Chapter 3.6 (Part Two)
(Later That Day)
"...and that's when you saw Miss Hernandez fall?" Sheriff Kyle's voice broke the silence as he sat opposite Mrs Appleby, his broad shoulders and chiselled features lending him a more than formidable presence. From Mrs Appleby phoning the emergency services, the response had been fast. Ambulance arriving within minutes from a nearby town, Mount Carroll not blessed with its own medical centre. The police had already been on site as the medics arrived, Sheriff Kyle's underlings quickly unloading their vehicles, waiting patiently as the Sheriff and Deputy Warburton entered the house and assessed the situation, the word quickly coming down the radio that a fatality had indeed been confirmed. Now the various teams of medical and police personnel hurried frantically about the hall of Mrs Appleby's grand house, flashes from the photographer's camera, dust from the fingerprint kit settling around the scene of the crime, calls constantly coming over the radio as the coroner arrived and made his way up the huge stone steps out the front of the house. As the coroner entered, flanked by two assistants, the front door went with an earth shattering bang as a gust of wind whipped through the back door of the house and caused it to slam shut, alerting Mrs Appleby from something of a daze as she answered Sheriff Kyle's question.
"Yes, the poor thing." She spoke softly.
"And where exactly was Miss Valentine during all of this?" Sheriff Kyle asked once more.
Glancing into the hall, the door to the parlour open just a slither, Mrs Appleby eyes fell on Tiffany. Sat on a lone wooden chair, head in her hands, the blur of bodies around her, she looked lost, frightened, alone as she lifted her head as if on cue and gave a sincere look through the tiny crack in the door. Mrs Appleby's eyesight was in rapid decline alright, but even she could make out the puffed eyes and red cheeks, the tears slowly sliding over Tiffany's face as she solemnly sat.
"She must have been in her room." Mrs Appleby answered. "She seemed to arrive at the same time as me. It was probably the noise that made us both come running. Such a noise. Such a tragedy."
"I understand this is a difficult time." Sheriff Kyle gave a soft smile as he spoke, his eyes looking into Mrs Appleby's. "Just a couple more questions and we'll start to wrap things up."
"That's okay Sheriff, you take your time." Mrs Appleby returned his smile, taking a deep breath as she reached into her apron and pulled a handkerchief free, dabbing at her eyes as she sat through the seemingly endless interrogation.
"It's my understanding that Miss Valentine is here as part of a probation service? Rehabilitation program if you will. I take it Miss Hernandez was her probation officer?"
"That's right, yes." Mrs Appleby nodded.
"What kind of relationship did the two of them have?" The Sheriff asked, probing gently.
"I'm not sure I follow." Appleby seemed confused at the question.
"Did they get on? Was there any animosity at all? Was there any form of personal relationship between the two of them?" The questions kept coming.
"Personal?" Mrs Appleby seemed stunned.
"Anything, how can I put it..." He seemed embarrassed. "Not work related... Romantic?"
"Now listen here." The Mrs Appleby started, roaring as she shot from her seat. "That young girl is going through the wringer here just as I am. I don't know what in blazes you're trying to assume, but she and Rita got on better than I ever thought possible considering the circumtances. She's made mistakes, and she's the first to admit it, but by God above, if you carry on with this line of enquiry Sheriff, I'll be lodging a formal complaint. Do I make myself clear?"
"Please, Mrs Appleby, I don't mean to..." Sheriff Kyle started, the old girl firing up again, cutting him down like a wave of napalm.
"Coming in here, acting all high and mighty, tying to blame a terrible accident on that poor, defenceless girl. You oughtta be ashamed of yourself." Appleby continued to spit, Sheriff Kyle closing his notepad and grabbing his hat as he stood from the couch, his height not deterring Mrs Appleby one bit as his shadow fell over her.
"Mrs Appleby, I didn't mean anything by it. But these are questions that we have to ask. You'd be amazed at the amount of young offenders that form these kinds of relationships." The Sheriff tried to reason, placing his notepad in the breast pocket of his tan shirt.
"God damned perverted, that's what it is!" Appleby rallied on. "Now you listen to me young man. I've known you since you were knee high, all snot and chickenpox, and I always knew you'd end up a good boy, following your father into the police force, but you listen to me. What I saw was an accident. Plain and simple. Do you understand that? Because I'll stand in any court and swear on the good book that's what I saw."
"I appreciate that Mrs Appleby. But you understand this is all a formality, just making sure there's no foul play. Especially given the situation with Miss Valentine's track record." Kyle tilted his head, his hat tucked safely beneath his arm as he started to make his way to the parlour door, pulling it open to reveal Tiffany. Flashes commenced as photographers snapped away, the staircase, the chalk outline in the hall, anything everything recorded for future reference.
"Okay people, if we're all done then let's give these girls some space." Sheriff Kyle's voice rang out among his people, the gurney holding Rita's cold body wheeled past and towards the front door of the house as the coroner's vehicle waited outside, the baking sun and a huge flight of stone steps awaiting the unfortunate men tasked with the job of man handling the steel apparatus. As the house began to empty, as the various personnel evacuated the premises and returned to their vehicles, Mrs Appleby emerged from the parlour and approached Tiffany, unable to offer anything other than a smile and a gentle stroke of the shoulder.
"Don't worry." She sighed as she slowly, painfully dropped to a squatting position, the tears in Tiffany's eyes now plain to see.
"I could've helped!" Tiffany whispered, unable to look Appleby in the face.
"We'll have none of that!" Appleby snapped. "It was an accident, there was nothing you could do."
"Why are you being so nice?" Tiffany turned to face her, a hand raising from her crossed legs and wiping away a tear.
"Because we're a team you and me. Whether you like it or not." Mrs Appleby whispered with a grin. "Now why don't I go make us a nice cup of tea and we can try and put this whole, unfortunate incident behind us?"
