Fatal Obsession

By Autumn Russell

Cindy Matherson thought she had the perfect man and the perfect marriage, until a woman from her husband’s past, resurfaces. They are plagued by incessant calls in the night. Worse yet, Erica has carnal knowledge of Kevin and their marriage, leaving Cindy doubting her husband’s fidelity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Autumn Russell
• Release date: May 14, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301404988

Autumn Russell

If I'm not writing I'm reading. I always enjoy a chilling fairytale or gripping suspense. I have a bookshelf at home full of my favorite authors and their stories.Mainly I write psychological thrillers and fairytales. If you're following or reading my stories, you'll find that I throw in the occasional comedy or drama.Mostly my stories center on a basic conflict that almost always end in a twist.In my writing I touch on the idea that all of us have secrets, some shocking, while yet others, terrifying. We all have the inherent need to believe that we're safe with those closest to us. But sometimes evil lurks just around the corner and hides in the most familiar face.Which now brings me to invite you to try out my books, listed here. FATAL OBSESSION, A WALK AROUND AUDUBON, LOST SOULS, THE BEAST OF ROGUE, THE QUEEN UNMASKED, WHERE THE WILD ROSES GROW, HOUSE OF HER DREAMS.GHOST FOREST Coming Fall/Winter 2023

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Emily peered out the window of the speeding taxi. She forced down panic while trying to calm her beating heart. She’d hoped this day would never come, but now it had. After all these years, Erica had resurfaced and Emily knew that for the sake of Cindy and Kevin she must be stopped.

That’ll be fifty, lady.

Emily looked up startled from her thoughts. Rummaging in her purse she handed the driver an extra five and said, Keep the change.

Emily’s heart quickened as she approached Kevin’s office. She knew she’d be safe there, at least until she contacted the one person who could offer help. She’d stay the night and then in the morning she’d know best how to handle things. At least that’s what she told herself. She clutched the key tightly in her hand and stopped halfway. Dread welled up in her.

Looking back, she thought of telling the cab driver to wait but he was already gone. Chastising herself for being paranoid, she unlocked the door and stepped in. She reached for the light switch, shrugged off her coat and crossed over to the phone. It was better this way, she told herself. She quickly dismissed the idea of waiting for morning. Things had become too dangerous too quickly. There was no other choice but to make the call now. Just then she remembered that she’d left the door ajar. A prickle of fear climbed up her spine. The deadfall of footsteps with that familiar click made her pause. The phone dropped from her grip. Turning around she already knew whom she would see.

What do you want? Why are you doing this? Backing away, Emily tried to evade the intruder.

I’m here for Kevin. You know he’s mine, said Erica.

You don’t belong here. You need to leave now, said Emily.

A slight smirk crossed Erica’s lips. Wielding the knife, she grazed her finger over the serrated blade. You’ve been following me… haven’t you?

I’m only trying to keep you safe, said Emily.

I don’t need protection from you or anyone else, said Erica.

You’ve always been a troubled child. I know you want to be in his life but Kevin doesn’t need you… not anymore, not like before. I can’t carry around this secret any longer. It’s a burden to us both, said Emily.

Secret… you make it sound so ugly, said Erica.

Put down the knife and we’ll talk, said Emily.

Hesitantly Erica released her grip. The knife clattered to the floor.

I had to follow you. Someone has to stop all this before it goes too far, said Emily.

Erica… call me Erica. You know my name.

Crossing over, the older woman enveloped the younger in a hug and deliberately and cautiously said, Now, now, Erica, it will all be better. This obsession will pass.

Erica pushed away. You don’t understand. I belong here.

Emily reached out and took hold of Erica’s shoulders. You’re very ill and I’m going to do what should’ve been done a long time ago. I’m going to get you help.

Erica shook her head in stubborn refusal. Kevin needs help, not me.

You need to trust me. I don’t want you to do something that you might regret. Now I’m going to make some tea. We’ll talk and you’ll see everything isn’t so bad, said Emily.

Erica watched the older woman disappear around the corner. Emily chattered nervously while preparing the tea. We can work through this just like last time.

Erica made no reply but stared down at the floor, unseeing. In scarcely more than a whisper she said, You’re going to try to make me disappear.

