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Collaborative Campfire ~ Paper Doll Gang Newbie Project Challenge #6! |
| [Introduction] (This Campfire Creative brought to you by The Huntress ~ Finding Love  and Bikerider  !)Times are hard, and everyone is feeling the pressure of a failing economy. People turn to avenues of gain that they would never have considered before, turn to methods of gain that they once would not have believed themselves to be capable of. Andrew and Lou have felt this crushing weight on their shoulders, and are beginning to bend to it. They have families to provide for, and what other choice do they have? From two different walks of life these two men have found themselves bound by a common thread... The will to survive, no matter what it takes. ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** |
The sun beat down on the weathered sidewalk outside the building he had been working in for going on eleven years. Andrew stood there unmoving, fist clenched around his severance pay, jaw clenched around his panic. He would never see the anniversary of his eleventh year at Tremeyer & Associates - that was the anniversary that they gave you a cake and a party, too. Add disappointment to the building tempest in his brain and chest. Downsized, on such a beautiful Thursday afternoon. Anger at his abrupt dismissal was a bitter taste on his tongue. There had been no ceremony, no fanfare, he had simply been informed that his position was no longer a necessary part of the company, and with the economy the way it was... Well, he understood, didn't he? No, Andrew did not understand. And neither would his wife, Lynette. Lynette was so beautiful, so confident, so... spoiled. Her parents had done a bang-up job of instilling a love for the finer things in their daughter, and then refusing to acknowledge her love for a man who was not 'within their standards'. Well, Andrew had won Lynette's hard with hard work and a promise that she would never want for anything. He would kill himself with work to provide anything she could desire, and he had done just that. Selling insurance was not the dream job he had imagined when lounging on the soft lawn of his childhood home, gazing up at the billows of clouds back-lit by blue. But he did it for her. And when their kids came along, he did it for them. They were happy, and as long as the money was coming in Lynette was satisfied with their life together. But a few months ago there had been some pay cuts at work and a round of firings. Andrew had dodged the big bullet, but his paycheck took a hit. When his lovely wife saw the difference, she had pitched a fit. He would never forget her words, screamed at him with the kids just in the next room: Don't think I wont leave you Andy! You made a promise to me, and I can go back to my parents any second that I shake off your dead weight if you fail this family! I will NOT live beneath what I deserve, and you will do whatever you have to, or you will be ALONE! Do you understand me? Andrew made a decision, quick and easy. He would not put this check in the bank, not today. Lynette would never have to know that he lost his job, because he would do whatever he had to, to hold on to his family. There was a AmScot just two blocks away - he walked by there to go to lunch almost every day. He could cash the check, buy a gun with it, and drive out of town. It couldn't be difficult to rob a bank. People got away with it every day, right? He didn't want to do this, but he saw no other choice left to him. There was nothing left he could sell or pawn, nothing left to take out a loan against. He owed more on his house than it was worth now, Lynette would surely leave him if he sold his car... Yes, he would rob a bank. It sounded ludicrous, but it seemed the best choice. |
| Lou’s confidence had never been shaken so badly before. Out of work for nearly nine months now, he was desperate for a way to provide for his family. He learned as a teenager that a person had to take care of himself and his own, and to hell with everyone else. The streets of Brooklyn had taught him that lesson long ago. Lou wasn’t proud of the things he’d done lately, small time street hold-ups, breaking into cars to steal a lousy stereo, or a purse someone was dumb enough to leave on the front seat. He learned quickly to hate the pawn shop owners, too. They were bigger thieves than he was, giving him ten-cents on the dollar of value for the things he brought them. They were the worst. It was Friday, and Lou knew he had to pick up a few bucks for the weekend. The kids would be home, and it seems like they were always hungry these days. He walked the streets looking for someone that looked like they would be an easy target. “Look at that fool, walking around with a handful of bills, right out in the open.” Lou saw him as he left the AmScot check cashing center. “I love these guys that work in a suit and tie. They never think anything will ever happen to them.” Lou felt the cold metal of the gun in his coat pocket and wrapped his fingers around the knurled grips. He leaned against the lamp post and waited to see where the suit was going. Andrew began walking south on Warren Street, he remembered a pawn and gun shop over on Fourth Avenue. He didn’t care how much he would have to pay for a gun, he was going to use it to make money. He didn’t hear the stranger walk close up behind him. “Hey! Hey, you got a minute?” Andrew turned when he felt Lou’s hand tap his shoulder from behind. “You got a match?” Lou asked. He noticed that Andrew was tall, but slender, not very muscular, nothing to worry about if a fight broke out. “No, sorry, I don’t smoke.” Andrew replied and tried to walk on. Lou crowded him, blocking his way. “If you don’t have a match, then maybe you have some money.” “I don’t have any money, would you please let me by?” Lou kept his eyes locked on Andrew’s eyes as he pushed the gun into his ribs. Even through the fabric of the jacket, Andrew could feel the gun barrel poking into his ribs. A couple walked past and paid no attention to what was happening. Andrew knew he’d put them in danger if he involved them. “Let’s stop the bullshit.” Lou hissed. “I saw