It was just an accident.

                           ***

The wolf ran towards the burning house, unsure of what had transpired. Smoke rose from the flames, and he squinted, trying to see through the haze.

“Is anyone in there!” He hollered, eyes stinging from the smoke.

"Yes," a sheep's soft voice whimpered, barely audible amidst the fire. "Help me! Help me!"

Without a second thought, the wolf dashed into the house, ignoring the searing heat and the acrid smell of burning wood. His heart raced as he scanned the room for the little sheep.

“Where are you?” He shouted, making his way through the flames.

“Over here!” The sheep said, but her voice seemed to come from everywhere.

“I can’t see!” He yelled as the flame’s surrounded him.

“I’m in here!”

The wolf made his way into the room where the sheep’s voice came, but there was no sheep to be found. Instead, he encountered a pink radio placed on an empty chair, its static-filled speakers playing the sheep’s voice.

"Help me!" the sheep's voice cried again from the radio, now distorted by the fire's roar. "I'm just a poor little sheep, who set my house on fire."

The wolf's eyes widened, realization dawning upon him, but it was too late. The house crumbled, engulfed by flames that soon consumed him.

"I-I didn't mean to," the sheep's voice giggled through the radio's fading static. "It was just too easy."

The leading, blinding way you’ve seized my head Beneath the lust of youth that still holds innocence With tenderness you lead me to your bed And there I feast on sequins And carve you up With knives And dance

She serves you up on center stage Permitting you to strip your veils and scream But I am here (and I am everywhere) And everything you do you do for me

Yes, freedom, yes sweet autonomy Illusion tastes like ripened raspberries And you, my dear, taste sweet and good to me

My ballerina; slick with wine and tea And drunk on will and zest to love and live While she believes her dance isn’t for me Will stay a willing and welcome captive

"SLOW DOWN!" "Slow down? We're in the middle of a car chase, no way in hell I am slowing down!" "Well at least try and follow basic road safety laws!" "Did you not hear me? We're in the niddle of a car chase!" "Car chase. Oh my God, dont remind me. Why did I agree to this again?" "Because Paulina, you are my best friend and support me in all my life decisions; including stealing a car and running away from the cops." "We are sooo getting arrested." "Don't worry, we'll lose the cops soon enough." "Yeah, with your excellent driving and manovering skills." "C'mon my driving isn't that bad." "Yes! Yes it is!"

The rush I get from eluding prying eyes is like no other. I exist solely for the overpowering sensation of adrenaline coursing through my veins. Seeing panic overtake the senses of my prey sends chills through my body. How the smell of fear leaks from every pore as they begin to sweat from all the nerves taking over. It’s all so euphoric to me.

My newest source of joy lies still on the floor, slowly returning to conscientiousness after our first encounter. The occasional rise and fall of the rib cage betray their effort to remain lifeless. Eventually, their eyes open, their limbs twitching back to life. Uncertainty still resides in their thoughts as they struggle to recollect how they came to be here.

Patiently I wait in the shadows, my body aching with anticipation. Oh, how waiting winds me up. It's like a double-edged blade. Lingering drives me mad with a longing that only an addict can comprehend. Then, on the other hand, waiting makes the act so extensively sweeter when the moment arrives, and it always does.

Finally, they become entirely aware; crippling fear sets in as the totality of what's happened re-emerges in their mind. So nice of you to wake up. “Who are you? Where am I?” they ask nervously. “If I told you that, then it would take away the fun we are about to have; oh, the fun we will have indeed.” In reply cryptically.

At that moment, I see the helpless look in their eyes, bringing me to the threshold of giving way to my desires. But I stop myself because the fun can't end yet; no, it must endure a little longer, at least. Besides, I find the taste of victory is much more delicious the longer I torment my treats. I let a small beam of light cut through the space between me and them. The light momentarily allows them to catch a glimpse of their surroundings.

They see what I hoped they would, and to them, it's the way out. To me, it's the gateway to our final destination. I step forward to reveal my hulking shadow of a figure. My eyes are as red as murder, glowing ever brighter as the excitement builds. They catch my gaze and immediately cry out in a sheepish squeak. “Let me go, please.”

“Oh, I’m afraid I can't do that,” I croaked. “We have more to achieve before I can release you. In fact, we are about to move on to the next phase. Behind me are two doors. One takes you to safety, while the other will continue your path toward a disastrous ending. Either choice you make takes you from me, but only one prevents you from seeing me again. Choose wisely.”

