Embracing Series Box Set #1-6

by Delisa Lynn

  “Shut the hell up!” She whacks me with the gun. “Get over there, now.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Zander

  “Audrey, baby, are you in here?”

  The front door was wide open when I pulled up. Berry was laying on the kitchen floor and Audrey’s phone was on the counter. I called Alton. He’ll be here soon.

  I knew this was going to happen. If she would have just listened and not opened the fucking door…

  The security camera!

  I run into my office and pull up the tape. An old White Buick Regal pulls into the driveway. An older lady gets out and walks around the house. She sees Audrey sitting by the pool. She then walks back around to the front, opens the door, and walks in.

  “How the hell did she get a key?” I ask.

  Who the hell is this lady? Audrey knows her, I can see it in her eyes. The lady looks nervous when she approaches Audrey. Could she be the one that has been sending the letters?

  Audrey writes something on the counter with lip gloss. I run and look at the counter. The words read ‘MOM.’ Her fucking mother did this! My phone starts ringing.

  With shaking hands, I answer. “Hey dad, Audrey is gone. Her mom kidnapped her.”

  “Son, calm down. I don’t know what the hell is going on, but your mother is missing too. She was at the Bingo Hall with Jill and apparently someone in a white Buick forced her in the car. That’s all the info she gave me. I was calling you to see if you could call Alton in on this. Wait, did you say her mother?”

  “Yes, dad, Audrey’s mother. Do you think…Oh hell, do you think she has mom too? She hates her because she was in love with you.”

  “Damn it, son, you may be onto something.”

  “Alton should be here. Actually, I see him pulling in now. Get over here.”

  “I’m halfway there now. Where would she have taken them?”

  “I’m not sure, but hopefully she doesn’t hurt them. I can’t believe all this time we thought it was Ian.”

  “All right, don’t leave until I get there.”

  “Yes, sir. I’ll be here.”

  ***

  Zander

  “Alton, man, it’s Audrey’s birth mother and I think she kidnapped my mom too. From the video footage I saw, she had a gun on Audrey. I’m not sure how the hell she got a key to get in, but she had one.”

  “What the hell kind of twisted shit is this, man? I didn’t even know that she talked to her real mother. Or has she?”

  “Audrey hasn’t talked to her in years. Her mom kept writing her and Audrey just ignored her. The woman has some sort of infatuation with my father. I guess they dated back in high school, then my dad went off to the marines, then married mom. I guess, years ago, she told Audrey it was her fault that my dad didn’t want her. It’s some sick shit, man. We have to find out where she’s taken them. My dad is on his way here.”

  “I’ll call this in. Did they leave any kind of clues?”

  “No, not at all. Here, I’ll pull up the footage for you.”

  “Okay, that will give me some sort of idea of what’s going on.”

  “This bitch looks crazy, dude. If she hurts my woman or my mom, I will kill her. I can’t believe we’ve been looking at the wrong person all this fucking time. Today she got her chance to come in. I was helping dad at the barn. Apparently, she forced my mom in her car at the Bingo Hall. We have to find out where they are. He should be here any minute. Can you put out an APB on that car?”

  I show Alton the video.

  “Wow, Audrey was good not to put up a fight. It looks like her mom would be crazy enough to shoot her. Yes, I’ll put it out now. When your dad gets here, you two go together and I’ll go in my car. We’ll search the wooded areas along with all the abandoned places. Did you call her folks?”

  “Okay. Damn it, I didn’t. I’ll call her dad now. I know he will flip the fuck out. He hates his ex-wife.”

  “I suggest you call him. Maybe he’ll know where she would take them. Zander, do you think she would kill them?”

  “Fuck if I know. All I know is, we have to find them before she gets a chance to. I’ll call Mr. Ridge now.”

  ***

  Zander

  “Mr. Ridge, sir, it’s Zander. I, uh…Your ex-wife has kidnapped Audrey and my mother. We thought that Ian had been sending her all these notes and sabotaging her car, but after seeing the video, I think it was her mom all along.”

  “You have to be kidding me. I know Sandy is crazy, but I don’t think she would do something like that.”

