Casanova Killer (21 page)

Jerry awoke to a screaming headache and cramps in her legs. She knew right away that she was in the trunk of a car. In addition to the humps on both sides of the enclosure, the searing heat inside the space and the drone of the motor gave it away.

How long had she been out? Moving her arm to reach into her pocket for the phone was excruciating and proved fruitless. Her phone was gone.

Feeling for the lever that would open the trunk from the inside, she found duct tape covering the switch, a simple but effective way of disabling the escape route. He’d also covered the inside of the taillights with duct tape, keeping her from punching through for light and air. She couldn’t reach the edge of the strips, he’d anticipated her efforts and blocked every move.

“Round one, psycho.” Jerry murmured as she felt every inch of space she could reach inside the trunk, searching for anything she could use to break through the tape. Nothing. The trunk was clean.

The car was moving at a steady clip, the wheels kept time with the drumming in her head. Rearranging her body to find as comfortable a position as possible, she was suddenly grateful for the hours spent folding her body in abnormal ways during yoga. The relaxation techniques she’d learned helped clear her mind in preparation for the battle to come.

As much as she’d like to believe that Ethan and Dylan were hot on her trail, she knew in her gut that she was on her own. If she was coming out of this one alive, she would do it alone.

The thought didn’t frighten her, but she knew that Ethan would be frantic. For love of him as much as herself, she knew she had to escape whatever Jonathan had in store for her.

How the hell had he discovered they were onto him? She wondered. Had she said or done something to make him suspicious? She’d felt that things were off this morning, but not enough to get her spidey senses tingling. If he’d veered this much from his M.O., then his next move was not at all predictable.

“I’d lay dollars to donuts that we’re heading for the cliffs, but which ones?” Jerry spoke aloud, as much to hear her own voice in the dark space as to express her thought. “It doesn’t matter which ones,” she reasoned. “I’ll need to outwit him and overpower him in order to get away.”

It was then that she remembered the camera pin. Twisting her arm upward, she felt that it was still in place. More than visual, the camera also had audio capabilities. Whoever was watching may not be able to see inside the darkened space, but they may be able to hear her, as long as they were in range.

“Hello,” she placed her lips near the pin, not willing to let Jonathan hear her speak. “This is Jerry. I’m okay; I’m in a trunk. No phone.” She racked her brain for something she could tell them that would help, but she had nothing. Without concern for the ribbing she would take from Dylan and whomever else happened to be listening, she sent Ethan a message. “Tell Ethan that I’m fine and not to worry. Tell him that I love him and that I’ll see him soon.” It was the only comfort she could give, but thoughts of him strengthened her resolve to walk away from this nightmare.

“It’s Jerry, she’s awake and talking.” Rodney’s phone was patched into Dylan’s and Nate’s headsets.

“What did she say.” They asked in unison.

“She said she’s okay, that she’s in a trunk and that she doesn’t have a phone.” Rodney blushed, then continued. “She also sent a message for Ethan, but it’s personal. Is he around?” Rodney had seen the way those two looked at each other and suspected that the romance was not a fake.

“No, but I’ll see that he gets it.” Dylan lied again. “What was it?”

“She said for him not to worry, that she’ll see him soon. And that she loves him.” Rodney’s blush deepened. It felt awkward to be privy to such personal information.

“Thanks Rodney.” Dylan’s tone was harsh. “Let us know if she says anything else.”

Nate waited for the vein in Dylan’s neck to stop throbbing before he spoke. “Ethan’s not coming back, is he?”

“Nope.” Dylan shifted his eyes, not sure he could lie to Nate while looking at him dead on. “It gets worse. He’s been playing Jerry, seeing other women while stringing her along. Son of a bitch thinks he’s some kind of modern day Don Juan and Jerry thinks he hung the moon.” Dylan sighed.

“Jerry’s tough, she’ll be fine. We’ll make sure of it.” Nate felt fiercely protective of Jerry; he always had. “She deserves better than that asshole anyway.”

“Damn straight. We’ll tell her so, just as soon as we get her back.”

They’d been riding for hours before the car turned off the road onto a rocky stretch. Jerry felt every rock and pothole that marked what felt like a steep incline. Finally, things were about to get interesting.

She’d spent the time planning how she’d react when he opened the trunk. He’d be expecting anger or fear, but she would give him neither. She knew enough about delusional disorders to understand that things could change on a dime, given the current perception of the person with the illness. She would simply change his perception of her, make him believe that she enjoyed whatever little game he was playing. It was a longshot, but it was all she had.

The car rolled to a stop after climbing for about fifteen minutes. Jerry plastered  a smile on her face and prepared to play the part of her life.

“Guys, it sounds like the car stopped.” Rodney told them as soon as the motor died.

“Where the hell did he take her?” Nate was as frustrated as he’d ever been. He had faith in Jerry, and knowing that she was awake and unrestrained gave him hope that she would be okay.”

“It’s a sure bet that they’re not still on this highway,” Dylan told him, motioning to the freeway below. “The damn thing’s practically at a standstill from rush hour traffic. How do people live like this?”

“He’s opening the trunk, I see trees.” Rodney’s voice was hushed, as if by speaking any louder, he would put Jerry in more danger.

Jonathan opened the trunk carefully, fully prepared to knock Jerry out again if need be. He was totally unprepared for the radiant smile lighting her face with a beautiful glow.

