Too Close to home.

A mad man is on the loose attacking women while they make their way home.

                                               Too Close To home

Laura was the sort of girl that everyone liked.  She was good looking with lovely long blonde hair and the nicest smile you've ever seen.  Men adored her and she knew it.  She'd been on a few dates with a man she liked very much, but being only fourteen she didn't want to get to involved with anyone at the moment.  This seemed strange to her parents as they thought the world of him.  Then something terrible happened which would change Laura forever.  Her mum who she loved very much died.  At the time it was a shock, as it'd happened suddenly while she was asleep.  Laura still remembers waking up that day to head to school when she noticed her dad crying in the bedroom.  This was a thing she wasn't used to witnessing.  With as much courage as she could muster she entered the room to ask her father what the problem was, then she saw it for herself.  It took a week or so for Laura to come to her senses.  After the funeral she had said her goodbyes, but she missed her mummy dearly.  Three weeks later while still under a dark cloud which wouldn't seem to lift she met Verity.  From that day forward they'd become the best of friends, and from somewhere a light could be felt again amidst the shadows.

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Three years later.

The year 1979.

"He's a right idiot," Laura said in Verity's ear as both walked away from him heading towards the entrance.  It was a Saturday night and loads of people were out enjoying themselves after a long week at work.  

Verity who had short dark hair and the bluest of eyes gave her friend a much needed hug, before replying, "He really liked you.  Look at him now.  He's utterly destroyed."

They peered back smirking as he was seen ordering another drink and throwing it down his neck.

"He's a drunk.  They're all the same.  Pathetic," Laura said turning her back on him.  "Let's head to the new place.  Someone at work said it's brilliant in there.  What do you think, Verity?"

Verity brushed a hand through her hair, then answered, "Let's do it," while she put an arm around her friend.  Both giggled, looking forward to a swell night of getting quite drunk.

Walking down the darkened street as they carried their handbags the two of them were aware of many flashing blue lights coming towards them.

Both stared as the two or three police cars rushed passed stopping only a few metres ahead.

"What the hell is going on?" said Laura, giving her friend a concerned look.  

"Ignore them, my love.  Nothing is going to spoil our night out," she replied.  "Probably some teenager breaking into a shop.  Nothing to worry about."

But Laura had a bad feeling that something wasn't quite right.  Nearby she saw a crowd, peering down at their feet she witnessed the most ghastly sight.

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The policeman seemed uncomfortable but kept his composure the best he could in such circumstances.  "Are you ladies okay?" he asked.

Laura glanced up at him.  "Why would anyone do something so evil?"  She found it hard to believe that something so terrible as this had happened so close to where she lived.  It unnerved her very much.

The man wiped his eyes with a tissue, before saying, "It's a crazy world we live in.  Please head home.  It'll be safer that way.  Would you like a lift?"

Verity had been quiet for a little while, but finally said, "We'll be all right.  Thanks officer."  She pulled Laura to her.  "Come on, love.  I'll walk you home."

"What about you?" asked Laura, not wanting her friend to get attacked as well.

Once both were away from the crowd she stared at Laura with a very serious expression which told a thousand stories.  "What happened tonight is tragic.  What happened to your mum was tragic.  When I first met you, you were a mess.  Forget this s**t.  Please, Laura.  You know I care for you very much, but this isn't our problem.  I beg you, forget it."

"Don't you care about that poor woman," she said, disgusted with Verity's attitude.

"I care for you more."  Verity brushed a hand through her hair.  Taking a couple of steps she took some deep breaths.  

"Are you okay," Laura asked, placing a hand on her friend's shoulder.

Verity turned round before answering, "This is the first time I've told anyone this.  My cousin had the same thing happen to her.  Now she's in a mental institute.  I don't want you to end up the same thinking about all the horrible things that go on.  Do you understand?"

Her friend was right as always.  "Yeah, I do understand.  Thank you for looking after me.  I do love you with all my heart."

They kissed each other on the cheek.

"Let's go home," Verity said.  "It's been a long night."

Both then headed up the road arm in arm.  From close by a man watched them with interest.  In his coat pocket was a balaclava which he'd used earlier.  As they passed a street lamp he recognised them.  Dread was felt.  As quickly as he could he headed home.  He made it to the end of the road when he noticed the balaclava had fallen out of his pocket.  He then had a decision to make.

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Laura had said her goodbyes also wishing Verity a safe trip home.  Her friend as always put on a brave face while she made her way down the road.  Please be okay, she thought, before closing the door to the outside world.  It wasn't that late so her dad might still be up watching TV.  Peering into the living room she couldn't see him anywhere.  Then the front door opened and he walked in with a disturbed look on his forty something face.

