By Mistydawn
Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.
Frightened five-year-old Timmy darts to the far corner of his closet. He finds his baby blanket crumpled on his floor, Timmy grabs it and throws it over his trembling body.
"Please God, please make them stop fighting. Oh please make them stop," he begs. He huddles down in the corner, he covers his ears. He can still hear his daddy's angry voice echo through their hall.
Bill storms across their kitchen. The green checked tile and lime green appliances haven't been remodeled since it was originally built. "How many fucking times do I have to tell you? I expect my supper on the table when I get home," Bill yells in a drunken rage.
Janet smells an intoxicating scent of his nightly liquor lingering on his breath. She takes a few steps back as she gags from the foul stench.
"How many times do we have to go through this? Huh, how many?" he slaps her across the face.
"I... I'm sorry, Bill it'll never happen again," she covers her throbbing cheek.
"You're always sorry, a sorry excuse for a wife. I don't know why I even married you," he screams, as he slaps her again. "The only things you have to do all day is clean the house and get my supper, but you obviously can't do either." He shoves a stack of dirty dishes on the floor. Small fragments scatter across the filthy tile.
She drops to her knees and starts cleaning up the mess.
"Yeah, you better clean that up, if you know what's good for you." He puts his muddy foot on her back and then pushes her to the floor. "Get down there closer, so you can get all the broken pieces. I better not get one sliver in my foot, or, there'll be hell to pay," he warns, as he grabs a beer from the fridge. He turns around to sees she's slowly working on the shattered tableware. "Oh for God's sakes, Timmy can clean it up faster than that," he kicks her in the butt.
She tumbles into a pile of broken plates.
He grabs her long brown hair and pulls her to her hands and knees. "Get to cleaning," he orders.
"Y ...yes, Sir." Blood trickles down her head as she gathers up the slivers.
"Bring my supper in the front room when you're finished," he instructs. He kicks her in the ribs. "That's so you'll remember to have dinner on the table when I get home."
"I ...I will, I promise," she blubbers, as she grabs her aching side.
"You damn well better." he storms out of the room.
A few minutes later he stomps back in the kitchen. "I'd like my supper tonight."
"I... I'm getting it for you now." She tosses a handful of broken glass into the garbage beside her.
He grabs her hair and pulls her to her feet. With one hard shove, he sends her flying across their kitchen.
Her thin, frail body slams into the stove; spices fall across the top.
"Cook me something, right now," he demands. He marches towards the living room.
Janet is grabbing leftovers out of their fridge when she hears a loud thud. I better make sure he's alright. Emptying her hands, she runs to the front room. She realizes Bill's face is buried in a pile of clothes. I can't have you suffocate on me. Janet starts to roll him over when a thought occurs to her. If he did smother, Timmy and I would finally be free, but I'd be a murderer if I let him die. I wouldn't get charged if the police thought it was an accident. Could I live with myself knowing what I've done? What about everything he's done to me and Timmy? After a quick mental debate, she reluctantly reaches down. She notices blood gushing from the back of his head as she starts to turn him over. "What happened, Bill?" she asks, as she drops to her knees. He didn't respond. She grabs some clothes and applies pressure to the wound. I've got to get help, but he'll die if I leave. "Timmy," she screams. Not seeing the child, she tries again. "Timmy, I need you now."
Hearing the desperation in his mommy's voice, he runs into the front room. "What's wrong, Mommy?"
"Daddy's been hurt."
"Hurt?" he asks as he walks closer.
"I need for you to go to the neighbors and call 911."
Timmy glances down at his daddy's lifeless body; tears stream down his cheeks.
Janet looks towards her child. "Do it now."
Timmy glances back and forth between his Mother and Father not sure what to do.
"Go now."
Overwhelmed with emotions, Timmy darts out the door. A bloody bat falls to the floor behind him.
*****
Three Berryville Detectives are sitting at their desks in the far corner of the station. Commotion continues all around them as they work on an old case.
Rachel, their newest team member loves cold cases, because of their additional challenges. Her partners, Joe and Jerry find them to be exhausting.
"I understand why this case went cold so fast. There's nothing to work with." He pulls off his glasses and tosses them on his desk. Jerry's been a part of the police force for nearly fifteen years. He loves the work and hopes to continue until he retires.
"See what you can find out about him," Joe instructs. Joe's been with the department nearly twenty years; he's worked his way up from beat cop to Sergeant.
"I already did. Bill's married, has two young kids 4 and 2. He worked at Eureka Springs Police Department for nearly ten years. Bill's wife, Liz is a stay at home mom." Rachel informs him. She started at the police station five years ago. After helping her partners solve a case, she decides detective work is her true passion.
"So, find out everything you can about their marriage. Jerry I'd like you to interview his friends and family. I'll interview his co-workers, see if I can find out why he was at the park so early."
"That'll have to wait," the captain says as he walks up to their desks. The three turn towards their boss.
"What's going on, Captain?" Joe questions as he runs his hands through his thinning hair.
"There's been a murder in the trailer park." The captain shifts his stance.
"I knew he'd kill Janet someday, I just knew it. I tried to warn her this would happen." Joe yells as he springs up from his chair.
The captain holds up his hand to stop him. "She isn't our victim, he is."
*****
The three detectives arrive to find officers dragging Janet out of her house in handcuffs. Her once white floral dress was covered in blood. There were cuts and bruises on her face and a trail of dried blood on the side of her head.
"I want to talk to her after she's been treated," Joe informs the paramedic as he passes them.
"Yes, Sir." The rookie nods.
"Who was the first to arrive, Son?" Joe asks as he glances at the cruisers parked across the lawn.
"Kirk, Sir, he's still processing the scene." He points towards the house.
Joe notices Sharon, their medical examiner beside their victim when he steps inside. He then notices the filthy mess that surrounds him. I guess Janet gave up on housework too. "Do you have anything for me, Sharon?"
"I'm ruling his cause of death as blunt force trauma to the back of his head. I believe this is your murder weapon." She holds up a bloody bat. "The impression marks match his wound and I found this embedded in his skull." She holds up a small plastic bag containing a sliver of wood. "I'll confirm the match when I get it to my lab."
"Let me know what you find.
Sharon nods. "I will Joe."
Joe finds Kirk in the kitchen, he walks over to him. "I heard you're first on the scene, Son?"
He glances up from the floor. "The first officer, the paramedics were here when I arrived."
"Describe what you saw?"
"The EMT's were on the porch when I pulled up. They said she was swinging a baseball bat around like a wild woman. Said she wouldn't let them near the body. I find her standing over him, her weapon in hand. I told her she needs to give me the bat, so the paramedics can help her husband and she hands the weapon right over."
"Tell me about the house, Kirk."
"The fight started in their kitchen. I believe he beat her up and then goes into the front room. She sneaks up behind him and clobbers him with a bat."
Joe tilts his head."Guess she's finally had enough." Joe is heading towards the ambulance when Rachel runs towards him.
"Whatcha got for me, Detective?"
"Their next-door neighbors said Bill pulls up to the house around a quarter till nine. A few minutes later, they hear her scream and then glass breaking so they called 911."
"Did they see what happened?"
Rachel shakes her head. "No."
"Has anyone interviewed Janet yet?"
"We figured you'd want to since you're a friend of the family."
"I'll go talk to her, you finish talking to the neighbors and the little boy," he instructs.
"Yes, Sir."
~~~
"How's Janet?" Joe asks the paramedic.
"Her only injuries are the superficial wounds on her face from Bill's beating earlier this evening."
Joe walks to the rear of the vehicle. "Janet, I need to talk...." Realizing it's empty, he runs to the EMT.
"Where is she?" Joe asks running his fingers through his hair.
"She's on the bus." He points behind him.
"No, she's not." They dart to the back.
Angry, Joe turns towards the paramedic. "Why didn't you stay with her?"
"I didn't think she'd run."
By Mistydawn
SUMMARY OF THE FIRST CHAPTER
Janet was abused by her husband, she later discovers him bleeding on the floor when she goes to check on him. She sends her little boy, Tommy to get help while she tries to stop his bleeding.
~~~~~~~~~
Terrified, Janet runs towards the safety of the woods. She knows running from the law is probably the dumbest thing she can possibly do, but realizes if she sticks around any longer, she'll go down for a murder she didn't commit.
I have to find a safe place to hide. She reasons as she dashes through the forest. After running for what seems like forever, she notices an old abandoned cabin nestled deep in the woods.
She first notices the porch is condensed to mere slivers of decayed wood. She then realizes its roof is collapsing inward; thick hardy vines encompass the crumbled structure.
Throwing the door open, Janet plops down on the hardwood floor; dust particles scatter around her. Her chest burns and legs ache as she gasps for much-needed air. Random thoughts race through her mind as she tries to control her breathing.
She first remembers how happy she was on her wedding day, so full of love and hope for their bright future ahead. She then recalls how her wondrous bliss turned into terror. The countless times Bill left her bleeding on their cold tile floor. How his heavy hand sent her into premature labor, which caused her to lose their first baby. She then pictures Bill on their carpeted floor, blood gushing from his wound. She recalls how the cops dragged her across their yard in handcuffs, and the looks her neighbors gave her as she passed them by.
"What am I going to do, where am I going to go, how will I ever survive?" she cries in the darkness.
****
Rachel sees Jeff holding Timmy when she walks across the lawn. Jeff has only been with the department for a few months, but has shown a lot of potential in that short amount of time.
"I need to talk to him a minute, if you don't mind, Jeff." Rachel reaches for the young lad.
Timmy grabs a hold of Jeff's neck. "I don't wanna talk, I don't wanna."
Rachel tries to pull him away. The frightened child clings tighter. "Honey, I know this is hard for you, but I need to figure out what happened tonight, OK?"
"No, I don't want to talk about it, I don't, I don't," He buries his face in the officer's shoulder.
Jeff soothingly rubs his back."You need to tell this nice Detective what you told me, alright?"
"I said I don't want to talk about it." Timmy locks his fingers in place.
How would I get my baby sister to talk? Rachel pictures their conversations. "Your mommy needs your help and you can do that by telling us what happened tonight."
"She needs my help?" Timmy lifts his head from Jeff's shoulders. He wipes his nose with his shirtsleeve; leaving a trail of snot behind.
Glad I'm not the one holding you. She crinkles up her nose as she steps back. "She's counting on you, Timmy. So be a big boy and tell me what happened, alright?"
"I... I'll try." He hiccups. Timmy wipes tears from his face. "Daddy came home yelling at mommy. I got scared so I hid in my closet. I always feel safer in there," he explains.
Rachel pulls a notebook from her pocket. "Then what happened, honey?"
"I heard mommy yelling for me. I didn't go to her at first cause I was afraid daddy was going to hit me too. He does that when I've been bad." He shows her his bruised back.
"Timmy told me this has been going on for some time," Jeff adds. He glances dolefully at the little boy.
Rachel gets a sorrowful look on her face. "What happened next, Honey?"
"I saw Mommy standing over Daddy with a bat in her hands." He shoves his face into Jeff's shoulders and starts to cry.
"One of the EMT's pulled him out. They said he was by their door," Jeff adds.
"Where did she get the bat?" Timmy continues to sob in Jeff's arms.
Rachel tries again. "Is it yours, Timmy?" The little boy still didn't answer.
"He told me he was playing with it earlier and his mom took it away," Jeff adds.
"If I hadn't played with that stupid bat, daddy would still be alive," Timmy bawls.
*****
Joe sees the crowd has increased when he steps out of the house. It's a shame they weren't this concerned when the abuse was going on, he thinks as he scans the growing cluster gathered out on the lawn.
"Hey, Sergeant, I have an update for you," Jerry says, running across the yard.
Joe turns around. "Whatcha got, Jerr?"
"I talked to another neighbor and they said Bill skid into his driveway a little before nine. They hear yelling and glass breaking a few minutes later. The Brown's said they went to check on Janet, make sure she and her boy are alright. That's when they saw someone swinging an object at Bill's head and him falling to the floor. They ran back to the house and called 911."
Maybe, we're getting somewhere, Joe thinks. "Could they describe this person?"
"Mrs. Brown said she could only see shadows because their curtains were drawn. She did say the person has a small frame and stood shoulder-high to Bill. They said they watched for someone to come out, but didn't see anyone leave." Jerry finishes; he closes his notebook.
Their description makes his attacker around five three. Did they describe the object?"
"They said it was long and thin like a bat."
"Keep digging, Jerry, maybe somebody else saw more."
"Yes, Sir." Jerry nods. He turns to leave.
"Joe, I just spoke to Timmy. He said Janet was standing over Bill with a baseball bat in her hands," Rachel reports.
"I'm sure there's a logical explanation." Joe turns around when he hears shuffling beside him.
"I brought the dogs, Sergeant." An officer announces.
"Why do we need canines?" Rachel questions as she glances down at the mutts.
"Janet managed to escape," Joe reports, as he glares at the EMT's.
"How?"
"No one was with her."
Rachel looks their way. "You'd think they'd know better than that."
"To make matters worse, the paramedic removed her handcuffs so they could treat her wrist."
Rachel rolls her eyes. "Damn idiots," she mumbles, she glares at her former coworkers. She's had to deal with their incompetence on several occasions when she worked at the hospital.
Joe walks over to his detective. "Is our search party together, Jerr?"
"They're right over there, Boss." He points across the lawn.
"The grandma is here to pick up Timmy," Jeff interrupts.
"Get her information, in case, we need to contact her and be sure to ask her if she knows where her daughter-in-law might go. Rachel, I want you to get a patrol car to sit on her house in case Janet decides to show."
***
The streets seem so cold and lonely this time of night. The frosty air gently sweeps across the abandoned streets only adds to this deserted feel. The assassinator didn't care. She has important work to do, a task that'll greatly improve this small southern town. With a lot of hard work I know I can restore peace in this city, the way it used to be. It'll be so nice to go back to those happier days before abusive men took it over.
