Snap Shots:
Part 2
Chapter 10
By MJ
Disclaimers: Please see Part 1.
10
Moving without the cane, mainly due to her now complete familiarity with the layout
of their house, Nikki made her way through the kitchen and on to her office. Trailing
one hand along the wall, she counted the usual ten steps from the side kitchen
door, past the dining room until she reached the entrance of the office. She pushed
the door open and walked into the quiet room.
*******
Sitting on the stairs, Tess pulled her mobile from the inside pocket of her denim
jacket hung haphazardly over the banister. She hit the speed dial button seven,
instantly connecting her with the veterinary surgery. The brunette waited, drumming
her long fingers on her right knee as she waited for the call to be answered.
Seconds later an elderly voice reverberated down the line.
Tess spoke briefly with the veterinary nurse; discovering that Leto had indeed
come around from her anaesthetic calmly and quietly. The golden hound was now
sound asleep in a large cage and would be ready to go home the day after tomorrow.
Tess was a little disappointed that she had to wait until Monday before she could
bring Leto home, but she understood that it was in the dogs' best interests.
Disconnecting the call, the photographers stomach rumbled, reminding her that
none of them had really eaten much today. At least she'd had her 'nutritionally
void' snack, but Tess was sure Nikki hadn't eaten much of anything all day. Walking
into the kitchen the photographer pulled open a small drawer and picked up the
nearest Indian take out menu. She perused the selections. “HEY NIK?”
She yelled.
“Yeah?” Came a distant voice.
“DO YOU FEEL LIKE A TAKE AWAY?”
“Sounds good to me.” Nikki answered in a raised voice.
“Great…I'll go and ask Lisa.” She said wondering where the teen
was; knowing Lisa had been upstairs for quite a while now. Chucking the menu down,
it slid along the varnished surface of the table as Tess exited the kitchen and
approached the stairs.
*******
As a child Nikki loved to sit in her bedroom and listen to storybooks on tape.
Rosalind was never one to read her daughter bedtime tales and refused to do so,
believing her daughter had to be as normal as possible and not rely on others.
It didn't seem to register to the woman that a parent reading to her children
was a normal occurrence anyway. She had objected greatly to the blonde attending
a school for the visually impaired, but Richard had insisted, pointing out the
many benefits it could offer the younger girl. So Nikki had started school; learning
Braille quickly and soon reading became one of her favourite relaxing past times.
During his spare time James himself learned to read Braille; also helping a young
Nikki with her reading and did on occasions read to her when her parents were
out for the evening, though Richard Morris did when he had the time, read to his
daughter. It was obvious to them all Nikki's passion for books and fictional stories,
and on many occasions Richard would go out of his way to purchase as many books
for Nikki; taking time out on his lunch hours to visit book stores in the city.
Standing in the office, Nikki turned to the right and headed straight for her
bookshelf, but as her hand reached out and found purchase of a row of familiar
books…she froze. The feel of the room, the whole atmosphere had changed,
sending an icy chill of fear down her spine. Moving away from the shelf Nikki
turned around; senses alert as she tried to gage her distraction. Somebody was
in the room. “Who's here?” She asked shakily. There was no response
but Nikki sensed a sudden shift in the air to her right. Fear escalating; she
felt the sudden urgency to leave the room, but as she made her way towards the
exit an unknown hand reached out, grabbing her by the arm and pulling her backwards
into a hard body. Nikki whimpered as a hand covered her mouth and a familiar sensation
of cold steel pressed against her throat.
“Déjà vu!” Said the recognisable voice. “Hmm…you
know I get the familiar feeling that I have done this before; don't you think
that is strange?”
Terrified, Nikki struggled against the strong hold but the grip just increased,
holding her securely.
“Ah ah ah, if you are wise you will keep still, and if you shout or scream
it'll be the last thing you ever do, understand?”
Nikki nodded and the hand moved away from her mouth. “What do you want Bradley?”
Her voice trembled with restrained fear.
Bradley pulled Nikki over to the entrance leading to the rest of the house and
closed the door, before moving to the exit, dragging the blonde along with him,
“You know my name? So my squealing brother did tell after all!” He opened
the door and pulled Nikki out into the night air. “Well after I have finished
here I may need to go back and teach him a lesson about lying to family.”
Still holding the sharp knife against Nikki's throat Brad dragged the stumbling
and frightened blonde over to the closest crop of bushes.
*******
She had mounted the stairs quietly, wondering where Lisa would be hiding herself.
It was obvious that teen was upset about the recent turn of events and the subsequent
allegations. But although inside Tess didn't want to believe CJ was as corrupt
as she had insinuated, she could only go with the facts. And the facts were rather
indisputable.
Walking along the landing, Tess spotted the light from the bathroom shedding a
small ray from the gap at the bottom of its door. She approached it quietly and
rapped her knuckles on the solid wood. “Lisa?”
