FanStory.com
"Debt Collector"


Chapter 1
Change of Fate

By Mistydawn

Gazing out the large picture window, Jeff Donaldson soon finds that the bright sunny morning has transformed into a soggy afternoon. The way the rain is hammering on the windowsill, he figures this won't change any time soon. Especially not in time for the baseball game he has planned for tonight.  

He's watching the steam rise off the hot pavement when someone knocks on his office door.  Thinking it's his boss, he quickly straightens his tie. I bet he's come to congratulate me for my successful ad campaign. His ideas brought in substantial revenue for them and their client. Pleased with himself, Jeff smiles as he turns around. "What brings..." he begins. Seeing a stranger in the doorway, he stops in mid-sentence.

Jeff first notices the man's long curly hair and his dark close-set eyes. He then realizes his guest's expensive suit fits him a little snug, especially around the middle. His pants hit him mid-calf showing off his thick hairy legs. White socks, brown pants and black shoes, he's not the sharpest dresser in the world, Jeff concludes. "Can I help you?"

"How you been, Jeffy baby?" the stranger asks, tromping into the room.

"Do I know you?" Jeff asks, trying to recall the face.

"Try and remember back to your college days." He looks vaguely familiar, but Jeff can't seem to place him. "Let me give you a hint, school loan."

Jeff thinks back, but nothing comes to mind. "I'm sorry, but that doesn't ring a bell."

"You borrowed a large sum of money from a loan shark by the name of Bruno Bambini. You said you needed it to buy a house for you and your bride, Julie."

The memory suddenly hit him. "I paid the debt off," Jeff exclaims. Jumping up, he closes his office door. He doesn't want everyone to hear his business, especially when it pertains to shady characters like Bambini and his goon Luigi Ricci.

"Not according to his records, you didn't."

Jeff runs to his bar and pours himself a scotch. Guzzling the stout liquor, he pours another; Luigi grabs hold of his arm. "Do you want one?" His hand starts shaking as he moves his glass towards the goon.

The guy smacks his cup away. The tumbler flies across the room, shattering against the wall. I can only imagine what Luigi could do to me, Jeff thinks, anxiously glancing at the brawny beast. "I'm not here on a social visit, I'm here to talk business. According to Bambini's records, you owe over ninety thousand."

"I only borrowed thirty thou," he nervously replies.

"The rest is interest."

"Three hundred percent?"

"That's the term you agreed to." Holding up a signed document, he points to Jeff's signature at the bottom. "I think he should charge you more for all we had to go through to find you, but he's the boss and what he says goes."

"I don't have ninety thousand lying around, not with a wife and two kids to support."

"I saw your beautiful girls playing in the yard last weekend. Fortunately for them, they look like her and not you."

"You leave my family alone." Feeling unsteady on his feet, Jeff plops down on his couch. His thoughts start running a mile a minute as his stomach rumbles with fury.

"Pay up and we will, don't and well, you know..." He runs his finger across his neck. Jeff's face turns a powdery white. "I'd say you get the gist." Luigi chuckles. "Oh, by the way, your mom sends her love. She baked a tin of cookies, but I got hungry on the way back. Oregon is a distance you know."

"What did you do to my mom?"

"Nothing yet." He chuckles.

Luigi's eerie laugh makes him shiver. He paces back and forth, trying to figure out what to do. I can go to the police, tell them he's blackmailing me, but I'll need some sort of proof. Would a recorded conversation be enough?

Luigi grabs his arm as he walks by. "It would be in everyone's best interest if you paid up."

"I don't have that kind of money and I can't get a hold of the enormous sum either."

"Boss said you might be strapped for cash, told me to offer you a deal. He said, if you do a few side jobs for him, he'll call your debt good. If you refuse, you can say goodbye to everyone you hold dear."

Horrible thoughts run through Jeff's mind as he paces back and forth. He first thinks about his beautiful wife and daughters killed in the woods; his parents slaughtered while they sleep. He then pictures his poor aunt and uncle being shot on their farm. He didn't like the idea of helping Mr. Bambini with his shady business, but he doesn't want his family to die either. We'll run off somewhere but to where? How long will it be until they find us? I'll record our conversation and then go to the police with the tape. He'll kill my family if I get caught. What if I refinance our house? That won't be enough to satisfy the debt. I could ask my friends for a loan, but how will I pay it all back? A thought suddenly occurs to him, he spins around.

"I'll pay a thousand each week until it's paid in full." Jeff wasn't sure how he'll come up with such a large sum but figures it's worth a shot.

"You either pay all of it or work for him, your choice."  

Realizing he's exhausted all possibilities, Jeff solemnly asks. "What's my first job?"

***

Julie pulls up to their lovely two-story home on the outskirts of town. She and Jeff moved in right before their oldest daughter, Rebecca, was born. Like most of the houses in the neighborhood, it was a refurbished Victorian; The record of deed claims it's one of the first homes built in the city. Julie fell in love the moment she saw it. With its large wraparound porch decorated with elegant Victorian styled trim and its large circular tower that sits just off to the side. It's a dream come true, she sighs admiring its charm.

"I had it first," eight-year old Rebecca argues from the back seat.

"No, I had it first," four-year-old Abby protests, pulling a book out of her sister's hands.

"Mom, tell her to give it back," Rebecca whines.

"I had it first, so there." Abby sticks out her tongue.

"You can't even read."

"I like the pictures."

"Mom."

"I bet we can find a book, with more pictures in your room," Julie says as she opens the sliding van door. 

"It'll be a lot better than this one." Abby throws the book at her sister; it smacks Rebecca in the head. Rebecca's eyes tear up. "That's what you get." Abby laughs.

"She hit me."

"Apologize to your sister, Abby."

"Sorry," she sasses, hopping out of the van.

"You better be, you little brat." 

"Be nice."

Rebecca glares at her sister. "Well, she is."

"Am not."

"Are too," Rebecca says, chasing after her. Seeing her sister charge towards her, Abby screams.

"That's enough out of both of you."

"She started it, Mommy."

"And I'm finishing it. One more word and you'll be spending the rest of the night in your room."

"Yeah, Becca."

"I'm talking to you too, Abby." Julie scolds. Rebecca sticks out her tongue.

"Someone left us a letter, Mommy," Scooping it off the lawn, Abby tears it open.

"It's a picture of us in our yard."

Rebecca snatches it out of her sister's hands. "That's what we wore last Saturday."

"Let me see." She grabs it from her daughter's hand. "You're right, it is." Julie sees the front door is partially open when she glances toward their house.

"Get in the van now, girls," she orders, quickly scanning the yard.

"But mom."

"I said go." Picking up the discarded envelope, Julie rushes to the van.

"What's happening, Mom?"

"I'm not sure." Securing the doors, Julie takes her phone from her purse and dials her husband's office. His secretary answers on the second ring. "I'd like to speak to Jeff, please."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Donaldson just stepped out. Would you care to leave a message?"

"Yes, tell him to call his wife's cell as soon as he can."

"Oh, I'm sorry, Julie, I didn't recognize your voice. Are you alright?"

"No, I'm not, so please, have him call me as soon as he can." Tossing her phone aside, she speeds out of the drive.

"Where are we going, mommy?"

"Somewhere safe." I hope.

***


Chapter 2
Rocky Beginning

By Mistydawn

Summary
Jeff is told he can help Bruno Bambini with his shady business or watch his family die a slow, painful death. How far will Jeff go to save the ones he loves?


Jeff nervously glances around the room as he and Luigi wait for the elevator to arrive. He's hoping to get someone's attention, but everyone is so preoccupied, he doubts they even notice he's there. He thought about calling out to them, but what would he say if he did, I'm being kidnapped? He didn't think that would go over too well. 

He looks up to find the elevator is stalled on the fifth floor. I wish it would just stay there, he thinks. He wasn't sure what he's about to do but knows it has to be illegal. He's scanning through a list of possibilities when a horrendous thought comes to mind. What if they want me to kill someone? I can't take a life to save my own, can I? How will I live with myself if I do? The elevator door slides open, he nervously glances over at Luigi. Please don't make me kill someone, oh please, he thinks as tears swell in his eyes.

Luigi leans towards him and whispers: "You're doing good, pal." He nudges him inside. Jeff takes a quick mental picture of his colleagues. It's been great knowing you, Jeff thinks. His anxiety begins to skyrocket as the elevator plunges downward.  Please, God, Please save me from this horrid fate, he prays. 

Jeff sees his boss returning from lunch when the door slides open. You were listening. His new found relief is quickly replaced with uncertainty. How am I going to tell him without Luigi catching on? He thought about just saying it, but figures it'd get everybody killed. Please, God, please help me figure this out. He takes a big gulp of courage before he begins. "Hi, Mr. Hensley."  He silently mouths. I'm being kidnapped. 

"What?"

"How are you, sir?" He subvocalises, call the police. Cocking his head to the side, his boss mouths back, call your wife? Jeff glances over at Luigi then shakes his head. The cops, the cops he mimes. 

"Pops is fine, Jeff, thanks for asking." His boss gives him a curious look not sure on what's going on.

Jeff feels something hard press into his back as he's being nudged towards the basement.  "Looks like my client is kidnapping me, sir."He nervously chuckles. Then silently mouths help.

 "Seems that way. Well, you two go have some fun."  Mr. Henslely steps onto the elevator.

"I'm sure we'll have a blast, right Jeffy baby?" Luigi pushes the weapon deeper into his skin.

"Yeah, a blast." 

"Good, you deserve it." Jeff feels his stomach tighten into a huge knot as the elevator doors pull to.

"No more stunts, you understand me." Luigi shoves his gun deeper into his spine. Jeff winces from the pain. "You better, because I'm not warning you again. Now walk," he orders, pushing Jeff toward the cars. 

***

A strong gust of wind pushes Julie backward as she tries to open the van door. Aggravated, she tries again. "Hurry girls, hurry," she coaxes.  Julie looks up to see the sky darkening with every passing second. We're in for one heck of a storm, she thinks, glancing at the girls. "Come on, let's go, let's go." Hearing the urgency in their mom's voice, the girls slide from their seats. Grabbing their hands, Julie drags them across the lot. Newspaper and other debris fly past them as they continue on.

"I want you to be on your best behavior," she instructs once they were safely inside.

"Yes, Mommy," the girls reply in unison.

Finding the dispatcher at his desk, Julie runs over to him.

An older man glances up from his paper. "Can I help you?"

"My name is Julie Donaldson, and my house was just burglarized."

"What's the address?" the officer asks.

"Look who I found," Rebecca says. Julie turns to see her best friend walking toward her.

"Rebecca said you found a picture of you guys in your yard?"

"That's only part of it, Rachel. I noticed the front door was partially open so I came here."

"Is an officer checking it out for you?"

"I need the address," The dispatcher repeats.

"Yes, of course, it's 225 Circle Drive."

"Can I look at your picture?"

"Sure." She pulls the photo out of her purse. "I have the envelope too." She reaches deeper into her bag. "Abby opened it," she explains as she hands over the remaining bits.

"I'll take it to our lab, see if they can tell us anything. Rachel starts to walk off when she hears Joe's voice down the hallway. "Oh no, it's the boss man," she jokingly replies. 

Joe has been a part of the force for over 20 years, and a family friend for nearly as long. He was her mentor for her private investigation and her police academy training. Now she works alongside him.

"Did you get lost on the way back?" Joe asks.

"It was my fault, sir. Someone broke into my home, and left this picture on my lawn," Julie quickly explains as she points to the photo in Rachel's hands.

"I'm taking it to our lab, see what they can find."

"Did Sharon have anything for us?"

"Not yet. She said she'll call if she does. Well, let me get this to our lab."

***

Luigi has been driving for what seems like an eternity. All of his weaving through the traffic is making Jeff sick. 

"What's the job?" Jeff asks as he pulls a pack of gum from his pocket. Peppermint always calms his stomach.

"You'll see." Luigi smiles.

"I'm not going to kill anyone, am I?"

Is that why you're so worried? You think Mr. Bambini is going to send you out to kill people?" Noticing the horror on the lackey's face he chuckles. "He wouldn't make you kill anyone, at least not yet." Seeing Jeff's face turn ghostly white, he laughs. He loves messing with the boss's newbies, especially wound up executive types like him. Luigi slides Jeff's car into the parking lot. Finding what he's looking for, he parks alongside it. Jeff gives him an inquisitive look. "Bambini wants you to drive the Corvette back to his shop. It better not have a single dent in it if you want to keep your family alive."

"I... I don't know how to hotwire a car." 

"Good thing I brought these." Luigi hands him a set of keys. "Now go, before the owner catches you."

Jeff glances at the car, then at the guy. He's never done anything illegal in his life and he really didn't want to start now. "I can't steal a man's vehicle," he protests as he grabs his churning stomach.

"You're not, his car is collateral on a loan and he's refusing to pay."

"Oh." He glances at the vehicle again.

"If you don't want to do this, I can always take you to Bambini, let him deal with you, but you already know what he'll do."
 
Jeff figures a man like Bambini could wipe out his entire family within the hour. "No, no. I'll do it." Jeff scans the area for potential witnesses as he climbs out of his car. He soon realizes that everyone is too busy trying to get out of the storm to pay attention to him.

Opening the door, Jeff slides inside. The totality of the situation hits him, paralyzing him with fear. Just start this thing and go. His hands start to tremble as he reaches for the ignition. Using his opposite hand to steady his extremity, he manages to get the key in the slot. Here I go. Taking a big gulp of courage, he turns the mechanism; the engine roars to life. He starts to reach for the gearshift when a horrifying image comes to mind. He pictures himself being locked away behind cold metal bars. I can't let that happen, I just can't. Throwing the vehicle into gear, he peels onto the highway. "Please, let me get this car back safely, oh please," he begs as several vehicles whiz past him.

He notices a squad car behind him when the traffic finally clears. Not now. He glances at the road and then back at them again. I need to stay calm and drive like nothing's wrong. Taking a deep breath, he looks towards the road. I can do this, he thinks as he nervously readjusts himself in the seat. After what seems like an eternity, he glances in the mirror again. He soon discovers the squad car is a mere car length away. Panicking, Jeff changes lanes. I forgot to use my turn signal. He peeps in the mirror to find the state trooper has followed him over.

"Oh no, oh no." He cuts in front of a Volkswagon hoping to put a car between them; the cop follows him over instead. "What should I do now?" he nervously asks, trying to come up with a plan. His stomach churns with fury as he begins to heave. "Not now, oh, please not now," he begs as the nasty tasting bile rises to his mouth.

Characters
Jeff Donaldson, the man forced to commit crimes to save his family
Julie Donaldson, Jeff's wife
Abby, Rebecca Donaldson, Jeff and Julie's girls
Luigi Ricci, Bruno Bambini's goon
Bruno Bambini, kingpin.

Berryville PD
Joe, sergeant
Rachel, detective
Jerry, detective,
Sharon, ME, head of forensics

 


Chapter 3
Little White Lie

By Mistydawn

Summary
Jeff is told he can help Bruno Bambini with his shady business or watch his family die a slow, painful death. How far will Jeff go to save the ones he loves? He's in the process of stealing a car when the police get behind him.

Seeing a familiar exit, Jeff quickly pulls on to it. He realizes, outrunning the cops isn't the smartest idea, but figures it's the only way he's going to avoid an arrest. An infraction he knows will lead to his family's demise. He realizes the police can protect him and his girls, but what about his mother and his dear sweet aunt? "What have I gotten myself into, what?" he questions, peeking in his mirror again. He expects to find the police behind him, but discovers Luigi instead. He looks further back and sees the police cruiser pass the exit. They weren't chasing me after all. He sighs with relief.

He notices a large puddle of vomit, oozing inside the passenger seat; its pungent stench lingers in the stagnant air. His eyes tear up, he begins to heave. "Not again." Pulling to the shoulder of the road, Jeff throws the driver's door open.

Pulling alongside him, Luigi sees Jeff's head hanging out the door. A puddle of chunky brown liquid below him. "Did the cops frighten you, bud?" Luigi laughs.

Jeff glances over. "Just a little." He vomits again.

Luigi looks down the deserted road and then back at Jeff, a curious expression on his face. "Where were you headed?"

"I was going to ditch them on a back road I know."

"So, you do have a little gangster in you after all." Luigi chuckles. Jeff sneers. "Whenever you're ready, let me know."

"I think I'm ready now." He wipes his mouth with his sleeve.

Luigi notices the mess when he peeks inside. "I'd clean it up before Bambini sees it," Luigi instructs. Chuckling, he drives away.

***

"The lab is cool, mom," Rebecca replies as they step into the busy hallway. It's the only part of the police station that remains untouched by time with its original wood walls and hardwood floors. Everyone seems to favor this area, despite its dark interior.

"There is a lot of neat stuff in there. What will they do now, Rachel?"

"They'll check for fingerprints and camera type, see if they can identify the owner."

"How long will that take?"

"It depends on how many prints they find and if it's a popular camera. So why don't we go back and see about your house," she suggests, escorting her friend to the front.

"I'm so glad I found you," Joe says as he walks towards them.

"Why, what's going on?" Rachel questions.

"The police need your friend to go back to her house, see if anything is missing." Terrified, Julie glances over at Rachel.

Noticing the petrified look on her friend's face, Rachel quickly replies: "I'll go with you if you'd like."

"Is it alright if she goes, captain?"

"I think we can spare her for a little while."

"Guess we're going home, girls."

"I don't want to leave, mommy."

"Me either." Rebecca stomps her foot in protest.

"I'm coming with."

"Aunt Rachel is coming, Aunt Rachel is coming," Abby sings.  Although they're not actually blood related, Rachel and Julie's friendship grew into a sisterhood of its own.

Julie laughs. "My daughters love you to death."

"I love them too," she says, scooping Abby into her arms.

"Have you ever thought about having kids?"

"Maybe someday, but until then, I'll spoil my two beautiful nieces rotten." She tickles the squirmy child. Abby giggles in her arms.

Yeah, someday we'll have children, Joe thinks dreamily as he watches her walk outside.

***

Pulling up to Mr. Bambini's shop, Jeff springs out of the car; delighted that his road trip is over. He glances up to find the sun peeking through the clouds. He then realizes the rain has slowed down to a light mist.

Maybe I'll be able to play ball yet, he thinks, happy to return to his normal life.

Luigi steps outside to greet him. "I hope you cleaned up your mess."

"That's what took me so long," Jeff says as he hands off the keys.

"You better hope I don't find anything wrong." Luigi walks over to inspect it.

Jeff nervously watches as he examines every inch. He didn't think he harmed it, but considering what he'd just been through, Jeff wasn't completely certain.

After what seemed like an eternity, Luigi turns towards him, a stern look on his face. I'm in for it now. Jeff gulps, taking a step back.

Seeing the horror on the lackey's face, Luigi chuckles. "We'll call you when we need you."

With a huge sigh of relief, Jeff heads to his car. He takes a few quick steps and then realizes he doesn't know where it is. "Hey, where's my..."

"It's around the corner, keys are in it."

Jeff grabs his cell from the console once he was inside. I have four missed calls from Julie? She never blows up my phone unless... Horrifying thoughts run through his mind as he punches in her number. "Hello, Julie?"

"Thank God you're alright," she blurts into the phone.

"Why, what's going on?"

"Someone broke into our house and left a picture of the girls on our lawn."

"Are you alright?"

"Just a little shaken is all."

"Where are you now?"

"I'm at our house with the police."

"Stay put, I'll be right there."

***

"Who's on the phone, mom?" Rebecca asks, glancing up from their TV.