She feels the wind pick up; she fastens her coat around herself. She starts thinking about her friend. I'm going to take care of him for you, Beth, something I should've done years ago.
Beth married Steve against her family's wishes. Everyone tried to warn her about his drunken fits of rage. She didn't heed their well-advised warnings and she's paid for it ever since.
She sneaks into Beth's mud room off the back of her house. It's right where I left it. She scoops up the thin metal object then steps into the hall. You're going to meet your maker real soon, Steve. She smiles as she takes her place.
The house seems eerily quiet tonight. An unsettled tension lurking in the air, like it sensed a tragedy is about to occur. Shivering, she runs through the plan one last time.
Their screen door slams shut. A few minutes later, she hears Steve stumble towards her. I'm going to enjoy this, Steve, more than you possibly know. All the bullshit you put Beth through. All of her bruises, broken bones and those two innocent babies you made her miscarry; Beth hasn't been the same since.
She recalls all the nights she comforted Beth while he was out doing God knows what with whom. Maybe I should torture you first, give you a taste of your own medicine. God knows you deserve it after everything you've done. She comes up with ways to make him suffer as he gets closer.
She raises the weapon above her head and waits. She feels her heart pound in her chest; his footsteps get louder. She tightens her sweaty grip as she nervously shifts her stance. Her head begins to swoon; his feet clomp across the tile floor. Just a few more steps, you low life piece of crap. She takes a deep breath. She starts to swing when she hears a familiar voice in the other room. Not wanting a witness, she reluctantly lowers her weapon. Don't worry, you worthless piece of shit, I'll come back and take care of you real soon, she thinks. She slips through the back door.
By Mistydawn
Summary
After being beaten by her husband, Bill, Janet finds him bleeding on their front room floor. With the evidence piling against her; she was holding a bloody bat and was covered in blood, the cops accused her of murder. Frightened she runs to an abandoned log cabin in the woods. Her son, Timmy is given to Bill's parents.
~~~~~~
Stepping out of the rundown shack, Janet races through the forest. Night creatures shrill all around her, giving it an eerie feel. She hears dogs bark in the near distance, Janet picks up her pace. Oh God, I can't let them find me, I can't, I just can't. Her heart pounds furiously as she gasps for much-needed air. She frantically continues through the desolate area to the top of the hill. Janet notices a diesel heading her way when she reaches the dark, barren road.
Please stop, oh please stop, She throws out her thumb. She realizes the dogs are gaining on her when she glances toward the woods. They're going to find me if he doesn't stop. She frantically waves her hands through the air, in hopes, she'll get his attention. The truck continues to get closer. What if he's a pervert, or worse? Pictures of America's most wanted flash through her mind. She looks towards the forest again. I'd rather take my chances with him than the cops. She turns back toward the road. Please stop, oh please stop. The truck zooms past her, which sends a blast of wintry air her way. I should've known I wouldn't be that lucky. Shivering, she runs down the foggy road. She sees brake lights pierce through the murky darkness a little further down. He did notice me after all. She darts toward his truck.
***
Chaos continues all around them as the detectives work steadily at their desks. Some officers are dragging suspects in, while others are escorting people to cells. The rest are busy with reports or doing research on their computer. The noise lightens to a low roar; the sergeant scans the room.
I hope we hear something soon. Joe half-heartedly scans his report again. I can't concentrate on this. Frustrated, he throws it on his desk. He's trying to work on an old file, hoping it'll keep his mind off the situation, but no matter what he does, he can't' stop thinking about Janet.
The poor thing has been through so much already; She lost her parents at a young age, became pregnant; forced to drop out of high school and then railroaded into marrying the first asshole that'll have her. Now she's roaming the cold hard streets, scared and all alone.
"She'll be alright, Joe," Rachel says, hoping to comfort him. Even she knows the possibility of her coming out of this unharmed is slim.
"She wouldn't be in this mess if she'd listened," Joe slams his fist on the desk. Joe looks towards the clock. He finds its hand is slowly moving around the facing as the seconds tick down in his head. I can't sit here and do nothing, I just can't. "I'm going out, let me know if you hear something." He snatches up his cell and then he pushes away from his desk.
"We will, boss."
Joe heads to his boss's office and knocks on the door.
The captain looks up from his computer. "Do you need something, Joe?" he pulls the glasses off his face.
Joe steps up to his desk. Like the rest of the room's furnishings, it was a part of the station's original decor.
"I"m not sure Janet is good for this, Captain; not her, not sweet little Janet."
"What about all the evidence we have against her, and her running from the law?"
"There has to be another explanation there just has to be. Aggravated, he plops down in the highback-chair.
"I'm guessing he hit her one too many times, which pushed her over the edge."
"If it was anybody else maybe, but not Janet. No, she didn't do it, she's too sweet to do this."
"What do you think happened?"
"Whatever it was Janet didn't have any part of it." I just know she didn't and I'm going to prove it." Joe storms out of the room.
***
"I appreciate the lift," Janet steps up to the messy cab. I guess he does spend a lot of time in here. Realizing the dogs are a short distance away, she quickly scoots empty containers to the center of his seat. Their barking continues to get closer as she anxiously clears an area.
"Sorry about this mess." Embarrassed, he helps her. "Is that better?"
"Much better, thanks." She climbs into his truck and closes the door behind her. Let's go let's go. She nervously looks in the mirror. Janet sees the dogs at the top of the hill when he pulls away. That was too close. She tries to control her shaky hands.
The trucker glances towards her. "Where are you headed?"
"I need to visit my sister in Springfield. She was in a terrible accident and they don't know if she's going to make it," Janet cries.
"I'm so sorry to hear about your sister, sweet thing." He gives her a sympathetic look.
. "Thank you." She wipes tears from her face.
"I wasn't scheduled to go that far north, but under these circumstances, I don't think a few extra miles will hurt."
"Thank you so much." She hiccups. Seeing the dogs fade out of sight, she leans back in her seat. I might be alright after all.
***
"What's the latest news on our search, Joe?" the captain asks as he walks towards the coffee pot. Another thing his doctor warned him against. I can't possibly make it through the night without my cuppa. He glances around the busy squad room. His doctor's advice echoes in his head; he hesitantly picks up the pot.
"Well, sir, the dogs lost her scent at the highway. So I think someone gave her a ride out of town. I have roadblocks set up at every major street leading out of the city. We've also alerted all public transportation, Eureka Springs PD, and Highway Patrol."
"You'll be ready to take over my job soon, Sergeant."
"I don't believe I want it, Sir."
"Why's that?" the captain asks; he pours creamer in his cup.
"There's too much political crap behind it."
"I can't argue with you there." He tosses the stir stick in the trash. Keep me updated on the case."
"I will." Joe heads back to his desk.
The captain fills his coffee cup and then walks towards his office. He hasn't told anyone, but he's been having a lot of medical issues lately. His doctor said the long hours, lack of sleep, stress on the job and worrying about his sick wife was the deadly combination that put him in this predicament. He then told the captain that if he didn't take better care of himself, he'll either end up in the hospital or dead.
"Who will take care of Millie when you're gone?" his doctor asks when the captain disputes his suggestion.
This statement hit the captain hard. His lovely wife of forty years can do very little for herself, becoming less each day. He recently had to hire someone to stay with Millie while he's away.
He starts remembering his years on the force as he scans through the pictures on his wall. The numerous crooks he's taken down, all the men he's trained through the years. How can I possibly give it all up, how? He tearfully thinks. He glances at the squad room again.
***
"Are you cold over there?" The trucker asks as he speeds up.
"I'm getting a little chilly." She wraps her arms tighter around herself.
"Here, let me turn the heat on for you. By the way, my name is Sam." He moves a few buttons on the dash.
Janet places her frigid hands in front of the vent. That feels so good, she thinks. She feels the warm air gently brushes against her chilled skin. "My name is Jackie."
"It's nice to meet you, Jackie. I just wish they were under better circumstances."
"Yeah, me too." She pretends to sniffle.
He notices blood on her dress when she turns to face him. Horrifying thoughts suddenly race through his mind. Did she kill someone, more than one? What if she's a mass murderer and she's going to kill me too? She looks too sweet to harm anyone. Pictures of serial killers flash through his mind. So do a lot of the others. I have to find something to defend myself. He quickly glances around his cab. Remembering the loaded gun beside him, he slowly reaches between his seat and the door. Where is that stupid thing? He nervously fumbles around. He grabs its handle, he pulls to the side of the road.
"What... what's wrong?" she nervously stutters as she moves closer to the door.
"You need to get out of my truck, and you need to do it now." He whips his gun around.
Characters
Janet Smith accused killer
Bill Smith (deceased,) Janet's abusive husband.
Timmy Smith Janet and Bill's son
Berryville PD Staff
Joe - Sergeant
Jerry- Detective
Rachel-Detective
Jeff- Beat cop
Kirk-Forensic analysis
By Mistydawn
Summary
After being beaten by her husband, Janet finds him bleeding on their front room floor. With the evidence piling against her; she was holding a bloody bat and was covered in blood when the EMT's walked in, the cops accused her of murder. Frightened she runs.
She gets a ride out of town from a truck driver named Sam, claiming her name is Jackie
Seeing the blood on her dress, he holds her at gunpoint, demanding an explanation.
******
"W... Why are you stopping?" Jackie asks, nervously reaching for the door.
"Where did all the blood come from?" Sam questions, cocking his gun. Another thought comes to mind. What if she's a victim, not a killer and what if she's injured? I'm sure she would've told me. He watches the frightened woman fidget in her seat.
Jackie looks down at her dress, trying to buy some time. "It's ... It's my dog's blood," she bursts into tears.
"Your dog's blood?" he questions suspiciously.
"He ... he was run over on the highway; so I carried him to a nice spot in the woods. Oh, why did he follow me, why? I told him to go home. I even chased him towards my house, but he kept coming back," she cries harder.
Sam's heart begins to melt as he watches her sob uncontrollably. "You'll always have the memories," he says, half-convinced she's telling the truth.
"All our memories," she bawls, covering her face with her hands.
"It sounds like you really cared for him." He sees tears streaming down her face when she glances up.
"I loved him with all my heart. He was my little buddy, my best friend. We'd always go places, do things together, we're practically inseparable." she sniffles.
Sam recalls how devastated he was when he lost his furry companion a few short months ago. It hasn't been the same around here since. He tearfully touches his dog's blanket draped across his seat. Looking back at the grieving woman, he lowers his gun. "It sounds like you spoiled him rotten."
"He had his own room with a queen-sized bed and ate takeout three nights a week."
"He had his own room and ate human food? I'd say he was a very pampered pooch." He laughs.
She laughs through her tears. "He was my whole world." she cries again.
"I have some of my ex's clothes behind the seat if you'd like to change." He points to an area. "You might as well get some use out of them since she doesn't need them anymore."
"Why... why doesn't she need them?" Jackie nervously questions.
"She left me for another man. She says she wants to settle down have a nice home with a yard full of kids in the burbs. I'm just not ready for all of that."
Relieved that his ex is still alive, she crawls over the seat.
"I know of a place nearby where you can get cleaned up."
"I'd appreciate that," she says, sorting through the bag.
Sam pulls up to a large truck stop off of 412 a few minutes later. He likes this place and makes it a point to stop every chance he gets. Unlike the others, this one is always well-kept and their food is homemade. "Are you ready?" he asks, glancing at his passenger.
"Everyone will see the blood when I walk in."
"You're right. Here, put this on." He takes off his denim jacket and hands it to her. "My jacket swallows you whole." He laughs, jumping out of his truck.
Hitting her mid-knee, it looks more like a dress than a coat. "I am a bit petite," she says, rolling up the sleeves.
"And I'm a bit hefty." He laughs, patting his rounded stomach. "When we go in I want you to head towards the back, I'll bring the shower key to you."
"Ok," she says, running to keep up.
"We might as well grab a bite to eat while we're here."
"I... I don't have any money."
"You can pay me later." He winks.
She shudders at his innuendo. I might have to do things I don't like if I want to get out of this alive. Her stomach tightens into a hard ball, thinking about what she might have to do. It's either that or jail. She steps through the door. This is a nice place, she thinks, inventorying their assortment of merchandise, neatly arranged on the shelves. She notices how everything sparkles in the bright fluorescent lights. From its pastel-colored wallpaper down to the white tile floors. I bet it takes a lot to keep this place clean.
"Here you go," Sam says, handing her a key.
Startled, Jackie jumps back.
"I didn't mean to scare you sweet thing." He chuckles.
"It ... it's alright."
"Meet me in the restaurant when you're done."
Jackie grabs his arm as he turns to leave. "Thanks for everything, Sam."
"I'm glad I can help."
Sam sees a news bulletin flashing across the TV when he steps into the restaurant. This is soon replaced by a picture of a woman identical to the one he just brought in. He continues to watch as he slips into the booth.
"Are you ready to order?" a waitress asks, walking over to his table.
Sam sees a rounded thirtyish looking woman impatiently standing over him. The wrinkles on her face and her gruff tone suggest a difficult life. She's probably a single mother trying to raise a house full of kids on a waitress salary. "I'm waiting for my friend. Can you turn this up, please?" he asks, straining to hear the announcement.
"Call me when you're ready to order." She walks away.
"The local authorities believe this person is responsible for the crime. If you have any information pertaining to this case, or you know the whereabouts of this woman you are urged to call the number flashing across the bottom of your screen," a TV announcer says.
"I helped a murderer escape?" Frightened, he springs up from the booth.
"Don't you want to eat?" his waitress asks?
"Not today," he yells, running towards the door.
***
Joe and Jerry are working on cold cases at their desks as they wait for news on their suspect. Only a few officers remain in the squad room, bringing an unusual stillness to the station.
Joe glances at the multitude of desks scattered around the room. I wish the city would let us expand. He thinks, surveying their limited walkway. He sees the sun rising over the mountains when he glances out their window. "She's been out there for hours, Jerr."
