Sue

By Wodke Hawkinson

Sue Cox had been lured into a bizarre relationship with Zeke, a man whose stunning looks hid a demented mind. She had left town with him on a road trip and had nearly lost her life in the process. She was saved from death at the last minute by a private investigator, Will Falstaff, whom her parents had hired to find her and bring her home. But, Zeke was still out there.

In this sequel to Zeke, Sue begins her long recovery. Melvin, the young assistant to Will, is hired to escort her, a precaution in the event Zeke returns to finish the job. Though Sue does not want protection, she gradually grows to trust Melvin even as she learns to be more self-reliant. With the help of her psychiatrist and the loving support of her parents, she works through her tangled emotions and begins to clear the brainwashing from her mind so she can rebuild her life. She vows to never be a victim again. But, Zeke has other plans. . .
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
“A very satisfying follow-up to the disturbing events in Zeke, Sue contains enough back-story to be a stand-alone novel.” ~Randi Canning

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wodke Hawkinson
• Release date: Feb 10, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301702381

Wodke Hawkinson

Wodke Hawkinson is the name under which writing duo PJ Hawkinson and K Wodke produce their co-authored works. Both PJ and Karen have published solo works as well.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The physical wounds would take a long time to heal, the psychological wounds even longer.

Sue Cox huddled in the hospital bed, her battered face a testament of the torture she’d experienced at the hands of Zeke, the man she had loved. Other deeper wounds hid beneath bandages and blankets and behind the haunted look in her swollen, bruised eyes.

She jerked in fright toward the doorway as footsteps slowed and then stopped outside her room. Someone entered but she couldn’t see who it was; a curtain blocked her vision. Her heart rate accelerated and she reached for the call button. But she relaxed when private investigator, Will Falstaff, came into sight carrying a vase overflowing with yellow flowers and a cheery balloon bobbing on a ribbon.

He couldn’t hide his wince at the sight of her, although he’d seen her just the day before and should have been mentally prepared for the vision she presented. If anything, her injuries looked worse. More swelling, deeper bruising. But that was often the case with a severe beating.

Sue noticed his reaction. It’s not as bad as it looks. She shot a meaningful glance in the direction of her hovering parents.

No, no. You seem much better today. I can tell, Will lied, understanding she wanted him to play down her condition for the sake of her folks. He busied himself arranging the items he’d brought on her bedside table.

Frank Cox stood and shook Will’s hand. Linda, his wife, gave him a quick hug and stepped back, pressing a tissue to her cheek to catch a tear. Tension occupied the room along with a sense of sorrow.

Will cleared his throat. Have you folks had lunch yet?

No, Linda hurried to answer. We’re not hungry. Her stomach growled and she looked abashed.

Will smiled softly. Go ahead. I’ll sit with Sue while you go down to the cafeteria.

He was rewarded with looks of gratitude from Sue’s parents.

That would be great, Will. We just hate leaving her here alone. Frank reached over and patted Sue’s hand, carefully avoiding the IV. We’ll be right back, sweetheart.

It’s ok, Dad. I’m not going anywhere.

Her joke fell flat and a look of dismay passed over Frank’s face. The fact that she had gone somewhere in the not-too-distant past was the reason she was here in this hospital room, recovering from a brutal attack.

Sue hurried to correct her mistake. I just mean, go ahead and eat. I’ll be fine. Mr. Falstaff is here and there’s an officer right outside my door. Take your time.

Linda kissed her daughter lightly on the temple. Turning, she took her husband’s arm, speaking over her shoulder as Frank led her toward the door. They have a buffet. We won’t be long.

Once they were gone, Sue sighed deeply. Thank you, Mr. Falstaff. This will sound awful, but I really needed a break from them. I mean, I’m glad they’re here, but their distress exhausts me. It’s hard to take. They want me to talk to them, tell them everything that happened; which I could never do. Besides, I just want to forget it all.

Will nodded as he pulled up a chair beside her bed. I doubt if it will be that simple, Susan. You’ve been through a lot. It’s most likely going to take awhile to...

