A/N: Holy shit, thank you so much for the feedback on Johnny's chapter?! I've noticed an influx of reads, a few reviews, and actual feedback from those on discord. I didn't expect that much love for Johnny's perspective and thought it was a mid chapter. But the fact a lot of people liked it and got feedback on it? The fact you guys found him a little funny too?! Stoooop, I'm blushing! But since you guys liked that, I'm gonna implement something new. I was going to do one POV per chapter but when I feel like it's needed, I'm going to add a few per chapter. Don't worry, I'll label them like I have been. But just to spice it up, you know? Also, I feel like Danny's section is a bit rushed. But that's because we have the reveal trailer that I feel like I don't need to go into severe depth. We can literally see what happened lol.
April 12th, 1973
12:01pm
Outskirts - Newt, Texas
Song recommendation: "We'll Meet Again" by Vera Lynn
TW: Mentioning of wanting to sexually assault/rape someone
So We Finally Meet
JOHNNY
-.-
Shitty ass fuckin' gas station. Who the hell comes out here anymore, anyways?! You'd think people would leave us the fuck alone with how many people go missing out here. But nope. Goes right through their fuckin' skulls. At this point, they're walking into our arms freely - just lookin' to get killed. I should've been preparing myself for another hunt - hunting down a new girl at the bar to bring back home. Not to fuck, obviously. Mama would kill me and I can't do that to Maria - even if she despises me right now. Well, maybe. Our chat yesterday went decent. Plus when I fed her this mornin' she thanked me and asked how the weather is. Such a cliche thing to small talk over, but I don't blame her. Locked down in one room all day plus lovin' nature 'n shit? Girl is practically begging to even glance out the window.
Hopefully with time.
Drayton got me stuck here for a few hours as he talked to the trucker - tryin' to refill the damn tanks. Even though we kill for a livin', we also do actually serve people we don't end up hunting down. A few loyal customers actually. One is an older man who chooses to refill his tank at least twice a week - traveling from the city, past us, and into the next town for work. Loves Drayton's barbeque so he's a guaranteed keeper. As long as he's alive, he's one of the reasons we pay our bills and Drayton's face doesn't get stuck in his usual frown. The trucker outside is a customer when he refills our tanks too. He ain't a fan of our barbeque but still buys chips and a pop from the machine outside. Ain't as popular as our gas and homemade food - but that pocket change has helped us a few times.
My foot bounced against the tiled floor, causing my boot to squeak with the movement. My cheek rested on the knuckles of my fist, which happened to be planted on the front counter. God, when will Drayton come back?! I ain't got time for this babysitting shit. Especially since nobody - besides the trucker - has stopped here. Even though our prices are cheap, people decide to fill up in the city or busy town's than here. Probably scarin' them. With the recent missing people reports, I can see why. We need to calm down. Even if food and money is tight - we're gonna draw too much attention to ourselves. The last we need is the fuckin' police questioning us. What we gonna do for them? Offer one of the kebab sticks Drayton cooked up? Hopefully they won't notice the off texture and question us more. The texture between us and the real animals ain't that far off. Well, depending where you eat. Some parts are fatty almost like pork. Meanwhile the tougher area's are like beef - which is our highest selling product. Most butcher's charge so much for cow meat. But us? We don't charge half as much - plus any discounts we give in hopes to lure them back. Either to pay our bills or fill our stomachs. Ain't nothin' personal, it's just what we need to do in order to survive. The clock ticking on the wall above me was similar to the bomb waiting to designate inside me. One more minute and I was gonna scream and tell the old fucker to handle this shit himself. Nobody's here! What's the point?! Literally wasting my life away in here instead of doing something useful.
