22 from the glove compartment. In all the years he had the thing he never once used it. He only had it with him for protection. Just in case. Never in his wildest dreams would he have imagined he would even think about using it for revenge. Yet here he was, making sure the safety was on before slipping it into his pocket. He didnt have to knock on the door or attempt to force it open. It was unlocked. He wasnt sure what he expected when he walked in but he was greeted with an empty room. For a split second he thought that Ryan had run. But then he heard the clinking of glasses coming from the kitchen. He moved quickly across the floor and pushed thru the double doors that led to the small kitchen. Ryan sat at the table a glass full of ice and a bottle of bourbon in front of him. Ryan looked terrified as he looked up at him. Andrew only smiled, a half smile. He walked over to the cabinet and retrieved a small glass.

"Mind if I join you?", he asked as he held up the glass.

"Be my guest", Ryan said with a tremble in his voice.

Andrew took the bottle from Ryan and began to pour them both a glass. Ryan lifted his glass and chugged it back in seconds. Andrew chuckled to himself. He slid his own glass over to Ryan.

"You look like you need it more than I do".

Ryan only nodded and chugged back the glass Andrew had originally poured for himself. They starred across the table at eachother for awhile. Before Andrew finally broke the ice.

"I just have one question. Why did you do it?"

"She was killing people Andrew! Can you honestly sit here and say that you think that was ok?"

"So your saying its wrong for her to kill other people but its ok for you?"

"Its not like that Andrew and you know it."

"Well, please enlighten me, how is it?"

"Im sorry Andrew, I dont know what else to say."

"Your sorry? You killed my girlfriend, and all you can say is your sorry! You saw what I went thru when I lost her the first time and then you do this to me? How could you!".

Andrew stood up and threw the bottle of bourbon at the wall. Ryan jumped as the glass shattered into pieces behind him, splashing the back of his head with the luke warm liquid. He pulled the gun from his pocket, released the safety and aimed the gun at Ryans head.

"Give me one good reason not to blow your brains out."

"Because your not a murder."

"But you are.", Andrew told him.

Ryan was shaking now. There was nothing he could say or do. This was it. He had taken action, and now he had to suffer the consequences. He wasn't going to beg for his life. He knew he didn't deserve to be forgiven. He looked Andrew right in the eyes and said,

"Im sorry Andrew. I know its not enough. And if it will make you feel better to take my life then, do what you gotta do."
Ryan closed his eyes as he waited for the inevitable.

"A life for a life", Andrew said as he pulled the trigger.

One shot to the head. Ryan toppled backwards in his chair. His body hit the floor with a thud. Andrew starred at his cousins lifeless body for so long his vision began to blur as he watched the pool of blood spread across the floor. Finally snapping hisself out of the daze he was in, he lay the gun on the table and walked away.