I know, I know. She closed her eyes briefly. A psychologist was in earlier. The doctors want me to set up regular appointments with a therapist when I get home. My folks were all over that, agreeing with him. So, I guess I’ll be talking to a shrink.

Maybe that’s not such a bad idea. Will removed his coat and leaned back.

Sue gave him a sad look. Don’t you see? The last thing I want to do is rehash what happened. It’s humiliating.

She shifted in bed, the movement bringing a quick grimace to her face. She reached for her glass of water and Will scooted the tray closer so she could get it. After a sip on the straw, she replaced the drink and lay back against her pillow. Her eyes rested on Will’s face. "Do you think I need a psychiatrist?"

Will took a deep breath and let it out slowly. I know you want me to say you don’t, but there are times in almost everyone’s lives when they could use counseling. Unfortunately most of us ignore the need. But you’ve been through more than anyone deserves and your wounds run much deeper than the surface. Sometimes it helps to talk to someone.

It doesn’t matter. I’m ruined anyway.

Ruined? What do you mean? His voice was gentle.

I’m sure by now the police have Zeke’s computer. His camera. Her voice grew hoarse and tears leaked from her eyes. Oh god, the pictures. He took lots of pictures of me. Doing...things.

Will rose and pulled some tissues from the box near the bed and handed them to her. You mean committing crimes?

Shaking her head, she sobbed once, and then gained some control. Her hand lay at her side, tissues crumpled in her fingers. No. Other things. Immoral things. Disgusting things. Will my parents ever see those pictures?

I really can’t say for sure. They might be used as evidence if Zeke is ever found and the case goes to trial. Then they would probably have to use the pictures. I’m just guessing since I haven’t even seen them. But I’m pretty sure the police aren’t going to share them with your parents or anyone else unless it becomes a necessity. After all, you’re an adult. Your parents aren’t legally responsible for you. Another thing you have to remember, Susan, you’re one of the casualties here, not a criminal.

I don’t know about that, Sue lamented. I stole some hair dye and I was with Zeke when he broke into a house and into some vending machines for money. Plus, I was there when he did some really horrible things.

As for the hair dye, that is such a minor crime that you would basically get your hand slapped. And the two other instances you mention, Zeke did the crimes. According to you, you were simply with him at the time. That makes you, at the most, an accessory and neither of those crimes was horrible. Not that they are okay, just forgivable. From what I understand, you were more or less a hostage by the time he killed that woman in Four Falls. You certainly weren’t a participant. You were a victim. His eyes held hers, offering comfort. You need to lighten up on yourself; you were under duress. Don’t beg for punishment.

I hate being a victim. I don’t want anyone to know what I’ve done, or what’s been done to me. But the killing has already been on the news and it won’t be long before they mention me by name. Everyone’s going to find out. When I go back home, I’ll have that to face.

People will be curious, sure. But you can’t let them get to you. Just walk away if someone gets too nosy. Before you know it, it’ll pass. People have short attention spans and there’s always some new tragedy to distract them. You’ll get past this.

Looking at her lap and fiddling with the sheet, Sue spoke softly. Part of me wants to see him again.

This shocked Will. What? Please tell me you’re not serious.

I’m just so confused. Sue raised her head, glanced at Will and away again, and dabbed at her cheeks. I find it hard to understand what’s true and what isn’t. How could he love me and then hurt me so badly?

Will swallowed hard, choking back the urge to remind her Zeke had almost killed her. Hell, would have killed her if he’d had just a little more time alone with her. To remind her about the woman he had killed. That she’d been there when it happened. But, of course she knew that already. And her comment made him realize she was too fragile for a direct approach; besides, it certainly wasn’t his place to play psychotherapist. He kept his voice calm. There’s no point in looking for logic when you’re dealing with a nutcase like Zeke. You won’t find it.

Lord, maybe I do need a shrink. She shifted her position to face him, groaning a little as she did so. Then, pasting on a false smile, she changed the subject. Tell me how you were able to find us. How you managed to save me. Tell me everything.

Will was concerned. Her obvious depression and self-loathing troubled him. But he went along with her request. Until her parents returned, Will talked about his partner, Roxie, and their assistant, Melvin. He explained how they tracked the journey she’d taken with Zeke and all that had gone into finding her.

