Jason made his way through the crowd and out of the tennis center. He briskly walked the mile and a half to the spot where he'd parked his van. Actually, "van" was what he called it, but it wasn't a mini-van or even a full sized van. It was an old UPS delivery truck. He'd repainted it and designed a logo for the sides that read "Smythe Co. Overnight Courier." Despite its size, it never seemed to be noticed, no matter where he left it.

He unlocked the driver's door, climbed inside, then opened the door to the rear compartment and, stepping up slightly, went into the back. It was a little smaller than it would be normally, due to the layer of sound insulation Jason had installed. The insulation covered all four walls, roof, and floor. Along one wall was a built-in bench with drawers. Along the opposite wall, wood posts and metal pipes were attached. The ceiling and floor were crisscrossed with metal bracings containing numerous eye bolts and pulleys.

Jason opened one of the drawers and tossed in the miniature tennis ball bearing Anna's signature. He wouldn't be needing it for a while. He began to assemble his materials for the evening. In a few moments he was ready. Now he just had to wait until the proper time.

He'd never attempted to procure merchandise as well-known and protected as the Russian tennis star, but he was convinced his plan would work because of its very boldness. Her bodyguards would be looking for obsessed fans trying to sneak their way to her, not for an open approach.

According to the information he had, Anna would not be out late that night. She had an early match the next day and would be in bed by 10:00. Luckily her boyfriend couldn't be in town for the first week of the tournament, so Jason didn't have to worry about him hanging around and getting in the way.

At last, it was time for action. He drove the van to the service entrance of the hotel and stepped confidently into the building, carrying a small package. It was late for a delivery, but no one gave him a second look. He double checked the hotel key card and security badge he'd obtained earlier with a few well placed bills. After locating the closest hotel phone, he dialed Anna's room number and waited for her to pick up.

"Hello?" She sounded a little groggy, as if she'd already been asleep.

"Miss Pornallova? This is hotel security. I don't want to alarm you, but we have a situation that has to be handled immediately."

"Wh-what's the problem?"

"We've just learned that someone managed to obtain the key code for your room, and we need to change the code to your door lock immediately." He wasn't even sure that was possible, but he figured Anna wouldn't know either. "Are you, um, alone right now, Miss?"

"Yes. I'm alone."

"All right then, listen carefully. We're going to change the code remotely right now, so your current key card won't work. I'll be right up with a new card for your room. In the meantime, be sure to stay in your room, and check that the deadbolt on your door is locked. Don't open the door for anyone unless they show you a security badge."

"Uh, okay ... Does it have to be right now?"

"Yes, it's best to be safe. I'm sorry for the trouble, miss."

Soon Jason stood outside her door, his badge ready. He set the package down and knocked lightly on the door. "Miss Pornallova? It's security. I just spoke with you on the phone." He flashed the badge in front of the peephole.

A few seconds passed before he heard the sound of the deadbolt being thrown and the door cracked open. She still had the chain latched. "Can you just slip me the new card? I really need to get back to sleep."

"Of course, miss. But first, I have to check to make sure it's working before I leave it with you. Close the door again, please." He slipped the key card into the slot and worked the door handle. Nothing happened, as he expected. "Slip me the card you have for a minute." He took the card from her and pressed it into the slot. The door opened. "Darn it! I'm sorry miss, but they apparently didn't get the code changed yet. Could I use your phone for minute?"

She hesitated, then opened the door. Jason picked up his package and walked into the room. He had to stay focused, but he allowed himself a passing glance, just a split second, to once again appreciate his lovely young prey. She had an ivory robe pulled loosely about her, but he could glimpse pale blue pajamas underneath. Her hair, no longer in the braid, fell freely past her shoulders. Even though she'd been roused from sleep, she looked incredible.

"Sorry about this disturbance. I'll just set this package inside the door if you don't mind. I'm delivering it as a favor for someone." He stepped over to the phone and pretended to notice something. "Miss, did you attach this to your phone?"

"What?"

"This small electronic device." His heart was racing furiously as she stepped over to see what he was pointing to. This was it, he told himself. Steady now.

He stepped back as she approached. The plastic bag in his pocket opened easily, as he got the chloroform-soaked cloth ready.

"I don't see any--" Her words were cut off as he pounced on her from behind. His left arm locked around her chest while he used his right hand to cover her face with the cloth. Her initial cry was immediately muffled by the cloth. She struggled frantically, twisting, grabbing at his arms, scratching, and kicking.

Her strength surprised him at first. He'd almost forgotten he was dealing with a well trained professional athlete. She almost broke his grip a couple of times, but his superior brute strength and the quick action of the chemical soon tamed the wild animal she'd become. Her arms finally fell limp to her sides. Her legs lost their ability to support her weight. He continued to hold her tightly for a minute until he was sure she was really out, then he gently laid her on the floor.

Jason stood over his victim breathing heavily. He remained still for several minutes, listening for activity in the adjoining rooms or in the hall. Nothing.

As his breathing and heartrate returned to normal, he proceeded to open the package. He pulled out the largest item, a straightjacket. As much as he liked to bind his victims with rope, he felt the straightjacket would be more secure for now. He knelt down next to Anna's prone form and pulled her up. He listened to her breathing and checked her pulse before slipping the robe off and working her arms into the long sleeves of the restrictive garment. In no time, her arms were pulled tightly across her chest and locked securely in place.

Next, he took a roll of duct tape and taped her legs together at the ankles and knees. Then he folded her legs up and taped her ankles to her thighs.

He hesitated a bit before wrapping the tape over her mouth and around her head. She could have a reaction to the chloroform which would make things a little messy, and possibly dangerous, but he had to hope she wouldn't. He didn't use any mouth stuffing. A few rounds with the tape over her mouth then from her chin to the top of her head would keep her mouth closed and minimize sounds as much as possible without provoking her gag reflex.

Finally, he pulled her knees up to her chest and bound them to her neck with rope. He stood over her and looked down at the tidy girl-package he'd made and smiled. Just one more hurdle and she'd be his to start training. He wiped clean all surfaces on the door and in the room. Then he pulled the last item from his package: a large, heavy duffel bag...