Phantom Keys: by Vernon Scott (best story books to read TXT) 📖

your brother.”
As if I were shocked I stated, “How do you know my brother? Is he the reason you visited my flower shop today?”
Mrs. Chambers began laughing. “No, Ms. Gwen I can see the resemblance. Your brother does visit this place often. In fact he just left not too long before you came. Back to the mask, you can have it. But if you need more, just give me a call. But next time I might have to charge you.”
“That’s good to know,” I said as I approached the door. “Have a nice day Mrs. Chambers. And I will give you a call when ever I need a new mask.”
I jumped into my car and drove away. I drove pass my brother’s house once again and his car was no where in sight. It took some time to get back to my house but thankfully I had a lot of time to get ready for my date tonight.
I decided to wear my dark green dress. It was my favorite because of the curviness it gave the body. I slipped on my heels and put a white rose in my hair. I had to admire myself in the mirror for a few minutes. After putting on my make-up and gathering some important things, I hopped into my car and drove off. I was so happy because I’m going to be dining with my wonderfully handsome detective boyfriend.

Chapter 3
A Hard Days Work

Crime has been down recently. That is both a good thing and a bad thing. I’m glad that I don’t get paid for every criminal I catch. I should feel happy that I’m not like most of the officers at the precinct. I’m just happy that I was raised with money. Sure I’m rich but not many people know it. I did not want to subject myself as being another stereotypical rich kid who lives off of mommy and daddy’s money. I want to make it on my own, at least for now.
Later on I have a date with one of the most beautiful women in the world. She has style and flare. But most of all, she was perfect. It is true that no human is perfect, but her flaws make her better. I love her so much but I’m too scared of taking a giant leap into this relationship.
I can’t wait to see her tonight. She decided that we should have Japanese. I should probably get something that is fancy. I want to look great. Will tonight be the night? Will I finally ask her to marry me? I love her too much to let her go another day without a ring on her finger. I can remember the first day I met her. It is as if I met her yesterday.

...

Three months ago I was patrolling. I so happened to have passed this exquisite flower shop that I never bothered to notice. Seeing that all was calm, I decided to observe it. When I entered I was approached by the warm and caring air that resided in the flower shop. And then I heard an almost angelic voice call out to me.
“Hello officer, welcome to Gwen’s,” she said from behind her counter. “How may I help you today, sir?”
“You can call me Marcus,” I said, “this is a lovely establishment you have here. And I just looking around.”
“Okay sir…I mean Marcus. But I’ll be here if you need me.”
I continued to look around the store until I saw my mother’s favorite plant. “Excuse me, Ms.—”
“Stephens…but you may call me Gwen,” she said with a beautiful smile on her face. “Do you need my assistance?”
“Yes. I was wondering what type of plant this is.”
“That is a Chrysanthemum. Is it for your girlfriend, if I may ask?”
Is she flirting with me or is she serious? To humor the topic I told her the truth. “No, this is my mother’s favorite type of plant. I don’t have a girlfriend at the time.” After I said that, I saw a flicker in her eyes. “But if I may ask, would you mind being her, or am I being a little too forward.”
Gwen began to giggle. “That sounds nice but I’ve only just met you.”
“I know. That’s the reason why I want to date you, to become even closer to you. You are a very unique person and I would like to get to know you.” I couldn’t believe those words were coming out of my mouth. I’ve always been the quiet type, but when I spoke to her, I spoke from my true being, the being that I have not known of existing. “So what do you say?”
“Nice way of putting it. I might as well say yes.” She walked behind the counter and returned with a piece of paper with her number on it. “Call me anytime.”

...

Since that day, my life was wonderful. I feel as if she really completes me. The things that I like she like. She is my soul mate and I want to be with her until the die I die. I can barely imagine living without her.
I’m glad that our dinner date is at ten o’clock. That gives me enough time to make get everything prepared for tonight. Tonight will be the night to remember.

