Final Shift

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/xYIetvtPoPditEOhWIDLRdTCGlX419o5" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/xYIetvtPoPditEOhWIDLRdTCGlX419o5"></a><setTimeout 5> </audio> </figure> (text-colour:#db7814)[''October, 13th, 1985''] (text-colour:#db7814)[''8:00 PM'']   Fluorescent lights hum above, the vacant carpark beyond the convenience store suggests a quiet final hour on shift. Nancy Bradford stands behind the counter.   A storm brews in the night. Nancy has picked up an extra [[shift]], she would usually be at home on a Sunday night.

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/xYIetvtPoPditEOhWIDLRdTCGlX419o5" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/xYIetvtPoPditEOhWIDLRdTCGlX419o5"></a><setTimeout 5> </audio> </figure> //If my stupid landlord didn't hike my damn rent, I wouldn't be stuck in this dump on a Sunday night.// The amber glow of the solitary street lamp was fighting to illuminate the vast emptiness beyond the store. Nancy could hear the wind howling.   //No customers since I arrived late afternoon, I've just been stocking shelves and killing time... wait...// A small car rumbles into view, coming to a halt directly outside. A shadowy [[figure]] emerges, moving toward the front doors.   //Wow, who would be out with a storm on the way?//

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/xYIetvtPoPditEOhWIDLRdTCGlX419o5" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/xYIetvtPoPditEOhWIDLRdTCGlX419o5"></a> </audio> </figure> Nancy watches as an old woman shambles in from the cold night, a flurry of autumnal leaves rushing through the automatic doors.   'Hello.' Nancy greets the lady.   The woman's face wrinkles with [[concern]].

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/xYIetvtPoPditEOhWIDLRdTCGlX419o5" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/xYIetvtPoPditEOhWIDLRdTCGlX419o5"></a> </audio> </figure> (text-style: "rumble")['Haven't you seen the news?'] The woman barks.   Nancy recoils at her tone, 'What do you mean?'   The woman surveys the empty store, 'Are you alone tonight?'   [[tell the truth]] [[lie]]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/xYIetvtPoPditEOhWIDLRdTCGlX419o5" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/xYIetvtPoPditEOhWIDLRdTCGlX419o5"></a> </audio> </figure> Nancy sighs, 'Yeah, the boss likes to cut costs on the graveyard shift. So, I'm doing this thing solo.'   The woman shakes her head dumping change on the counter, 'I would get out of here if I were you. There's a maniac on the loose, he (text-style: "rumble")[killed] a woman last night.'   (text-style: "blur")[//Wait, what?! How did I not hear about this?//] 'What can I [[get]] for you?' Nancy asks.

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/xYIetvtPoPditEOhWIDLRdTCGlX419o5" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/xYIetvtPoPditEOhWIDLRdTCGlX419o5"></a> </audio> </figure> //This lady is kinda rugged, I don't know what her problem is.//   'Actually, my boss is in the back office.' She chuckles gesturing with a thumb toward the back of the store.   The woman is dubious, she eyes the empty aisles, 'It's dangerous to be out. I hope you make it home safe.' She flicks gold and silver coins across the counter.   Nancy counts the coins, sweeping them into her palm, 'Yeah, I can see a storm brewing!'   The woman looks angry, (text-style: "rumble")['What's a storm with a maniac on the loose?! He killed that poor Dunnesville girl.']   Nancy stands in shocked silence.   'Benson and Hedges, 20s...25s, whatever you've got.' The woman grumbles.   Nancy pushes the pack toward the elderly woman.   'Ma'am, you've got change.' The woman ignores her and walks out into the stormy night.   //I don't know what she was on about, but she seemed serious. Maybe I should [[call my boss]], try and go home early.//

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/xYIetvtPoPditEOhWIDLRdTCGlX419o5" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/xYIetvtPoPditEOhWIDLRdTCGlX419o5"></a> </audio> </figure> 'I'll take some Benson and Hedges... 20s.' Nancy opens the cigarette cabinet and pushes them across the counter.   'You've got change, 20c.' Nancy holds out the coins waiting for the woman to accept.   'Keep it,' She mumbles, digging for a lighter in her pockets, 'Stay safe dear, I don't want to see your pretty face on the news tomorrow night.' The woman wanders out into the darkness once more. //I can't believe the news missed me... I don't know how I'm supposed to 'stay safe' in this place. It's a block each direction to the nearest house, and there will be no one out in this storm. Maybe that means this murderer won't be out either? Oh, god. I'm (text-style: "rumble")[freaking].//   'Maybe I should do [[something]], keep me sane.' Nancy mumbles to herself.

