The In-Between

By Jacqueline M Franklin

Sam's jealous ex-girlfriend, Rochelle, returns to wreak havoc when he falls in love with Brenda, but the result may be a deadly game for his new love.

 

Instead of jail, Rochelle is sentenced to a mental institute for the criminally insane, where she engages in mind games with the doctors, ultimately gaining a transfer to a less secure facility. Using her assets, she orchestrates her escape to make Sam pay for turning his back on her.

 

Be it revenge or insanity, Rochelle will never share Sam. Who will win in the final showdown? In the meantime, how many other people will pay during Rochelle's rampage? Could her brother be a casualty as well?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jacqueline M Franklin
• Release date: Aug 14, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393417750

Jacqueline M Franklin

I am an Indie author who loves to tell a story. I've published many books on Amazon, from poetry to contemporary. However, Historical is my favorite genre. I hope my writing makes you laugh, cry, or touches your emotions in some way throughout your journey. If so, then I have proven with love and the instinct to survive against the odds that anything is possible.

Book preview

THE

PROLOGUE

Seven Years Earlier

-2009-

⧫

⧫ SAM ⧫

⧫

IN THE BEGINNING, SAM Hastings found Rochelle not only beautiful but a fun-loving, vivacious, and even thoughtful woman. Her blonde pixie cut, blue eyes that sparkled, and sexy demeanor added to her allure. Nonetheless, it didn't take him long to see through her veneer. She was incapable of loving anyone beyond her own self-centered existence—he was just a possession.

Although Phoenix and Scottsdale covered a large area, since Sam was a doctor, it was inevitable that he would run into a patient or colleague. One evening, Rochelle's ominous temper occurred in the middle of The Falls restaurant when a patient stopped at their table to say hello.

Instead of being gracious and respectful, all Rochelle saw was a shapely redhead flirting with her man after introducing her husband. She picked up a water glass and flung the contents in the couple's faces', then hurled the glass onto the floor where it shattered. You'll do well to remember that the good doctor belongs to me! So, take your fake boobs with cleavage to your navel and get the hell away from us!

Their drinks had just been served, and order placed, but an angry Sam pulled the first bill he grabbed from his wallet—a fifty, then threw it onto the table. After apologizing to everyone within earshot, he grabbed Rochelle's arm to hustle her out the door. Annoyingly, such scenes would become commonplace.

Because Sam had refused to take her call during patient hours, he was no sooner home than Rochelle arrived. She pounded and yelled at his door until he opened it, then charged past him and into his bedroom, where she found a rumpled bed.

Still unspeaking, her wrath continued into the kitchen. Thinking she'd cool off by letting her tirade run its course, Sam stayed in the bedroom to change out of his suit and into sweats. Unknowing of her intentions, she returned with a steak knife and proceeded to shred the duvet cover while screaming obscenities.

Dammit, Rochelle, stop it. I'm not seeing another woman!

The hell there isn't. Don't take me for ignorant stupidity when this bed says otherwise, you bastard! When she lunged at Sam, he tried dodging her but tripped on the foot of the bed, so she nipped his left bicep. You're mine. You'll always be mine, Sam, so don't forget it!

After shoving her away, she landed on the bed. Dammit, Rochelle, I just sat down before you came charging over here and pounded on my door like a maniac. That's why the bed is rumpled. I've had it with your self-centered tantrums and jealous insecurity!

Her blue eyes stared at him. Oh, no, we are not. You belong to me, Sam. You know you'll come back. I'm who you want!

He glared. You overrate yourself, Rochelle. Believe me, when I say, I don't want you.

⧫

⧫ BRENDA ⧫

⧫

The first time Brenda D'Nada met Sam Hastings, she felt it—he was her destiny. His brown eyes spoke of forbidden pleasures, and his black hair flowed to below the shoulders of his brawny physique. And his five o'clock shadow amplified his appeal.

After a movie on their fourth date, instead of driving home, Sam drove to Thunderbird Park. She looked puzzled when he brought his guitar out of the trunk. Sammy, what are you doing?

He grinned. Come with me, Bren. He then held her hand while strolling until reaching a cement seating area amongst the beautiful desert landscape. Once Brenda was seated, Sam propped his foot on the bench beside her. Of all the roads I've traveled, honey, I'd do it again if they led me straight to you, so this is for you. Sam strummed his guitar and sang Rascal Flatts, 'God Bless The Broken Road.'

When he finished, tears streamed down her cheeks while reaching out to squeeze his hand. Indeed, God blessed the broken road because it brought me to you, too, darling.

