The Second Coming Read Online Free PDF

was probably drunk.”
    There was an eerie moment of silence.
    “I really should close up Mr. Rafferty,” Shelly said apprehensively.
    “Do you want me to stay and help?”
    “That’s alright. I’ll lock the door behind you and go out the side door. It’s a short distance to my car and there is plenty of light in the parking lot. Plus I’ve got pepper spray.”
    “Alright my dear. I’ll check around the building before I leave.”
    “You don’t have to do that,” she said appreciatively.
    “Nonsense. When I said I would take care of you, I meant it.”
    Shelly pranced out from behind the bar and escorted him to the front door. “Thank you,” she said as she gave him a hug.
    “Lock the door behind me and keep your cell phone with you.”
    “I promise. Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”
    Mr. Rafferty smiled affectionately at Shelly. “I’ll see you next Sunday night,” he said with a wink.
    “I look forward to it.”
    It would be the last time they would watch Sunday Night Baseball together.

chapter 7

    T HE KILLER STOOD in the shadows of the night across the street from the two story stucco and brick façade bar with his hood pulled over his head waiting for the old man to leave. He was only interested in the pretty young bartender.
    The door opened and the old man appeared from the light until the door was shut behind him. The killer watched with keen interest as the old man searched around the building for him. When he was satisfied that no one was lurking about, the old man got in his car and slowly drove away.
    The killer waited a few minutes, carefully calculating his next move. He was not going to go in after his victim. He was going to flush her out like a wild animal. He moved briskly across the street and disconnected the phone line and then crept along the side of the building until he was hidden in the doorway. He placed his head against the door and could hear the faint voices of the TV. He carefully tried to open the door, but it was locked, just as he anticipated. This is what he had been waiting for. He pounded on the door a few times and waited for a response.
    Shelly was sitting at the bar watching Sports Center having a final beer and cigarette when suddenly, there was a loud pounding on the front door. Shelly flinched and almost dropped her cigarette. She froze as she stared at the door too terrified to move or say anything. She listened intently for any sign of who it was as she set her cigarette in the ash tray. It was probably Mr. Rafferty. Or maybe it was Doug, the owner of the bar. Sometimes he came down late to check on things and help her close. Or maybe it was the mysterious stranger.
    Someone slammed their hand on the door three more times. Shelly’s heart skipped causing her to jump and shriek. She placed her trembling handover her mouth as she slowly crept towards the darkness of the front door. The only thing she could hear was the thumping of her pulse as the veins in her neck pumped with adrenaline.
    When she got to the door, she placed her hands on it and leaned in with her ear against the cold wood. She heard the jingling of keys outside the door and was momentarily relieved.
    “Doug? Is that you?” she shouted.
    The jingling of the keys fell silent. “Hello? Who’s out there?” She asked with waiver in her voice. “Is that you Mr. Rafferty?”
    She thought she heard someone whispering. Her first thought was that Mr. Rafferty may have been attacked and came back for help. She slowly reached for the deadbolt and held it tightly. “Mr. Rafferty, is that you?” She shouted.
    A sinister whisper slithered through the crack in the door.
    “I know you are alone,” the voice hissed. “I’ve been watching you.” Shelly stumbled back from the door. “You better get out of here you sick bastard. I’m calling the police!” She yelled, almost in tears. She turned and scurried behind the bar, her heart racing, and picked up the cordless phone. She fumbled with the talk