Deadly Women: A Strangely Unfamiliar Story

by Max Winters

  Sorrow brushed his heart as he watched her in the most helpless state. She looked even more beautiful than he had ever imagined. He was so in love with the woman that his heart couldn’t take it if he was free and she was in detention. He pressed a soft kiss on her forehead as he was about the exit the room and at the impulse of his touch she shook her hands unconsciously to his excitement. As if on a queue the alarm system that was perhaps meant to signal the nurses when the patient gained consciousness began to sound loudly and he ran at the impulse, waking the two police men who trailed him.

  He dashed out of the gate, crossing the road while they shot their guns to the air probably to hush him but as a hardened criminal that he was, he disappeared into the dark street. The police men followed in his direction and retreated after a couple of minutes in frustrating comments. Malcolm let out mild groan as he limped towards a secluded portion of the street thanking God for his narrow escape.

  Johanna placed a call to counselor Grey. She had decided to complete the investigation Robert had started and she was willing to get to the root of the matter. Grey had called Malcolm and told him he was willing to help him out as well as the case of Keisha. Malcolm had contacted Johanna that same night he escaped from prison and pleaded with her to help him and she had referred him to Grey. She had objected to his escape plan as well as his desire to make Keisha become a fugitive too. It was against the ethics of her profession for her to hide the truth about a fugitive but Elizabeth’s hypothesis to the case was what gave her the zeal to pursue the investigation to the latter succumbing to Malcolm’s plea.

  Malcolm had promised to give her all the information that was necessary to bring Damon down but she had been very focused with the human trafficking syndicate that she had decided to go to La Salsa that night based on the notes she had obtained from Robert’s dairy. Johanna’s impatience was perhaps the principal factor that had placed her at the forefront of danger. As usual, the human trafficking transactions were going on. It was about 11:30pm and La Salsa was heating up with the beats of classical music. Johanna watched as the men whispered to one another and then headed to their cars and drove off towards the outskirts of the city.

  She climbed into the driver’s seat and buckled her seat belt starting the engine of the car, her eyes emitting sparks of anticipation. Her phone rang and she took the receiver and placed on her ear. It was Grey. He had a terrible feeling about her. He insisted to know her location but she gave him a clue feeling excited about the victory she was going to record. Grey was terribly shocked at her obsession with a case that had been closed. She had sought petition from the judge to reopen the case and had requested him to assist her but he was afraid of the sinister nature of the case. He trusted Johanna’s sense of judgment and her experience in the law industry was remarkable. She had registered an unbeatable status but loosing Keisha’s case and being a minor suspect to the death of Robert had tainted her reputation and she was willing to go to any length to clear her name.

  Grey drove off in the direction Johanna had mentioned but perhaps he was too late to witness the deadly transactions first hadn’t. However but Johanna had the privilege of videotaping the sinister negotiations. A group of girls in unconscious states were transferred from a huge van into a ship while one of the men she had trailed had received a box full of dollars after a call had placed confirming the delivery of the girls.

  She watched the huge ship take off and tears formed in her eyes as she went memory lane to Wendy. The men were a bunch of heartless souls as they were also involving minors. Johanna’s hands trembled as she tried to shove the camera into the camera bag. In a mild slip, the camera fell into a small vent and before she could open the car to get it, there was a loud explosion and the car rose in flames at the amusement of the human traffickers. Apparently they were aware she was trailing them and knew she was taking a video of them. They greeted each other in broad smiles perhaps in excitement for the fact that they were unbeatable and that they were able to eliminate anything or anyone that stood in their way.

  Grey stepped off his car and rushed towards the car which had been reduced to ashes. He couldn’t find Johanna except bones that indicated that she had been roasted alive. He fell on his knees and wept with his hands over his head in loud wails that completely expressed his frustration. He had warned her not to embark on her adventure but his recalcitrance and determination didn’t permit her to yield to his warning.

