Lillian's Love

by Laura Marie Henion

  A muffled voice, along with heavy breathing, was the first thing they heard. Martin appeared to be speaking to Lillian as the video showed her getting out of bed in the morning wearing nothing but a short lace, Victorian-style negligee. The video continued with her morning routine before skipping to her arriving home at the end of the day. She went to the bathroom where she started the water running in the tub, adding bubbles. The detectives watched every second of the video and Lillian's routine. She went to the kitchen, poured herself a glass of red wine before returning to her bedroom.

  Michael tried to remain calm, but he knew what would come next as Lillian removed her clothing. All the while Martin spoke to her, his voice disguised with some sort of device. It sounded evil, disgusting as he described his intentions. Michael squirmed in his seat.

  "Why don't we fast forward this?” Jimmy said, the technician did just that.

  Michael was relieved. He never looked toward the others in the room. He didn't have to, they all knew he and Lillian were romantically involved.

  Martin's speech became rapid. He stated his anger and frustration about seeing Lillian with Michael on her front porch. He described them kissing, stating Lillian's punishment for betrayal would be fierce. Then suddenly the movie changed locations. The figures on the screen were difficult to make out. The man whom everyone in the room assumed to be Martin, now disguised himself in all black, including a ski mask. The camera focused on a woman, mouth taped closed, wrists and hands tied together. Hysterical cries tore from her vocal chords, eyes red, bulging with fear. She lay completely nude, looking as if as she had already sustained a major beating.

  They all watched, mortified at such acts of violence and anger as Martin made the victim suffer.

  Martin laughed while he taunted, antagonized the young woman. They all could see her face clearly, the victim's fear, pain, now eternally imbedded in Michael's mind.

  "I will have my Lillian. None of you can stop me. I hope you enjoyed the show. Good luck and happy body hunting,” Martin stated. The screen went black. No one moved or spoke a word for a few moments.

  "Gary, first thing we have to do is analyze that crime scene. I think I saw some blond hair coming out of the ski mask. Zoom in on everything you can around the room. Something has to be there to reveal the location. Get a good picture of the victim. Run it through the system. Try Missing Persons first. We'll take it from there,” Michael stated with determination.

  "We can check our area system, as well. More than likely she's from New Jersey. The other two victims were. They were seen with a man matching Martin's description,” Detective Jacks stated as he popped a piece of spearmint gum into his mouth.

  "Sounds good. Now what about Lillian?” Detective Miller asked. Everyone in the room focused on Michael.

  Michael ran his fingers through his hair, obviously affected by the video. His girlfriend was violated in her own home by some monster. His fellow detectives sat in a police station watching.

  "She'll be under our protection at all times,” Michael stated. He looked toward the chief for support.

  "She needs protection. We can provide it for her around the clock,” Johnson stated.

  "She may be better off in protective custody with us in New Jersey. We have a safe place we can protect her. If Martin is in the area, maybe we can wean him out. He'll head back our way to find her. We'll be there waiting,” Detective Miller suggested.

  "No way! Lillian is staying with me. I have a top of the line security system already in place. I have some experience in this line of work,” Michael added straight-faced.

  "What kind of experience, Michael? You're personally involved with Lillian Baxter. How can you be sure you'll stay focused?” Miller asked as Michael interrupted him.

  "This guy is not going to get his hands on Lillian. I can handle this. Besides, he's come into our town, messed with the wrong group of people. In Rockland County, the law enforcement agencies pull together as a team. Martin comes looking for Lillian, we get him, end of story."

  "He's right about being able to handle this. He's the best bodyguard she can ask for. I give full authorization for Detective Fields’ added assignment. We need to find this Martin Crane, take this scumbag off the street. Now lets work together to get it done,” Chief Johnson said. They nodded their heads in agreement.

  * * * *

  Lillian took a shower and got dressed before she headed downstairs for breakfast with Uncle Phil and aunt June. They heard the doorbell ring. Instantly, she recognized her aunt Mabel's voice.

