Nodding his head he started the car up and pulled off. Victor nervously glanced out of the back window. He fidgeted in his seat and fumbled with his hands the entire ride.

  “What if he’s following me? What if he’s gonna kill me too? You saw him; he tried to kill me that night.” Victor began to rant.

  “Victor, no one is trying to kill you. It could all be coincidence at this point. You’re more likely to be sentenced to life in prison than Lawson killing you any fucking way.”

  Victor shivered at the sound of prison. He took a deep breath and leaned back in the seat. He started up at the headliner and groaned.

  The car zipped down the road heading towards Victor’s house. It was a little past four in the afternoon and a light rain started to fall peppering the windshield. Daniel’s eyes were glued to the road, but his mind wandered off replaying every word Lawson had said over the last few weeks.

  Victor sat in the passenger seat frozen stiff. He’d stopped shaking and was now staring straight ahead in a sort of daze. As they rounded the corner and entered his neighborhood, fear and anxiety seemed to boil over in Victor. He’d been sitting still, but could no longer contain himself.

  “That car, that car has been behind us since we pulled off the main road.” Victor looked at Daniel imploring him to do something.

  Daniel looked back and chuckled. “Victor that’s your neighbor’s car, you slept with her three weeks ago. You’ve got to relax man.”

  Daniel pulled into Victor’s driveway and hopped out. He walked around and headed to the front door, but when he looked back Victor was still sitting in the front seat.

  “Victor, get your ass out here! Hurry up and come open the damn door, I’m getting wet.” Daniel screamed.

  Victor slowly turned his head and looked out of the window. He glanced around the yard apprehensively, scanning for any movement. After a few seconds he shook his head at Daniel and crossed his arms.

  Daniel waved at him and yelled again. He could see Victor’s frozen silhouette through the foggy window. He hadn’t budged. Daniel cursed under his breath then marched back across the driveway.

  Soaking wet and pissed off, Daniel banged on the window and almost ripped the handle off the car. He flung the door open and grabbed Victor’s arm, yanking him out into the rain.

  “I’m coming, I’m coming.” Victor griped as he stumbled across the lawn.

  Fumbling with the lock Victor opened the door and scurried inside. He ran off into the dark and turned on every light in the house. Daniel stood at the door and watched him in disgust. These were not the actions of men.

  “You want a beer, something to eat?” Victor asked pathetically.

  “Victor I gotta….” He paused and looked at Victor. He seemed so fragile like a helpless lamb being led to slaughter. “Sure.” Daniel conceded.

  He took the beer and plopped down on the couch. Victor took a seat across from him and nervously fiddled with his fingers. He quietly watched Daniel drink his beer, but didn’t say a word. It wasn’t until Daniel stood to leave that Victor finally spoke.

  “Where you headed?”

  “Victor I got shit to do. I can’t sit around here all day and babysit you.”

  Victor stared at the ground like a depressed toddler. He fumbled with his watch and glanced up at Daniel then back at the ground.

  “Victor you’ll be fine. I’ll check back with you later tonight.”

  “You’re right, you’re right. I’m just being stupid.” Victor said.

  Daniel gave him a thumbs up then made a break for the door. The rain had let up outside and the sun was starting to slip behind the clouds. Daniel ran across the lawn and hopped into his car. He quickly cranked up the engine and screeched off down the road. He knew exactly where he needed to go to clear his mind.

  ROADSIDE SCUFFLE

  Daniel flew down the highway like a space ship. As mile marker thirteen came into view he felt a rush of excitement. He pulled off of the road and drove down the dirt path just as the sun completely faded away.

  Daniel parked his car to the side and stepped out to the swish of running water. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The familiar smell immediately put him at ease, like a gentle lullaby sung to a baby.

  In his head he started to replay the last few days. The idea that Lawson was behind all the murders was beyond alarming. Daniel knew he needed more proof. All he could do now was guess.

