Twisted Secrets

Twisted Secrets

Karen Stokes

AuthorHouse™

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: 1-800-839-8640

© 2012 by Karen Stokes. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 04/20/2012

ISBN: 978-1-4685-8083-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4685-8084-6 (e)

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

PROLOGUE

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

PROLOGUE

The faded blue pickup’s tires crunched on the gravel of the driveway when Pop drove the small truck to a stop then paused for the leisurely ascent of the garage door. He drove in and with the aid of the steering wheel hefted his large frame and protruding belly out of the vehicle. Pop stood patiently waiting for the door’s reverse action after pushing the button on the wall. He lifted his tattered straw hat and combed his fingers through the mass of white hair then replaced the hat on his head adjusting the position. A habit performed without thought since Pop always wore the frayed musty yellow head covering. Ric had accused him of sleeping in it. One of the few functions he performed when he removed it as well as when he sat at a table to eat.

The door into the hall of his house required no key since he had forgotten to lock it before he went to town. Pop silently reprimanded his own neglect and blamed his recklessness on advanced years. He shoved his thumbs, one on each shoulder, under the straps of his denim overalls sliding up and down to straighten and adjust them. They never needed correcting. The thoughtless gesture appeared when tension invaded his mind which lately had been constant.

The doctor at Pop’s last appointment had increased his blood pressure medication after a lecture to quit worrying and get more exercise. He was right Pop had thought after leaving the office. Why should Pop care what others were doing? It was Ric’s business not his. Their exploits had not affected him, had not trespassed on his life. A member of the patriotic generation he could not ignore a serious infraction against his country. He was obsessed with doing what he could to put an end to the lawbreakers.

There was no reason for the stinging on the back of his neck. He rubbed a callused hand on coarse stubble to make the irritant go away. The crawly itch had always foretold of an unusual event or danger and had saved his life more than once during his tour of duty in Vietnam. He had faithfully heeded the warning in the past but he was home. The one place he felt safe in what was fast becoming a community of suspicion and threats.

He planned to spend the evening writing another letter to Kelli. The last one had been vague. He would have to give her a better explanation. She would need to know the details. Why he had not trusted the mail was irrational. The threatening phone call was weeks ago and there had been nothing since.

How they knew his secret, a question he had turned in his mind after the call. The one conclusion gathered from those possible was that somehow they had seen him. Why they made no attempt to stop him he had confusion in rationalizing. Answers and a solution were of no importance after the fact.

All the activities seized in his thoughts with the dilemma of what he should do. What course of action to put an end to the trauma? He was sloppy, had not sorted carefully and had stormed ahead without calculating the risk to himself and especially to Kelli.

Foolishness was not one of his characteristics. Perhaps age created the lack of sound judgement. He should have told Ric the same day he received the call. He should have told Ric his suspicions from the beginning and kept Ric posted on his discoveries instead of dumping a dangerous situation on Kelli.

Ric would have made him stop and prevented him from getting the information he needed. Ric would have insisted he was too old to get involved and Ric would have been right. He would remedy his error and when Ric came for breakfast tomorrow he would tell and show him everything. After all Ric was younger, stronger, and experienced. Ric could handle the problem the same as he could have forty years ago.

He should never have involved Kelli. She would only worry and living over a thousand miles away could do nothing. He would phone her, lie to her, tell her it was his senile imagination, a mistake, and keep her out of it.

Shock jolted him from his deep contemplation into disbelief as he entered the dining room and saw the disruption of his home. ‘What the hell’, replaced Ric and Kelli in his mind. He circled the table, aimless and confused. The living room was a duplicate of the dining room mess, clothes, papers, and dishes strewn on the furniture and floor. Books and magazines lay open and torn, scattered haphazardly.

At first the reality failed to register and he walked in circles with his hands outstretched. What to touch, what to pick up, and why, was his reaction without conscious effort. Finally, the confusion cleared. His home, his sanctuary had been violated.

Oh Dear Lord. No. He hurried, stumbling to the back bedroom and froze in the doorway. The jumble of his private and personal things obscured the floor as the culprit had discarded each item after searching it.

He waded into the room with his pulse thumping at his temples fearful his secret was discovered. Reaching forward and dragging one foot then the other through the tangle as though running in waist deep water he made his way to the far wall and the end of the cabinet. Frantically he pushed the debris away from the drawers and jerked one open.

