The Ultimate Sins

By Carol Ann Culbert Johnson

A serial killer is on the loose and women are frighten for their lives. This is a story of a lost soul, who from childhood, hasn't been loved my his mother, and turns into a maniac because of his lack of love from his mother, and others. The story centers around Detective Hash Brown, and Detective Jason Little in pursuit of this nutcase, as he reigns down on his terror in Chicago.

Detective Hash Brown has his own demons to contend with, and might find love in the process.

Detective Jason Little, the player of women, falls in love, but does he really?

Take a ride with issues of childhood, madness, violence, love, romance, crime, and passion.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Carol Ann Culbert Johnson
• Release date: Aug 18, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311943637

Carol Ann Culbert Johnson

My name is Carol Ann Culbert Johnson. I am 54 years old, and I live in a suburb of Chicago, IL, Lombard IL. Reading and writing is my passion. I am a published writer.

Book preview

Prologue

He sat full of anticipation as he watched the shoppers in the Ford City Mall. Watching gave him the opportunity to study people and he could tell a lot about a person by her mannerisms. Of course, most women were whores anyway. They were always so obvious, he thought, and good at pretending. To watch them prance in their ridiculously short skirts and dresses took his mind places he did not care to go.

Pathetic, he said, whispering his thoughts aloud. He took a deep breath to steel himself against the hunger within. He hadn’t relieved himself in months, and the urges were becoming more difficult to control, but he couldn’t lose focus. It was how he managed to stay one step ahead all this time. He paid attention to what he had come to Chicago to do and steadied himself for the night ahead.

One

Sela Bard

I can’t believe tomorrow’s the big day. Can you believe that I’m forty years old and about to make my first trip down the aisle? I have waited a long time for this day, Sela laughed.

Sela is a high-fashion model, still going strong at the age of forty, when the younger generation would take over, and models like Sela would fade into the limelight. She had no siblings, since her mother had her young, and she was going from foster home to foster home until her mother’s aunt took her in, until she died from lung cancer. She was happy to meet Mandy, and Sela became a part of their family. Mandy’s mother was her mother.

She never thought she’d ever find the happiness of a man in her life. Most men wanted to be seen with her, and they also wanted her to buy them cars, clothes, and everything under the sun. Her hard earned money was only for herself, and the family and friends she chose to share her money with, thank you very much.

You just needed to meet the right guy. Mandy looked her friend in the eye. I want you to know that I am honored to be your maid of honor.

Mandy and Sela were like sisters, both the same age, and loving their friendship. They would die for each other, and that was the bottom line. Mandy could share her secrets, and share her life with Sela, and the two of them were bonded for life.

Of course Mandy had her mother, and missed her father who died from a heart attack, but the memories kept her going. She was an only child, so Sela was the perfect sister for her. The two were definitely sisters, and it didn’t matter that blood didn’t flow from their being. They were sisters in every sense of the word.

It had taken Sela years to accept a dinner date invitation from Billy, Mandy’s ex-husband. Even when Mandy moved on after her and Billy’s divorce, and suggested he ask Sela out years after, Sela remained resolute, refusing the offer. It took a pointed discussion with her friend, to get her to accept Billy’s offer.

You know, I still can’t believe I’m marrying your ex-husband.

Billy has been in love with you for years. Besides, I’m single and loving it.

Sela chuckled. Anything I should know about him before tomorrow?

Mandy shook her head. I was glad to spend those five years of my life with him, but we are better as friends. Besides, once I had him, the challenge was gone, she teased. I’m thrilled the two of you can have what we didn’t. You both deserve that.

Sela stood from where she sat across from her friend and leaned down to give her a hug. I can’t believe you. I love you, too, but I can’t say, if the tables were turned, that I wouldn’t be holding you at gun point. Mandy shook her head again. Billy and I just weren’t in love like the two of you are. It makes a difference. Now, she said before standing, let’s make sure you have everything you’re going to need for tomorrow.

