Darkness Lurks by J.L. Drake
Chapter Two
The next week flew by. I ended up booking five interviews for the roommate spot. I narrowed it down to two girls or Jamie. Seth kept his eye on me throughout the evenings but didn’t bring up the roommate thing. Saturday morning came faster than I expected. Erin had to bail on yoga class because of some work thing, so I decided to go for a run instead. I changed into running gear and went down to the beach. I did some stretches, put my earphones in, and started to run. I cleared my head and went as far as I could.
I returned about two hours later. I turned off my music and flopped down on the sand, breathing heavily.
“Hey, neighbor,” Travis said, running up to me in only a pair of shorts and a ball hat. He had a nice body, just as I had expected he would. Nothing like Seth and Garrett, but still nice.
I shaded my eyes with my hand as he got closer. “Morning.”
“You’re up early.”
“Trying to beat the heat.”
He nodded. “Yeah, really.” He paused as if trying to think of something to say. “You start school soon, right?”
I sighed. “Yes.”
“Well, if you ever need anything...” He paused again, awkwardly. “Here, let me give you my number. That way you can just shoot me a text or call me.”
I programmed his number into my cell. “Thanks, I appreciate it.”
“Anytime. I should get going. See ya around.” He waved and jogged off.
I walked up onto my property and saw Seth standing on the porch, watching me and drinking a cup of coffee.
“Hey.”
He waved, meeting me halfway down the stairs. “How was your run?”
“Great, but it’s getting hot.” He handed me his mug. “When did you get here?” I asked.
He ignored my comment and watched Travis running in the distance. “What did he have to say this morning?”
I rolled my eyes. “He was letting me know that if I ever needed anything, I could call him.”
“Mmm…I bet.” He laughed.
“He’s new, and he’s trying to be a good neighbor. Be nice.”
“So. I’m here to try out my new key.” He held up his keys.
“Oh no!” My hand flew to my mouth.
Seth’s face dropped.
“I gotta let Jamie know he can’t move in,” I joked, sipping the coffee. Yikes, it was hot!
Seth raised an eyebrow, taking his coffee back. “Nope, you’re stuck with me.”
“I think I’m all right with that.” I glanced down at his open shirt and had to turn so he wouldn’t catch me gawking.
Car tires and an engine caught my attention, drawing my overactive mind to a halt. A red car rolled up, and Garrett hopped out wearing shorts, a t-shirt, and a ball hat. “Morning, beautiful.” He flashed his cheerful smile. “Seth, I got your text, and I’m free today.”
“Great. Thanks, man.” I looked at Seth, wondering what he meant. “Garrett’s going to help me move my stuff in.”
“Oh, nice.” I walked up the stairs to open the door. I tried desperately to hide my excitement. Not only was I happy that Seth was moving in, but I felt a huge weight lift off my shoulders at not having to live with a stranger.
The guys came in with some boxes, weights, and some other workout equipment. “Where do you want this to go, Em?” Garrett asked.
“The third bedroom on the left can be his workout room.”
They worked for a few hours. Boxes came and went. I offered to help, but they seemed to have a good rhythm going without me. I tried desperately not to gawk, but there was something to be said about Seth in shorts and nothing else.
“Like the view, McPhee?” Garrett called over his shoulder as he set the box on the floor. He wiggled his butt in the air, laughing. “Or am I in the way?”
“Shut up.” I laughed, knowing I had just been caught red handed sneaking a peek at the sweaty muscle that had walked by a moment ago. I heard my cell ring and walked back into my room before Seth could see the color of red I was sporting.
Erin: Twenty mins, Huntington Beach?
I looked up and saw Garrett grinning as he walked by my room. Yes, the beach sounded like the perfect place to cool off.
Emily: See you there.
I changed into a white bikini with a gold-colored robe cover up and a pair of matching gold wedge heels. I threw on some light makeup, found my purse, and hurried down the stairs, not wanting to get in the guys’ way. I opened the door to the kitchen for a bottle of water and found the guys taking a break and drinking a beer. When I walked over to the fridge, they stopped their conversation. I turned to see them both staring at me.
“Wow,” I heard Seth say.
“How’s the move going?” I asked.
“Good. Where are you off to?” Garrett asked, smirking.
Damn you.
“The beach with Erin. You guys are more than welcome to come.”
Seth shifted. “Just you two?”
I shrugged, opening my water. “Yeah.”
They looked at each other. “Maybe we’ll join you later,” Seth said.
I spun my keys around my finger. “Okay. Bye, guys.”
***
Seth
I watched as Emily walked out of the kitchen. My chest was tight as my eyes scanned her long legs in her gold shoes. My eyes flickered over to Garrett, who was wearing a wicked grin.
“Screw off.”
Garrett raised his hands, laughing. “I didn’t say anything.” He paused. “Why don’t you go with her?”
I pretended to ignore my partner’s question. I would love nothing more than to spend some time with Emily, but I needed to get settled. I had to be back at work the next day, and I hated living out of a box. I tossed Garrett his work gloves. “Come, let’s empty my trunk.”
An hour later, everything was moved in and tided up. We were sipping beers out on the steps when I noticed Garrett kept checking his phone. “Everything all right?”
He sighed. “Mom wants us to stop by for dinner.” Garrett had a hard relationship with his parents, and ever since his younger brother Phillip came out several years back, things had gotten worse. Phillip was three years younger and was unplanned and unwanted, but an abortion in the O’Brian family was forbidden. He was never welcomed like the other boys. Phillip announcing that he was a homosexual had isolated him even more.
I could see the idea of his family picking on his little brother was bothering Garrett. Garrett was extremely protective of Phil and always had been.
“Come on, we’ll go for a few hours and then grab a case of beer on the way home.”
The O’Brian house was perched up on a cliff in Laguna. The home was massive, sprawling over the entire length of the property.
Garrett’s parents were very well off. His father was a chemical engineer, and his mother was CEO of some company that worked with lead. I could never remember what it was. It didn’t matter one way or another. Miranda O’Brian always made sure everyone knew how important she was.
Garrett parked the car and gave me a look. “You sure you wanna walk into this hell?”
“Trust me, Gar, it’s no worse than my own.”
The house smelled like curry chicken. It made my mouth water. The housekeeper greeted us and said everyone was gathered out on the back patio.
Joseph noticed them first. “About time you showed up, boys,” Garrett’s father said gruffly.
“Would it have killed you to wear something other than a t-shirt?” Miranda rolled her eyes as she stumbled toward them. Garrett’s mother had a bit of a drinking problem. I had no doubt she’d be on about her fifth drink by now. Her hands picked a non-existent piece of lint off Garrett’s shirt, and she made a nasty noise.
“Mother, I wear a button-up shirt every day to work. When I’m off, I’ll wear whatever I want.” Garrett glanced around. “Where’s Philly?”
“It’s Phillip.” Her eyes narrowed. “There’s no need for you to make him any more feminine than he already is.”
“Don’t start, Mother.”
“The pixie is in the kitchen,” Garrett’s oldest brother Tag hissed as he strolled by, not bothering to say hello to either of them. Tag had gotten a scholarship to play football in college and now played for USC. There was talk that the New England Patriots were interested in him. He’d been one cocky bastard since the day I met him. As far as I could tell, he had zero respect for Garrett or for Phillip.
“Screw off,” Garrett shouted over his shoulder. He turned back to his mother, who was trying to fix his hair.