A few moments of silence past before a quiet voice gave permission to enter. Tess
walked into the room and looked at the slight form of the teen sitting on the
edge of the bathtub. Red swollen eyes and a handful of tissues told the photographer
all she needed to know. “Um…are you alright?”
The teen nodded mutely.
Come on Tess think. “Err…we are ordering in if you would like
something to eat.”
Another silent nod was her reply.
Damn it! Tess scanned the bathroom as if looking for insight. Jade eyes
followed the blue/grey swirls of the surrounding tiled design, then looked upon
a wide cabinet screwed securely to the wall. She looked at her reflection in the
mirror and shook her head at the uncomfortable expression staring back at her.
Walking further into bathroom Tess closed the distance between her and the bath,
before sitting down on the edge beside Lisa. “Um…I know I could be wrong
you know… If CJ doesn't have anything to do with this then we will soon find
out for sure wont we.” She placed her hand upon Lisa's shoulder and inclined
her head. “Lisa?”
The teen nodded. “Yeah, but the more I think about it the more I am scared
that you are right… it all makes sense and that's what bothers me. What if
he was using me all this time?”
Tess sucked in her bottom lip; chewing on the soft flesh. “It really isn't
worth thinking about any of this until we know what is going on for sure. Nikki
doesn't believe CJ's intentions were bad and you know not to mess with her intuitions!”
Lisa laughed. “Yeah I've kind of realised that over the years.”
Smirking the brunette placed her arm around the teen shoulder and pulled her in.
“So let's not go making any more assumptions until we have our facts straight
okay?” Hmm these delicate conversations aren't that bad; Tess thought
relieved I can do sensitive! “Yeah?”
Nodding Lisa smiled. “Yeah okay.” She looked up to the tall woman still
slightly surprised that this was the same Tess Alexander who was reputedly as
reticent as they come.
Tess pulled away and rose to her feet. “Want to go down and make an order?
Nikki is probably waiting right now with menu and phone in hand wondering where
we are.”
Lisa nodded, and together they left the bathroom.
*******
It was painful to move, almost too painful at the beginning, but as CJ dove
into his Civic and made the journey towards Riverside Farm he became accustomed
to the sharp pains that assaulted his body with every sharp turn and swift movement
the vehicle made. It was fast approaching nine o'clock and the sky was already
dark; street lamps having illuminated the roads almost an hour before.
Entering the narrow driveway that led towards the farmhouse, CJ drove his car
carefully over the bumpy track, trying hard not to jar his already abused frame.
And as he approached the bridge he slowed the Civic down further, moving over
the wooden structure at a dawdling speed.
The front security light shone down upon the young man as the car stopped and
he climbed cautiously out the drivers seat. Once the door was closed, he quickly
approached the front of the house, his body already feeling the effects of over
exertion.
*******
Tess and Lisa descended the stairs as the front bell chimed, startling the smaller
of the two brunettes'. Both thinking it was the Mayor; they approached the door
together, Tess reaching over the teen and unlatching the lock. What they saw instead
caused a look of shock on the photographer and horror on the small teen.
“CJ!” Lisa stated, moving quickly away from the doorway so the young
man could enter.
He stumbled in, clutching his side with obvious pain. Dry blood still covering
the side of his face and mouth; one eye swollen shut, even Tess had to grimace
at the sight. Instinctively she looked outside, taking stock of the young mans
car; well it least it doesn't look like a traffic accident! She thought.
Turning back to CJ, she took a strong hold of the young mans elbow and helped
him towards the stairs, the nearest place for him to sit.
“Thanks” he replied, closing his eyes with relief.
Worry etched deep into her brow; Lisa moved to his side eyes wide with alarm.
“What happened? Have you seen a doctor, I think you should go and see one…what
happened?”
CJ looked at Lisa then to the tall woman looming over him. He was just about to
answer when realisation hit; he was going to have to come clean about everything.
Who he was, who his brother was, and more importantly, what his brother wanted.
Not that he knew any specifics of that part, just that he intended getting revenge
on Tess; but knowing Bradley the way he did, anything was imaginable.
Placing his right hand over bruised ribs the tall man cleared his aching throat.
“This is all…” he coughed, wincing as the pain sliced through his
body. Lisa moved forward concerned but he held up his hand halting her movement.
“No…this is all my fault.”
Lisa frowned. “What do you mean CJ?”
“He asked me to watch you all; get close and learn your movements, but I
couldn't do it.”
Tess bent down. “CJ look…”
“No, you don't understand,” he interrupted. “My brother Brad? I
am sure you can remember him from the shopping centre. I don't know what happened
there, but I know he came away pretty beaten up…” He looked deep into
Tess's eyes.
The photographer shook her head. “It's okay CJ, we know.”
The young man frowned and looked quickly at Lisa before turning back to Tess.
“What do you mean you know…what do you know?”
“Your brother is Bradley White. He was the guy that attacked Nikki at Gallowtree
shopping centre. He has been watching us for over a month now, and earlier today
he tried to kill Leto.”
Brown eyes widened in shock. “Leto… is she alright?”
Tess nodded. “She will be; right now I want to know what happened to you.”