We figured out the abandoned building factor early on, so Melvin did a lot of the research on that angle. Roxie kept our communications fluid and I, well, I just drove like a bat out of hell.

Will you tell Roxie and Melvin how much I appreciate what they did?

I’ll be sure to do that, Will assured her.

Sue’s parents returned carrying leftovers in Styrofoam boxes. Will nodded at them and rose to leave. He draped his coat over his arm. Have the doctors said when you get to go home?

They think it will be a week or so. Depends on how things go. We’re going to fly back. I’ve never flown before, so that’ll be something. Her tone was artificially bright.

Will squeezed her fingers. Give my office a call when you get home and let us know how you’re doing, ok? His voice was a bit husky. He’d developed an emotional attachment to this case, to this girl, probably unavoidable.

As Will slid his arms into his coat, Frank walked out with him. They nodded at the officer outside the door, and stepped a few feet away.

Any word on the kidnapper? Frank asked.

Will mentally shook his head. Zeke wasn’t a kidnapper; Sue had gone with the man willingly. But if Frank had to think of him that way to achieve some peace of mind, Will wasn’t going to correct him. Far as I know, he’s long gone. You’ll need to keep checking with the police on that, I’m not in the loop anymore. My job was technically over when I found Sue. He hesitated. I do have one piece of advice, if you don’t mind my offering it.

Go ahead. Frank gave him his full attention.

Get a good criminal lawyer. I think she’ll probably need one.

I took care of that first thing this morning, he told Will. He’s confident he can keep her name out of the news, at least for now. Said she’ll be referred to as an unidentified witness. But if it ever goes to trial, all bets are off.

The two men stared at the door to Sue’s room for a moment.

Be sure to tell Sue that. She’s extremely worried about what folks are going to think of her. Will squeezed Frank’s shoulder.

I’ll definitely do that, Will. Frank’s voice broke a little. I can’t thank you enough for what you did. And you were injured, too. How’s your leg?

Oh, I’ll be fine. I’m tough as a pine knot. Will smiled and shook Frank’s hand. Look out for that girl of yours.

Tears filled Frank’s eyes. Will pretended not to notice as he turned and shambled down the hall and out of the St. Louis hospital.

The sky was gray with clouds that promised rain as Will limped to the parking garage to retrieve his car. It was a long drive home, but he looked forward to being back in Cyrus, Maine again. He missed his office and his home. He even missed Melvin. Mostly he missed his partner, Roxie.

Chapter 2

The flight home had been stressful for Sue, but she did her best to hide her anxiety and discomfort. The doctors had prescribed pain meds but Sue only pretended to take them, using them only when the pain was too intense to handle. She was loath to ingest drugs voluntarily after the way Zeke had forced them on her. It was easier to say she’d taken them than try to explain her feelings to her parents. She figured she could tough out the worst of it.

When they pulled up in front of their house, her eyes filled with tears. Home, finally. She hobbled inside on damaged feet, supported on her father’s arm. Her mother rushed ahead to unlock the door and turn on lights. Slowly lowering herself to the sofa, Sue held a trembling hand over the sutured knife wound in her side. She feared any sudden movement would rip open the stitches although the doctors had assured her she was healing well from the surgery.

Would you rather be in your bedroom? Linda was nervous, unsure how to behave with the stranger her daughter had become.

No, Sue replied, carefully stretching out. I want to be down here. When she’d been sick on the road with Zeke, she’d longed for this very spot.

Her mother left the room and returned with pillows and blankets. I’ll get you some Sprite. Linda hurried to the kitchen. She called over her shoulder, Are you hungry? I can fix a sandwich.

Soup. Sue closed her eyes. Just soup, please.

Frank retrieved his and Linda’s luggage from the car and closed the door on the snowy winter afternoon. After carrying the bags to their bedroom, he paced the living room a few times before finally sitting in his easy chair. He cleared his throat. Susan, we need to talk.

Sue kept her eyes shut. I know, Dad. Can we do it later? I’m really exhausted.

He sighed. We can save most of it for tomorrow, I guess. But, there’s the issue of security.

