Know yourself. Psychopaths are skilled at detecting and ruthlessly exploiting your weak spots. Your best defense is to understand what these spots are, and to be extremely wary of anyone who zeroes in on them.
~ Dr. Robert Hare

Gina stifled a yawn and closed the book she'd been reading. She got up from the floor and sat on the bed. Putting the book on the table, she switched to lying position and relaxed. A minute had not passed when the door bell rang. Groaning, she raised up her head.

"My goodness, I can't even take a nap." She got up, thinking of getting her own place. Being at her parents home was getting annoying as she couldn't control the number of visitors that came in.

"James?" She saw him on opening the door. Looking up and down, she spoke; "What a surprise! When did you get back?"

Two years back, James had moved into the town. Gina, during her key escapades had found him stealing. After that, she'd researched about him and found out he had just been released from jail for robbery. She had confronted him, accusing him of trying to ruin the peace in her town. He'd talked about his helplessness but she'd gone ahead and exposed him as a criminal, something he wanted to leave behind. It was supposed to be his way out. She decided not to expose the theft if he promised not to do it again. He never stole again but he was unable to have the fresh start he wanted. He later decided to leave town but not before threatening Gina.

"A month ago," he smiled. "But, you know me and my writing. I can stay indoors for months. How have you been? Aren't you going to ask me to come in?"

Gina laughed and stood aside. "Of course. I'm just shocked. Can't believe you're here after everything that happened. Please come in."

"Thanks," he stepped in and Gina closed the door. He sat on the couch and looked around. "Still the same."

"Yeah."

"Why do you look uneasy?" He asked. "Let's forget about the past. I came here to tell you that I have forgiven you already. I want us to be friends."

Gina studied him and she could tell he was lying. She remembered how he'd looked at her the last time they saw each other. He'd said he would surely get his revenge. There was no she could trust him. She faked a smile. "Can I get you something to drink?"

"No," he shook his head, the seemingly fake smile still plastered on his face. "Don't trouble yourself. I just want to know if we can be friends again."

"It was a long time ago," Gina said. Two can play this game. "I'm glad that you've forgiven me. It makes me feel better."

"I'm so glad."

Gina looked at his moist eyes and felt like laughing. This guy was good at pretending but he couldn't fool Gina Breya. She could tell by his smile that he wanted to do something to her. Could he be the one who'd kidnapped Liana and Hellen?

"Did you here about Lia?" She asked.

"Of course," he said. His face was expressionless. "I may be some sort of recluse but I like to be updated. I watch the news everyday."

"Okay."

"Hey, aren't you supposed to be in college this afternoon?"

Gina's mouth widened. Had he been stalking her? Did he ever leave town? "How do you know that?"

He furrowed his brow. "I just assumed you go there everyday."

"Okay."

"You don't seem very okay. What's going on?"

"Look here. We were never friends and we're not close. Don't ask me too many questions."

"Ah Gina, you've never changed, I see."

"Yeah," Gina said. She wanted him to go away. "Can you please go? I was just about to rest when you arrived. We can talk later."

He aggressively ran hands through his hair and stood up. "It's okay, Gina. I'll go."

Gina went back to her room and sat on the bed. She picked up her phone to silence it but just as she was putting it away, it rang. Her face lit up when saw Dylan's name.

"Hi," she began.

"How are you, today?" He inquired.

"I'm okay," she found herself smiling. "You?"

"I'll be okay only if you come over."

Gina smiled, eyes wide. "Are you serious?"

"Of course," he said. She could feel his smile in the voice.

"I find it hard to believe."

"Why?"

How could she tell him that she thought he was the most handsome man in town?

"Forget it. I'll come right away."

Hanging up, she rushed to the bathroom and quickly washed her face. Stripping, she changed into a little black dress and flats. She went ahead to apply light make up. Grabbing her phone and purse, she went out of the house.

In a few minutes, Gina had reached his cabin. She knocked and he opened the door almost immediately.

"Welcome," he smiled, encircling her with his strong arms. Her stomach fluttered at the warm feeling of his body pressed against hers. She felt alive and safe. In his arms, she could forget all her problems for a while. She needed him, more than she'd ever needed anyone.

"I like you so much, Gina." He said when they pulled apart. "I was watching the news. Come on in."

Gina hurried in to see what was going on. A week ago, she'd never have bothered to watch the news but not anymore. Myrtle Eyck was talking.

"...new report, a box of keys have been found in the forest. It is believed that they are connected to the disappearances of the two girls. Our reporter has more..."

"A box of keys?" Gina muttered, almost absent mindedly. Her body was shaking.

"What?"

"I need to go."

"Do you know anything about the keys?"

"No," she shook her head. Feeling dizzy, she lifted a hand to her forehead and everything went black.

A/N: Hey guys! Lately I've been using my phone to write so I'm sure you've spotted some typos. Please, point them out.

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