"Are you all right, dad?" she asked startled.

He looked at her, before replying in a nervous sort of way, "I heard police cars.  I got worried about you, Laura.  I hope you don't mind."

"You don't need to worry about me.  I can take care of myself," she said, putting a hand softly onto his shoulder.  "Would you like me to make you a nice cup of tea?"

He seemed pleased by this.  "That would be lovely."

Then she noticed something hanging out of his pocket, and asked, "What's that, dad?"

He scratched the side of his head.  After a while he answered, "I found it outside.  I wouldn't usually pick stuff up from the street but with winter approaching I thought it would make a nice hat.  You know how it is.  Not much money about."

Laura laughed.  "Well, at least I won't have to worry about you when the snow arrives.  I'll bring the tea to you in the living room, or would you prefer it upstairs in bed?"

With a smile on his face he said, "I'll go into the living room and watch TV for a little while.  Thank you, Laura.  You're a good girl, mum would've been so proud."

She made her way into the kitchen still saddened by what she'd witnessed that night.  Such a cruel world at times.  But as Verity had said she shouldn't dwell on it as it'd only upset her, and she was right as always.  "Be safe, Verity," she said quietly to herself.  "And I love you with all my heart," meaning every word.

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Shortly after that night another woman was raped and left for dead.  Luckily a passer-by found her and notified the police straight away.  When she'd recovered from the ordeal the police interviewed her hoping she would be able to give them a description of the person who had attacked her, but because of lack of street lights in the area she didn't see enough to help them in catching the brute.  People were scared to go out at night.  The streets empty.  A monster was on the loose.  Only time would tell.

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About the same time of all this happening Laura's closest friend met someone one day at work.  Laura was happy for her friend, as Verity would tell her about him all of the time.  From what she'd said he had just moved to this area about 3 months ago searching for work.  He was in his late twenties and handsome with it.  Laura was dying to meet him.  One day when the weather was not very good all three met in a bar.  It was Verity's idea you see, as she wanted Laura to meet him.  The rain pelted endlessly against the window.  From high above storm clouds circled.  The first hour went fast while Verity told her new boyfriend all about Laura, which made Laura feel a little embarrassed at times.  After a couple of drinks Verity needed to go to the toilet leaving Laura all on her own with him.

He looked her up and down, before saying, "I bet you like a good night out?"  He rubbed his chin.  "I could show you a great night out.  What do you think of that idea?"

"I'm sorry?" was all she answered.  Was he coming on to her.  She was beginning to feel uncomfortable.  She averted her eyes from his gaze.

He took a mouthful of drink, and being a smoker he coughed a couple of times, then said, "You're not much fun are you."

She peered his way.  With anger in her voice she replied, "If you haven't noticed there's a maniac on the loose.  And you're joking about taking me out when you're supposedly with my best friend, which disturbs me a little bit if the truth be told."  She folded her arms not wanting to speak to him any longer.  Then he did something which would always stick in her mind.

Inches from her he said, "I'm good friends with the bloke you're calling a maniac.  So you like abusing people I care about.  Verity said you were a lovely girl, I think not.  She always says you take life too seriously."  Using his hand he stroked her hair, before carrying on, "If you like, I'll ring my good friend and he could pay you a visit one night.  I can tell you'd love it.  What do you think of that idea?"

Laura was absolutely horrified.  Who the hell did he think he was?  She got up immediately and without giving it much thought left the bar in a very bad mood.  She felt sick, not believing someone could joke about such things.  With the rain still falling she ran home not once looking back to see if Verity would be there.  Then she had this horrible feeling she would never see her friend again.  And this was too much to bear.

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She sat on her bed not knowing what to do with herself.  She thought back to the morning when her dad was devastated about his partner dying at such a young age.  That day she'd lost a mother who she loved very much.  Life had never been the same since, but meeting Verity saved her.  Now her friend was involved with a sleaze ball who would only drag her down to his level.  This made her sad.  "Please see what he's really like," she muttered.  Laura put her hands together and started to pray.  Deep down she hoped god was listening.

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Making her way down the street she thought back to her friend who she hadn't seen for a little while.  None of it made sense.  All she remembers is going back to the table and Laura wasn't there.  The man she was seeing at the time just said Laura had told him to rot in hell, then stormed off.  Verity was angry with her friend for being so rude to someone she liked very much.  Maybe tomorrow she should call round.  She loved Laura dearly, it just seemed a real shame.

