It had started off simple enough- you were a tourist, driving a small rental car down a rural highway…only slightly lost. You’d pulled in to a gas station, stopping for directions and maybe some sort of snack or drink.

The man you asked for directions seemed harmless enough- broad, strongly built, with a messy brown Mohawk, bright smile and easy, near puppy like demeanor.

“Excuse me sir, do you happen to know the way back to the main road?” You ask, pushing past any social anxiety that surfaces.

The man perked up (even more so, somehow) immediately at your inquiry.

“Aye! ‘Course bonnie! ‘s just a bit more down the road and you’ll come to a fork, go left an’ you should be good.”

The man gave you directions and talked to you for a bit. He seemed sweet enough- introduced himself as Soap, asked where you’re from, where you’re going, and whether you were up here to see family or traveling alone.

He’s even given you his number for if you needed anything else- said he lived around the area could always help.

You eventually got back on the road, taking his directions to go left at the fork.

You started to worry after 5 miles of nothing- but you brushed it off, telling yourself that you just must’ve wandered really far.

But then 5 became 10, and 10 became 20….and 20 became 30…and the dread in your stomach only grew.

Eventually, you gave in, pulling over and stepping out of your car, tugging your jacket tighter around yourself and reluctantly dialing the number Soap gave you.

“Hey…Soap? It’s me from the gas station.”

Soap sounded ecstatic at your call, barley listening to your description of your location and promising to be right on his way.

He arrives way too fast and with another man in tow.

Your stomach drops.

“See Ghost? Told you she’d lead us right to her!” Soap says, beaming at the much taller, more intimidating man beside him as they come towards you.

“Good job, Johnny.” The man says, voice level and steady as he watches you from behind the skull mask he wore.