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TO THE STALKER ON-LINE On Your Mark
by C. D. R.
"Push, Rita, push!" The rapid panting is broken by a baby's shrill cry. "It's a boy , a beautiful baby boy. Just a beautiful as his mother. Chris smiles down at Rita. I love you Sam, he says kissing her hand tenderly, and I love our new son. "
I looked up at my husband and thought back to how my life had changed. in the past year. From partners to lovers to husband and wife, and, now parents. Our son, Christopher Lorenzo Junior. He looked so much like his father, wisps of black hair and clear blue eyes. I almost lost his father six months ago. Six months ago was the most terrible time of my life. And now I know I couldn't be happier
The nurse hands the baby to Chris and he cradles it gently in his arms. His face is lowered over the baby, studying it intently, as if memorizing every feature. "Our baby, he says softly, almost to himself, our son"
Rita is rolled back to her room and in moments she is asleep, a slight smile on her face "I love you Sammy" Chris whispers and quietly leaves the room , moving down the hall to the nursery. . Standing in front of the window, he watches as they roll the bassinet into the large bright room, placing it in front of the window. The nurse smiles behind her mask as Chris points to the baby. Moments later Chris feels someone approaching his side and touches him on the arm. Harry, and standing next to him is Frannie.
"Congratulation Chris, he's a beautiful boy" Harry hugs him tight. Frannie, with tears in her eyes says "Oh Chris, he's perfect"
Chris grins broadly. "Capt., Frannie, meet your godson, Chris Jr. ". Soon all three are smiling through the window at the sleeping baby on the other side
"How is Rita? "Harry inquires.
"She is fine, she's sleeping. I'm going to check on her now "Chris responds. The three walk down the hall and Chris peeks into the room.
Rita opens her eyes and smiles "How is he?" she asks. "Perfect, he says stepping through the door. Capt. and Frannie are here. "
"Let them in. " she responds
As the couple enters, a nurse comes in behind them. "Ready for your son, Mrs. Lorenzo?" "Oh, yes" exclaims Rita and she smiles at the baby being wheeled in. Rita takes the baby into her arms, just as he opens his eyes and gazes at her. "Hello my darling, I'm your mother. "
The next month went by in a blur. Chris took leave for a couple of weeks and stayed with me and the baby. All our friends from the department came to visit and exclaim over how cute C. J. is and how much he looks like Chris. Every day was new and exciting, watching C. J. change and grow. Chris started back to work, back to the Silk Stalkings cases, while I am still on leave, still undecided on when or if to return
"Hey, Sammy" Chris bursts through the door, his face lit with a grin.
Rita wraps her arms around him and the share a lingering, passionate kiss. "I just put C. J. down for a nap. How was it being back at work?"
"Tough, Sammy, tough. I've already got my first Silk Stalking, and its going to be hard working it without you. "
"Tell me about it", Rita says, as she hands him a glass of wine
Chris peeks through the door to the nursery and smiles. "I still thinks he looks like you, Rita"
"He's all Lorenzo, you should have seen the way he grabbed my hand today and hung on tight. He's very strong" she says
"Knows to hang on to a beautiful lady when he sees one, maybe he does take after his old man after all. " Chris says with a broad smile
Rita laughs as she sits down at the table , placing steaming plates of lasagna in front of them both. "Now tell me about this case. "
"It's a weird one , Sammy. A body of a woman was found on the beach today. From the looks of it , she was strangled. The strange part is that there was a note pinned to her dress, addressed to me. "
"To you! What did it say ?"asks Rita
Chris pushes back his chair and paces the room. "It said "On your mark." I ran the name of the girl and it turns out that she was a girl that I dated once or twice in high school. Her name was Melody Sims. I haven't seen her since sophomore year, when her family moved out of state. We never stayed in touch after that. "
Rita rolls the stem of her wine glass between her fingers and frowns. "On your mark, what do you thing that means ?"
"I don't know Sam, I haven't a clue." Chris replies A baby's cry comes from the other room. "Sit and rest, let me get him"
Chris opens the door of the pale blue room. The blue and white striped curtains rustle slowly in the gently breeze. He bends over the crib. "Hi, C. J. , how's my boy ?" The baby's eyes fix on his face and he stops crying as his father picks him up.
In bed later that night, Chris and Rita continue to discuss the case. "This one's got me worried, Sam. says Chris, I don't like the fact that some how this is personal. "
Rita draws up her knees under the sheets, her brow wrinkled. "What could the note mean ?"
