Cousins 1

By Clarence Mike Dunaway

Two cousins, Carrie and Connor, were born next door to each other and remained that way through high school and beyond.

At the age of nine, a girl named Rebecca (who was the same age as the cousins) was raped and tossed off along the highway. She did well recovering from the trauma; however, she fell far behind in her academics. Carrie fou

• Language: English
• Publisher: Clarence Dunaway Books
• Release date: Oct 29, 2019
• ISBN: 9781950981199

Clarence Mike Dunaway

Clarence Dunaway, born on February 12, 1930 author from California, writer of the Cousins Trilogy and other great novels. He has been with the navy back in 1947, spent two and a half years in South Korea. He was discharged in 1953 and was able to travel the country. Started writing a trilogy of mystery books and is enjoying life. You can get to his books by typing the name "Clarence Mike Dunaway" into Google.

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Cousins 1

Clarence Mike Dunaway

Copyright © 2019 Clarence Mike Dunaway

Parchment Global Publishing

4152 Barnett St., Philadelphia, PA 19135

www.parchmentglobalpublishing.com

ISBN: 978-1-950981-18-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-950981-19-9 (e)

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted by any means—whether auditory, graphic, mechanical, or electronic—without written permission of both publisher and author, except in the case of brief excerpts used in critical articles and reviews. Unauthorized reproduction of any part of this work is illegal and is punishable by law.

Contents

Chapter 1. Life Begins

Chapter 2. The Rape

Chapter 3. Working Together

Chapter 4. A Tale of Woe

Chapter 5. A sad Memory

Chapter 6. Surprise

Chapter 7. Paint Me Malevolent

Chapter 8. The Saga of Willow Pond

Chapter 9. Flowers for My Pretty One

Chapter 10. Blunt Force Trauma

Chapter 11. The Line Up

Chapter 12. The trial

Chapter 13. Taming of the Shrew

Chapter 14. Let your Conscience Be your guide

Chapter 15. Summer Time Summer Time

Chapter 16. The Seduction

Chapter 17. Footballs Finest

Chapter 18. A Newfound Love

Chapter 19. Kiss and tell

Chapter 20. Graduation Day

Chapter 21. It Could Happen to You

Chapter 22. Cowboy’s Delight

Chapter 23. Her Way or the Highway

Chapter 24. A Moment to Remember

Chapter One

Life Begins

Lottie went to community college with Matt Malloy, whose father owned one of the largest real estate business in the City of Jericho. He knew everybody in the social circle, of course just to mingle with the elite helped the company immensely.

Lottie and Matt had just finished their final year at the local community college where they both majored in business administration. Finishing their last year called for a celebration, and what a better way to celebrate than a night out on the town. They did an all-nighter; drinking and dancing, but tomorrow was a new day, and reality would set in.

Lottie and Matt were both now a full-time employee with an ax to grind, which meant more work, and less play. But soon Lottie would get a rude awakening. She discovered she was pregnant but didn’t have a clue which one of her college dates was the father. It made the situation confusing trying to figure out who the father was since Lottie slept with several clients as well. She would do whatever had to be done to make a sale. They would both go away happy

Lottie, now four weeks into her first trimester was getting a little worried about her job security. I mean she couldn’t go around showing her pot belly, and not have a husband. That would be inconceivable, not only to her embarrassment but the boss as well. It might even cost her, her job, and she worked too hard to let that happen. Now she could’ve accused Matt, after all, they did have a fling just about the right time, but then it might appear that it was planned, and she couldn’t afford that.

She had to do something and fast before she began to show. Lottie contrived a plan that included latching onto the first man that came along, and looks would play no part in her plan, she was getting desperate.

Within a week, a young encyclopedia salesman knocked on her door, he was very handsome. It appeared as if Lottie was about to put her plan into action.

This young man was not only good looking but also seemed to have potential; for what was yet to be determined. Whatever the circumstances Mr. Ellis made the deal. He would marry Lottie and lend his name to her child. She, in turn, would support him in style beyond his wildest dreams. Of course, to a loser like Gordon Ellis, he would never find another deal like this one in his lifetime.

They dated for a couple of weeks, so it didn’t look like what it was. Two weeks later they were married. Lottie was a beautiful woman and given time she could’ve had the pick of the litter (by no means implying that Gordon was a dog). However, time was not on her side. This meant no more sleeping with clients to close a deal. Well, we will have to play that one by ear. I’m afraid my cousin was just a pimp short of being considered a prostitute, but everyone has their own way of handling their state of affairs, and the business was booming.

And then there was old Gordon, would he be sleeping on the couch or did the arrangement come with benefits? I think just to live near with someone as sensual as Lottie, I’d get it in writing.

My father also had his own business and did a lot of traveling. He was away from home a lot, but he was always home on Sundays. My father and mother were both very religious and under no circumstances missed a Sunday service.

