The Ring Master

Prologue II     September, 2003

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

They arrived at the cottage before midnight, hungry for more than food. The take out doughnuts were devoured before going down to the river and diving off the end of the dock.  Moonlight shimmered on their naked bodies as the splashing was foreplay to their craving. Still laughing, they toweled and dripped their way to the bed. It was a familiar routine.

They moved in unison to their own satisfaction. She enjoyed his roughness and wanted him to assert his dominance. Reaching her threshold, she arched her back. She didn’t need him, never did. His hands switched position and her eyes grew wide with temporary glee. His pressure on her neck increased, turning her passion to fear. Her world grew black as she entered eternal darkness.

Before tonight they agreed it was best to remain apart. He couldn’t let that be.

His wet suit and gear were in the closet. Tank, regulator, fins and light were all there.  He attached the light to his wrist with a lanyard. A runaway lamp would create an unwanted light show.

The construction company, putting in the new bathroom, had left some heavy plastic supply bags and nylon cord. He placed her body into a double bag and onto a wheelbarrow.  Before sealing her in with duct tape, he added a small boulder from the garden area for weight. He took her to the middle of the dock and together they entered the chilly water. It seemed colder to him then before.

She was secured in her plastic “mummy” wrapping as he descended.  At the proper time, he pushed sideways toward the large boulders lining the river by the cottage.  He knew of the “flat one” and placed her onto this boulder, sliding her into a miniature cave; her “sepulcher” among the rocks.