The Encounter
By
Steph

Chapter Eleven
*



          Fouchon was quite pleased with himself. Here beside him sat the object of Van Cleaf's obsession, although not by her own violation. She was rather lovely and had a quailty about her that he could not identify.

          Fouchon slid one hand off the steering wheel and into his coat pocket. His fingers curled around the syringe. Yes, it would be best if she arrived in a state of delirum.

          Isabelle could feel the cold steel of the handcuff bite into her wrist and she winced in pain.

         "Is this really necessary ?" She rather bravely questioned the silent man.

         Fouchon glanced in her direction and smiled. "Your right of course my dear. I do have something all together different in mind." Fouchon's voice was laced with deadly intent as he quickly brandished the syringe filled with an unknown pinkish fluid.

         Isabelle felt a lump form in her throat as she eyed the syringe. "What is that for ?" Her voice quavered because she feared she already knew the answer to her own question.

         "Why it is for you my sweet." Fouchon replied and with one quick fluid movement, he jabbed the syringe into her thigh, thru her clothing. Isabelle gasped in pain as the needle punctured her skin and instantly a dark cloud began to overtake her as she slipped into unconciousness.



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          Detective Jase Bailey certainly had enjoyed himself this evening. He parked his car outside the Library and was unsure if he should proceed with his yearnings.

         Truth be told, he knew Mary cold provide no information on the case he was working on, but he had to afterall see to every lead no matter where it may take him.

          Mary was uncertain how to proceed. Jase had been silent for a few moments and Mary decided to take matters into her own hands. She may appear to be the fool, but she was certainly willing to take the chance.

         "I had a wonderful time, thank you." She cooed sweetly as she inched over across the seat ever so slowly as if not to alarm him of her attentions. She had wanted to kiss this sweet looking man ever since she had first lay eyes upon his lanky form. Jase played along. He knew what she was after and he found himself wanting it as well.

          "No need to thank me...I had a rather good time was well." He replied in lower tones as she moved closer.

         Mary was usually not so bold and so much a risk taker, but she wanted this moment and she would not be denied. She lifted one hand and gently laid it upon his shoulder. Mary could feel her own pulse beat wildly out of control as she moved closer and leaned in to touch his parting lips.

         He seemed startled at first but that lasted for but a moment as he raised his hand and held it against the back of her head savoring the silky softness of her hair, and he pulled her closer deepening the kiss.

          Mary was over joyed ar the array of sensations the simple contact with this man brought forth. She slid closer and pressed her body closer but the moment was to be denied as a knock upon the car window disturbed their bliss.

      Jase looked up and hesitantly removed his lips from his sweet Mary. Erica stood peering in with a questioning look as she held a bloodied hand towell to her head. Jase quickly opened the door and made his way around to where Erica stood.

         "Oh My !" Mary remarked as she also exited the vehicle.

         "What happened ?" Jase demanded . Erica knew there was no need to go on with this charade for Mary's sake. "Some guy came and and smacked me a good one , but he was after Isabelle Grant." Erica gingerly applied pressure to her wound, angry with herself for allowing this man to get the better of her.

         "Yes, back to Miss. Grant again. I think she knows more then we first thought." Jase looked over to the intrigued Mary who was beginning to put two and two together.

         "Your partners aren't you !" Mary was pratically speechless and she felt the first stings of betrayal. "If anything has happened to Isabelle, I am holding you both personally responsible...and by the way Erica Randall, your fired." Mary gathered her purse and sweater and made her way into the library.

         "That went well, don't you think ?" Erica replied in a humorous tone. "Very Funny.....now if you'll excuse me...." Jase made it clear that he was more interested in Mary's well being at the moment then the gushing head wound she had obtained.


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          Fouchon lay Isabelle's still body upon the large bed and moved to the window. He checked the lock and peered out of the third story window. Yes, she would not escape.

          Fouchon left the room locking the door securely behind him. The Mansion was elaborate and this floor alone contained 15 rooms and Van Cleaf was sure not to discover his secret.

          Fouchon made his way to the drawing room where Van Cleaf had just entered. "Ah, I trust you have seen to tonights weaponery ?" Fouchon seated himself in a large antique wingbacked chair and drew a cigar from his shirt pocket.

          Pik leaned his tall form against the door frame as if he had not a care in the world. "Yes, we are ready for tonight's venture."

         Fouchon lit the cigar and puffed on it several times until the tip glowed orange.

         "I think we need to ready ourselves to perhaps ply our trade elsewhere..." Fouchon watched Van Cleaf's expressionless face. That is the one of the many things that he admired about Pik. One had no idea what the deadly man was thinking or feeling for that matter.

          "But before think about locating elsewhere, I think we have some loose ties to see to." Fouchon scanned Pik's face for any sign of alarm, and he could read nothing.

         "In our line of work, one does not leave behind anything that could damage us. I know you understand completely." Fouchon again watched Pik's expression. He had to know how much the girl meant to him.

         "I assume that you are referring to the girl." Pik's words were laced with an icy tone.

         "Yes, the girl. Which reminds me, I have something you might be interested in.

          Please, follow me."



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