Often as not they would have the Reverend Phelps and his wife over for dinner after the service. Of course, Carrie and I went along with them, that included Aunt Addie and Uncle Phil. Rarely did Lottie attend, more like never.

Carrie, Lottie’s daughter and my second cousin, and I enjoyed being together and were rarely separated, where one went so went the other

Time was moving fast. It was now nineteen sixty-seven, Carrie and I were five years old and were shuffled off to Kindergarten. We liked it there, it was like a playground. All we did was play, heck we could’ve done that in our backyard. Lottie and Matt had been working together at Matt’s father’s real estate office for nearly seven years, counting the two years of part-time while in college. They dated most of their college days, but the romance was shaky at best. Although not an enduring relationship they somehow managed to remain friends.

Lottie was really doing great. She made the most sales of all the salespeople. I guess her and old Gordon were still getting along, he was still living in the same house with his bride of five years, for better or worse.

Matt married in sixty-four to Candice Lauder, another girl from his college days, but misfortune was sure to follow. Matt wanted lots of children, if it were up to him, they would have six. He, like my Uncle Phil, Lottie’s father, adored having children around it just seemed to come naturally to him. I wonder if perhaps it was because he and Aunt Addie could only have one child.

Unfortunately, for Matt, the only kids in his life belonged to his sister Meg. She had three, two boys, and a girl. Consequently, Matt spent more time with his sister then with his wife, and that didn’t make for a happy marriage.

Matt and Candice had only been married for a year and seven months when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. To save her life, her doctor did a complete hysterectomy, nullifying any chance of ever giving birth. Matt loved his wife with all of his heart, but it pained him deeply knowing he would never have a son or daughter. To add coal to the fire Matt’s, father passed away that year leaving him with even more grief to bear. It seemed that fate had dealt Matt and Candice a terrible hand, but they knew that their love would sustain them.

Mr. Malloy’s unexpected heart attack left Matt with a business to run on his own. Suddenly, he felt like the world was picking on him, almost as if it was singled out as a punishment, but for what? He lived a decent life loving his parents and his wife, yet for some reason or another he had to ask the same question, why me? Well, Matt knew there was no explanation for the problem, and all he could do was make the best of a bad situation and move on.

He started by getting the best possible help he could find, and she was right in front of his eyes. Matt made Lottie his junior partner. It would turn out to be the best decision he ever made; Lottie was an asset.

It appears Carrie and I were growing up at a time in history that would become legendary. The fabulous sixties, the decade of the flower children, and, of course, we can’t forget the hippies, oh no they were everywhere.

Carrie and I had no idea what all this meant. All we knew came from the dinner table conversation between the elders, and usually, when we had company over for dinner; like our aunt and uncle, or the preacher and his wife.

They talked about free love, and the destruction it was causing around the world. Heck, I thought anything free was a great thing. However, tiny little minds can’t rationalize or even fathom anything as cogent as that sort of language.

They talked about drugs and how people would wave signs at passing cars begging for money or food. Oh, and something about spreading STD. I don’t know why they had to spell it I wouldn’t have known what it meant anyway.

There was also something about standing up to the establishment. It made no sense, but it gave the family reason for conversation. Anyhow, this flower child thing hung around for more than a decade spreading throughout the country. Soon, the flower children began to blossom, leaving their offspring to carry on their tradition.

My name is Connor Carlson, and this is my story.

In the summer of sixty-eight dad came up with the idea of going up to the mountains for a Sunday picnic, it was a very good idea except it had one flaw, he invited the Berkshires to come along. The Berkshires jumped at the opportunity to get away from home, for a day was to them a vacation.

The Carlson’s barely knew about them except that they had a set of five-year-old twins a boy named Tim, and a girl named Tonya. They also had an older brother named Bubba, and he was a brute. He was the same age as Carrie and me, and a trouble machine, as well as the village bully.

Bubba just couldn’t control himself with smaller kids especially little Timmy. He wouldn’t pick on anyone his size for fear they would fight back that’s the way bullies are.

My family had only known the Berkshires for a short time, we met them in church. Dad being a terrific person thought he would be a good neighbor, and invite them to go along on the picnic, huge mistake! My first recollection of Bubba was from his disobedience in the church. He squirmed in his seat like he had ants in his pants, and his mother trying to calm him down long enough to comprehend a portion of the sermon the Reverend Phelps was attempting to deliver. You can bet the preacher didn’t appreciate the disturbance either. However, he just continued with his sermon as though it was an ordinary Sunday occurrence.

The twins, very well behaved, but poor Timmy just couldn’t seem to stay out of Bubba’s reach. He was continually tormenting Tim until he either cried or Bubbas father took off his belt and laid it across Bubbas posterior, and that punishment only lasted for a short time, and then it started all over again. Perhaps his backside was a magnet it sure drew the belt to him, and the strange part was he kept coming back for more, relentlessly.

