LETHAL OBSESSION

by Carey Regenold

  "Well," Rick said. "We weren't expecting you to be home Gene when I called Sis about dinner tonight. But you're here and you are more than welcome to join us." The words stuck in his throat and nearly choked him.

  Rick could see the disappointment registered on his sister's face. There was no way out and he only hoped Gene did not cast a pall over the evening. Gene now knew about his engagement to Ellen. With his unhealthy obsession, this was not going to be a pleasant evening. Rick would have to find a way to get his sister out of the house at another time so the three of them could talk.

  As they sat in the restaurant, eating their meal, everybody was talking but Gene. Martha seemed delighted over their plans for the women and children's shelter.

  "Richard, you and Ellen are truly doing the Lord's work. I think it's just wonderful. The two of you look so happy. It does my heart good, and I know Mom and Dad would be proud. They would love you, Ellen."

  "We plan on making a trip to Florida soon," said Rick.

  "I would love to come with you. It's been so long since I've seen Mama and Daddy."

  "We would love to have you, Sis."

  Gene had been staring at Ellen willing her to look at him. How could she have betrayed him like this. Back when they first met he knew there was a special connection between them. He went out of his way to get her to the crash site. They had so much fun at the fishing rodeo. And then there was that night she called him terrified from an intruder. Ah, that night, he could still feel the warmth of her body against him. There was something magical between them, he couldn't have imagined it. Why didn't she feel it too?

  Now Richard was horning in on what rightfully belonged to him and the man was making a bad mistake. Gene had yet to figure out how the son of a bitch did it, but it seemed Ellen had eyes only for him. She had not glanced his way all night and it was pissing him off big time.

  "So Gene", Rick said. "You're pretty quiet over there. How's the sheriff business going?"

  "We seem to be doing a half way decent job cleaning up the county derelicts and bad guys."

  That was when Ellen's eyes swung in his direction. "Like Raymond Bodine?"

  "I believe you and I have already discussed that case in private."

  An uncomfortable silence fell over the group. Rick called for the check. Ellen knew this was not the evening he had planned but there would be other times.

  "Thank you so much Richard for a wonderful dinner." Martha slipped her arm through Gene's looking at him with adoring eyes. "We are both so happy for the two of you, aren't we Gene?" He gave a non committal grunt and she kissed her husband on the cheek.

  Rick and Ellen looked at each other. Martha would stand by Gene no matter how he treated her or cheated on her. There wasn't much they could do about that but Ellen had an idea. She did not want to discuss it in front of Gene.

  "Martha, may I call you tomorrow?"

  "I would be delighted."

  Gene chimed in. "Hey what am I, chopped liver?"

  Ellen looked at him and didn't miss a beat. "I think more like ham, maybe the butt portion."

  Ellen called Martha making sure it was at a time when Gene was at work. Later that morning she swung by and picked her up.

  Once in the car, she turned to Martha. "I wanted a chance to talk with you just the two of us, because I want you to know I love your brother very much. It happened sudden for us and I don't want you to think badly of me because of that."

  "Ellen, I couldn't be happier. I saw it in your eyes last night and in his. You can't imagine what Richard has gone through these last two years. Laura was my close friend and those precious babies were part of me too. It was so awful and we almost lost Richard too." Tears came to her eyes and Ellen reached for her hand. "Well that's all water under the bridge now. I know you have suffered your own loss and I think it's just a wonderful miracle that you and Richard have found each other."

  "Me too."

  "Where are we going?"

  "I want to start off by showing off the shelter. It's just a very large, empty house for now but I've hired a building contractor. The mansion is going to need a lot of work before we're ready to open. I think you will be able to see its potential. After that we are going to visit some of my favorite places. It's a surprise. I'll tell you when we get there."

  Their first stop was a luxurious spa. Ellen had arranged for them both to have a full facial, manicure and pedicure. They walked into sparkling waterfalls and soft music. Martha looked around like Alice in Wonderland.

