“You will,” he smiled. “You will in time or you’ll meet the same fate as your classmate.”
Nicole’s face blanched and she realized what was happening. How. How had he done this?
“Y-you killed Ara. Why? She did nothing wrong. She was kind and sweet and had her whole life ahead of her. Why would you kill her?”
“It’s really quite simple. She refused me.” Nicole’s face showed her fear in spite of her efforts. “That’s right. You’re catching on now. I gave her the same wonderful opportunity that I’m giving you. Now, I’m sure you’re disappointed that you were not my first choice, but please understand it was a very difficult decision to make.”
Nicole shook her head, slowly, barely even aware of her own movements. He was truly mad.
“This offer is a taxing offer but over time, I have no doubt that you’ll find your rhythm and we’ll get along well. I’m turning forty-eight next month. I need children. Sons.”
“Sons? Children? I can’t guarantee you’ll have sons. No woman can guarantee that. What happens if it’s a girl?”
“Well, as you can imagine there are others who have the same beliefs as me. They’re often looking for young women for their sons. I have no doubt if we had a daughter she would be beautiful and intelligent. She would understand the work put before her.”
Nicole was gently pulling on the ropes behind her back, hoping to wiggle free. The rough threads were breaking her skin and she could feel the trickle of blood on her hands.
“It’s of no use, Nicole,” he smiled. “I’m also an expert with knots. See. I have many, many talents and I can assure you I’ll make you happy.”
“I won’t do this. I refuse,” she said glaring at him.
He laughed. It was cold and maniacal. Staring down at her beautiful face, he knelt beside her gripping her jaw.
“You will agree to this or you will die. It’s that simple. Now, I have some things to take care of. You sit right here and think about your decision. I’ll be back soon and if you’re good, I’ll allow you to cook dinner for me. A sort of test of your skills.” He jerked her head sideways and stood to leave.
“I. Don’t. Cook.”
“I’d suggest you learn,” he frowned. He turned the television on and scanned to the cooking channel. “Here. Something to inspire you.”
He left the small house, slamming the door shut. She could hear the locks becoming engaged and realized that they were all on the outside of the house. She had just enough room to push herself up and onto the sofa so she could see out the windows.
“Where am I?” she whispered.
Beyond she could see only trees, thick, dense forests. There didn’t seem to be any neighbors, no streets, no traffic, no water. She was terrified.
“God, help me.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“Still searching records for your professor’s address,” said AJ, “but I just heard NOPD put out a call for a missing woman. A student at the university.”
“Damn, don’t tell me it’s one of Willa’s classmates,” said Finn.
“I’m afraid so. Nicole Bagnonne. Twenty-four years old. She lives with her boyfriend and two sisters. She left earlier this morning saying she had to meet with her professor about a problem with her grades. That was four hours ago.”
“Shit,” muttered Gator. “What’s the address?”
“Sending it now. Also, I hacked into her phone. I see the message from the professor but it was in the deleted cache,” said AJ.
“English please,” muttered Matt.
“Someone deleted the messages from the professor and tried to erase them but didn’t quite make it all the way. If anyone was doing a casual search they wouldn’t see anything. He was trying to hide the fact that he contacted her. But I’m better, obviously.”
“Obviously, AJ,” smirked Finn. “We’ll head over to her address and see what we can find out. What about Wayne’s address?”
“That’s where it gets very curious. The university had an address of 000 Smith Street, New Orleans.”
“There’s no such address,” frowned Gator.