you put that money in your pocket. Now just reach back into that pocket and take the money out and hand it over.” There was a shade of violence in Lou’s voice. “I’ll hurt you if I have to, so don’t mess with me.” A bus started down the street and began to slow. Andrew watched it hoping it would stop. Instead, the bus turned right onto Nevins Street. Andrew heard the grumble of the diesel engine fade. He was alone with the man who had a gun. “So you say you’ll kill me if I don’t give you my money?” Andrew said through clenched teeth. “Well, I’ll tell you what, go ahead, shoot me. That’s what I need. I can’t kill myself but I sure as hell can let someone else kill me.” “Listen, I’m not kidding, I’ll pop a cap on your ass.” “Yeah, well I don’t think you’re listening, shit head. I said go ahead and kill me, I don’t give a damn.” Andrew took a half step forward, Lou used the barrel of the gun to shove Andrew back. “Are you c-crazy?” Lou stammered. “I’m not kidding, I’ll shoot you right here.” “Yeah, I’m crazy, totally insane.” Andrew pushed against the gun. “Like I said, go ahead and kill me, you’ll be doing me a favor.” Lou’s eyes were darting up and down the street, he wasn’t sure what to do. “I’ve lost my job, now I’ll probably lose my family. Getting shot is the least of my problems. So, go ahead, shoot me, please. I could use the relief.” Lou stood, his gun pushed into the ribs of this crazy stranger. His mind raced as he wondered what to do next. |
Andrew could not believe this, could not believe that he was actually asking a man to shoot him. But it had all occurred to him at once, in a flash of brilliance as this man's gun had bruised his side so insistently. He couldn't kill himself, the insurance would not pay out. But if he happened to be killed by someone else... His family would be fine, and he would no longer be burdened! The perfection of this idea seeped into his brain, giving him a courage that he had never known before, compelling him to demand that this small-time criminal take the next step. Well, more like a plunge. "Pull the trigger! Do it!" Andrew shouted, pushing his chest against the barrel of the firearm. "DO IT!" And just like that Lou lost his nerve. He knew he could no more shoot this deranged man than he could have slapped his wife for getting mouthy. It just wasn't in him. Lou didn't want to be doing this in the first place, and go figure he would run into this lunatic. "Man, what the hell is wrong with you? Why you wanna die?" It was not so much a question as an exclamation as Lou shoved the gun back under his jacket, determined to get the hell out of there. If this guy wanted to die, he'd have to find another trigger man. He turned and started a steady, as-nonchalant-as-possible retreat down the sidewalk, not daring to look over his shoulder. He hoped the suit was just standing there, stunned, but Lou could not shake from his mind the crazed, desperate look in that guy's eyes. Those were the eyes of a corner animal, for sure. Andrew watched his last hope flee from him, and determination sank its fangs into his gut. There was no way he was just going to give up - he'd been given an opportunity here, he could feel it. And if there was one thing that Andrew had always been good at, it was recognizing an opportunity when it came along. He dashed after the gunman, formulating a new approach. He had seen in the mugger's eyes that he didn't have the heart to kill anybody, so Andrew would need a different plan to bring this guy on board. "Hey!" Lou steadfastly ignored the suit's shout behind him, and then ignored the thud of running footfalls catching up to him. Oh man, why did he have to pick this guy, of all people? Just my lousy luck, Lou thought. How had this gotten so screwed up and turned around? The suit came panting up beside him, struggling to keep the more athletic Lou's brisk pace. His voice was broken up with ragged breathing, "Come on, we got off on the wrong foot I think. Let's have a conversation, yeah? My name is Andrew, nice to meet you.. And you are?" Lou arched an eyebrow at this guy. He was persistent, anyway. What could he possibly want to talk to someone like Lou about? "We got nothin' in common man, nothin' to talk about," Lou said languidly, continuing to walk, knowing that soon they would be back in a more high traffic part of the block. "I don't know about that... I think we might have more in common than you think." Lou kept walking, the suit named Andrew falling behind. "Come ON! I can make it worth your while!" Well, that got Lou's attention. He halted, turning to face the man, who was now smiling in a strange, strained way. It kinda gave Lou the creeps. |
“Okay, I’ll listen, but it better be good.” Lou said. “I don’t have a lot of time.” “There’s a coffee shop around the corner, I’ll buy you a cup of coffee, just give me fifteen minutes. If you don’t like what I have to say, I’ll give you a twenty and you can go on your way. Do we have a deal?” “Yeah, it’s a deal.” Lou put his hand out and looked at Andrew. “What?” Andrew looked at Lou’s upturned palm. “I’ll take the twenty first.” Andrew reached into his pocket and pulled out a crisp twenty dollar bill and handed it to Lou. “Okay? Andrew asked. “Trust me now?” “Enough to listen, that’s it.” As they walked together Lou had an uneasy feeling that he was making a mistake. He had always trusted his gut before, why was he was ignoring it today. Because I can sure use twenty dollars, he told himself. I hope this guy ain’t as crazy as I think he is, Lou thought. They entered the coffee shop and took a table in the corner. The place was empty, the setting sun fell through the big front windows reflecting off the linoleum floor, the smell of hamburgers sizzling on the grill reminded Lou how hungry he was. It also reminded him how hungry his two kids were. The tired looking waitress pulled a hidden pencil from her big hair and wrote down their order. “Two coffees?” she asked, her eyes wide under thin eye brows, her jaw worked a noisy piece of gum. “That’s it?” “Maybe we’ll order something to eat later.” Andrew looked at Lou, “If we decide to stay longer.” The waitress walked off, snapping her gum. “Okay, what’s your