About a forty-five minutes after they pulled out of the parking lot, Bill pulled up into the driveway of a nice two-story brick home. It was a house Jett had known since his college days. It was once the mayor’s house and really had not changed over the years.
The property was surrounded by trees and the house sat far enough off of the street to obstruct the view of passersby from cars in the driveway.
The hedges that lined the sidewalk and the front porch were neatly trimmed. The lawn was well manicured - almost as well as a gold course. Jett noticed the CSPD SUV sitting in the garage as Bill forced from him the back seat at gunpoint. With his hands still cuffed behind him and Bill following him with the pistol trained on his back, Jett stepped onto the porch. Rex opened the door.
“Get inside,” Bill said from behind as Jett entered the house.
The room looked homey. Family pictures lined the walls and curio cabinets in each corner were filled with crystal figurines. The floor was covered with gray carpet. A matching couch and love seat were separated by a round coffee table.
“I’m inside. Now what?” Jett asked.
“Now we wait for help to arrive Mr. Bradley,” Edna said as she entered the room.
Jett looked at her. She looked pretty much as she did the last time he saw her - and that was twenty years ago.
“If we’re going to be waiting, mind if I get comfortable?” He asked as he reached his wrists from behind his back to the right side.
“No, those will stay on. You’re still physically too strong for Bill or Rex to handle. I know they are armed but I prefer to err on the side of caution,” she said.
“What’s the matter? Afraid to just kill someone looking you in the eye? Straight murder bother you? Is that it?” Jett asked.
“Shut up! You don’t talk to her that way!” Bill screamed as he punched Jett with a right cross. Though he tumbled to the floor Jett rolled with the punch and took it pretty well.
“Is that all you got? You’ve gotten soft and fat,” Jett said as he scooted up against the couch.
“Bastard!” Bill shouted as he started at Jett.
“Enough!” Edna said loudly. “You’ll get your turn later Bill.”
The fat man grinned.
“Yeah. You’ll die just like your sweet little wife. I just wish we had time to make you suffer too,” Bill said.
Jett looked puzzled.
“What do you mean ‘make me suffer too’?”
He asked.
Bill snickered.
“Shall I enlighten him?” He asked Edna.
Her once expressionless face now twisted into a hideous smile.
“Maybe that will give him something to think about while he waits,” she said.
Jett looked back to Bill.
“You’re gonna love this. Your wife didn’t just get cancer by a twist of fate or a roll of the genetic dice,” Bill said.
“What are you talking about?” Jett asked as he struggled to his feet.
“This wonderful woman used the powers at her disposal to transfer the cancer into your wife. Don’t you see? She took got rid of your wife like you get rid of garbage,” Bill said.
Rage burned within Jett but he remained silent.
“When I heard she died you have no idea of the joy, the fulfillment I felt. You see Mr. Bradley, your late wife once tried to come between me and my granddaughter. And she needed to suffer,” Edna said.
“That’s not the way I heard it. From what I understand, she was the only mother Mallorie had for a long time because you were too busy with your little physic gatherings. Tell me, do you wear tin foil hats when you meet?” Jett asked.
“She was an intruder! It was bad enough that Bud tried to interfere but then he brought that little bitch into the picture,” Edna snapped.
“You’re like a three-year old. You didn’t want Mallorie until Rose started taking care of her and showing her what a mother was,” Jett said.
“No! The only person that ever took care of Mallorie was Bertha. Mallorie has the gift! Your wife was just in the way,” Edna said.
“My wife was just a teenager taking care of the grandchild you didn’t want – after you killed that child’s mother. You didn’t care about Mallorie. You’re just a pathetic and petty old woman,” Jett said.
Edna’s eyes blazed.
“Pathetic am I? Well, I’m wise to that little stunt Mallorie played on me. Making it look like you and that little bitch were still young and very alive. Thought you could fool did you?” She asked.
“What are you talking about?” Jett asked, not wanting to share that it was actually Matt and Linda Sue she encountered.
