by Charlie
“No problem.” He gave Stephanie a hard stare before walking towards the door. “Paula, I’m going to the store to get some beer. Want anything?’
Both women shook their heads and he grunted and left. Stephanie frowned as she finally got a good look at the man. For some reason, she took an immediate dislike to Paula’s latest beau. He seemed familiar—a bit like Jake with a similar build and colouring. Maybe that was it.
“So Steph, I don’t mean to rush you, but Jack and I had plans, if you know what I mean, and I have to pick Chelsea up at the sitters by five, so I’m on a bit of a tight schedule. What can I do for you?”
“Was that Jack, your new boyfriend?” Stephanie nodded towards the door the man had just exited through.
“Yeah, Jack Simms. Good looking isn’t he? And really romantic, too. Did you know that one of the orders we made up today was for me. Wasn’t that sweet?”
“Yeah—really sweet. Listen, can you keep Coco for a while?”
“Sure, but I thought you said Jake liked cats.”
“Maybe he does, I don’t know. I don’t know anything about him anymore.” She stepped closer to her friend, checked over her shoulder to ensure that Jack had really left, then shared her awful discovery. “Paula… Jake’s the stalker!”
“What? You’re crazy. How can that be?”
“After we closed up, I went back to Jake's and decided to check the answering machine. You know how I always mess it up. Anyway, there was a message in this raspy voice, saying he was coming for me and the blood would be real this time. I was scared and wanted to call Jake, but I didn’t have his number, so I went looking through some drawers for a business card or something, but instead I found this file with my name on it. Paula, it was full of pictures of me! At the mall, walking down a street… And there were copies of my birth certificate, my high school diploma… Why would Jake have all that stuff, if he wasn’t stalking me?”
Her friend’s face had paled. “Geez, I can’t think of a good reason. You must be right but what are you going to do?”
“Hide until the police find him. “
“You can stay here.”
“Thanks, but it’s too dangerous for you and Chelsea. If you could just keep Coco for me, it would be one less thing I have to worry about. Oh, and can you take care of the store? Hopefully, the police will catch him and I’ll be back tomorrow, but just in case.”
“Sure, I’ll do anything I can. Where are you going?”
“I don’t know. Maybe Ella’s… I’m not sure if he’d know where she lives or not. Possibly into St. George and I’ll take a room at a motel… I can’t think right now. All I know is that I have to get away.”
Chapter 18
He sat crouched down, hidden in the back of her car waiting, for her to come out. His gun was poised in his hand ready to convince her to do as he said. It was amazing how easy this had turned out to be. He’d thought his plans for the day’s activities had been ruined, but this was better than his original scheme. Stephanie would be seen driving out of town on her own. There was no way they’d be able to connect him to this.
The car door opened and he heard her getting in. “Bye Paula, I’ll call you as soon as I’m settled tonight.” Keys rattled on a chain and the engine started. He heard the gear shift move and felt the car going backward out of the driveway, curving to the left and onto the road, but then it paused. She shifted into park. Tensing, he wondered why she didn’t immediately start driving away. Listening intently, he realized she was fumbling under the seat for something.
“Damn,” she said. “Where’s that cell phone? Maybe it slid into the back.”
‘Hell!’ He thought and quietly cocked the gun. Her seatbelt was being undone. The seat squeaked as she turned to look back. He raised his head, pointed the gun… ”Hello Stephanie. Surprised to see me?”
The shocked look on her face was very satisfying. Her eyes widened. She opened her mouth and inhaled deeply, preparing to scream…
“Uh-uh-uh. Screaming wouldn’t be a good idea right now. Just turn around and start to drive. Oh, and put your seatbelt back on. We wouldn’t want to get a ticket now, would we?” She followed his commands and as she put the car into drive, he sat up. Crouching in the back was not only uncomfortable, but too difficult to keep the gun trained on her.
As he settled back in the seat, she beeped the horn twice. “What the hell did you do that for? “ He leaned forward and pressed the gun to her temple.
Her eyes looked back at his in the rear view mirror and her voice trembled slightly. “I always beep twice when I leave Paula’s. It’s how we say goodbye. If I didn’t, she’d think something was wrong.”
He glanced back at Paula’s house and thought he saw the front curtain move. Damn—had she seen that there was another occupant in the car? Possibly not, but just in case, once Stephanie was dealt with, Paula would have a little surprise of her own.
“Why are you doing this? What did I ever do to you?”
“You mean you haven’t figured it out yet? I thought you were supposed to be a clever girl. We’re old friends, Stephanie—I’m Jarrod Simpson.” The car swerved as she reacted to the news. “Watch how you drive, bitch! I’ve already survived one car crash; I don’t want to be in another.”
“Sorry—I was just so surprised. You don’t look the same as I remember.” Her voice quivered and he smiled. He loved it when women were afraid.
“You know that car crash I just mentioned? It gave me this face. Reconstructive surgery can do wonders. I was such a mess that the doctors almost had a blank slate to start with, and the best part was that it was the other driver’s fault. His insurance paid for everything. Once I had a new face, I got someone to make me a new identity and here I am today. Starting a new life by tying up some loose ends from my old life. And you, my dear Stephanie, are definitely one of those ends.”
