Bed Of Lies

by King, Dean

  “Ha! Like he’s going to want a bunch of half-breed children around. He’ll want you to send us back. I know he will.” Beth cried, tears starting to fall in earnest.

  “Beth! I don't ever want to hear you say that word again,” She cried in shock. “Where did you hear that?”

  Her face in a mutinous pout, Beth shrugged, looking at her hands. “That's what we are.”

  Nina took Beth's face in her hands. “No, darling. That’s not what you are. You are biracial. I thought I taught you to be proud of whom you are.”

  Beth's eyes took on a distant look. “I am proud of myself, but other people don't…”

  “I said don't worry about what other people think and say. People are never happy unless they're dumping on others,” she said, anger making her voice harsh, “You are all that matters, do you hear me?”

  Beth nodded, “He won't want a family that's mixed like us. He'd probably make you send us away.”

  “How could you even think such a thing? Do you think I would let my love for anyone come between me and my family? Never!” Nina declared fiercely.

  Her chest heaving, Beth’s tear filled blue gaze found her. “Please, mama, don’t bring him here. I knew something was going on. All those flowers and you going out so much. I knew it.”

  “Beth, I love you. Please, meet him for me.” Nina hated it, but she knew her voice held a desperate note. She couldn't marry Rafe if her children were against it. “Do this for me. I'm so proud of my children, I just want to show you all off. Please honey.”

  She looked away, her lips tight with displeasure. “What if he hurts you like Paul did?”

  Nina paused. She had not thought of that man in years. She was surprised, she didn’t even flinch. “That will never happen. Paul was just a user and I was so young, I didn’t know it. But now I have you guys. I'd never let someone I didn't trust near you.”

  Beth nodded, then sniffled and wiped her nose, “I guess I knew it would happen sooner are later. You are so pretty, but promise me you won’t ever quit being my mama. Promise me that.”

  Nina stroked Beth’s blue-black curls. “I was your mother from the moment I laid eyes on you. The only thing that would change that is death, and I pray to god that’s a long way off.” Nina caught Beth's cold hands, “When you meet him, you’ll love him. I swear.”

  “Okay.” It was said in such a small voice that Nina had to strain to hear it. “I’m going to bed now.”

  Nina let her go and her heart ached. This was going to be harder than she had first assumed. Rising, Nina went to her room. After her shower, she made sure the small lamp beside her bed was on before she crawled beneath her crisp sheets. Against her will, her mind was drawn back to Paul. God I wish Beth hadn't found my diary.

  Paul had been the love of her life, or so Nina had thought at the time. Her first boyfriend. Right out of high school and straight into college, Paul had been there.

  But she hadn’t seen his real personality through the stars in her eyes. All her life she’d been made to hide herself from the world. The nuns said vanity is a sin, to flaunt ones self was to worship the devil. Paul had made her feel alive. He’d made her see the nuns were right about so many things they’d told her. He never let her go out with him and his friends. He never let her wear her hair down, or put on makeup. He was a control freak and she hadn’t known it until it was almost too late. One day she thought to surprise him, she dressed up and made up her hair and face.

  Paul had been furious when she’d met him at a coffee shop. His friends had whistled at her, making her blush. But he'd taken her to their apartment and washed her face clean, then hit her and called her all sorts of names. Nina had cried hard that night, she had wanted to go, to run away, to hide from the world. But Beth’s sweet baby face had floated before her eyes and Nina knew she couldn’t give up. She had to finish College in order to get the nuns to allow her to adopt Beth. If the nuns said it was bad to be vain and Paul, who said he loved her with all his heart, agreed, then they all must be correct. From that time on, she continued to conceal herself from the world.

  During the fourth and final year of college, life with Paul became unbearable. Nina had felt as if she were back at the orphanage, a prisoner in her own apartment. The final straw came when Paul brought home a female friend. He had the nerve to tell Nina that he wanted to watch her make love to the woman. When she refused, he became violent, grabbing her hair and pulling her across the room. He tossed her to the floor, shouting and screeching that she would do as she was told. Crying hard, she stood up, dusted off her clothes and backhanded Paul with all the strength in her body.

