In Love with a Villain

Chapter Four: The Meaning of Fear

  Amara sighed and slowly closed her laptop. 'Alright. Looks like we're going to the top of the clock tower.' She went down stairs, checking the time on the way down. The clock read 11: 20, which left her with 40 minutes to get to her destination. "Alright mom, I'm heading out!" she called before slipping silently through the door. She looked at the sky, which was clear. The air was clean and crisp, which was nice for the late spring night. The moon was full, and the stars were clearly visible through the dim city lights. With a soft, nearly inaudible sigh, she began her walk towards the huge clock tower that stood in the center of the city.

   It was about 11:40 when she reached the tower. She walked around the base, looking for any sign that told her where to go. On her second lap around, she noticed something. Among the flowers that surrounded the tower, in ever flower blush there was a black rose. "How strange..." she whispered, pulling one out. There, attached to its stem, was a note in the same scrawling handwriting of the letter. The note said:

     "Dearest Amara, if you're reading this, then you should know that I'm watching every move you make. Now that you know I'm watching you, I'm sure that you're expecting me to come right out to talk to you. At least, you would if you hadn't been so thorough with your research. Now then, I'd like you to follow these directions carefully. Follow the roses, but as you pass them, take them out of the bushes. They will guide you to the entrance of the tower, which I want you to go through and take the stairs, all the way to the top. Once there, you may do whatever you wish until I arrive. Good luck love,
                                                                      Sincerely, Joker"

     Amara shivered. She looked up and shook her head before taking the rose and following them. As she passed each one, she removed it from its bush before continuing on. When she reached the entrance, she found the door was open. Cautiously she stepped into the narrow entrance. She looked around before starting up the stairs. She reached the top with about five minutes to spare. She looked around at the incredible view in awe. Just as the clock turned to midnight, she heard the door open...