CJ nodded. “Brad saw me here today; needless to say he wasn't very happy
to think that I might be fraternising with the enemy.” He looked beseechingly
at the teen. “I'm sorry Lisa. I know I should have said something earlier,
but I was afraid that it would jeopardise what we had together… and I didn't
want that.”
Lisa nodded, tears clouding her eyes.
Tess rose to her feet. “Where is your bother now CJ?”
The blonde looked up at Tess nervously. “That is just it, I don't know. When
I came around earlier he was gone, but after the rage he displayed I can only
assume he has stepped up his plans of revenge. I had to get round here and inform
you before it was too late.”
Nodding Tess looked around the hallway. “Right, then I…” she frowned.
“Nikki?” She called suddenly, wondering why the blonde hadn't emerged
at the sound of another voice.
There was no answer.
“NIKKI?” Still frowning, Tess looked quickly to the couple sitting on
the stairs before taking off towards the front room. Seeing no sign of the blonde,
Tess retraced her steps, heading instead to the kitchen and on into the office.
She opened the door and looked inside, finding the room empty.
From behind Tess heard a rapid set of approaching footsteps and turned to see
a concerned looking Lisa. “Tess?” The teen noticed the look of apprehension
on the photographers face. “What's wrong, where's Nikki?”
Tess looked back into the office, wishing she knew the answer to that one simple
question. “I…I don't know. She said she was coming here to get a book.”
Tess re-entered the office and tried the handle on the other door. It easily swung
open, allowing a gust of cold air into the heat radiated room.
“Did she go out to the stables?”
Shutting the door Tess shook her head. “No; her cane was in the front room
and she never goes out there without it.”
Lisa turned to see CJ slowly approaching; the worried look in her eyes sent sudden
alarm bells ringing in the young mans head. “What is it, where's Nikki?”
He asked.
Shaking her head Lisa moved out of the way as Tess entered the back passage.
CJ's eyes widened. “You don't think…”
“No time for speculations.” Tess interrupted; “We don't want to
jump to any conclusions here, we just need to find Nikki… now.” She
didn't allow the terror she was feeling inside to affect her outer calm; it wouldn't
help the situation. But she did have an awful feeling and wanted so desperately
to be wrong. “Right… so we have to check the house and surrounding area.”
Tess looked towards CJ; “How are you feeling because I could really do with
your help.”
The young man stood tall; not wanting to let any of the women down, he had done
that enough already. “Just tell me what you want me to do.”
Tess nodded once. “Right, Lisa you check the house, look around the rooms
upstairs and down.” She turned to CJ. “Can you check the back of the
house; while I look around the front. Then I will come around and meet you out
back.”
Giving affirmed nods, the three set off in separate directions.
With urgency Lisa moved around the house; entering each room she scanned the area
thoroughly, but found nothing. She even checked the laundry room and the cupboard
under the stairs but found nothing more than sports gear. A deflated football,
fishing rod, tennis rackets and a rugby ball covered with a multitude of signatures.
Closing the door Lisa turned to the stairs and made short work of the fifteen
wooden steps. Reaching the landing she checked Tess's dark room; the remainder
of the bedrooms and both bathrooms, but still she found nothing. Concern mounting,
she hoped Tess or CJ were having better luck outside.
CJ walked swiftly out to the back of the house, holding his injured side gently.
The outside security light instantly illuminated the area as he started searching
his surroundings. The young man didn't have very intimate knowledge of the vicinity,
so he decided to just check everywhere he could. If Nikki had come out side, and
he hoped that was all she had done, he hoped to find her.
Tess entered the courtyard, moving into sensor range of the security light. She
looked around deciding her best method of detection was to basically to keep moving.
“Nik?” Tess shouted as she approached the bridge, almost afraid to look
down into the murky waters of the shallow stream below. “NIKKI” more
desperate this time. She peered into the bank of the stream but found nothing
out of the ordinary. Cursing, she turned back continuing her search by checking
the rest of the courtyard. “NIKKI?” Damn it where are you? Fist
balled almost painfully by her side Tess headed back into the house.
*******
Holding the small blonde firmly within the confines of the over grown shrubbery,
Bradley white kept his hand clasped firmly over Nikki's mouth. He was waiting,
sooner or later that photographer would come out looking for her, and then he
would strike, using the blonde as a means of stacking the odds firmly in his favour.
Nikki grimaced, kneeling silently in the dry soil. She was held in a tight grip;
pulled firm against the body behind her, but at least the knife was no longer
positioned against the soft flesh of her neck. She swallowed hard, finding it
difficult to breath with the large hand so tightly wrapped around her. Nikki fought
to fight hyperventilation; she was scared, more so than before, and the added
pressure on her lungs wasn't helping. She didn't know how much more she could
take.
“Mupfh.” She whimpered, shaking her head slightly from side to side,
desperate for oxygen.
Bradley growled deep in his throat, pulling the blonde's head back to rest upon
his shoulder. “Quiet!” he warned.
