Mark, the blackmailer

“Hello?” Julie finally spit out, coughing as the words caught in her throat. She was still in a state of shock, trying to figure out when this was going to end. She knew the ramifications, if those videos made it to their intended destinations. Jason would surely dump her, and she was sure all the guys around town would also know about it. Micki hated Julie enough, and she would be sure to let the entire town know about the contents on the video. She wasn’t sure what Rob would do, but she was certain she’d never be able to go to the gym and face him again. Ashley on the other hand would probably congratulate Julie, and press her for some more details.

Julie waited for the voice on the other end. “Hello?” she repeated, more calmly this time.

“Hello,” he voice on the other end echoed.

It was him. It was the blackmailer. It was the same guy in the closet. Julie recognized his voice. “What do you want,” she hissed.

Mark remained calm as he listened to Julie’s building anger. “I’ve got your attention, don’t I?” Mark tried his best to remain serious, to conceal his obvious glee. He knew by Julie’s silence, he had her complete attention. “What happens with the rest of those videos is entirely up to you. They haven’t been delivered yet, but they will be if you so desire.”

Julie listened intently trying to figure out what he was trying to say. There would be no way she would desire those tapes to be delivered. “What do you want?” she again blurted out.

“We’re going to play a game today. How long till your parents come home?”

Julie wondered how he knew about her parents being gone. “They won’t be back till late tonight,” she hesitantly offered.

“Looks like we better hurry then. I’m going to give you various tasks to perform throughout the day. You will have very limited time to perform these tasks. Any hesitation, or delay in getting things done will result in one of the videos being delivered. Do you understand?” Mark was laying the groundwork for his plaything.

Julie, for the third time, inquired,” What do you want?”

Mark couldn’t hold back, it was time to start. “Okay. When I hang up, you have exactly five minutes to jump in the shower, and then get dressed. No shortcuts! I’ll know if you do. Shampoo and complete scrub down! When you get dressed, put on your skimpiest two piece swimsuit top, your shortest, tightest shorts, and your largest high heel shoes. Nothing else! I’ll call back in exactly five minutes. If the phone rings for more than three rings, I’ll assume you’re not ready. Time begins … NOW!”

The line went dead. Julie stood there listening to the incessant hum of silence as his instructions raced through her head.