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  Sophia just stared at her. What was there to say? The wrong thing could push this crazy person even further over the edge.

  Tammy turned stiffly and resumed rifling through the kitchen. She checked each drawer and cabinet. Success! She found some rice, oats, sugar, honey, and powdered eggs. Silently, she began to prepare a proper breakfast for her young guest. Treating each dish as tenderly as any love chef ever has.

  She placed the food on the table in front of Sophia. Sophia just stared up at her.

  “What am I supposed to do, bob for it?” Sophia asked sarcastically.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. Here.” Tammy said scooping some food on a fork and offering to Sophia.

  Sophia turned her head, “You are not going to sit there and feed me like I’m your little girl you sick crazy person! Untie me and I will do it myself.”

  “Don’t be that way. Look, you have to eat and I can’t trust you untied and definitely not with a fork. So, eat or don’t eat.” Tammy said in what she thought would be her mom-voice.

  Sophia turned to Tammy. Slightly she opened her mouth for the food as Tammy carefully fed it to her.

  “See, that wasn’t so bad, was it?” Tammy said trying not to sound as happy as she felt. She was delighted. Maybe she could win Sophia over after all.

  Tammy continued to feed Sophia from Sophia’s plate and eat from her own. A cell phone rang from Tammy’s back pocket. It was Sophia’s. The two exchanged shocked expressions.

  Tammy was afraid that someone was calling to check on Sophia and if she didn’t answer it might cause them to start wondering where the young woman was. Sophia suspected she already knew what the call was about. The call could be from a number of people checking on her, but there was one call she was expecting above all.

  The fear in Tammy’s heart rose. She knew that someone would come looking for the girl if she didn’t answer the call.

  How can I do this? She has to answer the call, but she might say something to lead people here.

  You don’t have to do this at all, Tammy. Shoot the girl and leave. The phone probably has some kind of GPS tracking on it anyway.

  Tammy placed Sophia’s Samsung on the table. As she slid her weapon out of her belt and placed it on the table, she whispered to Sophia, “Just say you got sleepy on your way home and decided to stay in a hotel.”

  She put the call on speakerphone. On the other end a slightly robotic voice began, “HELLO, YOU ARE REGISTERED TO RECEIVE UPDATES ABOUT AN OFFENDER NAMED BURTON MONARCH. IM CALLING TO TELL YOU THAT THE OFFENDER HAS BEEN RELEASED ON BAIL. THIS OFFENDER WAS RELEASED THIS MORNING…”

  A suffocating silence descended upon the two. The stillness was heavy and louder than the voice still coming from the Samsung. As the message continued to play, the two women sat unmovingly. Staring at each other. Tears of pain and heartache ran endlessly down Sophia’s face. Her painful secrete laid bare.

  “Your husband…” Tammy started.

  “Yes,” Sophia sobbed.

  “He, he hit you?” Tammy questioned carefully.

  “He tried,” Sophia smiled through tears. “Then, I kissed him over the head with a baseball bat.”

  Tammy remembered the items from Sophia’s car. Clearly, Sophia was either running to or away from something.

  Yeah, I like her. She punches back.

  Tammy, I know you like having her around. I understand it deeper than you know, but you can’t let her slow you down. I am only trying to help you. When you love someone, that’s who they will come for. That is how they get to you. Through the ones you love.

  Silently, Tammy went over and wrapped her arms around Sophia. She held her tight as the young lady unwillingly let go and sobbed uncontrollably. For what seemed an eternity, Sophia just cried.

  This girl was in so much pain already and then I came along and used a Taser on her, punched her in the face and kidnapped her.

  Even though she knew her apologies would not make up for the part she played in Sophia’s pain, Tammy whispered, “I’m sorry.”

  Stockholm syndrome

  A NOTHER CRISP and cool morning on the lake. Peacefully quiet and still. Again, Tammy made breakfast for herself and Sophia. The rest of the day, Tammy planned to spend talking to Sophia Learning all that she could about the young woman and the situation she had escaped back home. But, the voice would not allow it.