  “Sir, we have her on video. I’m looking at it as we speak. Do you know anywhere she may have taken them? I know she has some sort of, umm, crush on my father.”

  “Damn, I always hoped it wouldn’t come to this. That woman is crazy about your father. She hoped to marry him one day, then he married your mother and she only married me because she was pregnant. She’s hated my Audrey since birth. Listen, meet me at the old Sinclair estate. She may be there with them. That’s where she grew up. I’m heading there now.”

  “On my way now, sir. I have my dad and Alton Miller with me.”

  “Okay, I’ll see you in a few. Son, bring protection.”

  “Yes, sir. I would never kill anyone, but if she hurts my girl or my mom, then she is a dead woman.”

  “I understand. I’ve spent Audrey’s entire life trying to protect her from that monster. I’ll see you soon.”

  “Okay, sir.”

  I hang up the phone and motion for my father and Alton to follow me. Why they hell would she take them to the Sinclair estate?

  My dad hops in my truck and we drive silently to the estate. It looks old and ran down. There’s no sign of them or that they had ever been there. I can see the pain in my father’s eyes. He adores my mother, and I always admired the love they shared. I was shocked when Audrey told me about him and Sandy. She’s nothing like my mother. She is evil, pure fucking evil.

  “Son, it doesn’t look like they’re here. I don’t understand why she would take them. It’s been over twenty-five years that your mother and I have been married. Surely, Sandy has moved on.”

  “Dad, the woman is crazy. I think she still loves you. I know when Audrey was a teenager, her mom took her to the estate and threatened her. That’s when she moved and Mr. Ridge filed for a divorce.”

  “I don’t think they’ve been here,” Mr. Ridge says as he runs his hands through his short, gray hair. “Do you have any idea where they could be, Mr. Kelley?”

  “I’m not sure. I had no idea Sandy felt the way she does. I haven’t spoken to her in twenty-five years or so.”

  “I know, Dexter. She has some issues. I had no idea that she would do something like this. We need to find them. At this point, she may hurt them both,” Mr. Ridge says as he looks around the property.

  “Zander, we just got a call,” Alton says. “There’s an old bread warehouse on six sixty five. They spotted a car matching Sandy’s. It’s a large place, but has been empty for years.” He jumps in his car.

  “I know that place. I worked there before and after I joined the army. Oh dear God, this is all because of me,” my dad says.

  “Dad, it isn’t your fault. Let’s go! Mr. Ridge, ride with us, sir.” I start my truck and back out of the Sinclair place. I follow Alton, going as fast as I can.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Audrey

  “Oh my God, Mrs. Kelley. Are you okay? How did you get here?”

  “Shut the fuck up, Audrey. Do not question that whore.”

  “Audrey, she is crazy. Please listen and do as she says,” Mrs. Kelley pleads. Blood is running down her face. Her eyes are black and her clothes are torn.

  “What have you done to her? Just let her go. This is about me ruining your life, isn’t it? Then let her go.”

  “Please, you think everything is about you. That bitch is the one that took my Dex from me. He loved me. Then, when he came back from Texas, he was with her. This is all about her.
She is nothing but a homewrecking slut. He was going to marry me. He asked me right here. Well, he didn’t come out and ask, but he said we would someday be husband and wife. Everything was perfect until she came along, so don’t tell me this isn’t about her.”

  “What do you want us to do? You can’t just keep us here. If you kill us, they’ll know it was you. You don’t want to spend the rest of your life in prison for a double murder. Let one of us go, please,” I beg.

  “Sandy, he did love you, but things changed. He broke up with you before he and I started dating. He never cheated on you.”

  “Stop it, just stop it. Both of you, shut up before I hurt you both. As soon as Ian gets here, he’s going to take Audrey with him. Then I can finish little Miss Homewrecker off.

  “He didn’t break up with me until after you two moved here. Don’t feed me your bullshit, Vivian. I know you were fucking my Dex while you were in Texas,” my mother says as she ran the gun along Vivian’s cheek bone. “Where the fuck is Ian? He was supposed to be here an hour ago.”

  “Ian is as sick and twisted as you are. Who is Clark Cooper?” I yell.