There was a method to the Berkshires madness about going on the picnic with us, thinking they would get some relief from Bubba by shoving him off on someone else, but that was never going to happen.

Sunday morning, we started off the day by going to church (a habit seldom overlooked). Afterward, we went off on a trip to remember. Thank God we drove in separate cars. I can only imagine the torture we would’ve had to endure with Bubba riding in the same car with us. We must’ve driven for an hour and a half before reaching our destination, where dad found a place under a large oak tree that overlooked a beautiful lake.

Dad spread out the blanket under the tree while the ladies started arranging the food from the baskets. I asked dad on the way up here why he invited the Berkshires knowing what kind of a mean troublemaker Bubba was.

Well, Connor I thought if we treat Bubba with the same kindness as we do each other, perhaps some of it will rub off on him, so I want you and Carrie to be as kind to him as possible, Dad said.

Sure Dad, if you think it will work, we’ll try anything, I replied.

We barely had the blanket spread when Bubba started throwing pine cones at Timmy. I was sure I would die before the day was over. It was difficult enough just holding back the anger, but to make it look like we were enjoying it was ludicrous. If I had to listen to Mr. Berkshire, say one more time, Now Bubba you’d better stop that or I’m going to take off my belt, and you know what that means. Yeah, he knew all right, temporary pain that he seemed to enjoy. I think he was a masochist.

Things were quiet for a while, and then it started all over again, this time, Bubba found a small lizard doing pushups on a hot rock, the fun began. Bubba slipped the lizard down into Tim’s pants, and you’ve never seen an Indian war dance like the one little Timmy was doing. If it weren’t so downright mean, I might’ve found it humorous because it was hilarious. He kept jumping up and down until the lizard fell down his pant leg onto the ground and scurried away into the brush. However, the show wasn’t over, yet we were about to change actors, and Bubba had top billing.

After Bubba took his punishment, he walked away nonchalantly rubbing his posterior with both hands. However, I was sure it was only temporary because Bubba was a glutton for punishment. I hate to admit it, but I sort of enjoyed watching him jumping around trying to escape his father’s wrath.

Dad peered at Carrie and me with a look of consternation. I think he was perhaps disappointed with our reaction to Bubba’s punishment. Dad had asked us to be on our best behavior, and I guess we let him down, but dad is a merciful father, he’ll look beyond it.

The whole day went from incident to turmoil, but we finally got around to eating, and I was ready. Boy, I was starving, although it was a bit hard trying to eat while dodging flying food from our star guest, we managed our way through the meal, untainted.

When we got home, we sat in the driveway just absorbing all the events that transpired during the trip.

Well, Dad, was it worth it inviting the Berkshires to the picnic? Do you think Bubba learned anything from our being nice to him? I asked.

No Son, as much as I hate to admit it, Bubba’s a lost cause. We need to do a lot of praying for that boy. I thought a lot might not be enough. I’m afraid it will take a massive amount of prayer to make him a nice person, if ever.

Yesterday was nineteen sixty-two, and today it’s nineteen seventy before I know it I’ll be in my sixties and life will have passed me by.

Carrie and I, now eight years old and in the second grade, shared most of the same classes. There’s one thing that was inevitable, a whole bunch of new kids on the block. It’s almost like starting with meeting new kids and hopefully making some new friends.

Nineteen seventy would turn out to be the worst year of my life. Mom got sick in April and was unable to do much; she became more lethargic every day. Soon she could no longer take the pain; I guess she was sicker than we thought. As time went by, she became frail and so weak that dad had to take her to the doctor again, she was diagnosed with cancer. She returned home again, but whatever the doctor did for her didn’t last long. After a few days, she got even sicker vomiting constantly, and she was finally admitted to the hospital. The problem was austere, and she was now in the hands of God, and he alone could save her from death. I guess that was his will.

Dad took me to see her one evening. Mom had asked dad to bring me to her. I went into her room, and she summoned me to her side. I bent my head down to her face she could hardly whisper.

Son, she said, You’re a good boy, and I want you to help your father out while I’m gone. He will need you now more than ever.

I promised her that I would take good care of him, and she kissed me on the cheek.

Dad asked me to leave the room, and wait for him in the waiting room, and that he would be along soon. When dad walked into the waiting room, his head was partially bowed.

He put his arms around me and cried, Your mother passed away son. She’s gone to heaven.

It was hard for a young boy to grasp losing his mother. She was gone, I knew she would never walk through those doors again, and that is hard to fathom.

Saturday there was a special service held for mom at the church. I had never seen so many people in the church as long as we had attended. I guess mom had a lot of friends. At the service, they had an open casket. They called it a viewing. I saw my mother for the last time, lying in the coffin. She was so white and cold I bent down and kissed her on the forehead and whispered that I loved her and would miss her forever.