"She'll turn up eventually, Boss."
Joe runs his fingers through his thinning hair. Something he often does when he worries. "I just hope ..."
"She'll be alright, Joe," he says, patting him on the back. Jerry is heading towards the coffee pot when he sees Kirk walking towards them.
"Do you have something for us, Kirk?" Joe questions.
"I've confirmed that the baseball bat is your murder weapon. The wood matches a splinter found in Bill's head and it's covered in his blood. We checked for prints and found three sets. One belongs to Timmy, the other to his friend, Kevin and the third is Janet's."
"She was holding the bat when you pulled up," Joe says matter of factly.
"Wouldn't there be a fourth set if Janet isn't our killer?"
"Perps wear gloves, Jerr." Joe sees his partner shaking his head. "I know what you think, but I don't believe she did it. Not her, not sweet little Janet."
***
Janet peeks around the corner in search of her hero. Realizing the restaurant is empty, she rushes to the door. He left me, that bastard left me. She sees her picture on the TV when she spins around. This is followed by her description.
"The police believe this woman is responsible for this crime." an announcer says.
I've got to do something quick. Seeing everyone's attention is still on the screen, she runs to the back, grabbing a box of hair dye and a pair of scissors on her way through. I'll make sure no one recognizes me, she thinks, darting towards the bathroom.
***
She's been walking the cold, deserted streets all night long searching for her next victim. All she can think about is the abusive things Steve did to her friend. I should've killed him when I had a chance, she thinks, recalling her plan. I set out to kill one person tonight and that's exactly what I'm going to do. She turns back towards his house.
Slipping into Beth's barn a few minutes later, she starts looking around. She decided to torture Steve before he meets his maker. You're going to feel what Beth went through before you die. She smiles, securing the last rope in place.
Hearing leaves stirring around outside, she runs to the entrance and waits. This is for you, Beth. She takes a deep breath as she raises a crowbar up to her shoulder. I'm ready for you now, you sorry piece of shit. She shifts her weight back and forth getting ready for her attack. I've been wanting to do this since the day we first met. She adjusts the grip on her weapon as she composes her stance.
After what seems like forever, the barn door slowly squeaks open. She hears heavy footsteps followed by something dragging across the dirt. He's probably bringing in more feed. She realigns her posture one last time. Get ready to face your doom. She glances down at the object when he turns on the light.
"Oh my god, it's Beth." She drops down beside her battered body.
Hearing her voice, Steve spins around.
"You killed her, you killed Beth," she hisses, glaring at him through her teary eyes.
"And you're next," he says, stomping towards her.
Characters
Janet Smith (Jackie) accused killer
Bill Smith deceased, Janet's abusive husband.
Timmy Smith Janet and Bill's son
Sam truck driver
Berryville PD Staff
Joe - Sergeant
Jerry- Detective
Rachel-Detective
Jeff- Beat cop
Kirk-Forensic analysis
By Mistydawn
Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.
Summary
After being beaten by her husband, Janet finds him bleeding on their front room floor. With the evidence piling against her; she was holding a bloody bat and was covered in blood when the EMT's walked in, the cops accused her of murder. Frightened she runs.
She gets a ride out of town from a truck driver named Sam, claiming her name is Jackie
Seeing the blood on her dress, he holds her at gunpoint, demanding an explanation.
Believing her story, Sam takes Jackie to a truck stop so she can get cleaned up. Seeing a news bulletin on the TV about her being a murder suspect Sam leaves.
Jackie finds out she's been abandoned and then sees the bulletin on the TV. She runs to the bathroom grabbing hair dye and scissors on the way.
The assassin is about to kill Steve when she discovers he murdered her friend.
**********************************************************************
The light swings back and forth as she stares at her friend's pale, battered face in disbelief. The barn door slams closed bringing her out of a trance-like state. The assassin looks up at Steve as tears stream from her hazel eyes. "You killed her," she screams, glaring at the vile man standing in front of her.
"Yeah, and you're next," he grumbles, stomping towards her.
"I'm not weak like Beth," she says, wiping tears from her face. Jumping to her feet, she swings her crowbar around. It pings against his skull.
Blood gushes from his head as he staggers towards her.
She raises her crowbar again. "Come on you piece of shit show me what you've got." Adrenaline rushes through her as she takes a stance.
"You bitch," he yells, charging towards her.
She swings again. He falls to the floor. "You're not going to let a little girl beat you, are you, Steve?"
He's lying on the ground holding his aching head.
"Come on, get up, try it again."
The room spins all around him and soon becomes a big blur. He shakes his head, trying to regain his bearings. Blood continues to pour down his shirt.
"Come on tough guy, get up, show me what you've got." She kicks the bottom of his shoes. "I said get up." She slams her crowbar down beside him, he flinches. "Two whacks is all it takes to knock your fat ass out? You're more of a weakling than I thought."
"I'll show you weak," he says, struggling to get off the floor.
"Come on you panty waste get up, show me what you're made of." She runs to where she was standing and unwinds rope from a metal hook. "Come and get me, lard ass," she yells as she continues to unravel the cable.
"I'm going to kill you, bitch," he says, as he stumbles towards her.
"That's it, big man, show me how tough you really are." When he is arm's length away, she lets go of the thick twine. There's a high-pitched whoosh as it flies towards the ceiling. "Look," she points towards the roof.
He sees a bag of feed spiraling towards him. He tries to dodge out of the way. The object catches his shoulder; he tumbles to the ground.
She runs over to check on him. Unconscious, but breathing just like I'd planned. She grabs the loose cord and starts to bind his hands and feet. You're going to rue the day you ever met me. She thinks as she pulls the ropes tighter.
***
A short while later, the now redheaded Janet slips into the early morning sun.
I need to find a way out of here. She searches the parking lot for potential rides. She sees a repulsive looking truck driver in the corner of the lot. She's normally wary about such a devious character, but he seems to be her only option. Against her better judgment, she nervously walks towards him. "Hey mister, can I get a lift?" she asks.
Hearing a young woman's voice he quickly glances around. He sees a pretty little lady coming his way. Today must be my lucky day, he smiles.
She sees his long greasy hair, grungy clothes, and decaying teeth when she gets closer. She freezes in mid-step. My instincts are right I should've stayed away. She glances across the parking lot hoping for a better option. She soon realizes he's the only trucker on the lot. What other choice do I have? I could wait it out. One of the staff might recognize me if I do. She forces herself to walk closer.
"I can if you're going south, pretty thing." He winks.
"That's exactly where I'm headed."
"Climb in then." He puts the gas nozzle back in the pump and then hops in the cab beside her.
"Thanks for the lift," she scoots over as far as she can go.
"I have a thing for redheads," he grabs her upper leg.
"I'm happily married." She pries his filthy fingers from her skin.
He places his hand on her breast and squeezes. "He'd never have to know."
"I said I'm not interested." She moves his hand away. Jackie reaches for the handle but soon discovers the lever is gone. She spins around. "Let me out of here, now."
"I will when I'm done with you, sweet cheeks." He unzips his pants. "Please me like I know redheads can." Seeing her hesitate he pulls out his gun. "Do it now or else," he cocks his weapon.
*****
"What ... What just happened?" Steve asks as he glances around. Feeling his arm throb, he tries to bring them to his side. Realizing he can't move them, he looks up to find his hands are tied above his head. He traces the rope and sees that it's looped around a hook dangling from a rafter. Steve tries to wiggle free but soon discovers his restraints tighten with every move. He then realizes his legs are secured to his tractor frame. Using all of his strength, he pulls down on the rope, hoping to break the board, but the timber doesn't crack. He starts to pull again when he hears a female's voice beside him.
"You finally decided to wake up, did you?" she walks towards him, a crowbar by her side.
"Please don't hurt me," he begs.
She slowly strolls around him as she bangs her weapon against her hand. "Is that what Beth said before you killed her?" she continues to circle around him. "Well is it?" she smacks the large object on the ground in front of him. He jumps.
"Did she plead for her life? Beg you not to hurt her, as you beat her to death? I bet she did, didn't she, but you didn't listen. No, you kept hitting her over and over, no matter how many times she begged you to stop." She plows her crowbar into his stomach. She hears a loud whoosh as air forcefully escapes from his lungs. "Only this time the beating went too far and now she's dead, dead and it's all your fault." She slams the crowbar into his back.
"I ...I didn't mean to kill her, honest I didn't."
"Yeah, I bet you didn't. Just like you didn't mean to break her arms and legs," she pounds her weapon on his back over and over again.
"Please stop," he begs.
"You wouldn't stop when Beth begged for her life, so why should I stop for you?"
"Please don't do this. I won't hurt another woman ever again, I promise," he cries as tears run down his cheeks.
She smacks him again. "I bet Beth pleaded for her life the night she ended up in ICU." She draws her foot back and kicks him in his ribs.
"Please, no more, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," he cries.
"You don't even know what that word means, you lying sack of crap." She stomps on his balls. "This is for everything you've done to Beth," she smashes her foot into his groin.
"Please stop," he leans over, trying to protect himself from her violent attacks.
"How many miscarriages did she have, huh, how many?" She slams her boot into his face.
Blood spews from his nose."I didn't cause that I swear," he bawls.
"She had four miscarriages. Four innocent babies killed by your brutal hands." She holds her weapon like a spear and thrusts it into his chest.
He gasps for air. "I ...I can't breathe," he wheezes.
"That's going to be the least of your worries soon," she pulls a knife out of her pocket.
"W ...what are you going to do?" he stutters.
"I'm going to cut you up and feed you to the hogs."
"No, please don't, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for everything," he gasps.
"That's what you'd tell Beth, and then you'd beat her again."
"I'm sorry I hurt her, I'm so sorry."
"Like hell, you are," she hisses. Seeing the terror in his eyes she smiles. "Are you scared Steve, because you should be? You wanna know why? Because I escaped from a mental hospital. Yep, that's right, I'm certified crazy. My doctor thinks I need to be locked away for life." She laughs hysterically like she's completely lost her mind.
His entire body trembles.
"Do you know why I was sent there in the first place?"
"N ...no."
"Because I stabbed my worthless husband thirty times. My only regret is that I didn't make him suffer like I did my perverted father. See, I'm not weak like Beth. I got tired of their abuse and killed them like I'm about to do to you." She continues to walk around him, like a lioness circling her prey, waiting for the right time to attack.
Characters
Steve Beth's abusive husband
Beth deceased, the assassin best friend.
Janet Smith (Jackie) accused killer
By Mistydawn
Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.
Summary
After being beaten by her husband, Janet finds him bleeding on their front room floor. With the evidence piling against her; she was holding a bloody bat and was covered in blood when the EMT's walked in, the cops accused her of murder. Frightened she runs.
She gets a ride out of town from a truck driver named Sam, claiming her name is Jackie
Seeing the blood on her dress, he holds her at gunpoint, demanding an explanation.
Believing her story, Sam takes Jackie to a truck stop so she can get cleaned up. Seeing a news bulletin on the TV about her being a murder suspect Sam leaves.
Jackie finds out she's been abandoned and then sees the bulletin on the TV. She runs to the bathroom grabbing hair dye and scissors on the way. The red-headed Janet/ Jackie asks another trucker for a ride only to find out he's a rapist and she's trapped in his cab.
The assassin has tied up and is torturing Beth's abusive husband, Steve.
Joe and Jerry are sitting at their desks trying to stay awake. They've both been up for over twenty-four hours so they're finding this difficult to do. After nearly falling out of his chair, Joe decides he'd better move around. I wish we'd they'd find Janet, he thinks as he watches the morning sun peak over the Ozark mountains.
"Want a refill, Jerr?" he asks. Jerry's head thuds against his desk; papers scatter across the floor.
"I guess that's a no for you." Joe looks at his cup again. He then feels his stomach slosh when he moves. "I think I've had my fill of this gut-wrenching crap too," he says, exhausted, he drops to his desk.
He's tried to concentrate on other police business, but his thoughts keep returning to Janet. The unusual stillness that surrounds him only adds to his inner turmoil.
"Why didn't you just listen to me, why?" He plops his head in his hands.
Seeing his Sergeant's anguish, the captain walks over to him.
"You did what you could for her, Joe. That's more than what most would do."
The sergeant glances up at him, a worrisome expression on his face. "You see what good that did, Captain." Joe recalls all the times he tossed Steve in jail only for him to be released the very next day.
"You tried to help her out of a bad situation. She's the one that kept throwing herself back in."
"I wish I would've done more for her; make her see what a low life he really is. Oh, why didn't I try harder, why?"
"Beating yourself up over this isn't the answer."
"I just feel like this is my fault somehow, that I let her down."
"It's not, Joe, believe me, it's not."
Joe looks up at his Captain, tears forming in his hazel eyes. "Janet has been my best friend since kindergarten. She was there for me when I had my accident, and when mom passed away, but I wasn't there for her."
"I don't know what else you could've done, Joe. I really don't." He looks over at Jerry sleeping soundly at his desk and then glances at Joe's weary face. "It's been a long day, Sergeant. So why don't you go home, get some sleep."
"I really want ...." Joe begins.
"That isn't a suggestion it's an order. Take sleeping beauty with you," He points towards Jerry.
"But, Sir I ..." Seeing the look on his boss's face he stops. "Come on Jerry, let's go," He shakes his partner.
"Huh, what?" Jerry asks as he rubs the sleep from his eyes.
"Captain is ordering us to go home." He glances back at the captain.
"I'd rather stay in the bunks if that's alright with you, sir."
"As long as you promise to get a few hours of shut-eye."
"I don't think that'll be a problem." Jerry stumbles towards the back.
The captain realizes his Sergeant still hasn't budged when he turns around.
"Joe ...."
"I'm going, I'm going," he grabs his stuff off his desk.
***
This sure feels good on my sore muscles, the killer thinks, standing under the steamy water. She starts to replay the events in her mind as she watches Steve's blood circle the drain.
