by KR Bankston
*****
“Where you been,” Mook asked angrily as Kim walked in the suite and he took in the dress he told her not to wear. Looking at her face, his anger quickly left as he saw her red rimmed eyes.
“Baby, what’s wrong,” Mook asked coming to her and hugging her tightly as she began to cry again. “Kim, what’s wrong, did someone hurt you, what the hell,” Mook tried getting frustrated that she wasn’t talking. “Baby, say something, shit,” he told her almost at his breaking point.
Managing to gather herself she handed him the journal.
“What’s this,” Mook asked giving her another look.
Kim rose and walked to the bathroom without a word, washing her face and blowing her nose before she came back into the bedroom where Mook was still sitting the worried look on his face.
“Will you please talk to me Kim, what the hell is going on,” he asked the stress in his voice evident.
Kim took a deep breath and sat down telling Mook about her day and how it all came about. She told him about Hope Cisneros, about her brother Carlo and about Lauren. She sat silently as Mook read the journal himself at her prompting. He got up grabbing the bottle of Jose from the dresser and turning it up, making a substantial dent in the barely opened bottle before setting it back down. Kim could see the raw fury etched on his face.
“What kind of sick ass sonofabitch rapes his own damned 12 year old daughter,” he asked tightly, his eyes boring into Kim’s.
Waiting until he’d calmed slightly she told him the rest of the story, repeating what had been told to her earlier this evening by Hope.
“Later that night,” Kim began as Mook continued to watch and listen. “After he raped her, Carlo dragged Auriel, her mother, into Lauren’s bedroom,” she told him as Mook held the Jose bottle now, taking small shots as she talked. “He had beaten her almost past the point of recognition,” Kim began anew. “He woke Lauren up and made her watch as he cut her mother’s throat and shot her point blank in the head,” she got out before taking a breath needing to collect herself again.
Mook’s head was spinning. This was movie type shit. He’d heard of Hangman. Heard he was a crazy muthafucka and after hearing the things Kim was telling him, he believed every legend.
“That wasn’t the end though,” she started again as Mook continued to endure. “For the next four years her made Lauren live as his wife. He had sex with her nightly. He gave her liquor and kept her drunk while he abused her,” Kim told Mook as he continued to breathe hard. “He taught her to sell drugs, contract hired killings, and launder money. He even taught her how to kill,” Kim told Mook. “She endured that hell until the Feds finally busted him and she was 16 years old,” she told him. “Hope, her aunt,” Kim went on with the story. “Tried to get custody, but Carlo wouldn’t sign consent, so she had to go to court and fight,” Kim took another breath. “In the meantime, Lauren was in counseling and at first refused to talk about any of it. The therapists worked with her non stop until she finally broke and told the entire story of what had happened.” Kim told Mook as he finally said something.
“So why didn’t she end up with the Aunt,” he asked as Kim heard the hurt mix with his anger.
“The courts were slow, you know how the legal system is,” Kim explained. “She got tired of waiting and ran away, believing her Aunt was just making excuses and really didn’t want her,” she told him as Mook nodded.
“How did the name come about,” he asked curiously.
Kim smiled slightly. “Kaitlyn Ross was her therapist,” she told him calmly. “She simply stole the woman’s name, added a middle initial and lived her life since then,” she finished as Mook digested everything he’d just heard.
“So KiKi doesn’t remember any of this shit,” Mook asked.
Kim explained to him what Hope told her.
“Dr. Ross said that right before Lauren ran away, maybe a few months, she wouldn’t discuss it anymore. She had a complete life made up and that was the fantasy she lived in. She wouldn’t acknowledge even knowing Carlo or her own mother Auriel for that matter,” Kim explained. “Hope thinks that over the years her true identity has been repressed so deeply, Lauren actually believes her own fantasy.”
“Shit,” Mook murmured.
“We hafta tell Tariq,” Kim told him as Mook closed his eyes and sighed deeply.
