Into the Abyss

By Darrel Day

Shaya Fuller, high fashion model, mother of three boys and a self proclaimed failure at relationships, thought life had finally settled in for her. An Ex, set on taking everything precious from her, changed all of that.
Michael, the Ex, only wanted to disgrace her before all of her family and the court system that took his children from him. Like a Wolf that had never tasted blood before, he had no idea how sweet it would taste. After the first murder, the flavor just got sweeter.
The Abyss, a hiding place for the unfortunate ones that crossed Micheal's path, is deep and cold. Is it deep enough to hide all of his victims? One by one, the bodies stack up as Michael draws closer to his goal.
Shaya, if she survives, may find that love does not always come with a price. Sometimes, it is just pure and delicious.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Darrel Day
• Release date: May 10, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476211404

Darrel Day

Darrel Day is a 12 time published author of suspense thrillers, short story collections and biographies. His books are available in both print and on all e-readers.  Residing in a smalltown in Iowa, Darrel enjoys the outdoors where he gathers inspiration for his writing.

Book preview

With Thanks to Darrel Day for writing this novel for me.

Inside, I have included the names of people that have influenced my life…some in good ways and others in a different way. Each holds a place in my heart for one reason or another.

Thank you to my sister, Amanda, for always being my friend. I say thank you to my precious children Lucas, Justin {Junior} and Channing for all of your love. One day, when you are much older, I hope you sit and read this novel.

Thank you to my family for your love.

Written April 2012

Into the Abyss

Written by Darrel Day

For Shaya Gimzo Fuller

Published by Darrel Day at Smashwords

Copyright 2012 Darrel Day

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of this author.

Chapter 1

Shaya had walked as far as she could. The road in front of her seemed endless. The sun would be setting soon and she needed to find some-where warm for the children. Lucas, her oldest child, would be fine. He had traveled with Shaya enough to know that sometimes the vehicle just simply dies. At six years old, he was far more educated than he should be. He watched his father walk out the door, never looking back. He lay with his mother, night after cold night, as she cried herself to sleep. He would not leave her side, ever, he thought.

What in the hell are we going to do now?!?!? I am tired and hungry and cold!

Shaya stopped for a moment, looking back at her sister. She knew Amanda would be the first to cry out. Shaking her head, Shaya set Channing on a large rock beside the road. Her third son, Channing was just two years old and full of life. He would either keep Shaya young or kill her early; she had not decided which it would be, yet. Junior, Shaya’s middle child was four now. He had been a daddy’s boy until Michael walked out. Junior, his real name being Justin, was a mirror image of his father. He followed Michael around and mimicked his every movement. He had felt it the worst when his father left them.

You know what, Amanda… If I knew what we were going to do now, I would tell you. I don’t have a clue except that we need to find shelter or a ride before it gets dark outside. That means we need to keep walking until one or the other happens.

Maddie cannot go without something to eat for much longer. My arms are aching from carrying her. Maddie was Amanda’s only child, just a little over two years old.

Shaya suddenly stuck her finger out, only an inch from Amanda’s face. Shaking it so fast it looked like five fingers instead of one, Shaya began chastising Amanda. Speaking low so that the children didn’t hear her, but with a growl that sounded scary, she spoke.

I am very aware of the fact that you are tired, Sister. You do not stand alone in that fact. I always know that the kids need to eat and that you cannot go much further. Unless you see something besides empty road in front of you, we have no choice. There was a town not far from here when we were going to Donnie’s place. We are going to keep walking until we get there. The less you complain the better for the kids. Are you getting what I am saying?

Amanda reached out and grabbed Shaya’s finger. She stared at her sister and shook her head. Yes, sister, I hear you loud and clear. Don’t shake your finger at me like that again. Let’s just get there and find something to eat.

Shaya picked Channing up from the rock and they began walking again. She had no idea how far the town was; she only knew that they needed to reach it soon. As they walked, she thought about her life and the circumstances that had brought them to this deserted road. She wondered what she had been thinking, going to her brother for help. He was busy with a life of his own and she knew that before she went to see him.