  Tammy, this girl is not your little sister. I see that you really feel a bond to this person, but there are things I need you to do So that I can get you ready. Besides, you are only feeling this way because I have a little sister. You feel how I feel.

  You have a sister? Wait, what does that mean? I feel how you feel?

  You will see soon.

  What do you want me to do? What am I supposed to get ready for?

  I want you to come to me. I need you to come to me. To free me, Tammy. But, you must be strong. You will have to fight, so you must be focused and sure. We don’t need Sophia holding you back. Slowing you down.

  Don’t worry, she won’t. Now, where are you?

  Tammy had her mind made up about Sophia. She didn’t want to discuss it with the voice. Sophia was coming along for the ride. If she could convince the girl to ride this crazy train.

  I will lead you to me when you are ready. Will you do what I tell you to prepare?

  Yes, of course. Yes, I’ll do it.

  Tammy really didn’t have much of a choice at this point. She was wanted for the mass shooting at The End Timers’ Luxury Fallout Condominiums. She couldn't go back home. She needed to find the voice just as much as the voice wanted to be found. She needed to see that this whole thing was not just in her head. That the voice was real and not a figment of her imagination. A phantom of her own creation.

  First, I need you to prepare your bodies and minds. Work out and meditate. You need to be strong and focused. When I know you are ready, I will lead you to where I am.

  We will be ready.

  ***

  Special Agent David Roland and Sheriff Buford sat huddled around a monitor in the evidence room at the Keoni County Sheriff’s Department. The two poured over surveillance tapes from the gas station where they found the unmarked police car Tammy used to escape from the End Timers’ bunker. They observed with the focused intensity of drug addicts watching for the morning cornermen. The End Timers case deserved their attention. It was the largest mass shooting in the area in years.

  “Look,” Agent Roland pointed. “In the very corner of the screen. That’s her using a Tazer on that other woman.”

  Sheriff Buford leaned closer, “Oh, no. Looks like she took her along for the ride.”

  The two peered on. They hoped to get a look at the license plate of Sophia’s car. No luck. At least now they knew what kind of car it was and had an idea of which direction Tammy headed.

  “If we could get a clear look at that young lady’s face, we could identify her and maybe track her phone,” Sheriff Buford stated hoping the agent could bring some special help to bare. “That image is too dark and blurry for my old eyes.”

  The image was too blurry for anyone’s eyes. Agent Roland shook his head in acknowledgment. He made a call on his cell phone and arranged to have the video sent to someone in the FBI lab for processing.

  “I’ll put out an APB on that car,” The sheriff said putting his hat on and heading toward the door. “…and talk to some people at the gas station. See if anyone knows that vehicle. Call me if you get anything new. I’ll call you if I do.”

  Agent Roland’s work cell phone started to ring and vibrate just as he was returning it to his pocket.

  “Thank you, Sheriff Bowfort,” He said pulling out his phone and putting up to his ear.

  “Buford,” Sheriff Buford said not even missing a beat on his way out of the room.

  “Hello, this is Special Agent Roland,” Reno said. “Yes sir, we are pulling some images from the gas station surveillance cameras right now. The sheriff here is putting out an APB. We had a team search he
r home and found nothing. And, sir, it looks like she took a hostage. Yes, sir, I will.”

  After hanging up the phone, Agent Roland silently taped the blurry printed images onto the large whiteboard. He took a few steps back and began to stare at it again. Like he was trying to peer into the future and see where Tammy was hiding.

  ***

  The next day, Tammy wake gasping and grasping for some unseen enemy. Another nightmare. Shocking images she couldn’t recognize. Was it her real memory coming back?

  After she made her bed and meditated, she checked in on Sophia. Still sleeping. Around the inside of the house, Tammy checked the entrances and windows. She made sure that her traps and homemade alarms were still in place. Outside, she patrolled the area around the house. She even checked in on the nearest neighbors to see what they were up to.

  When she returned to the house, she woke Sophia. Gently. She still felt the need to tie Sophia to the bed at night. But at least now, she walked freely throughout the day.

