“I understand. And, you’re right. I need to know the truth. Will you take a break and talk to me? Can I buy you lunch? I came during your slowest period hoping we could have a nice chat.”
“You can buy me lunch. I’ll have a shrimp po’boy with fries and iced tea along with a slice of that pecan pie. I’ll comp us coffees with the pie. Let me go turn in the order so we can eat together.”
“Great!”
The table was loaded down with goodies by the time Suzanne took her break and joined Vivien. They ate several sumptuous bites of food before the conversation started.
“You asked ‘what makes me so special.’ It’s a question I’ve been asking myself for years. When I was only a little girl,” Suzanne explained, “I saw people as animals and creatures. Some were cute and cuddly cats and bunny rabbits while others were scary rabid dogs, snakes, lizards, or something from another world. I don’t even know how to describe some of them. I was often frightened by the things I saw, especially when it was one of my own family members who took on such a hideous and horrible appearance.” Suzanne paused briefly and Vivien bit her tongue. She refrained from asking questions in spite of her natural desire to do so.
Suzanne continued. “Then, my father, who had the appearance of a rat, took me into his bed. I was only ten years old. It was my turn, he said. He had sexually abused each of my older sisters. I was the youngest. When they got old enough to start their periods at the age of thirteen or fourteen, he discarded them. You know, the bastard didn’t want to get them pregnant. I guess we have to give him that much credit at least. Anyway, the abuse I suffered from his hands changed my ability… twisted it in some way. I ended up killing him just before I turned twelve, but as a juvenile, I only served a sentence for that crime until I was eighteen.”
Suzanne got up to get the coffee and pie as if her revelation wasn’t shocking… as if she had just confessed that she’d slipped out of the house to attend a rave rather than murdered her father. Still, Vivien remained silent. She didn’t know what to say anyway… whatever could she possibly say to such an appalling story.
When she returned, Suzanne continued were she had left off, “Seeing a huge rat pant and moan while on top of me, while doing such vile things to me, shattered something in me, but it also made me want to deny the ability. No one believed me anyway. They didn’t believe that my father was an incestuous pedophile and my dear sisters wouldn’t corroborate the story. In anger and frustration, I blocked off the ability… secured it behind a thick brick wall. Now, I can tell that people are evil by some other method… it’s like a smell or something ethereal, but I don’t see their images as an animal any longer. For example, the priest that came in with the young boy, Father Maddox, I could tell he was evil, but he didn’t appear as an animal or creature… there was just a bad feeling all around him. And the light that followed them to the alley, I just knew it was good.” Suzanne’s dark bobbed hair fell forward partially covering her face as she refilled her cup with hot coffee and offered some to Vivien.
“No thanks,” Vivien said as she waved the pot away.
“So, that’s my story. Maybe if I had received encouragement or guidance as a child, then yes, perhaps the priestess would have a reason to show interest in me. But, I’m too old for that now and I’ve blocked my true gifts. No one can undo the past or make up for lost time.”
“I believe Santeria can help you. She has helped many others in various ways. Just think about it… if it feels right, go see her,” Vivien encouraged pushing the card closer to Suzanne’s hand along with cash for the meal and a very large tip.
“I’ll think about it.”
Chapter 23
In Melbourne, Alec soon discovered that Gabriella would be delivered to Ethan Founders, one of the most powerful and well-connected men in Florida. Founders was anxious to meet his newest toy, Gabriella.
Having a penchant for very young girls, Founders had made special arrangements for her…the same as he had done for all the other young girls – and there had been many others. He’d arranged plush living quarters in one of the many homes he owned along with a maid to look after her while he was away. Each new child was treated like a princess until he tired of them, generally, after about six months.
Then, Heady Fields became his best friend again as he took the girls off Ethan’s hands. Heady sold the young used girls as prostitutes and quickly arranged for a new child to arrive shortly afterwards. The cycle repeated annually and sometimes semiannually. The two men’s mutually beneficial arrangement had endured for over fifteen years.
