The Stalker

[1badboy 581]

Caution: This story contains naughty peeing.

 

Okay I am going to write a little more of this story.

 

THE STALKER

Sara winced as Pastor Goodman read the eulogy.  He tried valiantly to say positive things about Kim, but her life had been anything but positive.  Kim had been abused as a child by her stepfather.  In High School Kim got into drugs, and by the time she started University she had a full blown porn addiction.  

However University was one of the positives in Kim's life.  Kim was incredibly bright and she had gotten in on a full ride scholarship.  

When Pastor Goodman had them stand for the prayer Sara spotted Joe in the front.   At a height of six four he was hard to miss.  His heavily muscled broad shoulders, and tapered back, marked him clearly as an NFL football player.  Some women didn't like the look, but Sara, who'd worked the front desk in a gym, loved it.  

Coleen nudged Sara with her elbow, “Isn't that Mitch, in the back, near the door?”

Sara glanced back quickly.  She fought the fear and shame that began to grip her body and met Mitch's stare with a determined look of her own, “Fuck you Mitch! You're an atheist, what are you doing here?”

Mitch was about the same height and size as Joe, but those were the only similarities.  Mitch's hair was long and unkempt, he had a couple of days growth of a beard, and he was dressed the same way he always dressed -- in blue jeans and a thick white T-shirt.  Sara's gaze seemed to unnerve him.  Mitch broke eye contact, glanced around nervously, turned and left.

Back in University a girl in Sara's dormitory had spotted Mitch on the small bluff behind Sara's room one night.  Phillip, the tall slim dormitory Resident Advisor had gone out to talk to him.  He had found Mitch drinking beer and looking into Sara's room with a pair of binoculars.  Poor Phillip had gotten a huge black eye.  Amazingly that wasn't enough to get Mitch kicked out of the University, let alone kicked off the football team.  Nope, the player Coach Henderson had called the most talented quarterback he had ever recruited,  had to get a DUI, flunk a drug test, and get a restraining order -- brought against him for stalking Sara -- before the University finally let him go.  

When Mitch got kicked out, Joe took over as quarterback, and led the Landsharks to a National Championship. 

Coleen exhaled, “What was that psycho doing here?”

Sara shook her head, "Maybe Mitch was the one who supplied Kim with the drugs.."

 

“If that's true then he's a murderer.” Coleen glanced back at the entrance, then at Sara. “You think he's the one who killed Joe's girlfriend Anna, and those other girls on campus?”

“Kim was his alibi.” Sara glanced back at the exit.  "I was too.."

Pastor Goodman’s daughter Betsy took the mike.  “Our next speaker led the Landsharks to a National Championship, graduated Magna Cum Laude, and now plays quarterback for the Saints.  Let's welcome Joe Christiansen!”

Joe walked up to the mike and grinned broadly. “I didn't graduate Magna Cum Laude..” He set his light brown well worn leather bound Bible on the podium.  

Becky sat down and flashed Joe a flirty smile.

“Sorry..” Joe apologized, “This funeral is not about me.. We're gathered here to reflect on the life of a beautiful young lady -- Kim Hathaway.  She wasn't perfect, none of us are... we all fall short.  As Christians we must always be on guard against the evils of the world -- drugs, sex, and threats to our faith.  The devil can take many forms.   The world wants us to fail.. but Jesus wants us to win!”

Joe picked up his Bible and studied it for a moment, “In the end, when we die, what is really important?  Is it how much money we made? Is it how many touchdowns we threw? Or how many Championships we won?  How does that glorify Jesus? At the best football can be used as a platform to lead people to Christ -- to lead them away from the sort of evil that killed Kim.”

Bill sat down in the empty chair next to Sara.  He had a sugar cookie, and a cup of coffee. His worn grey suit looked a little wrinkled and ready for a dry clean. “Good grief..” he whispered to Sara, drawing her attention away from Joe as he continued to speak “..does Joe really have to be so preachy?  Why doesn't he talk about Kim?”

Suddenly everyone began clapping.

“Applause at a funeral?” Bill stood up, “I'm outta here..” .

Coleen looked at Sara in disbelief, “Are you frigging kidding me? Did Bill really just leave?”

“Bill doesn't like funerals.” Sara watched Joe shaking hands with people as he headed back to his seat.

“And he wasn't at church this morning..”

“Sunday’s Bill’s only day off.” Sara shrugged casually, “He's a good accountant, he does a lot of business.”

“Is he even really a believer?”

“Fuck you..” Sara glared at Coleen. 

“Classy Sara..”

“Sorry.. I didn't mean to use that word, but you're being a bitch Coleen.”

