emma286 Hopelessly Beyond Infected member is offline
Joined: Aug 2009 Gender: Female Posts: 463 Location: South East London, England Karma: 6
Cat and Mouse « Thread Started on Oct 19, 2009, 2:40pm »
Heya everyone.
This is the beginning of a short story fan fiction that I'm currently in the process of putting together. I will mention here that I realise it's far from perfect, as it's still fairly rough and still needs further editing. But still thought I'd put it up here anyways just to see what people thought. Also if anyone feels that there's any particular way it could be improved and would like to offer any constructive comments on how they think it could be, then please feel free! Any helpful feedback will go greatly appreciated.
Anyways hope that you guys enjoy the read! However if not, then I can always delete this at a later stage:
Cat and Mouse
It didn’t occur to Cynthia right away that anything was wrong, when catching her first glimpse of the dark-haired man in the grey business suit, through the glass of the Lux Atlantic Hotel’s entrance doors across from the reception desk where she sat. Neither would this idea occur to her for roughly the next fifteen minutes or so. Possibly it never would have for the remainder of her evening shift, if not for the unexpected incident that followed.
It happened as she slowly reached for the nearly overflowing cup of black coffee standing at her left elbow. The fingers of her other hand continued to tap away at the buttons of the keyboard before her. Her eyes stayed glued to the computer screen above – as she tightened her grip on the white plastic cup…
“AHH!” she cried out, as her left arm and hand jerked seemingly of their own accord; sending dark-brown liquid gushing over the cups rim and desk surface, as the surrounding lights abruptly blinked off – plunging her into sudden darkness.
Oh my god! Not another power cut!
Initially, it seemed to Cynthia that things stayed that way for several minutes. However, luckily for her, it was a mere few seconds before everything suddenly flicked on again as swiftly as it had done the opposite – bathing the ground floor area in familiar white light once again. The young receptionist let out a deep breath of relief, her worries of being unable to finish the urgent guest bill updates, that had to be completed before she left for home in the next half hour now quelled (the last power cut had only happened the day before, and at the time had lasted for a full three hours).
Still, this newly acquired feeling of reassurance wasn’t to last long. As Cynthia slowly became aware of the sight of the sodden dripping wooden surface in front of her, she realised that she had an entirely new problem staring her in the face.
“Oh no!” she wailed, eyes widening in shock. “Look what I’ve done! I need to go get something to clean this all up with…but I can’t just leave the front desk!”
She helplessly looked around the interior of the empty ground floor lobby. What was she going to do? None of the receptionist’s were supposed to leave the area deserted! Of course, it rarely happened that Cynthia was ever left entirely alone. But this week the hotel had been unusually short staffed. The ground floor security guard was also having to patrol a couple of other area of the building tonight as a result, and she wasn’t entirely sure when he’d next be back. Henry, the new doorman who’d joined just a couple of weeks ago, had (not unpredictably) done one of his disappearing acts without telling anybody where he was going first (Cynthia had recently considered, more than once, mentioning this to somebody, though she wasn’t generally one to rat on others). Normally, again, Tracy – one of the other receptionists – would have been sharing her shift. But she’d had to leave work early because of a family emergency that had come up, so for now Cynthia was managing the front desk by herself.
She sighed heavily, closing her eyes for a few seconds, as thoughts of how different the situation would likely be if Lisa Reisert, her manager (as well as a close friend of hers) were around flitted across her mind. Not that she meant to knock the new acting manager (temporarily covering for Lisa until her return from annual leave). But it hadn’t taken Cynthia long to notice that the replacement lacked both the extent of experience and sense of job dedication that Lisa possessed in the hotel management field. She knew if Lisa had been around, there would have been at least a ninety five percent chance of her successfully finding last minute extra staff cover. Or else would have been chipping in with Cynthia and helping to man the reception desk herself. Not the new person though! She’d simply waltzed out of her office earlier at lunchtime, smilingly informed Cynthia on her way out of the building that she wouldn’t be back again till Monday and would have her phone switched off the rest of the day, and then left.
The young receptionist opened her eyes again, her face dropping at the memory.
“Oh Leese!” she groaned aloud. “I sure wish you were around right now instead of on vaction in Texas! I know it's mean of me... But you're the one who always holds everything together! When you're not here things always start to fall apart..."