~~~
The light sways gently back and forth in the wind. The barn door continues to open and close behind them. Steve feels himself getting weaker as he struggles to breathe. Blood is gushing from his chest, abdomen and his severed extremities.
"Please just kill me, I beg you, please, put me out of my misery," he mumbles as he gasps for much-needed air.
"Oh, I will, when I'm done. She notices his eyes roll to the back of his head. "Oh no, you don't, you're not going to die on me yet, you son of a bitch." She slaps him across the face. "Come on you bastard fight a little harder," she smacks him again.
He draws in a final bit of air.
"That's the way, Steve, stay with me a little longer."
He exhales; his head falls to the side.
"No," She pounds his bloody chest but he is already gone.
~~~
Oh, how I wished I'd done more to him, a lot more. At least I have the satisfaction of knowing he suffered to the end the way Beth did.
She pictures Beth in her grave; a look of horror on her face. I failed her, failed her miserably. She was the only person who was there for me, who really cared about me and I wasn't there for her. Oh, Beth, I'm so sorry. Sorry for not helping you, I'm sorry for not being there for you, for not taking care of him when I had the chance. Please forgive me. Please, please forgive me, she sobs.
***
The trucker takes out his hardened appendage as Jackie reaches for the door. Panic sets in the second she realizes she's trapped in the vile man's cab.
"Let me out, let me out." Jackie hammers on the window as hard as she can. She soon realizes no one is around to hear her.
"You'll do what you're told if you know what's good for you." He lifts his gun off the seat.
Tears run down her mangled face as images of her past come to mind.
~~~
She first thinks about the horrid nights her foster dad crawled into her bed.
"You'll either do what I want or you'll be on the streets," he warns. Soon his sons were taking nightly turns. "That's the way, boys, ride her hard, make her earn her keep," he'd cheer from the sidelines.
This went on from the time she was six until she became pregnant at fourteen. They told Bill the baby is his and he'll go down for rape if he doesn't marry her. Thinking she's escaping a horrid situation, she went along with their plan. Only to find the scenario didn't change.
She then recalls all the nights Bill forced himself on her. "You'll give me what I want, when I want it, anyway I chose," Bill rips her clothes off her battered body and throws her on the bed.
~~~
"Come on, I don't have all day," the trucker says. He grabs a fistful of hair and shoves her face in his lap. "Don't get any funny ideas either," he warns as he presses the weapon against her head.
I've been a victim all my life and I'm tired of it, tired of it. She chops down on his penis as hard as she can.
"You bitch." He shoves her away.
Both Jackie and the gun fall to the floor. Scrambling after it, she twirls back around. "Either let me out or take a bullet to your brain," she stammers, her hands shake uncontrollably as she lifts the weapon in front of her.
"You don't have the guts to shoot me." He laughs. He tries to jerk the weapon from her hands. His sudden movement causes her to squeeze the trigger. A bullet ejects from his gun; brain matter spews across the interior.
Screaming, Jackie drops the weapon. Her stomach churns with fury as she stares at the repulsive mess. "Oh, God, oh God, what did I just do, what did I just do?" The gut-wrenching stench overpowers her. She spews globs of chunky vomit across the cab. "I've ... I've got to get out of here." She throws up again as she tries to escape. She scrambles over his bloody carcass out of the cab.
Hearing gunfire, the staff runs outside to see what's going on. "There she is, there's the killer." A waitress screams.
Jackie continues towards the busy freeway as puke rises in her throat. "Please, someone, please help me," she cries as she darts into oncoming traffic.
***
Joe starts to doze off when his cell rings. Maybe they found Janet. He quickly scoops up his phone. "Hello. There's been two, murders, Captain?" Joe springs out of bed. "I'm on my way." Joe dials his partner's number.
"Hello?" A sleepy voice replies.
"Rachel, its Joe, the captain wants us at the station." He puts the phone on speaker and then grabs clothes off his floor. I really need to clean up, he thinks as he surveys the disaster that surrounds him.
"Why," she groggily asks as she sits on the edge of her bed.
"He said that there have been two murders." Joe slips into his pants and then grabs the cleanest shirt he can find.
"Two? You don't think Janet is doing this, do you?" She asks.
"He didn't give me any details. Get dressed I'll pick you up in five and bring some of your liquid speed."
"Will do, Sergeant." She laughs. She gave Joe coffee with shots of expresso a few weeks back. It wired him so bad that he now refers to it as her liquid speed.
Characters
Steve Beth's abusive husband
Beth deceased, the assassin best friend.
Janet Smith (Jackie) accused killer.
Berryvillle PD
Joe, Sergeant
Jerrry, Detective
Rachel, Detective
By Mistydawn
Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.
Summary
After being beaten by her husband, Janet finds him bleeding on their front room floor. With the evidence piling against her; she was holding a bloody bat and was covered in blood when the EMT's walked in, the cops accused her of murder. Frightened she runs.
She gets a ride out of town from a truck driver named Sam, claiming her name is Jackie
Seeing the blood on her dress, he holds her at gunpoint, demanding an explanation.
Believing her story, Sam takes Jackie to a truck stop so she can get cleaned up. Seeing a news bulletin on the TV about her being a murder suspect Sam leaves.
Jackie finds out she's been abandoned and then sees the bulletin on the TV. She runs to the bathroom grabbing hair dye and scissors on the way. The red-headed Janet/ Jackie asks another trucker for a ride only to find out he's a rapist and she's trapped in his cab. She manages to escape
The assassin tied up, tortured and killed Beth's abusive husband, Steve.
The police are informed that there have been two murders.
Characters
Steve Beth's abusive husband deceased.
Beth deceased, the assassin best friend.
Janet Smith (Jackie) accused killer.
Henry, Farmer her saves Jackie
Martha, Henry's wife
Berryvillle PD
Joe, Sergeant
Jerrry, Detective
Rachel, Detective
By Mistydawn
Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.
Summary
After being beaten by her husband, Janet finds him bleeding on their front room floor. With the evidence piling against her; she was holding a bloody bat and was covered in blood when the EMT's walked in, the cops accused her of murder. Frightened she runs.
She gets a ride out of town from a truck driver named Sam, claiming her name is Jackie
Seeing the blood on her dress, he holds her at gunpoint, demanding an explanation.
Believing her story, Sam takes her to a truck stop so she can get cleaned up. Seeing a news bulletin on the TV about her being a murder suspect Sam leaves.
Jackie formerly Janet finds out she's been abandoned and then sees the bulletin on the TV. She runs to the bathroom grabbing hair dye and scissors on the way. The now red-headed Jackie asks another trucker for a ride only to find out he's a rapist and she's trapped in his cab. She escapes. Henry an old farmer takes her to his house.
Hearing about the shooting on the news, Henry tell his wife.
The assassin tied up, tortured and killed Beth's abusive husband, Steve. The motel manager planned to rape her in exchange for the room. she hits him over the head.
The police are informed that there have been two murders.
The team is processing the scene when Joe and Rachel pull into the driveway. Kirk runs to their cruiser as they climb out of the car.
"What can you tell me, Kirk?"
"We have two bodies, Sergeant. Steve is in the barn and his wife, Beth is under an oak tree around back."
"I knew she'd end up like this, I just knew it," he stomps across the yard.
He and Beth's relationship started in high school. She moved to town just weeks after Janet married that monster, Bill. Joe, grief-stricken over his friend and her upset over her move; they found comfort in each other's company and became inseparable soon after. Joe wanted to propose when they finished school, but weeks before graduation, he finds out she's marrying Steve.
~~~~
"I love you, Joe, I really do. You're the best friend a girl could ever ask for and I treasure our time together." She tearfully takes his hands in hers. "You'll always have a special place in my heart no matter what life throws our way."
Wiping tears from her beautiful face, he drops to his knee. "Then marry me instead of Steve. I promise to take care of you to love, honor and cherish you for the rest of my days."
"I love you as a friend, Joe but that's all it'll ever be." she runs for the door.
"You'll learn to love me, Beth; you'll learn to love me," he says as she fades out of sight.
~~~
If you'd only married me. He wipes a tear trickling down his face as he continues across the yard.
He sees Steve's mutilated body dangling from a rope when he steps in the barn. The bastard finally got what he deserves. Smiling to himself, he walks towards the victim. "This's definitely a frenzied attack, unlike the first which was planned, organized. Bill was hit in the head where Steve was mutilated and dismembered."
"He was hit in the head too," the ME says, glancing up from her report.
"What's the cause of death, Sharon?"
"I won't be certain until I examine him further, but if I had to guess, I'd say the stab wound to his lungs caused his demise."
"Steve kills Beth; someone sees she's dead and kills him. Since the person buried Beth but left him here, I'd say our second killer is someone who really cares for her, maybe a lover former or present." Joe concludes as he walks around his body again.
"That's very possible, Joe."
"We found the murder weapon, sir." Kirk holds up a bloody knife and then continues, "I got a partial fingerprint off of the handle. I believe it'll be enough for a match. We also found a fresh shoe print in the soil. I'd say it's from a lady's boot because of its pattern and size. I'll know for sure when I get the impression to the lab."
"A lady did all of this?" Joe points towards Steve's mangled corpse.
"I believe so, sir."
"The killer must have a lot of pent-up rage."
Rachel walks up beside them. "I did a walkthrough of the home. It looks like he kills her in the bedroom and then drags her to their barn."
"Make sure our crime unit gets samples of blood."
"It's already done." She walks around the gruesome crime scene. "The killer could be her lover like you said, or she could be his old girlfriend, jilted lover, maybe his ex. Where did you say Beth is buried, Kirk?"
"She's under an oak tree out back." They follow him to her grave.
There are rose petals scattered across the freshly dug soil. A cross is planted at one end. Roses are circling around it and two larger ones lying by her head.
"Whoever buried her put a lot of time and effort into it. So they must've cared a lot about her." Rachel walks around Beth's grave. "Does she have any family?"
"Her mom and dad live in Florida."
"How about siblings?"
"She has an older sister, but she's locked up in a mental ward," Joe answers.
"Someone really loves her to go through this much trouble."
***
Jackie is sipping coffee at the kitchen table when she overhears Henry and Martha on their porch.
"Maybe she killed him in self-defense, Henry."
"I think we should call the cops and let them figure it out."
Overhearing their conversation, Janet plops her cup on the table. I've got to get out of here. Jackie runs out the back door.
Horrid events replay in her mind as she darts across the field. She first remembers Bill bleeding on their front room floor. She then recalls how the metal cuffs felt against her wrists. The way the officer dragged her across the lawn. The looks her neighbors gave her as she's being taken to the ambulance. She remembers her fear when she sees her picture on TV. She then recalls how the trucker shoved her face in his lap and the stench of his nasty pecker. The putrid mix of blood and brain matter as it scatters across his cab. How she was nearly run over when she tried to get away.
"I can't take it anymore, I can't, I just can't." She exhaustedly plops down in the field. Maybe I should stop being so stupid and turn myself in. Bill's degrading comments echo in her head.
"You can't do nothing right. I don't know why I even married a good for nothing dimwit like you anyhow."
"You're right, Bill I am a dimwit. A good for nothing dunce like you said. Timmy would be a lot better off if he was with anyone but me," she cries. Jackie remembers holding Timmy for the very first time. The way it felt when his little body cuddled against her. How he gazed up at her with his beautiful blue eyes. She then recalls all the fun times they shared. The way she chased him around the park, how they built sandcastles all afternoon. She pictures him crying for her as she's being taken away. "He needs me, my baby really needs me," she bawls. I've got to keep going for his sake. She dries her face as she continues across the field.
Jackie runs up to an old log cabin nestled deep against a mountain. An overabundance of vines encompasses its exterior which makes it difficult to see. I could hide in there. The dogs will find me if I do. She then notices an old rusty pickup in the garage. I wonder if it'll start. She weaves her hand through a mass of cobwebs and grabs a screwdriver from the pile of tools. I hope I can remember what Jimmy showed me.
Her first boyfriend made a comfortable living stealing fancy cars.
"We could make tons of money if we partnered up," he suggests.
She was all for the idea at first but chickened out before their big heist. I have too much at stake to back out this time, she thinks as she hops in the truck.
***
The killer is running around her motel room trying to find something that'll suffice as a restraint. She rips out the phone cord and then secures the manager's hands to her bed. She grabs her charger from her bag and ties his legs to the frame. She sees that Willie is awake when she glances over.
"You like kinky sex, do you? Well, I'm all for that; rough sex too." He winks.
Realizing his manhood standing at attention, memories of her horrid childhood come to mind.
~~~
Her Uncle rips off her clothes and tosses her on the bed.
"Please, no more," she begs, feeling painfully raw from the night before.
"How else do you expect me to react, when you flaunt everything when you bend over?"
She carefully slips her hand under the pillow.
"Maybe next time you won't be such a tease." Rubbing his hardness, he climbs onto the bed.
She grabs a knife from under her pillow and stabs him in the heart.
~~~
I'm going to take care of you just like I did him. She pulls her cord tighter.
"Hey, not so tight, doll face."
"That's going to be the least of your worries soon."
"What are you going to do to me? I hope it's something really kinky." He licks his lips.
"I'm going to take care of your sexual problem once and for all," she says as she glares into his eyes.
"W...what are you going to do?"
"You'll see." She searches for her knife.
Characters
Steve Beth's abusive husband deceased.
Beth deceased, the assassin best friend.
Janet Smith (Jackie) accused killer.
Bill Smith Janet/ Jackies husband deceased
Timmy Smith Janet/Jackie and Bill's child
Henry, Farmer
Martha, Henry's wife
Berryvillle PD
Joe, Sergeant
Jerry, Detective
Rachel, Detective
Kirk Forensic Analyst
Sharon Medical Examiner
By Mistydawn
Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.
Summary
Janet finds her husband, Bill bleeding on their front room floor. With the evidence piling against her; she was holding a bloody bat and was covered in blood when the EMT's arrive, the cops accused her of murder. Frightened she runs. She gets a ride from a truck driver named Sam, claiming her name is Jackie.