The darkness washes over me, concealing my whereabouts as I watch them scramble to find the doors. My heart continues racing from all that is happening. A smile twists onto my face from knowing that I alone know how this ends. I watch as they desperately attempt to feel their way toward salvation. After a few moments, a pair of trembling hands anchor firmly on one of the doors.

Quickly they open the door and place a hand on the edge of the frame to feel what might be waiting on the other side. Immediately their hand is stopped by a solid brick wall. Grinning, I said, “Looks like you’ve picked the wrong door, my love. Maybe the next door will prove the better option.” My skin felt like it would burst from excitement as I watched them scurry to the next door. The door that would lead them out if they could find it.

At last, they come to the second door. A sinking feeling took hold of me as I realized the fun would soon end. This time the door swings open faster. Freedom is but a footstep away. I watch as they begin to proceed through the doorway, only to see them smack hard into another brick-laden portal. I take a deep breath in, capturing every ounce of fear-soaked air as they realize they cannot escape me.

With a sinister grin, I chime in again. “Do you seriously think I’d let a precious morsel like you get away? No, I simply wanted to nurture your fear. I wanted to make sure you were undoubtedly rank with it before ending our time together. Sadly I must say goodbye to you.” I move from the shadows of their confinement and drop the sizeable black coat concealing my proper form. Above this pitiful creature stands a body covered by blackened skin, charred and burning. My sulfur-rich aroma cascades down upon them, choking out what little oxygen remains in this place.

I kneel above them and firmly plant my skeletal-like hand behind their head. Screams ruminate from them as my hands twist flesh from bone. The screaming finally does me in, causing me to succumb to my desires. In one final motion, I yield their body lifeless. Now it is only me in this place. My fun has now ended, but the feast is yet to come, for it has to so that I may rest until the time comes again that I must find a new victim.

Once upon a time, in the bustling city of Metropolis, there lived a mischievous individual named Max. Known for their love of adventure and pranks, Max was always seeking new ways to inject excitement into their life. One day, they decided to lead their friend, Sarah, on a wild goose chase.

With a mischievous gleam in their eye, Max hatched a plan to send Sarah on an extraordinary quest. They carefully crafted a series of clues, each more cryptic than the last, with the ultimate goal of leading Sarah to a surprise destination. Max's rationale for this elaborate scheme was simple—to create an unforgettable adventure for their dear friend, spiced with mystery and thrill.

It began innocently enough. Sarah received an anonymous letter, inviting her to embark on a treasure hunt. The letter contained the first clue, written in elegant calligraphy, hinting at a hidden artifact within the city. Intrigued by the mystery, Sarah decided to follow the breadcrumbs that Max had scattered.

As Sarah delved deeper into the enigma, she found herself exploring hidden alleyways, deciphering secret codes, and interacting with eccentric characters who seemed to hold pieces of the puzzle. Each clue led her to a new location, unraveling the tapestry of a grand adventure. Max watched from the shadows, relishing in the excitement that bubbled within Sarah's eyes.

Throughout the wild goose chase, Sarah's determination grew, her curiosity ignited. She uncovered forgotten histories of the city, discovered breathtaking vistas tucked away in plain sight, and formed unexpected friendships along the way. Max's plan had far exceeded their expectations, and they reveled in the joy and awe that Sarah experienced at every turn.

Finally, after countless twists and turns, Sarah reached the climax of her journey—a rooftop garden adorned with twinkling lights. Waiting for her was Max, wearing a playful grin. It was there that the truth was revealed: the wild goose chase had been an elaborate ruse, orchestrated by Max to give Sarah a taste of adventure and to remind her of the magic that existed within the world.

Sarah stood, catching her breath, and then burst into laughter. The journey had been exhilarating, and the outcome, though unexpected, was nothing short of incredible. Max explained their rationale, expressing the desire to gift Sarah an unforgettable experience and to see her embrace the spontaneity of life.

From that day forward, Sarah and Max's friendship grew stronger. They shared stories, laughter, and an unbreakable bond forged through the wild goose chase. Sarah, forever grateful for the adventure, found herself inspired to infuse her own life with a sense of daring and a willingness to embrace the unexpected.

And so, the tale of Max and Sarah's wild goose chase became a legend in Metropolis. It reminded everyone that sometimes, the most extraordinary experiences can come from the unlikeliest of sources. It encouraged people to seize the opportunity to wander off the beaten path, to embrace the unknown, and to find joy in the surprises that await.

For the past month Casey had been working with Detective Connors to track down and apprehend whoever it was behind the disappearance of the five missing persons who had seemingly vanished with no explanation.