“A bitch?” Coleen rolled her eyes. “I don't know what you see in Bill.”

“He's sweet, he's kind, he's dependable..” Sara studied Joe's broad back.

“You’re crushing on Joe!”

“No..”

“Sara could you really imagine making love to Bill?”

“Fuck you..” Sara exhaled, “You would go there!  Sex isn't everything.. There’s a difference between lust and love.  Bill’s a good man!  Besides... it's not like we're living together.”

Coleen grinned, “If you don’t start going to church you won’t have even a sliver of a prayer of getting together with Joe.”

“Coleen, you just broke up with Kenneth and you're giving me relationship advice?”

“Yeah..” Coleen smirked, “..yes I am.  I've seen Joe looking at you.  He likes you!”

------------------

Sara opened the envelope.  She was surprised to find twenty brand new one hundred dollar bills held together with a rubber band.  That was Kim. Instead of putting the money in her bank account she put it in a safety deposit box.

“Thank you Kim” Sara looked at the little stack of money with sadness.  Poor Kim, to her that two thousand dollars must have seemed like a fortune.  Sara's family wasn't poor like Kim's but she would be the last one to get anything from her parents.  They didn't even come to her graduation.

The only other item in the envelope was a little worn book.  Flowers adorned the cover.  It was a diary…  Tears clouded Sara's eyes, “I'm not reading your diary Kim..” It reminded her too much of the diary she had begun when she first started dating Mitch. “Fuck you Mitch!” Sara stuffed the diary back into the envelope.  “You fucked up everything!”

It was pleasantly cool outside, and Sara welcomed the walk to her car in the dark.  Bill was really just a male friend, but what was wrong with that? Joe? Sara still pictured Joe with Anna..

Sara clutched the envelope tightly as she crossed the deserted parking lot.  She didn't need her parents money, she didn't need their help.  She loved her job as a kindergarten teacher.  One day she would have kids of her own.  

A beat up old red Chrysler four door was parked behind Sara's car at a peculiar angle. As Sara approached,  two fat men, a little taller than Sara, stepped out of the Chrysler.  They both wore black ski masks.

“We'll be taking that envelope.” The heavier of the two men stepped in front of her.

Sara knew she could run, but they would easily overtake her because of her high heels. “Here, it contains two thousand dollars.” Her voice shook slightly,  “Take it, just let me go.”

“Is the diary in there too?”

“Yes... why..?” Sara handed the envelope to the fat man, “Please just let me go.”

“We've got other plans for you.” The second man pulled the cap off of a large hypodermic needle.

“Ooff!!” Sara's foot caught the fat man between the legs.  He let go of the envelope and dropped to his knees. “Fucking bitch!”

Sara went for the envelope and pain shot through her face.  The kick snapped her head back and knocked her into the concrete behind her.

“Mike, you fuckin’ idiot, we weren't  supposed to mark her.”

“Fuck that Tony! Poke her, and let's get the fuck outta here!”

“Please no!” Warm blood dripped in Sara's eyes as she struggled to sit up.  Mike grabbed her roughly and forced her up against the car.

“Okay let's get this over with.” Tony swung the needle at Sara's leg.

Sara felt the needle poke into her leg as Tony's head smashed against the side car window.  Mitch swung him around like a ragdoll and threw him on the pavement. 

Mike yanked the needle from Sara's thigh and lunged at Mitch.  Mitch dodged with surprising agility and caught the fat man's wrist, wrenched the needle from his hand and drove it deeply into Mike's thigh fully depressing the plunger.

“Fuck…” Mike's knees crumpled under him.  He fell face first into the pavement.

Sara's vision began to fade as Mitch picked her up and ran towards his idling pickup truck.

------------

Sara opened her eyes slowly.  She was lying in a hospital bed hooked up to an IV.  The morning sunlight shone brightly in the window, and the clock read “7:10”.

“Woah!” A blond male nurse stopped Sara as she began to sit up.  “Take it easy.   You took a pretty good dose of a very dangerous designer drug.”

Sara glanced around the room.  Her swollen jaw made it uncomfortable to speak. “Where's Mitch?”

“You mean the guy who brought you in?  He’s probably being questioned by the police.” The nurse gave Sara a serious look, “Officer Brennon wants to know where you and Mitch got that drug.  You’re lucky to be alive.”

“What do you mean?  A couple of creeps tried to kill me with it!”

“Sara..” The nurse sighed, “Officer Brennon found the drug and the needles in your car.  You might as well just tell the truth.  Are you trying to protect.. uh.. Mitch?  Is he the one who did that to you?”

“No! I told you the truth!”

