Twisted Retribution

by Donna Arp Weitzman

  He smiled at Sarah.

  Caught off-guard by an odd liking for this stranger, Sarah decided eating with him would cause too much gossip. Sarah Sears had a reputation to guard and secrets to keep. Zach was her only confidant, and somehow she trusted the man-child with her life.

  “No, but thank you,” Sarah said, exchanging a friendly smile with Henry.

  The receptionist was annoyed by now. She did not intend to lose her new lover, especially to an old lady cop. “Come on, Hank,” she said. “Let’s get you something to eat.”

  Henry nodded again at Sarah and followed the girl to one of the empty booths. Henry planned to eat, fuck, and then plan on how he’d get this law lady alone. The stuff he’d do to that cop made him have a bigger than usual hard-on. His animal instincts were in overdrive.

  Sarah’s instincts were also on alert warning her against danger. A single man younger than eighty who was not a homosexual in Nocona, Texas, was intriguing. Going against her gut to steer clear of him, she found herself wanting instead to get to know more about this man.

  ***

  Sarah’s newfound independence severely angered Pete Sears. But leaving her and his beloved Olivia was not an option. Besides, who else would he ever get in this tiny town? No, he’d just put up with his uppity wife until he couldn’t take it anymore. He knew he might explode on her at any time, but she now had a fucking gun and the right to use it.

  “Shit. I’m in a shitload of trouble if I punish the bitch,” Pete told himself one day waiting for Sarah to get home and fix him some dinner. “How’d I let this happen?” He was mad at himself. “Well maybe she’ll get fired, and then I’m gonna be the man I used to be. My old lady needs to pay for what she’s doing to me.”

  A few minutes later, Sarah opened the front door.

  “Hello,” she yelled up the stairs. “You up there, Pete?” Not waiting for an answer, Sarah called out, “Olivia, are you upstairs?”

  Walking downstairs and into the kitchen, Pete answered. “She’s not here. She’s over at the church again.”

  Sarah had gained the upper hand in the Sears household. She wasn’t sure what God would want her to do, but she did know she hated this weak monster. For now, she would continue to lessen her interactions with him.

  “I’ll have dinner ready in a little bit,” she said, reaching for a skillet and opening a drawer of cooking utensils.

  “How about us going to the Dairy Hut instead?” Pete suggested and actually grinned at Sarah. She almost dropped the spatula in her hand. Eating out was very rare in their house. She felt her stomach twinge. Was he leaving her? That was not fathomable. He needed her money, the stability of a good wife, and his daughter. The son of a bitch wasn’t about to leave. But asking if she wanted to eat out was unusual.

  “Okay,” Sarah said slowly and put the spatula back in the drawer. “Let’s go.”

  The Nocona Dairy Hut was situated on the busiest intersection in the town. Virtually any car turning off the state highway and headed downtown had to pass in front of or beside the café. Sarah and Pete sat in a front booth. Anytime the couple sat opposite each other this way, Sarah’s thoughts went back to their honeymoon and the food he smashed in her face. Years later, Sarah still despised this memory and the humility he forced on her.

  People rarely saw the Sears together in public. Plus, her new job caused a little stir wherever she went into town, and they soon noticed other couples were staring at them.

  “What are the assholes staring at?” Pete mumbled.

  “Nothing, just eat,” Sarah answered. She was looking out the glass and away from her husband when she spotted an old blue car slowly pass by. This time she had a good look at the driver, and she swore to herself it was the Arkansas man behind the wheel!

  As Sarah turned down the bedcovers alone later that evening, the stranger she’d met earlier entered her thoughts. “Maybe it’s a coincidence, but I’m gonna find him tomorrow and get more information,” she decided. Her hormones stirred faintly before she fell asleep, but Sarah rested fitfully. Pete spent the night the same way he spent most nights: masturbating to porn. He couldn’t get an erection since Sarah had gained so much control of his mind. He’d only enjoyed sex for his ability to dominate, and now that was gone.

