The Files of Art. Inc.:
“Chris and the Stalker of Ettal Abbey”
Part 1
Ettal, Bavaria, late July, Evening:
“Chris and the Stalker of Ettal Abbey”
Part 1
Ettal, Bavaria, late July, Evening:
He watched the Woman who had just entered her Flat. The Video Feed was perfect, crystal clear. Thanks to the Microcameras he had installed in her Apartment. He watched as she kicked off her elegant black open-toed Louboutin Platform Heels. She wore nude Pantyhose. Despite the Summer´s Heat. He admired that – and loved it. He looked forward to touching those soft nylon soles.
He knew her Name. He knew all about her. From her Bra-Size to her Shoe Size. She was a 36 D and an impressive 10. She was a Lawyer. She was a Blonde. Tall. Athletic. Fit. He had followed her on her Morning Run. He had learned, she wore Hose even for Running.
He watched as she tapped on her stockinged Feet in the spacious Kitchen. He noticed she had done fresh Nail Polish in the Morning. A Shade of Red. She poured herself a Glass of Water and gulped it down. He watched as she unzipped her black pencil Skirt. It glided down the Floor. He watched as she undressed, went into the Bathroom under the Shower.
He would visit her the Day after tomorrow. Alluring as she was, she was not the first on his list. A secondary Objective, so to speak. He smiled: He had left a Token of his Esteem on her Pillow: A red Rose. Not the first “Present”.
He switched the Screen: Another Blonde. A lithe one. She kicked her Heels off. Sapphire Blue Suede High Heels, by Gianvito Rossi, the 105 Model.. In her nude, stockinged Feet, she padded to the Window of the Living Room of her Apartment in the East Wing of Ettal Abbey and gazed into the Distance.
He zoomed in on her Face. He knew every Facet of it. He knew her Life had changed dramatically in the last Month: He had watched her on the Stage in the Concert Hall in the Alps. That marvellous Concert! She was a Star now! She would eclipse soon that other Blonde Pianist. That Christine von der Marwitz. She would not outshine his Esme much longer!
He felt sudden Warmth. “We will see each other soon, my dear Esme! Everything was ready! He had done his best. He was sure Esme would like it! Three Days!
Ettal: Apartment of Doctor Philippa Thaler, evening:
Philippa typed in the Code to open her Apartment Door. She looked to the left and right. The Rose on her Pillow had shocked her. The Lawyer had invested much Money in the Security of her Home. Yet somebody had managed it to bypass it, leaving no Trace. Not the first “Gift”: A silken Shawl, a Pair of very expensive Stockings, a Pair of Underwear by Victoria´s Secret …
A Click, and the Door opened. Phili – as her Friends called her – stepped over the Threshold. And shut the Door quickly behind her. With a sigh, she kicked off her open-toed beige Jimmy-Cho-Heels. She loved them, but she had been the whole Day on her Feet. First in Court, then some Meetings with Clients. No Chance for a Change of Shoes.
On her stockinged Feet, she padded down the Corridor into the large Kitchen-Living-Room-Area. Philippa froze: On the stylish modern Dining Table, made of Glass, stood a Vase. A crystal Vase with a dozen Red Rose.
She could not take her Eyes away. “Good evening, Phili! You like my Surprise?” The Blonde froze. A sharp Prick in her Neck. Then Blackness.
“He” let glide Phili gently to the Floor. “You look so peaceful!” He smiled down at the unconscious Woman. He knelt and let his Hands glide above those soft, strong, nyloned Feet.
He carried the Lawyer to her Bedroom.
Later:
Phili:
I am so tired. Opening my Eyes costs an enormous Effort. I manage. I cannot see clearly. My Sight is obscured. Only slowly, I remember what happened: I entered my Apartment. The Living Room. The Roses on the Table … the Voice … then Blackness.
Only slowly I realize my Predicament: I lay on my Bed and stare at the Ceiling. It is white. I have been stripped down to my Underwear, a beige Set, and my Hose. Hose … I am encased, I am tied up with Hose, gagged with Hose. Crotchroped with Hose. I feel three Bands of Hose around my lower Legs: Ankles, Calves, and under the Knees. Three more above: Above the Joint. Midthigh. Under the Groin.