All the people passed by the coffin and laid flowers on the top of the casket just before they put her in the ground. We all gathered, and with Reverend Phelps, we recited the Lord’s Prayer.

Several people gathered at my Aunt Addie’s for a party. I don’t remember much about the party; I guess I was just too sad to think about it. However, I do remember there were lots of food and people consoling my father; hugging, and more crying. I had never seen my dad cry like he did in the last few weeks it made me sad, and I cried with him.

Carrie was holding my hand, as we looked around the room dumbfounded; we had never witnessed anything like this before.

The party wasn’t sad for everybody because when I went to the sink for a drink of water, I saw Bobbie Jean and Jimmy Ferguson standing under the old oak tree that stood tall in the backyard. Jimmy had Bobbie Jean pinned up against the tree trunk, and she must’ve had a powerful itch because Jimmy had his hands all over her. Soon she thanked Jimmy with a kiss, and then they separated. After about two hours the party began to break up, people started filing out the door one by one hugging my dad and shaking his hand.

Dad thanked Aunt Addie for being a terrific host hugging her and consoling her, after all, she had just lost her sister.

Dad and I said our goodbyes, walked next door where we lived. Carrie stayed behind with her grandmother, Aunt Addie.

Dad sat silently in his favorite chair lost in thought of all that transpired in the last few days. I asked him what the party was about. He explained that it was called a celebration of life; a gathering of friends and family to honor and celebrate the life of a loved one. Well, it didn’t make much sense to me, but if it made him feel better, that’s all that mattered. I loved my father with all my heart, and we sat there in the living room and cried together.

Uncle Phil loved children. He simply loved being around them, and the children reciprocated. Everyone enjoyed his company.

Willow Pond was rather large for a pond it was almost big enough to qualify as a lake. The pond surrounded by large willows. Parts of the banks were infested with tall reeds that extended out into the water and submerged to the tips.

There was an old oak tree growing partially in the water with its branches extended out over the pond. It had a rope tied on the end of its longest branch. There was Carrie, me, and the seven-year-old Berkshire twins. Tim and his sister Tonya, of course, there was old Bubba the brute. Well old Bubba, who was nine, managed to elbow his way to the rope. Nobody wanted him to come along, but the only way that the twins could go was to include Bubba: that was mother Berkshires doing. I’m betting she just wanted some down time away from her brat son.

Bubba was bigger than the rest of the kids, but he wasn’t bigger than Uncle Phil. I didn’t know of anyone that was bigger than him.

Bubba had a serious problem with keeping his hands-off Tim. Always pushing and shoving him around, and of course, Timmy was too little to fight back. I would’ve thought Bubba would be on his best behavior with Uncle Phil running the show, but he had a lesson yet to learn.

From the shore towards the center of the lake was a pier where people could tie their small boats. It was about thirty-five feet long and just right for diving off the end.

All the kids rallied around the big oak tree. The object was to grab hold of the rope and see who could swing out the furthest distance over the water, and then let go.

Timmy was going first but, Bubba didn’t believe in taking turns. He ran passed Timmy, knocking him to the ground, grabbed hold of the rope and swung out over the water. Bubba didn’t release himself. Instead, he rode the line back to shore. Well, it so happened that bully Bubba didn’t know how to swim. When he reached the shore, he knocks his brother down again, and then slipped away laughing like the fool that he was.

Uncle Phil grabbed Bubba by the ear and literally dragged him the end of the boat dock. Bubba’s ear was stretched out almost to the tip of his nose. Uncle Phil picked Bubba up and tossed him into the lake. He was screaming and hollering while the rest of us were enjoying the brutal turnaround.

Well, Bubba didn’t get much sympathy from old Uncle Phil or from the kids. In fact; we enjoyed watching Bubba get his dues.

Are you going to leave your brother alone from now on or shall I just let you down?

I can’t remember ever hearing Uncle Phil lose his temper the way he did with Bubba. I mean, everybody harbors a little anger at one time or another, but this was far beyond anger, this was almost maniacal.

While Bubba was choking, gagging, and trying to catch his breath, and of course crying, Uncle Phil continued pushing him up and down. Sometimes submerging him completely, and then he would pull him up for air. His intention wasn’t to drown Bubba, but rather teach him the consequences of being a bully.

Finally, he decided he had punished Bubba enough to hopefully teach him a lesson, but I wouldn’t count on it.

Stand up you sissy the water only three feet deep. Uncle Phil shouted. He was loud enough that his voice traveled across the water and probably across the country.

Bubba stood up and began to shake the water from his hair and then started to climb up on the pier. Suddenly, Uncle Phil put his foot back on Bubba’s head and was about to force him back into the water, but he gave it a second thought and removed his foot.