Donnie was a mix of everything and anything. He was smart, smart enough to have started his own detective agency and just crazy enough to go searching for the criminals few others wanted to run into. He had an eye for the darkest minds that often accompanied psychos and lacked any fear of them. Starting his business was more of a need than a want. Donnie, standing six foot, three and having a temper that was often uncontrolled, he had little to fear from the people he chased. The temper had caused him to lose more jobs than he could remember, hence, the need to be his own boss.

She thought about her past and all that she had done since she graduated high school. Her intoxicating eyes, the kind that look into your soul, made many men turn their heads to have a second look. She had a body that women dreamed of and curves in all the right places. When she walked in to a room, women glared and men dreamed. Her long auburn hair accented her narrow face and when she smiled, she melted hearts. Her modeling career halted only long enough to give birth and within weeks, she would be back to luring fashion designers and agents into her world.

All the money in the world and I am walking to some town I don’t even know the name of.

What did you say, Shaya?

She had apparently spoken louder than she had meant to. I said walking sucks.

That it does, sister; that it does. The sun is starting to go down and we still haven’t reached this town of yours.

Don’t start with me, Amanda Jo… I am not in the mood.

Tell that to Maddie. She is the one that is cold and hungry.

Shaya simply sighed and kept walking. She knew that anything she said would bring on more drama. The sun had gone down now and she knew darkness out in the middle of no-where was going to be complete. She said a silent prayer that the town would suddenly appear over the next hill.

Shaya saw a light in the distance. Her heart raced at the idea they were nearing the town. She shielded her eyes with her arm as the light brightened. A car was approaching them. She fought with herself to decide if this was a good thing or not. Two young girls, four kids and nothing to protect them, they would be at the mercy of whoever was driving the car.

Hey, that’s a car coming our way, Sis! Start waving your arms so they see us.

Amanda, remember, we have no idea who is in that car. Just walk until they get to us.

I don’t care who is driving, as long as they can fit six people in their car. I seriously doubt that some axe murderer is out here in no-man’s land, looking for his next victim.

You don’t take anything seriously. We have little ones to think of. If whoever it is looks even a little strange, we are not going to get in the car. I mean that, Amanda!

The car drew closer and began slowing down. The girls stepped off to the side of the road. As it stopped beside them, the window on the passenger driver’s side rolled down. The driver was tall; Shaya knew that by the way he lowered his head to see out the window. He was older than she was but no older than thirty or thirty-five. His hair, black as coal, with eyes as blue as the morning sky, he smiled at them. His voice was low and sounded just a bit like Sam Elliot.

You ladies need a lift somewhere?

Amanda, tired and cold, answered in a not so friendly way. We just thought it would be a nice day for a walk along a deserted road.

Shaya shook her head at her sister. She pushed her to the side and smiled her most enchanted smile. I apologize for my sister. We have been walking for a long time and she is just tired. I’m Shaya and that was my sister Amanda Jo you just met. My car died on me a few miles back so we were walking to the next town.

Glad to make your acquaintance, Shaya. I am Peter, Peter Salas. I can either give you a ride back to your car and have a look or take you to the town. I am afraid it would have been dark before you reached Navolin. It is still about five miles further, whichever you want to do, just tell me. I know a little about cars but just enough to get me in to trouble.

I think we will just go to Navolin and see if we can find someone to get it going. I need to be in Omaha by tomorrow afternoon for a show.

Peter pushed the door open and the girls put the kids inside. Amanda tried to get in the front seat but Shaya moved faster. Amanda rolled her eyes and climbed in to the back seat with the kids. Shaya smiled at Peter as she sat down. Peter turned the car around and drove back towards Navolin.

You said you have a show to go to? What kind of shows are you going to see?

I am not going to see a show… I am the show.

Peter raised an eyebrow and smiled. Forgive me then, I had no idea. What show is it you are in?

I am a model. I do fashion shows for designers wanting to sell their line of clothing. Omaha has been planned for months and I really cannot miss it.

Good thing I came along for when I did. It is not a good thing for two ladies and a litter of kids to be walking alone out here, or anywhere alone, for that matter. You never know what kind of creeps might be out here.