Seeing the blood on her dress, Sam holds her at gunpoint, demanding an explanation. Believing her story, Sam takes her to a truck stop so she can get cleaned up. He sees a news bulletin on the TV about her being a murder suspect. Not wanting to help a fugitive escape, Sam leaves.
Jackie formerly known as Janet finds out she's been abandoned. She then sees the bulletin on the TV. She runs to the bathroom grabbing hair dye and scissors on the way through. The now red-headed Jackie asks another trucker for a ride. She soon learns he has shady intentions. His gun goes off accidentally. Terrified, Jackie runs for her life.
Henry, an old farmer picks Jackie up and takes her to his house. Hearing about the shooting on the news, Henry and his wife decide to call the cops. Jackie overhears them talking and runs out the back door.
The assassin tied up, tortured and killed Beth's abusive husband, Steve. Willy, the motel manager tried to force himself on her. She knocks him out and then ties him to the bed.
The police are informed there are two murders. Joe and Rachel investigate the house. They find Steve mutilated and dismembered. They also discover his wife, Beth buried out back.
~~~~ Is a flashback.
*** Different people, scene.
Jackie is busy pulling wires from the truck's ignition, hoping she can remember what she's been taught. "You've got to help me with this one, Jimmy. you've just gotta." Jimmy was killed on the heist that she chickened out of. Everyone said that she was lucky she didn't go, but she'd rather have died alongside him than live the way she did. A pregnant orphan child all alone in a small rural town; she knew her life wasn't going to be easy, but she never imagined it turning out this way; having to flee from the cops or spend her life in prison.
"Come on, come on, please start, please, please start," Jackie begs, trying to fire up the truck. Its ignition wires spark. "That's it, baby, start for me," she says. Her hands are shaking as she holds the wires together. Hearing the engine trying to crank over, she pushes on the gas. To her surprise, its engine roars to life. No more hitching rides for me, she thinks. Slamming it in gear, she speeds down the bumpy drive. Jackie notices cops heading her way, as she pulls onto the main road. Please don't let them see me, oh please don't let them see me, she begs.
***
Jerry sees a waitress standing at the front door when he pulls into the truck stop. Her hands are waving frantically as she's yelling at someone beside her. An officer quickly steps in between them and tries to calm her down. What's got her so worked up? He recalls his wife's tongue lashings as he continues towards her.
~~~~
"I asked you to fix that a month ago, Jerry, a month ago and it still isn't done," Julia yells.
"I'll get to it, honey, I promise," he says, trying to kiss her on the cheek.
She moves away. "Don't you dare try that with me, mister."
"But I love you."
"Says you." She crosses her arms in front of her. "So, when are you going to get to it, next Christmas?"
"You won't need a fan then." He chuckles.
"You're impossible, Jerry. Just impossible." Julia throws her hands in the air and storms away.
~~~
I miss her drama. Heck, I miss everything about her; her eyes, her smile, that cute little laugh. How it felt when we cuddled together. The way she used to poke my stomach, call me her little doughboy.
"You look as pregnant as I do." She'd teased, rubbing his rounded belly.
I miss you so much, honey. His wife and daughter were killed in a drive-by twelve years ago. Everyone said it'd get easier with time, but the pain, the emptiness never seems to go away. Wiping a tear from his cheek, he steps up to the witness.
"Good luck." An officer pats Jerry on the back as he walks away.
"I'm Detective Bower and I've been assigned to this case. Can you please tell me what you saw?"
She glances at her watch. "I have to get my shit done and get out of here," she protests.
"I understand you're in a hurry, ma'am but ..."
"Good, then go talk to your buddies and leave me alone." She turns to leave.
Jerry grabs her arm to stop her. "I'd much rather hear it from you."
She exhales loudly as she spins around. "I have to get my kids off to school and I'm already late."
"I'll make it quick." Jerry takes a notebook out of his pocket.
"I'm inside watching the news when I hear a gunshot."
Jerry looks up from his paper. "A single shot?"
She nods. "Yes, I see a woman covered in blood running towards the highway when I step outside."
"What happened next?"
"I run back in and call you guys." She glances at her watch again.
"Can you describe her?"
"She's about five foot three. She has a light complexion and bright red hair."
"What was she wearing?"
"A denim jacket and light green pants. I explained all of this before."
"I appreciate you going over it again."
"Yeah. well, I really need to go."
"If you think of anything else I want you to call this number." Jerry hands her a card. She grabs it from his hands and storms back inside.
"Detective, we found this in their shower stall," Matt holds up two clear plastic bags. One contains a used box of red hair dye and the other freshly cut hair.
"It looks like Janet is trying to throw us off. Let's send it to the lab just to be sure it's her."
"Yes, sir."
Jerry sees Jeff processing the truck when he walks across the parking lot. "What can you tell me?" he asks, stepping up to the cab.
The stench is so overpowering, it knocks him back. I'll never get used to that smell. He takes a jar of Vicks out of his pocket and puts a dab under his nose. Much better, he thinks as he turns back towards the cab.
"I did the same thing, Sir."
"You're learning," Jerry says, patting him on the back."So what can you tell me?"
"I'd say he tried to force himself on her; she grabs a gun and shoots him in his head. According to the projection, she was sitting on his floorboard when the shooting occurred."
"So she kills him in self-defense."
"I believe so, Sir." He points to the corpse's junk hanging out of his pants.
Jerry nods as he answers his phone. "Hi, Captain. The killer is at the Barry residence." Jerry feels his phone vibrate in his hand. "I just received the address. We'll head over there now." He sees an officer holding a denim coat walking towards him.
"I found this at the edge of the highway. It's covered in blood and vomit."
"Good find, son." Jerry coughs.
"Thank you, sir."
****
The killer is standing over her victim's bloody body, with a large knife in her hand. Willy is spread eagle across her bed; his hands and feet secured to its frame.
"You don't need to do this over a few measly bucks, you really don't," he nervously stutters.
"It's not over money, bud, it's about how you treat women."
"How I treat women?"
"You act like we're only here to please you, to fulfill your sexual desires."
"No, no, you have it all wrong. That's not me at all. I adore women."
"I bet you do, especially when they're tied to your bed. Do you get your jollies from little girls too?"
"I'd never touch a child."
"Is it little boys or maybe you like watching them do each other?"
"That's disgusting."
"Is it, now; then how do you explain these?" She shows him snapshots of naked children, performing crude acts on each other.
"My friend brought them over, so I could take pictures for his website. I didn't want to do it, honest I didn't, but he didn't give me a choice."
"These don't turn you on?"
"No, I ...I'm not like that, I'm not."
"Your pecker is saying something different."
He glances at his hardened appendage. "I ...I'm thinking about you."
"Sure you are." She glances at his photos again. These faces look vaguely familiar. She quickly runs through the stack. It can't be. She looks through them again. They're the kids that disappeared. She spent the majority of her police career searching for these children. I would've found them too if it wasn't for my ex. He broke into her apartment late at night and tried to force himself on her; she kills him in self-defense. The judge declared her mentally incompetent and sends her to an asylum. Years later, she finally manages to escape.
Throwing his pictures on the table, she turns towards her victim. "Where are they, Willy, where are the kids?" she screams, holding her knife to his throat.
"I don't know what happened to them, honest I don't. My friend brought them over, I took pictures and they left," he cries.
She tries to recall her investigation, but nothing comes to mind. "What's your friend's name and where does he live?"
"His name is Jacob Myers."
"Where does he live?"
"He's ...he's dead," Willie bawls.
"Where are the kids?" He doesn't answer. "I said where are the kids?" Lifting up his penis, she holds her knife against it.
"No, please, not that," he cries.
She runs the sharp blade across the top, a small portion plops on her bed. He screams in pain. "Start talking or I'll finish the job, bit by bit," she warns, pressing her knife against it again.
Characters
Steve Beth's abusive husband deceased.
Beth deceased, the assassin best friend.
Janet Smith (Jackie) accused killer.
Bill Smith Janet/ Jackies husband deceased
Timmy Smith Janet/Jackie and Bill's child
Henry, Farmer
Martha, Henry's wife
Julia, Jery's wife deceased
Jimmy, Janet's first love
Willy, the motel manager
Berryvillle PD
Joe, Sergeant
Jerry, Detective
Rachel, Detective
Kirk, Forensic Analyst
Matt, Forensic Analyst
Jeff, Forensic Analyst
Sharon, Medical Examiner
By Mistydawn
Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.
Summary
Janet finds her husband, Bill bleeding on their front room floor. With the evidence piling against her; she was holding a bloody bat and was covered in blood when the EMT's arrive, the cops accused her of murder. Frightened she runs. She gets a ride from a truck driver named Sam, claiming her name is Jackie.
Seeing the blood on her dress, Sam holds her at gunpoint, demanding an explanation. Believing her story, Sam takes her to a truck stop so she can get cleaned up. He sees a news bulletin on the TV about her being a murder suspect. Not wanting to help a fugitive escape, Sam leaves.
Jackie formerly known as Janet finds out she's been abandoned. She then sees the bulletin on the TV. She runs to the bathroom grabbing hair dye and scissors on the way through. The now red-headed Jackie asks another trucker for a ride. She soon learns he has shady intentions. His gun goes off accidentally. Terrified, Jackie runs for her life.
Henry, an old farmer picks Jackie up and takes her to his house. Hearing about the shooting on the news, Henry and his wife decide to call the cops. Jackie overhears them talking and runs out the back door. She hotwires an abandoned pickup and flees.
The assassin tied up, tortured and killed Beth's abusive husband, Steve. Willy, the motel manager tried to force himself on her. She knocks him out and then ties him to the bed.
The police are informed there are two murders. Joe and Rachel investigate the house. They find Steve mutilated and dismembered. They also discover his wife, Beth buried out back.
~~~~ Is a flashback.
*** Different people, scene.
____
Jackie drives down the craggy dirt road as fast as she possibly can. Dust flies all around her which makes it difficult to see. It's a rugged ride with the trucks worn tires and its rusty shocks, but she figures this is better than the alternative; life in prison for a murder she didn't commit. Please god, please get me out of here safely, she begs. Her hands shake uncontrollably as her stomach clenches into a hard knot. I have to do this for my baby's sake. She swerves around a large dip in the road. Loose tools clatter across the truck bed as its cab squeaks with every bump. I hope it doesn't fall apart. She discovers it's held together by rust when she glances around. "Please just get me out of here, please." She taps on its dusty dash.
She looks up she sees the highway a few feet ahead. I'm almost there. She weaves to miss another pothole. Jackie notices two cop cars heading her way as she pulls onto the main road. Oh please don't let them recognize me, please God, please don't let them see me, she tearfully pleads. Her stomach churns with such force, that it makes her sick. Please not now, oh please not now. Vomit quickly rises in her throat. "Oh, God." She pukes across the worn seat. The stench from the chunky bile overpowers her, she throws up again. Jackie sees they're about to pass her when she vomits again. Please keep going, oh please keep going. She wipes her mouth on her sleeve. Jackie watches the cop cars whizz past her, she lets out a sigh of relief. She then notices a nasty taste in her mouth. The overwhelming scent of bile hits her again, making her stomach feel queasy. "I can't do anything about that taste, but I can air out this cab." She's rolling down the window when a horrific thought occurs to her. What if the cops turn around? She anxiously glances in her rearview mirror and sees they're a distance away. "It looks like I escaped from the law again." A terrifying thought suddenly comes to mind. It won't be long before they figure out it was me. I've got to get as much distance between me and them as I can. Maybe I should take a different route, trade this truck for another vehicle. How am I going to do that? I could steal a car. The cops will put out an APB and I'll be stuck again. She anxiously pushes its pedal down further as random thoughts race through her mind. Oh, what am I going to do, what am I going to do? Her therapist's voice echoes in her head.
"Whenever you have a panic attack, take a few deep breaths and then concentrate on one thing at a time."
She takes a deep breath and starts again. I need to get as far away as possible. She pushes its pedal to the floor. The old beat up Chevy fishtails around the curves, leaving bits of tread behind. Jackie nervously clenches the wheel. She grips it so tight that her knuckles turn blue.
"Please God, please, just get me out of here safely." She swerves around another sharp corner. "You know I didn't kill him, God. You know I didn't do it. I'd never kill anyone, ever. Oh, why won't anybody believe me, why? Please God, please help me prove I'm innocent. I beg you, please God, please, help me through this, for Timmy's sake." The truck screeches around another corner. Images of his happy little face run through her mind. "I promise to be the best mother I can. I'll read him Bible stories, take him to church on Sundays, teach him about you; if you just help me through this. Please Lord, please help me for my baby's sake," she bawls. Jackie cuts the wheels too sharp; the truck veers to the edge of the road. She panics and overcorrects. The truck swerves to the other side.
"Oh no, oh no, oh no. Please God, please help me." she punches on its brakes. The pedal hits the floor. She pushes its emergency brake but doesn't feel any resistance. "No," she screams. The pickup continues to gain momentum, as it travels down the steep mountainside.
***
The morning sun shines around the edges of her floral curtains, making her room uncomfortably warm. The hot, exhausted killer looks down at Willy's bloody corpse. There wasn't an inch of his grotesque body that didn't have some type of wound.
Outraged over the children's merciless treatment and their horrendous death, she lost all control. "I hope you rot in hell, you worthless piece of shit." She spits in his face.
The Killer notices her reflection when she turns around. Willy's blood covers every inch of her small frame. She even has streaks in her long sandy hair. It's so well worth it. This morning's event replays in her mind as she continues to admire her handy work.
~~~
"I guarantee you'll never hurt anyone ever again." She lifts up her knife and stabs him over and over. Childhood memories run through her mind as she plunges her knife deep into his rounded body.
