Falling Inside the Black Chapter 4

I cared really I did. Watching her walk out that door was one of the hardest things that I have ever done. I mean seriously what could I say? She was my best friend, and I know that no matter what I could have said she would have never listened to me. She was always like that, hard headed and determined to figure things out on her own. I remember trying to convince her to move in with me into this house, but she figured It would be easier just to get her own place. Then there was the convincing her to actually go on her actual first date with Brian. They were so happy together, and I believed her when she said that she didn’t murder him. I never told her, but a few days before he was killed he had confessed to me that he was going to ask her to be his wife. I knew it was smart of me not to tell her. For one she would have let it slip that I told her and Brian would have been pissed at me, but now it would have just tore her up even more.  When I heard that Brian was murdered, and that she had found him the way she did I rushed to be by her side. I knew by the looks of her she was practically dead on the inside. Her usual happiness was gone and the light in her green eyes had disappeared; her face was pale and her lips were chapped it was like she was nothing but an empty shell. She didn’t speak or acknowledge anyone when they talked to her she just sat there looking at the peeling walls of the lobby lost in her own world.

 But now she snapped out of her shocked state and I could see her determination coming back. It was the least I could do to give her a few of my things and some of my extra cash I had been saving up to spend on next semester. Sighing into the ice covered window I saw the familiar flashing of the red and blue lights pull onto my driveway followed by the small knock on the door. Wrapping my button up cashmere sweater around me I answered the door to two short chubby officers.

“Hello Miss Jones I’m Officer Rivas and this is Officer Hansen. We have a few questions for you regarding Casey Lufkin and her mother and father.”   Motioning them to come in I lead them to the living area.

“Please have a seat and uh is there anything that I can get for you two Officers?” Biting my lip I adjusted from one foot to the other.

“No thank you, but can you tell us what Casey told you when she called? What did she sound like? Did she sound upset?”

Rolling my eyes at their stupid questions I sat down in the chair in front of them and glared at them. “She called and told me that someone had broken into her house and it had sounded like her parents were struggling with the intruder, and of course she sound upset she was on the verge of being hysterical!” Laying into the back of the chair I crossed my legs waiting for more of their useless questions.

“Do you know she called you first instead of the police?” Officer Hansen pressed the matter by slamming his pen against the notebook.

“I have no idea to be honest with you.” I blurted out as cocky and offensive as I could. Watching them under the dim light of my lamp they exchanged annoyed glances. “What happened anyways? Is she alright and what about her parents are they okay? Did you guys catch who ever broke into their house?”

Officer Rivas stood up adjusting his belt than looked at his partner than shrugged. “The Lufkin house was indeed broken into, and as far as you need to know her father is in critical condition at EIRMC and well her mother she didn’t make it. It seems to us that things are getting very suspicious about Casey. She wasn’t anywhere to be found and there wasn’t any further signs of an abduction.” Rage exploded throughout my body and I jumped up pointing towards the door as I yelled at them. “First things first Officers my friend is not a cold blooded murderer. She had no reason to kill Brian or her parents. It’s sad to know that her mother is no longer here on earth with us she was an amazing woman, but don’t go around asking stupid questions that you guys already know the answers to.” Stopping I took in a breath so I could continue.”  And you guys know what I don’t know why she would run, and I sure as hell know she wouldn’t so the only obvious explanation is that she was abducted.” I lied like a rug.  “Now please get out of my house I’m sick and tired of seeing your faces.”

With that said they left without another word.  Climbing the stairs to my bedroom I wonder if I should have told them that she did come over and that in a sense she was running but not running because she was a murder, but to get away from the person who tried to murder her. It was complicated and I could only imagine just how she felt. Climbing into my pajamas and into bed I laid there thinking of how I could help my best friend. Thoughts flooded my brain and instantly I was up grabbing my laptop. Turning it on I plopped down on my bed and googled Brian’s murder. I remember someone say that one of his friends had heard her frantic screaming and came to the rescue but I couldn’t remember the guy’s name. Thanks to Austin I knew for a fact that none of Brian’s friends had planned on visiting him that night, and that none of them even lived in the same building. Reading the article over and over again there was only a small mention of an unnamed man who came to her aide.

