Tangled Fury

by K. L. Middleton

  “Can we switch vehicles, then?” I asked, feeling like a trapped animal. “Because, truthfully, you’re not going to be able to do that and you really don’t want him to cause a scene.”

  “Fine,” she answered, stepping over to one of the lockers on the back wall. She opened it up and pulled out her purse.

  “Thanks, mom,” I answered, as she handed me her car keys. “I’m sorry to put you through this.”

  “Nonsense. Don’t apologize. So, where are you going to go?” she asked, as I handed her my set.

  I shrugged. “I don’t know. Not home, though. I am pretty certain that he already knows where that is.”

  “I’m scared,” said Emma, her eyes full of tears and she hugged my waist.

  I held her tight and kissed the top of her head. “Don’t be, baby. Everything is going to be alright. Nothing bad will happen to you.”

  “Promise?” she whispered, looking up at me.

  “I promise,” I replied, hoping that they were the truth. I repeated the words, needing to believe in them myself. “Nothing bad is going to happen to you.”

  “I’m not worried about me.”

  The way she stared at me gave me goose-bumps. It was as if she knew something bad was really going to happen. Knew and believed in it without a doubt. I was reminded of the time when mom had told me that my grandmother had been a powerful clairvoyant, which I’d originally brushed off as nonsense. After the past few months, however, I was no longer a disbeliever. Not after seeing so many of my own strong feelings or intuitions, become a reality. It was beyond coincidental. And now, I was beginning to wonder if Emma was also cursed with these gifts.

  “Nothing bad will happen,” I said firmly.

  “That’s right, Emma. Nothing bad will happen to either of you. Look, I have an idea - why don’t you go over to Sam’s place?” suggested my mother. “In fact, I’ll meet you there in an hour and then we’ll talk about this. Okay?”

  “Okay,” I replied, feeling a sense of relief now that we had somewhere safe to go and a ride to get us there. “Thanks mom.”

  She took out her cell phone. “I’ll let Sam know that you’re coming.”

  “I appreciate it.”

  “Come here, now.” She bent down, and gave Emma a big bear-hug. “Grandma will see you later, my little Emmy. Be good and listen to your mommy.”

  “I will,” she answered, still looking pale and frightened.

  My mother touched her cheek gently. “It’s okay. Don’t be afraid.”

  Emma’s lip trembled. “I’ll try not to.”

  Mom looked at me sadly. “Is it really that bad between the two of you?”

  I nodded.

  “Maybe you could try counseling?”

  “Right,” I said, smiling grimly. I doubted that a counselor could turn Ray back into the man I had once cared deeply about.

  “It couldn’t hurt,” she said. “Everyone has their share of problems.”

  “You don’t know him, mom.”

  “Well, something has to be done. You can’t keep avoiding him.”

  “We’ll talk about it, later.” I grabbed Emma’s hand again and walked to the back door, where I knew that her car was parked just outside. “Now, remember, if he asks about us, tell him we left and you don’t know where I’m staying.”

  “Don’t worry, honey. I’m sure that I can handle him.”

  “Thanks, mom,” I replied, glancing back at her one last time. Her smile was reassuring, but my stomach quivered in fear as my doubts resurfaced.

  “Relax,” she said, her greenish-blue eyes softening. “I’ve got this. Like I said, you’ll hear from me soon. I’ll call Sam’s place, as soon as Ray leaves the diner.”

  Don’t leave her, warned a voice in the back of my head.

  I frowned. “Mom, maybe you should come with us now. I think -”

  April, one of the other waitresses, walked into the room. “Doreen, there’s a gentleman out here, asking for you.” She grinned. “Kind of cute, too. Oh, hey Sera. Hi Emma.”

  “Hi,” I answered, forcing a smile. Knowing that he was now less than one-hundred feet away, I felt like picking up Emma and making a run for it.

  Emma stared over her April’s shoulder, with wide-eyes, obviously watching for her dad to appear. “Hi, April,” she said quietly.

  “Go on, get,” said mom, shooing us away. “Like I said, I’ll handle him and will see you shortly.”