“She needs help, Mook,” she tried to convince him. “If she doesn’t deal with that trauma she’s gonna explode and hurt either herself or everyone around her,” Kim pleaded.
Mook knew she was right, he just didn’t know how they were going to tell the man. This was his wife. The woman he loved. The woman he’d shared a child with.
“We hafta tell him soon,” Kim prodded.
She was recalling Kaitlyn’s strange behavior at Mardi Gras and knew there time wasn’t long. Kaitlyn was set for a meltdown and they all needed to be prepared when she did.
*****
Shells was readying himself for the trip tomorrow. He had his arsenal spread across the king-size bed deciding which weapons he was taking. His gut told him there would be trouble, and Shells always believed in being prepared. He selected two .380’s, a .10mm, and his desert eagle. He would take the AK-47 as well in case any industrial sized bullshit kicked off. After cleaning and reloading the weapons, Shells packed them into his duffle bag and sat them next to the door. He put his other duffle with his clothes and personal items there as well. He could simply grab them on his way out in the morning, no time wasted. He’d gotten their departure time from Tariq. Shells needed to be in place at least an hour before they left so he could inconspicuously follow them. He was changing vehicles now that Tae had made the Hummer. Thinking about her brought a small smile to his face as Shells recalled her visit.
The answer to his earlier irritation hit him like a lightning bolt as he smoked another blunt and relaxed. He was angry with her for putting herself in danger true, but he was angrier that she was seeing some dealer or other. He knew there was a man waiting in the Bayou. He’d seen the flowers when he checked her apartment while she was out. Shells had to admit he found Tae very attractive and wanted to get to know her much better. Not until she stop bein’ stupid and tryna run dope and shit, his mind told him as Shells hissed aloud. His mind was set on ending the affiliation between her and her drug dealer, Kareem, while they were there this weekend. How you gonna do that, his mind questioned as the malevolent smiled crossed Shells face. His cell vibrated with the message from Tariq. Answering him, Shells turned the instrument off and lay down. He needed to sleep so he would be alert and refreshed tomorrow. There was work to do.
*****
Ian arrived at the house and found it empty. That’s odd, he thought using the key they’d given him. Walking inside Ian looked around seeing all the broken furniture and papers that littered the dining room.
“What the hell happened in here,” he mumbled aloud calling out for Seth, Peyton or Brie. Getting no response, Ian began wandering through the house. Knocking lightly on Brie’s door, he got no response. He knocked again more forcefully seeing the light under the door.
“Brie, its Ice, open the door,” he said through the closed wood. “Brie, are you alright,” Ian inquired becoming worried.
Still, he received no response. Stepping back, Ian used his foot and kicked the door open revealing the empty room and the broken window. What the fuck is going on, Ian continued to think as the headlights driving up broke his thought and he went back toward the front door.
The knock came just as Ian reached the door. Opening it, he was met by the local sheriff’s deputy.
“I’m looking for Gabrielle,” he told Ian eyeing him suspiciously.
“She’s not here,” he replied calmly.
The deputy sighed deeply as Ian asked if there was a message.
“There’s been an accident,” he told him as Ian frowned slightly. “I guess old Seth and Peyton went out fishing,” he began as Ian got a sinking feeling. “Boat turned
over and neither one was wearing a life jacket,” he went on and Ian knew what the next words would be.
“Did they survive,” Ian asked, as the deputy lowered his head and shook it in the negative.
“I’ll make sure I tell her when she gets home,” Ian told him as the deputy thanked him and left him to his business.
Damn, Ian thought once again heading into the dining room. Something had obviously happened before the whole fishing trip. Picking up various papers, Ian began to read and put together what may have triggered the incident. He saw that Seth had basically taken over the operation and cut Peyton out. I’m sure that didn’t go over well, Ian surmised. Still even if they fought, it didn’t answer the question of Brie’s whereabouts. Ian sighed deeply pushing it out of his mind for now. He grabbed some clothing, deciding that wherever Brie was she wasn’t coming home tonight, and left the house heading for the hotel. He needed to be in place when Kaitlyn arrived tomorrow afternoon. He was sorry about Peyton and Seth, having formed a genuine like for them, but nothing, absolutely nothing, was going to get in the way of his getting Kaitlyn back tomorrow, Ian thought getting into his own car and leaving the dark and empty house.
