In The Shadows That Wait...

Short Story Fiction -page 3/12

Thursday morning had arrived and as usual, Ted had arrived once again on time. Ted was eager to see if Catherine was waiting at the bus stop. Much to his amaze, she was not there. This was so unlike her. Ted thought of her as though she was his own daughter and concern was now setting in. Tonight after shift, Ted thought he would stop by and check to see if she was alright.

They had told each other about their lives over the years and had become close as friends. Ted had asked Catherine several times throughout the years if she would join him and his wife for dinner, but Catherine always turned him down. Ted had not taken it personally, he knew that Catherine stayed to herself mostly. She was quite comfortable being alone. He always told her she was too young to be by herself all the time. She needed to get out there and meet some friends. Catherine would just stare ahead as if in a daze and ignore him. Ted would now get through his day and return later to check on her. Slowly he pulled out away from the curb and began his day.

Catherine awoke to a fuzzy head and found herself disoriented. She stared about the room noticing the familiar surroundings, her apartment though things were in dismay around the living room. Her mouth was dry and bounded by a cloth pulled tightly around her head. Her hands bound with some kind of rope, as she lied on the sofa. Lying there cold and confused by the position she now found herself in.

Catherine then forced herself to focus clearly on the situation at hand. Scared and alone she saw no one. Then all of a sudden, she felt a cold hand brush her face from above her. Startled, Catherine buried her head inward towards her chest. “Hello Catherine” said a voice of familiarity. “Did you think that I would not find you?” Catherine knew immediately that her efforts of changing her name and starting over had been for nothing. She had tried so hard to stay out of everyone’s view for so long. That is why she had not made any friends, or went out in public other than for work. It was Sal, her ex-husband. Sal had used her as a punching bag, for the first three years of their marriage. Catherine was so young when she had married Sal, not that she was much older now.

Sal had grown up in a very influential family in town. His parents were of strict upbringing. The usual story of what Prestige and money brought, and how it ruled your life in the social world. The love was scarce, but the money spoke volumes to anyone who would listen.