A Sea of Smoke_A Dark Romance

by Karen Lynn

  “Make sure this is everything, your stuff too. I don't want you coming back here again.” He squinted at her waiting for confirmation, before rushing to remove the screws from the crib.

  She sat on the floor, mindlessly going through boxes of toys.

  “We don't have time for that Kristen. Did you hear what I said?” His voice rose. He turned to look at her. She was on another planet. “Hey!”

  She blinked, coming back to reality. “Okay! I know! I have to get all the bottles and linens.” Her mind remained scrambled, the walls closing in, suffocating, despite the cool air circulating in the room.

  With one last yank, the crib came apart. He stacked up the pieces with the rest of the stuff, jammed the screws into his jean pocket and knelt next to her.

  “I need you to focus, this is the last time we're coming here.” He turned her face to his, dismayed by the pallor of her skin. Her eyes were red and swollen—he sighed, wondering if she was crying again. “Kris, are you okay?”

  “Yeah. I'm good.”

  When she didn't look at him, he knew she was lying. Grabbing her hands, he pulled her firmly to her feet, hugging her close.

  “I know it’s hard for you, but this is what you want isn't it?” He stroked her hair. His heart sank when he felt her twitching against him.

  When the hell is she going to get over this guy?

  “You need to answer me. Are you sure it's what you want?” He pushed her back with a gentle motion, gripping her arms as he gazed down at her, waiting. What if it’s not? What will I do then?

  “Yes! I'm sure. It's just overwhelming. I still have to make sure I have all my things too.” She raised her eyes slowly.

  “I thought you got most of your things last time!” He shook his head, in an attempt to control his rising irritation. “I'm gonna start carrying this downstairs. Call me right away if you have any problems here. I'll be right back.” After kissing her head, he jogged to the door.

  “Jake!” She ran to him. “I'm sure, I promise.”

  Somehow, he still wasn't convinced. Not wanting her to notice the moisture in his eyes, he pulled away and walked out.

  Jake was on his second trip to the truck. Alone in the condo, Kristen began trembling. She had no idea why fear consumed her as she walked from room to room, yet she couldn’t get rid of the butterflies in her stomach. Unable to function, she went out on the balcony and leaned on the railing, struggling to compose herself.

  “That's pretty much it then, right?”

  Startled, she jerked upright, then spun around to face him.

  “I have some more clothes in my bedroom,” she mumbled, her eyes wide. Jake stared at her pale face, wrinkling his forehead.

  “Ok, let's go then.” He took her arm, felt the unnerving trembling, and released it. “When you're ready.”

  Brushing away the tears, she followed him down the hallway to the living room. “Did you hear something?” She froze, straining to listen.

  “Nope. You're being paranoid again,” Jake called from the doorway.

  Unable to shake the uneasiness, she dashed after him. The cold sweat persisted. With a quick glance at Jake to confirm he wasn’t watching, she searched her bag for the gun. Stifling a sigh of relief, she hid it under the loose fitting t-shirt, and sprinted to the kitchen.

  * * *

  Logan leaped out of the car, slamming the door behind him. The loud clack echoed through the empty parking garage. For a second he considered checking the mail before he went upstairs, but changed his mind. Whatever there was could wait. A certain urgency hung over him. Too hyper to wait for the elevator, he bolted up the seven flights of stairs.

  The horrible events of the morning streaked through his mind. It was obvious Nick was really ticked off this time. In all the years he'd dealt with him, this latest outburst had been the worst. It took him a while to accept the truth. He didn't give a damn about Gina, but needed to do his best to appease Nick. After a nice, warm shower, he was heading out to the bars to meet up with him, chill and work it out.

  Without slowing down, he entered the living room. A light clattering sound coming from the glass door to the balcony caught his attention. The door was wide open.

  That's weird. I could’ve sworn I shut that.

  His eyes narrowed with suspicion as he started towards it, then froze.

  Something is wrong.

  Before he could turn around, the cold blade pressed into his throat.

  An unfamiliar male voice hissed in his ear. “Don't move motherfucker or I swear I’ll rip your throat open.”