"It's your daddy, he says he's coming home." She turns towards her friend. "Do you think you can stay until Jeff gets here; I really don't want to be alone?" She anxiously glances around their house.

The detective reaches over and grabs her friend's hands. "I'll stay as long as you want."

"You probably think I'm a big baby for acting this way, so spooked and all."

"Quite the contrary. It's scary to think that someone broke into your home, invaded your safe space."

An officer steps up beside them. "We didn't find any signs of forced entry and their alarm was disabled."

"I set it before the girls and I left this morning." Julie pauses for a second. "At least I think I did. Rebecca, do you remember me setting the alarm?"

"Yeah, remember you chased Abby out, told her it would go off if she didn't put a little hustle in her bustle."

"I remember now, she laughed all the way to my van. Said I was being silly."

The officer checks his notebook. "According to the company's records, it was set at 7: 45 and disarmed at 10:02."

Rachel turns towards her friend. "Who else knows this code?"

"No one, well, except for Jeff of course."

"Maybe Jeff came home and forgot to reset it when he left."

"It's possible I suppose."

"Daddy's here, Daddy's here," Abby chants.

"Hi, pumpkin." Picking Abby up, Jeff hurries towards Julie. "I'm so sorry I scared you, honey."

"Sorry, you scared me, what are you talking about Jeff?"

"I forgot an ad I'm working on so I came back to get it. I was in such a hurry, I must've forgotten to reset the alarm." He feels bad for lying to her, but he'd much rather fib than tell her what's really going on.

"That explains the door, but what about the photo on the lawn?"

"Doug from across the street took it yesterday. He said it looked like we're having so much fun that he wanted to capture the moment."

"Why would he go to all the trouble of taking a picture then leave it in the yard?"

"He claims he taped it to the door so I'm thinking the wind must have blown it away."

"When did you talk to Doug?"

"Right after I hung up with you. He called to tell me the police are at my house."

"Oh." She sheepishly glances around. "I feel so foolish for putting everyone through this."

"We'd much rather you come to us and it ends up being nothing than take a chance."

***

Walking to the far end of the cabin, Luigi knocks on the door. "You wanted to see me, sir?" he asks. Luigi's worked for the family since he was a young child, living on the streets of Sicily. Discovering the lad on the verge of starvation, Bruno Bambini took him in, offered him employment. When Bruno expanded his business to America, Luigi eagerly followed.

Bambini looks up from his desk. "Yes, yes, come in, come in, have a seat. Luigi does as he's told. "So, tell me, Luigi, how did this Jeff guy do today?" Bruno asks, putting his pen aside, he reaches for his box of cigars. The special import reminds him of happy times in his motherland. He offers Luigi one, the lad shakes his head.

"He's a nervous fellow, threw up all over the place when your cop buddy followed him. Other than that I'd say he did alright."

"Not a scratch on the car?"

"He returned it in mint condition; even cleaned up his mess."

"Good, call him up, tell him I have another job for him to do."

"Another one, sir?"

"We need to put the fear in someone who's refusing to pay."

Characters
Jeff Donaldson, the man forced to commit crimes to save his family
Julie Donaldson, Jeff's wife
Abby, Rebecca Donaldson, Jeff and Julie's girls
Luigi Ricci, Bruno Bambini's goon
Bruno Bambini, kingpin.

Berryville PD
Joe, sergeant
Rachel, detective
Jerry, detective,
Sharon, ME, head of forensics

 


Chapter 4
No Rest for the Wicked

By Mistydawn

Summary

Jeff is told he can help Bruno Bambini with his shady business or watch his family die a slow, painful death. How far will Jeff go to save the ones he loves? So far he's stolen a car and chased by the cops.

Joe is reviewing a report at his desk when the captain walks over to him. "Hey, Joe," he says, putting his hand on the detective's shoulder. Joe nearly jumps out of his seat. Jerry snickers.

"You would think that's funny." Joe sneers. Jerry chuckles again.

"What case has you so jumpy?" The captain questions, glancing towards his desk.

"The Italian mafia sting. According to my research, Bambini has people from all over the world working for him."

"I don't doubt it a bit," he says, as he continues to read over Joe's shoulder. They've been trying to take down Bambini and his crew for well over a year, but they're no closer now than when they first began.

"Do you need something, sir?"

"I just got word that the guy you're tailing had his car stolen in the Wal-mart parking lot a few hours ago."

"Did anyone see it happen?" Joe asks.

"Witnesses claim two white men pulled up in a black coupe and that a man approximately six foot three with sandy blond hair drove it away."

"Did they give any specifics on the second perp?"

"Just that he's a Hispanic male in his early thirties. "

"Their description fits half the men in Berryville." Jerry started on the force ten years ago, he's been a detective for five.

"Maybe the security footage will help?" Joe's been on the force fifteen years the last five as a sergeant.

"It would if there was any." Seeing their inquisitive look the captain continues, "The manager claims their camera was knocked out in the storm."

"I'll run a search on two-door coupes and narrow the list from there."

"Keep me posted, Jerry."

"I will, captain."

Joe starts reading the report again. It's scary to think that one man can have so much power, he thinks as he scans through a list of prestigious men.

"Hey Joe," Rachel says.

He jumps again. "I wish you guys wouldn't sneak up on me."

His partner snickers. Noticing Joe shooting daggers at him, Jerry glances towards his desk as he tries to stifle a grin.

"That case really has you spooked."

"I think Bambini has everyone who's anyone under his thumb." He taps the computer screen. "It's probably the reason why we can't make any charges stick."

"We'll take him down eventually, Joe."

"I hope so." He runs his fingers through his thinning hair. "So how's your friend?"

"Turns out her husband came home and forgot to reset the alarm. And the picture Julie found is a present from their neighbor. He claims he wanted to capture their special day."

"I wouldn't like my neighbors taking a picture of me in my yard."

"You don't have to worry about that, boss." Jerry grins.

"And why is that?"

"Your neighbors wouldn't want to risk breaking their camera to take a picture of your ugly mug."

"Says the guy who hasn't had a date in months."

"How can I date when you work me like a dog?"

"Is that what you're telling yourself, these days?" Joe laughs.

"I don't see women lined up at your front door."

"That's because you scared them all away."

Jerry puts his feet on his desk. "Grab the shovel cause it's fixin to get deep in here." Joe gives him dagger looks again. The detective snickers.

"What are you researching, Jerry?" Rachel questions as she walks towards his desk.

"There was a carjacking at Walmart this afternoon. The witness said the crook got out of a black coupe, so I'm running a search, see what I can find."

"Are you having any luck?"

"I've found two so far, but neither fits our suspect's description."

"What if the thief borrowed their car?"

"Want to check them out for me?"

"Sure." Rachel has been on the force six years, two years as a detective. Her career started after she helped Joe and Jerry solve the Berryville widow maker case. She first wanted to be a PI but switched her choice mid-training.

***

Grabbing the last two dishes from the counter, Julie heads into the other room. "Supper is ready, guys," she announces, placing the last of the food on the table.

"It looks delicious, honey,"

"Yeah, delicious, mommy." Abby reaches for the mashed potatoes.

"We have to say grace first, Abby."

"I almost forgot." She sheepishly sets the bowl back down. They had just bowed their heads when Jeff's cell phone rings.

"You know how I feel about phones at the table, Jeff."

"Sorry honey, it won't happen again." Julie has always been adamant about dinner being quality family time, where they catch up on everyone's day.

He starts to turn off the device when he realizes who it is. I can't ignore Luigi, I just can't. He glances at Julie again. "I really need to take this." Springing from the table, he heads towards the back. "Hello?" He answers as he slips into the kitchen. "Another job already?" he whispers, glancing towards the door. "No, no, I'll do it." ... "Bowling alley at eight got it."... "Don't worry, I'll be there."... "I know what'll happen if I don't show."

***

The detective and his sergeant are trying to finish their work despite the chaos around them. There'd been a hit and run on the square and it seems that over half the town witnessed the horrific event. Fed up with the clamor, Jerry decides to move into the captain's office. He's in the process of gathering his belongings when he sees Rachel shuffling through the mass.

"Did you find anything?" he shouts over the noise.

"Huh, what?"

"Did you find anything?" Jerry repeats.

"The owners claim they haven't loaned their vehicles to anyone and they obviously haven't driven them in a while."

"I have a few more names for you, but they all live a distance away." He hands her a piece of paper.

She quickly scans through the report. "Looks like I'm taking a road trip."

Joe glances up from his desk. "I'll go too; I need to get out of this madhouse before I go completely nuts."

"It's a little late for that, boss." Jerry laughs.

"Yeah, well, I hate to break it to you bud, but you're not that far behind."

***

Julie is cleaning up the last of the supper dishes when Abby runs into the kitchen.

"Save me, Mommy, save me," she begs, dodging behind her legs.

"What's going...?"

Rebecca storms into the room. "Give her back, Abby, right now."

"I don't have your stupid doll, so there. " She sticks out her tongue.

"I saw you take her."

"Did not."

"Did too." Rebecca reaches around her mother, Abby dodges out of the way.

"You missed me, you missed me." Abby chants. Furious, Rebecca tries again.

"Wait, stop, what's going on?" Julie questions.

"She took my doll and I want her back."

"Here, take your stupid toy. I didn't want to play with her anyhow." She holds it towards her sister. Rebecca reaches for it, Abby snatches it away.

"You have to catch me first." Running around the island, Abby races through the door.

"You give her back," Rebecca orders, chasing after her.

"Give your sister her doll, Abby."

"I've got it," Jeff yells from the other room.

I doubt if those two will ever get along, Julie thinks, finishing her chores. She'd just put away the last of the dishes when her family screams. "Now what." Throwing the dish towel on the cabinet, she runs into the front room. She finds the three of them standing on the couch.

"What's all the screaming about?"

"There's a spider in the house, Mom."

"A large ugly one with teeth," Abby adds, pointing below her.

"Oh come on, you guys aren't scared of a little insect are you?" She laughs. Picking up a newspaper, Julie swats at the intruder and misses. She starts to try again, the bug charges towards her. Screaming, Julie jumps on a chair. "The thing tried to attack me."

"Us too," Jeff says, looking towards the floor.

"What are we going to do now, Mom?"

"I think the man of the house should kill it," she hands the rolled up newspaper to her husband.

"Oh no, I'm not getting down there with that demonic thing." He pushes the weapon away.

"Well, we certainly can't stay up here all night."

"Maybe we could throw something at it, scare it away?"

"Like what?"

"A shoe?"

Julie quickly scans their feet. "No one is wearing any."

"Oh."

Julie glances at the spider and then her family. This is ridiculous. Taking a big gulp of courage, Julie steps off her chair. Her feet barely make it to the tile when they hear a loud commotion in the other room. 


Characters
Jeff Donaldson, the man forced to commit crimes to save his family
Julie Donaldson, Jeff's wife
Abby, Rebecca Donaldson, Jeff and Julie's girls
Luigi Ricci, Bruno Bambini's goon
Bruno Bambini, kingpin.

Berryville PD
Joe, sergeant
Rachel, detective
Jerry, detective,
Sharon, ME, head of forensics
 


Chapter 5
Arsonist for Hire

By Mistydawn

Summary

Jeff is told he can help Bruno Bambini with his shady business or watch his family die a slow, painful death. How far will Jeff go to save the ones he loves? So far he's stolen a car and chased by the cops. He escapes from that only to be sent to another job.

Jeff, Julie, and their girls are huddled together on the couch not sure what to do as the horrifying commotion continues in the other room.

Rachel starts to knock for the third time when she hears screaming inside the house. Drawing her gun from its holster, she bursts through the door. The barrier clashes against the adjoining wall, dislodging a family photo. The keepsake glides down the painted surface to the floor. The glass shatters when it hits; the family screams again. Pivoting towards them, Rachel takes a shooter's stance.

"Oh, thank god it's you," Julie says, relieved to see her friend.

"Why, what's going on?" The detective asks as she quickly surveys her surroundings.

Julie glances at her family, then back towards her friend. Embarrassed by the circumstances, she sheepishly explains. "There's a spider in the house and we're too scared to kill it." She points to the hairy creature lingering below them.

Putting her gun away, Rachel walks towards the insect. The bug spins towards her as it takes an attack position. She chuckles. "This little guy may look mean, but he's completely harmless." Rachel scoops it up with a newspaper, the family screams again. Laughing, she tosses it on the lawn.

"Thanks, Rach, you're a life saver."

"Yeah, thanks." Jeff says as he climbs off the furniture.

"Don't mention it." She chuckles again. A mischievous thought suddenly comes to mind. She turns to her friend and winks; Julie gives her a puzzled look. Rachel glances at Jeff, the floor, then back towards Julie as an ornery smile creeps across her face. Julie nods as she tries to contain her grin. Many of their pranks begin this way with a mere look and a nod. "There's another one," Rachel yells, pointing towards the floor.

"Where," Jeff shrieks, hopping back on the sofa; his daughters scream as they follow suit.

"I couldn't resist." The detective laughs.

"Well, I didn't find your joke one bit amusing," Jeff says as he straightens out his suit.

"Yeah," the girls agree. Rachel and Julie bust out laughing.

"I haven't played a good joke like that in a while." Rachel chuckles.

"Where?" Julie mimics Jeff's high pitched squeal then laughs again.

"I'm glad you two found that to be so funny."

"We did," Julie giggles as she wipes the tears from her eyes.

"It's been fun, but I really need to get back to work. Call me if you need anything, alright?"

"We will, Rachel, thanks again."

Snickering, the detective closes the door behind her. My friends are a bunch of cowards." She laughs, passing Jeff's new coupe, stored safely in the garage. A new purchace they'd bought over the weekend. 

Jeff glances at his watch. "I should go too, honey."

"Not without a kiss you don't, my handsome businessman you." She grabs his coat and pulls him to her. "Pucker up, big boy."

"Oh gross," their youngest replies.

"Really, guys," Rebecca adds.

"I'll be waiting for you upstairs," she whispers. Julie licks his ear lobe and feels an immediate response.

"I can't wait." He kisses her again. Jeff's phone vibrates in his pocket.

Julie raises her brows."That's something new."

"It's not me, it's my phone." Jeff chuckles as he pulls the noisy device from his pocket. "Hello."

"Save all the mushy stuff for later, we have work to do," Luigi says.

"I'm on my way." Kissing his wife one last time, Jeff runs out the door.

"What's so funny?" Joe asks as Rachel climbs in the car.

"Everyone was standing on furniture screaming for help, because of a little wood spider, a baby one at that."

"That's too funny," he says, buckling his seat belt.

"What's funnier is Jeff screams like a little girl at the mere mention of a bug."

"I suppose you tested out your little theory?"

"You know I did." She chuckles.

Joe pictures the brawny man in his mind. "Guess I would've too." Joe laughs again.

"Where are we headed now?"

"I figure we should go to the station, see if Jerry has any new leads."

"I've been thinking Joe, maybe the witness made a mistake describing the car. Witness statements aren't always reliable and the poor visibility might add to their inaccuracy."

"That's possible."

"Who's to say the car they used isn't stolen. I mean any criminal with half a brain wouldn't use their own car in a crime, would they? You're just asking to get caught if you do. Especially in a small town and in a busy place like Wal-Mart. The thief might as well wear a sign with their name and address on it."

Smiling Joe shakes his head. She's so adorable when she's trying to make a point, he thinks as she continues to ramble on.

"I think we should head to the station, and compile a list of stolen cars, within the last week or so, see what we can find. I also think we should check cameras around the area, try to get a better ID." She looks over to find Joe smiling at her. "What?" She self-consciously adjusts herself in the seat.

"Nothing." He chuckles.

"Don't give me that. You've found something I've said funny, so spill it, buster."

"It's not what you said it's the way you said it."

"How did I say it?"

"I can't explain it, it's just cute how you do it, ok?"

"So now you think I'm cute, I mean the way I explain things is cute," she corrects, nervously adjusting her clothes. She's had feelings for him for a while, but he's also a dear family friend. She didn't want to risk losing a lifelong friendship for a romantic encounter that may not work out. Besides, she wasn't sure he felt the same way.

Joe watches as she pretends to concentrate on her surroundings, knowing her thoughts are a thousand miles away. Of course, I think you're cute. I thought so for a long time, but how can you possibly be interested in me?

***

I wonder what he wants me to do this time, Jeff thinks as he pulls out of the drive. "I hope it's not something outrageous like robbing a bank or a store. What if he wants me to steal another car? God, I hope not, I don't think my stomach can handle being chased again." Millions of thoughts run through his mind as he continues through town. Each notion is more horrific than the last. God, how I wish I could just grab my family and go. He's been contemplating this idea a hundred times hoping to figure out a way to carry out his plan. No matter how he changes up the scenario the ghastly outcome is always the same. "He's found us once, and he'll do it again. Jeff concludes, recalling Bambini's expansive reach. He thought about killing him but figures Bambini's goons would carry out the threat. 

He finds Luigi parked at the far end of the lot when he pulls into the business. The sooner I get this over with the better, he thinks, driving up beside the thug.

"Did you see any demonic spiders on your way over?" Luigi laughs.

Jeff's face turns red. "You saw that, did you?"

"I thought it was hilarious, the boss did too; he nearly fell out of his seat laughing so hard."

Now they think I'm a big sissy, wonderful. "So what does he want me to do?" he asks, hoping to derail the humiliation.

"Tonight you're going to have a little fun destroying property."

"What property?" Jeff asks, nervously glancing around.

"The bowling alley." Luigi gestures behind him.

"I...I can't destroy their business," he argues.

"And why not?"

"The owners and I are friends."

"Guess you have to choose either your family or your friends." Luigi pulls his cell from his pocket.

"Ok, ok, I'll do it."

"I thought you might change your mind." Grabbing a gas can from his trunk, Luigi hands it to him. "This will make the job go a lot quicker. You're going to need these too." He hands him a book of matches.

Jeff glances at the items in his hand. "You want me to burn it down?"

"It's what Bambini requested you to do."

"But I..." Luigi reaches in his pocket again. "Ok, ok, I'll do it." Turning on his heels, Jeff plods towards the back, wishing he was anywhere but here.

He'd just rounded the corner when a frightened alley cat springs from the metal can. The container clanks to the ground; trash spews among the weeds. Squealing, Jeff jumps back. The angry cat turns and hisses then darts away.

"Same to you, buddy," he yells, continuing around the structures.

He'd just reached the far back corner when the sirens begin to scream. He glances up to find red and blue lights blazing across the dark, cloudy skies.

Characters
Jeff Donaldson, the man forced to commit crimes to save his family
Julie Donaldson, Jeff's wife
Abby, Rebecca Donaldson Jeff and Julie's girls
Luigi Ricci, Bruno Bambini's goon
Bruno Bambini, kingpin.


Berryville PD
Joe, sergeant
Rachel, detective
Jerry, detective,
Sharon, ME, head of forensics




Chapter 6
Up in Flames

By Mistydawn

Summary

Jeff is told he can help Bruno Bambini with his shady business or watch his family die a slow, painful death. How far will Jeff go to save the ones he loves? So far he's stolen a car and has been chased by the cops. He escapes from that only to be sent to another job. Jeff hears sirens in the middle of his second job.


**

Jeff sees red and blue lights brighten the starless sky. The sirens continue to get closer, paralyzing him with fear. His body starts to tremble as he continues to watch the horrific scene unfold. I have to get out of here. Dropping the gas can down beside him, Jeff heads towards the tall brush.

They've got me now. I'm going to jail for a long, long time and my family is going to die. His entire body continues to tremble as his stomach churns with fury. Wrapping his arm around his middle, Jeff ducks down in the weeds as far as he can. I'm not cut out to be a criminal, I'm just not, he thinks, nestling down among the cold, wet grass.