“But that was almost ten years ago.”
“So? I’m like an elephant; I’ve got a good memory.” The car stopped at a traffic light. “Turn left here.”
“Why? Where are we going?”
“To see Ella. She’s the other loose end.”
“Ella! She’s just an old lady now. You don’t want to hurt her.”
“Why not? She screwed up my life. Because of you two, I did my first stint in jail. That deserves some payback.”
“But it wasn’t our fault. You started it—“
“Shut up. It was your fault. You were just a scrawny little bitch. I paid attention to you and how did you pay me back? By accusing me of assault and attempted rape.”
“Paid attention? Jarrod, you stole my money, my homework… You were mean and rude; always watching me and making suggestive comments… Then, that night, you hit me—“
“No! It wasn’t like that! You thought you were too good for me, with your nose always stuck in a book. You wouldn’t even stay in the same room as me. It was your fault! Now, just shut up! Shut up and drive.” He felt the anger growing inside of him. She was just a stupid bitch. What did she know? He’d been paying attention to her and she just ignored him. She deserved everything she got. Women were all the same. They didn’t know their place, always complaining… Just like his old lady had before his dad had shown her, taught her how to keep quiet… He could hear the old man’s voice now. It played over and over in his head, while the sound of his mother’s sobbing droned in the back ground. “You can’t be too nice ‘cause they only understand one thing. Women are good for cooking and screwing, but only if you keep them in line.” Yeah, the old man was right, and now he’d make sure that Stephanie understood. She’d listen to him now or he’d teach her a lesson she’d never forget…
He wiped the sweat off of his upper lip. The car was hot. He hated the heat. “Doesn’t this damn car have air conditioning?”
“Yes.”
“Then turn it on.” He listened as she fumbled with the controls then grunted in satisfaction as cool air began to blow on him. “Glad this works. Better t
han the one at your house, right?”
“What?”
“The air conditioner at your house is broken; I did that. I did lots of things lately. The thefts in town were all me, but the stupid cops couldn’t figure it out. Your tires, your flowers… I even siphoned the gas from your car one day. It was fun watching you fuss and fume when everything kept going wrong. You act like you’re so calm and in control, but I had you jumping didn’t I? Looking over your shoulder all the time.” He chuckled at the memory. It had been fun teasing her, but this was better because now she knew it was him. His fingers moved restlessly on the handle of the gun. He’d waited so long for this moment; he could hardly believe it was finally happening. Anxiously, he watched the street signs. They were almost there. Now, he’d make them sorry for what they had done. Stephanie would beg him for mercy and maybe, if she was good, he wouldn’t kill her right away.
*****
Stephanie pulled the car up to the curb in front of Ella McCreedy’s house. The woman had had knee surgery a few months back and had been forced to stop fostering. The house was old and large, a little in need of repair, but it still appeared warm and welcoming with its wide front porch and pots of geraniums on each step. It was an older residential neighbourhood occupied by mostly seniors. There was no one about; no doubt they were all inside, hiding from the intense summer heat.
Wiping her sweaty palms on her pant legs, Stephanie glanced back at her captor. He was staring at the house, muttering under his breath. Slowly her hand crept towards the door handle.
“Don’t even think about, Stephanie. I’ll get out first and then it will be your turn.” He opened the door and backed out, staying bent over, the gun still trained on her… “Now you get out.” She followed his command, keeping her eyes focused on the gun. “Good. Now walk up to the house. I’ll be right behind you.”
The gun pressed into her back as they walked up the steps. She hesitated before ringing the bell, but the prodding of the gun barrel had her lifting her hand and pressing the button. Hobbling steps could be heard crossing the floor and then the door swung open. Ella McCreedy looked out through the screen door and a smile spread across the older woman’s face.
“Stephanie! What a surprise! First a phone call and now a visit.” The screen door opened and she ushered her visitor in. A look of confusion crossed her face as Jarrod pushed his way in as well. “But, who is this… ?”
“I’m crushed that you don’t recognize me, Ella. Don’t you remember the foster kid you threw in jail? I’m Jarrod Simpson.”
Stephanie stumbled farther into the house as Jarrod pushed her towards Ella. She caught herself and went to stand beside the older woman, putting a protective arm around her shoulders. Together they faced the man who was pointing a gun at them.
“Jarrod Simpson? “
“That’s right, Ella. You told me that I wasn’t to darken your door again, but I never was good at following orders, was I?” He waved his gun at them. “If I recall correctly, the den is that way. We’ll sit and talk in there.”
Ella shuffled along, leaning heavily on her cane while Stephanie hovered beside her, casting anxious looks at the gun trained on them. They sat on the sofa at the far side of the den. Ella’s knee was still swollen from the after effects of her surgery and she sat down with difficulty. “Do you need a cushion or a stool for your leg, Ella?’ Stephanie asked.