  Now she was gone and he didn’t even get the chance to tell her how much he was in love with her. His admiration for her had transformed into a monstrous emotion that he could no longer control. His heart tore into bits as he surveyed the area in search for any clue or perhaps hoping that by some miracle Johanna would appear and he would tell her how much he wanted her. It was too late but if there was one thing he was going to do for her was to avenge her death. He was going to investigate the case from where she had stopped as that was the only way he could redeem himself from the pain his heart was going through at that moment.

  ***

  “Malcolm” Keisha rubbed Malcolm’s hair with both hands looking into his eyes. “I’m so happy we are free...” She responded. “For how long my love?” She asked sadness possessing her overall appearance. She had been so scared when Malcolm and his friends sneaked into the hospital to escape with her. The police van had chased their car into a valley but the police had retreated as the cliff was very steep. However Malcolm and his friends had stepped out of the car into the bush and appeared in a stream that led to a vast plain.

  It was a difficult task getting out of the marshy area as the news headlines had literary advertised them and everywhere was unsafe. Malcolm’s friends had moved further towards the borders for safety while he and Keisha lodged in an inn in a small village. Malcolm had been contacted by Grey who wanted to speak with him as Johanna had told him about Keisha and Malcolm and how their cases were related. Grey wanted to help them with their case but their interactions were going to be confidential to avoid police involvements that could implicate matters.

  Agent Elizabeth had been deeply hurt by the passing of Johanna. A bomb had been planted Johanna’s car by an unidentified person and she wanted t get to the root of all the ruthless massacres that continually plagued the city. Inspector Mark however was infuriated with the rising crime waves and he granted Elizabeth’s petitions to reopen the cases of both Malcolm and Keisha since they were together and had transformed their status to that of outlaws.

  Grey presented Elizabeth the notes Robert had kept before he was killed. Elizabeth however had decided to investigate the drug traffickers without the help of Phil as she was certain there was a rat in the police force that there was a snitch and he was her number one suspect. She had promised to cooperate with Malcolm and Keisha after much hesitation but Grey had convinced him that the couple was innocent even though he was still searching for evidence. Their case kept dragging and kept changing with the tides. Too many people were getting involved and he didn’t like the repercussions that could badly affect his reputation as the chief Inspector of that jurisdiction.

  Malcolm’s confession about his alliance with Damon in the drug business gave Elizabeth the zeal to investigate the Damon once again. Her blatant failure to prove Damon’s involvement with drugs had put her competence on the rocks; nevertheless, she was not willing to back down without a good fight. Malcolm’s fear for Damon however was the greatest hindrance to their plan. Malcolm’s life was under a threat as the drug lord had tried executing him while in prison. He was in danger so long as he wasn’t under the protection of the cops. But his escape from prison put him in greater jeopardy as he was going to get in greater trouble if he wasn’t able to prove himself innocent of the murder charges on his head.

  Recording Malcolm’s statement and involvement with Damon was a breakthrough in the case. Mia had been jailed but still there was no clue as to whoever had killed Tessa. Elizabeth needed another warrant to search Damon’s brothel but Mark didn
’t oblige to her demand because he couldn’t risk being sued by the billionaire. He needed her to get the evidence that could prove that Damon was a drug lord as soon as possible.

  Staying in the secluded inn was becoming dangerous for Malcolm and Keisha as they were still in danger. The police had placed a price on their heads as well as Maria and the other prisoners who escaped. Apparently someone had recognized them and called the cops but as usual Malcolm had been warned by his instincts and they had escaped. They trekked for hours and Keisha couldn’t support herself anymore as she was hungry and tired. They barely had a dime on them and Malcolm’s attempt to inform Grey about their latest predicament failed woefully as the phone in their possession went dead. He stamped his feet in frustration and held Keisha who could barely walk anymore. He ushered her to the foot of a tree and they sat to rest. He took out a bottle from a black backpack and started on his heels in search of water.

  “Don’t leave me all by myself Malcolm.” Keisha pleaded hushing him with a hand.

  “I have to get water for you honey…I will be back, don’t move an inch okay.” He assured ignoring her plea that was probably she was afraid to stay all alone in the bush. He ran as fast as his legs could carry him while she gasped for more air.

