LETHAL OBSESSION (19 page)

      “You
know, Ellen, I have a better idea than that.  Let’s take these papers and go
see Patrick together.  Believe it or not I am on your side.”

      She
looked at him incredulously.  “Really?”

      “Yeah,
really. Come on, let’s go. We can take my truck.” Gene called in to his
deputy.  “I’ll be gone for awhile.”

      Ellen
stood at Gene’s truck, not believing his change in attitude. Something deep in
her gut didn't feel quite right. “Aren’t you still working?  Why are we taking
the truck instead of your patrol car?”

      “I’m
going on home after we get this legal stuff settled.”

      It
didn’t take long for Ellen to realize they were headed out of town and not to
the courthouse.  She turned to look at Gene. “Where are you going?”

      “I
thought we’d take a little detour.  Patrick is probably in court. It might be
better to catch up with him first thing in the morning.”                                                         

      Ellen’s
heart started pounding.  She couldn’t tell if it was from anger or fear.  There
was a time when she trusted this man with her life.  That time has long gone.

      “So,
where are we going, Gene?”

      “To
a place where we can talk without a lot of interference.”

      “What
do we have to say to each other? 

      Gene
looked over at her.  “There is a lot I want to say to you, Ellen.”

      As
they drove up into the hills, Ellen realized he was taking her to his remote
cabin.  Her hand went to the door handle.  She gauged her chances of getting
away without killing herself.  There was a steep drop off as Ellen peered out
the window into oblivion.  Gene seemed to read her thoughts.

      “Don’t
even think about it, Ellen.  We’re going to have our little chat in private
whether you like it or not.  You know, there was a time when you trusted me.”

      She
glared at him in chilly silence. It didn’t matter if her body and soul belonged
to Rick.  Gene could still rape her and get away with it.  He owned the town. 
Nobody would challenge him except maybe Rick who Gene would probably squash
like a bug. Oh my God, if Rick knew about this he would be livid.         After
several tense minutes of driving in icy silence, Gene pulled into the front
yard of his property and killed the engine.  He got out of the truck and came
over to her side, opening the door.  Ellen sat rigid, staring at him.

      “Look
Princess, it would be a lot more comfortable inside.  It’s damn cold out here. 
I can have a fire going in five minutes.”

      “How
long am I going to be your prisoner?”

      Gene
rubbed his forehead.  “I really wish you wouldn’t look at it like that.”

      They
passed the broken swing still perched on the porch floor.

      “Remember
that?”

      Ellen
had nothing to say.  It was ions ago when she thought he was available for
something real.  Now the thought of being alone with Gene was so repugnant,
Ellen could hardly stand to have him near her.  Her cell phone rang but Gene
snatched it away from her looking at the display.  He powered the phone down
with his thumb.

      “You’re
not talking to him today.  You’re with me.”

      “I’m
certainly your captive.  So you really hate your brother in law that much.”

      “Ellen,
I've told you before that you don't belong with him.  It's got nothing to do
with how I feel about him.”  He raised his hands looking agitated as he
approached her.         

      She
braced herself, determined not cower or show fear.  His hands went to her
shoulders. “I’m going to start a fire.  Don’t think about running.  You would
freeze to death lost up here, and you wouldn’t get very far.  Why don’t you see
what there is to eat in the fridge.

      “I’m
not hungry. Let’s just get this fiasco over with.”

      Ellen
sat on the couch while he built a fire.  She watched him wary deer watches a
wolf.  When the fire was crackling, Gene joined Ellen on the couch.

      “Okay,
so you wanted to talk.  Start talking, Gene.”

      His
hands went to her face as his calloused fingers stroked her soft skin.  Ellen
steeled herself not to pull away. “I've told you this before but it bears
repeating. I have fallen in love with you, Ellen. I think it happened the night
of the crash.  It’s killing me that you have turned to another man.”  He picked
up her ring finger staring at the diamond.

      “You’re
unavailable.  Rick wants to give me a life and I am in love him.”

      “Did
you ever love me?”

      “I
think I could have but not with you being married.”

      “I
can divorce Martha.”

      “Perhaps
your wife’s feelings mean nothing to you but they mean everything to me.  I could
never live with myself accepting you under those conditions.  And you’re
forgetting the fact I love another man who just happens to be your wife’s
brother.”