"That's just it , I haven't seen this woman in fifteen years. I didn't even recognize her today. "Chris replies
Rita starts to rub Chris's shoulders. "I wish I was there to help you, Sam. "
"I can think of a way. ", he says, and kisses her. Rita responds and their passion intensifies. Rita removes her satin gown, their naked bodies merging. Chris cups her breast in his hand and gazes at her with an intensity that still surprises her.
Rita traces the scar on his chest, left by the bullet that almost took him from her. "Oh, Christopher" she sighs, and kisses him deeply.
Their bodies come together, the heat intensifying until they explode, settling into the warmth of each others arms. They lie quietly together, each lost in the similar thought of how fortunate they are to have found each other.
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The phone rings, breaking the stillness of the night. The digital clock on the bedside table shines 4:23 a. m. Chris untangles himself from the sleeping Rita's arms and whispers "Lorenzo" into the receiver.
"Chris, this is Captain Lipschitz, we've got another body, this one is also addressed to you. "Chris's eyes snap open. "I think you better get down here. "finishes Harry
Chris gets the address and gently replaces the receiver. He dresses quickly.
Rita stirs, her eyes open half mast and she asks "What is it?"
Chris walks over to the bed and says softly, "Another body with my name on it. "
Rita sits up "Oh, Chris, what is happening?"
"I don't know, Sammy. He picks up his gun from the drawer. But I'm going to get to the bottom of this. "
Rita settles back into bed, unable to sleep. She begins to sift through thoughts that are swirling around in her mind. She and Chris had worked many Silk Stalkings together, but none with a personal stake in them. From the other room the baby cries, and these thoughts are replaced by loving ones of her son.
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Chris lifts the sheet covering the form laying on the grass. A young blond woman lies still under it , an ugly black and blue mark around her neck. A white scrap of paper is pinned to her dress.
"Cheryl Nichols!" Chris gasps
"You know her ?"Captain Lipschitz asks incredulously
"We dated in college, replies Chris. I haven't seen her in two or three years. She married a buddy of mine right after we graduated. "
"Is she still married?" Capt asks.
"No, they got divorced last year , answers Chris. Capt. , Chris interrupts, unable to wait another second, what does the note say?"
Harry levels his gaze at Chris and says "Get ready, it says get ready. "
A tall powerfully built man sat hunched down in his car, down the block from the park. He watched the police proceedings, a cold smile breaking his face. "Get set, Lorenzo, get set. "
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Chris explodes through the doors of the police station, pulling up at his desk. He sits down and put his head in his hands. A minute later the door to the Captain's office opens and Harry barks "Lorenzo, in my office NOW!"
As Chris enters Harry stands up from behind his desk. 'Chris , what the hell is going on? Two of your old girlfriends wind up strangled, both with notes addressed to you pinned on them. "
"Capt. , I wish I knew, Chris replies I can't figure it out. These woman don't have anything in common except that they dated me. They don't know each other. "
"Keep digging Lorenzo, something's got to begin to make sense. "says Harry
Chris looks at the Captain wordlessly, his face set in a grim expression as he walks out of the office.
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Rita places C. J. in the carriage and pushes it into the warm spring day. "We've got a few errands to run today, Honey, then we'll take a long watch on the beach. The bright sun lights Rita's face as they head down the walk. They first stop at the florist, moving on to the market. Quickly starting down the isles, Rita picks up the few things she needs and walks to the register. Writing out a check, she hands it to the clerk, a muscular man in his early thirties.
He looks at the check. "Christopher Lorenzo, I used to know a Chris Lorenzo in high school. Tall, dark hair, quarterback, played the sax. "
"Sounds like my husband. " says Rita
"Amazing said the man. What's he doing now ?"
"He's a homicide detective for Palm Beach Police Department. "replies Rita
"Well, tell him an old friend said hello. Mike Jeeter, "says the man offering his hand to Rita.
"Pleased to meet you Mike, Rita smiles up at him, I'm Chris's wife, Rita, and this is our son C. J. " Saying goodbye, Rita picks up her packages and wheels C. J. out the double glass doors.
Jeeter's eyes narrow as the smile fades from his face. "Get set, Lorenzo, get set. "
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Tracy Sanderson sprays a light cloud of cologne over her wrists, then takes a last look in the mirror. The long red hair is complimented by the simple black dress and diamond stud earrings. She muses about her guilty pleasure of going to the symphony. None of her friends enjoy it, she often goes alone, as tonight. "That's all right with me, she thinks. I can feel free to get lost in the music. " Grabbing her wrap, she heads to the door.
At intermission , Tracy moves away from the bar, a glass of white wine in her hand. Turning , she bumps into a tall, blond man.
