The Mysterious Stranger

Lucy was just your average girl trying to find love in the pandemic. Lucy had shiny, straight dark brown hair and large light green almond shaped eyes. She was five feet and five inches tall with a slender build. Lucy was fulfilled in other areas of her life, except when it came to romantic relationships. She had a thriving career as a journalist, supportive friends and family; as well as her Australian Shepherd Benji. Who could forget Benji? Her relationship with Benji is the closest Lucy has come to experiencing unconditional love.

She was tired of the dating apps. Those matches and endless conversations that seem to go nowhere. You know which ones I am describing. A conversation which starts as paragraphs and then decreases to a sentence or two as the days pass by. Eventually it fizzles out to nothing. And there's no rhyme or reason to it. Our generation coins the term "ghosting," because the opposing party never gives an explanation for the end of their communication. The term "lack of closure" in new age dating is an understatement.

Lucy lamented to herself: I just want to feel a spark with someone. Without that person turning out to be commitment phobic, an alcoholic, or having a strange fetish. Is that too much to ask? She decided she needed a boost on this cool spring morning. And she knew the perfect place, the Bayside Brew. Off she went to walk 6 blocks to her favorite café. She could already taste the warm, sweet, buttery flavor of her crème brulee latte.

Lucy arrived at the Bayside Brew and a long line awaited her. Lucy strode to the back of the line, and as she did her pen fell out of her pocket. It made a clinking sound on the ceramic floor. She bent down to pick it up, but the man standing in front of her was already crouched to the ground. He had the pen in his hand, and their gaze met. He had piercing blue eyes and sandy brown, wavy hair. His facial features were a sharp contrast to his attire. He dressed entirely in black. He had a fit, but slender build. They both rose to their feet. Lucy was pleased to see he was a few inches taller than her.

The mysterious stranger read the word on the pen as he handed it back to her. "Benji. A pen is an odd place for your boyfriend's name." Lucy felt electricity flow through her fingertips as he handed her back her pen. Lucy giggled. "No, Benji is the name of my dog. I have an Australian Shepherd that I adore," Lucy replied. "Well, that's a relief. And my name is Trent, by the way," the stranger said. "Nice, to meet you Trent. My name is Lucy," she replied. "You're not going to believe this. I have a dog too. She's a golden retriever named Cameron. " The pair got to talking, but they had moved to the front of the line. The barista was ready to take Trent's order.

Trent ordered his café mocha. Lucy was next. She ordered her crème brulee latte. As they waited for their coffee orders to arrive they chatted some more. Trent asked Lucy for her phone number and she happily obliged. They both scooped up their drinks and parted ways.

Lucy was unsure she'd hear from Trent again, but he definitely left an impression on her. Later that evening, she received a call on her phone from a restricted phone number. She decided to answer anyway. The voice on the other line said, "Hey Lucy. This is Trent. We ran into each other at the Bayside Brew earlier today." Lucy felt her heartbeat quicken. "Hi," Lucy beamed. "I know this is pretty forward, but how would you like to go on a date tomorrow night? Lets go to Seabreeze Cove tomorrow night. We can sit on the beach and share a bottle of wine. 8PM?" Trent calmly replied. "Great. It's a date!" Lucy exclaimed.

Lucy hung up the phone and called her best friend Chloe. Lucy expunged every detail of the day's events. Chloe tried her best to share in Lucy's glee. However, Chloe was always more pragmatic than her. She said, "Just do me a favor. Be careful. You don't know this guy from a hole in the wall. Don't let your guard down just yet." Lucy's hopes were slightly deflated as her and Chloe ended their conversation.

The next day, Lucy scoured her wardrobe to find the perfect first date outfit for this evening. She wanted to feel confident and ready. The weather forecast was a balmy 60 degrees and breezy. She decided on her red floral sundress and beige cardigan. Her dog Benji was by her heels and barked in agreement. Lucy gave her dog Benji a little squeeze. "Wish me luck tonight," Lucy said to Benji while smiling.

Later that night, Lucy drove to Seabreeze Cove. She parked her car, and rolled down the windows. She savored smelling the salty air. She looked at the landscape in front of her, and noticed several bright stars illuminating the beachy shore line. A moment later a car pulled up beside hers. A man emerged, and it was Trent. He was holding a blanket, and a bottle of Merlot. Lucy walked out of her car. Trent and Lucy met each other's gaze once more. Trent said, "Fancy meeting you here." Lucy giggled. The pair held hands as they walked onto the sandy beach.

They walked toward the shore and found a deserted spot overlooking the ocean waves. Trent put his blanket down on the fine white sand. The couple sat cross legged on the blanket facing each other. They gazed into each other's eyes. Lucy was transfixed. Trent gave Lucy a glass and poured her half a glass of Merlot. Trent poured the same amount for himself. Trent then asked Lucy, "What do you look for in a man?" Lucy took a sip of wine and said, "I like my wine the same as I like my men... smooth, bold and full of flavor. And the final ingredient:  a hint of surprise." At that moment, Trent leaned forward and kissed Lucy.

And it was..... awful. Trent slobbered all over her face. Lucy pulled away and said, "I just remembered. I have somewhere I need to be." Lucy got up and bolted toward the parking lot. Her dark brown hair was blowing in the wind. "Wait!" Trent called out. But Lucy was already halfway to her car. Lucy got into her car, and sped off on the open highway towards home.

Lucy got home and collapsed on her bed. Benji came into the room to greet her. He hopped on her bed, and Lucy wept in frustration into his soft fur. Lucy then turned on the television to distract herself.

Lucy stared in shock at the screen; her mouth agape. She could not believe her eyes. The local news was playing and Trent's face was on the screen. However, the newscaster identified the man's face on the screen as Jack Daumer. The newscaster went on to say that this man was wanted for kidnapping a slender girl in her mid twenties with shiny dark hair named Rose Santiago. Lucy's heart and mind started to race as she realized she went on a date with a kidnapper! And he apparently had a type that fit her own description. Lucy immediately blocked Trent's phone number from her phone, and desperately hoped that she'd never run into him again. The newscaster continued that if anyone had any information on this man's whereabouts they should call 555-5555. Lucy quickly jotted down the telephone number.

Lucy wasn't sure that she'd make a call to the police just yet. Too much information and emotions were swimming around inside her. She clicked off the news and changed into her pajamas. Lucy crawled under the covers and snuggled close to her dog Benji. She decided she'd quiet her mind, get some rest and make the decision whether to call the police tomorrow morning.