Chapter 2

“I’m so sorry!” He apologized. “You aren’t hurt are you?” He asked as Shannon tried to brush the dampness from her clothes.

“I think I’m okay.” She said her voice shaking slightly.

“I’m late for a meeting and in my rush I didn’t even see you. Please let me make it up to you. This is my card.” He said pulling a beige business card from his pocket. “If I can ever be of service to you, don’t hesitate to give me a call. I’m sorry to rush off on you like this but as I said I am late for a meeting.” He said gathering his things and rushing down the street.

As she walked the rest of the way to the market, Shannon gazed at the card in her hand.

While she cooked dinner, Shannon found her mind drifting back to the stranger on the street. His card lay on the counter. Wiping her hands on a dish cloth, Shannon picked up the card. She glanced at the phone in it’s cradle and seriously considered picking it up and calling him but figured he would consider her foolish and discarded the idea.

Lizzie slept the whole time Shannon cooked and set the table. Drawn by the fabulous smells wafting from the kitchen. She entered the kitchen and took a seat still sleepy.

“I’ll be so glad when all of this medicine gets out of my system, it really has me whipped.” She said stifling a yawn.

“Dinner will be on the table in five minutes. I made all your favorites.” Shannon said, not turning from the oven, where a chocolate cake was baking.

“You really didn’t have to do all of this just for me. It’s really too much, Shannon. You shouldn’t have.” Lizzie said surveying the food laid out on the table.

“We needed to do something to celebrate and I know you would never have let me take you out for a fancy dinner so this is the best I could do, give my resources. I hope you’re really hungry. We are going to have a feast tonight!” Shannon said as she carefully took the cake from the oven and placed it on the cooling rack.

“You must have spent the whole afternoon cooking.” Lizzie said as she eyed the spread  before her. “Why didn’t you wake me up and let me help you?”

Because if I had, then it wouldn’t have been a surprise and I wanted you to be surprised. I think I accomplished my mission.” Shannon said, laughing.

“Yes, I would say it was mission accomplished.” Lizzie said starting to help her plate.

After the meal, Lizzie insisted on helping Shannon clear the table and wash up the dishes.

When the dishes were drying beside the sink and the leftover tucked away in the refrigerator the two women settled in the living room to watch a movie.

As the movie began, Shannon found her mind drifting back to her collision with the stranger, whose card was stuffed into the pocket of her blue jeans. 

Digging it out Shannon read:

Greg Turner

Central General Hospital

Emergency Room Physician

Of all the people in the world for her to bump into on the street, Shannon had to run into a doctor. Laughing, she thought hoe ironic it was.

When the movie ended Shannon rose from the couch stiffly. Lizzie was asleep and she considered letting her stay there but decided it would be best to have her sleep in her own bed, to keep her from getting stove up.

Going to her sleeping friend, Shannon shook Lizzie’s shoulder gently until she began to rouse.

“The movie’s over. You need to get in your bed before you get stiff.” Shannon said softly.

Stretching, Lizzie pushed herself up. “You woke me up, to tell me I needed to go to bed?” She asked freighting offense.

“Would you rather walk funny tomorrow? Because if you don’t get out of that chair you will.” Shannon said as she started to turn off lights as she headed to her own bedroom.

“Okay, point taken. You win this time but don’t get used to it because it won’t happen every time.” Lizzie said following Shannon.

The next morning, Shannon sulked into the kitchen and dropped on to a stool beside the bar.

“I don’t want to go to work. Do I really have to?” She asked, doing her best spoiled brat impression.

“We both need to get on with our lives. As soon as I feel strong enough I am going back to work. I’m calling my boss today to see if my job is still there. If it isn’t I guess I’ll be job hunting.” Lizzie said taking a seat beside her friend.

“I’m glad you’re okay.” Shannon said softly. “No matter what happens, you’ll be fine. You already have what matters most, your life.” She said.

“You’re right. I do have what matters most but it’s not my life, it’s you.” Lizzie said reaching out to put her hand over Shannon’s hand.

After a quick shower, Shannon reluctantly left for work. Lizzie puttered around the house after she left. It was curious being in the apartment alone. Not able to tolerate the quiet Lizzie decided to put on some music. Selecting a CD from the rack and put it in the player.

As she went about her day Lizzie was vaguely aware of the music but subconsciously it did wonders to soothe her spirit.

When Shannon got home she found the apartment spotless and dinner on the stove. After a quick scan of the apartment she found Lizzie sleeping on top of the covers on her bed.

Going to the bed, Shannon bent over her sleeping friend and placed her hand on her shoulder.

