Two J's Investigations: Book One-Flight from Darkness

By E. C. Anderlee

Jennifer had to escape. Her life was threatened at the hands of her abusive husband. He beat her severely for no apparent reason. With the help of Jonathan, a high school friend, and two other friends, she manages to get out. Richard was furious. He swore he'd get her back and then he would teach her a lesson. She would listen to him, just like he had to listen to his dad.

• Language: English
• Publisher: E. C. Anderlee
• Release date: Oct 2, 2012
• ISBN: 9780991700608

E. C. Anderlee

I've dreamt of writing since I was a young child, especially fiction. I love to write, and read, fiction. I prefer stories that have a realistic feel to them, that are supenseful and full of mystery and that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. I would love to live in a small town, in a brightly lit cottage, where I could write my stories for everyone to enjoy.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Jennifer was running...she had to get away from Richard, her husband of seven years. She was terrified. What if he found her…what would he do to her? When she found out she was pregnant she felt the overpowering need to protect her unborn child. Keeping the pregnancy from Richard was a subconscious effort to protect him or her and the beginnings of a plan was born. She kept silent about the baby because she dreaded the parenting techniques he’d use. She never considered this baby his. He didn’t deserve a baby…if she escaped, this baby would be hers alone…I will keep my baby safe from Richard’s brutality! She vowed intensely.

Richard hit her for no reason, especially when he was drunk. Whenever things didn’t go his way, he used her as a punching bag to relieve his tension. She couldn’t remember how many bruises or black eyes she had endured. He tried to control her every move; never allowed her to see or make friends and she wasn’t allowed to visit her family without him by her side. Jennifer felt so alone. What was she going to do, how would she survive without a job or money; she didn’t have any way to get out...but now!

A few weeks ago, Richard told her to go to the Laundromat because their washer broke down. He gave her just enough money to wash and dry two load and knew how long it took for the loads to finish. She better be home by 2:00 pm, he said in his intimidating voice, giving her that look she knew only too well. His eyebrows were fixed into the familiar frown that came just before his vengeance exploded. His face would become ominous and dark, like a cloud that darkens before it storms. Fear radiated through her stomach making her body feel like icicles were dipping down her back. Rushing, she gathered two loads and dumped them into her laundry basket, took the appropriate amount of detergent and softener, loaded the car and drove to the Laundromat.

The Laundromat was downtown, about five minutes away. It was a beautiful day, and she wanted to enjoy it because she was seldom out without Richard. It’s a lovely sunny July day, she thought. She watched some kids running up and down the street, riding their bikes. They looked so innocent and happy. She heard them laughing and chuckling to each other. They appeared not to have a care in the world. Thinking about her baby Jennifer felt sad because she didn’t know if her child’s life would be as happy or carefree as these children seemed to be. She had to find a way to protect her baby.

Passing Jan’s Cafe, she thought about going in for a coffee but didn’t dare. So she drove by the Cafe and the Children’s Clothing Shop. The Laundromat was jammed between One Stop Dry Cleaning, and Sandy-Cove Bake Shop, its weather beaten store-front showing it was past its prime and in need of a fresh coat of paint.

Finding a parking spot close by, Jennifer eased into it and parked. She climbed out of the car and looked around to see if many cars were parked near the Laundromat. There were a few and her heart sank in fear. What would she do if the washers were all taken? She quickly gathered up the wash, and hurried into the Laundromat. Glancing around, she noticed two free washers toward the back. Breathing in a deep sigh of relief she hurried over to grab them. After the washers were loaded, she inserted the coins and pressed start. Looking around, she noticed most of the people were already doing their wash, and would be finished before she was. She hoped two dryers would be free when her wash was done.

The Laundromat was buzzing with people milling around waiting for a washer or dryer to finish so they could get on with their busy lives. It was hot and stuffy; the machines tumbling and spinning added to the confusion. Jennifer watched as a family sorted clothes laughing and talking about the day they were having. They sounded happy and contented. What was contentment anyway? She never had those feelings anymore. Richard never went on family outings with her. She was always alone. What would it be like to have a man who enjoyed doing ordinary daily chores with her; like the man sharing laundry duty with his wife? She didn’t know. She felt sad and alone. Her heart constricted and a hard lump formed in her chest.

