A Ticklish Thriller - 2. Lost And Found

The Stalker

In a grey hoodie, black jeans, black work boots, a man sat on the sidewalk, and kept an eye out for his next potential victim. Silently, he watched as an innocent looking young man, pumped his gas, then went inside the gas station. His steel cold, grey eyes never left the graceful walk, and rippling muscles, hidden under the delicious looking, prey’s jacket. The shadow cloaked stranger, had perfected the art of choosing, then stalking his prey. However, the farthest he’d previously gone, was subduing the men, and tickle torturing them. Part of it, was the thrill of the hunt. He loved observing the daily routines, and mannerisms. It really made him smile, and feel alive, catching these men off guard, and giving them a tickle test. Always alone, just the two of them, in a deserted lot, or dark alley. Sometimes, even outside their homes. The demon savored the fear of the unknown, seeping through his struggling, acquisition’s emotions. Their frantic questions of why, and who. The pleading, oh the delectable, pleading, when they felt the first prod, and wiggle of his fingers, against their warm, ticklish flesh. Then, finally, the fevered laughter, and writhing limbs. All of it, made the man shiver, and tingle, with unbridled, excitement. Best of all, he could accomplish this, without saying a word, or having to reveal his identity.

Mikey

Mikey stopped to fill his car. He went inside the station, and picked up a six pack of beer. The sun was starting to set, when he pulled into his garage. After closing the door, The brunette took a deep breath, and walked down to the dock. He sat on the ground, watching the sunset’s pink and blue colors, reflect off the slightly rippling water. This was how Mikey loved spending the end of a day. His mind replayed the evening with Dakota. Sighing, he asked his heart, and soul, if he was ready to take a chance at love again. His heart filled with joy, as he pictured himself wrapped in Dakota’s arms, watching the sunset. Mikey deeply inhaled, and nodded. Getting up, he brushed the blades of grass off his ass, and walked back up to his house. Once inside, Mikey put the beer in the fridge, grabbed a bottle of water, then slipped on his sweats, and long sleeve shirt. After tying his running shoes, the young man, attached a small, and slender body cam to his shirt. Tony, made sure everyone in his family had one. Each Bluetooth camera, was programmed to automatically save to a number of drives. One, in Bryan’s office, one in Max’s office, another in Pam’s office, and a fourth Tony’s office. Any of the parents, could access the file through their phones, at any time, and watch the live recording. He strapped the sheathed knife to his arm, turned on the cam, picked up the water, and headed off on his run. The crisp cool fall evening, was like therapy for Mikey. He loved having a morning, and evening run around the lake, or on the paths. Tonight, he chose the lake. The running paths, and around the lake were very well lit, so even at night, it felt safe, and serene.

The Stalker & Sean

Tonight, was the first time he’d thought of killing his targets. It shocked him, how easily, and quickly the actual death happened. The hooded man, definitely wanted more. Noticing, how unobservant his prey was, made the dark stranger contemplate deviating from his usually, drawn out routine. “Yes, a slight alteration would be fun” He thought. Then, quickly devised a new plan. He’d trap the young man, as soon as the chance arose.

Sean Whirley, had just filled his car, and was leaving the gas station. The blonde young man, was too into his thoughts of weekend plans alone, to notice the black nondescript, sedan that followed. He stopped at a light, then once it was clear, made a right hand turn. Sean, continued his journey home. Still, unaware he was being followed. Finally, he parked in his usual spot, and locked his Mercedes convertible. The college student, whistled a happy tune, that drowned out the sound of footsteps behind him. It wasn’t until a strong arm wrapped around his neck, immediately, followed by a rancid smelling cloth, covering his nose and mouth, that Sean knew something was wrong. By the time, he thought to fight back, the lights were getting dim, and soon, his struggling ceased, but, not before his loosely tied sneakers, slipped from his feet. No one saw the hooded man, place the blonde in the car, minus his shoes.