Tiffany nodded as Mrs Appleby slowly rose to her feet, groaning as she did so, the old muscles and bones causing incredible discomfort as she stood upright. Tiffany slowly followed, the last of the police officers offering a sympathetic smile as he made an effort to quietly close the front door behind him, the quiet 'click' seemingly all the more audible in the newfound calmness of the house. As they entered the kitchen, the sunlight flooded in across the floor, shadows cast across each and every worktop as kitchen utensils, pots and pans lay unused along the sides, Mrs Appleby making her way to the kettle and flicking the switch, the water beginning to bubble and boil within a minute. Walking through the arch, from the hall and into the kitchen, Tiffany's eyes fell once more as they always did to the large wooden trunk sitting beside the door. The heavy padlock and sturdy construction made it obvious that Mrs Appleby didn't want anybody sticking their noses into her business, but Tiffany could see quite clearly that it had indeed been recently opened. Pulling out a chair from beneath the table, Tiffany squinted and tried to focus through tearful eyes. Their appeared to be some kind of fabric sticking out of the trunk. Denim by the looks, a kind of ocean blue, slightly tattered and muddy, dry dirt ground into the material, for some reason looking eerily familiar as Tiffany searched her memory for some form of reference, giving in quickly as she felt a headache start to pound her temples. Before long Mrs Appleby had arrived with a cup of tea each and a plate of biscuits, sinking to the chair opposite Tiffany as she quietly helped herself to something sweet. As the two of them sat around the kitchen table Mrs Appleby broke the silence, struggling in vein to drag a spark of life from Tiffany, the atmosphere morbid as an uneasy tension filled the air.
"What did you have planned for today dear?" She asked her young guest. "After work I mean."
"Jesus..." Tiffany snapped from her trance and shook her head. "I hadn't even thought. I was supposed to be going out for a movie with Joe... I don't really feel like it now."
"Well..." Mrs Appleby began. "No matter how much I disapprove of you dating that man, I think you should go."
"What?" Tiffany sighed, exhausted from the mornings events. "I couldn't... I..."
"You need to accept the fact it was an accident. Take it from me, I'm much older, much wiser than you think too." Mrs Appleby took a swig of her tea, a trickle of the nectar coloured fluid dribbling down her chin. "You let it consume you and you may as well lock yourself away for good."
"I don't know." Tiffany mumbled. "It wouldn't feel right."
"It probably won't." Appleby replied. "But I insist on it. We'll not be opening the store today either, call it a mark of respect or whatever, so I think the best thing is for you to jump back in bed and get some rest. No offence, but you look a fucking mess."
"I don't know whether to thank you, or hit you for saying that." Tiffany smiled, her warmth reciprocated by the old woman across the table.
"You do neither my dear." Mrs Appleby laughed. "Just promise me you'll not blame yourself."
'If only you knew...' Tiffany thought as the greasy, little woman she had suddenly come to respect sat across from her, a smile of innocence slapped across her face.
'If only you knew.'
Although Mrs Appleby's advice had been partly correct, Tiffany had still been in no mood for venturing out and attempting to have fun, Joe picking up on a sombre vibe and asking what was wrong. Of course Tiffany had told him she was fine, not wanting to go into details regarding the events of the day as they had driven the half hour along the interstate to the next town, Tiffany finding everything she had taken for granted whilst in the city was now only accessible by car, and in no less than half an hour at that. She'd remained quiet, although sociable, as they ate pizza, answering Joe's questions, even asking the odd one herself as she made more of an effort uncomfortable to say the least at the amount of beers Joe was helping himself to despite the fact he was driving. A short walk down the high street had found them standing in the dark, yet warm and invigorating air of the July evening as they queued for tickets to their movie, Tiffany not even putting up a fight as Joe suggested the latest Sylvester Stallone blockbuster 'Cliffhanger'. Tiffany wasn't sure what the hell could be considered interesting about a bunch of men climbing a bunch of rocks, but Joe seemed pretty excited so she figured what the hell. Truth was she could have sat through any movie of Joe's choice and the outcome would have been the same. Her eyes failed to focus, her ears failed to listen, her mind refused to cease wandering as she kept playing the events of the morning back in her head. Over and over she saw Rita, hand clutching out as she sought a helping hand, Tiffany stepping back and gladly watching her fall. Now that she thought about it, she'd taken a risk. She'd assumed Mrs Appleby to still be down at the store. Had the fall not killed Rita then it had been her sole intention to finish her off with something blunt, mind at ease the second she heard the loud, sickening crack as Rita's neck broke almost instantly, shock and panic then washing over her as she stepped forward and peered over the top step, Mrs Appleby's startled figure standing right by the body. See, Tiffany wasn't losing any sleep and worrying over the fact that she had idly stood by and watched another human being suffer, beg for help as she stepped back and offered nothing more than a wave. No, what Tiffany was worried about was something completely different.
"We have you. Do you understand now?" Rita had laughed, evidence laid bare as a feeling of nausea fell over Tiffany.
That was what worried Tiffany. The way Rita had worded it.
"We' have you..."
Who the fuck was 'we'? That was what played on Tiffany's mind as she tried desperately to get some sleep. Tried to eat pizza and laugh at Joe's jokes. Even now, in a movie theatre full of cigar smoke and the smell of body odour, as she tried to concentrate on the action unfolding on screen, all she could ask herself was the same question.
'Who is 'we'?
