The Darkness Within (11 page)

‘It’s okay love. What would you like to drink?’

Freya knew this was a tricky one. She wanted the usual vodka, but it wouldn’t be without a lot of grief from Amanda. She wasn’t sure she was up to defending herself, but she also wanted a drink pretty badly.

‘I’ll have a vodka and coke.’

‘Oh boy!’

‘Amanda. We talked about this.’

‘It’s okay dad. I don’t blame her for hating my drinking.’

‘I don’t just hate it. It has ruined our lives.’

‘You seem to be doing pretty fine to me.’

Amanda gave her an angry glare.

‘It’s true. You’re fine.’

‘Do you have any idea how hard this is for all of us!’

‘That’s why I called you here today.’

Amanda didn’t know what was coming, but she wouldn’t believe anything her sister told her. She’d lied to them so many times before that it was hard to believe.

‘How about we order your drink and then you can tell us all about it,’ Nicholas said kindly.

‘Thanks dad.’

‘Do you know what you want to eat?’

‘I think I do,’ said Freya.

‘Yeah I do too.’ Amanda felt it was better to be bitter than to give her sister a chance. It was the only way she knew how to protect herself.

‘Great we’ll place the food order too.’

They went ahead and did that before Freya was available to tell them the good news. The vodka arrived and she took a big gulp, to which Amanda gave a disapproving look. It was to be expected. As soon as she put the drink down, a text message pinged on her mobile.

‘Sorry one minute.’

‘Oh boy,’ Amanda sighed and her father gave her a warning look. She could never understand how her father could be so understanding. But he felt it was better than trying to fight it.

Hey darling where are you?

Out with my family, I did tell you.

Oh yes. Can I come and join you?

Freya hesitated a moment. She was certain her father wouldn’t mind at all, but it was another story with Amanda.

‘My boyfriend would like to join us.’

‘What boyfriend?’ Amanda snorted.

‘Ferguson. Dad’s met him.’

‘Oh yes, a very nice man. That’s fine with me.’

‘I guess I don’t have much say.’

‘Of course you do. If you don’t want him here, then that’s fine.’

‘Fine. He can join us, what harm can it do. We’re already dysfunctional. It can’t get any worse.’

‘Great. I’m glad we’re all in agreement.’ There was a hint of sarcasm in her tone.

Sure, you can come along, xx

Great, see you soon darling.

‘Great!’

‘So tell us this good news or do we need to wait for Ferguson?’ asked Nicholas.

‘Well it doesn’t matter really. A lot has to do with him.’ She took another big gulp of the vodka to Amanda’s annoyance. ‘I want to get clean.’ She smiled.

‘Oh darling that’s wonderful news?’

‘Really? What happened? After all these years you suddenly want to get clean?’

‘I thought you’d be happy for me.’

‘I am; I just don’t get it. What’s changed?’

‘Mandy, why don’t you just celebrate the fact she wants to.’

‘It’s one thing to want to, it’s another actually doing it.’

‘And I will. Ever since I met Ferguson my life has changed.’

‘That quickly? What does he have or what did he do that no professional could achieve?’

‘I know you have no faith in me, but this is what it is. He’s saved my life. I was able to open up to him than I have ever done with anyone.’

‘I see.’

‘That’s good news honey. I’m really happy and proud.’

The starters arrived and they began to eat. A few minutes later Ferguson arrived and he was introduced to Amanda and again to Nicholas.

‘It’s nice to meet this miracle worker. I’m surprised you convinced her to change in such a short time.’ Amanda was still very sceptical.

‘Yes well it takes a lot of attention and love to do that.’

‘I see. So what do you do?’ Amanda asked.

‘Really Amanda?’ Freya was a little annoyed.

‘Yes. I just want to make sure he isn’t some drug dealer.’

‘Amanda!’ Freya warned.

‘It’s okay. Your sister loves you. She wants to make sure you’re okay.’

‘Well she has a funny way of showing it.’ She gave her a gaze.

‘I’m in the oil business. No drugs or illegal stuff.’

‘I see.’ She didn’t seem convinced.