His head throbbed as he bent over and the ample flesh of his face swelled from the rush of excess blood and brightened the pasty color to a rosy flush.

With a thud of relief he sat down hard on the small area of floor he had cleared. It was still there. They had not found his secret. He rested, panting to catch his breath as the small amount of air he could take in would not satisfy his lungs. He made the decision not to wait until tomorrow. He would call Ric, ask him to come to the house, and show him the break-in and tell his secret.

What sounded like muffled voices came to him from outside the window and caught his attention. At least he assumed the murmurs were voices. The ringing in his ears hindered his ability to distinguish the odd noise. He was certain the whispers were not from nature or any familiar cause. The devils that had destroyed his home were still there.

Panic invaded his brain as he pushed on the floor with his hands struggling to get to his feet. His head felt like an overfilled balloon with darts of sharp pain. The pounding in his chest echoed in his ears with the ringing and he knew the doctor’s warning of high blood pressure should be heeded with rest. Whoever tore his home to pieces had to be caught despite reality slipping away inch by inch.

He trudged dizzily on what felt like lead filled legs. To the door then down the hall, he balanced himself from the swimming in his brain with trembling hands against the walls. Through the dining room and kitchen he staggered and managed to keep from falling with his equilibrium all but gone. On the back porch he pitched forward and grabbed the screen door. With his weight pressing against the wire mesh he clung to the wood frame. Shuffling and slipping down the three steps he held onto the door as it swung out knowing he would have fallen without the use of the crutch.

His arms were immediately grabbed from the back and held tightly outstretched behind him. He could feel his lungs burn from the tightening of his chest and pains shot up his neck into his brain like razors. Eruptions of white burst in his sight with the brilliance of flashbulbs. He squeezed and blinked in the futile effort to clear his vision.

The figure in front of him moved in staccato imagery but he recognized the person threatening him, making circles with a baseball bat ready to strike. His voice was clear and filled with surprise. You. Why? Why are you doing this? he struggled.

"Oh Pop. You should’ve let it alone, minded your own business and kept out of mine.

Where did you hide it, old man?

I’ll never tell you and you’ll never find it. He blinked rapidly in the vain attempt to erase the eruptions. They were changing, becoming darker and his chest compressed as if a steel band cinched tighter and tighter to prevent his ribs expanding. His breath came in quick shallow gulps and he panicked in desperation to take in life giving air.

The person he had considered his friend moved to the side then out of his dwindling sight. He tried to pull, to get free but his arms were no longer real to him. Only the excruciating agony in his head and the band preventing his chest from moving filled his muddle of comprehension.

The voice from behind him declared, Have it your way, Pop.

The back of his head exploded with instant torment and the flashes melted into one blinding white light. His straw hat flew from his head and hit the ground. The wind caught the fragile straw and carried it tumbling over and over on the dry hard ground.

Chapter 1

Kelli flipped the lid of the suitcase to close it. The top was a good six inches from the bottom. She pressed with her palms then leaned forward with her weight rocking onto her toes. The lid sank an inch or two, not enough to close the latches. She tried turning backward and again pressed with her palms. Nothing worked.

Claudia, she called and wiped her forehead with the back of her hand more from exasperation than sweat. I need you to sit on this one.

Her closest and single friend of many years entered the bedroom surrounded with the scent of Jasmine and paused in the doorway. Not another one. I won’t have anything when you get finished. You know if you’d put that on the floor instead of the bed it would close easier.

"Just get your rear end over here and put it on top. How many times do I have to explain? I have to take all my stuff. I’m not coming back. I’ve had it with the city. I want some peace and quiet and freedom. I’m tired of all the crime. I want nothing more than to relax and watch the grass grow in a small town where the only excitement is the change of seasons.

Will you come on? This is the last one. I can’t get another thing in the car and I want to be on the road before noon so I can be out of L.A. and hopefully out of California before dark.

Claudia took a long drag from her cigarette and slowly blew a stream of smoke as if each second of delay would keep Kelli from leaving. With a deep sigh of surrender she ambled to the bed. With the cigarette held between two fingers and her chin raised at an arrogant angle, she sat on the case at the foot of the bed. Her weight was more than sufficient in spite of her slender body to lower the lid in place. Kelli easily snapped the latches closed.

The dog, Kelli had rescued from the city pound, lay curled against the pillows in a sleeping pose but his large dark eyes were wide open. He watched the two of them with caution and seemed to sense the disruption of their daily routine.

