Okay, first things first.Scheduling.
This week, my oldest is in her first middle school play, and Friday is the elementary school spring auction, which is a real all-hands-on-deck sort of event, so realistically, I'm thinking I won't have part three out until at least Wednesday, May 22nd, but maybe I'll surprise myself.
Just giving you all fair warning.The end of this school year is truly nonstop. Now as for the story, I found notes on it from back in November of 2019, and now I remember clearly why I've dipped in and out of this thing for four years.
It's a great start, the promise of the premise is strong, and yet I'll be damned if I know where this is going or how it'll end. It's keeping it in the air and then ultimately landing it that's going to be a problem.
And I'm not exaggerating when I say I don't know exactly what happens to Jane.Yet.I know what happened to her, for the most part, but I don't know what happens next.You know?But that's the problem with surviving something horrific, I guess.Yay!
You did it.You're alive.The bad thing happened and you made it. Now what?
Your life as you knew it is over, your reality shifted, and now you must acclimate, equipped with the knowledge that you survived and a head full of nightmares, surrounded by people who want a happy ending.
That's very foggy right now, but I'm sure she'll tell me.I just have to be patient.There you are, chapter six. Second location.He's taking you to a second location.Jane's mind screamed over and over.
You aren't supposed to let him take you to a second location.She did her best to calm down, but she couldn't stop screaming at him.Let me out of this car right now, you sick fuck, she yelled.
He pulled the privacy tarp across the back of the car to conceal her.Claustrophobia layered on top of sheer panic.It smelled like new car. Her body was too cramped in the small space.She kicked at the back hatch awkwardly.Out!Let me out!
Shush, he said in a firm voice.That's enough.You'll hurt yourself.He was right.Even the slightest movement pained her.He tied her wrists behind her back with the plastic zip ties.The ties bound her ankles together as well.
The jolts of the taser wore off quickly, but its after effects left her feeling deeply unwell.She was terrified. Shush now, calm down, he said, turning up the music, which until then Jane hadn't even been aware of.You're safe.
Listen, it's your favorite.He was right.Her favorite song from her favorite album was playing, and that shocked her to silence. I'm so sorry you had to come in to help me.I know you're supposed to be officially done, but it's fine.
Jane said quickly, avoiding the predictable sentiments.Well, I'm just so grateful.I feel like such an idiot.I don't know what I'm doing wrong.All the audible requirements can be tricky.
I cried the first time I had to put an audio book through their system.Jane reassured her. It was a lie.She'd had no problem clearing the audio files, but if she didn't help build Kara's confidence, the girl wouldn't make it.
She was smart and completely capable of handling the demands of the audio engineer position at Audiobox, but she froze the second that things didn't go 100% smoothly. Fucking millennials.
Shawna, Jane's ex-business partner, lamented on the phone the previous evening.Jane, you know I hate to ask this of you, but I can't lose her.We just signed two authors, and the studio is damn near book solid for the next three weeks.
You're so good at explaining things.I'm doing my best, but the second she senses my impatience, she completely seizes up.I'd be forever in your debt.I can come in tomorrow.Are you sure?I was thinking you could Skype.
If she's as skittish as you say she is, it's better that I walk her through everything on site a few times to make sure she's got it.Jane had returned to work about two months after she escaped Joel's clutches.
At first, only online, answering emails and occasional calls, then gradually building up her resolve to visit the office for short periods of time.If she could have just quit and never returned, she would have, but it wasn't that easy.
She was part owner of the company.It took time to untangle herself from the business. AudioBox lived in an old Victorian mansion near the university.The second floor bedrooms had been converted to recording studios.
The first floor held offices and a large living room where they could record events with live studio audiences.The backyard and that of the house next door had been paved over to make room for parking.
Jane was abducted from that sad backyard parking lot.She'd tried to fight it, to make herself go back to business as usual, to normal life, but that parking lot loomed behind the building, a cruel reminder that safety was a facade.