  "Oh my goodness, I've never been in a place like this before."

  "Great, you will love the experience."

  They changed into fluffy white terry robes and took a seat in soft lazy boy chairs. Someone came around with a tray offering chilled glasses of mineral water with lime and cucumber slices.

  Martha was led into a massage room that smelled of lavender. She was told to lie on a cushioned heated table and just relax. It felt like being on another planet. Martha had no idea a place like this even existed except for the ultra rich.

  Her hands were given a warm wax bath while her shoulders got a heavenly massage. Then the professional went to work on her face. An hour later Martha emerged feeling like she had gone back in time with a brand new silky soft face.

  Next Martha was treated to a makeover. Picking a foundation closely matching her skin, she learned how to put it on as well as eye liner and mascara. Staring into the mirror, Martha couldn't believe this beautiful woman in the mirror was actually her. Clutching her bag of makeup, she walked out of the salon feeling like a movie star.

  "Wow, you are stunning," said Ellen.

  "I can't believe it. I haven't looked like this since my senior prom, and even then I did a lousy makeup job. I never knew how. Look at my fingers and toes." They radiated with the most delicate shell pink that seemed to sparkle when light hit it.

  "There's more to come, so get ready."

  "Oh Ellen, this is already too much. I can't believe what the cost must be."

  "Don't worry about that. You are worth it."

  The next stop was Ellen's hair stylist. Martha's hair was colored a delicate brown with auburn highlights. Her gray was completely gone. Then the style was trimmed and shaped to frame her face. A blow dry completed the sexy do. When Martha looked in the mirror her eyes popped. She actually had the look of a youthful, pretty girl.

  Martha never considered herself a raving beauty, but today she was astounded. It seemed the professionals who worked on her managed to find the glowing gem from within and polished it to a high sheen.

  "Ellen, I don't feel like this is me."

  "This is the real you, Martha. Don't ever let anybody tell you different. Now we're still not finished."

  "There's more?"

  "Absolutely, I'm having fun. Come on, let's go to my next favorite place."

  The Cherry Tree Boutique had the most beautiful clothes Martha had ever seen. Then she checked out the price tag. "Ellen," she whispered. "I can't afford anything in here."

  "You're not buying, I am."

  "No, no, I can't let you do that. You've done too much already."

  "Nonsense, I've got the money. I want you to think of it as a gift to my future sister, because that is what you are going to be, the sister I never had."

  "Oh, Ellen," Martha wiped tears as she hugged her. I'm just so happy and I'm smearing my makeup. Nobody has ever done anything like this for me before. I'm just overwhelmed."

  "Oh look." Ellen took a soft feminine skirt with matching sweater off the rack. "This would look stunning on you. Go try it on."

  Martha came out of the dressing room beaming. "I love it." She twirled around in the soft, clingy skirt. I feel like a girl again." The soft, sweater clung to her curves in a most enticing way.

  "That's the whole idea, and you look just like a model."

  "I don't think Gene is going to like it though."

  "He doesn't have to wear it. This is for you."

  "All this must
've cost you a fortune. Why I could never justify spending this much money on myself." Ellen gave her a hug. "Hey, we're going to be sisters. I think you're worth it. Now you need to believe you are worth it, okay?"

  "It's been so long since I've felt that way."

  "This is a new beginning for you, me and Rick. You are not a slave to your home or your husband or to anybody."

  "He seems to think so."

  "He's wrong, and if he gives you any grief about this, you call me. Trust me when I tell you that you look just like yourself only many years younger. And I'm sure Rick will agree with that. Now let's go meet your brother and show off a little bit."

  The elation Martha felt being with Richard and Ellen was dissipating quickly. Apprehension prickled her senses as she wrung her hands and waited for Gene to come home. Martha couldn't count the number of times she had checked herself in the mirror.