“Rex? Did you not see them too?” Edna asked.
Unsure of how to answer because he apparently recognized that Jett and Matt were different people, Rex feared Edna too much to dispute her claim.
“I-I saw them,” he said.
Jett noticed the indecision in his eyes.
“And why would Mallorie do something like that?” Jett asked.
“She thinks I’ll crack and make a mistake so Marie can come back for revenge. She has great power like her mother but also has the same weakness,” Edna said.
“And what’s that?” Jett asked.
“She doesn’t care about her gift. She prefers people like you and that old pervert Bud. You have nothing to offer her in the way of true power and immortality,” Edna answered.
“You mean mere mortals? How about you boys? Are you mere mortals like me or are you special too?” Jett asked Bill and Rex.
“We serve Edna and she takes care of us,” Bill said.
“You have no idea who or what you scoff at,” Rex said.
“Maybe not but at least I’m not afraid of a preacher or a church. And I can’t offer immortality but I about eternal life and who gives it,” Jett said.
“Your God cannot help you here,” Bill said.
“I wouldn’t be so sure,” Jett said.
“Then call on Him. See if He’ll help,” Edna taunted. “He won’t. But He will watch as I use you to lure Mallorie and Bud into a trap. I’ll destroy the three of you and Marie once and for all. You’ll spend your ridiculous ‘eternity’ in bitter disappointment with your dead wife and I’ll still be here,” she said.
“I’m going to enjoy sending you on your way. Will you cry in pain the way your wife did when she died? I hope she at least got to say goodbye to your children – I’m guessing they’re yours anyway,” Bill said with a smirk.
“Before this is over I’ll kill you myself and I won’t need a gun,” Jett said through gritted teeth.
“This ain’t football and you’re just another ex-jock that never made it. I can’t wait to see the fear in your eyes,” Bill said with a half-smile.
Edna smiled again.
“Enough delaying. Make the call Bill. On second thought, never mind. Mallorie knows,” she said.
***
Mallorie stood away from the others looking out at the window watching dusk fall in the Kentucky evening. She focused on Edna and found herself staring at Jett and hearing Bill make his final threat.
She quickly directed her thoughts away from Edna. Mallorie started to call for Bud before a voice echoed in her mind.
“You need to know it’s a trap,” Marie said.
Mentally, Mallorie answered.
“I thought so but what choice do we have? I heard what Bill said. They’ll kill Jett no matter what we do. I have to try,” she said.
“I didn’t say don’t try. Just be aware that it’s a trap. We have a surprise for your dear grandmother. She doesn’t know it’s going to be more than me and you,” Marie said.
“What do we need to do? And who needs to go?” Mallorie asked.
“First, wait until it’s dark. It’s going to take all of you. But you need to listen to what I’m telling you and share this with Bud and only Bud...”
***
A few minutes later Mallorie rejoined the group and pulled Bud asi
de. Standing near the window, she whispered the details of her conversation with Marie.
Bud’s eyes widened.
“You sure that’s what she said?” He asked and she answered with a nod.
Bud paused for a moment before turning back to the group chatting anxiously near the couch and love seat.
“It appears that Jett is being held as a hostage in the home of Earl and Edna Atkins,” he said.
“The ex-mayor? Why would he be holding Jett as a hostage? That doesn’t make any sense Bud. Where did you get that information?” Al asked.
“From a friend. And if it makes sense or not doesn’t matter. Earl is not the kidnapper. It’s his wife Edna and Bill Kantrell along with her attorney Rex?” Bud said.
“Have you lost your mind? Do you have any idea of how crazy you sound?” Al asked.
“You’re going to have to trust me on this Al. Jett is in danger and we have to move now. It’s going to take all of us,” Bud said.
“Whoa! Hold it right there. This is a police matter. You’re not organizing a posse. I’ll handle this. The state police can have a S.W.A.T. team in place inside of three hours. We can handle it. All of you just need to stay here and sit tight,” Al turned to Matt and Dan. “Boys, I’ll bring your dad home.”
