The Bet 2: Dark Secrets
By: Fox Almasy
Ch. 10
The Explanation
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Brad hurried up the stairs to their tattered apartment after having finished a quick game of basketball. He was thirteen and would be starting high school in two weeks, and was somewhat looking forward to it, if it meant getting away from his old man.
When he got inside he could hear the TV on in the living room, signaling that his dad was home. He glanced at the clock and grimaced, his mom wouldn't be home for another half hour or so. Moving slowly into the apartment, he tried to slip into his room without being detected by his old man, but life seemed to be against him.
"Brad is that you?"
"Yeah."
"Come here damn it!" Brad moved slowly into the tiny living room and stood behind the couch where his father sat.
"What do you need?" his dad peered at him and sneered.
"Get me a fucking beer now!" Brad nodded and disappeared into the kitchen. As he reached into the fridge one of his mother's kitchen knifes caught his eye. Pausing for a moment as thoughts began to build inside his mind, Brad slowly grabbed the beer and returned to the living room. He handed the beer to his dad and stepped back.
His dad sneered before popping the top off and taking a long swig.
"Get out of my sight now. I can't stand looking at you." on his way back to his room, Brad slipped into the kitchen and grabbed the large knife. Keeping it by his side he slipped into his room and hid the knife beneath his mattress. Sitting on his bed he began to finish his summer assignment. His mom was so proud that he had made it into the honors class at the high school for both English and American History. Brad only put up with it for her. He knew it made her happy, she was proud of him and he would do it just for her.
Brad had fallen asleep on his opened Brave New World book when shouting soon awoke him. Quickly sitting up he glanced around before jumping off his bed and hurrying to the door. He opened it slightly and watched as his dad yelled at his mom for not getting him more beer. He slapped her hard across the cheek and then shoved her against the wall.
"Damn it bitch you better go get it or else I'll make you regret the day you were born you stupid whore."
"Alright I'll be right back." she scrambled to her feet before grabbing her purse and hurrying out the door. Brad watched his dad throw his empty beer bottle against the wall, before sitting down and watching the TV again.
Hot anger boiled inside Brad as he stepped away from the door and retrieved the hidden knife from beneath his mattress. He ran his finger along the edge and watched a line of red follow. Turning he slowly moved to his door and opened it.
His dad was too distracted to hear him. Brad stepped closer to the couch and raised the knife up with both hands. Just as he was about to bring it down, his dad moved to the side and the knife was embedded into his shoulder. Brad didn't have time to think has his dad stood and back handed him.
"You little son of a bitch. You wanna fight me!" he pulled the knife out of his shoulder and moved towards Brad. Brad looked around for something to protect himself, but didn't have time has his dad grabbed him and threw him across the room. Brad looked up and grabbed a part of the broken beer bottle and waited for his dad.
As soon as his dad grabbed him, Brad swung and hit him in the face with the bottle. Glass rooted in his cheek and thick drops of blood began to seep out. His dad grabbed his bloody face and was caught off guard as Brad launched forward and tackled him to the ground. The knife pierced Brad's shoulder, but was pulled out again by his father as they rolled around trying to gain control of the knife.
Brad's eyes widened as the knife was shoved into his stomach. His dad grinned before letting go of the handle and sitting back against the couch. He leaned his head back on the cushions and grasped his bloody shoulder. Brad fell back and slowly pulled the knife out. He gripped his stomach before slowly pushing himself up and thrusting the knife into his dad's chest. His dad tensed, but had no time to react as Brad pulled the knife out again and stabbed him repeatedly.
After the tenth time Brad let the knife drop and slowly moved away from his dad's bloody body. Leaning against the wall he looked around at the blood surrounding him and covering his body. Pressing his hand against his stomach he then held it up and watched the blood drip slowly down his arm.
The door to the apartment opened and Jessica slipped in and shut the door behind her. Everything seemed quiet. She moved slowly into the living room and let the beer slip from her hands and crash to the floor.