“Garrett, I really wish you had worn something a bit more appropriate. Stacy’s here.”
Garrett flinched at her name. Stacy and her friend, Rosie, were nasty little leeches who draped themselves over the two of them constantly. Their families were friends with the O’Brians, and Miranda and Stacy’s mother would have loved nothing more than to get Garrett and Stacy into wedlock.
“As I’ve I told you repeatedly, I’m not interested in her,” Garrett said. I rarely saw my partner angry, but the way his face was scrunched together, I knew he was pissed.
Miranda stepped a little closer, and I could smell the vodka dripping from her pores.
“Need I remind you that her family is a huge part of my company—?”
“Spare me, Mother.” Garrett waved her off, making her scowl.
I glanced around the crowd. There must have been about twenty people there. Three girls were hanging off Tag, and a few were with the second oldest brother Gabe. Gabe was a sport rehab specialist and had a huge ego to go along with it. Though all four brothers looked alike, they were each very different.
“Who ordered the pigs?” Gabe shouted across the lawn. Tag laughed.
Garrett clucked his tongue, trying to keep his cool. He nodded toward the kitchen for me to follow.
“I said take it off.” Garrett’s father’s voice was low and stern. “Do you hear me? I said take it off. You’re embarrassing me.”
Garrett picked up his pace and rounded the corner to the kitchen to see his father inches from Phil’s face. Joseph was a much larger man than his youngest son and knew how to use his weight to intimidate him.
Phil had always been the smallest. He was several inches shorter than Garrett and was very skinny, unlike the rest of his brothers, who were more muscular.
“What the hell?” Garrett wedged his body between the two, blocking Phil from their father’s rage. “Back off, Dad!”
Phil glanced over at me with sad eyes. Knowing what he was going through shredded me. At least I could hold my own with my family, but the rest of the O’Brian family picked on this poor guy daily.
“Tell him to change or to go home. He’s not welcome looking like a flamer.” Joseph’s face was red as Garrett took a step toward him. “You got something to say, son?”
“Yeah—”
“No, he doesn’t, Dad,” Phil spoke up in a small voice. “I’ll change.”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Phillip.” Moving toward the freezer for some ice, Miranda rolled her eyes. “That shade of green should be illegal.”
Phil looked down at his bright green shirt and shook his head.
“Oh, Joseph, the Hills are here.” Miranda peered back over to Phil, who hadn’t moved from behind his older brother. “Change now before anyone sees you, or you can leave. Either way, I don’t care. Just do it now!” She filled her drink—seventy percent vodka, thirty percent soda—chucked a mint leaf in, and walked out, plastering a smile on her half-plastic face. Christ, that woman was a bitch!
Joseph glared at Garrett. “Phil isyourresponsibility for tonight.” He snickered as he walked out to meet his wife at the door.
“You all right, Philly?” Garrett asked as he turned to see his brother’s glassy eyes.
“Yeah, sure.” Phil turned back to the oven and pulled out a tray full of crème brûlée. “Lucky these little guys didn’t burn.” He sniffed and shut off the oven.
“Those look good.” I said, stepping closer and getting a good look. Phil wanted to be a chef. He was always baking and making up meals for them to try. Perhaps that was where Garrett had gotten his secret barbecue sauce.
Dinner was painful, but luckily, the tables were spaced out around the back yard, so the three of us tucked ourselves away from Garrett and Phil’s parents. Unfortunately, Tag joined us after a little bit, saying he needed a break from his female guests.
“How’s the pig life treating you?” he asked me, smacking my shoulder and belting a large laugh. Stacy and Rosie walked through the door and spotted us right away.
“Shit,” Garrett muttered. “Philly, how’d you get here?”
“Mom sent her driver. She didn’t want me to drive my car. I guess eco-friendly cars are frowned upon up here.”
“We’ll drive you back to your dorm.”
“Or it’s because you have a frigging rainbow sticker on your bumper,” Tag chimed in.
“Hello, boys.” Stacy batted her eyes at Garrett and me. “It’s been a long time.”
Not long enough.
Tag ran his eyes from her ridiculous high heels to her over-bleached hair. “Lookin’ fine, Stacy.”
She smirked down at him and rolled her eyes as though they’d seen one another intimately. She tossed her hand in his direction and turned her attention back to me and Garrett.
“Which one of you boys wants to get Rosie and me a drink?”
Neither of us moved. Tag started laughing and yelled out, “Burn!”
I had always wondered how Tag could be Garrett’s older brother when he was so incredibly immature. Stacy’s face flushed with anger, and she snapped her fingers at a caterer, demanding two glasses of white wine. She slipped into the seat next to Phil, and Rosie sat next to me. The girls started chatting about nothing. I tuned them out and checked the time.
“Connors, I heard you moved in with the hot little piece of ass.” Tag grinned and crossed his arms. “You tap that yet? Because if not, I’m going to.” I sucked in a deep breath and tried like hell to count to three to calm down.InsteadI leaned forward in the metal chair, slid the leg so that it hovered directly over Tag’s foot, and then dropped all my weight back down. Tag screamed out in pain.
I waited a moment before I shifted it off him with a shrug. “Sorry, dude, did that hurt?”
“What the fuck?” Tag shouted as he jumped to his feet. “Yeah, that fucking hurt!”
I leaned over so only Tag could hear. “You don’t ever come near her. And if you do, just remember what I do for a living and how manyinterestingpeople I know.”
Tag went to say something but decided against it. He hobbled inside with Miranda asking him what had happened.
“Lord, I’ve missed you guys,” Phil laughed out. “Oh, Garrett.” He tapped his brother on the arm. “I have that bake-off at school in a few weeks. You think you can make it?”
“Yeah, of course I’ll be there.”
Phil’s eyes lit up with love for his older brother.
I moved my attention over to him. “What have you decided to bake?”
“I’m thinking maybe a butter cream layered cake. I found this lemon recipe that is just amazing, but I was also thinking—”
“The three of you—out!” Joseph shouted, pointing his finger at us. I stood and tossed my napkin on the table. “And you—” Joseph came right up in my face. “Do you have any idea what kind of damage you can do? You could have ruined his career.”
“No, his personality will do that,” I mumbled.
“What did you say, boy?”
“No, I’m not your boy, and I feel sorry that these two are. Perhaps someday you’ll see them for what they are.”
“You will show me some respect.”
“No, I only give it where it’s deserved.” If the man had been anyone but Garrett’s father, I would have punched him.
“Get out and takethat,” Joseph pointed to Phil, “with you.”
“That, right there, is why you’ll never get respect from me,” I muttered and shoved past him.
“Or me,” Garrett chimed in.
Once they hit the freeway, Phil broke out into a loud laugh. He had to hold his sides while he gasped for air. “That was the highlight of my week, Seth. The look on Dad’s face was just priceless. Garrett, did you see Mom? Oh God. I can’t stop laughing. I swear the Botox was going to squirt right out of her forehead.”
I looked at Garrett, and we joined in on the laughter all the way to Phil’s dorm.
“Thanks for the ride, guys, and for getting me through that.” Phil leaned forward, giving Garrett a hug from behind. “Love you, big brother.”
“Love you, too.”
“Take it easy, Phil,” I shouted through the window.
“You too, Seth. I hope I get to meet Emily soon.” He waved and headed inside the building.
Garrett let out a long sigh and rubbed his face.
I glanced over at him. “Beers and John?”