deal, man?” Lou began. His eyes darted from Andrew to the door, then back again. He drummed his fingers on the Formica table top. “I’ll get right to the point.” Andrew put his forearms on the table and leaned toward Lou, his voice dropped to a whisper. “What would you say if I told you I could set you up with $100,000.00?” Andrew sat back and waited for Lou to answer. “What are you selling, man?” Lou eyes narrowed. “If I had any money I wouldn’t be out here with a gun I don’t want to use.” “Well, you’ll need the gun, but under no circumstances are you to use it.” Andrew smiled, “Except as a prop.” “What the hell are you talking about?” Lou started to get up, but Andrew reached across the table and grabbed his arm. “Just hear me out, okay?” He leaned forward again. “I want you to abduct me, take me home and hold me and my family hostage…” “I’m changing my mind about using this gun.” Lou broke in. “I had it right, you are crazy.” “No, I’m not.” Andrew took his wallet out and showed Lou pictures of his wife and kids. “My in-laws will pay plenty to keep them safe.” “Here’s your coffee’s.” The waitress pushed two coffees onto the table, followed by a pile of small creamers. “Can I get you anything else?” “Yeah," Lou said, his eyes locked on to Andrews. "I’ll have a burger, with the works.” |
Lou had eaten his deluxe burger with the gusto of a man who had not had beef in months - Andrew thought he probably hadn't. By the time it disappeared from the plate, a plan had taken form and Lou's eyes had shone with the hope of relief from his financial burden. Both men knew it was risky as hell, and a little bit crazy, but both men also knew that they were at the ends of their respective ropes. Andrew was convinced, and convinced his new partner, that this was the best possible way out of their troubles. It would be easy, too, since Lynette's parents were predictable and Andrew would secretly be in control of the situation. His only regret was that he had not come up with anything this brilliant sooner, before things got so bad. Back outside in the apathetic afternoon sunlight, Andrew and Lou walked back together to Andrew's car with a new dynamic between them. There was still tension, but each understood the other a little better, and both were buoyant with the prospect of freedom. As the details of their plan had already been mostly ironed out, there was little said between them as they strode the cracked concrete. Minutes passed in this contemplative silence, and at last they reached the car. Andrew unlocked it with his electronic key-chain, a shrill chirp invading the air as the car alerted its owner to its new state of openness. With hand on handle, Lou looked across the top of the black sedan to Andrew before they got inside and set on a road that they could not turn around from. The gun he would be using but not using was a weighty reminder in his waistband. "Man, you sure you want to do this?" Andrew felt the sting of annoyance and exasperation before he batted those feelings back down, replacing them with something more fraternal and soothing. "Lou we have discussed it. This is our best option here, and we'll both be much happier men when it's over with. You are over-thinking this - it's going to be a cake walk, got it?" Shrugging, and trying hard to ignore the foreboding feeling in his gut by thinking about all the things he could do with a hundred thou, Lou climbed in the car. Andrew was close behind in the driver's seat. "Maybe you should start getting into character?" He said to the Brooklyn native as he started up the engine, reaching to adjust the radio out of habit before he stopped himself, leaving it off. Lou had never thought of himself as much of an actor, and this was a long damned way from a scrap of a boy shining shoes on Pitkin Avenue. Life was such a bitch - she never let up, and things never went where you thought they might. Now here was an opportunity to crawl out of the mud, and Lou wasn't sure he had what it took to pull it off. Could he be convincing enough to make Andrew's wife truly fear for her life? To make those two kids really believe that he would hurt them, when there was just no way he would ever be capable of such a thing? When he was a kid his mother could always tell when Lou was lying, no matter how good he thought his story was, she just always seemed to know. Adele, his beautiful wife, was the same way - it seemed to be a secret that women shared with each other but never with men. Wouldn't Lynette have the same intuition? Doubt plagued him, but Lou shook it off like a boxer shakes off a punch. He had to do this for his family. For Adele, and smart little Joan who was just like her mother, and tough little Frankie who was just like him. No matter what he had to do, he had to make this convincing. Lou left his fingers find the butt of his gun, calling to mind all the seconds notices of late payments, the phone ringing day and night with debt collectors, Frankie crying because he was still hungry after a meager dinner of soup, the eviction warnings, the car getting repossessed. Rage foamed up in his brain, sending a fire through his muscles and filling his heart with the toxic courage of wrath. Thus inspired, Lou pulled his gun and pistol-whipped Andrew across the mouth, careful to do it hard enough to leave a mark and draw blood, but not so hard that it would debilitate the man. Andrew was not expecting this, his head knocked sideways into the window with a cry of shock and pain. Slowly he turned his head back, touching a fingertip to his split lip and gazing for a moment at the blood he came away with. When he finally turned to look over at Lou, Lou's teeth were bared in a snarl, his eyes alight with the violence he had just shown he was capable of, his features infused with ire. Andrew smiled. |