Get out of the water and start hot-footing it home, maybe the walk will allow you time to think about your bad behavior, and the consequences of your actions. Maybe you’ll learn to pick on someone your own size, now hit the trail before I change my mind and give you another drink of the lake!

But uncle, it’s two miles through the woods I can’t walk that far alone, what if a bear or some other animal eats me, then you’ll be sorry!

There isn’t no animal out there that would eat the likes of you, now get going!

Bubba never talked back he just started walking picking up the pace with each step, until he was jogging. I don’t know if he was frightened of the woods or if he was just looking for sympathy that would never come. It really wasn’t as bad as Bubba made it sound. There was a trail leading all the way to the main road. I’m sure old Bubba will find many things to destroy on the way.

Uncle Phil rounded us up like a herd of cattle, and we climbed into the truck and headed home. What a great day, and what a great uncle. There is no other like my Uncle, Phil.

We dropped the twins off first; their mother was waiting in the driveway. When we pulled up to the garage, she let uncle have it. Boy, the language she used would’ve embarrassed a pirate.

What’s the matter with you, she hollered. Are you totally crazy? Don’t you know Bubba’s afraid of the water? I thought she would never stop rambling.

Uncle Phil answered with a bit of a harsh tone in his already gargantuan voice.

You’d better teach that bully son of yours some manners before he gets himself killed. I’ve never seen a bully like that one in my life. You need to take him to the barn and give him a good flogging. If that doesn’t work send him over to my place for a day or two, and I guarantee you when he returns home, you won’t recognize him. I’ll teach that whiner some manners if it kills him!

I’ll not soon forget those words Mister Conklin; you mark my word if he ever comes home with a hair out of place; I’ll send the Sheriff after you!

"I want you to know Mrs. Berkshire this day has changed my life forever thanks to your son Bubba. I never have in my life raised my voice at a child. Yes, Ma’am, this one takes the cake! I’m going to pray for Bubba every Sunday at church. I hope the good Lord hears me and forgives me as well. As for you Mrs. Berkshire, you need to wash your mouth out with soap, preferably lye. I have never heard such foul language coming out of a woman’s mouth like what you displayed here today."

When we drove away, Mrs. Berkshire was standing in front of the garage with her hands on both hips, and I’m equally sure she knew she had been thoroughly reamed out by Uncle Phil.

Carrie got out of the car and went into the house with Uncle Phil. We both gave Aunt Addie a big hug and a kiss, and she gave us some cookies and milk. What a great exchange.

About forty-five minutes later Carrie and I separated, she went to her house, and I went to mine. We live next door to each other.

I barely got inside my door, and the phone rang. It was Carrie; we must’ve talked for an hour or more mostly about the events of the day, especially the part at the Berkshires. Boy, that was exciting listening to Uncle Phil chewing out Bubba’s mom.

Here we had spent the entire day together, and we never seemed to run out of something to talk about. You’ll never find two cousins more together than Carrie and me. I asked her if she wanted to come and stay with me until her mother got home, You know I don’t want you alone after dark, I said.

No, I’ll wait for a while, and if she’s not here before dark, I’ll come over.

Just call me, and I’ll come and get you, Okay?

"Oh, it’s Ok my dad just pulled into the driveway, I’ll see you tomorrow. She then hung up the phone.

Lottie and her husband Gordon Ellis were in their ninth year of marriage. They seemed to be getting along rather well. I suppose tolerating each other might be a better way of putting it.

They began dating increasingly going out on the town to fancy restaurants, and nightclubs. Of course, Lottie would foot the bill most of the time. Gordon was a handsome man, just two years older than his wife and they seemed to fit together quite well. The fact the Lottie was such a gorgeous woman didn’t hurt their situation.

Gordon was tired of the door to door selling. He wanted something either more prestigious or, at least, a job where he didn’t have to continuously climb in and out of the car with an armload of encyclopedias. It was embarrassing when he would be out at an elegant nightclub and run into one of his customers.

Gordon took a few days to seek other employment, it didn’t really matter what type of work just as long as he didn’t have to knock on doors. Well, Gordon was a great talker, so it didn’t take him long to find just what he was looking for, just what the world needed, another used car salesman. He did quite well; he began to bring home a nice paycheck. This was very impressive to Lottie that after nine years, her husband could finally help financially. Not that she needed the money she was rolling in dough, but for the first time, she had an opportunity to spend somebody else’s.

Lottie was so impressed she decided to take Gordon on a weekend trip to Sin City. Neither of them had ever been to Las Vegas before so this would be like a honeymoon.

They stayed at the best hotel, did lots of gambling and even took in a couple of the best shows in town. Lottie was enjoying it immensely.