"Oh my God." blood was everywhere. Her eyes widened when she spotted Brad. She hurried over to him and held him against her. His eyes slowly opened and stared up at her. She glanced over at her husband and then back down at her son. "Brad . . . What did you do?"
"He won't hurt you again mom." he murmured as a thin trail of blood made it's way out of the corner of his mouth. She felt tears fill her eyes as she held him close. Her eyes found the wound in his stomach and her hand shot out to cover his.
"Oh God look what he did to you!" she reached over for the cordless phone and quickly dialed 911 as Brad's eyes rolled into the back of his head. "Hang on Brad OK. Please just hang on."
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Brad's hand unconsciously found the scar that was just above his belly button as memories from that day flooded his mind. He had later awoken in the hospital with stitches on both his stomach and shoulder. His mother was asleep in a chair next to the bed and the room was filled with a constant beeping.
He soon learned his father was pronounced dead at the scene and that Brad had been legally dead for ten minutes when they had arrived at the hospital. Now he was facing time in Juvenile hall. He would be there from thirteen till eighteen, without chance of getting out early. His mom tried to take the blame for him, but Brad wouldn't let her.
He could remember when she would come visit him, how much better and happier she looked without his father being around. He remembered the day he first met his step dad and found out he would soon have an older sister, but that was OK because he knew this man was a good man and would take care of his mom.
He remembered his mom being pregnant with Lynn his last year there. She was so happy, so excited to raise a child in a good home, not like how things had been with him. He was happy for her, she deserved a real family. Not the messed up one they had shared with the man that was his father.
Brad sighed and stared up at the dark sky. He hated these memories. He hated keeping it from Naomi, but he just wanted them to die and thought maybe if they weren't talked about they would die.
"What the hell do you want? Why can't you just leave me alone dad." of course no one answered save for the sounds of the cars out on the street. He held his face in his hands and began to feel the familiar ache in his stomach and shoulder.
Standing he slowly made his way back to his truck, where it was parked just down the street. He needed to talk with Naomi, so she'd understand the whole situation, but maybe he should wait till tomorrow. Give her and him some time to cool off. Starting the truck, Brad began making his way to Benji's apartment.
Riley idly petted her cat while she sat with her dad in their living room. They were once again watching How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days, which had become Riley's favorite movie. Benji yawned and leaned his head back against the couch. He sat up suddenly as someone knocked on the door. Riley jumped from the couch and ran to the door. She pulled a chair over to it and stood on it to peer through the peep hole.
"Daddy it's Brad!" she climbed down from the chair and quickly opened the door. "Hi!" Brad smiled and lifted Riley up into his arms.
"Hey kid how are you?"
"Good." Benji frowned as Brad shut the door and stepped into the apartment.
"Hey man what's up?" Brad set Riley back on her feet before looking up.
"It's kind of a long story. Do you mind if I stay here for tonight?"
"Uh sure, but what about Naomi?"
"She's OK, she's got a friend staying with her."
"Oh. Well let me put Riley to bed and then you can tell me all about it." Brad nodded and watched Benji lift Riley and carry her to her room. A few minutes later he returned with a blanket and pillow for Brad. "You can sleep on the couch. So what's up?"
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Naomi watched Kelly move about the kitchen as she made breakfast for Naomi. Naomi had offered but Kelly insisted that she do it.
"Maybe I should have let him explain before freaking out like I did." Kelly paused as she took down a box of pancake mix.
"Maybe, but I mean he should have told you."
"Yeah but look how bad it was." she murmured as she grabbed the magazine and opened it. "Have you seen these pictures." Kelly walked over to the couch and peered down at the page. There was a picture of the crime scene. Blood was all over the place. Another was of Brad and the bruises and stitches he had after the fight. There was also one of him in juvy.
"Yeah, but don't worry you guys will work things out now stop stressing it's not good for you or the twins." Naomi smiled and nodded.
"You're right." she jumped as the phone began to ring and reached over to answer it. "Hello?"
