Love, Lies, & Crime: Anthology

by Kimberly Blalock

  Bianca rolled her eyes and tapped on her pin. “Well, you do have a name tag, chica.”

  “Oh yeah.” Elizabeth bit down on her bottom lip.

  “Let Nickolai know so he can keep an eye on him. If he knows what’s going on ahead of time, he won’t hesitate to throw him out.”

  “I feel helpless. I’m too scared to walk home anymore. That’s never happened my whole life. You think one of the others would give me a ride?”

  “I’ll walk you home, chica. It’s not far.”

  “What about you? Who’ll walk you home?”

  Lifting a challenging brow, Bianca brought her hand up on her hip, heavy on the attitude. “Mira, I’m not the one in trouble. I can take care of myself.”

  “Thanks, B.” She kissed her friend on the cheek, wishing she had her courage and endless reserves of confidence. Elizabeth rose from her seat, ready to get back to work.

  “Y tu también. Now, get back to work.” She slapped a towel across her ass, hoping to put the pep back in her friend’s step.

  Sting’s voice drifted over the speakers, signaling her three minute countdown until her shift was over and she could clock out.

  “I just love his voice! So sexy,” Bianca murmured as she cleared her last table.

  “I used to like it. Now, it just gives me the creeps.”

  “Great job today, ladies. Did you need me to have Charlie escort you out?”

  Elizabeth and Bianca had approached Nickolai during the lunch change-out and spilled about the stranger, the stalker, the note, everything.

  “No thanks, Nicky. I’ve got her covered. ¡Adios!” He grumbled at the nickname he despised and shuffled out back. “Vamanos, blanquita, our day is done.” Bianca linked arms with Elizabeth and skipped out of the diner.

  “So, B, how’d your date go last night?”

  Bianca rolled her eyes and guffawed. ” ¡Aborído! I skirted out of there as soon as he started listing his prized model car collection… in alphabetical order. I finished the night watching episodes I missed from Game of Thrones on the DVR and scarfed down some gelato.”

  “That sounds like a blast to me. I knew I’d get you hooked on that show.” Elizabeth laughed out loud when Bianca slapped her arm, the sound echoing down the narrow sidewalk.

  “Bruja. The characters on that show see more action than a porn star. I love it. Oh, and Snow… Yo lo amo.”

  Both the girls gave in to a fit of giggles as they went on naming all the men they crushed on. Once out of breath, they let their laughter die down on this unusually quiet night. A few houses down from her duplex, Elizabeth was relieved her friend had offered to walk her home. The sound of a match striking a brick wall grabbed their attention. Whipping their heads around to catch a glimpse of who was there, the girls slowed their pace.

  “Hey, girls. They finally let you off work, huh? What’s two pretty things like you have planned for the rest of the night?”

  It was the creep from the diner. He leaned casually up against the dirty brick exterior of the closed shop. Half hidden by the alleyway shadows, a rancid-smelling cigarette dangled haphazardly between two grungy fingers. When they didn’t answer right away, he flicked its ash at them. “Hey! I’m talking to you.”

  Offended and completely unafraid, Bianca hissed back, “Vente pal carajo, cabrón.” Malice laced thick in her foreign accent, adding, “You have a date with your hand tonight, asshole. Come on. We’re almost there, Lizzie.”

  Elizabeth’s arm was almost yanked out of the socket as she was dragged down the side walk toward their destination. The frightened girl looked back as the stranger stared unblinking back at her. A sneer formed on his leathery face as he mouthed, ‘See you later.’

  Panic rose up inside her as she fought against a wave of nausea that threatened to make her sick all over the sidewalk. She was only half aware as Bianca dragged her all the way home and searched her pockets for the keys.

  “Vamanos, mija. Let’s get you inside before you pass out. There’s no way I’m picking you up. My feet are killing me.”

  She successfully unlocked the door and, not so gently, shoved Elizabeth inside. “Por Díos, get a hold of yourself, Liz. He’s an old pervert who has taken a liking to you. That’s all. I mean, yes, he’s creepy and strange, but he hasn’t said or done anything to prove that he’s a stalker or worse. I mean, I’ve had men say worse things to me. Llámame cuando guys start calling you a bitch, skank, or whore.”