When she finally proposed that Shauna buy out her shares of the business, Jane had only been coming in one half day a week, and only then when Peter was able to walk her in and out of the building.
I wouldn't offer to come in if I wasn't up for it, Jane reassured Shauna.Tell Kara I'll be there tomorrow morning at eight o'clock, okay?Jane, thank you.It's really no problem.
Peter drove her to the building the following morning and walked her to the door.You'll chill in Shauna's office until I come back, right?He said, attempting to keep his voice light.There was no reason for him to say it.
That had been the protocol for months.I promise, Jane replied, returning a kiss.Call if anything comes up.I'll just be writing at the coffee shop. He'd said this exact sentence in the elevator down from their condo and once again in the car.
The building represented almost as much trauma for him as it did for Jane.It's okay, I'll be fine.
Jane sat beside the young woman at the soundboard watching as she pressed a button, thought better of it, then pressed it again before turning to Jane, her eyes brimming with tears.Kara, breathe. I'm sorry.
The woman dabbed the corners of her eyes carefully with her fingers, careful not to disturb her eye makeup.What are you so afraid is going to happen?I don't want to screw up.I don't want to do something irreversible.It's stupid.I know.
I'm fine until there's someone actually recording and then it gets all mixed up in my mind and I make a decision that I'm 100% positive about.But then it turns out to be dead wrong. Jane nodded.
You know, when I was at WBUR, I made myself a model to practice on.I bought a poster board in and copied the board so I could practice at home.Really?Yeah, it was too much pressure trying to learn it all on the fly, so I worked on it at home.
She reached out and pressed the button Kara had second-guessed.You're getting it.You just have to trust your gut and put some time into it.It'll be second nature before you know it. Kara eyed the board thoughtfully.
I never thought about practicing at home.The door behind them opened.Hey, how's it going?A production assistant asked.Kara smiled up at the handsome 20-something.Really good.Jane's a genius.Cool.Uh, your husband's here.Shawna told me to come get you.
He's in her office. Oh, Jane said, looking at her phone screen.She'd been in the booth for less than 45 minutes.Okay, thanks.I'll be right back, she reassured Kara.
The air in Shauna's office was so charged, it was impossible not to feel the news that was coming in her bones.If nothing else, her time in the cabin with a madman had honed her intuition.She could read a room in the blink of an eye.
She knew before he said a word. What happened?"she asked, as she closed Shauna's door behind them.Carrie called, he said, strangely calm.Oh no, Jane breathed.She's gone.
Chapter Seven He drove to Hendersonville, a town at the edge of Lake Ontario, known for its sport fishing. It belongs to an old friend," he said, as he carried her through the front door of a cabin in the woods.
I don't agree with some of the finishes he chose, but you can't beat the setting.He'd tased her again the second he'd opened the hatchback.
She was trying to concentrate on their surroundings, though her disgust at being held by him made her want to retch.
She spent the car ride trying to recall every bit of advice she'd heard on Dateline over the years, and tried to convince herself that she would survive, no matter what was to come.
She tried not to think of the woman in Peter's book, the one who disappeared, never to be seen again.But when she found herself in his arms, without the ability to struggle or escape, the panic overtook her.
You'll see in the morning how beautifully secluded it is," he told her as he flipped light switches beside the door.He sat her in a chair at the kitchen table in front of a wall of windows, the darkness beyond turning them into a large mirror.
A chain had been attached to the base of an impossibly heavy reclaimed wood table.He looped the end of the chain to the plastic ties around her wrists.Her body ached from the jolts of electricity and the cramped car ride.
She wept softly and told him that she wouldn't tell anyone if he just let her go.His eyes hardened.Don't be silly.He went out to the car.Jane struggled against the chain and searched for anything that might cut the ties at her wrists and ankles.
What are you going to do to me?She whimpered when he returned holding two duffel bags.It's been such a long night, Janie. I propose a cup of sleepy time tea and a few pages of Perot before we turn in.We'll talk about our plans in the morning.
