LETHAL OBSESSION (22 page)

CHAPTER TWENTY

      Ellen,
Rick, Martha and Heather all stood in the front office surveying the results of
weeks of hard work. Smiling and proud, the mission was finally accomplished.
There was a line at the door.

"Well? 
Are we ready to open for business?" said Ellen.

      "Let's
do it," said Rick.

      The
mothers holding the hands of their children filed in ready to fill out forms
and get settled.  With the aroma of fresh paint, SMOKY MOUNTAIN HAVEN FOR WOMEN
AND CHILDREN was celebrating opening day.

      The
rooms were already full to capacity with a waiting list. Ellen, Rick and Martha
were busy with parent orientation while Heather organized children together in
the play room. There were a variety of programs available including intensive
one on one counseling as well as group therapy.  A child care program with
organized learning activities would be open seven days a week.  Job training and
classes for GED and college prep would also be offered.  But the most important
aspect of this shelter was the safety and security of the clients. 

      Ellen
knew these women had suffered enough fear and brutality in their life to last a
lifetime. Here they would be able to speak freely without fear of retribution.
They would feel safe and be able to make friends with those moms so much like
themselves.  Here there was hope for a brighter future.  

A
state of the art security system was in place.  If any husband or boyfriend
tried to breach the shelter, they would pay dearly.  Ellen had security guards
around the clock.  They were brawny and knew their job.  The local police
department considered the shelter top priority.

      A
class for the abusers would be available at a different location. It would be
for those wanting to change their ways, and those obligated by law to attend. 
ANM, Abuse No More would be run by some of Rick's colleagues who specialized in
deviant behavior.

      A
sudden commotion around the front door drew Ellen's attention. Mouth open in
shock, she and Rick watched as Gene came in with a television crew and a well
known anchorwoman from Knoxville.

Agitation
shot through Ellen.  Why wasn't she informed about this publicity stunt?  Media
coverage was not the purpose of the shelter.  The whole idea was privacy so
these abused women could feel safe. Advertisement was ridiculous. There was
already a waiting list.

      Ellen
pushed unruly hair out of her eyes and felt a wreck.  She was not prepared to
step in front of a camera and she was furious with Gene for putting her in this
embarrassing position. He was up to something.  Gene never made a move without
a good reason.  Someone walked over and attached a tiny microphone to her
collar.

      “Ellen,
come.” Gene raised his hand and ushered her to him. Swallowing a lump of frustration,
she walked over to him. “You know Suzanne Rodman.  Suzanne, this is Ellen
Anderson, the founder of this wonderful shelter.”

      The
crisp, attractive celebrity looked so starched and manicured Ellen almost
hesitated to reach out her hand. She'd been working with some of the children
and a child’s lollipop had made her fingers sticky. Quickly she wiped at them
and pasted on a smile. 

      “It's
so nice to meet you Miss Rodman.  I enjoy your news program.”

      “Thank
you, Mrs. Anderson.  It looks like you’re quite famous yourself.”

      “Oh...”Ellen
looked around.  “Not really.”  She never considered herself being in the
limelight and the very thought of it made her feel shy and insecure.  “I...I
wasn’t aware that we were going to be on the air today. I’m not really prepared
for something like this.”  Ellen looked over at Gene in obvious annoyance. "I
should've been briefed so I could have prepared."

      The
attractive celebrity smiled. “You look fine, Mrs. Anderson. I’d like to do a
brief interview since this is such a wonderful human interest story.”

      Ellen
felt herself being pulled up against Gene’s muscular chest when he spoke to the
anchorwoman.

“Suzanne,
Ellen and I will be more than happy to do the interview.”

      Ellen
caught a whiff of male cologne.  She turned and noticed Gene’s hair had been
professionally styled.  He even wore a little theatrical makeup.  Gene had
planned all of this, probably as a political ploy. He was using her shelter to
get votes for himself. She bit on her lower lip trying to stifle the fury
welling up inside her.  Damn him.  He knew she’d say no. He knew it.

      One
of the cameramen was giving a signal.  “Okay, Miss Rodman...five, four, three,
two, one, you’re on the air.”

      The
woman’s face transformed into a radiant smile. “Good morning, Knoxville. We are
broadcasting from Cedar Grove, Tennessee this morning. I have with me a
pioneer, a heroine...a woman with a vision.  Today this vision has come true.” The
spotlight swiveled to Ellen.  She tried not to squint at the brightness and
felt like a trapped animal but she forced a smile and was determined to make
the best of this intolerable situation.  “Ellen Anderson, I understand you have
wanted to build a state of the art shelter for battered women and children for
a long time. Please tell our viewers about your dream that has now come
true.”    

      Ellen’s
words faltered at first.  She glanced at Rick who encouraged her with a loving
smile. She always enjoyed talking about her pet project except today.  Within
seconds, Ellen found her voice and warmed to her subject. Soon she felt at ease
in front of the camera.

      “Our
shelter is large enough to accommodate thirty families. There is a nurse full
time, child care seven days a week, and one on one as well as group therapy for
the families. There will also be classes and opportunities for clients who want
to obtain their GED, and train for a job or college.”

      "What
about the husbands, the abusers?"

      "There
is a program for them too, either court mandated or voluntary.  All in all, I'm
counting on these programs to be a win, win situation for everybody.  But most
important is the fact that these women and children will have a place to live
in safety."                                                                    

      “I
think that’s wonderful. Mrs. Ellen Anderson, you’ve done a magnificent job here
for our community.”

      “Thank
you. I'm very proud of it. I truly feel that the families we touch here will
make all the difference.  However I did not accomplish this feat alone.  Doctor
Carrington, would you join me please.” She raised her hand as he came forward
Ellen took his hand inside hers. "Richard Carrington has helped me every
step of the way and is a major contributor."

