Darkness Follows by J.L. Drake Read Free Book Online Page A

the fear sweep through me.
    “I don’t want to die,” I said softly as my body went numb. He walked behind me and slid his hand around my jaw. He pushed the back of my head against his stomach and ran the scalpel down my neck to my chest.
    “But we have only just got started, Emily. Besides, I love you, and you, in time, will love me too.”
    “How can anyone love someone who would do this?” I fired back. I had no control over myself at that moment.
    He gripped my hair close to the skull and pulled my head back slightly.
    “Ohhhhhh, Seeeth?” he called out as he looked at the camera.
    Seth leaned in. His face was white. “You don’t have to do this, Lasko!” he shouted.
    “Seth,” I whispered.
    His face changed; he must have found some inner strength. “It’s all right, baby. I’m coming for you.”
    I closed my eyes and decided to go for it. “He said I’m close to you guys. I hear a roaring noise. It’s damp and muddy!”
    Lasko’s eyes went wide. “Shut up, bitch!” he screamed. He dropped the scalpel and held his hands over my mouth and nose.
    Seth started yelling.
    I tried to move my head around, but Lasko was too strong. Oh my God, this was it. I was going to die! I love you, Seth, I thought as the lights went out.
    ***

Seth
     
    I jumped up. “Is she…?”
    Crew shook his head. “I don’t think so. She just passed out.”
    “Stupid bitch,” Lasko yelled at her limp body.
    An unsettling noise came over the speakers as Lasko punched his fist into her cheek. The chair fell over, and he kicked her angrily in the ribs as his fury unleashed. Crew quickly snapped the laptop shut.
    I slowly stood up and walked into the kitchen area. “This is my fault,” I whispered. “I let my guard down. I should’ve listened to you, Sarge.”
    I turned around and sent my fists into the fridge. Pow! Pow! Pow! My anger spent, I leaned my forehead against the cold steel as I slowed my breath. I glanced down at the three massive dents on the fridge door, and I mumbled an apology at Sarge.
    Garrett moved toward me, but I shook him off and ran my hands roughly through my hair.
    “Let’s work with what we got from McPhee,” Sarge ordered softly at everyone’s grim expressions.
    Weathers walked over and looked at my hand. “Let’s get you some ice.”
    I ignored her and went and sat next to Crew, who was madly typing away on his computer.
    I want to be left alone.
    ***
    Day 6 In The Basement
     

Emily
     
    I whispered quietly, “It’s okay, Seth…I won’t be alone. I get to be with my dad. I love you.”
    “No, don’t go.” Seth’s cries became faint and distant.
     
    I didn’t know how long I was out. My body felt terrible, but I was happy in my dream. I was finally at peace with dying. But no, I found I was still stuck in this fucked up hellhole, and I couldn’t handle it anymore. At least that goddamned music was turned off.
    Something seemed different. I shifted slightly. My cheek was frozen, and there was a strange smell. The spotlight now faced the wall. My brain finally caught up. I was on the floor but still attached to the chair. I moved my head to look around.
    “Ouch,” I cried out. Then I realized he hadn’t put the rag back over my mouth. My jaw was stiff. I could tell he had done a pretty good job on my cheek. The bruise didn’t allow my left eye to open fully.
    I listened to see if I could hear Lasko. All was quiet. “Seth?” I moaned and choked back tears. “Seth?” I didn’t know if he could hear or see me, but I needed him there with me.
    I moved my arm around and realized the wooden arm of the chair had snapped. It hadn’t broken free, but I had more flexibility. I frantically whipped it around to finish the job.
    I heard a tink noise and leaned forward to see what it was. My fingers searched all around. Then I felt it—the smooth, cold scalpel. I managed to grip it between my fingers. I fumbled with it to get it in position. It took me several minutes, but I got my