He feels something thud against the middle of his back."I give up," he yells, tossing his hands out in front of him. A large striped cat hisses then dart towards the woods.

"I'll get you, you mangy beast," he yells. Arching his back, the wild creature hisses one last time before he scurries away.

Jeff looks up to find red and blues glimmering across the evening sky before disappearing down the alley. "They're responding to another call." He chuckles.

***

Joe and Rachel see the squad room only contains a handful of people when they step through the door.

"This is much better," Joe replies as he heads to their designated section. "Do you have a list of stolen cars ready for us yet, Jerr?" he asks, plopping down in the chair.

"There's only been two reported stolen in the past week. The Corvette and an old Neon."

"A Neon is little," Rachel says.

"Yeah, but this one was found at Miller's Pond yesterday evening. Apparently, their son and a few of his buddies decided to take it for a joyride and ran out of gas."

"For god sakes, Jerry, expand your search, go statewide," Joe yells. Springing from his chair, he storms towards the captain's office.

Jerry glances over at Rachel, a dumbfounded expression on his face. "What went on out there?"

"I'm not exactly sure. One minute he's laughing at something I said and the next he's in a foul mood."

"What did you say?"

"I told him my opinion on this case, how I wouldn't use my own car to commit a crime. He laughs and says it's cute how I explained it. Next thing I know he's biting my head off."

Now I understand, Jerry thinks. "I'll talk to him, find out what's going on."

Joe walks into his boss's office and closes the door behind him.

The captain glances up from his desk. "Do you need something, Sergeant?"

Joe plops down on the couch. Taking a deep breath, he begins. "I'd like to transfer, sir."

"I thought you liked it here, Joe."

"I do, did, but a situation came up, making it impossible for me to work here anymore."

"Maybe if we talk about it, figure out a solution, you won't have to leave."

"I'd rather not discuss it, sir; it's sort of a personal matter."

"Is it one of your partners? I can always reassign them if it is?"

"I really can't discuss it, sir."

"I'll see what I can do, but you do realize you'll probably get demoted and take a huge cut in pay?"

"I figured I might."

"I'll let you know what I find."

"Thank you, sir." 

Jerry is scanning through a list when he sees Joe shuffle towards his desk. "I'm still working on your report, boss."

"I'm sorry I snapped at you."

"It's ok."

"No it's not and I'm sorry. I shouldn't have taken out my frustration on you."

"I know why you're so upset, boss."

Joe raises his brow. "And why is that?"

"You have feelings for Rachel and don't know what to do."

"I don't have feelings for her."

"I've seen how you look at her, the way you act when you're together."

"I don't know what you think you're seeing, but it sure ain't love."

"You have to admit she's adorable, especially when she's mad."

"She's not adorable, she's an annoying pain in my ass. Someone I'm forced to put up with because she's the boss's daughter."

"Really, Joe?" Joe turns to see Rachel behind him. "Is that how you really feel about me, you think I'm a pain in your ass? Well, let me tell you something, mister." She begins, poking him in the chest. "Putting up with you isn't a walk in the park. I... Oh, what's the use?" She storms away.

Joe turns towards Jerry, fire in his eyes. "You could've told me she was back there."

"I, ah... Well... I..." Joe stomps towards the bunks.

***

Luigi finds Jeff climbing out of the bushes when he heads to the back. "I bet he threw up too." Luigi chuckles as he continues on. "Are you all right, pal?"

"I'm doing a lot better now that the cops are gone." Jeff brushes the soil from his suit.

"You better do the job now, while they're on another call." Luigi hands him the gas can and a fresh book of matches.

"But they're right down the road."

"That's why you need to hurry." Jeff looks towards the alley and then at the structure. "I can always tell the boss you refused, but you know what the consequences will be."

"OK, I'll do it, I'll do it." He reluctantly walks across the yard. I could just start a small fire, something easy to contain. But I'll have to make it look good, so he doesn't catch on. He splashes a few drops of liquid on the edge of the building, then throws the remaining aside. Here it goes. He nervously glances around. He lights a match, the wind blows it out. He tries another, the wind blows it out too. His hands begin to shake. I have to do this for my family. He tries again. The entire book catches fire. Hurling the cardboard towards the bowling alley, he dashes to his car. Jeff looks back to find the entire building engulfed in flames. I didn't mean for that to happen, he thinks, peeling out of the parking lot.

***

With the girls down for the night, Julie decides to watch a little TV until Jeff returns. Now would be a good time to catch up on my favorite show, she thinks, excited to have a little me time for a change. She feels something hard pierce the center of her back when she reaches the bottom stair; a firm hand squeezes her shoulder. She whimpers.

"Make one more sound and your entire family dies. Nod if you understand." Julie shakes her head as a tear rolls down her face. "Good, let's go." He pushes her towards the front room.

Characters
Jeff Donaldson, the man forced to commit crimes to save his family
Julie Donaldson, Jeff's wife
Abby, Rebecca Donaldson, Jeff and Julie's girls
Luigi Ricci, Bruno Bambini's goon
Bruno Bambini, kingpin.

Berryville PD
Joe, sergeant
Rachel, detective
Jerry, detective,
Sharon, ME, head of forensics

 


Chapter 7
Unexpected Guest

By Mistydawn

Summary

Jeff is told he can either help Bruno Bambini with his shady business or watch his family die a slow, painful death. How far will Jeff go to save the ones he loves?

Jeff has stolen a car and has been chased by the cops. He escapes from that only to be sent to another job. Jeff hears sirens in the middle of his illegal adventure. Setting the building on fire, he flees from the scene. Julie discovers an invader in their house.


***

The Donaldson house is eerily quiet as darkness falls like an oversized blanket over the shadowy rooms. This unusual stillness allows a restless aura to ooze its way in; robbing the family of their serenity like a bandit in the night.

Julie is bound to a high-back chair, seated at their dining room table. Her hands are tied behind her and her feet are secured to the chair's legs. A large piece of duct tape is adhered across her mouth making it impossible for her to scream. The egg-shaped contusion on the side of her head throbs mercilessly as a small stream of blood trickles down the side of her face.

"Please help us get through this, please," she sobs, anxiously watching for the intruder to come out of the adjacent room; he'd been searching for profitable treasures for hours. Hearing a noise at the top of the stairs, she looks towards it; The ruckus becomes louder. Her body tenses up as horrific images besiege her mind. Please dear lord, please let my babies stay in bed, and please send someone to help us. The noise stops. Thank you, Lord.

She sees headlights shimmer down the dark, wet road when she glances towards the window. The light becomes brighter and brighter, then turns into the drive. Jeff is back, she thinks. A feeling of relief sweeps over her. This is quickly replaced with a series of gruesome thoughts. She shakes her head, hoping to dismiss the grisly images from her mind. I need to warn him about what's going on, but how. She's trying to come up with a plan when she hears footsteps on the stairs. Please don't let it be my babies. Julie anxiously watches as the figure slowly emerges from the darkness. Her heart plunges to her stomach when she recognizes the face. "Please not now," she tearfully begs, eyeing the door again.

***

The captain steps out of his office and glances across the crowded precinct. He quickly discovers his officers are steadily working on their tasks at hand. That's what I like to see, he thinks as he continues to monitor his crew.

He's been a part of the police force for over thirty years. It's become his life, his reason for being. Last month his doctor suggested he retire, claiming his old ticker can't take much more. With his ever-growing health issues, he knows the physician is right, but how can he give up the only life he's ever known?

He finds his detectives nodding off at their desks as he continues to scan the room. They can't get anything accomplished that way. He hurries towards them. "There's nothing more you can do tonight, so you might as well go on home."

Hearing those blissful words, the three quickly gather their things. They were just about to leave when they notice a dispatcher heading towards them. 

"Captain, detectives, we just received a phone call about a fire at the bowling alley."

"Let the uniforms handle it." the captain orders.

"They are, but they thought you might want to know because the witness claims they saw a dark coupe flee the scene."

"We've got it, captain." Joe glances towards his crew.

"I can get someone else to cover it, Sergeant."

"No, it's our case, we'll handle it," Joe answers. Nodding in agreement, the detectives trudge to the door.

***

Home, at last, Jeff thinks as he pulls into the garage. He eyes the clock before turning off his car. There's still plenty of time for a little fun. He smiles. Jeff feels his manhood hardening as he imagines their romantic encounter in his mind. It's been too long, way too long. Readjusting himself, he quickens his pace. He's almost to the door when his cell rings. The sudden noise startles him; the phone flies out of his hand, bumping across the concrete floor. Jeff scoops it up and inspects it. Glad I went with the more expensive cover, he thinks not finding a single mark. His phone rings again. "Hello?" He puts it on speaker as he backtracks towards the house.

"Where are you?" Luigi grumbles.

"I just made it home, why?" He asks, reaching for the doorknob. 

"The boss has something else for you to do, so, meet at the park in ten."

"Can't it wait until morning?" Frustrated, he lowers his hand to his side.

"It has to be taken care of tonight, his words, not mine."

"But I...."

"I'll tell the boss you refused, been nice knowing you, kid."

Nice knowing me? Jeff recalls his repetitive threat. "Wait, wait, I'll do it." Luigi didn't reply. "Are you there?" The line remains silent. "Hello?" He checks to see if they've been disconnected; he finds the call timer is still on. Beads of sweat pop out across his forehead as he presses the phone to his ear. "Hello, hello?" He tries to hear some sort of activity, but the line remains completely still. He pictures horrid images of his family's demise as the seconds tick down in his head. "Answer me, damn it. Please answer me, please," Jeff begs on the verge of tears.

"I had you sweating for a minute, didn't I?"

"I... I thought that was it, that we were done."

"You're damn lucky it isn't. Try it again and I won't be so forgiving, got it?"

Jeff wipes his forehead with his sleeve. "Yes... Yes, I got it, I understand."

"Good, meet me at Miller's Pond in ten."

That'll give me just enough time to change. Jeff reaches for the latch again.

***

The parking lot is filled with cruisers when Joe and his detectives pull up to the scene. Glancing around, he notices part of the crime scene unit is busily securing the area while the remaining diligent searches for clues. 

Kirk runs over to greet them as they step out of the car. "I thought you'd want to know about the fire since it was started by the same perp."

"I appreciate it. What can you tell us?" Joe questions as he and his crew walk towards the scene.

"We found a gas can in the bushes, forensics is dusting it for prints now. They also found a fresh footprint in the dirt. An impression was made and is being sent to the lab."

"You said there's a witness?"

"One of the owners." He points towards a tearful lady on the bench. "She didn't see him do it, but she caught him fleeing the scene."

"I'll get her statement, Sergeant," Rachel offers.

Joe nods. "Is she the only witness?"

"So far, but we're still canvassing the neighborhood."

"Ok, thank you." Joe sees Jerry walking towards him when he turns around.

" I spoke to the fire marshal. He says the fire is definitely an arson and the person used gasoline as an accelerant."

"He just confirmed what we suspected."

"Yes, boss. According to the body impression found in the weeds, our perp is around six foot three, average build, which collaborates what the witnesses at the Wal-mart said."

"Have forensics search the area for any other evidence."

Yes, sir." Joe starts towards the parking lot when Rachel steps up beside him.

"The witness told me the coupe was dark blue not black. She's able to give a good description of the driver, so I'm having her talk to a sketch artist now."

"Did she get a license plate number?"

"She said he left in such a hurry that she couldn't make out what it said. She does remember it being an Arkansas plate."

"Did you ask her if she knows anyone who might have a grudge against her?"

"She can't think of anyone. She claims she hasn't had any trouble with the customers and all her employees have worked for her for years."

"Interview her husband, see if he can tell us more."

"He's on his way." Joe starts to walk off when she grabs his arm to stop him; he turns back around.

"Joe, I'm sorry if I said something to make you mad. I really didn't mean to."

"It wasn't you, I... I just have a lot on my mind, work, and stuff, you know how it goes."

"Well, I'm always here if you ever need to talk."

"I appreciate it, detective." Feeling uncomfortable with the situation, he quickly walks away.

Characters
Jeff Donaldson, the man forced to commit crimes to save his family
Julie Donaldson, Jeff's wife
Abby, Rebecca Donaldson, Jeff and Julie's girls
Luigi Ricci, Bruno Bambini's goon
Bruno Bambini, kingpin.

Berryville PD
Joe, sergeant
Rachel, detective
Jerry, detective,
Sharon, ME, head of forensics

 


Chapter 8
Julie Fights Back

By Mistydawn

Summary

Jeff is told he can either help Bruno Bambini with his shady business or watch his family die a slow, painful death. How far will Jeff go to save the ones he loves?

Jeff has stolen a car and has been chased by the cops. He escapes from that only to be sent to another job. Jeff hears sirens in the middle of his illegal adventure. Setting the building on fire, he flees from the scene. Julie discovers an invader in their house.


Julie nervously glances from the stairs to the door, not sure what to do. She knows she should warn Jeff about the situation, but can't figure out how, being strapped to a chair, a piece of duct tape over her mouth.

She jerks on her restraints hoping she can pull free. The coarse rope cuts deep into her skin. She winces from the pain. I have to do this. She turns her arm sideways hoping to make a little slack. She feels the cord give just a tad. I hope it's enough. She wiggles her thumb back and forth as she pulls her arm up; the strap drops a little more. I can do this.

A floorboard squeaks, she looks up to discover the intruder is midway down the stairs; The doorknob jiggles, Julie glances towards the entrance. Not now, Jeff, please not now, she begs, wiggling her way loose; the binding drops a little more. I'm almost there. She nervously watches the intruder make his way towards the door as she continues to pull free. I have to hurry. Julie gives the restraint a hard jerk, the band plops to the floor.

Now for my feet. She tries to untie her second restraint, but the knot refuses to give. Come on, come on, she thinks, tugging on the rope; the binding doesn't budge. Flexing her feet downward, she pulls her legs from the loop. One last thing. She yanks the duct tape from her mouth as she stands. "Hey, you." The intruder turns towards her. "Yeah, you. Why don't you come over here and try your little stunt again? Unless you're too scared to fight me face to face?"

"You're the one who should be scared." The brawny man laughs, stomping towards her.

"That's it, tough guy, show me what you've got."

He's a few feet away when the knob jiggles again. Julie gasps, the intruder pivots around.

***

Joe slowly trudges down the hill in search of his detective. It was close to midnight, and he was ready to call it quits. He's diligently scanning the crew when he sees Rachel running towards him.

How can she have so much energy this late in the day? He then remembers her age. I guess I'm not as spry as I use to be, or as thin. He chuckles, rubbing his enlarged stomach. "Do you have any news, detective?"

"I spoke to the husband and he claims he doesn't know who did it either."

Joe gives her a curious look. "I know that tone, the expression on your face. Something isn't sitting right with you, is it?"

"It's the way he said it like he's trying to hide something. His wife only added to my suspicion."

"How did she do that?"

"She seemed anxious the entire time like she's afraid he'd say too much. A couple of times I noticed her tug his arm. He'd stop mid-sentence, think for a second then start again."

"What were you asking about?"

"How well the bowling alley is doing. I figure it's relevant since some business owners set fires for the insurance money. Especially when the place isn't doing well, or if they have a lot of debt."

"How did they respond?"

"They said their business is the best it's been in years. I still want to dig into their finances, see what I can find."

"It can keep until morning." He glances at his watch. "Later in the day," he corrects, pointing towards his wrist. Realizing she's about to protest, he quickly adds: "I've already sent Jerry home and I'm headed there myself."

She starts to walk away when a recent conversation comes to mind. Rachel turns back around. "Joe, I meant what I said about you ever needing to talk."

"I know and I appreciate it, I really do."

Standing on her tiptoes, she kisses him on the cheek. "See you in a few hours."

Joe gently presses his fingers against his cheek as he watches her walk away. I'll see you in my dreams.

***

Luigi is waiting in his vehicle when Jeff pulls up to Miller's Pond.

"So, what does he want me to do now?" Jeff asks as he climbs into Luigi's car.

"Are you familiar with Stub's grocery?"

"Oh no, please not..." Seeing the look on Luigi's face, he stops mid-thought.

Luigi smiles. "Their son owes the boss a lot of money and is refusing to pay."

"Why not go after him instead of his parents?"

"We will, once we put a little fear in him."

The way you did me? "So what is my part in all of this?" Jeff asks, wishing he could find a way to get out of it.

"You need to take all the money from the register."

"Break in and rob the place?"

Seeing the expression on Jeff's face, Luigi chuckles. "That's the whole idea."

"Won't... Won't I set off the alarm?"

"They don't have a security system."

"What about the cameras in the store?"

"They're fake too."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm positive. You need to use the service entrance since it's the least visible point of entry. I'll drop you off and meet you back at Tyson's parking lot." He glances at his watch. "We need to do this now while the workers are on their break." He notices the puzzled expression on Jeff's face when he starts to pull away. "You'll look less conspicuous with them walking around."

"Yeah, I guess you're right."

"Boss said to knock over a few displays and make sure you leave the register drawer open," Luigi explains as they reach their destination. Shutting off his car he turns towards Jeff. "Don't screw it up, or else."

"Yeah, I know." Climbing out of the car, Jeff anxiously looks around. Discovering the Tyson workers aren't paying attention, he heads towards the store.

The neighborhood dogs start barking. I'm almost there, he thinks as he quickens his pace. Hearing movement behind him, Jeff spins around. He finds a cyclone of dead leaves swirling in the wind. I thought I was a goner. He chuckles. Relieved, Jeff heads towards the store. He takes a few steps when a tall, thin, broomstick looking man darts out of the shadows, Jeff takes a step back as he screams.

"Sorry about that," the lad smirks.

"It's alright," Jeff breathlessly replies.

"You wouldn't happen to have a light, would you?" He pulls a crinkled pack from his pocket.

"I don't smoke." Jeff anxiously continues down the road.

"It'd help calm your nerves." The lad yells after him.

I need something about now, Jeff thinks as he continues down Freeman.

Once out of the young man's view, Jeff heads to the metal service door around back. How does he expect me to get through that? He eyes the deadbolts. Maybe I can use a window? He glances around and soon discovers they're covered in bars. Darting towards the front, Jeff inspects the white antique door. Sis locking me out is actually going to help. His sister, Janet was supposed to babysit him while their parents worked. Most days, Janet didn't want to be bothered, so she'd toss him outside, locking the door behind him. Jeff quickly learned how to get back in.

He takes a credit card from his wallet and slides it between the frame and the lock. He hears the metal click and then feels the barrier release. Thanks, Janet. Jeff stuffs the card in his pocket as he steps inside. The bell above the door rings, he jumps. I've always hated that damn thing.

He runs over to the cash register and opens the drawer. There might be a hundred bucks in here, Well, maybe. A small amount, or not, I have to do what I'm told. He starts to reach for the money when bright, red lights start flashing all around him; a high-pitched noise screams through the store. The disturbance seems to intensify with every passing second. Stuffing a handful of cash in his pocket, Jeff darts out the door. Police sirens squeal all around him as he runs towards Miller's Pond. I have to get away, I just have to.

Jumping into his vehicle, Jeff falls across the seat; the police sirens continue to wail in the distance. I hope I wasn't spotted. He feels his stomach tighten into a large, hard knot. He grimaces through the pain. This sensation is ousted by his strong urge to pee. Not that too.

Headlights suddenly brighten the darkened skies. Please don't let it be the cops, oh, please don't let it be the cops. He hears a car door close followed by footsteps crunching on the gravel. They did see me after all. Jeff feels a warm liquid trickle down his leg.