At that moment, the door inside the gas station opened up. The smell of cedarwood and sage filled my nostrils as a young man walked in. He's a bit younger than me. Brown shoulder length hair, brown eyes, some make-shift scruff of an ongoing beard. His white shirt with blue sleeves contrasted with his denim jeans and own pair of boots. His shirt read "DRWG." The fuck is that?! Don't Run White Guy? Drugs Run With Gangsters? Damn Right We Grind? I ain't got the slighest clue on what the fuck it's supposed to say. Maybe it's some hippie shit Sissy likes.
"Welcome!" I beamed, immediately turning my charm on. A forced - but passing as genuine - smile spread across my lips as I raised up, acting happy and excited to serve him. Gotta make sure they stick around, y'know? That means putting on a full performance at all times. No matter if it's shit like this or trying to sweet talk a babe to coming back home with me. It's all the same shit, just a different setting.
"Hey, man." The younger man greeted me back except he didn't sound happy to see me. Judging from the frown and obvious bags under his eyes, he seemed tired and stressed out. Despite being in his early or mid twenties, he looked much older from the frown lines and creased area of his forehead. Man has gone through some shit recently. Did I actually give a fuck? No. But sometimes pretending to care makes sales go up.
"You okay, man?" I asked and leaned back on the counter, "Seem a little distracted is all. Anything I can do for you?"
The young man's lips formed in a tight line as his brows raised. Clearly I hit the nail right on the head with my observation. He nodded before reaching into his back pocket. He pulled out a folded and wrinkled up piece of paper before sliding it across the smoothed wooden countertop. His calloused fingertips tapped the paper before he leaned back, letting out a saddened sigh. A cold chill ran down my spine as I stared down at the paper. It was a missing person's photo of Maria. It's a professional picture of her - probably a school or state ID photo - with more information about her. She's from Uvalde? I figured she was from a larger city - such as Arlington or Austin. She also had a brown satchel with her? I don't remember seeing it. Must've slipped my mind. That or she left it in her car. Maybe Nubbins stole it too - I'll have to ask him about it later.
"I sure hope so." He sighed out, " Have you seen her? Name is Maria Flores. She went missing a few weeks ago around here and the police ain't doing shit about it."
Thank God. Fuck those pigs.
I shook my head before lying straight through my teeth, "Nope, ain't reckon I've seen her 'round here before. She real pretty though. Police ain't doing anything about it?"
He nodded as anger coated his voice, "Yeah, fucking bastard. Crazy, right?! People have been going missing more often in Texas and they aren't doing shit about it. I talked to the Sheriff the other day and they're closing her case, saying it's cold. Dead end. Everything! Fucking stupid if you ask me."
I shook my head again but in disbelief, "Stupid pigs. Then they wonder why most people movin' to California these days. Ain't nobody doin' their job to keep this state safe. I get it's big and all but... ain't no reason to slack off."
"Thank you!" The man blurted out. Bingo. Speaking his language and I got him hooked. Just gotta butter him up some more to make him buy a few things. Maybe Drayton will let me leave too. "See, at least you get it! It hasn't even been a full month yet and they're just brushing her under the rug."
I nodded, "Yeah, fuckin' pricks. Is she your friend or somethin'?"
"No, she's my girlfriend." He corrected me.
Oh.
OH.
My bottom lip twitched as the forced smile struggled to keep in place. The blood rushed to my neck and face as my anger began to make my blood boil. So, this is the fuckface she's head over heels with?! Some fuckin' scruffy looking shit head? Man hasn't seen a razor in a while yet she finds it attractive? Hair all greasy and used to cook up the next batch of bacon? Some shirt that I still don't understand what it means?! Yet she thinks I'm a skeevy prick, right? Fuckin' right. Seriously, what the hell does this shitbird have that I don't?! I have bigger muscles, a nice smile, charisma, and soon enough she'll know I can please her better than he ever could. What does that leave him with? His greasy fuckin' hair, that's what. God, I'd do anything just to slit his throat right now. The pressure of the heirloom knife was heavy in my back pocket, aching to be let loose and claim his blood. Just to stab into his jugular, blood leaking out at first, before ripping the knife out and it all squirts everywhere - my own personal shower with his blood. The iron tasting liquid would catch on my tongue as if I'm catching snowflakes, laughing and lapping it up like a storm.