The end of the film hadn't come quick enough, Tiffany racing back to the car, almost ahead of Joe as he stopped to greet some friends he hadn't seen in months, even introduce them to Tiffany as he swayed slightly from left to right, the effects of one too many beers hampering his coordination slightly as he noticed Tiffany striding off, the car almost in sight as he was forced to play catch up. He had to admit as he followed on, that she looked exceptional tonight. Red platform heels, seamed stockings gracing legs that went all the way up, and the shortest little red dress Joe had ever seen made his loins ache as he followed her back to the car, excitement igniting in his brain as he envisioned the fun they could soon be getting up to. Unknown to poor old Joe, this was the last thing Tiffany had in mind, the clothes she wore offering nothing but comfort to her as she splashed some of her state funded 'allowance' on a few garments that she decided made her feel more at home in the god forsaken hell that was Mount Carroll. As the Chevrolet pulled down the side of Appleby's store, windows down as the warmth became too much, Joe turned the wheel and allowed the car to crawl to a stop as the car turned ninety degrees right, Mrs Appleby's hilltop house now resting in the background over Joe's shoulder, his back to the structure as he killed the engine and swivelled in his seat, giving Tiffany a drunken smile as he pressed a button on the centre console of the car, the doors clicking locked and startling Tiffany, her attention turned to the door beside her as she undid her seat belt. As she turned to him for an explanation she found herself taken by surprise, Joe's face up against hers all of a sudden as he pushed her back into the window of the passenger door, his tongue beginning to slide into her mouth as his lips gently caressed hers, his right hand grasping the back of her neck as his left hand shot to her exposed thigh , gradually beginning to work it's way north. Taking a deep breath and gathering her thoughts, hormones racing, Tiffany kissed back, her tongue now entwined with Joe's as she pushed back and allowed a dormant animal within to take over, her hands now shooting to the belt of his jeans and furiously working their magic, pulling down his zip and coaxing his penis from inside, the length and rigidness surprising her as she slowly began to massage him, pulling back his foreskin, back and forth, slowly at first, her fingers playfully stroking as she continued to kiss, Joe moaning as he too allowed his hands to wander. Working up Tiffany's thigh, his hand soon found its way under her already short dress and into her underwear, his fingers frantically making their way inside her as he slowly and firmly massaged her vagina, fingers entering her as Tiffany felt the erotic touch, a spark as Joe hit her clitoris bang on, the ripple of ecstasy sending a shudder through her as she began to stroke his penis faster, harder, his cries becoming more audible as he withdrew his hand and pulled away, exhaling in relief, their lips unlocking in a single moment of pure bliss. Squeezing her hand harder around his shaft, Tiffany used her free hand to grab Joe's chin, pulling his face back towards her as she squeezed his cheeks and plunged her tongue back into his mouth, passion taking over as she leaned forward and kissed viciously. Relinquishing her grip on both Joe's member and chin, Tiffany thrust her hands around the back of her tight red dress and fumbled, fingers and thumbs working overtime as she managed to grasp the zipper of her dress and savagely yank it down, slipping the straps of the garment over her shoulders and allowing the front of the dress to fall, her generous breasts now exposed as they cascaded over the fabric and sat proudly on display, Joe's eyes lighting up as Tiffany pulled away and leaned back against the door of the car, a seductive smile iniviting him in as he took full advantage and leaned over. Kissing her once more and allowing his hands to roam freely over the amazing shape and density of Tiffany's breasts, Joe erotically massaged her nipples, the beautiful peaks solidifying instantly and erecting, protruding from Tiffany's chest like bullets of ice as Joe kissed deeper, harder, his lips leaving hers as he began to move south. His hand returned to Tiffany's knickers once more as he slipped his fingers smoothly back inside her vagina, thumb stimulating the clitoris as his fingers massaged her internally, Joe's tongue now moving, licking and kissing down Tiffany's neck before arriving at her breasts. Running his tongue over her areolas, fingers working away below, Joe could feel Tiffany squirming in delight as she allowed a muffled groan to leave her lips, a gasp of pleasure as she felt the adrenaline of coitus pulse through her system, Joe's head now buried deep in her chest as Tiffany leaned her head back and closed her eyes, the magical moment upon her as she felt a euphoric feeling strangle her from within, her breath becoming shallow, quicker, more intense with every ripple of ecstasy as a firework exploded within her vagina. Letting out a satisfied scream of exhilaration, Tiffany brought a hand to her mouth, clenching her teeth together and biting down on the flesh, anything to stifle the cries of pleasure as the warm feeling surged on, Joe's fingers still labouring away, straining under the fabric of her underwear as he sensed the moment pass, Tiffany's short, rapid breaths not the only sign of her climax as Joe suddenly felt the release of fluid brought on by the ensuing orgasm, the ejaculate leaking across his fingers as Tiffany's knickers became gradually soaked. As she leaned further back, still caught in the midst of her first proper orgasm in years, Tiffany clenched her eyes shut and let her mind go, all manner of sexual thoughts and images sweeping through her mind as she let her brain wander, the release of hormones feeling like heaven as she felt pulse after pulse, surge after surge of pleasure from down below. Suddenly, as her mind roamed, she was greeted by an image. A familiar face, a time not forgotten but not often remembered as she visualized her old apartment, the damp walls, the clothes on the floor, even the smell as she found herself on all fours, nothing gacing her body except for the nylon stockings and slip on heels as she felt the same feeling of electricity coarse through her body as she did now, the voice in her ear making her eyes snap open as her heart skipped a beat.
Chucky's voice, as fresh as it was in that cold November night.
"We're not done yet!" He snarled, flipping her on to her back andeaning in, a malevolent, yet sexual smile greeting her as his tone drilled itself into her head with an agonising lust.
Waking abruptly from her state of sexual arousal, a nap of sorts, Tiffany panicked raising her arms and pushing Joe away, his head looking up in shock as he left the comfort of the warm, naked flesh of her breasts, his hand instantly recoiling in surprise from her underwear as Tiffany looked around, a disgusted look appearing on her face as she examined the interior of the car in revolt.