Frantically I searched more into the murder hoping that somehow maybe someone had leaked something on the case, but came up empty. Placing my laptop on the desk I shook my head knowing that I was onto something, frustrated that I couldn’t figure it out I slammed my fists into my lavender pillows. Laying back I shut my eyes but sleep never came. Rolling over to observe my alarm clock I discovered it was four in the morning. Groaning I placed my pillow over my head. Just as was about to fade into sleep a small creak of a door downstairs made me snap my eyes open. My heart began to pound as I heard small footsteps on the hardwood floor. Blindly I grabbed for my cellphone for just in case. Hearing the creaking of the steps I immediately dialed 911 again as my heart pounded against my rib cage.

“911 what’s your emergency?”

“Hello,” I whispered frantically into the phone as another step creaked. “Someone’s broken into my house, please send someone quickly.” Another step creaked and I jumped into action. Sliding my chair from my desk under the door knob I stepped back as another step creaked. Biting my lip I clutched my phone to my ear as the operator talked to me, but I was unable to comprehend anything she was saying when my door knob began to twist and turn. My breathing became erratic I stepped back quickly scanning my room I realized I had nothing to protect myself. Heading over to the window I cracked it open and stepped out onto the icy ledge just as my bedroom door flew open. Peaking in I saw a tall man enter my room. “Oh God.”  I whispered to myself as I carefully ran along the edge. Turning around I saw the man climb out onto the ledge where I was. Expertly he ran towards me. My foot slid and I fell towards the ground. Landing with a thud I groaned as I tried to move. Instant pain filled my leg and I screamed out in pain. Sirens filled the dead silent air and tears filled my eyes thinking I was saved. The man jumped down from the ledge landing on his feet beside me causing me to yelp out in surprise. Watching him he walked towards me with no limp and I was surprised he didn’t hurt himself from jumping off the ledge. My eyes grew wide as he grabbed my top pulling me towards him he sneered in my face.  “Where is she?” His breath stank of fish and rotting teeth as he asked me so subtly.

“I don’t know how you’re talking about.”  There was no way I was going to give up my friend to some psychotic killer.

“Big mistake.” He went to plunge the knife into my stomach but as the sirens grew closer he got nervous and missed his mark. Cursing at himself he got up and took of just before the police cruisers rounded the corner.

Falling Inside The Black Chapter 3

Letting out a small scream for help I kicked him square in the jaw when he started to grab at me. Taking his moment of weakness I sprung from my bed hearing him growl under his breath he caught my right ankle in his strong firm grasp yanking me to the ground. Landing with a thud grunting I tried to kick him in the face again, but he had managed to clasp my other ankle. Whimpering I thrashed around as he dragged me away from the door. Banging my fists against the hardwood I yelled for my parents to come to my aide. Instead of the sounds of running I was answered by a dark eerie laugh that bounced off the purple walls of my room.

“They aren’t coming to help you, you know.” Wrapping his hands around my throat he picked me up slamming my body into the wall causing the dry wall to cave under such force. Wildly I kicked and scratched at his hands silently pleading for some sort of inner strength. My foot connected with his crotch dropping me he doubled over in pain. I coughed hysterically as I managed to get my bedroom door opened. I tripped over my own feet at the top of the stairs I tumbled down them like a bowling ball running into every blessed step and rail. Groaning I hear him running down the stairs instant adrenaline kicked in. I ignored the pain and ran straight to the front door, but my foot connected with something and I tumbled forward. Cussing I turned around to discover I had tripped over my mother’s lifeless body. My heart leapt into my throat and my eyes grew in terror. Gulping back the sob that threatened to rip out of my throat I clasped the door knob pulling me up. Yanking it open I barreled down the steps out onto the dew glossed lawn heading towards the street as I heard the familiar thump thump of footsteps on our wooden deck. Pumping my arms I ran down the sidewalk my feet began to hurt as they slapped against the pavement, but I knew I couldn’t stop. My lungs burned and I could barely breathe as I took a sharp left heading straight for Tara’s house. I couldn’t help but look back to make sure he wasn’t following me and when I didn’t see him relief filled my body, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that he was still following.