Recently she'd got a job working in a local pub and after a long shift she was heading home.  Her feet ached.  Tomorrow she had off.  After a good night’s sleep she'd feel better again, as working in the day, then having a job in the evening three times a week would take it out of her.  Verity needed the money if the truth be told.  She had saved quite a lot but still didn't have enough to move out of the family home.  At the age of nineteen she wanted her own space.  Was it that hard to understand.  

The street she walked down was dark with only a single light at the end of it.  She hurried her pace because the thought of a madman being on the loose made her nervous.  With Laura she always put on a brave face because she felt like she ought to, but truthfully she was scared of what was going on at the moment.  The street lamp was only a few yards away.  Not too far now.  Verity heard a noise from behind her.  Peering round she saw nothing apart from the houses either side of the road.  Because it was late no lights could be seen in the windows.  Verity was all alone with still three roads to walk down before she would get home.  Her heart began to beat a little quicker.  She carried on apprehensively.  Another sound from behind her, and with this she walked faster realising how foolish she was, still being out at this time of night with the atrocious things which were going on.  The street lamp far behind her and now proceeding cautiously in the pitch black, another faint noise was heard from somewhere.  She didn't say a word, hoping it was her imagination playing tricks on her.  Then something awful happened.  A man appeared in front of her.  He wore something to conceal his face.  She was too petrified to speak.  She put a hand to her mouth.  Trying to walk backwards she fell onto the hard concrete hurting her elbow.  He pulled her into a nearby alley.  Her head smacked the wall hard.  Staring at the man who stood above her she said only one thing, "Why are you following me, Is that you, Brian?"

He took the thing which covered his face off.  He was just about to say something when a light came on from a nearby window.  In it stood a little boy.

Verity was in utter shock.  "How could you do this?  It's you who has been doing all these bad things.  And to think once I liked you very much.  I didn't dump you because I disliked you.  I did it to protect someone I care about a great deal.  For godsake it wasn’t fair on her."

The man seemed upset.  "I know you did.  I've been so foolish.  Believe me when I say I didn't know it was you.  You're such a sweet girl, but you know about me and I can't take the risk of you going to the police.  I'm so sorry."

A tear ran down her cheek.  "Please don't."

In his coat pocket he pulled out something which glimmered in the slight light.  Verity closed her eyes while crying uncontrollably.  With one strike she was dead.  

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News spread fast.  The moment Laura heard what had happened she made her excuses at work and headed straight for Verity's house.  She felt numb not quite believing what had occurred.  How could her best friend be dead?  From what people had said a woman was found early this morning with terrible head injuries, but unlike the other two women there was no signs of sexual assault.  The only reason she knew it was Verity was because the TV later in the day had confirmed who it was, breaking her heart instantly.

She stood at the entrance her heart racing.  The door opened and Verity's dad stood there.  His cheeks were shiny like he'd been crying.  "Is it true?" she said, not quite believing it at all.

He seemed agitated which was understandable.  Finally he answered in a very sad tone, "We know you and our daughter were very close.  Please come in."

She followed him down the hallway.  Being October it was getting chillier, because she'd hurried from work she had forgotten her coat.  A draft was felt.  In the living room three people were seen, all with saddened faces.  Laura sat down feeling the tension.

"Thank you for coming," Verity's father said sitting down himself.  

"I'm so sorry about what happened," Laura said, not knowing what to do with herself.  

A girl no older than twelve glanced at her, innocence in her eyes.  She was still dressed in her school uniform.  With sadness on her angelic face, she said, "Why would anyone do this to my older sister?"

This broke Laura's heart.  "I don't know, sweetheart," was all she answered.  She noticed a woman in her forties getting up from a chair and asking everyone if they'd like a drink.  Laura declined knowing she needed to head home soon before it got too dark.  Peering out of the window a terrible feeling ran through her.  The sun had already gone down.  This is when she made her excuses and left.  It was going to be a long walk home, and she wasn't looking forward to it one bit.

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She could hear her high heels tapping the concrete while she hurriedly made her way home.  It was now completely dark.  From behind her a noise.  Her heart beating quicker she peered to where the sound had come from.  Only a few metres away a figure was seen as they headed up the road towards her.  She panicked and running as fast as she could fell onto the path cutting her knee badly.  The person had caught up with her, she was absolutely terrified.

"Please don't," she shrieked, shielding her face from him.  

Then a voice said which she found familiar, "It's all my fault."

The person turned his head so now a nearby light shone on his face.

