The Knife

Prologue

Gasping in panic, Lemon slipped past the yellow and black signs warning DANGER! KEEP OUT! and pushed open the forbidden door.

She shouldn't be in here. She didn't want to be here. But where else could she hide?

The light was dim, the shadows deep and frightening in the deserted new hospital wing. The workmen had all gon home, and Lemon was alone, stumbling in he gloom through construction debris.
Maybe he didn't see me.
Maybe he won't follow me.
Maybe I'm safe!

Her long honey blonde mane, usually so sleek, had escaped from its pins, and was whipped in tangles around her shoulders. Her pretty face, usually so calm, was a mask of terror.

Desperately, she moved deeper inside the new construction. Wires snaked along the floor and dangled from the ceiling. Twisted cables bulged from holes in the wall, reaching out to clutch at her.

There was a sudden flash of light as the door was opened.

Trapped!

Trying not to make a sound, Lemon hugged the wall on the far side of the huge room. A wire snagged her sleeve. She uttered a little gasp as she twisted herself free.

Then she heard the familiar voice: "Lemon? I know you're in there. You can't hide from me."

Tears of terror started in her eyes.

"Come out, Lemon," the voice urged. "I just want to talk to you. Won't you let me explain?"

Inching along the wall, Lemon felt the blood pounding in her throat. She couldn't see him but she could feel his terrible presence.

"I won't hurt you," the voice said softly.

Did he say that to her too-just before he stabbed her?

Lemon's whole body trembled. Suddenly, in one great burst of motion, he was upon her. His hooves seized her shoulders and pulled her back roughly.

Lemon tried to scream, but he clapped a hoof over her mouth. She felt his hot breath on her cheek.

Now her only thought was, Where is the knife?