“Yes.”
***
Emily
I waved, walking up to Erin. “Hey, girl!” I laid my towel down on top of my chair. We chatted for a while, watching people surfing across the wavy water. She was very pleased to hear Seth was moving in. I caught her trying to hold back a smile, but it wasn’t working. I pretended not to notice.
I checked my phone a few times to see if Seth had texted. He had, letting me know the move was going well. I felt a slight butterfly sensation as I tossed the phone back in my bag. How was I going to live with Seth and control my feelings for him? The very idea of him walking around in a towel…No! Don’t go there!I shook my head clear.
I looked up to see a bunch of guys who had been playing volleyball walking over. They started talking to us. They said they were from a college up north, and hung out with us for the remainder of the afternoon. Later, they wanted to know what we were doing for the rest of the night. Erin informed them she was spending it with her boyfriend, and that my new roommate was waiting for me to get home.
Jacob, one of the guys, seemed to be interested in me. At first it was all right—he was just talking—but he got a little touchy as the evening went by. I’d made it clear more than a few times that I wasn’t looking for a boyfriend, but he wasn’t listening. His hand always seemed to find some reason to rest on my upper leg. I shifted, making him move, but I could tell he’d had a lot to drink and wasn’t really getting my hints.
Erin leaned over. “You think it’s time to go?”
I nodded. “I’m not sure how well this is going to go.” We stood and started to pack up our things, since it was obvious Seth and Garrett weren’t coming. “Thanks, guys, for the fun day, but it’s getting late, and we should get going.”
Jacob stood, blocking my way. “You should stay. We’re going to build a fire and have a few drinks.”
I held up my hand. “Sorry, but I need to get back. Enjoy your time down here.” Erin and I walked away. A few of them called out after us, but we kept moving.
“Okay, that wasn’t fun,” I hissed at Erin. “I just want to get the hell home.”
“Check in, okay?” Erin said, hugging me. We always checked in with one another when we were home safely.
“I will. Drive safe.” I opened my door, slipped in, and started the engine. Erin waved as she drove off.
***
Lasko
I sat in the driver’s seat across from her car, gripping the steering wheel tightly and puffing on a cigar. I glanced down at the pictures of them on the seat. That piece of shit was touching her leg, and she was smiling. What the fuck does she see in him? Money? She has enough of it, so why should that matter?
I placed my sweaty hands over my face and rubbed my sore head. The bottle of Jack that was wedged between my legs was almost empty. I chugged the rest of it and tossed the bottle in the back seat. I caught my expression in the rearview mirror. The lines that run around my eyes are the proof I’ve paid my debt with this fucked up life. Now it was time for me to get what’s mine. Her slim body snagged my attention.
Emily and Erin walked over to their cars alone, without the horny assholes from the beach. They spoke and then parted. “Slut,” I muttered angrily to myself. I started the car and eased out of the parking lot, giving her a two car lead.
***
Emily
I glanced down at my dash. It had only been five minutes into my drive when I noticed the bright orange gas light staring me in the face. “Shit,” I sighed as I clicked my blinker on and eased over to the far right lane, taking the nearest exit. Luckily, there was a gas station right at the bottom of the ramp.
I got out and started the pump. The place seemed quiet, and it wasn’t even that late yet. I heard a car drive up and a door shut. A few of the lights were burnt out above me, so it wasn’t the best lighting. The place was giving me the creeps.
Then everything happened at lightning speed. Someone pushed me from behind. My forehead bounced off the roof of my car, and my neck jerked back. I was stunned for a moment as my brain tried to catch up. I fell to my knees.
I turned to see who had attacked me, but my eyes were blurry from the impact. The man pulled his hand back, making a fist, but at the last moment he changed his mind, opened his fingers, and slapped me hard.
My body was off balance, and my cheek met the cold steel car door with a loud thud. I could tell my lip was bleeding from the taste of tin in my mouth.
Then the realization of what was happening caught up to me. I reached up to cover my face, screaming for help.
“Shut up, bitch!” he barked at me. He kicked me in my ribs twice, making me gasp. I went silent instantly as pain shot through me. He bent down and grabbed my face, forcing me to look at him.
He wore a dark blue wool ski mask. His eyes looked cold through the slits. He ran his finger down my cheek. “Shhh, you shouldn’t anger me like this, Emily,” he whispered. His breath smelled like a sweet apple cigar.
I hit his hand away, but he grabbed my wrist and squeezed it hard.
“Ouch!” I cried out. Where was everyone? Where was the gas station attendant? Surely someone could see what was happening to me.
I didn’t have time to look around for help because his long, bony fingers brushed my hair off my neck. Oh God!
“You’re so beautiful,” he sighed. “Now, did you think flirting with that boy on the beach would be okay with me?”
My head was foggy. I could hear him, but it was hard to focus between the pain and the fear.
“If you breathe a word of this to your cop buddies, next time they see you, you’ll be in bits and pieces. Then I’ll dice them up, too. Do you understand me?”
I nodded, sobbing. He took a deep breath, putting his hand on my thigh. I cringed at his touch. Then I felt my braver side come out. She was pissed and ready to fight.
“You’re sick!” I spat out. Blood sprayed on his mask, and I instantly regretted my outburst.
A long, dragged-out smile spread across the pale lips partially hidden by material. “Darlin’, you have no idea.” Then he grabbed onto my thigh hard, pulling himself closer.
“No!” I shouted. I started kicking and flailing my fists at him. He pulled up my cover-up, ripping a piece off.
It took all my strength, but I rolled my weight on my hip and kicked him in the crotch. He fell to the side, holding himself. I scrambled back away from him on my hands. He stood up faster than I expected he would. He held the piece of fabric from my cover-up to his nose, inhaling deeply.
“Mmm…strawberries.” He seemed to shudder with pleasure as he took a step toward me.
I put my hands up. “No, please!” I begged.
A diesel engine roared toward us. The lights of the big rig shone on me, giving me a moment of hope. The man’s face whipped toward the truck and then back to me. He squinted as if he were weighing his options.
“I’ll be back for you,” he hissed. Backing up, he moved swiftly to his car. Then he disappeared into the darkness.
The trucker hopped out, whistling while his dog leaned up on the steering wheel, watching him carefully. He suddenly paused and looked at me, stunned, his mouth still shaped like an O. His face dropped, and he ran over to my side. “Are you all right, miss?”
I looked at him, shaking. He bent down and pulled me to my feet. “Oh my God, miss, I’ll call the police!” he said, horrified.
“No! Please, my car,” I managed to choke out.
“You need help. You can’t drive in your condition! Who did this to you?” He was panicking, and all I wanted was to get home.
“Please, my car. My father’s a cop,” I lied. He hesitated and then helped me sit in the driver’s seat of my car.
“One sec.” He left to remove the pump for me. Then he picked my purse off the ground, tucking the receipt inside. “Please let me call someone for you,” he said again. “What’s your father’s phone number?”
“Thank you.” I snatched my purse from him, pausing as I tried to force my mind to form a rational thought. “Thank you for helping me.” I started the car. He stepped back out of my way, his face still white with horror. I looked away and peeled out of the gas station.
I could feel my body starting to go into hysterics as I turned down my driveway and stopped my car. I gripped the steering wheel and let myself go. I cried so hard I could barely breathe. My body shook uncontrollably. Everything went numb.