  Keisha managed to sit up immediately she heard noise from the nearby bushes. Someone was surveying the place. He had been watching her and Malcolm from the time he got her out of the hospital. He had been looking for the perfect opportunity to get a hold of Keisha to no avail. His joy knew no bounds when he discovered that her companion had vanished into thin air. The stranger appeared from behind and grabbed her in a tight hug.

  “Baby…I missed you.” He clung to her tightly. “I’m so glad you’re safe baby.” Smiles brushed his cheeks while Keisha fought to free herself from him. He was acting insane and she didn’t know whether to feel frightened or calm.

  “Get away from me…who are you?” Keisha refuted instantly imagining the worse that he probably was insane. He was slightly taller than her with blonde hair that added to his masculine beauty. He spoke under a cute Mexican accent and she scanned the environment in search of a weapon that she could use to get him off her back. She needed to defend herself somehow and she silently prayed that Malcolm should come and save her.

  “Baby it’s me…why are running away from me…what are you doing with that guy?” He demanded forcing to kiss her again but this time Malcolm pounced on him like an angry lion.

  “Let her go.” He held his neck tightly squeezing it perhaps alarmed by the thought that he wanted to hurt his beloved Keisha.

  “Malcolm stop.” Keisha rushed towards them probably to stop Malcolm from killing the guy.

  “She’s my girlfriend.” The stranger argued. He had been searching for her for months to no avail until he had spotted her and Malcolm one night but they had been on the run the entire time. He didn’t know what to think seeing her with another man. He thought she was Tessa.

  “What? Are you nuts?” Malcolm scolded jealousy fanning his cheeks.

  “C’mon Tessa honey.” The stranger beckoned on Keisha in the loveliest manner.

  “Tessa?” You know Tessa?” Keisha demanded almost immediately. Just like she had thought, the guy was mistaking her for her deceased sister.

  “What are you talking about baby?” The stranger protested.

  “Don’t you dare call her that” Malcolm refuted his eyes shooting arrows of discord.

  “Malcolm that’s enough.” Keisha cut in, seeing that Malcolm’s rage was fueling. He was very possessive and the thought of having someone else claim her was killing.

  Chapter 17

  Roderick was shocked to discover that the incident he had witnessed was the execution of his beloved Tessa. Tessa had run to him back in Colombia in fright that was eminent in her stiffened breath. She had left him for the old billionaire but his obsession with her however couldn’t permit him to stay mad at her for a long time. Apparently she had stolen some money from the guy but did not tell him. He had begged her to stay, unaware that Mario wanted her dead but Tessa knew she was threading on deadly ground hence she had insisted to leave town as soon as possible.

  Roderick braced himself when she mentioned she was escaping to California as she had once spoke about her sister but he never imagined their resemblance was incredibly striking. He had insisted to go with her but as usual Tessa wanted to have her way. He had come after her when he realized his life was in danger. Mario realized ordered his boys to execute Roderick after he discovered that they had a relationship.

  Leaving home was the hardest decision but he needed to ensure that Tessa was safe. She was the most important person in his life and though he knew he was going on a wide goose chase in California, he felt it was his duty to keep his love safe. Roderick had arrived California that same night and knowing Keisha’s address at the time, he had come in search of Tessa. He went to La Salsa at the recommendation of the hotel where he lodged. He wanted to let out some steam and re-strategize the next morning. He thanked his stars when he arrived at La Salsa and caught a glimpse of someone who looked like Tessa.

  She looked afraid as a man approached her. According to Roderick, Malcolm was the man who had approached her fiercely no wonder he had been shocked to see them together especially as he was under the impression that Keisha was Tessa. Malcolm had chased her while she ran and took cover. He had searched the entire area in frustration and probably retired to the club. He probably had changed his mind about killing her and Roderick who had also taken cover somewhere wondered as he gave up the chase so easily.