Lizzie opened her eyes when she felt Shannon’s hand. Alarms started going off in her head. She remembered starting  dinner, realizing how tired Shannon would be when she came home from work. Exhaustion washed over her and she went to her bedroom, deciding to lie down for a few minutes. When she closed her eyes her last thought had been unable to resist sleep from sucking her under.  Fear gripped her heart as her mind at all things which could have gone wrong.

Bolting up, Lizzie ran to the kitchen. Relief washed over her when everything was intact in the kitchen. Shannon had moved the food to the table and placed silverware and plates on the table. Shannon entered the kitchen behind her.

“I can’t believe you did all of this.” She said as she took a seat at the table. “I don’t know about you but I am starving, let’s eat.” She continued unaware of her friend’s distress.

Lizzie sank into a chair and dropped her head into her hands. “I can’t believe I was so stupid. My carelessness could have cost us our home.” She moaned.

Shannon looked at her over her plate but remain speechless.

“I can’t believe you aren’t mad at me. It was careless of me to lie down when I was cooking. You would think I would be smarter than this.” She continued to rant. “Maybe I shouldn’t try to do anything where my mistake would effect others.”

Shannon remained silent, letting Lizzie release her frustrations. When she fell silent, Shannon finally spoke.

“You don’t need to beat yourself up. Everyone makes mistakes. How many times have you had to go  behind me and turn off the curling iron? It could burn down the apartment just as fast, if not faster.” She tried to console Lizzie.

Lizzie shrugged her shoulders in reply.

“Lizzie, look at me.” Shannon said sharply.

When she had Lizzie’s attention Shannon spoke again. “Yes, something bad could have happened but it didn’t, you need to stop blaming yourself. I know you well enough to know you won’t let it happened again. You learn from you mistakes. Let’s just put this behind us now, okay?” Shannon pleaded.

“I just can’t stop thinking about all the which could have gone wrong because of my mistake. We could have lost everything, Shannon! You could have lost everything because of me. If our apartment had burned to nothing I doubt you would be so forgiving. I know for sure I never would have been able to forgive myself.” Lizzie said, growing frustrated again.

“Lizzie, you have got to stop this. You are getting no where with this insanity. The past can’t be changed. You just have to do better in the future.” Shannon tried to calm her best friend.

“I’m sorry, Shannon. I just can’t let it go. Not yet at least. It’s going to take me a while to forgive myself.” Lizzie said with a sigh.

“Are you sure you won’t change your mind? I’d love to have you along with me. You could sight see during the day then we could have dinner together every night? It in my travel budget to bring a guest. You should take advantage of the opportunity because my company isn’t always so generous.” Shannon tried to convince Lizzie.

“I don’t know about this, Shannon. My boss is expecting me on Monday. I should probably stay here and get ready. Besides, I already told you, traveling is not what I want to do right now. My life has been on hold for long, I just want to get back to normal. Please understand Shannon. Besides, you’ll probably be so busy all weekend you won’t even have time to miss me. You can come home and tell me all about it, just like old times. Only you won’t have to come to the hospital.” Lizzie said with a laugh.

“It will be nice to come home and find you waiting for me.” Shannon said taking a seat on the bed beside her friend.

“I’m glad I don’t have to go there anymore. It’s such a relief to finally have my life back.” Lizzie replied.

“Me too, Lizzie, me too.” Shannon said putting her arm around her best friend.

Shannon tearfully left Lizzie on the steps of their apartment the next morning.

As she settled into her seat on the plane, Shannon’s mind lingered on Lizzie. She wondered what she was doing at that moment and if she was missing her as much as Shannon was Lizzie.

When she landed Shannon found herself swept into the hustle and bustle of the terminal. Outside she found a car waiting to take her to the hotel. She barely had time to catch her breath before she was whisked away again. As she fell into the familiar rhythm. Lizzie didn’t cross her mind again until she returned to her hotel room at the end of her long day.

She snuggled into bed and was drifting off to sleep the image of Lizzie flashed into her mind. Sitting up in the bed, Shannon fished around in the dark until she found the light switch and turned illuminated the room. Swinging her legs over the edge of the bed, Shannon turned the phone around and dialed the number. It didn’t bother her to call late because she knew Lizzie would be waiting up for her call.

The phone rang three times before Shannon heard Lizzie pick up.

“Bet you thought I was going to forget about you.” Shannon greeted her.

“Shannon?” Lizzie replied.

Her voice sounded groggy and Shannon instantly felt regret for waking Lizzie up.

