Soul-O (Music & Lyrics #2)

by Debbie Dickerson

  I walk up to Jennifer and kick her in the stomach as hard as I can. I really want to punch her in the face but I don’t want there to be a mark on her, for the video’s sake. She folds over onto the floor and is gasping for air. I tell Lorenzo to push record. “Let me ask you one more time. Why did you rape Tanner Staff?”

  She looks at me and screams, “Because of you! How could he want you but not me? He wouldn’t give me what I wanted so I fucking took it. Nobody turns me down, nobody. For just a moment, I wanted to believe somebody could love me the way he loves you. Hell, if I couldn’t have him, I figured I’d ruin him for you. Besides that, you punched me and that’s how I could make you pay for what you did. Sending you the pictures was just the icing on the cake for me. I didn’t want to hurt him really, but I’d be lying to you if I told you I didn’t love the way he felt inside me.”

  For a moment, I almost feel sorry for her but that feeling comes and goes quickly. I order her to give me her phone. She gives it to me and I turn on her recorder, push pause and then hand it back to her. I tell her that she’s going to record an apology to Tanner, admitting that she raped him and had two men beat him up.

  I look at Lorenzo and say, “That’s her suicide message.”

  He kind of flinches and says, “Mental note, don’t get on Dylan’s bad side.”

  I turn back to Jennifer and say, “I’m sorry your life is so sad, but it’ll be over soon. See, you didn’t break us. What you did was make us realize that there is nothing that will come between us. It’s called true love. Here’s what’s gonna happen now. You’ll record the apology that I’ll send out for the whole world to see, and then you’ll take the gun that Lorenzo will give you, and you are going to end it all. If you don’t do it, he will. I guess all I have left to say is, God bless your heart.” Jennifer sits paralyzed.

  Lorenzo grabs her phone and says, “When she leaves, I’m pushing play and you’re gonna start apologizing.”

  As I begin to head toward the door, she says, “Hey bitch, I’ll bet he’s thinking of me when he’s fucking you.”

  I don’t even turn around. I wave and walk out the door. The moment I hear the door close behind me, my body folds to the ground and tears flood my eyes. I hate her. Being so angry and spiteful is not me, she brings out the worst in everybody. I want to get home and scrub this off me. She created this, not me. This is completely on her and will leave blood on her hands, not mine!

  Lorenzo comes out and lifts me to my feet. I can’t stop crying and shaking. I’ve never had that much adrenaline pump through my blood and don’t ever want it again. He hugs me and says, “She recorded an apology and sent it to her social media pages. She told me that she’d rather send it than you. I left her a gun and told her this is her only chance to control the situation. If I go in and she’s still alive, I’ll shoot her myself and the two dead men lying against the wall proved my point. I also warned her that if she thinks for one second that she should use the gun on one of us, I’ll take her down before she even fully processes that thought.”

  I ask him, “Now what?”

  “We wait for the bang.”

  Clamminess takes over my body, my head is spinning, and I feel like I’m gonna faint. I fold over and vomit. Lorenzo holds my hair and assures me that it’s normal for me to react like this. Panic sets in and the thought of the reality I’m surrounded with is surreal.

  I stutter, “Maybe you should go in there and take the gun. We can call the cops and have her arrested, she confessed.”

  He puts his hand under my chin and lifts my eyes up to his and says, “Dylan, it’s too late honey. We are at the point of no return, this has to happen now.” Tears fall uncontrollably. He softly whispers, “I’m sorry you had to be here but it was the best way to end this nightmare for both of you. She wasn’t going to stop until her plans were complete. Look at me, darling. You need to know the sick shit she told me about her plans.” Before I can stop him, he holds his finger up for me to stop talking. He says, “Just yesterday she told me with excitement in her voice that she and her hired goons were going to tie you up and repeatedly rape you. She told me that she was going to hold your legs open while they take turns in all your holes. I had to pretend that I was going to be part of it, and believe me, honey, I’ve never felt more disgusted and nauseous. You see, we aren’t dealing with an angry person. We’re dealing with a completely fucking demented person that knows no limits. You can go sit in the car if you’d rather.” I shake my head no. He looks at his watch and says, “I’ll give her three minutes more.”

