Desert Heat

by A. D. Herrick

  The sun had already set, leaving the roads deserted. The empty highway felt like a living representation of my life, dark expansive empty space with the occasional passing motorist and city lights. The bright lights of Port St. Lucie were fading from my rearview mirror when my phone rang, sending my heart to my throat with nervous energy. It had been an hour since Bob had tried to call and my nerves were still on edge.

  Looking at the display I felt my heartbeat race for an entirely different reason, the pulse sounding loudly in the silent car.

  “Hey.” I smiled weakly as I answered.

  “Hey yourself.” Devon’s voice sounded hollow and empty.

  “Everything okay?”

  “Yeah, everything’s good here. Well, as good as can be expected.” There was a slight hesitation to his voice filling me with dread.

  “So, what’s up?” I asked with as much fake enthusiasm as I could muster.

  How did one normally tread during these types of circumstances? Normally, just the thought of the word threatened to have me doubling over in laughter. What an oxymoron, as though these types of situations happened often enough to have a particular way of digesting and conversing about.

  “Did you get out of the house?”

  “Uh huh, I just passed Port St. Lucie a few minutes before you called.” I could hear Devon sigh in relief.

  “Just keep headed toward Nevada. I’m beat. I’m going to get some rest. I’ll call you in the morning to check up on you.”

  “Okay-“ I couldn’t hide the disappointment in my voice.

  “Look, Sasha, I’ve been up for over forty-eight hours, I’m tired. I just want to sleep. I don’t want to argue. I’ll call you tomorrow.” The annoyance in his voice was heavy bearing no room for negotiation.

  “Talk to you tomorrow, Devon.” Pressing the button on the steering wheel I ended the call, not giving him a chance to reply.

  Anger and annoyance coursed through my veins, pushing me forward. It wasn’t until I hit Shreveport that fatigue hit me. I had been on the road for over sixteen hours. The sun had set, risen, and set again leaving my eyes heavy and my body stiff. The anger that coursed through my veins was still riding high, leaving me a raging mess of venom.

  Devon’s promise to call resulted in even more bitter anger. He called asking how I was. Once I replied that I was fine he ended the call with the promise to call the following day. I wanted to hate him. I truly did. But I was so angry I couldn’t even focus on hate. I was just fuming mad, unable to go beyond the raging inferno that had taken up residence in my soul.

  Sam had called me once. I wanted to answer the phone and talk to her. I wanted to tell her everything that had been going on, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it, which only fueled the pit of rage.

  Pulling over to sleep for a few hours at a rest stop, the wave of emotions overwhelmed me, swallowing me whole. Sobs wracked my body. I was angry, scared, alone, and felt completely drained. I sobbed alone in the tiny cab of my car until my body gave out, every limb of my body felt weak with fatigue, and sleep eventually pulled me under. I sank into a deep restless slumber, nightmares waking me through the night filling me with panic.

  Chapter ten

  It had taken me three days to get to middle of nowhere, at least that’s what it felt like. The Nevada desert made me feel more alone than I had ever felt before in my life. It was three long grueling days of my phone ringing endlessly, courtesy of Bob. The only reprieve I received was the short phone calls from Devon in the morning when he called to check in.

  The longest stretch was the drive from Shreveport to Flagstaff. At one point I had considered driving my car off a bridge to escape the confines of my metal coffin on wheels. Endless miles of road filled with absolute nothing. Just mountains, desert, and wide-open plains.

  Sam had called me several times a day to which I was unable to answer. I had more texts than my phone could display, none of which I opened or replied to. I just couldn’t. I couldn’t muster the strength to put on a fake smile or pretend everything was okay. I just couldn’t.

  Bob had continued his phone assault. He called incisively; there was no rhyme or reason to his calls. Sometimes he would call continuously back-to-back and other times he would space them apart. The man clearly did not sleep and kept me awake with him. Afraid to turn off my phone, I grasped at the few hours of sleep I was afforded, taking the time to pull over on the side of the road or at a rest stop. Fear of being trapped in a motel room held me hostage in my car. I had no way of knowing if Bob was following me or not. My mind said no, the small sliver of doubt screamed at me to err on the side of caution.

