Rustic Roads: A suspense thriller, page 18
“Don't cry,” he said, then taunted Loni with the sharp object.
Loni worried for a moment he planned to use it on her as she felt the sharp piece of metal on her breast. Her breathing labored while waiting for what it was he planned to do.
Before she could brace herself the attack began. Her right side took the full blunt of the blow. With hands tied to the bed, she was helpless to ward him off. Loni gasped for air but none would come. His fist repeatedly struck her face and body.
“I left it there to see what you'd do,” he teased Loni mercilessly. “Now I know you can't be trusted. Just like all the rest.”
Loni struggled to break free. “You bastard,” she snapped, and then bucked to fight his assault.
“I like it when you fight me.”
His hands groped her privates while she continued to struggle, but to no avail and then the assault continued, more vicious than before as he spread her legs even further apart and thrust his manhood deeper inside her then she thought possible. He went at her like a jackhammer until she could take it no more and passed out from the pain.
* * *
The funeral was held Friday morning at St. James on Hickory Lane. It was an old Lutheran church steeped in community tradition, as was the Collinville family. It was supposed to be a small ceremony with only close family and friends. But the Collinville family was too well known to keep the services small. It was not every day someone of prominence died in the small community.
Susan picked Calvin up in the BMW. She did not honestly know why he wanted her at the funeral. But he asked and she could not refuse. They were early for the service and when they walked into the large church, their footsteps echoed throughout the enclosure. The sunlight burst through the stained glass windows and colored beams streaked across the closed casket with a portrait of a young woman laying on top for all to see. It was an eerie feeling knowing that the body of Calvin's sister lay just below the polished wood cover.
Peter was already sitting in the front pew next to the casket. His hand was caressing the wood finish of the prison that held his wife’s remains for all eternity. Jacob and Margaret were next to him. Calvin guided Susan down the center aisle and into the pew behind them. It was where they sat until the services began. Susan watched Peter intently, looking for a trace of a man who hated his wife enough to kill her. But the grief he displayed seemed genuine and she found it difficult to accept he could have caused Jenny any harm.
The whole atmosphere had a surreal quality to it. The eulogy, although short and melancholy, sent chills down Susan's spine. The solo singer’s rendition of Amazing Grace after the sermon made her cry. Susan glanced at Jacob. He was strong for Margaret, who wept intermittently throughout the service. Peter sat with a stony face, unmoved by what was said, and Susan sensed he was in shock. She turned to Calvin, who was fighting back the tears, but in the end it was useless.
All during the service Susan thought about her own life. Everything she missed. All the things she ran away from. The whole experience was like a cleansing for her soul. Susan was finally able to believe her life in Chicago was over, that there was a new beginning for her. Just where it was, she was not sure.
“You coming out to the farmhouse?” Calvin whispered at the end of the service.
“I don't know if I should,” Susan said, glancing up while wiping away a tear.
“My parents want you to come.”
“Are you sure it's only your parents?”
“I want you there too.” Calvin took hold of her hand and squeezed it tight.
Once the funeral was over, the family stood outside the church and waited for the coffin. It was a short service with what may have been everyone from town in attendance. Susan glanced around. There were old people out of respect for Jacob and Margaret, and young people who knew the deceased.
Jacob slowly walked up to Susan. He took her hand, and firmly squeezed it. “Glad you came.”
“I'm sorry it turned out this way,” Susan said, looking up into sad eyes that only time could heal.
“We were prepared for the worst. After such a long period, there wasn't much hope.”
“How's Margaret holding up?”
“Could be worse.”
“I know. Calvin told me about the calls.”
“Wasn't easy.” But then Jacob did not continue. It was a subject he really did not want to discuss just then. His face turned soft as he looked at her. “You are coming out to the house later?”
“I was thinking about just going back to the lake.”
“We want you there, Susan. It would mean so much to us.” He hesitated and then looked her straight in the eye. “Calvin needs you.”