  Each day the two women talked over breakfast. They talked all about Sophia’s life. Where she was from and who she was back there. One day, Sophia became inquisitive.

  “You know, we never talk about you. I don’t know anything about you. Where are you from?” Sophia asked as the thought just occurred to her that she knew nothing of her captor. “Before… we met. Where were you from?”

  “I’m from Colorado,” Tammy replied. “I used to work for BintoCorp, the big technology company? I worked in one of their warehouses. I worked there as long as I can remember. Then, my parents died in a car accident. What’s funny is I can remember a single day at work or a single thing about my parents. I can’t remember middle school, my first day in high school, my first date… Isn’t that werid?”

  It appeared to Sophia that Tammy had a memory problem. She could also see that the loss of her parents still hung heavy on Tammy. She thought that maybe Tammy snapped and just wanted to get away. Maybe that’s why she couldn’t remember anything. Maybe her brain shut out those painful memories. Maybe that’s why she kidnapped her.

  “Yeah, that’s weird. Do you think that may be why you kidnapped me?” Sophia asked carefully. “Because your parents died? Maybe you’re suffering from depression and you didn’t want to be alone?”

  Tammy rubbed her arm nervously trying to avoid Sophia’s eye contact. She knew this moment would come. She had been hoping for it, but dreading it at the same time. She had not yet decided on the best way to tell Sophia without appearing crazier.

  If you are going to keep her around, then you have to tell her. Just push the words out of your mouth and see what happens.

  What if she rejects me?

  I don’t know what you are expecting here, Tammy. You don’t need to be dragging her around like some sidekick anyway. If she rejects you, and she will, you know what to do.

  Tammy understood why the voice didn’t want her to keep Sophia around. She could imagine Sophia struggling to keep up. Needing protection. Needing attention. Making Tammy vulnerable to them.

  The voice was leading Tammy on a mysterious and dangerous journey. She felt her link to the voice growing stronger every day, but she also felt a connection to Sophia. Secretly, she didn’t want to make this journey alone. She wanted Sophia to be with her, but she knew that if Sophia became a liability, she would have to kill her.

  Tammy turned to face Sophia barely making the eye contact she desperately wanted to avoid. She exhaled licking her lips.

  “Sophia, I was…” Tammy began.

  “Is that who you were talking to in the kitchen? Your Mom and Dad?” Sophia interrupted. Sophia started to feel sorry for Tammy. She felt like something horrible must have happened to this woman to cause her to be in this condition. She seemed like she was genuinely caring.

  Embarrassed Tammy replied, “No. I was just…”

  “It is weird that you miss them, but you don’t remember anything about them. Do you remember anything funny about them?” Seeing that her previous question bothered Tammy, Sophia decided to go in a different direction.

  Yes, Tammy. Think. Think hard. Think way back.

  Tammy giggled nervously, “Hm. No, I can’t seem to remember. I remember that they died in a car accident. I, I can remember their faces,” Tammy struggled. She could only recall their faces from a photo that she had. Her father, a handsome middle-aged man. She thought he looked good with the greys, but what did he look like before? Her mother was soft and kind in her later years, but who was she before?

  We have only been separated a few months, Tammy. You and I. They want you to believe these lies to keep us separated. They want you to believe that the people in the photo were you’re parents.

  “How long ago was it?” Sophia queried as softly as she could.

  “It was just a few months ago, a few years ago,” Tammy replied unsure of her answer now. “I think.”

  Sophia was confused, “If your parents died just a few months ago, even a few years ago, you should remember something about them.”

  Tammy put her hands on her head. She could only shake her head in disbelief at herself. How could she forget the most important people in her life?

  “I, I can’t remember,” Tammy said. “Why can’t I remember?”

  You can only remember what they want you to. This is what I have been trying to tell you, Tammy. You have been programmed.

  “Programmed? What do you mean?” Tammy said aloud.

  Sophia was frightened, “I was just, I was just trying to…”

  “I don’t mean you, Sophia,” Tammy comforted. “I’m talking to… myself.”

