The Wrong Side of Rock Bottom

by Jennifer Foor

  Back at Melissa’s, I gather up Mila and the teddy bear she’s been keeping with her all the time, and head back to the abandoned home we’re squatting in. For now it works. We keep the electric use to a minimum to prevent management from suspecting someone is staying there. I use candles that were left around the house, usually utilizing the electric to ensure Mila and I can have hot water to shower and bathe each day.

  At bedtime, we nestle up together on the queen sized bed, her playing with my longer hair on my head, while I squint and accept the pain. “I missed you so much, Mila.”

  “Daddy, where’s Mommy?”

  She’s asked every single day. Melissa said she asked her several times. My sweet little girl doesn’t understand her mom is never coming back. It breaks my heart all over again to know this for a fact, and also the dire situation we’re now in so we can stay together. “Mommy is an angel. Remember?”

  “But I want her.” Her lip protrudes as she whines.

  “I do too, baby.” I pause for a moment to keep my composure. She can’t see me emotional. It will only confuse her more than she already is. “Are you happy to be with Daddy again?”

  She nods. “Mom Mom go away now?”

  I snicker. “Yeah, she’s gone too.” Just in a different way. “Why? Was she mean to my little princess?”

  “I want Mommy,” she repeats.

  There’s an emptiness in my chest, and with the constant reminder almost like a hammer to my soul, I’m forced to relive that horrible moment over and over. While Mila falls victim to her exhaustion, I lie awake dwelling on all the bad that can still occur.

  I have to be smart. Already having two grand for my vehicle, I want to save at least one more before we can be on our way. If I play my cards right it could be as soon as a couple of months. For now I know we’re hidden, but we’re taking big risks. At any time someone could show up from the management company, or worse, the house could be put up for auction with bankers and people coming daily to check it out. I have to face the facts. This isn’t home. We’re homeless, and on the run. It’s the worst possible place for a child to be, so I have to keep my head on straight and bust my ass to rectify this situation, before I’m in too deep and lose everything I worked so hard to get back.

  Chapter 9

  Nearing a month after kidnapping my own daughter from the care of my in-laws, I’ve managed to save almost every penny I’ve made at the restaurant. With the exception of the few other employees, I keep to myself in the back kitchen.

  My backstory is easy. To the people I work with, I’m married with two kids. I’ve used a picture of Melissa’s oldest child as my second to keep them from wondering. When I show pictures of Mila they are always while she’s playing with the other kids, or from the side. I can’t risk someone seeing the resemblance of the girl on television.

  For the most part it’s getting easier, but I refuse to let my guard down. I’m not that comfortable where we are. Winter is coming, and I’ve learned that during those months a company will come in to winterize each bank owned property. With that in mind, I know we will no longer have the use of plumbing, plus, the heat will be turned down to fifty, which will never be enough to keep my daughter comfortable and healthy.

  We’ve got about a month to figure out when and where I’ll be taking us to, and so far, no woman to include in the plan.

  It’s not that I can’t get a woman. I know how to flirt, and make a lady feel wanted. I’m just not that interested in being with someone. It’s hard letting go of someone I thought I’d be spending the rest of my life with.

  Just this past week I had a female stop me as I was heading out of the restaurant. She asked me for directions, and I swear she looked at me like she wanted to know me, but turned and walked away.

  The following day I spotted her eating at the restaurant when I came in for my shift. Our eyes met for a split second, but I quickly hurried behind the counter to keep from having a conversation. I can’t complicate things, and I certainly don’t have the nerve to chance a fast fuck for what I’m trying to do. She’s obviously new to the area, because I’ve never seen her before in my life, and trust me, she’s hot enough to warrant any man’s attention.

  It’s another Friday, which means a couple of things. Melissa’s husband will be home after a week’s worth of tractor trailer deliveries. The management company will be around during the day to check on the status of the property I’m squatting in.

  Mila and I head out into the forest to picnic and enjoy the nature until the management team vacates, then I have plans to make her a nice dinner that doesn’t contain red sauce, since I’ve been bringing home food from work whenever I get the chance.

  I’ve located a nearby stream full of crawfish. At first my daughter is scared to see little critters, but after I show her they are harmless she’s intrigued. While I sit watching her play in the couple inches of moving water, I think about being alone. I wonder if it’s possible to live off the land, but know preventing her from normal human contact will leave her neglected from the most important part of growing up. There are also a few instances that cause me to wonder if I’ve made the right decision by taking her.

  Quality time with Mila reminds me that I’m going to be doing this parenting thing alone and it scares the shit out of me, but I don’t have a choice. I’ve lowered my expectations, coming to terms with the fact that a willing woman isn’t going to fall out of the sky. I can’t hide and be on the prowl for a lady friend. As much as I’d like to feel the touch of another, I’m not about to be distracted. We’re weeks out of leaving the country. Hell or high water, it’s going to happen, even if I have to cut my daughter’s beautiful locks and call her a boy to make it happen.

  We play in the woods until the sun starts to set. The manager of the property had been mowing the grounds, taking longer than his usual quick inspection. After checking to make sure the driveway is empty, we head toward the rear of the home.