  BANG! One shot and my entire body goes limp. Lorenzo tells me to sit against the building and he slowly opens the door, leads with his gun, and leans his head inside. I hear him release the cock on the gun and I know it’s really over. She’s gone. Forever.

  Lorenzo goes inside the warehouse and I sit outside waiting for him. When he comes out, he reaches down for my hand and pulls me up. He says, “Let’s go. We’re done here.” I immediately get up and begin walking toward the car. Truly I can’t get out of here quick enough. On the drive home, Lorenzo says, “Clean-up is on their way now. They will remove everything but Jennifer’s body. The police will have to find that. There needs to be a body to go with the suicide social media video. There is no evidence that either of us were there and, honey, this is not on your soul. Jennifer was a sick, sad person that did horrible things to people, as you know. She was a waste of oxygen and wrote her own story. I just helped her with the ending.”

  I wipe a tear away and say, “Thank you. Thank you so much, Lorenzo.”

  He pats my hand and says, “I’m just sad we’re gonna have to leave you two soon. We’re getting pretty comfortable with you two.”

  “You’ll always have a room ready in our home. Y’all aren’t leaving before the wedding, are you?”

  He shakes his head no and says, “Any cute single ladies gonna be there?” I know he’s doing his best at getting my mind off what just actually happened, and he’s doing a great job at it.

  “Can I call Tanner now?” I ask. By the time Lorenzo finishes shaking his head yes, I’m already dialing.

  Tanner answers immediately and the moment he says my name, tears begin to cloud my eyes again. His voice is cracked and it’s easy to hear the worry that’s been swimming around his mind.

  He says, “Baby, are you okay?”

  I don’t answer his question, but I mutter, “She’s gone. It’s over, Tan.”

  He’s silent for a moment and asks again, “Are you okay?” I am okay, but the words aren’t coming out of my mouth. Lorenzo sticks his hand out for the phone and I hand it to him.

  He says, “Bro, she’s fine just shaken up from the whole ordeal. No, I didn’t pull the trigger. Jennifer did it herself. We’ll be home in about forty-five minutes so get some hot tea ready for Dylan. Your girl’s a badass. Yeah, I’ll fill you in completely when we get there. Don’t want to get into it right now. Cool, see you soon. You’re welcome.” He hands the phone back and says, “So about those cute single friends of yours.”

  A smile forms on my face and I say, “Any lady would be lucky to have you.” Tani, the real-estate lady pops into my head. “You know what, I actually know the perfect person for you. Remember Tani, the pink-haired lady that did the deal for the house?”

  Lorenzo’s eyes light up and he says, “She’s sexy. Think she’d go for a younger man?”

  “For you? Of course, she’d be a fool if she didn’t. Do you think she’s that much older than you?”

  “Doesn’t matter to me. I thought she was sexy as hell when we were following their every move.”

  I laugh and say, “I’ll have Tan make that happen.”

  He smiles and says, “You really were bad ass today, kid. I’m just sorry you had to be there, but it was a good thing, too. Ya know sometimes seeing is the only way to believe. When you kicked her, I about lost it. You’re a true gangster at heart. I mean to have the smarts to keep the mark off her face, that’s mob ment
ality, honey.” Weirdly I feel proud of what he’s saying.

  I quickly say, “Hope to never have to do anything like that again, but it’s not me who’s the badass, that’s all you. You were like Rambo, Chuck Norris, and The Terminator wrapped up in one package.”

  Randomly he asks, “Would you teach me how to country dance?”

  “Now that this is behind us all, we have some time to have fun, right? We’ll take y’all down to 6th street and hit the bars. Sounds like we need to get you fitted for a Resistol.”

  “A what?”

  I laugh and say, “A cowboy hat, oh, and you’ll need boots, too.”

  “Really? I can’t just wear my Italian loafers?”

  I shake my head and say, “Oh no, y’all need the whole experience. I think you’ll be very handsome looking like a southern gentleman. We can go into town tomorrow and get you ready.”

  “The family will have a hay day with this one.”