  Bianca scoffed at her, making her way into the kitchen in search of some snacks. Elizabeth stood in the entryway, staring after her strong friend. She was right. Some of their regulars have called B some terrible things, rivaled only by her blind dates who’ve called her worse names when denied what they wanted. Bianca heard what diner creep had said, and she was neither alarmed nor worried about him in the slightest. She was letting that stupid note freak her out. It was probably a stupid prank executed by a bored bunch of teens, and she was playing right into the hype.

  Calm down, Lizzie.

  Taking a deep breath, she followed her friend into the kitchen, grabbing a bottle of water and gulping down its contents.

  “Oh, my feet are killing me. I’m going to call a cab home, Liz. I can’t walk one more step.” Pulling out her cell, she dialed the number as if she knew it by heart. Realizing that Carter wasn’t home and hadn’t called, she pulled out her own. Two missed text messages.

  Carter: Hey, babe, my field trip to see you

  has cost me. I won’t be leaving until late.

  Carter: I’ll make it up to you when I see

  you later tonight. I love you, babe.

  Elizabeth quickly typed her reply.

  Liz: I miss you already. I love waking up

  next to you, our bodies tangled together.

  I can still smell you on my pillow. ;)

  A beep signaled his immediate reply.

  Carter: Babe, you’re killing me here. Now

  all I’m going to think about is your scent

  as I went down on you last night. ;P

  Elizabeth grinned, showing all her teeth. Carter always had that effect on her.

  “Aah, you’re smiling as if a hand has snuck up your skirt. Waiting for your Clark Kent to transform into your Superman, huh?” Bianca nudged her friend as her flushed cheeks darkened in embarrassment.

  “Shut up, B. My Clark Kent just so happens to be the sexiest man alive underneath his professional facade.” Elizabeth stood tall, happy to come to his defense, not that he needed it.

  “Oh yeah, you better spill it, Blanquita. I’ve got some time until my cab shows up.”

  The sudden request for intimate details left her tongue-tied. Instead, a broad, cheesy smile showed on her face. Struggling with a demure way to explain how Carter makes her feel, and that he’d been the lucky one to take her virginity, had lodged its way in her throat.

  A buzzing sounded down the hall.

  Saved by the cabby.

  “That’s my ride. Don’t you think for a second that we’re through talking about Clark Kent. I’ll be expecting details first thing tomorrow.”

  Bianca squeezed her friend in a quick tight hug, then kissed each cheek, stepping backwards out the door. Elizabeth watched from the stoop as B got in the cab and waved goodbye before the yellow cab pulled away from the curb. Leaning against a lamp post across the street, she caught sight of the stranger from the diner. The creep stared directly at her. A slow grin spread across his dark face once they’d locked eyes. Chills rippled up and down her limbs, raising goosebumps in alarm.

  Why the hell is he following me? Why doesn’t he get the hint and leave me alone?

  Realizing that she needed to do something about it, Elizabeth pulled out her phone and took a picture of her stalker. That is officially what he was now. He’d followed her home and was camped outside her house, watching her. It was time to act. Dialing 911, she placed her cell at her ear and waited.

  “911 what is your emergency?”

  E
lizabeth hesitated when the dispatcher said ‘emergency’. Chewing on her lip, she stuttered her response.

  “Well, um, actually, it’s more of a frightening concern.”

  “Ma’am?”

  “I think a man is stalking me. He follows me to work, waits for me to get out, and followed me all the way home. He’s outside my house right now, staring this way.”

  “How long has this been going on? When did it start, ma’am?”

  “Um, I heard someone following behind me yesterday, but today was the first day I’ve actually seen his face.”

  Ugh, I sound like an idiot.

  “Are you in danger now, ma’am?”

  “Well, no, but I didn’t want to wait until I was in any before calling.”

  “Okay, ma’am, I could send over an officer to take down your statement and check around your house if you’d like. The local units are on an emergency call in your area right now, but I will send the first available squad car your way.”