They rode in silence, both men surprised at Lou's demonstration of violence. After a short drive Andrew pulled into a long driveway and stopped. "Here we are," he said as he pushed the gear shift into park and turned the key in the ignition. "Nice place, Andy." Lou could not imagine living in a house so big. "Let's go." Lou kept the gun in his jacket pocket in case there were any nosy neighbors. But when they reached the side door he took the gun out. As Andy opened the door Lou saw Andrew's wife at the kitchen stove. "Now get in there and don't make me use this." Lou put the gun to Andrew's neck so that it could be seen. Lynette turned, and as the scene registered in her mind, her smile slowly faded and her hand went to her mouth. Her eyes were wide with fear. "Get over there with your wife," Lou demanded, then looked around the spacious kitchen. Pointing the gun toward Andrew's wife, he asked her name. "L-LLynette." She replied. "Okay, Lynette. Are any of the kids home?" He relaxed his tone a bit. He knew too much fear would stop her from moving. "Yes, Kenneth is playing video games," She sobbed. "Meredith is in her room upstairs, doing homework." Lynette looked at Andrew, her eyes contained so many questions, tears fell freely. "Okay, call little Kenny in here, mom." Lynette hesitated, and looked at Andy with pleading eyes. "Do it, Lynette. If we do as he says he won't hurt us." Turning to Lou, he asked, "That's what you said, right?" "Yeah. If I get some money, no one gets hurt. Otherwise, just keep in mind I have nothing to lose." Lynette looked back to Lou, then called. "Kenneth, could you please come to the kitchen?" A 'What now." came from another room. "Young man, you get in here this instant." Lynette looked at Andrew, "I feel like hell calling him in here." "It's okay Lynette. Let's just do as he says, then he'll leave. A little boy, his red hair tousled, eyes becoming wide, walked into the kitchen, his stocking feet made no sound on the floor. "Who's he?" Kenneth said as he went to his mother. "He just came in, hon. We are to do as he says, do you understand?" "Why? Why is he in charge?" "Because he has a gun, that's why, Kenny." Andrew said. "Now, we're all going upstairs to get Meredith. Andrew, bring some rope." Lou was swaying the gun in an arc, causing everyone to be in fear. Upstairs, Lynette opened her daughter's bedroom door and walked in, followed by Andrew, Kenneth and then Lou. "What's going on? Doesn't anybody knock?" When she saw Lou, fear registered in her eyes. Her eyes darted to her father. "What's going on?" "Tie her up Andy, and remember, I'll be checking to see that you do it right. If you don't I'll give you another big lip, got it?" "Yeah, I understand." Andrew said. Taking his daughter's arms he tied each one to the bed post, then tied her legs together at her ankles. Andrew apologized to his daughter repeatedly as she lay on the bed, crying. After inspecting the knots, Lou said, "Good, now let's go to Kenny's room so you can tie him up too. Everyone is going to be separated until I get things under control." Lynette looked at her daughter, tied on the bed, and she began to cry. Andrew went to her and held her. Looking up at Lou, Andrew said "If you so much as hurt a hair on any of my families head, I swear, I'll find you, and I'll kill you." "Yeah, you do that Andrew. Just keep in mind, if I don't get my money I don't care what you do." He sneered. "Got it?" They all went out into the hallway. "Okay, which way to Kenny's room?" Lou asked. |
Tying up seven-year-old Kenny had proved a much more intense and harrowing task than either men had anticipated. The young boy had struggled valiantly, screamed, thrashed, and begged until everyone was in tears except the man with the gun - and even Lou had bitten the inside of his cheek to keep himself in check. It certainly wouldn't do for the family he was 'taking hostage' to see their captor break down in tears over a frightened child. But Lou could not imagine doing this to his own son, and it occurred to him for the thousandth time since he had agreed to this plan that maybe he just didn't have it in him. With the boy subdued and his crying quieted to muffled sniffles, Lou reasserted control, pointing the gun at Lynette. Her blue eyes were pleading, but there was a stubborn set to her jaw. He could see the woman behind the fear, and she was strong. "Alright, you two, down to the basement, NOW." Andrew put a supportive arm around his wife's rigid waist. She did not look like she was planning on complying, and her voice was cracked with emotion when she spoke, "Please, you don't have to do this. There is still time for you to just walk out of here, and we would never say anything to anybody, right Andy? You'd be safe. We don't even know you for Chris'sake!" It was her husband, not her captor, who answered her in a hushed tone, "Lyn, c'mon, don't you think I've tried to talk sense into this bastard? We just have to do what he says and this will be over soon, ok baby?" He took her by the shoulders, looking into her eyes to make his point as clearly as possible, asking for her cooperation. Slowly she nodded, biting her lip but saying nothing further. Andrew then took her hand and they started down the stairs with Lou close behind them. "Lynette, you got a smart man there. He's right - make this easy on yourself and everybody walks away from this. But don't push me, got it lady? My patience isn't so good as my aim." For emphasis he prodded between her shoulder blades with the nose of the handgun, eliciting a yelp of distress from her that she quickly tried to stifle. She was definitely tough, Lou thought. And beautiful. Tall, with fine legs in a pair of teasingly tight designer jeans, her chest nicely filling out a blouse in a pretty shade of green that set off her long strawberry blonde hair. Andrew was a lucky man who didn't seem to know it. But then, Lou knew better than most how deceiving looks could be. Andrew led the little procession downstairs to the main floor, through the kitchen, and into a small back hallway where he opened another door. On the other side was a narrow wooden staircase leading down into an oubliette below. There was not even a glimmer of light down there, and those stairs looked dangerous. "Lynette, come here." Lou said firmly, pushing Andrew forward onto the top of the stairs. Lynette hesitated, but he knew he had to play the part. With a growl he grabbed her arm firmly and dragged her into his grip, pinning her arms across her breasts and pressing her backwards against his chest, pushing the gun