  Entering through the back door, I come face to face with a woman I immediately recognize. Panicked, I spin to take Mila and run, only to have her call out for me. “You don’t have to be afraid.”

  On the verge of losing it, I turn back to see her approaching. Her hair is long and dark. She’s about five six, with long curvaceous legs. Full lips lead me to scan her beautiful facial features again, but I’m not distracted by her looks. I cling to my daughter as she remains asleep. “What do you want? Who the hell are you, and why are you here? Did you follow me?”

  She scans the room, taking her time while answering. “This used to be my house.”

  I do a double take. “What?”

  I watch her calm demeanor change. “I haven’t been here in years, not since the accident. Do you know about my family?”

  Then I think I get it. “You’re the daughter?” It can’t be that simple. I refuse to believe it.

  She extends her hand. At first I don’t respond. Ignoring the woman, I gently place Mila on the sofa to allow her to continue napping. When I return my gaze, I notice the strange woman is still in the same spot. She’s uncomfortable, looking from me to Mila. For a second I wonder if I can grab Mila and get out of there without her following. Drastic times call for drastic measures. If this chick isn’t who I think she is then she’s here to turn me in. I need to figure it out, and fast.

  My heart is racing, and I’m itching to get the hell out of dodge, but in case she’s not the enemy I don’t want to act guilty of anything except hanging out in a house I don’t belong in.

  Choosing to sit on the edge of the sofa while I figure out what is going to happen, I take in a heavy breath and start the conversation. “You have every right to be freaked out.”

  “I’m not. It’s cool.” She looks around again. I take in her outfit. Leather jacket, stopping at her small waist. A low cut top displaying her cleavage, with a tight pair of pants accentuating every curve God gave her. I can’t be sure, but I think she’s got a hint of purple in her dark, almost black hair.
It’s halfway down her back, touching the base of her ass. As she turns I can’t help but take a peek. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in the presence of a beautiful woman. Her copper colored eyes narrow in on mine. “Have you been here long?”

  “A couple hours,” I lie. “I manage the property.” I keep making up what seems like a legitimate excuse. On the inside I’m freaking out. I’m ready for her to scream or call the cops, so I keep feeding her the story. “My daycare provider was sick today, and my wife is in the hospital, so I had to bring little Willa with me. She fell asleep while I was outside looking around.”

  She extends her hand again, but instead of expecting me to shake it, she quickly puts it back into her pocket. “My name is Sadie and you are?”

  “Ryan,” I manage.

  Her brow cocks, like she’s suspicious again. Being paranoid doesn’t make this encounter easy to manage.

  “I know you’re lying, Ryan. I met the maintenance man earlier. He gave me permission to look around the house before the auction takes place next month. There were a couple things my father said he left behind, reminders of my mother, so I’ll give you another chance to tell me why you’re here.”

  Shit!

  She pulls out her phone, alarming me. I rush over to Mila, picking her up like I’m about to bail through the back door and never look behind me.

  “I’ll leave,” I announce. “I shouldn’t be here.”

  She seems calm, unlike someone who would see me as a criminal or someone dangerous. “Do you mind telling me what you’re doing in a foreclosed home? You running from something?” She giggles. “Don’t tell me, you’re a pedophile who takes little girls and kills them in abandoned houses?” She means it as a joke, but I’m offended. I’m not a sicko.

  “No. She’s my kid and I’d never even consider something so heinous.”

  The more I look at this woman, the more I notice how young she appears. She can’t be any older than twenty-one. I pictured a younger girl staying in the bedroom upstairs, while this girl hasn’t been a child in a long time.

  “Are you here because you want to buy the house? Were you scoping it out before anyone else could?”

  I shrug. “It has good bones. I like the property. It’s good for children.”

  “That’s what my parents thought too.”

  “What about you?” I change the subject, feeling less obligated to rush out. “Are you running from something?” I counter. “Is that what brought you back to this place?”

  She starts poking around at items on the fireplace mantel. “I’m not running from anything. I haven’t been here since I was a kid. I never expected someone would be here. My dad passed away last month. Liver failure. I swore I’d never come back to this place because of the memories, but now that he’s gone I’ve gotten curious.”

  “I should probably be heading out. It was a mistake to think my daughter could nap here. It must look like we’re squatters.”

  Picking up Mila, and ignoring all of our items I’ll need to leave behind and grab later, I start heading for the back door.

  “I saw you in town, right? That pizza place?”

  I stop. I’d rather her recognize me from that then the news. “Yeah. I work there.”

  “I thought so. I never forget a face.”

  “Yeah, well nice to meet you. We better be getting home now.”

  With nothing but the clothes on our backs, I saunter into the woods to get away from the mystery woman as fast as I can.

  Melissa isn’t home after taking a roundabout route to her house. She’s left the keys in the pickup truck I’ve been using, with a note attached to the driver’s seat.

  Went on a route with the hubby. Be back Sunday night. Use the truck if you need it. – Melissa

  I sigh, realizing we’re probably going to have to sleep in it, until I can get back into the farmhouse and gather my things, including all my saved money.