Gordon rather enjoyed the way people looked at them when they walked up in front of a fancy casino, he dressed in a tux and her in the most beautiful gown on the strip. Oh, and the way the eyeballs would roll at the hotel swimming pool when she stepped out in her almost bikini and took the plunge. You could hear women saying to their husbands;

Put your eyes back in their sockets and pay more attention to the one you’re with, damn men are alike! Said one wife who in turn got this reply from her husband;

If you looked more like her I’d never take my eyes off you! After the slap in the mouth, he got up and left.

I know Gordon was proud as a peacock, but then all good things must end. For Gordon, this was that time. Tuesday morning, they returned to the old grind, one selling cars, and the other real estate. One thing for sure they made some great memories in Vegas.

The Ellis’s were only home about a week or so when Lottie got a call from Sergeant Hargrove of the Coralville Police Department;

Ma’am Err, Mrs. Ellis, I wonder if you could come down to my office at the Coralville Police Station your husband is here in lock up. I would appreciate it if you would come as soon as possible.

What has he done that you had to arrest him, Sergeant? Lottie asked with concern, they had just come home from a wonderful trip and now what has he done to spoil it."

Well, Ma’am said the Sergeant, I’d rather not talk about it over the phone, and we’ll hash it all out when you get here.

Okay, Lottie replied, I’ll be there in an hour just as soon as I close my office.

That’ll be just fine Ma’am I’ll see you when you get here, and just tell the officer at the front desk that I’m expecting you.

She arrived at the Coralville police department, walked in the door, and stepped up to the front desk.

I’m looking for Sergeant Hargrove. He’s expecting me just tell him it’s Mrs. Ellis.

Just take a seat over there, he pointed in the direction of one of those long wooden benches that seem to be synonymous with police stations. The officer excused himself and walked down the hallway to the Sergeant’s office. He returned in a moment and asked her to follow him as he led her into the Sergeant’s office where he was sitting behind a large desk talking on the telephone.

He motioned for her to take a seat while he finished his conversation. He then hung up the phone and swiveled around to face Lottie.

Sergeant Hargrove stood up walked over to where she was sitting and extended his hand.

Hello Mrs. Ellis, thank you for getting here so quickly. He then returned to his desk, sat down and started fumbling with some papers on the desk in front of him.

Um, he started to say something, but it wasn’t very comprehensible, so he cleared his throat and tried again.

Your husband, Mr. Ellis, was picked up at six-fifty-five last evening on the other side of Coralville, just a short distance from here…

Yes, she acknowledged. I’m in the real estate business, and I cover this territory, in fact, the whole county.

Yes Ma’am, it seems that your husband was attempting to rape a thirteen-year-old girl and might’ve succeeded if not for two citizens that were just passing by out in front of an old vacant building. They heard her screaming and ran around to the back of the building to see what the commotion was all about and found Mr. Ellis down on the ground attempting to remove the girls’ clothing. He tried to escape through the back of the alley, but one of the men ran after him and threw him to the ground and held him down while the other gentleman stayed with the girl and called for assistance. Two officers went to the scene and cuffed Mr. Ellis and took him into custody. I was just thinking; didn’t you wonder why he didn’t come home last night?

No, Sergeant not at all, he often stays at work and plays poker with the other salesmen. Sometimes they play all night; at least, that’s what he tells me, but now I’m not so sure. But rape? Are you sure? That doesn’t sound like Gordon at all; he’s never short of sex at home. Err, I’m sorry, I’m talking out of school.

Well, Ma’am sex isn’t necessarily what it’s all about; we think it’s more just the thrill of getting away with it, than the sex itself.

Oh, my God, I need to go home and hug my little girl and tell her how much I love her. If I find out that he laid one finger on her there won’t be any need for a trial, I’ll kill him myself!

You’re free to go whenever you want. However, that statement you just made isn’t the best thing to tell a police officer. Oh, and, by the way, Mrs. Ellis do you remember hearing the news about a little nine-year-old girl being raped in your area about three months ago?

Yes, she replied. But it wasn’t on the news very long; it was like everyone just wanted to put it on the back burner.

Well, Ma’am I’m going to have a talk with the Sheriff in Jericho and see it there a connection. You never know, we might be able to kill two mysteries with one rapist.

His arraignment will be the day after tomorrow at the County Courthouse. Probably between nine thirty and eleven A.M., if you’re planning to bail him out. Oh, and the Judge is a woman with a fourteen-year-old herself, so don’t look for any sympathy from the bench.

Lottie couldn’t wait to get home to Carrie, thinking that if Gordon had ever touched her daughter inappropriately, well she won’t handle the outcome.

She pulled into the driveway, slammed on the brakes, and hit the front door at a dead run. She entered the living room expecting to see Carrie sitting on the couch watching television, but the room was empty as though nobody was in the house. She began screaming;

Carrie! Carrie! Where are you sweetheart? but there was no answer, only adding fuel to the fire. But then Gordon was in jail over in Coralville so Carrie must be here somewhere, and safe she thought. However, that didn’t relieve the anxiety. She picked up the phone and called her mother Addie, but Carrie wasn’t there either. Now she was terrified, where could her little girl be? Addie suggested she call Connor and see if she was there since they spent most of their time together. Lottie was so relieved when Carrie answered the phone;

Stay there honey, mommies coming to pick you up!