It’s a good thing this is the last one, Claudia took a pull from her cigarette as she went to the dresser. She stubbed it out in an ashtray tapping repeatedly. My ass is getting sore.

She faced Kelli and leaned against the dresser with her hands clutching the edge on each side of her. You know I understand why you want to get out of here but Kansas. That I don’t understand. There’s lotsa small towns right here in California.

Picking up the pack of cigarettes from the dresser Claudia took one and lit the end with a blue disposable lighter. Leisurely she inhaled and blew a rush of smoke. She brushed her fingers on the top of one breast to flick an ash from the neon orange crop top she was wearing. She stood straight and pulled on the matching spandex leggings to relieve the irritating tightness from where they had crept up and pinched her. She flipped her long brown hair, the identical color as Kelli’s, out of her eyes and leaned back on the dresser again.

My God Kelli, they have ferocious wind and a multitude of tornadoes and tons of snow. It’s boiling in the summer and freezing in the winter. You said that house you inherited wasn’t even in town. If you can call it a town. You’ll be all alone stuck out in the middle of nowhere. What if you get sick or something?

Claudia, will you stop worrying about me? I’ll be fine. I’m really excited. It’ll be like an adventure. Besides when you come to visit in a few weeks I plan to talk you into staying, to keep you with me. She added mockingly, In the middle of nowhere. Kelli winked at her and struggled to pull the suitcase off the bed. It hit the floor with a loud thud.

The dog made a fast retreat from the bed jumping onto his skinny black legs when the sound from the case hitting the floor scared him. He objected while bounding back and forth on guard and ready to attack should it show a sign of further danger.

Shut up, you little mutt, Claudia’s routine command whenever he barked. Her harsh response was to cover her affection for him. The brisk retorts she spouted frequently in most situations were to conceal and prevent her true feelings from being exposed. Kelli as well as the dog was more than aware of her sensitive nature but both generally ignored the tough external façade.

With you two gone I’ll be all by myself. You haven’t thought about me. What am I going to do? I won’t have anyone to talk to or a mutt to yell at, Claudia whined with self-pity.

Exactly, Kelli quipped. "That’s why I think you won’t be far behind me. Just think, peace and quiet, no rent to pay, and no excuses not to get started on some kind of a career. You need a goal in your life not a job only for money.

"Now stop nagging and help me carry this suitcase to the car.

Claudia put her cigarette out, ambled to the case, bent over, and began to push as Kelli pulled on the handle. "I don’t know where you’re going to put the damn thing. Your car’s loaded now.

Jesus, this is heavy. What the hell you got in here? You should be pushing. You’re shorter than me and my back is killing me from being crumpled over.

Stop gripping and push. You’re the same height as I am and you well know it. You should be in better shape with all your workouts.

Finally, they managed to wedge the last case into the trunk. Kelli sighed with relief when the lid shut after they used their combined weight to force it.

They returned to the apartment with the dog gleefully at their heels and settled at the kitchen table with mugs of coffee. Kelli smoothed the strands of hair from her face and secured them into her French braid. The dog had jumped onto her lap and nestled in a ball. She absent mindedly begun to pet him.

Claudia gazed at the two of them for a moment. Spot’s really going to love it there. Then she cleared her throat of the emotion showing in her voice. What the hell. He’ll be chasing all kind of wild animals and you won’t see him except when he’s hungry.

I think you’ll miss him more then you will me, Kelli said. She gave Spot a little nudge and he jumped down and went to Claudia then curled in her lap.

Tears filled the bottom of Claudia’s eyelids and she blinked fast and hard to keep them from running out. She stammered a bit, cleared her throat, and then changed the subject to regain her composure.

You don’t know what that house’ll be like. It could be a real dump and cost a fortune to fix it up.

It won’t be a dump. I know Pop too well. He’d have repaired anything that needed fixing. Besides I really don’t care what it’s like. I’m going and nothing you can say will change my mind, Kelli said with irritation from repeating the same justification of her decision to move they had discussed on numerous occasions.

Well, what about that letter you got from him? It was mysterious and with a key that you have no idea what it’s for. Then two weeks later some lawyer writes and tells you Pop died the day after the postmark on Pop’s letter. Something’s not right somewhere.