“We don’t have three hours. We don’t even have one. We have to act now,” Bud insisted.
“No you don’t! Besides, I still don’t know for a fact he’s there. Your word is hardly proof and you haven’t told me why they’re holding him,” Al said.
“They want me. My grandmother wants me there and she’s holding Jett to make sure I show up,” Mallorie said.
“Why does she want you there?” Al asked.
“I have a family gift and she wants me to turn it over to her,” Mallorie answered.
“Money, jewelry, what? What is the gift?” Al asked.
“Let’s just say it’s something special from my mom that my grandmother would like to have back,” Mallorie said.
“Must be real special if she’s willing to kidnap somebody and get an elected official to help her,” Al said.
“With or without you I’m going,” Bud said as Al pulled his pistol.
“No you’re not. You’ll let me handle it or I’ll arrest you on a charge of obstruction of justice,” Al said.
“I’m going too,” Mallorie said.
“So are we,” Dan said as Matt stepped up beside him.
Maggie and Alicia looked at each other and then to Linda Sue who nodded.
“We’re going,” Maggie said.
“And you’ll have to shoot us to stop us,” Linda Sue said.
Al looked unsure. He holstered his weapon.
“You’re not worried about their safety?” Al asked Matt and Dan as he pointed to the three women.
“They’re safer with us than here alone,” Dan said.
Al shook his head.
“Alright. I can’t believe I’m saying this but we’ll all go but you give me that .45 Bud. The same goes for the rest of you. If you have a weapon of any kind, put it down now. This ain’t Dodge City,” he said.
Bud reached the semi-automatic handgun to Al, who pulled the clip and ejected the bullet from the chamber and placed them on the coffee table.
“We’ll do it my way. Bud, you and Mallorie will come with me to the front door. The rest of you will wait outside the house. The fewer the amateurs in the way the better. Agreed?” He asked.
One by one, they nodded.
Al drove a police cruiser over followed by Bud and Mallorie. The others squeezed into Dan’s vehicle. It was a short trip from Donahue Street to Harrison Drive lasting less than ten minutes.
Bud and Mallorie parked on the street while Al pulled up into the driveway. Matt parked behind Bud. As everyone spilled out onto the sidewalk, Bud looked at Matt and Dan.
“Stay out of sight. Give us five minutes. If we’re not out, break down that door. Mallorie thinks we might need a diversion,” Bud said.
The brothers nodded as Bud pulled his jacket out to reveal his shoulder holster with his .38 special still inside.
“It’s going to be alright boys,” Bud said.
Al waited for Bud and Mallorie to approach before he got out of the cruiser.
“You two stay behind me and let me do the talking. This is not about revenge. I’m here to arrest one or more people. Don’t get in the way,” Al said.
“We understand. I just hope it’s that smooth,” Bud said.
Al exhaled and nodded.
“Me too,” he said.
They approached the front door and Al had Bud and Mallorie stand behind him as he knocked on the door and stepped to the side with his revolver drawn.
Bud saw a thin man with a pencil mustache open the door.
“Come now officer. There’s no need for that,” he said pointing to the pistol. “Please come in and bring your guests – we’ve been waiting,” the man said as he stepped back.
Al kept his pistol in his hand as he stepped through the door and surveyed the room. Jett sat on the couch, his hands behind his back. He looked as though someone had worked him over.
Bud and Mallorie followed him inside. Bud unzipped his jacket slowly as he looked around as well. He saw Jett and offered a knowing look and a slight nod. Jett returned the nod.
Mallorie’s eyes locked on those of her grandmother who stood behind the couch where Jett sat. Next to her stood Bill, who held a large revolver.
“You okay?” Al asked Jett.
“He’s fine. We’ve just been going over some old memories and sharing a few laughs,” Bill said.
Rex stood between the two opposing groups.
“Put down the gun and turn him loose,” Al said.
Bill laughed until he coughed.
