Amber had lived in Birmingham for four months and was really beginning to love the city and the people she worked with. Most of them were as friendly as those she had worked with in her hometown. She started to make a few friends and would occasionally go out with a few girls for drinks on Friday night.
Michelle Hampton and Nicole Oliver were the two women Amber worked with most often. The three had formed a nice bond that made them friends as well as coworkers. They would eat lunch together, share stories about themselves, and help each other through their rounds at the hospital.
Nicole and Michelle were close to her own age so it made for an enjoyable work day. The girls shared many of the same interests. They had even begun to plan a small vacation together when the weather turned nicer.
She continued to stay in touch with Olivia at least once a week and enjoyed getting updates on the new man in her life. Olivia and Patrick were really hitting it off and Olivia sounded happy. Amber was so glad she had someone to turn to now that she could not be there for her. Olivia assured Amber no one knew she and Amber were keeping in touch and she still had no idea who was stalking her. There was no one person asking about her any more than the others do.
About six months into her new life, Amber got the note that chilled her spine. After a twelve hour shift at the hospital, she came home to her small apartment, grabbed her mail, and let herself in. It was Friday and she and the girls were going out that night. Amber got a shower, dried her long blond hair, and dressed carefully in an aqua colored shirt that fit snuggly. She pulled on a pair of white slacks, added a pair of heels the color of her shirt, and applied her makeup.
She enjoyed going out with Michelle and Nicole. It was her only form of entertainment since moving to Birmingham. She worked long hours at the hospital and although she was relaxing with her colleagues was still afraid to get too close to anyone. This was the only luxury she allowed herself. It had been six months, however, and she was beginning to think that she would be able to get back to normal. So tonight, she was going to let loose and enjoy herself. She might even dance with that cute guy who continually asked her out.
Later that evening after a few drinks with the girls, a couple of dances, and some small talk with a tall good-looking guy named Ben; Amber drove home. Walking up to her apartment, she saw a note taped to her door. Amber froze. A chill went down her spine and her heart dropped to her knees. She knew. Without even looking, she knew he had found her.
Hand shaking, Amber took the note off the door and opened it.
You thought you could run, but I found you. I will always
find you. You cannot hide from me. You belong to me
and I will have you. Your new boyfriend is dead.
Amber crumpled the note, ran into her apartment, and slammed the door. She was so scared she was unable to sleep that night.
The next morning when she got to the hospital, Michelle and Nicole came running up to her.
“Amber,” Michelle called. “That guy you danced with last night, Ben, is dead.”
“What,” Amber asked. “What happened?”
“The police say he lost control of his car last night after an overindulgence of alcohol and crashed into a telephone pole.”
“That’s crazy,” Amber replied. “He wasn’t drinking. He told me he just comes to the club to dance. He never drinks. He was the designated driver.”
Michelle and Nicole could see the fear in Amber's eyes.
“I know. I remembered him telling us that. That's why I thought the whole thing was weird. But the police say his blood alcohol level was over the legal limit,” Michelle said.
Amber began shaking again. “I have to go,” she said.
Michelle looked at Amber and asked, “Are you all right?”
“No, I think I am going to be sick,” Amber replied. “Can you cover for me?”
Michelle nodded and watched Amber walk back to her car. She turned to Nicole and saw the same worried look mirrored in her eyes she thought must be in her own. She wondered what had made Amber suddenly turn so pale. She certainly looked as if she was going to be sick, but she also looked very scared. Michelle and Nicole walked back into the hospital slowly. Michelle told the charge nurse that Amber would not be in that morning while Nicole sent up a prayer for her new friend. Neither had any idea Amber would not be back to work.