Nikki nodded, thankful at least that the movement had allowed her more room to
breath; she took in a gasping lungful a fresh night air.
“I said quiet.” He warned in a tight whisper. “This isn't personal
you know.” He trailed his knife along the contours of her heart shaped face;
“I wish it were, but this is all about that bitch you're shacked up
with. I'm not going to hurt you…” he grinned maliciously; “Unless
it hurts her for me to do so that is.”
“Nik?”
Nikki's sensitive ears picked up the sound of her lovers voice.
“NIKKI”
It was louder this time; Bradley jumping at the unexpected sound of the photographer.
He had been waiting for her of course, but with his sudden change of plans all
thanks to CJ, Bradley was a little unsure of how he would carry out his means
of vengeance. Whatever happened as long as was able to pay back the photographer
he really didn't care. Looking around hastily, Brad inadvertently loosening the
grip on the small blonde within his grasp.
“NIKKI?”
Acknowledging the opportunity and knowing she may not get another chance, Nikki
struggled unexpectedly, fighting against the arms around her. She kicked her legs
out, twisting within the circle of strong arms and released an elbow, driving
it back into Bradley's stomach.
Brad curled in sudden pain; winching as he held his stomach, not a sound leaving
his mouth. Looking towards the blonde, he noticed her taking off into the dark
night. Growling with rage he climbed to he feet in pursuit of the small woman
slightly ahead.
Nikki panicked. “Tess?” she shouted, and stumbled as her foot caught
an errant root sticking up through the ground. She fell to her knees hard; feeling
the skin rupture underneath the lightweight sweats she wore. Still Nikki didn't
acknowledge the pain, pure adrenalin forcing her to get up and keep moving. If
only she knew where she was.
She kept running, hearing the rapidly approaching footsteps of Bradley from behind.
Suddenly however she found herself colliding with a solid stone structure, and
as the shock wore off she realised it was the stable. Feeling around she found
the latch of the door and opened it wide, an impact hitting her from behind as
she and Bradley fell onto the hay-strewn ground inside.
Bradley sat on top of Nikki as they grappled for control of her arms. She lay
face down; struggling under the larger man and winced in pain as her arms were
pulled savagely from behind. She cried out helplessly.
“Nikki… is that you?”
They both froze as Brad recognised the voice of his younger brother. He leant
down to Nikki's right ear and whispered hoarsely. “Stay here and if you make
a sound I will kill him…understand?”
Tears stung the blondes' eyes. “You would kill your own brother?”
“He betrayed me, he's not my brother anymore…now stay.” He punctured
his words with a hard thrust into the middle of Nikki's back.
*******
Tess jogged desperately through the house, her fear mounting with every passing
second of the blonde not being by her side. Her feeling of dread increased; she
can't just vanish into thin air for gods' sake. Her mind fluttered back to
the last time she had spoken to Nikki. She definitely sounded okay then.
“Damn it!” Entering the kitchen Tess bumped into a worried looking Lisa.
“No sign?” she asked, already knowing the answer.
The teen shook her head. “Nothing I was kind of hoping you might have found
her by now.”
Tess clasped her hands together, rubbing the palms roughly against each other,
as her eyes darted around the room nervously. “No, I haven't.” She turned
to Lisa; “You keep on looking and I'll try one more time as well; if we still
find nothing I've got to call the police.” Tess closed her eyes; she so desperately
didn't want to think Nikki could be in danger… she just had to find her.
*******
CJ approached the stable warily; he was positive he had heard Nikki's voice, and
was also sure that that stable door had been shut last time he checked. Still
holding his side that had now eased to a low tolerable ache, the young man walked
cautiously towards the entrance.
He stopped dead in his tracks; hiding his surprise as his brother emerged in the
doorway. CJ looked directly at Bradley; taking in his tousled appearance and the
malevolent gleam in his grey eyes. “Brad.”
The older man smiled. “Bro…what are you doing here?”
“Looking for you.”
“Why?”
Why, that was a good question…what was he supposed to say. He desperately
wanted to placate his brother, but wasn't sure how to go about this, the man was
walking a thin line of stability as it was. He stared deep into Bradley's eyes,
desperately trying to find a glimmer of the brother he'd grown up with, who had
taken care of him after their parents had died; but there was nothing. All that
was left was a shadow of the man who had sold out on everything he once believed
in, in order to fund his addiction without conscience or regret. He closed his
eyes; remembering the day he had found his brother in a secluded room at a friend's
party. Strap tight around his upper arm, syringe still in hand… he had known
from that moment things had changed forever.
CJ opened his eyes. “Where's Nikki?”
Bradley frowned. “You mean the blonde…why?”
“Is she alright?”
Brad stepped closer, his hand falling to his side knife firmly within his grasp.
The younger man could just make out a splatter of blood upon the blade.
“What have you done to her?”
Inclining his head to the side, Bradley frowned. “You disappointed me bro,
I would have expected loyalty from my own blood kin, but no…you go and take
their sides…AFTER ALL THAT BITCH DID TO ME…LOOK AT MY FACE!”