‘Here. Here’s my card.’ He stretched over and gave it to her. Amanda took it. She would definitely check him out.

‘Would you like a drink, Ferguson?’ asked Nicholas.

‘An apple juice will be fine.’

‘You don’t drink?’ Amanda asked surprised.

‘No I don’t. I was raised by an abusive alcoholic so I wanted nothing to do with it.’

‘And yet you’re dating my sister. An alcoholic!’

‘Amanda, please.’ Nicholas warned.

‘It’s fine dad. She’s right. I am an alcoholic and that’s why I want to do something about it. I will show you that I’m serious.’

‘And I believe you love.’

‘You have my support,’ said Ferguson.

‘I know honey.’ She leaned into him.

Amanda just wasn’t buying into the sudden romance. It was all too quick. She wondered what he wanted from her drunk sister. It didn’t make sense. In her own time, she would have him checked out.

‘So what do you do, Amanda?’ Ferguson could sense she didn’t like him much. He would work on it.

‘I’m a health visitor. I work with children mostly.’

‘Sounds interesting.’

‘It is.’

His drink arrived and he placed an order of what he wanted to eat. They spoke and exchanged stories, except for Amanda who wasn’t very forth coming. She was guarded and hoped that her sister wasn’t just giving up one habit for another. Amanda just wasn’t sure what kind of drug Ferguson was offering, but she was suspicious that he was offering her something. Amanda knew her sister. She wasn’t that easily persuaded unless there was something in return.

The night finally came to an end. The group said their goodbyes. Nicholas was pleased that Freya had found someone, while Amanda was suspicious.  She would get to the bottom of it one way or another.

‘Love you dad, and thank you for believing in me.’

‘I always do.’

They hugged, and Amanda gave a reluctant hug.

‘Love you both,’ she said to her family.

They parted ways.

‘I don’t trust Ferguson,’ Amanda said to Nicholas. ‘It’s sounds too good to be true. It’s as if he’s after something.’

‘You should be more trusting of people. It will help your sister.’

‘Dad do you really think he’s helped her get better. There is something he’s offering her. I can feel it. She’s an addict. She doesn’t just get better.’

‘I don’t know love. I think he’s alright.’

She shrugged. That was her father’s downfall. He was too quick to trust. Too easy to please. Sometimes she wished their mother was there, because she was the one who was stronger.

‘It will be alright. I know you’re worried about your sister, but I can’t see it getting any worse than it already is. She’s already hit rock bottom. The only way is up.’

‘I hope you’re right dad. I just want her to be okay.’

‘I know you do love. She’ll be fine. I believe she will be.’

****

‘That was interesting,’ said Ferguson on the ride home. ‘Your sister doesn’t like me much.’

‘She doesn’t like anyone.’ She laughed.

‘Well I will change that. Everyone likes me in the end.’

‘Well she’s a hard one to please, so good luck with that.’

He took her hand into his and gave it a squeeze. He then brought her hand to his lips and brushed it with a kiss.

‘I have some good news,’ he said after he’d given her hand a good kiss.

‘Yeah. What’s that?’

‘I found Lewis. I saw him this morning.’

Her heart stopped a moment. She wasn’t sure if it was good or bad news. It was hard to know. She felt as though her breathing had become restricted.

‘He’s a car sales manager at a very prestige car dealership. He’s eager to sell me a few cars.’

She was silent.

‘Are you okay? I thought you’d be thrilled.’

‘I am. I’m just remembering his horrible breath against my neck as he…’

‘It’s okay, it’s coming to an end. He will pay for it. I will make sure of it. I have dinner with him on Thursday.’

‘Is that when it’s going to happen?’

‘Yes. It is.’

‘I want to be there.’

‘I know darling. And that is why I’m telling you. You will be. I’ll have my driver pick you up.

‘Great.’

‘Are you up for it?’

‘No. But I want to see the fear in his eyes when he realises.’

‘And you will my love. You will.’

She turned forward and sat with her thoughts. Once they arrived back to her house he took her by the hand and led her up the stairs.