“Sara, it's Officer Brennon you need to convince, not me.  A woman named Kim Hathaway OD'd on the same drug less than a week ago.”

“Are you kidding?  I got the same drug that killed Kim?” Sara looked at the nurse in disbelief. “I was at her funeral yesterday morning.”

-----------

Officer Brennon folded his arms. “Sara you need to tell us who sold you the drugs.”

“I told you the fucking truth!” Sara yelled.

“Sara, do you really have to use the 'F-word’?”

“Sara?” Joe poked his head in the door.

“Joe?” Sara clutched the embarrassingly thin hospital gown.

“Joe Christiansen!” Officer Brennon beamed. “What brings you to the hospital?!”

“I like to visit the sick kids and share a little scripture.  You should see their faces light up when they see me.”

Officer Brennon nodded.

“Sara.. what happened to you?”

“A couple of creeps tried to kill me last night.  They wanted Kim's diary.”

Officer Brennon shook his head. “She was doing drugs, and almost OD'd.”

“Officer Brennon..” Joe lowered his voice. “..with all due respect, I've known Sara for years and if she says that two men attacked her then that is what happened.” Joe turned his attention to Sara. “Did they get the uh.. diary?”

Sara closed her eyes, “I don't know.. I dropped it, I tried to get it, and that was when I got kicked in the face.”

“And that was when Mitch showed up?” Officer Brennon ventured.

Sara nodded, “Mitch saved my life.”

Joe pumped his fist, “Mitch finally did a good deed!”

“You believe that?” Officer Brennon looked at Joe in disbelief.

“Sure.” Joe grinned. “He was probably following Sara.”

“You mean stalking?”

Joe shrugged, “Mitch is not the worst guy in the world.  He just needs religion and a little balance in his life.  He’s his own worst enemy.”

Sara nodded, “Tell me about it..”

“Officer Brennon, did you find a diary?” Joe asked.

“No… why would anybody want Kim's diary?”

“I don’t know..” Joe admitted, “Maybe they were worried that there was something in it that might point to them as the drug dealers?”

“Yeah,  but how would they even know she kept a diary?”

“Maybe she threatened them with it.”

Officer Brennon nodded, “That makes sense.”

Joe looked at Sara nervously and took a breath,  “Sara are you getting ready to leave?  I'll give you a ride.. I'll buy you dinner… we could talk.”

“Sorry Joe, I'm seeing Bill Preston now..”

Joe flushed, “I was just offering as a friend.”

Sara smiled, “Thanks for offering.  But really I've got a hell of a headache and I probably won't be eating much more than soup for awhile.. I think I will rest a bit more, then catch an Uber.”

--------------

“Officer Brennon, really you don't have give me a ride.” Sara signed the discharge papers.

Officer Brennon shrugged, “Your car's in the impound at the police station.  I would feel funny making you take an Uber.. besides, I want to talk to you.” He took a breath, “We gave Mitch a lie detector test.  He failed.  He claimed that he just happened to be driving by.  But we caught him in a lie when he said he parked his truck a little ways away and approached on foot… No, he was hiding and watching you.”

“You’re suspicious of Mitch?”

“He's a person of interest.”

“A person of interest?” Sara shook her  head. “Mitch might have killed those guys..  What happened to them? What happened to the car?  The diary?  Mitch was at the fucking police station all night?”

“Sara, do you really have to use the ‘F-word’?  You sound like Mitch… Look! Maybe Mitch is involved with the people selling the drugs.”

“Then he's in big trouble..” 

“That's right.” Officer Brennon nodded, “That's why we let him go.  We're going to keep an eye on him and see who comes after him.” He smiled suddenly, “Sara why didn't you let Joe take you home? He's a nice guy.”

“Because I'm seeing Bill now..”

“You are?” Officer Brennon frowned, “Then why don't you go to church together?”

“Officer Brennon, I met Bill in college.  I've been to church with him a couple of times.”

“On Sunday?”

“Yes, on Sunday!  What are you interrogating me?  Sunday is Bill's only day off!”

Officer Brennon sighed, “Bill goes to a Saturday afternoon service at Faith Family Church.  Sam's  sister, Bobby, attends the same service.”

“So you want to know why I don’t  attend church with Bill?  Who says I have to go to church with my boyfriend?” Sara exhaled, “Maybe it's just nice to take a break from religion once in a while.”

“What do you mean?” Officer Brennon frowned.

“You know what I mean.  I'm taking a break from that whole social circle.”

“Sara, I saw Bill eating dinner with Collette last night at Pete's Barbecue.”

“They like the same sorts of food.” Sara tried to sound casual.  “They're just friends.”