Shaya glanced back at Amanda. She could see by Amanda’s eyes that she was suddenly feeling the same thing as Shaya. Amanda moved her thumb in a gesture to say Let’s get out of this car.

How far did you say the town was? It seems like we have been driving for a while now.

Peter looked at Shaya and shook his head. I am sorry that I said that. I didn’t give thought to how that must have sounded. I promise you ladies, I am not a creeper. The town is coming into sight right now. I’ll drop you off at the police station and they will be able to help you. I really am sorry for my statement. I meant it in the most honest and un-threatening way.

It’s alright, Peter, we are just tired and hungry. We appreciate you stopping and taking the time to bring us here. Let me give you some money for gas and your time, please.

I couldn’t let you do that. It was not far out of my way and the company was nice. I hope you ladies get your car going soon. Good luck in Omaha.

As they got out of the car, Shaya handed Peter a card. "If you are ever in Des Moines, Iowa, my schedule is on the card. Give me a call and I will buy you dinner, as a thank you for your kindness.’

I might just do that, Shaya. You two take care. As he rolled his window up, he drove away.

You gave him your freaking card?!?!?!? Are you crazy? He could have been a …

A what Amanda Jo, a crazed killer? Oh, my dear sister, sometimes your imagination rules your brain.

Within two hours of arriving in Navolin, the girls had sent a man to get the car, found a restaurant, fed themselves and were on their way to Omaha. One day in and the next day out. Amanda set Shaya’s dates so that she could get as many floor shows as possible in a week. Having Amanda as her publicists and her traveling companion served two purposes; she could keep a watch on her sister and she could make sure Maddie was safe. It was a win, win set-up.

Omaha came in to sight just before midnight. Shaya was ready to get out of the car and in to a warm bed. Amanda and the girls had slept for the last hundred miles. She hoped to just slip them from the car to the motel room without disturbing them too much. It had been a long day for all of them. She stopped at the stop light just inside the city. A car pulled up beside her as she waited for the light to change. Glancing over at the car, something seemed familiar about the car. It was dark and the street poorly lit but still, she could not shake the feeling that she has seen the car before. She felt the hair on her neck stand a bit. No, she said quietly, I must be really tired.

What are you talking about, Shaya? Do you often talk to yourself?

I thought you were asleep back there.

I was for a while. What were you saying up there? Amanda climbed over the seat to the front. I heard you…

The car next to us… just look at it for a second and tell me if it looks familiar to you.

Amanda looked across Shaya at the car beside them. She stared at the car.

I said for a second, Amanda, Sheesh.

It looks like a car to me but hey, it is dark and I am still tired and hungry again. Pull in to that little store so I can get a snackie and something to drink.

Shaya turned in to the store parking lot. She watched as the car that had been beside her slowed down as it passed. She felt the hair on her arms moving like static had just rushed her body. The car sped up and went on to the next set of lights. Amanda was out of the car and back in within three minutes.

How was that for fast, Sissie?

When we get to the motel, just get the kids and get inside, do you hear me?

What the hell is wrong with you?

Just do what I asked you to do for once, damn it! Just do it and don’t ask questions.

Amanda, younger than her sister by two years had seen Shaya upset before. She had seen her angry and knew the look long before the volcano erupted. What she had not ever seen was her sister scared. Frightened was something that was totally out of character for Shaya. Seeing her this way was enough to put fear in to Amanda. She would not argue with her sister tonight. She would do exactly what Shaya had asked her to do.

Chapter 2

Donnie sat at his desk, looking through some papers he needed to file. He had sent three of his detectives out to find the where-abouts of three bail jumpers. He didn’t normally take on bounty hunter type business but things had been slow and his guys wanted something to do. The revenue wasn’t going to hurt the business either.

He could hear Shaya’s voice running around in his head. Her words echoed off the side of his brain, giving him a headache. Two Tylenol and a nap might take care of the headache but she was still going to be in his mind when he woke up. Why had she needed his help just to find an old ex? It wasn’t as if she was going to get anything from the scrub anyways. She had yelled and then stormed out in her most dramatic way, still yelling at him.