"Oh, excuse me, she exclaims. I hope I didn't spill any of this on you", she nods toward her glass.
He smiles down at her, "No harm done, he says, brushing the cuff of his tuxedo. Are you enjoying the program ?"
"Oh, yes she says, Beethoven has always been a favorite of mine. Such emotion in his music. "
They soon become engrossed in conversation, smiling frequently at each other.
The chimes sounded the end of intermission
The man says "Do you think we could continue our discussion after the concert?"
Tracy nods in agreement "I'd like that. "
"Meet you here, he says, motioning to a corner of the lobby, We'll go for coffee. "
Later, arm in arm, Tracy and the tall blond man stroll along the sidewalk. "Thank you for the coffee, I really enjoyed myself." says Tracy
"Let's take a walk along the beach, I'm having such a good time , I don't want it to end. "says the man , turning toward Tracy. Holding out his hand, they walk down the steps to the beach.
"Tell me about yourself Tracy. "he says
"Well, I'm a stock broker, and as you know, I love classical music. "she replies
"Any boyfriends ? he asks
"No, no one special. "she says
The gentle lapping of the waves created a rhythm that they unconsciously begin to walk in step with, the sand till warm beneath their feet.
"I understand you once dated a friend of mine, Chris Lorenzo. " he says
"Chris!, Tracy turns to face the man. I haven't seen Chris in over a year. How in the world did you know about Chris ?"
The congenial face is replaced by a hard look, his eyes cold. "I made it my business to know everything about him . "
Tracy looks around, the beach is empty, the moon has slipped behind a cloud. It is suddenly very dark, and very menacing.
Tracy starts to move away, but the man is quickly on her, his hands around her throat. She tries to scream, but no sound comes out. Reaching up, she rakes his face with her nails.
He grips her throat tighter. "Bitch", he swears. Moments later, he stands over her lifeless body. Reaching into his tuxedo jacket, he removes a slip of paper and pins it to her dress. He touches the bloody scratches on his face, looks around and quickly strides off.
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Chris is halfway through a mountain of files when the phone rings. "Lorenzo, he barks into the receiver. A look of anger flashes across his face. Where ?, I'm on my way. He slams the phone down and blasts out of the station. Several minutes later he roars to a stop. Taking the steps down to the beach two at a time, he walks over to a uniformed police officer. What's the story ?" he asks
The officer flips open his notebook. "The woman over there, he points to a trim woman in her early sixties, was walking her dog when the dog took off down the beach. When she caught up to him, he was standing next to the body. The woman had been dead about six hours. The dead woman's name , he checks his notebook, is Tracy Sanderson. "
Chris's eyes widened and he rocks back on his heals as if he had been punched. "Tracy! He walks over to the coroner's wagon and lifts the sheet, then drops it gently. Chris rubs his jaw. Tracy, damn it, why Tracy ?" Putting on a pair of rubber surgeon's gloves Chris again picks up the sheet covering the body. He sees a piece of white paper pinned to the woman's dress. On the outside, written in block letters is CHRIS LORENZO. A rush of air escapes his lips. Chris slowly opens the note. "GET SET" are the only words printed inside.
"What does it mean ?, he says softly , WHAT DOES IT MEAN ?, this time louder. He examines her hands, noticing the blood under her nails. A grim look fixes on his face. He begins a methodical search of the crime scene. Chris picks up her purse. Symphony tickets, from last night, he says , checking the time of performance printed on the ticket. She was at the symphony just hours before she died. Somebody must have seen her there. This might finally be something to go on. "
Captain Lipschitz appears at the top of the stairs. Chris sees him and goes over to bring him up on the newest murder.
Harry frowns. "Another murder of one of your former girlfriends. "
Chris replies "The note this time said "GET SET"
"On your mark, get ready, get set, what's next ? Go? Who is going to be murdered next? And why? WHY?" Harry asked
"I found this ticket stub in the victim's purse. This time I have something to go on, Chris says. A couple of hours before she was murdered, Tracy went to the symphony. Somebody there had to see something. I'm going over to the concert hall to check it out. "
Harry stops Chris as he begins to leave. "Lorenzo, there's a wacko out there with a serious grudge against you. Serious enough to kill three people. Be careful. "
Chris nods his head and walks up the stairs to his car.
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Questioning everyone present at the concert hall, Chris speaks to the box office workers, musicians and ushers. The bartenders are setting up as he approaches. "Sergeant Lorenzo, Palm Beach P. D. , can I ask you a few questions?"
"Sure, says the young brown-haired man. What can I do for you?"