into her ribs. She whimpered and Andrew made a very convincing start towards Lou, as if to fight him. "Don't be stupid Andy - i'm not gonna hurt her, just go down those steps and turn on one light then come back up here. She's collateral, to make sure you don't do somethin' stupid." The threat did its job, or at least made it appear to Lynette that it did its job, as Andrew backed down and turned to slowly descend the steps, glancing back over his shoulder to say a soothing few words to Lynette. Lou tried not to think about the beautiful, terrified woman he was holding so intimately against his body - instead he tried to think about his own beautiful wife, Adele. But then, that didn't seem like a good idea either, because just imagining her made him feel guilty for what he was here doing. After only a few moments the darkness of the basement was flooded with mellow light from one side, the other side still steeped in shadow but the stairs were lit up. Andrew reappeared at the bottom of the steps and climbed back up to where they stood, looking expectantly at the man holding his wife. Lou shoved Lynette into Andrew's arms and gestured down the stairs with the gun, nodding "Now we all go down together. Go on, ladies first and all." She went down carefully, with Andrew behind her and Lou of course bringing up the rear. Once at the bottom Lou observed how clear and clean this basement was, unlike most he had seen in his lifetime. There were two doors that led into rooms off the main area, which was carpeted, but the walls were thin, unpainted sheet-rock and it was still cold and drafty. As he prodded the couple into the room on the left it instantly became clear to him that you would be able to hear a person talking from anywhere in this basement, probably even in a whisper. The plan to set up Andrew in the other room alone, Lynette under the impression that he was imprisoned just as she would be, would still work but they would have to stay in character as far as she could hear. That was just as well, because next came the first phone call, and he wanted her to be as frightened as possible so that her rich parents believed their daughter was in mortal danger. Lou did not want to hurt her, but he had to convince her that she might be next. A set of pipes ran along the far side of the room, and Lou ordered Andrew to use the remaining bit of rope to tie Lynette to it after sitting her down on the concrete floor, her back to the wall. She cried a little, tugging at the knots, and Lou made a quick show of checking the job Andrew had done. Feigning satisfaction with their quality, he turned to the family man and pointed the gun at his chest, lowering her voice to a menacing tone. "Into the other room, Andy. Sorry, but I need to make an example of you for your wife here. I gotta make sure she is properly motivated." Lynette cried out as Lou drove Andrew out of the room, closing the door behind him, and the two men walked into the other unfinished room. As soon as they were alone Lou lowered the weapon and gave Andrew a meaningful look. They had to make this sound real, but he wasn't really going to be hitting his partner. Instead the two men set about slapping their fists into their hands, beating on their legs, throwing themselves against the wall, Andrew making sounds of pain while Lou made sounds of violent effort. Their attempt at making it sound as if a brutal beating were taking place next door seemed to work, because Lynette started shrieking hysterically, calling Lou names and begging him to leave her husband alone. After about two minutes of this, Lou took the cell phone from Andrew's extended hand and walked out, going into the other room. Fear, hate, and tears had twisted her lovely face into a victim's mask, mascara running down her cheeks. As he approached her she tried to scramble back but had nowhere to go, only succeeding in cringing away from him. He held out the cell phone to her, crouching down so he was at eye level. With his other hand he held the gun on her, but he was careful to keep his voice steady, level. She would know he meant business, but believe that is she just went along with this everything would be alright. "I need you to make a phone call, Lynette. Call your parents, and no bullshit or I will pull this trigger." As punctuation Lou drew back the gun's hammer with a click that caused her eyes to widen even further. Good, she believed him. Her sobs were soft and mostly under control while she took the phone and began to dial with shaking hands. It took her a few tries to get the number in correctly, with her wrists tied together and the palsy of fear robbing her of all dexterity, and when she finally did she looked up at him questioningly. "Put it on speaker," he instructed, and she quickly complied, just as there came a pause of the line being picked up, and a strong male voice came out of the phone's speakers. "Hello?" Lynette immediately began to scream. |
"Lynette! Lynette, is that you? The male voice was loud with concern. Lynette continued to sob uncontrollably. "You'll have to give your precious little girl a few minutes to calm down, she’s under a lot of stress right now.” Lou’s ominous voice broke in. “Who’s that?” The voice on the phone became demanding. “Who is that?” Lou gave an evil laugh, then prodded Lynette with the barrel of the gun. “Go ahead, Lynette. Tell him. Tell him what’s going on here, and what I’ll do if he doesn’t comply.” Lynette’s father’s voice could be heard, the tinny sound demanding to know who was with Lynette. “Dad, it’s me, Lynette.” Her sobs caught in her throat as she tried to breath. “Lynette, honey, what is this? What’s going on? Are you okay?” His questions sounded like one long demand. “Daddy, stop. Listen to me. There’s a man here, he has all of us tied up. He wants money.” “Are the kid’s okay, Lyn?” He sounded calmer now. He was a business man, a wealthy one, and he was used to stress. “Who’s there with you?” He demanded. “Hi, this is the man with your precious daughter. And speaking of names, let’s start with yours.” Lou looked at Lynette, his impatience with her was evident in his eyes. “This is Mr. Pressman, George Pressman. Now who am I talking