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going.”
    â€œOkay, but I need to run in to get my purse and tell Julio what I’m doing. I won’t be long. I promise.” She gave him a long hard kiss and scrambled back over to her side of the car. She reached for the door handle.
    â€œYou know, there’s no such thing as you running in there quickly. You’ll get accosted by all your old friends and never get out of there.”
    â€œI will. I promise. Wait for me here.”
    â€œOh, I’m not going anywhere. Try not to take too long.”
    She jumped out of the car and headed inside. She couldn’t find Julio and as Andrew predicted, she was accosted by old classmates whom she hadn’t spoken to yet. She was frustrated at not seeing Julio and all the delays. Suddenly, an arm swooped under hers and a voice said, “I see you need rescuing. Let me help you out of here.”
    Connie looked up to see Martin smiling down at her. “Thanks. I’m desperate to get out of here.”
    â€œFollow me. I just talked to Andrew and he sent me to get you. I also told Julio what’s going on, so hang on and follow me. Andrew left his car running while he was waiting for you and he thought he’d run out of gas, so he went for gas. Get in my car and I’ll run you to the gas station. I parked my car right by a secret side entrance.”
    â€œMartin, what would I do without you looking out for me?”
    â€œWell, it’s kind of my job since we’re such old friends. Being your big brother came with the territory. The truth is I’m tired of making excuses about why I’m back living with my mother.”
    â€œYour mother is just trying to help, but you do have to get out of there, especially if you don’t have any privacy. It’s not healthy.”
    â€œTrust me. I’ve already figured that one out for myself.”
    â€œWhy didn’t you ever get married, Martin? Just never found the right one or what?”
    â€œI’m not sure. I had a serious girlfriend in Pennsylvania and when that didn’t work out, I shut down and shied away from women. You know I’ve always been awkward and geeky with girls.”
    â€œMartin, maybe it’s time you gained a little self-confidence. You’re as good looking as the rest of the guys in our class. Did you notice that quite a few of the guys have developed beer bellies? And the hair loss…at least you have some. Maybe you should just relax and go to the After Party at the tavern and have some fun.”
    â€œI know I should. In fact, I think I’ll head over there once I drop you in Andrew’s loving arms.” He started the car and pulled out of the parking lot.
    â€œSounds good,” she said.
    â€œYou don’t mind if I stop by my place to pick up some cash, do you? It won’t take a second. I’ll run in through the garage.”
    â€œNo problem,” Connie said, inwardly gnashing her teeth while trying to sound casual and nonchalant. She wanted to get back to Andrew so badly she could hardly stand it.
    Martin pulled into his garage and said, “I know you’re in a hurry, but I want to show you something really fast. Be quiet so my mother doesn’t hear us or neither one of us will get out of here.”
    Connie reluctantly got out of the car and followed Martin through the garage.
    â€œThe hall light is out,” Martin said. “Come on. I’ll guide you.”
    When his hand cupped her elbow, Connie grudgingly took a step inside.

Chapter 15
    Sunday, September 7, 1986
    Connie woke up groggy and disoriented. The room was pitch black. She felt a soft mattress under her and for a moment thought she was in Andrew’s hotel room. Her last memory was of frustration. She remembered being in the car with Martin, on her way to meet Andrew. Connie tried to move, but couldn’t. Her hands and feet were tied to the bed. Her heart pounded with the realization that she was in danger. A scream