Reaching Tara’s house I pounded on her back door fast and loud. Seeing the kitchen light flick on I swallowed hard feeling exposed out in the dim moonlight seconds ticked by when she finally appeared with a bathrobe wrapped around her and clear agitation on her face. 

“What the hell Casey?” She opened the door letting me in. “God you look like crap what happened?”

Taking in several deep breathes to calm my erratic heart beat I looked up at her as she tapped her foot lightly on the hardwood floor.

“Someone broke into our house and I think they killed my parents.” Her eyes grew wide as she looked at me with disbelief in her eyes.

“What!” She threw her hands up in the air. “How did you get away? Did they follow you? Oh god I’m calling the cops.” Running into the living room she grabbed her cell phone dialing 911 as fast as she could.

I grabbed a hold of her wrist when she came back into the kitchen. “You didn’t say I was here did you?”

“No I didn’t say you were here.  All I had said was that you called me all freaked out saying that someone broke into your house and you think they may have attacked your parents.” Raising her eyebrow she questioned me silently.

“Good, can I borrow a few shirts and pants? I promise to replace them as soon as possible.” Opening her mouth she snapped it shut thinking twice about asking why.

“Whatever, I don’t want to know.”

A few minutes ticked by and she walked down the stairs carrying a small red duffle bag and a pair of shoes.  I could tell she was worried and that she had a lot of questions running around in her head, but she knew that I couldn’t share them.

“Look Casey call me when you can okay?” Biting her lip she handed me her things as she continued. “I’m guessing your leaving town or something like that so I packed a few uh extras in there, and don’t worry about replacing them I promise its stuff I can live without. Though you had better get going before the cops show up here or else you’re going to make me look like a liar.” She tried to smile but I could see tears well up in her eyes as she headed towards the window. “Goodbye Casey.” Fog spread across the pane as she whispered it mostly to herself.

“Goodbye Tara and thank you so much.” With that said I left quickly through the back door afraid that if I stayed any longer I would either be caught or I’d break down into a crying fit. Closing my eyes I breathed in the cold crisp air as I slid on the shoes she gave me and sprinted through her backyard and into the nearby woods making sure that I kept near the road, but not to close because I didn’t want to be spotted. Reaching the edge of the woods before I entered the main part of town I stopped to open the duffle bag. I sucked in a sharp breath of air when I saw that there was a small wad of cash sitting on top of the clothes. Looking up at the sky I silently thanked my friend for being there when I needed her the most. She had given me five hundred dollars, and I knew that this had come out of her student loan fund. Carefully I placed the cash back inside the bag and ran into the busy section of town. Finally I located a cheap hotel and checked in under a fake name using the cash Tara had given me.

Entering the musty hotel room I locked and dead bolted the door, double checked that all the windows were locked and the curtains we’re down. Plopping down on the edge of the bed I let my tears finally fall. Everything that I ever loved and cared about was being yanked away from me in a blink of the eye. There was only one possible way to cope with that which was to cry till I couldn’t feel anymore. I had lost my boyfriend and now my parents than to top it all off I was being hunted for some unknown reason to me. I knew that I had to find the answers and quick because I knew that if whoever it was that wanted to spill my blood would do so the instant he found me. Taking in a deep breath I grabbed the bag taking into the tiny dirty bathroom with me. I desperately wanted to soak away the dirt and grime from the forest, and the possible blood from my mother. Cranking the shower on I jumped in enjoying the soft spray from the warm water. Afterwards I wrapped myself into a towel and took the bag back into the main area with me. Gently I set it on the floor by my feet, zipping it open I pulled out its contents. She had given me a few pairs of underwear, a bra, socks, and some blue jeans, a couple of white and blue tops, and she even threw in two pairs of her comfy pajama bottoms. Smiling slightly I pulled on some of the items grateful to have some clean stuff with me.