to?” “You can just call me the man with the gun. How’s that?” “Have you hurt any of my family, you bastard?” Pressman’s belligerence annoyed Lou. “I don’t like being called a bastard, and if you do it again, your daughter will pay a price. Do you understand?” Lou never thought he could hit Lynette, but he wanted both Lynette and her father to think he would. “Yes, yes, of course. What is it you want?” His voice was calm now, business was what he knew, and he knew this would be a business deal. A very important one. “Well, to tell you the truth, George, I’m sitting here looking at your beautiful daughter, and what I want is beginning to change. At first I only wanted money, now I’m not so sure.” Lou smiled at Lynette and let his eyes roam to her breasts, just for emphasis. “Don’t you dare touch her, do you understand? If you do you won’t get a penny from me. Now tell me what it is you want?” Pressman’s voice went from demanding to pleading. “Okay, you’ve convinced me. I need money more than I need a beautiful woman. Here’s what I want, and I want it fast.” Lou’s eyes locked on to Lynette’s as he spoke. “I want five-hundred-thousand dollars, in small bills. When I get it I will walk away, you’ll never hear from me again.” “That’s a lot of money, I can’t get that much now…” Lou broke in. “And if I get the slightest idea that you’ve involved the police you’ll be getting them all back dead. Do you understand?” The thought of killing these people made his stomach turn, but he knew he wouldn’t harm them so he was able to go on with the charade. “How long do you need?” “I can get that first thing in the morning, not before.” “I’ll tell you what, Georgie.” Lou thought he’d have a little fun. “For each hour after 9 am that I don’t have the money, I’ll take an ear from one of the kids. Do we have a deal?” “I’m not sure I can get it before 9 in the morning. It may take longer.” “You’re an influential man, pull some strings. Do what you have to so your grandchildren can keep their ears.” Lou listened. “Okay, okay, please, just don’t hurt anyone. I’ll have the money ready first thing in the morning. I’ll bring it over as soon as I have it.” ‘No, you won’t do that, George.” Lou mocked the name. “You’ll wait for my call at 9 am, and then you’ll do what you’re told, do I make myself clear?” “Yes, I understand. Please, just don’t hurt my grandchildren, or my daughter.” Lou thought he would get the old man’s attention, sort of as insurance. He took the barrel of the gun and pressed it between two buttons on Lynette’s blouse and spread the material, her gasp could be heard by her father. “What was that? What are you doing?” “I’m just proving that I don’t want to hurt your little girl, that’s all. The money, all of it, by 9 am.” Lou sneered, then hit the button terminating the call. Lynette sat, coiled into the corner, tears streaming down her cheeks. Lou picked up the phone and sat, his eyes roaming over Lynette’s slender body. “You sure are an attractive lady.” Andrew sat on the floor in the next room. He was amazed at how well he was able to hear the entire conversation. He would have loved to see what Lou did to make Lynette cower like she did. She would never cower to him. She was demanding, and dominating. He hated himself for allowing her to treat him like this. He smiled as he realized he was actually enjoying that she was being tortured like she was. She deserved it after the things she had said, and done, to him. His smile broadened as he thought about all that money. |
The night seemed to drag on for every person in the house. When Lou had gone upstairs to check on the kids they were both crying, and begged him to let them go. He had steeled himself against the impulse to tears those ropes holding them apart and hug them, instead trying to soothe their fear by promising it would all be over soon. Kenny, who had fought so hard initially, nodded solemnly and whimpered his obeisance. But Meredith, who had not fought when she was tied up but only cried for her Daddy, had stopped her tears and looked Lou in the eyes, then told him to go to hell. At first it had surprised him, but after a moment he almost felt proud of this little girl who was not his - she was tough, she would make it in the cruel world. Back downstairs, about an hour past midnight, Lou had gone to talk to Andrew while everyone else was finally sleeping, only to find that Andrew had fallen asleep as well. The Brooklyn native was more accustomed to staying up all night, since that was prime time to perpetrate the sort of criminal activity he favored. Sometimes he saw a prime target during the day and took a risk (like the one leaning against the wall snoring softly at the moment), but usually he kept the protection offered by night's cover. Lou wasn't stupid, and although it was cliche, night was simply a safer time to break the law. Speaking of breaking the rules... Lou's mind wandered to the woman sleeping in the next room. He loved his wife, but Lou had never thought there was any harm in looking just as long as he didn't touch. Or maybe only a little bit of touching, but he knew the line where normal male interest ended and cheating began. Lynette did not stir from her slumber when he pushed the door to her room open, trying to be as quiet as possible. Lou was pleased with that, and stalked over to where she was leaning back against the pipe she was tethered to. Her head was titled back, shiny hair spilling over her shoulders and around her fantastic chest, which was accentuated nicely by the way her back was slightly arched. Slowly, so as not to make too much noise, Lou settled onto the cold floor beside her, letting his eyes have their unabashed fill now that she was unaware of it. He traversed the planes of her face, down her neck to her shoulders, lingering on her breasts, then traveling lower to her hips, over her thighs and then the length of her shapely legs. Even her feet, bare with dainty toes sporting a mauve nail-polish, were pretty. And Lou was not a man of feet. Savoring the experience, he started to retrace his ocular path, going back the way he came with a speed that would have frustrated a snail. When he reached her face again, there was