  “Oh Audrey, dear, you are so fucking clueless. Ian has always been working with me. How do you think I knew your every move? He is very gullible. He is also good in bed. Yeah, I’ve been fucking his sweet ass for years. The things that boy can do with his tongue…hell, I think I may need to fuck him when he gets here. How do you know about Clark?”

  “You’re sick. No, sick isn’t even the word. You’re a fucking lunatic!” I scoot closer to Vivian. “That’s the person who’s been calling me.”

  “Stop, get back over there. I promise you, I will hurt you. You mean nothing to me, never have. I should have aborted your ass. Leave Clark out of this. He will be dead soon, so you don’t need to know who he is.”

  “If I mean nothing, then why are you doing all of this?” I don’t even bother asking about Clark again.

  “Haven’t you two figured this out yet? Get a fucking clue. She ruined my life with Dex. Then your fat ass came along and ruined everything else. When you’re both gone, I can have Dexter back. I know he still loves me. Mmm, what I wouldn’t do to have his thick cock inside of me again. I’m sure it’s still as good as it was twenty-five years ago.”

  “You touch my husband and I will kill you. He doesn’t want you. Even if you were to kill us and get us out of your way, he would never have anything to do with you.”

  “Vivian, Vivian, Vivian…You ever talk to me like that again, I will blow that skanky little head of yours off.” She whacks her with the handle of the gun. Vivian’s blood splatters on my legs.

  “You’re a sick, twisted bitch. Let your daughter go. This is about us. You want to beat me to death? Come on, you crazy whore. Fucking your daughter’s ex to pay her back? That’s real classy of you, Sandy. Dexter was right, you’re nothing. He did the right thing when he broke it off with you.”

  “I will kill you, you fucking whore. I was his everything until you came along.” Sandy lunges on top of Vivian and starts beating her with her fist. “I hate you. You destroyed what he and I had.”

  I guess she didn’t realize she dropped her gun. I scoot over until my foot can reach it. Earlier, when she was arguing with Vivian, I was able to free up one of my hands. Using my feet, I bring the gun closer and grab it with my free hand.

  I look around. I don’t see Ian anywhere.

  “Get off of her or I will blow your head off!” I point the gun at her. I’m trembling, but blowing Sandy into next week would be complete justice.

  “You bitch, how did you get that? Give it to me now. If not, you’ll be sorry.”

  “I’m already sorry. Sorry that you gave birth to me. I can’t believe you, of all people, are my mother. The things you have put me through—knowing you were behind Ian attacking me in New York, knowing that my baby died because of you—gives me enough reason to kill your sorry ass right here and now.”

  I place my finger on the trigger, praying that Zander will find us before Ian does

  “Well, well, well. Audrey, we meet again, beautiful.” Ian smiles as he walks through the door. “Why don’t you drop that there gun before I have to hurt you?” He says, pointing a rifle at me.

  “You’re as sick as she is. I’m not giving you this gun.”

  “You will or your wonderful stepmother will die.”

  “You wouldn’t,” I say, my hands shaking.

  “Oh, but I would. She’s a pretty hot lady too. I would love to fuck her first.” He laughs.

  “I hate you, I fucking hate you,” I yell as I drop the gun and kick it over to him. Sandy runs over and kicks my legs out from under me. I fall, landing on my back. I start to stand up, but she kicks me again.

  “You’re a stupid girl. Ian, I don’t see what you see in her, but here she is. Either you take her or I am going to kill her. Get her out of my face.”

  “Come on, Sandy, don’t hurt my girl. The things I’ve been dreaming about doing to her…”

  “Ian, take the fat whore out of my face. Remember what we discussed? Look at me? Remember?”

  “Yes, I remember. I can’t hurt her, though. You know I’ve waited far too long for this chance. She will finally be mine. I won’t have to worry about anyone coming between us again”

  “You fuck this up, I will castrate you. Do what you have to do, then you can do what we planned. You want to fuck this piece of shit before I off her? She is old and pruned up, I’m sure of it. Poor Dexter probably has to beg for it. Ahh, he won’t have to beg from me.”