  Roderick emerged from his hiding place and surveyed the area when a tall guy appeared all of a sudden with a big touch in his hands searching the place in a furry that depicted his rage. He pointed the touch towards a huge garbage can that imposed itself on the area emitting stench that could kill. The garbage can shook and he emitted an angry grin. Tessa’s eyes pop out in fright as she tried to escape from the deadly assassin. He grabbed her hand and pulled her hair as she tried to get away. She groaned in pain but Roderick was afraid to approach the tug that wouldn’t have wasted anytime to end his life. His heart bled for the love of his life. The tug gave her a hot spank and she screamed. He held her hair tightly and tried to force himself on her but she kicked his balls and he groaned in pain.

  She took to her heels while he managed to get a hold of himself and grabbed her neck tightly, snuffing life out of her. He pinned her gaze and pressed the gun he held in his hands tearing her stomach wide open to the disconcertion of Roderick. He let out a groaning cry alerting the killer who turned towards where he was hiding in thundering steps. He trailed her with the gun fixed tightly to his hands and Roderick life had been spared thanks to his legs that carried him farther and faster into a mob of people nearby. The killer retired feeling frustrated though triumphant that he had executed his boss’ orders.

  A drop of tear trickled down his cheeks as the thought of the gun shot reappeared in his memory. His heart was heavy and he felt like a coward for not being able to defend his woman. However his heart felt alive once again though in jeopardy when he saw Keisha with Robert. Once again he was fooled thinking it was Tessa. He had trailing Keisha and Robert until Robert the unfortunate passing of Robert. Seeing Malcolm and Keisha together had got him curious and he had been looking for an opportunity to get Keisha away from Malcolm as he was convinced that it was Tessa.

  Pain consumed Roderick as Keisha corroborated that Tessa was dead. He broke into tears pressing his butts on the forest floor. He had deluded himself to believing that the other twin was his girlfriend. He hadn’t mourned the love of his life and didn’t think if he could deal with the loss. She was an integral part of him and life without her was going to be hell. He had left behind all the wealth he wielded, abandoning his family just to save her from Mario but she had been killed right before his very eyes and he couldn’t save her.

  Seeing Keisha and Robert in the past had given him the imp
ression that Tessa was alive. He had lived through the emotional heartache that Tessa always choose other men over him. She was a brat and he loved her for her wild side. Her death was such a big blow that he wondered if he could survive the pain.

  Keisha approached him in a sad countenance hugging him tightly and almost shedding tears while Malcolm watched, acknowledging his pain. He had felt the same way when he had gone to the hospital and found Keisha in a comma. The death of a loved one was indeed dreadful and he made a silent prayer of gratitude for having Keisha by his side. With this in mind, he swore to himself that he was going to bring Tessa’s killers to justice. He could apprehend the killer if he saw him.

  The deed had already been done and Malcolm was fully convinced that his boss had something to do with the numerous deaths. He was going to clean the mess he had created. Too many people had been involved in his case and he was sure that everyone who had lost their lives was because of him. He pledged his soul to the devil when he decided to work with Damon but so many years had gone back and all his evil deeds were catching up with him and even putting innocent people at stake.

  Convincing Roderick to act as a witness to the Malcolm’s case was a challenge. He wanted to avenge his woman but too many lives had been lost and he didn’t want to be the next victim. Things were getting complicated and he felt like leaving for Colombia. There was nothing to live for hence he was contemplating living. On a second thought, he resorted that Tessa would never forgive him. Roderick was willing after he had a long talk with Malcolm and Keisha gave him a long talk. They had assured him about the involvement of two reputable attorneys as well as the cops. There was nothing to fear as their safety was guaranteed.

  The acceptance of Roderick to help in their case was the impetus they needed to speed up their actions. Malcolm borrowed Roderick’s phone and immediately dialed Johanna’s number. It went straight to voicemail and he redialed almost instantly, worry brushing his face. Grey took the call and Malcolm was hesitant to say a word. Grey spoke with enthusiasm that told Malcolm he knew something about him. Grey wanted them to meet up and device a strategy to dig up evidence. Malcolm lamented at the news of Johanna’s death. His swing of mood called for Roderick and Keisha’s attention. They demanded in panic and he told them the sad news, taking off the phone from his ears.