a flash of blue and Lou jumped, barely clapping a hand over his mouth to stifle the sound of his surprise - she was looking right at him! He quickly recovered himself, letting a stern expression take over his features and he whispered harshly, "You got a problem?" There was something in Lynette's eyes that was different from the terror of earlier in the day. Fear was still somewhere in their cerulean depths, but there was another emotion on the surface. It drew Lou forward, beckoning to him, sparking something he was certainly familiar with in his abdomen. She did not smile, but there was a promising tension in the corners of her mouth as she sat up slowly, keeping her eyes on him. Her voice was a whisper too, "You see something you like?" Lou was caught off guard, but did not allow it to show. He patted the gun, visible in his waistband, as a reminder to her, then crossed his arms with a frown. "Yeah, and if I do? Nothin' you can do about it lady, I'll look all I want." Lynette bit her lip coyly before letting it's fullness go again, "Why stop at looking?" "... What?" Lou could hardly believe what he had just heard, and what he was seeing for that matter. She was coming on to him! "I see the way you look at me... You can have me. Just untie me, and you can have me." Her voice was a low purr in the dark, exciting Lou more than he wanted to admit. "Your husband." It was not a question or a complete statement, but the most Lou could manage to get out without his voice cracking. She understood his implication. "Weak. My husband has always been weak, and can't stand up to anyone. He has no spine. But you... You go after what you want... And I know you want me." Lynette moved her tied wrists, stretching out to try and touch Lou's face - she could only get far enough that her fingertips brushed feather-light against his jaw. But it was more than enough to light a dangerous fire in him. Lou twisted away before he could stop himself, and saw a satisfied smirk ghost across Lynette's pretty lips for a fraction of a second. Lou got up, saying nothing to her, and left the room. He seriously needed some fresh air. Andrew listened to Lou go upstairs after his exchange with Lynette, and tried to quell his rage to a level he could control. It had taken all he had not to burst through the damn wall and pick that harpy up by her throat, shake her like a cat shakes a mouse in its jaws. The nerve of her! He had always known that she thought he was weak, but actually hearing her say those things to a stranger had broken down a dam inside Andrew that he had been shoring up for years. After all he had done for her, for their family, all the sacrifices he had made to ensure that she lived a more-than-comfortable life, and that was her repayment! To offer herself to the man who was holding her captive! He didn't even care if it was just because she thought it might save her, or save their children. Andrew knew that she had meant everything she had said about her husband. He knew it. Biting his tongue, Andrew leaned back and took a steadying breath as his brain worked furiously on a new plan. Morning could not come soon enough. The car's engine rumbled familiarly as Andrew sat in the driver's seat, watching the side of the retail store that had been chosen as the drop for the money. It was located almost 20 miles from Andrew's house, had no surveillance in the parking lot, and was never very busy. He was parked in a space at the end of the lot, with a mostly clear view of the side but in a very inconspicuous place. A small duffel bag was going to be placed inside a box sealed with duct tape, then tossed into the dumpster closest to the building's left side back there. George was to put the money in place and leave the area, waiting for a call from Lynette that confirmed they had been released. Andrew was the pick-up man, according to their plan, as would have made the most sense if this were a real situation. Lynette and the children would be kept behind, and made to believe that Andrew had one hour to return or Lou would kill them all and disappear. The same thing would happen if either Lynette's parents or Andrew alerted the authorities, but neither of those were likely for completely different reasons. When George's gleaming silver BMW came out from behind the store and sped off, he waited another five minutes before moving his own vehicle back there. It wouldn't due to arouse suspicion, or give himself away. Another few minutes of patience was definitely worth being set for the rest of his life. The money was where it was supposed to be, and a quick check inside the box revealed a bag filled with small bills. Andrew's heart leaped in his chest, adrenaline fueling his excited state. His brain churned at least one idea for every dollar in that bag, and he was whistling to himself when he got back in the car. And just his luck, the airport was only a fifteen minute drive away. |
Lou walked around the house, stopping here and there to admire something that caught his eye. Picking up a heavy crystal candy dish, he admired the prism of colors flowing through the glass. He promised himself that he’d buy one like it for Adele…now that he could afford such things. Turning it over, he had trouble reading the name, ‘Swarovski,’ He wrote it down. Lou had brought food to the kids and coffee for Lynette. He watched her for a minute before waking her. She was relaxed in sleep, stress didn’t pull at her eyes, and her breasts heaved slightly with her rhythmic breathing. “You can have me.” That’s what she said last night, it aroused him now. Adele was beautiful, but Lynette, she was refined, and well cared for. Her skin was the color of pearls…”I better stop thinking like this,” Lou said softly. “I’ll be out of here soon and I’ll never see any of them again.” There was a tinge of sorrow knowing he would never have Lynette. He gently woke her. A sleepy smile crossed her lips as she cupped the warm mug between her hands, giving Lou a seductive look over the edge of the cup as she sipped. Lou looked at his watch, only five minutes had passed since he last checked. This was taking too long. Where was Andy? He had considered that Andy would take the money