Karen’s phone rang. It was Suzie-Q. She wanted to join us for supper with Matt. Karen told her to come over when they were able. We took turns cooki...g and it was our turn so having enough food wouldn’t be an issue. When Melissa and Paul joined us from their classes, they were happy to see Suzie-Q and Matt. We had a great supper and talked. We spread it from our finished meal into the living room with soft drinks.Suzie-Q and Matt were taking advanced freshman classes. They had managed to avoid. They opened the door, flicked on the light, and I caught the tail end of a conversation about spending money on luxury items as they walked into the room. So, presumably, this was all about money, which was a little bit hopeful.Medium Guy (whom I'll call "Boss" from now on) said, "Take the hoods and gags off."Big Guy (hereafter "Goon") approached me and cut the strap of the hood, pulling it over my head and throwing it aside, then removing my gag and discarding it in the same general direction.. I often consider telling you that I can hear you through the walls but that would be too awkward for me to handle, and honestly I’ve grown a little attached. Tonight is an interesting night. The sounds are louder than usual, seems like you’ve got company. A girl by the sounds of it, not unusual for you to have a girl over but I haven’t heard this voice before. Well it’s a Saturday night in a big city and you’re a pretty girl. I doubt you’d have any trouble convincing new people to come back. .." Before I what, my dear Dreamer?"Cassie felt her body shudder violently at the sound of that voice. Too late she thought to warn Diane. "No! Diane, don't look at her! Don't look at her eyes! Oh no..."But Diane had automatically turned her head at the sound of the voice, and with her eyes already wide and staring, she could not help but be drawn to the icy depths as Nyssa stepped out from behind the door.At the same time, Cassie's warning reached her, and her body trembled with the effort to.