  Lillian entered the kitchen immediately embracing her aunt.

  Her aunt held her tight, crying.

  "My God, Lillian, I can't believe this. My poor baby, I just can't believe this,” Aunt Mabel repeated. Lillian continued to hold her, needing to feel the closeness, the comfort of her aunt's embrace. They parted but continued to hold hands as Aunt June offered everyone some coffee.

  They all took a seat around the large wooden rectangle table, a family heirloom.

  "Why didn't you call me sooner?” Aunt Mabel asked.

  "I didn't want you up all night like the rest of us. Plus, last night, you had your date with Tony,” Lillian said with a smile. Aunt Mabel blushed a moment.

  "So what. Tony and I have known one another for years. You're more important than anyone. Now tell me everything,” she demanded.

  Lillian explained.

  Twenty minutes later, Carla arrived to give moral support, as well.

  Uncle Phil went off to his home office, leaving the ladies to talk while he checked in with Jimmy. He said he wanted to see how Michael was holding up.

  * * * *

  "That's horrible, Jimmy. How the hell did Michael handle seeing that?” Uncle Phil asked as he listened to Jimmy update him.

  "Like ice, Uncle Phil. Somehow, he made it through it. Now, he's on a rampage."

  "Lillian's aunt is here as well as Carla."

  "I'll come by later if I can. I'm sure Michael will be by soon. Be sure to have Carla and Aunt Mabel followed home by patrol cars. I don't think we should take any chances."

  Uncle Phil agreed.

  * * * *

  Lillian closed down the store today. The killer wasn't surprised. He could just imagine the fear they felt knowing how close he could get. His game of toying with Detective Fields would pay off. Fields appeared to be in love with Lillian. Any fool could see that, but he would make sure Fields wouldn't end up with her.

  She's mine. She's meant to be with me.

  Lillian was all he ever wanted and asked for in a wife. She even had the same tastes, the same interests. Her classy style, old-fashioned charm, his Victorian doll.

  She showed that class and sophistication in the clothing she chose to wear to bed. What an enjoyable ritual to witness. Her most private secrets, her early morning customs, she shared only with herself. But not anymore. His viewing formed an even stronger bond between them.

  He looked over the new garments, custom ordered just for his Lillian. He was certain the burgundy, see-through lace gown would be her favorite. It was his and she would wear it for him day and night. Together, they would live, love, only one another, in their own private, hidden world. He would take her to his special place, a secret location, only minutes from the bookstore. Fields would never find her again. Never touch her again.

  They would be right under the detectives’ noses. None of them would figure it out. The killer laughed with assurance.

  "Fools!"

  He brought the expensive material to his lips, his nose. He inhaled deeply as he closed his eyes, imagining Lillian wearing the dress. He would take his time courting her. After all, time was on their side. He smiled wide.

  No need to rush it. Every step was well planned, timed accordingly at his command.

  Lillian would be madly in love with him, asking, pleading for his every touch.

  He carefully placed the garment back into the box, then scanned the room.

  Everything look
ed perfect. The house stood isolated from neighbors, forgotten about entirely. Most thought the place remained abandoned. The wooden pieces of plywood that covered each window gave that illusion. He thought of everything.

  The Victorian furniture he collected over the past few months would bring them back into a time, a place no one could interrupt or disturb.

  He chose an eclectic mix of styles, excessive in ornamentation, especially in the bedroom. Decorated rococo, the frivolous style. He loved the sound of the words as they rolled off his tongue. Only someone with exquisite taste, an appreciation of the era, could understand his obsession. Lillian was the only one.

  He placed furniture everywhere, exactly as during the Victorian Era of 1837 until 1901. The furniture, overstuffed, around the living room, plump armchairs with button backs, easy chairs, ottoman's, pouffes, scattered around a room with large floral wallpaper.

  Perfection.

  He had stocked up on the necessary supplies from food to toiletries. They wouldn't have to live there for months. The thoughts made his heart beat faster. He smiled.

