Suzy returns for the woman as demanded

The strange woman turned and strode confidently away. Looking down at the clock, I could see it was almost half past noon. I had timed it that way, hoping that the store would be busy with lunchtime shoppers.

Turning the key in the ignition, the engine rumbled to life, and I shifted into first, making my way out of the parking lot in a complete daze. My mind buzzed with possibilities as I drove aimlessly. What did this woman want with me? She could have easily just called the cops, or store security for that matter.

"What the hell am I going to do?" I muttered to myself. I could go home and just pray she didn't do anything...really, what could this woman do? Maybe she could have me arrested. In fact, the nut would probably say I had taken a whole lot more than I had. "Dear God," I whimpered. "What am I going to do?"

I drove up and down all the streets surrounding the store, pondering any alternative options. Anything other than going back to pick up that crazy lady. But none came.

At promptly 1:57 I pulled back into the parking lot, my palms sweating and my heart pounding in my chest. Finding my original parking spot empty, I slid the car into and awaited my fate. What if this was some setup? What if she had in fact called the authorities? It almost didn’t matter anymore. A twisted combination of curiosity and fear gnawed at my innards. I had to find out what fate had in store for me.

Just as the digital clock registered 2:02 my passenger door was assertively yanked open and the woman planted herself in the seat beside me.

“Glad to see you are so punctual, Suzy,” she said in her usual short tone. “It may ease your punishment. A touch.”

I swallowed hard as I saw a sly smirk draw itself upon her face.

“What are you going to do to me?” I asked hesitantly, not wanting to upset this obviously unbalanced individual.

“Nothing you can’t handle my dear. Nothing you can’t handle,” she responded coolly. “Let’s just say you’re dressed for the occasion.”

My heart beat faster as I took catalog of my clothing. I couldn’t quite come upon what she meant until my mind fell upon the shard that had started this whole mess in the first place. Tingling from head to toe, my body reminded me of the lace lingerie cradling my skin.

“Let’s go. We have some business to take care of,” the woman continued. Ignoring the slight gasp I let out and the look of horror on my face. “I live close by, right on Cedar Crest Lane. Do you know the way?”

“Yes, it’s…” my voice trailed off, as I chose not to tell her it was right around the corner from my own house. “It’s not too far at all, you’re right.”

As I pulled onto Cedar Crest, my I could feel my heart pounding through my chest. My knuckles were pinkish-white from gripping the wheel so tightly, and my stomach wrapped in knots.

“Number 38, right there on the left, with the blue mailbox."

I parked the car expertly in the empty driveway. Giving the task more concentration than if I would if I parallel parking in downtown Manhattan at rush hour. Letting out a short sigh, I put the engine out of its misery, just as I was sure mine was about to begin.

The woman got out of the car without speaking a word. I followed instinctively. I'd gotten this far; there was no turning back. Something told me that it wasn’t certain **** waiting for me inside. Hopefully it would be quicker and less of a hassled than getting arrested.

We walked through the front door, and I was instantly taken aback by the enormity of the house. I hadn’t taken a good look at it from outside. I knew it was in a pretty nice part of the neighborhood, but this was absolutely gorgeous. What was a weirdo like this doing in such a nice pad?

“Sit on that couch over there,” she commanded without looking me in the eye.

Obeying immediately, I settled into the plush sofa, almost enjoying the incredible comfort of it. If only it weren’t for the small detail of being scared out of my mind.

The woman turned and looked at me hard. It was if her eyes could penetrate right through me.

“I’ll be back in a few minutes,” she said evenly. “When I return, I expect to find you in only that which brought you here. Do I make myself clear?”

Gulping back panic, I nodded affirmatively, unable to avert my eyes from her stare. She did not reply, and I could only assume that she had been pleased with my response. Turning, she left the room. My gaze followed her up the stairs until she had vanished from my sight, leaving me completely alone.