by L A Walton
“Declan I’m serious. Why did we just kicked out of a wedding after she took one look at you? How did she know you?”
Declan pulled onto the highway before he answered, “We used to date.”
“What? When?”
“A long time ago. We dated and I cheated on her,” Declan said quietly, “It’s kind of embarrassing.”
“You dated her? That’s unbelievable.”
“Yeah…hey so she was one of your listeners? Was it because I cheated on her? She couldn’t get over it?”
“Don’t flatter yourself.” Laci was reminded of her original letter. It was because she was dating an abusive boyfriend. She looked at Declan and couldn’t believe it. Declan was playful and laid back. He never displayed any kind of aggressive behavior. Still, she found herself asking, “Exactly how long ago did you two date?”
“A long time ago,” Declan said, emphasizing the word long.
Laci nodded, “It’s such a small world. Who would’ve guessed?”
“Yeah. It’s a really small world. After she dated me she dated one of my friends. I guess to pay me back since I cheated on her with one of her friends. I don’t know why she’d still be angry about it. She just got married. She should be thanking me for cheating on her since it led her to today,” Declan said as he continued to drive to their home.
Laci rolled her eyes at his comment. Then she asked, “So Veronica dated one of your friends?”
He nodded, “Yeah. She dated Robert but it didn’t last long. I’m not sure what happened but it was like one day they were dating the next day they weren’t.”
“You didn’t ask why they broke up?”
“No,” Declan laughed, “Why would I care? I was already dating someone else. Besides, Robert moved on pretty quickly and so did she from what I hear.”
“You weren’t mad at Robert?”
Declan laughed, “Bros before-“
“Don’t say it unless you want me to hit you Declan,” Laci warned.
He shrugged his shoulders, “No I didn’t mind. Anyway, it all worked out in the end didn’t it? She got married and Robert is dating some chick that he really likes.”
“Awww it’s just my poor baby brother that hasn’t gotten a new girlfriend,” Laci mocked.
Declan grinned, ‘It’s okay sis’ I’m having too much fun finding Mrs. Right.”
“Yeah, so you’re settling for Mrs. Right Now.”
As they pulled into their driveway, Laci thought of Andrew’s reaction which was a little similar to Declan finding out that he knew the bride. She wondered if Andrew also knew Veronica in some way.
“Was that why he didn’t want to go?” she wondered.
“Who didn’t want to go?” Declan asked.
Laci hadn’t realized that she was talking out loud, “Oh nobody. I was just talking to myself.” Still, Laci wondered if Andrew had any possible relationship to Veronica.
“We’ve been seeing one another…pretty much every night. I’d say we’re boyfriend girlfriend. Do you agree?” Judas asked while pouring her a glass of wine.
Kay blushed, “Oh…I don’t know. Maybe we’re just two people that enjoy each other’s company?”
“And bodies?”
They both laughed and Judas leaned in to kiss her but Kay pushed him back, “Hold on. I want to change into something more…comfortable.”
Judas grinned and watched as she headed to her bedroom. He slipped a small pill into her wine and watched it fizzle and disappear. When she returned, she was wearing sweatpants and an oversized T-shirt, making Judas laugh.
“Sexy,” he told her.
She shrugged, “I try.”
He handed her the glass of wine she had been drinking from earlier and said, “Let’s make a toast.”
“Okay.”
“A toast to us.”
Kay smiled and drank her wine until the wineglass was empty.
“Wake up Kay. Wake up,” Jakes voice was disturbing her thoughts.
Kay slowly opened her eyes to find herself tied to her bed and thought, “What’s happening?”
Everything was a bit blurry to her so she didn’t understand what was going on. She tried speaking but couldn’t. A large piece of cloth was stuffed in her mouth. She started to panic.
She heard Judas laugh and she instantly became more alert when she felt the cool barrel of a small gun pressed against her temple. Judas stood to the side, holding his phone, “I need to take a picture of this, so say cheese.”