  I had topped off my tank at a sleepy little town called Tonopah and filled the passenger’s seat with enough gas station food and drink to last me a few days. Thankful that I had, the drive through the land had been filled with vast empty desert. I passed several abandoned towns, each one making me feel more and more isolated than before.

  None of the roads were marked in this area of the desert, making the property harder to locate. The robotic voice of my GPS was my only saving grace. Somehow the tiny tracker was able to lead me down the darkening dusty roads toward my destination. The paved highway had given into smaller roads and eventually I was left on an empty dirt track. I had no idea what to expect upon arrival summing up to worst case scenario being me spending yet another night in my car until I could come up with a better plan.

  I double checked the address Trina had given me. 4586 Dark Valley Road, Columbus, NV 89010. My eyes couldn’t comprehend what I was seeing. I had expected a small old house, even a dilapidated shack, anything but what stood in front of me.

  Sitting in my car in front of the house I took in the sight before me. A small ranch house sat with a low hanging terracotta roof. Thick white pillars danced along the wrap around porch, standing out against the sand colored stucco. The house looked dark, empty and unused, but appeared to be in solid condition from the exterior.

  A wave of relief washed through me. Somehow, by the grace of God, or some magical force, I had stumbled my way into buying land with a small, yet beautiful home. It was almost too good to be true. Summoning up the courage, I dialed Trina to confirm the address one last time, praying she was still at the office.

  “Hey sweet cheeks, what can I help you with today?” Trina’s sweet voice sang in my ear.

  My lips curled up at the sides, the first genuine smile I had been able to produce since waking up to the horror that had become my life.

  “I wanted to double check that address you gave me.” Trina twittered into the phone.

  “I know I’m old but I promise you it’s the same. 4586 Dark Valley Road, Columbus, NV. And the zip is 89010.” She said proudly.

  “Yep, that’s where I’m at.” I giggled in relief.

  “How bad of a dump is it?”

  “That’s the thing, it’s not. It’s gorgeous.” I mused in wonder.

  I was still taken aback by the sheer stroke of luck at having landed such an incredible property.

  “Describe it to me. Let me live vicariously through your adventures. Devon said you had decided to take a vacation.” And just like that, the magical bubble had been burst.

  The mention of Devon’s name brought reality crashing down around me. I wasn’t here on vacation. I wasn’t out sightseeing the properties I had bought. I was running from a mad man; a psycho that had broken into my house, murdered an animal, and smeared its blood along my car.

  “I just pulled up. I’m not sure what it looks like. I’ll call you back when I know more.” I muttered into the phone, all excitement and wonder gone from my voice.

  “Well okay, honey.” Trina relented, disappointment clear in her voice.

  With the promise to phone her soon I ended the call, my brain and body weary and drained of all its energy. Dragging my feet, I exited the car. Grabbing my phone and the bags from the trunk I made my way to the house.

  I was too exhausted to take in the grandeur of the ho
use. The sun had already begun to set casting the home in a warm amber glow. I just wanted to get inside and find somewhere to sleep. My body begged to be vertical, if even for a moment. Sleeping in the car had taken its toll on my mind, body, and spirit.

  Trying the knob to the front door, I was surprised to find it swung open easily. The dark expanse of the house greeted me. I entered, kicking the door shut with my foot; I dropped the bags in the doorway.

  The house had an open concept. The living room, dining room, and kitchen were all on display. I was surprised to find the house sparsely furnished. A small table and chairs sat in the dining area. The living room housed a small leather sofa flanked by matching wing back chairs. The kitchen stood empty save for the necessary appliances.

  Tiptoeing through the house I explored. The bathroom was larger than I had expected. It housed a giant claw foot tub and a walk-in shower.

  There were two bedrooms furnished with the barest of essentials, a bed, matching bedside tables, and a chest of drawers. The largest of the rooms looked the most appealing. It had its own adjoining bathroom with a deep-set whirlpool tub complete with jets and a shower large enough to fit five grown men comfortably.