  “Yes, please send one as soon as you can.”

  “Yes, ma’am. If anything more happens, don’t hesitate to call back.”

  The operator ended the call, leaving Elizabeth rolling her eyes at herself. I’m such an idiot. I should’ve called yesterday. She grumbled to herself as she shuffled into the kitchen to start a fresh cup of coffee.

  Looks like it’s going to be a long night.

  Her cell buzzed. The vibration skittered it across the countertop. Flipping it over, Elizabeth tapped the screen lock.

  Carter: Where’d you go, babe?

  She stared at the screen, debating on whether she should tell him what was going on in person, or to relay everything over text. Elizabeth didn’t want to worry him while he was stuck at work. There was nothing he could do that she hadn’t already anyway.

  Liz: I’m here. I was saying goodbye to B.

  She walked me home.

  Carter: Good. I don’t like you walking home

  by yourself. Lots of crazies out there waiting

  for a pretty girl like you to walk by.

  Carter was right. There’s no way she’d walk home alone after tonight. Not wanting to give in to his demands so easily, she decided to play with him a little.

  Liz: Don’t worry, I’m a big tough girl.

  I can handle myself. Besides, you gave

  me a can of mace, remember?

  Carter: Oh, so you think you’re a tough girl, huh?

  We’ll see about that when I get back. ;)

  Elizabeth shivered as lustful thoughts of their hot session last night played back in her mind. The way his strong hands tore away at her clothes in desperation. Needing her. Right then and there. Anticipation flooded her system. She wanted Carter, now. But the wait would make it all the more exciting.

  Liz: I could ask B if she’d walk me home

  again tomorrow, if that would please you,

  Master. ;)

  She smiled, knowing that he’d like her word choice.

  Carter: You’re killing me, babe. You’ll know

  soon enough what pleases me.

  Carter: I’ve got to get back to work or I’ll

  never make it out of here.

  Liz: I look forward to it. I’ll be in bed waiting

  for you.

  Giggling like a naughty little girl, Elizabeth sent the message. This game was fun.

  Carter: LIZ…

  YOU ARE IN BIG TROUBLE.

  Liz: I look forward to my punishment.

  Go back to work. I will see you later.

  Elizabeth ended the chat, smiling over their playful innuendos. Walking past the windows, she dropped the phone on the floor and screamed. A dark figure pressed its face against the glass, peering inside at her.

  CHAPTER SIX

  We’re all trapped in the illusion of life,

  slowly slipping farther into the darkness of insanity…

  We’re losing our minds one minute at a time.

  She must be dreaming. Elizabeth pinched her eyes shut chanting, No one is there. It’s just a shadow. Nothing is there. Cold sweat broke out over her skin as she risked another look. He was there. She could barely make him out in the darkness with the brilliant lights from the kitchen shining behind her. But he was there. Elizabeth backed away from the threat, never taking her eyes off of him. Her back hit the opposite wall. Lifting her arm, she reached for the light switch she knew was there.

  With a pounding heart, she kept her eyes trained on the window. Flicking the switch up, the outdoor lights turned on and shone bright all around the porch. No one was there. You’re losing it, Liz. She crept toward the window with wary steps. No, I know I saw something.

  Deciding to call for help, Elizabeth ran for the phone she’d dropped to call 911.

  Snatching the phone up off the ground as if it was surrounded by poisonous snakes, she tapped the screen lock. Elizabeth hadn’t dialed a single number yet when an incoming call rang in her hand. The number was blocked, but she figured it might be Carter calling from the office. Her trembling hand lifted it to her ears. “Hello?”

  Nothing.

  “He…hello? Carter, is that you?”

  Heavy panting crackled through the connection, tickling her ear. “Noooooo…” the voice growled, drawing out the word. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end.

  “Who the hell is this?”

  “Aren’t you going to dance for me?”

  Elizabeth’s pulse raced. It was him. “What the hell do you want from me?”

  Deep rumbling laughter sent chills racing up her spine. “Your. Last. Breath.”