You’re worrying about nothing. Pop was getting old and he probably meant to explain in more detail but either forgot or thought he already had. He must’ve had some kind of condition that affected his thinking. Especially since he died so soon after he wrote it. I know he had high blood pressure but I don’t know if that would cause confusion, Kelli explained again.

I don’t think so, Claudia replied with suspicion. What was it the letter said? For you to keep the key in a safe place, not to tell anyone you have it, and you’d know when and where to use it when you got there. Then when you tried to call him there was no answer. Sounds like a mystery to me. Claudia sipped her coffee and lit a cigarette.

There’s no mystery at all. I’ll tell you once more then I’m leaving.

Kelli was anxious to get on the road. She accepted there would be monotony from sitting behind the steering wheel for miles and it would be tiresome and draining. The sooner she was on her way the sooner she would be there.

She and Claudia had met at a physical fitness spa three years ago. Claudia’s brash manner and speech peppered with swear words should have turned Kelli away. Instead they had forged an unusual bond of friendship as if they had known one another since childhood. Claudia was an only child and had been on her own since her parents had died when she was in her late teens.

The questions and repeating what they had discussed before was Claudia’s attempt, in a clumsy manner, to keep Kelli from leaving. Claudia knew her actions were feeble and to no avail but the apparent abandonment of her family, which she had dubbed Kelli showed in her desperate attempt to delay the inevitable.

"The key looks like it goes to a safe-deposit box or some kind of metal box. It’s probably got pictures, birth certificates, and stuff like that in it. Things that was important to Pop but no one else.

He was a simple man, as you well know. He and Dad had been best friends since they were in Vietnam together. He never married and when Mom died he became like a second father to me. Kelli verged on the edge of drifting into the past and allowed her feelings to show a small trace of remorse.

I remember how upset he was after Dad died and he wanted to move back to Kansas where he was born. He didn’t want to leave me here in the city. I guess his giving everything to me is his way to get me out of L.A. She gave a deep sigh as though plugging the leak of emotion.

But I’ll honor his wishes out of love for him. You’re the only one I’ve told about the key and I’m keeping it in the safest place I know. Kelli pulled on the gold chain hanging around her neck and under her white T-shirt. She exposed the key attached to it. Then replaced the key, squirmed a little so it would fall back into her bra, and patted her chest in a display of safety.

Spot mistook the pat on her chest for a command from his owner. He jumped from Claudia’s lap then onto Kelli’s and began licking her.

Get down Spot, Kelli said and pushed him out of her face. She and Claudia’s conversation was ended when the doorbell rang. The dog immediately bounded to the floor and ran barking to ward off an intruder.

Damn it, Claudia said as she stood and headed for the door. I’ll get it. Who the hell would interrupt a private conversation?

She swung the door open, cocked one hip out with one hand on it and the other on the door holding her cigarette. Well, I’ll be damned. Hello Charlie.

Charles, if you don’t mind. Where is she? he said and walked his tall thin body passed Claudia trying to ignore her.

Ah, there you are, he said seeing Kelli at the table and approached her. Thought I’d try once again to change your mind.

Have a seat Charles, Kelli offered in a state of disbelief that her employer had actually come to her apartment and without calling first.

He gave the chair a disdainful look, raised one eyebrow then checked his watch. Haven’t got the time, Love. Have to meet a client.

Claudia had sauntered in behind him and lazily rested against the doorjamb between the living room and the kitchen. Not clean enough for you. Wouldn’t want you to get your lily-white tennis outfit dirty. I do have to admit it does make your tan stand out wonderfully. She blew a puff of smoke at the back of his head.

Please Claudia, behave yourself, Kelli begged.

Spot had followed from the door and placed himself between Charles and Kelli aiming a low growl at the unfamiliar guest.

And you be quiet, she commanded the dog who stopped his warning and laid where he had stood with ears perked not trusting the stranger.

What an odd breed. Not a very elegant one, rather common. All black with a white chest and blaze between his eyes, surely it’s not yours? Charles condescended with an obvious intent to insult Claudia.

Kelli grinned at Charles’ normal pompous attitude and his describing the obvious. Yes, he’s mine. Boston Terrier and a smidgen of something else I’m not quite sure what and his name is Spot.

You’ve got to be joking. How trite. Surely you could have given him a more suitable name. Again he cocked one eyebrow to stress his point, a trademark of his personality.

You didn’t come here to talk about my dog. You know my mind is made up. I’m leaving and there is nothing you can say to make me change it.