  Satisfied with my exploration of the house I climbed into the bed, only taking the time to shuck my shoes. The mattress was pillowy and inviting, cocooning my body, absorbing the stress of my aching limbs. Snuggling down under the blankets I inhaled the crisp clean scent. A hint of an odor I was unable to decipher soothed and calmed my rambling mind; I inhaled deeply allowing the soothing scent to suck me under, giving into the throes of sleep.

  Chapter eleven

  “Who the fuck is in here?” The sound of someone yelling woke me with a start.

  Oh fuck, he found me. Bob found me. Panic seized my heart. Jerking up in the bed I pulled my knees into my chest. I had nowhere to go, nowhere to run and hide. It was still dark outside. I knew I hadn’t been asleep long.

  How in the hell had he found me? I didn’t notice anyone behind me on the drive. I made sure to keep a look out. There was no one, just me on the wide-open road.

  I could hear the heavy footsteps resounding through the thin walls as they tore through the front of the house, heading in my direction, my chest tightening with every thud. My heartbeat sounded in my ears echoing loudly.

  Scanning the room I looked for somewhere to hide, anywhere. The room was empty save for the chest of drawers. Before I could think to run, the bedroom door flung open, the room was washed in a bright light.

  “Who are you and why the fuck are you in my bed?” A deep grumbling voice rang out.

  Blinded by the bright light I scrambled from the bed. My fight or flight senses kicked in, I was in full flight mode. Making a split decision, I ran toward the bathroom with the intent of locking myself in. I knew the door wouldn’t be enough to keep him out, but hopefully it would hold long enough for me to find a weapon.

  I had no sooner taken a step in that direction when a pair of thick iron arms wrapped around my waist. Screaming, I thrashed in his arms. How dare this motherfucker lay his hands on me again. I kicked out repeatedly, my foot landing against his leg. A loud grunt sounded in my ear.

  “Quit fighting, goddamn it.” Further enraged, I reached my arms back to claw at him.

  Before my hands could find purchase, I felt my body whirling then sailing through the air. My body landed face forward onto the bed. Before my mind had the chance to react, a lead weight followed, resting on my back as my arms were pulled behind me, held together by thick meaty fingers.

  “I said to quit fighting.” The deep voice bellowed against my ear, his hot breath sending a shiver down my spine, his belt buckle digging into my ass.

  They were shivers of fear and something entirely different, something primal and animalistic, and dare I even think it, arousal. The man on top of me aroused me. I felt bile fill the back of my throat at the thought.

  “Are you done fighting now?” He asked. His firm grip on my hands never letting up for a moment.

  I could detect a thick southern drawl to his voice. It wasn’t Bob. My body immediately sagged in relief at the knowledge. I could handle it being anyone but Bob.

  “That’s more like it.” I felt the lead weight lift off my body.

  Carefully the pressure eased up on my wrists until they were finally free. I could feel the heat leaving my body the further he pulled away. I missed it. I missed the weight of his body pushed up against mine. I missed the scent of him infiltrating my senses. Clearly my mind was breaking under the stress of recent events, there was no other explanation.

  “Can you now tell me why you’re in my house?” Though his voice was calmer and he was no longer yelling I could still hear the anger lingering in his voice.

  Did he just say his house? Jerking up I spun on him, my finger pointed out accusingly.

  “Your house?” I screamed pounding my finger into his chest, his thick, broad, muscular chest, the chest of wet dreams and even wetter fantasies.

  “Yes, my house.” His bright sky-blue eyes narrowed at me.

  The man was breathtakingly gorgeous. His features were chiseled and masculine. His bright blue eyes sparkled like diamonds, his cheek bones high and pronounced. A dusty blond five o’clock shadow gave him the ruggedly sexy appeal, matching the dirty blond hair on the top of his head. Averting my eyes to avoid staring I focused on his chest.

  I watched as his broad chest expanded and contracted, my eyes eating up every square inch of him. I wanted to rip off the thin white t-shirt he was wearing and lavish him with my tongue.

  “Eyes up here.” He scolded, light humor lacing his voice.

  I was fuming. I wasn’t sure if I was angry at myself for finding this invader attractive or if I was angry at him for, well, invading.