My Palms rest on my Thighs. More Pantyhose hold them there. The Gag: My Mouth is stuffed with Pantyhose. Stuffed as in full: My Jaws stand ajar – and are covered by more Hose. I am completely encased from Head to Toe. Several Layers. I have no Idea how much …
Someone steps into my Field of Vision. I cannot make out his Face clearly – thanks to my Encasement. “So, you are awake, Phili!” He bows down and cups my Breasts. Squeezes them. Plays with my Nipples.
I protest in my packed Mouth – and I realise the Bastard has raided my Hamper!
He stops molesting my Breasts instead, he turns to my Feet. “You have so wonderful Feet, Phili!” His Hands glide above my Soles. “Size 10!” He whispers, “Are you ticklish?” His Fingers glide between my Toes!!! Nooo!” “So, you are ticklish! I promise you, we will have much fun!”
It was the Prelude to a long Night! And yet an Overture only ….
Ettal: Three Days later: Morning:
Christine von der Marwitz enjoyed the Drive in the “Isle of Man, Green Metallic” M8 BMW Cabrio. There was little Traffic this Morning on the Motorway A95, so she could give the BMW its Head. Almost 200 Kilometres per Hour. Chris loved to drive fast!
The Pianist would leave the Motorway shortly for the last Stretch to Ettal. The Pianist smiled. She planned a Week's Vacation in Ettal – and meet Esme – and Father Malachias. Her favourite Benedictine of Late. A mischievous Grin curled her Lips.
Chris and the lost Mozart: Epilogue IV by Imhotep-Ra on DeviantArt
First: The Chalet. Refresh. Redress. Second: Meeting Esme at the Abbey. Third: Visiting Father Malachias. And he was up to it? Play the Piano together.
Her headset device signalled an incoming Call. She frowned: Father Severinus. Chris took the Call. “Father Severinus!” She smiled warmly. She liked the handsome Benedictine. Librarian and the Revered Father Abbot´s right Hand, “Nice to hear you!” “Christine?” The Monk inquired, and Chris was curious.
“He sounds concerned.” “Yes, Father?” “When will you be here in Ettal?” Father Severinus prodded, “15 Minutes tops.” The Blonde shrugged, now on her Guard, something was off. “As soon as you arrive in Ettal, come straight to the Abbey. The Father Abbot and I are expecting you. It is urgent.” He ended the Call. Now Chris's curiosity was piqued.
15 Minutes later, she parked her Cabrio in the Parking Lot. The Blonde slipped her blue Sneakers off – and her Aquazura sling back open-toed platform heels on, which matched the dove blue Summerdress, which swirled around her toned brown Calves.
The light Dress left her muscular Shoulders bare. But Chris swung a matching Shawl across her Shoulders. No Reason to offend anybody´s religious Beliefs. Her blonde Mane covered a white Headscarf, her Eyes hidden by Sunglasses.
The Pianist got out of the Car and headed straight for the Eastern Courtyard. Her Heels were clicking on the Gravel. 10 Minutes later, she was shown in the Abbot´s Study. Abbot Konradinus sat behind his massive Desk. The Father Librarian stood right behind him. Attentive – and a little concerned ….
Chris sensed the Tension in the Room as soon as she crossed the Threshold. The Abbot rose. Two Metres before him, Chris folded her Hands before her Breast and bowed reverently – as she would have before her Sensei, “Father Abbot!” She bowed a second Time, less deeply, before the Librarian, “Father!”
Chris looked from one to the other. “What has happened?” The two Men exchanged a Look; she noticed the Abbots ' most subtle Nod to the Librarian, “Christine, Esme has vanished.” Father Severinus said gravely. The Blonde looked a second Time from one to the other. “What?”
Unknown Location:
Esme groaned softly ….. Her Eyes felt glued shut, her Temples pounded. Only slowly she got lucid. And the Fog in her Head cleared. She lay on something soft. A Mattress? A Pillow under her Head. Something large, soft, and pliable felt her Mouth. Something silky compressed her lower Face from Chin to Nose. “I am fully clothed.” The young Teacher realised, “Except my High Heels.”