  “Bye Grandma,” said Emma, waving frantically as I pulled her out of the back door.

  “Bye, hon. I’ll see you later,” she answered, blowing Emma a reassuring kiss.

  “Mom, be careful,” I said. “Are you sure you don’t want to come with us?”

  “I can’t just walk out of here. I have to finish my shift anyway. Now, don’t go worrying about me. I’ve encountered people much more dangerous than Ray. I’ll see you soon.”

  I couldn’t help but worry. But, I also knew that I had Emma to worry about. If he got his hands on her, I knew that I’d never get to see her again. I really had no other choice but to leave without her. “Okay.”

  Chapter Three

  Ray

  That bitch is in here, somewhere, he thought, looking around the diner anxiously. He could almost smell that fucking perfume she used to wear. The perfume that now made his blood boil and his fists itchy. What he wouldn’t give for one minute alone with the cunt. To show her how he handled those who stole from him. Emma was his daughter. Sera had no right to take her from him. He’d even warned her.

  She was definitely going to pay…

  The restaurant actually smelled of fried onions and grease. Not a bad odor for someone who hadn’t eaten in the last twelve hours. Fortunately, the coke and endless cups of coffee had kept his head clear and his focus on finding them. But now, he had to admit, a juicy burger sounded mighty nice. It was too bad that he wasn’t there to eat. He was there for revenge.

  He could hear the twang of an old country song playing in the background, and had to stifle a laugh. This entire situation reminded him of a Quentin Tarantino movie.

  The tranquility before the shit-storm.

  He pictured himself taking out the 38, he had hidden under his jacket, and blasting away at all of the nosy customers, eyeing him from their vinyl booths. He’d love to see the horror on their faces when they realized they wouldn’t be able to finish their turkey and gravy sandwiches. But, he needed to restrain himself. As much as that kind of crazy sounded strangely appealing, he needed to save his bullets and what little sanity he had left, for his cunt of a wife.

  “Hello, there. Just one, today, or are you waiting for someone to join you?” asked a waitress with a blonde bob and heavily-shadowed eyes.

  “Actually, I’m looking for someone who works here. Doreen?”

  “She’s in the back room. I’ll go get her.”

  “Thanks, April,” he replied warmly, glancing at her name tag.

  “You bet,” she said, walking away.

  Smiling to himself, he brushed his hand against the gun and waited in anticipation.

  ***

  One minutes later, a thin woman with grayish-blonde hair approached him from the back room.

  “Can I help you?’ she asked with a brittle smile.

  He held out his hand. “My name is Ray.”

  She ignored it. “I’m sorry, who, exactly, are you? April said that you asked for me.”

  “I’m Sera’s husband. Emma’s father.” He motioned towards the parking lot. “I see her car is here. Where is she? I need to see her.”

  Doreen folded her arms under her chest and smiled widely. “Oh. I can understand your confusion. That car is mine. At least, it is now.”

  “Is that right?”

  “Yes, Sera gave it to me. Said she didn’t need it anymore.”

  Ray sighed and rubbed his jaw. “Where is she?”

  “She left town a couple of weeks ago, actually. Unfortunately, I haven’t heard from her since.”

  L
iar.

  He restrained himself from grabbing her by the throat and forcing the truth out of her. Obviously, the apple didn’t fall too far from the tree.

  She was a lying whore, just like her daughter.

  Instead of losing his cool, however, he decided on another approach. “So, you really don’t know where she is?”

  “Nope. Truth is, we haven’t been close these past few years, which I do regret. She didn’t even tell me much about you, other than you both were having some problems.”

  His face fell. “That’s a shame. I’ve come so far, only to lose them again.” He gave her a sorrowful look. “You have no idea how much I miss Sera and Emma. I love them so much…” He sniffled. “I know that I’ve made some mistakes, but it looks like I can’t even try to make up for them. Where is the justice in that?”

  Her face softened. “Look, I’m not sure where they went, but… she does call me, occasionally. I can see if she’ll at least talk to you.”

  Ray smiled sadly. “Would you?”

  “Of course.”