‘Wait.’ She took a step back. ‘I’ve got to get a drink. I’m sorry.’

‘That’s fine. I’ll wait right here.’

She smiled. Headed back downstairs and to the kitchen cupboard that housed the alcohol. The vodka was down her throat in no time. The thought of rehab a mile away. The immediate effect of the alcohol was all that mattered to her. Once Freya was satisfied she headed upstairs to join him.

‘Come here,’ he held out his hand sat on the bed.

Instead of responding immediately she began to strip off her clothes.

‘Hmm, that’s nice.’

She bit her lower lip as she lowered the trousers and finally the shirt. Freya stood in her panty and bra.

‘You look so sexy. I want to eat you up, now come here.’

She walked towards him and was in his arms. They fell back into the bed and he began to ravish her body. Freya was taken in by his amazing touch. She loved the way his lips explored her neck. She loved the way he smelled and the way he continued to reassure her that he would never hurt her.

A moment later she pulled away.

‘What’s the matter?’ he asked concerned.

‘I love you,’ she smiled.

‘I love too, now let’s finish what we started.’ He pulled her back and she giggled as she enjoyed the way he continued to explore her body.

He was gentle at first but as things began to heat up he became a little more demanding. It didn’t startle her because she knew he wouldn’t hurt her. Within moments they were soon united and all the things that had been on their minds had been long forgotten. Her life felt different when she was in his arms. She didn’t feel like she had to be anyone but herself. Their bodies reached a high before coming back down.

‘Oh yes! God yes,’ she let out at the end of it. ‘That was awesome.’ She fell back into the bed.

‘It was indeed.’ He too was out of breath and lay into the bed. ‘We’re going to have a wonderful time together,’ he said.

She turned to him and looked at him. For a moment he kept his gaze on the ceiling, but then turned to meet her eyes.

‘I think we are!’ she smiled. ‘I think I need a drink.’ She shot up suddenly.

‘You wait right here and I’ll get you one.’ He kissed her cheek. ‘Love you.’

‘Love you too.’ He left her.

Chapter Ten

Lewis left the office a little earlier than usual to get ready for his big meeting. He was excited and couldn’t wait to close a big deal. He drove home deep in thought. He’d also taken the time to find out more about Mr. Banks. The more he found out the more excited he was about selling him the most expensive cars.

He arrived home to his wonderful wife and kids. He gave her a kiss and let the kids know he wouldn’t be around to put them to bed.

‘But why daddy?’ asked one of the twins.

‘Because daddy’s got work to do, but I will make it up to you. If daddy can sell a car, he’ll buy you that game you wanted.’

‘You will!’ he squealed.

‘Absolutely.’

‘What about me?’ asked the other twin.

‘I will get you whatever you want.’

‘Even a unicorn?’

‘Sorry darling, I can’t get that.’ He took him into his arms and gave her a kiss. ‘You know I can’t, you silly pumpkin.’ He tickled him.

‘Yes you can,’ he giggled.

‘No I can’t.’

‘Okay, come on. Let daddy get ready for his important meeting,’ said his wife as she took them away.

‘Thanks honey. I’ll just jump into the shower.’

She left him to get on with it. Half an hour later he was almost ready to go.

‘Good luck tonight,’ his wife kissed him.

‘I think it’s a done deal.’ He fiddled with his tie.

‘Well if it is, it’s good for all of us.’

‘Yes, it is.’ He took her into his arms and gave her a hug. ‘I love you.’

‘I love you too honey. Everything will be great.’

‘Yes it will be.’ He pulled back.  ‘I think I better go. I don’t want to be late.’ He gave her one last kiss.

‘See you later tonight honey.’

‘Yes honey.’ He made his way to the car.

****

Freya had changed three times. She felt nervous. It would be a long time since she’d seen Lewis. She wasn’t even sure she’d be even able to face him, but she had to do this. She had to see the fear and pain in his eyes. She wanted him to know just how much he’d hurt her.

