LETHAL OBSESSION

by Carey Regenold

  "I really want to be loved again."

  "I know you do, and you will be. I'll be here for you and we will be happy together."

  Her tear stained face looked at him. "That means a lot to me, Gene."

  He left the bed pulling the sheet snug around Ellen. "I'm going to let you get dressed and I'll meet you outside."

  "Okay." Her voice sounded small and lost. Her body was still acutely aroused making her arms weak and shaky. Ellen thought about the last few minutes. She had come so close to making love with Gene. They had spent a lot of time together over the last four months. Was it possible for love to develop in so short a period? Ellen knew she cared deeply for Gene or she never would've been willing to share her body. But even after four months her love for Mark continued to occupy ever inch of her heart. Hopefully that would fade with time. Grieving hurt. Ellen needed to get on with her life and be done with mourning.

  Coming out the front door, she looked down at the broken swing where it all started.

  "Yep, I'm going to have to fix that."

  "Maybe not yet. It will give us some terrific memories."

  "That it will, Princess. Come here."

  Ellen walked to Gene as he took her in his arms. Their lips met in a gentle, loving kiss as she melted against his hard body. The kiss deepened carrying them back to that breathless place.

  Gene pulled away and looked at her. "Wow, we'd better stop this. You are driving me wild, Princess."

  "I'm sorry. I don't mean to be a tease. I feel wild too. I just wish... "

  "You will, just give yourself time. Meanwhile just remember how much I love you."

  Ellen smiled. "That will keep me warm for now. I'm so glad it was you that day."

  "Me too."

  Holding her hand, Gene was so loving and attentive on the drive home that Ellen felt herself happy and glowing long after he left. She wondered what kind of a sheriff's wife she would make. Shaking her head she banished the thought. It was way too soon to be thinking along those lines. Gene said he loved her and Ellen felt this to be true. But how long would he be willing to wait for the reward of sex? She was never in this situation before.

  Ellen did not date in college although she had many opportunities. Her studies were top priority but the real truth was she never felt comfortable with the opposite sex. Perhaps her parents' violent relationship instilled a fear of getting romantically involved. Whatever it was, Mark was blessed with a virgin bride.

  Now Ellen was getting those old feelings back again. She knew it was too soon to get into a serious relationship with Gene. But at the same time, she wanted him to make love to her. After today their relationship would be forever changed. Gene was no longer a platonic friend. Ellen examined how she felt about that but the glow was there and the anticipation felt fantastic.

  Mark would not have wanted her to stay alone forever. They had even spoken about it once. He told her that if anything ever happened to him he wanted her to find another love as soon as possible. She was a beautiful, loving woman and deserved to have a life with a good man. It was so like Mark but the conversation had been upsetting to her. She was angry that he would even bring up such a topic for discussion. They were going to grow old together and get on each other's nerves as crotchety octogenarians, end of story.

  When she stormed out of the room he let her stew. Then in his own special way, with gentleness and love, Mark brought her back to reality. He was not planning on going any time soon, but if the worst happened, she was not to grieve on and on. If she did he promised to come down and haunt her. Thinking about it made her smile. She looked around her breakfast nook. "So, where are you, Mark? Come on down here and haunt me like you said."

  The following morning Ellen heard nothing from Gene. That was disconcerting considering the intimacy and love talk from yesterday. Maybe he'd had a change of heart when the sex wasn't forthcoming. Perhaps that's the way men thought about it these days. She had no idea but not hearing from him stung, especially after his declaration of love.

  Taking a sip of her morning coffee, Ellen gazed out the picturesque window taking in the breathtaking view surrounding her. Fall leaves had turned the mountains into a fantasy world of scarlet and gold. There was a crispness in the air now reminding her of cozy popcorn evenings cuddled with Mark in front of the crackling fire. That familiar aching loneliness was creeping up on her again, trying to invade her senses and drag her down. No, she would not allow it this time. Ellen didn't want to go into that dark pit again. Get over it now, she told herself.