  “Thank you. I can’t even begin to tell you how much this means to me. Whatever you can do, I’d appreciate it. I love them dearly, and want my family back. I’m willing to do whatever it takes. You understand?”

  Her eyes searched his. “Yes, as a matter of fact, I do.”

  Another customer walked into the diner and Doreen greeted them warmly.

  “I’ll let you get back to work,” he said, as she grabbed a menu. “Sera has my number. Just ask her to call me.”

  “I will.”

  “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  He turned around and walked out.

  ***

  Less than an hour later, Ray watched, from the gas station across the street, as Doreen pulled out of the diner’s parking lot. She turned north and began to drive away. He waited until she was halfway down the next block, and then began following her.

  “Where you going?” he mumbled, watching as she passed the exit that led to the trailer park. It was during his search of her place that he’d found two of his daughter’s favorite stuffed animals, confirming that they were indeed still in town. Doreen was indeed a lying bitch, just like her daughter.

  She continued to drive north, passing several farms along the way. Eventually, she must have noticed his truck, because she pulled over to the side of the road.

  He pulled up behind her and got out.

  “Why are you following me?” she asked, slamming the car door.

  He smirked. “Why do you think, Doreen?”

  She folded her arms under her chest and narrowed her eyes. “I really don’t know. I told you that Sera left town. So, I’m a little confused as to why you’re following me.”

  “I’m a little confused myself. You see, I saw her driving this very same vehicle less than two hours ago.”

  “This car? You must be mistaken.”

  “No, you’re the one who has made the mistake, by blatantly lying to me. Now, why don’t you tell me where my wife and child are?”

  “I’m sorry,” she said, her shoulders slumping. “I just can’t give you that information. I’ll tell her to call you. But, it’s up to her if she wants to meet with you.”

  “She’s kidnapped my daughter, and taken her out of the state of Wisconsin,” he snapped. “She had no right to do that. As far as I’m concerned, Sera has committed a very serious crime. Now, if you don’t tell me where Emma is, that makes you an accessory to kidnapping. I’d advise you to do the right thing and tell me where they are, or face the consequences.”

  “Face the consequences?” she sputtered. “Are you seriously threatening me now?”

  “I’m just telling you how it is, Doreen,” he replied, sneering.

  “Well, let me tell you how it is, Ray. As far as I can tell, Sera is not the only person who’s done something wrong,” she huffed. “You’ve obviously frightened her to death by some kind of abuse - be it physical or mental, so don’t you dare go and preach to me about what’s right and what isn’t.”

  “Just tell me where she is,” he said firmly. “Please.”

  She turned around and headed back towards the car. “I’ll tell her to call you. That’s all I can promise.”

  “Doreen, dammit! I’ll follow you all day long if I have to! I know you’re hiding her somewhere and I won’t rest until I find out. Neither will you!”

  She opened up her car door and turned back to look at him. “Then, you can follow me all the way to the police station. I’ll tell them that you’re harassing and stalking me. I’m pretty sure that’s illegal.”

  “I don’t think they’ll see it that way when they found out why I’m following you,” he snapped, walking closer.

  “Oh, get over yourself,” she snapped. “I’ve lived here for the past few years and am friends with the Sheriff Dooly. If you don’t want to end up behind bars, yourself, I’d turn your truck around and go back to Wisconsin.”

  Sighing, he opened his jacket and pulled out the gun. “You’re really getting on my nerves, Doreen.”

  Her eyes widened. “Ray, what are you doing?”

  He smiled coldly. “I didn’t want to do this, but you’ve given me no choice.”

  “This is crazy. What are you going to do, shoot me?”

  “The fact is that I just don’t have time to argue with you. Tell me where they are or you’ll never see either of them again.”

  “You’re insane,” she whispered, staring at him in horror.

  “Insane?” he laughed. “You haven’t seen nothing yet. Now,” he stared at her with venom, “tell me where the fuck they are.”

  “If you think that I’d hand them over to you, you’re highly mistaken. Obviously, she left you for very good reasons.”