Susan stiffened, her eyes growing wide. What do you mean? I’m safe here at home, aren’t I?

The police in St. Louis said they doubt you’re in any danger. They think this Zeke character is long gone. But we want to be sure. We don’t want to take any chances, honey. Your mom and I think we should maybe hire someone to keep an eye on things.

Oh, Dad. I don’t want that. Please. Sue cringed at the thought of some armed guard hanging around, watching her every move when all she wanted was privacy. Besides, wouldn’t that kind of thing cost a lot of money?

Well, not really. I talked to Will about this and we think you’re fine here at home; especially since your mother and I have rearranged our work shifts to assure one of us will almost always be home with you. I’m going to work third shift for the time being, and your mom’s only working the day shift; they have a college girl working the night shift for her. But when you start going out again we think it’d be a good idea if you had an escort. Just so you wouldn’t be alone.

"I want to be alone." Sue rolled over painfully, turning her back on him.

I’m scared, Susie. Frank’s voice cracked. We almost lost you and...

Sue swallowed hard. She was still hurting her parents. Even now. Okay, Dad. Maybe just when I go places.

Good. Frank’s relief was obvious. There’s a young man who works for Will. He’d be able to accompany you most anytime, as long as you give him enough notice. I don’t know when you’re going back to school, but...

I’m not going back. At least, not yet.

Not going back? Why on earth not? Your education is important. You can’t get a good job without a degree.

I know that, dad. I’m just not ready. Sue threw a pleading expression over her shoulder.

Her father sat silently for a minute. Okay, baby. For now we’ll put school on the back burner. But let’s not take it off the stove.

Alright.

Linda approached with a bowl of soup and a glass of Sprite on a tray. She looked from Frank to Sue, sensing a conversation of import between them. Is anything wrong?

No, everything’s fine. I was just explaining to Susan about Melvin. Frank rose and peered out the window. She understands we need someone with her when she goes out, at least for a while.

Good, good. Linda set a TV tray in front of the couch. Here’s your supper, dear.

Sue stared at the back of the sofa for a few seconds, marshalling her strength. When she rolled over and sat up, she wore a smile. Thanks, Mom. And don’t worry. Things will get back to normal soon. I promise.

But they all suspected it would be a long time before their lives would feel even close to normal again.

Chapter 3

The second night home Sue slept fitfully on the sofa. A persistent tapping invaded her restless slumber and she woke suddenly. Gathering the blanket to her chest, she held her breath and listened. Tap, tap, tap. It came from the window behind her. Her heart thudded in her chest. He’s here. Zeke’s here. He’s come back to kill me.

Sue propelled herself from the couch and fell to the floor, her feet tangled in blankets. Pain shot through her side. She sucked in a lungful of air but couldn’t force it past her throat to scream. Scrambling painfully to her hands and knees, she crawled toward her parents’ bedroom. She felt as if she moved in slow motion, mired down as in a nightmare.

Dad, she croaked, gazing in terror over her shoulder. She saw a shadow outside moving against the curtain. Tap, tap, tap. Her muscles went weak, but she forced herself along.

Reaching the door, she pounded at the bottom. Her voice abruptly returned. Dad! Mom! Oh god, help!

A light came on and the door flew open. Her dad stood in the doorway in his pajamas, hair askew. Her mother stared with wide eyes from beside the bed, one hand still on the lamp.

What’s wrong? Sue? Frank reached down and helped his daughter to her feet.

I heard noises. Somebody’s trying to break in! Sue sobbed.

Get over there by your mother and wait while I check it out. He pushed her gently toward the bed. Where did you hear it?

The window behind the sofa.

Frank, should I call the police? Linda cried, gathering Sue into her arms.

Not yet. I’ll yell if I see anyone.

Frank was back within minutes. He stared down at his frightened wife and panicked daughter. It’s a tree branch. That’s all. Wind’s blowing it against the window.

Are you sure? Sue trembled and Linda stroked her hair.

Positive. There’s no one out there, honey. Frank ran a hand through his hair, but it sprang back up, giving him a comical appearance that Sue found sad rather than funny.