“Never mind! Her leg is the least of her worries right now.” Jarrod’s eyes were darting around the room. It hadn’t changed much in the past ten years and Stephanie wondered how much he remembered from his brief stay at the home.
Ella leaned back in the sofa and settled her hands in her lap. “So Jarrod, what do you want? Are you hoping I’ll cry and beg for mercy, or ask why you’re doing this just so you can spout off some long winded speech about how life has done you wrong? ‘Cause if that’s what you’re hoping for, you’re not going to get it from me. I don’t scare easy and that gun doesn’t impress me.”
Stephanie gaped at Ella. Had the woman gone mad? Jarrod had a gun trained on them. Why was she taunting him? Stephanie turned to look at Jarrod. From the look on his face, he wasn’t amused either. She scrambled to think of something to defuse the situation, when she saw a shadow moving in the hallway behind Jarrod. Someone else was in the house too.
Chapter 19
Jake stood in the shadowed hallway, watching Ella put on her show. She was a feisty old girl and he admired her spunk. He just hoped it didn’t get her killed. When he’d first arrived here, he’d had to undergo quite an interrogation about his intentions towards Stephanie. Ella might not be her mother, but she was certainly protective of her foster child.
Once Ella was sure he was a suitable companion, he’d explained why he was there. Of course, he glossed over the file of pictures saying Stephanie had been scared because of the message on the machine and due to an argument they’d had that morning, she ran to hide rather than going to him. He wasn’t sure if the woman had totally bought his explanation but at least she hadn’t thrown him out on his rear!
When he’d left the apartment, he’d debated about going to Paula’s first, but had opted for Ella’s house, deciding that Stephanie wouldn’t want to put her friend’s young daughter at risk. He’d thought he would wait at Ella’s for awhile and, if Stephanie didn’t show, he’d work his way back towards Paula’s and possibly intercept her along the way. Exactly what he’d been going to do when he found her, he hadn’t quite decided. She thought he was the stalker and he wasn’t sure how to convince her otherwise; the evidence was pretty damning. However, he’d decided to cross that bridge when he got to it. Even if she was spitting fire at him or scared to death, as long as she was with him, he’d be able to protect her.
Well, she was here now and he wouldn’t have to explain that he wasn’t the stalker, since the man was in the den right now, with a gun trained on both her and Ella. Ella knew he was here. He’d actually been in the bathroom when the doorbell had rung and had purposely lingered, wanting to give Stephanie some time to calm down before putting in an appearance. That, it turned out, had unwittingly been a stroke of genius. Now he’d have a chance to catch the other man off guard.
Jarrod Simpson had certainly thrown a wrench into things with his reappearance in Stephanie’s life. All Jake’s careful planning of a romantic courtship had been thrown out the window and events had unfolded totally out of his control. He’d been so busy trying to keep pace with Stephanie and resisting the call of the Elders that his interpretation of Jarrod’s intentions had been way off the mark. Now Stephanie was in danger and he had to try to find a way to save both her and Ella without revealing too much.
Standing just outside the doorway, he observed the man they were calling Jarrod, pace across the room. He was sweating heavily and kept wiping his hands on his pant leg, shifting the gun from one hand to the other. Jake wasn’t one to watch crime shows, but even he could figure out that the fellow was as nervous as hell and dangerously unpredictable. Whatever plan of action Jake took, he’d have to be ready to deal with the fallout.
Once again, he focussed on the action in the room. Ella had finished her spiel and Stephanie was looking shocked at the woman’s boldness. Jarrod was seething.
“Shut up, Ella. I should just blow a hole in your head right now. Is that what you want?” He levelled the gun at her. “Do you want to die first so you don’t have to see what I do to your precious little girl? Well too bad. You can sit there and watch, and beg me not to hurt her.” He turned the gun towards Stephanie. “Stand up and come here.” Stephanie slowly stood and walked towards Jarrod. Her face was white and from his vantage point Jake could see the faint tremor of her chin. It was all he could do to not rush into the room. He clenched his fists and forced himself to wait.
Jarrod issued his next command. “Now, get down on your knees.” She hesitated and he grabbed her hair, twisting and pulling downward, forcing Stephanie to kneel. “Good girl. Now beg. Beg me to not hurt you. I wa
nt to hear you say my name and beg me to be nice.” When she didn’t immediately comply, he slapped her across the face and she cried out, falling to the side. Ella shouted in outrage and lunged forward, striking out at him with her cane. Jarrod stumbled as the wooden stick made contact with his knee.
Deciding this might be his best opportunity, Jake rushed into the room, knocking Jarrod the rest of the way off his feet. The gun went off and bits of plaster dust rained down on them from the ceiling. The two men struggled, then Jake managed to grab the other man’s wrist, applying pressure until the gun dropped from Jarrod’s hand. It skittered across the floor coming to a rest but a few feet away. Shoving Jarrod away, Jake quickly turned to pick up the weapon, only to gasp as he felt a searing pain slice through his arm. The other man had had a knife concealed on him and was now wielding it.