The facts of the case were this:

•None of the victims showed any signs of wanting to leave or gave any indication that they were going to leave prior to their disappearance.

•None of the victims were reported as acting strangely by any of their loved ones.

•All of the victims were reported as having met the acquaintance of an intelligent, middle-aged man with dark hair and dark eyes.

•When Casey and the detective found the first four victims, physically, they were unharmed.

•The only instructions each of them reported being given from their kidnapper was to figure out how to escape.

Upon finding the fifth missing person, Casey and Detective Connors were also brought face to face with the man behind all the abductions.

They tracked him down to an apartment building Casey knew all to well. It was where Casey used to live, where she first met Troy Miar. The dark haired, tall, intelligent man who moved in just a few doors down from her.

She had loved him and she thought he loved her—which he did, in his own way. But he wasn’t happy with the way things were, he couldn’t be.

They challenged each other in a way no one else did, in a way he thought no one else ever could. She tried to see the good side of things, he only saw the bad and he tried to make her see it too.

Before her no one was ever good enough for him, no one could measure up. They often say common sense isn’t all that common and he was determined to prove that the two of them were the only two people with it.

He said he wasn’t doing it to be malicious, he was only trying to make a point. He gave them a scenario and if they could think their way out of it, if they could figure it out then they were free to go. If they couldn’t, then they didn’t deserve to in the first place.

By the time Casey had figured out he was the one behind all of it, it was too late. She had grown attached. She loved him, she trusted him and he turned out to be the monster she was hunting.

She sold her apartment and he went to prison. He had been there for a year and one month. She had beaten him. She won, and one year and one month later she was back. Back at the apartment building where she first met him. Back on a case of abductions, chasing a man that always seems to be 10 steps ahead.

She and the detective walked into the apartment that used to be his to find a man sitting at the kitchen table with his back to them, drinking a cup of tea.

Detective Connors removed her gun from her holster and called out. “Put your hands on top of your and, stand up slowly and turn around.”

There was a soft clink as the man set the tea cup down and did as the detective requested.

When he turned around the detective lowered her gun, confused. “Who the hell are you?”

She thought they had been chasing Troy Miar, they both did. But looking at the man in front of them, the Detect had no idea who he was and neither did Casey.

Yet somehow, it all made sense. Casey sighed, defeated. “A pawn. He’s just the fall guy so whoever orchestrated all of this wouldn’t be caught, or rather because the person who orchestrated this already is.”

The man smiled. “You’re just like he said you’d be.”

“Who’s he?” Detective Connors asked, not connecting the dots Casey already had.

The man ignored her and spoke directly to Casey. “He’s sorry that he couldn’t be here to greet you himself, but he wanted me to give you this.”

He held out a puzzle box to her. Before she knew the kind of person Troy really was, he would often come to her with different puzzles and riddles—he loved to see which one of them could solve it first. She used to love it until she realized it was all just a test.

Her blood ran cold. She didn’t reach out to take it, she didn’t want to.

“What is that? Casey what’s the matter?” Connors asked.

“Nothing, I have something I need to do. I trust you can take it from here.”

She turned on her heal and walked out of the apartment. Detective Connors called after her but she did not stop to turn around.

Now she walks into the prison and he is exactly where she left him. Behind the glass he reaches over and pulls the phone off the hook. She takes a seat opposite him and does the same.

“How was the puzzle?” His smile is wide, much too pleased with himself.

“Wipe that grin off your face.”

“How long until you finally figured it out?” His smug grin melts off his face. He almost seems displeased.

“Too long.”

“I could’ve told you that. I had thought you would’ve been in here sooner, I didn’t think it would take five. I expected more from you.”

“Yeah, me too.” She says it softly and makes sure to move the receiver away from her mouth, she hopes he doesn’t hear. “Why did you do it?”

“Well after you missed the anniversary of my incarceration I had to do something to get your attention. I thought it would’ve been important to you, seeing as how you’re the one who put me in here.” He smiles.

It’s not over, not even close. She can feel it. He’s no where near being done with her.

“I’m bored.” Jace drawls as he stares up at the ceiling.

I turn to my six-year-old brother, rolling my eyes. “Yes, so you’ve said about ten times now. I’m not sure what you want me to do about it.”

“Why can’t I go to the woods?” He complains, ignoring my remark.

“You know mom doesn’t like it when we go out after five. Besides, knowing you, you’d get lost.”

“Nuh uh!” Jace sits up and glares at me, “I know that forest better than you do!”

“Right, sure.” I nod absently and glance back down at me phone.