It was then that Cynthia abruptly became aware of the warm, but moist, sensation seeping its way through the thin white material covering her upper thighs. Gasping, her gaze shot to – what she already knew now to be – the brown splattered skirt of her dress.
“Sh*t!” she wailed again, cringing inside at the thought of what a mess she must look. “Some of it must've gotten on me when I wasn’t looking! Jeez, I can’t stay here like this! I have no choice! I’ll have to quickly use the ladies across the way and let the answer machine pick up any calls that come through while I’m gone!”
Jumping up from her seat, Cynthia hurriedly began to make her way across the expanse of ivory marble floor that stretched between the front desk area and where her intended location was; the low heels of her black shoes making a loud clatter against the hard surface beneath them as she did so. As she began to move, her gaze automatically shifted forward towards of the quadruple entrance doors opposite. It would have no doubt drifted on to the right – in unison with her body – as she started to turn in that direction, if not for something in the distance that caught her attention at that moment.
Hang on! Who’s that standing outside? Could that be a guest or a visitor?
She slowed her steps, coming to a stand-still just a few metres away from where the dark silhouette stood before her. Frowning slightly, she strained her eyes in an attempt to make out more; all thoughts of the spilled coffee and the risk she’d taken of getting into trouble for leaving the reception area abandoned temporarily forgotten. A few more seconds passed, before another realisation struck.
Hey! That’s the same guy I noticed a few minutes ago! I remember now, he was out there just before I knocked my drink over. I recognise the grey suit! But…
She bit nervously at her lower lip, as another thought hit her.
But there’s something different about him this time...something that I noticed just now that I didn’t earlier. That’s what made me stop to look! But what is it about him exactly?
The man continued to stand still where he was unmoving. From this distance away it was difficult for Cynthia to tell much about his face as, along with the rest of his upper body, it was mostly cloaked in shadow. But all the same, there was something about his body language…his posture… that hadn’t been present earlier.
He was walking around before! Not just standing there that way. I assumed he had to be a guest who’d just checked out and was waiting to grab one of the hotel taxi’s…but it’s not just that…
Cynthia nearly gasped aloud at that moment, but just managed to resist the urge.
He’s also staring at me! Though I can’t see him properly from here, I can tell from the way his head’s facing towards me. But why? If he needs something why doesn’t he just come in?
It then occurred to Cynthia that maybe the guy wasn’t from around Miami and had been dropped off here by mistake. Perhaps he’d been on his way to a different location – possibly another hotel – and was one of those people who felt awkward about admitting to being lost. Maybe he was even thinking about coming in to ask about room availability, but was having trouble making up his mind – as he was having doubts that any would be available on such short notice. Sure! It had to be something like that! She couldn’t think of any other likely reason.
Hesitantly, Cynthia raised her hand in a friendly casual wave and pasted – what she hoped looked like – a cheerful encouraging smile onto her face, moving a few more steps forward as she did so. No doubt once he noticed her waving at him the guy would come straight in to offer an explanation. She would deal with him now and then go ahead to the bathroom after…
It didn’t happen.
The man remained where he was; no change apparent in his erect stance. Now that she was in a closer position, Cynthia thought she could distinguish a very dim view of his features – which as far as she could tell were devoid of any expression. Except…was just the faintest hint of a half-smile she could see curling the right corner of his mouth? She could also tell that his head was slightly tilted to one side, almost as if he were contemplating some kind of idea…
It’s as if he’s planning something. And now that I’ve looked at him more, I can tell he doesn’t look awkward or nervous at all. If anything…he looks kind of aggressive!
Cynthia immediately backed away a couple of steps; feeling an unpleasant cold prickly sensation crawling it’s way along the back of her neck – as well as a sudden queasiness in the bottom of her stomach. By this point she didn’t have a clue what was going on but did know that what ever it was she didn’t like it.
I should call security! They’ll know what to do!
However, just as Cynthia was about to dash back to the reception desk to grab her phone that the stranger suddenly also backed away – almost as if he’d been able to pick up on what she was thinking. Unable to prevent herself from doing so this time, she watched open-mouthed as he moved further away…into a spot where the glow from one of the outside street lamps momentarily revealed his face. Cynthia was unable to prevent her mouth from dropping open in shock – as this time there was no mistaking the sneer on his lips. Nor the piercing, mocking, expression in his – were they blue or grey? She still couldn’t tell what colour – eyes.
Who is this nut? What the hell does he want?