Calm down, Johnny. The last thing you need is to cause any suspicion and for Maria to hate you more. If she somehow found out I kidnapped her old fuck toy, she'll despise me. I don't want that anymore. I know we still have a while to go, but ain't no way to stall it any further. I'd never be forgiven. It's gonna take a bit to gain that forgiveness but she should be grateful. She's not the one being cooked up and served in the gas station right now, it's some other guy who gave Sissy a hard time. Fucker thought he could just get underneath her dress. Drunk as shit and feeling her up outside of the bar a few towns earlier. Sissy doesn't drink but she appreciates the music. Her and I go out drinkin' from time to time just to get away from everyone else. We don't always get along - she's like a little sister to me rather than a cousin. But one thing we both have in common is just needing to get away and have a semi-normal life. We both hate this way of livin' but it's what needs to be done. Family business and legacy, y'know? Drayton also feels the same way. He told me we don't have to enjoy what we do - just understand it's the way we have to live. Doesn't mean it's right but you have to do what you have to do.
I enjoy killin. I know that's fucked up. I've tried to get out of this mindset before and I know its wrong. Sometimes, I even feel guilty. But the thrill of the hunt is what drives me. The adrenaline. Being able to release all my pent up aggression. Playing and getting inside their minds before cracking their necks. Being able to see the fear in their eyes before the lights go out. It's addicting. Everyone else just wants to get the job done as soon as possible - not savoring the moment. But I do. It's hard earned work and I get a prize at the end - to know I did that to them; to know that I was the last thing they saw before going wherever-the-fuck we go next.
I escape the house to get away from mama mainly. She's always breathin' down my back and wanting me to follow her rules. I'm twenty-eight, not ten. I don't need to listen to her anymore. But not gonna lie, part of me is scared. She's a very angry woman. Been through a lot. I don't blame her, but that doesn't mean she has to take it out on me. And ever since learnin' about my real ma, I've thought differently of her. It was selfish. She could've properly adopted. She could've gotten actual pets. Why did she have to kill my ma? Why did she have to kidnap me? Why did she lie to me for fifteen years? Why did she never tell me? Why did I have to find out through goddamn Nubbins?!
Why did I have to get hurt over the shit she caused?
I looked down at the shit face's poster once again. Maria's little smile was almost contagious. The corner of my lip went up slightly at the site before it rested into it's previous spot. I would kill - literally - to see her smile. This entire time, she hasn't smiled once. Just screaming, crying, and shooting glares that would've killed someone on the spot. Anything but happy or content. I don't fully understand why. Sure, Bubba and Sissy startled her. Sure, she's stuck in our old basement. Sure, she ate the chili without knowin' the truth. But she'll come 'round to it! She'll realize this life ain't half as bad as she makes it out to be. Just be on our good side and we'll be on yours!
"Sure is a pretty thing." I muttered out loud.
"I know." The man gushed, "Met her back a few years ago. Saw her across the room and had to talk to her, you know? Couldn't keep my eyes off of her."
The words spilled out, "Or hands."
The man who was a bit younger than me stopped. His little smile dimmed slowly as we both realized what I said. Oh, fuck. Damnit, Johnny! Shit was going good until that. Now he thinks I'm some pervert or - even worse - thinks I did something to her. I mean, she is gonna be my wife, supposedly. So, I can't help but think about the upcoming honeymoon. And the baby makin'. And just general raw fuckin' her until tears rolls down her face. Her pretty mouth moaning and crying out my name - begging me to stop. But instead I would push deeper inside of her. Forcing her to take it. Just take-
"Excuse me?" He asked, his brows knitted together as he refused to break eye contact with me.
I cleared my throat, "Y'know, like hold her? Make sure she's all safe 'n shit? Just like right now, I'm sure."
