LETHAL OBSESSION

by Carey Regenold

  "You need to calm down."

  "Don't you dare tell me what to do. Where is Rick?"

  "In the back."

  "You locked him up? Your own brother in law?" Ellen glared at him.

  "Had to, he was over the limit."

  "That is bull shit, Gene and you know it."

  "Maybe, maybe not."

  "What is it that you want?"

  "You know the answer to that. It's what I've always wanted since I first met you." He reached out and she backed away. "I'm the better man, Ellen, and I love you."

  "Let me get this straight. I give myself to you and Rick goes free. Is that how we're playing this game?"

  "That might work."

  Ellen pointed her finger. "And you think you could be satisfied having me that way?"

  He shrugged. "I'll take you any way I can get you."

  She pointed. "You, Gene Stone are seriously disturbed, and you stay the hell away from me."

  "I remember a time..."

  "That time is over and my debt to you has been paid in full. I have the clout to cause a big stink for this department if you don't let Dr. Carrington go and I mean it."

  Gene grinned. "You're really beautiful when you're mad, Princess."

  A light knock on the door and the deputy looked in.

  "Sheriff, there's a Tom Sherman here, says he's the attorney for Dr. Carrington."

  Ellen turned her back on Gene and breezed past the deputy without a backward glance. Twenty minutes after the sheriff and Tom disappeared in the back, they came back with Rick. Ellen rushed to him.

  "Are you all right?"

  "Everything is good. I'll tell you about it later."

  Ellen moved in close putting her arm around Rick's waist. Staring straight at Gene she said. "I'm glad we were able to come to an understanding. Hopefully this won't happen again."

  Once out of ear shot of the department, Ellen turned to Tom. "What happened in there?"

  "I figured it was a trumped up charge since Dr. Carrington told me what he had to drink and how long it had been. I demanded a blood alcohol and that was the end of it. This is a small town. Dr. Carrington is a well known, upstanding citizen that's respected. I don't believe the sheriff wants any negative publicity so he agreed to drop all charges."

  "Thanks Tom for coming."

  "Ellen, Mark was my best friend. Of course I'm going to be here for you." Tom gave her a hug and shook hands with Rick.

  "A word of advice, Ellen. This sheriff isn't on the up and up. Not sure what's going on but you both watch yourselves."

  "We will."

  Once in the dark car Ellen turned to Rick and went into his arms trying to swallow the lump in her throat.

  "It's okay. Let's just go home," he said.

  On this particular winter day, Rick and Ellen were going to look at another mansion that might be suitable for the shelter. Driving down the highway, Rick hit the brake.

  "What's going on up there?"

  "Oh, my God."

  Apprehension prickled the back of Ellen's neck. An old beat up car and a junky pick-up truck were pulled off on the side of the highway. Two small children stood by the car very close to the dangerous street. At first she thought perhaps they had car trouble but the children looked wide-eyed and terrified.

  Rick slowed and pulled over to the shoulder. They saw no adults and thought there may have been an accident. The adults could be injured and helpless, leaving the children to wander out on the highway.

  "This doesn't look good, Rick."

  "I agree. Call 911."

  Ellen reached for her cell phone, punching in the emergency numbers."

  “Yes, this is Ellen Anderson. I want to report an accident on Highway 11 about ten miles north of Cedar Grove. There may be injuries and there are children involved.”

  Ellen opened her car door so she could go to the children and anyone else who might be in the vehicles.

  That's when they a heard a man’s angry shouting. A woman was screaming and crying. Ellen started toward them but the man’s voice made her hesitate. Rick put his hand on her arm.

  "Wait a minute, Ellen. The man might be armed. We don't know what we're walking into here."

  Gene picked up his radio. "What's up?"

  "Hey, Chief, A 911 call just came in about an accident on highway 11 about ten miles out of town. Are you anywhere near there? It was called in by an Ellen Anderson. Do you want to take it or do you want me to notify highway patrol?"

  "Nah, don't get them involved. I'll go check it out." Gene reached for his emergency blue lights and the car took off like a shot.

