episode 3 – uneasinessA new couple with little history, brought together by a traumatic past, attempts to build trust amidst looming danger.
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A new couple with little history, brought together by a traumatic past, attempts to build trust amidst looming danger.
A New Day
Liam awakens beside his guest. He feels good—noble, even—for rescuing a distressed woman who’s now a wistful new love interest.
While stroking her silky hair, he says softly,
“Good morning, Jillie. I underestimated your youthful appearance. Things got rough—and I liked it. What about your bruises?”
“I was in survival mode—pleasing you to minimize my discomfort,” she replies. “Are you happy about what you’ve done.
“Last night was a rubber band—snapping from jubilation to tension, then intense satisfaction. I’m glad you survived.”
They caress and kiss as the sunrise illuminates an outline of their bodies beneath the sheets.
“What are your plans for today?” she asks.
“Better furniture is coming—the finest leather, the latest Smart-Home appliances, plus I have a few errands to run.”
“Sounds nice. I have a few things to add to your shopping list. Would you trust me with a key? I get paranoid about being trapped.”
Blinded by infatuation, he answers,
“Of course. I’ll make a key while I’m out. Don’t try to leave with someone so dangerous after you.”
“Thanks. If I hang out here for the delivery truck, you can get an early start on your errands. What time are they supposed to arrive?”
“Around 10 o’clock. Great teamwork. I’ll make you breakfast before I get on the road.”
She rubs his bare chest, boosting his confidence.
“I’ve never had a caring boyfriend. You make me feel like someone special. I’ll do my part and clean up after you cook.”
A Day of Surprises
What began as shelter for a night is quickly turning into a serious relationship.
Before stepping into the shower, Liam wipes a bit of bluish-purple powder from the floor. Eye makeup? he wonders. A faint smudge on his chest rubs off on the towel.
In the fog of hot water, he imagines a future with Jillie—rationalizing the inconsistencies, smoothing out the warning signs.
After showering, Liam walks through the living room on his way to the kitchen. He kneels beside the sofa, running his fingers through the crevices—searching for the wallet she tucked away.
“Did you lose something?”
He jumps. It’s Jillie, behind him.
“Oh, no. Just tidying up,” he says, fluffing a pillow.“
I should shampoo these cushions.”
“Why,” Jillie asks. “You’re getting new furniture today.”
“Oh… right. Big day. I’ll just head to the kitchen.”
Suddenly, someone pounds on the front door with fearful urgency. Jillie and Liam freeze.
“Could it be your boyfriend?” he asks as the pounding continues. “Stay here. I’ll find out.”
Grabbing the fireplace poker, he moves slowly toward the door. The hairs on the back of his neck rise. Through the window: Mrs. Washington, his next-door neighbor.
“Good morning. Why are you banging on my door like that?”
“Sorry,” she says, pointing to her ear. “Hard of hearing. Sometimes I forget other people aren’t. Anyway, you left your garage door open last night.”
“Really? I thought I closed it. Maybe the clicker didn’t register. Thanks for letting me know.”
He steps outside to inspect. With all the clutter, it’s hard to tell if anything’s missing.
Across the street, a suspicious man in a large truck pulls away the moment Liam spots him.
Back inside, after breakfast, Jillie kisses him on the cheek.
“You’re my hero.”
Liam puffs out his chest.
“I’ll be back by four, but I’ll miss you the whole time.”
Admiring her in his shirt, he smiles.
“I’m so glad you’re here.”
Once in his car, Liam gets a call from Samantha.
“Hey, Liam. Thanks for the treats last night. You knocked back a few, so I’m just checking in to make sure you made it home okay.”
“Thanks, Sam. Just one thing to take care of, then it’s shaping up to be a great weekend. See you Monday?”
“Oh… I was going to say… never mind. Yeah… see you then.”
While running errands, he picks up clothes for Jillie, meets clients, and stocks up on groceries and toiletries.
But down one aisle, he notices someone shadowing him.
They both head to the checkout at the same time. While the other man finishes loading his trunk, Liam is already in his car—speeding off, checking his rearview mirror until he’s sure there’s no tail.
Back home, he unlocks the door with the new key.
His heart pounds through his chest.
His breath is heavy.
His hands release a bouquet. Metallic balloons float skyward, untethered.
“Jillie? Jillie? he calls into an empty house. “Where are you?”
The silence answers.
Shards of mirror and drops of blood trail from the bathroom. Broken glass crumbles beneath his feet. He rushes forward.
But she’s gone.
Was she taken? Was it the man in the truck? Did her boyfriend trace her phone?
Then he spots the delivery receipt—his furniture and electronics… gone.
Liam stands frozen.
Did he let his guard down?
Was this a setup from the start?
Was he the rescuer—or the mark?
Continued…
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