CJ stepped back, alarmed at the volatile rage mounting in his brothers' eyes.
He held up his hands. “Brad…please…” It was Bradley's own
decision not to get to the hospital and have his nose set. The more he thought
about it, CJ realised that should have been the first sign that his brother had
been up to no good. Not going to the hospital for fear questions may have been
asked.
Bradley pointed his knife towards CJ. “Now you're next.” He stated and
lunged forward.
CJ moved out of his way, much to Brad's anger as he advanced again, storming towards
his brother with an angry growl. He managed to move again, but not before the
large blade made contact with his forearm. CJ winced and grasped a hold of the
wound as blood commenced flowing rapidly from the deep gash. He turned towards
his brother, knowing that his only hope was a full a contact collision and as
Bradley advance once more; they came together with surprising force, both falling
to the ground with a heavy thud.
From inside the stable, Nikki had heard the brothers altercation and as they both
hit the ground; she realised this was her perfect time to make an escape. She
had travelled back and forth between the stable and the house countless times
already and she was positive she could make it to her office door as quickly as
possible. Then she could get help; to in turn help CJ before it was too late.
Bracing one hand against the stables doorframe, she listened closely, hearing
the sound of the brothers' struggle to her left. Thankful of this fact, she turned
right and headed back towards the farmhouse. She moved as swiftly as she could,
concentrating on her steps; arms out stretched desperately as she felt around
for looming objects and buildings.
Once again she felt herself slam into a brick building, and feeling around she
soon found the door leading to her office. With monumental relief she fell into
the house, unaware of the approaching figure advancing from behind.
*******
Tess ran along the landing and approached the stairs. There was still no sign
of Nikki so she had no choice but to call the police; she didn't want to fear
the worst, but the indescribable panic escalating within was rapidly forcing rational
thought from her mind. As she descending the stairs, her booted foot hitting the
first step…Tess froze.
“Tess?”
Eyes wide, Tess moved faster down the stairs, not bothering to reach the bottom
as she grabbed a secure hold of the banister and vaulted her long frame over the
wooden railing. She landed on the ground with a solid thud. “NIKKI?”
Tess couldn't keep the desperation from her voice.
“Tess where are you?”
“I'm coming!” She called, moving in the direction of the blondes' voice;
she stopped suddenly as her eyes met Bradley White, standing menacingly in the
kitchen doorway.
*******
Lisa had decided to once again try looking around the outer boundaries of the
farmhouse. She started at the front, moving round the far side of the house and
around to the back. The silence was overwhelming, and her periodic calls of her
sisters' name had all gone un-answered, causing her apprehension to grow. What
was more, she had yet to meet up with CJ.
Approaching the stables, she noticed the door wide open and knew from experience
that Nikki always kept at least the lower half of the barrier closed. Lisa picked
up her pace, moving swiftly towards the brick structure when an unrecognisable
form to the left caught her eye. She frowned wondering what it was, and as she
reached the prone figure her throat constricted in shock. “CJ!” she
cried running towards the apparent lifeless body, she fell down to her knees grabbing
hold of the blondes' shoulders. “CJ!”
CJ jumped, feeling an unexpected jolt through his body; dark eyes opened at the
sound of Lisa's familiar voice. “It's okay, it's okay.” He assured her.
Relief flooded through the teen. “I thought something had happened to you.”
The young man grimaced. “I though it better…to pretend…” he
struggled for breath; “I was out for the count than continue to let him pound
on me.” CJ winced. “I think my arm is broken.”
Lisa looked worriedly down at the blonde. “We need to get the police; I think
he must be in there with Tess and Nikki… I'm scared CJ.”
With effort CJ pushed himself to a sitting position, aided softly by Lisa. “My
mobile is in the car… we can call from there.”
“Yeah okay, come on then…I'm not leaving you here.” Lisa held out
her hand and helped CJ get to his feet. His body throbbed with repeated abuse.
Putting her arm around the taller mans side; Lisa led CJ back towards his car.
All the time looking frantically around, desperate to make sure Bradley was not
lurking in the shadows, ready to stop them from reaching the phone.
*******
A slow malevolent grin spread across the thin lips of Bradley Whites features
as he came face to face with the woman he had been plotting against for months.
Tipping his head to the side he stared curiously at the tall woman who had yet
to speak. “What…no emotional reunion?”
Tess took a step forward. “If you don't get out of here now the only reunion
today will be that of my fist with your face, Bradley.”
Shaking his head the smile left his features. “You caught me by surprise
last time; you'll not get that chance again.” He too took a step closer until
they were standing less than six feet apart. “It's my turn now Tess.”
Tess stood her ground, feeling the mounting surge of apprehension on the inside
yet she still appeared outwardly cool. “Where's Nikki?”
Bradley lifted his shoulders with an expression of nonchalance. “Around I
guess; why should I care, it's you I want.”