She recalls how her foster dad tied her to her bed so he and his buddies could take turns with her. She then remembers their godawful smells. It was a mix of alcohol, sweat, and stale tobacco. She thinks about how they handled her small frail body, often leaving bruises behind. What if felt like when their large bodies crushed her into the semen-stained mattress. The way its rusty springs punctured her spine. How they'd beat her senseless if she made a sound. She remembers the pain that pierced through her as they plunge their nasty peckers deep inside. She recalls how she'd curl up into a tiny ball and cry for hours after, often until the break of dawn. She thinks back to all the nights she begged to be taken away. "Please, Lord, please let me get sent to another home. I promise to be a good girl if you do." As her situation worsened, her nightly prayers changed. "Please Lord, please let me be with my mama." Her mother committed suicide soon after her daddy was convicted of rape.
She then remembers how happy she was when the police hauled her foster dad away and her overwhelming terror when he returned.
~~~
"I made sure he didn't hurt me again," she says. She plunges her knife into Willy's body. "Yep, I took care of him like I did you. Now I need to make sure you don't pick up your bad habits in hell." She plants both hands firmly on his chainsaw she makes a cut just below his wrist. "There's one last thing I need to do. Well, one and a half if you count Jr." She grabs his testicles off her bed and slices them across the top. "I can't forget little Jr, now can I?" She lifts up his shriveled penis and slices off the last piece. "I don't know how you satisfy anyone with that anyhow." She laughs as she tosses it on her bed.
***
The morning has turned unseasonably warm as Jerry and his men assemble outside the Barry residence. Jerry takes a rag from his pocket and wipes his sweaty brow. It's way too hot for this fat boy. He sees the sun shining directly above them. Crickets sing a melody in the distance while robins harmonize in the background. It's going to be a scorcher of a year. He wipes his forehead again.
He and his men have searched their house and surrounding buildings but Janet is nowhere to be found.
"What do you want us to do now, sir?" one of his men asks.
"I want you guys to split up and start combing the field." His men hustle into action, Jerry pulls out his phone. "She's not in their house or barn, Captain. I have my men searching the field, but we could do it a lot quicker if we had the dogs. Thank you, sir. I'll let you know as soon as I find anything." He puts his phone back in his pocket as he walks towards the elderly couple.
"I want you to start at the beginning and tell me what happened." He takes his notebook from his pocket.
Characters
Steve Beth's abusive husband deceased.
Beth deceased, the assassin best friend.
Janet Smith (Jackie) accused killer.
Bill Smith Janet/ Jackies husband deceased
Timmy Smith Janet/Jackie and Bill's child
Henry, Farmer
Martha, Henry's wife
Julia, Jery's wife deceased
Jimmy, Janet's first love
Willy, the motel manager
Berryvillle PD
Joe, Sergeant
Jerry, Detective
Rachel, Detective
Kirk, Forensic Analyst
Matt, Forensic Analyst
Jeff, Forensic Analyst
Sharon, Medical Examiner
By Mistydawn
Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.
Summary
Janet finds her husband, Bill bleeding on their front room floor. With the evidence piling against her; she was holding a bloody bat and was covered in blood when the EMT's arrive, the cops accused her of murder. Frightened she runs. She gets a ride from a truck driver named Sam, claiming her name is Jackie.
Seeing the blood on her dress, Sam holds her at gunpoint, demanding an explanation. Believing her story, Sam takes her to a truck stop so she can get cleaned up. He sees a news bulletin on the TV about her being a murder suspect. Not wanting to help a fugitive escape, Sam leaves.
Jackie formerly known as Janet finds out she's been abandoned. She then sees the bulletin on the TV. She runs to the bathroom grabbing hair dye and scissors on the way through. The now red-headed Jackie asks another trucker for a ride. She soon learns he has shady intentions. His gun goes off accidentally. Terrified, Jackie runs for her life.
Henry, an old farmer picks Jackie up and takes her to his house. Hearing about the shooting on the news, Henry and his wife decide to call the cops. Jackie overhears them talking and runs out the back door. She hotwires an abandoned pickup and flees. She loses control, the Vehicle veers off the road.
The assassin tied up, tortured and killed Beth's abusive husband, Steve. Willy, the motel manager tried to force himself on her. She ties him to the bed, tortures and mutilates him
.~~~~~~~~~
Air whips through his vehicle's open windows as music blares from the radio. "I'll get that witch's voice out of my head one way or another." Ben reaches over and turns it up more. Her voice continues to echo in his mind.
"You can't serve that. Look at these plates, they're a mess. You're a disgrace, Ben, a disgrace. You shouldn't even call yourself a caterer." She huffs, storming off.
"Everyone else enjoyed my food," He says as he glances at his empty containers.
His thoughts return to the here and now when he notices large chunks of tread on the road. That can't be good. He follows the lumps of debris to a beat up Chevy at the bottom of the hill. I have to save them. He jumps out of his vehicle and slides down the grassy terrain. I hope I'm not too late. Horrid memories from his military days flash through his mind. It won't be like that, it won't. He tries to dismiss the thoughts from his mind as he continues down the steep mountainside. I'm almost there. He weaves around a few trees.
He finds a battered young woman lying in the seat. Blood gushes from her head, arms, and legs; her eyes are staring blankly at the ceiling. "I'm too late." Ben drops his head and starts to walk away.
***
Joe glances around the darkened squad room. You'd think I could get a lot done in all this peace and quiet. He yawns as he looks at his paper again. His eyes slowly close; his head gravitates downward. Feeling himself fall, he straightens up in his seat. His eyes close quicker, his head tilts faster. Joe startles awake when his head thumps his desk. I better call it a night before I'm seriously injured. He rubs the bump on his head. He starts to head towards the back when he realizes their ME is stepping off the elevator.
"You're the last of the bunch I see," Sharon says.
"Rachel and Jerry were worn out I told them to go on home. Do you have something for us?" He glances at her report.
"I have a few things, actually." She looks down at her paper. "I found three sets of DNA on the denim coat."
"Three?" He anxiously runs his fingers through his hair.
"Janet Smith, Sam Ganes and your victim, Victor Melendez."
"Sam Ganes?"
"That's what my results said. Police records show he was arrested in 94 for drug possession with intent to sell. He was released in 97 with no further arrests. His social shows that he's been employed with Prime Trucking for ten years."
"How did Janet end up with Sam's coat?" A horrid thought enters his mind. She wouldn't have, she couldn't have, would she? Joe recalls how Janet was covered in her husband's blood. He then remembers the trucker. They were in self-defense.
"I'll leave that for you to figure out. I ran the fingerprint from your murder weapon but didn't get any hits."
"That means Janet couldn't have killed Steve." He jumps up from his seat.
"She might've worn gloves."
"Maybe." He plops back down.
"The shoe print is definitely from a ladies boot and it's a size seven. We're running its pattern to try and narrow it down."
"I believe Janet wears a six." He searches through his papers.
"Well, there's another mystery for you to solve."
"That's all I need, more mysteries."
Sharon laughs. "If I find anything else I'll let you know."
"Hopefully, you'll have answers and not puzzles." She chuckles as she walks away.
I think I'll notify Beth's sister before I call it a day. He dials a number and then puts it on speaker. "Yes, this is Joe with the Berryville Police Department. I need to talk to one of your patients, please; it's an urgent family matter."
"What's the patient's name?"
"Penny McPhee."
"Let me transfer you to her nurse."
The phone rings again. "Sunny Brook, how may I help you?"
"My name is Joe Bower and I'd like to talk to one of your patients, please. It's an urgent family matter."
"What's the patient's name?"
"Penny McPhee."
"One second, please."
At least I know she's there. Joe gets a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach the longer he waits. It shouldn't take this long to find someone, should it?
"I'm sorry, Sir but she's not here."
"What do you mean she's not there?" Joe asks.
"Her doctor transferred her a few days ago."
"Can you tell me where she is?"
"Let me connect you to our business office, one second, please."
The phone rings again. "Sunny Brooks, how can I help you?"
Here we go again. "I'm Sergeant Bowers and I want to know about Penny McPhee."
"Her nurse didn't pick up? Let me try again."
"No, wait ..." It rings again. "Damn it." Joe slams his fist on his desk papers scatter to the floor. Just wonderful.
"Sunny Brooks ..."
"Patch me to your business office."
"Yes, Sir." She puts the phone on hold.
"Sunny Brooks, how may ..."
"I'm tired of this damn phone tag. I want to know where Penny McPhee was transferred to and don't you dare ..." His phone goes silent. "A bunch of simpletons must run this facility." He hears rustling on the line.
"We're still looking for her transfer order, sir."
"Call me when you find it."
"What is your name again?"
He enunciates every syllable. "My name is Joe Bower. That's Bower b o w e r and I work for the Berryville PD. My number is 870-423-2100. Do you need for me to repeat it again, maybe a little slower this time?"
"We'll call as soon as we find it, that's if I remember. Since you're a simpleton yourself, I'm sure you know how that goes. Have a nice day, Sergeant Bowser." His call disconnects.
"The name is Bower," he yells. "Damn woman." He stomps towards the back.
***
It's time to move on to my next victim. The killer glances at Willy's mutilated body one last time before she steps into the hot afternoon sun. The high humidity makes the day almost unbearable. It's too early for this crap. She wipes sweat from her brow as she continues on.
She hears a couple arguing when she steps onto the sidewalk. That was a quick find.
"Leave me alone, Bobby," Jen yells.
"You're my wife and you'll do what I say when I say. So get your ass home, now."
"I'm not going anywhere with you, ever again, " The lady screams.
"You'll do as you're told." He grabs a hold of her arm.
"I'll call the cops if you don't let me go." She pulls away from him.
"Like hell, you will." He knocks her to the ground.
Jen scrambles to her feet."It's over, Bobby, over." She darts down the alley.
"Get back here, you... you bitch."
The killer steps in front of him. "You shouldn't treat her like that."
"What's a little pipsqueak like you going to do about it, huh?" He pushes her away.
"I'll show you pipsqueak." She swings a right hook into his jaw. His head flies sideways. She swings her left fist around and punches him in the nose. His head flies back. She spins sideways and kicks his gut. He tumbles to the ground.
"Come on tough guy, get up; show me what you're made of."
He starts to get up. She kicks him again. He plummets into a mound of rocks. His head hits a sharp edge; blood pools all around him.
"I wasn't even warmed up yet." She turns and walks away.
***
Jackie lies sideways across the seat; blood continues to ooze from her head. The stench of blood and vomit circles around her.
"I wish I would've found you sooner." Ben starts to leave when he hears a noise in the truck. He runs back to find her trying to sit up. Ben yanks the driver door open. "Stay put until an ambulance gets here." He pulls a phone from his pocket.
Ambulance, no. She grabs his arm to stop him. "No, don't call the ambulance, he'll find me if you do."
"Who will find you, honey?"
"My ...my husband. I've got to get out of here before he finds his truck." She swings her legs around.
"You need to be looked at, sugar."
"They'll find a corpse if I don't get out of here soon." Frightened, she looks towards the highway.
Ben sees old bruises scattered across her body when she looks around. Now I understand. "Why don't you come back to my place, I'll call my nurse friend, ask her to take a look."
"Well, ah ..."
"You'll be safe with me, I promise." He holds out his hand. "Please."
Anything is safer than being here.
"My name is Ben," he smiles as he helps her out of her truck.
"Nice to meet you, Ben."
~~~~~
Characters
Steve Beth's abusive husband deceased.
Beth deceased, the assassin best friend.
Janet Smith (Jackie) accused killer.
Bill Smith Janet/ Jackies husband deceased
Timmy Smith Janet/Jackie and Bill's child
SamGanes truck driver for Prime gave Janet/Jackie a ride to the truck stop.
Victor Melendez (deceased) the trucker that tried to rape Janet/Jackie.
Bobby, (Deceased) abusive man arguing with his wife.
Jen, Bobby's wife she fled after being smacked down by her husband.
Henry, Farmer
Martha, Henry's wife
Julia, Jery's wife deceased
Jimmy, Janet's first love
Willy, the motel manager
Berryville PD
Joe, Sergeant
Jerry, Detective
Rachel, Detective
Kirk, Forensic Analyst
Matt, Forensic Analyst
Jeff, Forensic Analyst
Sharon, Medical Examiner, head of forensics.
By Mistydawn
Summary
Janet finds her husband, Bill bleeding on their front room floor. With the evidence piling against her; she was holding a bloody bat and was covered in blood when the EMT's arrive, the cops accused her of murder. Frightened she runs. She gets a ride from a truck driver named Sam, claiming her name is Jackie. Sam sees a news bulletin about her being a murder suspect and leaves. Janet sees the bulletin cuts and dyes her hair and then tries to get a ride with another trucker, who tries to rape her. She accidentally shoots him and flees. Henry, a farmer rescues her. Discovering she's wanted, he calls the cops. Janet/ Jackie overhears him and Martha talking and flees. She hotwires a pickup soon after loses control and wrecks. Ben offers to help. She hesitantly agrees.
The assassin tied up, tortured and killed Beth's abusive husband, Steve. Willy, the motel manager tried to force himself on her. She ties him to the bed, tortures and mutilates him. On her way into town, she hears a couple arguing. She arrives to see Bobby smacking his wife Jen around. Jen flees. The killer punches Bobby. He falls, hitting his head on a rock.
______________________________
Ben notices Jackie sobbing in her seat. He then notices a scar that runs the length of her face with several small scars beside it. How could anyone do that to her, how? This gorgeous lady deserves love, and happiness not to be used as someone's punching bag. He notices how she cowers in the corner with her head tilted downward as tears continue to stream down her pale face. I bet she doesn't even realize how beautiful she really is. "Things will get better for you, I promise."
Jackie slowly glances up. "I don't see how. I'm flat broke with no place to go and now I don't even have a vehicle. What was I thinking, leaving like I did? Maybe I should apologize, tell him I'll never do it again," she cries.
"You do and next time he'll probably beat you to death. There will be a next time, I promise you that."
"I don't know what else to do," she sobs.
"Don't worry, I'll think of something."
