by Matthew Buza
He checked his phone and saw a new message, thank you for your help tonight you should see the payment. He swiped and opened his phone. The bank app showed the money had been deposited into his account. He closed the phone and tossed it into the seat next to him. He rolled his head in a circle and arched his back in the seat. It was early in the morning and the physical work would be a chore. He rested in the seat and stared blankly at the front door preparing his mind for the coming task.
His hand went to the driver side door. As he pulled on the lever, the door opened a crack and the car to his left flashed its lights. He paused holding the door and scanned the front porch. He couldn't see anyone. He continued to scan the property and through the window of the car he saw a terrified woman sprinting across the yard.
Her feet kicked up dirt and gravel as she quickly closed the distance to the car. She was breathing heavily and her heart was pounding when she reached the car. Her hands fumbled with the keys as she struggled to open the door. She was panicking and her vision was focused only on the handle. She reached out to open the door when a hand closed around her hair and pulled her away from the vehicle.
She screamed out, "Let me go!” She kicked her legs into the air and reached back to fight the grip. It was no use as the man pulled wrenching her neck back. She saw the backend of his feet as he dragged her along the driveway. She kicked up dust and dirt. Her fingers clawed at the ground for any hold she could find. She swung her elbows wildly connecting on the backs of his calves and heels. The impact caused the man to stop for a moment and re-grip her shirt. She was at his mercy as he dragged her to the house, the light was growing all around her as the cars shrank from view. She remembered the moment in the car, the rag to the face, being dragged away. She began to tear up as she fought. She had been so close to escape and getting back to her life and her grandmother.
She hit the first step on the porch and was lifted like a rag doll into the air, landing on the porch floor. Her feet struck the wood and announced their arrival. The door opened and she was pulled into the front area. She leaned left to see the kitchen full of eyes staring at her and her companion. Their faces were stunned at the scene. She recognized all of them.
“Please let me go,” she pleaded and sobbed. Spittle fell from her mouth and onto the ground where her face rested. She bawled and coughed out each word, "Please! Please! Why are you doing this to me?"
From behind her head the voice called to the men, "Where's the key for the rooms upstairs?” Tyler stared blankly and frozen in place. The man in the entryway held his victim in his hand and yelled out again sending shivers down the three spines, "The key! Now!”
Tyler reached into his pocket and produced a small key ring and tossed it across the kitchen. The man caught the keys and reached down punching Jennifer in the head. She fell dark and laid on the floor in silence. He stood calmly and called out, “Which one of you is Steven?”
Steven stood in complete silence, terrified at hearing his name. He knew this man was bad. The last thing he wanted was to be singled out in the house. How did he know his name? He could see himself being thrown into a shallow grave to be found by a wandering pack of coyotes. This man was not only here for this woman but him too. He didn’t want this to be his time, not now and not this way. He turned to Tyler and whispered, “What’s going on? Please no.”
Kora turned to Tyler who stood firm staring at Vadym. His answer was cold and firm, “Go help.” His face turned to meet Steven’s eyes, “This is your problem.”
Vadym called out again, his impatience was increasing by each moment, “I will not ask again, which one is Steven?”
Steven stepped forward, he knew this was his moment, it was punishment for his crime. “I’m Steven.”
“Grab her legs, you will help.” Vadym held her arms as Steven grabbed the legs. Her body was light as they lifted her and carried her through the living room and up the stairs. They reached the landing on the second floor and entered an open room. They laid Jennifer’s body on the floor next to the bed.
Vadym stood, both men staring at the body. A light trickle of blood rolled down from Jennifer’s forehead where Vadym had struck her. “We need to move all furniture to the walls and lift away the bed.”
Steven looked up at Vadym’s face while he coldly stared down at Jennifer. His eyes moving along her body as if a butcher assessing a side of beef.
From downstairs Tyler and Kora stared up at the ceiling hearing the commotion of the two men moving the furniture in the room.
