Dead Endz Page 20

  “Sure it does. You’ll want to go to all the dances and then there’s the prom. You don’t want to miss out on all the fun.”

  “Didn’t you go with dad to the prom?” I asked, then immediately felt rotten when I saw the bitterness reflected in her eyes.

  “I did,” she said slowly. “But, he wasn’t always so…volatile. And really, he’s among the very few out there like that. You can’t be afraid of the world because your dad has issues.”

  Yeah, but weren’t we running because she was still very much afraid? Of course, I didn’t dare mention that. Instead, I just changed the subject.

  “So, how much farther of a drive, mom?”

  She wrinkled her forehead. “Oh, just a couple more hours. Why don’t you rest and I’ll wake you up when we get there?”

  “Okay,” I said, closing my eyes.

  ~~~

  “I just don’t understand,” said Nathan.

  “Can we talk about this later?”

  I woke up to the sound of Mom and Nathan arguing. We were parked outside of a small grocery store and he was standing outside of her window, pouting.

  “Not now,” I mumbled. It was getting dark and we’d missed dinner so my stomach was making scary noises. I was cranky and the last thing I needed was to hear about Deanna.

  “Can’t she just come for a week before school starts?” mumbled Nathan. “She’s having a rough time with her parents and now I’m gone. It’s not fair for her.”

  Mom shook her head. “No, we have too much to do with unpacking and getting ready for school. Maybe she can come and visit sometime after it starts, for a weekend.”

  “It’s bullshit,” he said. “We could have stayed home. I would’ve protected you. Now we’re forced to move and you didn’t even give me a chance.”

  “Nathan!” I gasped. “You are not the one being fair. Mom’s been through so much and you’re just mad because you can’t see Deanna whenever you want. You’re being an asshole.”

  His face turned red and he opened up his mouth to retaliate when mom interrupted.

  “Okay, let’s all settle down. Quit pointing fingers at each other, and Nikki, watch your mouth. Listen, it isn’t either of your faults, okay? And, Nathan,” she said smiling sadly. “I’m grateful that you want to protect me, but you can’t possibly follow me around twenty-four hours a day, nor do I expect you to be my personal bodyguard. Now, as far as Deanna goes, we’ll talk about it later. Comprende?”

  He nodded but I could tell this conversation was far from over.

  We needed groceries, so both of us followed mom into the store. A half hour later our cart was full and we were trying to stuff it all into the back of Nathan’s Mustang.

  “Hi,” said a soft voice behind us. “You must be new in town?”

  We all turned around to see a striking red-head getting out of a Chevy pickup. She wore a short sundress that showed off her legs and dark sunglasses, which was a little odd considering it was dusk.

  Nathan smiled. “Yeah, we just got into town.”

  She removed her sunglasses and smiled. “Well, I hope you enjoy it here. It’s quaint but there are lots of things to do, especially at night.”

  Her teeth were pearly white and her hair was a mass of shiny curls. She dropped her keys and after she bent to retrieve them, tossed her hair back over her shoulder. It was a simple thing but it had an immediate effect on Nathan. Truthfully, I didn’t even think anybody should be that gorgeous.

  Before my mother or I could answer, Nathan spoke up in a surprisingly deeper voice. “Great, thank you.”

  “Well, maybe I’ll see you around,” she said, clearly directing it towards Nathan, who looked like he’d already forgotten about Deanna. Then she sashayed into the store.

  “Wow,” I said to Nathan. “Looks like you’re meeting new friends and we haven’t even made it home yet.”

  He looked at me and smiled. “Well, there’s nothing wrong with being friendly.”

  Mom smiled. “Oh my, she certainly liked you, Nathan.”

  “How can she resist?” he said. “Let’s get going. I’m starving.”

  Mom gave Nathan the directions to the cabin, which was a few miles passed the town and this time he led the way.

  Darkness came very quickly and in a small town without many lights, it was creepy.

  “It’s a bitch driving when you don’t know exactly where you’re going,” said my mom. “I think the turnoff is coming up in another few miles or so. I hope Nathan catches it in time and doesn’t over-shoot it.”