  Ellen glanced at the morning newspaper for distraction. She looked at her watch. Damn, why hasn't he called her? After hearing from him every day this was just weird. She thought for sure Gene would stop by this morning like he usually did. Ah well. He must be busy.

  Something in the paper caught her eye. Ellen picked up the section and scanned the column. The Greenland county fair was on. She loved fairs. Some years when her parents were in their happy moods, they would drive to Memphis if the car was running. The Mid South Fair was so much fun. There was funnel cake and cotton candy which always gave her a belly ache but it sure tasted good.

  Ellen wondered if Gene might be busy at the fair. That's probably why he hadn't called. The article also said that the Cedar Grove Jaycees were planning a bake sale at the Shriner's Pavilion. Proceeds would go to the Cripple Children's Hospital in Knoxville.

  Ellen had a recipe for lemon squares to die for. Now she had a reason to whip up a batch plus a chance to make new friends. Getting up with her coffee, Ellen went to check for ingredients. Perfect, she would start baking this morning.

  What an excellent opportunity this might be to get out and mingle with people. The fishing tournament was so much fun Ellen wanted to repeat the experience. God knows she needed some friends other than Gene Stone. Maybe they would have a life together but until then, Ellen needed to make a life for herself. Mark had been her whole world and her need for other people was simply not there during her marriage. A circle of lady friends to have lunch with would be so much fun. This fair might be just the thing to get the ball rolling.

  Amplified banjo and guitar music could be heard from the parking area mixed with the gleeful squeals of children. The giant double Farris wheel and other carnival rides twirled above the treetops.

  Carrying her dish, Ellen paid her fee and walked thru the piped turnstile. The fragrance of fried funnel cake and corn dogs made her stomach rumble for a hot, crispy treat.

  Ellen studied the brochure with the attached map to see how to get to the pavilion. Carrying her lemon squares, she picked through the crowd making her way to the Shriner's Pavilion. She might even see Gene here. Wouldn't he be surprised to see her out and about.

  Ladies were standing in small groups talking when Ellen walked in. There was a main table adorned with pumpkin, colored ears of corn and fall dried flowers. Ellen placed her dish on the table along with the others and looked around feeling self- conscious.

  No one noticed her come in. There were no welcoming smiles or handshakes in greeting. All the women knew each other. Ellen was the outsider. For a brief second she felt the strongest urge to bolt for the exit but she fought it down. Taking a deep breath Ellen looked around and decided to approach a circle of ladies who appeared to be close to her age. When there was a lull in the conversation, Ellen extended her hand.

  "Hello, I'm Ellen Anderson. I brought some lemon squares for the bake sale."

  The women immediately responded with smiles and handshakes. A pleasant, friendly woman took Ellen's hand in both of hers.

  "It's so nice to meet you, Ellen. You must be new in town. I'm Martha Stone and these ladies are some members from my church. This is Susan Bradley, Cynthia Wood, Mary-Louise Carter, and Dorothy Simpson."

  Ellen was delighted. "Oh, are you related to Sheriff Gene Stone? He's such a wonderful..." Ellen paused and looked around. It seems the ladies had all stopped talking and were staring at her.

  "I'm sorry. Perhaps I'
m mistaken."

  Martha smiled at Ellen. "I guess you could say I'm quite related to the good sheriff. He's been my husband for close to twenty years. We have a son who's away studying at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. If you know Gene, he must've helped you in some way. I think he works way too hard in our community, but he loves helping people and I'm sure that's why he got elected. I am so proud of him for that."

  Ellen knew her mouth was hanging open in shock. She struggled to pull herself together and not look as if she had been slapped silly. Oh my God, Gene was married. What if she had not stopped when they were in bed at the cabin? And to think she actually harbored thoughts of a future with this man. He said he loved her. She trusted him. Oh my God.

  Taking a shuddering breath Ellen tried to hide all the volatile emotions crashing inside her. She plastered on a smile and struggled to keep her voice from sounding wooden. Ellen wasn't ready to talk about Mark with strangers but she had to come up with a plausible explanation. The women had gathered close to listen like they were anticipating a juicy piece of gossip. More than likely some of them had been at the fishing tournament and saw her there. Ellen was beyond mortified.