Donnie, you are smart enough to know that if I came to you, I needed you! If you want to turn me down; turn down an easy two thousand dollars, I guess that is up to you!

I don’t mix family with business, Shaya! I have told you that time after time but still… The door had slammed shut before he could finish his sentence. The last words he heard from his sister were Piss on you then, Donnie, I will find him myself!

Donnie wondered why finding this man was suddenly important to her. Maybe he should have taken more time to ask questions. He was just so adamantly averse to working with family. He had felt that way since he had loaned money to his father to help get his business going. His father took the money and made some very bad investments. They were bad enough that it cost him his home and Donnie never saw the money. Bad blood had spilled that day between Donnie and his father and he swore never to work with family members again.

The door swung open and suddenly Donnie was staring eye to eye with Felix, one of his detectives. Felix had come along when Donnie was terribly busy and had little time to check all backgrounds on some of the new people he had hired. Donnie had found luck when he hired Felix. Felix had come from a detective agency in Philadelphia, where he worked as a P.I. He knew the ropes and could get the scoop on nearly anyone that lived or died. The only problem was that he didn’t always follow the rules or the laws. He did whatever it took to get the job done. Donnie didn’t have the problem with it that apparently the agency in Philly did.

What are you doing here so late in the night?

I couldn’t sleep and I knew you would be up so I thought I would stop in. What has you awake so late?

It’s my sister, Shaya. I can’t seem to shake the way she left today. Something was bothering her but I didn’t take the time to find out what. She is always a little out there; I guess it comes with the work she does but I think it is more.

So, you give her a call and ask her what’s wrong. Seems simple enough to me, boss. Felix shrugged his shoulders.

It is after one in the morning now. I will call her right off in the morning and see what’s eating at her. Right now, I need some pain relief and sleep.

If I can help you with anything, let me know, Boss. I will be glad to give you some time.

Thanks for the offer, Felix. I will let you know.

Donnie watched as Felix walked out. He knew he had a good man in Felix. Popping two Tylenol, washing them down with a half glass of rum, Donnie kicked his feet up on his desk and crashed. He rarely went home at night anymore. There was really nothing much to go home to. Wendi had been gone for almost a year and the house seemed too quiet now. He didn’t blame her for going away. His job often took him away for weeks at time, sometimes longer, leaving her at home alone. She had tried for 10 years to live in Donnie’s world but finally, it was just too lonely for her. Love was never their problem. They loved each, no doubt of that. I can’t feel your love when I never feel your arms around me, Donnie. I love you very much but I have to have a life too. Maybe we will meet in a better time for both of us.

Her words left Donnie with a hope of one day rekindling the love that he and Wendi had shared. His love for her would never falter, of that he was certain.

When Donnie woke from what was a terrible sleep, the sun was beginning to rise. He hadn’t meant to sleep that long but he figured his body must have needed it. He heard a sound in the back room of his office. Instinctively, he pulled his revolver out of his desk drawer. He made his way through the maze of machines and file cabinets, holding his revolver out in front of him. A loud crash made him stop for a moment. If the intruder had a gun, Donnie didn’t want to find out the hard way that whoever it was liked to shoot people. He waited until the movement stopped and then went through the door, into the Abyss, wondering who was responsible for the noises. One more corner and he would be face to face with the noise maker.

I have a gun and I will use it, Donnie shouted in to the room. He waited for a response from the person but all he could hear was breathing, heavy breathing. He walked around the corner and entered the room. The 357 was ready and Donnie had no issues with firing it. Last chance and then, I am going to just start shooting boxes until one of them bleeds for me.

Don’t shoot me, you crazy bastard! I am not even carrying a gun!

Donnie recognized the voice right away. Lowering his gun, he kicked over a large box that was between him and the man hiding behind it.

You… what the hell are you doing in here!? Do you realize I nearly shot you? Cripes, I knew you were an idiot but this is even stupid for you.

The man stepped from behind the box. He held his hands up in the air. His face was drained of any color it might have had.

Donnie, I want those pictures you have of Julie and I. It is over between Shaya and me. It has been since you showed her the pictures. There is no reason for you to have them anymore.