22
Shells was waiting patiently as the women packed their things into the truck and readied themselves to leave. They were all giggling and playing around as they threw various duffle and garment bags into the trucks cargo area. Finally loaded, they got into the truck, Tae driving, and pulled out of the driveway. Shells started his vehicle and followed after they’d gotten around the corner. He was in no rush knowing the route they would need to take to reach the interstate. He was in his Chevy today, the new Malibu to be exact, a soft powder blue color with custom wheels. There was nothing spectacular about it to make it stand out enough to be noticed, unlike the Hummer. He watched as Tae stopped at the local QuickTrip and Kaitlyn went inside to pay for the gas and grab whatever snacks she wanted, he assumed. He saw Tae looking around over her shoulder and knew she was looking for his truck. Satisfied they weren’t being followed she returned her attention to the gas pump and began to fill the truck.
Shells liked looking at her. She was a beautiful woman, and he loved the vibrant green sundress she was wearing. It was fitted so it hugged all her curves. Shells loved looking at her butt when she turned around to answer a question Jaleesa had asked. Sexy woman, Shells continued think as his mind fell on Kareem and removing him from Tae’s life. Sighing deeply Shells didn’t think about it any further. He would do what he had to do to ensure she didn’t transport any more dope for this loser and that she and the other ladies all remained safe. Kaitlyn returned and Shells chuckled seeing the cheetos and coke in her hand. Tariq had laughingly told him about his wife’s favorite snack. He knew the man loved her; there was no doubt in his mind about that. She need to stop lyin’ to her man, Shell’s thought, making up his mind to tell Tariq about his wife’s activities once they all met up in the Bayou. Finished with the gas pump, Tae placed the nozzle back in its holder and looked around again. Shells continued to observe her unnoticed until she got back into the truck and started it once more, turning and heading for the interstate. The women were laughing and talking obviously and listening to music as he followed watching them bob up and down melodically. Reaching the highway, Tae turned onto the on ramp, as did Shells, the Malibu never given a second thought as the truck ahead of him picked up speed and the trip began.
*****
Ice was up early, his anxiety level high. Looking at the clock he saw it was already after 10:00AM. They should be on their way, he thought heading for the shower to begin his day. He stopped and called room service ordering breakfast. He also tried calling Brie again, but continued to get voicemail. Ian began to worry that something might really be wrong and decided he would check into it after he dressed. He still had a few hours before Kaitlyn arrived and he came to see her. Stepping under the steaming spray Ian let his mind wander as he showered. He thought about the last five years and being locked inside the filthy mental hospital. He thought about the torturous electroshock he endured. The endless probing and overmedicating they forced on him; all in an effort to destroy his mind. That shit didn’t work, Ian continued to think finishing his task and exiting the shower.
Looking at his reflection in the mirror he began to worry for the first time since putting his plan into action. What if she doesn’t want to be with me, his mind threw at him. Ian had to remember it had been years since she’d seen him. There was no telling what horrible things Tariq had planted in her mind over the years. Ian had to also shoulder the blame for some terrible things he himself had done to Kaitlyn in the past. Thinking of her rejecting him saddened him deeply and he prayed it wasn’t the case. He wanted Kaitlyn to remember the love they shared. To remember how good her life had been with him when they were together and he gave her the world. He wanted her to love him back and them to have the life that was stolen away from them by Tariq and his lies.
“I am going to blow his brains out,” Ian said angrily aloud, finally dressed and heading out the door.
He would make one more run by the house and see if Brie were there. Then he had to get back and be in place. Ian would only get one chance this easy and he wasn’t going to blow it, not for any reason. Settling the matter in his mind, he picked up his room key and headed out.
