Minutes later, Pudge entered the kitchen. Dirty plates filled the sink and table, stale food covered the counter, and dirt tarnished the floor. Pudge ignored the mess and rummaged through the cabinet that held Mama’s medications. After finding and crushing the pills that would put the fat bitch to sleep, Pudge opened the refrigerator and pulled out the mayonnaise. Once the crushed pills were mixed with the mayo, Pudge made Mama a sandwich, grabbed a bag of barbeque chips and a grape soda, then headed for the living room.
“Here’s your lunch,” Pudge said, and set the food on the tray.
Mama frowned. “No snack cakes? What’s a meal without dessert?”
Pudge eyed the half dozen empty boxes of brownies, Swiss rolls, Twinkies and cakes. “Go ahead and eat. I’ll bring you one.”
“Don’t be stingy,” Mama said over a mouthful. “Bring the whole box. And some ibuprofen, three of them. My ass is hurtin’ today.”
more give mama more
Pudge entered the kitchen, opened the cabinet, then pulled out the bottle of ibuprofen.
sleep give mama more sleep
Pudge considered the amount of crushed pills in Mama’s mayonnaise and the amount of time before the medication would take effect. Directly ingested, the sleeping pills would knock Mama out fast, but would that be too many pills at once?
do it do it mama wont know wont know do it now now
“Shh,” Pudge hissed, then opened the bottle of sleeping pills. “You better hope this doesn’t hurt her. We can’t afford for Mama to die of an overdose. The police might start looking into what we’ve been up to, and that can’t happen. Not when we’re so close.”
too fat mama too fat to die from pills needs elephant tranquilizer too fat
Pudge smothered a chuckle. “You’re so bad.”
With three sleeping pills in one hand, a box of snack cakes in the other, Pudge walked back into the living room and nearly gagged. “Here you go, Mama. Smells like your colostomy bag needs to be changed. Why don’t I move your tray aside and do that before you finish your lunch?”
“Smell don’t bother me. Now hush up,” Mama ordered, and raised the volume on the TV. “I’m trying to hear this. You can change my bag after I’m done with my lunch and the show’s over.”
“Yes, Mama,” Pudge said, and with disgust and anticipation, watched Mama swallow the sleeping pills. Unable to watch Mama eat, or endure the vile odor, Pudge left the living room for the privacy of the bedroom. Once the door had clicked shut, Pudge looked in the mirror.
soon slice dice slice dice
Pudge opened the closet and pulled out an old suitcase. After opening it, and staring at the disguise, Pudge smiled.
welcome back doctor dread welcome back
*
Hudson climbed out of the Trans Am the second Evan Pope exited the school bus. He waited a moment until the bus had turned the corner, then followed the kid up the walkway to his house.
“Hey, gotta minute?” Hudson asked.
Evan shifted the backpack to his other shoulder and flipped his long, straight bangs out of his eyes. “Who are you?” he asked, then looked to his house.
“I’m a private investigator.”
Evan glanced at the house again, then took a few steps toward him. “No shit?”
“Yeah, no shit,” Hudson said. “I have a feeling you know what this is about. Don’t you?”
“Look. I didn’t know what was in the package. This guy just, like, told me to deliver it. He said it wasn’t anything bad, ya know, like drugs or a gun or something.”
Nothing bad. Only the filming of a man’s torture and death. “I know,” Hudson assured the kid. “But what was in that package could have an impact on the case I’m working. Did you see the man who gave you the package?”
Evan shook his head, causing his bangs to fall forward again and reminding Hudson that he too could use a haircut. “Naw, it was dark. I was on my route, delivering papers and, like, the guy just came out of nowhere. Scared the crap out of me.”
“What was he wearing?”
“Am I gonna get in trouble for this? I promise I’ll give back the money. I just can’t afford to have an issue with the cops. I’m a senior and applying to colleges. If I end up with a record, I—”
Hudson held up a hand. “You’re not in trouble. Just tell me everything you can about the man and was this the first time you’ve done a delivery for him.”
“Wait—there’s other packages?”
Hudson shrugged. “I’ll take that as a no.”