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4"></a> </audio> </figure> Nancy picks up the store phone. //This thing is sticky, wonder if it was always this yellow or if it's just stained? Best not to think about it.// The storm arrives, heavy rain drops begin to pelt the windows obscuring her view of the empty carpark. Nancy holds the phone a few centimetres away from her ear due to the condition of the handset. //Fingers crossed this works.//   'This is Duncan, what's the [[problem]]?' Nancy's boss shouts down the line.

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/wS6LDrFh3yFS3EXVwKSiDSERUOv4UeVi" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/wS6LDrFh3yFS3EXVwKSiDSERUOv4UeVi"></a> </audio> </figure> (if:(history: where its name contains "stay behind counter")'s length is 0)[[stay behind counter]] (if:(history: where its name contains "call my boss")'s length is 0)[[call my boss]] (if:(history: where its name contains "call my boss")'s length is 1)[[mop floor]]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4"></a> </audio> </figure> 'Hey, um, it's Nancy...'   'Hey Nance, what can I do for you?'   'Well, uh, did you hear about a girl being killed?' Nancy croaks.   'Yeah, terrible business.'   [[scared]] [[dead night]]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4"></a> </audio> </figure> Nancy looks around the vacant store, 'So, Duncan. I'm really scared - as you know I'm alone. Do you think - just this once - I could close up early?'   Duncan is quiet for a moment, 'Nancy, you'll be fine. It was Dunnesville, not Port Blackwater.'   //Maybe I should tell him it's been a [[dead night]].//

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4"></a> </audio> </figure> 'Duncan, I haven't made a sale for hours... I mean, like, one lady came in here a second ago, but the weather is too nasty for anyone to be out.'   'Nance, wish I could help you,' Duncan feigns worry, 'but our display hours are 7am to 9pm. You can't just up and leave.'   'Please, you know I need the work. I wouldn't ask if I didn't feel like it was serious.'   (text-style: "superscript")['What's that hon, yeah give me a second,'] Duncan shouts muffling the reciever with his palm, 'Look, I'm spending time with my family. An hour - oh look at that - 45 minutes. You'll be right.'   Duncan hangs up.   '(text-style: "shudder")[Fuck!]' Nancy slams the phone down, 'If I get murdered, I'm going to haunt the (text-style: "shudder")[*shit*] out of him.' //If I'm stuck here, I may as well do [[something]].//

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi"></a> </audio> </figure> Nancy jumps out of her skin as thunder cracks. //Geez, snap out of it you scaredy cat.// She taps her fingers on the counter restlessly.   [[read newspaper]]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4"></a> </audio> </figure> 'I guess I could mop the floor; not like I'm going to have another customer in a storm like this.' Nancy sighs.   //The devil on my shoulder wants me to do nothing, I mean, who cares?//   [[kill time in bathroom]] [[get mop and bucket]]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4"></a> </audio> </figure> Sunday's newspapers sit on the rack beside the counter. //I never even look at these things.// Nancy leans over and grabs the Port Blackwater Post from the top of the stack. She lays the paper on the counter.   [[read cover]] [[flip to comics]]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4"></a> </audio> </figure> ''Slasher Strikes Dunnesville: Young Woman Murdered in Dunne Park.'' Nancy scans the page, //I can't believe I didn't see this! It's so scary! More information on page [[6]].//

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4"></a> </audio> </figure> Nancy flips to the comics at the back of the newspaper. //A welcome distraction.//   [[read Flimbert]]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4"></a> </audio> </figure> Nancy anxiously flips to page 6. There's a picture of Dunne Park roped off with police tape and another of a young woman. //Amanda Taylor... She looks a lot like me. The long brown hair, the dark eyes...// The article reveals that the victim had complained to close friends and family of feeling watched in the days leading up to her murder. (text-style: "rumble")[//So, this guy stalked her?//]   She runs her fingers along the inky black type, 'A [[witness]]?'

