Hellfire's Judgment

By Linda L Barton

A simple trip to the supermarket starts a chain of events that begins with the violent rape of an innocent thirteen-year-old girl. This act of violence forces a family to face the difficult decision of whether to pursue justice against the member of a powerful local family or remain silent as so many others have in the past.
Clay Jefferies has never been a man to walk away from a fight. However, after the acquittal of the man who raped his granddaughter, he finds himself forced to protect his family in the only way he knows how. If you kill the man who brutally raped your granddaughter, is it murder or justice?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Linda L Barton
• Release date: Oct 31, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463131015

Linda L Barton

Linda L Barton is a Multi-Genre Author. Publishing her first book in 2011, Linda started out by writing Dark Thrillers. Since then she has branched out by writing YA Fantasy, Women’s Romantic Fiction, and even Children’s Books under the name Nana Barton. One of the high points of Linda’s writing career was when Next Move, You're Dead: The Trilogy Bundle was chosen as 1 of 100 pre-loaded Kindle Fire ebooks given away in the 2013 Emmy Awards VIP Swag Bags to over 600 of those in attendance at the awards that evening. Linda is also the Founder of Deadly Reads, Deadly Reads Author Services, and Host of the Deadly Reads Radio Podcast on Youtube. Linda is also blessed to be married to a wonderful man, Bob for more than 30 years. Bob is her writing muse and has created several of the plots for her books. Together they have a daughter and son, as well as 5 beautiful grandchildren; all of whom are the joy of their lives. Linda never thought she would become a published author, but now she cannot imagine doing anything else.

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Hellfire’s Judgment

Linda L Barton

Copyright 2014©Linda L Barton

DeadlyReads.com

All Rights Reserved

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

To my wonderful, husband, Bob.

You are the driving force

in this writing adventure.

For it’s in your creative mind

where our stories are born.

I would also like to thank

Freedigitalphotos.net

Cover Design and Formatting by

Deadly Reads Author Services

Table of Contents

Title Page, Copyright,

Dedication, Book Description

Chapter1, Chapter2, Chapter3,

Chapter4, Chapter5, Chapter6,

Chapter7, Chapter8, Chapter9,

Chapter10, Chapter11, Chapter12,

Chapter13, Chapter14, Chapter15,

Chapter16, Chapter17, Chapter18,

Chapter19, Chapter20, Chapter21,

Chapter22, Chapter 23, Chapter24,

Epilogue

Chapter 1

Come on, mom! Please let me go. I promise I’ll be careful, Sherry said as she stood by the kitchen counter with her hands clasped together, and a pleading look on her face.

Carolyn knew that Sherry was old enough to ride her bike alone to the supermarket, but she just could not seem to bring herself to agree with the idea. I know you want to go, but I’m not sure…

Sherry cut her off, Come on, you let Jason do it at my age. I promise that I will go straight there and then straight back. Besides, this way, you won’t have to wake up Amy from her nap. I promise to come straight back with everything you need before you know it. Sherry held her breath, watching her mother reach into the dishwasher, and then put the last of the dishes away in the cabinet.

Carolyn looked at Sherry. You have grown up so quickly; she thought to herself. Fine, go get my purse.

Cool! Sherry cheered as she leaped into the air and then ran out of the kitchen to get her mother’s purse.

Carolyn smiled as she watched Sherry run from the room, wondering where the years had gone. It seems like only yesterday you were taking your first steps, and now you want to go to the store on your own. My little girl is growing into a young woman, she said to herself with a touch of sadness in her voice.

A few moments later, Sherry came bounding back into the kitchen with her mother’s purse clutched tightly to her chest. Here’s your purse, mom, she grinned excitedly.

Carolyn took it, reached inside, and pulled out her billfold. Here’s ten dollars. I need you to get a box of butter, a can of tomato sauce, and get some candy for you and your sister. Don’t worry about getting any for your brother because he’s staying late at Danny’s again. I guess they’re still trying to get that old truck running. Carolyn chuckled, as the vision of the two boys with their heads stuck under the hood of that old, pickup truck appeared in her mind.

