The Twisting of Souls

By Christina Russell

‘THE TWISTING OF SOULS’ is an emotional roller coastal ride. Christina’s life had been falling apart. She had come to despise Carl, the man who had shared much of her life...a turbulent life.
Handsome and charismatic Carl De-vrise, feels the bottom has fallen out of his world. Unable to accept their relationship is over he becomes obsessed with revenge. No longer able to conceal his dark side, the depth of his sardonic passion is for all to see. His turmoil of seething emotion motivates his every attack, with only one thing in mind--to trap and destroy Christina.
Diagnosed with a fatal illness he had nothing to lose. His attitude was, even if he ended up dead, what the hell. “If I can’t have you then no other fucker will! And that dwarf you’re with, his days are numbered.”
The following 11 months became a living nightmare for Jack and Christina as they became ensnared in the emotional twist of daily onslaughts, perpetrated and executed by Carl De-Vrise.
His need to win and have total control underpinned his every move and using a phrase he often expressed “to win you have to know your opponent’s “Achilles Heel”. He certainly knew Christina’s.
Endeavouring to survive and outwit the malicious and vindictive actions perpetrated by Carl, forced Christina and Jack to defend and protect what was theirs. “How could she do this!” Was the cry of disbelief from family and friends when hearing that Christina was no longer with Carl. The close family were under no illusion, therefore, under “normal” circumstances, no heed would have been paid to Christina’s exit from the relationship. But this was not normal. Her timing was wrong. Carl had cancer.
Enduring 11 months of being stalked and harassed, with fear as their daily companion, the final straw eventually came when “nowhere else to hide” and being shot at-forced them to leave beloved England and flee for their lives.
A mistaken phone call intervenes with fate. Christina returns to England. Christina’s re-emergence into Carl’s life causes the family to gasp with disbelief. Carl is dying. It becomes imperative for Christina to seek forgiveness from Carl. Her daughter Felicity mistakenly believed that Carl would reject her. His welcome of Christina’s return, divides the family. Felicity’s jealousy of her mother’s occupancy in Carl’s life becomes a main thread in the second half of the book.
An unbelievable twist becomes the finale to this true and at times incredible story.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paws Publishing
• Release date: Nov 28, 2013
• ISBN: 9780954795139

Christina Russell

CHRISTINA RUSSELL—BIOGRAPHY TODAY a successful hypnotherapist and counsellor with my own practise, I have always nurtured my dream to write a best seller. I believe THE TWISTING OF SOULS is exactly that. I love writing and I am very proud of my book. THE TWISTING OF SOULS is a true story that illustrates to the reader with every turn of the page, a time in my life that I became a victim of stalking and harassment. I believe it has the potential to be a best seller. Deservedly so, as it carries a strong message to people, that like me, have once been victims. Originally born in Wales and adopted into a family at the age of 6 weeks. At the age of three, my mother, father and brother 2 years older than me, all moved to Dorset on the south coast and during my formative years it became evident that I was blessed with a talent for writing. However, at the age of 15, after proudly showing a story to my father who angrily rejected it because I had chosen to use a pseudonym - I resolved never to write again. By the time I had reached 21 I had been married for three years with three lovely children of my own. Sadly after 11 years the marriage dissolved, whereby I embarked on a new life, a new man, in a new town. The perplexity of that relationship, which lasted 27 years, prompted me once again to begin writing. I loved writing poetry. The threads of pain had always been present in my life and writing about what I saw and felt exercised my unconscious need to soothe, transforming all the pain into something beautiful. Though successful in having some of my work published over the years, I never received remuneration. Towards the end of the year 2000 I moved to Crete where I spent the following seven years of my life. It was during those years that I finally wrote ‘THE TWISTING OF SOULS’ I have now returned to the UK and live in Aberdeen, Scotland. My profession as a Hypnotherapist and qualified counsellor enables me to help people overcome adversity and achieve their dreams - I am now determined to realise my own dream with the publication of my first novel. Marilyn Cooper

Book preview

Chapter 1

Please fasten your seat belts and place your headrest in an upright position as we are now beginning our descent into Heathrow. Those words echoed familiarity, as during previous months I had been forced to commute back and forth from the idyllic Island of Crete. Eleven months had passed since Jack and I had made a life changing decision to leave England and only a few hours before I had been standing in the bright sunlight, saying goodbye to the man destined to live with me forever. As the plane continued descending, I stifled a laugh and thought about my situation. How crazy everything was!

There I was, taking the first flight to England immediately upon hearing the news that Carl was seriously ill in hospital, and not expected to live.

It was difficult to believe that just a year ago, the hate I had nursed towards him was evident to everyone, including me.