Sergeant Hargrove called Sheriff Dudley in Jericho and discussed the recent rape case in his authority. Dudley told the Sergeant that he was aware of the situation and had been investigating since the onset, but that he had run into a blank wall;

Absolutely no evidence, the scene was clear, not a trace of evidence was left behind.

We have a man in lockup that just might be the man you’re looking for if you can get the girl to pick him out of a lineup, we’re home free. Sergeant Hargrove told Dudley.

It’s not quite that simple Sergeant. You see, she’s still incoherent and we can’t even talk to her. Even if we tried the doctors wouldn’t allow it, they’re afraid of upsetting her and putting her back in a coma. She was terribly traumatized, and the doctors tell us they don’t know if she’ll ever make a full recovery.

Maybe I will ask the local police to get involved. I’ll check with the District Attorney and see if he can get a warrant so we can pick up his vehicle and see if perhaps there’s any clue’s in the car. However, if you’ll give me the data on your suspect, we just might find something to work with.

Sergeant Hargrove gave the Sheriff all the data on Gordon Ellis and wished him luck.

The next day the DA was fortunate, he spoke to Judge Wilbert, told him the story, and convinced the Judge to issue a warrant for Dudley to pick up the automobile and anything else that belonged to Gordon Ellis.

He showed up on the doorstep of the Ellis residence only to find an empty house.

Addie, Lottie’s mother, noticing the Sheriff’s car in front of her daughter’s house was curious, and since they lived next door to each other, she walked over to talk to the Sheriff.

Good morning Sheriff, Addie said, being polite or just nosey. What can I do for you? This is my daughter’s house, is she in some kind of trouble?

No Ma’am, but I do need to talk to her, is there some way I can get in touch with her?

There sure is Sheriff, she works at Malloy real-estate, let me give you her number. She gave him the phone number.

I’ll take it from here Ma’am, thanks again.

Well, you’re welcome Sheriff, and her name is Lottie, Lottie Ellis.

The Sheriff took the information and drove away, and he sent a tow truck over to pick up the car. He explained to Lottie the reason was to turn the car over to the lab so they could look for evidence, just in case that therapist used the car in the crime.

"It may be just a waste of time, but we have a minuscule amount of evidence to go with except for what vacuum picked up, several hair samples, hopefully, one will match the little girl that was raped.

There was also a pink toothbrush found under the rear of the front seat and in the trunk a piece of white terrycloth and a roll of duct tape. Now Dudley thought if only some of these articles match, we’ll be in like Flynn.

After a week and some friendly persuasion, Dudley could obtain a hairbrush from Mrs. Forester used by her daughter Rebecca; the hair retrieved from the brush was a match under the microscope. Some of the other hairs matched Gordon Ellis and three more matched Carrie. Even Lottie got in on the evidence game. It looked like a sure winner, but first, the District Attorney would have to convince the grand jury that there was enough evidence to go to trial.

The evidence was weak at best, and hardly sufficient enough to win a guilty verdict if there was a trial.

The duct tape was of little consequences, almost impossible to trace however they did find a slight trace of chloroform in the terry cloth. I don’t know how after three months, but laboratories are sharp when it comes to solving a case. We can only hope and pray that the jury is convinced enough to convict.

Although the pieces of evidence are most compelling, I don’t think there’s enough to put a lock on it just yet. I need you to convince the girl, what’s her name, Rebecca? I need you to find a way to convince Rebecca to go before a lineup and identify the perpetrator. That’s the only guarantee that will convince the jury to convict unless of course, you can get Mr. Ellis to confess. Said the District Attorney

Well, I’ll keep trying, but I can’t promise results unless she’s either willing or cognizant enough to make an ID.

Well, Sheriff until we get a positive ID I’m going to keep what we have secret. I’ll keep the case open, and as soon as you get her in front of the lineup, and satisfy the ID, keep leaning on her and get it done ASAP.

Two days later Lottie drove to Coralville for Gordon’s arraignment hearing. Although she loathed him for what he had done, she, however, felt that he was entitled to counsel. She talked to Matt and explained the situation.

Matt was a very understanding person and suggested that she use the company lawyer, but Lottie declined the offer;

This is not a company problem, however, if you don’t mind would you get a referral from him for a good trial lawyer?

Within a few hours, Matt called Lottie and told her that an attorney named Ethan Embry would pick her up at her house about eight in the morning. He wanted to drive her so she could fill him in on the details while on the way to the courthouse. Lottie agreed that it was a good idea and thanked Matt for his help.