  Finding strength she didn’t know she had, Nina balled her hands into fists. After it was over, after her moment of insanity, Paul was on the floor groaning, holding his stomach and head, the apartment in shambles. The girl was gone. Paul’s friend, Jake, stood staring at her as if she had two heads. Then Nina laughed, she laughed so hard that she had to clutch her stomach from the pain and torrents of tears ran down her cheeks. The pain of two fractured ribs and bleeding mouth were nothing compared to the freedom she felt. Her prison had been opened and the key thrown away, all by her own hands.

  She realized she had always hated Paul, even when she thought herself in love with him. Hated everything about him. She had deeply understood that he was wrong for her, but she had convinced herself that it would work out. How she had needed his false promises and declarations of love...

  Nina shivered. Would Rafe understand about my past? The thoughts crept into her mind unexpectedly. She wanted to believe he would, that he would take her into his strong arms and say, ‘It’s okay baby, I love you for who you are.’ Nina sighed, if only things worked like that, life would be so easy. She had gone to college a wide-eyed innocent, but she left as a full-grown woman.

  Nina didn’t want to think about going through life without Rafe. It was too much to bear. She turned on her side, a pillow clutched tightly to her chest, he’d called earlier and said he was coming over after the kids went to bed. She left the light on in front of her window, but try as she might to stay awake, she drifted into an uneasy sleep.

  *****

  Days later, Nina stood in the parking lot at work. She kicked the flat tire in frustration. Nothing was going right, Rafe had spent the night with her, as he had every night but he made no move to touch her. He held her tight and they talked most of the night, and it was wonderful, but she wondered why he didn’t want to make love to her. It had been so long since they’d been intimate she was starting to wonder if he were getting tired of her. She wanted to be in his arms loving him all night, but if he didn’t want that, then what was she to do?

  She looked around, it was late, and darkness of night surrounded her. She had gotten caught up in a project and time had gotten past her. “Why did this have to happen now?” Looking around, she sighed at the vast empty parking lot. Crossing her arms over her chest, she hugged herself as fear tried to grip her. Her fingers moved to the faint bruises that still lingered on the lower part of her neck. She shivered. The lot’s dim lights cast a dull yellow glow, but it wasn't enough to relieve her fears.

  Biting her lower lip, she walked around the car checking the other tires. Each appeared low on air, or flat. Kneeling on the pavement, Nina ran her hand over the edge of one of them; she couldn't tell what the problem was. Heaving a deep sigh, she stood and looked around. “What to do?” She squinted at her watch, it was ten at night, and so her mechanic would be closed. She pulled out her cell phone and quickly dialed.

  “Hello.” The rich voice made her tingle every time she heard it.

  “Hi, it’s me,” she said hesitantly.

  “Hello sweets, what’s happening? I thought you were going to call me when you got home?” Rafe laid down his pen and sat up straighter in his chair. Pleasure raced through him. He knew she’d just left the building because he was still in his office. He walked to the window and looked down. Nina was standing beside her car.
<
br />   “Nothing much is happening, how do you know I’m not home?”

  There was an edge to her voice he didn't like. “What’s wrong Nina? You don’t sound right.” Rafe wanted to kick himself for that stupid slip. Yes, how did I know she wasn’t at home? Idiot!

  She laughed quietly, “So you know me that well, do you?”

  “I’d like to think so,” he said softly. “Talk to me.”

  “I didn’t know who to call, Rafe. I’m at work and all the tires on my car are flat.”

  “All of them?” The first flutter of concern raced through his heart. He frowned.

  “I just walked around the car. Every one looks flat as a pancake.”

  “Did you run over anything?”

  “I don’t think so. There was nothing in the road on my way into work. But I don't really remember.” Nina paused as headlights turned into the parking lot. She sagged with relief. “Hey, I think I see someone coming.”

  “Nina...” Panic hit Rafe hard, twisting his gut. Thinking of her out there alone with some stranger, he grabbed his keys. “Hey, guess what? I’m in the area. Don’t go anywhere until I get to you.”