Rounding the corner, Erica pulled the hatchet from the folds of her dress. Coming up from behind, she said, You know I love you, don’t you?

Briefly looking up from the task, Emily said, Of course I do. That’s why I know you’d never do anything to hurt either one of us.

Then you’ll understand why I have to do this. Tightening her hold on the hatchet, she plunged it deep in the older woman’s back. Shock registered in Emily’s eyes as she dropped to the floor. Leaning down, Erica held back her hair from the increasing flow of blood. Tearing the hatchet back out, she said, See. I didn’t hurt you. I helped you. I couldn’t let you ruin everything. I hope you understand.

Kissing the back of the older woman’s head, Erica stood up. After changing into a different dress, Erica slipped out the side door unnoticed. The night sky held no illumination from the moon. The stars were concealed behind a vast cloud cover. Whistling, Erica felt at ease. The streets were silent this time of night in Spokane, other than the occasional passerby. The click from her stilettos echoed against the pavement with every step she took and seemed to stab into her thoughts. Clutching her head, she stopped walking. Slipping off her shoes, she decided to go the rest of the way barefoot.

Driving down Sprague, Erica checked her appearance. Her eyeliner wasn’t smudged. Everything looked perfect as if it had been recently applied. She enjoyed these hidden pleasures because soon, she reminded herself, there would come a time when she wouldn’t be allowed the luxury of cosmetics. She was forced to hide what most women took for granted.

Pursing her lips, she kissed the reflection that stared back and murmured, You’re so beautiful. Why would anyone want to destroy you? Continuous honking from behind broke her reverie. Looking back, she said, Okay, okay, I’m going.

Parking in front of the late night grocery store, Erica cut the engine. The man at the register gave a preliminary nod without looking up from the paper. After making a purchase of bleach and disinfectants, Erica burst back out into the cool night.

Re-entering the quiet office, she flipped on the nearby light switch. The metallic odor of blood wafted through the air. After taking care to wrap the cooling body in blankets, she carried it outside and dumped it in the back of her car. Whistling, she worked quickly and efficiently to clean up the violent scene. Once finished, she silently congratulated herself on a job well done.

With the glare from the streetlamps assaulting her vision, Erica shielded her eyes, cursing. Rolling down her window she breathed in the night air. Soon she was on the long deserted highway that led out to Emily’s home in Nine Mile.

Peering in the rearview mirror, Erica said, Too bad you had to meddle in something that didn’t concern you.

She was unmindful of the ruts when she turned down the dirt road. The shovel in the backseat rattled as it banged against the floorboard. She cut the engine and parked, concealed in the nearby bushes. She took off at a clipped gait and walked around to the back of the house. With the shovel in hand, Erica madly began digging. Her hair whipped out around her in long ghostly tendrils. The increasing wind made her skirt billow out in a macabre dance.

Grunting, Erica dragged out the blanketed corpse and tossed it into the grave. She frantically began filling it with shovelfuls of dirt. She winced as a cold drop of rain hit her face. Already the footprints and the crude grave were made indistinguishable by the downpour. Once she was finished, an animal-like scream tore from her throat. Falling to the ground, Erica sobbed. Digging her nails into the mud she made a fist and smashed the spider and other small insects that got caught in her grip. The rainfall increased, drenching her. The long blond tresses that she was so proud of now hung in mottled strands.

What have I done? What have I done? A low moan welled up in her throat, coming out in a strangled cry. What sin have I committed now?

When no answer came, she forced down increasing panic and stoically squared her shoulders. In a tone scarcely audible above the downpour, she spoke much more calmly in flowing phrases devoid of the previous hysteria. I do love you, my sweet Emily. That’s why it was necessary to end your life. You never did understand the connection between Kevin and me. I wouldn’t be here if Kevin didn’t need me. And I’m not leaving.

Squeezing her eyes shut, Erica forgot about everything other than Kevin as time elapsed. Hours later, she awoke with a start. She found herself lying on a cold hard surface. Vaguely she remembered finding the basement window unlocked and climbing in.

