LETHAL OBSESSION

by Carey Regenold

  Unhooking the keys from his belt, Martha gave the keys to Ellen. "Let's get Richard out of those cuffs."

  Gene was still standing with his hands over his eyes. "Martha, help me please."

  "I certainly will, Gene, right into his chair." She gave him a shove while Ellen and Rick moved the kitchen chair under him. The duct tape went round and round until the sheriff was totally immobile.

  "What did you hit him with, Sis?"

  "Wasp spray."

  "Okay, well we need to get that washed out pretty quick. Get me a bowl and I'll start irrigating his eyes."

  "What the hell is this? My wife shoots up my house then tries to blind me?"

  "Gene?" Martha leaned close to his ear. "Would you like a piece of this tape over your mouth? Then shut up."

  Once Gene could see again he shot lethal looks at the three people standing in the kitchen in front of him. "You can't prove a damn thing and this is going to look like you three were the perpetrators."

  "Think again, husband dear." Martha pulled out the tape recorder and hit play.

  Footsteps were heard outside the cabin as deputies and police stormed in, their guns drawn. For several seconds there was total silence as the lawmen took in the scene.

  "What the hell is wrong with you guys?" Gene was yelling. "Arrest those people, they did this to me. My own wife maced me and shot up my house. How much more proof do you need?"

  Darrel shook his head with a hand over his mouth trying to hide a laugh. "Yep Gene, looks like you're in a mess alright." He glanced at Martha and winked. "I knew that wife of yours was up to no good. That's why I followed her up here."

  Martha put the recorder in his hand. "It's all there, Darrel."

  Darrel nodded and went to stand in front of his former boss. "Sheriff Gene Stone, you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be held accountable in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney..."

  Gene struggled to free himself. "Damn it, Darrel. You have the wrong person."

  "I guess we need to unravel you, Gene. Hey Bill, get your phone out. We need to get a picture of this. They did a good job. Looks like we found all our missing people in one place and everybody is still breathing. It doesn't get much better than that."

  Gene grimaced as the tape was ripped off his arms. "You can't charge me with anything."

  "Let's start with breaking and entering, hidden cameras, and kidnapping, then we can take it from there."

  Court proceedings involving Sheriff Gene Stone versus the state of Tennessee was grueling. Everybody in town wanted to be there so the judge ordered the hearing to be closed. In the charge of kidnapping, Gene's initial plea was not guilty.

  The testimony from Ellen and Rick plus Martha's tape made it an open and shut case. Sheriff Stone insisted under oath he was being framed by people who wanted him out office. The photos were planted in his home and he had no idea how they got there. With the silken tongue of a sociopath, Gene swore that Dr. Carrington was already cuffed to the bed in his cabin when he got there. He notified Mrs. Anderson with a note immediately so her fiancé could be found.

  The proceedings were bound over to a jury trial to be held in Knoxville. Ellen, Rick and Martha sat in the courtroom on the plaintiff bench. Considering how powerful Gene's influence was over the community, Ellen couldn't help but wonder if the people on the jury could also be swayed by Gene. Was this monster actually going to walk away free and clear? Ellen's fear of that sat in her belly like a lead ball.

  There was one more witness to call. The district attorney eyed his notes. "I would like to call Mrs. Martha Stone to the witness stand please."

  Ellen glanced at her future sister in law who appeared pale and trembling. A wife giving evidence against her husband, was it even legal? But if it hadn't been for Martha, she and Rick might be dead now. Single-handedly, she saved them.

  The DA paced in front of her gathering his thoughts. "Mrs. Stone, are you presently married and living with the defendant?"

  "I am, or I was."

  "Explain please."

  "I discovered intimate photos among my husband's belongings. They were taken of my brother, Richard Carrington and his intended, Ellen Anderson. A hidden camera was found in their bedroom."

  "Objection. I don't see how this has anything to do with this case."

  "Overruled. I want to see where this is going."

  "I took the photos to my brother and Ellen. We found the camera and called the police. They didn't want me to go home fearing my husband's anger, so I stayed with them."