Climbing into the stiff brown sheets of the queen bed I wrapped the golden quilt around me as a small cold breeze chilled me to the bone.  Or maybe it was just the fact that I still didn’t feel that safe.  I haven’t felt safe since Brain died, and it still ate slowly ate at me that I couldn’t change the past. Clamping my eyes shut I tried to think about all the things that used to be good in my life and soon I fell into a restless sleep.

****

It was Brian and I’s first Christmas together and I was itching with excitement waiting for him knock on the front door.

“Oh Casey get your butt back in here.” My mother called me from the kitchen and I could tell she was getting annoyed with calling me back into help her with dinner. Shaking my head I turned on my heels and entered the kitchen. The smells of ham and potatoes filled my lungs making my mouth salivate just a little bit. “Honey you’ll hear the doorbell when he arrives so just stop pacing around your driving me insane.” I could tell she was joking by the small smile on her face and the hint of sarcasm in her tone.

“Oh I know mom, I’m just so excited for you guys to actually meet him! He means so much to me and we’re going onto our five month anniversary!” I grabbed a nearby knife preoccupying myself so I could cut up the remaining vegetables so I didn’t have to fully listen to her rambling that was bound to come after that statement.

“Casey I know you think you may be in love with this Brian guy, but honey like you just said you’re only moving into five months’ worth of dating. I just don’t think you should jump into something you may not be ready for. You know your father and I dated for a whole year before I decided that I was truly in love with him, and then what do you know another year later we were married and pregnant with your brother James.” I was shocked that she had mentioned James. No one has talked about him really since his car accident eleven years ago. I was ten when he passed away which would have made him eighteen at the time. A school bus had run a stop sign broadsiding the passenger side of his Honda Accord. I stopped my cutting when I noticed that my mother was no longer talking. Turning around I saw her just standing there with a dazed look on her small round face. Her hazel eyes were focused on something or some memory I couldn’t see. Lightly I placed my hand on her shoulder giving it a reassuring squeeze. She absentmindedly placed her hand on mine giving me a small pat on my hand as she snapped from her trance. “Sorry.” She mumbled under her breath as she turned her attention back on the stove. Sighing I turned my focus back onto mutilating the veggies when the doorbell rang. My excitement returned as I dropped the knife on the table and bolted for the door.

“Hey.” Brian said coolly as I opened the door to let him in. “You look great.” He gave me a single rose as he planted a small kiss on my cheek when he stepped inside.  Giggling I blushed as I smelled the sweetness of the red rose.

“Thanks Brian.” I said as I motioned him towards the living area where I knew my dad and older brother were. I coughed lightly to let them know we had joined them. They both turned at the same time plastering smiles on their faces when they realized Brian was with me. “Uh Dad and Alec this Brian, and Brian this is my Dad Eric and my older brother Alec.” I made sure they were exchanging handshakes and nods before I went back into the kitchen to check up on my mom. 

“Goodness I was just about to call you back in here. Can you help me set up the table?” She had all the meat, potatoes and veggies all in separate bowls ready to be taken out and placed on the table.

“I can help too.” Brains voice startled us both causing my mom to drop the pitcher of water she held in her hands. “Oh crap I’m sorry.” He said as he rushed over to help my mom clean up the spill. “Let me get that please it was my fault that I startled you.”  My mom looked up at him with more interest than I thought she would as she stepped out of his way so he could mop up the mess. Looking back to make sure he wasn’t paying attention she looked over at me winking and giving me a thumbs up to let me know she already approved of him. Nodding in agreement I took some of the bowls and placed them on the festive table cloth. “I’m Brian by the way, and you must by Casey’s mom Ellen. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He stuck out his hand so subtle that my mom didn’t even notice it she just wrapped him up into a hug which caught him off guard because he gave me the whole what the heck type of look. Shrugging I just sat there and smiled as my mother bear hugged him.

After dinner and desert I helped my mom clean up the mess while the guys decided to get acquainted some more.

“I can see why you like him so much he’s such a charmer.” She said as she elbowed me in the arm.