With some Effort, she opened her Eyes and stared at the dark wooden coffered Ceiling. She wanted to use her Arms. Couldn´t – and looked down: Three padded Spandex Belts held her Arms and her shackled Wrists to her upper Body.
Her Gaze glided down. First? She was still wearing her blue Skirt. Four more Straps held her legs together: Two above, two below the Joint. Her Ankles were shackled together. Esme looked at her nyloned Feet and wiggled her Toes. “I cannot do more.”
Esme racked her Brain:
“How did I land here?”
“Where is here exactly?”
“Who kidnapped me?”
She remembered that she had stepped in her High Heels. The young Teacher was about to leave for her Class. “Someone grabbed me from behind! A sick, sweet-smelling Cloth! Chloroform! But I have heard no one coming ….” Her Head still ached … “And who kidnapped me?”
She took stock of her Surroundings. “Like the Ceiling, the Floor is made from dark polished Wood. A large wooden Cupboard. A round Table … On the left another wooden Door. To the Bathroom? I look directly at a large wooden Door … no Lock. No Handle.”
She sank back. “I cannot do anything else than wait.”
Esme stared at the Ceiling and counted the Coffers of the Ceiling. She had no Idea how much Time had passed.
A soft Click.
The Door opened ….
The Abbot´s Study:
“What do you mean by 'Esme vanished', Severinus!” The Librarian looked Chris straight in the Face. Once more, he was fascinated by the Intensity of those emerald Green Eyes.”
“Esme had Class at 0900 AM”, The Librarian reported. “She did not show up. So, the Students informed the School Office. Frau Rothenmeier tried to call Esme. But her Call went straight to Voice Mail. She went personally to Esme´s Apartments. But it was locked.
Then the Secretary informed the Headmaster, who informed me. We opened Esme´s Apartment, but she was gone.” Severinus ended his Report. Chris nodded, her Expression thoughtfully. “I have to see her Apartment for myself, and I have to talk to the Staff.”
“Of Course!” The Abbot agreed, “But you will be …” “Discreet.” A small Smile curled her Lips. “And I will have a Change of Clothes later. We don´t want to disturb your Students!” The Blonde turned to Father Severinus, “Let us go then!” Chris was almost at the Door when the Librarian hurried after her. “Are you coming, Severinus?” The Pianist smiled.
A small Smile turned his Lips. Christine von der Marwitz was an impressive Personality. In every Aspect. The Pianist had helped them out of a tight Spot already once, last year:
Unknown Location around the same Time:
Esme looked at the open Door and at the Man who stepped over the Threshold. “There is nothing extraordinary about him”. Her second thought: “He has something of the young Ben Affleck about him, that of Armageddon! He smiles friendly. Sneakers, Jeans, a Shirt.”
He rolled a Trolley over the Threshold. On it, a Bottle of Water – and a Plate. “With a second Breakfast. He seems perfectly harmless.” But Esme was on her Guard: She had noticed the Gun Holster at his right Hip ….”
“Hello, Esme!” “Ben” smiled at her. “So good, you are awake! I apologise for the Inconvenience,” He smiled, but they are only for your Safety!” “Ben” looked intently at her. “You need the Bathroom?” The young Teacher blushed – and nodded. “You are so cute when you blush!” her Captor chuckled. Esme blushed even more. Her Cheeks burned.
Surprisingly gentle, he loosened the Straps, which held her Arms against her upper Body and her legs together. Almost accidentally, his Hands glided across her hosed Thighs and Calves. “You have such wonderful Legs!” “This Guy is really a Creep!” Esme grew tense. “No need to get anxious!” he cooed. “I just admire your beauty!” The Teacher did her best not to cringe.
“Here! Let me help you sit up!” Gently but firmly, “Ben” helped her into a sitting Position. Her hosed Feet touched the cool wooden Floor. Gently, “Ben” put a Pair of Tartan Slippers on her Feet – and helped her up.