  She has some serious issues, Sophia thought. I have to keep her calm.

  You can’t remember them, Tammy, because those people were not your parents. The few memories that you have are not real. Once we are reunited, I will tell you everything about all of these things and more. Face to face.

  Ok, but let me bring her with me.

  Alright, Tammy. But if she becomes a problem, we will deal with it then.

  She won’t be a problem. I promise.

  Tammy reached out and took Sophia’s trembling hand. “I know you think I am crazy and I halfway think so, but I have to tell you something. It may seem impossible, but I need you to just listen. Ok?”

  “What do you mean?” Sophia asked.

  “I’m going to tell you what is going on with me. Why we are here,” Tammy replied.

  ***

  Another sunrise. Another breakfast. This time Tammy decided to untie Sophia. Sitting there across from each other in the first rays of morning light, they could only stare at one another. Tammy wondering how long it will take Sophia to try to run away. After telling her such an incredible story the day before, she couldn’t blame Sophia if she did. Then, on top of that, asking Sophia to help her. Of course, if she did leave, then Tammy would have to kill her.

  Tammy removed Sophia’s phone from her back pocket and turned it on. Turning her eyes up to meet Sophia’s she slid the Samsung across the table to Sophia. Sophia was surprised.

  I can call the police now. But, wait, this could be a test. A trick. If I try to call the police she might kill me on the spot, Sophia thought.

  Sophia eyed Tammy carefully before she retrieved the phone. She wondered if this was some kind of test Tammy was putting her through. She wasn’t sure what she should do in this situation.

  “I could call the police you know?” Sophia said.

  Tammy, what are you doing?

  Stop talking. Let me do this.

  Beneath the table, Tammy pointed her Beretta toward Sophia. The hammer was already pulled back.

  “Go ahead,” Tammy said. “You can leave if you want. Your car is in the garage. Keys are in the drawer over there. I won’t stop you.”

  Sophia searched her heart. There was something there that hadn’t been there before. A feeling she had about Tammy. A glowing warm feeling that had been growing over the last few days. She knew she should hate Tammy, but
she was starting to see her as kind of a big sister. An insane big sister, but a loving and kind sister. Sophia couldn’t just leave Tammy like this. Tammy needed help. The police were just going to throw her in jail.

  “No, you need me,” Sophia said. “I think I’m going to stay with you for now. Who else is going to look out for you?”

  Tammy was relieved that she didn’t have to kill the girl. “Sophie, you won’t regret it. I promise you all of the things I told you are real, you’ll see.”

  Sophie’s phone suddenly connected to a signal and started buzzing from incoming voice and text messages from the previous days.

  Julie_Jules: Sophie

  BossMan: Ms. Monarch, I called and left you a message. We need you to come in early tomorrow. Let me know when you get this.

  DianeNeighbor: Sophia, ur trash can out

  Julie_Jules: Sophiiiaaaaaa

  Julie_Jules: SoSo, you are scaring me. If this is a joke it’s ok to stop now.

  BossMan: Ms. Monarch, you missed your shift yesterday. Give me a call.

  Julie_Jules: Call me! This is not kool. You have to tell me what’s going on.

  Julie_Jules: Sophia, where r u?

  DianeNeighbor: Sophia, ur trash can still out. Do you want me to bring it in for you?

  OffenderNotify: Offender Burton Monarch has been released from custody as of this morning.

  Julie_Jules: Sophia, call me when you get this. I’m getting worried. Are you not answering because Burt got your number again?

  Sophia texted back;

  Jules, I am ok. Helping a Friend. I will be out of contact for a little while, kool?

  Smiling awkwardly, Sophia turned her phone off again. “They might be tracking us.”

  Name that voice

  T AMMY AND SOPHIA started their day with meditation. After their meditation, Tammy taught Sophia fighting techniques, how to hunt and trap, and how to shoot an array of weapons. She taught them to Sophia as the voice taught them to her. To keep their location secret they were not able to actually fire their weapons. This limited some of the lessons somewhat, but Sophia still learned a lot.