Ragdoll

By Brenda Bailey

Life hasn't always been easy for the beautiful, fiery-haired nurse, Jessica Newman. Abandoned by her mother shortly after her father was killed in an accident, she was raised by her elderly, well-to-do grandmother. Though she was brought up in a life filled with luxury and privilege, her grandmother instilled in her compassion, empathy, and to know the difference between right and wrong, good and evil. When her beloved grandmother dies, she is left with nothing but an old trailer park and just the clothes off her back, or so she thinks. After inheriting the trailer park, Jessica is suddenly thrown into a world she never knew existed. Her Room mate and lover, Dr. Daniel Newman, who not only shares her last name, but weaves Jessica into a secret world of sizzling sex, mutilated cadavers, and undermining a scheming medical director for his own vain purposes. Dr. William Brooks, her employer, who drowns her in a sea of lies, blackmail and betrayal.
Now follow that with two punk rock renters, an old woman that also delves in the dark world of illegal surgeries and an oriental hooker that stalks Jessica long after she's dead and buried. I mean really...what's a nurse to do?"

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brenda Bailey
• Release date: Jan 7, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452328751

Brenda Bailey

I live in Rural Indiana. I read and write erotic horror novels! Visit my official website to browse my novels in print. "Leave behind the ordinary and join me in the horrific." -Brenda Bailey

Book preview

Ragdoll

Brenda Bailey

Published by Horrorotica at smashwords.com Copyright 2008 Brenda Bailey. This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. The e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it to Smash Words and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author. This book is also available in print paperback at http://brendabaileyhorrorotica.yolasite.com.

Chapter one

Jessica stood unnerved at her grandmother’s bedside, watching her Aunt Annie pacing the floor, arguing over the real estate that would soon be divided among the surviving family members.

Sniffing, her heart heavy with pain, Jessica brushed a lock of her brilliant-red hair away from her face, reaching out to touch the lily-white cheek of her dying grandmother.

In her mind’s eye, she recalled how her grandmother raised her from the time she was three, when her real mother abandoned her, until now that she was twenty-five and sitting continually at bedside.

Ruth Newman was eighty-nine years old, Jessica knew she shouldn’t have been surprised when the old woman caught a bout of pneumonia that she could no longer fight off, but it was still hard for her to accept that the end was near.

Ruth coughed unmercifully, her eyes fluttered open and she smiled at Jessica, seeing a reflection of herself in her granddaughter’s eyes.

Jessie, you’re still here? she said low, her voice raw, stretched thin with the pain that knifed through her.

I’m here, Grandma. Jessica said, her vision blurred by tears she hadn’t realized she was shedding. I’m not going anywhere.

Are you awake, Ruth? Annie asked, flipping her black hair over her shoulder as she lifted a slick mink coat up to the sunlight that gleamed through the hospital window. I was just admiring this coat of yours.

Ruth’s mild green eyes glinted with anger. You can’t have it, I’m not dead yet. She retorted coldly, frowning.

Oh, you’re so silly. Annie cooed, slipping the coat over her shoulders and then smiling at herself in the mirror above the sink. I was just looking at it, that’s all.

I said the coat would be yours. Ruth barked, clutching her chest as she heaved and gasped. But you’re going to have to wait until I’m dead.

Jessica flinched at the hoarse coughing, wishing her grandmother could breathe easier.

Standing upright, Jessica reached behind Ruth’s head and fluffed her pillows, cupping her hand over her chest and tapping gently in an attempt to clear her airway.

She was thankful she finished nursing school right after high school. Though she worked the past six years at a mental institution, her nursing skills came in handy when any of her family members became sick.

Thank you, Honey. Ruth murmured, patting her warmly across the cheek. At least you weren’t going to just stand there and watch me slowly suffocate.

Glad when the soft gurgle in her grandmother’s chest died down, Jessica sighed with relief and leaned back against the wall. She hung her head low, watching the floor for a few moments, then lifting her face quickly, she found herself being scrutinized by her aunt whose eyes were wide, angry and filled with what was obviously a keen jealousy.

Rolling her eyes, Jessica turned away and slipped out into the hall, relieved to be away from the tension.

Standing alone, she glanced down the hall at her other estranged family members that stood whispering to themselves, watching and waiting for the old woman’s demise.

Twiddling her thumbs, she thought about her Aunt Annie who had been married to her Uncle Nick for twenty-five years. It was an obvious fact her aunt was the greediest and most shallow, self-centered person in the family, but no one bothered to speak up. What was the point? Her Uncle Nick was enamored by the woman, completely blind to her misgivings.