  Jake had Logan pinned to him, his arm locked around his neck, the knife flush against his throat. A deafening silence filled the room, interrupted only by the intermittent sounds of Logan’s harsh, jagged breaths. Jake didn’t move a muscle. He felt his chest expand as he sucked huge gulps of air into his lungs. He felt the vibrations of his own heart pounding in his chest. At last the fateful moment had come, the moment he would put the past to rest. Yet, after all the months of fantasizing about this moment, suddenly he was unsure what to do next. All because of Kristen and the baby.

  “Take what you want...” Logan croaked, struggling to see in the darkness.

  “I already did asshole.” Jake kept his voice deep, hoarse, low. He felt Logan cringe and stiffen. You know who it is now, don’t you? Pumped up beyond belief, he was ready.

  “Then, what the fuck do you want?” Logan knew who it was. His pulse accelerated to throbbing jerks.

  Jake grinned. Time to release all the pent up bitterness and contempt.

  “You know what I want asshole.”

  Distracted by banging in the kitchen, Jake went rigid. He had to speed it up. “Admit you killed him.”

  I can’t let her interfere this time.

  The noise in the kitchen died down. Jake held his breath, concentrating on her footsteps.

  “Jake?” she called out, peering down the hallway in the direction of the nursery.

  “Kristen…”

  Startled by the muffled cry, she whirled around. The living room was dark, but she made out Jake's shadow close to the balcony. She blinked repeatedly, struggling to focus.

  “Oh my God Jake! What are you doing?” She rushed towards them.

  “Stop!” Jake ordered, his grip on Logan’s throat tightening as he slowly repositioned his body so they both faced her. “This is between me and your husband.”

  “Jake, let him go! Please!”

  “No! He has to admit he killed Ray first. Then, maybe if I’m satisfied, I won't cut his fucking head off!” A diabolical grin twitched on his lips. He brought his face closer to Logan’s. “Maybe your balls instead? How’s that sound motherfucker, hmm? Good trade?” he sneered, the incredible rush, unbearable.

  “Jake you can't do this!” Her eyes were frantic as they fell on Logan's terrified, pale face.

  “Krissy, do something,” Logan pleaded.

  Speechless, Kristen blinked back her tears.

  I can’t let this happen! It will ruin everything!

  Without moving her eyes from them, she fumbled for the gun.

  “Jake! Let him go, I mean it!” The sound of her own terrified breaths resonated in the silence. Her hands clutched the .22 caliber pistol so tightly they burned, but she still couldn’t hold it steady.

  Jake's eyes popped open wider in a mixture of agony and shock. “Who are you gonna shoot, Kristen?”

  “I don't know, maybe no one, I don’t want to. Jake please…if you kill him what about Alex? Do you want to spend the rest of your life in prison, you want your son to grow up without a father? Please, please just let him go, it's not worth it. Ray is gone, you can't bring him back!”

  The more she rambled on, the harder her heart thudded, the violent trembling threatening to bring her to her knees.

  “Is that it Kristen, or is there more to it? Why do you care so much if he lives or dies, huh?” He looked down at her, the muscles in his face clenching tighter and tighter

&
nbsp; Jake’s words were far away, barely registering. The sudden red haze in her head obliterated him from her sight. All she could concentrate on were Logan's huge, begging eyes. And the knife digging into his throat, about to slice it open. I have to think fast!

  She took deep breaths, willing herself not to crumble.

  “Logan, tell him, please, say you’ll let us leave without a problem. Tell him you won't try to stop us or do anything. Please!”

  “That's not gonna work Kris. I'm sick of this shit!” Inconsolable, Jake shook his head rapidly back and forth.

  The fiery rage in his eyes paralyzed her.

  “What is then Jake? Just because he was at the club the same night doesn't mean he killed him—anyone could've done it! Let go of him if you want him to talk!” Her eyes bore into Jake’s then darted back to Logan, who was bathed in sweat and hyperventilating.

  “Bullshit!” Stunned by the fire in her eyes, Jake’s knees buckled. Swaying slightly, he shook his head. “So you did know—you covered for him all this time?”