  Her hair was back to its original color. It was shiny, healthy and soft, framing her face in a most enticing way. Her light brown eyes appeared large and luminous, fringed with dark, lacy lashes. Her lips were pink and dewy with gloss, and her skin glowed with healthy youthfulness. For the first time in her life, Martha felt attractive. It was a heady, wonderful feeling.

  When she heard the front door open, Martha took a deep breath, stood tall and waited.

  "I'm starved, what's for supper?" Gene never even looked in her direction.

  "I...I had dinner with Ellen and Richard. I've been out all day with Ellen and..."

  That was when Gene threw a sharp look at his wife. "What do you mean you've been out all day with Ellen?" Then he did a double take. "Good God Almighty, what in the hell happened to you?"

  "Ellen and I had our hair done, a facial and a makeover. We even got a manicure, See?" She held out her hands showing shiny pearl pink nails. "I'm wearing a new outfit and I feel very pretty, something I haven't felt for a long time. I was hoping you'd be pleased."

  "Yeah? And who paid for all this because I know you didn't."

  "Ellen insisted on paying for it."

  "Figures, rich bitch that she is."

  "Gene, that's not a nice thing to say."

  He looked Martha up and down with a scowl. "Looks to me like you're trying to be something you're not. I think you look like a harlot." Ignoring Martha's sharp intake of breath, Gene sat in his recliner and shook the paper out. "Ellen is a bad influence on you. Go wash that mess off your face and fix me something to eat."

  Tears swam in Martha's eyes as she stared at her husband. Then she ran into the bathroom and slammed the door. Peering in the mirror, she watched her tears make dark streaks of mascara down her cheeks. Taking a damp wash cloth, Martha put it to her face then stopped. There was a look in her eyes she had never seen before. "Not this time, Gene," she murmured.

  Martha opened the gift bag containing her newly acquired makeup. Carefully removing the black streaks, she reapplied foundation and eye makeup the way she was taught. It was her face and her body, just like Ellen said. Sometimes for better or worse only went so far. Like a butterfly escaping its cocoon, a new more confident Martha was emerging.

  Walking back into the living room, she took a fashion magazine and settled into her favorite chair ignoring her husband. Martha heard the paper rustle and knew Gene was staring at her.

  "Where's my dinner?"

  "It's in the freezer."

  "Damn it, if you don't want to act like a proper wife, I'm out of here." Throwing the paper down, Gene grabbed his jacket and slammed out the door.

  Martha didn't look up. She was quite accustomed to him being gone.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  The following morning Rick had appointments so Ellen was in the shelter doing some painting on the window sills. Construction workers were busy with a lot of noise and hammering. She was so proud how quickly the shelter was taking shape. Even in these few hours Ellen could see a big difference. Ellen

  didn't hear Gene approach until he was right behind her.

  "Should I thank you for turning my wife into a cheap floozy?"

  Ellen took a deep breath to rein in her fury. She whirled around, wet paint brush in hand. He was standing so close behind her that the brush created a white streak right across the front of his tan uniform.

  "Shit," he backed away with his hands in the air.

  "Oh I'm sorry. You shouldn't have been standing so close." Ellen pierced him with a glare. "So what seems to be your problem with Martha's new look?"

  "I don't like it and it's your fault."

  "She didn't think you would. Would you like to know what I think?"

  "I'm sure you're going to tell me."

  "Martha has always been beautiful but now she has confidence in herself. You're having a hard time controlling her, aren't you? The little mousy woman has stepped out of her apron and that just frosts you, doesn't it? Well, let me tell you something." Ellen pointed the wet paint brush in his face. "Your wife is going to be my sister. I plan on doing everything in my power to make her feel good about herself. If you truly love her like you say you do, then you should be happy that she's happy. Calling her a "cheap floozy" is a pretty low blow coming from a supposedly loving husband."

  "I think you need to butt out of my family business."

  "And I think you need to quit emotionally abusing your wife. Better go wash that paint off your shirt before it dries."