Everyone, attention, Annie called, stepping from the door and waving her hands. Ruth wants to see us all back inside.

Jessica felt her heart skip a beat. She hurried to her grandmother’s bedside, followed by a rush of clattering feet as the rest of her relatives bustled inside in a flurry.

Come close everyone, it’s time to have the talk. Ruth said, her breath becoming shallow as she spoke. I don’t have long in this world and I want to pass down everything that I own.

Jessica licked her suddenly dry lips, her scalp crinkled and her body trembled. How would she cope without her beloved grandmother?

Molly, I will start with you first. Ruth said, waiting until her overweight sister stepped forward, her eyes red-rimmed with tears.

I’m here for you, Ruthie. Molly said her tone shaky.

Jessica watched with anticipation, her great Aunt Molly was the closest thing she had to a decent family member. Molly was Ruth’s younger sister, but at eighty-one, one had to wonder what she would do if willed a large sum of money.

I leave you that china set you’ve always admired. Ruth smiled, reaching out for the chubby hand that Molly offered, squeezing it warmly. You know the dishes with the gold trim and the pink roses painted in the center.

Silly Billy, Molly chuckled, tears streaming down her face. You gave me that set years ago.

I did?

Yes, you gave it to me a few years ago.

Alright, then I will leave you that old wooden radio that sits in the parlor. Ruth said. I know how much you liked it. I remember all the old shows we used to listen to when we were children.

You’re referring to the same radio sitting by the bookcase, aren’t you?

Yes, that’s the one.

Uh…you gave me that radio a year ago.

You’re kidding.

No.

Well, hell. Ruth murmured. What haven’t I given you?

Your mansion.

Besides that.

I could use a car.

You don’t have a driver’s license, sweetie.

I finally got my driver’s license last year. Molly explained. You took me to the license branch, don’t you remember?

Apparently not. Ruth sighed. Alright, I will leave you my car.

Nodding, Molly stood aside, bawling loudly.

My son, Nicky-boy, come here. Ruth said, looking up as Jessica’s Uncle Nick came forth, Annie quickly clinging to his arm.

I give you the sum of my money in the Hunningwell Bank and the mansion that I own in Burnsville.

She said, hesitating a moment as she coughed and choked, then adding. I give your wife, Annie my mink coat and my wedding rings.

Nick smiled, though his eyes were filled with sadness. Annie covered her mouth with the back of her hand as though stifling a mock sob.

Marybeth and Nicholas Junior, my grandchildren, come here to Grandma.

Jessica drew in a deep breath and watched as her cousins shuffled to their grandmother’s deathbed. Marybeth was ten years old and Nick Junior was only five, Jessica couldn’t help but wonder if they could understand the aspect of their grandmother dying and that once it was over, they would never see her again.

I have a college fund for the both of you and a very large trust fund. Ruth said softly, lifting a hand and tousling Marybeth’s long brown hair, smiling. But since you can’t do anything with that until you’re out of high school, I’m leaving you both a couple a hundred dollars to buy whatever you want.

Can I buy a house with mine, Grandma? Junior spoke aloud, his eyes wide and sparkling.

I don’t think a couple hundred dollars will buy you a house, Junior.

Can I buy army men action figures?

You can buy all the army men toys you want, sweetie.

Will you go with us to the store, Grandma? He asked innocently.

No child, you will have to go with your mother and father. Ruth said sadly.

When are you going to die, Grandma? Marybeth asked. Mommy and Daddy said that once you’re dead they can take a cruise to Alaska and Mommy’s going to buy a convertible with the money you’re leaving them.

Jessica gasped, followed by a hush over the crowd of onlookers.

Ruth swept Marybeth into her arms and then flashed an angry glare over Nick and Annie. For the love of God, can’t wait to get me into the ground, can you?

Marybeth, how could you say such a thing? Annie snapped, hands on her hips. She’s just kidding.

But that’s what you said, Mommy. Marybeth gently argued, leaning over the bed and clutching her grandmother around the waist.

At least this child has the decency to be honest in her young age. Ruth retorted hotly.

I’m sorry, Grandma. Marybeth said, still oblivious to what her mother really meant by her cold remarks.

Never mind child, just hold Grandma for a few more minutes and then I have to talk to your Uncle Ray.

Jessica clasped a hand over her mouth and fought back more tears as she watched her little cousins sweep their arms around her darling grandmother and draw her slight form into a tight embrace.