***

Characters
Jeff Donaldson, the man forced to commit crimes to save his family
Julie Donaldson, Jeff's wife
Abby, Rebecca Donaldson, Jeff and Julie's girls
Luigi Ricci, Bruno Bambini's goon
Bruno Bambini, kingpin.

Berryville PD
Joe, sergeant
Rachel, detective
Jerry, detective,
Sharon, ME, head of forensics

 



 


Chapter 9
A Small Win

By Mistydawn

Summary

Jeff is told he can either help Bruno Bambini with his shady business or watch his family die a slow, painful death. How far will Jeff go to save the ones he loves?

Jeff has stolen a car and has been chased by the cops. He escapes from that only to be sent to another job. Jeff hears sirens in the middle of his illegal adventure. Setting the building on fire, he flees from the scene. Julie discovers an invader in their house.


The bright moonlight shines in through their dining room window, illuminating the room around her. Julie anxiously waits in the shadows, preparing to face the intruder. Her husband had pulled up just moments ago.

The doorknob jiggles, the invader turns to face it. He'll kill Jeff the second he steps through the door. Grabbing the centerpiece off their table, Julie darts over, and whacks the man in the back of his head. The robber's muscular body tumbles to the floor.

Reaching for the knob, Julie throws the barrier open; she quickly discovers that neither Jeff or his car is there. I swore he pulled in. Running to the end of the garage, she glances down the road but doesn't see a thing. That's odd, she thinks as she heads back towards the house.

She hears the invader moaning when she steps through the door. She scoops the centerpiece off the floor and smacks him again; his body plunks against the carpet; a thin stream of blood trickles down the side of his head.

She grabs the rope he'd used on her and secures his hands behind him. She takes the second piece and wraps it around his ankles, then ties the ends together. "That should hold him until the police get here." Swiping a loose hair from her face, she scoops up her phone and dials 911.

***

Jeff is lying motionless across the front seat of his car, hoping the tinted windows will shield him from the intruder's view. Sharp, stabbing pains tyrannize his abdomen as urine trickles down his leg. What did I get myself into, what? Tears roll down his cold, damp cheeks as his agony increases.

The intruder pounds on his window again, Jeff feels his stomach quiver. I don't know how much longer I can take this. The intruder strikes the cold, frail barrier harder than before. Jeff's entire body tenses up waiting for the glass to shatter.

"Open the damn door, now," the invader yells. Jeff lifts his head from the leather interior. He finds Luigi impatiently shifting his weight.

"You either open this damn door, or I'll break the glass," he warns.

Jeff unlocks the door. "I didn't realize it was you," he apologizes as he straightens up in his seat.

"What happened back there?" Luigi folds his sizable body into the car. He reaches down and pulls on a lever, the seat whizzes towards the back. Luigi climbs the rest of the way in.

"I started to grab the money when the damn siren went off. I panicked and ran to my car."

"Did anyone see you?"

Jeff thinks back. I really didn't look.

"Well?"

"I... I don't think so." He fidgets in his seat.

"You need to calm down before you make yourself sick."

"I know, I know." Jeff takes a few deep breaths hoping to calm his nerves.

"The boss called, said he wants to talk to you."

"Why... Why does he want to talk to me?"

"He didn't say."

"I'm... I'm not in any trouble am I?"

"There's only one way to find out." Luigi grabs the keys from the ignition. "Trade me places." He climbs out of the car as Jeff slides across the seat.

"Buckle up," Luigi orders. Throwing the car in gear, he peels away.

Jeff's thoughts start racing as they continue down the road. Why does he want to talk to me? Is it because I screwed up? I had no way of knowing the alarm was there. Besides, I did what I was told. He glances over at Luigi who's staring straight ahead. Maybe he and the boss are tired of dealing with me, so they're going to take care of me once and for all. What will happen to Julie and the girls if they do? Luigi's warning replays in his mind.

"Your family will die a slow, painful death."

No, I can't let that happen, I just can't, but how am I going to stop it? Jeff anxiously searches for a solution. I'll text Julie and tell her she's in danger and should go to the police. Can I send her a message without him catching on? He glances at Luigi again. He's still concentrating on the road ahead. I have to try. He searches for his phone, but it is nowhere in sight. He checks his pockets and finds they're empty. I hope I didn't drop it in the store, he thinks as he continues to look around.

"Hey, what are you doing over there?"

"Nothing, nothing." Jeff settles back in his seat.

"It better be nothing." Luigi looks towards the road again.

I have to warn Julie but how? I could call her from a business, but I'll need an excuse for stopping. I'll tell him I have to pee or I'm about to get sick? Yeah, that'll work. So what's still open this late? Every store Jeff comes up with is closed. Something has to be open. Luigi makes a left. I better speak up before it's too late. "I have to pee." Jeff squirms around in his seat, hoping his theatrics will make it seem more authentic.

"Again?" Luigi glances at his wet pants, Jeff shrugs. "Wait until we get to the house."

"But..."

"We're almost there."

Jeff sees a well-lit cabin up ahead. I could make a run for it, but where would I go if I did? He notices two brawny men with machine guns posted on either side of the door. I doubt they'll let me get very far.

Luigi starts to climb out when he realizes Jeff isn't moving. "Come on, let's go."

"But..."

"Don't worry, no one is going to kill you, at least not tonight." Luigi chuckles.

That's a big comfort. Climbing out of his car, Jeff follows him across the lawn.

Luigi exchanges pleasantries with the guards before he steps inside. "Follow me." Luigi heads towards the back, stopping at a thick, wooden door. "You ready?"

"I...I... Think so."

Smiling Luigi pulls the barrier open. "You wanted to see us, boss?"

"Yes, come in, come in." A heavily accented voice replies. The two steps into the spacious office.

Jeff notices a large, rounded man on the far side of the room. He's wearing an expensive double vested black suit. It fits so profoundly that it has to be tailored made; an Italian hat fashioned from the same cloth rests on his head. He then notices several gold rings perched on his short stubby fingers. Jeff watches as he casually removes his Cobiha from his mouth. This is just like an old movie. Remembering the usual outcome, Jeff shivers from the thought.

Pushing Jeff into the room, Luigi closes the door and then takes his spot alongside their boss.

Jeff's anxiety skyrockets as the two stare him down.

After what seems like forever, Bambini breaks the silence. "I heard you ran into a little problem tonight, son."

Bile rises in Jeff's throat, he gulps it back down. "Yes... Yes, sir, I... I accidentally set off the alarm when I reached into the cash register. I panicked and ran to my car."

"Did anyone see you?"

"I... I don't believe so, sir."

"Good, good. Were you able to grab any of the money?"

"Yes... Yes, sir." He pulls out a handful of cash. "It doesn't amount to much, sir, but it was everything in the drawer." Walking across the room, he puts the bills on the desk. Reaching back into his pocket, he takes the last bit out. "That's it, sir."

Bambini counts the money. "It's more than what I expected. Nice work, son."

"Thank you."

"You're absolutely certain no one saw you?"

"I... I don't believe so, sir." Jeff anxiously fidgets with his clothes.

"We need to give you an alibi for tonight, just in case. So where did you tell your wife you're going?"

"I said I had a meeting with an important client."

"Good, good. It took place at Bambini's from..." Glancing at his Rolex he continues. "From 8:30 until it closed at midnight, got it."

"Yes, sir."

"Go get some rest; we'll call when we need you again."

"Yes, sir." Jeff spins around.

"Hey," Luigi yells.

Just when I thought It was over. Jeff slowly turns around. "Yeah?"

"You might need these." Luigi tosses Jeff his keys.

***

Characters
Jeff Donaldson, the man forced to commit crimes to save his family
Julie Donaldson, Jeff's wife
Abby, Rebecca Donaldson, Jeff and Julie's girls
Luigi Ricci, Bruno Bambini's goon
Bruno Bambini, kingpin.

Berryville PD
Joe, sergeant
Rachel, detective
Jerry, detective,
Sharon, ME, head of forensics

 


Chapter 10
Looking for Clues

By Mistydawn

Jeff is told he can either help Bruno Bambini with his shady business or watch his family die a slow, painful death. How far will Jeff go to save the ones he loves?

Jeff has stolen a car and has been chased by the cops. He escapes from that only to be sent to another job. Jeff hears sirens in the middle of his illegal adventure. Setting the building on fire, he flees from the scene. Julie discovers an intruder in their house. 


The moon shines brightly through the far window, casting a shadow across the room. Joe is lying quietly in bed, replaying the recent events in his mind.

He first recalls what Rachel had said about the business owners. Her gut is usually right, but why would they burn the place after sinking so much money into it last winter? Maybe the upgrades didn't pan out the way the owners had hoped.

His thoughts suddenly drift to the way Rachel kissed him so delicately on the cheek; how she smiled at him so sweetly, with a gleam in her eyes; the brief connection they shared before she walked away. I should've said something, let her know how I feel.

He thinks back to the time he tried to ask her out and the horrid outcome that followed. I've never had a problem talking to women before, so why her, why now? It's not like we're strangers or anything. We've known each other most of our lives.

He recalls a few of the times they'd spent together as children; how smitten he was with her then. Will I ever be able to tell her how I feel, or am I destined to admire her from afar?

He closes his eyes and pictures his and Rachel's wedding day. He's in front of the old Baptist church; the preacher at the altar, Jerry and the Captain on his right.

"This is it, boss," Jerry says as he gazes out amongst the crowd. It seems that over half the town has shown up for their blessed event.

"I didn't think it'd ever happen, Jerr."

"Me either, boss." He chuckles, remembering Joe and Rachel's heated debates.

Soft organ music begins to play; the group scuffles to their seats. Once settled, the Wedding March begins. Joe watches as the flower girl and bridesmaids stroll down the aisle. He then sees his beautiful bride gracefully saunter towards him, her daddy by her side. Oohs and aahs are heard throughout the crowd.

Rachel is wearing a beautiful white gown with a lace neckline, waist, and sleeves. Gold sequins border either side of the skirt; a small strand runs along the middle. A cathedral train flows elegantly behind her. I'm the luckiest man alive, Joe thinks as Rachel continues to sashay towards him.

His dream fasts forwards to his and Rachel's two-story Victorian, located on the outskirts of town. The house is a daffodil yellow with eggshell white awing and trim. An off-white picket fence encompasses the lofty home.

Joe pulls up to find their four beautiful children in the yard; Rachel is on the porch-swing, their newest addition in her arms.

"Daddy home, Daddy home," Joe Junior runs to greet him. Tossing the toddler on his shoulders, Joe heads towards the house. "I've been wanting to do this all day," he says, pulling Rachel against him, he leans in for a kiss. Joe feels her soft lips brush against his. This is heaven, he thinks.

His phone rings, startling him awake. Just when I was about to kiss her. Aggravated, he reaches for the noisy device. "Sergeant Bower." Realizing its dispatch, he shoves the covers away. "A break-in at Stubbs grocery and a home invasion? I'll let my crew know." He's searching for Jerry's number when his phone rings. "Another crime already? Sergeant Bower... I was just about to call you." He puts the phone on speaker so he can get dressed.

"Julie called all distraught, said someone tried to break into her house. I'm headed over there now, see what I can do."

"You go ahead, Jerry and I will take Stubbs market."

"What happened there?"

"Someone robbed the place."

"Three crimes in one night? We haven't had a spree like this since... Since I don't know when."

"That's what worries me."

"I'll let you know what I find."

"We'll do the same." The dream replays in Joe's mind. I might do better over the phone. He takes a deep breath. "Rachel?"

"Yeah?"

There's a long, awkward silence. It's now or never. "Rachel," he begins again.

"What is it, Joe?"

"Never mind."

"I'll talk to you in a few then." She disconnects the call.

"I chickened out again." Aggravated, Joe reaches over and turns off his phone. Slamming his feet into his boots, He storms out the door.

***

Rachel finds several cruisers lining the street when she pulls up to the Donaldson's house. Her friend Julie is talking to one of them on the lawn. Her hands are going a mile a minute as she continues to explain. Julie stomps her foot and then points towards her house.

She's upset about something, Rachel thinks as she hurries across the lawn.

"I don't know how he got in, but I do know one thing, the girls or I didn't invite him," Julie yells.

"What's going on?" Rachel asks as she steps up beside her.

"This damn imbecile is wasting time with stupid questions instead of doing his job."

Rachel glances over at the rookie. "I've got this."

"Good luck, detective." The officer walks away.

"You'll think good luck," Julie says through gritted teeth. She takes a step towards him.

Darting in front of her, Rachel grabs her arms. "Julie, Julie."

The distraught woman turns towards her friend. "Damn moron," she mutters under her breath.

Rachel sees him and a few of his co-workers laughing when she glances his way. "Excuse me a minute."The detective stomps towards them. "This is not playtime boys, so either get to work or clock out and go home."

"Yes, ma'am." Each goes their separate way.

Much better. Smiling, she walks back to her friend. "I want you to start at the beginning and tell me what happened tonight."

***

Joe finds the entire back-end of Fremont blocked off when he pulls up to the scene. He then spots his detective talking to the forensics team by the door. I don't know what I'd do without my right-hand man, he thinks as he crosses the yard.

"Sergeant Bower," a rookie says as he lifts up the tape.

"Borden." Ducking under the barrier, Joe walks over to Jerry and Kirk. "What do you have for me, guys?"

There's no sign of forced entry, but the cash register was open and all the money is gone."

"Did anyone see who did it?"

"The perp was long gone by the time anyone got here and we haven't found a single witness."

"What about security cameras?"

"The store doesn't have any."

"I want you to locate the nearest cameras, see what you can find."

"I'll get right on it, boss."

"And have patrol talk to the Tyson workers, see if they saw anything."

"Will do, Sergeant."

Joe turns towards Kirk. "Is this how they got in?" He inspects the door and the frame.

"We believe so, sir."

"I want this dusted for prints."

"You know how many people come in here each day?"

"Just do it. I want the cash register and the area around it dusted too."

"Yes, sir."

***

Jeff finds numerous squad cars lined up along his street. He then notices several parked around his house. "Something's happened to my girls." Pulling to the side of the road, he sprints to his home. He's met by a brawny officer the moment he reaches their lawn.

"You can't go in there," the man says. Stepping in front of him, the cop crosses his arms.

"I live here."

"Jeff." Julie cries, running towards him. The officer turns to see who's headed their way.

Sidestepping around the burly man, Jeff runs to meet her. "Are you alright?" he asks, scooping her into his arms.

"We're fine, now."

"What happened?"

"A robber broke into our home."

"A robber, you guys could've been..."

"Thanks to your wife's quick thinking they weren't," Rachel says as she steps up beside them.

"Quick thinking, I... I don't understand?"

Julie looks over at Rachel and giggles. "You know that centerpiece you love so much?"

"The one I begged you to get rid of?"

"That's the one."

"Yeah, what about it?"

"That ugly piece makes an excellent weapon."

***

Joe spots a dark blue coupe parked on the shoulder of the road when he pulls onto Circle Drive. That might be the vehicle we're looking for. Pulling alongside it, he climbs out of his car.

Taking the flashlight from his pocket, he quickly scans the interior, but doesn't find a thing. I wonder how long it's been sitting here? He checks the hood and finds it's still warm. The owner has to be close, but where? He quickly scans the block. I'll run the plate, see who it belongs to. He glances down to find it missing. No plate, that's not a good sign. Think I'll run the Vin, see what's going on.  

Characters
Jeff Donaldson, the man forced to commit crimes to save his family
Julie Donaldson, Jeff's wife
Abby, Rebecca Donaldson, Jeff and Julie's girls
Luigi Ricci, Bruno Bambini's goon
Bruno Bambini, kingpin.

Berryville PD
Joe, sergeant
Rachel, detective
Jerry, detective,
Sharon, ME, head of forensics








 


Chapter 11
Under Suspicion

By Mistydawn

Joe steps into the busy squad room to find his two detectives working hard at their desks. I'm not late, am I? He discovers It's only 7:30 when he glances at his watch. "Why are you here so early?" He questions, setting his stuff on his desk.

Rachel glances up from her computer. "I'm looking into The Anderson's Financials, Jerry is doing a statewide search on blue coupes."

"Speaking of coupes, I saw one parked down the road from the Donaldson house last night. It didn't have a license plate, so I copied down the VIN." He hands Jerry his notebook.

"I'll get right on it, boss."

"How's your search, Rachel?"

"I didn't find any red flags this month, so I'm looking further back. Hmm, that's strange." She continues to study the screen.

"What is?" Joe asks.

"They've withdrawn twenty-five hundred dollars each month for three consecutive months. It starts in March and ends in May."

"Someone sets the fire the month they stopped paying?" Joe scratches his head.

"That sounds like blackmail to me, boss."

"I agree, Jerr. Go talk to her, Rachel, see what you can find; I'll check their phone records, see who they've called."

"Copy that, Sergeant." Springing from her chair, Rachel heads towards the door. "See you, Captain," she says as he steps into the squad room.

"Where is she off to in such a hurry?" 

"She's following a lead, Captain."

"I hope you guys have better luck today."

"Me too, sir, me too."

***

Jeff trudges into the kitchen, still in his pajamas. Julie glances over a concerned expression on her face. "Are you alright, honey?"

"I'm fine, why?"

"It's nearly eight and you're still not dressed."

"I decided to go in late." He grabs a mug from the cabinet.

"You'll have plenty of time to eat a hearty breakfast then." She grabs a plate of eggs and hands it to him.

"It looks delicious honey, but you look even better." Setting the dish down, he grabs Julie and gives her a big kiss.

"Keep that up and we'll all be late." She smiles, a hint of playfulness in her eyes. He kisses her again. She reaches up and gently strokes his face. "I love you, Bae."

"And I love you." He leans in for a third kiss when their daughters walk into the room.

"It's too early for mushy stuff," Abby protests.

"Gross," Rebecca adds as she scrunches up her face.

"Too early is it?" Jeff chases Abby around the kitchen. The child squeals in delight. "I'll show you too early, Little One." He picks her up and kisses her entire face.

"That's worse than doggy licks." She wipes the moisture from her cheeks. Her parents laugh.

Putting her down, Jeff turns towards his oldest child. "Gross, you said." He runs over, stopping just inches from the vomit.

Rebecca tearfully glances up. "Sorry, Daddy."

"It's alright honey, go back to bed, I'll be there in a minute."

"Yes, Mommy."

"She told me she wasn't feeling well right after she ate. I gave her some medicine, but I guess it didn't work. Well, I better call the school and tell them I won't be in." She reaches for her purse.

"I can stay with her if you want," Jeff offers.

"What about your clients?"

"I can always reschedule."

"If you're sure it'll be alright."

"Go, before you're late." He notices his wife's hesitation."Don't worry, honey, we'll be fine."

"I'll call later to see how she's doing."

"I know you will." He leans over and kisses her.

"Mushy stuff again?"

"You're next, Abigail." He turns towards her.

"Not again." She runs out of the room.

***

Jerry decides to visit Mr. Donaldson first since his office is the closest. I doubt if he's responsible, seeing that he doesn't have a single conviction, not even a traffic ticket.

"Can I help you?" the receptionist asks as the officer steps up to her desk.

"Yes, my name is Jerry Bower, I'm with the Berryville Police Department." He flashes his badge.

"How can I help you, officer?"

"I'd like to speak to Mr. Donaldson, please."

"I'm sorry, sir, but he's not in. Can another associate help you?"

"What time will he be back?"

"He's not coming in today; he's at home with his sick daughter. If you care to leave a message, I'll make sure he gets it when he calls."