  "Was the defendant angry at your discovery?"

  "I don't know. He never came home."

  "Okay, let's move on to the night you found your brother in the defendant's cabin. Tell us what you witnessed when you walked in."

  "He was holding a gun to my brother's head."

  "Were you armed, Mrs. Stone?"

  "Yes."

  "What was your intention?"

  "I wanted distract Gene with three shots in the ceiling. I then used wasp spray to temporarily blind him so he would drop the gun. Then we tied him up until the police came. You also have a tape of my husband's voice stating his intentions."

  The DA looked at the judge. "Your Honor, may I play this tape for the jury?"

  "Go ahead, Counselor."

  He held up the tape and turned it on. Gene hid his face behind his hands as his incriminating voice echoed through the court room.

  "I believe that the defendant, Gene Stone had every intention of committing rape and grave bodily harm to Dr Carrington and Mrs. Anderson. You heard Dr. Carrington's testimony about how he was run off the highway, bound and placed in the trunk of a car. We know the defendant was holding a gun to his head from the three eye witnesses who were there. We have an obvious conviction of first degree kidnapping as well as attempted murder."

  It took the jury five hours to come to a verdict. When they re-entered the courtroom, Ellen tensed, squeezing Rick's hand.

  "Has the jury reached a verdict?"

  “We have, your honor. We the jury find the defendant, Gene Stone guilty of kidnapping in the first degree, attempted rape with grave bodily injury, and guilty of attempted murder."

  There were murmurs in the court room as Gene was escorted away in cuffs. As Ellen and Rick left the courtroom, Martha looked shell shocked. When they got in the car, she refused to go home with them.

  Looking at her brother and Ellen, Martha began sobbing.

  "What have I done? I love Gene. He's my whole life and I've just sent him to prison."

  Rick stared at his sister with a stern expression. "Sis, look at me. "Gene sent himself to prison. I realize you may always love him but you did not cause any of this. If you had not come that night got the gun out of his hand, Ellen and I might both be dead now and that's a fact."

  "You're right. I just feel so bad."

  Rick and Ellen both hugged Martha. "You know it's going to take time, Sis and we're here for you."

  Two weeks later..

  "Rick are you sure we're doing the right thing?"

  They were standing at the front door of Martha's home.

  "Come on, Ellen, we can't let her just stay in there, shut up by herself. She's not answering the phone and you're as concerned as I am. I know it's tough, but Sis has had two weeks to brood and isolate herself. Now it's time to come out and rejoin the world.

  Ellen looked skeptical. "Rick, aren't you being a bit harsh. She might get mad about us intruding like this."

  "She probably will but it won't be the first time Sis has been mad at me. You want to see the scars? Come on, let's go. Trust me, I'm a shrink."

  Ellen rolled her eyes as Rick used his key to get in. The place looked like a bomb had hit it. The house reeked of over ripe food and unwashed body. Martha was always so neat and clean. This was bad.

  Ellen started opening widows while Rick went in search of his sister. He found her in bed asleep and it was well into the afternoon. Ellen pulled the curtains as
bright light streamed into the cluttered bedroom.

  Pulling the pillow over her head, Martha screamed, "Get out and leave me alone."

  "Not this time, Sis. You've had two weeks of isolation to cope with this mess. Now it's time to start living with people again. Come on, let's get up and have a shower."

  Slowly the pillow came down as Martha stared with red eyes at her brother.

  "You are one mean psychiatrist."

  Rick chuckled. "Yep, that's what they pay me for."

  Ellen sat on the bed and took Martha's hand. "Nobody can cook quite like you. All I'm getting is complaints about the food at the shelter. I need you and so does everybody there."

  Martha sat up and swung her legs over the side of the bed. "Well thanks a lot Ellen for the guilt trip. You're as mean as this guy over here. I guess I have no choice in the matter."