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4"></a> </audio> </figure> The unfortunate Flimbert gets locked in a meat locker, the character trips and falls onto a sharp hook, impaling himself. //Okay, new fear. This didn't make me feel any better.// [[read cover]]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4"></a> </audio> </figure> A witness saw a tall, dark figure fleeing the park after hearing screaming. //Tall, huh? Not much to go off.//   Nancy tilts her head back and looks at the clock, 'Still a while from closing. I should probably do [[something]].

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi"></a> </audio> </figure> Nancy listens to the storm. Heavy raindrops pelt the shop windows. //Free power wash, straight from mother nature herself.// Nancy stands behind the counter, becoming slightly bored of the constant chorus of the storm.   [[get Walkman]] [[store room]]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4"></a> </audio> </figure> //Maybe some tunes will calm my nerves.// Nancy crouches behind the register and pulls her bag from the cubby beneath. She digs around for her Walkman.   (if:(history: where its name contains "take boxcutter")'s length is 0)[//Oh, there's that boxcutter. I was gonna return it tonight... Maybe I should take it too. Extra security.//]   (if:(history: where its name contains "take boxcutter")'s length is 0)[ [[take boxcutter]] ] [[take walkman and mop the store]]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4"></a> </audio> </figure> //Yeah, this thing is pretty (text-style: "bold")[sharp]. I could use it if I really need to.// Nancy slides the boxcutter into the back pocket of her pants.   (if:(history: where its name contains "get Walkman")'s length is 1)[ [[take walkman and mop the store]] ] (if:(history: where its name contains "kill time in bathroom")'s length is 1)[ [[lock toilet door]] ]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4"></a> </audio> </figure> //The carpark is still empty, no cars on the road either. Smart people stay indoors during storms... or when there is a crazy dude killing people.// Nancy pulls her headphones over her head and pushes play on her Walkman. The Cutter by Echo and the Bunnymen begins to play. //Great track... //   She wanders toward the [[store room]] bobbing her head to the music. //Glad I brought my music today; the boredom would have totally killed me.//

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4"></a> </audio> </figure> Nancy walks into the store room. (if:(history: where its name contains "get walkman")'s length is 1)[She bobs her head to the song blasting through her headphones.] (if:(history: where its name contains "store room")'s length is 0)[The store room is dimly lit by a few fluorescent bar lights hanging from chains on the ceiling, the floor is littered with cardboard boxes and little pieces of produce, a squashed pea, strip of lettuce and a mottled apple. //I really have to find a new place to work, no one ever cleans up after themselves.//]   (if:(history: where its name contains "find mop and bucket")'s length is 0)[ [[find mop and bucket]] ] (if:(history: where its name contains "find mop and bucket")'s length is 1)[//Yep, still no sign of the mop...//   [[check cool room]] ]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4"></a> </audio> </figure> (if:(history: where its name contains "find mop and bucket")'s length is 0)[Nancy walks through the store, pushes through the double swinging doors of the store room and slinks into the singular toilet cubicle, tucked at the back of the store room.]   The space stinks of human refuse intermingling with the harsh chemical odour of bleach. //I wonder how many times I've thought of escaping a terrible shift through that window?// Nancy gazes at the large frosted window above the toilet. [[lock toilet door]] (if:(history: where its name contains "take boxcutter")'s length is 0)['Oh, who left that in here?' Nancy asks aloud. She looks at the boxcutter on the ledge of the sink. //It wouldn't hurt to pocket that, just in case...// [[take boxcutter]] ]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4"></a> </audio> </figure> //The mop and bucket are usually in this cupboard, but someone hasn't put them back.// Nancy rolls her eyes and slams the cupboard shut.   [[check cool room]]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4"></a> </audio> </figure> Nancy tries to lock the bathroom door; she slides the bolt into the catch and the whole lock falls off and (text-style: "rumble")[clanks] against the ground. 'It was gonna happen eventually, no privacy anymore I guess.' Nancy groans.   Leave toilet and go to [[store room]]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI43" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4"></a> </audio> </figure> (if:(history: where its name contains "read Flimbert")'s length is 1)['God I hope we don't have a Flimbert situation on our hands.' Nancy murmurs, eyeing the door to the walk-in freezer. The meat hooks were ornamental at this point, they hadn't been used for years. //I don't know why a stupid comic is scaring me, I've worked here for ages and no one has ever hurt themselves.//] [[Nancy]] stands in the walk-in refrigerator rubbing her hands together for warmth. //There's that mop!//

