by Doug Cooper
The officer working the backyard comes back to the house. “The fire pit has definitely been used recently. No traces of bone or tissue though. Only some fabric and buttons. Probably burned the clothes or a blanket or something.”
“Come over here,” the officer in the living room calls out. He sprays the area behind a chair, which backs up to the walkway from the backyard to the garage. The narrow, straight streaks from the body being drug expand to a circle around the back leg of the chair. He crouches down and sprays the bottom. The whole corner lights up under the UV light. “There was a large discharge of blood right here.”
Marcus slides the chair to the side. “Spray it again.” The officer complies and points the light. An outline of the chair leg emerges. Marcus bends down examining the chair. “Give me your flashlight.” He shines the beam under the chair and reaches under with his other hand. “Grab an evidence bag.” He pulls a chunk of dried bloody flesh from the side of the leg. Examining it closer, he says, “Doesn’t that look like the bottom of a left ear?” He drops it in the bag. The officer holds it up to formulate an opinion, but Marcus doesn’t allow him to respond. “Which means, if it was on this side of the chair, he wasn’t dragging the body out.” Marcus rushes to the door leading to the garage. “He was dragging it back in.” He flings open the door. His eyes flash to the open space between the Bugatti and BMW.
The officer trails behind spraying and shining the UV light confirming his theory. Marcus stands on the top step scanning the garage hoping the body isn’t gone with the Jeep. The officer moves around him and follows the trail toward the open space. Marcus’s eyes fall on the freezer just as the trail ends.
◆◆◆
Levi tears out of Eva’s parking garage onto Seventh and right on Figueroa. He knows he can’t go home. With the way he left, he assumes the number of people and attention has probably grown. He doesn’t know that Marcus and the police have arrived in between and what they have found. As he continues from the 110 to the 10, heading due east, he realizes the only place he wants to go is Gabe’s to settle things once and for all. He locates the address he had provided to the thug and punches it in the GPS.
Not knowing what or who he will find, Levi parks on Del Cerro, the street behind Gabe’s. Walking around the block, Levi passes by the front of the house, then at the end of the cul-de-sac, he loops around and travels the full length again, surveying the quiet residence without ever stopping or looking directly at it. Satisfied no one is home, he circles back around to where he parked and cuts between two houses with connecting backyards. Light fans from the neighboring houses across the lawns, fading to black as he approaches Gabe’s.
Creeping up to the back of the dark garage, Levi removes a six-inch red flashlight from his pocket. He presses the light against the glass before turning it on to prevent the rays from reflecting back onto him and drawing attention. Flipping on the beam, he sees the framed pictures and photography equipment on the other side of the glass. He turns off the light and pulls his sleeve over his clenched fist, concealing both the light and his hand. A dog’s bark from down the block ripples between the houses. He scans the neighboring yards once again to ensure he’s alone. Static outlines of swing sets, grills, and patio furniture are silent spectators. He watches the family in the house directly behind through their patio door. They crowd around the dining room table playing a board game. In the home to the right, a couple wash dishes in the kitchen in between sips of wine.
With his wrapped fist, he bangs the window, once, twice, then a third time, increasing the force with each punch. The cracking of glass dissipates through the dormant yards without a response. Several harder taps knock a piece of the webbed glass onto the garage floor. Reaching through the broken window, he unlocks the door and slips inside. Milton scurries by, escaping through the opening.
Directing the beam, Levi views each of the pictures Gabe has prepared for the new show. He sets the flashlight down, angling the beam toward the pictures. He removes his knife from his front right pocket and opens the blade. One by one, he picks up the pictures, smashes them on the ground, and punctures the knife through the center of the prints. With quick, violent slashes, he slices up and down and from side to side.
◆◆◆
Ira’s Porsche idles in the driveway. Abbie crosses over the console and kisses him. She wears a black sports bra, tight black high-rise leggings, and florescent green running shoes. “Doesn’t look like Gabe is home. You should come inside.”