  Martha sat at her vanity staring at the packet of makeup. Her husband was in prison and her life in shambles. She had provided the damning evidence. She shook her head as tears welled up. How could she have done something like that to the man she has loved all her life? Martha forced herself to relive the scene as she stepped across that threshold. Her husband shoving a gun to Richard's head, ordering Ellen to do unspeakable things, it was like seeing a horror movie.

  Now Gene was serving time and Martha was serving time too. She should listen to her friends and file for divorce but she still loves him. A bond of twenty years does not break easily.

  Twice Martha had made the trip to the state penitentiary to see Gene. Both times he refused to meet her. She must find a way to put all of this behind her and get on with life.

  Martha shook her head as she began applying cream to her face. Her life was going in a whole new direction now. Martha believed Ellen and this new career had been sent to her from the Lord. Being needed was a good thing and Ellen needed her. Perhaps she could lose herself in doing for others.

  And then there was the wedding to plan. That made Martha smile. Ellen and her brother, it couldn't happen to two nicer people. So in love and so much in common, they were made for each other. The ceremony would be at Smoky Mountain Haven which was perfect. The shelter was their baby.

  Martha was in the middle of a cooking class when she felt the back of her neck prickle. She turned to find a man watching her. “Wow, her heart started racing. Where did this gorgeous hunk come from? Curly brown hair and light brown eyes, he had a dimpled smile that made her knees weak. Then her conscience kicked in giving her a sound slap. What in the world was wrong with her? In twenty years of marriage, Martha had never felt this visceral attraction for another man. Her mind was being unfaithful and it was making her nervous.

  "Would you like to join us?"

  "I would love to." He made his way into the kitchen as the ladies greeted him.

  "I'm Martha Stone and this is Martha's cooking 101."

  "Shawn Cobblederry here, and I have recently joined your staff as spiritual counselor."

  Martha walked over to shake his hand. "It is very nice to meet you, Shawn. You have such a delightful accent."

  "I hail from across the sea, Great Britain."

  "Ah, that accounts for it. So what brings you all the way to Smoky Mountains Tennessee?"

  Martha realized she was ignoring the ladies but for some reason this man seemed to capture her attention. He certainly was easy on the eyes and that smile, wow. There was just something about him that made her smile too.

  "Well now Martha, how I came to be here could be a long story."

  She enjoyed the way her name rolled off his tongue. "We may all have long stories, Shawn." The ladies nodded in agreement.

  He included the women when he said, “perhaps we will all take the time to hear about them some day. My office is open if anyone cares to share."

  Martha mentally shook herself. She needed to get back to her cooking class. Her face felt hot and it wasn’t from cooking. This man seemed to have a strange effect on her and she couldn't understand it. The young women were also eying Shawn in a very appreciable manner.

  Martha composed herself to address the class. "Today we are going to learn the art of a healthy stir fry. You must make sure the oil is plenty hot but not enough to smoke. You need only a little oil."

  Shawn smiled as he watched Martha slice vegetables like an expert. When he answered the ad and took this position he wasn't sure he was doing the right thing. But the energy here in Smoky Mountain Haven was positive and strong. Ellen Anderson he liked immediately. It was a good omen.

  So much had been left behind in his small town on the outskirts of London. It seemed like forever but in reality only two years had gone by. His wife, their home, children, and social circle, he and Rosalind had the perfect life. Dwelling on it served no purpose. Shawn mentally shook his head and concentrated on the cooking class, especially the teacher.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  The next morning Ellen did a double take when Martha walked in the door. Wow, she looked stunning. Her made up face glowed with health. The burnt orange cashmere sweater and plaid skirt hugged her curves. Ellen couldn't resist.

  "Gosh I wasn't expecting a fashion model coming in today."

  "Oh stop it." Martha's face was crimson.

  "Have you met our new chaplain?"

  "Ellen, you know I have. You saw Shawn in my cooking class."

  "Isn't he handsome and so dapper with his British accent."

  "Yes and yes, and I'm a married woman and he’s probably a married man."

  "I'm not suggesting anything."

  "Oh yes you are, you sly fox."