Jane met his eyes.She drank that exact tea every night before bed.Agatha Christie was her favorite author.Who the fuck are you?She demanded.Barbara will be so pleased to know you and Peter are keeping the house.
Jane nodded, swallowing a sip of burning hot chamomile, willing her hand to remain steady.It was so sudden.I'm sure you have lots of loose ends to tie up in New York.The woman eyed her through four coats of mascara.
We were planning to move to Dover before she passed, so we'd already thought through most of the logistics.Oh, really?She studied Jane for a moment.Well, Peter can work anywhere, can't he?Jane nodded. And you do something in radio, is that right?
I'm an audio engineer, Jane replied simply, not wanting to go into details.Hmm.And how is Peter holding up?Jane took a slow breath, her eyes flitting across the room to her husband.
He's doing as well as can be expected, though I know he regrets that we didn't make the move sooner.When do you plan to move into the house?Next month.Well,
After all you've been through, I can only imagine how relieved you'll be to get out of that city.It is considered a city, isn't it?"Jane blinked.Uh, yes.Syracuse is a city.Dover is a nice town.Very safe.You'll see.
A wonderful place to raise a family.The woman raised her eyebrows, and Jane noticed the way her peach-toned foundation had caked into the lines of her forehead.And the police never did find that awful man, did they?
For a moment, Jane was unable to speak.She counted down from 10, allowing the silence to grow.The woman just sniffed.A small city like that probably doesn't have the manpower to handle a case like yours.
The woman shook her head knowingly and sipped from her lipstick-stained coffee cup.You're much better off in Dover.We'll see, won't we?Jane said softly, trying to keep the tremor from her voice. Hello, Mrs. Hegel.
Peter's sister sidled up alongside Jane, placing a hand on her back.Carrie, the woman beamed.I noticed you in the communion line.You've finally gotten your figure back after that last baby.Good for you.Thank you, Carrie said.Her cheeks reddened.
Jane, your sister's looking for you.She's in the kitchen. Excuse me, Jane said, offering Carrie a small smile before carefully setting the cup of tea onto a white tablecloth and moving across the room.
Pushing through a heavy wooden door, she scanned the large country club kitchen and found it empty.Megan, she called, her voice echoing as she walked further into the space.
She leaned against the metal island at the center of the room and breathed in and out slowly, counting to four on the intake and four again as she slowly released the breath. Jane?"Megan's voice startled her.
She watched her younger sister burst through the kitchen door.Are you all right?I'm fine.Carrie said you wanted to talk to me.Jane chuckled.She said the same thing about you.I think she was trying to rescue me from one of Barbara's friends.
Megan hopped up onto a metal stool across from the island from Jane.I was just stuck listening to two old men talk at each other for 15 minutes about the fate of some tree at a local elementary school. Jane smiled.
I suppose we should count our blessings that Mom didn't decide to show.I thought the same thing when I saw the open bar.Teddy, too.Have you talked to him recently?Asked Megan.Jane shook her head.Last time I heard from him, he was headed to Utah.
Let me guess, he'll pay you back as soon as he settles in?Jane put a finger to her nose and smiled. You know, that woman I was just talking to out there was going on about how safe Dover is, and she actually brought up what happened.No, she did not.
She did that thing, you know, when people try to act like they're all concerned, but really they just want a rubberneck.Gross, Megan muttered.Jane shrugged.I'm sure she wasn't trying to be a jerk.Yeah, she just is one.You sure you guys want to move?
Not really.Megan opened her mouth to speak, then closed it, as though reconsidering.After a moment, she said, it is really pretty here.The woods, I mean.But this country club is downright creepy.The door swung open, and Carrie stomped in.
That Higgle woman is a jackass.You know she dropped my mother like a bad habit the second her memory started to go.They played tennis together every single week for years, and once my mom got sick, she never even bothered to come visit her.Not once.