For another moment or two he continued to keep his gaze fixed upon her. As if reluctant to take the last remaining step that would allow the night to swallow him from sight once more. But then he did so, disappearing as swiftly as a full moon being enveloped by a passing black cloud.
emma286 Hopelessly Beyond Infected member is offline
Joined: Aug 2009 Gender: Female Posts: 463 Location: South East London, England Karma: 6
Re: Cat and Mouse « Reply #2 on Oct 19, 2009, 4:51pm »
Many thanks Sabine I have to admit, I really didn't think that I'd done a terribly great job on it by this point. But am glad you liked reading what I've put up so far. When next possible will be sure to post more
emma286 Hopelessly Beyond Infected member is offline
Joined: Aug 2009 Gender: Female Posts: 463 Location: South East London, England Karma: 6
Re: Cat and Mouse « Reply #8 on Oct 29, 2009, 10:11am »
Sorry to keep you waiting guys! It's been a pretty hectic time for me since I posted this, as right now my partner has just brought a new flat and I'm in the process of helping him get things organised over there right now. So unfortunately I've had absolutely no free time to spend on this since, and am not sure when I next will (though hopefully either over this or next weekend I'll have a chance to carry on!). Will post again in here as soon as I can!
Dr Crane isn't here right now. But if you'd like to make an appointment...
emma286 Hopelessly Beyond Infected member is offline
Joined: Aug 2009 Gender: Female Posts: 463 Location: South East London, England Karma: 6
Re: Cat and Mouse « Reply #9 on Nov 20, 2009, 5:07pm »
Apologies again for the delay everyone. Here's the next part. Will update again as soon as I can. In the meantime hope you enjoy
After pulling into the parking lot, stationing her silver Fiat in one of the spaces available, outside her apartment building Cynthia hurried towards the entrance of the latter – anxious to be inside. Despite what Security had said back at the hotel, on finding no sign of anyone suspicious lurking outside the Lux Atlantic, this hadn’t eased her mind. She’d still asked one of the security guards to escort her to her vehicle, after her shift had ended, as hadn’t wanted to walk there alone. She’d also felt tense throughout the drive back, unable to shake the nerve-biting effect the bizarre encounter from earlier had left her with.
“Please, please be home Ellie,” Cynthia whispered as she reached the ground floor hall area of the building, fingers trembling as she fumbled inside her handbag for her door keys. Ordinarily she wasn’t over-enthusiastic at the prospect of her sister’s company on a Friday night, as this usually involved having to play gooseberry with Ellie and her boyfriend Stuart – in addition to discovering a tower-sized stack of dirt-encrusted dishes they’d left in the kitchen sink for her to clean. It usually irritated the hell out of her. But tonight, the idea had never seemed more welcome. She wanted, needed, to be around other people right now.
Inside the apartment, after re-locking the front door, she scanned her immediate surroundings for an indication of human presence.
“Hey I’m home!” She called out. “El? Stu?”
No answer. Yet the hallway lights were on, and Cynthia could hear the dim sound of the TV emitting through the closed living room door. At least one of them had to be in there. She took a moment to remove her coat, before trying again.
“Hey I’m home,” she repeated, shoving the door open. “Didn’t you guys he…oh!”
The living room was empty, though its light was also on. Puzzled, Cynthia checked the rest of the apartment – but again found no sign of anybody. Back in the living room she frowned. This was weird. Of course, Ellie didn’t need her permission to go out for the evening. But one of the things she never did was leave the lights or anything else electronically related on when not home. Seeing as she paid the electricity bill, it was one of the few things she was fanatical about remembering. She also usually left a note. Cynthia had seen no sign of one anywhere.
Deciding it best to try Ellie on her cell, given the circumstances, Cynthia began to dial the number. However, before reaching the last two digits, she noticed the green light winking at her from the answering-machine for the first time. Pausing, she pressed the play button, pushing back a strand of red hair that had fallen across her forehead as she listened.
“Hey Cynthia, it’s Ellie,” a female voice announced. “Uh…an unexpected emergency came up. I had to dash out to meet Stu, so didn’t have time to leave my usual note. I should be back in a couple of hours or so. I’ll see you then.”
The answering-machine beeped its confirmation that the message was already over, followed by a brief automated voice announcement it had been left a few minutes prior to Cynthia’s arrival, before clicking itself off.