  “I’ll be sure to take lots of pictures so they don’t think you’re lying. Don’t worry, I’ll get Anthony to join you on your Texas makeover.” He laughs at the thought of Anthony in the cowboy gear, which makes me laugh too.

  Lorenzo pats me one the knee and says, “Look, kid, you’re home.” I didn’t even notice as we pulled into the driveway. My mind is running on complete overload. Tanner comes running down the driveway and flings opens my door, pulls me out of the car, and embraces me with everything he has. He strokes my hair like a relieved parent. My head is securely pressed against his thumping chest. I feel the dampness from his tears on my forehead.

  He says, “I was so worried about you. I’m so sorry you were dragged into this. I’m so sorry.”

  I look up at him and say, “It’s over, it’s really over. I just want to take a shower and get this filth off me.”

  Tanner stops Lorenzo as he walks up the driveway and gives him a hug. He says something quietly to him that I can’t hear and Lorenzo says not so quietly back, “I gave you my word. It’s over now, bro.”

  Tanner looks at me and then back to Lorenzo and says, “I’m forever in your debt.”

  Lorenzo smiles and says, “No you aren’t. You’re family now and that’s what family does, we protect one another. I’m gonna have a quick sit down with Anthony then get some shut eye.”

  I hug Lorenzo and say, “Thank you, for everything, thank you.”

  He kisses my cheek and says, “You’re an angel, sweetheart. Get that hot tea and a shower now.” I nod my head and he runs his knuckles across my jaw, looks at Tanner and says, “This is one tough broad you got.”

  Tanner smiles and says, “Without question.” Tanner takes my hand and leads me into the house. Finally, we can freely enjoy this masterpiece of a house without worry. There is one more thing I must do though. I need to see Jennifer’s recording.

  Chapter 27

  ‘You don’t know how strong you are until strong is your only option.’

  Tanner –

  7 a.m. and I haven’t slept a wink. Lyrics passed out the moment her head hit the pillow and I held her all night, staring at her perfectly creamy skin and the beautiful innocence that exudes from her. I hate that she had to be part of that whole thing. She’s the kindest person I know and for her to experience that must have taken a toll on her. You’d never be able to tell from the peaceful look on her face as she sleeps, but still it kills me that she was there.

  My phone rings and I try to grab it before it wakes her up. “Hey Mom.”

  Without even saying hi, she says, “Did you see who killed herself?”

  I find it weird that she wanted to play the guessing game. I say, “Yeah, I did. The world is just a little better now.”

  Mom says, “Did you see the weird suicide video she posted? It’s all over the news channels. She apologizes to you on there.”

  I interrupt her and say, “Nah, haven’t seen it.” Mom asks me if this means Anthony and Lorenzo are leaving now. I feel like we shouldn’t talk about this over the phone. I quickly say, “Mom, they’re staying for the wedding next week.” My phone beeps and it’s Chip. I tell Mom I’ll call her back and I click over to Chip’s call.

  Chip says, “I’m stunned. Hollywood couldn’t have written a better fucking ending to that disaster. Ding dong the witch is gone.” I feel dirty and disgusting being so happy about somebody dying, but she created this for herself. Chip must have read my silence. He says, “Don’t say anything now, I’ll see you on Thursday when I get into Austin. I’m picking up my tux on my way to your house. Oh, and by the way, I’ve been speaking with your agent and she is a character. We want to discuss a few things with both you and Dylan.”

  “Chip, I can’t begin to thank you enough.”

  He cuts me off and says, “You could invite a smoking hot cowboy to your wedding. Make sure he’s at least curious about the cock though.”

  I laugh and say, “I’ll put my feelers out. Look forward to seeing you.”

  “Me too, especially now that the bitch is gone.”

  I awkwardly chuckle and say, “See you soon.”

  Lyrics sits up straight and asks, “Who was that?”

  “How are you feeling this morning?”

  She shrugs her shoulders and says, “I know this sounds awful and I hate saying it, but I am so relieved that she’s dead. What she did to you, ugh, I hate her so badly. She deserved worse and got off easy with doing it herself. I do still want to see the video she made though.”