Having spent the best part of 27 years, enduring a highly tempestuous relationship with Carl, I decided it was time to go. The preceding few years, void of love and sharing, had invoked in me an inevitable peak. It forced me to address my situation. I could no longer ignore that ‘something is missing’ feeling, that accompanied me from the moment of opening my eyes as another day dawned, to the moment I went to sleep.

I deserved a chance at happiness and instinctively knew my life would become meaningless if I remained. I was even willing to forego the convenience of practising my profession as a Hypnotherapist in the familiar surroundings of my home. Therefore, with no heed to the consequences and desperate to escape a desolate existence, I found myself sitting in my car parked outside what had been my home for ten years.

A veil of water created from the silent splat of autumn rain, ran like tendrils down the glass filtering my view as I looked towards the bungalow. It was as if my whole life lay in front of me and encapsulated by memories of the past, I silently observed the man standing in the doorway.

The slim figure that occupied the entrance of the old style bungalow which, for the past 10 years had been my home was my estranged partner Carl De-Vries. His large bony hand lay against his chest as he leaned against the front door for support. I felt mesmerised by his steel like expression that was fixed in my direction. Silent and intimidating he remained in the doorway. His tenebrous stance resembled a prison jailer, and no longer could I ignore that little voice inside pleading for my attention ‘Is that what it had really been like,’ as once again sorrowful memories emerged of how this man had dominated the previous years of my life -- especially his need to control when previously I had wanted to leave him.

Mind racing thoughts summoned up familiar feelings of anxiety and fear, that through some act of sabotage he would prevent me leaving. Awesome scenes depicting the disastrous aftermath of events played over in my mind and for a few moments I relived those feelings again.

A turbulent hot rush of fear threaded with anxiety began weaving through me. It felt like my skin was on fire. My heart began beating fiercely against the wall of my chest, with every pulse running through my body resounding like a drummer’s beat. I felt my tongue viciously flicking back and forth coating my lips, willing my salivation to return.

My eagerness to leave was in conscious thought but my unconscious compelled me to sit, just looking – as if some force drew my attention in the direction of Carl like a magnet to another.

Desperate to be on my way I connected with the moment. My hands gripped the steering wheel as if super glued. I sat motionless like some wild animal poised in ‘flight or fight.’ This time I was determined to leave him, as inwardly I knew that I had allowed this man to restrain and control my life. Suddenly, the oppressive drizzle had become a deluge, alerting me to the pounding of rain that sounded like small stones crashing heavily against the screen. Thankfully, I felt myself released from Carl’s captivating look and turning the key began to pull away.

Before driving out onto the road I hesitated, feeling compelled to turn round and look back. He no longer displayed a look of desperation but a penetrable glare carrying arrows of hate toward me. I watched as he shuffled forward and moved out from the doorway throwing a furtive glance upwards at the grey sombre sky. Drops of rain resembling large crystal beads fell against his face, causing him to flinch, as his large hand gesticulated in a manner of goodbye. No longer concealed, the shadows on his face fell away, revealing a look of evil that trailed into the corners of his mouth.

Oh, that mouth! That look I knew so well. His lips curled with bitterness and eyes that once conveyed love, deepened becoming narrower as they delivered a silent threatening message in my direction.

‘I’m going to get you !’

Chapter 2

So how did it all come about? What sequence of events led me to this new man and a new life? I loved cats and when I decided to leave Carl though only having four cats, previously I’d had six.

Unfortunately Snuggles and Teddy were no more, and it was the death of Teddy and my grieving at his loss that brought Jack and I together.

I adored Teddy. He was a black cuddly male cat, the brother of Bubby, who is mentioned later in the book. To keep a long story simple Teddy became ill when it was discovered he had this large growth on his leg. Upon taking him to the vet and having the growth removed it was revealed he had cancer in his leg. Looking back at that time I made a terrible mistake. Teddy was 12 years old and had recovered from his operation but the vet advised either they take off his leg or to be really kind and put him to sleep. I chose the latter and to this day regretted making that decision, even though I knew I could never retract it.

I grieved for Teddy like losing a child and needed emotional support which I sought by attending a therapy group. It was at this group that I met Jack. Attending the meeting regularly gave me a sense of security towards the people around me, therefore making it easier for me to share my grief.

It was at one of these meetings, months after Teddy had gone while sharing my grief I broke down and started crying.

When the time came for the group to disperse and I stood up to leave, I felt this touch on my arm.