"Naomi . . . It's me."
"Hey. . . " Kelly looked up from the bowl she was mixing and watched as Naomi slid from the stool and disappeared into the living room. Naomi sat down on the couch and waited for Brad to say more.
"Listen. I'm sorry i didn't say anything before. I just I hate thinking about it."
"I'm sorry that I didn't give you a chance to explain. I was just. . . caught off guard."
"Look I'm working right now, but we'll talk tonight OK?"
"Alright. I'll see you then." she pressed the off button and wandered back into the kitchen. Kelly looked up and smiled.
"See everything is fine just like I said. Hey I've got an idea. Why don't I help you make a really nice dinner for you guys tonight?"
"Alright."
"Good, but first breakfast."
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"Alright I'll be back in a little bit."
"OK." Naomi watched Kelly leave before sighing and sitting down on the couch. She was watching Next and was slightly bored. Stretching out on the couch, she attempted to get some sleep. For what couldn't have been more than twenty minutes, the door banged open and two men entered the apartment. Hurrying to her feet, Naomi stared wide eyed at the two men that had just entered the apartment. She looked around frantically for something to protect herself with, but wasn't fast enough as one hurried towards her and grabbed her from behind.
"Let me go." she cried as the man's forearm pressed against her throat and his other hand grabbed onto her hip.
"You better knock it off if you want to live." tears quickly came to her eyes as the man holding her smiled. "That's a good girl." the second one reached into his pocket and pulled out a medicine bottle and syringe. "It's nothing personal you know? Your husband just doesn't know when to quite." the second man handed the syringe to the man holding her and without warning he jammed it into her thigh and injected the liquid.
"No!" Naomi shouted and began squirming. She bumped into the second guy, making him drop the bottle, before she fell to the floor and peered up at them. They both smirked before turning and running out of the apartment. Naomi glanced down at her leg, where the syringe was still stuck, and quickly pulled it out.
She cried out as a sharp pain raked through her body, making her cover her stomach protectively.
"Something's wrong." she murmured.
Kelly quickly grabbed the few groceries out of her car and made her way up the steps of Naomi's apartment complex. Using the key she was given, she slipped inside and started walking to the elevator. She frowned as two men hurried by. Staring after them, she looked back in the direction they had come from. Now that she had thought about it, they didn't look familiar.
Suddenly feeling panic grip her she hurried to the elevator and pushed the button for Naomi's floor. She felt the blood drain from her face when she saw the broken door. Forgetting the groceries she let them drop before running inside in search for her friend.
She was on the floor sobbing and holding her stomach. A syringe lay a few feet away along with a small bottle.
"Naomi what happened?"
"Something's wrong." Kelly knelt by her friend and quickly helped her up.
"Come on I'm taking you to the hospital."
"I'm having contractions and my water broke, but it's too soon!" Kelly grabbed the bottle off of the ground and quickly helped Naomi down to her car.
"Just hang on OK?" Naomi leaned back in the seat and tried to calm herself as another contraction raked through her body. "Damn I shouldn't have left you!"
When they reached the hospital, Naomi was quickly taken away, while a doctor asked Kelly a few questions. She then handed the bottle over and the police were called.
"Now miss just have a seat in the waiting room and we'll take care of your friend. We'll let you know how she's doing." Kelly nodded and walked down the hall to the waiting room to wait for the police. She walked over to one of the pay phones and quickly dialed Brad's cell number.
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Brad set his guitar down as the shrill ringing of his cell phone filled the recording studio. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled it out and flipped it open.
"Hello?"
"Brad it's Kelly."
"What's wrong?"
"It's Naomi, we're at the hospital. You need to get here now."
"Shit!" Everyone jumped as Brad threw his phone across the room and buried his fingers in his hair. "Fuck I shouldn't have left her alone!"
"What's wrong?" questioned Benji as he stood up and walked over to Brad.
"I've gotta go, Naomi's in the hospital."