  “It looks like a wrecker. Maybe I can get him to tow me.” Nina waved the truck down, and then laughed, feeling stupid. Of course the man saw her, hers was the only car in the lot. She was so relieved to have another person around she forgot about her near brush with death.

  But Rafe hadn’t forgotten, and he shivered, fear clutched his stomach, “Did you call a wrecker darling?” He didn't want to scare her by reminding her of the attack. He kept his voice steady.

  “No, I called you straight away.” Nina said, watching the large blue and gold truck pull up beside her car.

  “Listen, I’ll be there shortly. Don’t let him do a thing,” he paused, “Honey, make sure you tell him I’m on my way.” He kept his voice steady as he hurried down the hallway into the elevators. “Why don’t you get in your car and lock the door?”

  “What? Why would I do that?” Nina frowned, he wasn’t making sense. “Look, he’s here. I’ll talk to you as soon as I get this fixed.”

  Before he could get another word out she hung up. “Damn,” Rafe yelled the elevator seem to take forever. How would a wrecker know to come here? The building was so far from the street that no one could see she needed help. Rafe prayed he was overreacting, that he’d get to her and everything would be fine. But Sharon's death haunted him. Something fierce and protective writhed through him like a living thing, trying to consume him body and soul.

  Nina stared for a moment, then her eyes narrowed as the door to the truck opened. A tall thin man stepped out. His leisurely strides put her immediately on guard. Platinum hair glistened in the moonlight. His crooked smile brought her to full alert. Chilling blue eyes bore into her, reminding her of how alone she was.

  “Hello,” she called out, trying to ignore the fear that was trying to overtake her, “I’m so glad you happened by. As you can see, I need help in the worst way.” She smiled as the man came closer. Determined not to let recent events and her imagination send her into hiding, she smiled and tried to convince herself it was alright. Not everyone was insane. This man was only here to help her. She would stick to that thought to avoid jumping at shadows. Nina took an involuntary step back when it didn't seem as if he wouldn’t stop. Something about his thin-lipped smile had unpleasant goose bumps running down her back. Her eyes narrowed.

  “Howdy, ma’am. Don’t you know its dangerous being out here in the dark all alone?” His slow quiet voice gave her pause, he stepped to within inches of her.

  Nina gave a semblance of a smile as she moved away from him, she wanted to get in her car in lock the doors. “My tires are flat. Can you look at them?”

  “I’d rather look at you,” he grinned reaching out to touch her blouse. “You know you have caused a lot of people a lot of unnecessary trouble.”

  Her eyes narrowed at him, and her stomach sank. What a stupid fool she was, she had to get out of this, “Excuse me? I don’t think I heard you right. What did you say?”

  “Oh, you heard me right, little mama.” He licked his non-existent lips, his smiled revealing perfect teeth. “I said you’re making things very interesting around here. You see, I've cooked up a wonderful night for the two of us.” He grinned.

  Nina felt panic rising, swallowing hard, she tried to stamp it down. Not again! This couldn’t be happening again. Her mind screamed as terror clawed at her throat. Looking left and right she saw what she already knew, there would be no help coming. And Rafe was probably too far away to get here in time. Maybe I can scare him off? “Look, mister, I called a wrecker, I thought you were it. They should be here any minute, so you should move along,” she decided to play it off, maybe it could give her a chance to get to her car.

  “I’ll only go if I can take you with me.”

  Nina knew she had to at least try to get inside her car and lock the doors. “Let me get my purse, it’s in my car.” She started moving towards it. “If you could you tow my car for me I’d appreciate it. I don’t want any trouble. So why don’t we just get on with this?”

  His grin turned into a snarl. “I am not a damned tow truck driver.” His voice became shrill with rage. “You are as stupid as the day is long! I wanted to enjoy this but you are making it difficult.” She flinched with every raised foot as he stomped the ground with heavy black boots. “Do I look like a goddamn tow truck driver?” He gestured towards his truck.