“Thanks mom.” I mutter mostly to myself. I mean don’t get me wrong I’m glad that my mom likes him, and it seems like from the cheering and hollering in the other room my dad and brother have warmed up to him. I’m thrilled really I am I just seriously didn’t expect them to well like him so fast, but I guess my mom is right he’s a charmer. I look up just as Brain comes stumbling in with my brother laughing their butts off.

“Sis you seriously picked a winner here he’s better than any of the other guys you’ve brought home.” They burst out laughing when Alec socked Brian in the arm while both my mom and I rolled our eyes in unison.  Watching Alec leave the room Brian turned his attention to us.

“Do you lovely gals need some help in here?” My mom let out a small snicker and shook her hands out of the water.

“Why yes Brian my hands are feeling a bit pruned up would you mind helping Casey finish up the dishes?” She winked at me again as she moved out of Brian’s way.

“I’d love to.” He said with amusement in his tone which both he and I knew my mom was giving us a bit of alone time.

“Your family is great Casey.” He enthused as soon as my mom had left the room and was out of ear shot. “And your brother he’s pretty cool. He’s what a year older than us?”

“Thanks, and yeah he’ll be twenty two here in a few weeks.” I said just as he lightly splashed me with the soapy water. Giggling I returned the playful splash when I gently through a plate in the sink in front of him. Laughing he leaned over kissing me on top of my head. “So when do I get to meet your family?” I ask as casually as I can. He knows I’ve wanted to meet his parents for some time, and I just can’t put my finger on the fact of why he doesn’t want me to meet them.

Clearing his throat he glanced at my sideways and shrugged. “Oh I don’t know. My dad he’s always busy and well my mom she locks herself in her art studio all day. I hardly ever see them as it is.” Deciding against pressing the matter I put the last dish in the rinse water. “So I have something for you.” Looking over at him I raised my eyebrow.

“Oh you do now.” Playfully I tugged on his arm for him to wrap them around me. “What if I were to say I had something for you too up in my room.” Smiling lightly he poked my nose. “Hey!”

“What can I say you have a cute button nose.” Cracking up at his own comment we both busted out laughing till my mom came in to see what got us all hysterical which made us laugh harder. Shaking her head she left the room with a smile on her face. Finally after we calmed down I poked my head into the living room to see if my mom was in there.

“Hey mom I’m taking Brian up to my room to uh get his gift.” She turned around giving me that don’t do anything stupid kind of look and I rolled my eyes as I turned my attention back to Brian. Taking his hand I led him up the stairs and into my bedroom where I lightly closed the door behind us. Immediately he ran his fingers through my hair and kissed me passionately on the lips.

“I’ve been waiting to do that all night long.” He said as we pulled away from one another to get some air. I watched as he headed towards my bed and plop himself down on the edge. Smiling he lounged backwards cocking his head up towards the ceiling I fought back the urge to run over and kiss his neck. Biting my lip I went over to my desk grabbing the small red velvet case. Raising his eyebrow as I handed it to him I motioned for him to open it when I sat beside him. Awe spread across his face when he opened the box to reveal a small gold chair with a class ring threaded through it. “What’s this Casey?”

Locking eyes with him I grabbed the chain from the box and clasped it around his neck. “It used to belong to my brother James. It’s his class ring he gave it to me the day before he left which also happened to be the day he died in a car accident. I wanted to give you something that meant a lot to me so you would know exactly how I feel about you.” Looking down at my shaggy brown carpeted floor I twiddled my thumbs as he lightly fingered the ring. He reached over placing his hand under my chin bringing my lips to his.

“Casey you have no idea how much this means to me. I had no idea you felt so strongly about me.” He mumbled against my lips. Placing my head in the crook of his should as we laid back on my bed I couldn’t have felt safer. He wrapped his arms around me hugging me close to him. I enjoyed the feel of him against me and I couldn’t help but breathe in his bittersweet aftershave that reminded me of peppermint and chocolate.  Feeling him move I adjusted so he could sit up and I watched him wiggle something small out of his front pocket. He turned and looked at me as he gnawed on the bottom of his lip. Moving my hair to the side he slid on a small chained necklace with a heart attached to it.  “I give you my heart Casey to hold onto for as long as you want it. I knew from the moment I met you back in high school we would have something special in the future, and I was right. I fell in love with you.” Tears welled up in my eyes as I registered his words and a small smile spread across my face as he took me into his arms.