“I’d love to,” Ira says, caressing the back of her head. He also sports workout clothes, donning only a gray T-shirt and black shorts and sneakers. Sweat soaks through the shirt and rings around his neck and under his arms along the sides. “But I need to go home and shower.”
“You can shower here.” She runs her finger over his lips and chin and down to his neck and chest.
“I don’t think Gabe would appreciate me being in the house without him here, let alone in the shower.”
“He’s my brother, not my dad.”
“Even still, I think he’s just getting over the drama from the awards ceremony and beginning to trust me again. I don’t want to do anything to have to start all over again.”
“Aw, you’re such a good guy.” Abbie pecks him softly between each word. “How did I get so lucky?”
He returns her affection, gently rubbing the tip of his nose against hers. “I think I’m the fortunate one. Just glad you didn’t let Emily scare you off.”
“No chance of that. I guess you’re stuck with me.” She kisses him again. “Is she still spreading rumors about you?”
“Not since Eva had a lawyer threaten her with a libel suit. Quiet as a church mouse.”
“More like a sewer rat. I can’t believe I looked up to her for so many years.”
“At least she helped bring you and me together. If you think about it, we probably wouldn’t have met if it wasn’t for her.”
“I think I’d rather give Eva credit for that.”
Ira glances at the dashboard clock. “I better run. My parents are expecting me for dinner. Thanks for going to the gym with me. See you tomorrow?”
“Let me check my schedule.” She kisses him one final time and opens the door to exit. “I think I might be able to fit you in.” Sliding out of the car, she removes her phone from her purse and reads messages walking up the driveway toward the house. Ira flashes the lights on her when she passes in front of the car. He waits until she is inside then backs out.
Standing in the living room peeking around the drapes so he can’t see her, Abbie watches him through the bay window as he drives away. Even the most mundane activities like going to the gym or grocery shopping or doing homework set her aglow when she is with him. Heavenly is how she describes things when anyone asks her. She digs her headphones out of her gym bag and buries them in her ears. Humming the melody of Taylor Swift’s “White Horse,” occasionally mixing in the words, she tosses her gym bag and purse on a chair by the door and struts to the kitchen.
She opens the refrigerator and scans the shelves for something to eat. Not impressed with the options, she settles on a leftover takeout box and walks over to the table. Through the sliding glass door, she sees Milton pawing at the glass. Removing one of the headphones, she opens the door. “How did you get out, silly boy?”
Milton trots straight to the door leading to the garage studio and scratches to get in.
Removing the other headphone from her ear, Abbie puts down her phone and the food on the table and shuffles over to Milton. “If you want to be in there, don’t leave in the first place.” She eases open the door. “Gabe?”
Milton scurries into the dark studio. The light from the kitchen reflects off the chards of glass on the floor from the broken window. Milton scampers through, disappearing into the shadows. Abbie steps into the studio, the glass grinding against the concrete under the rubber sole o
f her running shoe. Noticing one of the broken frames, she bends down to pick it up. The sight of the sliced-up picture startles her, and she drops the frame. Scanning the room, she says, “Is someone here?” Seeing and hearing nothing, she eases back toward the door and flips on the light.
Levi charges toward her. A scream bursts from Abbie. Levi puts his hand over her mouth, pushing her against the wall. Her headphones fall to the floor. “Sh-sh-sh,” he whispers. “Don’t fight. I’m not going to hurt you.” Abbie struggles, flailing her arms and legs. Levi seizes her throat with his other hand. “Come on. That’s not going to help anyone.” She drives a knee into his stomach, knocking him back. She lunges toward the door. Levi grabs her around the waist and pulls her tight against his body, securing her with his other arm around her neck. “I’m not here for you. Just relax and everything will be fine.” Abbie swings her arms, attempting to land elbows to free herself. Levi fights to hook her arms with the one holding her by the waist. Memories of being in the same position with Eva flood back to him. Tensing, he panics and squeezes tighter around her neck.