The unmistakable roar of an engine burst through the quiet. Nimbly she climbed outside. Taking in a deep breath, Erica moved steadily, surefooted. Peering around the corner she saw one lone truck. She leaned against the house steadying her breathing. A man and a woman she didn’t recognize appeared to be the only driver and passenger. Erica stole another glance and spied them getting out. Cursing, she dug her nails into her palms. Who are these people? Certainly they had nothing to do with her or Kevin. Could they have been friends of Emily’s? Friends that perhaps she didn’t know about? Shaking her head, Erica dismissed the thought as quickly as it came. She deftly lowered herself back into the basement.

The voices carried through the early morning stillness. How much do you think they’d want for a place like this? The woman asked.

Shrugging, the man said, I couldn’t find a price, we’d have to call to find out but with the condition it’s in, it couldn’t be very much.

The house looks like it was built only a few years ago. It’s odd that the owner never made a yard and although the house looks nice enough, the dirt surrounding it isn’t all that attractive, said the woman.

The couple studied the property in silence for a few moments. Thinking that the owner must still live there, they decided to see if anyone was home.

Erica remained crouched in a darkened corner of the basement. She felt foolish for forgetting that Emily had put the place on the market. She couldn’t fathom why the elderly woman wanted to sell. Kevin’s wife Cindy had something to do with it, she was sure. Immense sadness swept over her. She reminded herself that she’d done what needed to be done. There was no other option but for Emily to die. Cindy was to blame for all of it. If it weren’t for her, none of this would have happened. As she peered down, a frown crept across her face. The dress she wore was now ruined. Hatred coursed through Erica’s veins. She couldn’t wait to kill Cindy and sink the serrated blade into her heart.

CHAPTER TWO

The stale scent of mold permeated the air. She stared over at the pile of long forgotten toys. Erica recognized all of them. She’d shared them with Kevin. Feeling resentful at the intrusion, she glowered as the knocking persisted.

Hello, may I help you?

The couple turned and greeted the older woman.

We noticed the house for sale and hoped someone might be around to show it.

Offering introductions, she said, I live down the road a ways but I usually pass by here on my walks.

It looks pretty dead. I don’t think anyone’s home, said the man.

I’ll go check just to be sure. The older woman lightly knocked at the door before peering in through the window. Shaking her head, she walked back to the waiting couple. She must have gone somewhere with her caretaker. Perhaps if you try back at another time you might catch her.

The couple thanked her for trying and then got back in their truck. She watched them drive away before turning back to the quiet house. She slowly walked around it. Something didn’t feel right but she wasn’t sure what. Disregarding the unease, she gave it one last look before heading back to her own home.

Once the voices had disappeared, Erica left the confines of the basement and made her way up to the main floor. She stood before the massive window. The tire tracks were still visible. She wondered briefly if she’d be disturbed by anyone else. Abandoning her vigil, she took the stairs to the upper floor. She entered the bathroom and hastily discarded the muddy garments, leaving them in a heap.

She paused to look in the mirror. Deep frown lines were etched into her face. What would Kevin think if he saw her for who she was? Certainly she wasn’t pretty, not in her natural form. Once the makeup and hair were taken off she was always faced with the one undeniable truth, a truth that could only be understood by her.

Emitting a deep throaty growl she envisioned the other woman’s face. How many times had Kevin brought Cindy here to this very house? The thought of everyone, including Kevin, ignoring her existence infuriated her.

I guess there won’t be any more anniversaries celebrated here, murmured Erica.

Yet it wasn’t just Kevin who betrayed her. It was also Emily. That, she realized, was what hurt the most. Stepping into the cool porcelain tub she turned the water on high and closed her eyes. While lathering soap on her skin she let her mind wander. She imagined Emily, Kevin and herself sipping tea in the foyer. She imagined a world where Cindy didn’t exist. Stepping out of the tub, she dried off quickly and padded down the hall into Emily’s room. Perusing the closet, she soon realized there was nothing that would fit properly. Donning a robe, she decided she’d have to settle for an awkward fit. She hastily stuffed her soiled stockings and garments into a duffel bag. Being sloppy was something she couldn’t risk.