Sounds like a piece of work, Megan muttered.I heard her ask you about Syracuse, Carrie said to Jane.I'm sorry.Jane waved away the concern.It's nothing. It's not nothing.That's the last thing you need to be thinking about right now.Are you all right?
I'm fine.I'm the one who should be checking on you.Carrie put her hand on Jane's arm.I'm fine too, really.The surface was nice, wasn't it?It was beautiful.Peter's eulogy was perfect.Jane nodded. I suppose I should go back out there."
Carrie sighed and stared at the door.Startling them all, it flew open and Peter blew into the room.How much longer do we have to deal with these fucking people, he demanded, closing the door firmly behind him.
Chapter Eight Look at those shivers, Joel said, smiling gently.You must be freezing. She was certain he would rape her.She decided she could survive that, that it would happen, and that she would kill him.
And when she did, she would make sure his last moments were spent in agony.
But instead, he'd clipped off the zip ties on her wrists and ankles and carefully removed all of her clothing and redressed her in a pair of soft pink pajamas, covering her feet in fuzzy socks decorated with tiny red hearts, the whole time reminding her that the Taser was in reach.
Now let's brush those teeth."He led her into the bathroom, where he watched her brush her teeth and wipe her face with a washcloth.Her hands shook so badly, she wasn't sure she'd be able to complete the tasks.
Aside from the toothbrush, there was nothing to use as a weapon against him.That's clean toothpaste, he told her.No heavy metals or fluoride.It tasted like mint-flavored chalk.
He led her back into the bedroom, instructed her to sit on the edge of the bed, and placed a new zip tie around her wrist.He secured a chain attached to the bedpost to her wrist before tucking her under the plush covers.
She lay stiff as a board as he climbed in beside her and reached for a book on the nightstand, a pillow at his back against the headboard.The mysterious affair at Stiles, he intoned, sliding on a pair of reading glasses.An oldie but a goodie, no?
He read for a long time from one of her favorite books before turning out the light and gently kissing her cheek.Jane carried a box of books into the living room and placed it alongside a pile of their belongings.
The interaction with the Higgle woman had bothered her much more than she was willing to admit. She hadn't yet found a satisfying way to respond to the sticky, sweet falsity of interactions with people like her.
People who feigned concern when really they just wanted to sidle up to the railing and get a safe peek into utter darkness.A juicy detail about that poor woman who was kidnapped by her stalker.They could pass along to friends over cocktails.
She'd seen the same sort of excitement in the eyes of the readers who'd turned up for Peter's book signings, true crime addicts who tossed around the details of horror as if they were discussing a soap opera.She understood the fascination.
She understood women had been hunted since the beginning of time, and these stories served as cautionary tales.But to be the cautionary tale, the so-called survivor, that was different.
That brief exchange with her mother-in-law's old friend bothered her so much because it cast gloom on the perfect picture of Dover she hadn't realized she'd begun to create in her mind.
She'd allowed herself to believe that she could be anonymous there, that no one would know what had happened to her in Syracuse.How stupid could she have been? Her abduction had been national news.She'd been gone for weeks.
Every person she'd known had been sucked up into the story.There would be no anonymity for her, for any of them, ever again.I think the closets are the only thing left, Peter said, gently placing a box on the floor beside her.Jane nodded.
How attached are you to that painting? Peter's gaze moved to the large painting on the wall above their couch.He turned back to her, a look of mock horror on his face.Are you not attached to that painting?Jane laughed.Not really.
It was the first piece of art I ever bought.I just think it might not quite fit in with your mom's old aesthetic.Dots and lines go with anything, Peter said in mock seriousness. What if we left it as a special gift for the guy who bought the place?"
Peter grinned.I think he'd be thrilled.The furniture that fit so perfectly in their industrial loft wouldn't suit the small cottage Peter inherited from his mother.As luck would have it, the man who bought their condo wanted their furniture, too.