  "Well," Ellen touched Martha's soft sable hair. "Apparently I'm not the only fox here."

  "Ellen!"

  "Hey I think it's great. I’m not sure but I get the feeling there’s no wife involved. He's perfect for you."

  "Is that why I feel so guilty? Because for me there is definitely a husband involved."

  Ellen put her hands on Martha's shoulders. "I know it's hard but guilt is self destructive. Gene is incarcerated and refuses to see you. Making a new friend is a good thing. I believe you and Shawn have a lot in common. Talk to him. I get the feeling he needs a friend too."

  "You're right. Reaching out in friendship is the Christian thing to do. He may enjoy coming to my church."

  "That's a marvelous idea. Ask him."

  "Maybe I will."

  Martha sat rigidly on the chair outside the new chaplain's office. She hated this feeling of nervousness. It meant nothing and there was no reason for this stomach churning anxiety. Her plan was to extend an invitation to attend Cedar Grove First Baptist Church. That was all. So why was she feeling like a teen at her first dance waiting for a boy to approach?

  Martha took a deep breath and sighed. This was ridiculous. Maybe it was a bad idea. Just because the man was a spiritual counselor doesn't mean he likes to go to church. Martha eyed the closed door. There was still time to escape. She got up and headed out in the hall.

  "Martha?"

  She closed her eyes, clenched her fists, and grit her teeth. She was caught. Turning around she hoped her face portrayed a friendly smile. "Oh, hi."

  "Hi yourself. Were you waiting to see me?"

  "Oh, no. I was just passing by your office."

  "Well come on in."

  Martha pointed to the kitchen. "I probably need to...well, okay, for just a minute."

  Shawn's office was nice and homey. He had outdoor photos of his homeland on the walls. A small colorful aquarium graced the corner of the room. Natural plants swayed with the filtered water while fancy tail guppies played hide and seek around the greenery. Shawn enjoyed tropical fish just like her brother. "I love this." Martha walked over to get a closer look.

  "You enjoy tropical fish?"

  "Oh yes. My brother, Richard Carrington is a hobbyist. Have you met him?"

  "Yes, I have met our resident psychiatrist and I found him as delightful as I do his sister."

  Martha blushed. "I've always want
ed my own aquarium but my husband didn't care for it. He said it would be too much work."

  "My wife thought it was way too much trouble too, but it's quite easy once you learn how. Have a seat, Martha, let us have a chat, shall we?"

  Martha sat down in a comfortable overstuffed leather chair. She tried to keep her hands still but they refused to obey.

  "You look very nice today."

  "Thank you." That darn flush was suffusing her face and she couldn't stop it.

  Shawn smiled. "I love the way you blush."

  Martha put hands to her face. "It's embarrassing."

  "I think it's endearing."

  "Were you able to find suitable housing for your family?

  "We don't need much room but we did find a nice place with an awesome view. My sons are quite pleased to be here."

  "And uh... your wife likes it here also?"

  "I'm divorced, Martha."

  "Oh."

  "My wife left over two years ago. There was a note but nothing more."

  "I'm sorry. That must've been dreadful for you and the children."

  "It was for awhile. Timothy and Warren were seven and eight at the time. But the three of us are very close and being in a new country has been exciting for them."

  "I'm glad to hear the children are adjusting."

  "What about your family, Martha?"

  She put her head down biting her lip.

  "Is this difficult for you to speak of?"

  "No, not anymore. My son is nineteen and he's doing great in college. My husband is in prison."

  "I'm sorry to hear of your troubles."

  Martha looked at this sweet natured man feeling his honest sincerity. If things could only be different, but they weren't.

  "Shawn, I would like to extend an invitation. I want you to feel no obligation if this is not your thing."

  "You have me intrigued, Martha."

  "I'm a member of the First Baptist Church here in town, and I was wondering if you and the boys would be interested in joining me for services this Sunday?"

  "Yes, I think I would like that. We’ll be there."

  Martha was beaming. "I would enjoy meeting your sons."