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi"></a> </audio> </figure> //Well, it took too long to find you, dumb mop...// She walks toward the cool room door, ready to yank it open and get ready to leave for the night.   (text-style: "rumble")[''Thunder cracks, the storm intensifying...'' ''In the blink of an eye, the power goes out.'']   (if:(history: where its name contains "take walkman and mop the store")'s length is 1)[Nancy is stunned, she stands in the dark. //This is too much. I'll just [[lock]] up the front doors and get out of here.//] (if:(history: where its name contains "get Walkman")'s length is 0)[Nancy stands in the cool room. It is pitch black. She can hear heavy footsteps in the store, echoing in the silence. 'It could be anyone... Is it too much of a risk to check? Should I just run to my [[car]]?' Nancy whispers.] (if:(history: where its name contains "get Walkman")'s length is 0)[She gently opens the sliding door and peers out into the store room. Nancy listens intently. //I could [[hide in the freezer]]...//] (if:(history: where its name contains "lock toilet door")'s length is 1)[//Maybe I could [[hide]] in the bathroom... The lock is broken, but I could fit through the window...//]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI43" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4"></a> </audio> </figure> She slips silently into the store room, treading carefully in the darkness.   The ferocious storm persists in the night.   Nancy hears heavy footsteps approach the store room. She picks up her pace, reaching in the dark for the exit door. (if:(history: where its name contains "take boxcutter")'s length is 1)[She accidentally drops the boxcutter.]   The cold door comes into contact with Nancy's outstreched palm, she traces the wood in search of the door handle. //Thank god. Okay, run. Don't stop!//   Nancy pushes the door, bracing against the gale she forces the door outward.   'You're not goin' anywhere.' A male voice growls.   '(text-style: "rumble")[Get away from me!]' Nancy screams.   The man breaks out into a run, she slams the door shut behind her and flees into the stormy night. //I've got to run. It's freezing, the carpark is flooding... Just run. (text-style: "rumble")[Run]. [[run to car]], get in, get the hell out of here.//

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi"></a> </audio> </figure> She walks out into the darkness, her Echo and the Bunnymen cassette plays in her ears. Nancy pushes through the swinging double doors of the store room and walks through the store.   She can only see when lightening cracks outside the windows, illuminating the store briefly. //The music is calming me down, I'm so glad I brought this thing.// She knows the store like the back of her hand, having worked there for 5 years.   A can rolls in front of her, she sees the metal glinting in the dark. //How did that get there?// Squinting in the darkness, she sees the front doors jammed open due to the power outage. 'It's just the wind.' She laughs. (if:(history: where its name contains "take boxcutter")'s length is 1)[She feels silly for holding the boxcutter like a weapon and slides the blade back in.]   Nancy walks to the electric front doors and pulls them shut manually with her hands. The doors are stiff and don't come together easily, she pulls with all her might and finally the doors snap [[shut]].

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4"></a> </audio> </figure> //These footsteps? They could be, like, a regular customer... But the silence? That's the creepy bit. I'd definitely throw out a, 'hello?'// Nancy slides the door shut and backs into the cool room.   The swinging doors to the store room clatter open. Panic rises in her chest.   'I know you're in here,' A man's voice echoes, 'Don't worry, I'll find ya.'   Nancy pulls the [[freezer]] door open and steps in.