“I love you too Brian.” I mumbled into his neck.

*****

I woke up crying wanting nothing more than to be wrapped up into his big strong arms, and the sad thing is I already knew that that was never going to happen again. I grabbed the nearby flat pillow and hugged it close to my body as I heaved in and out. Sorrow filled my body knowing that I may never be happy again. Breathing in and out I placed my head into the pillow and screamed as frustration took over. I was bound and determined to bring Brian’s killer to justice even if it killed me which the ironic truth is that that may just happen. Glancing over at the clock I saw it was almost five in the morning so I threw my covers off and picked out a pair of jeans and socks from the bag Tara had given me. I had to pick up a few supplies from the nearby Wal-Mart and one of those items had to be a disposable phone. If I was going to get any answers I needed someone who could keep an eye out on things and be a spy for me which only meant that once again I was in desperate need of Tara’s help. 

After grabbing what I thought would make a good disguise I was heading through the electronics section just as a horrific scene on one of the TV’s played before my eyes. 

It is said that Ellen Lufkin was pronounced dead upon arrival to the scene of the break in. As for her husband Eric Lufkin is now being taken care of at EIRMC and is in Critical condition. Their daughter Casey Lufkin whom was just released from Milton’s Behavioral Health Center has gone missing. Police are still unsure if she was kidnapped by the home invader or an accomplice to the murder of her mother and late boyfriend Brian Ackles.

A recent picture of me smiling flashed across the screen.  I recognized it almost immediately it was from a photo that I had taken with Brian a few days before he was murdered. Suddenly afraid I would be spotted I grabbed the cheapest disposable phone and went to check out. Throwing my hood up over my head as I ran out of the doors I made a beeline for my hotel so I could begin step one of my mission.

Stepping inside my dank room I flipped the light on watching it spread light across the living space. Shaking my head I dumped the supplies on the bed.  Chewing on my lip I started at the scissors, hair dye, makeup and colored contact lenses. The only way that I could stay in town was to practically change my look.  Snatching up the scissors and dye I went into the dimly light bathroom. Taking in a deep breath I began to cut my hair into a short bob and after I was satisfied that my hair wasn’t horribly mutilated I took the black hair dye mixed it and began the application process. Pacing around the room I tried to think of my second move as I waited for the dye to set. I had to gain access to the library today maybe there might some news I could look into that there might be a possibility that this has happened before.  I knew it was a slim chance, but I just had to know.  Then I had to get a hold of Tara and see what the cops had to say last night.

An hour went by and instead of long blonde hair, blue eyes and basically plain looks I had short black hair, golden green eyes and I actually had makeup on. Which I was glad that Tara had actually taken the time to show me how to do it properly I looked like a totally different person. Satisfied I headed to the library to begin my research. 

Throwing my hood up I walked the rain slicked streets. I don’t know why it would have been easier and  way faster to take the bus or a taxi, but I guess you can say I still don’t really want to put my new looks to the test. An hour went by and I finally stood in front of the bricked library. Shoving my hands in my pockets I took a deep breath and ran up the stone steps through the entrance and straight to the computers. Scanning my surroundings I slid my hood off and booted the ancient computer. It groaned as it came to life and I couldn’t help but wonder just how long it had been since these had actually been used. Accessing the internet I began my search with high hopes. Hours went by and I kept coming up empty frustrated I turned the computer off and bolted through the double glass paned doors. It was pouring rain and it froze me right to the bone, but I ran anyways. Tripping over my own feet I landed on the sidewalk and the tears began to fall. There was only one thing in this world and that was to have the answers of who did this to Brian but reality sets in quick and I knew from the way things were going that my wish would never ever come true.