Laura was shocked beyond belief.  "Why are you following me?"  It was the jerk from the other day who had been nasty to her in the bar.

"I needed to explain to you that it wasn't me who did it," he grovelled taking a step towards her.

She flinched.  "Just leave me alone please as I've had a very tiring day."  She stood up keeping her eyes on him because she didn't trust him one bit.

The man put his face in his hands, before saying, "We broke up a few days back.  Now she's dead.  I feel like it's all my fault.  Please, Laura.  Help me?"

Suddenly he pinned her against a wall tears running from his eyes while repeating the same thing, "You've got to help me.  I've done nothing wrong."

She slapped him hard across the face.  He fell onto the pathway crying uncontrollably.

As fast as her legs would carry her she fled towards the only place she felt truly safe.  Home.

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Arriving home she was out of breath and very fearful.  She proceeded towards the telephone which sat on a nearby shelf to ring the police.  Laura had this awful feeling that the b*****d who confronted her tonight knew more than he was letting on.  A quick look into the living room she noticed her dad holding a photo of her mother while dabbing his eyes with a tissue.

" Are you okay?" she asked, knowing at times he would feel down.

He looked up, then replied, "Sometimes we do things which we regret, but I would never hurt you intentionally.  The day I lost your mother was a day I'll never forget.  I think of her everyday, even through the bad days when I feel like all hope is lost.  You're my shining light, Laura.  Always remember that.  Goodnight, love."

"Goodnight, dad," she said.  She made the decision to ring the police tomorrow when her father would be out playing cards, which he did twice a week in the local pub.  He was too upset tonight.  She didn't want to involve him into her troubles.

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Surprisingly enough the police were already onto him.  By the end of the next day he was at the station being questioned to his whereabouts on the night Verity was killed.  Within hours he was released to the dismay of everyone.  A day later he moved away from the area giving the police his new address just in case they needed to talk to him more.  A few months after this Laura's dad had a bad accident at work.  He started drinking heavily.  Within a year he was dead.  Laura was now all on her own.  And when everything seemed lost to her a man came into her life.  They got married at the same church her parents did.  Both had two children which they adored very much.  For the first time in ages she was happy again.

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Laura had been happily married for thirty years.  Then one day when the snow fell heavily she received a call which would shatter her life forever.

She sat on the chair facing a woman who sat opposite her at the small table.

"What's this about?" Laura asked, still not quite understanding why the police had asked for her to come to the station.

The woman who was about the same age seemed agitated, before saying, "We've reopened the case from 1979.  From what I've been told you lost a very good friend that year, or I mean to say, her death has remained unexplained.  But someone has come forward to shed new light on what might have happened to her.  This is why you are here, as we need to ask you some questions.  Is that okay?"

Laura all of a sudden was nervous.  "What do you mean shed new light.  So who's come forward?"

"A man has come forward saying that when he was a little boy he saw two people from his window.  They seemed to be arguing.  When he described the lady it matched your friend's description on the last night she was seen alive.  I won't lie to you, the investigation is still in its early stages.  But we needed to see you to verify some things."

"Carry on," was all she answered.

The woman carried on, "From what the man had said the person with her was about 5 foot 9 with thinning hair.  And in his hand he held a blue balaclava.  But the thing we're really interested in is the tattoo he had on his arm that was visible to the young boy."

Laura didn't know where this was heading, then answered impatiently, "So what was the tattoo?"

The woman seemed nervous.  She scratched the side of her face, before saying, "It was a picture of a dragon coming out of the clouds.  Have you ever seen this on anyone?"

Laura stared at her.  Was this some sort of joke.

"What's wrong?" asked the woman softly.

"The man you are describing is my dad," was all she replied shocked beyond belief.  Her world crumbled.

                                                                   The End

Reviews

[Marie]

This is well written, Steve. But I am a little bit bothered by the fact that these two women would be walking around at night with a killer on the loose. Where I live women doint even think about walking alone at night.


In this passage you need to give the reader a little more information about what Laura thinks and feels:
Laura glanced up at him. "Why would anyone do something so evil?"


The man wiped his eyes with a tissue, before saying, "It's a crazy world we live in. Please head home. It'll be safer that way. Would you like a lift?"

Verity had been quiet for a little while, but finally said, "We'll be all right. Thanks officer." She pulled Laura to her. "Come on, love. I'll walk you home."

[steve]

Thank you, Marie for your very kind review. Verity is very strong willed, she'll do what she wants to do. And through this she was murdered by her own foolishness. Laura on the other hand is a lot more sensible, and this is why she liked Verity, as sometimes opposites attract.