  Lillian wanted to come to this town. She wanted to put the past behind her. They were meant to be together. He would help heal her, make things up to her, all the while staying right here in Stony Point.

  He picked up an old photograph of Lillian, one he had admired mostly for her beauty but also for the scenery.

  She looked happy sitting on a white bench in a rose garden, wearing one of her favorite vintage dresses. Lillian was his most beautiful lady. Soon, they would be together until the end of time.

  * * * *

  Lillian spoke on the phone in Uncle Phil's home office. She had decided earlier today that she would call things off with Michael. This was not the time for an intimate relationship; for any relationship. Martin made it clear that anyone close to her would suffer. He had to know about Michael and there did not seem to be an alternative.

  She loved Michael with all her heart, but his safety meant everything to her.

  She could feel the weight of the last twenty-four hours on her slumped shoulders. Lillian hardly slept last night and her blood shot eyes were evidence along with spilling tears on a whim. She felt somewhat defeated and after contemplating numerous choices including leaving town, she opted to attempt at securing her future and her business.

  Lillian immediately phoned Brian Gillson. Being an executive, with a huge publishing company, he hired high tech security firms for both corporate and personal protection. Brian had mentioned multiple times she should consider using the agency to redo her security system. He also said if she needed any extra security for any well-known authors, for premieres, that she should call him. The security company apparently offered personal protection, as well.

  Lillian didn't want Michael playing bodyguard to her. She would die if anything happened to him. Look what happened to Mrs. Sampson. No way could she live with herself if she were to cause Michael harm.

  Martin's voice, his words continued to echo in her mind. ‘Stay away from the detective or I will kill him.'

  She swallowed hard as the tears filled her eyes.

  * * * *

  "Oh, my God, Lillian, how long has this been going on?” Brian asked sincerely concerned for her safety.

  "A couple of weeks. Obviously, I'm at my wits’ end. Can we meet tomorrow, talk about things? Maybe you can explain this whole security thing to me?” Lillian asked.

  "No problem at all. Can we meet for lunch? Will you be safe?"

  "I'm sure Michael's uncle will provide a patrol officer to accompany me. I need to investigate all my options.” Lillian glanced up to see Aunt Mabel standing in the doorway. She knew her aunt would not approve.

  "I'll meet you at one."

  "Thank you, Brian,” Lillian said before hanging up the phone.

  "What are you doing, Lilly?” Aunt Mabel asked as she entered the office.

  "I'm meeting Brian tomorrow for lunch."

  "You're planning something. Why are you trying to push Michael away?"

  Lillian rose from the chair.

  She made her way toward her aunt.

  "I love Michael with all my heart, that's why I need to do this. I need to protect him."

  "You're going to try to break things off with him? Why? He loves you. You love him. He can protect you."

  "But I can't protect him."

  Lillian put her head down, the tears rolled down her cheeks. She sighed before she could look back into her aunt's eyes.

  "Martin threatened to kill Michael. He's killed these other women. He's invaded my personal life, my home.... I ... I won't make it this time if Martin gets me. I'll die if something happens to Michael."

  "Oh, Lilly, I know you're scared, dear, but Michael can protect you from Martin. I just know he can."

  "No, he can't!” Lillian turned away. “Don't tell me how you understand my fear. No one could comprehend the fear I have.” I'm not discussing this with you or anyone else. I'm meeting Brian tomorrow, just exploring my options. I have every right to do so with or without Michael's permission. I have to break things off with him, Aunt Mabel. Can't you see this is my only option?"

  "It's not your only option. You need as many people who love you as possible to be with you right now. You're not alone in this."

  "I am alone in this!” Lillian yelled, she started to cry a little, then quickly calmed herself down. Aunt Mabel appeared shocked.

  Lillian stood in front of her aunt, speaking softly, trying her hardest to keep control.

  "Please understand what I'm telling you. Martin is crazy, he's lost it and he's after me. He threatened Michael's life. I'm taking that threat very seriously. I need to protect him.