Presently, Ethan Founders had no way of knowing that his deal with Heady Fields was about to change. Heady had notified the paid-off cops that the girl was on Fee Street and to get there fast. The policemen, using the cover and confusion provided by the many emergency vehicles responding to the scene, had grabbed Gabriella and left as soon as possible. They called to let Founders know they had her. Now, they were on the way to one of his many homes just off A1A.
However, Founders didn’t know that they didn’t stay at Buddy Steven’s home long enough to discover that Heady Fields was murdered along with the rest of his crew. Anxious for the fat bonus they were promised, they’d used the melee to hide their own agenda as they absconded with the child.
Once the officers had Gabriella in the backseat of the cruiser, they’d turned off their radios as well and were in the dark about the aftermath of the massacre that had happened only moments before their arrival.
Alec Winters hadn’t forgotten his promise to Marianna and the other young women. He fully intended to protect Gabriella. He followed closely as she was taken away by the two dirty cops. After the patrol car left the residence on Fee, he hailed a cab.
“Can we follow that police car?” Alec asked.
“No problem,” the cabby replied with satisfaction before laughing at the amusing idea. “I like it! I like it a lot… It’s about time somebody showed them how it feels. They watch us and get up in all our business, but this is the first time I’ve ever done the same. Do you know where they’re going?”
“No, but I sure need to find out. A child’s life depends on it.”
There was a more direct route to their destination, but in order to avoid other officers, the two men had detoured many times to cover their tracks. It was late in the afternoon when the patrol car pulled into a newly developed gated community just off Highway A1A situated between Wabasso Beach and Vero Beach.
The plush locale held a small population of homes, no more than twenty, and each home faced the Atlantic Ocean. It was prime beachfront property. The taxi parked at the curb and Alec asked the driver to wait for him before he bounded over the fence and followed the policemen in on foot.
The two officers parked in the circular driveway of a brand new four bedroom home and then took Gabriella to the front door. They rang the bell. A housekeeper answered. She handed over a fat envelope stuffed with cash and mumbled, “Thank you,” before she greeted the girl, “Hello, dear. My name is Anna. Come inside. We must get you ready.” The round, middle-aged woman encouraged the hesitant child and then took Gabriella by the hand and led her inside.
The policemen left while Alec watched and waited. He could easily see inside the home, and so far, only the maid and Gabriella were present. For now, they were alone and Gabriella wasn’t in imminent danger. Anna busily preformed the necessary duties to prepare Gabriella for their guest. The young girl was bathed, shampooed, powdered, and then redressed in soft white baby-doll pajamas with cap sleeves and short legs.
“See all the beautiful clothing and the lovely room? It’s all for you, dear. Your benefactor has prepared all of these wonderful gifts to delight you,” Anna crooned as she brushed Gabriella’s hair to a glistening sheen. When she was suitably attired, Anna led Gabriella to the kitchen and set out a glass of milk and a small plate of cookies. The child hungrily ate the food as she quietly surveyed the home.
Chapter 24
It
wasn’t long until Ethan Founders arrived in a long, black limousine. His driver parked the car in the circular driveway, then got out and went to the rear passenger door and opened it. Founders got out.
Alec studied him closely. He was dressed in an elegant black suit with a crisp white shirt and black bowtie. Ethan Founders was tall and trim, in his late forties, and purporting all the characteristics one would imagine in a powerful executive or CEO. Alec listened closely to the brief conversation between employer and driver.
“Come back in an hour, Kenny. I won’t be long tonight,” Founders instructed.
“Are you sure that’s enough time, Mr. Founders?”
“Yes, I’m quite sure,” Founders replied.
It had been three months since Heady Fields had taken away the last girl and Ethan Founders could feel the anxiety building. He’d been fantasizing about his next prey for weeks now. He wouldn’t be patient or gentle tonight. His need for the tender young flesh was too great. He was ready to explode.