  I was hoping she’d have changed her mind on watching it. I really don’t want to watch it but won’t let her watch it alone. I grab my phone and type in Jennifer Temple and the video pops up immediately. My stomach sinks and I ask her one more time if she’s sure she wants to see it. Lyrics nods her head yes.

  “Lorenzo told me to go outside before this happened, I have no idea what she says.”

  I push play. I look at Lyrics and I can see the horror on her face. Jennifer is looking right into the camera and says, “What I’m about to say will disappoint my fans and I’m sorry about that.” She takes a breath and then looks back into the camera and says, “My life has been hell and I have made a complete mess of things. The nicest, most decent person I’ve ever worked with was Tanner Staff and to show him how much I appreciated his kindness, I drugged his beer and forced him to have sex with me and then had two guys beat him up. Not that it matters now, but Tanner, I’m so sorry. I hope your life with your farm girl is filled with happiness and love. I’d have done anything for somebody to love me the way you two love each other. To my fans, you guys were the only thing that ever made me happy. I love you all. To my mom, you allowed your boyfriends to hurt me and I hope you know that I’ll never forgive you. So, this is it, I’m done.” The video ends and Lyrics and I both have tears rolling down our faces. I turn off my phone and throw it on the bed.

  Lyrics wipes her tears and says, “I’m starving, let’s eat.” I wipe my tears and we both begin laughing and our laughter grows wilder. This incredibly heavy weight has been lifted and I feel like justice has been served.

  We head to the kitchen to have breakfast and when I open the fridge, there is nothing in it.

  Lyrics says, “Let’s fill this bad boy up.” Both of us are sick of eating out and are ready for some normalcy in our lives. Anthony and Lorenzo are sound asleep still. We throw on some sweats and head out the door. When the gate opens, about fifty reporters swarm the exit. Neither of us even considered this would happen. I look at Lyrics and she has a look of terror on her face.

  I grab her hand and say, “Nobody knows anything, babe. They are here because of what her video said.”

  “What if they found out?”

  I quickly say, “They didn’t and they won’t. Don’t answer any of their questions. I’ll do all the talking.” She agrees and we head toward the swarm. I know I’m gonna have to answer some of these questions or they’ll continue to show up day after day and, once again we’ll be prisoners in our own home. I roll down the window and questions
are hitting me left and right. I hear one question louder than the rest and everything else goes silent.

  “Tanner, did Jennifer rape you?” Like time stands still, my head begins spinning and my mouth fails to operate.

  I feel Lyrics’ hand on mind and hear her tell me, “It’s okay. If you don’t want to answer, don’t.” I do want to answer, I just can’t find the words. The petite reporter yells out the question again.

  Finally, I say, “This is the only question I’m answering so listen up and please after this, leave us alone.” The whole crowd is silent within seconds. “Yes, Jennifer Temple drugged me, raped me, and had two guys beat me up.”

  About twenty reporters yell, “Why didn’t you report her to the police?”

  “I didn’t report it because I didn’t think anybody would believe me. I mean, she’s Jennifer Temple. I saw her suicide video and find it very sad, but will I lose any sleep over her death? Nope, not even one moment. That is all I have to say. Please leave and don’t come back.”

  Reporters begin rapid firing questions but as I begin to drive, they make room for me to slowly get through them. I stop and make sure none of them sneak inside the gate before it closes. I take a deep breath and realize that holding that secret had really taken a toll on me.

  Lyrics says, “You did great. I was thinking that maybe you telling the truth will help other men that have been raped and are keeping it a secret. I know you want to just forget about it but I bet you would help so many other people.” I hadn’t even thought about how many other men have or are going through this same type of thing.

  “I don’t really want to be known as the raped guy.”

  Lyrics looks a little pissed off and she says, “How about being known as the man that was brave enough to step forward and help other victims? I believe we call those guys heroes.”

  I snicker and say, “Really, a hero for being raped?”

  “No jackass, a hero for helping other people move forward without shame.” I look at her and squeeze her face.

  “That’s why I love you so much, you’ve always made me a better man. Let’s see what I can do.” Lyrics leans over and kisses my cheek.