Ben and Janet pull up to a small log cabin a few minutes later. His rustic home sits on 20 acres that overlooks the Ozark Mountains. It's a breathtaking scene any time of year. Ben fell in love the moment he saw it; claiming it was a dream come true.
Jackie is hunched over in her seat, her hands folded in her lap when Ben opens the passenger door. He really did a number on her both mentally and physically. He takes Jackie's cold shaky hands in his. "You're a beautiful woman, do you know that?"
"Thank you," she timidly replies, her eyes glued to the floorboard.
He lifts up her chin and then gazes into her sad brown eyes. Ben sees her pain, her agony just below the surface. You poor, poor thing; forced to live a life of hell. I bet you've never known true happiness, not even as a small child. "You really are a beautiful woman, Jackie. Any man should be proud to have you by his side."
She lowers her head.
He lifts it up again. "Someday you'll find someone who truly loves you. Someone who will respect you, treat you right," he says as tears stream down her cheek, Ben carefully brushes them away. "Don't cry, honey, it'll be alright, I promise." He gently puts his arm around her shoulder and guides her towards his house.
***
Joe slowly trudges out to his desk. He tried to get some sleep, but this case keeps replaying in his mind. How can I possibly get any sleep, knowing we have four victims and no clues? He plops down in his chair. Figuring out why she's targeting abusers might lead me to her. So who'd go after wife beaters? Their victims or the victim's family members. Joe recalls Janet and Beth's history. That's out. Maybe it's someone who's witnessed her mother being abused, possibly killed and never got the justice she deserves. He types in unsolved homicides. There are six open cases. How many of them have children? Sarah McPhee's name pops up on the screen. I wonder if she's Beth and Penny's mom. He clicks on the link and starts to read.
"You're back so soon, Joe?"
"I couldn't get this case out of my head, Captain."
"I've been there before."
Joe glances up from his screen. "Do you remember the Sara McPhee case?"
"Her name sounds vaguely familiar."
"Her death was first ruled as a suicide until your ME determined that she'd been killed."
"Oh, yes, I remember now. We thought she'd slit her wrists but Sharon said her wounds weren't self-inflicted because the angle was all wrong."
"Were there any suspects, sir?"
"We thought her husband did it but we didn't have enough proof. So we charged him with rape instead."
"Rape, sir?"
"Penny and Beth; we took them out of one bad situation and put them in another."
"What do you mean, Captain?"
"Their foster dad raped then too. Those two never did catch a break. Both married a man just like their daddy."
"That explains why Penny is the way she is. Speaking of which, I think I'll call and see if they found her transfer order."
"Her transfer order?"
"They claim her doctor moved her but aren't sure where." He picks up his phone and dials a number. "This is Sergeant Bower and I was wondering if you found Penny McPhee's transfer order yet. What do you mean she's missing? It takes you two days for you to realize she's gone?" Joe yells. He puts his phone on speaker and then glances towards his Captain.
"We thought she was transferred to another facility."
"I want you to know that your patient came into my town and killed two people."
"You must be mistaken. Miss McPhee hasn't had any anger issues the entire time she's been in our care. So I hardly believe she'd murder someone."
"I'm supposed to believe you, someone, who can't keep track of their residents?"
"I assure you, Miss McPhee is the first client that's escaped in years." Elizabeth defensively states.
"The first you're aware of. Send me your security tapes so my experts can determine how she managed to leave."
"We're well equipped to handle this situation. They're all top ..."
"I highly doubt that your facility is top at anything, other than neglect. I want those tapes, a sample of her DNA, fingerprints, a recent photo and a description of any tattoos, or birthmarks she might have. And want them by the end of business."
"I'll see what I can do, but ..."
"You can either send them voluntarily, or I'll get a court order to close your place down until we can conduct a thorough investigation into all your activities."
"I ...I'll get right on that."
"Make sure you do." Joe slams his phone on the cradle. Incompetent people make me so damn angry." He slams his phone down again.
"Do you really believe she's responsible for these murders, Joe?"
"She's probably getting justice for the death of her mother and sister. Wasn't she a cop at one time?"
"I believe so, why?"
Joe types her name into his computer. "She worked patrol until she was arrested for killing her husband. She claims it was self-defense. It says that she was found incompetent to stand trial and was sent to an asylum." Joe zooms in on her pictures. "Its a wonder she survived."
"Penny escapes and starts her spree again?"
"That'd make sense, Captain. Now I need evidence to prove my theory." Joe gets a perplexed look on his face.
"What's wrong, Sergeant?"
"Wouldn't her prints be in our system if she was arrested for murder?"
"They should be, why?"
"Sharon didn't get a hit from the fingerprint found on the weapon." Joe dials their ME's extension. "Sharon I need you to do me a favor. See if Penny McPhee's prints are in our system. No, that explains why you didn't get a match. I have her prints coming from the facility, I'd like for you to run them against the ones found on the weapon when they get here."
___
The killer starts to walk away when another thought occurs to her. It wouldn't be fair to the others if I don't torture you too.â?? She hovers over her victim's body, trying to wake him up. She slaps his face; the victim doesn't come to. "Come on, asshole, wake up, take your punishment like a man." She kicks him in the ribs. Her victim remains lifeless on the ground. "I said wake the fuck up." She hits him over and over but he doesn't respond. She starts to smack him again when a memory flashes through her mind. I've seen that face before. Childhood images replay in her mind as she moves in for a closer look.
She first recalls her nightly abuse from her biological father; the way she'd cry for hours after. How she helplessly watched her mom bleed to death on their cold hard floor. She then recalls all the nights her foster dad snuck into her bed. How he threatened to harm her and her sibling if she didn't do what she was told. She then remembers this pervert creeping in as soon as he was done. "You used to sneak into my bed when your father left," she hisses. "I'll make sure you never hurt any of us ever again." She takes a knife from her pocket and stabs him in the chest. Air forcefully escapes from his lungs.
"No one gets away with beating women as long as I'm alive." The killer thrusts her knife into his body over and over again. She starts to bring her knife back up when she catches something out of the corner of her eye.
"Freeze police," a deep voice yells.
She turns to see a cop running towards her with his gun pointed outward. She then notices cop cars coming from every direction. She hears more sirens in the near distance. They have their entire police force after me. She glances over to see the cop is just a few feet away.
"Drop your weapon, now," he orders.
"I'm not going down that easy." She takes off down the alley.
_______________
Characters
Steve, Beth's abusive husband deceased.
Beth, deceased, the assassin best friend.
Janet Smith (Jackie) accused killer.
Bill Smith. Janet/ Jackie's husband deceased
Timmy Smith, Janet/Jackie, and Bill's child
Sam Ganes, a truck driver for Prime gave Janet/Jackie a ride to the truck stop.
Victor Melendez (deceased) the trucker that tried to rape Janet/Jackie.
Bobby, (Deceased) abusive man arguing with his wife.
Jen, Bobby's wife she fled after being smacked down by her husband.
Henry, Farmer
Martha, Henry's wife
Julia, Jery's wife deceased
Jimmy, Janet's first love
Willy, the motel manager
Sarah McPhee, Beth and Penny's mother
Penny, An ex-cop killed her husband claiming self-defense. Escaped from an asylum
Ben Jackie's rescuer
Berryville PD
Joe, Sergeant
Jerry, Detective
Rachel, Detective
Kirk, Forensic Analyst
Matt, Forensic Analyst
Jeff, Forensic Analyst
Sharon, Medical Examiner, head of forensics.
By Mistydawn
Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of language.
Summary
Janet finds her husband, Bill bleeding on their front room floor. With the evidence piling against her; she was holding a bloody bat and was covered in blood when the EMT's arrive, the cops accused her of murder. Frightened she runs. She gets a ride from a truck driver named Sam, claiming her name is Jackie.
Seeing the blood on her dress, Sam holds her at gunpoint, demanding an explanation. Believing her story, Sam takes her to a truck stop so she can get cleaned up. He sees a news bulletin on the TV about her being a murder suspect. Not wanting to help a fugitive escape, Sam leaves.
Jackie formerly known as Janet finds out she's been abandoned. She then sees the bulletin on the TV. She runs to the bathroom grabbing hair dye and scissors on the way through. The now red-headed Jackie asks another trucker for a ride. She soon learns he has shady intentions. His gun goes off accidentally. Terrified, Jackie runs for her life.
Henry, an old farmer picks Jackie up and takes her to his house. Hearing about the shooting on the news, Henry and his wife decide to call the cops. Jackie overhears them talking and runs out the back door. She hotwires an abandoned pickup and flees. She loses control, the Vehicle veers off the road. Ben finds her and offers to help.
The assassin tied up, tortured and killed Beth's abusive husband, Steve. Willy, the motel manager tried to force himself on her. She ties him to the bed, tortures and mutilates him
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Berryville detectives are at their desks, trying to figure out where Penny might go, and who she’ll target next.
“Here’s a list of known abusers, you asked for, Sergeant.” Rachel hands him a piece of paper.
Joe quickly glances over it. “Now we need to figure out who she knows.” He looks through it again.
“I put an APB out on her and the TV station agreed to run her picture on the news,” Jerry says as he hangs up his phone.
"Have you checked all the motels?”
“Everyone except Willy’s, but it’s closed.”
“Why would he close this time of year?” Joe asks, running his fingers through his hair.
“The note says there's been a death in his family.”
"Expand your search go as far south as Fayetteville and north up to Branson.”
"Do you know how many motels there are in Branson?"
"Stop your damn bickering and do it,” Joe yells. He slams his fist on his desk.
"Yes, boss." Seeing him walk away, Jerry mumbles under his breath, “I wish you'd get some sleep.”
Joe spins around. "What was that, Jerry?”
Jerry jumps "Ah …I said you look like you need some sleep, sir."
Rachel snickers.
"Yeah, I bet."
The captain walks towards them. "Guys, we have another victim. He was found in that little alley off of Main. Patrol tried to stop her, but she got away.”
"Jerry, start setting up roadblocks, Rachel, get our canines out to the scene; see if we can end this once and for all.".
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Characters
Steve, Beth's abusive husband deceased.
Beth, deceased, the assassin best friend.
Janet Smith, (Jackie) accused killer.
Bill Smith, Janet/ Jackie's husband deceased
Timmy Smith, Janet/Jackie, and Bill's child
Sam Ganes, truck driver for Prime gave Janet/Jackie a ride to the truck stop.
Victor Melendez, (deceased) the trucker that tried to rape Janet/Jackie.
Bobby, (Deceased) abusive man arguing with his wife.
Jen, Bobby's wife she fled after being smacked down by her husband.
Henry, Farmer
Martha, Henry's wife
Julia, Jery's wife deceased
Jimmy, Janet's first love
Willy, the motel manager
Berryville PD
Joe, Sergeant
Jerry, Detective
Rachel, Detective
Kirk, Forensic Analyst
Matt, Forensic Analyst
Jeff, Forensic Analyst
Sharon, Medical Examiner, head of forensics.
By Mistydawn
Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of language.
Summary
Janet finds her husband, Bill bleeding on their front room floor. With the evidence piling against her; she was holding a bloody bat and was covered in blood when the EMT's arrive, the cops accused her of murder. Frightened she runs. She gets a ride from a truck driver named Sam, claiming her name is Jackie.
Seeing the blood on her dress, Sam holds her at gunpoint, demanding an explanation. Believing her story, Sam takes her to a truck stop so she can get cleaned up. He sees a news bulletin on the TV about her being a murder suspect. Not wanting to help a fugitive escape, Sam leaves.
Jackie formerly known as Janet finds out she's been abandoned. She then sees the bulletin on the TV. She runs to the bathroom grabbing hair dye and scissors on the way through. The now red-headed Jackie asks another trucker for a ride. She soon learns he has shady intentions. His gun goes off accidentally. Terrified, Jackie runs for her life.
Henry, an old farmer picks Jackie up and takes her to his house. Hearing about the shooting on the news, Henry and his wife decide to call the cops. Jackie overhears them talking and runs out the back door. She hotwires an abandoned pickup and flees. She loses control, the Vehicle veers off the road. Ben finds her and offers to help. He takes her back to his place where they have a romantic encounter.
The assassin tied up, tortured and killed Beth's abusive husband, Steve. Willy, the motel manager tried to force himself on her. She ties him to the bed, tortures and mutilates him. She kills another in an alley. The cops sees her, she flees to an old underground hideout.
_______________Characters
Steve, Beth's abusive husband deceased.
Beth, deceased, the assassin best friend.
Janet Smith, (Jackie) accused killer.
Bill Smith, Janet/ Jackie's husband deceased
Timmy Smith, Janet/Jackie, and Bill's child
SamGanes, truck driver for Prime gave Janet/Jackie a ride to the truck stop.
Victor Melendez, (deceased) the trucker that tried to rape Janet/Jackie.
Bobby, (Deceased) abusive man arguing with his wife.
Jen, Bobby's wife she fled after being smacked down by her husband.
Henry, Farmer
Martha, Henry's wife
Julia, Jery's wife deceased
Jimmy, Janet's first love
Willy, the motel manager
Berryville PD
Joe, Sergeant
Jerry, Detective
Rachel, Detective
Kirk, Forensic Analyst
Matt, Forensic Analyst
Jeff, Forensic Analyst
Sharon, Medical Examiner, head of forensics.
By Mistydawn
Summary
Janet finds her husband, Bill bleeding on their front room floor. With the evidence piling against her; she was holding a bloody bat and was covered in blood when the EMT's arrive, the cops accused her of murder. Frightened she runs. She gets a ride from a truck driver named Sam, claiming her name is Jackie.
Seeing the blood on her dress, Sam holds her at gunpoint, demanding an explanation. Believing her story, Sam takes her to a truck stop so she can get cleaned up. He sees a news bulletin on the TV about her being a murder suspect. Not wanting to help a fugitive escape, Sam leaves.