  Meanwhile, Henry drove the streets of Nocona on the way back to the Mooney place, thirsty for the excitement that only rape and murder could satisfy. But this time, he was focused on only one woman: the plain but pretty law woman. Henry was determined to dominate this woman, demean her, and control her. He fantasized that night about fucking her hard and making her suck him. A pretty lady cop, it couldn’t get better than that.

  He awoke the next morning to the sound of Old Lady Mooney’s voice.

  “Get up!” she was yelling through the locked door of his room. “I don’t appreciate you locking the door.”

  Henry despised the old woman more every day.

  “The sun’s up, and you’re not,” she complained. “If you’re gonna work for me, you work when the sun’s up.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Henry answered. “Sorry ‘bout that, Mrs. Mooney!”

  She grunted and walked toward the kitchen.

  After Henry got dressed, he sat down for breakfast with his employer.

  “I’m going to head back to town to pick up a new rake and hoe for the yard,” he said. “I’ll need to drive your truck.”

  “Always something,” the old lady growled. “Didn’t you just go into town yesterday?”

  Becky walked in just then and pulled out a chair at the table.

  “Becky, let’s you and me can some beans from the garden today,” Mrs. Mooney said sweetly.

  “Ain’t never canned before, but I’ll try,” Becky answered just as sweetly back.

  “Yes, you will. And you’ll do just fine.”

  The old lady liked having the girl to keep her company.

  Henry ate his fried eggs and bacon, ignoring the women. Then he hurried out the door armed with an excuse to meet up with Sarah Sears. He knew getting too close was dangerous, but Henry Lee Lucas thrived on danger.

  ***

  The sheriff’s office ran efficiently under Sarah’s watchful eye. Ruby and Zach completed the endless state-required paperwork on time and with little drama. Most infractions involved an abusive husband, a drunk, or a traffic offender. As such, people continued to be comfortably safe and were mostly concerned with petty thefts and the occasional fight, which was usually contained within the offending family. Sheriff Will seemed pleased and only checked in with her from time to time for updates. He had his eye on a promotion and was more focused these days on state level politics since nothing of consequence ever happened in Nocona.

  Small town entertainment was reserved for fall high school football games, winter basketball, and hot summer nights of baseball. Henry liked baseball, the only game he played as a kid. He could see baseball diamond lights from Mrs. Mooney’s house and decided he’d like to watch a few innings before heading back with the old lady’s yard tools he’d picked up in town and thrown into the truck bed.

  He parked Mooney’s rusted-out truck on a side street and watched the teams play from a safe distance. The young boys on the field reminded him of his youth, a time when he lived in terror of his father and was ignored by his mother. Henry was the worst outcome of the family sins.

  Sarah’s route home led her by the baseball fields. Having only a daughter and a mostly reclusive husband, Sarah hadn’t been to a baseball game since childhood. Slowing the patrol car as she neared the lights, she decided to take advantage of the gathering and search for some more leads among the townspeople.

  Always vigilant to his surroundings, Henry saw Sarah’s car approaching in his side mirror. He prepared his psyche to make a friend of the law lady. He rolled down his window and waved at her as she passed.

  Sarah saw Henry.

  “Howdy,” Henry offered.

  “Hello. What brings you out here?” Sarah said, surprise
d to see him and feeling flush. Henry knew she had purposefully sought him out.

  “Nice night, ain’t it?” he asked.

  “Yes, nice night,” Sarah agreed.

  The Little League parents were yelling and clapping loudly nearby, paying no attention to the unlikely duo attempting to bond. They were two lonely misfits, survivors of unseemly acts that had disrupted their potential to live normal lives.

  “Wanna sit in the truck with me and watch a little ball?” Henry inquired, making his move. Sarah Sears knew better to get in a stranger’s vehicle but was strangely drawn to his offer.

  “Okay, but I gotta go home in just a few minutes.”

  “Sure,” Henry said and grinned.

  “Looks like you’re still liking our little town, Hank,” Sarah said to prod the conversation.

  “Yep, it’s looking better all the time.” Henry smiled at Sarah again. She felt a little uncomfortable with his answer. The open windows allowed the hot and muggy air to enter, and both Sarah and Henry were sweating.