Sam spent more nights at Brenda's than his condo. After dinner three months into their relationship, they discovered a parcel from Fed-Ex on her doorstep. She picked it up while Sam unlocked the door. When they took it inside, he went into the country kitchen to fix her a Captain Morgan and Coke, then grabbed a beer for himself on his way to join her.

Meanwhile, she remained in the family room on the couch, which had carved, mahogany trim that almost matched the coffee table's design. Brenda sat the package on it to turn it sideways and upside-down with a scrunched nose. It's odd, but there's no return address, Sammy. Not even a company logo. Absolutely nothing.

After he sat their drinks on the end table, Sam reached into his pocket to pull out a pocketknife with a teasing smile. You know, Bren, honey, is this your way of telling me you've bought some sex toys? Because, you do know, this is the way they send such packages in the mail.

She chuckled while caressing his thigh. Darling, that's true, but the one thing I don't need when I'm with you are sex toys or anything else for that matter.

Smiling, he lovingly squeezed her hand. I'd say we are of like-mind, honey, because I happen to agree. You're all I need, too. Now let's see what's in your mysterious package.

Brenda took the offered tool, opened the mysterious package but was unexpectedly startled. Oh! The contents spewed onto the hardwood floor.

Son of a bitch! Sam quickly scooped up ripped pictures of Brenda, along with a note.

Nobody takes what's mine. Besides—Sam will come back to me. He always comes back to me—I win! You lose!

Dammit! She's gone too far. I'm calling Dennis. Since he's a cop, there must be something he can do to stop her.

Frustration multiplied when his best friend didn't have a positive response. However, since Rochelle had not made any direct threats, he could do nothing.

As the weeks passed, more packages arrived with notes similar to the first one. Yet, they stopped short of threatening Brenda.

One afternoon, Rochelle arrived at the law firm where Brenda was a paralegal. She slammed through the door and past reception to find her rival holding a file in hand while chatting with a man. An angry Rochelle jabbed her finger into the air, How many times must you be told, you bothersome bitch? Sam is mine! He will always be mine!

Attorneys Jason Duval and Alex Lambert grabbed Rochelle by the arms to escort her out of the office while she yelled obscenities. The episode pushed Brenda into filing a restraining order. Although she feared that it wouldn't stop her vendetta.

Days later, with plans for a romantic dinner, then tickets to see Camelot, Brenda couldn't remember anticipating a night quite so much. When seven o'clock dinner reservations fell by the wayside, she assumed the hospital called him about a patient. Or he got tied up in traffic on I-17, a common occurrence.

Although she thought it odd Sam hadn't called, she understood a doctor's life was not his own. Nor did she want to nag and call him while dealing with an emergency.

By nine o'clock, she traded the sexy red dress for her faded Louise Gonzalez jersey. Brenda played Sam's version of 'Bless The Broken Road' while stuffing her face with chocolate-chip mint ice cream with her mood deflated. However, an unexpected knock on her door came at ten o'clock. She opened it to find Sam and Rochelle standing there, together!

Rochelle stepped forward in a glaring stance. You could have saved us all a lot of bullshit had you paid attention to my notes, Brenda! Sam is back where he belongs—just like I said that he would—with me! He always comes back to me. Don't forget it.

Stop it, Rochelle! I at least owe Brenda an explanation. Sam grabbed her by the arm. You made your point. Go to the damn car and wait for me.

She yanked free of his grasp. "You have ten minutes, and then you're all mine!" She stomped off back to the car.

Brenda remained speechless with arms wrapped around her waist and looking everywhere but at Sam. He reached for her, but she backed away from him. Let's take this inside. I'd rather not give the neighbors any more gossip than we already have for tonight.

Sam closed the door behind him, then remained standing there with fists at his side.

Say what you have to say, Sammy, she said with anxiousness in her voice. Brenda put some distance between them by walking into the kitchen. I can't imagine what we have to talk about since you showed up at my door with her on your arm.

I won't insult you by apologizing for standing you up tonight, Bren. Sam's voice sounded weary. Dammit. I don't know why in the hell this happened. But if I have a prayer of saving you from harm, I have to placate Rochelle. She came close to making threats on your life. When I talked to Dennis, he said I might have a start on dealing with her by recording it. We'll come up with a plan. For now, though, I have to play along. I don't see any other way out of this mess.

Brenda walked over and caressed the side of his face with tear-filled eyes. I love you beyond anything I thought possible, but you can't do this alone, Sammy.

He pulled her into his arms. You're my life. I promise, just as soon as I get a tape of her threatening you, Dennis can arrest her. Then we can finally put this whole nightmare in the past where it belongs.