  "Oh, Rick." Ellen gasped and put a hand to her mouth. The man was dragging the woman by the hair as she fought to free herself. Her face was swollen, bruised and bloody. When his fist came around and smashed into her again, Ellen's fear was replaced by livid rage.

  "Rick, that beast is going to kill her if we don't do something fast."

  This scene was hitting way too close to home. Ellen grabbed a two by four Rick had on the back floor board and charged into the scene before he could stop her.

  “Hey, you there. Let her go.”

  He was a giant of a man, unshaven and grisly. When he swung his massive head around and pierced Ellen with a hateful stare, she readied herself with the board over her shoulder. “Butt out, Lady. This ain’t none of your concern.”

  Rick was racing to catch up with her. "Ellen, wait."

  "You too, Mister. Back off."

  Rick held out his hands. “The cops are on the way, Man. "Let the lady go.”

  Rick and Ellen stood shoulder to shoulder ready to do battle.

  “Oh, you wanna be next huh?” He shoved the woman to the pavement and kicked at her side viciously. Pulling a hunting knife from his belt, he crouched and began to circle the pair.

  Ellen gripped the board tighter and waited for her chance. Rick looked around frantically for a weapon. Fueled by anger and loathing, Ellen was oblivious to the extreme danger of this situation. Women and children were being bullied and hurt. Domestic violence or any kind of violence was something she was never able to stomach. It brought back too many horrific childhood memories.

  “You ain’t gonna use that thing, Bitch.” He spat a brown stream of tobacco spittle. You ain’t got the guts. Trashy, stupid women, you’re all alike. Garbage, the whole lota ya.”

  Ellen swung the board as hard as she could. It whistled so close to his head he had to stumble backwards to avoid it.

  “Whooee, you’s a fightin spit fire, ain’t ya. I like um like that. Come on Bitch, make my day.” He circled and slowly began to close in on her.

  That was when Rick stepped in front of her. He took the board. "Allow me."

  She was breathing hard, still crouched and watching. Sirens could be heard whaling in the distance. Thank God, they were coming. Ellen couldn’t take her eyes off the man but she heard the squad car pull over and the car door slam. Then she heard Gene’s voice behind her.

  “Hey, Raymond, what the hell’s going on here? Drop that knife now, ya hear me?"

  The sheriff's hand rested on his holster and Raymond was no fool.

  "Aw Sheriff, my ole lady's actin up again." The knife hit the pavement with a clang and Gene kicked it aside.

  Then his eyes focused on Ellen and Rick. "How did you two get involved in this?”

  Ellen looked at Gene with exasperation. "We saw small children about to wander out on the highway so we stopped. How do you think we got involved?" She pointed to the man. "Keep him away from her. She's hurt really bad."

  Without another word, Ellen ran to the fallen woman and sank to her knees. Tears spilled from her eyes as she pushed back the long sable hair back and felt for a pulse. Her breathing was shallow and her skin looked gray. It felt cold and wet. Quickly Ellen took off her jacket and wrapped it around her lifeless shoulders. She cradled the battered head in her lap and watched helplessly as the woman's life force slowly ebbed away. Ellen called back over her shoulder.<
br />
  “Tell the ambulance to hurry. I'm afraid she's going to die.”

  So intent on the victim, Ellen failed to notice the exchange between Rick and Gene.

  "Hello Richard."

  "Gene." Rick gave a curt nod. "I assume you have control of the situation, so I don't need this anymore. He dropped the board and went to Ellen, totally ignoring the sheriff standing there."

  Rick put gentle hands on her shoulders. "Are you okay?"

  "No, she sobbed."She's hurt bad, Rick."

  He dropped to his knees and did a quick medical exam, felt her pulses and checked her breathing.

  "She's going to make it, Ellen. It's okay."

  Ellen stared at him in amazement completely forgetting the fact Rick was a medical doctor. "Thank you. You are so wonderful."

  He smiled giving Ellen's shoulders a hug. "You're doing great. Just keep her warm, I'm going to position her so she can breathe better."

  Rick went to work elevating her legs. He took off his own jacket and made a neck roll to help keep her airway open. He then rechecked her pulses and breathing.

