The Man Behind The Mask

ELAINE

When I opened my eyes again, all I felt was a dull ache in my head and the need to pee.

I sat up and tried to take stock of my environment.

Confusion quickly flooded me as I took in the empty bed and the rest of the dimly lit room.

I tried to recall what had happened prior to waking up, but I was drawing blank and increasing the ache in my head.

I squinted to try to make out any details about the room, but everything was unfamiliar.

My gaze landed on what looked like a vanity. On top of it was something sparkly. Through the faint sliver of light from the sliding doors that seemed to lead to a balcony, I could make out the shape of the diamond pendant that Giovanni had given me.

All at once, the memories came flooding back.

Leaving Giovanni’s mansion, the party, the gun pressed to me as a man forced me into the Jeep and the accident.

I gasped in fright as my hands immediately flew to my neck and wrists, feeling for bruises. In the insufficient light I couldn’t see anything. I co