  Every day, every night now, I have to relive every second, every disgusting touch, every bit of pain that Martin inflicted on me. I have to deal with it. I have to live with it. I'm the one he's after again. Aunt Mabel, I won't survive this time. There's no way I'll make it if Martin were to...."

  "Oh, Lillian—"

  "But if I can protect Michael, keep him out of harm's way, off of Martin's mind, at least I'll know he's safe and that I didn't cause him to get injured. Please understand that I need to do this. Your lives are in jeopardy because of me"

  "But Martin's not going to get you. Martin won't be able to touch you, Lilly, with Michael or the others around."

  "Stop it, Aunt Mabel. Please just stop it. Michael and the others are not prepared for this. Look how sneaky Martin was. He broke into my home. I had what I thought was a great alarm system. I had security with the police around. Yet Martin got in. The decision is made. Michael and I are through. I'm meeting Brian tomorrow, end of story.” Lillian walked right into Uncle Phil.

  She stopped. She could tell he wanted to hug her again, offer his advice, but she couldn't allow it.

  "I heard everything, Lillian. I know you're scared."

  Lillian sighed deeply, crossed her arms in front of her chest and refused to make eye contact with him.

  "Michael won't budge that easily. He will be just as stubborn as you're being right now."

  "If you don't mind, Uncle Phil, I'll stay here again tonight, but tomorrow, I'm going home. I'll work it all out by tomorrow."

  "I can understand why you think this is the right thing to do, but I—"

  "Please don't. Can I stay or not?"

  Uncle Phil stared at Lillian a moment, as if knowing this was a fight his nephew and Lillian would have to work out for themselves.

  "Of course you can stay.” Lillian began to walk away.

  "Michael called, he's on his way. He expects you to leave with him tonight."

  "I'm not leaving with him. You overheard the conversation. His safety is my number one priority, so prepare for the fight. I'm breaking things off with him. I'm taking him out of harm's way. I will be looking into some personal protection tomorrow. Michael, my aunt, you, Carla ... mean everything to me. I just can't chance it, Uncle Phil. End of story,” Lillian said as Aunt June join
ed the discussion.

  "Thanks for letting me stay here one more night. I'm sorry about everything.” Lillian headed upstairs.

  * * * *

  Aunt Mabel, Aunt June, and Uncle Phil walked toward the kitchen.

  "Michael is not going to let her do this,” Aunt June stated as she prepared dinner.

  "My niece is stubborn, but she's doing this because she's scared. More scared than I've ever seen her.” Aunt Mabel sighed.

  "When she first arrived in town, after everything happened, she had a confidence about her. She received counseling, took self-defense courses, changed her name. She felt safe, knowing that Martin remained in prison. I remember the day of his release. Lillian, was a nervous wreck for days, worried that he'd seek revenge, come after her. She found out he had received counseling, rehabilitation, and hoped that it were true. We talked about the fear she had. She decided she would not live her life in fear. The time passed uneventful until a couple of weeks ago. She loves Michael. She's scared for his safety. That's why she's doing this,” Aunt Mabel stated to Phil and June as if trying to make them understand. The tears filled her eyes.

  Aunt June patted her shoulder, consoling her.

  "I can empathize with the decision she has made. She's scared, you're right about that. I can't help but think that she's making a mistake. Not that I'm not concerned about my nephew. I know Michael and unfortunately he has always lived on the edge, always placing his own life on the line for the good. But this is not some secret military mission, this is a police investigation and Michael is one of the best. I have all the confidence in his capabilities and I hope he can convince Lillian to trust him,” Uncle Phil stated.

  "It has got to be hard to try and trust someone after experiencing such deep pain. I couldn't even imagine how Lillian must feel. I hope Michael can control his temper and find a way to protect Lillian and prove to her that she can trust him,” Aunt June added.

  "Honey, you're talking about two very strong personalities. When he arrives ... it is not going to be a pretty sight,” Uncle Phil stated, then took a sip of his coffee.

  * * * *

  Michael showed up at Uncle Phil's house around dinnertime.