“If you've hurt her I'll…”
“…What?” Bradley questioned holding up his knife; “Oh I hurt
her alright.” He twisted the wooden handle between his fingers, the contrast
of dark red blood and shiny metal glinting in the artificial light.
Tess stared at the sharp object with an inner horror. She took a breath, trying
to remain calm; I heard her; she called out to me; she has to be okay.
The look on Brads face turn to one of absolute hatred; “Now it's your turn.”
With a swift step he lunged towards the tall woman, swinging his arm out savagely.
Tess jumped back, eyes wide with shock as she dodged the sudden charge of the
blade.
He moved again, charging Tess with full force and they came together with a violent
impact, both bodies hitting the wall and knocking a framed print from its angled
position. It fell to the ground with a clash; glass shattering over the wooden
floor around their feet. Tess desperately grabbed the arm holding the knife and
held it away from her body; twisting Bradley's wrist until he grunted in pain
and dropped the sharp weapon from his grasp. That too fell to the floor; hitting
the shards of splintered glass.
Tess gasped as a hand clamped around her throat, and in defence her knee came
up, hitting Bradley solidly in the stomach. He released her in shock and moved
away winded but Tess approached, advancing on the man as she hurled her body towards
him, kicking him violently in the stomach once again. He fell backwards into the
kitchen, landing with a thump onto his back.
Anger seething; Tess stepped towards Bradley ready to grab him once again but
he kicked out, effectively knocking the photographer off her feet. She fell to
the ground, half on the floor half upon the man who had already found a new weapon…
a sharp piece of splintered glass from the frame.
With a savage growl he lashed out, slashing the glass from the brunettes' ear
to her chin. Tess cried out clutching the stinging wound, feeling the moisture
underneath her hand. Bradley grinned in triumph and pulled his hand back again,
driving his weapon towards Tess's shoulder but she swiftly moved her body to the
side and he missed her by a mere centimetre. Tess grabbed the hand, thrusting
it hard against the floor. It hit another slither of glass, slicing into Brad's
hand and he released his weapon helplessly and with a growl of agony.
They traded blows then; frantically moving around the floor as each tried to get
the upper hand over the other. Grabbing a hold of the photographers' sweatshirt,
Bradley rolled over, trapping Tess under his own large frame. He grinned down
at her and laughed. “Look what I've got!”
Tess sneered. “You got nothing.” She growled and lifted her knee up
and in between their bodies, planting her foot on Brad's stomach. With adrenalin
induced might, she kicked out hurling the man back towards the kitchen doorway
where he landed with heavy thud. Tess pushed to a sitting position breathing heavily;
looking at the man as he warily pulled his own body to an upright position.
Suddenly the lights went out.
*******
Throughout the struggle, Nikki had frantically tried to get her bearings. She
was confused, frightened, and her body ached with tremendous fright. Moving along
with her back against the wall, she desperately searched for a way to get to Tess
and help her.
Arms out wide, she felt around for anything that could possibly help and as her
left hand moved back to the wall, something caught her attention. It was a wooden
box fitting securely to the wall; Nikki knew that inside that box was the complete
set of circuit breakers for the entire houses electricity supply.
Pulling open the small wooden door, she felt inside, her fingers running over
a row of small plastic flip switches, all connected to and controlling different
areas of the houses power supply. Without much thought and only a brief hope that
she was doing the right thing, she swept her hand across the row of switches,
cutting off all power and instantly rendering the whole house in complete and
utter darkness.
*******
Hitting the termination button on his mobile phone, CJ looked up suddenly as the
house became shrouded in total blackness. If it wasn't for the fact that the car
door was open and the vehicles inside light was shining, he too wouldn't be able
to see anything.
Lisa looked down at the blonde man. “What was that?”
“The power just went out.” He carefully pulled himself up from his seated
position in the car; sitting side ways with his legs out on the ground below.
Gingerly, he walked into the courtyard only slightly lit by his cars cab-light.
“Everything's gone…not even the security lights are working.”
Lisa stayed by the car; she swallowed tight. “How long until the police arrive?”
CJ shrugged. “About ten minutes they said.” He took a step towards the
house; “I've got to go in there.”
“NO!” Lisa shouted. She approached CJ; “You are hurt enough as
it is, hell you only have the use of one arm.” She looked towards the house.
“We won't be able to see a thing in there…right now, Nikki is the one
with the upper hand.”
*******
Tess pushed herself along the kitchens tiled floor, moving rapidly away from the
unknown whereabouts of Bradley White and hitting a solid leg of the pine table.
Swiftly she pulled her exhausted body to its feet and backed away, reaching for
a way out. She moved through the kitchen; following a row of appliances until
she reached the side doorway and instantly left the room. She found herself in
the back passage and helplessly made her way to what she presumed was the entrance
of the dining room.
Lifting her head Nikki listened as she immediately recognised her lovers' footsteps.
“Tess,” she whispered.
“NIKKI?” Tess looked around blindly.
Nikki moved towards Tess's voice and instantly found the tall woman, wrapping
her arms around the taller body with profound relief.