The Shackles around her Ankles allowed her to shuffle along. “Ben´s” Grip on her upper right Arm was firm, but not brutal. He opened the wooden Bathroom Door. “Five Minutes!” “Ben” told her. The Bathroom was windowless: A Shower, a Bathtub. Esme looked around; there was nothing to use as a Weapon. The Toiletries looked very much like the ones she used …” What a Creep!”
With a Sigh, Esme sat down on the Toilet. It was humiliating. “At least he closed the Door.” She sighed. When the Deed was done, Esme opened the Door and shuffled back into her Room. “Ben” still smiled that benevolent Smile, and Esme felt the sudden Urge to wipe it off his Face, with one of the Blows Chris had shown her. “You want something to drink?” Her Host asked politely – like a Waiter in a Restaurant, “All right.” She nodded.
Ben grew serious: “A few Rules, though: There will be no shouting, no cursing. You will talk only when spoken to. Understood?” Esme nodded, “Anything to get this Gag off!” “Ben” looked at his Watch. “Ungag yourself!” “Drink something and have second Breakfast!” Esme looked long after him, after he had closed the Door behind him. Then she looked at the Trolley – and started to fumble at the tight Knot in her Neck.
Chris´ Chalet, later:
Chris had “checked in” at the Chalet she had already used during the Search for the lost Mozart last Year. Showered, refreshed, redressed: A white Blouse, dark blue Culotte Trousers – and flat, practical, but elegant Sport Sandals. The Blonde had piled her Mane in a loose updo atop her Head.
Chris was deep in thought. Her Inspection of Esme´s Room had produced nothing: There had been a Whiff of Chloroform in the Air. It was as if Esme had disappeared in thin Air. But how? The Pianist pulled herself together. “Time to see my favourite Monk!” She grabbed her Straw Hat, put her Sunglasses on, and stepped into the Sun. She decided to walk the short Distance to the Abbey.
On the Street down to the Abbey, a dark-haired Man in his early 30s greeted her politely. “Ben Affleck”, it shot through her Mind. The Blonde returned the Greeting and continued her Walk in a brisk Tempo.
If she had turned, she would have noticed that the Man looked long after her – and not friendly at all. “I will protect Esme from you!” he muttered to himself. He looked at his Watch. And smiled. He had another Date soon …. Company for his beloved, soon betrothed Esme ….
The Abbey: East Wing, Staff-Apartments:
Amelia van Ackeren was about to open the Door to her Apartment in the Abbey´s Eastwing, on the second Floor. Amelia was a bit curious why she had not met Esme this Morning. They had Coffee together before Class, usually.
Her Lunchtime, the Math Teacher from Hannover, in Northern Germany, always spent in her Apartment.
She liked her Solitude and Quiet in the Time between Classes. Several of her male Students compared her to the American Actress Emily Wickersham. Amelia typed in the Code, opened the Apartment Door, and stepped over the Threshold, and kicked the Door shut with her left Heel.
Inside, she kicked her grey medium-heeled Pumps off her Feet and padded on stockinged Feet in her living Room. The Attack came out of nowhere: A thick sweetly sweet-smelling Cloth was pressed on her Face. A strong Arm compressed her Diaphragm and lifted her off her Feet. She kicked after her Attacker … but hit thin Air …..
Five Minutes later, Amelia van Ackeren was gone. The only Sign she had ever been here? A Pair of grey medium-heeled Pumps on the Floor.
Ettal Abbey: The Library, around the same Time:
In a Brisk Pace, Chris walked up the Stairs of the imposing Marble Stairwell that led to the first Floor. Resolutely, she pressed down the Lever and pushed the left Door Wing open. The Blonde stepped over the Threshold of the Library, stood for a Moment, and inhaled the peculiar Scent of any old Library: Old Leather, Parchment, Paper, and Dust.
Last November, she had spent much Time here, much to the Chagrin of Father Malachias. Since then, much had happened, and the Benedictine had softened his Stance towards Women. Mutual Respect had grown between those two, at first Glance at least, so different People. The tall blonde Pianist and the thin, ascetic Monk, who seldom smiled.
