Chapter 12
(US Army Facility)
"Please General Ryan, you gotta help me with this case. They were only kids. Their families miss them." Said Sheriff Martinez.
"Listen Juan, I deal with terrorist organization investigations; not missing persons." General Ryan replied.
Sheriff Juan Martinez sighed and looked at the floor. He then opened the case file.
"Carly O'Bryan, age 19. Her fiancé, Joshua Markowitz, age 20. Their life long friend, Vanessa D'Angelo, age 19 and 10 months. My own children are no older than they are; and you are a father yourself. Surely, you can feel their parents' pain?" He said.
General Ryan looked over the police report. He then pushed the file back towards the Sheriff.
"I just don't understand why you came to me with this. It still sounds like the kids took a wrong turn somewhere. Maybe they turned right, when they should've gone left. Harrowing to their loved ones I'm sure. However, it's nothing to scramble my troops over."
Sheriff Martinez then pulled from the file a series of recorded texts. He then opened it and handed it to the General.
"There is something else about this case sir. I don't think these kids got lost. I think something terrible happened. Look at the texts Vanessa sent to her mother." Relied the Sheriff.
Ryan took the paper and read through the exchanges. His face drained of color, as he read how the conversation went from light-hearted; to Vanessa texting her mom that she didn't want to die at the hands of the monsters in the hills.
"After all this time. I thought they had all died off; but they lived. Somehow, they live on." He said aloud.
"Pardon me General; but who are you talking about?" Asked Juan.
"The Sawney Bean family Sheriff. Papa Jupiter and his family of incest-loving cannibals." Replied Ryan.
"But, I read about that family in a history book once. They are dead already."
"No my dear Sheriff. The history books are wrong. The Sawney Bean clan is alive and well. They reside right in the very hills that overlook your little town. Of course, their lair is far deeper in the hills; but they are a thriving hoard Mister Martinez. I know they have caused the disappearances that haunt your beautiful desert landscape. They definitely caused the recent disappearance of those three kids."
There was a moment of silence. Sheriff Martinez did not know how to respond to any of what had been said. All the cold cases that plagued his town. The answer to so many questions had been just a few miles in. General Ryan saw the guilt and shame appear on the mild mannered Sheriff's face. He smirked inwardly.
"Don't be so hard on yourself Sheriff. You did your best. If it'll make you feel better, I have decided to take up your case; and will to my utmost to locate and retrieve those kids." He said.
"Thank you General. May I ask, why the sudden change of heart?" Asked Juan.
"Simple Sheriff, I want to finish what should've accomplished nearly five centuries ago. This time, not one Sawney Bean shall escape."
(Goggle's House)
Vanessa looked at the file she had stashed under her bed. She could not believe her own family had agreed to help support such corruption. However, she knew they probably didn't know the full plans the government had for Yuma Flats. Only that they were helping their country by financially supporting the research on nuclear warfare. Goggle was back on watch duty today. Ruby and Amy sat not too far away from her.
"You'll have to show him the file y'know. Partners shouldn't keep secrets between each other." Said Amy.
"Amy is right Vanessa. Ya have to tell my brother. He gave you more than his love last night." Ruby then said.
"Oh Ruby, I just don't know if I can. Not after last night. After he and I.."
Vanessa trailed off. She felt her cheeks get hot from blushing. Last night had been wonderful. Ruby and Amy exchanged knowing smiles. Vanessa closed her eyes. She could still feel his hands all over her. Vanessa then came out of her thoughts.
"What if he hates me after I tell him?" She asked.
"My brother, hating you? Never." Ruby answered.
"He will understand. I know he will." Amy then said.
Vanessa nodded. She was so grateful to have friends like Amy and Ruby. They, along with Goggle; had helped her adjust well to life in the hills of Sector 16.
(Later That Day)
Goggle had finally come home. His watch duty had been fulfilled. A caravan of music fest attendees had passed through; and fell for the trap. Vehicle after vehicle crashed. Goggle called in the victims. There were three RV units; and each unit held about four adults. Jupiter, Pluto, and Cyst all rushed and made short work of the travelers. Goggle, unfortunately had to watch the hunt; in order to be sure no one got away. Goggle was silent the whole walk back. When he made it to his house, he hardly said a word. Vanessa knew he was feeling conflicted and guilt. The summer was over; and travelers wouldn't be so common anymore. Not until the holiday season. So the family had to work together to ensure everyone would eat well 'til then.
"When I become leader, we'll find a better way to live out here. I don't like Papa's way of doin' things. It's time for change." Goggle said.
Vanessa nodded. She then brought Goggle his supper.
"This is the last of the chicken. All the pork is gone; and the beef too. We have smoked rabbit meat, but it won't last very long." She said.
"I know darlin'. Pluto, Hansel 'n' I are going into the mines tomorrow. We'll dig for copper, gold; and whatever we can get our hands on." He replied.
"I thought you said all the gold was gone."
"All the gold in the ground at the foot of the hills is gone. However, we still find some from time to time deep in the mines. Also, we will clean out the RVs of any and all valuables."
"I see."
Goggle then gave Vanessa a questioning look.
"What's wrong darlin'? Ya look troubled." He then said.
"I have to show you something I found." She replied.
Goggle grew ever more concerned for his partner. Finishing his supper, Goggle rose to his feet.
