Alone In The Darkness (11 page)

Kora pressed open the door and found two bodies sprawled out on the floor. One was bound and rocking gently on the ground while the other body was motionless face down near the closet. Kora dropped down next to Nick's body and placed a hand on him, “Nick are you ok?”

Her hand pulled back revealing a dark stain on the tips that smelled of blood. She scanned Nick's body and pulled the bindings off. Nick rolled onto his back and moaned.

Kora pulled Nick to a sitting position and pulled up on his belt leaning his tiny frame against her chest. Nick was small and Kora could drag him, bracing his arm over her shoulder. She carefully navigated the grass walkway between the houses while imagining how Nick could have gotten himself into his current position. Kora was never a fan of Nick so seeing someone get the best of him provided some enjoyment. After such a long evening Kora welcomed any reason to smile.

She reached the porch stairs, opened the front door, and walked through the entryway as Tyler came rushing in from the kitchen. Tyler’s face was lost in shock, “Jesus, what the hell happened?”

Kora laid Nick down on the living room couch and caught her breath, “I think the girl finally got the best of Nick. I would imagine we’re very lucky she didn't get away. That is nasty right there.” Kora pointed to the large welt on Nick's head and the dried blood trail down his face.

Tyler leaned in and examined the wound along his abdomen, “That looks like its still bleeding. Kora can you check his bag to see if there's some clothes or something?’”

Kora whispered to Tyler, “We need to get him to the hospital. There is one in town.”

Tyler shook his head, “I know, but we can't stop now. We've got a deadline to meet.”

“Tyler he's got an open wound on his side. We have to get him some help.” Kora's voice cracked slightly as she stared at Tyler.

“I know, we need to stabilize him and finish up. Then we'll drop him off in an hour or so. If anyone drops him off there will be questions. You won't be able to just leave him at the front door of the emergency room.”

Kora returned with Nick's bag and began pulling items out onto the table. Inside she felt cloth. She pulled and the two handguns fell out as the shirt unraveled. They struck the top of the coffee table. Both Kora and Tyler jumped as they clanked to the ground.

“Fuck.’’ Tyler reached down and pulled up the gun. He checked the chamber, “They’re loaded.             

‘’What is he doing with those?” Kora asked.

“I have no idea.” Tyler turned on the safety and gave one to Kora.

“I don’t want it,” Kora pushed back.

“Take it, I don’t trust that guy upstairs and this is our best protection.” She took the gun as Tyler pressed on the wound, blood pouring over his hands, “Tear that shirt up and press it on the belly wound.”

Kora tended to Nick as Tyler rose and began to pace the room. His lips moved quietly and he shook his head.

Kora rose, “We need to get him to a doctor.”

Tyler continued to pace, “We don't have time.” Tyler's eyes shifted to the roof as he heard Vadym pacing in the upstairs bedrooms.

Kora’s eyes narrowed, “What do you mean, we don't have time? Nick needs help.”

Tyler slowed his pacing and turned to Kora. His eyes narrowed and his lips turned white as his anger boiled up, “I think it's clear, we don't have time. In case you don't fucking realize,” his voice dropped slightly, “We've got some guy upstairs setting up for God knows what because Steven decided it was time to play badass.”

“It's not that way at all.”

Tyler's anger raged as he pointed at Kora, “I don't give a fuck what you think right now. This shit is out of our control. We are only here right now because I need to finish this round and make this delivery. My ass is on the line and I'm here staring at one of my workers in dire need of medical attention and an absolute mess upstairs.”

Kora put up her hands and pointed at the couch, “I know you're under pressure and things have gotten out of hand, but what we need to do right now is help Nick.”

Tyler looked at the body, “How many more bodies are we going to produce tonight?”

Kora was quiet before she answered, “His wasn't the only body in that room. There was another. One of the heads.”

Tyler’s hands were shaking. Kora had never seen him this upset before. Tyler took a deep breath and calmed himself, “You're going to stay with Nick and I will finish the run.”

Kora reached over and pressed down onto Nick's abdomen trying to slow the bleeding. The blood oozed through the shirt and smeared across Kora’s hands. She looked down at Nick, and gently spoke “It’s alright Nick, we’re going to get you to the hospital soon.” She knew it was a lie.

