He watched her across the room. He couldn't help himself. She was Japanese, looked like in her late twenties, short and slender with long black hair. She had a wedding ring on her finger, but then so did most of the women in the gym.
Miyuki finished the aerobics class. She hated sweating, but it was a necessity. Her husband was a retired Marine and even though he was 10 years older than her, he kept himself in top shape. And somehow Miyuki understood that she had to do the same.
As she toweled off Miyuki had a funny feeling. It was what she called her "hunted feeling"; and the last time she felt it was a long time ago, back in Japan when she was much younger and she had just gotten a job as a waitress in the officer's club on the Marine base. And she had to wear that skirt with the too shot hemline.
He watched her walk to the locker room door. She didn't go in. Instead she sat on a bench next to the door and slipped a pair of cut off blue jean shorts over her leotards. Then she pulled on an oversized tee-shirt. He smiled to himself, she was too shy to change her clothes in front of the other women. He knew he would enjoy this one more than usual.
Beth walked up to Miyuki. "So, how's it feel being all alone for a week?" she said in her usually loud voice. "Oh…ok I guess" Miyuki answered in a lower voice.
He was glad he had decided to walk closer, to get a better look at her. Now there was no doubt about what he'd do. He left the gym and waited in the parking lot.
"Well I wish my hubby and kids would take off for a week," Beth was saying "except that the cops haven't caught that rapist yet."
"I know, but I'm ok…that workout was pretty rough today." Miyuki answered, changing the subject.
As Miyuki drove up to her house she felt a little happy, and then suddenly guilty. This was the week that her husband took the boys camping. Miyuki never went, this was her husband's "manly time" with their sons. It was overly macho for this day and age, but Miyuki never protested because she actually enjoyed the solitude. A whole week without having to take care of anyone. And that's why she felt the guilt. Miyuki loved her husband, deeply. And she missed her boys. But she also liked having a break.
He saw the driveway she pulled into. Then he drove on to a pancake house. He had a nice breakfast. No need to hurry. Then he drove back to her neighborhood, found a church two blocks away from her house and left his car in the parking lot. It wouldn't attract attention here. And he knew from experience to be cautious of snooping neighbors.
Miyuki showered. She took a long time, enjoying the hot water on her body. She felt her muscles loosening up from the awful aerobics class. Finally she dried off and got dressed. It was her usual summer outfit. The bikini panties and skimpy bra that her husband loved to see her in; the only kind of underwear she owned. Cut off shorts and a sleeveless blouse. Miyuki was comfortable, relaxed, and ready to read a book on the backyard deck, one of those romance novels that her husband always kidded her about.
He approached the house through the alley. All of the yards had those tall wooden privacy fences. He carefully counted yards until he came to hers. Then he tried the gate. It wasn't locked. That was a mistake she'd regret. He slowly, silently opened the gate and entered the yard. He walked around the garage. There she was.
She placed a beach towel on the lounge chair. Perfect! Miyuki had her Diet Coke, her book, and a nice seat in the shade. This was going to be a relaxing day.
He had one final look around. All quiet. Then he stepped out of the shadows.
Miyuki looked up. A very tall and muscular man in his early twenties was walking directly to her. "Can I help you?" she asked; not knowing what else to say and being completely off balance with the situation.
"Don't worry honey, you will help me a lot." Then Miyuki noticed his smile, and she felt total panic.
She jumped up. "What do you want?"
He was directly in front of her now. Before she could run, without saying another word he grabbed her neck, squeezing so that Miyuki couldn't make another sound.
He forced her into the house.
Once inside he released his grip on her neck. He heard her gasp for air. He also noticed her small breasts move as she took in a deep breath.
"Do exactly like I say and you won't get hurt".
"Please…don't hurt me…you can have my money…" Miyuki was gasping. She hoped with all he might that he was only here to rob her. But Miyuki had also noticed how he had looked at her and that hunted feeling had returned. Still, maybe she could bluff her way out of this.
"My husband will be back soon. He just went to the store. Take the money and leave while you can".
This was great. She didn't recognize him from the gym. And she thought she could control the situation. He decided to play along, after all he had all week. There was no hurry.
"OK. Give me the money. Hurry!"
She reached for her purse on the kitchen counter. He pulled out a gun and pointed it directly at Miyuki's face.
"If you pull a can of pepper spray out you're dead" he hissed.
"No…just my wallet. Here. See. Fifty seven dollars. And my credit cards".
Miyuki couldn't take her eyes off the gun. That's what the news said the rapist used to subdue his victims. Miyuki looked at his eyes. She knew he would use it. She silently prayed. Oh God, please don't let me die. I want to see my husband and kids.
"Fifty seven bucks. Are you kidding? This isn't worth my effort. What else do you have of value?" he said.
Before she could answer he reached out again, grabbing her arm and twisting it so that she had to follow him.
"I know something that's valuable. Maybe I should take that!"
For a moment Miyuki was confused by the pain and fear. Then the hunted feeling grew much stronger. She realized what he wanted.
As he led her through the house, looking in all the rooms, Miyuki begged. "Please. You don't want to do this. If you let me go I won't tell anyone. Oh please don't hurt me".
He found what he was looking for. Her bedroom. Where she slept with her husband. Perfect.
He forced her in. "Get on the bed".
"Please. I'm married. I can't do this."
"Lay down you cunt!" he yelled.
Miyuki jumped. He still had the gun. And his face looked so angry. Without saying another word she got onto the bed, laying on he back.