      “So
what you’re saying is the only way I can have you is to just take you, right?”

      Ellen
shrugged. “You’re stronger, bigger and we’re in your home.  What can I do about
it?”

      “You
can relax and enjoy it with me.”

      “That
isn’t going to happen, Gene.”

      “We’ll
see about that.”

      Gene
had her in his arms before she could make a move.  He carried Ellen to the four
poster bed as they sank into the soft, feather mattress.  His breathing was
ragged as he kissed her still, unresponsive lips.  Gene's hands reached under
her clothes.  His touch was gentle but Ellen felt nothing but revulsion. She forced
herself to go limp like a corpse, offering no resistance or response.  Ellen
laid beneath him, eyes closed, totally lifeless.

      After
a few minutes Gene sat up and stared at Ellen who looked like she was in a
coma. His manhood had shrunk to the size of a peanut.  Damn her to hell, he
thought.  Gene had been so convinced Ellen

would
become aroused and participate he had forgotten just how stubborn and
determined this woman really was. Even if she fought tooth and nail it would be
preferable to this. Gene resisted the urge to slap her, to do anything to get a
response. His rage was such that if he hit her once he might not be able to
stop.

      Coming
off the bed he growled.  “Get up and get in the truck. That’s hitting below the
belt and you know it. Damn you, Ellen. You really know how to hurt a guy.”

      Ellen
rolled off the bed without speaking or making eye contact.  With a bland
expression, she arranged her clothes and sedately walked out the front door
past the downed swing and got in the truck. 

      On
the ride back to town, there was nothing but icy silence.  Ellen turned her
back to Gene and stared out the window.  She was able to stop him from raping
her.  Ellen couldn't keep this from Rick but God how she hated to tell him. If
he came after Gene, Ellen feared he could get hurt really bad. Could she keep
this secret from Rick to protect him?

      Gene
pulled up next to her car in the parking lot.  He switched off the ignition and
turned to look at her. “I don’t know what to say, Ellen. I didn’t want it to
end like this.”

      “It
ended when I met your wife.”  She held out her hand.  Give me the papers on
Heather’s abuse case, please.”

      “I
don’t think I can let you go.”

      “I
don’t think you have a choice, Gene.” She opened the door to his truck and
walked away without looking back.                                        

      Gene
sat alone at his desk doing a slow burn. “Son of a bitch,” he muttered. The
only woman he envisioned a life with was snatched from under his nose by his
despised brother in law. And now Ellen is planning to build an abuse shelter. Oh
yeah, word spread like wild fire in this small town.  The last thing this town
needs is a shelter for women and children. Heather had been getting beat up by
her old man for as long as they’d been hitched. He even walloped her when he
was her boyfriend. Of all times for Ellen to drive by, he thought.  Now the
whole damn mess has gotten way out of hand.                   

      He
smacked his fist into his palm.  Poor ole Raymond, he ain’t got the money to
fight this thing.  So he gets drunk and roughs his wife up a bit.  So what? 
Damn women, damn stupid women. 

Gene
did not want to dwell on the true reason for his foul mood.  Ellen had rejected
him in the worst way possible for another man.  For that he would never forgive
her or Richard.

      Gene
sat at his desk brooding. Then it hit him.  A smile came over his face.  Of
course, why hadn’t he thought of it before?  Sometimes community projects that
help the down trodden can win over a lot of voters.  The churchy people love
that sort of thing.

      Gene
pushed his intercom button.  “Mary Jo, get the mayor on the line for me, will
ya?” 

      “Mayor
Mulrooney is on line two, Sheriff.”                  

      Gene
picked up the phone. 

      “Yo
Don. How’s everything going?  The family? Yeah, they’re fine. Right now I could
use a big favor, Donald boy.  Figure you owe me, remember?”

      Ellen
tried hard to hide her trauma of the afternoon but she should’ve known better. 
Rick knew her better than she knew herself.

      “When
are you going to tell me?”

      “Tell
you what?”

      Rick
just looked at her and smiled.

      “Okay,
but you have to promise me not to do anything stupid.”

      "I
try not to do those kinds of things. We promised no secrets, remember?  Come
here.” When he took Ellen in his arms it opened the flood gates.  For a long
time Rick just held her while she sobbed.       When the storm had passed she
looked at him as he wiped the tears from her eyes.  To have found this
wonderful man, her life was truly blessed.