I’ll make some hot cocoa, Linda said, releasing Sue. We’ll talk for a little bit, get calmed down, and then we can go back to sleep.

They moved to the front room and Frank pulled his coat on over his pajamas. He slipped into his boots by the door. I’m going to go break off that branch.

Within the hour, Frank had left for work and she and her mom were settled in once more. Sue wept silently into her pillow and listened to the night sounds in the house. Familiar sounds mostly, but each fraught with sinister potential.

She hadn’t wanted to go through with the recommended counseling, but she knew now that she must. It would set her parents’ mind at ease, though she expected it would do nothing for her. She wasn’t about to tell some stranger about her time with Zeke, her private feelings. But she’d put in an appearance, go through the motions. She owed it to her folks after the hell she’d put them through. Eventually she fell into a restless sleep.

The next morning, in an effort to return things to normal, Sue called her friend, Joyce. She wanted to let her know she was home and safe; that things didn’t work out and Zeke just wasn’t who she thought he was.

Joyce was thrilled to hear from her, but wanted details Sue wasn’t willing to give. She resisted Joyce’s curiosity, kept changing the subject, and finally made an excuse to hang up. She was disappointed in the reaction she’d received. Maybe Zeke was right; Joyce never really was much of a friend.

Chapter 4

Sue decided to abandon the couch and returned to her bedroom the weekend after the incident with the branch. Looking around she saw a child’s room, something she no longer was. Leaning out the door, she shouted, Mom!

A crash sounded from downstairs and Sue’s heart rate kicked into high. She edged toward the stairway and peered down. Her mom was rushing headlong toward the stairs.

What’s wrong? Sue asked, eyes darting in every direction.

What? Her mom stopped with one foot on the bottom step. You yelled. What happened?

What was that crash?

I dropped an empty pot. She held her chest as her eyes flew over her daughter looking for injuries. What’s wrong? Why did you scream?

Heart rate slowing, Sue dropped down, sitting on the top stair. Oh my god. Suddenly she was giggling.

Susie? Her mom rushed up the stairs. What is it, honey?

Oh, Mom. Sue wiped the tears that were streaming from her eyes. I only wanted to talk about redecorating my room. Holy cow. You scared me to death. Her laughter finally faded and her mom looked relieved.

Redecorate?

My room. Sue nodded.

That’s all? She bent and kissed her daughter’s forehead, saying, Oh, Sue, baby. We are really a pair, aren’t we?

I’d have to say yes.

Okay. Her mom waved a hand in front of her face, as if to dispel the fear she’d felt. Show me what you have in mind.

She followed her daughter into her room and Sue spread out her arms. This is a little girl’s room.

He mother started to disagree and then realized what Sue meant. She looked at the room again. You’re right. What do you have in mind?

Sue explained her ideas and then said, I want to get started today, if possible.

While her mom finished the housework, Sue spent a couple of hours pulling mementos from the bulletin board, posters from the walls, and knickknacks from drawers. Not wanting to throw it all out, she sorted some for the trash, some to keep. Next she bagged her stuffed animals to give to charity. All but one teddy bear, which she’d had forever and couldn’t bring herself to part with.

Sue pulled down a large plastic tub that resided on the top shelf of her closet. She’d add the pile of things she decided to keep to this container. She fingered through the items one more time before placing each inside. She flipped through an old Christmas program, read a birthday card from her grandma, and slipped three fingers into a friendship bracelet she’d made but never given away. With a sigh, she packed them all away, snapped the lid onto the box, and slid the box home on its shelf. She doubted she would look through them again for a long time.

Finally, her mom hollered up that she was ready.

The two spent the afternoon shopping. Sue had decided to leave the walls and furniture white. She picked out a geometric-patterned bedspread in deep blues, purples, and black. Several abstract prints in subdued tones and two small lamps with dark blue shades were added to their selections. Sue perused a curtain display and rejected a dozen window treatments. Finally, she chose wide-slatted vertical blinds in deep blue and desktop accessories to match.

Hey, Mom, can we move the little desk into the guest room? I want to get a computer and I’ll need a table, too.

That’s a good idea.