Soul Catcher

by Vicki M. Taylor

The last of the fading light disappeared into the glassy smooth surface. The stranger sat quietly on the beach watching the water swallow the blazing ball inch by excruciating inch.

This was just one of many beaches at sunset he'd seen and knew he'd see again. He anticipated the darkness. Savored it. Devoured it. He desired the blackness as it desired him.

In one fluid movement, the stranger stood as the last bit of light disappeared. He walked east away from the water. His steps light, barely displacing a grain of sand as he made his way to the spot he'd chosen earlier.

The stranger saw the chosen one only moments before she was aware of his presence. Like the others, she searched frantically for a place to hide from his eyes while trying to appear in control. Nonchalant and unaware.

He smelled her fear – he needed her to fear. It made his actions easier; although it didn't appease his conscience; he'd have to have one first. Carefully taking his time, he set out his tools, fingering each one with loving attention.

***

Beads of sweat sprung on her forehead and the back of her neck. The tiny hairs that had escaped the topknot tickled the sensitive skin behind her ear, startling her. She stumbled, no longer in control. She fled to the only place she could find to hide, a tiny space -- her temporary safe haven. Small spaces comforted her. She sat, breathing fast and deep. Gulping at the precious air her body desired.

Then she heard it. Her sanctuary invaded. No longer safe. He was here. Trapped, she accepted that escape was impossible. She refused to go like a lamb to slaughter. She would not be sacrificed tonight. She would face him, this stranger, on her own terms. He wouldn't make her crack; she'd save her dignity at least.

***

The stranger would be patient. He knew from long experience that the means to the end would be the same. It was always better when he waited. His only enemy for tonight's event would be dawn, but it was hours away. Still no hurry. The darkness would stay long enough.

Without looking directly at her, he watched as she stepped out of her safe cave, determined to show no fear. He smiled at her gumption. She was different than the rest. This could be a good thing. He fingered each of his instruments gently; knowing them by touch, not needing to see, only feel.

In the dim light, the stranger glanced at his prey. She took a deep breath. He knew it was to summon her courage knowing it was time to face him, the stranger who wanted her; needed her. Why he chose her she would never understand, only knowing he wanted her was enough to feed her fear.

He tossed her a piece of cloth; similar to the outfits they all wore; his choice, not theirs.

The tiny piece of fabric and string barely covered the gifts God gave them. It wasn't enough to hide their gifts from his unblinking eye. He would see – see deeper into her than anyone had ever tried before. She would give that gift to him. He would enjoy it immensely.

He would take what he needed, then leave seeking his next soul, his next thrill. No end in sight; no relief from his wicked muse.

Trembling fingers tied the final knot into the string that held the wisps of cloth to her body. She drew a shaking breath then stepped into his sight. He gave no notice of her appearance.

He sensed her fear and knew his indifference somehow might comfort her. He wasn't emotionally involved. Maybe tonight he would be quick. The process painless. No words. No noise; only silence.

He picked up his first instrument. He never knew which one he would use first until he saw her. Each girl was different, unique. But, none were like her. She was perfect. He knew it the first moment he laid eyes on her. Tonight he would capture her soul and he alone would possess it.

Now his work began in earnest. He never spoke. He never did until he was finished. He motioned with his long slender hands, pointing with his thin fingers. She moved only at his command. It was best that way. He controlled her.

Flash! Snap. Flash. Flash! Click. Click. Snap. Flash! Her eyes blinked in the sudden darkness. It was over. Silence once again.

He commanded the silence; he demanded it. Only at his signal did the applause begin. That too was by his command. He came, he performed, he left. That was his way.

***

She stood, nervous, uncertain. Was it over? Did she survive? He signaled for her to leave. She made it back to the safety of the tiny dressing room.

She changed her clothes quickly, desperation fueling her moves. She didn't want him to change his mind. Not now.

***

He packed up his equipment with neat efficiency, tossing the small piece of cloth and string on top. It would never be used again. He moved quietly. Once again he had hunted the elusive prey and once again, he captured it.

It was time to go.

Without a word, he left. No goodbye, no handshake. Only a small white envelope left on the table that once held his equipment.

***

She opened it carefully, fearing she'd damage the delicate paper.

Inside she found his card. And her check.

It would be weeks still before she knew if she made the cover. She could wait. She clutched the check to her chest. For now, this was enough. She'd made it. She was a swimsuit model.