Kelli, I can’t lose you. You’re the best book illustrator that’s worked for me.

You’re not losing me. We’ve been over this again and again. I can work anywhere. It will just take a few days for the mail to get my drawings to you, Kelli answered.

"Exactly. That’s why I’m here. The final drawings would have to be overnighted but the sketches could be faxed to me for approval. It would save days.

Here. He handed Kelli the large shopping bag he had carried. It’s a going away gift, a practical one. Something to use until you get a computer and the internet.

Kelli opened the bag and discovered a fax machine. There was no card or gift wrapping only the box the machine had originally been shipped in with the fax inside.

Claudia snickered and opened her mouth ready to let go a smart remark but stopped as Kelli gave her an admonishing look. Instead, she blew smoke in Charles’ direction and smiled with satisfaction as he fanned in front of his face.

Thank you, Charles. It will make things smoother, Kelli said patronizingly. He was her employer no matter how pompous and thoughtless he could be.

Charles again checked his watch, I must dash. Send me your fax number as soon as you get to wherever. I may have three new covers to illustrate. The contacts won’t be firmed for a day or two. For heavens sake get a computer. You’ll need one.

He was out the front door, leaving it open, before Kelli could speak. She was well aware he considered her beneath him, not on his self-elevated level. Charles tolerated her because of her talent, which he needed. Claudia followed and shut the door with Spot barking after her.

Shut up mutt, Claudia ordered as she returned and sat at the table. That stupid prick. He’s so in love with himself and his expensive goodies. He couldn’t even wish you good luck. He gives me the creeps with his manicured nails, slicked down hair, and always perfectly dressed. He always ignores me as if I don’t exist. She shuddered. One good thing. You won’t have to see him again. That fax is for his benefit, not yours. He’s so cheap. He could have gotten you a computer or at least a cell phone.

"You know I wouldn’t use a cell phone. I don’t like them and think they are a waste of money.

I better hit the road, Kelli said and stood.

Why don’t you wait till tomorrow? You could leave early, at sun up. Even a couple of days wouldn’t hurt. You don’t have a deadline, Claudia began to whine.

Claudia. Whether I leave today or next week it won’t matter or delay the inevitable. I’m going and that’s all there is to it. Kelli walked passed her into the living room and she followed.

Here. She handed Claudia some papers she picked up from a small table. Now don’t lose these. The road map is marked with a highlighter. I’ve included the name, address, and telephone number of Pop’s attorney and Pop’s number and address. When I get there I’ll mail you a sketch of how to get to Pop’s place from Rockford.

Claudia put the papers back on the table in a disinterested manner and picked up Spot. She hugged and pet him as he licked her face. I’m going to miss you, you little mutt. Tears spilled down her cheeks. There was no holding back. Who am I gonna yell at. Damn it, Kelli, I don’t want you to go.

Kelli put her arms around Claudia with Spot wedged in between. He squirmed and they let him drop to the floor. They hugged each other and cried together while the dog sat watching with confusion.

That’s enough. Let go, Kelli said and pulled free from Claudia’s hug. She wiped her wet face. This is stupid. We’ll see each other in a few weeks. Walk me to the car.

Claudia nodded her head and brushed at the tears on her cheeks but they returned as quickly as she had wiped them. She followed Kelli outside and watched as Spot eagerly hopped into the car.

Kelli stood by the open door. I won’t say goodbye. Just ‘see you later’. I’ll call from the motel tonight. Kelli kept sniffing trying to hold back the flood.

Damn it. Will you go? Just get the hell outa here. You’ve ruined my eye make-up. Tears continued to pour out of Claudia’s brown eyes.

Kelli gave Claudia’s hand a squeeze. Then without another word got into the driver’s seat of her red 1965 Mustang, closed the door and pulled away. In the rearview mirror she could see Claudia standing on the curb waving.

She smiled to herself when she saw the bright neon orange waving with the long hair blowing like tentacles every which way. She cleared her throat of the huge lump and wiped the outward spread of sentiment.

Chapter 2

Kelli smoothed Spot’s head as he lay curled in the beige bucket seat next to her. He thumped his thin black tail rhythmically in recognition of his owner’s touch and remained in his leisurely position.

We’re nearly there, Spot. Just a few more miles. You’re such a good dog. Three days on the road and two motels, I don’t know what I would have done without you. Gone crazy I guess. I sure miss Claudia and her mouth. She gave a