CHAPTER 21
Kay watched Judas scan his phone's photos through blurry vision. She had been bawling in fear as he took pictures of her in distress.
“I’m going to die,” she thought. “I’m going to die wearing gray sweatpants and an ugly T-shirt.”
It really didn’t matter. She didn’t want to die. She didn’t understand how she missed the signs with Judas. He seemed so kind and sweet.
“So did the serial killer Ted Bundy,” she thought.
Judas smiled as he looked at one of his pictures and held up the phone for her to see, “It’s beautiful, isn’t it? Like something out of glamour shots. Fear looks good on everyone.”
Kay couldn’t speak as her mouth was gagged. She could feel the tears staining her cheeks.
“Are you surprised by all this Kay?” Judas asked. When she didn’t respond he became angry and pulled her hair, “Nod yes or no.”
Kay quickly nodded.
“I’m not sure why. We met at a graveyard. How else did you expect this relationship to end?” He began laughing at his question but Kay just shuddered. “Do you want to know why I’m doing this? Do you?” He sat on the bed and held the gun in one hand and his phone in the other, “It has nothing to do with you. It’s too bad actually. I kind of liked you. Kind of.”
Kay was watching his hand with the gun. Her body tensed each time he waved his hand around. Her wrists and legs were beginning to go numb from being tied up.
“I guess this means we’re breaking up, huh? Well I want to let you know that it’s not you. You’re not the reason we’re breaking up. It’s your friend Laci.”
Laci?
Kay didn’t understand.
Did Judas know Laci?
“I can see by your surprised expression that you’re wondering how I know Laci. I know her very well. She’s the woman that ruined not one but two of my relationships. It’s that show of hers…it gives her too much power over women. It’s like she’s brainwashing them to think I’m some kind of jealous monster. I’m not a monster Kay! I’m not!”
Kay found that hard to believe as he waved the gun in the air again. Kay saw the look of mania in his eyes and it frightened her. How could anyone have so much hate in them?
“The thing is…if I want to get her to do what I say…I have to go through someone she knows. Someone she cares about. And it’s so much easier to tie down a woman than a man. So whether you like it or not, you’re going to help me Kay. You’re going to help me ruin her career and her life.”
Dr. Laci Cummings was rummaging through her purse when she heard her phone dinging, alerting her of a message. She ignored it. A few minutes later, Andrew walked in and greeted her, “Hey Laci, are you ready for today’s show?”
“Of course I’m ready. What better topic could we possibly discuss?”
“I can think of a few,” Andrew said looking suggestively at her legs.
Laci chuckled, “You know I can still get the number to HR, Dr. Brett.” He laughed in response and she smiled.
“So when we bring up men in abusive relationships, what stance do you want to take?” Andrew asked.
“I think we should both take the same stance…that it’s an ongoing serious problem that needs more attention. Is there an alternative stance?”
Andrew smiled, “Sounds good to me. Alright, I’ll see you in the studio.”
Laci watched Andrew walk out of their shared office and smiled. A few minutes later, her phone dinged again. This time she picked it up.
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It was a photo message. She allowed it to download and gasped. It was a picture of her friend Kay, gagged and tied up, with a gun to her temple.
The second message read, “Do you value your friend’s life? Reply yes or no.”
Laci quickly swiped her finger over the keys, “Yes.”
Her phone dinged a second time. She read the message, “Keep your phone with you and listen to my instructions.”
Another ding sounded from her phone.
“I’ll be listening.”
Laci started to panic. She wanted to call the police. It was the only choice she had. She was about to dial 911 when a new message populated on her screen.
“Call the cops and she dies.”
She felt her knees buckle beneath her and she struggled to breath. He was back. Her stalker was back.
A shaky Laci sat behind the microphone she normally used when doing the show. Her phone was on silent but placed in front of her.
She heard Andrew speak, “Okay listeners. Today we’re talking about abusive relationships and before you think we’re covering the same old thing…I want to tell you that this time we’re focusing on abused men. That’s right you heard me. Abused men.”
