by Melissa R. Bickel

Created on: August 07, 2010   Last Updated: August 08, 2010

The Key

He'd approached them quietly, not wanting his presence known until he was ready. Clearing his throat had the desired effect. Both James and Lillian were startled, not so they revealed what Lillian held in her hand.

Sterling was a skilled hunter, he'd been tracking James and Lillian for years. He hadn't seen what they were doing, but he knew they were up to something. A smile spread across Sterling's face, but James and Lillian knew what lurked behind that face was far from pleasant.

Recognition dawned behind James eyes. It wasn't so much Sterling's face, as it was his stance. When you'd been tracked by the " Cell " you became familiar with their appearance. Unsaid words passed between James and Lillian, they  knew what had to be done.

"What is it you want from us", asked James?

A childlike laugh came from Sterling,  this irritated James. Again he asked, "What is it you want from us"?

"You both know I'm after the KEY", said Sterling.

"You've made some mistake, we are not the holders. The CELL knows this. Why are you hunting us" asked Lillian.

A once cupid like appearance gave way to pure evil. A face contorted by hate now showed. Sterling's eyes turned onyx,  black as a starless sky.

"Stop this foolish talk. We know you have the KEY, do not deny it", spat Sterling.

Sterling's temper was taking over.  He wanted to kill them both where they stood, but he needed the key's whereabouts before he could end their life.

Sterling moved and James swung. The shovel James had been holding never registered with Sterling, that is until it was too late. Shovel connected with temple and Sterling dropped. Killed by the hard and fast impact of the shovel, blood dripped from the side of the head of the hunter.

"Quick, we have to hide the KEY " Lillian said.

James and Lillian ran to the only place the CELL would never search. They'd never think someone would stoop to hiding the KEY in such a repulsive place. with the key safely hidden under the pig trough, James and Lillian  went to work on hiding the hunter's body.

Other hunters would come, but for now the KEY was safe. Life depended on their protecting "IT" and protect "IT" they would. Existence must go on.

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