***
Lasko
I pulled up to the Motel 6, grabbing a large paper bag out of the back seat. My boots echoed off the walls as I climbed the stairs to Room 18. The air was filled with the odors of smoke and rotting trash from the bins below. Cars sped by. The local teenagers were trying to sell cocaine to anyone willing to stop. At least I wouldn’t have to go far to get my next fix. My neighbor’s door opened. A large woman squeezed into a size small, orange, stained dress grinned at me. She had jet black hair.
“You’re home early.” She arched her back, leaning against her door. “Long day?” She put a Virginia Slim to her way-too-red lips. She inhaled deeply and then pushed the smoke out her nose like a bull about to charge.
I studied the massive piece of human waste in front of me, thinking of the many ways I could kill her. However, the mere idea of my skin touching hers made the bile rise in my throat. I was sure it was only a matter of time before she’d be found dead in a ditch somewhere, anyway, no doubt offed by her pimp.
I moved my blank stare off her and shoved the dirty brass key into the door, kicking it open. I heard the woman call me a name as I locked the deadbolt behind me. My fingers ran along the wall and flicked on the lamp that sat on the side table. The sound of the cockroaches disappearing into the walls was a pleasant sound for me. They were my entertainment when I got restless. I would practice torturing them, seeing how long I could make them last. It was usually a long time. Cockroaches were strong.
Although I lived currently in a dump, I had some luxuries. My Mac was fully charged and waiting for me to upload my daily pictures of Emily from my Samsung NX300 and my Panasonic Lumix ZS30.
I kicked off my boots and opened a can of pork and beans. I licked the old yogurt off the closest spoon and started eating right out of the can. When I was finished, I opened a bottle of whiskey and ran the water for a bath. I couldn’t find the plug so I tore a piece of my t-shirt off and shoved it into the drain as a makeshift seal.
The water felt good. At least it was hot tonight. I closed my eyes, tuning out the sirens and squealing tires.
I couldn’t believe I had gotten so close to her and she had gotten away. I wanted her so badly I could taste her.
The corners of my mouth went up at that thought. I often wondered what she tasted like, or how her skin would feel against my tongue. I imagined her tied to my bed, panting with fear as I had my way with her and then rested my cheek on her chest, listening to her wild heartbeat.
Of course I knew she was on birth control. I’d seen her pick up her monthly prescription. I hated wearing a rubber, but I had to make sure there was no chance she could get pregnant. I didn’t believe in reproducing. I was a selfish man.
I took two large swigs of the whiskey and knew I’d have to lay low for a couple of days and wait for the phone call that everything was all clear.
“Adler!” I yelled. “You wanna go to the cabin?”
***
Seth
I grabbed a handful of popcorn, tossing one in my mouth at a time. “After all these years, this movie is still great.”
“Of course, it’sDie Hard.” Garrett shifted off the couch to open a window. “Who doesn’t want to be John MacLean? He’s...” His voice trailed off.
“He’s badass,” I finished for him. Garrett moved swiftly to the door and stopped dead in his tracks.
“What the—?” I watched as my partner disappeared outside, and I heard him run down the stairs. “Seth! Come here now!” Garrett shouted.
I jumped to my feet, sending the popcorn flying across the room. When I got to the top of the stairs, my heart almost stopped. Emily was hunched over in the driver’s seat of her car. She looked like she was crying. Hard.
I raced down the steps, skipping the last three, and flew to her car. Garrett was madly trying to get her door open. I put my face to the window. “Emily?” Panic chased the goose bumps that were racing across my body. “Come on, baby, look at me. Open the door!”
She frantically shook her head.
“Jesus, what the hell happened to her face?” Garrett yelled.
I couldn’t think. I looked around desperately and spotted a rock. Garrett jumped back out of the way as I smashed the back driver’s side window.
Emily started to scream. Her hands shook as she covered her ears. I reached over and unlocked her door.
I took in her bloody hands, torn cover-up, and dirty legs.What the…I slowly bent down, trying not to frighten her. “Emily, baby, look at me.”
I reached for her arm, but she flinched, sobbing harder. I got a little closer and put my hands over hers, squeezing them a little. Her hair was in her face, so I couldn’t see her properly, but she lowered her head and her breathing seemed to slow down. Her knees were locked together and her skin felt cold.
“It’s okay. I’m here.” I heard her breathe out hard. Then she turned her bloody, bruised face toward me, and our eyes locked. I felt the blood drain from my body, my fingertips went numb, and my mouth went dry.
“Garrett,” I whispered, trying to remain calm. “Get my keys.” Garrett darted up the stairs and into the house.
Emily started panicking again. “No-no-no!” I grabbed for her flailing hands and brought them to my cheek. I pressed her hand to my face.
“You need to be checked out, Em. You could have a concussion.” She shook her head, but I could tell it wasn’t in response to my words. She wasn’t listening. My eyes fell on her torn cover-up. “Did he…” I fought back the nausea, not sure if I wanted the answer or not. “Did he…force himself on you?”
Her head whipped up, meeting my gaze. “N-no, I f-f-ought h-him,” she said through her sobs. I took in an unsteady breath of relief.
Garrett came running out and jumped into my car, moving it closer to Emily. He hopped out, opening the back passenger door. “Oh God,” he whispered when he got a good look at her face.
“Okay, baby, time to move.” I reached over, putting one hand under her legs and one behind her back. I carefully lifted her out of the driver’s seat, and tensed as she cried out. Then she went limp and leaned her head against my chest, whimpering.
“It’s okay, baby, I’ve got you,” I whispered, placing her in the back seat and closing the door carefully. I opened the trunk, pulled out a fleece blanket, and slid in next to her. Garrett hopped in the driver’s seat and watched us carefully. I draped the blanket over her trembling body and shifted closer, bringing her into my arms. “Let’s go, Garrett.” I nodded at him in the rearview mirror.
I couldn’t turn my thoughts off. I had so many questions, but I knew she wasn’t ready to answer any of them. She seemed so small in my arms, so fragile. How could anyone hurt her? When I found whoever had done this, I was going to personally make sure they would never walk again.
Every bump in the road brought me back to the present. Emily’s cries pierced through me, fueling my anger. I gently kissed her forehead and whispered that everything was going to be all right.
She started to calm down. Her sobs were quieter, but that wasn’t necessarily a good thing because I could tell she was going into shock. Her eyes were fixed on the seat in front of us, and her body was stiff as a board.
“I’ll pull up and let you guys out. Then I’ll go park,” Garrett said, his voice strained with barely suppressed anger and fear.
I lifted Emily out of the back seat and carried her into the ER.
The place wasn’t overly busy, thank God. I quickly made my way to the front desk. A nurse met me there with a wheelchair. “Please, she’s been attacked,” I said, trying hard to remain calm for Em’s sake. It wasn’t working.
“Okay, let’s get her in,” the male nurse said briskly as if attack cases came in every day. Probably they did. The nurse helped me place Emily in the wheelchair and whisked her into a private room with me close behind. When the nurse went to help Emily onto the bed, she started crying again, refusing the man’s hand and pulling away.
“Let me,” I said. Moving the guy out of the way, I reached down, gently scooped Emily up, and placed her on the table. She had a handful of my t-shirt, and she wasn’t letting go. The nurse moved over to her side, and her grip got tighter. I looked down at him. “Nothing against you, man, but do you think that she could be examined by a female?”