  “Listen up buckaroo. Grab your shit and get the fuck out of my house. I have enough shit to deal with. The last thing I need is some big, strong, sexy, muscular you adding to my troubles.” I pounded my finger further into his chest.

  His shoulders shook in silent laughter, his chest bouncing my finger along with it. I huffed out a heated expanse of air from my nostrils, causing him to nearly double over. His thick arms, that were the size of small tree trunks, wrapped around his narrow waist. He began to bellow out in raucous laughter, further infuriating me.

  “There is nothing funny about this situation. Turn your ass around and march mister.” I scolded, my temper getting the better of me.

  Wiping a tear from his eye he struggled to get ahold of his laughter.

  “Let me get this right, you want me to get my big, strong, muscular sexy ass out of your house?” The merriment dancing in his eyes lit into me.

  “That’s exactly what I said. Now get. Your. Ass. Moving.” The bright white smile that flashed across his face screamed arrogance.

  “You forgot the sexy.” He smirked superciliously.

  I stood staring at him, confused. Sexy?

  Oh. Damn it. I went there, didn’t I? Fuck my life and then fuck it again. Hell, fuck it about twenty more times to be sure.

  “You’re not cute. You’re not funny. You’re an insufferable ass. Now please leave my house.” I demanded.

  “I hate to rain on your parade Miss Sunshine, but this is my house and I’m not leaving.” He folded his arms across his chest, his feet firmly planted to the ground.

  Mimicking his stance, I held his gaze. “Leave.”

  “Not happening sweetheart.”

  Inhaling deeply, I decided to take a different approach to the situation. Keeping my voice calm and even I tried to appeal to his reasonable senses, pulling on my years of training as a social worker.

  “Look, I’ve had a long week and an even longer night. I just want to get some sleep in the comfort of my own home. Can you please leave now?”

  Looking amused by my speech he shook his head slowly, eyes cast down. Taking a long deep breath his eyes rose to meet mine.

  “Look Princess, I get it. You’re homeless
, no place to go. Wandering the desert, you see this nice cozy home and decided to crash. As humbled as I am that you found my home so inviting, you’re trespassing. Grab your shit from the doorway and carry your pretty little ass on.” His voice, though as calm and steady as my own, held authority.

  Closing my eyes, I tried to summon the strength to remain calm; however, it just wasn’t in the cards. I unleashed on him, giving him everything I had in me.

  “Get the fuck out of my house. I bought it. It’s mine. Suck it up buttercup because you need to go. I have no patience for assholes. I’m not homeless. I’m tired. I’m exhausted. I’m hungry. And most of all, I’m tired of playing nice. I’m finished with being run from my own home. Now, get the fuck out.” I screamed pointing angrily toward the door.

  The man, seemingly taken aback by my explosion, quietly turned and exited the room shutting the door behind him. I felt tears streaming down my face in relief as I watched his retreating form. Crumbling to the floor I wept openly. I wept in relief, the building stress had taken over and for once I was able to have something go my way, no matter how small a victory it was.

  I didn’t have the energy to fight with him all night about the house. I didn’t care. Quite frankly it could have been his house and I still wouldn’t have cared. All I wanted, needed, was a few hours to sleep and eventually some food. Was that so much to ask? Was it beyond the realm of possibility that I could get a decent night’s sleep and a hot meal?

  Dragging myself up from the floor I marched to the switch on the wall, cutting off the light, then made my way back to the bed. I didn’t give a second thought to the intruder. He could have been a serial killer for all I knew but that didn’t matter. What mattered was I finally felt safe from Bob. Everything else I could deal with in the morning. Crawling beneath the covers, to the safety of the warm blankets and intoxicating bed, exhaustion overtook me.

  Chapter twelve

  The delicious aroma of food pulled me from a deep sleep. The sun was high in the sky reminding me I had slept the majority of the day away. I didn’t care. I had nowhere to be and no one to justify myself to. Stretching my limbs, I shrugged off the last edge of sleep. I couldn’t remember ever having slept so soundly before in my life. Rolling out my joints, I snuggled further into the bed. My growling stomach reminded me of my needs. Food. My number one priority. That, and the facilities. My bladder pinched like never before.