Sela smiled. Billy was forty-five, handsome, and kind. She had been in love with Billy while he was dating Mandy and knew he was attracted to her, but kept it to herself for years.

Are you listening to me? Mandy asked.

I’m sorry, what?

Mandy smiled. Maybe one day she would find love like her two friends had.

Your lingerie? From Passions? Did you pick it up?

No, I need to pick it up today.

It’s nice of them to show their support by contributing to the wedding night, Mandy teased. I’ll pick it up for you. I would hate for anything to happen to you.

Sela had been an underwear model for over fifteen years, and she was good at it. She made plenty of money and could have retired, but loved the work. She laughed.

What’s going to happen to me on the eve of my wedding?

Mandy laughed, but things were going so well and she didn’t want any hiccups the night before showtime. The stress of planning was getting to her, weird dreams and all. She would see Sela’s face, and then a man with a knife. Mandy would try helping her, but couldn’t move and would wake as Sela was screaming for her life. No, she was not letting Sela out of her sight.

I’m going with you, Sela.

Don’t you have the catering service to supervise?

I have everything under control. Vance is on the job handling last minute errands. Vance was Mandy’s new assistant, but because of a family issue, Vance had to resign. Now Mandy was on her own for the moment.

Vance is in love with you, Sela pointed out.

Mandy laughed. Who? I think of him as a brother. I don’t have any romantic feelings for him.

Your mate could be right under your nose, Sela teased.

Oh, please. I’m keeping my blinders on until I get you to the altar, Mandy joked. I want you to know that you are my dearest friend.

You know I love you, too. Sela sighed as she looked around the living room. I’m going to miss this condo, she said. But it will be nice moving into the house and making it our own. Billy had given Sela the house of her dreams as a wedding present. I don’t know what I would do without him.

That’s right. You are going to love it, Mandy said. Now, let’s head over to Passions to pick up your things.

I want you to get some rest today, Mandy. You have been running around for weeks.

I have to go with you. I’m not about to let you go anywhere alone. Tomorrow is the most important day of your life.

Sela laughed. I have always known you were superstitious, but most of your superstitions have been wrong, Mandy. Like last year when you didn’t want me to fly to Paris. I went, and I’m still in one piece. So, don’t jinx me. Now, if you excuse me, I need to call my man and then I’m going to Passions to pick up my bag.

I’m going with you. Give me ten minutes to consult with the catering service, and I’ll be all yours.

Do your thing and I’ll meet you outside?

***

Sela smiled as she sat in the car waiting for Mandy and reached for her LG Intuition and dialed Billy's number. Hi baby.

You’re not supposed to be talking to me, Billy smiled.

I just wanted to hear your sexy voice.

I feel the same way, he stated.

Mandy is driving me crazy. I’m going to pick up the rest of my wedding and honeymoon attire, but she insists on going with me. What do you think?

I think you should humor her.

Sela laughed. I know you are right, but I think I’m going to leave Mandy; she needs the rest. I’ll be back soon. I love her, and I love and adore you.

Be careful. I love you.

I love you, too.

Sela hung up the telephone and was very happy. She started the car and drove off. She’d see Mandy later.

Sela, wait! Mandy came outside just as the car pulled off. As it turned out, there was business with the caterer that she had to handle alone. She turned and walked back into the building, convincing herself Sela would be just fine.

***

At the mall in Ford City, Sela smiled as she hurried to Passions. She smiled at the manager as she pushed into the store. Hi Mable, do you have my bag for me? I hope you put the lotions in there too. I want to smell good tonight.

Sure did. And I threw in a Zane book for you to read. That’ll keep him coming back for more, Mable laughed. I tried it, and my husband wants it five days a week. Sela laughed with her. Mable was so funny. She and her husband had been married for ten years and had a great sex life. I’ll get it for you.

Five minutes later Sela was on her way back to her car. She wanted a bath and some wine to relax; her life would be changing for the better tomorrow.

***

He saw her carrying a Passion's bag, and he knew he had found the one. As he followed her into the parking lot, he smiled to himself, excitement growing with each step. He quickened his pace, reminding himself to be patient.