We locked eyes. The nurse nodded once and called over his radio for a female nurse. A few moments later an older lady came in wearing orange scrubs with little pumpkins all over. She flashed a kind smile.Perfect,I thought. She had a grandmotherly look to her that I liked.
She took one look at Emily and closed the door behind her. “Hello, I’m Nurse Jean, and you must be Emily.” She slowly moved next to me, noticing Emily’s death grip on my shirt. “Can you tell me what happened to you tonight, dear?”
Emily didn’t move other than her trembling. She still had a blank look, but she finally whispered a single word. “Okay…”
“You were the one who found her?” Nurse Jean asked, looking up at me.
“Yes, my partner and I found her outside her house in her car.” I ran my fingertips along Em’s back, trying to soothe her.
“Has she said anything to you?”
“I asked if he forced himself on her, and she said no.” I felt a flicker of pride pass through me. I had spent a day teaching her how to throw a punch and how to kick properly. I was very thankful for that now.
“Okay.” Nurse Jean moved her hand and carefully felt Emily’s face. Emily flinched but let the nurse continue. “That’s a pretty good size goose egg, sweetheart. Do you have a headache?”
Emily squeezed her eyes shut as more tears fell.
“Em, please answer her,” I encouraged. “They need to know.”
“Yes,” she whispered, but didn’t move.
“Okay, any ringing in your ears?”
“No.”
“Blurred vision?”
“No.”
Nurse Jean felt down the side of her neck, checked her eyes, her cheeks, and her shoulders. “Emily, besides your head, do you hurt anywhere else?”
Emily lowered her free hand to her ribs and hesitantly showed the nurse where the pain was. My anger grew, and I clenched my teeth together.
“I need you to change into a gown. We’ll take your clothes and hand them over to the police so they can look for trace evidence.” She looked at me. “I’ll need you to step out, please, sir.”
“I’m not leaving.” I shook my head, not moving from Emily’s side.
“Sir, I’m sorry, but we can’t have you in here, and you’re not her family, so—”
“The hell I’m not!” I raised my voice.
“Emily?” The nurse said, ignoring me. “Do you want him to stay?”
“Yes,” she said, pulling me in closer.
“Okay, fine.” She opened a cabinet and pulled out a gown, draping it over the table. “You’ll need to let go, Emily.” She nodded at her grip on my t-shirt. Emily paused a moment and then unclenched her fingers.
The nurse carefully pulled off her cover-up and slipped it in a plastic evidence bag. I felt a punch to the gut when I saw her bruised ribs. She helped pull the gown in place, tying it firmly.
“Okay, I’m going to undo your bikini top now.” Emily stiffened but let her do it. “You’re doing great, Emily. Now I need you to lean back.” I helped her swing her legs on the bed and eased her back. Calmly and gently, she removed Emily’s bikini bottoms as well. Emily moaned but didn’t fight her.
The nurse smiled. “Good job. I’m going to get the doctor to come in and see you. He may want to get an X-ray or a CT scan of your head or your abdomen. I’ll be back shortly.” She looked at me. “Can I speak with you outside for a moment?”
“I’ll be right back, baby.” I kissed Emily on the forehead. Her eyes were squeezed shut. I followed Nurse Jean out into the hallway.
“I’ll have to call the police and report this,” she said, her voice no longer quite so friendly.
I sighed. “I’m a cop with the OPD, and my partner is out in the waiting room. I’m sure he’s already called it in.”
She looked relieved. “Oh, okay. Good.”
“Seth!” Garrett said, running up to them. “Is she okay?”
“The doctor is coming in to see if she needs X-rays, but all in all, she’s all right,” the nurse said. “As far as her mental and emotional condition, only time will tell.”
“Yeah,” Garrett said, looking at Emily through the door window. “I filled out her paperwork, so we should be able to leave whenever we’re done here.”
“Thanks,” I said, feeling so many strong emotions.
“If you need anything, I’ll be over there,” the nurse said, pointing to the front desk.
“You okay?” Garrett asked, eyeing my face when we were alone.
“No.”
“I’ll call it in. Campbell and Riggs will come by the house tomorrow. I’m guessing she’s not saying anything yet?”
“No.”
“Okay, well, I’ll give you guys a few minutes. I’ll be in the waiting room making those calls.”
“Thanks.”
I took a moment, trying to collect myself as I opened the door. Emily was scrunched up in a tiny ball with the blanket pulled up to her chin. She stared blankly at the wall. My heart was heavy with pain and anger as I ran my hand through my hair. I pulled up a chair next to her.
“Can I get you anything?” I whispered. She didn’t move. I reached over and gently touched her hand. She pulled it to her cheek and let out a shaky sigh. “Oh, baby.” I choked back tears. I just wanted to take the pain away.
I couldn’t stand her being so frightened. She normally had such a loving, strong personality, but right now she looked broken. “Can you tell me anything? Please, just something. Garrett called in the attack, we—they—have questions you need to answer, sooner rather than later. It’s—”
Her eyes shifted from the wall to meet mine. “I c-can’t, he’ll know,” she whispered. She tucked her head down into my hand, sobbing.
My rage burned through my veins. This piece of shit had the balls to not only touch her, but to have words with her as well! I took a moment. The last thing she needed was to see me lose it. Then I leaned in so she could hear me.
“He...spoke...to...you?” Each word came out controlled, but inside I was anything but. “What did this piece of shit say, exactly?”
She looked up at me with bloodshot eyes. “He-he said he’d kill me if I said anything, h-he knew my-my name.”
I jumped to my feet as her words sank in. “He knew your name!” I rubbed my face violently. “Jesus Christ!” I looked down at her and felt her slowly slipping away again. I dropped back into my seat. “Em, stay with me.” I grabbed her cold hands. God, she was freezing. “Can you tell me anything about this guy? Hair color, eye color, accent, anything?”
Suddenly, the door opened and a tall man in a long, white coat came in holding an iPad. “Good evening. I’m Doctor Alex.” He looked at Emily, who was trying to control her sobs. “I see it hasn’t been a good evening for you.” He squinted as he took in her face. “Well, before we even get started, why don’t we get you something for the pain and to help calm those nerves?” He started tapping away on the iPad. A moment later, Nurse Jean came in with a needle.
“Okay, Emily, this is for the pain, and I need to inject it into your hip.” She gently pulled back the fleece blanket, rubbed an alcohol pad over her thigh, and pricked her. From the look on her face, Emily barely registered it.
The doctor examined her carefully. Thankfully, it seemed she only had bruised ribs, and he didn’t feel she needed a CT scan. I wasn’t entirely sure I agreed with that decision, but I kept my mouth shut for Emily’s sake.
The doctor also went over a bunch of paperwork, mostly what to do if she had certain symptoms, and suggested a counselor. He wrote a name on a piece of paper and handed it to me. He also gave me a prescription for pain meds that she was to take as needed.
Finally finished, he looked up and said, “She’s a lucky girl. She’ll heal fine and won’t have any scars, at least on the outside.” He glanced at Emily, who was now sleeping. “But she’ll need lots of rest, and someone should be with her for the next couple of days. Watch that lump on her head. The paperwork will tell you what to look for. I’ll get the nurse back in here so she can be discharged. I hope she feels better soon, but if anything changes, you bring her right back in, okay?”
“Of course. Thanks, Doctor,” I said, shaking his hand. Just as the doctor was leaving, Garrett came in holding two cafeteria coffees. He made a face. “These were all I could find without leaving.”