"Here I'll take you because your in no condition to drive." Brad nodded and quickly left the room.
"Come on Riley let's go."
It took them two hours because of traffic to get to the hospital and by that time the cops had already questioned Kelly and left. Kelly quickly stood as Brad burst through the doors and looked around.
"Brad." seeing Kelly he quickly walked over to her.
"Where is she?"
"She's in the recovery room, but they had to perform an emergency C-section." Brad stared at her and could see the worry in her eyes.
"Where are the twins?"
"They're in the ICU. You should talk to the doctors, but you really need to go see Naomi. She's in room 305." Brad's mouth went dry as he moved down the hall in search of Naomi's room. He found it easily enough and slowly pushed the door open. Naomi was lying on the bed with an IV in her wrist, and an oxygen in her nose. She looked extremely pale and her heart monitor was beating weakly.
Brad moved to the side of the bed and sank down into the chair. He grabbed her hand and laid his forehead against the side of the bed as the sting of tears filled his eyes, but didn't fall.
"Brad you're here." Brad jerked his head up and smiled at Naomi and she watched him drowsily.
"I'm so sorry baby I shouldn't have left you-"
"Brad don't blame yourself. We couldn't have predicted this." Brad kissed her hand then looked over his shoulder as a doctor entered the room.
"Mrs. Hunter you should be resting."
"I know, but how are the twins?" the doctor didn't answer as he moved to the other side of the bed and checked the IV pouches and other machines. He then looked back at Brad and Naomi and sighed.
"They're only 3lbs right now. They're two months premature and their lungs are not fully developed yet. I hate to say this, but it doesn't look good. I give them 30 days at the most." a loud sob escaped Naomi as her hand flew to her mouth and tears began to slip down her cheeks. "I am so sorry." Brad clenched his fists as anger flooded his body, like a raging river. He quickly stood from the chair and glared at the man across from him.
"So that's it you're just going to give up on them?"
"You have to understand Mr. Hunter. I've seen many cases like these and more times then not the infant has not made it. There is a chance they will make it, but a very slim one." Brad turned and kicked the chair across the room, causing it to bang into the wall.
"Mr. Hunter please calm down."
"Don't fucking tell me to calm down. You damn doctors are worthless."
"I'm going to have to ask you to leave if you don't control yourself."
"Brad." Naomi's tear filled voice drew his attention away from the doctor. He walked over to her bed and held her hand. The doctor slipped out of the room and shut the door. Brad sighed and retrieved his chair from against the wall. "Why is this happening." Brad squeezed his eyes shut and held her hand tightly in hers.
"I don't know, but they'll be OK." sobs raked Naomi's body and Brad felt a tear slip from his own eyes. He held her until she had cried herself to sleep. Standing slowly, he kissed her forehead and stepped into the hallway. A nurse stopped by him and smiled.
"Can I help you with something?"
"I want to see my sons. They're in the ICU."
"Oh well just a moment let me talk to the doctor really quick." Brad nodded and watched her disappear around the corner. She reappeared a few minutes later and motioned for Brad to follow her. They got into the elevator and walked down a few halls till they came to a door that said ICU on it. The nurse led the way through and stopped in front of a smaller door just down the hall.
"I will tell you now, you are not allowed to touch them." Brad nodded and opened, then closed the door behind him. Two machines stood in the center of the room and inside each one lay the twins. They were so tiny that Brad could have held them with just one hand. They were hooked up to hundreds of wires and tubes and were only dressed in diapers.
Brad rubbed his face before stepping closer and peering down at them. It wasn't fair, they had to make it. Brad didn't think he could handle it if they didn't. They weren't named yet either. He and Naomi had discussed it, but never officially decided on names.
"You both can make it. Please you've just gotta be strong."
When he returned to Naomi's room she was sitting up and looking out the window. She looked at him when he entered the room and smiled.
"Did you see them?"
"Yeah, you know we haven't named them yet. What do you think?"