  Ellen felt a small tug at her sleeve. Looking up, she saw two pitiful little faces, etched with fear and sadness; streaked with tears and dirt. Silently, she opened her arms and the children sat down next to her. Their tiny hands clung to Ellen's shirt as they stared unblinking at their unconscious mother.

  "Mommy?" The small boy uttered the one word then fell silent.

  Ellen tried to give him a reassuring smile but her mouth trembled. "It's going to be alright. We're getting help for your mommy right now." Please God, she prayed. Don't let her die. Don't let these precious children become orphans or worse have to live with that inhuman thing over there.

  Just as she thought it, the man’s hateful voice pierced the air. “Hey, you bitch. You get away from my wife and kids.”

  “Watch it, Raymond.” Gene’s voice was ominous. “That’s a friend of mine you’re threatening.”

  “Aw Sheriff, hell. I’m sorry bout that but my old lady’s really done it this time. She stole all my money and was tryin to run off with the kids. Damn slut, I had do somethin didn’t I?”

  Gene applied cuffs, then grasped the man’s arm none too gently. “Look, Raymond," his voice was stern. "Let me put it to you this way. Your wife’s hurt bad this time. You’re in a heap a trouble and I may not be able to do anything about it. I'm reading you your rights so just listen up."

  Their voices were loud enough for Ellen to overhear and she didn't care for the way Gene was handling things. It almost sounded as if Gene knew this man and he could pull some strings. That was going to be over her dead body. Ellen was determined to see the son of a bitch rot in jail and if Gene tried to fight her he would see a whole new side of Ellen Anderson.

  Trying to keep her voice calm she turned and stared at Gene but it was deadly when she finally spoke. “Sheriff Stone, I'd like to speak with you, please."

  Gene looked at the man and gestured with his head. “Go sit in the squad car, Raymond.”

  He then walked over and knelt down by Ellen putting his hands around her shoulders totally ignoring Rick.

  "What is it you need, Princess?"

  She pulled away from him, the furor building up inside her like a toxic cloud.

  "Don't touch me, it's not appropriate. That piece of low life you have over there had better be punished for this. Do we understand each other?”

  “Now Princess, just calm down. We have an ambulance on the way. Heather is going to be fine. This sort of thing has happened before. She’s tough, she'll make it.”

  Ellen just glared at him. She had nothing more to say.

  The two children were sitting by their mother, crying. Heather’s breathing was uneven and Ellen was fearful it might even stop. Her pallor was alarming. She looked at Rick and he checked her again, repositioning to keep her airway open. With Ellen’s heart pounding in her throat, she tried desperately to keep her cool and not panic. She was so afraid this poor, frail woman was going to die right in her lap.

  She wanted to kill Gene Stone with her bare hands. His familiarity with her and his casual attitude concerning the man was infuriating. Right now, she had to save a life. Where was that damn ambulance? Ellen pulled a Kleenex from a packet and dabbed at the dirt on Heather’s face. She watched Rick's concerned face as he continued to minister first aid to the woman. A silent prayer went up as she thanked God this wonderful man was now a part of her life. Ellen hugged the children and tried to give them as much comfort as she could.

  Red lights could be seen flashing down the highway. Ellen breathed a sigh of relief. Heather's color was taking on a bluish tinge and her breathing was getting shallow. Ellen tried to rub her hands and arms, anything to get the blood flowing again.

  "Please, Heather," she whispered. "Hang on. They're almost here. For your children's sake, stay with me."

  Ellen glanced over and saw Gene leaning against the squad car talking to the brute who did this. An instant hatred surged through her at the cold, calculated cruelty of that monster. Surely Gene was not going to let him go with a slap on the wrist. The thought made her even more furious. She would come after him herself if he got away.

  The ambulance attendants weren’t sure what to do with Ellen and the children. They were screaming, wanting to be with their mother, but they were still clinging to Ellen. Rick had given them a quick medical report.

  “Are you family, Ma’am?”

  “No, I’m not.”

  “Okay, climb aboard. It might be easier to have you and the kids come with us.”