  “Sandy, you have fucking issues. I’m taking my girl. I don’t care what you do with Mrs. Kelley. Too bad Tatum isn’t here. I would love to fuck that pussy.”

  “You both are sick, twisted, cum-sucking fuckers. Ian, Tatum hates you. She would fucking murder you herself,” I scream out.

  I see a light shining through the window. God, please let that be help. I have no clue what this douche twat is going to do to me. I do not want him touching me.

  “Drop the gun, Ian. Don’t make me shoot you,” Alton yells.

  “Alton, oh God. Help us, please!” I yell.

  “How the hell did they know we were here?” Ian asks.

  “Did anyone follow you?” Sandy replies.

  “No, I even parked a mile away.”

  “Audrey, Vivian?” Zander says. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes! Please, they are going to kill us,” I cry. I knew Zander was going to save us.

  “You stupid little cunt, you’ve done the wrong thing,” Sandy says, pointing the gun toward me.

  “Zander, Alton, please help!”

  “Audrey, baby, I’m going to save you. I’m almost in there,” Zander says from another room.

  “Be careful. They have guns.”

  “Oh, isn’t that cute. You don’t want him to get hurt. Ian, take her out of here. I’m going to get rid of miss perfect pussy before my man gets here.” She laughs as she turns the gun toward Vivian.

  “Zander, please. She’s going to kill your mom.”

  I scream as Ian pushes me to the side and jumps in front of Sandy’s gun. The bullet meant for Vivian hits Ian in the leg. He yells and she swings the gun toward me. “Ian, why did you do that?”

  “You can’t kill her. Alton, man, hurry up.” Ian coughs and wraps his shirt around his leg.

  “Alton?” Sandy said.

  “Oh, thank God! Audrey, mom, are you okay?” Zander asks,

  “Sandy, drop the gun, Don’t make me shoot you. I know all about your little plan. Ian has filled me in on everything,” Alton says as he holds his gun toward her.

  “Oh God, Zander. I love you so much. She is fucking crazy. So is he, but did he help you all find us?”

  “I love you too. Yes, he called Alton and told him everything.”

  “Dad, Mr. Kelley, please leave. She’s crazy,” I beg as I see them approach us.

  “Sandy, why are you doing this?” Dexter asks. “What we had was over a long
time ago. Audrey is your daughter, your own flesh and blood. You would have never acted this way back then. What has come over you? Vivian and I have been happily married for years. Please let them go and we can talk.”

  “She wants to kill us and the two of you to be together,” I say through my sobs.

  “You can’t kill them. Give me the gun, come on. We can talk about this,” Dexter says as he walks closer to her.

  “No, Dex, I will not. That bitch will pay for my life that she took.” She points the gun back at Vivian. I close my eyes and look away. All I hear is shots. I can’t look.

  My mother just killed my future mother-in-law.

  “Call 911,” I hear someone scream as I bury my head in Zander’s chest.

  “She’s dead,” Alton whispers. “Are you okay, Audrey?”

  “Oh God. Zander, I’m so sorry. I tried to make her let your mom go. Tatum is going to be so heartbroken. How do I tell her what my mother has done? I loved your mom so much.”

  “Audrey, I love you too, sweet pea,” a gentle voice says. “You’ve always been like a daughter to me.”

  “Vivian? Oh good lord, I thought she killed you,” I cry as I ran to her. Then I see Sandy lying on the floor, a puddle of blood building beneath her. She’s dead. Alton shot her right in the chest.

  “Ian, you fucking bastard, I will kill you myself,” I scream as I run toward him.

  “No, Audrey, he helped us,” Zander says. “If he hadn’t decided to tell Alton what was going on, she may have killed you both.”

  I glare at Ian. He’s still on the floor, holding his bleeding leg. ”I saw that look in your eyes. Then what you said about Ta…”

  “It was all an act. Yes, three years ago, I came to take you and I hurt you. I’m sorry for what you and Zander lost. But all this time, I’ve kept Sandy away from you. She would have killed you a long time ago.”

  “I don’t want to hear it. You’re lucky that you called Alton because the way I’m feeling, I can rip your fucking head off and throw you to the wolves,” Zander says as he stares at Ian. “Get him out of my face. Now.”