"Have you ever seen this woman ?"Chris asks as he hands the bartender a photo of Tracy Sanderson
"I think so, yeah, she was here last night. "
"Was she alone ?"Chris asks
The man smirked "Yeah, but not for long. This big guy positioned himself so she couldn't help but run into him. Then he poured on the charm. It was a sweet move. Last I saw they were arm in arm. "
"What did he look like?" Chris asks , opening his notebook
"Mmmm, early thirties, blond about six two, buff, like he really works out. What's up, is the girl in trouble?"
"Not any more, Chris murmurs , not any more. "
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"You look like you have the weight of the world on you, says Rita, concern in her eyes.
She brushed his cheek with the back of her hand. Can you tell me about it?"
"Sammy, there's been another murder, Tracy Sanderson," Chris said, his voice low
"Tracy Sanderson! gasped Rita. The stockbroker you dated a couple of years ago?"
"Yeah, Chris answers, raking his hair with his fingers. She had a note pinned to her Sammy, it said GET READY. And it was addressed to me.
"Oh Christopher, sighs Rita, worry clouding in her eyes. This is crazy. On your mark, get ready, get set. Next must be go. Any clues?"
"Yeah,, she was seen with a guy a few hours before she died. I'm still checking it out, but it's slim at best. I need more to go on. Why my old girlfriends? It makes no sense. I've checked out anyone that's made threats against me, anyone I've sent up-nothing. No prints were found at the scene, everything was wiped clean. This guy was areful. . "
"How about an old girlfriend with a grudge?", asks Rita
Chris smiles for the first time that day. "Hell, Sammy, you know better than anyone how charming I am!" He pulls Rita close to him and they shared a lingering kiss
Rita laughs and throws a pillow from the couch at him. "I'm going to check on C. J. "
As she leaves, Chris's grin fades back to a worried expression. He brightens as Rita re-enters the room with the baby cradled in her arms. "How's my big guy ?What did you and Mommy do today ?"
Smiling, Rita hands him the baby as she answers. "We took a long walk on the beach after we went to the market. Oh, that reminds me, we met an old friend of yours. His name is Mike Jeeter. "
"He said he was an old friend of mine ? Chris asks, puzzled. Well, I guess we hung out with some of the same crowd. We really never ran together. "
The topic moves on to other things, changing half a dozen times as the two of them shared dinner together. After the baby was put down for the night, Chris starts a fire in the fireplace Rita pours them each a glass of wine and joins him on the couch. They sit quietly next to each other ,staring at the fire. Chris turns to look at Rita. His breath catches in his throat as he watches the fire's reflection dance in her eyes. He leans over and kisses her neck, moving down to the hollow at the base of her throat. Looking up into her eyes, he murmurs "I love you Sam. "
Rita pulls him down on top of her and kisses him. Slowly, they begin to make love, moving together, understanding each others needs, communicating on the most intimate of levels. Later by the fireside, they drifted off to sleep, holding each other.
A shadow flickers outside the window. "Go, whispers the dark figure, Go. "
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.
Frosted pink lipstick stains C.J. 's entire face. "How is my little pumpkin? croons Frannie, kissing the baby. Your Aunt Frannie is going to watch you while your Mommy gets her hair done. We are going to have such fun!" she squeals as she kissed the baby again.
"Thanks Frannie, says Rita, enjoying the sight of the two of them together. This is such a big favor. I'm in desperate need of a trim. "
"Nonsense, Frannie replies. You know how much I love my godson, and you. I'm going to enjoy this immensely. "
Rita says goodbye, hugs C.J. , picks up her purse and walks out the door. Frannie and C. J. stand at the window, waving. A muscular blond man appears from behind the house and walks over to Rita. They speak for a moment. The man grabs Rita by the elbow and shoves her into the passenger seat of her car and drives off.
Frannie's eyes widen with alarm and she grips C. J. tighter. Running over to the telephone, she dials Harry's private number. "Harry, she screams into the receiver Somebody's kidnapped Rita!"
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Rita grips the handle of the passenger side door, her knuckles white. "Mike, it is Mike, isn't it, she speaks, her voice low and calm. Why don't you tell me what's going on. Maybe we can work this out if you let me help. "
"Shut up!, he growls. I'm sick of Chris Lorenzo and his perfect life. The time has come to even the score. I'm going to come out on top!" He looks over at Rita. A gun in his right hand is leveled at her. "He always was the winner. He was first string on all the teams while I sat on the bench. He was surrounded by beautiful women, I couldn't even get one to look at me. I was in love with Melody Sims and she wouldn't even give me the time of day. , he snarled. She only had eyes for Lorenzo. "
Rita's mind started whirling. Melody Sims was the name of the first woman murdered that had a note addressed to Chris on her. Mike Jeeter was the murderer! "Where are we going ?"she asks , her voice straining to sound calm, emotions threatening to crack through.