"I like Wade and Wesley." Brad nodded in agreement and sat down.
"And their middle names?" Naomi smiled.
"Wade Bradly and Wesley Christopher."
"Christopher?"
"Yeah, that's my dad's middle name. you don't mind do you?"
"No of course not." Naomi fell silent again.
"They just have to make it." she murmured and squeezed Brad's hand.
"I know."
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Brad stared with half lidded eyes at the new guitar that had been set up in the store where he bought all his music supplies. He had come in to look for guitar strings when his attention had immediately been caught by the display. He looked over his shoulder as someone walked in from the back and his eyes widened in surprise.
"Fuma, I had no idea you worked here." the woman nodded and leaned on the counter.
"Yeah the whole music career thing didn't quite work out, but I hear you're doing good. Congratulations on your wedding and the twins."
"Uh thanks." Brad paid for the guitar strings he had come for and headed to the door.
"Oh Brad." he paused and looked over his shoulder.
"Yeah?"
"Listen I know we weren't on good terms the last time we saw each other, but if you need anything, and I mean anything don't hesitate to ask."
"Thanks I'll remember that." he let the door swing shut behind him and stared out over the traffic in front of him. He was tired from all the hours at the hospital, but the twins were getting stronger and had already surpassed the 30 day mark. They were due to come home today and then the real work would begin. The getting up at any hour of the night. The changing and the feeding and the crying. It didn't matter though, because whether Brad was ready or not, he now had two kids.
When he had arrived at the hospital Naomi was waiting for him and smiled. The twins were still in the nursery and Naomi hurried off to bring them out. Brad waited for her and smiled when she appeared again with a nurse and the twins. The nurse handed him the car seat she was holding and then said goodbye and walked away.
Brad looked down into blue eyes that stared up at him, wide and curious. The one he was holding was the oldest and the one they had named Wade. He was slightly smaller than his brother and tended to sleep more as well.
"So you ready to go home daddy?" Brad looked up and smiled.
"Yeah let's go." they were still living in the apartment, but were almost one hundred percent moved out. Only a few boxes remain, Naomi and Brad's bed, and they had to bring the cribs from the other house so the twins would have somewhere to sleep.
They walked out to Brad's pickup and buckled in the car seats before climbing into the front and began the slow move through traffic.
"You know it's good we're moving out of the city." Naomi glanced at Brad as he stared out at the road. "Because this truck isn't really meant for the city."
"Yeah well soon you'll have plenty of room." Brad nodded before putting the brakes on as some idiot pulled out in front of him.
Naomi closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the seat and sighed. She was glad that they were moving out of the city.
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Sarah sat and angrily stared across her office. She had thought that this one would finally break them all, but somehow they still managed to feebly hang on, like if they were to give up they would die. She slammed her fists onto the table and stood up. She turned around and stared out of her window as she began to make an attempt to formulate a new plan.
What was she going to do though? If digging up their past wouldn't crack them then what would. She knew it had to be Brad she went after. He seemed to be the one holding them up, keeping them fighting her, even if he didn't realize it.
She figured she had to make them feel helpless. Everyone crumbled when the ones they loved were hurt because of them. Brad had plenty to lose at the moment. A pretty little wife, and now twin sons. He would feel helpless beyond healing if anything happened to them. Her plan had not worked the last time, but if she could just think of some other way now. The only other one that had someone to lose was Benji, if she had to, she would go after them to. Maybe she'd use them as a warning to the others and this would be her last warning.
Sarah turned away from the window and let her gaze settle on the numerous pictures spread out on her desk. Some were quite gruesome she had to admit, but she didn't really care. She wanted one thing and she would get it.
Her fingers brushed over the glossy finish, moving some out of the way of others as she examined them all again. Not even these could make the people completely turn against Devilzcrow. The picture that probably jumped out at her the most was the coroner photo of Brad's father. His eyes were open and cold and the stab wounds were covering his chest in angry slashes.