“Baloney!” Officer Brennon snickered.  “He really likes her.”

“Fuck you..” Sara glared. “Sorry…” tears streamed down her face. “Am I the most pathetic woman you know, or what?”

“Sara….Why don't you give Joe a chance?” Officer Brennon stopped the car in front of her apartment.

“Because I don't want to.” Sara climbed out of the car fast. “Thanks for the ride.”

"Sara, your purse!" Officer Brennan held it out the window.

"Thanks!" Sara grabbed it.

"You're welcome.  And keep that gown on!"

"Yeah!" Sara practically ran to her apartment door.  It would have been nice, if they hadn't taken her clothes.  Hospital gowns were almost worse than being naked!

A large Manila envelope with a square bulge -- the size of a small book -- lay on the doormat in front of her apartment door.

Sara snatched the envelope, and hurried inside.  She tossed the envelope, and her purse, on the kitchen counter, and hopped up on the sink.  She really had to pee!

Mitch used to just step behind a tree, or turn his back to her.  It wasn't long before they were peeing together.  She would just squat along side him.  One time they even peed in a concrete stairwell after a night on the town -- and a little underage drinking.

Sara took a breath and reached into the envelope.  She pulled out a small blue paperback Bible.  A sticky note on the cover read;. "Sara maybe this will help.                  , Best wishes, Joe"

There was a book marker in the Bible.   1 Corinthians 15, 53-54,  was highlighted.

53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

"Yeah Joe, that really helps!" Sara laughed.  As Mitch used to say, What's Joe tripping on now?

"Well thanks for the Bible, Joe."  Sara studied the book - Third Addition New Revised Standard International Version.  It seemed that every year they came out with a new Bible.  Sara's phone rang.  She set the Bible down, and pulled her phone out of her purse.

“Sara, this is Bill.  How are you doing?  I just heard about your incident last night.”

“I’m doing okay, but my jaw is still swollen.  It's a good thing the school year just ended..”

“Yes it is! I sure hope they catch the creeps who did that to you.’

“Bill.. I think they're dead..  I think Mitch killed them… Somebody came and got the bodies and cleaned up the scene.  They even put needles and drugs in my car. ”

“What did they want?!”

“A diary Kim left in her Safety Deposit Box… I think they got it.  The police think they're the drug dealers who sold Kim the drug that killed her -- some new designer drug.”

“Well hopefully they will leave you alone now.”

“Hopefully..” Sara took a breath, “Bill.. are we… are we just friends?”

“Sara we need to talk.” Bill sighed, “My parents really like you, but.. we're different.  During the school year you are so busy with teaching that it's impossible to get together with you..  And when we do.. it seems.." Bill sighed again.  "It seems that we have little in common.”

“And you and Collette have a lot in common?”

There was a pause before Bill finally spoke.  “Yes… I'm sorry Sara, my friendship with Collette has developed into something more.”

Sara exhaled, “Officer Brennon wants to get me together with Joe Christiansen.“

“Of gawd not that jerk..”

“You really don't like Joe do you?  You know Joe doesn't talk bad about other people.  He actually defended Mitch to Officer Brennon.”

“He did?" Bill exhaled and snickered, "I suppose it's easy for Joe to play the nice guy now that he's a professional quarterback, and Mitch is nothing.”

“Bill admit it, you're just jealous of Joe.”

Bill exhaled, “Sara remember back in college when you took Mitch to an InterVarsity Christian meeting?”

“Yeah.. So? Mitch was his rival.”

“Yeah, but as student leader of a Christian group he shouldn't have acted like that.  He actually stood up there and called Mitch an atheist, and suggested that he was only there to be with you.  It was downright cringy."

“Mitch is an atheist! Besides Joe was just joking.’

“Mitch laughed it off like it was a joke.  But remember when Mitch tried to talk to Joe after the meeting? Joe totally ignored him, and pretended like he wasn't even there.  And then nobody would look at Mitch, let alone talk to him.”

“So? Football is a big thing here.”

““Sara, it's just a game.  Their football hero was being one upped by your boyfriend.  And it wasn't just the InterVarsity group..” Bill continued, “...the whole University seemed to rally against Mitch.  Remember the stuff in the University paper?”

“So Mitch still had me.”

“Did he?  I remember people in InterVarsity cutting you out of things, and Phillip constantly lecturing you about how you should break up with Mitch.  How would you feel if you were Mitch?  He was a High School football hero.  He came here on a full ride scholarship,.   But then everyone turned against him.  He got accused of serious crimes -- and then you dumped him.”