  She looked at Rick and he said, "go ahead, I'll meet you at the hospital."

  The paramedics placed an oxygen mask over Heather's face. They started an IV, raised the foot of the gurney and had a cardiac monitor going. A call went out to the hospital, and orders came in for some emergency IV medication. Soon Heather was looking better. Blinking, and gazing around in confusion, the young woman focused her gaze on Ellen. Tentatively holding out a hand, she tried to smile.

  “Hi.” Tears came to her eyes.

  Ellen smiled and reached for the frail hand. “Hello, my name is Ellen. I saw your children on the side of the road. I want you to know that I’m going to do everything I can to help you and these precious angels here.” She hugged the pair of tots to her chest.

  Heather looked at Ellen. “I appreciate everything you’ve done. It ain’t the first time this has happened.” Her voice sounded weary and sad.

  Ellen patted the thin, cool hand. “I don’t want you worrying about anything now except getting well.” Then she looked over at the little boy. “What is your name?”

  “Billy. My sister is Margaret, but she don’t talk much. She’s too little.”

  “Oh? And how old are you, Billy?” He held up four fingers.

  Ellen looked back at the young mother and squeezed her hand.

  “Heather? Is there anybody I can call for you?”

  “Yes,” my sister, Louise. Her number is 452-6823.”

  Immediately Ellen punched in the number on her cell. She tried to keep up a steady stream of conversation to comfort the children and Heather as well as herself. Heather was starting to look gray again. Perspiration popped out on her beaten face. Ellen watched as the paramedic eyed the cardiac monitor, lowered the head of the gurney and cranked up her IV rate. A hypodermic syringe was injected into the IV tubing. His hand went to the dial on the oxygen tank.

  The emergency room was noisy and bustling. The intercom competed with shouts from medical personnel as gurneys were rushed to various places. Louise was waiting and hurried towards them as Heather was taken into a sterile looking cubicle. The children ran to their aunt, but Heather was still clinging tightly to Ellen’s hand.

  “Don’t leave me,” she whispered. “I’m scared.” A tear trickled down her cheek.

  Ellen was torn. The nurses were eyeing her sternly.

  “I’m sorry, Ma’am. You’ll have to wait outside in the wait
ing room.”

  They gently loosened the grasp Heather had on Ellen’s hand. The last thing Ellen saw was Heather’s tear-streaked face going behind the white curtains. Wiping her own tears and trying to swallow the lump in her throat, Ellen turned away to join Louise and the children.

  “Auntie Lou,” Billy said. “This is our new friend, Erun.” he ran to hug her.

  Louise came over and took Ellen’s hand. “I don’t know how to repay you for this. I’ve wanted Heather to leave the bastard for years but she won’t.” Louise shook her head. “I just don’t understand it. I’m afraid he will kill her one day and...then it will be too late.” Her voice broke and Ellen put a hand on her shoulder.

  She didn’t know what to say. God, this was so awful. Then she saw Rick and was enveloped in his comforting arms. He held her close kissing the top of her head. She couldn't stop the tears but now they were tears of relief.

  "What do you say we get started on that shelter right away."

  "Most definitely." She looked into his beautiful green eyes, leaned up and gently kissed his lips. "Thank you for coming into my life

  "Thank you for coming into mine. Shall we go look at some houses?"

  Ellen turned back to Louise and the children.

  "This is my cell number. Could you keep me updated? Tell Heather I will visit as soon as I can."

  "I will tell her, and thanks again, Ellen, for being there."

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Rick and Ellen looked at several large homes for sale but they were both so emotionally spent after leaving the hospital, their hearts just weren't into it.

  "I think we need a break from this," said Rick, "Let's go to one of my favorite places and unwind."

  "Sounds like a great plan."

  Rick's favorite spot was a Shangri-La hidden in the forest. A white water mountain stream flowed over rocks making cascades of tiny waterfalls. The air was chilly as Ellen and Rick sat against the trunk of a large pine, snuggled together under a blanket. Surrounded by nature, they watched the squirrels gathering for winter and tried to rid their minds of the earlier tragedy. Ellen turned to meet his eyes.