The man didn't buy it. He gave a little nod as he stared into my gaze for a second longer. However, that second felt like an hour. Keep it cool, Johnny! The last thing we need is to kill this fuckin asshat and that trucker hears or see's. Don't need him speedin' off and reportin' us. I'd never hear the fuckin' end of it from anyone - not even mama.
Mama.
I can't deal with him but maybe she can. Maybe I can just make up some bullshit story that mama said she saw some young girl. Yeah, that could do something. She won't hold back either. Since it's her house, where she doesn't have to worry about pesky visitors and customers, she can quietly dispose of him. The young man grabbed the poster off the counter before handing it over to me.
"Anyways... could you do me a favor and keep this? Hang it up here or something? I'm not sure if you guys get a lot of attraction, but I'd deeply appreciate it if you can." He asked politely with a tiny forced smile. I can tell the sadness still lingered - but also a newfound uncomfortableness. Yeah, I need backup for this shit.
"Of course, anything." I nodded and grabbed the poster from him. I folded it the same way he did before sliding it into my back jeans pocket. My fingertips brushed against the handle of my knife. God, it's practically begging me to use it at this point. The urge and temptation of stabbing into his stomach - waiting until he bleeds out from blood pouring inside it - grows bigger and bigger by each passing second.
The man began to walk towards the door before I raised my voice slightly, trying to grab his attention once again.
"Hey! Uh, this might be nothin', but there's this older woman who lives down the road? Sunflowers in the front? Couldn't have missed it on the way here. Anyways, she comes here often and I think she mentioned that she might've seen her. I don't know when - but I think it's worth at least checkin' out, y'know?" I spoke very calmly while keeping eye contact with him, trying to convince him I wasn't lying through my teeth. The man hesitated, scanning all over my face, trying to get a good reading on me. Oh, he's a smart mother fucker. Normally people don't think twice about shit I say - if I lie perfectly. But him? It's almost like he can see right through me.
"Sunflowers, you say?" He asked. I nodded before gently jerking my head in the direction of my mama's house.
"Can't miss it." I repeated. The man stood still as his gaze went to our wooden floor. His body weight shifted slightly, causing the rotting floorboard to creek, filling the silence around us. Well, besides the damn clock on the wall. I'm sure it's reminding him that time is runnin' out - that he needs to find her or some shit. He let out a sigh and nodded.
"Alright, I'm trusting you. I'll check it out."
Bingo.
DANNY
-.-
The little white house seemed promising. Maybe the man at the gas station is telling the truth? Then again, his vibes were off. And what's up with that scar on his face? I don't have much to work off of at all, so maybe this leads somewhere. Even if it's right before she disappeared and not anything super recent. Any clue I'll take in a heartbeat. So, why do I have such a bad feeling in my gut? Although the white house with yellow sunflowers - as the man told me - looked warm and inviting, I sensed something was off. Maybe it's just my nerves? Maybe I'm scared of the woman rejecting me for information. Probably thinks I'll be a cop or something.
Fuck it, I don't have anything else left to lose.
I got out of my truck and closed the driver's side door. I shoved the keys into my pocket as I held onto the simple photograph of Maria. I had been posting her poster in our town and the city all day. The man at the gas station got my last copy until I made some more. I walked up to the front gate and opened it. Such a cliche'. The white gate and matching picket fence. She probably had kids or even grandkids, probably a dog and makes apple pie's for her friends. The stereotypical American dream. The little gate creaked open and then closed, not latching it as I planned for it to be a quick visit.
Leading up to the house were the sunflowers, making the area seem very beautiful and calm. I walked a winding brick path, past an old makeshift well, and to the front steps. The front porch decor was simple. Old pots that needed new plants, some old patio furniture, and a table that was probably meant to be thrown out. I stopped at the front door before hesitating for a second - trying to collect myself. It's the only lead I have. I can't afford to chicken out now. Not for Maria.