Her gaze was soon drawn across the room to the enlarged photograph of Kevin and Cindy on their wedding day. As she plucked it up from the nightstand, hot tears stung her eyes. The delicate slope of the other woman’s shoulders caught her attention. Bliss radiated from the doe-like, brandy-colored eyes. Turning her gaze to Kevin, Erica caught her breath, noticing the warmth in his deep azure stare. Toppling onto the bed she clutched it tightly. Her lips formed a taut line. Emily had wanted her out of Kevin’s life as much as the therapist had all those years ago. She’d trusted Emily once and it had very nearly destroyed her. She comforted herself with the knowledge that things would be different now that she was back. She’d be more careful this time. Turning back to the photo, her gaze locked once more on Cindy. Kevin’s decision to move on with another woman in her absence still stung. The passing years surely weren’t long enough to make him forget? The nagging answer was obvious. The doctor and Emily had made sure he severed all connection with her. Cindy was chosen as a replacement.

Maybe, just maybe, he didn’t really love you.

Erica clapped her hands over her ears in an attempt to drown out her own troubling thoughts.

He loves me. Kevin does love me, she muttered.

The nagging thoughts gradually faded, leaving her at peace once more. She closed her eyes and drifted into a deep slumber. It was just Kevin and herself again. Just like before. His presence was reassuring and filled her with warmth. Then something happened and he was inexplicably gone. In his absence only empty darkness remained. Erica jumped awake and moaned inwardly.

It was Cindy who took him from her. His heart was now divided. He no longer wanted her. It was their connection that had always strengthened her in the past but now it would have to be her own determination. Wandering back downstairs Erica looked at the clock. Was it really that late? Had she slept so long? The incessant pitter-patter of rain on the roof could be heard from inside.

Stalking over to the nearby photos, Erica gazed at her rival. This time it was of Cindy by herself. A long cobalt dress adorned her. Dark hair stylishly framed the delicate features of her face. Scrutinizing every detail, every angle of the woman in the photo caused jealousy to rise up once more. How could Emily have welcomed this harlot into Kevin’s life?

Trembling, she clenched her fists. If she’d had any regret for taking Emily’s life, it was gone now. Scanning the rest of the house, Erica was careful to leave nothing behind. She’d made certain the tub held no trace of her bath. She imagined the panic Kevin and Cindy would experience. Good, they’d enjoyed a perfect life for far too long. It was time to gradually make her presence known. And this was just the beginning. She had to be careful though and not make the same mistake as she did last time.

A heavy lump burned in the back of her throat. She silently protested that she couldn’t wait any longer. But her own wisdom told her she must wait. She stared at the photo of Cindy once more before slipping out.

Erica stealthily made her way through the dense foliage, unwilling to traverse the wide path. She preferred the safety the thickets provided. What would Cindy and Kevin do when they discovered Emily missing? They’d call the police, that much was certain. It would do them no good. She’d been too careful about covering all traces of her existence. And the rain even had worked in her favor by washing away all her earlier footprints. Even the tire tracks would soon be gone. She started up the engine and backed out onto the paved road. Narrowing her eyes, she gazed ahead. I’ll have you all to myself soon, Kevin… very soon.

CHAPTER THREE

Coffee’s made, said Kevin as he poured the brew into two cups.

Mmm, it smells delicious. Cindy breathed in the aroma and sat down. What time did you get in?

Kevin looked down at his watch. I’ve been home for about an hour or so.

You must be tired, said Cindy.

I slept on the plane ride back so I’m okay. Leaning over, Kevin gave her a kiss. I’m just glad to be home.

I’ve been so busy with work I haven’t even gone out to see Emily since you left. I hope she’s okay.

I’m sure she’s fine. Kevin gulped the last of his coffee before setting it down. Are you almost ready to go?

Yeah, just a sec, let me grab my purse, said Cindy.

Cindy stared out the window as they drove. I’m glad Emily’s selling. I don’t know how she’s managed for so long.

Kevin didn’t take his eyes from the road as he maneuvered the sharp turns. She’s always enjoyed the country. A few years back it seemed like a good idea when she bought the place, but it’ll be nice to have her in town where she’s closer to us.

So how was your trip to Seattle? asked Cindy.

It went well. I got the contract and everything should be finished right on schedule.

Next time I promise I’ll try to get some time off work to go, said Cindy.

Oh, I understand. Just as long as you didn’t let Mark keep you company, said Kevin.

You know it’s not like that, said Cindy.

Maybe not for you, said Kevin.

What are you saying?

I want you to be careful, that’s all, said Kevin.

Rolling down the window, Cindy stared out. I wish you wouldn’t talk that way.