  “How about let’s drive through the Dairy Hut and get a cold drink? I’ll bring you right back,” he assured her.

  Sarah fought her instincts but nodded okay. Henry knew the law lady would be his. He’d won over another one.

  Henry joked with the drive-thru lady at the Dairy Hut and ordered. “Two Coke floats, ma’am,” he said politely.

  Sarah watched Henry and thought how nice he seemed. With their drinks in hand, Henry pulled the truck into an empty space in the parking lot. He shut down the engine and turned toward Sarah.

  “What is a pretty law lady like you doing in a truck with a stranger?” He was smiling, his eyes piercing through Sarah’s soul. “Ain’t you married?” Henry was doing all the talking. Sarah looked half-frightened and half-embarrassed.

  “How did I allow myself to get in this position?” she wondered. This was the only man Sarah Sears had ever been alone with other than her husband and Zach. She was confused by her own actions.

  “Yes, I’m married,” she said quietly.

  “Why ain’t you at home by now?” Henry pressed her further.

  Sarah looked down speechless.

  “Bad deal, huh?” Henry inquired, concern in his voice.

  Sarah again slightly nodded, not looking Henry in the eye.

  “He beat you? Slap you around? Cuss you out?” Henry asked, probing her for information he could use.

  Tears welled in Sarah’s eyes.

  Henry knew he’d opened a floodgate. He was pleased with himself. Vulnerable women were his specialty at any age. “Such easy prey,” he thought. But he liked this woman. She wasn’t a slut or a bitch, just in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong man.

  Henry reached for her face, lifted it up toward him, and slightly kissed Sarah on the cheek. She cursed herself for wanting more from this man. Maybe just to hold her and let her cry on his shoulder.

  Henry decided to nurture this encounter and play with his prey until he grew weary. Without a word, he started the engine and drove back toward the game.

  Sarah sat silent—disappointed in herself, but helpless to resist. She knew if this man stayed any length of time in Nocona, Texas, she’d see him again, but she admitted her desire only to herself.

  Henry pulled up beside the patrol car and reached across Sarah to open her door. He brushed her breast, and she caught her breath. He brought out a sexual desire she felt had left her body. Yes, she wanted to know more about this Arkansas traveler.

  “Well, you best be getting home. Good night,” Henry said and touched her hand.

  “Good night,” she said and walked as if in a trance back to her car.

  Under a strange and exciting spell, Sarah couldn’t sleep that night. She thought of this stranger, knowing she would ultimately succumb to him if he chose her. Sarah touched her breast and remembered his forearm brushing against it. She did not know it then, but Sarah was about to make love to a killing animal, a demented soul of Satan.

  Henry laughed out loud, driving the three miles back to Mrs. Mooney’s. Pulling in the graveled drive, Henry was surprised when the headlights revealed Becky sitting in a tiny tree swing. She was mad.

  “You’re always going to town, and I never get to go. I stayed here all day with that old woman and peeled vegetables,” she moaned.

  “Come here, little girl,” Henry said, not wanting Becky’s mood to spoil everything. Becky slid in the truck beside Henry, and he backed out of the driveway.

  Mrs. Mooney was looking out the front window and watched Becky slide into the front seat of her truck, leaning a bit too close to Henry.

  “That doesn’t look like daddy-daughter to me,” the old woman mused under her breath. “Bastard,” she said, thinking of poor Becky. “I may have to get rid of him and finish her raising myself. Bastard!”

  Henry drove about a mile away, pulled over to the side of the dirt road, and decided to butt fuck his little blabbermouth to keep her on track.

  “Roll over on your stomach, little girl. Ever had a butt fuck?” Henry asked.

  “It hurts, Henry,” Becky whimpered.

  “Shut up, cunt. You’re Henry’s slave tonight.”

  Becky knew this wouldn’t be the last time she was a sex slave.

  Henry was slightly irritated. He didn’t want to keep being with Becky like this to keep her quiet. But he didn’t want to kill her either. “Damn, this is a problem!” he told himself.

  “A few more days, little one,” Henry assured her. “We will rob the old bitch and skip town. Be patient with me and keep your mouth shut. Can you do that for your daddy?”