While driving, the hunter, silently stole glances of his sleeping catch. He’d cuffed the college boy’s wrists, behind his back. Taking an unused industrial strength belt, the man licked his devilish lips, and wrapped it around the thin legs. He then sat the ankles atop the arm rest, and tied it to the bar under the passenger seat. He now had constant access to the enticing, sock clad pair of feet. A dark, raspy chuckle, echoed softly through the car’s interior. The only other sound, was the soft snores coming from behind him. Ten minutes away from their destination, the driver fingertips lightly tickled, and stroked along the toes, and curved arches. He giggled darkly, seeing the toes start twitching, and scrunch. “This should be fun.” He thought to himself, as they turned onto a long, deserted driveway.

Lance

“Sean, ya home bud?” Lance called out, stepping into the apartment he and Sean shared. The two college boys, met last year, and became instant friends. Sean, was often invited to the Carter/Knight parties. Lance flipped the on the lights, then went to the kitchen, and washed his hands. Then, he put the soda he got from the gas station, in the fridge. Opening the closet door, Lance placed his jacket on a hanger, and went to check the messages. Even with their cell phones, both Sean, and Lance decided on getting a landline and answering machine, in case the networks were down. The last message left him shaking his head. Lance’s current girlfriend, was still bitching about his weekend with his brother, Mikey. “She’s got to back off.” Lance muttered to himself, and erased the message. He’d just locked the door, when he spotted something white on the ground, beside the stairs. Curiosity peaked, Lance bent down. He immediately, noticed Sean’s favorite sneakers. Having a couple lawyers, a city councilman, and a police commissioner in the family, he knew not to contaminate a possible crime scene, anymore than necessary. Lance opened his gym bag, pulled out a plastic trash bag, making sure he didn’t get his fingerprints on them, and bagged his friend’s treasured footwear. He pulled out his phone, and started dialing. “Hey Dad, I got something that might need looking into…. I’m fine Dad. It’s Sean I’m a bit concerned about…. I was just about to leave for the gym, when I spotted Sean's favorite sneakers, just lying on the ground beside the stairs. Dad, Sean's nowhere to be found.... I know, I shouldn’t have moved the sneakers, and I’m sorry. I was just shocked and confused, I didn’t think of proper protocol. You know how much he loved those sneakers, he’d never leave them lying on the ground…. Thanks for understanding Dad…. You stay safe too, I love you, Pop.”

Dakota

An energetic Dakota, unlocked his door. Stepping to the right, the twenty-seven year old toed off his shoes, and walked to the kitchen. He opened the fridge door, then closed it. Taking his phone from his pocket, the officer hit the third speed dial.

“Antonio’s, we deliver.”

“This is officer Buckingham, I’d like to order an extra large supreme, stuffed crust, extra bacon, cheese, pepperoni, and olives. I’d also like an order of cheesy bread, make that two. Also, throw in five garlic butter sauces, please.” After hearing the order repeated, along with the total, Dakota pulled his bank card, and prepaid then hung up. Just like Rudolph’s nose, his smile was bright enough to light the way to his room. He slipped out of his clothes, stepped into his lounge pants, and pulled on a tank top. Dakota’s next stop, his meditation corner. The young officer, struck a match, and lit two votive candles. He knelt on a pew that faced two urns, with a wedding photo behind them. Folding his hands, Dakota bowed his head. “Hey Mama, and Daddy. I sure miss you guys. Sorry, I haven’t talked in a few days, but I’ve been really busy. Yes, Mama, I know, I know that’s no excuse.” He softly chuckled. “Yes Dad, I’m being safe. No, Mom, I haven’t shot my eye out yet.” Dakota paused, and wiped his tears. “I…I need to tell you guys something. I believe, I’ve met the one, the guy I’m gonna spend my life with. No, Mom, you don’t know him. You guys are gonna adore him, I can’t wait to have him meet the two of you. His name’s Mikey.” Dakota smiled. “I know, it’s a very cute name. It’s a perfect compliment to his personality. He’s very playful, loving, and has the most adorable child like qualities.” The doorbell ringing, interrupted his visit. “I gotta go now. I love you two so much. I just wish you were here, to hold me. I miss your warm embrace. You’re always in my heart.”