Alec watched the reddish-orange aura with black tinges flare wildly as Ethan Founders anticipated the child that was waiting inside. The man was a true pedophile and the poor girl would suffer horribly unless protected from his filthy, despicable intentions. The urges had been pent-up for too long and Ethan would rape her as soon as he got her alone. The driver drove away as soon as his employer reached the front door. Alec was right behind Ethan, but so far, unnoticed. He would stop the predator before Gabriella was injured.
“Anna, I’m here,” Ethan called out tersely as soon as he’d opened the door. “Where is she? Bring her to me!” he harshly ordered.
“This is Gabriella, Mr. Founders,” the housekeeper said as she nudged the young child forward. “She’s twelve years old and as pure as driven snow.”
When he saw the delightful creature, Founders shuddered with extreme desire. A deep sigh escaped his lips. She was perfect.
Gabriella was young, very young, but the delicate white clothing made her appear even more tender and fragile. Her dark hair glistened in the foyer light; her eyes were wide and innocent. He saw the delicate peach fuzz on her body where the pajamas ended to expose slender arms and thighs – she was so enticing that his knees grew weak. Founders unconsciously licked his lips. His lust was so intense he could barely stand and swayed slightly from its effects.
The housekeeper closely watched Ethan Founders to observe his reaction. She was pleased with her employer’s satisfaction. His obvious craving was the compliment she always relished as she prepared each child for him. Then, before she could enjoy the moment, she saw the huge red-eyed devil standing behind him. It was the largest, most terrifying creature Anna had ever seen.
The scary monster towered over her boss while its eyes looked straight into her soul. She screamed out in fear before turning to run back to the kitchen. Gabriella watched the housekeeper’s antics with confusion. She only saw brilliant light and an angel. She wanted to run to the angel for protection. She was very frightened by the way the man lasciviously leered at her. It gave her the creeps and her stomach jittered and tightened in fear.
Founders was also confused by Anna’s reaction. He wondered what she’d seen that frightened her so terribly. Forcing his eyes away from Gabriella, he finally turned around. The sight chilled his blood; the girl was instantly forgotten. He staggered against the foyer wall just as the demon reached for him.
The monstrous lava-colored hands grabbed hold of his suit lapels, lifting Founders off the floor. Ethan didn’t even struggle; he was so overcome with terror that his heart pounded wildly and erratically. He thought the organ might burst from his chest. Then, he felt fire and lightning in his head and shooting pains behind his right eye.
He couldn’t breathe; the heat and sulfur coming off the devil suffocated him. He worried briefly that he was having a heart attack, but those thoughts fled when he passed out.
Ethan welcomed the blackness. At least there he didn’t have to face the torments of hell. He didn’t have to imagine that the demon had come to punish him for his evil sins and his long life of pedophilia.
The demon dragged Founders into the kitchen where Anna had retreated. She was on the phone trying to dial 9-1-1, but her nervous fingers wouldn’t work properly. A very large red hand took the receiver and crushed it to bits of plastic and powder.
“Dämon! Bitte, bitte nicht, mich zu verletzen,” Anna screamed out in her native German tongue, begging the demon not to hurt her.
“You helped this man abuse and molest these innocent girls. You are as guilty as he is and deserve the same punishment,” the devil snarled. Although she only heard the mighty roar of a multitude as the hot breath blew onto her ruddy face, scalding her already plump, rosy cheeks, Anna got the message.
Still holding Ethan with one hand, the demon reached for Anna with the other as she once again turned to flee. He caught her by the apron strings tied at the back of the crisp uniform, jerking her to a stop. The housekeeper, sobbing inconsolably, fell to the floor.
She bitterly recalled the many girls she had prepared for her employer and the many times she’d treated their injuries after he’d been with them. He could be violent in his quest to consume the innocence of each young child. She now knew she shared in that guilt and she would share the punishment.
She had looked away and closed her eyes to what he did, never interfering even when he raped them. It was her job, and it paid very well, but now she understood the shame of it. Filled with regret and guilt, she once again begged for her life.
