Chapter 32
Well, church was fun today.
He generally avoided the place with a passion, but he’d remembered how fervent The Bitch’s mother was…and if the Angel wasn’t with her mother, there was only one other place she could be.
He’d been lurking outside the Fullertons’ after his playtime and caught a glimpse of Mary leading Daisy out of the house. Following on a whim, he’d found himself outside the church and decided what the Hell…
Slipping into the rear pew, he amused himself throughout the service by making faces at Daisy as she peered wide-eyed over the back of her own pew. They seemed to have the same opinion of the droning sermon.
Such a little angel she was, with those shining golden curls and her quick, easy smile. So beautiful…but she had a temper. He’d seen evidence of that. It was one of the things intriguing him so about her.
We will have such fun together.
He waved at her across the crowded church, and she wiggled her fingers back at him.
“I’ll see you soon,” he mouthed to her.
She giggled and covered her mouth with both hands. Mary leaned over and spoke sharply to the child. Daisy turned around with a pout.
Ah well, so much for quality time.
He slipped out of the church before the service ended, taking a deep cleansing breath of the cool air as soon as he cleared the building. He hated the hypocrisy of religion more than almost anything—except Brenda Barnett.
He slipped his hands into his pockets and strolled off down the street. What should I do to amuse myself today…?
The Sunday sun-worshipers were out in force already. So maybe he wasn’t the only one who hated church.
Religion was a funny thing. He’d heard it called “the opiate of the masses.” For some, he supposed it was. It soothed their consciences to put their pittances in the offering plate and sit piously in the pews while a minister spewed forth his tripe. Hell, most of the congregation slept through the sermons anyway.
To him, it was just a waste of time. Totally useless. When he was in college, he’d used a hollowed-out Bible to hide his stash of pot. No one had ever found it—not even his steady girlfriend—because they believed in the sanctity of the Book. It had a kind of holy invulnerability.
He’d even had cops toss his place twice, and they hadn’t touched the stash either. Never even glanced at the Book. That was the only time he’d ever found religion to be even remotely useful.
He pulled his cash out of his pocket. It would be nice to go somewhere for a real meal. Ramen noodles on a hot plate were getting old.
Counting through the wrinkled bills, he frowned. Fifteen bucks and change, and the rent was due again. Plus, he could feel the gnawing need for another fix.
His drug of choice was a lot more expensive nowadays than pot had ever been.
Well, the question of what to do today was now settled. First, he’d get something to eat, and then he’d go practice his own religion—he fingered the clasp knife in his pocket with a grin.
He needed to be careful…moving around in broad daylight wasn’t as safe as stalking the night. He knew his face was memorable—he’d just have to make sure that if someone saw him commit one of his crimes, they couldn’t identify him later.
Chapter 33
“Are you sure, baby?” asked Brenda, fighting to keep her voice even.
Daisy turned and looked up at her with a puzzled frown. “Yes, Mama. He smiled at me and waved just before we went to Sunday School. He told me he would come visit someday soon.”
“And you’re sure it was the same man, not just someone who looked like him?”
“Oh, yes. The man with the children in the boneyard. Nobody looks like him. It was him. I remembereded him good. Can I go play with Bones now?”
Brenda nodded—a set smile on her face. She mustn’t let Daisy sense anything was wrong. She was frightened enough for them both.
The little girl gave her a swift hug then bounded off into the house.
Brenda turned to Mary.
“Did you see Daisy’s skellyman?”
“What’re you talking about, Brenda Elaine?”
“Did you see him?” Brenda could feel the anger and terror building in her voice, and took a deep breath.
She started again. “This gaunt, disheveled man Daisy calls the skellyman—he’s been following us around. I think he might be homeless, but I’m not sure. He may be dangerous. Did you see him?”
Mary shook her head.
“I didn’t see anyone unfamiliar at the church, Brenda. What do you mean he might be dangerous? Is Daisy in some kind of danger? Have you put that child in harm’s way with all your carrying-on?”
Phillip spoke up. “There’s nothing to worry about, Mrs. Fullerton. The police have a sketch of the suspect now, and we’ll be on the lookout.”
“Brenda, this is too much! If anything happens to that little girl—”
“It’s not as if I asked some lunatic to stalk me, Mother,” Brenda snapped back. “I’m terrified by all of this!”
For a moment, Mary’s sharp eyes seemed to soften—Brenda felt her heart lift—and then Mary sniffed dismissively.
“Always thinking of yourself first. Never a moment’s thought for the rest of us.”
Brenda’s shoulders sagged in defeat. I must’ve imagined the softness.
“I just came by to check on Daisy. I-I’m going to be staying at a hotel for the next few days. I can take her with me, or—”
“—There you go, throwing money around again,” Mary interrupted, throwing her hands in the air. “How can you afford something like that, when you don’t even have a job—never have had a job worth anything? I thought I taught you better. Money doesn’t grow on trees, Brenda Elaine. Someday that insurance money is going to dry up, and then where will you be?”
Brenda gulped back rising tears. “So, I suppose it’d be better for me to stay at the house—that this lunatic has apparently got full access to—and let him murder me in my bed to save a few bucks? How very considerate of you to care, Mother.”