Chris found him at his favourite Work Desk, concentrated on reading in a thick leather-bound Volume and taking Notes. She knew he was aware of her Presence, so she waited patiently.
Finally, he looked up: “It´s you.” He stated curtly as he rose. “Yes, Father.” Chris indicated a small bow. They looked long at each other. “Why have you come?” the Monk inquired in his brisk Manner. “Father, I need your help.” The Pianist bowed slightly a second Time.
The briefest of Smiles crossed Father Malachias´ thin Lips. One could have slightly missed it. “How could I, a simple humble Labourer in the Lord´s Vineyard, help the High Priestess of Music?”
Chris counted inwardly to three. “Listen, Father ….
Unknown Location:
Esme woke up from a deep Sleep. “The Water must have been drugged”, the young Teacher groaned. She had digested the Croque Monsieur and greedily drunk the cool, fresh Water. The Blonde had checked its Seal. It had not been broken. But after the last Bite, she suddenly felt very tired, dragged herself to the Bed, and fell instantly asleep.
She still felt groggy – but Nature called, so the lithe Blonde got up with a Groan, her hosed Feet searching for the Tartan Slippers. “Found them!” Esme shuffled to the Loo. “I bet “Ben” has Cameras installed there!” she mused, making her Tinkle. But that was the least of her Problems.
Esme inspected her “Quarters”: “What does he want with me?” Two Days ago, she had phoned with Chris, “Everything all right?” “Yes, everything is fine!” Esme had demurred but sensed the Pianist wasn´t anything but convinced but let the Matter Rest.
In Fact, the Teacher had the Feeling of being followed in the last Days – but whenever she turned? Nobody had been there.
In the Control Room, “Ben” watched. “You are so beautiful!” he whispered, Esme! We belong together!” He switched to another Screen: Amelia was still out! Tied up and gagged like Esme had been before.
“Ben” switched to a third Screen: It showed a tall Blonde leaving the famous Abbey Church with its impressive Dome. Purposefully, she strode across the Courtyard. “You have to go! You will not take Esme from me!”
He had to act. Now.
Father Severinus' Office around the same Time:
The Librarian´s Mobile rang. He looked at the Screen: Caller ID? “Father Anselmus, the Headmaster.” A sense of dark foreboding filled Severinus. He took the Call, “Yes, Brother?” The Librarian listened. “And there is no Trace of her?” He listened again. “I have to inform the Abbot!” Severinus cut the Line and selected another Contact; it was not the Abbot.
Chris´ Chalet:
The Blonde sat on the Balcony of her Chalet. Chris had slipped her Sandals off and propped her bare Feet on the Banister. She had made a Poke Bowl for Lunch, with local Trout and Avocado.
In her Head, she went over the Conversation she had with Father Malachias. So, there was a net of secret Passageways. Not only the Labyrinth they had discovered last year. It´s Access in the Library.
The Monk had promised to search for any Schematics in the Library. If there was anything to find? He would, Chris was sure.
Father Severinus was the Librarian, but Severinus had admitted freely once last Year that in certain Areas Malachias´ knowledge surpassed his own – when it came to the Abbey´s History. Chris's Phone signalled an incoming Call: Father Severinus …. The tall Blonde took the Call. “Yes?” She listened ….. and bit down a Curse. Chris stood and paced the wooden Floor.
Someone watched her through a Rifle Scope. Patiently, he waited. Till Chris stopped at the Banister and gazed down at the Abbey in the Valley. He pulled the Trigger. Once. Twice.
In the End, Chris did not know what raised her Attention. The Reflection of a Sunray on Glass? Instinct? She dived down to the Floor. She felt the first Bolt passing her– and a sharp Pain at her right upper Arm. Chris stayed down. She crept inside the Chalet: The first Bolt had embedded itself in the polished wooden Floor. Where was the second?