Dean's eyes opened and he stared up at the ceiling. He reached down and felt the pressure in his abdomen. The blood pressure medication was a diuretic and it would mean his third trip to the bathroom tonight. He carefully lifted the blanket and rose out of bed. He looked down to see his grandchildren sleeping soundly next to his wife. They had had a full evening of games, laughter, and food. He always enjoyed these weekends. He smiled as he turned to walk out of the dark doorway and down the hall to the bathroom. Halfway there the pressure began to build and he quickened his pace. He burst through the door flipping the light and slamming up the seat. He was nearly late as he relieved himself into the toilet.

His eyes squinted at the pain and burning sensation. He finished and leaned his arm against the wall and rested his head. “Jesus,” He said as his breath left his body.

The pain had increased from the day before and he knew a trip to the doctor was needed. He took a deep breath and flushed. He crossed the house and entered the kitchen opening the fridge. At the center was a half-eaten apple pie. He pulled down a plate and cut himself a piece. He grabbed the pack of cigarettes from the top of the fridge and walked out onto the back porch.

The air was cool and a gentle breeze flapped against his pajama pants. He placed the items down onto the porch railing and went back into the house to fetch his jacket. He emerged onto the porch and zipped up the coat. He slowly ate the pie through his mustache as he stood in the dark staring out across the yard to the tall tree line. From behind Dean a small scratch could be heard at the door. He turned and let out the old yellow lab. The dog stepped down the porch and began to sniff through the grass. Dean finished the pie and leaned against the porch column. He flicked open the zippo and released a cloud of smoke into the evening air.

Dean’s eyes began to droop. He called out to the dog, “Come on boy hurry up.” The dog looked back and continued to sniff. The dog knew this was his five minute warning.

Ahead of Dean he could hear the gravel pop from an approaching car. The lab stopped and lifted its head at the passing car, its ears perked listening to the distant intruder. The orange light shown through the blackberry bushes at the edge of the property as the car continued off into the distance up the length of the tree line and parked at the neighboring house. Dean could not see the house that shared his easement but he could see the lights turn off as the car parked.

The dog slowly made its way to the porch as Dean collected the plate and lighter from the railing and waited for the lab to pass him into the house. He entered through the doorway as a faint voice rang out in the distance, “Let me go!”

He stopped and looked over his shoulder to the tree line. He narrowed his eyes and listened carefully. After a moment he heard the voice again, “Please let me go.”

Dean stood quietly assessing the situation. He walked back into the house, closing and locking the door. He placed the dish into the sink, picked up the phone, and dialed 911.

Jennifer’s arms shifted on the floor as the plastic crinkled beneath her fingertips and stuck to her face. Her ears rang and head throbbed with pain as she raised her hand to her face and wiped away a thin line of blood. Her eyes opened and she struggled to scan the dark room. The light from the hall outlined the door and illuminated the smooth wood floor boards. Along the far wall was a boarded up window. She carefully stood up from the floor and tested the board strength. The boards creaked but would not give. Around the room furniture had been stacked haphazardly. A nightstand stood precariously on a dresser and the bed was on end against the far wall smashed against the railings. Jennifer carefully opened the drawers, the old wood gnashed against the rusted railings, as she reached her hand into the dark, her fingers feeling for anything but finding only dust.

Jennifer crossed the room. Her anxiety was taking over as her breathing rose and heart rate surged. The floorboards creaked under her toes as she carefully crossed the plastic floor. She could feel her heart in her throat beating as she reached out to the closed door. Her hand grabbed the knob and turned. She heard a click and she knew she was locked in. She lowered herself to the ground and peered out from the bottom of the door and into the hall. She could hear rustling and noises coming from the hallway. A small light illuminated the edge of the span and she could see a shadow moving quickly as if preparing for something. Her mind was still in the driveway, feeling the gravel drag beneath her hands. The pain as her hair was pulled out strand by strand and being thrown like a toy into the house. She remembered calling out for help but everything went black after that. She knew this shadow must be the man that caught her outside, that special surprise that was promised to her. She stared across the hall to see the staircase leading downstairs. Light lifted up from the first floor and lit the dark landing. She knew her only escape would be though the house.