“Oh thank god!” Tess held Nikki tight, squeezing the smaller body into
her own; “I was so scared.” She laid the uninjured side of her face
against blonde locks.
“Are you alright?”
Tess smiled in relief. “I am now.”
From somewhere in the house they heard the sound of bumping and clashing. Nikki
jumped and wrapped her arms tighter around the photographers' body. The knowledge
that Bradley was still out there almost over-rode her relief to have Tess safely
in her arms.
“Are you alright Nik?”
“Now that you are with me yes.”
“I've got to get back out there… what happened to the lights… did
you do that?”
Nikki nodded. “I didn't know what else to do.” She lifted her face towards
Tess; “All I knew was that I had to stop him.” She reached out; her
hand coming into contact with the injured side of the brunette's face, Tess hissed
and pulled back in pain.
“Tess?”
“It's nothing, really.” Tess said, knowing that wasn't exactly the truth.
With the pain and size of the wound she knew she was going to be scarred permanently.
“Just a lucky shot. Listen Nik, I've got to stop him, I've got to get the
lights back on.”
“No.”
“Nikki! I can't see a damned thing.” Tess whispered harshly.
“I'll help you.” The blonde replied, laying her hand upon the photographers'
shoulder; “Please trust me, just do as I say and we can beat him.” She
needed Tess's co-operation and she needed it quickly; not knowing how long they
would have before Bradley would find his way to the back of the house again.
She didn't need to think twice. “What do you want me to do?”
Nikki smiled taking the hand upon her shoulder and kissing the injured knuckles.
“Close your eyes.”
“I can't see anything anyway, and you want me to close my eyes?”
Nodding. “Yes, Tess you may not be able to see anything but you are still
trying to look around aren't you. You said it yourself, for people who can see,
being in complete darkness is worse because of the desperation you feel to get
back your sight. I want you to just accept this and close your eyes, listen instead.”
With only a moment's uncertainty, Tess closed her eyes hesitantly.
“Tess, tell me what you feel, what you smell and hear.”
She frowned in the darkness. “I feel fear, and I'm scared for you… that
you may get hurt or worse, that I may get hurt and not be able to protect you.”
“What else?” Nikki asked desperately.
Tess opened her senses. “I hear my heart beat, it's loud in my ears and both
our breathing.” She smiled. “And I can smell your shampoo, the scent
of the apples.”
Nodding Nikki held on tightly to Tess's arm, “What else do you hear?”
she asked, feeling rapidly rising fear.
She listened hard. “I hear the sound of the ticking clock in the hallway
and I…” her face dropped, “I hear footsteps…coming our way.”
“It's him.” Nikki stated gravely.
Taking both arms Tess turned to Nikki. “Get out of here now…through
the patio doors.”
“NO!” the blonde whispered savagely.
“Yes Nikki, please…its me he wants; please just trust me.”
“I'm not leaving you Tess.”
They both turned as the sound of footsteps stopped outside the entrance to the
dining room. Tess took a hold of Nikki's face and kissed the softly. “Get
behind that armchair in the corner…now.”
Knowing not to argue this time Nikki did as told and easily made her way to the
chair, moving out of harms way.
Tess stood by the table in the dining room; keeping her eyes tightly closed as
the door slowly creaked opened. She did as Nikki instructed and opened her senses
to the changes around her. Tess heard Bradley enter the dining room.
“If you are in here I will find you.” Came the taunting voice.
Tess remained still, forcing her eyes tightly together, she heard Nikki whimper.
Bradley smiled in the darkness. “I know somebody is here.”
Praying Nikki wouldn't make another noise the photographer remained open; suddenly
she was besieged with a multitude of sensations. Her hearing picked up the close
approaching sound of slow footsteps and breathing. Her sense of smell detected
the aroma she identified immediately as Bradley's, the strong stench of body odour
and unwashed clothes. Then as the man came within three feet of the woman; she
felt the change in the air around her, the density increased and a sudden gust
to her left gave away the mans very position.
With sureness Tess kicked out to the side; her foot instantly slammed into Bradley's
groin. He howled in unexpected agony and leaned forward only to cry out again
as the tall woman's foot connected with his face. His head whipped back as his
whole body fell against the wall. He didn't even have time to react as the foot
once again smashed into his stomach before he felt Tess's elbow to his chest;
followed by her fist in the side of his throat. His world dimmed to blackness
as his unconscious body slid to the ground with a heavy thud.
The sound of heavy breathing filled the air and Tess trembled as she opened her
eyes to total darkness. “Nikki?” She asked timidly.
The blonde rose to her feet. “Tess, I'm here…I'm coming.” She moved
forward, easily finding the brunette and engulfing her in relieved embrace. “Is
he…?”
“No.” Tess sighed; “He's alive.” She leaned down kissed Nikki's
forehead relieved yet still scared, as they both heard the sound of approaching
sirens.
