by Matthew Buza
Jennifer crossed the room. Her anxiety was taking over as her breathing rose and heart rate surged. The floorboards creaked under her toes as she carefully crossed the plastic floor. She could feel her heart in her throat beating as she reached out to the closed door. Her hand grabbed the knob and turned. She heard a click and she knew she was locked in. She lowered herself to the ground and peered out from the bottom of the door and into the hall. She could hear rustling and noises coming from the hallway. A small light illuminated the edge of the span and she could see a shadow moving quickly as if preparing for something. Her mind was still in the driveway, feeling the gravel drag beneath her hands. The pain as her hair was pulled out strand by strand and being thrown like a toy into the house. She remembered calling out for help but everything went black after that. She knew this shadow must be the man that caught her outside, that special surprise that was promised to her. She stared across the hall to see the staircase leading downstairs. Light lifted up from the first floor and lit the dark landing. She knew her only escape would be though the house.
Suddenly footsteps materialized and stormed down the hallway towards the room. Jennifer cupped her mouth to mask her breathing. Had he heard her? The whites of her eyes shone out the bottom of the door as the feet stopped. She could see the man’s toes dancing in the boots. She could see the mud from the driveway, still fresh and wet. On the edge of the boot was blood smeared along the side, she could smell its metallic odor. Her face was at the door and would surely be hit if it opened, but she dared not risk moving for fear of drawing attention. She was supposed to be passed out on the floor not walking around. She could hear his labored breathing and the faint smell of cologne drifted down. The pause felt like an eternity before his boots turned and he walked down the stairs. The steps creaked and strained under the man's weight and she could see his pale cracked face as he disappeared beneath the railings. It was a blank face, muted and empty. Jennifer knew that she needed to assess her situation and prepare to leave. The face haunted Jennifer, it was a face of evil and she knew it would be back for her.
She stood and turned to the empty room, her shadow arced across the wall, as her eyes scanned. She took a step and her foot bumped an object. It was a large black bag. She leaned in and slowly opened the top of the bag, the zipper popped against each latch. She could see a pair of dark pants had been placed across the top. Her hand touched the fabric and it was sticky wet. She pulled her fingers back and in the dark she saw the wet stain dripping from her nails. She pulled the zipper again and in the faint light she saw a clenched hand resting. She pulled further seeing Steven’s face smashed against his arm. She fought the scream. She zipped up the bag and pushed back against the room shoving herself against the plastic lined wall. She frantically wiped her hand against her pant leg trying to clean herself of the horror she had touched. Tears streamed down her face as her mouth arched in agony. She got up and crossed the room slowly sliding down the wall, the plastic crinkled as she met the floor. She curled into a ball, holding her knees and silently poured out her pain alone in the dark room knowing these moments may be her last.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Conners drove down the valley heading home. He always enjoyed dropping the window and having the cold breeze blow through his hair. The rain had let up and he leaned back in his seat enjoying the open road. He pulled up his drink and took a sip. The day had been long and it would likely be an early start tomorrow. He was running excuses through his head to give to his wife, when his shirt pocket began to vibrate against his chest. He pulled the phone out and answered the call, “Conners here.”
“Good evening sir. This is dispatch. We've had a call about a domestic disturbance in the valley east of Arlington. We don’t have any units in the area and I was calling to see if you would check in on the call?”
Conners shook his head softly, “Is this urgent?”
“Sir a man said he heard a woman cry for help.”
“Any more information?”
“Just those details and an address. I've called in another unit but they are 10-15 minutes out.”
“Send me the address and I'll check it out until the other unit gets there.”
“Thank you sir. I'll send it to your computer now.”
The navigation system instructed Conners and he pulled onto the easement and into the driveway. Ahead was a man standing on the front porch. Conners exited the car and walked up to the entryway. “Good evening, or better yet good morning.”
“I think it is good morning officer. My name is Dean.”
“Conners,” they shook hands, “I got a call about a domestic disturbance that was reported?”
Dean nodded and went into his story, describing the car's arrival and the inevitable scream. On the porch next to him laid the old yellow lab panting in the cool morning air. Small traces of breath could be seen on each exhale.
Conners made notes in his book, “This is good information thanks. There should be another unit coming soon to assist. Dean, what do you know about your neighbors?”
“The house was up for sale awhile back and was purchased. There wasn't anyone using it until the last year or so. I don't know much except they tend to be quiet for the most part. I only see cars coming down the easement once in a while.”
“Is it a couple? Or family?”
“To be honest I'm not sure. I've seen some younger men driving up so they might be friends of one of the kids? I couldn't be for sure.”
Conners looked across the lawn and pointed to the tree line, “Just over the brambles there?”
“Yes sir.”
“Alright,” he put the book back into his pocket. “I'm going to drive by and take a quick look. I should be back when the next unit shows up.”