Suddenly footsteps materialized and stormed down the hallway towards the room. Jennifer cupped her mouth to mask her breathing. Had he heard her? The whites of her eyes shone out the bottom of the door as the feet stopped. She could see the man’s toes dancing in the boots. She could see the mud from the driveway, still fresh and wet. On the edge of the boot was blood smeared along the side, she could smell its metallic odor. Her face was at the door and would surely be hit if it opened, but she dared not risk moving for fear of drawing attention. She was supposed to be passed out on the floor not walking around. She could hear his labored breathing and the faint smell of cologne drifted down. The pause felt like an eternity before his boots turned and he walked down the stairs. The steps creaked and strained under the man's weight and she could see his pale cracked face as he disappeared beneath the railings. It was a blank face, muted and empty. Jennifer knew that she needed to assess her situation and prepare to leave. The face haunted Jennifer, it was a face of evil and she knew it would be back for her.

She stood and turned to the empty room, her shadow arced across the wall, as her eyes scanned. She took a step and her foot bumped an object. It was a large black bag. She leaned in and slowly opened the top of the bag, the zipper popped against each latch. She could see a pair of dark pants had been placed across the top. Her hand touched the fabric and it was sticky wet. She pulled her fingers back and in the dark she saw the wet stain dripping from her nails. She pulled the zipper again and in the faint light she saw a clenched hand resting. She pulled further seeing Steven’s face smashed against his arm. She fought the scream. She zipped up the bag and pushed back against the room shoving herself against the plastic lined wall. She frantically wiped her hand against her pant leg trying to clean herself of the horror she had touched. Tears streamed down her face as her mouth arched in agony. She got up and crossed the room slowly sliding down the wall, the plastic crinkled as she met the floor. She curled into a ball, holding her knees and silently poured out her pain alone in the dark room knowing these moments may be her last.

Conners drove down the valley heading home. He always enjoyed dropping the window and having the cold breeze blow through his hair. The rain had let up and he leaned back in his seat enjoying the open road. He pulled up his drink and took a sip. The day had been long and it would likely be an early start tomorrow. He was running excuses through his head to give to his wife, when his shirt pocket began to vibrate against his chest. He pulled the phone out and answered the call, “Conners here.”

“Good evening sir. This is dispatch. We've had a call about a domestic disturbance in the valley east of Arlington. We don’t have any units in the area and I was calling to see if you would check in on the call?”

Conners shook his head softly, “Is this urgent?”

“Sir a man said he heard a woman cry for help.”

“Any more information?”

“Just those details and an address. I've called in another unit but they are 10-15 minutes out.”

“Send me the address and I'll check it out until the other unit gets there.”

“Thank you sir. I'll send it to your computer now.”

The navigation system instructed Conners and he pulled onto the easement and into the driveway. Ahead was a man standing on the front porch. Conners exited the car and walked up to the entryway. “Good evening, or better yet good morning.”

“I think it is good morning officer. My name is Dean.”

“Conners,” they shook hands, “I got a call about a domestic disturbance that was reported?”

Dean nodded and went into his story, describing the car's arrival and the inevitable scream. On the porch next to him laid the old yellow lab panting in the cool morning air. Small traces of breath could be seen on each exhale.

Conners made notes in his book, “This is good information thanks. There should be another unit coming soon to assist. Dean, what do you know about your neighbors?”

“The house was up for sale awhile back and was purchased. There wasn't anyone using it until the last year or so. I don't know much except they tend to be quiet for the most part. I only see cars coming down the easement once in a while.”

“Is it a couple? Or family?”

“To be honest I'm not sure. I've seen some younger men driving up so they might be friends of one of the kids? I couldn't be for sure.”

Conners looked across the lawn and pointed to the tree line, “Just over the brambles there?”

“Yes sir.”

“Alright,” he put the book back into his pocket. “I'm going to drive by and take a quick look. I should be back when the next unit shows up.”

Dean nodded and shook the officer's hand, “Thank you sir.”