“That’s great, thanks.” I sipped the hot coffee, trying to let the events from the night sink in. I filled Garrett in on what the doctor had said and then fell silent. After a few minutes of hearing the annoying tick of the clock above us, I rubbed my face roughly. “He spoke to her.”
“What?”
“Yeah, he said if she told anyone, he’d kill her. The asshole even knew her name.” Even repeating her words made me feel ill.
“Do you think it’s someone she knows?”
I leaned back in my chair. “I don’t think so, but I promise when we find this guy, he won’t be able to say her name again.”
Several hours later, Emily finally got word she could go home. The entire drive I had my arms locked around her. Her hands still shook but at least her sobs had calmed down.
I lifted Emily out of the car. She was passed out cold from the pain medication. Garrett opened the door and flicked on the living room light. “You should stay in the guest room.” I pointed my head up the stairs. “Who knows if he followed her home? An extra set of eyes would be good.”
“Yeah, I was planning on it,” Garrett said. Setting the security alarm, he followed me upstairs and turned on Emily’s desk lamp. “I called Erin. She’s going to stay with her until we get off work tomorrow. She was pretty shaken up by the whole thing and was happy to help.”
“Good,” I agreed, pulling the covers over Emily. She looked so small in the oversized sweat pants and t-shirt the hospital had given her to wear home. They had kept her clothes for evidence.
“I’ll see you in the morning,” Garrett said, leaving the room. He looked just as I felt.
I kicked off my shoes and tossed my phone on her night table. I pulled up her big, plush chair, plopped down, and rested my feet on the bed. I watched her as she drifted into a deeper sleep. I leaned forward, turning off the light, and folded my arms over my chest. After a few moments, I gave in to my exhausted body and dozed off.
***
Emily
I could feel his breath on me. I felt his hand run up my leg. “You shouldn’t anger me like this, Emily,” he hissed. I flinched at his smell as my stomach turned over. “Shhhhhh.”
My eyes popped open. I was breathing hard. Then the pain came flooding back. “Ouch!” I moaned, holding my side. I looked around. I was home, and it was morning, but I didn’t feel like I’d slept at all. I dragged myself up out of bed, pulling on some clean clothes, and caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror.
Oh Lord...I moved closer, getting a better look. I had a large goose egg over my left eye, my right cheek was slightly swollen with a black-and-blue bruise, and my lip was spilt open. At least I could cover most of it up with make-up. However, my ribs were a different story. You could see his two boot marks perfectly colored in by bruising. What a friggin’ nightmare this was.
As I came downstairs, I heard voices. I took a deep breath and pushed the kitchen door open, not sure if I was ready to face this yet. Seth and Erin were talking at the table, and Garrett was making breakfast. Both the guys were dressed for work. When Erin saw me, her hand went flying to her mouth. Seth quickly stood up and walked over to me.
“How are you feeling?”
“Sore. Thanks for last night.” I cleared my throat, glancing at Garrett. “For…for taking me to the hospital, I mean.”
Seth nodded. “Of course.”
I went over to the counter and reached for a mug in the cabinet. Pain flared through me at the movement, and my hand shot to my ribs. Garrett leaned over and got one down for me, smiling sympathetically. I poured some coffee and sat down at the table. Garrett sat a plate full of eggs, bacon, and toast in front of me. I forced a smile at him, but the thought of food made my stomach turn. I moved my plate over a bit and sipped my coffee. The hot liquid made my lip burn, but I hid the discomfort.
“What did this Jacob guy look like?” Seth asked Erin, returning to his chair at the table and pulling out his note pad.
“Umm.” She eyed me for a second, not sure if she should answer. “He was as tall as me, black hair…it peeked out from under his black ball hat. He had a barbell tattoo on his left arm with the number 33 over it, umm…?”
I traced my fingers over my cup’s rim. “It wasn’t Jacob,” I interrupted. The three of them looked at me.
“Are you sure, Em?” Erin asked.
I nodded. “It wasn’t Jacob.” I stared at the table.
“Where did this happen?” Erin asked. My fingers started to tremble, so I slid them under the table. We were all silent for a little bit until Garrett checked the time.
“We need to go,” he said, looking at Seth apologetically. I got up slowly, trying to mask the sharp ache in my ribs. I went into the living room and sat on the couch. I heard Seth telling Erin he’d check in on us and to call if we needed anything.
He came out and sat next to me, being careful not to shake the couch too much. “Here.” He handed me two pills and a bottle of water. “Take these every four hours, as needed.” He mimicked a doctor’s voice. He sat the pill bottle next to me and took my hand.
“Thanks,” I said quietly.
“You really scared me—us.”
I nodded, remembering my dark place when I was at the hospital. Everything seemed like a blur.
“Em.” Seth took my chin carefully in his hands so I’d look at him. “We really need to talk about this later, okay?” I closed my eyes, remembering that awful man’s warning. I shivered.
Seth sighed as if he knew it was a lost cause. “I’ll call you later. Get some rest, okay?” He gently kissed my forehead. I could tell he was struggling with leaving me.
***
Lasko
I pressedprintand pictures started to push out of the printer. My fingers tapped the table, waiting patiently. My other hand toyed with the piece of fabric from her cover-up. I gathered the pictures and pinned them into the drywall one by one. Then I stepped back, admiring my work.
There were hundreds of photos of Emily. I moved to the last one, running my finger over her face. She was at the beach with Erin, laughing. I frowned at one and ripped it off the wall. Jacob was off in the right-hand corner. I pulled out long scissors and angrily cut him out. Slipping my hand into my pocket, I pulled out the Zippo lighter and lit the piece of photo, letting it drop on the damp cement floor.Much better,I thought as I shifted my erection and leaned in, kissing her picture.
A cold, wet nose slid under my hand. My fingers dug into the fur and rubbed methodically. “Soon, we’ll bring her home, Adler.” The dog walked over to a rusty faucet sticking out over an old metal tub that was tucked into a corner. It was leaking water. He hopped up, helping himself to a drink before returning to his master’s feet.
***
Emily
I shifted to the side of the couch, making more room for Erin to sit by me. We watched TV for a while. She made me lunch, but I didn’t touch it. My mind felt like someone was changing the channels back and forth on the TV. One moment I’d be there with her, and then the next I’d be at the gas station. I kept flinching at the sight of his hand coming at me.
Erin picked up my pills and handed me two more. “It’s time.”
“Thanks,” I said, reaching for them, wanting to block out the memories for a bit. After about fifteen minutes I started to feel relaxed and sleepy.
Erin was cleaning up when she came across my purse. She picked it up when something caught her eye, and she pulled out the gas receipt. Her eyes quickly scanned the small, innocent piece of the puzzle. She looked at me, and then it clicked for her. My stomach sank.Oh no.“Em, did you get attacked at this gas station?”
I sat up. I struggled to stand, but I got a head rush, followed by sharp pains across my stomach. I held out my hand. “G-give me that,” I demanded as I tried to open my drooping eyelids.
Erin handed it to me and then sat down. “Why didn’t you tell me?” Her voice sounded horrified.
Tears rolled down my face. The stupid pills were getting to me. The last thing I remembered was her frightened face.
I heard a buzzing noise, then Erin’s voice. “I think she’s starting to wake up now, but she hasn’t eaten a thing. Okay, see you in a few minutes.” It took me a few tries to wake up before the groggy feeling passed. “Hey, Em,” Erin said in a soft voice, “can I get you anything?”
