by Holly Smith
“Before we go into that, I’m going to throw the food into the oven. You couldn’t have timed it better; I’m hungry and all I have are a couple of TV dinners, a bottle of wine, and some cake. Are you hungry?”
Jaelynn laughed.
“Of course,” she said, opening a couple of beers and putting more in the refrigerator.
She took hers and sat on the couch, tucking her stockinged legs under a throw that was lying there.
Vince took a beer and sat next to her.
“So now, why are you here again?” he asked, taking a few gulps.
“Well, Vince, I have been very clear about how much I like you. After you disappeared without a word, I assumed your relationship with what’s-her-name didn’t work out and you were isolating to heal your wounds. Then I got word you had purchased this property and I knew where it was so I came to lift your spirits,” she said, sliding her finger slowly along his cheek line.
“Is that right? I knew you liked me but I didn’t think it was all that. I like a woman who knows what she wants,” he said, not avoiding her touch and putting his beer down.
“Well, I do. What happened with what’s-her-name anyway?” she asked coyly.
“Let’s just say she needed more time to figure out what she wanted than I was willing to give. I don’t want anyone in my life who needs time to know whether or not they want to be there; know what I mean?”
“Of course I do, that’s why I’m here. So, are your spirits lifted?” she asked flirtatiously.
“Yes, they are. Indeed they are,” he said, leaning over and kissing her firmly while pushing her against the cushions.
Just then, the oven buzzer went off.
“The food is ready,” Jaelynn mumbled through pressed lips.
Epilogue
Milton Jamison was cold and in pain when he came to. Every time he tried to move, he felt one pain or another; and he found it hard to breathe within the engulfing cigarette smoke in the vehicle. One of his legs felt painfully out of joint and he couldn’t open one eye. The metal floor he was lying on was dirty with empty beer cans, cigarette butts, and old food wrappings lying about. He heard voices and strained to listen.
“We need to dump this guy,” the driver said.
“But where?” the passenger asked nervously.
“I know. Let’s drop him in Doomsville,” the driver suggested.
“Doomsville! Are you crazy? That place is scary, man. Even the cops don’t like to go there!” exclaimed the passenger.
“Exactly why it needs to be there. I’ll only drive in a few miles or so; just far enough to drop him off while you keep a lookout,” the driver said, making a sudden U-turn.
“He’ll probably die in there, you know,” the passenger said.
“Good enough for him but we won’t be the ones killing him, and he does have a one-in-a-million shot of making it out alive,” said the driver coldly. “Is he still out?”
“Yeah,” said the passenger. “I guess we did a number on him. I’d be surprised if he’s still breathing. Should I check?”
“No! I don’t want to know, and I’m not going to change plans now. I was ready to beat up Mazelle too, that good-for-nothing bitch,” said the driver.
“What are you going to do about her?” the passenger asked with dread.
“Not sure. Now shut up. I want this night to be over with and I’m heading out of state for a while. You should too. Neither woman is worth it if they’d mess around with this loser.”
“I know. I’m going to visit my cousin in Colorado and get a divorce,” the passenger agreed.
Damn you, Mazelle! Damn you, Nelise! Damn all you women! Milton thought before passing out again.
When he came to, the van was rocking and clunking over rocks and deep holes in the road. He wanted to cry out in pain each time but knew his life depended on silence. He recalled something Nelise said when he had last called her; something about sending him to some great light and hoping he finds his way. I don’t know if you lost your mind, woman, or if you actually wished something good for me, but I sure could use some light right now. That was the last thought Milton had before passing out again.