"I'm sorry..." She looked to Joe, fear and sadness written across her face as she began to pull the straps of her dress up over her shoulders, Joe's face twisting to one of unparalleled rage as he snarled back at her through gritted teeth.
"The hell you can't!" He spat, lunging forward, Tiffany caught off guard as she attempted to pull the bust of her dress back up, failing as Joe's hands grabbed her wrists and pinned her to the interior of the car door. Struggling with all her strength Tiffany tried to resist, powerless to resist as Joe buried his head in her chest once more his tongue running a perfect line between her magnificent breasts as he licked, breaking off and turning his attention, lips sucking, lingering on each nipple as he continued to subdue her. Jeans still hanging open, Tiffany caught sight of his erection, his huge penis stiff as a board as he transferred both her wrists to one hand, his grip still too powerful as the strength of one well toned arm held her in place, his free hand now moving back towards her vaginal area and slipping inside. Quickly withdrawing his fingers and pulling his head away from Tiffany's chest, he ran the digits along his tongue and smiled, the fresh taste of ejaculate seemingly to turn him on even more as he began to clamber over the centre console of the car, jeans slipping as he attemotednto climb on top of geez his erection brushing against her leg as Tiffany simply closed her eyes and awaited the inevitable. All the while she thought. Was this her fault? Had she led him on? Then another voice seemed to answer. Of course she had. But now, she was saying no.
"You don't expect to have your fun then send me home without do you Tiff?" He sneered as he climbed upon her, his spare hand now savagely tearing at her underwear, attempting to yank the delicate lace down her legs as Tiffany felt her body go cold, lifeless as she held her breath and clamped her mouth shut. It was at this moment that all movement stopped, the rustle of fabric and grunting of this, once seemingly charming, man ceasing suddenly as a stomach churning 'click' echoed around the small confines of the Chevrolets interior.
"This doesn't look like consent to me." Mrs Appleby's voice swarmed through the air causing Joe to turn in shock, the cold steel of the barrel of the shotgun brushing against his ear as he did so, mouth agape in horror as he fell back into the driver's seat. The old woman aiming the shotgun straight through the window, Joe's head only an inch or two away, it was obvious that the weight of the firearm may be too much, the barrel swaying unevenly as she tightened her grip, curled her finger around the trigger. As Tiffany pulled the straps of her dress over her shoulders and quickly adjusted her underwear, she turned and grasped the door handle, feverishly pulling as the door remained locked.
"The doors." Mrs Appleby said, motioning with the shotgun. "Open them!"
Without saying a word and moving incredibly slow, Joe turned to the centre console of the car and pressed a button, the locks of the two car doors instantly springing open as Tiffany tried again, successful this time as the heavy steel door flew open, freedom at last. Watching Tiffany exit the vehicle and suddenly remembering his jeans, now wide open and resting around his ankles, Joe turned to Mrs Appleby and stared back down the barrel of the gun, the two steel tubes trembling as the old woman struggled with the length and weight of the gun.
"I know what you're thinking." Mrs Appleby snapped as Tiffany came to a rest by her side, wiping the tears from her face as she looked in any direction but Joe's. "You're thinking that this is too heavy for an old woman like me."
"I'm thinking we should just calm down." Joe stuttered, raising both hands in the air, slowly and in the direction of the gun, Mrs Appleby pulling back and out of reach.
"I guess you're thinking you could take this from me too." She spat. "Well you could try. Maybe i won't put a bullet in your head."
"I'm not gonna lie, the thought had crossed my mind." Joe smiled nervously.
"All why don't you give it a go? " She asked, still staring down the barrel. "Of course, there's always the chance I could blow your damned dick off." Mrs Appleby smiled, Joe's face a picture as his hands dropped to cover his exposed genitals.
"Look I'm sorry. Tiffany..." He raised his voice, leaning out the open window in an effort to gain her undivided attention. "Please, would you just tell her? I admit things got out of hand, but come on!"
"Just go." Tiffany crossed her arms, unable to look Joe in the eye, her voice breaking under the tension.
"Please." Joe continued to protest, arcing his back and digging his chin into his chest, struggling to pull his jeans up, managing with great awkwardness as he fastened his belt and zipped hismself up. "I didn't mean anything. I'm sorry, okay?"
"She's asked you to leave." Mrs Appleby spoke, the barrel of the gun now working its way along the side of the vehicles immaculate, yellow paintwork, the explosion deafening as the little old woman pulled the trigger, missing by inches as dirt flew into the air. A group of birds screamed in terror, taking flight from a nearby tree and scattering across the landscape as Joe immediately reached under the steering column and found the key, twisting at once as the huge engine fired into life. Slipping the car into gear, he muttered a few obscenities over his shoulder as he applied pressure to the throttle and lifted the clutch, a cloud of dust filling the air as the Chevrolets wheels span, digging into the dirt as the tail end of the car drifted, Joe correcting the steering as he sped down the side of the barn and past Appleby's Store, straight into the empty street beyond as he charged toward the interstate and the safety of his own home. Watching with a feeling of comfort and relief, Tiffany turned to Mrs Appleby, noticing for the first time her hair held up in rollers, the stained dressing gown almost touching the floor and the facepack applied liberally creating a pure white mask upon the old girl's skin.
"Thank you." Tiffany smiled, twisting the sole of her heel into the dirt. "If you hadn't come along then I don't know what I'd have done."
Gun lowered, turning from the fleeing Chevrolet and staring with conviction at the broken young lady before her, Mrs Appleby simply muttered.
"You should've just done what you did last time..." Appleby said, turning to face the house, the steps leading up illuminated by the moonlight.
"Meaning?" Tiffany asked, perplexed.