My knuckles gently pounded against the white wooden door.
Within a few minutes, it creaked open. I felt a chill run down my spine as I saw an older woman - around middle aged - creaking half her face out. She didn't have a smile - more of an annoyed expression. Her eye blinked through a pair of white glasses, which matched her modest sundress, and little pearl earrings. She had a headband on with a little bow too. She looked like a cute and innocent old lady - except for the glare she was giving me. We stood still - staring at each other for a second - before realizing she wasn't going to greet me. Makes sense. I'm here on her land to talk to her, right?
"Sorry to bother you ma'am." I started with a warm smile, "But, have you seen this girl by chance? She went missing around here. Her name is Maria?"
I still had the photo in my hand. I raised it up and showed it to her. She refused to break eye contact with me - her singular exposed eye staring emotionless into mine. After a second she broke the contact and glanced down at Maria's photo. The same one that I took for her. It's such a simple photo but it was just to see how well her camera was. She was going to use it and take photos around school - such as Leland's wrestling match that was scheduled later that evening. But as she was playing around with it, I quickly stole it from her. She laughed and begged for it back before giving it, letting me take a photo of the photographer for once.
That's when Nancy shifted almost immediately. Which was... weird. Her emotionless but annoyed attitude shifted into a happy smile. She opened the door wider which is when I got a full view of her face - including the cloudy blinded eye. Damn, this woman probably went through some deep shit. I wonder what happened. But, I can't get too focused on that.
"Oh yes, her!" She beamed and smiled wide, "Won't you come inside and have a seat? Let me... have a better look."
That's when I noticed that the porch was dark. Despite the sun being out and no clouds in the sky, I'm sure it was still hard for her to see the picture fully. She probably recognized it but genuinely needed a better look.
"You sure?" I asked, "I don't want to intrude."
The woman scoffed, "Nonsense, I wouldn't hear of it. Come on in, sweetie."
With that she walked away, her little white shoes shuffling against the waxed wooden floor. I opened the door wider before closing it behind me. When I did, I noticed quite a few lock latches. Four? Who needs four locks? Not including the doorknob lock either. Maybe someone hurt her badly - like her eye - so she lives in paranoia. And so far I hadn't seen or heard anyone else. Does she live alone? I walked through the front hall before being greeted into her kitchen and dining area. She met me by the dining table where I handed her Maria's photo. She adjusted her glasses and began to walk into the kitchen, examining it. I sat down at the spotless table, the flowers in a vase starting its process of wilting.
"Oh, would you look at that." The woman said to herself as she looked at the photo better under the kitchen stove light. She grabbed a spoon and began to mix it around into a little tea cup. "Ain't she a pretty little thing. Is this your sister?"
"Girlfriend." I corrected, "I'm getting pretty worried about her."
She sighed, "That's just horrible. You want some of this here tea, honey? It's fresh."
I shook my head, "No thank you, ma'am. I'm in a bit of a hurry if you don't mind." I thought it would be a quick look. I didn't expect to stay long at all. Just ask a few questions and leave. Plus, her running off with Maria's photo got me worried. I need it back. Especially if it's one of the last things I have left of her.
"Oh... well, you know what? I think I do recognize her." Her voice was darker now. I couldn't quite describe it but something thick layered in her voice. Anger? Jealousy? The woman dropped the silver spoon onto the countertop - causing it to clatter loudly. My body flinched as I gazed over my shoulder, glancing back at her. Is she okay? Did I do something wrong? Maybe me saying I was in a hurry upset her. Surely, she'd understand.
"You di-"
She cut me off, "Yeah. She come 'round here - sticking her pretty little nose where it don't belong."