Her mother was brought up short, but only for a moment. “Well, if you’re in such imminent danger, you certainly aren’t taking that little angel with you. How would she get to school? Or do you even care?”
“Fine. She can stay here. Papa said he’d be happy to take her to school for a few days. I’ll call you when I know where I can be reached.”
“What about this skeloman you’re talking about, Brenda? If Daisy said he was at the church, how’d he know she was there? Do you think he knows where to find her?”
The thought sent an all-too-familiar spike of fear stabbing into Brenda’s soul. She couldn’t believe the man would harm Daisy. If she did, she would go absolutely mad.
“I’m sure things’ll be fine, Mother.”
Mary sniffed. “Seems to me you’re being awfully casual about all this, Brenda Elaine.”
“I’ll call you,” Brenda repeated stiffly, starting for the car before she said something that would be irreparable when this was finally all behind them.
Did Mother ever really love me at all?
“It was a pleasure meeting you, Mrs. Fullerton,” said Phillip, in a tone that implied it was anything but. He hurried to catch up with Brenda, opening the car door for her and settling her inside.
Brenda held herself together by sheer force of will until they had started off down the street, and then she burst into tears.
“Why must she always make me feel like I’m something she found on the bottom of her shoe? Ever since I was a little girl, she’s made me feel this way,” she sobbed.
Phillip reached over and patted her knee.
“It’s alright, sweetheart. Forget about her. For now, concentrate on where you want to go and what you need to do. If you let her get to you, what good does it do you?”
“You’re right…but it doesn’t make things easier.” Brenda swiped the tears from her cheeks, taking a deep shuddering breath.
Suddenly, she remembered something. “Oh, damn.”
“What is it?”
“Mask. I forgot all about her again. She’s just a baby. She can’t stay alone in the house—she’ll starve—but most hotels don’t allow pets.”
“Tell you what. Let’s get you checked in somewhere nice, and I’ll go pick up the kitten and take her to my place. I’ll take care of her until this mess is over. It’ll give me a chance to make sure the new keys work.”
“Would you?” She gazed over at him, her knight in shining…chinos. “What would I do without you?”
“Let’s hope you don’t need to find out anytime soon,” he replied, winking at her.
Brenda realized again how much safer she felt with Phillip than she had all year. Something about this man made her forget all the craziness of the last few days. Still…if they were going to be spending much time together, there was something she needed to get off her chest.
“Phillip…” she began tentatively.
“What is it, Brenda?”
“I really am sorry I’ve been so passive-aggressive lately. I appreciate everything you’ve been doing for me…for us…so very much. And I’ve enjoyed our time together…it’s just…”
“Sunshine, you’re under a world of stress right now. I accept that. I know your moods are all over the map because of this lunatic. So, for now, it’s okay. When we catch him, I’m sure things’ll even out. If they don’t…then we’ll talk. If it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out. But I’m going to give it every possible opportunity.”
She felt her cheeks warming.
“I understand…” She looked down at her hands.
“Which hotel do you want to go to? I know a great bed and breakfast—it isn’t one of the swanky chains with room service and a big screen TV, but it’s quiet and hospitable.”
“Sounds lovely,” she replied, going over her finances in her head. She’d been thinking more of one of the cheap hotels out along the highway. “How expensive is it?”
“I’m sure we can work something out. The owner is—”
“—your aunt, or grandmother, or cousin…or something.”
“Sister actually. Penny’s multi-talented.”
“Oh! I don’t think I could intrude on her. She’s got her hands full with the kids all day—when she gets home, she probably wants to relax.”
“Not if she wants her B&B to succeed, she doesn’t. Paying customers are what puts food on her table. Besides, this way you can keep track of what’s going on with Daisy—and even ride along to the school to help out if you want to. Seems like a win-win to me.”
“Okay,” she agreed. “When you put it like that.”
“Good.” He signaled a turn and pulled up to a neat two-story frame house set in a lawn bright with autumn flowers. “Because we’re here.”
Brenda rolled her eyes.
“I should’ve known.”
She felt a bit self-conscious in her wrinkled sweats. Mrs. Castillo always looked so cool and competent when Brenda saw her.
Phillip insisted on carrying her gym bag as he led the way to the front door. It was painted a cheery yellow, matching the trim of the house. He rapped on the door, and it was opened almost instantly.
“There you are!” cried Penny Castillo. “I thought something might’ve happened to you. You said you’d be right over,” she scolded.
Holding out a hand to Brenda, she continued, “I’m so glad to have you, Mrs. Barnett.”
“Please, if I’m going to be staying in your home, call me Brenda.” She glanced over at Phillip. “I didn’t know you were expecting us, Mrs. Castillo.”
“Don’t you worry about a thing, Brenda. And you call me Penny. You must be exhausted. Phil told me you didn’t get much sleep last night. Let me take you to your room and help you get settled.”
Penny turned and led the way up the stairs to an airy room with a view of nothing but trees. It felt like they were standing in a tree house.
“This room faces the green belt, as you can see—no distractions. I hope it’s okay. This is the only room with a private bath, and I thought you might appreciate that.”