"You should've just stabbed the fucker!" Mrs Appleby calmly replied as she started to walk off, dressing gown dragging along the dry, dusty ground as she headed back to the house.
Tiffany stood in shock, slightly amused at the dryness of the old woman's voice as she turned and followed on behind.
Maybe Mrs Appleby wasn't as bad as she thought.
Little did Tiffany know...
August 4th 1993 (Nine Days Later)
A darkness had fallen over Mount Carroll recently, the weather forecast predicting nothing but heavy rain and strong, northernly gales for the foreseeable future, the heat and humidity of the previous week disappearing in the blink of an eye as clouds rolled overhead, thunder and lightning following as Mrs Appleby declared it to be the worst summer she had ever known.
"God damned phones! I'll tell you who's to blame for all this." She had crowed from behind the cash register of the store, slamming the receiver down as the dead line sat in silence, enlightening Tiffany as she wiped down the shelves of the aisles, bucket of warm soapy water by her side as she knelt, hands a blur, working as fast as she could.
"I'm listening." Tiffany yelled over the height of the aisle, the warmth enveloping her as she made herself audible over the noise of the rain, slamming into the front window of Appleby's Store, the wind whipping the drops of water faster with every gust as the letterbox clattered incessantly in the draught.
"NASA..." Mrs Appleby hollered back, a 'matter of fact' quality about her tone, the reply sounding completely idiotic as Tiffany stood upright and shot her a look of amusement.
"Oh please." Tiffany laughed. "What the hell makes you say that?"
"Gut feeling." Mrs Appleby replied.
"That's ridiculous." Tiffany swooped and grabbed the bucket of water, once clear and fragrant, now black and thick with dirt. "Why do old people always blame things they don't understand?"
"I'm telling you, the weather's been screwed ever since started messing about in space. You can't tell me all this fuel they use going up and down doesn't affect the weather. Or should I say the environment..."
"I like somebody that can make me laugh." Tiffany chuckled as she strolled past the old woman and headed to the restroom, bucket in hand as she ventured in and proceeded to pour the acrid sludge down the sink. As she returned to the shop floor she heard the familiar jingle of the bell above the door, the wind almost blowing it from its hinges as a figure entered, struggling as it turned and pushed the door shut, the roar of the wind and the sudden puddle of rainwater not impressing the two women as stock was blown from the shelves, the gale racing through the Appleby establishment. Tall and rather thin, Tiffany and Mrs Appleby looked upon their customer with a curiosity as the figure removed its heavy raincoat, carefully unwinding the scarf that had been wrapped around the neck to reveal a black suit, the white shirt and black tie accompanying, lending the figure, that now appeared to be a man, a sombre presence. Strolling down the aisle and towards the carnage, Tiffany stopped as the man gave his head a shake and cleared his head before taking a look around, suddenly mortified at the mess he had inadvertently created.
" Oh my God, I'm so sorry." He apologised, squatting and beginning to pick up packets of chips, popcorn and various other snacks his eyes shooting to Tiffany as she dropped to her knees beside him.
"Don't worry about it." She replied, grabbing the bags and placing them back on the shelves.
"It's just that wind..." The man continued, seemingly lost for words as he placed the items back, irritating Tiffany in the process.
"Please." Tiffany snapped, palms of her hands shooting into the air in a futile gesture to keep calm. "Just leave it. I know where everything goes."
"If you're sure." The stranger handed her what he had in his hands, Tiffany snatching them instantly as he ran his fingers through his hair. "This is Appleby's Store isn't it?"
"That's what it says in the window." Tiffany replied nonchalantly as she finished restacking the shelves, gesturing with a nod of her head towards the window of the store.
"Thank God." The man replied standing upright, sauntering past Tiffany and approaching the counter and Mrs Appleby, his gangly frame striding effortlessly across the wooden floor of the store as he offered a friendly smile and held out his hand, Mrs Appleby returning the gesture as they greeted each other with a gentle shake. "You must be Mrs Appleby."
"That's right." Mrs Appleby replied, curiosity peaking, surprised to say the least that the young man before her knew her by name.
"It's all exactly like I imagined." The stranger gushed taking a look around, his head spinning left, then right, his short dark hair sopping wet, despite the best efforts of the rain coat, recently removed. "You, your store, the town, everything... Just like I imagined."
"Don't take this the wrong way young man." Mrs Appleby smiled. "But just who are you exactly?"
"Oh, please forgive me." The young man began digging in the pocket of his raincoat, easier said than done as he held the coat in an oustretched arm, eventually pulling his hand free and showing a form of identification, Chicago Police Department stamped across the top in bold letters. "My name is Will Hunter. I'm a friend of Rita's?"
Tiffany stood and turned her voice ringing across the store as she spoke, unable to help herself as her lips moved automatically, a chill developing down her spine.
"You're a friend of Rita's?" She asked, Will turning and offering a smile as anxiety took a hold of Tiffany. "Rita Hernandez?"
"That's right." Will replied. " Or I was. I've just come from the funeral. I heard a lot about this place recently and thought I'd take a drive out, you know, clear my head."
"Oh yes, that poor girl." Mrs Appleby sighed as she stood. "Such a tragic accident. It left us very saddened, she was a lovely girl. So kind."
"Well I'm sure the family will take comfort in your words ma'am." Will bowed his head.
"What exactly did you hear about this place?" Tiffany asked, approaching the counter where Will and Mrs Appleby now stood.
"Quite a bit." Will laughed. "Seems lately she was never away from this place... You... You must be Tiffany?"
Tiffany narrowed her eyes as Will reached out, hand extended in a gesture of friendship. Grabbing hold and offering a firm shake, Tiffany's hairs stood on end.
"How do you know that?" She asked, slightly disturbed.
