"Man," I thought, "He is so sexy." I had just seen the sexiest man in the world walk into my office. I know that is a totally unprofessional observation but hey I'm only 26 and I have eyes so I'll damn well you use them. Anyway he's about 6'2, slim, pretty good build (from what I can see) classic brown her brown eyes but he's still downright Tom Cruise handsome. I know I have a good man at home, Mick, but we're not married so my eyes are free to wander.
"Ms. Dower, Ms. Dower are you ok?," someone calling my name brings me back to reality. The beautiful Greek god of a man looked at me with concern in his eyes.
"Yes, I'm alright sorry Mr...?" I trail of not knowing his name.
"Taylor. But please just call me Eric."
"Ok, Eric what can I do for you?"
"I don't really have a problem but I'm 30, single, and very lonely and sorta depressed. I have my work and I'm sure I can get dates but I it's like it takes strength just to get out of my bed in the morning. I don't know what to do. I don't know if I have a problem but I wanted to get help before I have be on anti-depressants or something. So what do you think?"
"I think you should definitely come in for sessions weekly sessions Eric."
"Ok I do too. When's my first session?"
"How about the day after tomorrow? And if you feel really bad or depressed call me at this number," I gave him my card, "I mean it."
"Ok, I will if I need to thanks very much Ms. Dowers."
"Just April, " I said with a smile, " See you Friday."
* * * * *
Friday came soon and went and there was no sign of Eric that Saturday morning. I decided to call and check on him, but the phone was out of service.
So I looked in the records to find where he lived. I thought it was about time to make a house call.
* * * * *
Eric's neighbourhood was bad, really bad. It was on the dirty side of town were the drug dealers and prostitutes liked to hang out.
I stopped my car in front of and old brick building with stone steps leading toward the entrance. It was supposed to be a apartment complex, but look like it was a demolition teams toy. It was just as grimy and broken inside as it was on the outside.
As I walked up the rusted metal stairs to room E1 I heard the wails of young children the shouts of a drunken man taking his anger out on a woman. I was thankful when I got to Eric's room. I knocked on the door. No response. I knocked louder. Still No response. I knocked a few more times but then gave up hope.
I walked back down the stairs and back to the alley. Walking back I hoped my car hadn't been hijacked or something.
But my thoughts were erased as a arm came quickly around my neck, cutting of air and preventing me from making noise or speaking.
A cold sharp metal was put to my neck it didn't take a genius to know it was a knife. It was pressed to my jugular and I knew the slightest struggle or movement and that knife would go right through my neck and of course I'd die.
My assailant put a cloth to my face covering my nose and mouth.
My vision got blurring and I know I'm going to pass out. "Shit, "I think as I slip into the darkness, " Somebody's going steal my rims."