Jennifer’s thoughts reverted back to her situation. She married Richard just out of high school. Her parents Dan and Emily Waters didn't want her to marry so young; they wanted her to go to University and continue her studies. Her father tried to convince her to go to College or University to obtain her degree then get married. She planned on a career in design, her speciality leaning towards designing Company names and signs for large Firms. It could have been a productive career choice for her, but she never took the opportunity to pursue her career. When she met Richard, he swept her off her feet and University didn’t seem important anymore.

She’d enjoyed a happy childhood. She had loving parents; they were deeply concerned for her safety. They wanted the best for her and hoped she would obtain a good education so she would be self-sufficient and independent. She wondered if they were disappointed in her.

She was an only child for about 15 years, then her little sister came along. She remembered the excitement of the new baby coming into their family. The enjoyment that came with Baby Mel fulfilled their dreams and made the family complete. The sweet baby smells a new little one brings into the house was an enchanting memory to be held in the heart forever. Nothing felt better. Melody was a beautiful baby and Jennifer loved to hold her or stand by the crib admiring her perfection. Her little fingers and toes were always moving and grabbing onto a little stuffed animal or onto Jennifer’s fingers. A look at you with those eyes of hers would melt your heart in a second. Melody was a charmer and loved to sit on Jennifer’s knee and play with whatever jewelry Jennifer was wearing. Melody would lay her head on Jennifer’s shoulder and fiddle with her earrings while she was falling asleep.

Richard had a good job in Advertising. His dad worked for Mathew and Duncan Advertising and the company employed Richard to work after school with his dad learning the Advertising business inside out. When Richard’s dad passed away, the company hired Richard full time to take over for his dad.

When Richard and Jennifer began dating, he would take her out, dazzling her with gifts and fancy dinning, taking her to concerts and the movies. Any wish was granted. Jennifer felt loved and pampered. He proposed to her and gave her a beautiful diamond engagement ring. Jennifer was ecstatic. Life was beautiful!

Richard talked her into getting married right away and their wedding took place in October of the year she graduated. Her parents tried once again to encourage Jennifer to finish her education before getting married, but Jennifer wouldn't listen and the marriage took place as planned. After the wedding, her dreams of University went up in smoke when Richard said he didn't want her working, so she stayed home.

Life was perfect for the first few months of their marriage. Jennifer and Richard lived a life of refinement. Richard handled many consultations for the business and the clients were often invited to their home for dinner parties. Jennifer went out of her way to learn how to entertain in the proper manner. She wanted to impress Richard’s clients. She knew how important it was to Richard to show himself as superior in all areas. Richard was never satisfied with second best. Everything had to be first-class…he was embarrassed with anything less. At first Richard seemed very happy with her participation in the plans for their life.

A few months after they were married, Jennifer noticed changes in Richard’s demeanour. He became demanding and she began to feel threatened. As time passed his verbal abuse increased. He would yell and criticize, telling her she wasn't worth anything to anyone, she couldn't do anything right. Jennifer’s self-worth began to crumble; she felt useless and worthless. That was the beginning. Her life began collapsing in front of her. She was disappearing and only a shell remained; she didn’t know what to do.

She didn’t understand the changes in him. He became impossible to satisfy and was always angry. When she asked him what was wrong, he wouldn’t answer except to say his dad would be disappointed in him and wouldn’t be pleased with his efforts to secure the perfect family. She never understood what he meant by that. She hadn’t met his father…he’d died before she and Richard were married. Richard never introduced her to his father. He said his father was always working and too busy. She would meet him at the wedding, but he had the heart attack two months before.