"It'll be easier if I stop by his house."

***

Mrs. Anderson glances up from her work when the bell rings. "Sorry, we're closed." Pushing a loose strand of hair off her face, she dips her rag in the bucket again.

"It's Detective Webb; I have a few follow up questions for you." Pulling her notebook from her pocket, she continues. "It looks like you're about to get it cleaned up."

"The building inspector said we can open the cafe. So, I'm hoping to get the place ready by tomorrow; Saturday is our busiest day, you know."

Rachel watches as she scrubs the same place again. She's worried about something. 

"It's a shame this had to happen now, after all of the repairs we did." The owner moves to the next table, Rachel follows. The owner sighs. "You have a few questions for me?"

"You said you couldn't think of anyone who'd want to hurt you?"

"I still can't and neither can my husband."

"Is he around because I need to talk to him too?"

"He's taking care of a few personal matters."

I bet he is. "You seemed really nervous when I spoke to him; like you were afraid he'd say too much."

"My concern was about our business, not what he'd say."

"So, your grabbing his arm wasn't a warning?"

"No, of course not." She scrubs the table harder.

"You do realize hiding evidence is a crime and If I find out you know something, I could arrest you for obstruction of justice."

"I assure you, Officer, I don't know anything more than what I've told you. Now if you don't mind, I have work to do." She throws her sponge in the bucket, water splashes over the top. "Damn it." She plops down in the booth, on the verge of tears.

"Tell me about the twenty-five hundred dollar withdrawals each month?" Scooping up the scrubber, she sops up the mess.

"They're to pay our contractor for all the work he's done."

"What's the name?"

"Smith, George Smith, he owns Smith construction. He wouldn't do this. Why should he, when we've paid him in full?"

"Has anyone threatened to harm you?"

"No."

Rachel catches a nervous twitch. "We can protect you if someone is."

"How many times do I have to say it. No one is terrorizing us and I don't know who set the damn fire." She tosses the sponge into the bucket again.

Rachel lays her card on the table. "Call me when you're ready to talk."

***

Jeff decides to work on a new ad campaign now that Rebecca is asleep. He's busy setting up when the phone rings.

"Hello," he quietly answers as he glances up the stairs.

"This is Betty from work. I hate to bother you at home, sir, but I thought you should know that Detective Bower asked to speak to you." 

"Did he say what it was about?"

"No, and I didn't think to ask him either. He did say he'll stop by your house."

"I'm sure it's over something simple like an unpaid ticket or a charity function."

"I hope you're right."

Jeff hears the concern in her voice. "I'm sure that's what it is; thanks for letting me know."

"How's Rebecca?"

"She's better."

"I'm glad. Well, the boss frowns on personal calls, so I better go." She laughs. She's been his secretary for nearly two years. She didn't want to take the job at first, because he has a reputation for being difficult to work for. She later told him about the rumor and how she almost quit. Now it's all a joke.

"Yeah, I heard Mr. Donaldson can be a brute." He anxiously glances out the window. Not finding anything, he lets out a sigh of relief.

"See you Monday."

"Have a good weekend, Betty."

"You too, sir."

Hanging up, Jeff dials another number. "The cops want to talk to me and I don't know what to do," he quickly blurts into the phone.

"Calm down and say that again," Luigi orders.

"A detective visited the office and now he's coming to my home."

"I'll tell the boss, then call you back, ok?"

"Please hurry." He looks out the window again.

***

Joe sees the captain walking towards him when he glances up from his desk. "Captain."

"The witness from the robbery sat down with a sketch artist, and came up with this." He hands him the picture.

"The face looks familiar." Joe types a name into the computer; a photo pops up on the screen.

"Who's that?" The captain leans over the sergeant's shoulder.

"It's Jeff Donaldson. His name came up when Jerry was making a list of coupe owners." Joe picks up the phone and dials his partner's number.

"Have you talked to Jeff yet, Jerr?" He asks, putting it on speaker.

"I'm headed to his house now, why?"

"I believe he robbed Stubbs Grocery too. So hold tight, I'll be right over."

"What about his little girl?"

"His children are home?"

"His receptionist said they were sick today."

"The girls love Rachel, so I'll tell her to meet us there. See you in five."

"Where should I meet you?" Rachel questions.

"The Donaldson residence, we think Jeff is our arsonist and our robber."
 


Chapter 12
Horrid Truth

By Mistydawn

Jeff is told he can either help Bruno Bambini with his shady business or watch his family die a slow, painful death. How far will Jeff go to save the ones he loves?

Jeff has stolen a car and has been chased by the cops. He escapes from that only to be sent to another job. Jeff hears sirens in the middle of his illegal adventure. Setting the building on fire, he flees from the scene. Julie discovers an intruder in their house, which she manages to handle. Putting the pieces together, the Berrville PD are pursuit of their suspect.


Joe and Rachel see Jerry parked a few houses down from the Donaldson's when they roll up to the scene. Pulling in behind him, Joe turns off the car.

"I realize we're putting you in a tough spot, being best friends with them and all. So, if you'd rather stay out of this, I'll understand."

"I appreciate the thought, Joe, I really do, but I can't let our friendship interfere with my job." Fond memories replay in her mind when she glances towards the house. She's afraid this new news will sever their bond. She pushes back the tears. "I have to do my job, no matter the cost." She slowly climbs out of the car. Pocketing the keys, Joe follows behind her.

"What's the plan, boss?" Jerry asks as the sergeant approaches him.

"I want Rachel to go in first, take the children into another room. Jerry and I will come in a few minutes later."

"Copy that, boss."

Rachel starts to walk away, Joe grabs her arm. "I want you to stay and protect them in case Bambini decides to show."

"Got it." She nods.

Rachel sees her friend on the porch when she rounds the corner. "Hey, Jeff, how are you doing today?"

"I'm fine, Rachel, just fine."He nervously looks around; expecting a swarm of troops to jump out of the bushes; the way they did on the TV.

"You haven't seen any more demonic bugs, have you, Jeff?"

"You're not a bit funny."

"I thought it was pretty comical, watching you jump on the couch the way you did." She chuckles.

"I'm glad you found me to be so amusing."

"You know you would've laughed if it was me."

"Like the time you fell out of the boat?" Jeff chuckles.

Rachel recalls the bird attack. "That goose tried to kill me."

Jeff laughs again.

"I heard Rebeca isn't feeling well so I brought her a few books."

"She'll love that." He opens the door for her. Having a second thought, he steps in her way. "My wife didn't ask you to check up on me, did she?"

"She doesn't know I'm here."

"Rachel?"

"Honest." She forms a Girl Scout Promise.

"Rebecca is in her room," he says, pointing towards the steps. Jeff starts to close the door when he notices her colleagues walking his way.

"Can... Can I help you, officers?"

"We need to talk to you about a recent event," Jerry says as he makes his way up the steps. Jeff hears the phone ring; he anxiously turns towards the device. It could be Bambini. "I need to take this." He rushes off; the officers follow.

"Hello?" Jeff answers, fidgeting with the cord. "But I..." he begins, Luigi interrupts. Jeff looks over to see the detectives wandering around the room. They're probably looking for evidence. Sharp pains shoot through his stomach, taking his breath away. Jeff grabs the table for support. "Yes, I understand."... "I will, love you too, honey."

He finds the officers behind him when he turns around. Feeling a little intimidated, Jeff takes a step back. "That was my wife checking on Rebecca. She was sick this morning so we kept her home. Julie called to make sure she's alright. You know how women are, always worrying about the tiniest thing." He takes another step back. "I bet she's called over a dozen times so far."

Tiring of his chatter, Jerry steps towards him. "Jeff Donaldson, you are under arrest for arson, grand theft auto, and burglary."

"What... I..."

"Turn around, hands behind your back." The detective pulls his handcuffs from his pouch.

"I... I didn't do anything." He feels the cold metal clamp against his wrist.

"We'll discuss it at the jail." Jerry recites the Miranda Warning as he leads him towards the door.

Remembering his daughter, Jeff turns around. "Wait, what about Rebecca?"

"Rachel will stay with her until your wife gets home."

***

Julie's had an uneasy feeling, like something bad is about to happen all day long, but can't figure out what it might be. She called everyone she could think of and they seemed to be fine. Julie warned them to be careful, just in case. Something is going on, I just know it, she thinks, turning down her street.

She spots a police car parked in front of her house when she gets closer. "My instincts were right." Panic-stricken, she speeds into her drive. Rachel steps out on the porch when she pulls in.

"What happened? Where's Jeff and Rebecca, are they alright?" she quickly blurts out as she sprints across the lawn.

"I think it's best if we talk inside."

"Oh my God, something did happen. Was it an accident? Where are they? Are they alright? Please, Rachel, please, you have to tell me," she begs. Her entire body trembles as she steps through the door.

"Wait for me," Abby yells, darting across the lawn.

"Can you do me a huge favor, Abby?" Rachel asks when the child steps inside.

"Sure."

"Run this pillow up to your sister."

"Ok." Grabbing the cushion, Abby bounces up the stairs.

"Please tell me, Rachel, please," Julie begs on the verge of tears.

"We believe your husband is responsible for the arson at the bowling alley, the stolen car at Walmart and the robbery at Stubbs."

"No, you're wrong, Jeff would never do those things."

"Where was he yesterday?"

"He was at work from eight until almost six."

"Do you know if he left the office?"

"Only once, briefly, around noon."

"How about last night?"

"He had a business meeting with an important client."

"When did he leave?"

"Right after you did and you were here when he returned."

"That's an awful long conference, wouldn't you say?"

"They had a lot to discuss."

"Who was it with?"

"He didn't say, but the client called twice to confirm."

"You heard their conversation?"

"Just Jeff's side, why?"

"This meeting took place the same time the two crimes occurred."

"You're wrong about this, so wrong. Jeff would never break the law, ever."

"I didn't believe it either until I saw the proof."

"What proof?"

Rachel hands her a sketch. "A witness says she saw him fleeing from Stubbs Grocery. Another witness says she saw him leave the bowling alley as it was going up in flames, and a third saw him driving the stolen Corvette."

She glances at the drawing. "This has to be some sort of mistake, it just has to be."

"I wish it was, I really do."

Julie looks at the drawing again. The resemblance is uncanny. "This can't be Jeff, it just can't," she cries. Rachel grabs a hold of her friend's hands. Julie pulls away. "You of all people should know that Jeff wouldn't do these things."

"I want to believe he's innocent, I really do, but...."

"Get out." Julie points towards the door.

"You don't understand."

"Oh, I understand alright. You're trying to frame Jeff for crimes he didn't commit."

"He did do it, Julie, he did." Seeing her skeptical look, Rachel continues. "We think he's working for a drug lord."

"Working for a drug lord, is he? I bet you're going to tell me he's a member of the mafia next."

"We..."

"I don't want to hear it." Julie opens the door. "I want you to get out of my house and stay out." Julie pushes her towards the porch.

"No, Julie, wait, don't do this. You and the girls are in danger."

"Yeah, I bet." Hearing pitter-patter of little feet, the two turn around.

"What's going on, mommy?"

"Go back to your room, Abigail."

"Why is Aunt Rachel crying?"

The detective dries her face. "Go back to your room like your mommy said."

The child runs over and hugs her leg. "I love you, Aunt Rachel."

The detective rubs her back. "I love you too, sweetheart, you and your sister. Don't ever forget that, alright?" Rachel glances at her friend.

"I won't." Abby hops up the stairs.

Rachel turns towards her friend, tears streaming down her face. "You guys are my family, and that's why I want to stay and protect you, keep you safe."

"The only thing we need protection from is your lies."

"I wouldn't tell you these things if they weren't true."

"I thought we were friends, Rachel, I really did, but a true friend wouldn't hurt someone this way."

"I'm not trying to hurt you, I'm trying to help."

"Get out of my house and stay out," she yells, gesturing towards the porch.

"But I..."

Shoving her through the door, Julie slams the barrier too.

"Please, don't do this, Julie," Rachel sobs.


Characters
Jeff Donaldson, the man forced to commit crimes to save his family
Julie Donaldson, Jeff's wife
Abby, Rebecca Donaldson, Jeff and Julie's girls
Luigi Ricci, Bruno Bambini's goon
Bruno Bambini, kingpin.

Berryville PD
Joe, sergeant
Rachel, detective
Jerry, detective,
Sharon, ME, head of forensics

 


Chapter 13
Brutal Interegation

By Mistydawn

Dragging his suspect into the interrogation room, Joe tosses him in a chair. The furniture tips sideways; Jeff falls to the floor. Scooping him up, the sergeant tries again.

Rearranging himself in the seat, Jeff anxiously glances around. The furnishings consist of a table and two chairs. There's a mirror in front of him, a barred window to his right. The flickering light above him adds to the nervy feel.

The sergeant circles around him, hoping to intimidate. Being six foot eight of pure muscle, this tactic often works. He leans across the table and glares into Jeff's eyes. "Where were you yesterday around noon, huh, where?" Joe moves in closer.

"I want a lawyer." Jeff stammers.

"They'll just drag it out, but if you tell us where you were, we can verify it and you can go home. Unless you're keeping something from me." Jeff looks away. "What are you hiding boy, huh, what?" Joe pounds his fist on the table.

Jeff springs back in his seat; his cuffs clink against the metal furnishings. "Nothing."

"So, where were you then?" Jeff squirms around. "You better speak up before I toss you in a cell"  He's mere inches from Jeff's face. Seeing the fear in his suspect's eyes, Joe decides to elaborate. "They're all monsters in there, animals, and they wouldn't think twice about beating the shit out of you."

"Monsters?"

"Cold, heartless beasts." Jeff wrings his hands trying to decide what to do. Joe taps his watch. "Clock's ticking." The detective circles him again.

I could tell him what Bambini told me.

Joe grabs his arm. "Time's up."

"No... No, wait, stop, I'll tell you." Jeff pulls away from his grip.

Joe taps his foot on the floor. "I'm waiting."

Jeff glances at the door. I wish my lawyer would get here.

"Let's go." Joe reaches for him.

"Ok, ok, I'll tell you." He looks towards the entryway again.

"Spit it out."

"I was at the firm all day, except when I took my client to lunch."

"What time?"

"Around noon, at Bambini's."

"Can anyone verify this?"

"My waiter can."

"Do you remember his name?"

"No."

"Describe him."

"He's a tall guy with dark, black hair and brown eyes."

"You just described half of their employees."

I know. Jeff tries to contain a smile. "That's all I can remember."

"Did he have any tattoos or birthmarks?"

"I didn't pay attention."

"Who was with you?"

"Just me and the client. Can I call my attorney now?"

"Don't bother." A distinguished gentleman strolls into the room. He's a large man in size and stature. He carries himself in such a way that exhibits both prestige and success. "I'd like a few moments with my client before we begin." He plops his briefcase on the table and then turns towards Joe.

"I'll be outside when you're ready." He was about to confess, Joe thinks as he trudges towards the door.

"My name's Mr. Mancini, Bambini hired me to represent you."

"I'm so glad you're here."

"What did you tell the police?"

"I told them that I met with a client yesterday afternoon."

"Good, now tell them you had to cut it short, so you met at the same restaurant at 8:30 and stayed until it closed."

"Someone will vouch for me?"

"Yes. Don't elaborate any further unless I tell you otherwise." The attorney taps on the glass.

"Are you ready to talk?" Joe asks as he steps into the room.

"My client has informed me he has an alibi for the entire day."

"What about last night?"

Jeff looks over at the attorney, he nods. "I was at home until 8:00 and then I met with the same client at Bambini's. Our meeting was cut short, so we agreed to finish up later."

"How long were you at the restaurant?"

"It was nearly one I believe."

"Where did you go next?"

"Home."

"Can Julie verify that?"

"Julie and all your officers."

"My officers?"

"They were investigating our break-in when I pulled up."

"Stay put while I check on your alibi." Joe sees Jerry just outside the door when he steps into the hall.

"I just spoke to the restaurant manager. He remembers seeing him twice yesterday. He said Jeff stayed until after they closed."

"The guy is sure it's him?"

"He described him to a T."

"Release him."

***

Jeff thought he was going home but they drive to the park instead. He glances at his lawyer, a curious expression on his face.

"I was instructed to drop you off here," Mr. Mancini explains as he pulls beside Luigi's GT.

I can't get a moment's peace. Jeff sighs. "What am I going to do now?" he asks as he climbs into Luigi's car.

"You're going to be my back up tonight."

"A backup, I... I don't think I'll do very good."

"Boss's instructions, and what he says goes."

Jeff sighs again "What's my part in it?"

"Just stand there and look mean."

"I think I can handle that."

"I hope so. You're going to need this." He hands him a gun. Jeff fingertips the weapon. "It's not loaded, and it's not going to be; not with you shaking like that."

Jeff glances at his hands. "I... I'm just nervous."

"When ain't you?" Chuckling, Luigi stuffs a gun in his pocket.

"You're not going to kill anyone, are you?" Jeff studders.

"This is just a friendly reminder about a debt he owes."

"We won't get shot at, right?"

"He's too scared of what Bambini will do."

"What if he has company?"

"He never does. Do you have any more questions, or can we go?"

Jeff had a few more but thought it best not to ask. "No, I'm good."

The two pull into the new subdivision a few minutes later.

"Remember to look tough and keep the gun pointed at him," Luigi instructs as the pair walks across the lawn.

Luigi glances back to find Jeff's face ghostly pale. "Hope you're ready, newbie." He bursts through the door.

Startled, the homeowner grabs a fire-poker from the hearth and darts into the hall.

"You better drop your weapon before you get hurt." Luigi cocks his gun.

Realizing he's outnumbered, Mitch places his weapon on the floor.

"Whatever you want, just... Just take it, alright?"

"You know why we're here, right?" Luigi asks.

"You're... You're going to rob me?" He glances between the two invaders.

"Bambini wants us to collect on a debt."

"I... I told him I'd pay him next week."

"You've said that for the past two months."

"I...I haven't been able to come up with the money."

"Guess I need to collect another way." Luigi presses his gun against Mitch's head.

"No, please, don't shoot, please."

"Pay up and I won't."

"Here, take my watch, it's worth a lot of money." He pulls it off his wrist. "I have a painting too." He runs through the house. Luigi and Jeff follow.

"The picture is worth a lot." He takes it down. Remembering what's behind it, he puts it back up. "This one is more expensive," he explains as he darts across the room.

"What's in the safe?"

"What safe, I don't have a safe?"

Luigi pulls the artwork off the wall. "Open it."

"It's... It's empty."

Luigi shoves the gun against the man's head. "Open it, now."

Mitch fumbles with the combination. After a few attempts, the safe pops open.

Pushing him out of the way, Luigi glances inside. "Empty my ass." Luigi grabs his bag and tosses the money inside.

"That's my life savings," Mitch protests.

"You better hope it's enough." Luigi turns towards their victim. "This is for lying." He shoots him in the leg.

Mitch tumbles to the floor. "Please, no more." He begs as he scoots away.

"Mention my visit to anyone and I'll finish the job."

"I won't say a word; I swear."

Both men are lost in their thoughts the entire trip home. Luigi is trying to decide where to spend his cut; Jeff is worried about the police.

"I might keep you around after all," Luigi says as he pulls to the side of the road.

"What do you mean, keep me around?"

Luigi laughs. "We'll call soon."

Nodding, Jeff climbs out of the car. Keep me around, what does that mean?

Jeff is almost to his house when a man springs out of the bushes; a long, sharp blade in hand. He has a skeleton-thin body and a white corpse-like face. His few remaining teeth are rotten. "Give me all of your money." He twitches.