Jackie formerly known as Janet finds out she's been abandoned. She then sees the bulletin on the TV. She runs to the bathroom grabbing hair dye and scissors on the way through. The now red-headed Jackie asks another trucker for a ride. She soon learns he has shady intentions. His gun goes off accidentally. Terrified, Jackie runs for her life.
Henry, an old farmer picks Jackie up and takes her to his house. Hearing about the shooting on the news, Henry and his wife decide to call the cops. Jackie overhears them talking and runs out the back door. She hotwires an abandoned pickup and flees. She loses control, the vehicle veers off the road. Ben finds her and offers to help. He takes her back to his place where they have a romantic encounter.
The assassin tied up, tortured and killed Beth's abusive husband, Steve. Willy, the motel manager tried to force himself on her. She ties him to the bed, tortures and mutilates him. She kills another in an alley. The cops see her, she flees to an old underground hideout. She manages to escape or so she thought.
_____
Jackie is scrunched up into a ball sobbing against the truck door. She relentlessly begged Ben to turn around, but he silently stares at the road ahead. She even thought about bolting from the vehicle but talked herself out of it as quick as the thought came to mind. If I jump out at this high speed, I'll probably end up hurt, maybe dead. Where would I go if I did survive? Besides, I'll have to run from Ben and the law and I'm too worn out to run anymore. I'm tired and fed up with this whole damn mess. She wearily leans against the window. What made me think I could outsmart them anyhow? Me, with my below average IQ. She was told she had a learning disability at a very young age. A fact people taunted her with her entire life. Ben is right, the best thing for me to do is go to the police; face the inevitable once and for all. It's not like my life is worth fighting for anyway.
She recalls her horrible childhood and all the drunken beatings she and her mama had to endure. How her Daddy forced her to have sex with him, while her drugged up Mother watched from afar. She then remembers how the kids made fun of her and anyone she hung out with; causing her friends to be few and far between. A lonely, isolated life for Janet.
___
"What dumpster did you find those clothes in, the goodwill reject bin?" The children laugh.
"Leave me alone." She tries to move around them. Joel pushes her against the wall.
"I've seen homeless people wear better clothes than that," he says. The group laughs again.
"Please, just let me by," she tearfully begs.
"Your daddy should spend money on you instead of his booze and whores. Speaking of whores, how's your mom these days? Is she turning enough tricks to supply her habit?"
___
She then recalls the day her parents died. She hoped things would get better, but they only became worse. She was given to a couple that runs a child prostitution ring; sold to Bill when she hit puberty.
She glances over at Ben. I wish things could've been different between us, I really do. She recalls how wonderful it was to be wrapped in his arms. I felt so warm, so secure. He showed me a side of love I never knew existed. She wipes the tears from her face as she turns towards him.
"It's ...it's been nice knowing you, Ben, even if it was just for a little while," she sniffles. "I want you to know that you're the only man who's ever treated me that way; the only one who's ever shown me a hint of compassion. You made me feel special like I truly matter; that I'm not a nothing, a nobody, like everybody claims. More importantly, you made me forget all the hateful things everyone has ever said or done to me. And for the first time in my life, I got to feel what love really is. I'll never forget that feeling as long as I live."
"Oh for Heaven's sake, stop your damn blabbering already, will you?" He pulls to the side of the road. Dust flies all around them as he slams on his brakes.
"I ...I'm sorry Ben, I didn't mean to upset you." She nervously scoots closer to the door.
"Well, you did." He turns towards her. "Look at what you did to me?" he asks as tears stream down his face. "I've been too choked up to say anything."
"Really?"
"Yeah, really and if you were paying attention, you would've seen we passed the town miles back." He wipes moisture from his face.
"So ...So where are you taking me?"
"We're going to visit a lawyer friend of mine."
"I don't have any money."
"He owes me one."
"Thank you, Ben, thank you so much." She leans over and kisses his cheek.
"Yeah, don't mention it." Ben mumbles under his breath, "Says the man who has sucker written all over his face."
***
Rachel notices their canine unit setting up when she pulls into the alley. I'm just in time. She climbs out of her car. She soon realizes the day has become unseasonably warm. I wish this weather would make up its mind. She wipes the sweat from her forehead and then pushes her sleeves to her elbows.
"Detective?"
Rachel turns to see an officer walking towards her.
"My partner and I were the ones who gave chase." He points to a man heading their way.
"When did you see her last?"
"I lost visual when she darted down this alley. At least I think she went this way. I asked a guy which way she went and he said he didn't see her. My partner didn't find her on the other side either."
"Can you give me a quick description?" She pulls a notebook out of her pocket.
"She's a short, thin Latino woman around 5'3". She has black hair, brown eyes. No visible scars or tattoos. She's wearing a plain hot pink tee, jeans, and pink sneakers.
Rachel glances up from her paper. "You're sure she's Hispanic?"
"I've been around Latino women all my life so I think I know what they look like." He points to his darker skin.
Rachel laughs. "I guess you'd know better than most. That just ruled out both suspects."
"He has her scent, Detective," another officer says. The canine barks wildly as he pulls on his leash.
Rachel walks towards him. "Let's find out where he'll take us."
The officer gives a command; his dog darts down the alley. Halfway down, he turns and runs back the way he came.
"What's he doing?" Rachel asks.
"I'm not sure, detective." His dog heads back in the other direction as soon as he reaches the tin. He stops at the same spot, sniffs and then darts towards the metal again.
"She must have had her car parked there, or she got a ride," he says as his dog pulls him to her hideout.
"I don't remember a car being there." The first officer pipes in.
"She might've left before you got here."
"That'd explain why the guy didn't see her."
Rachel glances around. "Maybe those cameras will help." She points to an old brick building.
"I'll find out, Detective," Kirk volunteers.
"Have your crew search from her hideout to where the dog stops."
"Yes, Detective."
Rachel pulls out her phone. "Joe, this is Rachel, the dog keeps running back and forth. I hope the security cam will tell us more. I have forensics processing her hideout, and the alley. Penny and Janet isn't our killer, Joe." She puts it on speaker as she climbs into her car.
"Sharon just told me, she found another set of prints on Timmy's bat. She's running them through AFIS now."
"Did she find anything else?" Rachel questions.
"She gave me a whole list of things."
"I'm on my way."
***
That was too close. The killer thinks as she speeds out of town. Maybe I should lay low for a while until things cool down. I could always start fresh somewhere else. Thanks to Willy's fine-ass ride, I can travel wherever I want. She realizes her gas gage is close to empty. I need money if I want to do this right. She remembers the stack of cash in Willy's office. I'm sure he won't mind if I borrow it. It's not like he needs it anymore. The killer chuckles. She catches a glimpse of red and blue lights in her rearview mirror. She looks up to see cops on her tail. "Just when I thought I was home free." She pushes on the accelerator. The engine whines in protest. "Alright, alright." She throws it into fourth gear.
Sirens scream behind her as she screeches around a corner. I've got to ditch these losers and fast. She fishtails around another corner. She looks back to see they're right behind her. "You're not taking me out that easy, pigs." She throws the Corvette into fifth gear and then gives it a little more gas. The cops stay right behind her. "I know how to lose you clowns." Hitting a straight stretch, she shifts into seventh gear then floors it. She looks down to see her speedometer is close to two hundred. "Keep up with that, pigs." She realizes a distance is growing between them when she glances back. "Can't handle this speed, can you?" She laughs as she catches a glimpse of a sign. I hope that wasn't important. She sees another a few feet ahead. "Bridge out ...oh, shit, no." She first notices a huge gap in the pavement, and then the river below her. "I'm going to die," she screams, as she grips the wheel for dear life.
___
Characters
Steve, Beth's abusive husband deceased.
Beth, deceased, the assassin best friend.
Janet Smith, (Jackie) accused killer.
Bill Smith, Janet/ Jackie's husband deceased
Timmy Smith, Janet/Jackie, and Bill's child
SamGanes, a truck driver for Prime gave Janet/Jackie a ride to the truck stop.
Victor Melendez, (deceased) the trucker that tried to rape Janet/Jackie.
Bobby, (Deceased) abusive man arguing with his wife.
Jen, Bobby's wife she fled after being smacked down by her husband.
Henry, Farmer
Martha, Henry's wife
Julia, Jery's wife deceased
Jimmy, Janet's first love
Willy, the motel manager
Berryville PD
Joe, Sergeant
Jerry, Detective
Rachel, Detective
Kirk, Forensic Analyst
Matt, Forensic Analyst
Jeff, Forensic Analyst
Sharon, Medical Examiner, head of forensics.
By Mistydawn
Summary
Janet finds her husband, Bill bleeding on their front room floor. With the evidence piling against her; she was holding a bloody bat and was covered in blood when the EMT's arrive, the cops accused her of murder. Frightened she runs. She gets a ride from a truck driver named Sam, claiming her name is Jackie.
Seeing the blood on her dress, Sam holds her at gunpoint, demanding an explanation. Believing her story, Sam takes her to a truck stop so she can get cleaned up. He sees a news bulletin on the TV about her being a murder suspect. Not wanting to help a fugitive escape, Sam leaves.
Jackie formerly known as Janet finds out she's been abandoned. She then sees the bulletin on the TV. She runs to the bathroom grabbing hair dye and scissors on the way through. The now red-headed Jackie asks another trucker for a ride. She soon learns he has shady intentions. His gun goes off accidentally. Terrified, Jackie runs for her life.
Henry, an old farmer picks Jackie up and takes her to his house. Hearing about the shooting on the news, Henry and his wife decide to call the cops. Jackie overhears them talking and runs out the back door. She hotwires an abandoned pickup and flees. She loses control, the vehicle veers off the road. Ben finds her and offers to help. He takes her back to his place where they have a romantic encounter. She tells Ben the truth he gets upset forces her in the truck. She thinks he's taking her to the police station, but they're headed to see a lawyer instead.
The assassin tied up, tortured and killed Beth's abusive husband, Steve. Willy, the motel manager tried to force himself on her. She ties him to the bed, tortures and mutilates him. She kills another in an alley. The cops see her, she flees to an old underground hideout. She manages to get away. She ends up in a high-speed chase with the cops. She thinks she's getting away and then realizes the bridge is completely washed out.
___Characters
Steve, Beth's abusive husband deceased.
Beth, deceased, the assassin best friend.
Janet Smith, (Jackie) accused killer.
Bill Smith, Janet/ Jackie's husband deceased
Timmy Smith, Janet/Jackie, and Bill's child
SamGanes, a truck driver for Prime gave Janet/Jackie a ride to the truck stop.
Victor Melendez, (deceased) the trucker that tried to rape Janet/Jackie.
Bobby, (Deceased) abusive man arguing with his wife.
Jen, Bobby's wife she fled after being smacked down by her husband.
Henry, Farmer
Martha, Henry's wife
Julia, Jery's wife deceased
Jimmy, Janet's first love
Willy, the motel manager
Berryville PD
Joe, Sergeant
Jerry, Detective
Rachel, Detective
Kirk, Forensic Analyst
Matt, Forensic Analyst
Jeff, Forensic Analyst
Sharon, Medical Examiner, head of forensics.
By Mistydawn
Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of language.
Summary
Janet finds her husband, Bill bleeding on their front room floor. With the evidence piling against her; she was holding a bloody bat and was covered in blood when the EMT's arrive, the cops accused her of murder. Frightened she runs. She gets a ride from a truck driver named Sam, claiming her name is Jackie.
Seeing the blood on her dress, Sam holds her at gunpoint, demanding an explanation. Believing her story, Sam takes her to a truck stop so she can get cleaned up. He sees a news bulletin on the TV about her being a murder suspect. Not wanting to help a fugitive escape, Sam leaves.
Jackie formerly known as Janet finds out she's been abandoned. She then sees the bulletin on the TV. She runs to the bathroom grabbing hair dye and scissors on the way through. The now red-headed Jackie asks another trucker for a ride. She soon learns he has shady intentions. His gun goes off accidentally. Terrified, Jackie runs for her life.
Henry, an old farmer picks Jackie up and takes her to his house. Hearing about the shooting on the news, Henry and his wife decide to call the cops. Jackie overhears them talking and runs out the back door. She hotwires an abandoned pickup and flees. She loses control, the vehicle veers off the road. Ben finds her and offers to help. He takes her back to his place where they have a romantic encounter. She tells Ben the truth he gets upset forces her in the truck. She thinks he's taking her to the police station, but they're headed to see a lawyer instead. She finds out all charges have been dropped, but her in-laws have temporary guardianship of Timmy.
The assassin tied up, tortured and killed Beth's abusive husband, Steve. Willy, the motel manager tried to force himself on her. She ties him to the bed, tortures and mutilates him. She kills another in an alley. The cops see her, she flees to an old underground hideout. She manages to get away. She ends up in a high-speed chase with the cops. She thinks she's getting away and then realizes the bridge is completely washed out. She turns around at the last minute.
****
Characters
Steve, Beth's abusive husband deceased.
Beth, deceased, the assassin best friend.
Janet Smith, (Jackie) accused killer.
Bill Smith, Janet/ Jackie's husband deceased
Timmy Smith, Janet/Jackie, and Bill's child
SamGanes, a truck driver for Prime gave Janet/Jackie a ride to the truck stop.
Victor Melendez, (deceased) the trucker that tried to rape Janet/Jackie.
Bobby, (Deceased) abusive man arguing with his wife.
Jen, Bobby's wife she fled after being smacked down by her husband.
Henry, Farmer
Martha, Henry's wife
Julia, Jery's wife deceased
Jimmy, Janet's first love
Willy, the motel manager
Berryville PD
Joe, Sergeant
Jerry, Detective
Rachel, Detective
Kirk, Forensic Analyst
Matt, Forensic Analyst
Jeff, Forensic Analyst
Sharon, Medical Examiner, head of forensics.
| Author Notes | Emma, her mom, and Jeanie are the three serial killers who fled from the law in Bittersweet Revenge. They target sex offenders. Revenge for what happened to them as children. |
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