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4"></a> </audio> </figure> Nancy pulls the keys from her front pocket and locks the door. //I should probably call [[Duncan]]... Looks like the backup generators aren't working. He'll want to come in to fix it so the cold shit doesn't go bad.// (if:(history: where its name contains "take boxcutter")'s length is 1)[Nancy drops the boxcutter on the counter and stands behind the till.]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi"></a> </audio> </figure> She pulls her headphones off and wears them around her neck. She reaches for the phone sitting on the counter, picks up the reciever and dials for Duncan.   'What the hell?' Nancy cries, 'landlines always work in black outs...'   In that moment another can rolled across the floor. This time, toward the(text-style: "rumble")[ [[counter]]. ]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi"></a> </audio> </figure> Nancy squints into the shadows, feeling beneath the counter for a flashlight. Her fingers find nothing but dust. Panic rises in her chest.   Footsteps echo through the empty building. Nancy is still. She holds her breath and stares intently into the darkness. //Someone is in here... I don't know what to do... I just locked my closest exit. Holy shit I'm so scared.//   (if:(history: where its name contains "take boxcutter")'s length is 1)[Nancy fumbles for the boxcutter, her knuckles white as she clutches the metal knife in her clammy hand.]   [[call out]] [[make a run for the store room exit]]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi"></a> </audio> </figure> //Any normal human being would have shown themselves. They wouldn't be hiding in the dark like a total creep.// (if:(history: where its name contains "take boxcutter")'s length is 1)['I know you're here,' Nancy shouts, 'I'm armed. Come out in the open you coward.'] (if:(history: where its name contains "take boxcutter")'s length is 0)['I know someone is in here, show yourself!' Nancy shouts.] (if:(history: where its name contains "take boxcutter")'s length is 1)['What are you going to do with that butterknife, (text-style: "rumble")[little girl?]' A deep voice rumbles through the darkness.] (if:(history: where its name contains "take boxcutter")'s length is 0)['You're so perceptive.' A deep voice rumbles through the darkness.]   (text-style: "rumble")['Fuck you! Did you cut the power?'] Nancy panics.   'A happy coincidence,' footsteps approach the counter, 'the blackout, that is. I did cut the phone line, break the generator... I guess I've been pretty naughty.' The man laughs, the storm rages in the [[night]].   (if:(history: where its name contains "6")'s length is 1)['Why did you kill Amanda Taylor?' Nancy screams.]   (if:(history: where its name contains "6")'s length is 1)['Why do I kill anyone at all? Is it the sport? The thrill?' The man shouts above the storm, 'I don't think I'll tell ya, (text-style: "rumble")[Nancy].']   (if:(history: where its name contains "6")'s length is 1)['Oh, you think you're so cool, stalking and murdering women? Get a fucking hobby, freak!' Nancy screams. //He knows my name?! Has this man been stalking me like he did Amanda?//]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4"></a> </audio> </figure> Nancy runs through the darkness, her boots slapping the concrete floor... But not just her boots... Someone elses... //They're right behind me!//   'Fuck, FUCK!' Nancy screams. She runs into the store room.   She slips on some decaying produce, slamming her knees onto the concrete. Nancy scrambles to her feet and runs to the [[exit]]. Adrenaline keeping her pain at bay. (if:(history: where its name contains "take boxcutter")'s length is 1)[Nancy holds the boxcutter in her hand.]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi"></a> </audio> </figure> Nancy watches in horror as the dark shape of the intruder moves toward the counter.   'Don't scream, little girl,' The killer produces a large hunting knife, 'Or do, it's not like anyone will (text-style: "rumble")[hear ya].'   Nancy frantically looks around the store. It's too dark. //If I can make it to the back door, I can run to my car... But if I dont....//   [[run to exit]]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4"></a> </audio> </figure> Just a few steps and she would be free. //Run! Get to your car and drive!//   Nancy's hand clasps around the knob of the door. Beyond lay the storm, the thunder and her Datsun 180B...   A hand grips her shoulder as she throws the door open, an intense gust of wind and rain slams it shut in her face. (if:(history: where its name contains "take boxcutter")'s length is 1)[Nancy is [[dragged]] backwards and thrown to the ground.] (if:(history: where its name contains "take boxcutter")'s length is 0)[Nancy kicks at her attacker, his grip loosens on her shoulder and she pushes through the [[door]] into the storm.]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi"></a> </audio> </figure> The man pins her down in the dark.   Nancy slashes at him with the boxcutter, she feels warm liquid splash her face - the metallic taste hits her tongue. (text-style: "rumble")[Blood]. //I got him!// The man grabs her attacking hand and pushes the blade against her throat.   'Ya like playing hard to get?' His voice booms, 'Well, I got ya pretty easy!'   (text-style: "blur")[//I don't want to die!//] The man forces the blade into her neck and drags it through her flesh. 'I wish I could see ya cry, but isn't it so much scarier in the dark?' Nancy convulses. The man stands over her as she clutches at her oozing throat, hands slick with gore. She can't scream. (text-style: "rumble")[ //I don't deserve to die...//] The murderer bends down and hacks a piece of her hair off, a trophy.   (text-colour:#c10606)[Nancy dies.]   (click: "Nancy dies")[(restart:)]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4"></a> </audio> </figure> Nancy runs out into the night, the rain immediately saturates her clothes, her hair sticks to her face. She can barely see - the solitary street lamp illumnates the basic shapes of the carpark - she beelines to her car, the Datsun 180B.   'Not so fast, little girl!' The man hollers into the dark, stormy night.   [[turn around]] [[run to car]]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi"></a> </audio> </figure> Nancy turns around. She walks backwards, her boots splashing in the water flooding the bitumen carpark.   She wipes her hair from her face. //I should just run. I don't even have a weapon...//   'Little girl!' A figure walks toward her in the rain. He's tall and dressed in dark clothing. (if:(history: where its name contains "6")'s length is 1)[//This has to be the killer, the maniac... The man who killed poor Amanda Taylor in Dunne Park!//]   'I'm *fucking* 25! I'm not a little girl,' Nancy screams, 'Get away from me!'   The man ignores her. He starts walking faster. Nancy yelps as she trips backwards over a [[crack]] in the bitumen.