Chapter 4
A Night to Remember

I pulled up to the Japanese restaurant feeling over excited. I couldn’t wait to get inside to see Marcus. He called me not too long ago and promised me the best night of my life. I was looking magnificent and I just know that he’s going to be looking great.
When I open the door I saw nothing but beauty. They had a table that represented the entire country of Japan. It had every mountain, every river and stream, and it even had a few waterfalls. As soon as I walked in I almost cried from the scene. I was absolutely astonished. The employees were kind and all uplifting.
As the waiter guided me to my seat, I happened to know that the restaurant was quite empty. It was a group of people near the entrance of the restaurant but they were so quite that I barely heard them. Another group was sitting in the back, but they kept themselves at a whisper.
After waiting for a minute or two, Marcus appeared looking very handsome. He was dressed in a dark shade of blue that almost looked black. As he sat down I found myself staring at him with amazement.
“I reserved the restaurant for the two of us, but some others had already reserved there spots for tonight as well,” said Marcus. I forgot all about the other occupants in the restaurant. “I promised you that tonight will be the best night of your life and I meant it. But first, let us order.”
We sent our waiter off with our meal choices. I wonder if tonight will be the night. I want him to propose to me. But I believe everything shall happen in time.
Our meals soon came afterwards. The food smelled delightful. I made sure that I took small bites to make sure that I don’t accidently swallow the ring. I finished off everything on my plate and still no ring. I somewhat felt disappointed. I thought tonight was going to be the night.
Marcus then stood and announced, “Let’s get up out of here. I already paid the bill. I was prepared for anything. So may I have my lady so I can escort her out?”
When I walked outside, I saw a stretch limo that was waiting for me and Marcus. Hope is not lost. Maybe he will still propose to me.
We stepped into the limo and it drove off. We were riding for almost thirty minutes until we suddenly came to a stop. Marcus rolled down the window and spoke to the driver, “What is wrong? Why did we stop?”
The driver turned around and gave a scandalous smile. The doors then opened wide. Two people dressed in all black sprayed some stuff into our eyes that knocked us out.

…

When I woke up I saw that we were in a ware house. I looked to my right and there, hanging right beside me was Marcus. The culprits had us both tied up hanging by our hands. The rope was giving me a rope burn. Marcus looked as if they had beaten him. His face was bruised all over.
“Marcus…Marcus,” I whispered.
He began to groan. His eyes flickered. He couldn’t fully open his eyes because they were swollen. I began to tear up.
“Gwen?” he called out.
“I’m here,” I replied.
“There’s something I need to tell you,” he struggled to say. “I had tonight planned out. Well not this part. I wanted you to have a nice romantic dinner at the Japanese restaurant. And then we were going to have a cruise in my yatch. And when we got near my family’s island, I was going to propose to you.” I began to cry. “Don’t cry Gwen. You know I hate to see you sad. Remember that I will always love you Gwen.”
“Well, well, well, how touching,” said a stranger. “Seeing that your little woman is fully awake now, maybe you might want to cooperate. Now tell me where your family’s fortune is hidden. Or your little lady friend here is gonna pay the price.”
The stranger then pulled me by my hair which made me yelp. “Let me go, or you’ll regret your decision of kid napping me.”
“Regret in what way,” said the stranger. He then raised his hands and struck me across my face. As soon as he hit me, Marcus screamed.
“I’ll tell you…just let her go,” said Marcus.
“I’ll let her go when you tell me what I want to know,” he replied.
“DON’T TELL HIM ANYTHING!” I yelled at the top of my lungs.
“Shut up tramp!” said the kidnapper as he slapped me across my face once again.
That was the last straw. I eased my feet out of their confinements and kicked our holder in his face. I then managed to raise myself up to free my hands. I soon found a saw and cut myself free. By that time the culprit was back to his feet. Then his other friends came out of nowhere and tried to jump me. Not knowing that I was a master of many martial arts tactics, they attacked. I manage to knock out at least five of them until a buff man hit me across my back with a metal pole.
Is this the last of me? I thought to myself. How could such a perfect day come to a bitter ending? Marcus I love you.
The pain from the hit soon evaporated into nothingness and I rose back up. I felt like new, but there was something different. My vision was still blurry