The remorse she felt didn’t change her fate. The demon, not bound by morality, was the complete opposite of good. He felt no compassion; he had no contrition or regrets as he slaughtered those who harmed innocent victims. He was designed for this exact appointment and couldn’t be reasoned with or swayed by prayers or tears.
Now, he picked up a huge meat cleaver from the knife block, and in one mighty blow, sliced through Anna’s skull. The wooden handle dangled between her eyes, touching her nose. She stared at him for a few short seconds with wide, shocked eyes until the light of her soul departed and her eyes were as dead as she was.
Founders began to stir, and when he came to, he saw Anna’s lifeless body on the floor beside him. He struggled to stand, but he couldn’t. When he’d first seen the demon that sent his heart pounding and racing earlier, he had suffered a massive stroke. Now, the right half of his body was paralyzed. He tried to speak, but the words slurred together as spittle drooled out the side of his mouth.
The demon, felt no pity for the pedophile. And, although he rarely left anyone alive during his rampages to protect the innocent, the monster decided that, in Founders’ current state, it was more fitting to leave the man alive. For one so powerful to live out the remainder of life dependent on others – always wanting and desiring, but unable to satisfy those desires or express them – was, in this case, better than death. It was a strange justice for one who had used their power and strength on innocent children to now be at the mercy of caretakers who might not be merciful at all.
“Whaaaay?” Founders struggled to ask as he looked on the mighty destroyer standing over him. It was the same question everyone asked even though they knew they deserved their punishment – Why are you doing this? Why have you come to punish me now?
The fear was now confusion, but the only response the demon offered was a violent and forceful stomp to Founders’ left knee and thigh. The bones broke completely and were crushed beyond repair. The reprobate was a complete invalid on both sides of his body. Satisfied, the monster turned away even though Founders begged him to come back and end his miserable life, “Lees, ki-aalll-ee.”
“I won’t kill you,” Alec, once again a man, replied. “You deserve to be helpless for the remainder of your miserable life. You deserve to be as helpless as the young children you’ve abused.”
Gabriella had remained frozen near the front door. She was too frightened to leave, too frightened to investigate the kitchen wh
en she heard the loud cries and screams. Alec went to her, and as he approached, she ran to the angel with arms outstretched.
“You’re an angel…will you protect me from that man? He wants to hurt me…I can see it in his eyes and he frightens me,” she spoke rapidly and with fear until the huge white wings enfolded her. Then, a great peacefulness settled over the young girl.
“You are free, dear Gabriella. We’ll get you safely back to Marianna soon. She’s very worried for you. Do you have anything else to wear?”
Gabriella quickly redressed in the clothing she’d worn when taken, tossing the frilly pajamas on the floor in distaste. When they arrived at the taxi, Alec gave the child the final cell phone he’d purchased. It had only one number stored – the phone he’d given to Lupé. Gabriella spoke to Lupé first and then to Marianna and was directed to the place where they could be reunited. She gave the address to the driver.
“Please make sure she gets safely inside and back to her sister,” Alec said as he paid the driver handsomely for his trouble.
“I will. This has been quite an adventure…So this is why you wanted to follow the cops? To rescue this child? Man, I hate dirty cops. I can’t believe they stole a child,” the cabby, filled with excitement about the evening jabbered as he looked over his shoulder into the backseat. Only the little girl was there.
Alec was gone. His course was now to find the two police officers who had been in Ethan Founders pocket. “I hate dirty cops, too,” he muttered.
Chapter 25
In the meantime, Kenny got word that Heady Fields was dead and the entire operation had been a cluster-fuck. He turned the car back towards the home where he’d dropped off Ethan Founders. He knew better than to interrupt, but he also knew that Mr. Founders would want to know every detail as soon as he was picked up. Kenny waited for the remainder of the hour prescribed and then waited an additional fifteen minutes. When his boss still didn’t come out, he got out of the car and went to the front door.
Harbor City (An Alec Winters Series Book 4) Page 9