  "Sheriff Stone was very kind to me a while back during a tragic family crisis. He's a nice person and I do owe him a debt of gratitude."

  The women seemed to suddenly wander away. Right at that time Ellen heard a familiar deep voice and she quickly ducked behind a large bulletin board.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  "Martha Darlin," Gene walked up and gave his wife a kiss. "Are you about ready to eat? I'm starving."

  Ellen closed her eyes and crouched down hoping she could somehow just slink away into the crowd.

  Martha took her husband's arm. "Come here, I would like for you to meet someone. She says you were a great help to her during a family crisis and she wanted to thank you. Ellen? Where are you? Oh, there you are."

  Martha pulled Ellen out of her hiding place.

  "My husband is right here and I know he'll be glad to see you again. Gene, you remember Ellen Anderson? She said you helped her at one time."

  Ellen forced her expression to go blank but anybody with half a brain could see the look of total disgust in her eyes. Gene stared with a deer in the headlights look. If she didn't feel so betrayed it would almost be laughable. Ellen extended her hand and watched his reddened face register total dismay.

  "It's so very nice to see you again Sheriff Stone. I was just telling your lovely wife how kind you were to help me during my family crisis. It's a shame I haven't had the pleasure of making Martha's acquaintance sooner. Hopefully now we can become good friends."

  Martha beamed. "That would be delightful, Ellen. Perhaps you would enjoy attending Sunday services with me sometime."

  "That would be lovely. I would enjoy it very much, Martha."

  The benign smile on Ellen's face was beginning to ache.

  Fighting for self control, Gene tried not to fidget. Son of a bitch, what rotten luck. He wouldn’t in a million years expect Ellen to show up at an event like this. She never went out. Gene could tell by her eyes that the easy trust between them was now a thing of the past. Ellen may never trust him again. This was bad, real bad. Was she going to tell Martha? Gene didn't think so but stranger things have happened. If she was then he would just have to find a way to repair the damage. It wouldn't be the first time. He had better start tap dancing right now. His daddy always said that a bushel of charm could sweeten any sour brew. Donning his most charismatic political smile, Gene reached out and took Ellen's hand.

  "Mrs. Anderson, what a pleasure to see you again. I hope everything is working out for you."

  Oh, it definitely is, Sheriff Stone," Ellen purred in her softest voice. "I just don't know how to thank you enough for all your time and attention, and your words of encouragement."

  Gene nodded. "I'm very happy I could be of service." His heart was pounding. Damn he was so close and now this. Gene felt a tug and realized he was still holding tightly to Ellen's hand. Martha was staring at him. If Gene was facing a pride of hungry lions he couldn't have felt more terrified.

  "Well, ladies." Gene pasted on a politician smile and clapped his hands together. "What do you say we all go grab a bite of some of this delicious fair food?"

  Any women still under the pavilion dispersed quickly, each finding excuses to go elsewhere. The ladies manning the bake sale were all staring in Gene's direction. An uncomfortable silence had fallen so thick that Gene felt his neck hairs stand on end. Both Ellen and Martha were looking at him as he tried to swallow his nervousness and appear as if all was normal in his corner of the world.

  Then Ellen totally surprised him. She stepped forward reaching for his and Martha's hand placing them together. With a sad sweet smile, Ellen spoke softly. "Treasure each other always. You don't know how precious togetherness is and how quickly it can be gone. I do." She leaned over and kissed Gene's wife on the cheek. "I'm so glad to have met you, Martha. I really need to be somewhere so I'm going to pass on the fair food, but the two of you enjoy."

  With one last smile and a wave, Ellen turned and was immediately swallowed up by the crowd. Gene stifled the urge to mop his face with a bandana. Cautiously his eyes slid to Martha, but she seemed to be smiling. He breathed a sigh of relief. Thank you, Jesus, he thought. At least she was happy.

  "What a nice woman," Martha murmured. "I wonder what she meant?" She turned questioning eyes to her husband. "Ellen seems so young to have tragedy in her life. I will say a prayer for her in Church this Sunday. How do you know Ellen, Gene?"