Chris controlled her Breathing. Waited. Slowly, she got to her Feet. Keeping well clear of the open Door. “I have been sloppy.” She scolded herself. Sensei Nakamura would have to say a thing or two about that. She grabbed her HK 23 and stepped out on the Balcony. Her Gun firmly in her Hands. Slowly she turned from left to right, 180 Degrees. Presenting her Front to the Attacker. Challenging him to shoot again. Nothing happened. The Shooter was gone.
Chris stepped back inside. Closing the Door. Only then did she inspect her right upper Arm. It was just a Scratch. “Too bad.” The Blonde sighed, “I loved that Blouse.” Blood had turned the white Garment red.
A grim Smile curled her Lips. “Whoever you are! Now I am pissed off!”
“Charlotte!” She called, “Yes?” The AI asked politely, “I need you and Sybil to do something for me!”
The Abbey: East Wing, Afternoon
Frieda Fraunhofer was tired. “Emma,” as her Friends called her, thanks to her strong Resemblance to “Emma Peel,” aka Diana Rigg, had just delivered her last Class for today: Advanced Fencing for the most Senior Students. Now Frieda looked forward to a long, hot Soak, and a light Meal.
She typed in the Code of her Apartment – after the Events of last November, there had been a major Security Update – and entered her Lodgings. She slipped her Sneakers off and padded on stockinged Feet in the Living Room.
That she was not alone, Frieda realized too late. A soft Hiss, a sharp Prick, then Blackness.
Five Minutes later, the Apartment was as silent and empty as before. Only Frieda´s red Sneakers on the Floor were left. And her Gym Bag.
Frieda was gone.
The Abbot´s Study, later:
Father Severinus watched Chris as she stood before the Abbot's massive Desk. For somebody who had been shot at with a Crossbow just an hour ago, she looked perfectly calm. “So, you knew about the Stalker on the Abbey Grounds.” It was not a Question. “It would have been helpful if you had told me earlier.” Her emerald green Eyes glittered dangerously.
“Esme didn´t want us to tell you. She wanted to do it herself.” The Librarian shrugged. “That worked quite well.” The Pianist made no Effort to hide the Sarcasm in her Voice. “And now a second Member of your female Staff is missing.” The cool, emerald-green eyes fixated first on the Librarian, then on the Abbot. “The Unsub is escalating, that is for sure. You should check the Whereabouts of all your female Staff. The Guy is not ready yet.”
The two Men exchanged a Look. “Now would be a good Time.” Chris did sound calm and controlled; one had to know her very well to register the Air of Impatience. “Do it, Brother!” the Abbot ordered the Librarian.
Father Severinus produced a Samsung S25 and dialled. The Call was taken after the second Ring. “Anselmus! You must do the following!” He listened. “What?” He listened again. “When?” As he ended the Call, he looked aghast at the Abbot, then at Chris.
“Don´t tell me ….” The Blonde raised her Hand. “A third female Teacher has gone AWOL. Who?”
“Our Fencing Trainer, Frieda Fraunhofer.” The Librarian supplied.
Chris sighed. Her Face, though, betrayed nothing but grim Determination. “And you don´t want to inform the Police, I take it, Revered Father Abbot?” “Preferably not.” Father Konradin shrugged, “If you don´t find them till tomorrow Morning, we will have no Choice.”
“I am honoured by your Trust.” The tall Blonde indicated a small Bow. “You have a high Opinion of my Abilities …”
An incoming Call interrupted her. Chris listened, “I am on my Way.” She ended the Call and turned on her Heels. “Keep me informed!” She said over her Shoulder, “And it would be wise to assemble the female Staff at one secure Location at the Abbey!” Chris was out of the Door.
The Abbot and his second in Command shared a Look. “You think that is the right Thing to do, Severinus?” The Librarian knew his Superior as a Man of unlimited Trust in God. But now he sensed his doubt.
“It is Revered Father, it is.” He said with Conviction.
Unknown Location:
“Ben” watched at the Screens before him:
Screen 1: Esme lay on her Bed and stared at the Ceiling.
Screen 2: Amelia had come around and struggled against her Bonds.
Screen 3: Frieda was still out. He had hogtied her tightly on her Bed. Gagged, he had her with her own Gym Socks. After his Risk Assessment, she needed more severe Treatment than Esme and Amelia.