She walked past me and into the living room where a couple couches, coffee table, and an entertainment center with a television and radio sat. She walked over to the large window - which had a little table. But now it wasn't her tone and attitude that was confusing and startling me. No. It was what was on that table. In the picture was the older man from the gas station - who helped me fill up my truck. He had his arms wrapped around the older woman with large smiles on their faces. But more importantly, I saw Maria's camera. The same one she was using before she left. The same one I snagged and took her photo with. I can tell it was hers with the flash extension she added onto it. She was so picky and precise about it - how could I forget? My veins filled with ice as my blood ran cold. How the fuck did she get Maria's camera?!
"You ain't ever gonna find her." The woman said as she reached for something. I couldn't tell what it was. She let out a low chuckle before turning to me, her expression sinister - as if she was some predator about to hunt down its prey. "And they ain't never gonna find you."
With that, a sharp pain filled my head. Then again and again. She was striking me with something that I couldn't see. I grabbed the top left of my head out of pain. Fuck! This shit hurts so badly. I removed my hand as my fingertips felt damp. Upon quick but close examination, I was fucking bleeding. What the fuck did I do to this crazy bitch?! My face hardened as my survival instincts kicked in. I've been in quite a few fights when I was in foster care and again in middle school - so it's been a while but I can fight back. I grabbed a hold of the woman's arms and held them in the air. She struggled against me, trying to break free from my grip to get another swing. Her expression was angered, her one good eye glaring daggers into me. Speaking of sharp objects, I got a quick look at what she was using. It was some garden tool. We struggled a bit before I kicked her in the knee. I heard a slight crack before she let out a loud cry. As she was hunched over in pain, I decided to make a run for it. Instead of running to the front door - like I should've - I ran to the back. I slammed open a blue door that led to a back balcony.
What I saw next was straight from some grease monkey's wet dream.
Despite the front of the house being very old grandma feeling, the back was quite literally a car graveyard. A bunch of old and abandoned cars piled around and the earth started to grow around it. Foliage covering the roofs of once were beloved cars. Looking to my left, I saw a road that seemed to lead up to the front of the house. I had to somehow make it back to my truck. At the edge of the balcony was a ladder. That's a place to start, I guess. I climbed down the steel bars and past a wire gate - which was left open. I made my way all the way up the road, past the front porch, and to the front gate that I came from. Shit, I can see my truck from here! Despite those damn pigs not doing their jobs, maybe I can convince them to come out here and arrest this crazy old bitch. Maybe even question her - see if she's telling the truth about Maria.
That's when I saw him. The man from the gas station. Not the older man in the photo - but the one who gave me skeevy vibes inside. The one who made that comment about my girlfriend. I stopped dead in my tracks as he was leaning against the fence, leg crossed over the other, fiddling with some hunting knife in his hands. He had a little smirk on his face as his gaze kept on the knife.
"Y'know, I's actually kinda fond of that girl, didn't really want to hurt her." He explained. My brows knitted together in confusion but then anger as I realized who he was talking about. The pain on the side of my head grew more violent as throbbing began to kick in. The fuck did he mean he didn't want to hurt her? He touched my Maria?! Where the fuck is she? Why the fuck does he have that knife out? Why the fuck did that woman have her camera?
He continued; "But as they say... family first, y'know?"
With that, he looked up at me with a nonchalant shrug. Almost like everything he was saying had no true meaning at all. Just talking about the weather or some shit. He looked over my shoulder and gave a nod, a smirk still on his face. The fuck he looking at?! I turned around and was faced with the older woman again. She was out of breath and limping - trying to catch up with me due to her bad knee. My eyes widened as I realized what he said. He hurt Maria. But he did it for his family. This old woman was his family somehow.
"YOU'LL FUCKING PAY-"
Before I could finish, the woman raised her gardening tool in the air. With a loud yell and her arm forcefully coming down, she struck the side of my head hard. I fell to the ground due to her insane impact on me. The opposite side of my head hit the dirt pathed road, causing now my entire head to be aching extremely badly. A pool of my own blood around me due to the few cuts on the top of my head. I squeezed my eyes closed as a loud ringing filled my ears. But before I could start to fight back - she struck again.
Everything went black.