Jeff reaches for his wallet but finds a gun instead. He glances at the man. It's hard to say what the meth head will do.

Life events replay in Jeff's mind. Orphaned at ten, he was shuffled to several foster homes, each worse than the last. Fed up with the abuse, Jeff decides to take his chances on the street. He found himself in Juvie soon after. I finally get my life in order and then Luigi decides to show. He recalls all the things he was forced to do.

"Hand it over, now."

Jeff glares at the mugger. I've been a victim of circumstance all my life. Well, that's going to end, right here, right now. "I don't think so." Jeff pulls the weapon from his pocket and points it towards the mugger's head.


 


Chapter 14
Jeff Takes a Stand

By Mistydawn

Jeff is told he can either help Bruno Bambini with his shady business or watch his family die a slow, painful death. How far will Jeff go to save the ones he loves?

 Jeff has stolen a car and has been chased by the cops. He escapes from that only to be sent to another job. Jeff hears sirens in the middle of his illegal adventure. Setting the building on fire, he flees from the scene. Julie discovers an intruder in their house, which she manages to handle. Putting the pieces together, the Berrville PD are pursuit of their suspect. Jeff was arrested and let go. He meets a mugger on the way home.

***

The sun is slowly setting behind the Ozark Mountains, giving the evening sky a wide array of beautiful colors. Jeff and his attacker are too preoccupied with their showdown to notice the breathtaking view.

Holding the weapon towards his mugger, Jeff stares in the man's cold, soulless eyes. "The way I see it, you have two choices. You can either walk away or take your chances with my gun." The totality of his situation suddenly hits him. His insides begin to quiver as vomit rises to his mouth, threatening to erupt. Jeff glares at the figment of a man. I've backed down all my life, but I'll be damned if I do it with him. Forcing the foul liquid down, Jeff presses on. "What's it going to be, pal, huh, what?" He takes a step towards him.

The mugger shifts his skeletal body back and forth; his tongue moves wildly across his lips. He hasn't had a fix since early this morning and was jonesing bad. Beads of sweat pop across his forehead as he tries to conjure up enough courage to see the robbery through.

"I'd advise you to walk away before I put a bullet in your head." Jeff moves closer; the mugger tightens his grip on his knife.

The two were so distracted, they didn't see the intruder heading their way.

***

Joe is glancing over the forensic report when his partners walk in the door. Their workspace is a little cubical off the main floor. It consists of three large desks with matching chairs. A white pin-up board sits off to the right. A long metal table in front of it, chairs run along one side.

"Did you find anything?" he asks as his detectives cross the room.

"The security cameras were taken offline right before the crimes occurred." Jerry plops down at his desk.

"We're looking at a professional job then."

"Looks like it, boss. Did the crime lab find anything?"

"They found a partial on the gas can. I searched through our data banks, but didn't get a hit."

"What about the shoe print?"

"They said it's from a man's dress shoe, a size nine. They also found a gold button. They think it came off of a man's navy blue suit."

Jerry scratches his balding head. He used to have a head full of thick black hair, but now he has just enough for a combover. "Why would someone wear a suit to a crime?"

"Maybe it wasn't planned?" Rachel plops her stuff on her desk.

"That blows our profile all to hell." Jerry shuffles through the papers scattered across his desk. Finding what he's looking for, he quickly reads through it.

"Wait, did you just say forensics found a gold button?" Rachel asks.

"They believe it came off of a sleeve, why?"

"Jeff was wearing a blue suit with gold buttons when I checked on them that night."

"He has an alibi, remember?"

"Who's to say the waiter isn't covering for him?"

Jerry glances up from his notes. "We never confirmed it with his client, boss."

"I don't recall Jeff ever giving us his name."

"He didn't. Julie said she didn't know who it was, but did say he called twice to confirm."

Rachel and I will talk to the alibi. Jerr, I want you to check his phone records, find out who the meeting was with."

"I'm on it, boss."

***

Jeff sees Luigi walking towards him when he looks over his shoulder. You're the reason I'm in this mess. Jeff steps up to the mugger and pushes his gun against his head. "You want to rob me, huh, do you? Well, go for it punk." Jeff pushes the weapon deep into his skull; the man winces from the pain. Using his opposite hand, Jeff knocks the knife from the robber's hand. The blade bounces across the cement into a puddle of mud. "Whatcha going to do now, huh, what, smart guy?"

The perp glances at Jeff and then his friend. Luigi moves his jacket aside, exposing the butt of his gun. Knocking Jeff to the ground, the mugger races away.

"The guy's lucky, it's empty." Luigi laughs.

Getting to his feet, Jeff brushes the soil from his clothes. "It's not." Jeff shows Luigi the chamber. "I loaded it on the ride over." He pops the piece back in place. "I've been thinking about our deal." Jeff turns towards Luigi, an evil gleam in his eyes.

Pulling his gun from his waistband, Luigi takes a shooter's stance. "You don't want to go there, rookie," he warns.

***

Rachel and Joe pull up to Bambini's a few minutes later. It's a quaint establishment, a block from the town square. Its traditional, Italian decor adds to its luring appeal.

"Why do you still believe Jeff did it?" Joe asks, parking the car.

"I just have a feeling about this."

Joe recalls all the times her gut proved to be right, despite what the evidence had said. "Who am I to argue with your gut?" He chuckles.

Rachel thinks back to how Jeff would shame her for skipping school."Jeff is the last person I'd expect to commit these crimes. Any crime for that matter; he was so straight-laced in school."

"Time changes people, Rachel."

"Not always for the better." She sighs, climbing out of the car.

"Table for two?" The Maitre D' asks when they step through the door.

"We need to speak to the manager, please."

"May I ask what this is in regards to?"

"It's an important police matter." Rachel flashes her badge.

"I'll see if I can find him."

Rachel first notices the colorful murals across the walls. Each representing a piece of Italian history. She then notices the lavish table settings and how the soft, warm glow from the candle centerpiece complements the elegant arrangement.

"Romantic isn't it?" Joe asks.

"Yes, very." Rachel starts to imagine her and Joe on a date. Candlelight dinner, with soft music playing in the background. She then pictures the two of them gliding across the dance floor. Her thoughts are interrupted by footsteps clomping towards them.

"May I help you, officers?"

Rachel turns to see a tall-thin man beside her. He has thick black hair and dark brown eyes the way Jeff described. "I'd like to ask you about this guy." She holds up Jeff's picture. "Was he in here yesterday?"

"He was here twice."

"What time?"

"Around 12:30 and again around 7:30."

"You're sure it was him?" She holds the photo closer.

"Yes, yes. I remember him quite well." Noticing the skeptical look he continues. "He made a big fuss about our daily special."

"You either have the time wrong or we're talking about a different man."

The manager nervously glances at his boss. Bambini gives him a spine-chilling glare. He takes a big gulp of courage before he continues. "No, no, it was him I'd know his face anywhere. He stirs up trouble every time he comes in."

"How could he be here when I spoke to him at his house around seven thirty?"

"Maybe it was 8:30. Yeah, that's when it was."

"Did he meet with someone?"

The waiter tries to recall what he was instructed to say. "Yes, he met a tall, heavyset guy both times."

"Is this the guy?" Rachel scrolls through the photos on her phone.

"Yeah, it's him. They were in here twice."

"I'll be sure to ask my partner if he enjoyed your food." Rachel pulls her cuffs from their pouch.

"I don't understand?"

"That was a picture of Detective Bower, you moron. You're under arrest for obstruction of justice. Turn around, hands behind your back." She shoves him against the wall.

"Ok, Ok, I'll tell you the truth," he whispers.

She lets him up. "Start talking." She impatiently taps her foot on the floor.

He glances over to find Bambini is still watching. "I... I can't do it here."

"Guess you're coming with me." Grabbing his arm, Rachel turns him towards the door.

"No, wait."

"What now?"

"Meet me at Arvest bank in an hour and I'll tell you the truth," he whispers.

"You better be there." Rachel shows him her cuffs.

"I will, I will. Now please go." He glances at his boss again.

Rachel looks over to where he's staring. "Is he threatening you?"

Tears swell in his eyes. "Please, just go."

"Mr. Donaldson was in here twice, huh."

"Once in the afternoon and then again that night."

"Well, thank you for your time," Rachel replies, loud enough for everyone to hear. Moving in closer she whispers. "Bambini will be the least of your worries if you don't show." Turning on her heels, she heads for the door.

Joe leans in and whispers. "We'll be right outside, in case you try to run."

Characters
Jeff Donaldson, the man forced to commit crimes to save his family
Julie Donaldson, Jeff's wife
Abby, Rebecca Donaldson, Jeff and Julie's girls
Luigi Ricci, Bruno Bambini's goon
Bruno Bambini, kingpin.

Berryville PD
Joe, sergeant
Rachel, detective
Jerry, detective,
Sharon, ME, head of forensics









 


Chapter 15
The Ultimate Job

By Mistydawn

Jeff is told he can either help Bruno Bambini with his shady business or watch his family die a slow, painful death. How far will Jeff go to save the ones he loves?

Jeff has stolen a car and has been chased by the cops. He escapes from that only to be sent to another job. Jeff hears sirens in the middle of his illegal adventure. Setting the building on fire, he flees from the scene. Julie discovers an intruder in their house, which she manages to handle. Putting the pieces together, the Berryville PD are in pursuit of their suspect. Jeff was arrested and let go. He meets a mugger on the way home. After scaring off the mugger, Jeff turns towards Luigi, gun in hand.


Pulling her fluffy pink robe around herself, Julie yawns as she shuffles down their grand stairs. The beautiful staircase is one of the many things she loved about this old house. What she admired the most about her two-story Victorian is its large, spacious rooms.

Julie glances over at the array of family pictures elegantly arranged along the wall. A photo of them on their wedding day sits in the center; their daughter's pictures neatly surround their blessed event.

She gazes up at the crystal chandelier that elegantly lights the foyer; a beautiful memento of their honeymoon in Cancun. I had so much fun, she thinks as she continues on. She passes by their antique dining room table. Her grandmother gave them the beautiful heirloom on their wedding day.

Julie expects to see Jeff reading the morning paper when she steps into the kitchen, but finds the room deserted instead. Where would he'd go so early? Maybe he had some last minute business to tend to before we head to the zoo. The girls have been begging to see the new arrival for weeks. Something whacks her in the back of the head, knocking her to the floor.

"One down, two to go." George smiles, pulling the rope from his bag. He hears the pitter patter of tiny feet as he secures the last restraint in place. "This one should be easy." Grabbing Julie, he moves her out of the way.

A tousle-headed, brown hair, blue eyed, little girl steps through the door; her teddy bear by her side. "We're hungry, mommy," Abby replies. Mr. Teddy has been her breakfast buddy for well over a year.

Running over, George scoops up the preschooler in his arms. Abby screams. "Stop your damn yelling or else," he warns, glaring into her big brown eyes. Terrified, Abby quiets down.

"Please don't hurt us, mister, please," Abby begs as tears stream down her chubby cheeks.

"Do what I say and I won't, don't listen and you and your family will die."

Abby gulps. "I... I'll be good, I... I promise."

"That's what I want to hear."

***

Jeff roles over hoping to find a comfortable position, but falls to the dusty wood floor instead. "What the hell?" Wiping the sleep from his eyes, he quickly looks around. He sees two deer heads mounted on either side of the fireplace a Winchester high-wall in the center. He then notices a large, stuffed grizzly off to the side. "Why am I at Bambini's?" Last night events suddenly came to mind.

###

Ready to end the blackmailing, Jeff turns towards Luigi, loaded gun in hand. Jeff starts to squeeze the trigger when Bambini's threats echo in his head. Jeff glances at Luigi and then at his gun. I need to get the girls to safety before I make such a ballsy move. He reluctantly put his gun away.

"Bambini wants me to bring you to the house; said he has another job for you to do."

"Tonight, but.." Seeing the look on Luigi's face he stops midsentence. "Let's go," he sighs.

***

The important matter was concerning Bambini's oldest daughter, Adriana. One of his goons found her brutally beaten just outside their gate. They later discovered Antonio Hernandez was responsible for the savage attack.

"I want you to bring him to me, alive," Bambini orders through gritted teeth; anger surged through every inch of his body as he clenches and unclenches his fists. He wants to take care of the matter himself, but knows neither he or Luigi would make it out alive. 

Jeff didn't like the sound of this. A war between two rivals, someone is bound to end up dead. He glances at Luigi and then his boss. "I'm... I'm going to have help with this, right?"

You're on your own on this one, rookie." Luigi slaps him on the back; Jeff stumbles forward. Regaining his footing, he continues on. "My... My own, but I..."

"Do this for me and your debt will be paid in full, don't and well..."

"I know, I know."

The rest of the night was spent planning his attack.

I still don't think it'll work, despite what those two say. Jeff rubs the thick stubble blanketing his boyish face. He then combs his fingers through his short, tawny hair. It won't matter how I look in a few hours, he thinks, certain this wasn't going to go well.

Jeff scoops up his phone, hoping to see a reply. After his little standoff with Luigi, Jeff thought it'd be a good idea to get the girls somewhere safe. He texts Julie suggesting a visit with her parents but didn't get a reply. Still nothing, hmm, that's strange. It's really early, so, maybe she's still asleep.

Luigi taps on the door a couple of times before he enters the room. "Thought you might need this." He tosses Jeff a shaving kit. "The maid has some fresh clothes for you in the bathroom and your car is right outside."

"Thanks." I think.

***

Joe and Rachel trudge into the station, exhausted from the night before. It was nearly one in the morning before the manager decided to show, claiming Bambini had a few extra chores.

It's pretty quiet this morning, Joe thinks as he Zigzags around the desks.

The small squad room houses several departments, each separated by a thin white partition; the patrol unit in the center.

"Morning, Sergeant, Rachel," Jerry says, glancing up from his desk.

"What's so good about it?" Joe grumbles as he stomps his large, brawny frame across the room.

"What's wrong with him?" Jerry questions.

"We had a very long night."

"Oh." He winks.

"Not that, Jerr." She playfully smacks his arm. "We didn't finish up with the manager until nearly three am."

"Really, what did he have to say?"

"He said Jeff never visited the restaurant and that Bambini threatened to kill him if he didn't lie. He also gave us a little Intel on Bambini and his shady business."

"So, your suspicions about Jeff was right all along."

"Just like I was all the times before." Plopping her feet on the desk, she places her folded hands behind her head as she leans back in her chair. A cocky, I told you so smile spreads across her face.

"Not getting a big head over there, are you?" He smiles.

"Me, never." She leans further back, the chair continues to tilt, sending her to the floor.

"Grace is at it again." Jerry chuckles. He nicknamed her grace because she's so accident prone.

Rachel glares at her partner.

Jerry laughs again. "Does Joe want us to pick him up?"

"He wants to hold off until he can get enough evidence to tie him and Bambini together."

***

Jeff is driving through the historic division on his way to meet Luigi. He'd called saying he wanted to discuss the plan.

Glancing around Jeff sees grand Victorians on either side of the street. The beautiful dwellings date back to the early twentieth century when Eureka Springs first began.

An olive complected girl glances up from her sandbox as he cruises by. Her bright, pink outfit brings out the gold specks in her almond-shaped eyes. Her long dark hair is gathered at the nape of her neck, secured with a hot-pink bow. Cute kid, he thinks, as he continues on. Seeing Luigi outside his car Jeff pulls up beside him.

"Our plans have changed," Luigi says as Jeff approaches.

"Changed, how?" he asks hoping, it's been called off.

"Did you see the little girl in the yard?"

"What about her?"

"You need to use her to lure Antonio to your car."

"I'm not using a child as bait."

"It's what Bambini wants."

"I don't give a damn what he wants, I'm not putting his child in harm's way." He steps away, Luigi grabs his arm to stop him. Jeff clenches his fist as he spins around. "What."

"Maybe this will change your mind," Luigi hands Jeff a phone. "Boss wants to make sure you'll carry out his plan."

Jeff first sees Abby secured to their kitchen chair, tears streaming down her sweet little face. He then notices Julie motionless on the kitchen floor. "You killed her, you killed Julie," he cries.

"Not yet, but we will if you don't do what you're told."

***

Characters
Jeff Donaldson, the man forced to commit crimes to save his family
Julie Donaldson, Jeff's wife
Abby, Rebecca Donaldson, Jeff and Julie's girls
Luigi Ricci, Bruno Bambini's goon
Bruno Bambini, kingpin.


Berryville PD
Joe, sergeant
Rachel, detective
Jerry, detective,
Sharon, ME, head of forensics



























































 


Chapter 16
Held Hostage

By Mistydawn

Summary
Jeff is told he can either help Bruno Bambini with his shady business or watch his family die a slow, painful death. How far will Jeff go to save the ones he loves?

Jeff has stolen a car and has been chased by the cops. He escapes from that only to be sent to another job. Jeff hears sirens in the middle of his illegal adventure. Setting the building on fire, he flees from the scene. Julie discovers an intruder in their house, which she manages to handle. Putting the pieces together, the Berryville PD are in pursuit of their suspect. Jeff was arrested and let go. He meets a mugger on the way home. After scaring off the mugger, Jeff turns towards Luigi, gun in hand. He decides to get the girls to safety before attempting such a move. Jeff is take back t Bambini's where he's told about his final job, taking Bambini's rival hostage.

***
The afternoon sun is blazing across the clear, blue sky, making the spring day unseasonably warm. Humidity from this morning's shower adds to the uncomfortable day. The sergeant wipes the sweat from his brow as he continues towards his crew. He notices a black coupe being hoisted up the mountain when he gets closer. I bet that's the one we've been searching for, Joe concludes as he continues on. He sees one of the forensic technicians headed his way. He then notices his detective arriving on the scene. "What can you tell us, Kirk?" Joe asks as Jerry approaches them.

"The driver's name is Victor Martin. He was found in a pile of rocks about a hundred feet from his car."

"What time did the accident occur?"

"The ME put his time of death between one and four this morning."

Joe glances at his watch and realizes it's nearly noon. "Why wasn't it reported sooner?"

"The car wasn't visible from the highway, sir."

Joe scans the spectators. "Who found him?"

"Mr. Black." Kirk points him out, then continues. "Said he was squirrel hunting when he spotted the car."

Joe sees an elderly man sitting on a large boulder off to the side. He had a thick, gray beard that extends to his chest. His long hair is pulled into a ponytail, fastened at the nape of his neck. His threadbare attire is held together by layers of accumulated dirt."Tell your team to process the car. Jerry, you find out all you can on the suspect and I'll talk to the witness," Joe instructs.

"Yes, boss."

"Mr. Black, my name is Sergeant Bower, I work for the Berryville PD. Taking his notebook from his pocket, Joe begins. "Can you tell me what happened, sir?"

"My dog and I were out hunting when I spotted the car. I went over to see if everyone is alright but didn't find anyone inside. Lucky found him in a pile of rocks." He pats his dog on the head.

"Did you find anyone else?"

"No."

"Thank you for your time." Joe walks back to his partner. "Did you find anything, Jerr?"

"Our victim is 33, recently divorced. His last arrest was a month ago for DUI and drug possession with intent to sell. He was released on bond and is awaiting trial now."

"We'll go talk to the ex, see if she can tell us more."

"Guys, I found this in the trunk of his car." Kirk lifts up an empty gas can and a dark blue suit. "One of the gold buttons is missing."

Joe turns towards Jerry an inquisitive look on his face. "Could it have been him and not Jeff?"

"Could be, boss."

