Chapter 2

The river was calm that day compared to its usual briskness. It was early spring and the sea gulls flocked in numbers around a small island just off shore while the waves crashed against its banks. Jennifer had just arrived at her parent's cottage and was standing on a small pier overlooking the river. With a warm breeze in her face, she remembered Margaret's terrifying scream still. Jennifer lived in a busy city where crime was no stranger, but the events of that day were the first real experience she had ever personally encountered. Even though months had passed, it still haunted her. She couldn't think about that now, she thought. It was time to relax and take a break from the busy life. Still, being here wasn't easy for her.

She walked back to the cottage and put on a tiny bikini that just shouted “here I am” to the world. It was hot pink with large white polka dots. You couldn't miss her in this even if you tried. Having the right figure to wear it made the difference and she had it. With beach towel in hand, dark shades to cover her gorgeous green eyes, she pranced down to the small sandy beach in front of the cottage. For some strange reason, she had an eerie feeling she was being watched but she didn't know who, or why. Tossing and turning in the afternoon sun, she enjoyed the heat of the rays and the quiet. This was a far cry from the busy life she led in the city. It was so nice just to bask in the sun.