Cynthia sighed. She was relieved there was a normal explanation behind the electricity oversight (after all as Ellie had been in too much of a hurry to remember the note, she must have forgotten the lights and TV for the same reason). But she was still alone, and didn’t want to be. Not tonight. She wondered if she should call one of her friends. But then remembered all of them – with the exception of one who’d been sick with the flu all week – had already made plans tonight. There was her mother…but she wouldn’t be home, as she worked late night hours. Cynthia sighed again. Maybe she should call Ellie anyway. Explain what had happened back at the hotel. But Ellie had mentioned the word emergency. What if it was something serious? She didn’t want to be a nuisance.
Concluding that there was no point dwelling on the situation further, despite disliking it, Cynthia turned off the overhead light – using one of the table lamps instead – and flopped onto the couch in front of the TV. Some romantic comedy show was playing. It seemed as good a choice as any other to distract her thoughts with.
However, a short while later, Cynthia found that her concentration was already flagging. It had nothing to do with finding the programme unlikable. But having been as pre-occupied with her thoughts earlier as she had, she hadn’t stopped to consider how exhausted she was at this late hour. Suddenly her eyes felt very heavy. As if lead weights were bearing down on them, crushing away her focus.
She let out a loud yawn.
Oh boy. It’s no good. I need to go get some sleep. I’ll have to talk with Ellie in the morning.
Yawning loudly, Cynthia tried multiple times to summon the energy to stand. But it refused to come. The heaviness in her eyes, as well as now in her legs, continued to grow.
Jeez, I’m too wiped out to move…
Everything blurred into a jumbled mass of shapes and colours, before fading to black…
******
As Cynthia’s eyes snapped back open, the first thought that occurred to her was how cramped the backs of her neck and shoulders felt against the rigid surface they were pressed into.
Oops, I must have dozed off on the couch!
Sitting up, rubbing at her temples to clear the fuzziness in her head left over from the nap, she automatically searched for the clock on the wall – wondering how long she’d been out.
Hang on, I can hardly see a thing!
Further observation revealed why. The table lamp and TV were now off, having robbed most of the glow which had previously illuminated the room. Cynthia’s big brown eyes widened. Could Ellie already be home? But surely she would have heard her come in?
It was then her gaze fixed upon the yellow digital time display on the front of the DVD player beneath the TV.
It’s just past one in the morning. It was around half twelve when I first sat down. I couldn’t have been asleep for more than a quarter of an hour!
Cynthia’s chest tightened. There was no doubt about it. Somebody had been in here while she was asleep. But it hadn’t been her sister. She drew in a sharp breath, feeling a sudden urge to bolt from the room.
Don’t do it. A voice in her head warned. Whoever it is, they’re likely still in here, or in one of the bedrooms, as they’re the easiest places to hide. Don’t risk attracting their attention! Leave the room, like you haven’t noticed anything. When you’re in the hallway, get out through the front door! Head to the neighbours, use their phone to call the police.
She rose from the couch, trying to ignore the wobbly feeling in her legs – as well as the all-familiar prickles again piercing their way along the back of her neck.
And heard something move behind her.
In that instant, all conscious thought left Cynthia’s mind – with the exception of one word.
Run!
But it happened seconds too late. Before Cynthia could move – out of seemingly nowhere – a hand clamped itself down on her lips as an arm snaked around the front of her arms and waist; yanking her back down onto the couch; pinning her to it.
“Mmmph!” Cynthia wrenched her head from side to side, trying to escape the steel-like grip digging into her cheeks, as she struggled to free an arm to defend herself with. But even as she attempted these things, she knew it was hopeless. She could sense, from the relentless pressure on her mouth and body, that she stood no chance of overpowering her attacker. Realising there was little choice other than to accept defeat, Cynthia stopped resisting. She began to sob, shoulders and chest quivering, as hot tears spilled down her cheeks and onto the fingers jammed against them.
“Relax, Cynthia,” a male voice breathed softly into her left ear, “If you choose to play this right, which really isn't hard, I can be out of here in less time than it just took for you to awaken from that beauty sleep of yours. You’ll be left unhurt. Still, I should warn you that if you refuse to co-operate…” There was a pause. “I can’t guarantee I’ll keep that promise.”
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I have to admit, I really didn't think that I'd done a terribly great job on it by this point. But am glad you liked reading what I've put up so far. When next possible will be sure to post more ![[avatar]](http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b250/Larvaduranie/Cillian%20Murphy/cillianicon-1.jpg)
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