“Take it as a hell no. As for the guy, he was about as tall as you. He had on a big coat so I couldn’t guess his weight. He had on a baseball cap, black, and a scarf pulled up high around his neck, almost to his mouth.” Evan knocked the hair out of his eyes. “Like I said, it was dark, so I couldn’t see his face.”
“What about a car?”
“There were cars parked on the street, but there’s always cars parked on the street. I couldn’t tell you what kind or color.” Evan shrugged. “I never pay attention to that kinda stuff. I just wanna finish my route so I can get home and eat before school.”
Dead end. Not that Hudson had high hopes the kid would have pertinent information which would help them find the killer. Their doctor had already proven to be adept at covering his tracks.
“Thanks for your time, Evan,” Hudson said, then pulled out a small notepad from his jacket pocket and wrote down his cell phone number. “Call me if this guy asks you to make any other deliveries.”
Evan stuffed the paper into his back pocket. “So you’re not going to say anything to my parents about this?”
Hudson didn’t see the point of involving the kid’s folks. He hadn’t done anything wrong, and he hadn’t seen anything of any value. Then a thought occurred to him.
“How much did the guy pay you?”
“Two hundred dollars.”
“That’s probably a nice chunk of change for you. And you didn’t question this…delivery?”
Evan held up both of his hands. “Are you kidding me? Of course I did. I asked him about the drugs and guns thing, and like I said, he told me it wasn’t anything illegal. Then I asked him what it was and he was like, just a DVD for a friend. He said it was one of those extreme makeover shows, ya know where they take ugly people and make them perfect.” He flipped his bangs. “I was like, why don’t you take it to her yourself? And he was like, because I wanna surprise her. Sounded like a stupid surprise, but for two hundred bucks, what do I care? Right?”
Dizzy from the hair flipping and all the “likes,” Hudson nodded. “I get it, kid.” He walked to the driver’s side of the Trans Am. “Just call if this guy approaches you again,” he said before climbing into the car.
“Wait,” Evan shouted, and ran to Trans Am. “I did feel the package, and it did feel like a DVD. Did you see what was on it? Was it one of those makeover shows?”
Without answering, Hudson closed the car door, turned the ignition, then pulled the Trans Am into the street. What would he say to the kid anyway? Yeah, it was an extreme makeover.
Extreme in that the doctor tortures his patients until they die.
*
Eden woke, then snuggled next to Fabio. As the big cat purred, she reached to stroke Brutal. She felt around the comforter and realized the dog had probably followed Hudson from the bedroom earlier. The little traitor had taken an obvious liking to Hudson, which didn’t bother her. She loved that her dog had finally become a little more social. After he’d been attacked, he’d shied away from strangers, and sometimes piddled on the floor when someone came to the house. What bothered her though, was that she more than liked Hudson.
She had to admit to herself that she’d never gotten over him. She also had to face the fact that he was right. When she’d had the opportunity to run from their relationship, she’d taken it. When there had been a prime opportunity to talk about her past, and their future, she’d avoided it. She’d only lied to him once, and that had been abou
t her phantom date, but she had skirted the truth over and over.
Her past had never been something she’d been interested in sharing. With anyone. Her family had never known what had happened to her, and to tell them now would break their hearts. She’d been on the investigating circuit for too long not to understand the human psyche. She’d seen families destroyed when secrets had been disclosed. Her secrets wouldn’t destroy her family, but she hated the thought of her father or sister blaming themselves for something they couldn’t have controlled. Or beating themselves up because they hadn’t had the chance to help her through the after effects of the rape. Will would have been too young to understand, but as an adult and a sensitive soul, she knew he’d have a hard time grasping at the thought that his sister had been gang raped.
Yawning, she stretched. Every part of her body still ached, but at least she didn’t have the urge to puke. She glanced at the clock. Just past three, she could still make it into the station. She shifted and pulled her legs over the side of the bed. Blinked several times to ward off the dizziness, then placed her feet on the floor.
Her mind still a little foggy, she tried to remember what else she’d planned to do today. Exercise was obviously out of the question. Was she supposed to go to the grocery store and pick up more dog and cat food? Wait, the high school kid. They were supposed to interview the high school kid.