Sam cradled her head in his hands and kissed her with tenderness. This isn't the way I planned tonight, but you have my heart, and everything I am, is here with you. He took a ring out of his dress pants, then pulled out a small jewelry box.

Brenda's hand flew to her mouth when seeing the two-carat, emerald-cut engagement ring. I wanted this night to be so special for us, honey. I want you to keep it, and when I'm free, will you honor me by wearing this ring and become my wife?

She bobbed her head while speechless.

He placed the ring in her open palm, then closed it. Soon, Bren. soon.

The door flew open and slammed so hard that it bounced back, leaving Rochelle standing in the doorway. Your time is up, Sam! Get away from him, Brenda!

Sam's and Brenda's eyes met in understanding as she squeezed his hand and whispered, 'Bless The Broken Road,' darling. Then she said louder for Rochelle to hear, Alright, I see you've chosen her over me! Go away and leave me alone! To add emphasis, she looked Rochelle in the eye. You both disgust me. Take him because he's all yours! Brenda walked out of the room, leaving them standing in the doorway.

⧫

⧫ A FEW WEEKS AFTER THE BREAK-UP ⧫

⧫

The downpour of rain tested Brenda's mood as she entered the terminal at the airport in Columbus, Ohio. She stopped at the first group of chairs, dropped her overnight bag on an empty one, and then plopped down on a seat in the passenger area. She applied lipstick after tucking her wet hair under the crocheted hat, hoping to look somewhat presentable.

A grandmotherly type sat beside her. Hello, dear. Where are you headed? My name is Agnes. What's yours?

Nice to meet you, Agnes. My name is Brenda, and I'm flying home after a business meeting. Where are you traveling?

Oh, I'm not going anywhere, dear. I just love to people-watch. Ever since William passed away a few months ago, I often come to the airport and dream about what used to be. We traveled a lot, you see. Her face turned sad. I feel closer to him here than at home or the cemetery. Her voice faded. Strange how that is.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Did you and William travel abroad much or just here in the states?

Oh, my, yes, we went all over—

Ma'am! Brenda called out in alarm as the woman slumped in her seat. Oh, please be okay, she murmured while catching Agnes before she slid out of her chair to the floor.

A woman called out, I'll call 911!

Meanwhile, a man helped Brenda pick up and carry Agnes over to a lounger and laid her down.

Another lady began to fan Agnes with a newspaper.

Excuse me, ma'am. I'm a doctor. Maybe I can help. The familiar voice cut through Brenda like a knife. But when she turned, it was the eyes of forbidden pleasures. They both gasped in surprise as her hands began to shake.

Agnes no sooner fainted than she /came to and gained her equilibrium in fast order. Erring on the side of caution, Sam checked her pulse. He asked her to sit up and take some deep breaths and then rechecked her pulse. Once he determined that she was okay, Agnes quickly struck up a conversation with others.

Brenda's heart sank while facing Sam. She noticed his drawn face and tired eyes shifting back and forth while looking over her left shoulder. She wanted to wrap her arms around him and pretend everything was alright, but she knew that could not happen.

Then her pride took over. I assume you and Dennis haven't succeeded in your plan to end Rochelle's vindictiveness. Of course, it gives way to my assuming since I must be out of mind since I'm out of sight too. At least, given you haven't called. Nonetheless, it is somewhat of a moot point after this long., wouldn’t you say?

Bren, I've wanted to call you so damn bad—see you until I hurt, but I—

Sam, we must go, or we'll miss our flight.

Brenda cringed when hearing the dreaded voice approaching from behind her. Rochelle Nandenton! There was no way that she would ever mistake the high-and-mighty tone in her voice, the pixie blonde hair, and blue eyes that always bespoke disdain. She thought it bad enough to know he was still with her, but seeing them together again, along with the way she hung onto Sam, made her want to upchuck.

It's such a coincidence running into you. Is it Bree, Brandy, or Becky? Oh, my, I seem to have forgotten your name, she said in a sarcastic tone while hanging onto Sam's arm.

I doubt for one moment that you have forgotten my name is Brenda. Not after all your nasty-grams. And it's for sure we have never been bosom buddies, nor will we ever pass our time chitchatting over tea and biscuits.

In that case, Brenda, she said with smug arrogance, you would do well to remember that fact.

Rochelle, Sam said sternly, that will be enough. Let's go. He nodded with a lingering look. Take care, Bren.

Brenda watched Sam leave with that sexy walk she knew so well. But Rochelle's fake smile broadcasted—He's mine, bitch!