*******
Thirty miles away and on the outskirts of the city two plain clothed officers
stood by the front door of a large three-bedroom maisonette. The taller of the
two lifted his arm, rapping harshly on the PVC barrier. Seconds later the door
opened and a small middle-aged woman with light greying blonde hair came into
view. “Yes?”
The taller officer looked at his pad briefly. “Mrs Rosalind Morris?”
“Yes?”
“I'm Detective Sergeant Faribrass, this is DC Brian, we would like you to
accompany us to the station for questioning.”
The woman looked alarmed. “For what reason.”
DC Brian took a step forward. “We would like to question you about your dealings
with a Mr Bradley White, Mrs Morris.”
Rosalind blanched. “Am I to believe I'm under arrest?”
“No Mrs Morris.” Fairbrass replied, much to the obvious relieve of the
small woman. “Not yet!” He added meaningfully.
*******
Power to the house restored, and accompanied by the multitude of flashing red
and blue lights, Tess decided that Riverside farm very much resembled Blackpool
illuminations. Five police cars and two ambulances were parked in the courtyard;
surrounded by a multitude of uniformed and plain-clothes officers and medical
personnel.
Tess sat on the back of one ambulance, Nikki by her side as a male paramedic efficiently
taped a long strip of padded gauze to the side of her face. He had already treated
Nikki, covering her arm; the only wound Bradley had been able to inflict on her,
in a similar fashion with a piece of square gauze.
Richard Morris had arrived not ten minutes before, alarmed and horrified as he
witnessed the scene ahead. He now sat with his youngest daughter in the back of
the ambulance as another paramedic assessed CJ's injuries; it was obvious that
the young bleached blonde had physically come out the worst in all of this. Suffering
numerous broken bones and internal bleeding at the hands of his brother.
Tess looked up as the two paramedics from the other ambulance emerged from the
house, both carrying a long stretcher holding Bradley Whites now fully conscious
body. She watched them closely, assessing the man lying prone upon the stretcher,
taking note of his every move and making sure he stayed exactly where he was.
Once the man was carried into the ambulance, followed by two uniformed officers
Tess turned her attention back to Nikki. The blonde hadn't spoken a word since
the police had arrived and Tess knew they would soon be questioned about the frightening
events. She could tell Nikki was in shock. “Hey?”
Nothing.
“Nik...sweetheart?”
Nikki turned her face towards the photographer. “Tess.”
“Yeah?”
“Is it over now? I don't think I can take anymore.” Sapphire eyes filled
with heavy tears.
Heart breaking at the sight, Tess wrapped her arm around the body by her side,
“Yes, it's over now…I promise it's over.”
Nodding, her lip trembling Nikki let her head fall to Tess's shoulder. “I
feel so empty…so…I don't know; my head hurts and my heart hurts.”
A single tear ran down Tess's cheek, soaking into the gauze along the side of
her chin.
“How can you even stand to be near me? When it comes down to it Tess, all
this happened because of me. All this pain, Leto, you, Lisa and CJ…all because
of me and my own selfish desires.”
Exasperation swept through Tess and she pulled away, jumping off the back of the
ambulance and standing in front of the blonde. She grabbed a hold of Nikki's chin
and gently pulled the face to meet her own, “Never say that again…that
is your mothers way of thinking. Everything you wanted Nikki, was nothing more
than you deserve; none of this is your fault…none of it.” She
sighed jade eyes looking deep into clear blue. “As hard as all this was,
I want you to know that I would go through it all again for you…you mean
so much to me Nikki, I never want to lose you and I will do whatever it takes
to keep you safe and happy… do you understand?”
Tears fell from Nikki's eyes. “But you could have been killed, we all could
have.”
“But we weren't…we are all going to be fine Nikki.” Tess let her
hand roam to the side of the blonde head; “It's over now remember?”
A slight nod; “I hope so.”
“Well I know so…please trust me Nik.”
“I do trust you Tess.”
Smiling the photographer leaned down, taking the blondes lips in a gentle kiss.
“Thank you.”
“Ahem.”
Tess looked up and to her left to see the paramedic who had been treating her,
standing holding the left side of the vehicles double doors. “Miss, we are
ready to leave for the hospital now, if you would like to get inside.”
“I'll stay here.” Tess stated.
“I'm sorry Miss Alexander, but your wound requires at least seven stitches;
it is advisable that you accompany us to the hospital.”
“I don't care!”
“Tess!” Nikki held onto the brunettes' hand lightly. “Please let's
go with them, if you need stitches then we should go now…please!”
Looking down into sightless blue eyes the tall woman sighed. “Okay.”
She looked at the paramedic; “But it better be quick, there is a lot that
needs taken care of.”
Tess helped Nikki into the back of the vehicle before climbing in herself. She
took one last look at the house and surrounding commotion knowing it would still
be there when she returned; then moved back as the paramedic, dressed in an all-in-one
dark green suit, closed the double doors and moved around to the passenger side
of the ambulance. The engine started; lights instantly flashing as vehicle made
its way through the crowd of officers and on towards the hospital.
Chapter 11
original
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