      It
would be impossible for anybody to miss Ellen's adoring eyes as she gazed at
Rick.  Gene stepped forward and joined the group.  Deliberately he stepped in
front of Rick. 

      “Miss
Rodman, may I say a word to our viewing audience.”  He flashed his most winning
political smile.

      “Oh
course, Sheriff Stone.”  She handed him the microphone.

      Gene
put his arm around a stiff Ellen and pulled her close.

      “We
all know by now that Mrs. Anderson is one terrific woman. She is out to protect
the downtrodden of our town just like I protect our good people from
criminals.  I think together we make a pretty good team. I also have something
here I want to present to Mrs. Anderson on behalf of our grateful town." 
Gene handed a parchment to Ellen.  Here is a fifty thousand dollar grant to
help this wonderful project get on its feet."             

      A
muffled crash was heard in the background. Ellen could see out of the corner of
her eye that Rick had dropped a large stapler, knocking over a vase of flowers.
Gene’s arm around her waist felt like a steel band.  It was as if he was trying
to restrain her. The cameras were still going and Ellen tried bravely to keep a
smile pasted on her face.  Her jaw muscles were beginning to ache.

      She
needed to respond to his gift, but uncontrollable rage was bubbling up from
deep inside. Extra funds could always be used but that wasn't the point.  How
many political strings did he pull to get this money and what would Gene expect
in return?  The way he chose to present the grant in public was nothing but a
feather in his own cap. Ellen had rather have no money at all than crooked
money.

The
microphone was handed to Ellen as the public waited for her response to the
town's most generous gift.

      "This
gift is going to help the shelter in so many ways. My heartfelt thanks goes out
to the people of our wonderful community of Cedar Grove, Tennessee.  I know
your contribution will help many of those in need." Thank you so
much."

      "This
is Suzanne Rodman from KTN news bidding you all a good morning.”

the
lights shut off. Equipment was quickly folded up and moved. Ellen shook Ms.
Rodman's hand, as she forced herself to remain placid.  Gene was hovering
close, too close.  Tears threatened to spill over.  He was waiting for a
personal thank you and all she wanted to do was run into the comforting arms of
Rick.  Ellen turned to him with a scathing glare.

      "When
you finish with all your hand shaking politics, I'd like a word with you."

      Rick
could sense a nasty confrontation storm brewing which would not be wise with
this man. Ellen had no idea of Gene's powerful brutality.  Quickly Rick went
after his fiancé while Gene was distracted shaking hands. He found her in one
of the smaller offices.  Without a word, he enfolded her in his arms.

      "I
can't believe he did that."

      "I
can."

      "But
why? And where did he get the money?"

      "He
probably called in some favors from the Mayor. 

      "But
that's so wrong."

      Gene
needs control, Ellen. The man has his finger in a lot of pies.  An argument
right now would do nothing but backfire on us.  Let's thank him together for
the grant and let it go. We want him to think we're totally innocent of his schemes.
That way we can be vigilant and hopefully he won't know it."  Rick took
her hand.  "Come on, let's just do it and get it over with."                                                            

      Holding
firmly to Ellen's hand Rick pasted on an endearing smile and waited with the
rest of the community to shake the hand of their sheriff. When Gene saw them in
the reception line his smile faded. Before he could say a word, Rick took his
hand in a firm shake.

      "Ellen
and I wish to share with you our avid appreciation of the community's most
generous gift for our shelter.  We weren't expecting it which makes this
endowment all the more dear.  There are so many ways we can use it to help our
women and children."

       Inside
Gene was seething. He worked to keep a sneer from showing.  Just seeing this
hated brother in law so close to Ellen made him want to shoot them both right
here.  He was counting on having some alone time with Ellen, maybe try and
convince her he was the better man but not now.

      "You
are welcome."  His eyes bore into Ellen's. "I feel this is a
wonderful project for Cedar Grove and I wish to help in any way I can."

      Gene
felt small arms go around his waist and he stiffened as he looked at his wife. 

      "Does
that mean you will be doing some volunteer work around here, Sweetheart?  Just
because I have a paying job teaching cooking lessons doesn't mean you can't
help out."

      "I'm
a busy man, Martha.  Not sure if I could scrape up the time, but I will give it
try," he lied.

      Martha
reached out.  Putting her arms around Rick and Ellen as well as her husband,
she said.  "My wish is that we all become a close, happy family. We can
share holidays.  Oh, it will be so much fun."

      "Yeah."
Gene managed a smile for his wife patting her on the head like a child. 
"We'll do that."

      Rick
and Ellen wrapped in each other's arms were just dozing off when the door bell
rang.  They looked at each other with alarm. It was late and this was bizarre.
Rick quickly pulled on pants and a shirt as Ellen donned a robe and followed
him downstairs. He looked through the peep hole, opening the front door to his
sister. Carrying a thick manila folder, Martha placed the bundle in her
brother's hands. She was sobbing as Rick pulled her into his arms. 
"Sis?"

      "I
found those at the bottom of Gene's sock drawer. I can't believe he would do
something that vile.  If he finds out I gave them to you, he will probably kill
me."

      Martha
wasn't sure what would happen if Gene came home unexpectedly and found her
gone.  In all the years they had been married he had never physically hurt her
but there was always a first time.  Now that her eyes were open, she no longer
knew the man she married. Blind faith and trusting in the Lord was one thing. 
Being oblivious to the evil around her was quite another. Martha did not want
to believe it of the man she had loved for so long.  Ellen and Richard were
family and she had to protect them.