Has he ever come on to you?

Kevin! No, of course not. I can’t believe we’re even having this conversation.

I’m sorry, I can’t help it.

You’re making me feel so guilty right now. Do you want me to quit, is that it? asked Cindy.

You know that’s not what I want, said Kevin.

Funny, because sometimes it feels like that’s the only thing that’ll make you happy, said Cindy.

No, that’s not true. I’m happy right now, Kevin replied.

Can we just try and have a good time and talk about this later?

Fine, I won’t bring it up again, said Kevin.

Cindy settled back in her seat and closed her eyes. I’m glad we both have the day off.

Me too, I took the earliest flight I could get, said Kevin.

Is there something going on? Cindy’s voice was scarcely above a whisper.

I thought you didn’t want to do this right now?

I don’t. But it’s you and the way you’ve been acting lately. It just doesn’t feel right, that’s all, said Cindy.

I’m not having an affair, if that’s what you’re meaning, said Kevin.

It’s nothing, just forget it then.

Coughing, Cindy quickly rolled up the window when they turned onto the dirt road. I forgot about all the dust out here.

Here we are, said Kevin.

They got out and walked up to the house. Hugging her sweater closer, Cindy shivered. Brrr, the wind is freezing.

After ringing the doorbell Kevin stepped over to the window. It’s too quiet. Almost like no one’s here.

Where would she have gone? said Cindy.

That’s just it. I don’t think she would have. She was too excited about seeing us. She wouldn’t have left when she knew we were coming over this morning.

It doesn’t feel right, said Cindy.

Digging into his pocket, Kevin pulled out the spare key. I’m going in. This isn’t like her not to answer.

They entered the main floor and called out her name. Silence hung heavy in the air.

I’m going upstairs. Maybe she’s asleep, said Kevin.

What do you want me to do? Cindy wrung her hands.

Wait here until I come down, said Kevin.

Cindy went through the rooms once more but found nothing.

When Kevin returned, the expression on his face told her that he didn’t have any better luck. Without saying a word he went down into the basement only to return moments later still defeated. We need to look outside. It’s possible she wandered out in the storm we had the other night and got lost.

What if she fell and got hurt?

Anything’s possible, I hope not, but right now we just need to find her, said Kevin.

Traversing the trails, they continued to call out for her. An hour later all areas of search had been exhausted.

What are we going to do now?

We have to call the police, said Kevin, digging his mobile phone out of his pocket.

While Kevin was on the phone, Cindy went back upstairs and did another quick search of the premises. She hoped the older woman would be found soon. The fear that something bad had happened nagged at her. She spun around at Kevin’s touch.

It’ll be okay. We’ll find her. They’re sending out some officers right now; they should be here soon.

I just keep thinking what if she’s not okay, what if something bad happened to her?

Don’t think that way. She’s okay. We have to believe that. Kevin folded her into his arms.

Cindy and Kevin went back down to the main floor where they met the two officers: an older woman, Tiega, and her partner Lorenzo.

What exactly happened here? And if you could tell us from the beginning that would be helpful, said Tiega.

My wife and I visit Emily most weekends when I’m home, said Kevin.

Tiega looked at him sharply. When you’re home?

Yes, my work takes me out of town so there are times when I’m away, said Kevin.

So you don’t think she would have decided to go somewhere that you didn’t know about?

No, I know she wouldn’t have. She was expecting us and wouldn’t have left, said Kevin.

She doesn’t have a car. Emily quit driving a few years ago and when she does need to go anywhere, she has a caregiver who comes in once a week who drives her places, said Cindy.

Would she have been here today? Her caregiver? asked Lorenzo.

No, she only comes on Tuesdays, said Kevin.

Tiega looked up from her notepad. I see. And you’re a friend or relative?

She took me in and raised me after my mother died, Kevin replied. How long do you think it will take to find her?

I really can’t say right now. We’ll need more information from you and your wife, said Tiega.

We’ll help in any way we can. Just tell us what it is you need to know, said Cindy.

Both of you will need to file a missing persons report. We can either do that here or at the station, said Tiega.

Here is fine, said Kevin. Cindy squeezed his hand and nodded.

CHAPTER FOUR

The drive home was done in tense silence.

They’ll find her, I know it. Cindy sat down on the couch next to Kevin.