“But,” Susan said. She tried to argue, but it was useless.
“We won't take no for an answer.” Jacob clasped her hand and then added softly, “It's important that you be there for him.” Jacob leaned forward and kissed Susan's cheek gently before quickly walking off.
Susan turned, she saw Calvin with a crowd of people off the path. Slowly, she inched her way to his side and when it was convenient, she pulled him away from the group.
“I don't have to come to the farmhouse?” Susan asked with pleading eyes.
“Why?” he turned and stared at Susan.
“I came to the funeral because you asked me to, but to spend the whole day. I don't know if I can?”
“Sure you can.”
“I hate funerals.”
“You're doing fine.”
“Yeah, some authority you are on the subject.”
“I'll take you canoeing again,” Calvin pleaded.
Susan rolled her eyes and then smiled. It was not an easy trade-off. “I'll see if I can fit you in Monday.”
“I thought you said you were only staying the week?” Calvin asked.
Susan stared at Calvin. “I called Aunt Alice and asked if I could stay a little longer.”
Calvin smiled at Susan while taking her hand. He held it tight, then ran his other hand along her cheek. “Maybe she would let you keep it for the month?”
“Don't push it,” Susan smiled. She was not sure if staying was the right thing to do. But for some reason Susan did not want to leave just then, and it did not have anything to do with Loni.
Susan watched Calvin closely. He was pleased she was staying the extra time. She was not so sure that at the end of the week she could walk away from him. Her life was turned upside down by this stranger who’d waltzed into that cafe six days ago.
Calvin walked off to talk to a group of elderly people offering their condolences to Jacob and Margaret. Susan was left standing off the path trying not to look out of place.
“How's the car running?”
Susan turned around in time to see Cliff and his wife with a little bundle in her arms.
“I probably wouldn't notice if I was driving on a flat,” Susan said as she turned to Cliff's wife while peeking into the blanket. “What a cute baby.”
“Clifton Jr.,” Cliff announced loudly for all to hear.
Calvin walked up to them. He put his hand around Susan's waist. His simple gesture startled Susan for an instant. She could not get over how natural it was to be in his arms.
“So this is the heir to the Thompson dynasty?” Calvin asked as he glanced over Susan's shoulders.
“Bev, this is Calvin's friend, the one I've been telling you about.”
“Cliff told me all about you,” Bev said, and then smiled at Susan.
Susan was about to say something, but Calvin cut in and teased. “I bet he hasn't told you everything.” Calvin disappeared into a group of young people with Cliff trailing behind, leaving Susan standing alone with Bev.
“Looks like the whole town turned out,” Susan said for lack of anything better to say.
“It's who you are in this town.”
“When my father died, I only remember a handful of people coming to the funeral.”
“Where you from?” Bev asked.
“Chicago,” Susan replied, and then glanced around.
“That's a long way from Collinville.”
“Tell me about it, I feel like it's a different planet.”
“You like it here?”
“I guess so,” Susan said. She glanced over at Calvin, who was with Cliff and a group of young people.
“He likes you.”
Susan turned. She blushed when she realized Bev was watching her. “So people tell me.”
“It's good to see him like this.”
“I haven't noticed,” Susan said, puzzled for a moment. She felt uncomfortable with the way the conversation was going.
“Cliff thinks Calvin got hit by Cupid's arrow.”
Susan laughed. “You've got this all wrong.”
“Maybe so, but everyone's talking and it doesn't take a genius to see Calvin's changed.”
Susan just watched Calvin for a moment. He was no different than when he strolled into the cafe earlier that week. It was hard to understand what people were referring to. After a few moments Susan turned back to Bev.
“What was Jenny like?” Susan asked.
“I didn't really know her. She was older and hung around with Cliff's group in high school. You may want to talk to Henry. He knew her best.”
“Didn't she have any girlfriends?”
“No. Not Jenny,” Bev laughed as if Susan had told a joke. “She liked the male gender.”