Anxious to tell Hudson she was ready to meet the boy who had delivered the DVD, she stood, then wobbled. She reached for the nightstand to steady herself. A wave of blinding dizziness knocked her off her feet. The nightstand and its contents crashed to the floor. She tripped on the clock, then landed on her ass.
Seconds later, the Aryan from the other night scooped her off the floor, then set her on the bed. “Are you okay? What happened?”
She had to be hallucinating. Why else would this man be in her bedroom. Unless…
“Where’s Hudson?” she asked.
“He had to leave. Now answer me. Are you all right?”
Tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, she nodded. “Just lost my balance. Have you seen my dog?”
“He’s in his bed,” the Aryan said as he righted the nightstand. “Rest here and I’ll go grab you some water.”
Confused and suddenly overheated, she started to unbutton her blouse. “It’s hot in here. I need something cold.”
“Ah, okay,” the Aryan said, then looked away. “I’ll make sure it’s cold water.”
“No. Make it a frozen daiquiri. Wait. A Pina Colada. Do you like Pina Coladas?” she sang, then giggled. “I love that song. Don’t you? I don’t really like Pina Coladas though. Or getting caught in the rain? If some guy asked me that I’d think he was an ass. Who wants to stand in the rain? Makes your makeup run, messes up your hair…” She lay back on the pillow, closed her eyes and thought about dancing in the rain with Hudson. Actually, that might be fun. But she’d have to do it without makeup. “Don’t want to have raccoon eyes.”
“I’m sorry, what was that?” the Aryan asked.
“Lloyd?” a familiar voice said from the bedroom door.
She opened her eyes and smiled. “Hey, you. I was just getting ready to go for Pina Coladas.”
“What’s she talking about?” Hudson asked the Aryan.
Wait. Dumbass. The Aryan was Lloyd, Will’s partner. And why the hell was she suddenly talking about Pina Coladas?
“I don’t know,” Lloyd answered. “She woke up, fell and has been…out of it.”
She frowned. “I’m not out of it. I’m totally with it. You know, hip, happening, Superfly.”
Hudson felt her forehead. She closed her eyes and smiled, relished the caress of his warm hand.
“Mmm, you always did have a nice touch,” she murmured, and tried to move closer to him.
“Something’s not right.” Hudson said, his voice tinny, muffled.
As he left the room, she shook her head hoping to clear her clogged ears. They must be clogged, why else had Hudson and Lloyd sounded as if they were the teacher from the Charlie Brown cartoons? She always liked Charlie Brown.
“We used to call Will, Pig Pen, when he was a baby.” She giggled, then curled on her side and looked at Lloyd. Will had been such a cute, chubby toddler who had made sure no rock had been unturned, and no worm left alone. “And now you’re banging my baby brother,” she whispered, and winked at Lloyd.
Lloyd smiled. “So you do remember me.”
“Don’t let her move,” Hudson said as he entered the room carrying a duffle bag.
“Where we going?” she asked, and tried to rise. The moment her head lifted from the pillow, her stomach lurched and she gripped Lloyd’s arm. “Puke. Gonna puke.”
Within seconds Lloyd had the trashcan from the bathroom in front of her. Thank God. Who wants to sleep in vomit?
Hudson zipped the bag. “She okay?”
Lloyd smoothed her hair. “I think she’s finished. What next?”
Hudson tossed the bag to Lloyd, then scooped her in his strong arms. If she hadn’t been so damned confused and felt as if someone had run her over, she’d have loved this moment. She’d missed having him hold her. Anyone who knew her assumed she was strong, and they were right. Badass. Hardcore. With Hudson though, she didn’t always have to be strong. She could take a mini vacation from being a badass and simply be herself. Well, minus all that truth-telling crap Hudson had harped about earlier.
She touched his cheek. “I hope I don’t stink,” she said as he carried her from the bedroom.
He kissed the top of her head. “You don’t,” he said with a small smile. “Lloyd, her coat.”