  “He probably will,” I said, “especially if he’s on the phone with psycho again.”

  She bit back a smile.

  We were listening to my mom’s favorite Bob Segar CD when my she suddenly groaned and turned down the music. “Are you kidding me?” she said, scowling into her rearview mirror.

  I turned to see the flashing lights from a police car and then glanced at my mom. “Were you speeding?”

  She shook her head and pulled over to the side of the road. “No, you know me, I never speed.”

  It was the truth, my mother was a slow driver and Nathan was always giving her crap about it.

  Mom rolled down the window as the police officer approached her. She immediately handed him her driver’s license and insurance information. “I’m sorry officer…was I speeding?”

  My brother had noticed the cop, too and pulled over ahead of us, waiting.

  “No, but you do have a taillight out,” he said with an easy smile.

  What’s with this town and their unnaturally white teeth?

  “Oh, no really?” she answered. “Sorry.”

  “Yes. Anne Gerard…you must be new in town?” he asked, studying her license.

  “We are, in fact. This is my daughter Nikki and that’s my son, Nathan, ahead of us in the Mustang.”

  He glanced down at her left hand which no longer had a wedding ring, and his smile broadened.

  “Well, ladies, I’m Sherriff Caleb Smith. Welcome to Shore Lake,” he answered, giving her back her license.

  Was it me or did he actually puff out his chest a little when he handed it back?

  “Thank you,” answered my mom with a silly grin on her face. She definitely noticed the puff.

  He licked his lips. “Since you have such a lovely smile and you’re new in town, I’m just going to give you a warning. Make sure you take care of it as soon as you can, though.”

  Barf, I thought. He really is flirting with her.

  Mom smiled wider than ever. “I will, thank you officer.”

  He tipped his hat. “My friends call me Caleb. Drive safely.”

  “Wow,” said mom after she’d rolled up her window. “Did you see that man’s eyes? They were an amazing shade of violet. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone with that color of eyes. No wedding ring either.”

  I stared at her in disbelief. “Oh, my God mom, we just got into town!”

  She tried to look serious. “Yeah, but I agree with Nathan that there’s nothing wrong with making new friends; especially friends that are in law enforcement.”

  I groaned inwardly and stared into the darkness as we continued on. I found it odd that she could think about men after what had happened to her two months ago.

  Chapter Two

  When we finally made it to the cabin, my jaw dropped.

  “Well, what do you think?” asked mom as she parked the car.

  I smiled at her. “Wow. It’s amazing.”

  “I saw the pictures but wanted to surprise you,” she said getting out.

  This was no average lakeside cabin; it looked like something you’d see on a “Top Ten List” of some luxurious getaways.

  “This must be worth millions. I can’t believe we’re staying here,” I said unable to wipe the grin from my face. I felt like someone had just shouted “Move that bus!” and we were looking at our new dream home.

  “Yes, it’s quite extraordinary,” she said.

  Everything abou
t it screamed money, too; from the expensive cedar wood to the thick plated enormous glass windows; it reminded me of a mountainside chateau in Europe. It was impressive with its two-tiered deck located on north side of the cabin and a porch that wrapped around the entire main floor. There was even a gazebo with a hot tub next to a large courtyard that contained an enormous grille and several pieces of outdoor furniture for entertaining.

  “Wow,” said Nathan as he stepped over to us. “How did you score such an awesome place?”

  Mom smiled. “Ernie helped. What a sweet man.”

  “There’s the boat house,” I pointed down towards the lake. Even that thing looked like it was larger than some of the homes in our old neighborhood.

  “Let’s go inside,” she said taking the keys out of her purse. “You know, I’m really surprised that there isn’t some kind of alarm on the cabin.”

  “Everyone must trust each other in these parts,” I said.

  When we stepped inside my mom flipped on the lights and my breath caught in my throat.

  “Wow,” she said in wonder.