He had reached his Objectives. With one Exception: He had missed the blonde Pianist on her Balcony. He still did not know how she had pulled this off. But “Ben” was patient. And she would not stop him.
Nobody could.
They had no Clue. He would take care of Christine von der Marwitz another Time. He and Esme were destined for each other. Nobody would come between them.
Now it was Time to make the Preparations for the festive Dinner in the Evening, when Esme and her new Companions would meet.
The Abbey: The Library:
Briskly, Chris hurried up the Steps to the Library: So far, the Stalker had always been one Step ahead of her. He seemed to move in the Abbey like a Ghost. So far, he had left no Traces. Hopefully, Father Malachias had come up with something. He didn´t want to tell her anything on the Phone.
She stopped at the Library Door. Breathed in deeply. In. Out. In. Out. Calmer now, she opened the Door and strode into the Library. The haggard Monk looked up. He could not hide his Amusement and his Excitement completely. “You found something.” Chris challenged him.
“I think I have. You want to see it?” The Benedictine teased her in his usual Fashion. Chris rolled her Eyes – but said nothing. They knew each other well enough.
The Blonde followed the Monk to one of the large, polished wooden Tables. On it a Plan, something that looked like a Construction Drawing. An ancient One. Chris looked at it, then at Malachias: “Explain!”
Esme:
He is watching me. I know that. Even if I cannot see the Cameras, I am sure they are there. I still have no Idea what he wants from me. I cannot shake the Feeling, though; he is obsessed with me.
He is the Stalker, of that I am sure. I am not the only one who felt watched. I talked with Frieda and Amelia. They, too, had the feeling of being watched. There is no way out.
The Door has no Handle. There is no Window. I suspect we are underground. He left me Water at least – and some Sandwiches. With Bacon and Cheese. Decent Quality. This Time the Water was not drugged.
I shuffled through the Room and checked the Wardrobe. And was shocked: Underwear. Clothes for all Occasions. What shocked me most? An Evening Gown. The same I wore at the Concert in the Alps.
For a Moment, I suspected. It was my own – before I realized it was a new one. That was creepy. I still stood before the open Wardrobe when the Door to my Prison opened again. I had to force myself not to whirl around. I knew it was him. I turn around slowly.
“Ben” smiles at me – that charming and creepy Smile. “You like it?” he asks politely. It takes a Moment before I realize he means the Gown. “Sure,” I reply, “It is very beautiful!” I smile. It feels like glued to my Face.
“I knew you would like it!” He smiles back. “You will dine with me this Evening, and I want you to wear this Gown. You will find matching Heels and Underwear!”
He is still perfectly polite, but I sense something lurking under the polished Façade. “Ben” expects total Obedience. I disobey and I will be punished.
He lays a Key on the Round Table. “You can remove your Shackles with it.” He looks at his Watch. “You will be ready at seven Sharp, will you?” “I will,” I nod. “You will shackle yourself when you are ready. I apologize for these Precautions.
But till we know each other better, they are necessary. You understand that Esme don´t you?”
“I do!” I nod. “Then it is settled.” He smiles. He leaves. And I am alone. Again.
Chris´ Chalet: Evening
Chris:
I make my Preparations. Darkness is setting in slowly. I made my Plan. Sybil´s Research will be useful. And I am in Father Malachias´ debt. Not that I intend to tell him that. He had struck a Gold Mine.
The Abbot and Severinus are concerned. But I have no Time for any mollycoddling. I am entirely focused on the Mission now. My Opponent is very clever, brilliant even, but I have one Advantage: He thinks he holds all the Cards. I won´t underestimate him.
I donned my white Kimono and kneel on the Tatami. I lit the large white beeswax Candle. And the two incense Holders to the left and the right. The Scent of Cedar Wood and Ariola Pine fills the Air. My Forehead touches the Tatami. I hold the Pose and rise. My Palms rest on my Thighs.
I focus entirely on my Breath. The Room around me vanishes. I enter the inner Courtyard of Himeji Castle. There, under a blossoming Cherry Tree, stands a Man in a black Kimono. I forbid myself from running at him like a Schoolgirl. Instead, I walk at him in calm, measured Steps.