*****
Gabrielle woke in a panic before taking in her surroundings and relaxing once again. You should at least let Seth know you’re all right, her conscience threw at her. She wanted to call, but she was terrified. What if Seth found her again? Would he kill her like he killed Peyton? What were they arguing about that became so violent? Gabrielle had so many questions but no answers. Jaron came into the room interrupting her thoughts as she looked up and smiled at him.
“Good morning,” he greeted her sweetly.
“Hi Jaron,” Gabrielle returned as he smiled at her knowing his name.
“Do you need to call someone and let them know you’re all right,” he asked looking at her closely.
Gabrielle told him she would, but not right now.
“OK baby,” Jaron returned, not pushing.
She hadn’t given him any further explanation about last night and he hadn’t asked. “Why don’t you go ahead and shower, then we can go eat,” he told her as Gabrielle frowned slightly.
“I don’t have anything to wear,” she returned as Jaron nodded thoughtfully.
The escape last night had definitely been impromptu.
“Give me your sizes and I’ll go get you something to wear out, and then we’ll do some shopping,” he told her as Gabrielle smiled and thanked him. After getting the information he asked for, Jaron left her alone, telling her he would return shortly. He gave her the spare cell he had and told her to make the calls she needed too while he was out. Gabrielle sighed deeply after hearing the front door close and lock as she still held the cell phone deciding if she would call or not. Who else can I call, she continue musing as Ian came to mind. She dismissed that thought knowing Ian and Seth were close and her brother could possibly talk the man into believing that they needed to come get her again. Gabrielle continued to wrack her mind until she thought of someone, and dialed the number.
“Hello,” Zeke answered, not recognizing the number.
“Zeke, this is Gabrielle,” she told him calmly trying to keep the fear out of her voice. “Girl, I sure am glad to hear from you,” he threw back excitedly.
Gabrielle began to get anxious. What if Seth was there?
“Did you hear what I said,” Zeke inquired after getting no response.
Gabrielle reeled her thoughts in and apologized for not listening the first time, asking him to repeat what he said.
“I said there’s been an accident,” he told her as she asked what and Zeke paused before speaking.
“Maybe you better come on home and I’ll tell ya,” he tried as Gabrielle sighed deeply and told him to just tell her now.
Zeke went on to t
ell her about the boating accident and that both Seth and Peyton drowned. Gabrielle covered her mouth with her hand as the tears ran down her cheek. She already knew Peyton was dead, but Seth was a complete shock to her.
“They find the bodies,” she asked softly.
Zeke told her they had recovered one, but suspected the gators had gotten to the other.
“Which one,” Gabrielle asked as the knot began to tighten in her stomach. “Don’t know, Sheriff will only release that information to you,” he replied as Gabrielle thanked him and disconnected just as he asked where she was.
Jaron returned moments later with an outfit, complete with shoes. She showered and dressed, speaking as they were walking out of the door.
“I need to call the coroner when we get back,” she said calmly as Jaron gave her a look.
Gabrielle told him the whole story as they rode and Jaron listened intently.
“Relax baby, you’re safe now,” he told her earnestly as they stopped at the restaurant, parking in an available safe.
“Your old life is behind you, we’re together now and that’s all you need to worry about,” he finished as she smiled again and his world brightened.
Kissing her softly, Jaron got out walking to her side and opening the door. He made a mental note to ask her about her cycle later.
*****
“Hey Kim,” Tariq greeted her smiling. Kim mustered up the best smile she could and greeted him back, hugging him gently.
“You came to see your man off,” he teased as Mook smiled slightly himself.
They’d barely slept last night, dreading having to tell him all the things they’d discovered. Mook had almost backed out at the last minute, wanting to wait until they came back from the Bayou to disclose it. Kim had convinced him they didn’t have that kind of time, replaying for him the conversation she and Kaitlyn had at Mardi Gras. “Top, we gotta talk to you before we leave,” Mook told him seriously as Tariq regarded them both, perplexed.