      “I
went to see Gene today to get Heather’s domestic abuse processed through the
DA’s office.”  She felt Rick Stiffen. I guess I should’ve waited until you
could come with me.”

      “Probably,
but that’s okay.  What happened?”              

      “Gene
said we could go over to the courthouse in his truck.  But he had other ideas. 
He took me to his cabin on the mountain top and he tried to rape me.” Ellen
noticed Rick’s tight lips had gone white.

      “Tried
to?”

      “When
I went limp and unresponsive, he couldn’t, you know, and that was the end of
it.”

      Rick
got up and started pacing the floor.

      “This
is why I didn’t want to say anything.  I knew you would be upset.”

      “Of
course I’m upset.  My brother in law just tried to rape my future wife.  We
can’t continue to live under his threat.”

      “So
what can we do?”

      “I
don’t know.  I kept thinking Gene would get over this weird obsession he has
with you.  This is our home.  We’re just going to have to live our life as
normal as we can.”  Rick opened his arms.  Ellen moved into his warm embrace. “You
know I’m not blaming you, but I worry for you because I love you so much.”

      Ellen
melted against him.  “And I love you too more than anything in the world.  I
just need to be more careful.  And Rick, I promise to never go near him again
without you with me.”

      Christmas
Eve was a joyous affair for Ellen and Rick.  A light dusting of snow made the
holiday perfect.  A large spruce graced the corner of Ellen's living room. 
They sat on the couch cuddled together admiring their handiwork.  The glow from
the fireplace and the tree gave the room an especially cozy feeling.

      Ellen
and Rick spent all day in Gatlinburg picking out ornaments and decorations they
both loved.  Today was spent trimming their first Christmas tree, and now the
work was done.

They
sipped on eggnog, basking in the glow of the shimmering ornaments and colored
lights.  This first Christmas together would live in their hearts forever.

      Ellen
gazed at her fiancé.  "I want to make love to you here in front of the
tree."

      "Early
Christmas present?"

      "One
of many."

      Ellen
moved to the soft rug and held out her arms.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

      SOLD
in bright gold letters could be seen on the Century 21 real estate sign.  Ellen
and Rick with their arms around each other looked with pride at the elegant
three story, turn of the century mansion.

The
property had been well maintained and this home was built to last. The deceased
owner had been a pillar of the community and her home was a showplace. Her
children and grandchildren had no desire to live there.  When they discovered
why Ellen wanted the house, the owners were more than willing to offer a fair
price.  It was large enough to house several families, a play area for the
children, as well as offices for counseling and job training. And best of all, the
property had a sturdy iron fence for security.

It
would take several weeks of renovation before they could open their doors but dreams
were finally turning into reality.

      Arm
in arm Ellen and Rick walked through the rooms as their foot-steps echoed
throughout the empty house. Much needed to be done before they could be up and
running. Ellen had spoken with the top executives of Anderson Enterprises. 
They were more than happy to fund the shelter as a tax write off.  Rick had a
sizable portion of his own funds to donate and they would own the property
together. Between the two of them there was enough capital to accomplish all of
the goals they talked about.

Rick
and Ellen had researched building contractors and finally found a reputable
company who would suit their needs.  Many of the larger rooms would be divided
up to make more bedrooms for families, offices, and nursery/playrooms. 

      Ellen
put her head on Rick's shoulder.  "It's perfect, I love it."

      "Yes,
it definitely is."

      Ellen
looked at Rick. "Let's have dinner with Martha tonight. I would love to
see her again and we can share our plans about the shelter and about us."

      "That's
a great idea.  My sister is all the family I have left around here since my
parents moved to St. Petersburg. Martha will be so happy to see me happy." 
Rick kissed Ellen on the mouth. "And you make me blissfully happy."

      "Well,"
do you see the bliss written all over my face?"

      "I
think I see a bit here in there."

      "I
would love to meet your parents someday.  Perhaps when the time is right we can
make a trip to Florida."                   

      "They
would love you.  It's been hard on them losing the grandchildren and Laura.  I
know they have been fretting over me and I just want them to relax and enjoy
these golden years.  I believe once they meet you and see my happiness, they
won't worry so much."

      "Will
Martha go to dinner with us and leave Gene behind?"