On the way to Coralville, she told Ethan all that she knew about the situation;

All I know is what Sergeant Hargrove explained to me.

Okay, Ethan returned. We’ll work it out when we get there and see if the Judge is going to set bail.

Bail? Lottie questioned. I don’t want that SOB back on the streets ever again, can we refuse bail?

Of course, if that’s what you really want, Ethan replied, wondering why she bothered hiring him. However, if I’m going to represent your husband, I must meet with him before we go before the Judge, after all, he needs to know what’s going on.

Lottie agreed, and they met with Gordon at the jail where she introduced Ethan to Gordon.

He’s your mouthpiece, she said, being very arrogant and repugnant to Gordon for putting her in this situation.

When finally, they went before the Judge, Ethan explained the situation and the Judge is a woman with a fourteen-year-old daughter herself found little difficulty refusing bail. Ethan pleaded with the Judge saying that he was no flight risk and that he, Mr. Embry, would be responsible for him.

The Judge looked at Ethan, and in angry, Bail will be set at five hundred thousand dollars! She almost broke the gavel she was so perturbed.

Lottie asked if she could address the court, the Judge granted her permission.

Your Honor if I may, I’d prefer not to post bail now. Although I’ll keep an open mind in case, I should later change my mind.

The Judge agreed to the terms and even had a smile on her face, but for Lottie bail was highly unlikely.

Gordon was pleading almost crying for her to get him out of there. He heard how they treated rapist in prison. He wanted no part of that, and she wanted no part of Gordon.

Ethan and Lottie left the courthouse. Ethan was confused while Lottie was satisfied with the outcome.

Let him sit there for a week or so and then I want you to talk to the District Attorney and convince Gordon to cop a plea. Tell Gordon that he’s destined to conviction anyway, and by making a deal with the DA, he would get a much shorter sentence. Not that I give a damn, just gets him off the street sooner, and without an expensive trial. She told Ethan.

Okay, Mrs. Ellis you’re the boss, Ethan responded.

Chapter Two

The Rape

Approximately three months before Gordon Ellis was arrested for attempting to rape a teenager, a young boy, named Peter Brock was on his way to a friend’s house. While riding his bicycle on the two-lane highway traveling north, he noticed some strange activity in the small drain ditch that paralleled the road. It was just about three feet or so off the shoulder of the road. The boy, being naturally curious stopped, got off his bicycle and strolled over to the side to investigate when he noticed a young girl bound and gagged, squirming and turning about in a futile attempt to free herself. Peter released the gag from her mouth, and the girl began to scream copiously scaring him. When he reached down and untied her hands, she started trying to claw at her rescuer. Peter was now not only scared to death but also didn’t know what to do. He was afraid if he tried to release her feet, she might run away without getting the attention she needed.

Peter turned and ran back to the highway to summon help from a passing car, but there were only a few cars at that time of the day. Finally, he saw a car coming from town, and he ran out into the middle of the street so the car could not get around him and began waving his hands over his head frantically.

The driver began waving his hand across the windshield trying to get the boy to move, but Peter was insistent, refusing to get out of the car’s way. The man behind the wheel slammed on the brakes and jumped out of the car as though he intended to harm the boy.

Help me, Sir, I need your help. There’s a small girl over there in the ditch and I think she’s hurt!

The man stepped over to the side of the road to get a better look and was alarmed at what he saw.

You stay here boy and do not let anyone, or anything get close to her, she may be seriously injured. Now listen to me son, I’m going back to town and get the Sheriff and an ambulance. It’s just two minutes away so don’t be scared. For heaven’s sake, do not leave her side!

Now the man tried desperately to explain as best as he could, but the words came out all jumbled and indistinguishable.

The Sheriff’s office was located on the edge of town and was only a mile or so. When the man arrived in front of the Sheriff’s office, he jumped out of the car. With the motor still running, he ran through the double doors and up to the bench occupied by a Deputy.

Where’s the Sheriff? The man shouted, Where’s the Sheriff? I have an emergency and need to see him right now! He tried desperately to explain as best as he could, but the words came out all garbled and confounded.

The Sheriff hearing the loud disturbance coming from the outer office came running into the room.

What’s going on in here? He demanded in a grouchy voice.

The deputy told the Sheriff that from what he could understand, a little girl was in danger out on Highway Thirty-one. Sheriff Dudley grabbed his hat from the hat rack on the way out the door.

Jerry, call an ambulance and get them out there immediately; tell them it’s an extreme emergency!

The ambulance arrived on the scene just seconds behind the Sheriff. They took control picking up the girl and strapping her down to the gurney. She was still screaming and trying to get loose. The girl was utterly incoherent, whatever came out of her mouth made absolutely no sense.

At the emergency room the attending physician gave her a shot to calm her down, but for a while, she continued to squirm