Bev nervously glanced around then turned back to Susan. “Cliff would shoot me for saying it, but there were rumors around town she was cheating on Peter.”
“I thought she was devoted to him?”
“No. Not our Jenny. The only person she devoted herself to, was Jenny Fowley,” Bev said the words with a mocking smile. “Don't get me wrong, I never saw them together so it might be nothing.”
“Who are you talking about?” Susan asked with a puzzled look crossing her face.
“Henry and Jenny. You know how people like to gossip about the more affluent.”
Bev turned and walked off, leaving Susan standing alone again. Susan searched the crowd for Calvin, but he was nowhere to be seen.
“You okay?” came the familiar voice from behind.
Susan turned, watching Henry as he made his way over to her. She almost did not recognize him in a suit. It was ill-fitted, like something never worn much.
“Fine as I'll ever be,” Susan sighed.
“You don't look happy about being here.” Henry's eyes were still glassy from crying.
Susan caught a glimpse of Calvin off with a group of people, then turned back to Henry. “I had no choice in the matter.”
“So you got caught up in his spell too.”
“Is that what it is?” Susan looked around while avoiding eye contact with Henry.
“You don't like the interest?”
“I just came out of a bad relationship. I didn't need to jump into another one so fast.”
“Was it serious?”
“I thought so but I guess he didn't”
“I know how that goes?”
Henry did not say more. He did not have to. Susan could see by the expression on his face that what Bev had said was true. Standing there talking to him made her nervous now.
Susan glanced around at the crowd of mourners. Everyone stood outside the church entrance in little clusters. It was more like the gathering after Sunday service than a funeral. Margaret and Jacob were the only ones not holding up well. Susan watched as Calvin walked over to his parents. He did his best to console them. Susan was touched when Calvin reached over to his mother and wrapped his arms around the elderly woman. He was so unlike Jeffrey in his open display of affection. Jeffrey always had a way of holding back, never letting anyone get too close to the person inside.
Henry blankly stared at Susan for a moment, then looked down at the ground as tears streamed down his cheeks. The gesture made Susan turn and take notice.
“What's wrong?” she asked.
“Didn't Calvin tell you?” Henry's voice quivered, then he continued before she could say a word. “Jenny was pregnant.”
“No.”
“She was in her first trimester. Jacob and Margaret are real broken up.”
“What about Peter, what did he say?” Susan asked. She was curious how he took the news.
“I don't know, you'd have to ask him. I wasn't there.”
“Why did they even have to mention it? Susan asked.
Susan thought about the additional pain for Calvin's parents. It was hard enough losing a daughter, and now to find out she was carrying their grandchild. Susan could only imagine the grief that filled the farmhouse when the news was learned.
“You know, Susan. You resemble Caroline.”
Susan turned to him. “Is that why people are staring at me?” She glanced around and realized it was not just her imagination.
“Sure, that and the fact Calvin has changed with you around.”
“I wouldn't know.”
“After Caroline died, he became a recluse. He didn't write, didn't do anything. Finally one day he just disappeared. Jacob closed the cabin and hired a caretaker to keep up the grounds. For almost two years they didn't hear from him.”
“That is sad,” Susan said staring up at Henry. “He must have loved her a lot.”
“Yes, I guess almost too much. Because he just couldn't get over losing her.” Henry lowered his head.
Susan thought he was about to cry, but then he looked at her and continued,
“He came back about a month after Jenny disappeared. He still had the same deep, moody attitude as when he left. My guess is he kept in contact with Jenny.
“Calvin never talked about that time in his life.”
“I don't imagine he did. He was about to leave when Margaret attempted suicide. I don't think he could handle being back.”
“That's all very touching, but what does that have to do with me?”
“Until a week ago, Calvin hadn't been up to his cabin on Half Moon Lake. Matter of fact, since Caroline's death.”
“The place didn't seem like it had been closed,” Susan said quickly.
