Seven Story Publishing

It was a stormy night in Sacred Falls, Maine. Miss Harper Dillard was sitting in the study of her estate after a nice, warm meal. Her chestnut hair, tied in a French braid, rested on her shoulder as she looked through a book with a roaring flame crackling from her fireplace.

The rain pattered against the windows as soft rumbles of thunder coupled with strong winds shook the window frames. Occasional flashes of lightning littered the sky to further illuminate the room.

In the midst of the passing storm, a loud knock on the door echoed across the house. Annoyed at having her story interrupted, she slammed the book shut and made her way to the front door.

She opened the door and was greeted by a tall man in a trench coat, soaked from head to toe. Lightning flashed behind his towering figure as his ominous presence settled in from his haggard breath.

“Good, sir,” Harper greeted with a snap. “It is the middle of the night, and I am nose deep in a good James Patterson novel. This had better be a good reason to bother my peaceful estate.

He removed his cap from his head, placed it on his chest, and bowed slowly. “My apologies for disturbing your humble abode, ma’am, but I have been separated from my camping party and seek shelter from the storm. Could I rest here for the night? I assure you, I can compensate you for your trouble.”

Harper tapped her foot impatiently. “Unless you have a way to give me by the last five minutes of my evening, I feel we are at an impasse.

“I will remain in the lobby if you would rather. Please,” He began to beg. “Just until the storm passes, then I shall be on my way.”

She huffed as she glanced between the stairwell and the intruder in her home. “Against my better judgement…fine. Do not leave the lobby. And, for Heaven’s sake, please leave your dripping coat by the door. The floor has been recently polished, and I would hate to see it ruined so soon.”

The man clapped his hands together and nodded slightly. “You are an angel, Miss…”

She huffed. “I suppose if I’m to let you into my home unannounced, some form of pleasantries would be appropriate. Miss Harper Dillard. I do believe you’ve heard of my father, Donald Dillard of the Maineland Real Estate Company. And you would be?”

A small grin came over his face as he entered and closed the door behind him. “Not that it’s any concern, but…” He turned around and pulled out a pistol. “I am the Night Stalker, and I am holding you ransom!”

She stood unmoving and expressionless as the man laughed maniacally. When he was finished, he raised an eyebrow and violently waved his gun at her. “I said, I am…”

“I heard you the first time!” Harper barked. “Am I supposed to be impressed?”

He stood there agasp as he processed her response. “I…well…” He began to stutter.

“I mean, honestly, show some originality! Stranger in the woods camping during moose mating season and just happens upon a rich estate that, in all honesty, is not too far from town. Now, you want to hold me ransom? For how much, dare I ask?”

“A quarter of a million dollars!” He replied proudly as he attempted to continue his wicked facade.

Harper rubbed the bridge of her nose and shook her head. “You have no ambition, do you? Very well, let’s get this over with. I’ll take you to the study and write the note.”

The man attempted to hide his shock as Harper nonchalantly handled the situation like it made no difference. He poked her in the back with his gun as she led him upstairs.

She threw her arms up and turned around. “Now, what are you doing?”

“I…I’m urging you up the stairs with a gun to your back.”