  “No, I wasn't there! All I know is if you kill him, you're on your own! You'll never see Alex or me again!” She screamed inching forward. “Or maybe I should shoot both of you instead! I'm sick of this shit!” Out of control now, she waved the gun wildly back and forth, then for a quick second turned it to herself. “Or myself maybe, huh?”

  The gun shook as she snapped it back in their direction, holding it up higher.

  Panic-stricken, Jake’s jaw dropped. He couldn’t trust her, she was too unpredictable and it was apparent she had no clue how to handle a firearm. In frustration he groaned and began lowering the knife. Something in his head held him back.

  Not this time asshole!

  One quick jerk of his wrist was all it took. The tip of the knife sliced across Logan's cheek, cutting it open. As the blood squirted out, a delirious expression contorted Jake’s face. Satisfied, he wiped the knife off on Logan’s shirt.

  Logan yelped, his hand flying to his face. “Fucking bastard!”

  Jake lunged at him. Kristen intercepted, latching onto him before he could strike. They stood glaring defiantly at each other until Jake realized she had lowered the gun. On the verge of blowing up, he shoved her out of the away and stormed to the other side of the room.

  “A nice fucking scar for you to remember me by shithead!” he muttered, slumping against the wall with a sigh of resignation.

  Dazed, Kristen staggered backwards. Managing to hold onto the gun, she whirled back to Logan who was already sneaking up on her, his eyes hopeful but baffled.

  “Don't come near me Logan!” she screeched. Her fingers were so frozen and numb she couldn’t feel the gun anymore. It zigzagged in his face.

  “Krissy, calm down! You don't even know how to use that thing!” Logan wailed, his face reddening. He reversed, hoping to lure her onto the long balcony.

  “I don't have to—all it has to do is go off in your face! So shut up for once, okay?” Feeling faint, she panted. There was no time to waste. She followed him out into the balmy evening.

  “Kristen, put the gun down! Let's get the hell outta here!”

  She spun around, the gun seesawing in her hands. She held on tighter, pointing it at Jake. “Don't tell me what to do, Jake! It's time for me to take charge of my life!”

  Jake recoiled, raising his hands up in submission.

  Satisfied, Kristen returned to Logan, her narrowed eyes menacing.

  “You're lucky I didn't let him slit your throat so don't give me another reason to kill you myself. You know I already have plenty.”

  Logan flinched. Even if he was lucid enough to go back in time, he doubted he’d recall her ever being so deranged. They stood in silence for a few seconds. Kristen drew in long, deep breaths, trying to clear her head. She stepped closer to him, studying his face like she had never seen it before.

  Logan sensed she was at a breaking point. “Is that thing even loaded?” he whispered in her ear, oblivious to Jake’s leering. With a resurgence of confidence, he touched her arm.

  Self-doubt flashed across her face as she struggled to recall. When rising confusion made it impossible, she brushed his hand away.

  “Of course it is! Do you think I'm an idiot?”

  He was in her face, she smelled his cologne. The gun continued wobbling in her hands.

  Why can’t this damn thing stay steady? I need to focus; I can’t let him trick me. Not this time.

  This time she would listen to the voices in her head. This time she would do the right thing. Filled with positive energy she averted her eyes, holding her head up high.

  Jake stood transfixed by their intimate interaction. It was maddening. Shameless jealousy boiled inside of him, taking hold of him, affecting his ability to function. He battled to rationalize, his thoughts on a wild collision course in his head.

  What if the gun really isn’t loaded? What if it is and goes off? Should I tackle her and take it? I can’t let that piece of shit manipulate her, but I can’t let her get hurt either.

  Kristen killing Logan? The idea enticed him. But he couldn’t let her do it. He couldn’t risk her going to prison. He couldn’t lose her again. And he needed the victory to be all his. Especially now. He continued watching them without blinking, waiting for the right moment to make his move.

  Logan knew he had to take control while Kristen was still weak and vulnerable, without spooking her. Gently lacing his fingers around her wrists, his lips brushed her ear. “Krissy you don't want to hurt me, you already proved that. Give me the gun, sweetie.”