  Nina clutched her purse close to her side. “I know you’re not a tow truck, but I thought you could tying it to the back of your truck?” She glanced at some large trees nearby, estimating their distance. If she could make it to them, she might be able to lose him in the foliage. Licking her lips, her heart hammering, she inched backwards, keeping her eyes on him.

  He straightened. “No.” With purposeful steps he continued towards her, cruel purpose shining in his eyes. “But you’re right, though, we need to get this done.”

  Nina bolted, running around the back of the car, knowing she’d never make the trees. Keys in hand she tried to get into the car, but he was on her in no time. He caught her arms in a unrelenting grip. “You are one stupid bitch, you know that? But sometimes, I like them stupid.” She cringed, his hot breath scorching her cheek. He released one arm and caught her hair in his fist. She screamed from the pain, grabbing at his hand. “I need to pay you back for that nut shot last time. That was cheap!”

  “My friend is on his way!” she gasped, “He’ll be here any minute.” She yelled, twisting and turning in the stranger’s unrelenting grasp.

  “Fuck Montoya! But that’s nice of you to warn me.” He whispered in her ear, “The nuns raised you to be so polite. Too bad it'll be wasted.” He laughed as she fought him. He lifted her off her feet in a bear hug.

  Nina swung her head back, slamming into his face hard. He screamed, releasing her and clutching franticly at his gushing nose. She fell to the ground. Gravel bit into her palms and knees, but she jumped up and ran. But he was fast. He grabbed her and clamped his arms around her waist, pinning her arms to her sides. Then lifted off the ground, Nina screamed loud and long, kicking out at him.

  Suddenly headlights filled the area, tires screeching to a halt close by. Nina's scream was cut short as she hit the ground, white hot pain shooting through her. She flipped to her back, “Rafe! Rafe help me!” Kicking out hard, she was gratified by the yelp of pain that came from her attacker as she struck his groin. He cursed as she tried to move away.

  “You…” He shook a long finger at her, his pink lips tight. “I’m just starting to have fun, we’ll continue this later,” he promised through clenched teeth, the nasty smile on his face sent shivers through her. He then raised his hand before she could duck and sharply backhanded her. By the time she looked up he’d jumped into his truck and sped away.

  Rafe saw the truck speeding away, and he wanted o go after it, but Nina lay on the ground and fear for her made him
stop. He hurried out of his car and ran to Nina was just now leaning up on her elbows. “God! Are you alright?” He helped her sit up.

  “I’m fine,” she stood up, her hands shaking as she dusted off her clothes.

  “What happened?” He caught her shoulders, turning her to face him. A large handprint decorated the tender skin. His eyes found the bruises on her neck. “He hurt you.” A murderous rage shook him.

  “Actually, he wanted to kill me, but he didn’t get the chance. You came just in time. Thank you so much,” she slid her arms around his waist and pulled him close.

  Rafe closed his eyes as he savored her closeness. “Tell me what happened.” His arms wrapped around her shaking shoulders, he held her tight.

  “Just like before,” she murmured into his neck, “he said he wanted kill me.” Rafe froze at her quiet admission.

  “Why?” He pulled back, looking into her eyes. “I don’t understand this, isn’t that what the man last time?” She nodded. “Is it the same guy?”

  “Yes, I think so. He said I’d be dead before you could get here to help.” Nina nodded, and looked up at him, a tear hung from one of her lashes and he wiped it away. “He said your name like he knew you?”

  “He did?” Rafe whispered in disbelief. “It has to be the same guy.”

  “I don't know,” Nina was at a loss, with so many questions racing through her mind that she didn't know where to begin. “Something about life being easier for everyone with me gone. I haven’t done anything to anyone, why would someone pick me to do this to?”

  “I don’t know darling, but I intend to find out.” Rafe promised.

  “Maybe he's some psycho, maybe I’m just an easy target.” She shuddered. “Do you think that's what happened to Sharon?”

  “I don't know, honey. What did he look like?” Rafe was baffled.

  “Tall, thin, blond, same as the other man.” She inhaled a shuttering breath. “He even knew I was raised by the nuns. But I’ve never seen him before.” She shook her head. “I’m thinking about getting a gun?” She admitted quietly.