Abbie coughs and gasps, fighting more feverishly. Levi doesn’t let up. The more she fights, the more force he exerts, eventually leaving her lifeless. Her limp body hangs over his arm. He lowers her to the floor. “Oh, no. No, no, no.” Straddling her, he taps the side of her face with his open hand. “Come on. Wake up.” He removes his gloves, sliding his fingers to her neck to check for a pulse. “Okay, okay, okay. That’s good. You’re going to be fine.” He stands and looks around, remembering the flashlight on the table by the computer. He retrieves it and heads toward the door to flip off the light. Stuffing the flashlight in his pocket, he pulls out the knife and goes back to Abbie, who remains motionless on the floor. He reaches down and rolls her on her stomach. A whimper flutters from her lips. Levi opens the knife and fetches a roll of tape from the cabinet against the wall. He pulls her arms behind her back and binds her wrists and ankles and covers her mouth. Wearing the roll of tape around his wrist like a bracelet, he returns the knife to his pocket and scoops up Abbie in his arms. She moans incoherently, still too out of it to resist. He scans the room one final time and leaves, staying in the shadows as he navigates through the yards back to his Jeep.
◆◆◆
Later, Gabe parks in front of the house and treads up the driveway, glancing at Abbie’s Volkswagen then at the dark house. He walks through the door and calls out. “Ab? You home?”
Noticing her purse and gym bag on the chair, he moves to the end of the hallway. “Anyone here?” He tilts his head, listening for a response or the shower or some music, any indication she might be home. He sees Milton eating from the open take-out container on the table. Abbie’s mobile phone sits next to the box. Angling to the kitchen, Gabe shoos away Milton. “Hey, get out of there. You know better than that.” He walks to the open studio door. “Ab?” Flipping on the light, he sees the broken glass and frames on the floor. “What the—” The backdoor slams shut. More glass from the shattered window falls to the floor. He hurries toward the door. “No! God damn it. Abbie?” He steps out into the backyard, peering into the neighboring yards for any sign of movement or sound. “Abbie? You out here? Abbie?” Hearing and seeing nothing, he charges back inside. He picks up one of the slashed pictures and sees her headphones on the floor. “Please, no.” He drops the picture and snatches the headphones, praying nothing bad has happened to her.
From inside the kitchen, Abbie’s phone rings. Gabe races to answer it.
In the Jeep, Levi drives with the phone to his ear. Abbie lies in the back seat, her arms, legs, and mouth still taped.
Gabe answers on the other end. “Hello?”
Levi says, “I have your sister. She’s unharmed for now.”
Panic tightens Gabe’s voice. “Let me talk to her.”
Levi holds the phone toward Abbie. “Say hi to your brother.” Abbie mumbles through the tape. Levi brings the phone back to his ear. “I guess you’re going to have to take my word for it.”
“What do you want?” Gabe asks.
Levi angles the Jeep off the canyon road onto the dirt trail leading to the orchard farm. “First, what I don’t want: police.”
“Fine,” Gabe says. “But what else can you possibly want from me that you haven’t already taken? You ended my show and destroyed my work here. There’s really not much left.”
Levi says, “Have Eva come over, and I’ll call you both back in an hour.”
Gabe hangs up and dials Eva. She answers on the second ring. “This is a nice surprise. I was just thinking about y—”
Gabe doesn’t let her finish. “I need your help. Levi took Abbie.”
“What do you mean he took her?”
“I mean, he just called and said he has Abbie. Judging from the state of this place, it looks like he broke in here and started smashing up the studio. Abbie must’ve come home and surprised him. He just called and told me to call you and have you come over. You don’t think he would hurt her, do you?”
“No way. I know the pending prosecution has pushed him off the rails, but he has no reason to go that far. It’s probably like you said. She surprised him, and he panicked. He’ll realize he has no move here except to let her go. He’s already in enough trouble.”
“I hope so. I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to her. He said that he’d call us back in an hour. Can you be here? Or I guess I can meet you somewhere if that’s easier.”