  We entered what had to be called the “Great” room. It was enormous and had a large soapstone fireplace with a bearskin rug lying next to it, which was kind of hokey to me but it added to the affect. Plush burgundy colored leather furniture with hand carved wooden end tables sat across from the fireplace and I imagined myself in the chair-and-a-half reading a book next to a crackling fire.

  “I love the light fixtures,” said my mom staring at the dozens rustic chandeliers that made the place glow with warmth.

  “I’m going to check out the upstairs,” I said climbing the staircase; I could barely contain my excitement now that I knew we were actually staying here.

  There were several bedrooms on the upper level, all spacious and each having their own bathroom. I chose one with a queen sized pillow top bed and a small balcony with a great view of the lake.

  “So, what do you think?” said my mom from the doorway.

  “Oh, my God, I love it!” I said, spinning around. “I feel like we’re on vacation somewhere. I wish we could stay here forever.”

  “I know, it’s breathtaking,” said mom. “My bedroom has its own Jacuzzi and a closet so big I could park the car into it.”

  “I just can’t believe this place. If we’re dreaming, I don’t want to wake up.”

  She laughed. “This is definitely not a dream. Otherwise, we would have woken up in a ditch somewhere after driving all those hours.”

  My stomach began to growl again and I patted it. “I’m hungry, let’s make something to eat.”

  We went back downstairs and mom put the rest of the groceries away in the fridge, which matched the cupboards. She took out a pan and smiled. “Who wants home-made sliders? It might be ghetto here, but I’m not about to give those up.”

  “Yeah, I’m starving,” replied Nathan as he entered the kitchen.

  “So,” said mom as she began making dinner. “Is this place breathtaking or what?”

  “Not too shabby,” said Nathan. “And it’s so quiet, I feel like we’re in the middle of nowhere.”

  Mom nodded. “The next cabin is just a hop skip and a jump from here, but you’d never know; it’s so peaceful.”

  “Yeah, you did good mom,” I said, cutting the onions. “I can’t wait until tomorrow when we can see it all in the daylight.”

  Nathan nodded. “Yeah, I’d like to take the boat out tomorrow, if that’s okay.”

  “Sure,” answered mom. She opened the fridge and grabbed some cheese. “I think that would be good for all of us. I haven’t been able to work on my tan all summer.”

  I snorted; my mom was as white as a ghost and typically burned and peeled, but never really tanned. My brother and I were the opposite, fortunately, even though you’d never know this year. I just hadn’t had the time to get any sun, especially after the “incident”.

  After dinner I helped her with the dishes and then decided to check out the whirlpool tub in my bathroom.

  “I’m taking a long luxurious bath and then hitting the sack,” I said. It had been a long drive and I was so exhausted, I didn’t even feel like unpacking yet.

  “Okay,” said mom, kissing my cheek. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

  A moving company had dropped off our belongings earlier in the day and I found some of my own boxes quickly. After carrying them to my room, I grabbed a towel and the fluffy white robe my mom had given me for Christmas, last year. As I was about to walk into my bathroom to start the tub, there was a soft knock.

  “Yeah?”

  My brother opened the door. “Um, I’m sorry about snapping at you earlier. You were right,” he said with a sheepish smile. “I was being a little bit of an asshole.”

  I scowled at him. “Do you think?”

  He shook his head in frustration. “You’re such a smart ass. I said I was sorry, now go take your bath, I can smell you from here, twerp.”

  I threw my hairbrush at him, barely missing his head. “You’re lucky I’m too tired to kick your ass. Get out of here.”

  He smiled. “In your dreams wimp, I’ll see you in the morning,” he said closing the door.

  I grabbed my stuff and stepped into the bathroom, still excited about having such a luxurious place, all to myself. I turned on the water and began filling the enormous round tub.

  Wow, and it’s all mine, for now, I mused.

  It really was breathtaking. There was even a window facing the tub with a beautiful view of the lake. Although it was dark and I couldn’t see much of anything outside, I imagined during the day it was incredible.

  I opened up the new vanilla scented spa bath gift set that my mom had given me and lit a candle. I then turned off the lights and removed my clothing.