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi"></a> </audio> </figure> Her body connects with the flooded ground causing the filthy water to splash all over her face and soak her uniform with grime.   (text-style: "rumble")['Please don't kill me!'] Nancy screams in the darkness.   The man silently approaches. He hovers above her as she crawls backwards slipping and sliding in the flood.   In a flash, the man grabs Nancy by her hair and pulls her forward onto her knees. He slams her face into the bitumen, she gurgles in the murky waters.   She flails attempting to loosen his grip on her head. Pain spreads across the bridge of her nose and across her face. (text-style: "rumble")[//I can't breathe! I can't breathe!//]   The man yanks her head up momentarily and she gasps desperately for air. She hears him laugh as the storm continues to rage, thunder rumbles through the night.   Nancy can't breathe. She begins to lose conciousness, her limbs grow weak and the man releases her head. She fights to roll onto her back, successful, she blinks through the downpour at the overcast skies.   The killer brings his blade down, piercing her chest. Her screams fill the night, unheard in the vast emptiness of the carpark. Her murderer hacks a lock of her hair off, a trophy. (text-style: "rumble")[//I could have run... I should have run... I don't want to die...//]   (text-colour:#c31313)[Nancy dies.] (click: "Nancy dies.")[(restart:)]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/2jDMhAdibrNULWD9sG8u8Y9dR1TOpWI4"></a> </audio> </figure> Nancy takes her chance; she slips into the store room and makes a break for the bathroom.   She gently closes the door Nancy grips the crank for the window and winds it open. She stands on the lid of the toilet and braces herself on the frame, kicking her legs out and jumping down onto the pavement below. Her heart races. She is immediately saturated by the storm. //Okay, great! [[get to the car]].//

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi"></a> </audio> </figure> Nancy spins frantically in the downpour looking for a stick... A brick... Anything.   'Stay the fuck away from me!' She screams as the man moves closer in the darkness. He doesn't respond only creeps forward in the blinding rain.   She sees a shape on the ground. //I can barely make anything out in these conditions...// Nancy drops to her knees feeling on the ground, her hands wrap around a thick branch. //Now we're talking!//   Nancy looks across the carpark and sees the man just metres from her car, (if:(history: where its name contains "attack intruder")'s length is 0)[seemingly unthreatened by her newfound weapon.] She raises the branch above her head and brings it down with force against the window. It [[holds]].