***

Sela reached her car and took out her key. She hated to park in the alley, but didn’t have a choice. The mall parking lot was always so full on Friday evenings. Approaching her car, she popped the trunk before placing her shopping bag inside. She was about to turn around when she felt a presence, but he covered her mouth with a cloth and she was in the trunk before she knew what happened.

***

Sela opened her eyes staring around her. She was naked, and she was chained, spread-eagle, to a bed. Her vision was blurred. After a few minutes her sight cleared and she allowed her eyes to wander about the room before they settled on someone. The fear crept into her blood like ice.

Please, she said. Who are you? The stranger didn’t answer and Sela felt the hysteria rise in her as her mind cleared with each second. She struggled against the restraints. What do you want with me?! She waited. Say something!

I’m going to kill you, he responded.

Please, she cried. I’m getting married tomorrow, she sobbed, I’ll do anything.

He laughed and Sela screamed before he ran over and slapped her and covered her mouth with tape. I don’t want to hear your voice again. He stared at her legs spread wide for him and he gently planted a finger inside her. He withdrew his hand and sniffed his hands. This one smelled special. Most smelled like shit.

Sela’s muffled screams halted in horror as she felt his tongue probe her cunt and suck brutally.

Sela wept as she felt her body mounting a betrayal. Her mind began to spin as an orgasm swept over her and her surroundings became hazy.

He remembered the smell of his mother’s cunt: foul and damp. This one smelled the way he imagined his mother should have. Oh, mother, mother, mother. Mother, you smell so good.

Sela heard him groan and she gagged as she choked on her own vomit.

That was good, he said as he walked over to the dresser. Then he walked back over to the bed, and plunged it into Sela’s chest, cumming instantly. He shook; face contorted and lifted the blade plunging repeatedly, cumming harder with each time, before he was completely spent.

Two

Mandy Moore

Mandy paced Sela’s living room floor. It was after midnight and her friend wasn’t home.

She hated to call Billy at his bachelor party, but felt she had no choice.

She reached for her cell phone and dialed Billy’s number.

What’s up?

Mandy frowned. Billy? This is Mandy. Is Sela with you?

Of course not, he said. Why would she be with me?

She hasn’t come home, Billy, and it’s after midnight.

What?

Her cell is going straight to voicemail. Something is wrong.

Let’s not jump to any conclusions. I’m on my way.

Why don’t you and the guys go check around Ford City Mall? She went hours ago to pick up a package from Passions.

"The mall closed hours ago, but the boys and I will search for her. Hopefully she lost track of time. It wouldn’t be the first time.

I told her to wait for me.

I’m sure there is an explanation. I will check it out and call you back.

Mandy disconnected the call and sat down on Sela’s sofa looking around her condo. Mandy knew her friend was gone. She slowly stood and went to stand by the window. Normally, she enjoyed the view, but right now the water was as dark as earth with no answers.

Three

Detective Hash Brown

Hash Brown sat in his office at the 27th police station at 7:00 in the morning. He had a stack of folders on his desk of unsolved cases, and he was sick and tired of the crime in Chicago. He had been with the force since he was twenty and had seen more than any one man should see in his years on the police force.

Since his wife died, which he didn’t want to focus on, work was the only thing on his brain. It was his goal to stop crime forever, and ever, but he was asking for too much, of course. For the most part, he was getting sick of finding dead bodies, and people dying. He wanted to rid the world of crime, but he had to be realistic. Criminals were literally getting away with murder, and he had no clue as how to stop them.

Of course he wanted to find another kind of safe career, but he was a detective now, and it was imperative that he focused on his job. He didn’t have time for anything else. The City of Chicago was truly depending on him.

A knock sounded on his door. Come in.

Officer James, a rookie on the police force, walked in. Detective, we found a body in the alley near Ford City.

He shook his head. Who?

A black female, detective, Officer James replied.

Let’s go. Hash stood