I don’t understand, Richard. What happened to us? We were happy; you used to say I was the only girl for you; no one else would do then suddenly you act like you wished you never married me. I do everything you want and you are never satisfied. If you’d just let me know what I’m doing wrong, I would fix it. I try and try but nothing I do fixes what is wrong. Why are you drinking so much? If I knew what was bothering you maybe I could help. I don’t know what to do! I’m so mixed up! She sighed, feeling miserable.

Jennifer sat with her head down staring at her hands. She held her hands out looking at her nails. They were cracked, unpolished; she didn’t care anymore. She remembered the times she and mom went to the Salon to have their nails manicured and how good it felt. They always took Melody with them. Mel was so excited when the girls at the salon put colors on her nails and decorated them with flowers or stars. Every time Jennifer came for a visit, Mel would say, Let’s get pretty nails! Jennifer wanted to cry but instead held herself stiff and closed off, just like she always did. She was afraid the wall she had built around herself would crumble in chunks around her feet, leaving her naked. She couldn’t relax; she might break into little pieces if she let herself go.

The only way she could survive was to put up walls and not allow even a tiny flicker of emotion to penetrate through that wall. When Richard was around, her stomach felt like it was full of rocks weighing her down. She could never let him see a glimmer of emotion. He would find some fault with her and accuse her of some wrongdoing. She always kept her face still and flat so he couldn’t see anything going on inside her. It made her feel more secure if he couldn’t read her emotions.

Jennifer had very dark black hair that cascaded down her back, and dark brown eyes. With her creamy soft skin, she was a knockout. Richard was charming, and very handsome with his blond hair and vibrant blue eyes. When they were together, they complimented each other’s looks. Everyone would say, What a beautiful couple. If they only knew what went on behind closed doors! Those beautiful blue eyes darkened to a seething dark cold slate when he was in one of his rages. Sometimes they appeared to be like gaping black holes!

Melody was three when Jennifer and Richard married. Jennifer went over for regular visits for a few months then Richard began complaining that she was spending too much time with her parents and soon started his demands that she stay home where she belonged. At first, Jennifer was adamant that she spend time with her parents and Melody. They were a close-knit family and she couldn’t figure out why Richard was upset. That was the first time he hit her. Of course he apologized and promised he’d never hit her again. He blamed it on stress at work. She soon learned that she’d better not go anywhere without Richard’s permission. Then shortly after this episode, he demanded she stay home where she belonged and only visit her parent’s home when he accompanied her which was seldom. That was the beginning!

That was the beginning of Jennifer’s downhill spiral, she felt very alone and depressed, and lost her drive to be the perfect wife Richard wanted. It didn’t matter anymore…

Jennifer noticed that the washers were finished and unloaded the machines. But when she went to the dryers, only one was available. She didn't know what to do. She couldn't fit all the clothes in one dryer so she had to wait until the first load dried to put in the next. She began sweating, and felt cold, then hot. She was terrified because she wouldn’t make it home by 2:00. What will I do? She agonized, frightened as she thought about those huge fists that could inflict agony and shatter her dreams one at a time with each blow. After the clothes were dry, she dumped them in the basket without folding them, ran to the car, and threw the basket on the seat. Running around to the driver’ side she wrenched the door open, jumped in and sped home. It was 2:40.

As Jennifer walked in the door, Richard grabbed her arm and twisted it, the clothes basket and detergent sailed across the room, clothes scattering everywhere. Where were you, who were you with? I can't let you out of my sight and you mess around. Answer me, where were you!

Richard, you’re hurting me, stop, I didn't do anything but the washing, I had to wait for a dryer! Jennifer moaned, feeling pain exploding in hot waves down her arm. She tried to wrench free, but his grip on her arm felt like fingers of iron holding her firmly in place, her feet felt encased in blocks of cement. She couldn’t get away.

Likely story, I can't trust you for a minute, you were out with some guy weren't you? And look at that mess, you never even folded the laundry, it‘s all wrinkled! You can‘t do anything right, can you! Uncontrollable rage flooded Richards face and his eyes darkened into frozen cubes of ice.