      "Oh
yeah, she knows how I feel about him.  Also I think seeing you and I together
would frost him totally.  We don't need to stir up any more trouble than we
already have."

      "Do
you really think Gene has a fixation on me?"

      "Don't
you?  Think about it."

      Ellen
thought back over all the times she kept running into him.  The phone calls,
the offer to divorce his wife for her, Rick was right.  The man was obsessed
and she was the prize. 

      "Maybe
Gene will be working when we go by and pick Martha up."

      "One
can only hope."

      When
Rick and Ellen noticed the patrol car parked in the drive, they looked at each
other with dismay.  "What now?" She asked.

      "I
called and Sis is expecting us.  We can't back out now."

      Rick
and Ellen got out of their car and stopped cold when they heard the shouting. 
Damn he thought.  Of all times for his brother in law to be around since he's
so rarely home. Rick was really hoping for a relaxed evening with just the
three of them.

      Martha
was no match for Gene.  If he gets in a snit and puts his foot down, she won't
cross him.  Rick fought to control his ire. He tried not to show it, but he was
still upset over Gene kidnapping Ellen that day. He wasn't sure how this was
going to play out and he didn't want a confrontation right now.  The man seemed
to go a little off when Ellen was around.

      "I'm
going to have dinner with my brother and you can't stop me. Richard has a
surprise for me.  What is your problem today?"

      "Right
now you're my problem and you know my word is the law around here.  And one
more thing..."  His words were cut short when he looked outside and noticed
Ellen watching.  "Ya know, I'm a bit hungry myself. Let's say we make this
a real party."

      "You
never eat with Richard and me.  You don't even like him."

      "Perhaps
tonight I do like him."  Gene placed his arms around his wife's
shoulders.  "Come along darlin, let's see where your brother is going to
take us for dinner."

      When
Gene and Martha walked out on the porch, Rick was doing a slow burn.  Ellen
took his hand and squeezed it firmly to calm him and show her support.

      Gene
beamed a political smile still clutching his wife to his side.  "Richard,
Princess, what a pleasure to see you both again."

      Martha
turned with a questioning gaze toward her husband. Princess? Then she looked at
Ellen as recognition dawned.  "You're Ellen. I met you at the fair."

      "Yes,
we did, and I'm so glad to see you again, Martha." Ellen reached for her
hand smiling.

      "Sis,"
Rick gave her a kiss then wrapped his arm around Ellen pulling her close
totally ignoring Gene.  "Ellen and I...well this is the surprise." 
He held up her ring finger.

      "Oh
praise the Lord."  Martha put her hands to her face, walked over and
hugged them both.  "Thank you," she beamed at Ellen. "You don't
know how worried I've been about Richard since the accident."

      "Rick
and I have both lost family we loved very much. And now we have found each
other. We wanted to have dinner with you and share all our plans."

      Behind
the women Gene was staring daggers at his brother in law. Rick felt the man's
hatred in his gut.  He watched a jumpy hand fingering his holster and knew at
this moment nothing would give the man more pleasure than to see Rick dead at
his feet.

      Martha
stepped away and looked at her brother with regret. "You know there's
nothing I want more than to have dinner with ya'll. But Gene is home and that
doesn't happen too often.  I probably should stay and fix dinner for him." 
Like a dutiful wife, Martha put an arm around her husband's waist but the look
on her face was anything but submissive.

      "Well,"
Rick said.  "We weren't expecting you to be home Gene when I called Sis
about dinner tonight.  But you're here and you are more than welcome to join
us."  The words stuck in his throat and nearly choked him. 

      Rick
could see the disappointment registered on his sister's face.  There was no way
out and he only hoped Gene did not cast a pall over the evening. Gene now knew
about his engagement to Ellen. With his unhealthy obsession, this was not going
to be a pleasant evening. Rick would have to find a way to get his sister out
of the house at another time so the three of them could talk.

       As
they sat in the restaurant, eating their meal, everybody was talking but Gene. Martha
seemed delighted over their plans for the women and children's shelter.

      "Richard,
you and Ellen are truly doing the Lord's work. I think it's just wonderful.  The
two of you look so happy. It does my heart good, and I know Mom and Dad would
be proud. They would love you, Ellen."

      "We
plan on making a trip to Florida soon," said Rick.

      "I
would love to come with you.  It's been so long since I've seen Mama and Daddy."

      "We
would love to have you, Sis."