''You got a nice place, Remy. Real nice.''

''Would you like a tour?''

John nodded, taking another sip. ''Absolutely.''

''How about we start upstairs?'' Remy gestured to the hallway door. ''This used to be an inn, long ago.''

''It's not anymore?'' John hesitated on the stair for a moment, looking up at the landing half way. ''Why not?''

Remy grinned privately. Was this the one? ''Bad blood, actually.''

''Oh.'' John led the way to the second floor, wandering about. He reached out now and again to finger the wallpaper, then moved to the antique tables that stood at intervals in the hallway. He tried a couple of the doors, randomly opening and closing them before he came to the door that Remy was standing next to. He tried that one next and frowned when the handle refused to move. ''This one's locked?''

''Yes, it is,'' Remy replied. ''That room is special. But I can show you.'' He fished the keys out of his pocket and unlocked it, letting it swing open. ''Go on in, my friend.''

John got no further than the threshold. Remy didn't really expect him to go in. The sight and the smell would be enough to freak the poor bastard out. Forget the plastic covered mattress on the bed. Forget what was hanging on the walls. All the elements made the task swift and easy. Before John had time to cry out, the blackjack was out of Remy's pocket. In an instant, John was a crumpled heap on the floor.

Remy was stronger than most gave him credit for being. It was no hardship to drag the man into the room. John stayed unconscious long enough for him to drag the body to the bed, lift him up onto the mattress, and handcuff him to the four corner rings from the bedposts. Remy put the gag over his mouth; not because anyone was going to hear this, but it was always better to be safe than sorry. Pulling the dagger from the table, he set about the cutting–just as John's eyes flittered open and the first muffled scream began.

(AP) Tyngsboro, Massachusetts

Police filed a missing report today for a John Northrup of Provincetown, Mass. Mr. Northrup was visiting the Tyngsboro area on vacation. Local authorities have called in the FBI for assistance in what may be an interstate kidnapping ring.

Special Agent Bill Denver confirmed that Mr. Northrup was seen in the company of another gentleman and had possibly been transported over state lines. ''We're pursuing all avenues of evidence and we've been checking video from the freeway and the casino that Mr. Northrup and this gentleman were seen at. We don't have the plate or model of the car, but we'll find it.''

By Jesse V Coffey

Chapter Excerpt