Jack had come across the room and stood by my side. There was a gentle reflection from his eyes like a still pool on a summer’s day and the tone of his voice expressed compassion and love at my loss. He explained he also loved cats and truly understood how I felt and hopefully in time it would get better. I hadn’t really noticed him before and felt moved by his concern. Our conversation continued with me asking him to teach me computer skills, as he had previously mentioned he was skilled in this field. It was when he looked at me smiling and his soft hazel eyes expressing he would be very pleased to do this that I became hooked.

So there it was. The path was set. We agreed a mutual price and decided that Sunday would be a convenient day for both of us.

That was back at the beginning of the summer 1999 and as the summer progressed with Jack visiting on a regular basis, I found myself becoming very attached until eventually I knew that I had fallen in love with Jack.

I was left with no doubt that I had to make a life changing decision and leave Carl.

Chapter 3

It had only been a few days since I had left Carl and the idea of returning was not an appealing one.

Saturday morning had arrived and though it was tempting to stay and play with Jack, I knew it was important to attend to my clients. I felt responsible to honour those that had previously made appointments. Therefore, it was necessary that I drove over to my bungalow that was situated in a small village called Perryford. I made ready to leave and checking I had my keys, affectionately kissed Jack goodbye and started down the stairs that led to the outside.

Reaching the space where I’d parked the night before, I stood looking. My head darted from side to side. Filled with desperation I frantically searched the line of cars. Finally I stopped and stared ahead into space, lost and not knowing what to do. Instinctively, I knew it was gone.

Besieged with panic I gasped for air. Gulping back the waves of fear that surged through me, as somehow I found myself back inside. My legs felt like jelly as they sped me up the stairs and bursting through the door of Jack’s flat: spewed out garbled words in his direction.

That bastard, that bloody bastard has stolen my car! Hot tears stung my eyes.

Jack’s face was one of shock and bewilderment. He snatched the keys from my hand, Don’t be so bloody stupid! Let me look you must have put it somewhere else. Ignoring my protests he disappeared through the door.

The thought of Carl running off with my treasured car was sickening. A woolly confused feeling occupied my head but I knew what I had to do. My head told me my only option was to phone Carl but my heart knew he was incapable of being truthful.

The committee meeting within my head continued. I kept looking over to where it was, as the phone magnetised my attention. I knew he had done it, (after all wasn’t he the jealous one when I brought the car home)

Feelings of anger bubbled away inside me and not withstanding them anymore jumped up and with the receiver in my hand dialled his number. Barely had he answered than I began hurling explosive accusations down the line:

Where’s my car you bastard? I know you’ve got it!

His voice as always smooth like velvet, camouflaged every devious lie that dropped from his mouth, I haven’t stolen your car Christina.

He sounded too cool like it was rehearsed, and if I was you, don’t go round accusing people without proof, because you can get into a lot of trouble.

The band of anger tightened around my head. I held the receiver away, barely able to control the seething I felt as I imagined his cunning face looking back.

You bloody bastard I know you have! It’s got you written all over it!

I stood there shaking. His inability to take responsibility was typical of his character. By now Jack had returned. Seeing me so distressed was soon by my side and slipped his arm around me.

His words were softly spoken hoping to comfort me, Come on sweetheart, let’s put down the phone. He remained calm as he took it and placed it back. Besides, this won’t bring your car back what we need to do is phone the police.

I obeyed Jack’s motion for me to sit while he found the number for the local police.

I found it difficult to remain calm as I made the call. Almost immediately I was connected to an obnoxious voice, reminiscent of some officious traffic warden, who identified himself as some PC. Almost incoherently I fired my complaint at him, vehemently naming De-Vries as the culprit.

There was silence before he replied, Madam you cannot accuse someone without proof. That is actually an offence.

I stood, stunned, barely believing what I had heard.

"As it happens I have just finished speaking with Mr De-Vries, who has just lodged a complaint about your accusations."

I couldn’t believe it! Angrily I screeched, My car has been stolen! I know he has done it, but of course he’s going to say he didn’t!

Now madam, you cannot keep accusing Mr De-Vries and that is my last warning!

I stamped my feet in anger as I was forced to listen to what he was saying.

Please supply details of the alleged theft and when they can someone will be around to see you and I would suggest in the meantime madam, try to calm down.

Numbed by his indifferent response I related the relevant details and then his voice was no more. Angrily I banged down the phone, Who the hell do they think they are?

My head felt like it wanted to explode. And I just didn’t know what to do. I felt the PC’s indifference to my dilemma was unacceptable, but there was nothing to change it.

By now Jack had slumped back into the chair. He aired a look of confusion as though he was looking to me for some answers.

Despairingly, I wailed: My beautiful new car… I know he did it. He couldn’t resist it could he? Now I know why he implied that your estate had a reputation and was a dodgy place to live in as it was targeted for stealing cars.