  He grabbed her arm and pulled her away from the car. “Come on, we’re going for ride.”

  “No!” she hollered, shoving him.

  Ray grabbed her around the waist and began dragging her backwards towards the truck, grateful that they were in a deserted part of town. “Just settle down and you won’t get hurt!” he growled into her ear.

  Doreen elbowed him in the ribs and then, when he still didn’t release her, she reached down and squeezed his manhood.

  “You bitch!” he gasped, letting her go.

  Sobbing in terror, she ran back towards her car, frantic to get away.

  Hot pain coursed through his groin, making him nauseous and dizzy. Enraged beyond reason, he raised the gun and pulled the trigger.

  Chapter Four

  Twelve Months Later

  Midway City, California

  Sera

  “Can I help you?” asked the young, blonde woman behind the counter of Tangled. Like most Californian’s, she was blonde, tan, and had teeth so white, they made my eyes water.

  I smiled. “I’m here to see Thane. My name is Sera Da- Billings.”

  She grinned. “You sure about that?”

  Crap, I’d almost said Daniels. “Yes. Just got through a divorce and had my last name legally changed. I keep forgetting to use my maiden name,” I lied.

  “You said that you were here to meet with Thane?” she asked, eyeing me curiously.

  “Yes. I’m actually a few minutes early,” I replied, looking down at my watch. I was actually fifteen minutes ahead of schedule. “You don’t have to bother him if he’s styling someone’s hair or caught in the middle of something important, I’ll just wait up here until he’s ready for me.”

  Her eyes twinkled. “Your first time meeting the owner?”

  I nodded. “Yes.”

  “I thought so. He stepped out for a second, to grab a bite of lunch. I’m sure that he will be back any minute, though. So,” she smiled, “feel free to make yourself comfortable. Would you like anything to drink? Coffee, water, iced-tea, or soda?”

  “Wow… no, I’m fine,” I replied, smiling at her again. “Thank you, though.”

  “If you need anything, my name is Tiffany.”<
br />
  “Thanks, Tiffany,” I replied, walking over to one of the chairs in the waiting area as the phone began to ring.

  “No problem,” she answered, grabbing the phone. “Tangled Hair Salon. How can I help you?”

  I sat down and caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I’d darkened my dishwater blonde hair to a medium brown and had pinned it back into a tight bun. With the glasses, I had to admit that I looked rather studious. No, I doubt he’d recognize me if he walked through the doorway.

  Ray…

  I tried to push him out of my head. It was definitely not the time to think about that psychopath or what had happened back in Seattle. But as usual, memories came flooding back to me and they couldn’t be stifled. Memories of my mother’s contagious smile, the warmth in her eyes every time she looked at Emma, and finally, the serene expression on her lifeless face, when I’d stared down at her in the casket for the very last time. My only consolation had been the fact that Ray hadn’t beaten her before murdering mom in cold blood. Apparently, he’d followed her from the diner, made her pull over, and then shot her in the back like the spineless prick he really was. The coroner had said her death had been fairly quick, since the bullet from the abandoned gun, a stolen Smith & Wesson 38, had shredded her heart upon impact. Not only had the bullet destroyed mom’s, it had also torn up Sam’s, Emma’s, and mine when we’d found out what had happened. In my mind, I believed that he’d killed her after she’d refused to give up our location, and I still felt so ashamed for leaving mom in such a horrible situation. Even when my gut told me that she might be in danger. I just never imagined that even Ray would have gone to such lengths to find us. Now, I’d have to live with the guilt of not protecting her for the rest of my life. The worst thing was, he’d disappeared without a trace and left no evidence linking him to the murder. Just the gun… wiped free of fingerprints. There weren’t even any witnesses to prove that he’d followed her. April, the other waitress, had stated that Doreen had told her the conversation between the two of them had been civil. That she’d almost felt bad for Ray, who’d seemed pretty broken up. Whatever that had transpired afterwards, was still a mystery to the police, although Ray Daniels was ‘wanted’ for questioning. It was no mystery to me, however. I knew very well that he’d killed her. But, without physical evidence, everyone’s hands were tied.