“I didn’t mean to wake you. You’ve always been waiting up for me. No matter what time. I shouldn’t have called. I’m sorry, Lizzie. I’ll hang up so you can go back to sleep. We can talk when I get home.” Shannon said hastily.

“It’s okay. I was just snoozing on the couch. I must have drifted off. I knew you would call. I was waiting for it. Tell me about your day please. What’s it like to be back at work? Are you getting back into the groove of things?” Lizzie asked.

“Are you sure? This can wait. I don’t want to keep you awake. This can wait until morning. I could call you before I leave in the morning.” Shannon replied.

“I’m sure. Please tell me.” Lizzie said honestly.

Shannon reclined against the pillows in the bed as she recounted the events of her day. The friends talked for an hour before Shannon finally hung up the phone and fell asleep.

Across the country, Lizzie found herself unable to sleep. She stared at the ceiling. She had been fighting tear while talking to Shannon. Alone in the darkness she allowed them to course down her cheeks. Lizzie had a secret which was eating her alive.

Earlier in the week, Lizzie had gone back for her check up. The results of the lab work had come in the morning before Shannon was scheduled to leave. Through out their final evening together, Lizzie had been trying to work up the courage to break the news to Shannon but had been unable to find the right words.

The cancer had returned. Her remission was over. It was back with a vengeance as well. The doctor said the treatment regiment would be much more aggressive than last time. He warned her she would be in for an uphill battle all the way. 

Lizzie knew Shannon was going to be devastated. She had been so hopeful the cancer was finally behind them. Shannon was back at work and loving doing her job. Lizzie knew she would want to take time off again to be with her and Lizzie knew this time it could cost her not only her job but her career as well. If that were to happen Lizzie could never live with knowing she had cost her friend a promising career. She didn’t know how but Lizzie knew she had to find a way to convince Shannon not to put her career on the line.

Dread fill her as Lizzie realized she hadn’t even told her mother about the recurrence. Although she wouldn’t take it as hard as Shannon, Lizzie knew her mom would be upset as well.

“Why do I have to hurt so many people?” She screamed into the darkness. “Why do so many people have to care about me? Why, why?”

As the light of day was beginning to break, Lizzie fell into a fitful sleep.

The weekend seemed to fly by for Shannon as found very little free time. Before she would have expected, she was on a plane returning home.

For the first time once she had departed Shannon had time to reflect on the last conversation she had with Lizzie. It dawned on her something had been off with her behavior. She seemed to be hiding something. Could it have anything to do with her recent doctor’s visit? Was the cancer back and Lizzie was afraid to break the news to her? Why would Lizzie want to keep something so important from her?

Suddenly, Shannon realized why. Lizzie didn’t want Shannon jeopardizing her career to take care of her. She knew Shannon would want to cancel her travel plans to stay at Lizzie’s side.

 Panic filled her when Shannon thought Lizzie might try to undergo her treatments without telling anyone.

Desperately Shannon prayed Lizzie would not attempt this. She was still weak from the last round of treatments. Lizzie needed someone to be with her, even if it had to be her mother. 

Deb wasn’t much in the way of helpful but at least Lizzie wouldn’t have to be alone.

Shannon thought of picking up her cell phone and calling Deb and asking her to check on Lizzie until it another thought hit her. If Lizzie hadn’t told her she certainly didn’t tell Deb. Shannon was closer to Lizzie than her own mother and she would give her mother bad news before she told Shannon.

Finally, Shannon had to admit there was nothing she could do from the plane. All she could do was to wait until she landed and pray Lizzie wouldn’t do anything careless in the meantime. As she leaned her head against the seat, Shannon prayed earnestly for Lizzie’s safety.

When her flight landed Shannon gathered her luggage as quickly as possible and made her way to the car.

As she drove Shannon couldn’t stop the worry clouding her mind. After several failed attempts to reach Katie by cell phone she gave up and tossed the phone into the passenger’s seat.

When she pulled into the parking lot of the apartment complex, Shannon breathed a sighed of relief at the sight of Katie’s car in front of their apartment.

Darkness shrouded the windows and as Shannon approached she realized Katie was probably asleep.

She unlocked the front door quietly and entered the house. As she set her luggage on the floor she saw the light filter from under Katie’s door and soon she heard her feet hit the floor and approach the door.

Light flooded the living room as Katie was silhouetted in the doorway of her room. When she walked across the room Shannon noticed the worry lines creasing her best friend’s forehead. Stewing over the recurrence of her cancer was already taking a toll on Katie.

“How was your trip?” She asked as she rubbed her eyes and stretched her arms up over head.