and run, but didn’t think he’d leave all this. A beautiful family and a big fancy house. And where there was five-hundred-thousand, there was more. Andy would know that someday all that would be his. Still, he should have been back by now. Lou went to the front window and pulled the curtains open. Looking across the green manicured lawn he could see down the street to the next intersection. No black sedan. He noticed the gun in his right hand, his palm was sweaty. Holding it up, he couldn’t remember taking it from his waistband. “Settle down, settle down, Lou, it’ll be alright. He just got caught in traffic, that’s all.” Lou couldn’t stand still. He walked upstairs and checked on the kids. They weren’t happy, but they’d survive, but he realized he was the only person that knew that. He tried to be reassuring by talking to them, telling them they would be fine. From Kenny he received silence. From Meredith he got another, “Go to hell.” Closing her bedroom door he smiled, he liked her spunk. “What’s taking him so long?” Lynette was holding the empty mug in her hand. She was now fully awake and Lou could see the stress creeping back onto her face. “He should have been back by now, maybe he got caught in traffic, maybe he had an accident.” Lou was looking around the room as he spoke, doubt was beginning to take hold. “Have I been set up?” he wondered. But he squelched the doubt when he looked around the house…and at Lynette. He didn’t think anyone would walk away from all of this, not even for half a million dollars. But still…where the hell was Andy. He went back upstairs and took another long look through the front window. Nothing. The phone played a long train whistle, and danced on the floor next to Lynette. Lou grabbed it without looking at the caller ID, unfolded it and yelled. “Where the hell are you?” He was silent, listening. “Yeah, well, I’ll call you when you can have them back.” He hung up. Lynette looked up at him, a question on her face. “It was your father.” Lou explained. “He said he dropped the money over an hour ago, he wanted to know if I was still here.” “Lou, I think we’ve all been had. I think my weasel of a husband has taken the money and fled. My guess is we’ll never see him again.” She looked up at Lou, concern filled her eyes, her voice was full of stress. “Please, Lou, don’t hurt the kids. I’ll do whatever you want, just don’t hurt the kids.” Lou let out a long sigh. He walked to the other end of the room and peered through the back window. He had to think. Was he set up? Has something happened, an accident? Sweat beaded on his forehead, his hand twitched, he couldn’t stand still. He stormed up the stairs to check the front windows again. Lynette screamed. “Please, don’t hurt the kids!” Lou cold still hear her crying as he looked at an empty street from the window. “Okay, Lynette, it’s all over. That son-of-a-bitch is not coming back. He’s taken off with the money.” Lynette sat with her back against the pipes, her face streaked with tears, her whole body shook. “Please, Lou, don’t hurt my kids, please.” Lynette’s plaintiff voice made Lou want to run away. He wondered how he had gotten conned into this. “I’m not going to hurt anyone, Lynette. You and the kids will be fine.” Then he added, “That’s more than I can say for your husband if I ever find him.” Lynette looked up at Lou, she stopped crying, and slumped back against the pipes. “You’re just going to go, leave us here?” She asked. “Am I supposed to believe that? I’ve seen your face.” Recognition spread across Lou’s face. He hadn’t even considered that. He never thought to cover his face. He had to think. Lou went up to what was Andrew’s office and sat at the desk. It was quiet here, he could think. The ticking of a desk clock reminded Lou how tired he was. He didn’t want to hurt Lynette, or the kids. He picked up the phone. “Lynette, I’m leaving.” Lou placed the cell phone on the floor, just out of Lynette’s reach. “It’ll take you a while to get to the phone, but you’ll be able to do it if you work hard enough.” He gave her a thin smile. “You and the kid’s will be fine, I won’t hurt anyone. And as much as I’d like to spend time with you Lynette, I’d want it to be under better circumstances. I’m sure we’d both enjoy it.” Lynette’s breathing quickened, fear crossed her face, her eyes widened, showing even more blue. “Am I supposed to believe that, Lou? You’re standing there with that gun in your hand. All I ask is that you make it quick.” Lou’s smile widened. “You really are something, you know that lady?” His voice was soft now, compassion filled his words. “I only wish we had met years ago, I think you and I would have made a great pair. Your fire, and my preference for strong women. Yeah, I think you and I could have set a few fires.” He stopped and his face turned hard again. “But that’s not how life works, now is it?” He backed away. Lynette closed her eyes. “I hope you don’t mind but I used your phone, and your credit card to make a couple of reservations.” Lynette opened her eyes, the tilt of her head told Lou she had no idea what he was saying. “I saw a pamphlet about Costa Rica in your husband’s desk. I’m betting that’s where he’s headed.” Lou crouched down in front of Lynette and spoke softly. “You have a choice here, Lynette. I’m going to find your husband and teach him a lesson. Then I’m going to take what’s left of the money from him. He won’t need it after I’m done with him.” Lynette remained silent. “You can report this to the police…or you can say I just left and took that bastard with me. I’m sure your father won’t mind that he’s gone.” Lynette smiled. “Neither will I,” she said. Lou stood up and walked to the stairs and turned to look at Lynette. His eyes took in her form, now relaxed. She had a pretty smile, Lou thought. “What do you say, Lynette? Want to give me a couple of weeks to find him?” “Why don’t you take my credit card too? I won’t report it stolen for a couple of weeks.” “Yeah, I knew it. You and I would have made a great pair.” “And started a couple of fires?” Lynette smiled. Lou walked up the stairs and out of the house, closing the door behind him. |
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