Chapter Three

9:20pm

Charles drove to Hackensack Docks with Daniel. He parked in front and shut off the car.

"I have to do something first. I'll meet you on the docks."

Daniel nodded. "Take your time." He left the car and headed toward the docks.

Charles opened the glove box and took out a pair of black gloves. He reached under the seat and brought out a whiskey bottle. He left the car and joined Daniel.

"Having lady problems?" Daniel took off his jacket and sat down.

Charles sat down next to him. "Want some booze?"

Daniel shook his head. "Uh, no thanks. I quit drinking when Sarah and I decided to have another kiddo."

"Man this prick pisses me off!" He thought.

Charles took a big swig from the glass bottle. "Come on! Let loose for a minute!"

Daniel sighed. "You're right. We aren't going to have anymore children." He yanked it from his hands and chugged as fast as he could.

10:00pm

Sarah walked in with a handful of groceries and a cranky Barb by her side.

"I'm tired." She moaned.

Sarah sat down the food on the table. "Daniel!" Sarah yelled, walking into their room. "Daniel?" She frowned.

Barb moaned again. "Tired." She yawned.

Sarah walked Barb to her room. "Goodnight Barbie." She blew her a kiss. She walked into the kitchen and sat down at the table. Sarah waited until Midnight for Daniel but nothing happened. Sarah got up and called his work.

"Mr. Larson, is Daniel still working? This is Sarah, his wife."

"No ma'am he left at eight fifty." He hung up.

Sarah slammed the phone on the hook. "Well goodbye to you too." She frowned.

Sarah then called Dave.

"Sorry wake you, friend. But did Daniel was to walk home but he hasn't showed up."

David yawned. "It's fine, Sarah. Danny boy left us and walked home."

"Oh god. What if he got mugged and killed?" Sarah stomach became upset.

"Sarah, don't worry. He is probably off hanging out with friends." David reassured her.

Sarah sighed. "You're right. I'm tired and I need to go to bed. Thanks." She hung up.

Sarah walked into her room and turned out the lights. She said her prayers and went to bed.

12:10am

David danced around on the dock. "I haven't had this much fun in a long time!"

Charles growled. "Yea, sure. Whatever..."

Daniel ran over to Charles. "We should go swimming!" He began to strip to his boxers.

Charles laughed. "Great idea, Danny. Why don't you jump in?"

Daniel walked backwards and took a running jump into the water.

Charles bent down and stared at him. He grabbed Daniel's hair and forced him underwater.

Daniel splashed and kicked trying to gulp in fresh air but instead gulped water. "Charles! No!"

Charles cackled. "Shut up!"

Minutes later, Daniel stopped kicking. His body laid face down in the water.

With one swift kick, Charles shoved him down the river.

"Sarah...is mine. I deserve someone like her! Not you, you asshole!" He took his gloves off and jammed them in his pocket. "Damn it she will love me even if I have to force her!" He left the docks.

/

Morning came and Sarah sat in the kitchen, watching Barb eat her cereal.

"Where's Daddy?" Barb shoved a spoonful into her mouth.

Sarah smiled weakly. "He's with friends."

Soon, the phone rang and Sarah jumped up to answer. "Daniel!" She smiled.

"This is Officer Williams. I have troubling news to bring you. This is Sarah Pierce, right?"

Sarah frowned. "Y-Yes sir."

"Mrs. Pierce, we found your husband. We found him in the river but he is not with us anymore." He sighed.

Sarah burst into tears. "Oh my god!" She covered her mouth.

"Our tests show he was serverly intoxicated when he drowned."

"How could this be? He stopped drinking!" She cried louder.

"I'm deeply sorry for your loss."

Sarah hung up the phone and covered her face, falling to the ground.

Barb walked to Sarah. "Why are you crying?"

Sarah looked up at Barb and forced a smile. "Mommy has to straighten things out. Get dressed, you're going to daycare."