It had taken me three days to get to middle of nowhere, at least that’s what it felt like. The Nevada desert made me feel more alone than I had ever felt before in my life. It was three long grueling days of my phone ringing endlessly, courtesy of Bob. The only reprieve I received was the short phone calls from Devon in the morning when he called to check in.

The longest stretch was the drive from Shreveport to Flagstaff. At one point I had considered driving my car off a bridge to escape the confines of my metal coffin on wheels. Endless miles of road filled with absolute nothing. Just mountains, desert, and wide-open plains.

Sam had called me several times a day to which I was unable to answer. I had more texts than my phone could display, none of which I opened or replied to. I just couldn’t. I couldn’t muster the strength to put on a fake smile or pretend everything was okay. I just couldn’t.

Bob had continued his phone assault. He called incisively; there was no rhyme or reason to his calls. Sometimes he would call continuously back-to-back and other times he would space them apart. The man clearly did not sleep and kept me awake with him. Afraid to turn off my phone, I grasped at the few hours of sleep I was afforded, taking the time to pull over on the side of the road or at a rest stop. Fear of being trapped in a motel room held me hostage in my car. I had no way of knowing if Bob was following me or not. My mind said no, the small sliver of doubt screamed at me to err on the side of caution.

I had topped off my tank at a sleepy little town called Tonopah and filled the passenger’s seat with enough gas station food and drink to last me a few days. Thankful that I had, the drive through the land had been filled with vast empty desert. I passed several abandoned towns, each one making me feel more and more isolated than before.

None of the roads were marked in this area of the desert, making the property harder to locate. The robotic voice of my GPS was my only saving grace. Somehow the tiny tracker was able to lead me down the darkening dusty roads toward my destination. The paved highway had given into smaller roads and eventually I was left on an empty dirt track.  I had no idea what to expect upon arrival summing up to worst case scenario being me spending yet another night in my car until I could come up with a better plan.

I double checked the address Trina had given me. 4586 Dark Valley Road, Columbus, NV 89010. My eyes couldn’t comprehend what I was seeing. I had expected a small old house, even a dilapidated shack, anything but what stood in front of me.

Sitting in my car in front of the house I took in the sight before me. A small ranch house sat with a low hanging terracotta roof. Thick white pillars danced along the wrap around porch, standing out against the sand colored stucco. The house looked dark, empty and unused, but appeared to be in solid condition from the exterior.

A wave of relief washed through me. Somehow, by the grace of God, or some magical force, I had stumbled my way into buying land with a small, yet beautiful home. It was almost too good to be true. Summoning up the courage, I dialed Trina to confirm the address one last time, praying she was still at the office.

“Hey sweet cheeks, what can I help you with today?” Trina’s sweet voice sang in my ear.

My lips curled up at the sides, the first genuine smile I had been able to produce since waking up to the horror that had become my life.

“I wanted to double check that address you gave me.” Trina twittered into the phone.

“I know I’m old but I promise you it’s the same. 4586 Dark Valley Road, Columbus, NV. And the zip is 89010.” She said proudly.

“Yep, that’s where I’m at.” I giggled in relief.

“How bad of a dump is it?”

“That’s the thing, it’s not. It’s gorgeous.” I mused in wonder.

I was still taken aback by the sheer stroke of luck at having landed such an incredible property.

“Describe it to me. Let me live vicariously through your adventures. Devon said you had decided to take a vacation.” And just like that, the magical bubble had been burst.

The mention of Devon’s name brought reality crashing down around me. I wasn’t here on vacation. I wasn’t out sightseeing the properties I had bought. I was running from a mad man; a psycho that had broken into my house, murdered an animal, and smeared its blood along my car.

“I just pulled up. I’m not sure what it looks like. I’ll call you back when I know more.” I muttered into the phone, all excitement and wonder gone from my voice.

“Well okay, honey.” Trina relented, disappointment clear in her voice.

With the promise to phone her soon I ended the call, my brain and body weary and drained of all its energy. Dragging my feet, I exited the car. Grabbing my phone and the bags from the trunk I made my way to the house.

I was too exhausted to take in the grandeur of the house. The sun had already begun to set casting the home in a warm amber glow. I just wanted to get inside and find somewhere to sleep. My body begged to be vertical, if even for a moment. Sleeping in the car had taken its toll on my mind, body, and spirit.

Trying the knob to the front door, I was surprised to find it swung open easily. The dark expanse of the house greeted me. I entered, kicking the door shut with my foot; I dropped the bags in the doorway.

The house had an open concept. The living room, dining room, and kitchen were all on display. I was surprised to find the house sparsely furnished. A small table and chairs sat in the dining area. The living room housed a small leather sofa flanked by matching wing back chairs.  The kitchen stood empty save for the necessary appliances.

Tiptoeing through the house I explored. The bathroom was larger than I had expected. It housed a giant claw foot tub and a walk-in shower.

There were two bedrooms furnished with the barest of essentials, a bed, matching bedside tables, and a chest of drawers. The largest of the rooms looked the most appealing. It had its own adjoining bathroom with a deep-set whirlpool tub complete with jets and a shower large enough to fit five grown men comfortably.

Satisfied with my exploration of the house I climbed into the bed, only taking the time to shuck my shoes. The mattress was pillowy and inviting, cocooning my body, absorbing the stress of my aching limbs. Snuggling down under the blankets I inhaled the crisp clean scent. A hint of an odor I was unable to decipher soothed and calmed my rambling mind; I inhaled deeply allowing the soothing scent to suck me under, giving into the throes of sleep.