  “Oh my God,” I groaned in pleasure as I sunk into the warm tub; it had been much too long since I’d enjoyed a bath. From there it only got better when I turned on the jets and they exploded from all sides.

  I closed my eyes and lay my head back against the bath pillow, feeling the warm water bubble against my skin. I imagined it couldn’t possibly get any better, but then remembered I’d forgotten my iPod. If this was heaven than listening to the music could only take me to another level of bliss.

  As I stood up to grab a towel, my eyes glanced towards the window and something stared back at me. It moved away quickly and I screamed in horror.

  “Oh my God,” I gasped, trying not to slip on the floor. I grabbed my robe and skidded out of the bathroom.

  “What is it?” cried my mom, bursting through the bedroom door.

  I pulled my robe in tighter and pointed towards the bathroom. “Someone…was watching me in the window,” I said, trembling.

  Her eyes widened and she grabbed a softball bat from one of the boxes in my room. I followed her into the bathroom, half expecting someone to jump out of the shadows. She kept the light switch off and moved slowly towards the window.

  “Do you see anything?” I whispered.

  She turned to me and lowered the bat. “No and I don’t see how anyone could be watching you from this height, Nikki.”

  I swallowed. “I know that I saw something.”

  She sighed. “It’s been a long day and we’re in the middle of the woods. You probably saw a bird flying by or maybe even a bat.”

  I thought about it for a minute and then nodded. “Well, I guess that sounds reasonable.”

  She held out a hand to me. “Come here and look how far up we are.”

  Of course when I looked outside, common sense told me that we were too high for anyone to be looking in. Even the bedroom’s balcony was too far away.

  I sighed. “Okay, maybe it was just a bat.”

  She squeezed my shoulder. “Now, it has really been a long day, why don’t you go to bed and get a good night sleep. I’ll bet that tomorrow you’ll be laughing about this.”

  I didn’t know about that, but I nodded anyway.

  “Is everything ok
ay in here?” asked Nathan who was standing outside of my bedroom door.

  “Everything’s fine,” answered my mom with a reassuring smile. “Nikki just saw a bird or something outside and it scared her.”

  Nathan’s eyes narrowed. “Really? I thought I saw something out there, too. It was a little disturbing.”

  I turned to my mom for her reaction.

  “What?” she answered, staring at both of us with amusement. “You know there’s no possible way anyone can stand outside of your bedroom windows. It’s too high. Unless Spiderman is vacationing in Montana and has decided to scale this particular cabin, it was just an animal with wings.”

  “I think we should take a look outside,” said Nathan as he turned and walked away.

  “Wait!” my mom said picking up the bat. “Don’t go out there without this!”

  And she thought that I was being paranoid?

  I followed them both downstairs and watched as he switched on the outdoor lights and threw open the front door.

  “Be careful!” I hollered, staying back. There was no way I was going out into the unknown darkness, harmless bird or not.

  My mom hesitantly followed Nathan outside while I wrapped my arms around myself. I had goose bumps but it wasn’t because I was chilly. Being alone in a large cabin in the middle of nowhere and hearing unfamiliar noises when you’re on edge is sort of a mind freak. Every sound makes you jumpy. In fact, I almost had a heart attack when the ice machine from the kitchen started making noises. Realizing I was being overly paranoid, I sat down on the sofa and waited. Then, what must have only been a couple minutes, but seemed like an hour, my brother stormed through the front door followed by my mom whose face was whiter than a ghost. He picked up the phone and started dialing.

  My stomach clenched. “What’s going on?” I asked.

  Nathan raised his hand to silence me and then began talking in a strangled tone. “Hello? Yes, I’d like to report… a dead body.”

  Chapter Three

  Three hours later the dead body, which they’d found near the dock, was examined, bagged and finally taken away.

  “Well,” said Sheriff Caleb Smith who was standing on the porch. “It looks like it’s the teenaged girl whose been missing for a few weeks, Tina Johnson.”