His brows were knitted together with worry. I just keep thinking about where else she could’ve possibly gone. Kevin rested his head in his hands and sat with his shoulders hunched forward. Do we have the number to Emily’s caregiver?

Yeah, actually I think we do. I’ll call her, said Cindy.

After briefly talking on the phone, she hung up disappointed. She hasn’t seen Emily either, not since last week.

This just doesn’t make sense. Where could she have gone?

Did she have any family that you knew about?

No, not that she ever mentioned. All I really know is that she left London and came here when she was nineteen and started working as a nanny for my mother and then soon after adopted me. From what she told me, she had no living relatives, said Kevin.

I keep feeling like she’s in some kind of trouble, said Cindy.

Let’s try and not think that way, said Kevin.

Cindy leaned against his shoulder. I just want her to be found.

Pressing his lips against her head, Kevin said, I know, so do I.

They were interrupted by the phone. Kevin rushed to answer it.

A woman’s hesitant voice greeted him. Mr. Matherson?

Yes, said Kevin.

We haven’t met but I took care of Emily. I talked to your wife earlier.

Have you heard from Emily?

No, not exactly, although I wish I had. I thought of something that I think you two should know about. Maybe it’ll be of some help.

We’re grateful for anything right now, said Kevin.

I don’t feel comfortable discussing it over the phone. Can you come to my house?

After taking down directions, Kevin said, All right, we’ll be there shortly.

Turning to Cindy, he said, I think we’re finally getting somewhere.

What happened?

Just get your purse and keys. We’re going to meet with Emily’s caregiver, said Kevin.

The woman I spoke with earlier?

Yes, she said she remembered something important but she doesn’t want to say it over the phone, said Kevin.

They soon arrived at the given address where a woman was already waiting. Please come in.

Wringing her hands she sat across from them. For the last three months Emily seemed different.

Different how? asked Cindy.

It was as if she was nervous or afraid of something or someone. It was so unlike her. One morning I came in at the usual time and found the phone unplugged. I asked her if something was wrong and all she said was that she didn’t want calls from a particular person but she wouldn’t say who. I wanted to ask more but she didn’t seem to want to discuss it.

Had she ever mentioned anything like this before? asked Kevin.

No, never. That’s why it really surprised me. I mean I couldn’t make any sense of it.

That doesn’t sound like Emily at all, said Cindy.

I know, that’s what I thought.

Were there any signs of someone coming around? asked Cindy.

No, not at all. At first I was worried but as time went on and nothing happened I dismissed it as the early signs of dementia.

I can’t understand why she never mentioned any of this to us, said Kevin.

I don’t know. I wish I could be of more help.

You’ve been more help than you know, said Cindy.

She got up and followed them to the door. I hope you find her soon.

So do we. Would you be willing to tell what you know to the police? asked Kevin.

Of course, anything I can do to help, I will. She watched them leave before closing the door.

A few weeks had gone by when they received a call from the police. Busying herself in the kitchen, Cindy strained to hear Kevin’s conversation but couldn’t make out more than a few words.

Hanging up, he stormed in from the living room. God, they make me so mad!

What happened?

After doing a brief search of the area they found nothing suspicious and there’s nothing further they can do.

That’s ridiculous. Surely there must be something more that can be done? We can’t just let them shut down the search, said Cindy.

We don’t have much of a choice, said Kevin.

What about the caregiver and everything she said, aren’t they at least going to look into that?

They said it’s just hearsay with no proof of a crime. Putting it in their words, they said they won’t waste taxpayers’ dollars searching for an elderly woman who doesn’t want to be found.

I’m so sorry. Cindy gave him a hug. I know how upsetting this is to you.

What if there was something to what she said? Kevin ran his fingers through his hair. Could there have been someone bothering Emily that we didn’t know about?

Cindy shook her head and sat down. It doesn’t make sense. I’ve asked myself the same thing. Cindy paused. I know you don’t like to think about it, but are you sure she wasn’t getting dementia?

I really don’t know. She always seemed fine to me. Kevin shrugged, giving out a long sigh. But then again maybe I wasn’t seeing it because I didn’t want to see it.

Cindy placed a hand on his shoulder. "I think we need to consider the possibility that she decided to return to England. And I’m sure that whatever her