Jace is quiet for a moment before he suddenly stands, sticks his tongue out at me, and thunders off with over dramatized stomps.

I blink a couple of times, uninterested, before going back to my video. Eventually, I enter reality again and rub my eyes, attempting to get my vision back. “That’s strange,” I sit up straighter and look around, “Jace hasn’t bothered me in a while. In fact, it’s been oddly quiet… a little too quiet.”

My face pales as I begin to suspect where he disappeared to. “No, no, no.” I beg, springing from the couch, “Jace!” I scream, “Jace, where are you?!” No answer. “Mom is going to kill me when she gets back!” I hiss as I throw on my shoes and race out the back door.

As I enter the woods, I can’t help but notice the sun slowly disappearing behind the trees. My eyes momentarily linger on the fading light before I myself vanish into the forest.

Who knows how long I spend searching the trails or pondering whether or not I should search deeper into the expanding darkness. Eventually, I come up beside a tree, staring into the growing dusk and turn around. I’m done. My voice is raw from screaming my brother’s name and I’ve found no trace of him anywhere.

As I approach the house, I stand for a moment, wondering how my mother will respond. Soon, I give up on attempting to calculate how upset my mom could get and enter the house.

I gulp as I hear my mom round the corner. “Ah, umm, m-mom. I’m sorry-“

“Oh! You’re back!” I startle as I watch Jace’s head pop out from behind my mom’s figure.

“Jace?” Surprise, relief, and then anger broil through my veins. “Jace! You little…” I stomp towards my brother but my mom steps in front of me.

“Is something wrong, where have you been?” She blinks down at me and I ball my fists, trying to work out an explanation in my head.

“Nowhere, it’s nothing.” I growl through clenched teeth. I glare at Jace who does nothing but offer me a coy smile.

“Alright then, I’ll leave you two be. Don’t forget that you need to get ready for bed soon.”

“Of course mom!” Jace smiles at our mom innocently as she leaves.

As soon as she exits I glare at Jace. “Where were you?”

“What do you mean where was I?” He says, batting his eyelashes at me. “I was at home, like I was supposed to be. Where were you?”

Chapter 1 Sam

Perhaps Sam’s obsession with treasure hunting originated from his childhood. He would often find himself reminiscing of his late fathers’ attempts on ‘striking it rich’ by combing beaches with a metal detector during their summer vacations. Sam used to chide his father, seeking all refuge from embarrassment, but in truth could not deny the thrill of the incessant beeping over pockets of sand.

Once Sam learned of Byron Preiss’ book “The Secret” he was hooked. The book, written in 1982, depicts a real-life treasure hunt involving clues to buried boxes scattered around the country. If found, the boxes can be exchanged for precious gems maintained by Preiss’ estate. Sam’s research eluded that only 3 out of the 12 boxes have been found.

Sam, mostly influenced by whim, was ready for his next adventure. The only problem was he needed a ticket to San Francisco. Sam considered himself a rolling stone.. hopping from one job to the next, never worrying too much about the next day, let alone the future. He was currently hiking the Appalachian Trail, fortunate for good friends lending him a spare bed or a couch as he passed through.

Sam had been navigating a smoother portion of the trail that led over a wooden bridge diverging the path to the left or the right, a literal crossroad not only for which way his legs and feet would continue but also in his mind.

Taking off his backpack, he leaned against a tree to pull out his cell phone and started to browse his contacts. Scrolling through his short list of “who owed him a favor” he paused at Penny’s name. Sam couldn’t help being taken back the time when he and Penny were inseparable. They had met as college freshman. Sam, the cute college boy with an undecided major and Penny on the fast track to run the family’s law firm. As opposites attract Sam and Penny dated all four years. He thought his passion for living in the moment could permeate the structured walls built around Penny. However, life for Sam seemed to always shift from under him. After graduation Penny and Sam drifted apart, dispersed much like sand through cupped hands. The harder he tried to hold on the more he lost.

Today, Penny lived in another world. According to Penny’s Instagram, that Sam tried to avoid since their break up, she was accepted to Columbia Law School and was now a top environmental attorney in New York City. Although Sam hadn’t spoken to Penny in years and the bitterness still ripe on his tongue, knew she had connections and money. Two things Sam needed.

Sam weighed his options and relying on impulse, much like his dad scavenging the dunes, dialed Penny’s number.

The hunt was on.