Tyler broke the silence between them, "Kora, where's Nick?”
“I don’t know. I think he went to his car to find his knife?”
Tyler looked at her and for the first time that night he saw her as more than just a worker, "Sweetie, can you please go outside and see where he is?”
Kora was still transfixed on the ceiling, “Tyler, where did he get her? She was in the house.”
"Hell if I know, please go see about Nick. I don’t want you in this house alone while that man is here.” She looked into his eyes and caught a glimpse of his fear.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Vadym leaned over the banister as he heard the front door close. “Hey!” He called down as Tyler emerged, “Bring me a mop and bucket, and the bleach by the door.”
Tyler looked down to the materials and saw the bleach, “Ok, I’ll be right up.”
The request unnerved Tyler as he gathered the supplies and climbed the stairs to the second floor. His feet creaked under the old wooden floorboards as he emerged onto the second floor landing. He turned the corner and hooked the bucket on the banister. His leg leaned back as he caught himself from falling down the stairs. He gathered himself and took a deep breath before walking down the dark hallway to the open door and light.
He could see into the room as Vadym worked. They had lifted the bed and placed it against the wall. The cabinets and side tables were pushed into the corner and a tarp had been placed onto the floor. The man's silhouetted body formed a cross as he opened the sheet of clear plastic, and using a hand stapler, began to attach the plastic to the walls.
Tyler felt a nausea come over him as his mind saw the woman's face. What had they condemned her to? What had Steven done to force this? He was sick but angry. Angry for being placed into this position, angry for having to be part of this world. He wanted to leave, he could just get into his car take Kora and drive away. He stood in a daze not realizing that Vadym was now looking at him through the doorway. Tyler could not see his face, instead only the shape of the man and his arm perched against the door frame.
Vadym stared at Tyler, he had seen this face before. The shock and horror. He had long since gotten over his profession but he never missed an opportunity to extend the fear. He knew reputation was the best calling card. In these moments he always allowed his voice and accent to deepen. He got off on this, “What are you looking at?”
Tyler broke from the spell and dropped the bucket. The clanging of the plastic broke the silence of the hall. He quickly scurried to the ground to fetch it. He was on his knees when he looked up at Vadym. He knew he was not the only person to experience this point of view. He thrust up the items and Vadym took them out of his hands. He felt the rough skin against his hands, cracked and dry, from too much chlorine use.
Through Vadym’s legs Tyler saw two sets of feet. Steven was face down on the plastic blood oozing out onto the protected floor.
“Is that Steven?”
"Of course.”
“He was just supposed to help!” Tyler knew it was his responsibility, he had killed Steven. He had condemned him to this fate. He should have sent Steven away to deal with his own problems. But instead he shared in this guilt as he incriminated everyone in this savagery. He fought back the tears, “Why did you kill him? You didn’t have to do that.”
Vadym looked back and realized that Tyler didn’t know, “It was part of the arrangement. I’ve been paid and I need to do the job.”
“I didn’t ask for this. It was just the girl.”
“Aw, he was your friend? Well I’m sorry little ant, this is what the Boss wanted.”
“He didn’t tell me this,” Tyler’s voice rose as he stood still staring over Vadym’s shoulder. “This is my crew. When I talked to him he said Steven would only have to help.”
“Well that wasn’t the arrangement now. So, go along and do your job so I can finish mine.”
Tyler backed away from Vadym. He wanted to escape this horror. Vadym walked back into the room slowly closing the door. His cheeks pressed up against his eyes and his teeth showing as he smiled. Tyler was left in the dark hallway staring at the door. He heard noises of objects being placed onto the floor. He could only imagine what was happening and what would happen.
He struggled down the stairs held down by the burden and consequences of the evening. Like a ghost he entered the kitchen and rummaged through a number of drawers before finding the bag of yellow ear plugs. He pocketed two bags for Kora.