It was hard to believe that a thirteen year old had done that to their own father. However she didn't care, didn't feel sympathy for him. She only wanted one thing and that was their money.
Moving the pictures into a neat stack, Sarah dumped them into her desk drawer and leaned back in her leather office chair. She needed to think. What could she do this time?
She sat up in her chair as the phone on her desk began to ring. Reaching over she pressed the speaker button.
"Yes?"
"Sarah, Brad Hunter is here to see you." rubbing her temple Sarah blinked before replying.
"Alright send him in." she pressed the phone off and moved her eyes to the door as it banged open and Brad stormed in. His blue eyes were cold with anger as he glared down at her. "Well Brad Hunter isn't this a pleasant surprise. What can I do for you?"
"Don't give me that! You know what I want!"
"Please don't shout or else I will have to call security."
"Just stay away from my family and the rest of the band." Sarah watched him and kept her features stoic.
"I'm afraid I have no idea what you are talking about."
"Bullshit you do know and I want you to stop. This is my only warning. If you harm them again you'll regret it." before she could respond, Brad spun on his heel and left the room. The door slammed shut behind him and then the room was thrust into silence. If anyone would be regretting anything, it would be Brad and it would be soon.
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Naomi stared out the window at the bright blue sky that hung just above the trees. She was glad that they had finally moved. Things were so much different out here, a lot more relaxing then having to stay in the city.
She smiled down at the twins as they lay smiling side by side on a blanket spread out on the hardwood floor. They were both identical with their blue eyes and light brown hair and the only way Naomi could tell them apart was that Wade had a brown spot in his right eye while the rest was blue and Wesley had a birth mark on his lower back. It was a spot, just a little darker then the rest of his skin and vaguely resembled a triangle. Other than that though they looked completely alike.
She looked up as a car pulled up in front of the house and she smiled when she recognized it. Standing, she walked to the door and opened it as Riley bounded up their front steps and smiled up at her.
"Hi Naomi!"
"Hey Riley how are you?"
"Good." her attention was immediately taken away as Rosco hurried behind Naomi and stared up at her. Naomi let the little girl in and smiled at Benji as he climbed the steps.
"I just can't get over how big this place is."
"I know. What are you doing here?"
"Oh Brad asked me to bring the last few boxes from your guy's apartment. Besides I needed to talk to him anyway."
"Oh OK well he's upstairs unpacking some things. Just go down the hall there and up the stairs."
"Thanks." he moved passed Naomi and quickly climbed the stairs. All the doors were shut on the second floor save for one right in the middle. He walked over to the door and peered inside. Brad was unpacking some boxes and was almost finished. Brad looked up from the box he was unpacking and smiled.
"Hey what are you doing here?"
"Well I brought those last boxes and I've got to talk to you." Brad could see the urgency in Benji's face and slowly stood up.
"What's wrong?"
"You didn't tell Sarah did you? That you were moving?"
"No man I didn't want her to know."
"Yeah well someone broke into your old apartment, seems like whoever it was, was wanting you to be there. And she's threatened me a few times. I just want to warn you ok. If she wanted to she could find you now." Brad nodded and leaned against the wall. Something had to be done about Sarah. He couldn't let her to continue threatening him.
He moved away from the wall and walked out of the room with Benji following behind. Naomi looked up and watched them walk down the stairs and she frowned slightly at the expression on Brad's face.
"What's wrong." Brad looked up and smiled reassuringly.
"Nothing. I'm gonna run into town and get some dinner alright? Riley's gonna stay here."
"OK." she watched the two men leave before turning back to Riley and smiling. "Well we just got the cable hooked up so if you want you can go watch TV."
"OK." the little girl wandered over to the TV and quickly turned it on. She sank down onto the carpet next to Rosco and was soon immersed in the show she was watching. Naomi smiled and wandered over to where the twins were lying on their blanket. Wesley was sleeping soundly and Wade was cooing quietly, while he chewed on a teething ring.
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R&R if you will.