‘I don’t know but it makes me nervous,’ said Kelly. ‘He’s had the same routine every weekend the whole time we’ve been here. I mean, he’s obviously The Tri-State Killer. All the names of the women listed in the news articles as his victims are engraved right there,’ Kelly said, pointing to the names etched down the wall next to the toilet. ‘And we know from the news that he keeps the women alive for what, about nine months, right? I’ve been trying to keep track of time passing by counting each weekend he’s come to spend with us and I think we’re pretty close to that now.’

‘Maybe he’ll let us go! I know it hasn’t ended well for the others but maybe there’s a chance. We’ve been so good, following along with everything he says. It’s been so long since we’ve been punished. What if he killed the others because they didn’t obey him like we have?’ Beth said, clinging to the thought, no matter how unlikely it was.

A look of skepticism took over Kelly’s face. ‘Or maybe it’s time to add our names to the next news article.’

The key scraped into the lock and the doorknob turned. Both women bolted upright to stand next to their mattresses. When the door opened the man stepped into the room. He wasn’t wearing his usual jeans but instead had on dark pants and a white button-down shirt. It seemed odd paired with hiking boots. His grey hair was combed neatly to the side and glistened with hair product. Beth could smell a pungent cologne wafting off his skin, filling their small space, making her feel sick. The lines etched deeply into his face seemed more pronounced than usual.

‘Today is a very special day. You’ve both been so good that I’ve decided to reward you with a walk outside.’ Beth looked at Kelly and both women smiled. ‘I knew you’d be pleased. See? I’m a reasonable man. Now face the wall.’

He pulled out the syringes from his pocket, popping the covers off the needles while the women got into their stance. Beth was so used to the pinpricks now that she barely even flinched at his rough technique. He left the room, leaving the door ajar.

‘We’re going outside,’ Beth whispered excitedly. ‘See? I was right!’ Kelly smiled and nodded but the enthusiasm didn’t reach her eyes. ‘What’s wrong?’ Beth asked. ‘Aren’t you excited? Kelly, we’re going to breathe fresh air and smell the trees we’ve only seen glimpses of through that window.’