“Yeah, it was okay. Just the usual grind.” She replied. “Katie, we need to talk. I was so wrapped up in my return to work I didn’t take time to really talk to you before I left. On the plane on the way home I realized something was bothering you. I realized you wanted to tell me something but just couldn’t find the right words or couldn’t get up the courage.” Shannon said.

“You’re right. I was watching you pack and you were just bubbling and I couldn’t make myself burst your bubble. I decided I would wait until you got home. I just didn’t expect it to be so soon. I didn’t think you would catch on.” Katie admitted.

“This is about your cancer. It’s back isn’t it?” Shannon said, fighting tears.

“Yes, it’s back and worse than ever. The doctor said I’ll need to have more aggressive treatment. I have a very long road ahead of me. I hope I can count on you to help me again. I really hate to have to ask again. You’ve been by me through so much, I couldn’t have asked for a better friend. It seems unfair to ask you to do it again but the truth is I don’t think I can go through this again without you.” Katie said hopefully.

“Katie, look at me.” Shannon said seriously. When Shannon held Katie’s gaze she continued. “You should never have to worry about asking me anything. Friends are there for each other, that’s what we do. Given the chance I know you would do the exact same thing for me. I am going to do everything I can to help you through this again. We’ll get through together.” Shannon said reaching out to take Katie into a hug.

“I know it won’t be easy. This much I can tell you, I will be there beside you the whole time and I will do everything I can to help you through this.” Shannon promised.

“I don’t want you putting your career on the line for me. I can’t expect that from you again. It could cost you your job and career if you try to take time off to take care of me. Please promise me you won’t put your career on the line again.” Katie pleaded.

“I can’t promise. I know I will do everything I can to keep my career intact but I am also going to do everything I can for you. If it means my career goes to the back burner again then so be it. I’m not going to neglect you as I have in the past. You’re just going to have to deal with it.” Shannon said firmly.

“I’m begging you. Shannon, don’t jeopardize your career. I’m not worth it. You need to think about your future. Don’t let it all go down the drain.” Katie sobbed.

“Can’t you see? You are the most important thing in my life. Careers come and go but if I lose my best friend my world is going to fall apart.” Shannon said beginning to cry harder.

“You’re important to me too. I love having someone there with me while those drugs travel through my body. You take my mind off of my own illness and it is so comforting having you beside me hours later when the wave of nausea starts. Mother tries, she really does. You might not believe it but she has been trying really hard to be the mom she should have been over the years. She doesn’t take care of me as well as you do. Mom didn’t get much nurturing when she was growing up. When she had me when she was fifteen it was really hard for her. Mom had no clue what to do with a baby. She did the best she could with her limited knowledge. When you don’t have anyone to turn to, you learn to be very self reliant. I know you can’t understand that because you always had both of your parents and a large extended family. If I hadn’t had you through this ordeal with cancer I don’t think I would have made it through even one round of this. You are my rock Shannon but I can’t expect you to drop everything in your life every time I hit a bump. I don’t want you to lose everything you have worked so hard to have. I couldn’t live with myself if you had to start over.”  Katie finished with a deep sigh.

Shannon took a moment to collect her thoughts before she replied. The silence hung heavy as she contemplated her words.

Finally she spoke.

“It’s not going to jeopardize my career if I step back for a little while to take care of you. My boss loves my work and she also know how important you are to me. I never had any siblings. You are like a sister to me. I could love you more if we were related by blood. I feel guilty when you’re at the hospital and I am not there with you.”

“If you insist I back off from your illness and get back to work, then I will honor your wishes but I am begging you, Katie. Please let me do this. If for no other reason for my own peace of mind.” Shannon pleaded.

“You are really putting me in a tough situation. I want you with me but I worry about the stability of your job. I need some time to think about this. You’re going to have to give me some time, Shannon. I can’t make up my mind right now. Everything is so mixed up. I feel like my brain is overflowing.” Katie said shaking her head.

“I know what you mean. It seems like the world is so complicated at times I can’t sort all the kinks out.” She agreed. “If time is what you need then I will back off and let you sort things out.” Shannon promised.

“You don’t know how much this means to me. I really appreciate your understanding and not trying to push me.” Katie replied choking back tears.

“I think I do because I know you would do the same for me.” Shannon replied.

When Shannon emerged from her car she felt eyes boring into her back. She unlocked the door quickly.

Katie’s car was not parked in front of the apartment and for a moment, Shannon was confused. Then she remembered Deb had called and was going to be in town for the day. Katie had arranged to meet her for dinner. Shannon was on her own for dinner.