"Let's just say your name came up quite a lot this last month or so." Will smirked as he released Tiffany's hand. "She found you interesting to say the very least. In fact it's you I'm here to see."
"Really?" Tiffany asked, her eyes skipping from Will, to Mrs Appleby, the old woman just as surprised.
"Indeed. Is there perhaps somewhere we can talk in private?" Will looked around as he clapped his hands together, rubbing vigorously in an effort to warm himself through.
"Err..." Tiffany stammered, Mrs Appleby raising her hand slightly and answering for her, pointing back over her shoulder and towards the office door.
"You can use the office." She beamed. "Now Mr Hunter, can I fetch you anything? A hot drink? Maybe something to eat?"
"That's very kind, but I'm okay, thank you." Will replied, oozing charm as he spoke. "As a matter of fact I don't think I'll be here too long."
"Well if you're sure." Mrs Appleby stepped to one side, waving the pair of them through, Tiffany grasping the handle of the office door and twisting, stepping inside as the door creaked open and hitting the lights, the office now illuminated as Will also stepped over the threshold and entered the small room. Standing in the doorway, Mrs Appleby began to lullnthe door closed, stopping momentarily as she addressed Tiffany.
"I'll give you two some privacy. I'm going to do a stock check and place some orders while it's quiet." The old girl said, before turning and giving Will a smile as he took a seat opposite Tiffany, the solid desk between them. Without saying another word, Mrs Appleby closed the door, the catch landing in the groove of the door frame with a 'click'. An awkward silence descended over the small office, Tiffany apprehensive as she sought the words, all the while trying to remain calm.
"So Mr Hunter." She began, placing her elbows upon the desk, hands clenched together as they cradled her chin. " Or may I call you Will?"
"You can call me Mr Hunter." Will replied calmly. Emotionless, as his head turned from the office door, eyes landing on Tiffany as he leaned forward in his seat and allowed the pleasant look to slip from his face, a more solemn appearance taking over as his smile disappeared. Sensing the impending hostility, Tiffany sat back and braced herself as Will continued. "I warned her not to come you know..."
"I'm sorry?" Tiffany asked.
"Here." Will answered. "To confront you with everything. I told her how it would end, that somebody with your obvious disregard for life would be better dealt with by people more, what's the word... Experienced in violent altercations."
"Listen, I don't know what you are assuming..." Tiffany started, interrupted immediately as Will leaned back and folded his arms across his chest.
"I even made her carry a side arm." He allowed a little laugh to escape his lungs as he slowly began to shake his head. "Some good that did her. But well done, I have to applaud you. Falling down the stairs? Was that planned or did opportunity just present itself?"
"Mr Hunter, I don't know what you are getting at, but I can assure you of this." Tiffany paused. "You don't know what you're talking about."
"Oh I know alright." Will slammed his fist into the surface of the desk. "I know about your incarceration. Attempted murder was it?"
"Self defence if you must know." Tiffany smirked.
"I also know about Harry Marsh, Gabriella Cortez, John Duncan, even your good friend Charles Lee Ray." Will grinned. "Who do you think did all the digging while Rita was out here keeping you sweet?"
"I'm going to take a guess that you have more of a desk job." Tiffany leaned forward running her eyes up and down the man before her, a flashback to Rita's pager, the resulting phone call as Tiffany stood right here in the office and pressed 'redial'. "Would I be right in thinking forensics?"
"That would be telling." Will answered. "Needless to say I have enough evidence, in a secure location I might add, far away from anybody whose eyes light up at the flash of a full wallet, to put you away for good."
"But you don't!" Tiffany stood suddenly, arms flying to either side of the desk as she leaned over and hissed at Will. " So stop with the act!"
"Oh it's no act!" Will retorted through clenched teeth, his voice a whisper as the office door slowly freaked open, a knocking sound as Mrs Appleby's face appeared round the corner.
"I'm sorry to disturb the two of you." She softly spoke. "Tiffany, I don't feel too good. I have the start of one of my heads, so if you don't mind I'm going to head up to the house and have an hour in bed."
"That's fine." Tiffany smiled. "I'll keep an eye on things down here. You go take it easy and I'll be up in a bit."
"You're a good girl." Mrs Appleby gushed, turning to Will as she closed the door behind her. "It was nice meeting you Mr Hunter."
"Likewise Mrs Appleby." He replied. "I'm sure I'll be back soon. Hell, you'll not be able to keep me away."
With that Mrs Appleby closed the door to the office, the back entrance of the store going with a bang as the door slammed shut behind her.
"I'm going to give you some advice Mr Hunter." Tiffany sat back down, sinking into the soft, luxurious leather chair. "Let it go. You have nothing to connect me to any of these cases."
"You seem pretty sure about that." Will seemed unnerved.
"The one thing, the link that held your entire theory together is in my possession. Apart from a few 'circumstantial' fingerprints, you have nothing!"
"I don't need that knife to prove you killed those people." Will snarled as he slammed his fist once more into the desk. "Your kind always leave things that eventually come round and bite you in the ass."
"Not this time." Tiffany spat. " Now take my advice and let it go."
"I can't!" He replied.
"Let me tell you something about Rita's 'accident' Mr Hunter." Tiffany smiled, standing from her seat and walking a circle around the office, Will's eyes failing to leave her, anger projected in his look. "She didn't die doing the right thing. Nor did she die a brave and noble death."
"What the hell is your point Valentine?"
"I was there you see..." Tiffany bent over behind Will, her lips inches from his ear as she whispered, her breath warm on his neck. Standing and continuing to pace the office, Tiffany carried on. "True, I could have helped. But why would I help a person that had just demonstrated how easy they would find it to send me back to prison? Where was my incentive? So yes, I stood and watched as she fell."
"I don't believe you're admitting it." Will seemed astonished, swivelling in his seat. "You're a damned psychopath!"