And like some poor panic-stricken animal strutting back and forth in a cage I paced aimlessly. Suddenly a paralyzing thought, Oh my God. My clients they’ll be waiting for me and I won’t be there!

I grabbed at my bag expecting to retrieve my appointment book that listed my clients. It wasn’t there! I kept looking. Then it struck me, If it’s not here then it must still be in my office on the table! What an idiot I had been!

I recalled how I had sat down with Carl and discussed the possibility of me returning for my work. At the time he gave the impression he was agreeable. He would continue to live in the bungalow and I would make sure the mortgage payments were kept up. But I should have known! I was faced with the fact that I no longer had my car, my appointment book was with him and I needed to contact my clients to rearrange their appointments.

It was my choice to be with Jack so therefore I was left with no other option than to call Carl. The humbling experience of having to grovel to him held no appeal. It had to be done. So, taking in a deep breath I dialled his number, Its Christina. I say needlessly.

Yes I know. I have not forgotten what you sound like. Are you coming to work this morning?

That false nectar tone of his voice nearly had me going again, It’ll be difficult to come without a car won’t it? I swallowed down my anger and explained to him what had happened and could he contact my clients, get their numbers and pass them onto me.

No problem, I’ll call you right back. Oh by the way, I am sorry to hear about your car. Let’s hope that the police will locate it soon. He gave the impression he was concerned but I knew him for what he was – a born liar.

Patience is not my best virtue and when the phone rang, I snatched at it and told him to hurry in relating the numbers and after making sure I had written them all down, ended with an abrupt thank you.

Well that hasn’t changed much has it Cristina?

I knew he meant my sharp tongue but I resisted responding and putting down the phone felt thankful I had the numbers. Immediately I set about contacting them and having made the last call replaced the receiver and sighed with relief they understood. Thank God that’s done.

Jack having read my mind had re-entered the room holding a tray with a welcome cup of tea and needing to calm down we sat together enjoying the brew. It also gave us time to think and discuss the way forward. Perryford, a small village where I had lived in the bungalow for the last ten years, was at least 10 miles away and ‘How do I get there?’

Unfortunately, Jack’s flat was in Edmunton, not a user friendly place for public transport and as it would be essential that I commuted back and forth, we both agreed as a temporary measure it was best to hire a car.

The short walk required to reach the car hire company gave both of us a chance to calm down. That day as Jack drove us home in my ‘new’ car I looked across to the man sitting beside me and my heart weighed heavy. My instincts warned that if my relationship with Jack were to survive I would need every resource known to me to be at my disposal. I knew my entrance into his life would test his character traits to the limit. Furthermore, added to my already overloaded mind was the fact that Jack was unable to finance the hiring of the car. This meant the money was taken from my credit card. The consequence of Carl’s actions had made me part with money I could not afford.

And this was just the beginning!

Chapter 4

Perhaps before continuing further it may be helpful to fill you in on some further background at how I had reached this point in my life.

My volatile relationship with Carl had spanned the last 27 years and it was while I was on holiday with my then husband of seven years and my three lovely children, that Carl first entered my life.

Also holidaying with his family and having been introduced I immediately thought how nice they were. In fact they were so nice that my husband invited them to come and spend Christmas with us in England. Though coming from Holland the language was no barrier. They were pleased to accept our invitation and so it was three months down the track Carl and his family, having driven over from Holland, were standing at our front door.

During their 10 day stay I began to sense some sort of attraction between myself and Carl. I was unhappy in my marriage and soon after his return to Holland Carl professed his love for me and began proceedings to divorce his wife.

At the time he was good at convincing me that leaving my husband and going to live with him, would prove to be a far better and happier life. This was strengthened by his willingness to accept my three children. Then, I was convinced that everything he was doing, he was doing for me. I thought I was in love with him.

However, my original plan to leave my then present husband and start a new life with Carl was postponed. This was due to the fact that Carl had been arrested in Holland and subsequently spent nine months in a Dutch prison, for an offence he hotly denied. Of course, in those early days I believed every word that Carl fed me. But with the passing of time it became apparent he loved to fantasize.

As I replayed memories of my first and second attempts to leave Carl, it sent shivers down my spine. It was during the summer of ‘79 that a marked deterioration in our relationship was evident due to the fact that we were both guilty of infidelities.

Carl was an art master at telling stories and I chose to believe the following incredible story.

He claimed that he had teamed up and belonged to this gang that was intent on digging an underground tunnel and once reaching it the intention was to rob the bank that was situated above. He eagerly informed me they expected to net about two million pounds. Further expressing that he hoped I would understand but it would involve him being away and sometimes the odd night or two. He estimated the job would take about