He was recently divorced, hadn't a bed or table to his name.It was a win-win. Jane wasn't thrilled at the idea of moving into her mother-in-law's home in its current state, but they'd change things once they had a chance to settle in and acclimate.
Thinking about new paint and furniture was a good distraction from the fact that she, they, were leaving behind everything familiar. Jane would keep her biweekly appointments with Andrea via Zoom.
She was up and running with her audio editing business, her clients keeping her moderately busy.She held back, though, only taking on a handful of projects for the time being.
She knew she could have signed on enough indie podcasters to justify hiring her own assistant, but she was careful about the projects she took on, only agreeing to assist certain creators.
Those whose content covered pop culture, gardening, book reviews, and author interviews. Given the popularity of true crime in the medium, she was selective.
She was aware her story had been widely reported on in the genre, and she'd received dozens of interview requests, turning down every single one.Her standard response?Thank you for your inquiry.
While I may not be able to stop you from reporting on my very personal story, I do not wish to participate in any way. Joel was still out there.She'd heard the argument, but this could help lead to his arrest.Too many times to count.Bullshit.
Her abduction had been reported internationally.Joel's face plastered across screens everywhere once she'd escaped.It had been almost a year since the night she was taken, and he still hadn't been found.
The audience of some rinky-dink true crime podcast wouldn't be the ones to find him.He'd managed to ooze in between the cracks of society, laying in wait until he saw his chance.
They rented a van to move their belongings the 303 miles from Armory Square to their new cottage beside the forest at Hale Reservation in Dover, Massachusetts.
Aside from the predictable panic of making such a big move and her heartbreak at leaving Megan and her two nieces behind, The overwhelming feeling in Jane's chest as they turned onto I-90 was relief.
No one in Syracuse knew where they were headed, aside from her sister, Megan, and her old business partner, Shawna.Jane had all of their mail forwarded to a P.O.box in Fayetteville near Megan, who would send it along to them in bulk each week.
Everyone insisted that Joel Vincent Hayes was long gone. Everyone said he'd taken off to Canada and would stay on the run until the police eventually caught up with him.But everyone hadn't been in that cabin.
Everyone hadn't listened to him profess his undying love for her.Everyone hadn't seen firsthand the lengths he had gone to take her and keep her.She never should have been able to escape.It was a complete and utter fluke.
He planned everything meticulously.Everyone hadn't seen the craze that burned in his eyes, the passion that could change from obsession to pure hatred in a flash.
Jane had no doubt in her mind that if given the chance, if he could get her alone again, he would kill her.Her phone rang and she answered, careful to keep her eyes on the highway ahead of her.What you thinking about, Peter asked.
The house, she replied. He was trailing behind her in the van as she drove their old Jeep.Me too.There's a rest area up ahead.Do you need to stop?Not really.Do you?She asked, hoping that he didn't.Too many people.Too many cars coming and going.
Too easy to disappear from a place like that.Nope.I'm good.Looks like we've only got about an hour left.What should we get to eat when we get there?She asked, knowing he must be bored driving alone.What are you up for?
Jane paused for the briefest of moments before responding, I'm up for anything.Chapter 9.Okie dokie, what are you up for this morning?Joel asked.
They were at the kitchen table, Jane's plastic ties secured to the chain around its base, her mug of coffee empty.I have fresh farm-raised eggs in the fridge. He met her eyes in a sort of challenge.She did her best to keep her features neutral.
I understand you've gotten yourself all turned around about eating meat, but eggs are one of nature's perfect foods.And you do enjoy cheese.I'll make a scramble.
She licked her lips and took in a slow breath, attempting to push past the panic of having to eat something she hadn't had since she'd been a teenager.I'm not feeling all that hungry this morning.Coffee's fine for now.
His lips turned up, but his eyes remained steady.If you skip your breakfast, you'll be ravenous by lunchtime, and you'll overeat.No, we'll get some lean protein in you.We can't have you pudging up now, can we?