"I heard her neck snap." Tiffany continued, her fingers now playfully twisting a curl of hair as she spoke, satisfaction and pride in her tone. "It wasn't a big snap. Kind of like... I don't know... Standing on a dry twig."
Will remained silent, an internal rage burning brighter with every second as Tiffany described the incident in great detail, returning to her chair but choosing instead to perch herself on the side of the desk as she carried on.
"But do you know something?" She asked as she sat, legs dangling over the edge of the desk.
"What?" Will quietly answered.
"Right before she fell, I could see it in her eyes. Regret... She would have still been here if she'd done one simple thing, and she knew it. Do you know what that was?"
Will didn't say a word, a feeling of nausea working it's way up from the pit of his stomach, a gentle shake of the head all the energy he could muster as Tiffany gently leaned toward him and whispered.
"She should have just let... it... go."
Without warning Will leapt from his chair, arms stretching towards Tiffany as she attempted to get out of the way, too little too late as Will's hands wrapped tightly around her throat. Lifting Tiffany from the desk with a strength cometely unexpected, Will rammed her into the wooden wall of the office and held her there, his face now inches from Tiffany's as a tear began to roll down his cheek. Tightening his grip, Tiffany's hands shot to Will's wrist, all attempt at freeing herself from his grip proving futile as she gasped in horror, air intake seriously reduced.
"Now you listen here you little bitch!" His words oozing venom. "I'm going straight to the homicide department when I get back and I'm telling them everything, knife or no knife to link you with those murders. Do you understand?"
Tiffany nodded, pinned to the wall and beginning to feel faint she knew she had no other option but to hear Will out and pray he let go, her vision becoming obscured slightly.
"Now I'm going to phone the sheriffs office and get them down here. Even if I have to plant evidence, because that my dear is what you deserve. Justice. Cold, hard and rough, which judging by the state of you, is exactly how you like it!" Will released his grip and took a step back, Tiffany's hands instantly flying to her neck as she bent double and began to suck the beautiful fresh air inwards, her lungs aching with each breath. As Will regained his composure he turned to Mrs Appleby's desk and grabbed the phone, pulling it across the surface of the desk and lifting the receiver to his ear. As Tiffany looked on, she felt a sigh of relief as Will started dialling, only to pause and repeatedly press the hook switch, the lack of dial tone causing him to turn and grab Tiffany bybthebthroat once more, heaving her into the wall again as her head hit the solid wood with a sickening 'thud'.
"Why doesn't the phone work?" He snarled, Tiffany now groggy as she closed her eyes and answered honestly.
"It's the storm." She moaned, her words slightly slurred. "They've been out for hours."
"There was a pay phone across the street." Will remembered, lifting Tiffany's head up in an effort to stop her blacking out. " Will that be working?"
"I don't know." Tiffany answered, again as honestly as she could. "Maybe."
Letting go and allowing Tiffany to drop to the floor, Will turned and quickly grabbed his raincoat and scarf from the arm of his chair, yanking the door to the office open at an alarming rate as he entered the store. Maybe it was the speed at which he opened the office door, but Will could have sworn the door to the back entrance to Appleby's Store had moved. As though somebody had just passed through it in a hurry, the door just coming to a stop as he entered the store and began to work his way through the aisles and towards the front entrance. Hearing the wind whistle through the letterbox, the rain hitting the huge store front window like a hail of silenced machine gun fire, Will grabbed the handle of the door and twisted, the gust of wind almost knocking him from his feet as the rain sting his face. Forced to shield his eyes from the gale, the heavy downpour only worsening since his arrival, Will pushed on and crossed the car park, the huge puddles spreading across the dirt, growing with every second as the clouds rumbled overhead, the evening cast into perpetual darkness as the sun remained lost behind a blanket of grey. As Will crossed the street, legs pushing on as the force of the wind only grew stronger, he reached the phone booth, sliding the flimsy, plastic door open and hauling himself inside as he turned and slid the door shut, the wind now nothing but a noise as the phone booth rocked from side to side. Fishing into the pocket of his raincoat and withdrawing a fist full of coins, Will fished out a quarter and lifted the handset from it's cradle, inserting the quarter and hearing the hollow rattle as the coin reappeared in the slot below, the money dropping straight through. In disbelief, Will held the handset to his ear and cursed out loud, the lack of a dial tone indicating the phones in the immediate vicinity were indeed out of order, Tiffany seemingly telling the truth. Smashing the handset back into it's mounting, Will took a deep breath and thought about his next move. The only thing he could do now was wait until he reached the city, maybe put a call into one of the homicide team. If he explained things then they could possibly present the remaining evidence, it could possibly be enough to gain a warrant and search the premises, hopefully recover the knife that Tiffany now had in her possession. As much as Will didn't like to admit it, the whole case rested on that knife. It was the lynchpin of his and Rita's investigation and without it Tiffany was right, the evidence was flimsy, the fingerprints from Marsh's car could be explained in any number of ways. And as for the fingerprints collected by Rita herself, no doubt inadmissable due to the manner in which they were obtained. No. It wasn't going to plan, that was for sure, but he still had time. Time to work. Time to set the wheels in motion and catch her off guard, the priority now being obtaining a search warrant and coming back with the proper authorities. Clearing his head and gathering his thoughts, Will knew what he had to do, turning and grabbing the door of the phone booth, taking a deep breath before sliding it open and heading back into the cold, wet and incredibly blustery evening. Crossing the road and dodging the ever growing puddles of rainwater now covering the majority of Mrs Appleby's car park, Will narrowed his eyes and held his breath, the ferocious wind almost sucking the air from his lungs as the torrential downpour tried valiantly to blind him, almost succeeding as he approached his car, the warm, dry and comforting interior of the black Audi S3 seeming to call him on, Will completely oblivious as, round the other side of the car, the rear, passenger side door of the vehicle closed with an almost inaudible click.