Easing the children to one side, Ruth nodded towards Jessica’s Uncle Ray, the black sheep of the family.

Ray was staying at his mother’s mansion in Burnsville, most likely Nick and Annie would have him kicked out.

Jessica swallowed hard and watched as her tall and thin uncle came forward, kneading his black beard nervously.

Before I leave you anything, my son, I want you to check yourself into rehab for your obvious alcohol problem. Ruth said sternly, shaking a finger.

I don’t have a problem, Ma. Ray said, folding his arms across his chest, scoffing.

Yes you do and my dying wish is to see you get yourself cleaned up.

I’m not an alcoholic. He argued, coughing. I can quit whenever I want…I just don’t want to.

Jessica’s brows furrowed with worry, she could smell the whiskey hot on his breath.

Fine, deny your dying mother a final wish. Ruth chimed, looking away. I thought I could die in peace, but I guess it wasn’t meant to be.

Alright, fine, I’ll check myself in. Ray sighed heavily, rolling his eyes. But it won’t do any good, because I’m not really an alcoholic.

Fine, you’re not an alcoholic. Ruth chortled, shaking her head pitifully. Thank you for going into rehab anyway. I had my lawyer set you up for an all expenses paid stay at the Gabor Light Rehabilitation center until you are fully recovered. After you are finished with your treatment, I leave you the sum of forty thousand dollars and my small vacation house on the beach in Malibu.

Thanks, Ma, Ray murmured, frowning and stumbling away.

Turning her head, Ruth out stretched her arms for Jessica.

Jessica went to her grandmother and hugged her.

I have something special for you, Jessie. Ruth said, easing her at arm’s length. I’m leaving you my trailer park across town and the main house that I used as an office.

Jessica recalled in her mind’s eye the old trailer park that her grandmother owned. Several acres that held four sixty’s style trailers and the main house that sat in the front, an old Victorian-style cottage with three bedrooms and French doors, hard wood floors through out.

Jessica remembered the many times they had stayed in that house off and on through the summers past. The last time Jessica stayed there was twelve years ago when she was thirteen.

Thank you, Grandma, she said, choking back a sob. Oh, Grandmother, thank you so very much!

That place is just perfect for you. Ruth smiled, grasping Jessica by the arms and pulling her close. I have something secret hidden there for you, too.

What is it, Grandma? Jessica asked, curious. What do you mean?

I hid something in the trailer park for you.

You said that, what is it?

I don’t remember, but it was something grand.

Do I have to look for it?

No, but I imagine you’ll find it someday. Ruth grinned. Now come here and let me hold you for a few minutes.

Jessica leaned over the bed and rested her head on her grandmother’s chest, relishing the last few moments she had with her. Closing her yes, she listened to the rhythmic beat of her grandmother’s heart, though it was weak and slothful.

You know what? Ruth said, drawing Jessica’s attention. You’ll never guess what I found when Molly and I was cleaning out the attic a few weeks ago.

What?

I found Sunny Sue, your old rag doll. She chuckled low, stifling a ragged cough.

Oh goodness, I almost forgot about her. Jessica muttered, wrapping her arms about the old woman as she listened. You gave me that doll when I was four years old.

I remember her. If only I had a dime for every time she had an arm pulled off. I spent many a summer night sewing new arms on that doll.

What did you do with her?

She’s in with your stuff in the attic. Ruth replied. I didn’t have the heart to throw her out.

I’m glad. Jessica laughed, choking back her tears.

Now take your little cousins downstairs and buy them some soda pop from the vending machine, I need to speak to the others alone and I don’t want the little ones to hear. Ruth said, easing Jessica at arm’s length.

Nodding, she stooped over and gave her grandmother one last kiss on the forehead and then stepped from the room.

That night Jessica lay awake in bed for the longest time watching the second hand on the clock as it slowly swirled around. She skipped supper, though her Aunt Annie insisted she try and eat something. Now her belly churned, a dull nauseated feeling climbed into the pit of her stomach. She had hoped for many days that some miracle would come to pass and spare her Grandmother’s life, but now it looked as if that miracle would not come after all.

Closing her eyes, she finally drifted off in a fitful sleep.

She was back in her customary dream, a place she dreamed of every night, especially after her mother abandoned her when she was very little. She was in the clouds with her father and he looked exactly like his pictures. He was a husky man in his thirties, the same age as he had been when he was killed, bald with several faded blue tattoos that lined his hairy forearms.