  They both laughed at this ridiculous ruse.

  ***

  Zach was working when Sarah opened the door. No Ruby.

  “Hey, Sarah, Mrs. Grimes called and wants to come by and talk to you. I told her it would be okay this morning. Is that okay?”

  “Sure,” Sarah said and wondered why Alice Grimes would want to talk to her. Alice’s daughter, Amber, and Olivia were friends. Both girls volunteered at the church with Reverend Thomas. Sarah hoped the mom hadn’t caught the teenagers doing drugs.

  Alice arrived a few minutes later and asked Sarah to close the door to her office. She was uncomfortable, and Sarah could tell some bad news was about to come out of the woman’s mouth.

  “What’s wrong, Alice?” Sarah asked.

  Tears were slowly running down Alice’s cheeks when she looked at Sarah and said, “I think my daughter’s been raped.”

  “What? Who?” Sarah asked, sounding incredulous.

  “I don’t know. She won’t tell me. But she’s pregnant.”

  Alice sobbed. In a small Texas town, rape is terrible. But pregnancy is much worse. This would have to be handled quietly, or the entire Grimes family would be shunned.

  “How can I help?” Sarah asked. “Are you sure it was rape?”

  Alice looked hurt by the question, and Sarah was immediately sorry she’d asked.

  “I’ll help any way I can,” Sarah followed up, hoping to smooth things over with the woman.

  Alice stood up, her hurt turning into rage. “Amber is sixteen!” she screamed. “Of course, it was rape!”

  Alice was becoming hysterical. Sarah was relieved that Ruby had gone to a doctor’s appointment. Ruby loved scandal, and teenage pregnancy was great fodder. Zach, however, would keep quiet and do whatever he could to help resolve this matter.

  “Alice, if you get any information out of Amber, let me know. I will be discreet and see if I can find out any information from Olivia or anyone else about who might have done this,” Sarah said.

  “You don’t do anything! No one can find out. Promise me!” Alice responded firmly.

  Sarah agreed, and Alice gathered up her keys and handbag and left crying. Zach looked up and immediately felt sorry for the woman.

  “If it’s rape, I’ll have to kill the asshole,” Sarah thought as she watched Alice walk to her car.

  God wanted her to ri
d the world of sinners. Rapists were the worst. God and Sarah would not abide by animalistic behavior. This is why God gave her this job. Sarah was convinced of this. She planned to go to the high school tomorrow and talk to some of Amber’s teachers.

  ***

  Old Lady Mooney silently seethed against Henry the next morning. After last night, she was convinced he was raping his own daughter. That explained why Becky was so reserved when she came home. Mrs. Mooney struggled with her choices. Should she call the police? Or shut her mouth and tell the no-good drifter to move on? Or just shoot him dead?

  Mrs. Mooney’s family was poor, but they were not criminals. Even though her children had escaped poverty and Nocona, Texas, and although she rarely saw her grandchildren, she was sure they were never abused.

  The old lady didn’t like men much, but she did have an affinity for young girls like Becky.

  “Mrs. Mooney,” Henry called out. “Are you in there?” She was sitting on the threadbare couch after breakfast, watching the morning news shows.

  “What is it?” she barked at Henry.

  Savvy of people’s moods, Henry knew his time at the Mooney house was growing short.

  “Ma’am,” he began, “I could use a few dollars. My car’s nearly empty on gas and, although I appreciate the clothes you gave me, I need to buy some that fit me better.” Henry was planning on wooing Sarah and needed to make a better presentation.

  “I don’t have any cash,” Mrs. Mooney replied. “But my social security check should be in the mail today or tomorrow. I don’t like much about the government, but they are on time most of the time.” Without meaning to, the old woman had made a fatal casual remark.

  Henry’s sinister mind was racing. Old Lady Mooney was a recluse, so who would know if he killed her and then ran, taking her cash with him? But what about that law lady? Raping a sheriff’s deputy was too enticing. Henry even liked the idea of maybe not having to force her; she seemed to like him.

  “Yes, ma’am,” he responded. “You think I could get a little pay when you cash your government check?”