“Very much,” Brenda replied, “but if it’s your best room—I-I’m not sure I can afford it just now.”
“Don’t you worry about it.” Penny waved her hand dismissively. “It’s the slow season, so there isn’t a pile of reservations to fill. Besides, if you can come to school with me a time or two next week, it’ll be payment enough. It’s the week before Halloween, so there’re a lot of projects to complete. The kids are all psyched up for the party next Friday, and they’ll be little hellions all week.”
“I insist on paying you something,” Brenda protested. “After all, this is your business.”
“We’ll figure that out when the time comes. For now, I’ll take this big lug downstairs and give him something to eat. Why don’t you go ahead and relax in the tub for a bit? I’ll send you up a lunch tray in a half-hour or so.”
Penny pushed the protesting Phillip toward the door to the room.
Once they were gone, Brenda examined the room more closely. The door had a chain, and she put it in place. Somehow, all the tension of the day seeped away with the simple action.
The bed was a queen-sized mattress covered with a bright yellow-based patchwork quilt. There was a writing desk in the corner, with a stack of stationary and a pen centered neatly atop it. An easy chair sat beside the sparkling window. On the dresser beside the door sat a small television.
“All the comforts of home,” Brenda murmured to herself.
She unpacked her bag into the dresser, and stowed the gym bag in the closet. Another door led into a bathroom with a full tub. Grabbing a change of clothes, she headed for the bath and started the water running in the tub.
The cast made it awkward to get her t-shirt over her head, but she finally managed, sinking down in the warm water with a sigh. God, it feels good!
Careful to keep the broken arm propped on the edge of the tub, she let her head rest on the rim and closed her eyes. This is heaven after the craziness of the last few days…
She dozed off for a few moments, waking when the water began to cool. Shaking her head to clear it, she stepped out of the tub and dried off with one of Penny’s fluffy towels.
The air in the room was still warm and damp. The mirror was fogged with condensation, and her attention was caught by the obscured glass. Scrawled on the mirror in large, childish letters was the phrase YOU CAN’T HIDE FROM ME!
Chapter 34
For once, the incident wasn’t the skellyman’s fault. He couldn’t be blamed for the writing on the mirror, because he was engaged in far more important mischief on the opposite edge of town.
He only wanted to borrow a car to run an errand, something that couldn’t be accomplished by bus. Problem was, there was no one to borrow it from. So, he needed to get creative.
He remembered the snotty little clerk who always gave him shit at the convenience store. As he recalled, she had a nice car. It’d be perfect. And he could finally give her the comeuppance she so richly deserved.
He loitered in the shadows outside the convenience store for an hour, waiting for her to get off work. The day was just flying by! And the gnawing need for a fix was getting stronger.
But he didn’t mind the wait. It gave him plenty of time to sharpen his knife.
Now he could see her through the plate glass window, chatting with her relief clerk as she gathered her things. Flipping her hair out of her coat collar, she exposed a long white neck just aching for a ruby necklace.
She stepped out of the store with a little wave to her replacement. She was parked in the employee spaces behind the store.
Another perk. No way to see the car from the street.
He slipped after her. Her car was a cute little compact in a bright yellow with vanity plates that read P4RTEE.
It gave him a moment’s pause. He couldn’t very well use a memory magn
et like that to pull off his errand. On the other hand, it was transportation, and it could always take him somewhere where there would be something a bit less conspicuous.
The girl opened her car door and threw her purse onto the passenger seat. As she slid into the driver’s seat, the skellyman caught the edge of the door before she could shut it.
“What the—oh, it’s you.” Her voice dripped contempt. “Look, man, I’m off duty. If you want to pay for a cup of coffee in pennies, go hassle the new clerk.”
She tried to pull the door free.
“I just need a ride, lady. Surely you can find it in your heart to help a buddy out.” He grinned, showing all his broken teeth.
She opened her mouth to protest, and he slammed his free hand into her windpipe, choking off the sound before it could erupt. She gasped, fighting to get her breath back.
“I understand,” he said with a nod, “you’d rather I drove.” Shoving her into the passenger side, he climbed into the driver’s seat, slammed the car door, and pulled out of the parking lot, turning toward the open countryside half a mile or so away.
The girl cowered on her side of the car, fumbling with her door handle.
He sped up.
“Feel free to jump,” he said amiably, “but I won’t guarantee you’ll survive the fall.”
“What do you want?” she whispered hoarsely, eyes wide with terror.
“I just needed a ride, but you had to get all snippy about it. Now I think we should get better acquainted, so you can see the error of your ways.”
“I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude. I’ll let you have the car—just stop for a second and let me out. Seriously, it’s all yours. Just slow down, even. I’ll jump out.” She was babbling now, clutching the door handle like a lifeline.
“No…no, I think I’ll keep you around for a while. It’ll be fun. You’ll see.”
She threw open the door—even though he was now outside of the town limits and doing about sixty-five miles per hour down a deserted stretch of road—and dove out of the car. She hit the tarmac and rolled several times, coming to a stop and lying there like a sack of rubbish.
Skellyman Page 14