  Chapter 10

  It’s been a couple hours since leaving the house. Approaching from the woods again, I place my key into the back door. Mila follows behind me, probably thinking we’re heading inside for the night. I crouch down and tell her to stay in the kitchen while I run upstairs. I’m rounding the corner when I see Sadie sitting on the steps. She’s got my duffle bag in her hand, and her cell phone in the other.

  My eyes widen as I suddenly realize what’s happening. “You know…” I stumble on the words.

  “Yeah, I do.” She darts in my direction, as if she’s going to push me around. I back up, hoping I can make a beeline for the kitchen in order to take Mila and run. Before I make it to the kitchen she continues. “I know you’ve been staying here with your kid. Are you homeless or something?”

  Wait? Homeless? Not a kidnapper? She doesn’t know.

  I gradually turn in her direction, hearing the patter of feet coming my way from behind. “I can explain,” I say.

  She shakes her head, a guffaw escaping her lips. “Why? Where is her mother?”

  I sigh. “She’s gone.” Knowing I can’t tell her the truth, I make something up. “She got addicted to drugs and ran off with some scumbag. She used our rent money to feed her habit. I came home one day to our stuff out on the lawn. I couldn’t afford anything else, and I knew about this place being abandoned. I figured I wasn’t hurting anyone if we stayed here until I could save up enough for a security deposit and first months payment for a new apartment.” The idea of my story is believable. It makes every bit of sense.

  “Don’t you have family?”

  “My mother left when I was a kid, married some dude and started a new family across the country. My dad is dead,” I lie again. I pick Mila up as I finish. “It’s just the two of us.” Then I get to the important question I can’t keep from asking. “Did you call the cops?”

  “No.”

  “Are you planning on it, because she’s all I have left. If I get arrested she’ll go into foster care. I’ll leave tonight and never come back if you just give me my bag. Everything I own is in it.”

  “I know. I went through it when I suspected it was yours. As far as calling the cops, well that’s not going to happen. I’m not exactly in a good place right now with authorities, so that’s why I’m asking.”

  I shield Mila as I give her the same sort of questioning back. “Why? Are you a criminal?” What if she’s here for the same reason I am?

  “Are you?” She counters.

  “Do I look like a criminal to you? I’m just a man trying to keep my daughter safe.” Playing it off is easier than coming clean. I’m getting antsy, paranoid, and feeling as if at any second the FBI is going to show up and end my life.

  I sense hostility as words escape her in a regretful sort of tone. “I have a record. Drugs mostly.” She stands as if she’s said too much, tosses me the bag and heads for the back door.

  I don’t know why I care, or what difference it will make, but I find myself calling out to her before she can disappear into the dark of the night. “What was your poison?”

  She stops, but refuses to turn around. I watch a set of manicured nails tap at the door frame while her body lingers between it. “Oxy’s. Adderall. Sometimes other things like Molly, not that it’s any of your business.”

  “Are you clean?”

  She glances backward, looking right at me, but says nothing.

  “I know what it’s like, the struggle, the constant burning deprivation you feel. I’ve been through the withdraws. It’s tough.”

  She still refuses to turn around. “I owe my dealer a lot of money. I skipped town when I heard he came to the house. This was the only place I could think of coming where no one would be able to find me.”

  I let Mila down, because I don’t feel threatened. This girl is running. She has no clue who I am. “So this was your house, you said?”

  “Yeah. A long time ago. Obviously the bank owns it now.”

  “Do you want us to leave?” Even though neither of us have a right to be here, it’s mor
e her place than mine. Besides, even though I feel better about this chick, I can’t trust anyone, even when I can understand her problems.

  She shrugs, then looks down at Mila. “She’s really cute. It sucks you lost your house.”

  “The house can be replaced. My wife, well that’s never going be fixed. She may as well be dead.” I know I’m wearing my heart on my sleeve when I mention Etherly, but I can’t help it. She’s gone. It’s only been a couple of months. I’ll never get over it.

  Sadie doesn’t answer. Instead she stares down at her hands like she doesn’t want to hurt my feelings. I head in her direction to gather my bag, only to have her voice catch me off guard. “Do you drink beer? I’ve got a twelve pack in the car. I wasn’t sure the power would be on, so I brought a cooler to keep some food in. I wasn’t sure how long I’d be able to hide out here.”

  I shrug. “Sure, if you feel like company with a stranger.”

  Our eyes meet and she finally breaks her tough demeanor and smiles. “Am I crazy if I ask you to stay, at least for tonight? This place freaks me out, and you seem pretty harmless. I mean, I’ve never heard of a serial killer who brings a toddler along for shits and giggles.”

  I’m awkward from lack of practice, so I can already tell I must seem like some creep who isn’t stable. “It would be easier for me to look for another place in the morning anyway. Mi…Willa goes to bed in a couple hours. We’ve been sleeping in the master bedroom, but I’ll stay on the couch if that’s okay.”

  “I don’t want that room. You’re welcome to it. Keep your little girl comfortable.”

  “Thanks.” I’m unsure what I’m supposed to talk to this woman about. We don’t know each other, and since we’re both on the run from some sort of trouble, it’s not exactly a good idea to share life stories.