She settled on a pair of jeans and a blue t-shirt. Dressing up really wasn’t necessary. She had to just be herself and see where it took her. Freya felt satisfied but nervous. She didn’t know what to expect or how she would feel once she saw the man who had forced himself on her.

Ten minutes later the bell rang. She took one last sniff of coke and then headed for what life had planned for her.

****

Lewis arrived at the restaurant only to discover, Ferguson had changed the venue.

‘Sir, I’ve been informed by my boss that he’d like to meet you a more private place. He’s asked that I take you to him. If you’re okay with it I will take you to him.’

Nothing suspicious occurred to Lewis. All he saw were pound signs. He just wanted to close the deal as soon as possible.

‘That’s fine. As long as I get back to my car.’

‘Don’t worry sir, I’ll make sure you do. My boss is a great host. He makes sure everyone gets what they want.’

‘I like the sound of that.’

‘Please, follow me.’ The driver guided him to the waiting jeep. Lewis felt like a VIP, little did he know it would be the end of him.

The driver opened the door and he got in. He was certain the sale was a done deal. All he had to do was show up. It was the way the rich lived. They wanted things their way and that was the way it was.

‘Thank you. I feel very special,’ he said as he slid into the car.

Kevin shut the door and headed for the driver’s seat. He knew that his boss had plans for the man in the car. He may have not known what, but he knew it wouldn’t be a happy ending. Lewis studied his files happily while the journey proceeded.

‘Mr Banks said you should help yourself to the champagne,’ said Kevin.

Lewis noticed the bottle on ice and the glass beside it.

‘First class service,’ he said but Kevin didn’t respond. ‘I guess I’ll help myself to a glass. One glass won’t hurt.’ He poured himself a glass of bubbly. Little did he know that the drink had been injected with GHB. It would take effect while they travelled.

*****

Freya eased into the back seat of the car and the journey began. It wasn’t Kevin, the driver she was used to. Ferguson had another driver pick Freya up since Kevin was unavailable. The journey was done in deep thought. She didn’t know what to think and yet there was some sort of expectation. She knew that Lewis would die that night and she unashamedly wanted it to happen.

The car came to a stop forty minutes later in a dark and dingy place. There were a few abandoned warehouses and that was it. The door opened and he was standing right there, his hand held out.

‘Hi,’ he smiled.

‘Hi,’ she smiled back.

There was a sudden sound of a bottle rattling and this made her jump.

‘It’s okay it’s a cat.’

‘Ah.’ She was still nervous, not about the cat but all of tonight.

‘How are you feeling?’ He’d picked up on her nerves.

‘Nervous, but at the same time I want this to happen.’

‘It will. You’ll be fine as soon as it’s over. Come let’s go inside.’

They walked into one of the warehouses. There was a portable light on a fold up table, a chair and a black bag beside it. Freya knelt beside it and opened it. There was rope, a knife, a hammer and other things that could cause serious bodily harm. She looked up at him with a questioned look.

‘You don’t have to be here you know that.’

‘I want to be. I have to be. I just wondered what you were going to do to him. How are you going to kill him?’

‘It all depends. It will depend on mood, what he’s like and what you want.’

‘I just want him dead.’

He nodded and then brought her close to him. ‘It will be over soon.’ He rubbed her back.

‘I can’t wait for it so we can move to the next one.’

‘And we will. It will take a little bit of time, but you won’t have to wait for too long. I promise.’

She nodded. There was a sound of a car pulling up outside. She froze. ‘Is he here?’

‘Yes. Wait here and I’ll see.’ He left her standing in the middle of the empty warehouse.

****

‘Where…where am I?’ Lewis felt drowsy and came in and out of consciousness.

‘You’re where you’re supposed to be.’ Kevin opened the door.

‘I’ll take it from here Kevin.’ Ferguson pulled Lewis out of the car and dragged him towards the warehouse.

‘What’s going on? What are you doing to me? I…’ His legs went numb and he just made it to the seat.

‘Tie him up,’ Ferguson said to Freya.

At first she didn’t move. It was frightening to see Lewis again.

‘It’s okay darling. He won’t hurt you. I won’t let him.’ He reassured her. ‘Now tie him up while I hold him to stop him from falling. The rope is in the bag.’