“Like I said, Jacob took care of that, he hired someone to come in and tend the property.”
Susan had the uncomfortable feeling they were being scrutinized and as she glanced at the gathering of mourners, it was Peter's watchful eyes that caught her attention. Susan turned back to Henry suddenly.
“Do you think Peter is involved?”
“In what?” Henry asked.
“Caroline’s and Jenny's deaths.” Susan looked around. “All of this,” Susan said solemnly.
“You've been listening to Calvin again. Caroline's death was an accident. She wasn't a strong swimmer and went out too far.”
“But what do you think, Henry?” Susan asked, anxious to hear what he had to say. “Doesn't it seem like too many accidents for such a small town?”
Henry shrugged his shoulders. “Didn't really give it much thought?” An odd expression crossed his face.
“Or do you think Peter's involved?” she asked again.
“I don't know,” was Henry’s response.
“I better find Calvin,” Susan said and then walked off quickly.
The crowd was disbanding and making their way to the cars parked behind the hearse. Peter's car was first, followed by Jacob and Margaret. Calvin was waiting in the BMW for Susan. She gazed down the row of cars. There had to be a good ninety to a hundred cars going to the cemetery. Slowly she walked up to the BMW. Calvin had the top down and looked comfortable behind the wheel.
“What were you and Henry talking about?” Calvin asked while starting the engine. The soft sound of easy listening filled the still morning air. It was a pleasant change from Rock of Ages, which was played throughout the service.
“Nothing much, everything in general.” Susan said as she slid into the passenger seat and shut the door.
“I suppose you were talking about me.”
“You did manage to come up in the conversation.”
“Anything I should be concerned about.”
“For openers, why didn't you tell me I look like Caroline?”
“I was afraid you'd think it was the only reason I was interested in you.”
“Is it?” Susan asked while watching him intently.
“No, Susan. Have I ever once called you by her name?” He glanced over at her.
Susan looked into Calvin's soft hazel eyes. She knew he was telling her the truth. But it still troubled her nonetheless.
“I believe you.”
Calvin reached over, cupped the bottom of Susan's chin gently, and then whispered, “I'd have you no other way.”
Calvin put the BMW in gear and followed his parent's car to the cemetery. It was just a short drive and once they arrived the group of mourners stood around the casket in the hot August sun for graveside services. Susan listened although not hearing what was being said. She could not stop thinking about Henry and what he said about Caroline. A fiancée Calvin mourned for over two years. She wondered if Calvin was still yearning for his lost love.
Susan could not stop thinking about Jenny either. It troubled her that Jenny took her unborn child to the grave with her. It bothered her more, wondering who the father was. Jenny's husband, Peter, or a suitor she could not give up even after five years of marriage.
CHAPTER 15
It had been a long morning, one Susan would not soon forget. It irritated her that she’d let Calvin talk her into being there at the farmhouse in the first place. She had spent a lifetime avoiding such scenes and now found herself woven into the lives of the people around her. She walked into the big kitchen, the only place unoccupied by people. It was the one place she found solitude. Her thoughts went back to that first evening. The backpack she found with the infamous camera. Susan knew her mother had filed a missing person’s report and she'd have to tell Calvin her reason for being there. It troubled her, the photos that sat on her dresser at the A-frame. Susan wanted to ask Calvin about that last picture and what it meant. But there never seemed to be the right time and the longer she waited, the harder it was.
Susan walked over to the stove and touched the pot sitting on the burner. When she felt the heat, she reached for a cup and quickly poured herself some coffee. Then Susan sat silently at the breakfast bar. The noise coming from the living room was overwhelming, with everyone talking at once. Susan just sat there in the quiet of the kitchen, her hands wrapped tightly around the hot cup while she waited for the pain in her head to subside. She tried not to think about Calvin or the photo. In the distance the chatter of people seemed to get louder, and all she wanted was to get up and run, but there was no escape route open to her.