I shook my head. “How long was I out?” I asked, feeling as if my mouth had been stuffed with cotton.
She checked her phone. “Four hours. Seth must have called twenty times checking in on you.”
I shifted to sit upright as the guys walked in. “Hey,” I said.
Garrett came over. “How are you feeling?”
I smiled. “Been better.”
Seth came over and sat in front of me. “Hey, baby, how are you?” He checked out my face carefully. “Get any sleep?”
“Yeah, I did.”
“Good.” He smiled. “I’m going to go change.”
I felt my muscles relax, just knowing they were home.
About an hour later, there was a knock at the door. I scrambled to my feet and watched Seth open the door and let two officers in. I looked at Seth, feeling my anger rise. Garrett put his hand on mine. “Don’t be mad, but we had to report this last night. If we hadn’t, the hospital would have.”
Seth stood behind me and placed his hands on my shoulders. “Emily, this is Officer Campbell and his partner, Officer Riggs.” Numbly, I shook their hands and then sat back down carefully.
Riggs sat in front of me and opened his notebook, “Okay, Ms. McPhee, I have a few questions for you.” He started right in. “So, you were attacked last night at 7:34 p.m. at the am/pm off the 5 Freeway?”
I stood up, wrapping my hand around my stomach. “How do you know that?” I looked at Erin.
She put her hands to her flushed face. “I’m so sorry, Emily, but I had to tell them.”
I turned to Seth, my eyes filling with tears. I couldn’t believe this. They had no idea what they were doing!
“Can we go on?” Riggs’s voice was unemotional. I sat. “Any reason why you didn’t want to report this to the police?”
I looked down, not saying anything.
Riggs scribbled something on his pad. He seemed a bit irritated. “We’re going to get the surveillance tape tomorrow. Did he say anything to you?” He sighed when I didn’t answer. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to ID him.”
I just shook my head, praying I was still asleep, praying this whole thing was the result of a nasty nightmare caused by too much drinking. I’d welcome a hangover right about now.
Seth sat down next to me. “Emily, please, I know you’re scared, but...”
I looked up at him, tears invading my eyes again. “I am scared, I’m terrified. You know what he said, what would happen if I told!” Not to mention what the freak might do to Seth or to Garrett. That scared me even more than any threat to myself.
Officer Riggs closed his notepad. “Ms. McPhee, how are we supposed to help you if you won’t tell us anything?”
I turned and looked at him. “I never asked for any help.” I rose and walked to the front door.
“Emily,” Officer Campbell said. His voice was a little nicer. “We could find this guy if you just told us something. What was he wearing? Did he have an accent? Any little bit helps.”
“Sorry for wasting your time.” I pushed open the door and went out to the porch swing. Inside, I heard Seth sigh heavily. “Thanks for coming, guys, but maybe it’s too soon,” he said. I heard footsteps coming my way.
Erin came out and sat next me. We sat in silence for a few moments as the two officers said their goodbyes and drove out of my driveway. “I’m sorry, Emily, but you’re my best friend, and I thought I was helping.”
I put my hand on hers. “I know,” I whispered.
***
A few days went by, and the guys gave me some space. I overheard Garrett one night on the phone with a detective saying that they had brought in Jacob and some of his friends for questioning but, like I told them, he wasn’t the guy. Plenty of people alibied him, and he had seen nothing abnormal before or after we left the beach.
There didn’t seem to be any repercussions when the guys filed the police report. Perhaps this whole thing had been just a random attack. But of course I knew that wasn’t true. The creep had known my name. Worse, he had known about the guys.
I tried to push away that night and move forward, but truth be told, I was still scared.
I was to start classes the next morning. Erin and I were going to meet in the campus Starbucks at 9:00 a.m.
Seth came into my room, sat on a chair, and watched me decide what I was going to wear. I pulled out a pair of skinny jeans and a deep red silk button-up shirt with a pair of black heels. I hung them on the edge of my closet. Then I went to my dresser and took out a long black tank top. I slipped off my shirt and threw it in the hamper. Pulling the tank on over my bra, I could feel Seth’s eyes on me. My ribs still had a yellowish color. “They don’t hurt anymore,” I assured him, answering his unasked question.
He didn’t shift his gaze. “Good to know.”
I wasn’t sure what he meant by that comment, but I got sidetracked by my missing phone. Where was it? I searched my desk but couldn’t find it.
I went downstairs to the kitchen; ah, there it was on the counter. Erin had called an hour ago.
When I turned, I found Seth standing right in front of me, half smiling. He gently leaned his body into mine, pushing me backward. He slid both arms on either side of the counter, trapping me. Then he reached down with one hand and picked me up. His body felt like concrete between my legs. He gently sat me down on the counter. He took my legs and wrapped them around his waist; his hands slid up my thighs.
His touch was intense, leaving a hot trail everywhere he went. His hands traveled to my back, pulling me in closer. I decided to make a move, too, and grabbed his shirt, pulling it off.
Taking a deep breath, I slid my fingertips up his smooth chest and around his neck. He shivered. I leaned up, almost touching his lips. Smiling, he leaned in and crushed his lips against mine. His tongue invaded my mouth like he’d been waiting for this moment as long as I had.
Every inch of me craved him. My fingers ran through his hair, pulling him closer to me, as a small moan escaped my lips. Seth crushed me harder into his chest. One hand held me tight while the other ran along my lower back and down into my panties.
My skin was on fire. His touch sent waves of ecstasy through me, nearly plunging me over the edge. My legs tightened, and I heard his breathing hitch.
The sound of a car door slamming made me whimper in disappointment. He pulled me off the counter, grabbing my ass and squeezing it, still possessing me with his kiss as he slowly lowered me down to my feet. I managed to pull myself away from him, but it took every ounce of willpower to do it. We were both out of breath as Seth grabbed his shirt and pulled it back on.
Garrett came in a moment later. “Hey, guys, sorry for coming in so late but, Seth, I need to talk to you.”
I looked at Garrett, seeing something was off. “Everything all right?”
He smiled. “Oh, yeah.”
I looked at Seth, who was trying to hide a smile.
“Okay, um…goodnight, then.”
“Night, Em,” Garrett said as I walked out.
I tried desperately to control my dumb grin as I tossed my phone on my bed and flipped on my TV, hoping Seth wouldn’t be too long.
***
Seth
I watched Garrett move to the door, making sure Emily went upstairs. He sat at the table and pulled out a picture of the attacker from the surveillance camera and slid it over to me.
“Did you see the video?” I asked as I studied the picture.
“Yes, it’s fucked up, man. They couldn’t ID him.”
I ran my hands over my face.
“She fought him. She kicked him right in the sack when he tried to…” He paused. “She got away for a moment, then he moved back in, but a trucker pulled up and spooked him.” Garrett leaned back in the chair. “Seth, he spoke to her, but he said more to her than just her name and what he’ll do to her if she talks. We need to know the whole story.”
I went over to the fridge and pulled out two beers, then sat at the table. “I know, but not yet. She’s starting classes tomorrow. I don’t want to scare her by bringing it up. She seems like she’s coming around a bit. I don’t want to push her too quickly.”
Garrett nodded. “I know, but the sooner the better.” We sat in silence for a few moments.
I took a big breath, sensing there was more. “What else?”
Garrett shifted. “It wasn’t like a normal attack on a stranger. It was almost like he knew her. He was so calm, so in control.”