***
Jeff watches the little girl play in the sandbox as he pulls into the drive. I wish there was another way to do this, he thinks, glancing at the phone. Abby is tied to a chair, Julie is unconscious on the floor. He looks at the preschooler again. I don't have a choice. Finding the streets completely deserted, he heads toward her.

That's a neat castle. Did you build it by yourself?" he asks. Glancing up, the young girl smiles. "Can you teach me how to build one?"

"Get away from my girl," A heavily accented voice screams.

Jeff looks up to find a tall, brawny man running towards him. "I'm so sorry, honey," he whispers, scooping the girl in his arms.

"Papa," the child screams reaching for him.

"Put my daughter down." Antonio takes a shooter's stance.

Pulling the weapon from his pocket, Jeff points it at the preschooler's head. "Drop your gun or I'll shoot." Antonio freezes in mid-motion. "Do it, now," Jeff orders.

"Help me, papa," the child cries.

"Please don't hurt my girl." Antonio lowers his gun.

A twig breaks behind him, Jeff swings around to find a larger man coming up from behind. a weapon in hand. "One more move and the girl is dead," Jeff warns, cocking his gun.

***
"Wake up, Mommy, wake up. Oh, please, please wake up," the four-year-old cries as blood continues to gush from the back of her mother's head.

Julie groggily opens her eyes and looks around. She sees dark, oak-stained cabinets running the length of the two outer walls her gray fridge in the corner between them. The stove and sink sit in the center of the room. Pots and pans hang from a rack above it. Why am I down here? Julie remembers being hit in the head and then falling to the floor.

"Please wake up, Mommy, please," Abby sobs.

Julie glances up to find her youngest daughter secured to a chair, tears streaming down her bruised up face. "He hurt my baby," she cries, scurrying across the floor.

"Hurry, Mommy, hurry, before the bad man comes back." Abby encourages as she tries to tug free.

"You can't move at all?"

"The rope is tied too tight."

"Hold still." Grabbing the rope between her teeth, Julie tries to loosen the knot, but the cord wouldn't budge. "Let me try something else."

"Hurry, Mommy, hurry."

Julie scans the room for another idea. Seeing the doggie door, she wiggles over to it.

"You can't get through there."

"You're right. I can't." She starts looking for another idea when she hears footsteps just outside the kitchen door. Julie inches her way towards the entrance and waits.

"What are you doing, Mommy?"

"Shhh." The kitchen door swings open, two large feet tromp into the room. Julie straightens her legs as he takes another step.

Losing his balance, the intruder tumbles to the floor. "You're going to pay for that."

Drawing her legs back, Julie kicks the bottom of her baker's rack. The large, sturdy piece crashes on top of him; objects scatter across the room.

"What's going on in there?" a second voice asks as he stomps their way. Steve finds his buddy under a pile of rubbish when he walks through the door. He sees the child tied to the chair, but her mother has disappeared. He tromps towards the little girl, a scowling look on his face. Grabbing the front of her PJ's, he glares into her big brown eyes. "You better tell me where she is before I give it to you again," he growls, raising his hand in the air.

Abby starts to cry. "Please don't hurt me, mister, please," she begs. Her small body begins to tremble as she stares into his cold, soulless eyes.

"Tell me where she is and I won't."

"I'm in here."

Steve follows her voice through the small pantry to the basement door. "I've got you now." He throws the barrier open.

Julie lifts her feet and kicks him in the back of the legs. Losing his balance, Steve tumbles down the old wooden steps.

***

The two detectives pull up to an adorable one-story red brick home in Berryville's elite section of town. The walkway had an array of colorful flowers on either side. Each leading to larger flowerbeds with concrete stairs in the middle.

"This must've set him back a pretty penny."

"More than we'll make in a lifetime."

"You're not kidding there." Chuckling, Joe knocks.

A tall, slender redhead opens the door a few minutes later.

"Mrs. Martin, my name is Sergeant Bower, and I'm with the Berryville PD."

"It's Ms. Lewis. I switched to my maiden name after the divorce," she informs them icily.

"Yes, ma'am." Clearing his throat he continues. "Your ex-husband had an accident on Bluebird, Mountain..."

"Victor is dead?" she exclaims.

"Yes, Ma'am, we're sorry for your loss."

"Loss, oh heavens no, his death is a blessing to us all."

The officers are taken aback by her reply. "A blessing, ma'am?" Jerry asks.

"I won't have to put up with his drunken fits anymore."

Jerry pulls his notebook from his pocket. "He had a drinking problem?"

"He had a drinking, drug and gambling problem for years. Spent our entire life saving supporting his habits and when that was gone, he remortgaged the house. Fortunately, I was able to save it before the bank foreclosed." She swipes a curl from her face. "This humidity really messes with my hair." She pushes more away.

"Does this Gentleman look familiar?" Joe pulls out a tablet and hands it to her.

She glances at it and then hands it back. "No, but I don't associate with him or any of the scum bags he calls friends."

"Where does he work?" Joe questions.

"He lost his job over a year ago, a legitimate one that is."

Jerry glances up from his paper. "A legitimate one?"

"He has to get his money from somewhere, right?"

"Where does he live?"

"Wherever he parks his car."

"Thanks for all your help."

"Thank you for such wonderful news."

"She took that well."

"A little too well, Jerr."

***
Characters
Jeff Donaldson, the man forced to commit crimes to save his family
Julie Donaldson, Jeff's wife
Abby, Rebecca Donaldson, Jeff and Julie's girls
Luigi Ricci, Bruno Bambini's goon
Bruno Bambini, kingpin.


Berryville PD
Joe, sergeant
Rachel, detective
Jerry, detective,
Sharon, ME, head of forensics





























































 


Chapter 17
Attempted escape

By Mistydawn

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.
Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of language.
Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of sexual content.

Summary
Jeff is told he can either help Bruno Bambini with his shady business or watch his family die a slow, painful death. How far will Jeff go to save the ones he loves?
Jeff has stolen a car and has been chased by the cops. He escapes from that only to be sent to another job. Jeff hears sirens in the middle of his illegal adventure. Setting the building on fire, he flees from the scene. Julie discovers an intruder in their house, which she manages to handle. Putting the pieces together, the Berryville PD are in pursuit of their suspect. Jeff was arrested and let go. He meets a mugger on the way home. After scaring off the mugger, Jeff turns towards Luigi, gun in hand. He decides to get the girls to safety before attempting such a move. Jeff is taken back to Bambini's where he's told about his final job, taking Bambini's rival hostage.

***
Bracing herself against the dryer, Julie shoves their heavy basement door closed. The shelves vibrate, several items fall to the floor. How am I going to keep him there? Seeing a basket of dirty laundry, she shoves it in front of the barrier. Now to find a way to escape.

"Mommy, Mommy," Abby screams from the adjoining room.

Julie finds George stroking her daughter's face when she squirms into the kitchen. "You leave my baby alone," she demands through gritted teeth.

George runs over and punches Julie in the nose. "Don't ever try a stunt like that again." He walks over and unties Abby's hands and feet. "It's time to have a little fun, princess." He smirks.

The child raises her legs and kicks him in the groin; he doubles over in pain. Abby pushes him backward; he stumbles across the junk scattered on the floor. Unable to regain his balance, George falls against the wall.

"Run, Abby, run," Julie yells. The young child heads for the door.

George grabs her pigtails as she darts by. "You're not going anywhere."

"Let me go, let me go," Abby yells, as she tries to break free.

"Time for George to have a little fun." He chuckles, dragging the child across the floor.

"Help me, Mommy, please help me," Abby begs, throwing her arms out towards Julie.

Precious moments of her daughter's life flash through Julie's mind as the child is being carted away. She visions holding Abby in her arms for the very first time. She then recalls Abby babbling tirelessly in her chair, food smeared across her sweet face; how her child's first word took her by surprise. Julie wasn't sure if she should hug her or scold her for saying a four-letter word. Julie then remembers Abby toddling around the house; how she'd say ut oh when she fell down. Her child's desperate cry brings her back to reality.

"Stop him, Mommy, please stop him," Abby begs.

"Please, mister, please take me instead," Julie bawls. George gives her a once over and sneers. "I'll do whatever you want, for as long as you like if you leave my baby alone," she sobs.

George turns around. "You're not my type," he replies, lugging Abby through the door.

"Help me, mommy, please, help me," the child begs.

"No, please don't hurt my sweet baby; please don't hurt my little girl," Julie sobs.

***
Jeff is holding a gun to Antonio's daughter's head. Her Daddy is to the right of him, a gun at his feet. Antonio's friend is to his left with a gun in his hand.

The small child is trembling in Jeff's arms as she continues to cry for her daddy. I wish I didn't have to do this, Jeff thinks. He then remembers Luigi's warning moments before. Wiping the sweat from his face, he leans over and whispers: "No, voy a hacerte, Dano, te lo prometo." (I'm not going to hurt you, baby, I promise.) The child continues to scream.

"I've done what you've asked, so put my daughter down," Antonio says.

Jeff glances over to find his friend motionless on the lawn, gun in hand. "Your friend needs to drop his weapon too."

"Drop the girl, or else," the friend warns as he takes aim at Jeff's head.

"Not until Antonio gets into my car."

"He's not going anywhere with you, so drop the girl before I splatter your brains across the lawn." The friend cocks his gun.

Realizing he's about to be killed, Jeff turns and shoots the friend. A bullet lodges in the center of his head, brain matter spews across the freshly cut yard.

"Salvame, Papa, por favor, salvame," (Save me Papa, please save me.) the terrified child cries.

Antonio scoops his gun off the ground. "Let my daughter go."

Jeff spins around as Antonio pulls the trigger. The bullet hits the little girl in her chest.

"No, mibebe," (No, not my baby.) her father cries.

Lifting up his gun, Jeff pulls the trigger. A stream of bullets hits Antonio; he folds to the ground. Jeff glances down to find the child's lifeless body draped over his arm. "Not the little girl." Dropping to his knees, he begins to cry.

***
The house is completely still, except for Julie continued sobbing as she lies tied up on the cold tile floor; relentlessly praying that their horrific nightmare will end. Julie realizes her two beautiful babies are upstairs being beaten and raped, and she can't do anything to stop it.

The clock ticks down the seconds; her anxiety continues to build as horrific pictures flash through her mind. Please don't let him hurt my babies, please, she begs, trying to dismiss the gruesome images that plague her mind. "Please God, oh please send someone to rescue us," she continues through teary eyes.

Hearing pounding in the other room, Julie jumps, she then realizes someone is at their front door. This might be our only chance, she thinks as she scurries across the clutter on the floor.

"Call 911," she screams as she inches her way through the house.

She sees Rebecca's two best friends on the porch when she glances through the side window. "Shelly, Amber, call 911," she repeats as she anxiously looks towards the stairs. She wasn't sure where George is or how much he can hear.

"It looks like they're gone," Shelly says, turning towards the road.

"I hope she hasn't forgotten." Amber glances at the house again.

The two young girls step off the porch as Julie moves closer to the door. "Call for help," she screams, pounding the stained glass window with her feet.

Amber pivots around.

"What's wrong, Amber?"

"I thought I heard something."

Shelly stops and listens. "All I hear is the wind."

"I guess you're right," Amber bounces down the remaining stairs; Shelly follows behind her.

Julie bangs on the glass. The pair continues to chatter as they head towards their van. Frustrated, Julie pounds the window harder than before. The sudden impact causes her feet to go through it; small glass fragments spew across the porch. Julie pokes her head through. "Amber, Shelly, come back, please come back," she yells as she clears the remaining shards from the pane. The girls continue towards the street. "Come back, girls, please come back," Julie screams, pulling her butt across the mess.

Pain coursed through her body as tiny fragments stick into her skin. Pushing the discomfort aside, she works her way towards the porch. She just makes it to the edge of the stairs as the van drives away.

"No, don't go. Please don't leave us here, please," she sobs, watching the van fade out of sight.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" a voice asks.

She looks up to see George standing behind her in his birthday suit, fully erect. Julie shivers at the ghastly sight.

He grabs her hair and drags her through the glass. "Guess I'll have to lock you in the basement from now on."

"No, not the basement," she begs, remembering how she kicked his buddy down the steps.

"I can't leave you out here, now can I?" George scoops her up and slings her over his shoulder. Julie draws back her legs and kicks him as hard as she can.

"Your babies hit harder than you." He chuckles, recalling how aroused he got when they struggled.

She sinks her teeth into his back as she digs her nails into his skin. Tiny droplets of blood quickly appear. Julie does it again.

"The more you hurt me, the more I do to your babies," he warns.

"No, not my girls, please not my girls. I'm sorry, so, so sorry. I promise I'll never do it again."

"It's too late for that," George replies as he waddles towards the kitchen. He hears pounding on the other side of the room when he steps through the door.

"Let me out you moron," Steven orders. George runs over and flings the barrier open. "What the hell happened to you?" George asks, eyeing his partner's mangled face.

"That damn bitch is what happened to me." He sneers. "It's time you learned a lesson." He jerks her off George's shoulder.

"Do what you want with her, cause I have two pretty young ladies waiting for me upstairs."

"Please don't hurt my babies, please," Julie cries.

"You have more to worry about than those damn brats," Steven says, tossing her down the stairs.
***
Characters
Jeff Donaldson, the man forced to commit crimes to save his family
Julie Donaldson, Jeff's wife
Abby, Rebecca Donaldson, Jeff and Julie's girls
Luigi Ricci, George and Steven, Bruno Bambini's goon
Bruno Bambini, kingpin.
Berryville PD
Joe, sergeant
Rachel, detective
Jerry, detective,

Sharon, ME, head of forensics
 


Chapter 18
Attempted Escape (Part 2)

By Mistydawn

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.
Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of language.

Summary
Jeff is told he can either help Bruno Bambini with his shady business or watch his family die a slow, painful death. How far will Jeff go to save the ones he loves?
Jeff has stolen a car and has been chased by the cops. He escapes from that only to be sent to another job. Jeff hears sirens in the middle of his illegal adventure. Setting the building on fire, he flees from the scene. Julie discovers an intruder in their house, which she manages to handle. Putting the pieces together, the Berryville PD are in pursuit of their suspect. Jeff was arrested and let go. He meets a mugger on the way home. After scaring off the mugger, Jeff turns towards Luigi, gun in hand. He decides to get the girls to safety before attempting such a move. Jeff is taken back to Bambini's where he's told about his final job, taking Bambini's rival hostage.


***
Rachel is at her desk trying to find something to connect Jeff with Bambini. Her two partners are working alongside her, hoping they can figure it out. The hustle and bustle of the police station continue all around them, but the three are too busy trying to wrap things up to pay it any mind.

Rachel was about to give up when she discovers the Donaldson's had deposited a large sum six years ago. "I found something interesting." A perplexed look crosses her face as she glances up from the screen.

"What is it, Rachel?"

"According to the bank records, Jeff made a $30,000 cash deposit, two weeks before their college graduation."

"Maybe it was a present?"

"From whom? Her parents are dead and Jeff's parents don't have that kind of money. Besides, why wouldn't they just write them a check?"

Joe scratches his balding head; it's something he does when he's in deep thought. "Maybe they didn't want the cash traced back to them?"

"That'd only happen if the benefactor is a loan shark, laundering money, or committing tax fraud," Rachel concludes.

"And you think Bambini had something to do with this?" Joe asks, trying to connect the dots.

"It's the only logical explanation I can think of. It would also explain why Jeff is working for him."

"How do you suggest we prove it?"

"Search Bambini's accounts."

"Good luck with that." Joe laughs.

"You don't think I can prove it?"

"It's nothing against you; I just know first hand how well Bambini covers his tracks."

"Oh, I see. So, you think since you couldn't do it, I won't be able to either. Well, watch and learn, Mr. watch and learn," she replies, tapping on the keyboard.

Joe looks at Jerry. His partner mouths: "you're in the doghouse now."

Bringing his hands to his mid-chest, Joe moves his fingers down to resemble paws. Rolling his tongue out of his mouth he pants. They both snicker.

Rachel glances up from her screen. "What's so funny?" She finds Jerry and Joe trying to contain a laugh.

"Nothing." They answer in unison, snickering again.

"Guys, there's been a shooting in the historical district," the captain announces as he rushes to their desks.

"Isn't that out of our jurisdiction, Captain?" Joe questions.

"It is, but they've specifically requested you three."

"What do they want with us?"

"The Captain believes Jeff Donaldson is the shooter."

***

Julie is naked on the hide-a-bed in the basement. Her hands and feet are secured to its metal frame; fresh blood oozes all around her. "Please God, please send someone to help us before it's too late," she begs into the darkness.

The room suddenly brightens; a child's voice cries out. "I want my mommy, I want my mommy, " Abby cries as heavy footsteps tromp down the stairs.

Julie turns to find Abby in George's arms. "You're alright," Julie cries.

"I told her she can see you if she behaves." George tosses her on the bed.

Julie notices the welts and bruises on Abby's arms and legs when the preschooler lands beside her. He hurt my little girl. Her body begins to tremble as fury courses through her veins. She glares up at George, fire in her eyes. Cocking her head to the side, she says through gritted teeth: "If I ever get loose from here, so help me God I'll... I'll..."

"You'll do what, small fry?" George laughs.

"I'll kill you and your partner, and I'll make sure it'll be a slow, painful death."

"You think your threats scare me cause they don't. Hell, I've fought women twice your size and won. Didn't work up a sweat, either." George scans her petite frame. "I bet it'd be nothing to knock your sorry ass around, not even a warm up."

"Rot in hell, you bastard." She tries to sit up; the rope pulls her back down. George laughs again. "You're a dead man, hear me a dead man," she screams.

"I'm... I'm so... So scared." Chuckling, George closes the door.

"You're a dead man, George, a dead man," Julie repeats as his laughter fades away.

Frightened, Abby glances up at her mommy; tears flow from her red, swollen eyes."Hold me, Mommy, please hold me," she begs, cuddling against her.

Julie feels her baby trembling against her. She lays her head on top of the child's hoping the small gesture will bring her a little comfort. "I'll get us out of this, honey, I promise."

"I love you, Mommy," Abby cries, scooting closer.

"I love you too, baby, now and forever, with all my heart," she says relishing every second of the precious moment she thought she would never have again.

***

Julie wakes up to find the small ray of sunlight quickly fading away. She then hears shuffling in the room above her. I need to figure a way out of this and I need to do it quick. Julie scans the room for ideas. "Abby honey, it's time to wake up."

"I'm still tired, Mommy," the child whines.

"I am too, but sleeping won't help us get free."

"What are you going to do?"Abby asks, rubbing her eyes.

"It's what you're going to do."

"Me?" She pulls herself up.

"You need to help me get loose."

Abby glances at the rope. "How?"

"You need to untie me."

Abby scans the rope again. "I... I don't think I can."

"You're a smart girl, you can do this."

Abby sees the reassuring look on her mother's face. Not wanting to disappoint she meekly replies: "I'll try."

"That's my girl."

The child scurries to the top of the bed. "What do you want me to do?"

"Remember how we practiced tying and untying your shoes?"

"I think so."

"Do the same with the rope."

Abby fiddles with the cord. "I can't remember how."

"Try sweetheart, please, just try." Abby turns her attention back to the task at hand. "I can't get it, Mommy."

"Try again."

Abby does what she's told, but the knot wouldn't budge. "I still can't do it," she whines.

"It's ok, sweetie, I'll think of something else." She anxiously looks around. "See the knife on daddy's workbench?"

"The one you told us not to touch?"

"That's the one."

Abby gulps. "What... What about it?"

"I want you to get it for me."