The drive back had started as well as could be expected, the rain lashing at the windshield as the wipers frantically worked back and forth, rapidly swinging left to right as the rubber squeaked across the curve of the glass, the wind buffeting the car as Will headed to the interstate, the wide open expanse of fields offering zero protection from the strong gales. As he approached the next junction, he became alarmed at a knocking sound, a 'thud' emanating from the rear of the vehicle as the car slowed to a stop, the car beginning to rock as the knocking turned to a grating noise, increasing in volume, the vibration rippling throughout the vehicle as the car came to a stop.
"God dammit!" Will spat as he clenched the steering wheel, the vehicle beginning to pull slightly to the right as he pulled to the side of the road.
Reaching over to the passenger seat beside him, Will grabbed his raincoat and opened the driver's door, the wind almost blowing the car door back into him as he stood, the rain stinging his face as he threw the raincoat over his shoulders and slipped his arms down the length of the sleeves, working quickly to fasten the buttons as he inspected the side of the vehicle. Pissed off, but also slightly relieved, Will stooped to a squatting position and inspected the rear, passenger side wheel, the nail protruding from the wall of the rubber tyre as the rain flowed over the puncture, the last breath of air causing the water to bubble as it did so. Shielding his eyes, Will shook his head in disbelief. What a time. What a place. Quickly standing, wasting no time, Will strolled to the rear of the car and opened up the trunk, lifting the carpeted base to reveal the spare wheel. As a clap of thunder roared overhead, he unscrewed the retaining bolt and lifted, a crackle of lightning illuminating the horizon as Will dropped the wheel to the floor and rolled it to the side of the Audi. Struggling to stay on his feet, Will returned to the trunk and reached inside, pulling the jack free from it's housing and immediately dropping to the cold, wet cement. As he lay on his back shuffling to get the jack in the just the right place, the lip of the cars chassis evading him in the darkness of the evening, he felt his body tense, the cold water now seeping under his raincoat and working its way up his trouser leg and down his sleeve. Finally finding the jacking point, Will began winding, the body of the jack beginning to work its way up the lead screw, sliding its way upwards as it began to lift the vehicle from the road. Stopping briefly and rising to a kneeling position, Will slipped the tyre wrench over the first wheel nut and stood, placing his hand on the roof of the car as he applied pressure with the sole of his foot, the nut seized on, loosening with every ounce of pressure until finally the sickening 'crack' exploded through the air and the wrench spun freely. Continuing in the same manner with the remaining wheel nuts, it wasn't long before Will had the new tyre on and the flat thrown in the back of the car, slamming the trunk closed as the rain proceeded to fall. Faster, harder, heavier as the wind whipped through the drenched material of his raincoat, the water cascading down Will's back and making him grimace as the ice cold temperatures sent a shudder across his shoulders. Lifting a dripping sleeve and wiping the water from his face, Will made his way along the side of the car, reaching the driver's door and quickly pulling it open, the interior light sparking into life as a a monotonous 'beep' emanated from within, the vehicle warning an evacuating driver of the fact the headlights of the car remained turned on. Climbing inside and once more wiping the rainwater from his eyes, Will pulled the car door closed and yanked his seatbelt across his chest, securing it in the housing by his right hand side. The only indication of rain now came from the constant hammering above, the rain hitting the roof of the car at an alarming rate as he sat and caught his breath. As Will slowly leaned forward and slid the key beneath the steering column, into the ignition barrel, a figure slowly, and silently, rose from the rear of the car, knife in hand as it sat from its hiding place. The long hair saturated, the face twisted in anger, as a bolt of lightning erupted behind, the silhouette catching Will's attention as he leaned back in his seat, eyes drawn to the rear view mirror, to the figure and the look of barbaric hatred.
"You?" Will began, twisting in his seat as he felt for the release catch of his seatbelt, too late as the mystery figure raised its hand, the knife held firmly in its grasp. Without saying a word, the assailant arced its arm downwards, knife cutting the air silently, quickly as Will suddenly felt the cold steel pierce the skin of his neck. As he let forth a blood curdling scream, he cowered, raising his hands as he tried to hold of the attack, twisting his body and feeling the hard leather bound steering wheel of the Audi pushing against his ribs. As the knife came down, time after time, Will felt his flesh parting viciously. Arms, hands, wrists, the knife slicing through the skin and severing multiple veins and arteries as he began to black out, strength evading him as his arms began to drop and his vision became cloudy, the knife now sinking once again into the soft flesh of Will's neck. Over and over, his screams becoming less each time, the cold steel punctured his flesh and allowed blood to gush from the wounds, his desperate pleas for help, the cries asking why, dying to a barely audible whisper. Seeing the lack of fight dwindle, Will's attacker seemed only to up the force behind each thrust, increasing the frequency and ferocity as an evil cackle reverberated around the interior of the car. As he started to lose consciousness, Will's body began to feel colder, numb. Yet the agony searing through him only seemed to grow and grow, the blade slicing through his skin repeatedly as he felt a sticky, viscous fluid rising from within, the blood beginning to spill from his mouth as he closed his eyes. With the body laying slumped, almost in the footwell of the driver's seat, the assailant leaned forward even further, bursting forward with a wicked cackle as the knife cut straight through Will's neck, the head almost completely separated from the body as it flopped backwards to reveal a network of severed arteries, the neck now more or less nothing short of a bloodied stump. Retracting the knife and sinking to one of the rear seats, the attacker laid back there head and smiled malevolently, taking a deep breath as an exhilarated sigh escaped their lungs, the rain on the roof of the Audi the only sound.
Nobody would be finding out about that evidence.
She had seen to that.