  He ran through every single detail, every strange occurrence. Lawson was there when the first bodies were found. Lawson was leading the investigation. It was Lawson’s wife that had cheated on him with Victor. It was his wife that somebody put in Victor’s backseat. Hell, Lawson had been on the case during the original Rocky Hill murders.

  “What the fuck was Victor thinking?” Daniel said to himself.

  He wasn’t sure what he’d of done in the same situation, but dumping Sherri’s body wouldn’t have been an option. Some things never change, Daniel thought as he looked out on the winding water.

  Here he was again, trying to clean up Victor’s mess. He’d been picking up the pieces and making things right for Victor since college. The only reason he was even considering helping Victor now was the chance that the sheriff was involved.

  He thought about confronting Lawson, pushing him and seeing what he would say. He was always an overly emotional man, but that could lead to tragedy just as much as a confession.

  He bent down and picked up a rock. He rolled it between his thumb and the palm of his hand. Sighing, he heaved it into the water where it skipped a few times then sunk into the murky depths.

  The water was dark, like it was more mud than water. Daniel couldn’t help but lose himself in it. It reminded him of night, of shadows and secrets never to be spoke of again.

  “There is no help.” The words echoed in Daniels head.

  Was it a dream, or was it a memory? Daniel couldn’t tell the difference anymore. It was like little fragments of a movie floating around in his head that he could never quite piece together.

  Blinking his eyes he snapped out of his daze. He looked at his watch and sighed, the day had flown by. Monica would be leaving for New York tomorrow and he hadn’t seen her all day.

  Daniel cursed Sandra under his breath. He didn’t trust Monica’s shady agent one bit. Those two were always conspiring behind his back. She really knew how to get under his skin, but on the other hand with everything going on it was probably best if Monica left town for a bit.

  Daniel turned and walked back to his car. He leaned against the hood and stared out at the trees swaying in the wind. The crackling of branches echoed behind him and he spun around. He scanned the night intently, his eyes sweeping back and forth like a spotlight. Something moved and the bushes shook.

  “Who the hell is there?” Daniel asked loudly.

  The moving stopped and Daniel narrowed his eyes and held his breath. He edged closer to the bushes, leaning forward trying to see through the thick foliage.

  The branches rustled and shook again and Daniel staggered backwards. “Who the fuck is it?” He yelled.

  With a loud shriek a possum exploded through the leaves. Daniel jumped as the animal scurried away into the dark. He laughed to himself and shook his head.

  Grinning, Daniel stepped into to his car and cranked it up. He slowly drove down the bumpy path back to the road and then floored it as he hit the highway. With a low groan, the black sedan sped down the road.

  It was early into the night, but the road was completely deserted. A thick fog had blown in from the water and clouded his visibility. His headlights barely pierced the white blanket that lined the streets.

  Daniel hummed along to the radio, his eyes staring straight ahead trying to avoid driving off of the road. Suddenly blue and red lights erupted in his rear view mirror.

  “What the hell?” Daniel mumbled as he glanced down at his speedometer.

  It only read forty-five, but the limit was sixty. Daniel grumbled in exhaustion, preparing himself for the harassment he knew was coming. He slowly pulled onto the shoulder of the road and turned off the ignition. Instinctively, he reached into his glove compartment and took out his registration.

  With the sirens blaring the patrol car pulled up right behind Daniel, so close it almost crashed into the back of his car. Daniel rolled his window down and held out his registration and license.

  “Get your arm back in that fucking car.” A voice yelled out.

  Daniel turned his head and tried to make out who the officer was, but he turned on his flashlight and shined it in Daniel’s face. Daniel squinted and shielded his eyes with his hands.

  “Is this necessary?” Daniel asked in an annoyed tone.

  “Hey! Don’t you move another muscle!” The officer called back.

  Daniel quickly recognized the voice. He’d half expected something like this, if he was being honest with himself. Lawson wasn’t one to let anything go.

  “Sheriff I’m just trying to get home.” Daniel pleaded.

  “Step out of the car sir and put your hands on the hood.”

  Daniel furrowed his brow and sat up. “Are you fucking serious? I’m not in the mood for your shit tonight.” Daniel snapped.