“No, it’s fine. I’ll come there. Should be about forty minutes.”
Unable to sit still while he waits, Gabe gathers the broken frames and slashed prints into a pile. He contemplates calling Marcus for help, rationalizing that technically Marcus isn’t the police. Levi never said not to call him, but as desperate as Levi is, Gabe knows it’s no time to count on subtleties.
A short while later, Eva knocks at the back door. Her voice travels through the broken window. “I can’t believe he went this far. He came to my place earlier and seemed past desperate. We should call the police.”
“No police!” Gabe attacks the last word. “Let’s see what he wants first.”
◆◆◆
Passing the dilapidated farmhouse, Levi stops the Jeep next to the barn and shuts off the engine. Chirping crickets and buzzing katydids replace the echo of the rumbling motor. The only light straggles down between the broken clouds. Levi remains in the driver’s seat, staring straight ahead through the windshield. The bag with Hannah rests in the passenger seat next to him.
Afraid to move, Abbie lies still in the back seat, her eyes tremoring with fear.
Levi feels around behind the bag for his mobile phone. His movements are slow and methodical, his face devoid of emotion. He presses a button and lifts the phone to his ear.
Gabe answers right away. “Yes, we’re here. Eva too. I have you on speaker.”
Eva says, “Levi, what in the fuck are you doing? Kidnapping an innocent girl? Really? This is going way too far.”
Levi barks back at her. “Don’t put this on me. I didn’t want any of this to happen. You both brought it on yourself.”
“That’s complete bullshit. All I’ve ever done is help you,” Eva says. “You never would’ve had anything if I hadn’t pulled you out of your dead-end life.”
Levi cuts her off. “Fuck you. You were always in it for yourself. I was happy, living my life, but you couldn’t let me do that. You always wanted more, and you needed me to get it.”
“But Abbie didn’t do anything,” Gabe says. “Why do you have to bring her into this?”
“Her role in this is up to you. She’ll be fine as long as you cooperate.”
In the studio, Gabe and Eva stand on opposite sides of Gabe’s desk with the mobile phone on speaker mode between them. Gabe says, “Whatever you want. Just tell us and we’ll do it.”
“That’s the spirit,” Levi
says. “I want you and Eva to head north on the PCH. Before Malibu you’ll come to Corral Canyon Road. Take a right. Stay on Corral Canyon until it forks into Castro and Mesa Peak Motorways. Are you getting all this?”
Eva grabs a pen from the top of the desk and scribbles down the directions on the back of an envelope. “Yeah, we’ve got it. Then what?”
“I want you to wait there,” Levi says. “Once I’m sure you came alone, I’ll give you the next instructions.”
Gabe says, “What are you going to do with Abbie after we meet you?”
“She can take your car and leave,” Levi says without hesitation.
Gabe looks at Eva and mouths, Anything else? Eva shakes her head. Gabe picks up the phone. “We’re on our way.”
“You have one hour,” Levi says and hangs up.
Gabe snatches the phone and hurries toward the door. “Will you drive?”
Eva doesn’t follow. “I don’t think we should listen to him. He’s completely lost it. We need to alert the police.”
“Not enough time.” Gabe stops in the doorway. “Come on. What are you waiting for? We need to leave now.”
Eva walks toward him. “We should at least call them on the way. Or what about that Deputy DA? He’ll know what to do.”
“I’m not involving anyone. No way am I jeopardizing Abbie. Once she’s safe, we’ll figure something out.”
Eva says what’s really been on her mind. “But what about us?”
“If trading us for Abbie is what it takes, then that’s what we’re doing.” Gabe spins around and hurries down the sidewalk along the back of the garage and around the side to the driveway with Eva trailing behind.
◆◆◆
At the orchard farm Levi places the bag with Hannah on the floor and lifts Abbie out of the back of the Jeep and sits her upright in the passenger seat. The wind blows in from the orchard swirling in the open space between the barn, house, and wooded area. Levi removes the knife from his pocket and opens the blade.