He had tears running down his face. He wanted to embrace Kora. He wanted someone to hold. He wept in the corner of the kitchen still seeing those feet and Steven’s dead face and the red blood. Tyler regained his composure as a loud noise came from the stairs. Vadym stormed through the house and out to his car. He watched this devil search for more supplies.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Kora pressed open the door and found two bodies sprawled out on the floor. One was bound and rocking gently on the ground while the other body was motionless face down near the closet. Kora dropped down next to Nick's body and placed a hand on him, “Nick are you ok?”
Her hand pulled back revealing a dark stain on the tips that smelled of blood. She scanned Nick's body and pulled the bindings off. Nick rolled onto his back and moaned.
Kora pulled Nick to a sitting position and pulled up on his belt leaning his tiny frame against her chest. Nick was small and Kora could drag him, bracing his arm over her shoulder. She carefully navigated the grass walkway between the houses while imagining how Nick could have gotten himself into his current position. Kora was never a fan of Nick so seeing someone get the best of him provided some enjoyment. After such a long evening Kora welcomed any reason to smile.
She reached the porch stairs, opened the front door, and walked through the entryway as Tyler came rushing in from the kitchen. Tyler’s face was lost in shock, “Jesus, what the hell happened?”
Kora laid Nick down on the living room couch and caught her breath, “I think the girl finally got the best of Nick. I would imagine we’re very lucky she didn't get away. That is nasty right there.” Kora pointed to the large welt on Nick's head and the dried blood trail down his face.
Tyler leaned in and examined the wound along his abdomen, “That looks like its still bleeding. Kora can you check his bag to see if there's some clothes or something?’”
Kora whispered to Tyler, “We need to get him to the hospital. There is one in town.”
Tyler shook his head, “I know, but we can't stop now. We've got a deadline to meet.”
“Tyler he's got an open wound on his side. We have to get him some help.” Kora's voice cracked slightly as she stared at Tyler.
“I know, we need to stabilize him and finish up. Then we'll drop him off in an hour or so. If anyone drops him off there will be questions. You won't be able to just leave him at the front door of the emergency room.”
Kora returned with Nick's bag and began pulling items out onto the table. Inside she felt cloth. She pulled and the two handguns fell out as the shirt unraveled. They struck the top of the coffee table. Both Kora and Tyler jumped as they clanked to the ground.
“Fuck.’’ Tyler reached down and pulled up the gun. He checked the chamber, “They’re loaded.
‘’What is he doing with those?” Kora asked.
“I have no idea.” Tyler turned on the safety and gave one to Kora.
“I don’t want it,” Kora pushed back.
“Take it, I don’t trust that guy upstairs and this is our best protection.” She took the gun as Tyler pressed on the wound, blood pouring over his hands, “Tear that shirt up and press it on the belly wound.”
Kora tended to Nick as Tyler rose and began to pace the room. His lips moved quietly and he shook his head.
Kora rose, “We need to get him to a doctor.”
Tyler continued to pace, “We don't have time.” Tyler's eyes shifted to the roof as he heard Vadym pacing in the upstairs bedrooms.
Kora’s eyes narrowed, “What do you mean, we don't have time? Nick needs help.”
Tyler slowed his pacing and turned to Kora. His eyes narrowed and his lips turned white as his anger boiled up, “I think it's clear, we don't have time. In case you don't fucking realize,” his voice dropped slightly, “We've got some guy upstairs setting up for God knows what because Steven decided it was time to play badass.”
“It's not that way at all.”
Tyler's anger raged as he pointed at Kora, “I don't give a fuck what you think right now. This shit is out of our control. We are only here right now because I need to finish this round and make this delivery. My ass is on the line and I'm here staring at one of my workers in dire need of medical attention and an absolute mess upstairs.”
Kora put up her hands and pointed at the couch, “I know you're under pressure and things have gotten out of hand, but what we need to do right now is help Nick.”