Come here and give your dad a hug, Shortcake. Larry Newman said, taking Jessica into his embrace and holding her tight. I can tell something is bothering you.

With weak knees and tears threatening to fall, Jessica eased back at arm’s length; the golden clouds causing a sad glint to reflect in her eyes.

Is Grandma going to die, Daddy? She asked, swallowing hard.

I’m afraid so, sweetie. He murmured softly, drawing her into his lap as he seemed to sit in mid air, nothing but the wind and a sweep of sparking stars beneath him.

Jessica rested her head on his broad shoulder. Can’t you ask God to give her another chance? Can’t he allow her to live just another few years?

You know that God doesn’t work in such a way. He said, holding her face against his chest. God gave Grandma eighty-nine years on the earth and for that we must be thankful.

I’m afraid to be alone. Jessica whispered, sniffing. I’m afraid to be without Grandma.

Placing a finger under Jessica’s chin, Larry lifted her face to his and smiled encouragingly. I know you’re afraid, but with life all things must change. I watched Grandma raise you with the utmost care and I got to see you finish school and get your nursing degree. You and Grandma made me proud and now I’m going to have Grandma here with me for all eternity. Now that’s not a bad thing, is it?

Jessica forced a smile, paining inside even more speaking her name, but she swallowed it down. Yeah, that’s a good thing.

But, Larry said, arching an eyebrow.

I’m still going to miss her. Jessica murmured somberly, sighing.

And it’s alright to miss her. Larry chuckled, pressing Jessica close and giving her a playful hug. But remember, no matter what, you’ll never be alone. Grandma and I will be watching over you all the time, just like I do now and we’ll be here for you in your dreams and in your prayers.

A keen relief caused Jessica to let out a long quivering sigh. Ok. She whispered.

Fluttering her eyes open to another day, Jessica squinted as a beam of golden sunlight gleamed into her window. Shading her eyes with the side of her hand, she listened to the sound of a robin singing as it flitted from her window sill.

Somehow she thought she heard her Grandma’s spirit in the robin, filling the morning with its glorious song. The thought made her smile.

Chapter two

Jessica sat trembling in her chair, her stomach tight and clenched her face stiff and her heart empty. Looking up, she could see the tranquil form of her grandmother lying in the casket, the pew filled with a never-ending display of flowers.

Flicking away the tears, Jessica sucked in a deep breath and tried to put on a brave face when her two younger cousins came bounding in.

Grandma’s in heaven now, Jessie. Junior cried, pointing up at the coffin. She’s an angel flying high in the sky, like that nun she used to watch on TV.

That’s right, buddy. Jessica smiled, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. Grandma’s flying in the clouds just like that nun.

Marybeth leaned into Jessica’s arms, her thick brown hair tied back with black ribbons, her expression forlorn. I’m going to miss Grandma. She moaned.

I know we’re all going to miss her. She nodded mournfully, sighing and resting her hands in her lap as the children left and eased into their own chairs next to hers.

Letting her gaze slide towards the door, Jessica swallowed hard the bitter bile that rose in her throat when she saw her aunt come strutting in as if the mortuary wasn’t good enough for her.

With high heels clip-clopping and her tea-cup poodle in her arms, she marched up to the pew and stared down smugly at her deceased mother-in-law.

I see what you’re up to, old lady. She whispered, staring down at the corpse, her obnoxious little dog wiggling about in her arms. I hope you don’t think you can get away with this, I know what your little secret for Jessie is and I’m going to be the one to cash in on it.

Nick came behind Annie, circling his arms possessively around her waist.

Are you alright, my darling? he asked, pressing a kiss to the side of her face. I know how much you loved Mother.

Oh, I’ll be fine, but it’s Jessie that I’m really worried about. Annie lied. I thought I’d take a few days after the funeral to drive out to the trailer park and make sure she’s ok.

She’s twenty five years old, Babe. Nick replied, leading Annie back to their seating in the front row. I’m sure she’ll manage.

All the same, with your brother, her father dead and that worthless mother of hers running off years ago, I just feel it’s my duty to see that she gets settled in.

You’re always thinking of others first. Nick remarked, feeling the heat of his loins rise when Annie stroked the side of his cheek and eyed him knowingly.

Chapter three

Driving up the dirt lane, a blur of dust trailed behind her small car. Pulling the car to an abrupt stop, Jessica rolled open the window and peered out.

Waving away a cloud of filth, she shaded her eyes with the side of her hand against the sun that glared high in the sky.

Squinting hard, she read an old wooden sign that said Star Dust Park in