Jason and Danny had been best friends since kindergarten. They had spent every summer riding their bikes all over the town and played Little League together. Therefore, when Danny’s grandfather had given him his old, beat-up Chevy pickup truck, the best friends made it their mission to get it running again.

Sherry took the money and put it in her pocket. She then hugged her mother tightly and said, Thanks, Mom, I promise that I won’t be too long.

You better not because I can’t start the meatloaf until you get back with the tomato sauce.

Don’t worry, I’ll be back in a little bit besides, I love your meatloaf, Sherry smiled. I love you, Mom. She turned and walked toward the back door.

I want you to be careful, and don’t forget to watch for cars. People are coming home from work, so look both ways before you cross the street. I also want you to remember to follow the rules and not ride your bike in the street, and…

Mom, I know the rules. I’m not a baby anymore, she stood defiantly, with her hand on her hip and rolled her eyes impatiently.

I know you aren’t. It’s just hard to admit how quickly you have grown, Carolyn said with tears forming in the corner of her eyes. Now get out of here and be careful. Carolyn laughed as she watched Sherry skip out the back door, giggling all the way.

Carolyn could not help but smile, as she got the onion and bell pepper to slice up for the meatloaf out of the refrigerator. You silly, little thing, please be careful, she said to herself.

***

Sherry was the oldest daughter of Ray and Carolyn Jefferies, and at thirteen-years-old, she was growing into a beauty just like her mother. Married for eighteen years, Ray and Carolyn were high school sweethearts, and when Carolyn became pregnant with Jason the night of their senior prom; they quickly married and began their life as a family. Ray’s father owned the local feed store, so to support his new family; Ray worked for him in the yard by keeping track of inventory and loading the customers. Then seven years later, his father, Clay Jefferies, had a massive heart attack, and Ray took over running the business to spare his father the daily stress of managing the store.

***

Clay Jefferies was a man who had always believed that one should work hard, be honest when dealing with others, and that family was the most important thing in your life. It was in 1970 while Clay was serving in the Army at Fort Hood in Texas that he met the woman he would marry. Marie Falters had worked at the inbound shipping office when she caught the eye of a young soldier who had just transferred from Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

It was the third time that Clay had seen Marie when he finally dared to ask her out on a date. Marie was accustomed to the soldiers flirting with her with the limited number of single women working on the base. She was always friendly to the soldiers while working, but she had no desire to date any of them. However, there was something different about this new one, so she had agreed to go. Clay had taken Marie to see the new John Wayne movie, Chisum, and he was thrilled to learn that Marie was also a John Wayne fan as there was no greater actor than The Duke. As they sat in the theater, watching the movie and sharing a tub of buttered popcorn, they both knew it was the beginning of a long and happy life together.

Clay’s unit was due to go to Vietnam in a few weeks, so they had decided to get married before he left. It was a simple ceremony with only family and a few close friends, but as far as Clay and Marie were concerned, it was a perfect day. They drove to Galveston for their honeymoon but were only able to spend the weekend, as Clay was due back on base early Monday morning. They were happy those weeks before he left for Vietnam, and when the day arrived for him to leave, they found themselves filled with tears of both joy and sadness. Marie had recently learned that she was pregnant, which thrilled them both, but they also knew he would not be home for the birth.

I want you to promise me that you will take good care of my son until I return, Clay said while holding Marie tightly in his arms.

What makes you think it’s a boy? Marie teased as she laid her head on his chest and breathed in the scent of his cologne.

Because I’m his father, and we already had ourselves a little talk last night, Clay said in a serious tone.

Marie lifted her head and looked at him, not quite sure what to think of this statement. What do you mean that you’ve already had a little talk?

Clay looked deeply into her eyes and softly said with affection. Last night, while you were sleeping, I placed my hand on your stomach and told our sweet child how daddy was sorry that he had to leave for a while. I said I was going to a far-off land to fight in a war. I said if I wasn’t able to return home, to always know that I was proud to be the daddy of such a precious gift from God. I then had the strangest feeling come over me, that everything would be okay, and when I closed my eyes; I saw the face of a little boy with big, blue eyes just like yours. His smile shone like the sun, and at that moment, I felt complete joy.