"Won't I hurt myself?" she nervously asks as she stares at the sharp, scary object, shining in the dim light.

"Not if you're careful."

Abby grabs the handle with her fingertips and slowly walks towards her mom; she sighs with relief when she finally makes it to the bed.

"I knew you could do it."

"I am a big girl, Mommy," Abby says proudly.

"Yes, you are. Now, I want you to slide daddy's knife between my wrists and the rope."

"Like this?"

"Turn it the other way around. Perfect, now I want you to move it back and forth as you pull up on the knife."

"I can't do it," Abby says as she pulls upward on the handle.

"Saw and pull at the same time."

"Like this?"

"That's the way." Julie nervously glances towards the door and then turns her attention back to her daughter. "You're doing good honey, but you need to hurry before those men come back." Abby slices through the rope quicker.

"I did it, Mommy, I did it," she exclaims as the final cord falls free.

"You sure did, now hurry and do the other one." Abby scampers across the bed. She starts to put the knife in place when they hear footsteps on the stairs.

"Hurry, lay beside me and pretend you're still asleep."

***

Jeff starts having flashbacks of the fatal shooting as he continues north on Hwy 65. He wasn't sure where he was going or what he'll do when he gets there. He just knows he can't stay in Arkansas a second more.

I killed two people in cold blood and I got an innocent baby shot too. What did I do? What did I just do? I have to get out of here before the police find me, but where should I go? Will Bambini kill my wife and kids the way he promised now Antonio's dead?

Jeff thinks back to all of the warnings he and Luigi gave. How they would've been fatal if the people didn't do what they were told. I have to save my family. He starts to turn around when another thought comes to mind. The cops will arrest me before I make it across town. I could call the police; say that Bambini is holding my family hostage. They'll probably trace the call back to me, but at least I know Julie and the girls will be safe. Deciding on a plan, he pulls his vehicle to the shoulder of the road.

Jeff reaches for his phone but grabs Luigi's instead. He sees his beautiful wife naked on the pull-out couch in the basement. Her body encircled in blood; their youngest daughter is curled up beside her. He quickly discovers that neither of them seems to be alive. He zooms in the picture, hoping to find a sign of life, but still doesn't see their chests rise and fall.

"Not my sweethearts, oh, please, not my girls." Tears stream down his blood-smeared face as he continues to watch the screen.

Jeff's sorrow turns to fury and his fury to rage. Throwing the phone in the seat Jeff makes a U-turn onto the highway; "Those sons of bitches killed my family and now they're going to pay."

***

Characters
Jeff Donaldson, the man forced to commit crimes to save his family
Julie Donaldson, Jeff's wife
Abby, Rebecca Donaldson, Jeff and Julie's girls
Luigi Ricci, Bruno Bambini's goon
Bruno Bambini, kingpin.
Berryville PD
Joe, sergeant
Rachel, detective

Jerry, detective,
Sharon, ME, head of forensics

 


Chapter 19
Fight for Freedom

By Mistydawn

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.
Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of language.


Summary
Jeff is told he can either help Bruno Bambini with his shady business or watch his family die a slow, painful death. How far will Jeff go to save the ones he loves?
Jeff has stolen a car and has been chased by the cops. He escapes from that only to be sent to another job. Jeff hears sirens in the middle of his illegal adventure. Setting the building on fire, he flees from the scene. Julie discovers an intruder in their house, which she manages to handle. Putting the pieces together, the Berryville PD are in pursuit of their suspect. Jeff was arrested and let go. He meets a mugger on the way home. After scaring off the mugger, Jeff turns towards Luigi, gun in hand. He decides to get the girls to safety before attempting such a move. Jeff is taken back to Bambini's where he's told about his final job, taking Bambini's rival hostage. The rival, his friend and little girl die in the shootout.  Abby is trying to help Julie escape when their kidnapper storms down the steps.
***



The three detectives pull up to find the Eureka Springs officers' busily processing their scene.
The day is becoming darker by the second as heavy rain clouds quickly move in.

The Sergeant first notices a chalked outline of a body at the edge of the freshly cut lawn. He then sees a large puddle of blood a few feet from the sandbox; spent shell casings lay off to the side. A trail of liquid mass leads from it to a second outline a few feet from the home.

"You wanted to see us, captain?" Joe asks as he and his team approach him.

"I believe the shooter is your man." He hands the sergeant a sketch.

Joe takes a look, nods and then hands it to his detectives. "What happened?"

"Our three witnesses claim they saw a white male, approximately 6'4 with sandy blond hair shoot the two victims and then speed away in a blue coupe."

"When did it occur?"

The captain glances at his watch. "Approximately an hour ago."

"What's the victims' names?"

"They are Antonio and Manuel Rodriguez."

"Don't narcotics have them on their radar, boss?" Jerry questions, scratching his head. A habit he's picked up from Joe. The captain says it's a sign that they've been together too long.

"They believe the brothers smuggle drugs in from Mexico. They just haven't been able to prove it yet."

"Well, their suspicions were correct. My officers found ten kilos of cocaine when they searched the house."

"Did the witnesses say anything else?"

"I believe it'll be easier if I read you their report." Taking a worn clipboard from his officer, the captain flips it open. Clearing his throat he begins. "The witness ran to their windows when the shooting began. She said she saw the killer holding Antonio's four-years-old, daughter in his arms, a gun pointed at her head. The men exchange a few choice words; the perp shoots the two men and leaves."

"What about the little girl?" Jerry fearfully questions.

"We found her in her daddy's arms."

"She's alright, though, right?" He gulps, hoping for the best but expecting the worst.

"I'm sorry, detective but she took a single bullet to the chest. Our ME believes it came from her daddy's gun." Seeing the look on Jerry's face, he quickly adds. "The ME said the child's death was instantaneous, that she didn't suffer."

"Thank god for that," Joe says.

"A stray bullet takes another innocent life." Jerry tearfully glances towards the ground. His wife and daughter were killed in a drive-by ten years ago. Jerry joined the police academy soon after claiming he wanted to prevent others from experiencing such a horrific event.

"I believe Bambini has a part in all of it." Rachel pipes in.

"I wouldn't doubt it."

"Now, all we have to do is find Jeff and enough evidence to nail them," Jerry adds.

They start to walk away when they hear an officer call. "Captain, Sergeant, sir, I think you need to see this." He motions them over.

"What is it, son?" the captain questions as he continues across the yard.

"I found evidence that'll tie Bambini to the murders."

***

Julie and Abby cuddle closely together on the hide-a-bed in the basement. Fear surges through every ounce of their being as Steven continues down the steps.

"I hope you're ready for another round." He rubs the large bulge in his pants and smiles.

"Please, leave us alone, please," Julie begs, laying her head on top of her child's.

"Don't worry, you'll get your brat back, once I'm finished with you." He reaches for her daughter.

Abby lifts her legs and pushes him as hard as she can. He stumbles backward, landing on the bottom step. Julie reaches over and cuts through her restraint.

"You bitch," Steven yells, charging towards them.

Julie swings the knife around; the blade plunges deep into the vile man's chest. Blood spews from his wound as his brawny body stumbles backward. Crashing against the wall, he slides to the floor.

Julie quickly unties her feet

"Hurry, Mommy, hurry." Abby glances over to find Steven moving around. Scooping up the bat, the young child runs over and whacks him over the head. His body falls sideways across the bottom step.

"Come on." Taking hold of Abby's hand, Julie bolts up the stairs.

Julie's body weakens and her head begins to spin. Excruciating pain shoots through her. Julie grabs the banister as she doubles over in pain.

"Are you alright, Mommy?"

"I will be in a minute," she takes a few deep breathes, hoping it'll give her a little relief. I have to do this, I just have to, she thinks. Taking Abby's hand, she darts up the steps.

Julie places her ear against the wooden barrier and listens. Not hearing a sound, Julie opens the door and takes a quick look around. Finding the room empty, she dashes across the room; Abby trailing behind her. "You need to run to the neighbor's as fast as you can," Julie nervously instructs as she throws the porch door open.

"What about you, mommy?"

"I'll be there, as soon as I find sissy. Now go before George comes back."

The child looks out across the lawn, then at her mom. She knows she should get help but doesn't want to leave her with the mean men.

"I'll be alright honey, I promise, now go."

"I love you, mommy."

"I love you too, honey, now go."

Taking one last look at her mother's beautiful face, Abby darts across the lawn.

"Be safe, baby, she whispers as she tearfully watches her daughter's frail body fade into the distance. She turns to find George coming up behind her.

"Trying to escape, are you?" Grabbing a fist full of Julie's hair he drags her inside.

Julie swings her arm around and punches him in the nose. Blood spews across his stubbly face.
"This is for my girls." She uses every bit of energy she could muster to roundhouse him again His large flabby body stumbles backward, tripping over the strewed junk.

Darting across the room, Julie throws the utensil drawer open. The sharp cutlery clanks together from the sudden move. She reaches for a knife; George grabs a hold of her arm.

"I don't think so." He slings her across the room. Julies frail body crashes against a shelf. An assortment of knick-knacks teeters noisily above her. She moves out of the way; one topples over, smacking her in the head. Her body crumbles to the floor.

***

Fury surges through every cell in Jeff's body as he clinches and unclinches the steering wheel. His wife and daughter's bodies lying motionless on the bed is forever infixed in his mind. He knows going back to Arkansas is a risky move, but he doesn't care, not when he has a score to settle with Bambini and his goons.

"I told you what I'd do if you hurt my girls. Now you and your crew are going to pay." Jeff glances at the AR15 beside him. He'd taken it and a handgun from Antonio before he fled. "I'm coming for you, Bambini, for you all of your crew," he roars through clenched teeth.

He makes a sharp right onto the county road. The car's hot tires squeal in protest as the backend fishtails around. "All of you worthless, pieces of shit are going to die." He shoves the pedal to the floor. Rocks ping against the side of his car, but Jeff is too busy picturing the appending massacre to notice. "You're going to wish I was never born." Sliding into the drive, he pockets the handgun and then scoops the rifle from the seat.

Anger boils inside him as he stomps across the yard. You're so dead, he thinks as he storms down the hall.

Reaching the office door, Jeff kicks it open. The heavy barrier slams against the wall. A large family portrait crashes to the floor, small shards of glass scatter across the moss-colored carpet.

Bambini springs to his feet. His face becomes a crimson red as anger surges through every ounce of his short, rounded body. "How dare you kick in my door," he yells, pounding his fists on the desk. Papers scatter to the floor.

"Your goons killed my family and now you're going to pay." Lifting the gun to his shoulder, Jeff squeezes the trigger over and over again. A shower of bullets sprays across the room. "No one hurts the Donaldson and lives to tell about it, not while I'm alive."

***

Characters
Jeff Donaldson, the man forced to commit crimes to save his family
Julie Donaldson, Jeff's wife
Abby, Rebecca Donaldson, Jeff and Julie's girls
Luigi Ricci, George,
and Steven, Bruno Bambini's goon
Bruno Bambini, kingpin.


Berryville PD
Joe, sergeant
Rachel, detective
Jerry, detective,
Sharon, ME, head of forensics


Chapter 20
Bittersweet End

By Mistydawn

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.

Summary
Jeff is told he can either help Bruno Bambini with his shady business or watch his family die a slow, painful death. How far will Jeff go to save the ones he loves?
Jeff has stolen a car and has been chased by the cops. He escapes from that only to be sent to another job. Jeff hears sirens in the middle of his illegal adventure. Setting the building on fire, he flees from the scene. Julie discovers an intruder in their house, which she manages to handle. Putting the pieces together, the Berryville PD are in pursuit of their suspect. Jeff was arrested and let go. He meets a mugger on the way home. After scaring off the mugger, Jeff turns towards Luigi, gun in hand. He decides to get the girls to safety before attempting such a move. Jeff is taken back to Bambini's where he's told about his final job, taking Bambini's rival hostage. The rival, his friend and little girl die in the shootout.  Abby is trying to help Julie escape when their kidnapper storms down the steps.
***


A shower of bullets sprays across the room as Jeff pulls the trigger as fast as he can.. Luigi and Bambini's bloody, bullet-riddled bodies stumble backward and then folds to the floor. "No one hurts my family, no one, not while I'm alive," Jeff screams.

Hearing footsteps behind him, Jeff swings around. He discovers a short, heavyset lady headed towards him a small child at her side.

"Papa," the little girl cries. Running across the room, she drapes her arm around Bambini's neck; her body falls against his bloody corpse. "No, papa no, don't die, please don't die," she sobs.

Jeff's heart breaks as he watches the scene unfold. I've turned into a cold heartless killer like them.

The older lady shouts something in Italian; her hands fly about as she screams. "Perche hai ucciso mio marito, perhche?" "Why did you kill my husband, why?" she asks as tears stream down her plump face.

Horrified by his discovery, Jeff pushes her aside. He's almost to the entryway when the front door flies open. Jeff slides to a stop as two brawny men step through the door.

***

A heavy darkness falls over the kitchen. Julie is in a dazed state, propped against the wall. George is standing over her pleased with his recent victory.

 "Your girls fight harder than you." The vile man laughs as he scoops the rope from the floor.

That's what you think. Julie tightens her grip on the knife. When he's arm's reach away, Julie stabs him in the groin.

"You bitch," he screams grabbing his family jewels.

Julie lifts her legs and shoves him away. George loses his balance; he plummets to the floor. She darts over and plunges the knife deep into his chest; the blade punctures his lung; he gasps for air.

"I told you what I'd do if I ever get free, you sick fuck. Well, now you're going to pay."

She raises the bloody knife again. "Rot in hell, you creep." Julie starts to swing it down when another thought comes to mind. "I could put you out of your misery, but I think I'll just let you suffer instead."

***

"Get out of my way," Jeff warns as he lifts the gun to his shoulder. The men continue towards him. "You asked for it." Jeff squeezes the trigger; the large men fall to the floor.

Jeff is maneuvering his way around them when he hears a child yell something in Italian. This is quickly followed by the click of a gun. The bullet pierces Jeff's thigh causing him to crumble to the floor.

Dropping her weapon, the frightened child runs to her mom. "Mi dispiace mamma, mi dispiace tanto" "I'm sorry mama, I'm so sorry." The little girl sobs as she collapses in her mother's arms.

 Using his gun as a crutch, Jeff manages to pull himself up. Excruciating pain shoots through him as he hobbles across the yard. Seeing police cars down the road, he dashes towards the house.

The cruiser skids to a stop; Jerry jumps out. "Stop, police," he yells, raising his gun in the air.

***

Julie dashes up the stairs, hoping to find Rebecca alive; sharp stabbing pain surges through her entire body. I've got to keep going, she thinks, pushing past the pain. She feels dizzy and lightheaded, her body teeters back and forth. Julie grabs the banister for support.

"Rebecca," she yells still trying to regain her bearings. Not hearing a sound, she darts down the hall. Her surroundings spin as her pain intensifies; Julie struggles to continue on.

"Sweetheart it's mommy, where are you?" she asks as she runs room to room. She finds her daughter in the center of her bed.

"I'm so happy I found you." Julie scoops the frail child into her arms. The child's cold, frail body flop against her. Julie listens for her breath but doesn't hear a thing and she doesn't feel her chest rise and fall. Lowering her to the bed, Julie checks for signs of life. "No, not my baby, not my sweet little girl, oh, please not my little girl," she sobs.

Grabbing her daughter, Julie rocks her back and forth. Tears stream down her pale, battered face as precious memories replay in her mind.

She remembers how happy she and Jeff were when she found out she was pregnant. A true miracle after being told she could never conceive. She then recalls holding Rebecca for the very first time. How the child looked so angelic, asleep in her arms. You're our precious gift from heaven," Julie says as she strokes the baby's ivory face. Julie then remembers all the fun times they shared. The countless tea parties Rebecca threw, dressed up in her mama's clothes. "I'd give anything to have those days again." Julie bawls as she clings tightly to her daughter.

"Please don't take her from me, dear Lord, please don't take her away. I'll be a better mom, a better person if you don't. I'll go to church, read the bible, and anything else you want me to do if you just let her stay. Please, Lord, please let her stay, oh please, please let her stay," she begs through her tears.

"I know I don't deserve her, but Jeff and Abby do. So, for their sake, please let her live, I beg you please let her live. If you have to take someone, take me instead. Please Lord, please take me instead. I've had my chance in life, but this precious child hasn't, so, please take me in her place. Please let me take her place. Please Lord, please take me instead." Her body heaves against the lifeless child as she continues to rock her in her arms.

Placing her wet cheek against her daughter, Julie continues. "I'm so sorry for everything that's happened to you. I'm sorry for not protecting you, for not being there when you needed me the most, and I'm so sorry for not rescuing you in time. Please forgive me, baby, please, please forgive me for what I've done.

Sobbing, Julie continues. "Know that I love you forever and that you'll always be with me in my heart until the day I die."

***

Being told about the hostage situation, Joe quickly dials Rachel's number.

"Rachel, it's Joe. I wanted to let you know there's a hostage situation inside the house. I've sent a backup, they should be there soon."... "No, I want you and Jeff to wait until help arrives."... "This isn't up for discussion I'm ordering you to stand down."..."Because I love you, damn it, that's why." Joe sees his partner laughing when he disconnects the call. "What's so funny, Jerr?"

"You just told Rachel you love her."

Joe replays the conversation in his mind. "Oh shit, I did."

***

Rachel and her crew bursts through the door determined to save her friend.

They'd just stepped inside when they hear sobbing on the second floor. Throwing caution aside, Rachel darts up the stairs; her crew quickly follows. She finds Julie on the edge of the bed, Rebecca in her arms.

"She's dead, Rachel; Rebecca is dead," Julie sobs.

Prying the child from her grip, Rachel hands her to a paramedic; he begins CPR.

"It'll be alright, Julie," she replies, wrapping her arms around her friend.

"It'll never be alright again, never and it's all my fault, all my fault," she sobs.

"Ah, guys, this little girl is very much alive."

"What?" Julie turns to see the monitor beeping. "My baby is alive, she cries, darting towards her child.

Two Weeks Later

Rachel is at her desk working on a new case. Chaos continues all around her, but she's determined not to allow it to spoil her good mood.

It's so nice to be able to go back to work knowing everything turned out fine, she thinks as she gazes off in the distance.

The DA offered Jeff a plea agreement where he'll serve minimum time if he turns state's evidence against Bambini's men. Since Julie killed the attackers in self-defense charges were never brought against her. Rebecca was released from the hospital a week after the incident occurred.

Rachel glances over to find Joe headed towards her. Things have been uneasy between them since he blurted out what he did. She's tried talking to him about it, but he makes up an excuse to leave.

"I'd like to talk to you about what I said." He plops down beside her.

"It's alright, Joe, I understand, it was..."

Joe puts his finger to her lips. "No, I don't think you do." He anxiously clears his throat. "I do love you, I have for a long time, but I wasn't sure how you..."

Bringing his face towards her, Rachel plants her lips on his.



***

Characters
Jeff Donaldson, the man forced to commit crimes to save his family
Julie Donaldson, Jeff's wife
Abby, Rebecca Donaldson, Jeff and Julie's girls

Luigi Ricci, Bruno Bambini's goon
Bruno Bambini, kingpin.

Berryville PD
Joe, sergeant
Rachel, detective
Jerry, detective,
Sharon, ME, head of forensics



 


One of thousands of stories, poems and books available online at FanStory.com

You've read it - now go back to FanStory.com to comment on each chapter and show your thanks to the author!



© Copyright 2015 Mistydawn All rights reserved.
Mistydawn has granted FanStory.com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

© 2015 FanStory.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Privacy Statement