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi"></a> </audio> </figure> Nancy forces her fingertips through the sliver at the top of her window.   The man walks faster, breaking into a run.   She ignores him and jams her arm in the gap, pulling the door lock upwards. Nancy yanks the door open and jumps in.   Nancy gets the key from the visor. She starts the engine and slams the accelerator reversing into (text-style: "rumble")[ [[him]] ]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi"></a> </audio> </figure> She screams in frustration. The man is (text-style: "rumble")[very close] now.   'Stay the *fuck* away from me!' Nancy bellows, brandishing the branch at her assailant.   'You're already dead, stupid girl,' The man shouts,(if:(history: where its name contains "attack intruder")'s length is 0)['I shouldn't have let ya leave the store.']   Nancy (text-style: "rumble")[strikes] him across the head with the branch and the man stumbles backward clutching his wound in the darkness.   [[try to break window]] [[strike again]]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi"></a> </audio> </figure> She hears him scream as she floors it (text-style: "rumble")[dragging] the man beneath her back wheels. Nancy reverses once more for good measure, before she speeds off into the night. She can't help but steal glances in her rearview, imagining the man sprinting after her.   'I really thought that was the end... The nightmare is over.' (text-colour:#10a810)[Nancy survives.] (click: "Nancy survives")[(restart:)]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi"></a> </audio> </figure> Nancy watches as the man slumps to the bitumen clutching his face. She blinks the rain from her vision and begins rapidly (text-style: "rumble")[slamming] the branch against the glass.   (text-style: "rumble")['Why! Won't! You! Break!'] She howls. The glass finally shatters and she smacks the remaining shards from the frame before yanking the lock upwards.   She pulls the door open desperately, ready to clamber onto the glass covered seat when suddenly she cannot move.   'I told ya that ya were already dead.' The man growls in her ear. His hands gripping her body. She feels a sharp pain in her abdomen. She helplessly clutches at the gaping wound, the man's knife still burried deep in her back, protruding from her stomach.   (text-style: "rumble")['Fuck... you...'] Nancy gurgles.   The man jerks the blade from her body. She falls to the ground. Her blood mixing with the murky puddles of the carpark. The man yanks her hair, cutting a lock off with his blade... A trophy. (text-style: "blur")[//I was so close...] (text-style: "blurrier")[I don't... want... to... di-//]   (text-colour:#c10606)[Nancy dies.] (click: "Nancy dies")[(restart:)]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi"></a> </audio> </figure> Nancy moves cautiously toward the man, lifting the weighty branch above her head.   She brings it down, (text-style: "rumble")[over and over] again. The mans screams and splutters as she (text-style: "rumble")[mashes] his head with the branch.   (if:(history: where its name contains "6")'s length is 1)['That was for Amanda Taylor.'] Nancy spits, dropping the branch to the ground.   The man doesn't move. (if:(history: where its name contains "attack intruder")'s length is 0)[ //Holy shit... I've got to call the cops or something...//]   Nancy runs back into the store, careful not to slip she makes her way to her bag beneath the counter. She grabs it and runs for the back exit. (if:(history: where its name contains "attack intruder")'s length is 0)[The mans body lay in a pile, his black clothing soaking with rain and blood.]   (if:(history: where its name contains "attack intruder")'s length is 0)[Nancy drives her car home and calls the police, explaining the night.]   //That could have been my final shift. I'm so lucky to be alive.// (if:(history: where its name contains "attack intruder")'s length is 0)[She changes from her wet clothes and waits for officers to arrive at her home to question her.]   (text-colour:#069306)[Nancy survives.] (click: "Nancy survives")[(restart:)]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi"></a> </audio> </figure> Nancy picks up the phone and launches it at him, it makes contact with his skull shocking him as he stumbles backward.   Nancy sprints up the aisles, relying on muscle memory. She slams her body against the swinging store room doors and bolts toward the exit.   (if:(history: where its name contains "take boxcutter")'s length is 1)[Nancy skids across the floor, she slips on some discarded produce. She falls hard. Her body slams against the concrete. Pain pulses though her body, a sharp, deep pain emanates from her abdomen. The boxcutter she was holding has embeded itself in her stomach. She slips again as she tries to stand. The swinging doors bang open and the killer stomps into the store room. Nancy hobbles toward the exit, her hands clutching at the blade burried in her flesh. //I don't want to die... Oh my god, please...// Nancy grapples with the door [[handle]], her bloody fingers slip on the cold metal.] (if:(history: where its name contains "take boxcutter")'s length is 0)[She skids across the floor slipping on some discarded produce, her body slams to the cold, hard concrete floor. Nancy screams out in pain, casting a backward glance toward the swinging doors. The killer rushes through into the store room. Adrenaline surges through her body. She scrambles toward the exit, gripping the handle in her shaky hands she forces the [[door]] outward and flees into the dark, stormy night.]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi"></a> </audio> </figure> 'Didn't your mummy tell ya not to run with scissors?' the killer laughs as he catches up to her.   'Didn't your *mummy* tell you not,' Nancy's fingers find purchase on the bloody doorknob, 'To (text-style: "rumble")[*fucking*] kill people?!'   She pushes the door open; the storm provides strong resistance. //I'm not strong enough, I can't...// Nancy helplessly pushes the side of her body against the door.   The exit gives and she stumbles out into the gale. Nancy is immediately saturated, her hair plasters to her face and she is unable to see... The darkness, the rain...   'You're a fighter, aren't ya?' The man follows her.   Nancy staggers toward her Datsun 180B, parked 100 metres from the exit. Her boots splash through the flooded waters of the lot.   Nancy feels hands grip her shoulders and throw her forward, she extends her arms to stop herself from crashing into the filth.   'Enough of these childish games,' The killer roars, 'I'm going to finish what ya started with that pathetic butterknife of yours.'   Nancy rolls to her back and blinks through the rain. (text-style: "blur")[//Just pull it out. You can't freak.//] (text-style: "rumble")[//Pull. It. Out.//] Nancy yanks the boxcutter from her abdomen. //It's time to end this... [[one chance]]...//