“Do you think she knows him?”
Garrett shook his head. “I don’t think so. She didn’t act differently when he spoke to her.” He looked off at the wall. “I just can’t believe that no one helped her. She looked so fragile. How could anyone do this to her?” He paused, coming back to his original thought. “But he said something to spook her. You can see it on her face. I think that’s why she won’t talk.”
I spun the bottle cap, thinking. “We need to find that trucker.”
***
Lasko
I slipped my brass ring on over my index finger. I lit the lighter and started running the flame over the top of it. When it was scorching hot, I pressed it to my chest.
I clenched my jaws together as beads of sweat rolled down my temples. My whole body shook as the intense pain coursed through my veins. I slowly dropped my hand to my lap and flopped back against the chair. I gazed down at the eye that was staring back at me and caught my triumphant smile in the reflection of the glass. Yes, I did see everything.
***
Emily
I hit my alarm button, rolling over and realizing I was alone. Had Seth even come to bed last night? I walked into my bathroom, showered, and curled my hair. When I came into the kitchen, I found Seth dressed for work and reading the newspaper. “Hey,” he said as I reached for the coffee pot.
I poured a cup. “Hi.” He didn’t say much more than that. I ate an apple at the counter. Things definitely felt…off. I glanced at the clock. Shoot! I was going to be late. I looked at Seth. “Well, have a good day.”
He stood up and put his dishes in the sink. “Em.”
I whirled around. “Yeah?”
“Be careful today.”
“Always.” I walked toward the door. “You too.” He couldn’t possibly know how much I meant it.
I met Erin at school, and she handed me a coffee. “You okay? You look like you’ve got something on your mind.”
I shook my head clear. “Just tired. Well, I’d better get to class. Thanks.” I held up my coffee cup. “See you at The Goose at five.”
I walked into the large stadium classroom, taking a seat off to the side a few rows up from the front. I pulled out my earphones and rested my phone on my book. The class started filling quickly.
“This seat taken?” a tall, blond guy asked as he dropped his bag on the floor. I shook my head as he settled in next to me. He flipped open his red bag. Pulling out a Mac, he placed a microphone on the top of his computer and pointed it in the direction of the podium. “You a Yorke fan?” he asked, pointing to my iPhone, which was playing “Paranoid Android” by Radiohead.
“Yes, it calms me.”
He smirked at my joke. “It’s their best album. Nice to know I’m sitting next to someone who has good taste in music. I think we could be friends.”
“Is that so?” I said, giving him a small laugh as the professor organized things at his desk.
“I’m Scott.” He leaned over, offering his hand.
“Emily. Nice to meet you.”
“He’s not wearing a wedding ring,” a girl behind us whispered loudly to her friend. “I wonder if he offers private tutoring.” She giggled.
I shook my head at Scott who raised an eyebrow at the girl. She had a point, though. The professor was maybe five years older than I was, making him roughly twenty-seven. He resembled Chris Hemsworth, only his hair was brown.
“Hello, and welcome to my criminology class. I’m Professor Dean,” he said. As he smiled, I thought I heard all the girls in the class sigh with delight.
I had only just decided to take this class. I hoped I would enjoy it and maybe understand the criminal mind better. And hey, it never hurt having a few more classes under the belt.
“Now,” he said, tucking his hair behind his ear. “This is not your typical criminology class. We will be studying cases and learning how to examine a crime scene. We will try to solve the case using the clues we find. This is a ‘think outside the box’ kind of class, people. We will study criminal minds to see how they tick.” He stopped, giving a serious face. “I hope you all have strong stomachs, because it’s gonna get graphic.” He flicked a picture up on the screen above him.
It showed a woman lying on her bed with a gunshot wound through her head. A few gasps came from behind me. Clearly Professor Dean liked the shock factor, or maybe he was just trying to weed out the weak.
“Now,” he said, pointing to the picture, “what do you see?”
***
Seth
I sat at a desk and replayed the video from the gas station over and over. Garrett glanced at me a few times, and finally muttered, “Take a break, man.”
I ignored him, flicking my pen back and forth between my fingers.
“Connors, a moment, please,” our sergeant ordered. I looked at Garrett, and then headed into the sergeant’s office. Detective Michaels stood next to Sarge’s desk and pointed to a seat for me. “So, Emily McPhee is your roommate?”
I nodded.
“Sorry for what happened to her. Has she said anything more to you about that night?”
“No, nothing other than what I already told you.”
Detective Michaels moved his lips around like he was carefully choosing his next words. “You need to find a way to make her talk.” He tossed a photo in front of me. “We can’t get much off the video. Gas stations don’t exactly have high tech camera systems.”
“That’s it?” I rubbed my head, not believing they couldn’t find anything.
“Look, this isn’t TV. We can’t make it any clearer than that. And besides, he’s wearing a ski mask, in case you didn’t notice.”
“What about her clothes?”
“Still waiting, should be back from the lab this week,” Sarge said, glancing at his phone.
I sucked in such a deep breath that my lungs ached. “So, basically, until she actually tells us something, we have nothing to go on? Where the hell is the trucker? Where the hell is the goddamn gas attendant? I find it hard to believe that not one person saw anything! That’s crap!”
Sarge moved in closer. “The gas station attendant said he went out back to the stock room because he heard a noise. He’s seventeen. He probably went back for a smoke. Unfortunately, he didn’t see or hear anything, nor did anyone else.”
He leaned back to look over my shoulder. “Because McPhee said he knew her name and threatened her life if she talked, I’ll get a couple of our guys to stay with her during the day. As for you, Connors, get her in here looking at mug shots, soon. We need anything that will help identify this creep. We have an APB out for the trucker, and Michaels is in communication with the trucking company. It shouldn’t be too long before we can talk to him.”
He paused, reading my stricken expression. “My advice, and I suggest you take it, is that it’s easier to protect someone when there aren’t feelings to get in the way.”
I looked up at him. “Are we done here?” I asked flatly. I could feel my anger rising, and I needed to get out of there before I did or said something I’d regret later.
Sarge nodded, looking at Michaels and then at me. “Yeah, we’re done for now.”
I jumped to my feet and flew out the door. I locked eyes with Garrett. “Let’s talk.”
***
Emily
I sat cross-legged on my bed. As I brought up my emails, I saw there was one from Mom with the subject line ‘Condo listings.’ I immediately deleted it. I sighed, hating how when she got an idea in her head she just wouldn’t give it a rest. I moved my mouse over to the web browser and started doing some research for my sociology paper that was due next week.
I heard the front door open and the sound of the security system being set. Seth must be home. I checked the time, thinking he must have gone to the gym after his shift. I debated going downstairs, but it bothered me how cold he had been this morning, so I decided I’d leave him be. He could just be moody and quiet by himself.
I was so engulfed in my paper that I didn’t hear him knock on my door.
“Em,” Seth said from behind me. I jumped, seeing him standing in my doorway. “How was school?”
“Fine, met some nice people.” He nodded, looking tired. “You go to the gym?”
“No, I had some work to do after my shift.” He hooked his thumbs in his belt. “I’m heading to bed.”
I didn’t say anything as he turned and walked to his room. It wasn’t until I heard his door shut that I turned my attention back to my laptop. I tried to focus after that, but it was no use. I closed my computer rather loudly and flopped back onto my pillows. I knew they said women were hard to read, but clearly they hadn’t met Seth.
