Linked Read Free

penetrated the terror that gripped Victoria Banks’ mind. The only way to break the spell was to move. Unfortunately, she was still paralyzed with the horror of what she just witnessed and the fear of what their conversation implied. Deep inside, a small part of her knew it was all in her head but that didn’t stop her from struggling. As the spine-chilling screams grew steadily louder, she became aware of her increasing ability to move.
    Finally breaking free, Tori jolted upright. Her last scream stuck in her throat, choking off her air supply. What seemed like an eternity later, Tori gasped, dragging in a ragged breath. Fighting against the overwhelming panic, she pulled herself into a tight ball and wrapped her arms around her bent knees as firmly as possible. Without realizing it, Tori began to sway, rocking back and forth as an inhuman keening escaped from her throat.
    Tori forced her body to function. If she didn’t get up and move around, the encroaching darkness would close back over her mind and she’d see that poor woman sliced in half again. And again.
    “Oh God,” Tori sobbed. “Oh God, oh God, oh God.” She prowled through the cottage, switching on every light she had. After rechecking everywhere to ensure she was truly alone, she backed into a corner in the living room and slid to the floor behind her wooden rocking chair. “Oh God,” she muttered one last time before she gave in to the emotions that were trying to boil over.
    By the time Tori had regained some control, the sun was fully up. It was brilliant, reflecting off the pristine snow, making the world outside look all sparkly and pure. If only that was true. Deep down in her heart, Tori sensed that somewhere out there was a woman named Mindy who had only wanted a little adventure but wound up dead instead.
    “Okay, Banks, get a grip,” Tori muttered, shaking herself into motion. “It was a bad dream just like all the others. It wasn’t real. There isn’t a woman in pieces in a bar somewhere about to be found by some poor kid who comes in mornings to mop the floor. You weren’t really there, watching those guys get blowjobs and no one is passing up sex because they’re saving themselves for you,” she snorted and stepped into the shower. “If I believe this stuff then Diana is right and I do need professional help. Christ, I’ll be stopping strangers soon to ask if their names are Russ and Stan if I don’t watch it.”
    Tori continued her pep talk all the way to the library. She knew she looked even worse than the day before but, now that someone was killed, she should have a few dream-free nights and might be able to catch up on her rest. Tori knew Diana Peters, her boss, would let her hide in the stacks once she heard how the nightmare ended. She’d tell Diana right away and disappear to the basement before the library officially opened.
    “Tori.” Diana wrapped her in a fierce hug as soon as she walked in the door. “Oh, little girl.”
    Tori fought down the rising panic as Diana rushed her into her office, closing the door behind them. Something must be terribly wrong for Diana to be holding on like she was. From experience, Tori knew to wait until Diana released her to ask what had happened. It didn’t matter if the cause was good or bad, Diana never spoke until she was finished hugging.
    “My sweet little Tori,” Diana murmured as she dabbed her eyes.
    “Diana, please. Tell me what’s wrong. You know I’m here for you, whatever it is.” Tori rested a hand on the older woman’s shoulder.
    “Me?” Diana looked stricken. “Oh no, dear, I’m fine.”
    Tori felt the color drain from her face. She began to tremble. “Th-then w-what is it?”
    Diana wrung her hands and hesitated. Meeting Tori’s eyes, she caught her for another firm embrace.
    “Diana?” Tori’s voice shook.
    While she collected her thoughts, Diana motioned for Tori to sit and crouched in front of her. For a second, Tori had the impression that