Marie stood speechless, never taking her eyes away from his. Clay reached down and gently placed his hand on her stomach. Take care of your mommy, and I’ll be home as soon as I can.

Marie could no longer hold back the tears, Oh Clay, please be careful, and come home safely to us.

They shared one final kiss, then Clay turned and walked away to join his unit.

Chapter 2

Where’s your sister? Damn, it’s been nearly an hour! Carolyn lifted Amy off the changing table and then walked to the front window to look outside. Maybe she stopped at Megan’s and lost track of time. I’ll call and ask if they have seen her. Carolyn sat in the rocking chair next to the window and placed Amy on her lap.

Your sister is in real trouble, she said to Amy, knowing the child had no idea what she was saying. She picked up her cell phone, dialed the number, and then waited as the phone rang several times with no answer. Huh, so she’s not there. Now I’m getting worried, Carolyn groaned as she dialed Ray at the feed store.

Jefferies Feed, how may I help you? Ray said cheerfully.

Ray, I let Sherry ride her bike to the store, and nearly an hour has passed since she left. I called Megan’s house because I figured she probably stopped there and has just lost track of time, but there was no answer, her voice quivered. Oh, Ray, I’m getting worried. I think I’ll drive to the store and see if I can find her. Carolyn stood and carried Amy out to the living room where she grabbed her purse and keys on the small table by the front door.

Okay, but if you don’t find her, call me back. Ray was sure that Carolyn would find her along the way to the store, but he said a silent prayer just in case.

I will. Carolyn tossed the cell phone inside her purse and rushed out the front door to her car. She quickly put Amy in the car seat and then climbed into the driver’s seat. When I find you, little lady, you are going to be in big trouble!

When she drove past Megan’s house, Carolyn could see that no one was at home, so she continued on to the supermarket. As she got closer to the store, her heart beating with such intensity that she thought it would explode. I knew that I shouldn’t have let her go this far from home alone. Why didn’t I trust my instincts? Carolyn said aloud, with a mixture of anger and fear welling up from deep inside of her.

When she pulled into the supermarket parking lot, Carolyn frantically looked to see if Sherry’s bike was by the entrance to the store. However, to her horror, it was not there. Where are you, Sherry? Unsure of what to do, Carolyn pulled into a parking space and called Ray.

When the phone rang, Ray quickly grabbed it, Jefferies Feed.

Ray, I can’t find her anywhere! She wasn’t at Megan’s house, and she’s not at the store. Oh, Ray, where can she be? Carolyn cried with tears streaming down her cheeks.

I don’t know, but you need to go back home, in case she shows up there. Now, if she’s not there, call the police department and let them know she’s missing. I want you to call and let me know; in case, I need to call Dad, and get a group of men together to search for her. Ray looked out the window and realized it was growing dark outside. Sweetheart, you need to get back home. Please call and let me know if she is home. They both hung up. Ray looked outside again and said a silent prayer that Sherry would return safely.

Feeling a growing sense of dread, Ray turned to the yard foreman and said, Frank, I need to leave. Will you close up for me?

Sure, is there something wrong? Frank asked as he joined Ray behind the counter.

I hope not, were the only words Ray said as he rushed out the door.

Chapter 3

The moon was high in the night sky when Carolyn noticed a small figure walking down the middle of the street. She had been waiting on the front porch, praying that she would come home soon. Sherry? Oh, my, God, is that you? Carolyn leaped to her feet and ran toward the lone figure walking in the road. However, what she saw as Sherry came closer caused Carolyn to cry out in agony.

Sherry never said a word, as she slowly walked toward her mother with an empty look in her eyes. Her torn clothes clung to her body, as she was wet from her head to her feet. As Carolyn got closer to her, she could see the right side of her face was swollen and bruised. Carolyn grabbed Sherry and held her tightly, Where have you been, sweetheart? We have been looking all over for you. Carolyn leaned back and gently cupped Sherry’s face in her hands, noticing the look of terror in her eyes.

Sherry stood rigid with tears flowing from her battered eyes and softly said, He hurt me, Mommy. I tried to fight him, but he was too strong. He laughed and said that I wanted him to… with those words; Sherry collapsed into her mother’s arms.