As she clung to Hudson’s neck, Lloyd draped the coat around her. When she realized they were leaving, she squirmed in his arms. “Where are you taking me?”
He held her firm and steady as they exited the townhouse. Once they reached the Trans Am and she’d been stowed into the backseat, Hudson handed Lloyd the keys and joined her. “You drive,” he said to Lloyd.
“Where am I heading?”
“St. Mary’s Medical Center.”
*
“May I help you?” Gretchen Meyer asked as she opened the door.
Pudge smiled and touched the bill of the baseball cap worn to keep the wig in place. “Evening, Ma’am. I hope this isn’t a bad time, but we’re checking the building for potential gas leaks. Your apartment is next on my list.” Pudge jangled the tool belt for effect.
“Oh my, that sounds serious. Should I be worried?” Gretchen asked as she let Pudge into the apartment.
“No, Ma’am. Just a precaution. With the weather getting colder by the day, and everyone cranking up the heat, Management wants to make sure all of the apartments are safe.” Pudge sniffed, and caught the scent of spaghetti sauce. “This won’t take long. I’ll be long gone before you have a chance to eat your dinner. Now, if you could direct me to where your hot water tank is stored…”
Gretchen lead Pudge down the hallway, then pointed to a closet. “It’s in here with my washer and dryer.”
Pudge eyed the scrubs hanging to dry. “Are you a doctor?”
Gretchen laughed. “Hardly. I’m a nurse. I usually take care of patients at their homes.”
Because of their low income, Mama rarely allowed Pudge to call upon a professional to fix things around their home. Over the years, Pudge had become quite adept at fixing leaks and simple electrical issues. Falling into the role of a maintenance worker hadn’t been difficult, plus the tool belt gave Pudge a place to store the necessary equipment to take care of Nurse Gretchen.
“I bet you meet some real characters in your line of work,” Pudge said, and pulled out a long, heavy-duty flashlight. Holding it high and leaning into the crevice behind the hot water tank, Pudge pretend to search the water and gas lines.
waiting waiting stop waiting
Gretchen laughed. “You have no idea. But I love my job. I’m not stuck in a hospital all day working a twelve hour shift. Instead I get to go to different pl
aces and meet all kinds of characters.”
kill her dr dread kill her waiting waiting
Pudge ignored the taunt. The space in the hallway and closet were too small for what they’d planned. The kitchen would provide the room needed to take care of Nurse Gretchen.
“Gotta love what you do for a living,” Pudge said, then stepped back and closed the door. “Everything looks good here. Let’s check the kitchen.”
Once inside the small room, Pudge inhaled. “Smells delicious. I hope I’m not interrupting a dinner party.”
“Yeah, a party of one,” Gretchen said with a smile.
alone all alone kill her kill her now now
“More for you,” Pudge said, then frowned. “I don’t know much about cooking, and I don’t want to screw up your sauce. But I’ll need you to take the pots off the stove so I can pull this thing out and check the gas line.”
now dr dread now kill her kill her
Gretchen nodded, and moved past Pudge to the stove. “Not a problem. I was just warming the sauce while I was waiting for the noodles to boil.”
now now kill now now
“Shut the fuck up,” Pudge muttered.
The pots on the stove left untouched, Gretchen turned. “I’m sorry, what did you say?” she asked, her boney face contorting in confusion and alarm.
“Mind your business, bitch.” Before the nurse had a chance to react, Pudge swung the heavy flashlight. As metal connected with bone, the light died, and Gretchen crumpled to the floor. “I was having a private conversation,” Pudge finished, then gave the woman a kick.
When Nurse Gretchen didn’t move, Pudge checked her pulse. Alive. Bummer. While playing Dr. Dread had been fun, cleaning off the blood had been a pain in the ass.
sorry so sorry are you mad at me sorry
“I can’t stay mad at you,” Pudge said, and slipped the flashlight back into the tool belt. “But you have to be patient. I know what I’m doing.”
yes yes so smart precious so smart
Pudge smiled. “We’re smart. Together we can accomplish anything.” Pudge pulled out the scalpel hidden next to the pliers in the tool belt pocket.
slice dice slice dice
Killer Romances Page 104