" I am justice — and her father!", he said almost inaudibly. The figure began to weep again, almost uncontrollably, as fear began tearing at his mind.

Race shook is head disgustedly, balled up a rag from the floor and forced it into the figures mouth. He secured the gag in place with an oil stained bandanna from the bench and quickly replaced the hood. Seemingly indecisive, Race moved toward the exit, paused momentarily, then rushed back toward his victim kicking him sharply in the ribs. The sobs turned to muffled frantic screams — but no one would hear. Race had made certain of that.

Closing the basement door behind him, he inserted a tarnished skeleton key and engaged the lock. He secured the main entry to the lake house and hurriedly stumbled to the beige Tahoe that would carry him back to the city.

His hands shook uncontrollably as he fumbled for his cell phone. “This is crazy — this is crazy — this is crazy.”, he whispered aloud.

“Hi hon. Where …”

“Alaina!”, he said shakily, “I found him!”