She didn't remember much about boarding the plane or the flight home. Although Brenda knew without a doubt that she would have rebooked, money lost or not, had they ended up being on the same flight. It would have been too much to bear seeing Sam with Rochelle gloating her success to possess him.

Brenda sat on her couch, staring at a photo of her and Sam while wearing her engagement ring. Tears fell while gazing at its beauty and how it complimented her hand. Although she held the stunning ring, there was little doubt the man was lost to her. An impromptu sob escaped while removing it, then she placed it back in the box. It never was hers, really.

⧫⧫⧫⧫

Sam hadn't done any better since the chance meeting at the airport. His days became more listless and without meaning more than ever before since then. Tonight, after sending the text message to Brenda, he realized he may pay a high price for it—and especially for what he'd been thinking. Life had no meaning anymore, no matter how he tried to tough it out.

Brenda's statement about not calling hit him to the core. It was cowardice on his part for not doing just that. Had he heard her voice, he may have thrown his hands up at Dennis and his idea to rap Rochelle. They were convinced it would work, but all his attempts at heroism were for naught.

He could no longer deny the trap of his own making, how his life had become a vacuum. He just wanted the love of his life in his arms as if the last months hadn't happened. With hands fisted at his sides, he realized she may want nothing to do with him, but he wanted her back, even if all he had given her were broken promises and unrealized dreams. After all this time, nothing had changed—he loved her! Dammit to hell, what am I going to do?

Sam, darling, come to bed, Rochelle whined and wrapped one arm around his waist to cup his crotch with the other one. Let's have some fun and games, just like old times. I need you.

Something snapped, and Sam jerked away. Don't touch me! Rochelle. No more threats or tricks. I've had it with you. Not now, nor have I ever loved or needed you. From the beginning, you were sex, and that's it! Has it occurred to you why I have not offered to touch you since forcing me to leave Brenda? I don't want you. Nor do you want me. You just want to possess what you can't have, dammit. No more, because this charade stops now

He pushed past her and stomped to the door, yanked it open, but turned back with bullets in his eyes. You better leave Brenda alone, or by damn, I'll be the one giving you a hard time! Even though the thunderstorm had turned into the predicted monsoon, he tromped to his car. After peeling out of the parking lot of her complex, he sped through town like a maniac. Whether it was a sign or a chance encounter at the airport, Sam needed to stop the torment that Rochelle brought into his life. Son of a bitch! You just ran a fucking red light, moron. The cops will have your ass!

⧫⧫⧫⧫

Time seemed to stand still for Brenda after receiving Sam's text. She always thought, given the opportunity to answer him, she would. Yet, somehow, not only could she not respond, but she couldn't even bring herself to play their song anymore. It hurt too much these days. She settled for Celine.

After taking a steaming hot shower, she reached for her faded Louis Gonzalez baseball jersey. After shoving open the arcadia door leading onto her covered patio, Brenda leaned against the doorframe to breathe in the rain that matched her mood. She didn't even mind the spraying mist while shivering from the chill.

It served to aid her pity party as the roaring thunder collided with lightning streaking through the sky. She closed her eyes and leaned her shoulder into the doorjamb while wondering why Rochelle-type people in the world existed. Why do you haunt me so much after all this time, Sammy? No matter how hard I try, you're still with me. Lost in her musings as the storm grew louder, she didn't hear the knock.

Bren... honey, yelled Sam after using his old key.

She jumped as if burnt by fire when he stood in the doorway with rain blowing around him. She took a few steps and stopped when close enough to see his haggard expression. His tall frame seemed diminished the way he stood, vulnerable. And Sam's beautiful hair was matted against his head and dripping. After a slight hesitation, she walked toward him. What do you mean? Did you and Dennis deal with Rochelle?

No, and what I'm doing is dangerous as hell for you, and me too, but, dammit, I love you, Brenda, and will not live by Rochelle's rules any longer! I failed you in all ways a man can because I can't beat the bitch at her own game. Well, it stops tonight. I just can't do it anymore. I want... I need you so badly. We have to find another way to get through this.

Her heart flip-flopped. I don't understand?

I want our forever after, honey. I can't breathe without you, and I don't want to be apart from you any longer. That is if you still want me.

She ran into Sam's arms. Suddenly, the three months, two weeks, and four days of separation faded away as they embraced. I thought I had lost you for good, darling. Of course, I want and need you now and forever, too. More than I can tell you in this lifetime.

Get away from that slut! Now, Sam!

He spun around but shielded Brenda with his body while facing the enraged woman as a snap