“You actually mean to arrest me?” Bill asked.
“I mean to do the job I swore to do,” Al said.
“Well officer, I suggest you get to work,” Bill said.
Bud noticed the smile forming on Edna’s face as Bill raised his pistol.
“I really hate that you have to see this,” Al said to Jett as he wheeled to put the gun in Bud’s face.
He was surprised to be looking down the barrel of a .38 special with the hammer cocked.
“Put the gun down Al. Put it down or you’ll be dead before you can pull your hammer back,” Bud said coldly.
“You shoot him, I kill your boy here,” Bill said as he placed the pistol against Jett’s head.
“No, you won’t. You’ll never get the chance,” Mallorie said.
A strange expression appeared on Edna’s face.
Bill looked up to respond but the front door exploded into splinters as two large figures came through it. As that happened Jett bolted forward and did his best tuck and roll into the back of Al’s legs. When he did, the big man tumbled backwards and the pistol fell from his hand.
Rex scrambled to pick up the loose weapon but Matt lunged into his midsection and drove him into the wall with such force that pictures fell and the drywall cracked along with three of Rex’s ribs.
A whimpering sound escaped his lips and air rushed out of his lungs as he slid to the floor.
Bill raised his pistol to fire but another burst by Mallorie hit the gun. The weapon turned molten red as Bill screamed and dropped it, grabbing his right wrist with his left hand. The palm of his right hand was blistered.
Al struggled to get to his feet but before he could gather his balance, Dan’s fist crashed into his jaw. Teeth flew from his mouth and his body dropped to the floor like a rag doll.
Back on his feet, Jett looked around quickly.
Edna stood perfectly straight. Suddenly her body started shaking as though she was having a seizure.
Everyone stopped and started watching as her eyes opened wide. Beams of light - almost like lightening started coming from her eyes. Suddenly, a strong breeze started swirling and growing in strength.
“I call upon the powers of darkness. Father Lucifer
, bright angel of light and giver of life, strengthen me that I might destroy our enemies,” Edna said in a voice that roared like thunder.
Everyone – except Mallorie – stood and watched, unsure of what to do next.
Even Bill cowered behind Edna, eyes wide with fear.
Mallorie assumed the same stance as Edna, her arms extended about eight inches from each hip with her fingers on each hand spread wide. Her eyes closed, Mallorie focused.
Edna laughed.
“You can’t match me. Your mother couldn’t and you can’t,” she said.
A swirl of light appeared to Mallorie’s right as Bud stepped back. Edna saw the swirl and smirked.
“She can’t help you!” Edna boomed.
Jett looked to his left and saw the form of Marie appearing.
Edna lunged forward with a large knife overhead, in position to stab. The blade was an ugly twisted shape.
Her hand started forward toward Mallorie as Bud’s .38 special barked three times.
Edna flipped backward through the air and fell across and behind the sofa. Bill kneeled to check on her but as quickly as she went down, she bounced back to her feet with a hiss.
“Fool! You can’t stop me!” She shouted as Bud fired three more shots into her chest.
Each bullet knocked her back a step but just as before she shook off the impact without a sign of a wound or blood. Knife still in hand, Edna started to step forward.
“Kill her!” Bill screamed.
The swirl next to Mallorie stopped and Marie faced her own mother.
“No mother, you will be stopped tonight,” she said.
“I’ll get rid of you both once and for all,” Edna said coldly.
Again she lunged at Mallorie but Marie stepped in front of her and caught her knife-wielding right arm with her left hand.
“Never again,” Marie said as she punched Edna with her right hand. Edna stumbled back and pulled away from Marie.
Rex, dazed and wheezing, slowly climbed to his feet.
“We’ll help you,” he said weakly as he and Bill started to concentrate. Swirls of energy appeared on their right and left.
Edna took a deep breath.
“Ha! I’m getting stronger! I’m being indwelt with the power of Lucifer! I’ll send you all to hell!” She screamed.
Only When I Dream Page 41