183 STEPS TO DEATH (PART 10)

Later on that evening, two recent graduates from Washington Island High School, Trevor Austin and Leah Nelson pulled into Moutain Wayside Park in the middle of the island. In the daytime the park was occasionally frequented by island tourists. The lone highlight of the park was a giant tower on the top of a hill which provided a great view to the north and west, over the water, including a view of nearby Rock Island.



At the bottom of the hill stood a long set of wooden steps leading to the top. About halfway up, even the most in-shape people would begin to get winded. There were no other cars around. So assuming they'd have privacy, they headed up the 119 steps.





It was an especially muggy night. And by the time they reached the top, each of them had a layer of sweat beginning to appear on their brow. Trevor put his hands on his hips and let out an exhausted "whew," then extended his right hand to help the long-haired beauty up the top step. The two of them then walked up the dirt incline which wound around and ended at the bottom of the tower.





It was extremely dark and the two of them struggled to find their footing. All the while they waved blindly at their heads as the numerous mosquitos buzzed their ears.

"These bugs are driving me nuts" Leah complained.

"I know. But they shouldn't be too bad at the top" answered Trevor.

Still out of breath, but anxious to keep moving to fend off the bugs, the young couple started up the remaining 64 steps to the top of the lookout tower. Eight steps, a platform, two left turns, then another eight steps to the next platform. They repeated this process four times until they had finally reached the top. Having been up here many times in the daylight they knew there was a great view in front of them. But the darkness hid most of it from their eyes. Off in the distance they could still see the moonlight cascading off the water. They held hands, briefly kissed, then sat down on the solitary wooden bench.







They sat there for awhile talking about their future. The two of them had met when Trevor's family had moved to the island for his sophomore year. They had been smitten with each other from practically the first time they'd met. They'd both recently turned 18. And they planned to get an apartment together in Green Bay later that summer, as Leah was set to attend UW Green Bay in the fall. In spite of Leah's urging, Trevor had no interest in college and had grandiose plans of starting his own contracting business. Privately Leah worried that their relationship would suffer. Trevor had similar worries that Leah would be tempted by other male students she'd undoubtedly meet. Nonetheless, they were excited about what the future would hold for them.

64 steps below, Buster Koons happened upon the scene. He was far enough below that Trevor and Leah initially never heard him. Koons made no effort at stealth. He stomped on each step, his massive frame shaking the boards with every step. By the time he'd made it halfway to the first platform, Leah whispered, "Someone's coming." Both of them went silent as Trevor confirmed it for himself. Leah found it a little creepy. But they were up there. So there was nothing really unusual about someone else coming up as well.

A minute later Koons stood at the bottom of the last eight steps. He made his way to the top. At the top step Leah called out a friendly, "Hello." Koons turned toward her. And with a thrust of his left hand, Leah saw a flash in front of her face as Koons' fist smashed into her nose, instantly breaking it.

Trevor jumped up to step in front of Leah. He took a swing at the monster's chest. But Koons barely twitched at the touch. Instead he reached out with both arms and heaved Trevor into the air over his head. Trevor screamed in fear but was unable to extract himself from Koons' clutches. Koons moved to the back of the tower, and with a simple flick of his wrists tossed Trevor over the side. A moment later Trevor landed with a sickening thud onto the picnic table below.







Leah had fallen over onto the wooden bench and was clueless as to the fate that had already befell her boyfriend. Her mind was so dazed that she barely was aware of the arm that reached out and pulled her up by her hair. He stood her up, grabbed each arm, and yanked them around her back until the bones snapped. Leah screamed in agony and fell to her knees. Koons once again grabbed her by the hair and dragged her to the side. Reaching down he hoisted her in the air and gently set her over the side.

Leah dangled in the air, kicking her legs while Koons held onto her by her hair. Her arms hung limp at her side, unable to function due to the many breaks. Koons reached out further, holding her like a yo-yo. Leah began pleading for her life, "Don't drop me. Don't drop me. Please don't drop me." Koons started to swing her by her hair. Petrified, Leah yelled in vain. After a few swings, Koons calmly let go. With a final "Noooooooo" Leah dropped to the ground, instantly ending her life as her body burrowed into the ground only a few feet from Trevor.

Koons circled his way down the tower's steps, reached the bottom, and viewed the bodies he'd tossed from above, seeming to admire his handiwork. After a few moments Koons walked past the picnic table and headed back into the woods, following a small foot path.