Sean

Sean started coming back to consciousness. The first thing he registered, was the dryness in his mouth, and a slight headache. The college man opened his eyes, only to find he couldn’t see. Panic ravaged his mind, and emotions. He immediately, started trying to get up, but very quickly discovered, he was securely tied to a bed. Sean tried to scream, and that’s when he noticed the gag between his teeth. Panic, morphed into fright, as the young man tried desperately, to get free. Beads of sweat, formed on his forehead, and tears started staining his cheeks. Never in his life, had Sean felt such extreme anxiety, and fear. He didn’t know if anyone knew he’d been kidnapped. Hell, Sean didn’t even know where he was, or who was with him. The unannounced feeling of something sharp, sent a ticklish electric shock through his body, as it very slowly dragged up and down his very ticklish, and bare soles. Immediately, Sean’s body started writhing, in ticklish agony. The situation worsened, when the sudden sounds of tortured laughter, screams, and pleading assaulted his ears. However, they were just an appetizer, before the main course. An evil, deep sinister chuckle, stopped him in mid struggle. Next, a barely audible, chanting, whispered raspy voice, made Sean’s blood run ice cold, and caused the worse humiliation yet. He lost control of his bladder.

Mikey

Mikey stood on the side of the trail, catching his breath, and gulping his water. He’d reached his halfway mark, the spot he always stopped to cool down, before his run home. The brunette was in mid stretch, when he noticed something a little ways further up, and on the other side of the trail. Being the curious, mystery buff he was, Mikey went to see what it was. Just before he reached the stationary lump, something shiny, reflected the soft lamp light, that lined the trails. The young man got down on one knee, reached in his pocket, retrieved his unused handkerchief, and used it to pick up the small object. Right away, something sparked Mikey’s memory. He knew he’d seen the pin, but just couldn’t place where, or when. Standing up, he carefully wrapped the pin in the cloth, keeping his fingertips off it, and placed it in his shirt pocket. Slowly, and carefully, he crept closer to what originally got his attention. Tears filled his eyes, and he gasped, when he discovered what it was. Mikey was looking at Pat Lymon’s corpse. Collecting himself, the twenty-two year old bent over, and felt for a pulse. After finding none, Mikey quickly took in his surroundings, making sure he didn’t feel any immediate danger. Next, he got his phone, and called his Papa Tony.

Tony & Lance

Tony arrived a few minutes before his officers. He gave his son an extremely warm, and comforting embrace. Then, had Lance physically walk him through his previous actions. Tony made sure he and Lance didn’t interfere with his officers, and only made sure the detective didn’t rush to any conclusions. Just as the officers, and detective were about to leave, Tony’s phone rang. “Mikey, normally, I’d love to hear from you, but, I’m finishing up with a situation involving Lance.... The seasoned policeman heard Mikey, crying on the other end. He could tell the young man was close to losing it forget what I just said... It's okay, son. Calm down, and tell me slowly what's got you so upset... You what? You found a body... At the lake... You poor boy. Who is it? Yeah, I know Patrick, he played the Christmas and New Year’s parties.... You have your cam recording, right? Good boy... No, you did the right thing... Don’t worry, I’m calling Max and Bry right after we hang up.... I love you too, kiddo.” The Commissioner hung up, then turned to his son, who’d already jumped in his Dad’s car.

“C’mon Pop, get the lead out. My brother needs us, I’ve got Papa’s Max and Bry on speaker as we speak. Don’t just stand there old man, hurry up.”

Tony shook his head, and chuckled. “C’mon boys, you heard my son’s orders. Carson, call Officer Buckingham. Tell him Mikey found a body, and to meet us at the lake. I have a feeling, my son’s gonna need him for support.”

The detective, and officers tried, but failed to keep from laughing. “Yes sir, Commissioner Knight.”