Andrew looked at Laci who was quiet. He gave her a confused look as she didn’t reply and continued, “It’s a well hidden secret that there are many men that are actually victims of abuse in their relationships. So tonight I’m calling out for all these men to be brave and give us a call. You will stay anonymous. We’re here to help. Isn’t that right Laci?”
Laci was startled at the sound of her name but she recovered quickly, “Right. We’re here to listen to your side of the story.”
Laci looked up to see George signaling them that there was a caller on the line. Andrew answered, “Welcome to Love Guru. We’re glad you called.”
“Hello my name is Judas,” the caller answered.
“Judas, we don’t use real names,” Laci said in a low voice.
“That’s right. Sorry about that. Hmmm in that case, I want the name Stitching Hurt.”
Laci took a deep breath. The name Stitching Hurt sounded familiar but she couldn’t remember where she had heard it before.
“It’s an interesting choice but we’ll go with it. Do you mind sharing your story with us, Hurt?” Andrew asked.
“The main woman in my life is very controlling. She doesn’t let me have a relationship with anyone else. She always seems to sabotage it,” Judas answered.
“Is this woman your girlfriend?” Andrew asked.
“Sort of. We’re very much connected,” Judas answered.
“Today we’re talking about men who suffer from abuse. Is this what you’re undergoing Hurt?” Laci asked.
She heard the caller laugh, “There are all types of abuse. There’s physical but wouldn’t you agree that mental abuse is just as bad…if not worse? It can leave a scar so deep that perhaps nothing can heal it. Can fill it.”
“Would you feel comfortable telling us what you’ve been through?” Laci asked.
“Of course,” Judas answered. “My woman is selfish. She only cares about herself. She always tells everyone that I’m in the wrong and makes me feel like crap. She steps on my ego.”
A message silently flashed on Laci’ phone, “Tell him to get over it.”
Laci stared at the message, torn about what she should do.
“DO IT!” a new message demanded.
Laci cleared her throat, “Umm bruises…I think that you should...get over it.”
“What?” Andrew asked, surprised.
Laci steeled herself to continue on, “I said…you should get over it. Get a backbone. This woman will never respect you if you don’t respect yourself. Ladies am I right?”
The caller responded, “Are you saying I’m a wimp?”
Another message flashed on her phone, “Tell him yes.”
Andrew answered for her, “Not at all. Don’t misunderstand Dr. Cummings. What she meant to say-“
“Yes,” Laci interrupted. “Yes. I’m saying you’re being a wimp. Not in a physical sense but emotionally. You should stand up to your girlfriend or this will be a problem that never gets resolved.”
“I can’t believe you just insulted me,” the caller cried in indignation.
“She didn’t mean it as an insult but as a way to get you to stand up for yourself. To motivate you,” Andrew defended her.
“Take it how you want,” Laci answered. She was angry at the situation she was being forced in. She was also scared. She looked up to see George gesturing wildly for her to be quiet. As a new message flashed on her screen, she knew it was going to be a long night.
“What were you thinking Laci? Do you know how many complaints we’re going to get now because of you? We probably lost listeners because of the stunt you just pulled. What possessed you to tell a caller that he was a wimp?” George was livid.
Laci tried to seem unconcerned and shrugged, “It could’ve been worse. I could’ve said worse.”
“Worse than telling a caller he was a wimp for being abused by his girlfriend? I don’t think so.”
“I’m sorry George,” she said quietly.
“Sorry? You’re sorry?” George went from being upset to sounding regretful, “Yeah so am I. Let’s just hope the listeners aren’t demanding your pink slip after tonight.”
George walked away and Laci glanced at Andrew who was staring at her.
“Laci?”
“What is it?”
“Are you okay?” Andrew asked her.
His concern was almost enough to break her.
Almost.
“I’m fine. Listen, I have to get home. I’ll see you tomorrow okay?”