As hard as she tried, Shannon could not shake the feeling of being watched.

She hurried to the front door and unlocked it hastily. 

Shutting and latching it behind her, Shannon leaned against the door. Her heart pounded in her chest and tremors shook her legs. As she sat on the floor she heard footsteps approaching the door.

Panic filled her and Shannon rose and tried to run. Her legs still felt weak and she collapsed on the floor a few feet from the door.

Someone began beating on the door. Shannon mind reeled as she tried to figure out who would be trying to break in on her.

When the banging stopped, Shannon breathed a sigh of relief.

The next sound she heard was that of breaking wood. The door frame splintered and the door landed flat on the floor at Shannon’s feet.

As two burly men stormed into the apartment Shannon tried to scoot away from the attackers. They rushed her and one of them pressed a odd smelling cloth over her nose and mouth.

Even as the blackness sucked her under Shannon continued to fight. She swung her fist and managed to get a blow in to the back of one on her assailants heads.

Finally she succumb to the drugs and unconscious sucked her under.

When she awoke, Shannon found herself in a dark room which resembled a cellar.

She shook her head, trying to clear her mind. A buzz still remained in her ears.

Shannon sat up carefully, still exploring her surroundings. A long set of stair lead up to a door to her left. The floor was packed dirt and a musty smell filled her nostrils. Floor to ceiling shelves covered one wall.

She hunted for a clue that would that would tell her where she was being held but found none.

The door opened and light flooded the small space. A dark silhouette stepped into the door way. As he made his way down the steps, Shannon shielded her eyes from the light and tried to make out the features on the man coming toward her.

Her attention shifted when she realized he held something in his hand.

Panic flooded in once again when she realized he could be coming to drug her again.

Stumbling to her feet Shannon tried to flee. She ran to the back wall and began to dig her way out of the prison.

The man followed her but made no attempt to restrain his prisoner.

As Shannon collapsed onto the floor in despair the man set a plate on the floor in front of her and walked way.

As the door shut behind the man Shannon edged closer to the plate, like it was a snake ready to strike.  She found a sandwich and juice box lying on the plate.

Sitting up, Shannon tried to clean some of the dirt from her hand by wiping them on her blouse.

Tearing the sandwich into pieces, Shannon began to eat. She decided this might be her only meal all day. In any case she knew it was best to make it last. She also rationed the juice.

Sitting alone in the darkness, Shannon wracked her brain trying to figure out who would want to kidnap her. The only child of middle class parent, her mother a nurse and her dad a construction worker, they barely made ends meet. Shannon herself was not rich. Her travel expenses came from the company account.

Anyone could look at her average car and apartment and tell she wasn’t rolling in dough. What reason would they have for holding her hostage?

When Katie arrived home and found the apartment alarms started going off in her head. She climbed though the rubble to the phone and dialed nine-one-one with a trembling finger. As she listened to the ringing her eyes fell on a sheet of paper lying on the table next to the phone. A voice on the other end of the line pulled Katie from her trance.

“Nine One One, how may I help you?” The operator asked.

“My friend has been kidnapped.” Katie replied her voice shaking.

“If you will give me your address I’ll send an officer to you.” The woman said.

As Katie gave her the information her mind whirled. Why was this happening? Who would want to kidnap Shannon?

The operator stayed on the phone with Katie until she heard the sirens approaching. As she hung up the phone her attention back on the note lying on the table. Chills ran up and down Katie’s spine as she read what had been typed there.

“Tick Tock, Time is running out.”

The blood ran cold in Katie’s veins.

Officers stormed the apartment and found Katie frozen with the note still in her hands.

Shannon fought to keep her sanity in the seclusion of the dark basement. She soon learned her captors had no desire to harm her. The only time she saw them was when they brought her daily meals. They never even spoke, just brought the food and left her alone.

Her eyes had finally adjusted to dark interior of the in ground room. She had taken stock of her prison and found it to be bleak and depressing.

Nothing to keep her mind, no books or newspapers. Just the four earthen walls and floor. The shelves across the room were bare. Shannon began to wonder if this was part of the torture. Alone with nothing to keep her mind busy. She wasn’t sure how long she would be able to keep her sanity.

The officers took picture of the crime scene and questioned Katie. She tried to remember anything which might help them find her friend. Nothing in the past six month had raised an alarm to Shannon being in danger. The only thing she could think of was the kidnapping might be connected to Shannon’s job. Maybe they planned to try to get a ransom from her boss but even this really didn’t make sense to Katie.

Soon they had equipment set up all over the apartment. Everyone waited for the ransom call.