“Why Elliott, you bad, bad boy.” She laughed and held out her hand to him as if it was the most natural thing in the world. He took it out of habit.

“Why didn’t you tell me you liked to play? I simply adore sexy games, especially kidnap and ransom.” Jerry gushed as she unfolded herself from the trunk. Sitting on the edge of the trunk opening, her legs dangling so the blood could flow freely again, she transformed her face into a pout. “Next time, you can blindfold me, it makes it more interesting.” She placed both hands on his shoulders, noting the confused expression clouding his face. “Be a doll and help me out, would you? My legs are a bit stiff.”

“You won’t believe how she’s playing it,” Rodney’s admiration was evident. “She’s pretending that it’s a game, a sex game. Looks like he’s buying it, his face is a mask of confusion.” Rodney chuckled.

Dylan sighed in relief. “She’s working his delusion. Too bad we never got the report that would have helped her know which buttons to push.” He shot his eyes at Nate, who only shrugged.

“Don’t start with me again about that damn report. I did everything but choke it out of the Doc myself.” He focused on Rodney. “What’s happening, what else can you see?”

“He’s helping her out of the car, still looks confused. She’s talking a mile a minute about different games they could play and oohing and aahing over the beauty of the forest. That’s about all I can see, a bunch of trees, looks like redwoods. They’re walking, I see a drop off.”

“She’ll have to make her move soon,” Dylan hunched forward, willing Jerry strength.

“Oh, Elliott, look at the gorgeous sunset!” Jerry infused her voice with wonder. “How did you ever find such a glorious spot for our first time together?” She tugged on his arm, keeping him by her side as they moved toward the edge. He still hadn’t spoken since opening the trunk.

“I wanted it to be perfect for you Beth.” He covered her hand with his as she held onto him. “I know how you love sunsets.” Jonathan never felt reality slip completely away; he only knew that his beloved Beth was once again by his side.

“I do, I do, thank you darling. You’re so very thoughtful.” Jerry rested her head on his shoulder in a loving gesture, all the while searching for anything nearby that she could use as a weapon.

“Anything for you, my love. Here, let’s sit.” He extricated his arm from hers and removed his jacket, gallantly spreading it on the forest floor. “I seem to have forgotten the blanket and picnic.” The confused look returned to his face.

“Oh darling, it’s perfect just as it is.” Jerry made herself comfortable and looked up at him adoringly. He settled beside her, half on the coat and half on the ground. Jerry looped one arm through his so they would both face the view. “Where are we? It’s stunning. The water is so blue, but it looks so far away.”

“We’re in Carmel, California darling. Remember how we planned to come here together? I wanted it to be a surprise.” The memory of that non-existent conversation was as clear as a bell to Jonathan.

“Carmel? How wonderful. You do spoil me so.” Jerry felt around behind her for a rock.

“It’s my pleasure darling. Your wish is my command.” Jonathan glanced down at her and saw the strained look in her eyes, just before she lowered her lashes. He was extremely sensitive to all of Beth’s moods. “What’s wrong, love?”

Cringing involuntarily at his use of Ethan’s pet name for her, Jerry shifted slightly to hide the rock beneath the jacket sleeve. “It’s nothing darling, I’m just a bit out of sorts from the trip.” As in every muscle in my body aches, thanks to you, you bastard. She bit her lip to keep the words inside.

Jonathan looked confused again. “It was a long car ride. Would you like to stretch your legs?”

“I’m fine, thank you. Let’s just sit here together and enjoy nature’s show. What part of Carmel did you say we’re in?”

Jonathan cut his eyes sharply at the innocent inquiry. Beth never questioned him so much before. Something was not right. “We’re on the cliffs, north of town.” He explained with a frown. “We followed the Pacific Coast Highway to get here, just as we discussed. Remember, you said you always wanted to make that drive?”

“Of course, how silly of me. Perhaps on the way back I can ride up front with you?” Jerry couldn’t help the sarcasm that crept into her voice.

Jonathan narrowed his eyes. This woman didn’t sound like his Beth. What was happening? With a flash of insight, Jerry came into focus; he realized where he was and what he must do. The loving light shining in her eyes for him was a deception. He saw that clearly now. She had betrayed him just like all the others. Just like his Beth.

“Certainly darling. Whatever you like.”

The physical change was nearly nonexistent, but for the cold fury that suddenly came into his eyes. This was the killer Jerry had been waiting for; the one she knew lurked inside of this so-called Casanova. It was now or never, she may only have one chance to save herself.

Jonathan slid the switchblade from his left pocket, his eyes never leaving Jerry’s. This one would be different, messy, not a clean slice and shove like the others. It couldn’t be helped, he resigned as he pressed the lever that released the blade from the sheath.

Jerry heard the distinct click as the knife opened. Without a second’s hesitation, she brought the rock up and struck him on the temple as hard as she possibly could.

Blood sprayed her face and hands but Jonathan did not fall. Stunned, he stabbed the air around her, prompting Jerry to jump to her feet to escape his reach, but she didn’t move fast enough. Jonathan, blood streaming down his face grabbed her ankle with his right hand while swinging the knife wildly with his left.

Jerry brought the rock down on his head again, her force much more compelling as she stood. Her next blow landed on his shoulder in an effort to make him release the fierce grip he had on her ankle.