Tyler looked at the body, “How many more bodies are we going to produce tonight?”
Kora was quiet before she answered, “His wasn't the only body in that room. There was another. One of the heads.”
Tyler’s hands were shaking. Kora had never seen him this upset before. Tyler took a deep breath and calmed himself, “You're going to stay with Nick and I will finish the run.”
Kora reached over and pressed down onto Nick's abdomen trying to slow the bleeding. The blood oozed through the shirt and smeared across Kora’s hands. She looked down at Nick, and gently spoke “It’s alright Nick, we’re going to get you to the hospital soon.” She knew it was a lie.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Dean's eyes opened and he stared up at the ceiling. He reached down and felt the pressure in his abdomen. The blood pressure medication was a diuretic and it would mean his third trip to the bathroom tonight. He carefully lifted the blanket and rose out of bed. He looked down to see his grandchildren sleeping soundly next to his wife. They had had a full evening of games, laughter, and food. He always enjoyed these weekends. He smiled as he turned to walk out of the dark doorway and down the hall to the bathroom. Halfway there the pressure began to build and he quickened his pace. He burst through the door flipping the light and slamming up the seat. He was nearly late as he relieved himself into the toilet.
His eyes squinted at the pain and burning sensation. He finished and leaned his arm against the wall and rested his head. “Jesus,” He said as his breath left his body.
The pain had increased from the day before and he knew a trip to the doctor was needed. He took a deep breath and flushed. He crossed the house and entered the kitchen opening the fridge. At the center was a half-eaten apple pie. He pulled down a plate and cut himself a piece. He grabbed the pack of cigarettes from the top of the fridge and walked out onto the back porch.
The air was cool and a gentle breeze flapped against his pajama pants. He placed the items down onto the porch railing and went back into the house to fetch his jacket. He emerged onto the porch and zipped up the coat. He slowly ate the pie through his mustache as he stood in the dark staring out across the yard to the tall tree line. From behind Dean a small scratch could be heard at the door. He turned and let out the old yellow lab. The dog stepped down the porch and began to sniff through the grass. Dean finished the pie and leaned against the porch column. He flicked open the zippo and released a cloud of smoke into the evening air.
Dean’s eyes began to droop. He called out to the dog, “Come on boy hurry up
.” The dog looked back and continued to sniff. The dog knew this was his five minute warning.
Ahead of Dean he could hear the gravel pop from an approaching car. The lab stopped and lifted its head at the passing car, its ears perked listening to the distant intruder. The orange light shown through the blackberry bushes at the edge of the property as the car continued off into the distance up the length of the tree line and parked at the neighboring house. Dean could not see the house that shared his easement but he could see the lights turn off as the car parked.
The dog slowly made its way to the porch as Dean collected the plate and lighter from the railing and waited for the lab to pass him into the house. He entered through the doorway as a faint voice rang out in the distance, “Let me go!”
He stopped and looked over his shoulder to the tree line. He narrowed his eyes and listened carefully. After a moment he heard the voice again, “Please let me go.”
Dean stood quietly assessing the situation. He walked back into the house, closing and locking the door. He placed the dish into the sink, picked up the phone, and dialed 911.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Jennifer’s arms shifted on the floor as the plastic crinkled beneath her fingertips and stuck to her face. Her ears rang and head throbbed with pain as she raised her hand to her face and wiped away a thin line of blood. Her eyes opened and she struggled to scan the dark room. The light from the hall outlined the door and illuminated the smooth wood floor boards. Along the far wall was a boarded up window. She carefully stood up from the floor and tested the board strength. The boards creaked but would not give. Around the room furniture had been stacked haphazardly. A nightstand stood precariously on a dresser and the bed was on end against the far wall smashed against the railings. Jennifer carefully opened the drawers, the old wood gnashed against the rusted railings, as she reached her hand into the dark, her fingers feeling for anything but finding only dust.