  He shifted his weight. "Yeah, well, you know how it goes, Martha." He put his arm around her shoulders steering her in the direction of the food court. "I work with the public, Babe. A lot of people cross my path. I don't recall the incident specifically, but that's not important right now. She's right you know. You and I are so lucky to have each other and our son."

  "Oh Gene, I love you."

  Ellen was walking like the devil was after her. She wiped furiously at tears as she tried to sort out her feelings. Gene had manipulated her into believing he was available. That made him a liar and a cheat. He said he loved her, another lie. Apparently he wanted sex and was adept at throwing out some damn good lines. She had fallen hook, line and sinker so how stupid does that make her?

  So now what? So now nothing as far as she was concerned. Gene Stone wasn't worth her tears. He had helped her once. She repaid him with her friendship and almost her body, end of story, debt repaid. Lying bastard, Gene was no better than Robert Danville angling for a woman to satisfy his needs. Ellen thanked her lucky stars she had possessed the sense to stop Gene when they were in his bed yesterday. Gene had brought her to that cabin for a reason. Now she knew why. He came very close to using her and getting another notch on his belt. Just the thought of it made her sick. Out of breath, Ellen didn't realize she was walking so fast. A picnic bench was empty just up ahead. She looked behind her feeling confident Gene wouldn't dare follow. Ellen sat down and tried to relax, allowing the aromas and sounds of the fair to permeate her senses. She could smell funnel cakes frying somewhere. Suddenly Ellen was starving. A hot, sweet, sugary funnel cake covered with chocolate and whipped cream just might be the answer to all her heart aches, at least for now.

  Scouting out the eateries Ellen found the right one and got in the line. Taking her sinful treat back to the table, she sat down and dug in. As she nibbled on hot, fried bread covered with fudge syrup, custard and whipped cream, Ellen thought about the last few months of her life.

  Deep down she was forced to admit some facts. Number one, she was desperately lonely and missed the sensuality of a sweet married life. Two, a handsome, silver tongued man wanted to spend time with her. That was a deadly combination considering the man was not who he said he was.

  Ellen liked Martha Stone. There was something about this woman that was wholesome and warm. If it had been Martha who befriended her instead of Gene, but it didn't happen that wa
y. Poor Martha, no telling how many times Gene had cheated on her with God knows how many women. If it wasn't for attending this fair, but she did attend this fair and now the ruse was over. Melancholy washed over her. In spite of Gene being a cheating husband she was going to miss the companionship.

  Now Ellen must decide how to handle the future. She had no doubt Gene would pursue her with a vengeance. A man like him always wants the unattainable. His over inflated ego probably convinces him that he is irresistible. To these men it's a challenge, the ultimate prize. Well, Ellen would be no man's prize.

  She knows now that nothing physical or emotional was ever going to happen between her and Gene Stone. An affair with a married man made her shutter with repulsiveness. Ellen would hate herself, especially now that she has met Martha Stone. Even thinking about their picnic at the fishing tournament made her shudder in disgust. All those parents had to have known. God, what they must've thought of her. Ellen wished to be a part of this town, to make a difference. Now all she wanted to do was run and hide.

  She had a feeling Gene had done this before and he was very good at it. Perhaps befriending Martha would cut out a lot malarkey. Ellen should reconsider going to church with her. Now that would certainly cool his jets. She knew being angry or indignant with Gene would be a waste of time. It would just fuel the fire. Sheriff Stone was a player. Armed with knowledge came strength.

  Ellen felt better thinking things through. Yes, disappointment over what could've been, still hurt like crazy. Of course the delicious Boston Cream funnel cake helped to make her feel better. It wasn't going to be easy because she knew Gene Stone and he was not about to give up.

  "Damm it to hell." The slamming of the receiver followed the uttered curse as Gene stared daggers at his desk phone. He had counted on Ellen being a little pissed, but he thought she would at least talk to him. Yesterday in the cabin proved to Gene that Ellen had serious feelings for him.