Dean nodded and shook the officer's hand, “Thank you sir.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Jennifer's mind was foggy and distant. She blinked quickly trying to clear the last of the tears from her eyes and focus on what was right in front of her, there was a dead body in the room. She saw Steven’s face still seared in her mind. When she was bound and gagged in that house, surrounded by those people, she had cursed him. She had wished the worst, but now she saw it. She had hated him, but seeing him reduced to a nylon bag was more than she could bare. The feelings of remorse caused Jennifer to tear up again. This experience was a nightmare. She wiped the drops from her cheeks with the back of her wrist.
Her head throbbed and she could feel the pulse in her throat. It was difficult to swallow and her mouth was dry. She ran her hand across her leg and she felt a lump in her pocket. She reached down and pulled out the Leatherman that she had stolen. She carefully opened the handles and lifted the blade. She closed the handles into her fist and she stared at the door's reflection in the blade. Along the handle was the inscription, For My Son. She sneered at the line. She gripped the knife, it was her only hope to survive. She did not fear using it.
She turned back to the door as she could hear footsteps coming up the stairs. She could see the boots at the foot of the door. She thought to herself that this may be her only moment to get out. Her hand squeezed the metal. She could feel sweat dripping down her palm. The plastic rustled as she stood bracing herself against the wall. From outside the door she could hear the man taking deep breaths as if filling his lungs for a deep dive. The voice let out a guttural roar as the door was unlocked and flung open. Before she could see the man's face a light was turned on and she was blinded. Her eyes were still sensitive to the light and she lifted her arm shielding them from view. She could hear the steps crashing through the plastic floor. She peered through her arm to see the man charging at her, his body and face were covered by a surgical apron and mask and around his hand was a dripping rag. He was fast and came up on her reaching for her face. She instinctively put her hands out to block his advance and kicked with her strong leg meeting his midsection. She parried his attack. As the man fell to the ground clutching his waist he clipped her arm
and the knife fell to the floor and slide against the wall.
The door to the room was open. She looked back for the knife but chose to bolt for the exit. Before she could gain any space a hand was on her waist pulling her back as she stumbled across the floor tripping on the plastic and collapsing into the open closet. She crashed against the wall impacting her head against the loose drywall. Dust coated her head and shoulders turning her a milky white. She quickly regained herself as the man jumped to his feet and reached for her. The man’s veiled face haunted her and she released an ear-splitting scream. No one in the house could be ignorant of the actions on the second floor. He pulled her arms and threw her across the room. She sprawled across the plastic, her face grinding against the floor. Her body shook and cracked at the impact. The pain threatened to fold her up like a piece of paper leaving her exposed to her tormentor.
Before Jennifer could put her hands up the man was on her. She could feel his hot breath against her cheek as the wet rag was placed over her mouth. She fought and kicked taking in the fumes. Her arms flailed as he pressed down on her face. Jennifer arched her back and ran her arm along the wall. She reached and felt for the knife, straining as the man’s face met hers. She felt her mind beginning to drift as the chemicals worked through her lungs and slowed her mind. She strained once more. As her consciousness slowly slipped from her body, her fingertips met the cool metal. She pulled out the Leatherman and drove the blade through the air. Her eyes focused on the wrinkled outline along the side of Vadym’s face. She snarled under the rag as time slowed. She saw his face slowly contort as her closed fist approached his face. Vadym braced himself against the coming blow, not seeing the point of the knife as it rammed into his face. The blade pierced his eye and continued through the soft flesh stopping as it reached his skull. She continued through the strike pushing Vadym’s face back.
Jennifer's face was immediately covered in a clear liquid and thin drops of blood poured down onto her. Vadym fell back reaching for his face as the pain began to register in his mind. Jennifer quickly swiped the liquid from her face, smearing the blood like war paint. Her face was a soft red and the last of her breath roared out of her as she fell to the floor and heaved. The chemicals were too much and nausea rose in her throat as she released her empty stomach onto the floor. She stood, still heaving, and ran for the door. Jennifer dizzily planted her foot and twisted her ankle falling over the edge of the bed and onto the ground. She clutched her foot and crawled out of the room using the banister to lift herself up.
She looked back towards the room. The man screamed and writhed on the floor. The knife sat next to his face as blood ran between his fingers and down his crumpled mask. She wasted no time and began to limp down the stairs towards the light and into the living room.
She reached the base of the stairs and scanned the room. Tyler and Kora’s horrified faces stared at her. They were witness to the soundtrack, the screams had shaken them, but what emerged was unexpected. Jennifer stood at the base of the stairs staring into the eyes of the man who sentenced her to a gruesome fate. Her eyes narrowed as the anger welled up. She gripped the banister tight and fought off the urge to lunge and continue her melee. She had suffered and now these people stood between her and her freedom.
Tyler guarded the entry as Kora stood alongside the couch where Nick's body laid limp across the pillows and blankets. She could not go through Tyler without a weapon. She looked to her right and saw the back door and realized it was her time to escape. From the very first moment, when the gun was first placed to her head, she wanted an opportunity. She turned and rounded the corner. She pushed open the door and exited into the night. Behind her she could hear Tyler's approaching footsteps and a muffled voice at the front door.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Conners emerged from the car slowly staring up at the house. It felt as if nearly every light in the house was on, illuminating the yard and the surrounding tree line. From over the house the sky was beginning to show a light blue as morning was peaking over the valley edge. He closed his door and began to weave himself through the lines of parked cars. He looked across the overgrown lawn to the dark house tucked into the trees. He walked cautiously carefully scanning the front seats of the vehicles. He didn't want any surprises and by the number of cars here he suspected that a party may be waiting for him.