She didn’t wait for him to answer, she just walked away. It was probably for the best to stop their relationship before it really got started. She didn’t know who this stalker was but she had a feeling that he was going to ruin a lot more than her radio show and she didn’t want Andrew involved.
CHAPTER 22
“Laci are you sleeping? Laci can you hear me? Laci?” a soft whisper of a voice drifted in and out of her subconscious.
A different voice, more familiar and distinct, cried out to her “Laci! Laci please help me. Don’t let me die!”
The whispering voice returned, “You can save her Laci. All you have to do is…kill yourself. Die Laci! Don’t you care about your friend?”
The woman’s voice echoed the whisperer’s question, “Don’t you care about me?”
A low cackle filled her head followed by, “I guess not.”
A scream shattered all around her. Laci sprang up from her bed, gasping for breath. Her sheets were damp and her body was covered in a sheen of her own sweat. She looked around her and saw that she was sitting up in her bed, alone.
She slowly got out of bed and pulled her sheets off, letting them fall to the floor. She padded to the bathroom and turned on the shower. She refused to go back to sleep covered in her own sweat.
Afterwards, she put on some Mickey Mouse pajamas and sat in front of her laptop. Since she had it cleaned for viruses, she hadn’t downloaded any attachments from any e-mails.
She opened her advice column account and began skimming through the messages. It was linked to an IM account that she hardly ever used. She was about to set the notifications to show she was unavailable when a message popped up.
“Dr. Cummings? OMG are you really online this late? I have a question for you!”
Since she was up and had nothing better to do, she replied, “It’s pretty late. Why are you still up? I hope it’s not a serious relationship problem.”
“I’m obsessed with your show. I wanted to know what I should do if my boyfriend is interested in other girls.”
Laci smiled. This was easy territory for her and a change from having to try and solve the problem of her friend being held hostage. She still wasn’t sure if she should contact the police. What if she called the cops and he killed Kay? She sighed
as she typed, “Are you sure he’s interested in other girls?”
“Yes, he’s always trying to spend time with them. I don’t know why if he has me. We met at a Jalisco’s. I love their burritos!”
“Yes, their food is good. As far as your boyfriend, maybe he’s just very social,” Laci offered. She was pretty sure the person on the other end was a teen as their screen name was SchoolSux201.
“If you had a boyfriend and you couldn’t trust him, what would you do?” SchoolSux201 asked.
“I’d probably talk to him about it,” Laci answered with a tapping of her keyboard.
“That’s easier to say than to do.”
Laci smiled and typed, “Yes. It is. I still think you should try. I’m not sure how old you are but no relationship lasts without trust.”
“Thanks Dr. Cummings. You’re such a genius! <3<3”
Laci laughed and typed, “I wouldn’t say that. I’ve just been in enough relationships to know better.”
“I just don’t want to be cheated on. I think that’s the worst.”
“I agree.” Dr. Cummings laughed. If only her life was this simple. How happy she would be if her biggest problem was that her boyfriend cheated on her.
“Have you ever had a boy cheat on you?” SchoolSux201 asked.
“I believe it’s a rite of passage for all girls. It’s the only way they learn how to pick a good boyfriend.”
“Wow I can’t believe anyone would cheat on you. I feel like we have so much in common. We both like Jalisco’s. We’ve both been cheated on and we both like Mickey Mouse.”
A moment of silence passed before Laci took in what she just read.
“We both like Mickey Mouse.”
She looked down at her Mickey Mouse pajamas and started shaking. She slammed her laptop shut, causing her to be hidden in complete darkness. She stood up and bumped into some furniture as she grabbed her phone and walked out of the room. She was breathing heavily. She was panicking. It was only 3:30 AM and she was too scared to go back to bed much less go back to her bedroom. She walked to her kitchen and grabbed a butcher knife. She carried it with her to the living room and sat down, her knees up against her stomach. In one hand she carried the knife and in the other she held her phone.