  The sheriff reached down and unbuttoned his holster. He placed his hand over his gun and took a step back. Daniel felt a rush of emotion overwhelm him, from complete shock to absolute anger. He took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.

  “I’m gonna tell you one more time, step out of the car and put your damn hands on the hood. You make me repeat myself and I’m gonna mace your ass.” The sheriff said with a dark and disturbed voice.

  Daniel wasn’t sure if he had gone mad because of his ex-wife’s death, or if he planned on killing him there on the side of the road. Regardless, his guard was up and he’d be damned if he let a sorry bastard like Lawson get the better of him.

  Daniel pushed the door open and slowly stepped out into the darkness. He turned and put his hands on the hood then looked back at the sheriff. Lawson edged over to him, his hand still resting on his gun.

  “Where you headed tonight?” The sheriff asked as he started to pat Daniel down.

  “Home.” Daniel responded.

  The sheriff made a grunting noise then ran his hands along Daniel’s torso. He shoved him in the back with one hand and moved his other hand towards his pocket.

  “You got anything in your pockets that’s gonna stick me?”

  Daniel shook his head and rolled his eyes. He wasn’t sure how much more of this he could take. He was already fighting the urge to break Lawson’s neck and toss his body in the river.

  After patting Daniel down, Lawson took a step back and spit on the ground. He tapped his shoe on the pavement eyeing Daniel while he contemplated his next move.

  “You and that buddy of yours think you got it all figured out don’t ya?” The sheriff grumbled.

  Daniel didn’t respond. He stared down at the hood of his car in a daze. He was hoping the sheriff would finish insulting him and let him go on his way.

  “Yeah, the two hotshot doctors fucking everybody’s wife. Not a care in the world. Well I got you two figured out. I don’t give a shit how many judges you got in your back pocket. You hear me?” Lawson took a step forward and poked Daniel in his shoulder

  Daniel had drifted off and hadn’t heard a word Lawson was saying. When the sheriff poked him he suddenly whipped around knocking Lawson off balance. The sheriff stumbled backwards and tripped over his own feet. With a thud he fell down into the road.

  Lawson looked up at Daniel with murder in his eyes. Steam rose from his head like a tea kettle.

  “Now Lawson…that was a damn accident. You know that!” Daniel said as he half raised his hands.

  The sheriff scampered backwards and reached for his gun.

  “Lawson don’t do anything stupid.” Daniel spoke slowly as he moved towards the side of his car.

  Lawson shuffled to his feet, his eyes fixed on Daniel the entire time. He pulled his gun out and aimed it at Daniel, but didn’t say a word. His hands trembled furiously, his finger shaking just over the trigger.

  Daniel could tell that he was beyond reason and he needed to take action. He continued talking to Lawson trying to distract him as he slowly stepped towards him.

  “Lawson let’s just…let’s just get in our cars and head home. It’s a rough time for everybody.”

  Daniel moved closer, inching forward until he was almost in arms reach of the gun. The sheriff started to back away. The gun rattled in his trembling hands as he slowly started to lower it.

  “That’s it Lawson.” Daniel continued towards him. “Let’s just stay calm.”

  “Fuck you! Fuck you and your buddy!” Lawson jabbed the gun in the air and pointed it at Daniel’s head.

  Daniel froze, he kept his eyes on Lawson and raised his hands. “Okay, okay.” Daniel said as he calmly moved closer.

  “You think you’re so God damn smart. Yeah, you’ll just pull one over on old, dumb Lawson huh.” The sheriff stammered as he took one hand away from the gun and wiped at his face.

  Daniel stepped forward and dove at him. He lunged for the gun, but just as he moved a pair of headlights erupted from the darkness.

  Lawson looked back, shielding his eyes with his hands. The car was almost on top of him, barreling down the road like a freight train. Lawson was frozen in place, his feet stuck to the pavement.

  “Lawson move!” Daniel screamed.