As if waking from a dream she quickly pulled the rope from the bag and began the task of tying Lewis arms and legs.

‘That’s good, keep going.’ He encouraged.

The more she tied him up, the more she realised he could no longer hurt her. The more she began to feel a rush of adrenaline. It would be over soon. That was all she had to tell herself.

‘Right, let’s make sure the ropes are tight enough.’ He did a little fiddling just to make sure they were secure. ‘Right. Done.’ He stood back.

‘What now?’ she asked.

‘We wait a little while and then we wake him up.’

Freya watched as Lewis woke up and went back to sleep. He was in and out of it, mumbling stuff. His vision wasn’t clear, but he could smell a dampness around him and only just make out the two figures standing in the distance. He had no idea who the other person was.

Freya began to pace impatiently. She wanted this to start now and couldn’t calm her nerves, she was close to taking the cocaine in her bag. But she wanted to be fully aware of her surroundings when it happened.

‘Okay, let’s see if he’ll wake up.’ He placed a solution under Lewis’s nose and he came to. ‘Welcome back.’

‘Where…’ He tried to set his hands free. ‘Where the hell am I? What are you doing to me!’

‘You’re in a warehouse. Today is the day you say goodbye to this earth.’

‘What…Why are you doing this to me. I thought you wanted a car. I don’t understand.’ He was out of breath.

‘He’s doing it for me.’ She stepped into the light so he could see her. ‘Do you remember me?’

He squinted trying to make out her face.

‘I’m sure I was unforgettable. Do you remember pinning me down to the bed while you pleasured yourself?’

‘What are you talking about? I don’t know who you are.’

Rage erupted through her body. She walked towards him and slapped him across the face. ‘How dare you!’ Tears built up in her eyes. ‘How dare you make a fool of me.’ She slapped him again, and again.

‘I don’t.’

‘Look at me!’ she screamed.

He looked up at her face and there was the sudden recognition which she caught, but he soon tried to hide it.

‘You know what you did, you bastard!’

‘I…’

There was another sting across his face. He shut his mouth and looked over at Ferguson.

‘Whatever you’re planning you won’t get away with this. You won’t.’

‘I always do. And now you’re going to pay for what you’ve done.’ He pulled out the extra rope and began to wrap it around his hands ready to put it around Lewis’s neck.

‘Wait!’ she said and then advanced towards the bag and pulled out the knife.

‘What the fuck are you doing! You can’t do this. I’m sorry, I’m sorry for what I did to you. I was young, I didn’t know what I was doing. Please don’t hurt me.’

‘That’s what I pleaded. I asked you not to hurt me, but you went along with your friends. You hurt me over and over again. I said stop, but you didn’t listen.’ A tear drizzled down her cheek.

‘You’re not a killer. Please don’t do this. I have children and a wife. Please.’ He began to cry.

‘No you look at me.’ She lifted his head. ‘You don’t get to ask for forgiveness. Not now, not ever.’ She ran the tip of the knife down the side of his cheek. ‘You don’t get to ask for forgiveness.’

Ferguson wasn’t sure what to do. He watched hoping that she would let him take control again, but it didn’t seem likely, she was overwhelmed with emotion.

‘You hurt me.’ The knife went into his chest. It shocked both her and Lewis. She pulled it out and the blood began to ooze from the wound. Emotions had over taken her, it was as if something had taken over her body because now she was jabbing the knife in and out of him. The blood splattered all over her clothes and face. She wanted to stop, but couldn’t. Her mind had gone back to the evening of the rape and all she could see was their horrible bodies on top of her one at a time. Repeatedly she stabbed into the body, and now he’d gone limb. There was not a single movement from him and he’d been stabbed at least twenty times.

‘He’s dead,’ Ferguson said softly.

Freya couldn’t hear him. The knife kept jabbing into the body as if she were being controlled by a remote control. This time he stepped a little closer to her and touched her shoulders gently.

‘It’s okay. He’s gone. He can’t hurt you anymore.’