***

Mr. and Mrs. Jefferies, will you join me over here? Dr. Stewart, the Emergency Room Physician, said as he walked out of the examining room. The look on his face told Ray and Carolyn that he did not have pleasant news. Your daughter has a long recovery ahead of her. She sustained a hairline crack in her cheekbone from a hit to the right side of her face, as well as a broken wrist, which will need surgery to repair and three broken fingers. The doctor had paused a moment before he continued, She was also brutally raped. She has extensive tearing inside, but I do not believe it will prevent her from having children.

The words hit Ray and Carolyn like a sledgehammer. Carolyn began to cry, but Ray felt rage ignite from deep inside of him. Is she going to be all right, Doctor? Ray said while he held a weeping Carolyn in his arms.

Her broken bones will heal, but she will need a lot of love and support to get through what she experienced. I have to say that she handled the rape examination well and is now resting. You may go in and see her if you would like, the doctor said with a deep sadness in his voice. In all his years of working at the small-town hospital, he had never seen anything so heartbreaking, like the look of Sherry’s emotionless face.

Ray reached out and shook the doctor’s hand, Thank you, Doctor. Come on, Carolyn, Sherry needs us.

***

It was a long and tear-filled night for Ray and Carolyn. They had both stayed at Sherry’s bedside until morning, watching her struggle to sleep. Carolyn had finally fallen asleep around 3 o’clock on the foldout chair in the corner of the room, but the rage consuming Ray had kept him awake. Why would someone do that to our baby? How will she ever overcome this? The words burned into his mind.

Good morning, Mr. Jefferies, the nurse said as she walked into the room. How is she doing this morning?

As good as can be expected after what she went through, Ray said sarcastically.

Realizing he was in no mood for idle conversation, the nurse decided to concentrate on the job at hand. I’m sorry that I have to wake you, but I need to take your temperature, sweetie. I know this is going to hurt a bit, but I need you to open your mouth, the nurse said tenderly.

Sherry looked up at the nurse, shaking her head from side-to-side, and weakly mumbled, No.

I know you’re sore, but I need to take your temperature, the nurse asked again.

Tears began to stream down Sherry’s cheeks. Can’t you see that she’s in pain? There has to be another way to check her temperature, Ray growled.

I’m sorry, sir, but… the nurse stepped back, nervously.

Nurse, don’t worry about doing that right now. I’ll do it myself, the doctor said as he walked into the room. Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Jefferies. I wanted to drop by and see how she’s doing this morning before she goes to surgery, he smiled, hoping to ease the tension in the room. Has the surgeon been in to see you yet?

Ray looked down at Sherry and then back to the doctor, No, he hasn’t.

The doctor could see that Ray had something on his mind but could not seem to find the courage to ask. Mr. Jefferies, I know this has been difficult for you and your family. Therefore, I am not going to stand here and tell you that I understand what you are feeling. However, I am going to say that as time passes, the anger and pain, you all feel now, will lessen, and your family will once again know peace.

Ray looked at the doctor and snickered, Peace? I won’t know peace until the monster that did this to my daughter is caught and punished.

The doctor understood the anger consuming Ray because he was feeling it himself. He looked at Sherry and smiled, You are a lucky little girl to have such a loving mommy and daddy.

Thank you, doctor, Carolyn said as she stood and joined them at Sherry’s bedside.

Sherry, do you mind if I take your vital signs? We need to do it so that you can get better and go home, the doctor looked at her and winked.

Sherry looked up and him and nodded then slowly opened her mouth.

That’s a good girl, he said as he gently placed the thermometer inside her mouth.

***

It had been three days since the surgery to repair Sherry’s wrist, and she was ready to go home. Mommy, is it time to leave yet? Sherry asked as she looked out the window of her hospital room.

As soon as the nurse comes with the wheelchair, then we’ll be able to leave, Carolyn said cheerfully, as she gathered the last of Sherry’s things.

I don’t understand why I need a wheelchair. I just want to go home, Sherry protested, holding up her right arm in the cast placed on her after the surgery. I broke my wrist, not my leg!

I know you’re anxious to go home, but it’s the hospital’s rule. Why don’t you sit here and wait until it’s time to go? Carolyn pointed to the