Blood Red Sundown: Evil Begins by Allen Gates Page A

important.
    “I needed to apologize immediately or I would spend the
entire night tossing and turning. I was way out of line, Anne. I had no right to
be upset with you. I guess I’m a little too struck by you and pushed the envelope
a little too far. That’s the reason I had to get this off my chest before heading
home. So, having said it, I’ll say good-night and I hope to see you tomorrow.”
    Closing the door, Anne was relieved by his apology, but
remained uneasy with his earlier display of possessive behavior with a tinge of
anger. She was unsure if she wanted to let this relationship go any further than
it had gone.

30
    SITTING ON HER blanket
looking out over the horizon, Stephanie was at complete peace for the first time
in over a year maybe forever she thought. Breaking from her reverie she looked over
and spotted Hobo running along the shore attacking the waves. Checking her watch
she estimated the sun was about one hour from setting and assumed he was not coming
when the sound of an approaching car disrupted her thoughts.
    She felt a sudden rush of anxiety. How should I act?
Should I act like I don’t remember him when he approaches? I’ll just act natural,
was the final approach she settled on. A car door closing caused her heart to beat
a little faster.
    Continuing to stare out over the water trying to act
unconcerned she was unaware of the eyes staring at her back as she sat and waited
for his arrival. He did not appear and when a door slammed she turned to see a car
backing up and pulling out of the parking area onto the road. She could only catch
a partial view of the car due to the lower level of the beach.
    Strange, she thought as she remembered that this was
the second time that had happened. The whole scenario gave her a sense of unease. Was it him and he resented the fact that I was here. Turning her attention
back to the setting sun, she thought, as beautiful as it is as it settles on
the horizon I would rather be sharing it with someone.
    “Hobo, come here boy and park yourself next to me and
let’s watch the end of the day.”
    The sun looked like a large red and orange ball sinking
into the sea. As they sat there and the beginning darkness descended around them,
her contentment turned to the realization of possible dangers the nighttime hid.
    Come on girl, get yourself home. Think of the
evil that has been going on in this community. Women are constantly being
warned to be watchful and aware at all times. Picking up the blanket, she walked
up the hill to her car with her dog leading the way. A small Mercedes pulled in
next to her parked car. It was him.
    He gave a wave just before opening the door and stepping
out.
    “How was the sunset?”
    “It was wonderful!”
    “I was tied up with some personal problems and could
not get here in time. I’m surprised to see you still here. It can be dangerous for
ladies to be out after dark.”
    “I remembered that and we packed up and were just leaving.
Will you be here tomorrow?”
    “That’s my plan, but lately my life has been turned upside
down.”
    “Well, if you’re here, I’ll look forward to seeing you,
William. See, I remembered.”
    He laughed and complimented her on her social graces.
Then he turned and headed for the lower level. Her desire was to follow, but her
good sense said no, so she started her car keeping his image in her mind as she
drove home.

31
    WHY HAVE YOU been so
nervous, he wondered? Twice now you have pulled in and observed her and changed
your mind. Start by making friends with her and you will be fine. Just talk and
be yourself and she will learn to trust you like all the others. You really like
this one I know, but listen, just relax and be patient. If this lady is not meant
to be the next, so be it. You have others in mind and there is always the vast number
of unknowns walking around. Lately they seem to be fulfilling, offering you a special
reward of satisfaction. He looked at his image in the mirror smiled