The morning was stifling, even though it was raining outside and it was the beginning of autumn. The dream pulled me back into the past, and I was there again—where it all began.
— 911, what is your emergency?
— Please, come to this address… 212 Street, house 14, in the Pilsen neighborhood, the Mexican district.
— What is happening there?
— My name is Astarta Hunt, I’m 13 years old, and my stepfather is beating my mom. She’s screaming, and I’m hiding in the kitchen under the table.
— Okay, where is your mother and what is her name?
— Her name is Aurora, and she’s lying on the floor in the living room. Oh God, he’s here! He’s here!
— Astarta, don’t hang up, just don’t hang up!
— No, no… he’s looking for a knife. Please come quickly!
My breathing hitched, and I could see my stepfather muttering something; he was dead drunk.
— Where are you, little girl? I’ll slaughter you all. Where are you, Astra? You’re my good girl…
I covered my mouth with my hands, pressing harder so I wouldn’t breathe or make a sound.
— One, and I’m coming to look. Two, the clock is ticking. And three…
— I’m already on my way.
— Tick-tock, tick-tock, Astra, don’t play with me, or I’ve already got the knife. Tick-tock, tick-tock, hear the clock? You’re close, and I can feel your fear, little one.
There you are! The table flips over, and I see his red, bloodshot eyes…
My God, this nightmare again.
My body was shaking. Again and again, that night, and I’m hiding from him. Damn it, I need to see a doctor; I can’t sleep properly again. I need coffee, fast. I pull on shorts and a t-shirt with a goldfish print and stomp into the kitchen, looking at the clock. It’s too early; I still have two hours left and I won’t be able to sleep again. I’m going to go insane soon. I turn on the answering machine.
Two voice messages.
“Daughter, you came home late again and aren’t picking up your cell. They showed you on TV, and your uncle and I are so proud of you; you’ve already closed two cases and found the killers. If you only knew how much I’m crying right now, baby. Know that you’re the best girl in the world, Mom loves you. Call me, because of your work we talk so little. Goodnight, honey. Make sure you call.”
The second voice message:
“Hey, girl, did no one ever tell you that you should call your best friend? I’m waiting for you and your days off; maybe you should come over, my girls miss you just like I do. Waiting for your call, my little grump and princess. You were stunning in that report, especially your speech about protecting women. I’m proud of you, dear. Call me, your Ema.”
Scratching the back of my head, I lifted my head and let out a breath.
So little time for those I love, and I’m drifting further away from them. Maybe I should resign and start a new life?
Tomi Asked
“The Fear Game” is a story where professional duty descends into a personal nightmare. Caught between investigating gruesome crime scenes and the attempt to trust a man who sees her not as a “Huntress,” but as a woman, Astarta receives an invitation to a game. The player on the other side knows the true cost of her scars. He knows that behind her flawless exterior lies a soul hungry for retribution.
It is a story about how far a person can go when the darkness offers them a deal.
Thriller/Mystery
For over 18 only.