  He sprinted forward and tackled Lawson. They both fell over onto the curb as the car zipped by, barely missing them. They tumbled into the grass and rolled into a muddy ditch.

  Daniel scampered to his feet and brushed off his pants. He looked down at Lawson and offered him a hand. Lawson huffed and slapped his hand away.

  Daniel gawked at him and moved to the side. His foot hit something and he stumbled. He looked down and Lawson’s gun was sticking up out of the mud. Daniel reached down and picked it up just as the sheriff got to his feet.

  Their eyes met. Lawson was at a loss for words. Daniel stood in front of him, holding the gun in his hands. He took a step forward and Lawson jumped.

  Daniel wanted to laugh, but he rolled his eyes then held the gun out towards the sheriff. Lawson skeptically reached for the gun. He snatched it and put it back into his holster.

  He eyed Daniel for a minute. Hacking, he spit to the side then put his hands on his belt buckle and scrunched his face, like he was in deep thought.

  “Get in your car and get the hell out of here!” Lawson said dismissively.

  Daniel didn’t need to be told twice. He jumped into the driver’s seat and cranked up the engine. Revving the gas he pulled back onto the road, kicking dirt and rocks up in his wake. It wasn’t until he was miles away that he really had a chance to think about what had just occurred.

  Lawson had completely lost it. Daniel was sure he would’ve killed him tonight if it hadn’t been for that car. Whether he was the murderer or not, Lawson was a problem. Why the hell did I save his ass, Daniel thought.

  By the time Daniel made it home it was past nine o’clock. He was sure Monica had to be going crazy. He hadn’t called all day and she would be leaving for New York pretty soon.

  Daniel’s house sat far off the road cascaded in shadows by the lumbering oak trees. It looked uncharacteristically dark under the full moon. Daniel felt a cold, eerie chill run up his spine as he made his way to the door.

  He stepped into the foyer and was immediately consumed by the darkness. All the lights were out and the house was dead quiet.

  Cautiously, Daniel walked down the hall in silence. He stealthily made his way to the living room, Monica’s favorite spot, but there was no one there.

  “Monica.” Daniel whispered.

  His voice trailed off into the black abyss and disappeared. He waited for a response that never came. He called again, standing in silence, straining his ears, but there was nothing.

  Daniel scratched his head. He turned and headed down the dark hallway towards his room. He tiptoed quietly, his hands ready to strike at any moment.

  “Daniel. Where have you been?” A soft voice muttered from behind him.

  Daniel turned around to find Monica standing a few feet away. She was dressed in a silver nightgown gripping a butcher’s knife tightly in her right hand.

  LIGHTS OUT

  “Holy shit!” Daniel jumped to the side.

  Monica giggled and lowered the knife a little. She glided towards Daniel, her face absent of any expression. The moon beamed through the skylight giving her an almost angelic look as she floated across the tile.

  Daniel narrowed his eyes and stared into Monica’s stoic face. She glared back at him, her gaze unrelenting.

  She held the knife tightly at her side; the blade reflected the moonlight like a mirror. Daniel took a step forward and she flinched and brought the knife a little higher. He tilted his head at her and raised an eyebrow.

  “Monica.” Daniel muttered.

  “Daniel.” She responded.

  He stared at her fiercely and bit his lower lip. He moved to the side of the hallway and she did the same. She kept the knife pointed at him, the wooden handle gripped tightly in her hand. A sinister grin was etched across her face.

  Moving out of the moonlight she stepped towards Daniel and paused. Daniel took a half step backwards and then rushed forward and grabbed her by the wrists. Monica struggled for a moment then smiled and they both broke out into laughter.

  “What the hell are you doing?” Daniel chuckled as he let her go.

  “The power went out and my husband was nowhere to be found.” She smiled back at him.

  “Yeah, well he can be a bit of an ass sometimes.”

  “I know, but he also has a nice ass.” Monica grinned.

  You’ll never believe the night I’ve had.” Daniel said as he slowly took the knife away from Monica.

  “Tell me all about it, but go fix the power first.

  “Yes ma’am.”

 

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