Chapter 2 Penny

Penny looked at herself in the mirror. Her green eyes staring back, searching for something. Her long chestnut colored hair coiled and wrapped tightly in a sophisticated bun sat neatly on her head, no strand out of place. The case was over and she had won. It had become a habit after each victory to escape through a hidden door of the court house to the nondescript coffee shop located across the street. A popular place for young adults in ripped blue jeans and converse tennis shoes opposed to her pencil skirt and pointy high heeled pumps. The media and press demanding comment would never expect to find her here.

As Penny looked at her reflection she tried hard to recognize the woman she had become. She could not understand how each winning case seemed to drive her further from whom she saw in the mirror. She grew up as an only child with parents that did not believe in failure. Her mother a practicing physician at a prestigious oncology center and her father a lawyer and now her boss at their environmental law firm. Penny’s life always had purpose, her ambitious drive for success never wavered and yet something deep within her was incomplete.

Penny released the hair pins securing the tightly wound bun and relished in the relief of pressure as her waves untwisted and fell loosely upon her shoulders. Taking one last look in the mirror, surrounded by the shadows that danced around her in the backlight, she took a deep breath and exhaled before leaving her sanctuary.

In the main shop, Penny felt invisible. The cacophony of sounds bouncing off the walls seemed to put her at ease. The smell of fresh coffee percolating tingled her senses. She always felt alive in this place. She observed the people perched on counters with their ear buds in and laptops open as others causally sat at low tables conversing their weekend plans. The endless possibilities that did not exist for Penny and her current lifestyle. Weekends consisted of her studying environmental justice permits to prepare for her next case.

Penny looked around at the bold abstract artwork on the walls and imagined herself as a paint stoke, free to move in any direction, carried by impulse and desire. She wasn’t sure how long this reverie went on but she was jolted out of her trance by the sound of her cell phone. Three letters flashing before her forming a name she hadn’t seen in years….Sam.

First I bring them in with charming smiles and witty banter, Comments covered with apologies and glamour

The line is long Of people waiting to be my number one But behind the scenes, Cutting ribbons is never what it means

And I don’t know why I love my toys Because my grip has never been enough to be a rock climbers I wrote a play in my mind and there’s always drama

So, maybe the endless line turned out to be just you, And listening in I think I hear my cue. You’ve been a little more distant lately. Maybe.

You take a step forwards and I take one back Even though I want to get closer Wanna have what we used to have Acted a little cold so you’d get desperate I want you to need me, I need you to want me, So you don’t go away

I’m what you made me I’m an actress You can’t honestly expect honesty We act when we’re not happy with ourselves At least that’s how I justify it

And I’m rambling like the calculated mess of a mad woman I don’t know how much of this is my truth and how much is yours, But I can always pull together when it’s time to go on stage, and I think I can play the part of you better than you could

“You just sent me…across the continent…made me cross the great sea…for a man that didn’t exist?!” Sorel demanded, dripping wet from head to toe. Oriana smiled down at him, the crown of golden leaves around her head glittering in the sunlight.

“Sorel, please, you’re getting the carpet all soggy,” she mused, putting on a fake pouty face.

“That’s all you’re worried about!?”

“Alright, perhaps I did send you off on a wild goose chase, but I was bored! I needed something to do. And, bonus, it got you out of my hair for a while,” Oriana flashed him a grin as she passed by him, her steps barley audible on the marble floors.

“That is not a good enough reason.”

“How about this one? I. Am. Your. Queen. You mustn’t disobey me,” she grinned even wider.

“Come on. We’re married,” Sorel rolled his eyes.

“Even better,” Oriana’s eyes lit up with mischief. The baby in her arms stirred, letting out a small cry.Oriana immediately turned all of her attention to her daughter, completely ignoring her soaked husband. Sorel, though he was still slightly mad, smiled.

“Shhh, oh, did someone have a nightmare?” Oriana asked in a hushed, gentle voice as she spun from side to side. “I get those too.”

Sorel’s smile dropped. He knew what she was talking about. The things they had seen together. The blood, the agony, and everything that came after. Oriana had come a long way since her dark days, and still had a long ways to go before she was truly okay.

Now he understood why she sent him off on the chase. She wanted to remind him. She wanted to make sure he hadn’t forgotten. She wanted him to feel the things she had felt. Except, she hadn’t been the hunter, she had been the prey.

“One day, I’ll tell you why…” his wife was whispering. “But for now, you want to know how I get over them?” She asked, smiling down at the light of her life. “I imagine your father, and your god mother, and your uncle. I imagine them all in one room. They’re all smiling and happy, and I’m there too, feeling completely fine. And now you’re in that room too, laying in my arms,” Oriana pressed her forehead against their daughter’s. Letting her small hands brush the side of her face. The baby giggled.