  Stunned, Kristen did a double take, her arm slackened, the gun aimed to the ground. Maybe I can finally talk some sense into him, maybe we can work it all out without anyone getting hurt…

  “I don't Logan, but you have to promise to leave us alone…”

  Logan pounced on her, his hand locking on the gun. With a twisting motion he pulled her back, restraining her against him. Gasping in astonishment, she struggled to resist and break free. But his strength was too much for her.

  Jake jolted upright, stopping short to take an impulsive glance over his shoulder at the front door. He froze. Gina stared back at him.

  “Logan!” Gina screeched at the top of her lungs.

  Suddenly all eyes were on Gina and the .45 caliber pistol glistening brilliantly in her hands.

  Kristen's shock dissolved into terror, her knees weakened. She felt Logan’s hand tensing next to hers on the gun. She swung her head around to look at Jake. His eyes were glued on Gina.

  “You should learn to lock your door asshole!” Gina smirked, marching towards them. “How sweet, Logan and his little cunt wife! Having a threesome honey?”

  “Gina! Why don't you put down the gun and tell me what you want?”

  “Not a threesome, even though I might not mind if he’s involved.” Her laugh mirthless, eyes wicked, she took in every inch of Jake. The instant they returned to Logan, they darkened. “But you should know that by now, shouldn't you, papito? Did you forget how much you owe me?”

  “I'll give you that bail money, Gina! I’ll give you whatever you want, put the gun down!” All of the muscles in Logan's body relaxed—he never felt Kristen’s flinching. Instead, he fixated on his renewed power over Gina.

  Gina roared with laughter, maintaining her rigid hold on the gun. “You're not that slow are you? You treated me like dirt and now you think you can buy me?”

  “This isn't the way to solve this! Are you fucking crazy?”

  “Logan shut up.” Kristen’s voice wasn’t low enough to keep Gina from hearing.

  “You better get this bitch out of here before I shoot her!”

  Grinning, Logan released Kristen, shoving her out of the way. The sudden rough momentum sent her stumbling forward. In the back of her mind, she sensed her numb fingers frozen on the trigger. For one quick second her eyes fixed on Gina before her mind went blank. Loud popping sounds blasted through the air. Kristen’s screams echoed though the room. She
tripped, falling forward onto the tiled floor. The gun flew out of her hands. Burying her head in her arms, she lay there, too petrified to breathe.

  Gina emitted an agonized wail, her gun clattering to the ground. Lurching forward her head crashed into the concrete wall. Her body convulsed several times and went motionless.

  A look of amusement spread across Logan's face. “Holy shit! It was loaded!”

  An eerie silence hung over the room. Kristen raised her head cautiously, her eyes landing on Gina’s limp body. She gasped, cramming them shut.

  How could this happen?

  It wasn’t sinking in; it didn’t make sense. She hugged herself desperate to stop the violent shivering. But the room continued spinning.

  Logan's adrenaline was on overdrive, propelling him to Gina’s side.

  “She's still breathing,” he called out, whipping around to find Kristen.

  Kristen went numb. She stared at Logan's blurry image without comprehension. Then it hit her. She needed to find Jake. She found him in a corner, lifting himself off the floor. When he saw her, he rushed forward, the sudden blistering pain in his leg forcing him to grimace. “Baby, are you okay?”

  “Jake, you're bleeding!” Her eyes welled up with tears. She wanted to tell him she never meant to shoot Gina, that she was sorry for everything—but couldn’t.

  Stunned, Jake made an effort to focus on her, before a lightheaded feeling took over. Paling, he lowered his eyes to his injury. Not wanting to panic her further, he held onto her arm forcing his lips into a grin.

  “It’s just a flesh wound, no big deal–”

  “—Yes, it is! Please, go over there and sit...” Her eyes huge and pleading eyes, stared up at him.

  Jake sighed, allowing her to lead him to the couch.

  Pulling his jeans up to reveal his injured calf, he clamped down on his leg to still the spasms. Kristen’s hand flew to her mouth.