Please Richard no, I didn’t have time. I wasn't anywhere but the Laundromat, she screamed. Richard was in a terrible rage. Why? What did she do wrong? She must have done something to make him angry, but what? She could never figure out what she did to anger him to such a degree. She tried so hard to please him.

Jennifer could smell the stench of booze emanating from him, and his eyes were blood shot. He was livid, his grip on her arm so tight, impressions of his fingers were imbedded in her skin. She was sent into that same rollercoaster spiral she had endured so many times before. All hope gone, she crouched down waiting for the blows.

You stupid bitch, he yelled at her as he slammed his fist into her face than punched her in the stomach.

Please Richard, NO! Don’t hurt me. She began sobbing and tears streamed down her cheeks. He twisted her arm until she screamed, and she heard a crunching sound. Jennifer doubled up, the pain was excruciating, like someone stabbing her shoulder with a searing hot knife. She felt faint, then everything went black and she passed out.

CHAPTER TWO

Jennifer came to, hearing rustling sounds and soft voices around her. She slowly opened her eyes; the dazzling light sent spikes like molten lead smashing through her brain. She closed her eyes to shut out the white intensity of the light, and squinted as she peeked through her lashes. She felt unbearable pain in her face and arm and squeezed her eyes closed again waiting for the pain to disappear but it only intensified. Trying to open them again she saw specks of white shimmering in her vision. Her stomach was throbbing. She reached over and placed her hand gingerly on her stomach in an effort to ward off any more pain. A nurse was standing by the side of her bed taking her blood pressure. She was a mature woman, with greying hair pulled back in a bun. She had a sweet mothering personality, her ample body enclosed in a soft plump frame. Her glasses hung on a chain around her neck.

Hello dear. You’re with us again I see. You’ve had a bad fall. Your husband is just outside, he told us you were on a ladder and fell while you were painting. You need to be more careful, dear. I'll send your husband in when I’m done here. He's very upset about your accident.

The nurse finished reading her blood pressure then took her temperature. She handed two little white pills to Jennifer with a paper cup of water. Take these dear. They will help with the pain.

When Jennifer lifted her head, the room began spinning and she flopped back on her pillow. Shooting stabs of pain shot through her arm and face. The nurse gently lifted her head and held the cup to her lips. Jennifer carefully placed the pills in her mouth and swallowed them with a sip of water, laying back down slowly trying not to jar her arm. When she was settled, the nurse said. I’ll send your husband in now, ok?

What am I going to do! Jennifer thought, panicking. I can't continue doing this. Somehow I have to get out. I have to find a way! She decided. Jennifer felt like she was suffocating, everything was closing in on her. This is the last time, she screamed to herself. Her insides felt like they were exploding. When my Doctor releases me, I'm getting out somehow! I must protect this tiny precious baby I’m carrying.

Richard came in looking a little apprehensive. In his patronizing voice he said to her, Jenny, I'm so sorry, this won't happen again. I love you, and you know I’ll never hurt you again, please forgive me? I told them you fell off the ladder. You have to stick with that story. We don’t want the Doctor to know any different, ok? Make sure you keep quiet, you know I didn’t mean for this to happen, right? You know that don’t you, he reasoned it out, knowing Jennifer would keep quiet.

Jennifer nodded, not saying anything; she didn't want to make him mad again. She had heard these same excuses a thousand times before. Every time he beat her, he would cry and say he was sorry. He would never hurt her again. He always said the same thing. Jennifer finally understood it would never get better. If only she knew how to get out of the situation she was in. She was scared to involve her parents, Richard would blame them. But she finally realized that she would have to find the strength to leave. Her first plan was to call her parents and clue them in. That would be very difficult for her…she was embarrassed to let them know what was going on, but she needed their support. She needed verification that they would stand behind her in the decision she was making. She already knew they we’re the kind of parents who wouldn't place the blame on her and would do anything for their ‘baby’. If she was unsafe, they would do anything to protect her.

Jennifer felt a little better when she thought of