He was halfway to the front steps, when from the second floor, through the walls, he could hear screaming. He could tell it was a man's voice in pain. His hand instinctively moved to his side and he unbelted his gun and lifted it to his chest. As he climbed the stairs he could see through the glass window. A figure stood in the entryway staring into the house and across the living room. As Conners reached the door the man sprinted across the room, pulling out a handgun from his pocket. Conners felt an immediate rush come over his body. His heart began to pound and his senses focused. One man, maybe more.
He quickly opened the door and yelled into the room, “Police freeze!” The man sprinting across the room stopped and spun meeting the officer. His face showed his shock as his arm lifted up and pointed. Conners wasted no time and fired at the man. The bullet ripped through his shooting arm and sprayed a mist of blood against the far wall. Tyler screamed out in pain and fell down behind a chair. Conners paused taking in the moment. There was an eerie silence in the room. From behind the chair Tyler moaned out, blood beginning to pool around his shoulder.
“Drop your gun!” Conners cried out still seeing the handgun in Tyler's hand. He was breathing heavy and repeated, “Drop your fucking gun!”
Conners took a step towards the living room and emerged through the entry way. From his left a shot rang out and he felt a tug on his leg. He fell into the kitchen and dove behind a counter. His empty hand went to his leg and pressed against the wound. His leg felt numb to the touch as the cabinet wood exploded about him. He closed into a fetal position and covered his head as pieces of cheap cabinetry and plumes of cocaine showered down over him. The shooting continued until the gun clicked empty.
Conners leaned out and saw the woman bent down behind the couch. He pointed and shot her in the stomach. She screamed out turning her face to the kitchen. Conners didn’t recognize this woman. His finger pulled back again and Kora’s body launched against the wall and slid down to the floor dead.
Conners cried out to the moaning man, “Where's the girl?”
He was answered by only moans as he heard the backdoor pop. Tyler’s voice cried out, “No don’t!”
Conners cried out, “Where’s the girl?” He peered around the corner fearing that Tyler had gotten away. Tyler's body was crawling across the floor and his arm was resting on the door trying to push it open. Blood had smeared a trail on the carpet.
Conners carefully stood feeling the pain shooting down his leg. He placed his weight down and walked carefully out into the living room. He scanned the walls and couch for any hidden people. He saw the man passed out on the couch, but all the shooting did not wake him. He swung around avoiding the staircase and walked up on Tyler.
“Where's the girl?”
Tyler's head turned and he began to roll. Conners could see the black object as his hand emerged from under him, “Drop the gun!” Tyler didn't stop and Conners pulled the trigger again. The body fell limp on the floor. He kicked the gun away from the body and leveled his arms to the living room. The house was silent. Conners listened for any creaking or noises, but there were none.
He reached down and dialed his phone, “911, where is your emergency?”
“Office Conners, located east of Arlington at an earlier domestic call. There's been a shooting here. Three bodies.”
“Is this at the location of the original call?”
“No down the easement at the neighboring house. Lots of lights and cars.”
“Yes sir, ambulance has been alerted. Are you ok?”
“No I've been shot in the leg but I'm stable.”
“Yes sir.”
From ove
r Conners’ shoulder and through the thin glass of the back door he heard a woman's scream. “I've heard a woman’s voice, I have to leave to pursue.” He never heard the dispatcher’s request to stay as he dropped his phone, stepping over Tyler's body, and exiting the house.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Jennifer exited out the back door of the house,’ her feet leaving trails in the damp grass. She ran down the length of the house as her ears trained on the door behind her, anticipating the pursuit from the house. Her ankle was still sore, but the rush of adrenaline carried her forward and her limp gave way to an open sprint. She reached the corner of the house and she heard a series of muffled voices and then gunfire. She fell to her knees covering her head and skidded through the grass. She looked back towards the door but it remained closed. Her mind raced trying to provide answers to what she heard. Where they shooting at her? She knew this was not the moment to wait and see. She lifted herself up and continued running towards the rows of parked cars. As she broke the edge of the driveway she again ducked as she heard a long barrage of shots coming from the house. There was a moment of silence and two more shots rang out. She captured her breath scanning the yard and hoping she was alone. She asked herself if they might be fighting inside the house. Could the man upstairs be shooting in the house?
Jennifer stared at the cars and scanned the windows for any faces. It was clear and she sprinted across the driveway to the open easement. As she passed the last car she heard another shot from the house. She stood at the edge of the bowed gravel easement surrounded by brambles and willow trees. Above her tall pines and cottonwood trees lifted into the sky and swayed gently in the early morning breeze. The branches made a clapping sound and for a moment it felt like the whole world was applauding.