Jeeter taunts her. "It doesn't matter. Someplace quiet is all I need for what I have in mind. Evening the score with Lorenzo. "
Chris was driving home when his cellular phone rang. "Lorenzo" he answers.
It was Captain Lipschitz. "Chris, his voice grave, Rita's been kidnapped. "
"WHAT!" Chris yells into the phone.
"Frannie saw some man push Rita into her car and drive off. " Harry said
"Is C. J. all right ?"Chris asks
"He's safe with Frannie, Harry answers. Chris, I'm worried that this is the same guy responsible for those other women. I've got every car in the area out looking for them. "
"Capt. , implores Chris, How long ago did this happen ?"
"Not more than five minutes ago. "replies Harry
"I'm close to home now, Chris says, Capt. , did Frannie say which way they went?"
"West on Palm Drive, Harry's tone was urgent. Hurry Chris, hurry. "
The tires shriek as Chris turns and heads west on Palm Drive. His eyes scan every car. "Rita, come on, Rita where are you ? his voice pleads. Chris expertly dodges traffic, driving quickly. As he approaches Bayside Park, he takes the first turn off to the park. "Come on you bastard, stick to your M. O. But remember, we're all looking for you, so you can't go far. "
Driving through the park, he catches a glimpse of the blue fender of Rita's car. Bingo, that's it! He stops the car off to the side of the road and quietly exits. Straining to hear anything, Chris creeps along the edge of the road. A faint scraping of stones comes from the trees to his left. Chris hears an angry, muffled male voice from the same direction.
"Please God, let it be Rita, and let her be all right, he prays silently. Moving quietly, he approaches the sound of the voice. Through the trees he sees a tall blond man pulling Rita along, one hand clamped over her mouth.
Standing up silently, he levels his gun at the male figure and said in a deadly calm voice "Let her go."
The man whirls around and grins threateningly. "Nice to see you, Lorenzo. His smile is replaced with a look of pure hatred.
"Let her go, Jeeter, this is the last time I'm going to say it, NOW!" Chris shouts.
"How does it feel to be second string, Lorenzo ?, replies Jeeter. His voice is tight with anger. Well let me tell you how it feels, he says menacingly. You're a loser, that's what you become , to everyone, even yourself. It sticks in your gut, watching pretty boys like you get everything in life. Well, not this time. This time you're the loser!"
Jeeter aims his gun at Rita's head
Chris screams "Rita, no!"
Rita lunges to the side. Chris aims at the man's chest. The gun explodes.
Jeeter's eyes open wide, a look of surprise on his face as he looks down at the red stain spreading on the front of his shirt. He touches it, as if to make sure it was real. His legs buckle and he pitches forward. A woosh of air comes from his mouth, followed by a gurgle of frothy blood. Then, silence.
Chris rushes over to Rita. "Rita, oh my God, are you all right?" He gathers her in his arms and gently pulls her close.
Rita looks at Chris. "I'm O. K. , just a few bumps and bruises. Is he. . . . " Her voice trails off.
Chris answers, "He's dead. "
"Why did he hate you so much ?"she asks.
"I don't know, it doesn't make sense, he replies. We weren't friends, hell I barely knew him. But, we weren't enemies either. We never really crossed paths much. It just doesn't make sense. "he repeats.
"Maybe not to you, Rita responds. But in his own twisted mind it did. It will never seem rational to any of us. The only one who ever understood took the secret to the grave with him. "
"I'm just glad you're safe, darling , Chris says. He smoothes her hair and kisses her forehead. The emerald leaves ruffle overhead. A warm breeze envelopes them both I'm glad you're safe. "
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Life, the old saying goes, is what happens while you're busy making plans. Chris and I had planned to be partners on the police force forever. Then came marriage and our baby. Suddenly, the risks we took working Silk Stalkings seemed more than we were prepared to give. Life took us away from our orderly plan. After much discussion, we decided to resign from Palm Beach P. D. and open our own private investigations business
Our new life is ahead of us - an uncharted road waiting for us to take the first step. Nothing, not even a Silk Stalking could be more exciting.
THE END
I'm a Silk Stalkings junkie and the fan-fics are part of my addiction. I hope you have as much fun reading this story as I did writing it! Send any comments suggestions or criticisms (Ouch!) to swood@alaska.net
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