"Show me."
Vanessa lead Goggle to her room. She then pulled out the file; and handed it to Goggle. Goggle opened it and read through the papers. He then looked at Vanessa with a look of hurt.
"How long did you know?" He asked.
"Only since yesterday." Replied Vanessa.
"Were ya ever gonna tell me?"
"I didn't know what I was going to do. Ruby and Amy advised me to tell you. Goggle, I love you. You know I love you. I swear my family did not know."
Goggle looked at the papers. He knew his kin would not be happy about this. He knew word traveled fast around the village. He knew Vanessa might even be killed for this. However, Goggle could not turn his back on his family. Taking the file, Goggle rushed out his house. He would go and beg his Papa to be lenient. He promised Vanessa her safety; and he would uphold it until his dying day.
(Papa Jupiter's House)
Papa Jupiter was cradling his injured wrist, when Goggle came in. Jupiter looked at his son with worry. He could see Goggle was deeply upset.
"What's wrong Goggle?" He asked.
"Papa I need to speak to you. I just dunno how to tell ya." Goggle replied.
Jupiter wrapped his good arm around his son.
"Goggle, y'know I'm here for you. You're my son. Now tell me everything."
Jupiter listened to each word his son said. He looked at the file; and read through every paper. When Goggle was done talking, Jupiter reclined in his chair.
"What are ya gonna do with her Papa? I just don't wanna see her get hurt. I promised she'd be safe." Said Goggle.
"Nothing." Replied Jupiter.
"You will be leading this family one day. Also Vanessa is yours to deal with. It is only fittin' that you decide what shall be done."
Goggle reclined on the couch in his father's house. He closed his eyes, as he went deep into thought. Mercury and Venus were watching an old cartoon near by. Jupiter waited for his son to think of a solution.
Suddenly, Goggle leapt to his feet.
"I know exactly what I have to do." He said.
Jupiter nodded. He had learned from Mother Karen, that leadership was like sitting on a throne of iron. It was never meant to be a position of comfort. His son Goggle would learn this fact in time.
Elsewhere in the house, Goggle was looking through Big Mama's trinket box. Big Mama watched her son lovingly. He was her only son left. Sure Jupiter and her were raising Mercury and Venus. However, it was because their birth parents had died.
"Did you find what you were searchin' for honey?" She asked.
"Not yet Mama." Goggle answered.
Big Mama nodded, and continued to brush her wig. Goggle smiled, as he pulled out the ring he had been looking for.
"I found it Mama." Goggle then said.
"That is wonderful baby. By the way, come here and let me how I look in this here wig Jeb sent me."
Goggle went over by his mother. She placed her newest wig on her bald head. The wig was long and had a realistic aging process look. Big Mama fixed the wig to her head; and put it in a bun, similar to that of Mother Karen's signature style.
"Well Goggle? What d'ya think?" She asked.
Goggle smiled.
"You're always beautiful Mama. With or without your hair. I am just glad you are happy." Goggle replied.
Big Mama embraced her son. She was beaming, as she looked herself over.
"When will ya ask for Vanessa to marry you?" She then asked.
"Tonight Mama. That is why I needed this here ring."
"Lemme see."
Goggle showed her the ring he found. Big Mama smiled. The ring was a pearl, flanked by two diamonds; and set in a gold ban.
"Ah yes. Mother Karen's engagement ring. A good choice." She said.
Goggle grinned. Giving his mother a hug, he said goodnight to his parents; and left the house.
(Goggle's House)
Vanessa sat on her bed. Goggle had not come home yet. Was he still upset with her? Was he keeping his Papa from chopping her up? She then looked outside her window. Goggle was coming into the house. Vanessa quickly checked her appearance in the mirror. Goggle soon entered her room.
"Get up, and come with me." He said.
Vanessa stood up and Goggle grabbed her. She felt very nervous; but had faith Goggle would not hurt her. Goggle led Vanessa down into the basement. Vanessa watched, as Goggle opened the furnace. She could feel the heat coming from the fire within. Goggle then brought her closer to the flame. Her nervousness was rising. She mentally kicked herself for forgetting briefly that Goggle was not like other men. He was a Sawney Bean, and that meant he could snap at any time. However, he seemed to be more sane than the others.
Goggle stopped Vanessa a few feet from the furnace. He then held her firmly close to him.
"I know what should be done for your association to the crooked soldiers that caused us our pain. " Goggle said.
Vanessa trembled. Goggle then the file and threw it in the furnace. Vanessa was shocked.
"I-I don't understand." She replied.
"Everything about your old life is gone. The good, bad; and especially the ugly is burned away. I did this, so you can make a new life here - as a Sawney Bean."
Goggle then knelt down on his one knee and pulled out the ring.
"Vanessa, will ya marry me?" He asked.
Vanessa smiled, and leaned down to kiss Goggle passionately. Slipping the ring on her finger; she gave her answer.
"Yes." She said.
Goggle leapt to his feet and embraced her. All his life, he thought he would never find anyone; because he had no nose. He was often told how ugly he was by Lizard. Vanessa looked at her future husband. She didn't just see a mutant with pale skin, and two patch job slits on his face where his nose should be. She saw his inner beauty; and it was as outside as much as it was inside. Goggle and her made love again that very night.
Enjoy Chapter 12. Reviews are love!