Two Metres before him, I stop, fold my Hands before my Breast, and bow deeply. I hold the Pose. “You may raise Christine-Sama,” Sensei Nakamura says finally. I raise. And look at his ageless Face, his bottomless black Eyes. “You do look well, my Child!” He says, finally, “Hai Sensei!” I nod. “Let us go for a Walk!” He invites me …..
Unknown Location:
Amelia:
I still think I am in a bad dream. I have no Idea how late it is. I sit on my Bed and hope I will wake up any Moment in my Bedroom. But I cannot deny it: This. This Room. This is reality. I look at my shackled Wrists, my shackled Ankles. I wiggle my nyloned Toes. “The Nail Polish looks good!” I think absentmindedly. I applied it this Morning.
My Captor was here, what? Thirty Minutes ago? Creepy Fellow. So polite. In an old-fashioned Way. Like “Gone with the Wind”. He told me to “prepare” for Dinner later. He left the Key for my Shackles. What does he want with me? I don´t sense a sexual Vibe. He looks like the polite Neighbour who carries the Old Ladies Bags up to the third Floor. The one you don´t see. He has to be around my Age. Late Twenties. And I am sure I know him. But from where?
With Apprehension, I look at the Wardrobe: Everything is my Size. My Measurements. Now I am sure he has gone through my Things in my Apartment. How should he know otherwise? I have no Choice. I am sure: If I refuse him, he will knock me out and dress me. No, that won´t happen. I must retain a minimum of Control. I swing my Legs to the Floor. My Feet search for the tacky Slippers. Tartan Slippers! I am no old Cat Lady!
I shuffle to the Wardrobe ….
Frieda:
I tug at my Bonds; the Hogtie is really uncomfortable. My Heels rest on my Butt, and I can grab my nyloned Heels with my Hands. I am tied with Silk Scarves. I am gagged with Silk Scarves. At least one is stuffed in my Mouth. Another one covers my face from Nose to Chin. My overimaginative Brain works in Overdrive. My Synapses are on Fire. I have no Idea who my Captor is.
He was there a while ago. Checked my Bonds. “You are awake, Emma!” He teased me, “How does he know my Nickname?” “You will do everything I say.” He said calmly. He does not raise his Voice. Which makes it even more creepy. “You don´t? There will be Consequences. And we don´t want that, Emma, right? Nod if you understand!” Of course, I nodded. I test my Bonds. To no avail. “He” knows his knots. I bet he is watching me from somewhere. The Door opens …..
Chris´ Chalet:
Chris stands before the Mirror and inspects here Mirror Image critically. She did not expect a Damsel-in-Distress-Rescue-Mission when she drove to Ettal this Morning. A few Days of Vacation in the Allgäu. Not far from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Hiking, Cooking, playing the Piano with Esme and Father Malachias.
But as a good Friend always says: Preparation. Preparation. Preparation. The Mental State to be prepared always, for anything. Und all Circumstances. Chris is ready. To take the Creep apart if he did anything to Esme of the other Hostages. A ghostly Smile curls her Lips. For him, everything is an Online Game. She doubts he has ever faced real physical Violence head-on. But that is about to change.
Chris checks her Gear: The two Katanas slung across her Back. The Tanto. The powerful HK 23. The Shuriken – and a few other Things. She takes the Full Vizor Helmet and puts it on. And looks at a Figure all in Black from Head to Toe.
The Blonde breathes in deeply. “I have to rely on Father Malachias´ Research and Sybil´s and Charlotte´s.” This Plan they had cobbled together with the proverbial hot Needle.
The Blonde pulls herself together and steps out of the Door, activates the Chalet´s Security Systems. Purposefully, she walks down the Stairs …. Turns right and jogs down the Path, which leads down to the Abbey, which looms as a dark Shadow against the starlit, clear Sky.
End of Part 1
The Files of Art. Inc.:
The Files of Art. Inc.:
Part 2 is complete and ready to roll. And I can assure you, it will be to your liking