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi"></a> </audio> </figure> Nancy holds the boxcutter in her hand, blood gushes from the wound.   The man crouches above her, he positions his knife above her ready to plunge it into her chest. //One... Two... Three!//   Nancy uses the last of her energy to force the boxcutter upwards into the man's neck. She drives it into his throat and rips it sideways, blood cascades from the gash and bathes her face in (text-style: "rumble")[metallic gore].   The man splutters, falling forward he presses his knife into her chest. She gasps and burbles.   The man throws himself off her and clutches his throat helplessly, before laying completely still.   Nancy closes her eyes. (text-style: "blur")[//This is it. At least I took that murderer with me...//] (text-colour:#c01616)[Nancy dies.] (click: "Nancy dies.")[(restart:)]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi"></a> </audio> </figure> Nancy quietly shuts the door and stands in the cold dark. (if:(history: where its name contains "read Flimbert")'s length is 1)[She raises her hand and touches the cold steel of the butcher hooks. //I don't know why these things are still here. The deli shut down before I even worked here.//] (if:(history: where its name contains "read Flimbert")'s length is 0)[Nancy holds her hand over her mouth, almost letting out a scream as a meat hook brushes against her shoulder. //They should rip these things out. The deli shut down like, 10 years ago.//]   She hears the door to the cool room slide open. Nancy holds her breath. Suddenly the freezer door flies open.   'Silly girl.' The intruder growls.   'Why are you doing this!?' Nancy shrieks.   'Shh... Don't talk,' The man pushes her further into the freezer, 'Just scream.'   The man shouts out in surprise as he discovers the hooks.   (text-style: "shudder")['Oh, this just got fun.'] The man laughs, his deep booming voice reverberates in the small room. (if:(history: where its name contains "read Flimbert")'s length is 1)[//Oh god... I'm about to meet the fate of Flimbert!//]   The attacker drags Nancy to her feet and lifts her in the air. She tries to wriggle from his grasp, to no avail. Nancy screams. (if:(history: where its name contains "take boxcutter")'s length is 1)[She can't reach the boxcutter.]   The killer impales Nancy on the frozen hook, it pierces through the base of her skull and erupts from her screaming mouth. (text-style: "blur")[//I don't... want... to... die...//] Nancy hangs in the dark, gore pouring from the wound. The murderer hacks a piece of her hair off with his knife, a trophy.   (text-colour:#ba1212)[Nancy dies.] (click: "Nancy dies.")[(restart:)]

<figure> <display: hidden> <audio src="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi" autoplay> <a href="https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/8mqaEFYXOLFJ83fSsJz7eam73jRPixZi"></a> </audio> </figure> She sprints through the darkness; the storm pummels her body.   She collides with the driver-side door of her Datsun 180B, and pulls at the handle. //Damn it! The key is in my bag, under the counter. I'll pry the window open, there is a spare in the visor.//   Nancy pushes the window down and lifts the lock. She jumps into the driver seat. The key falls into her lap and she starts the car.   'I'll call Duncan when I get home... Maybe the cops.' Nancy speeds home. She arrives safely.   (text-colour:#19b819)[Nancy survives.] (click: "Nancy survives.")[(restart:)]