He let out a high-pitched laugh and reached out to squeeze her shoulder.She jumped back as if he'd stabbed her.
While they hadn't done anything to alter the cottage's decor, Peter's sister had helped them to coordinate a security company prior to their move.They'd outfitted the interior and exterior with every security feature available.
Cameras positioned to keep watch over the front and back yards, as well as all of the doors.Motion-sensored lights stationed around the property.Sensors installed on each and every window and door.
The bedroom door had been replaced with a metal one complete with deadbolts.
Panic buttons were strategically placed throughout the first and second floors, and both Jane and Peter had key fobs to carry in the event they were unable to reach one of the hardwired buttons.All of it gave Peter peace of mind.
Jane wasn't convinced it would be enough.There were so many windows.Double French doors led to the back porch.It had been so much easier to secure the condo, one door in and out, windows that overlooked a sheer brick wall,
The town website reported that the Dover Police Department had 16 full-time officers.If the back door was breached, how long would it take one of them to get to their house?
A little over 6,200 people lived in town, so give or take there were 387 residents per police officer.What were the chances someone else, several someone else's, weren't having an emergency when she needed them?
One website said the crime rate in Dover, Mass., is 32, which is 7.6 times smaller than the U.S.average.It was higher than in 20.5% of U.S.cities, but those were just numbers.
There are many statistics about children being abducted by strangers, but the numbers were fuzzy for adult women, who are listed as missing.Most of those women went missing at the hands of someone they knew.
She didn't know Joel, but he'd known everything about her. She carried her own taser now on her keychain.But what if he got in while they were sleeping?What if her phone rang again?We're just one mile out, Peter declared happily.
Great, she replied, making sure to put excitement in her voice.
They pulled onto their new street, past its only other home, a ranch that belonged to a retired couple, the McKeons, who'd lived there for at least 30 years, and now that their children were grown and out of the house, wintered in Florida.
Peter and his family hadn't been close with them, but they'd interacted over the years as typical New England neighbors, swooping in when assistance was needed during snowstorms or power outages, but offering only a nod and wave, privacy and space otherwise.
The cottage sat at the edge of a large reservation at the very end of that dead-end street.
The seclusion appealed to Jane, whereas in the city, she had to be hyper-aware of her surroundings and every single person she passed on the sidewalk, lest they turn out to be Joel Vincent Hayes.
In a house at the edge of the forest, she would see someone coming, and if she didn't, her cameras would.No one would be able to disappear into the crowd, or watch her without her knowledge.It would be quiet.It would be calm.Solitary.Safe.
Tom's sister and her husband Steve stood at the end of the driveway, waving and wearing matching smiles.How was the drive?Carrie asked, hugging Jane, then pushing her back and holding onto both of her shoulders.
I'm sorry, she said after a moment, wiping her eyes.I'm just so happy you're finally here.I was worried.She trailed off looking at Peter, then back at Jane.I'm just being emotional, she laughed.Mom talked about you so much that last week.
That's nice to hear, Peter offered.She didn't talk about you, she talked about Jane, Carrie corrected. She was confused, but you were on her mind.But she was doing that thing where she must have been combining memories.How's that?Asked Peter.
Carrie looked uncertain then.Well, she said she was happy we're safe being looked after, which makes sense.Jane smiled guiltily.
No one had to say it out loud, but they all knew the stress of Jane's disappearance had contributed to Barbara's rapid decline.But then Carrie chuckled.She kept mentioning your forest fairy.What did she say exactly?
Carrie scrunched her forehead, remembering.Some of it was her nonsense thoughts.Thank God for her forest fairy.That was the theme for a day or two, but she was happy, proud of you.She said a few times, Jane's a smart cookie.She'll know when to run.
Carrie's smile faltered as the silence extended.I ordered pizza. Steve finally said with forced cheer.Pete, why don't you come with me?Delivery takes forever out here.I'm going to go pick it up.