  The line went dead. Elizabeth couldn’t stop the tremors that shook her body. She froze in place with the phone still pressed to her ear. Her debilitating fear hindered her from any rational thoughts. What should I do? What should I do? Her bottom lip suffered terrible abuse worrying it between her teeth. Deciding to tell Carter, she lowered the phone and fought against her shaking fingers to text him, too afraid to call for fear that that voice would still be on the other end.

  Liz: He’s outside the house watching

  me. Carter, I’m really scared!

  Carter: What? Who is? What’s going

  on, babe?

  Liz: The creep at the diner. He followed

  B and I home. When her cab came to

  pick her up, he was outside staring at me.

  I just caught him peeking inside the window.

  Carter: Call the cops, Lizzie. I’m leaving the

  city now. I’ll be there as quick as I can.

  Liz: I already called them. There’s an emergency call. They’ll be here as soon as they

  can. I’m scared, Carter.

  Carter: WHAT??? That’s bullshit. Call

  them again. Now!

  Elizabeth obeyed, exiting the chat and dialing. The phone rang shrilly in her hands. Without thinking, she picked it up out of sheer habit.

  “It’s almost time,” the vicious voice whispered harshly.

  “Leave me the fuck alone! I called the cops. They’re on their way,” she shrieked into the speaker with shaken confidence.

  “Not before I go in there and rip you to shreds. Besides, the police aren’t going to drop everything for a prank call.”

  “Why are you doing this to me?”

  “Because your life is mine to play with.”

  “Well, I think you’ve had your fun, asshole. Game’s over.”

  “That’s not what you want, Lizzie…” His laugh was laced with excitement.

  “Oh yeah? And why is that, creep?”

  “Because when I stop playing…” His voice deepened, whispering low into the receiver, “…you stop breathing. Let me in so I can play.” The line went dead.

  The silence in the empty house was deafening. Maybe I should make a run for it. Head for the diner, screaming at the top of my lungs. Someone’s bound to hear me. Notice me running for my life, right?

  Deciding to make a try for it, Elizabeth slipped on her runni
ng shoes and gripped the mace Carter had given her. I can’t just sit here and wait for him to come in and get me. No one will know. Convincing herself that this was the best option, she tip-toed to the front door, psyching herself up for the sprint.

  Shaking hands inched toward the door knob. Wrapping her fingers around the handle, a barrage of pounding, kicking, and the shrill chimes of the doorbell assaulted her. The thunderous pounding shook the duplex and continued like that without letting up. Elizabeth covered her ears and shouted, “Stop! Just leave me the fuck alone!” Her ears popped with the force of her frightened shouts.

  And just like that, the assault stopped. Silence stretched on, but Elizabeth hadn’t noticed at first. Her ears were still ringing. Lowering her hands, she strained her throbbing ears to hear him, to hear anything at all.

  Nothing.

  Her nerves were shot. Beads of sweat trickled down along her hairline. She waited. Waiting for it to start up again, waiting for another call, waiting for something, anything to happen.

  Get up, Lizzie.

  Standing on legs of jelly, Lizzie gripped her mace tightly and cautiously faced the door again. Elizabeth prayed that he’d gotten bored of this and left. But her gut was saying that this was just the beginning. Gulping in a painful breath that did nothing to calm her erratic heart, she placed her ear over the paneling of the door.

  Is he still out there?

  “Little pig, little pig… I’m coming in.” His voice growled on the other side.

  Tears spilled from her wide eyes. She placed her hand over her mouth to prevent any sound from coming out and backed away. An envelope skittered under the door and stopped at her feet.

  His deep laugh sounded through the door.

  I won’t read it. Don’t read it! She chanted to herself. Nothing good will come of it. Don’t play his game. That’s what he wants. But like a brilliant beacon signaling her attention, the offending envelope begged her to open it, and that temptation was hard to ignore. What was worse was that it had gotten eerily quiet outside. Five minutes passed. Ten… Fifteen minutes later, curiosity got the better of her.

  He’s gone. He has to be. She hadn’t heard a peep since he passed the note.

  Reaching out with trembling hands, she picked it up… then glanced at the door. Nothing. Elizabeth broke the seal and stopped. Nothing.