  Florid face suffused with anger, Gene took a menacing step toward Ellen then stopped. Every construction worker on that floor was staring at him.

  Ellen had already turned her back to start painting but she could feel his rage as he continued to stand behind her. A dark, nasty side of Gene was beginning to emerge. Something deep inside warned her to be vigilant. There was a reason why Rick stayed away from this man, and why he was so concerned about his sister.

  The Greenland County Court House, located in the center of town was a tall brick structure built during the early 1900’s. It smelled of fresh floor wax and dark, aged oak. The massive courtrooms still contained much of the original wood. They were enormous and impressive.

  When Ellen and Heather opened the door and peered in, both felt a little intimidated. There were low rumblings of conversation as voices echoed among the high ceilings. People turned to stare at the newcomers and talking ceased. The women walked to the front and took their places on the right hand side of the giant courtroom reserved for the plaintiff.

  Four weeks had passed since the horror on that highway. Heather’s bruises were fading but still visible. She walked with a slight limp and had to use a cane.

  Ellen noticed that Raymond sat on the opposite side with four of his poolroom buddies. They had managed to make his bail several days ago but he couldn't get to Heather. There was a restraining order against him approaching Heather or the children to within five hundred yards. Of course that didn't stop him but a face full of wasp spray did. Heather's sister had no problem dousing him good.

  His cruel mouth formed a sneer as his beady eyes followed his wife and Ellen to their seats. The man started to get up but his friends pulled him back. Shaking off their arms, Raymond rose to his full height and made his way to stand in front of the two women. Raymond Bodine was not a very smart man. Eyes full of venom, he pointed his finger in their faces.

  “Didn’t expect ya to show up for this, Heather baby. Didn’t think you had the guts. You ain’t never pressed charges before but I know why you done it this time." Raymond shot a hateful look at Ellen. "Yeah, you had some influence this time. Do you realize what a bloody laughing stock you’re making of me? But, that’s okay. We’ll talk about it after I get out of here and you come back home where you belong.”

  Heather started to answer him but fell silent when Ellen placed a hand on her arm. Raymond was staring daggers at the women. His acrid breath was sickening and she knew he had already fortified himself with cheap liquor. Ellen refused to be intimidated and stared back at him.

  Raymond pointed an accusing finger in her dire
ction. “And you.” Raymond stuck his finger in Ellen’s face only inches from her nose. “You busybody interfering little bitch, you ain’t seen the last of me, Lady. You better watch your back because when I get through with you...”

  “Get your filthy finger out of my face.” Ellen’s voice sounded low and angry. Instead he moved his finger closer until he barely grazed her cheek. She didn’t flinch or move but continued to hold his stare.

  “Brave little piece of trash, ain’t ya. Bet you is good at other things too.” His low dirty snicker was heard only by the women.

  Ellen noticed Gene enter through a side door and knew he witnessed the whole show. She saw his rage and his quickening steps. The sheriff came up behind Raymond and discreetly grabbed a hunk of flesh under his arm squeezing hard on a sensitive pressure point. The whiskered man grimaced in agony, almost going to his knees but said nothing.

  Gene leaned close to Raymond's ear, his voice low and full of fury. “Hear me well, Raymond Bodine. Don’t even let it enter your mind concerning these women or you’ll be singing soprano for the rest of your life, Boy. And I’ll personally see to it that the fellas in jail choose you for their special girlfriend. You might even like it.” When Gene's grip loosened, Raymond fell slightly against the bench where Heather and Ellen were seated. With eyes full of caution, he ventured a look toward Gene but remained mute.

  "Get your sorry ass back where you belong, Raymond," Gene hissed. "Now!"

  “Hear ye, hear ye; all rise for Judge Wilson. Court is now in session.”

  The elderly judge looked directly at Raymond. "How does the defendant plead?"

  "Not guilty, Your Honor," said the defense attorney.

  He then looked at Patrick Duncan, the DA. "Call your first witness, Counselor."