“Fuck you Bill.. You would go there.  Why are you defending him?” Tears streamed down Sara's face.  “FUCK YOU BILL!” Sara's voice shook. “I wasn't in love with Mitch!  I really wasn't!  I was just going out with him!”

“Then why were you having sex with him?”

Sara ended the call.

[1badboy 581]

Why did Bill have to bring up the sex? Had Bill rejected her because she wasn't a virgin? Mitch was the only guy she had ever had sex with.  

It was strange, but Bill's rejection was a relief. It was much different than the anguish she had felt when she had broken up with Mitch.

Sara vividly remembered the first time. Mitch's roommate had gone home for the weekend, and Mitch had invited Sara over to his dormitory room.

"No, Sara! Not in the stairwell!" 

Sara shrieked giddily as she pulled her jeans down in front of Mitch, totally exposing her raw hairy mound.  

"Sara!" Mitch laughed as she squatted, "We're gonna get caught!"

"Shhh!!" Sara put a finger to her lips and smirked at Mitch's bulging crotch, while her heart pounded madly. She almost couldn't believe she was doing it herself -- but she was in a crazy mood and she almost felt like she could get away with anything when she was with Mitch. "Ahh!" She sighed smugly as she peed powerfully on the low blue carpet right in front of Mitch.

"Sara, that's a lot of pee!" Mitch laughed, "You're gonna make the stairwell smelly!" 

"I need toilet paper!"

"Here!" Mitch pulled off the plaid button down shirt he wore over a plain white t-shirt. "Wipe with this!"

"Okay.." Sara looked down at the huge wet spot on the carpet. She had felt like popping a squat on the carpet, in remote parts of the library, and a few other indoor spots on campus -- but now she had actually done it!

"Hurry! Let's get outta here!" Mitch took his shirt back from Sara and glanced at her hairy bush, as she pulled her jeans back up.

Sara grinned broadly, "Don't worry so much!" She snuggled against Mitch.

It was an old style dormitory, and Mitch's room, was only a bedroom. Sara had barely been in the room thirty seconds when some guy pounded on the door. "Mitch, what in tarnation are y'all up to in there?!"

Brent, leave us the fuck alone!" Mitch called back.

"I reckon they're fixin' to have a little hanky panky." An amused girls voice joined the conversation.

"Now Mitch, mind you this here is a Christian dorm!" Brent called again.

"Who are you calling a Christian?" Mitch called back.

Sara stood up and snuggled her body against Mitch's, "Oh Mitch, that feels SO good!" She said loudly.

"Oh Sara!" Mitch grinned at her.

"Oh Mitch!" Sara kissed him on the lips.

"Sara..?" Mitch stepped back. His expression said 'Where is this going?'

"Mitch!" Sara grinned madly and set her hand on his bulging crotch.

"Sara!" Mitch laughed as she unzipped his jeans.

"Y'all don't go forgettin' protection!" The girl called through the door.

"Briana, let's leave 'em be." Brent laughed, and their voices faded away.

"I'm actually on birth control!" Sara snickered, as she pulled down Mitch's jeans.  

"You're on birth control?" Mitch frowned.

 "A friend almost forced it on me, when she heard I was dating you." Sara didn't want to say that it was Kim. She had actually pulled his underwear down as she had rushed to explain.  

"Sara! What are you doing?" Mitch laughed.

"Handjob?" Sara looked down at Mitch's huge erect penis. She had seen it before but this was different -- she was the one who had just exposed him. "Wanna see my breasts?" 

"Sure.." Mitch pulled off his t-shirt, and watched Sara removed her white blouse, and bra. He set his palms on Sara's sensitive erect nipples. "Let's kiss."

Sara wrapped her hand around the huge shaft of Mitch's penis as their lips met intimately. She had always wondered what a hard penis felt like. Wow was he hard!

"Let's lie down." Mitch lay down on his bed. He reached over and turned on his old style stacked stereo. 

Sara joined him silently. She stroked his warm, swollen, rock hard member as Mitch kissed her, felt her breasts, and rubbed her softly between the legs. Her clitoris swelled under his fingers. "Ohh, that is so much more intense than when I do it myself." She sighed.

"Tell me about it!" Mitch gasped.

"You've already seen me bottomless." Sara said breathlessly, "I'll take off my pants!"

"Okay..."

Sara rejoined Mitch fully naked. "Oh wow!" She gasped, and her legs went stiff, when he touched her clitoris. " That's almost too much! Just rub around the base." 

"Mmm.. that feels good.." Sara flashed Mitch a mad grin, "Let me rub it with your penis!" 

"Okay.." Mitch kissed Sara as she rubbed his penis around her clitoris -- and then guided it into her wet vagina!

"Oh my gawd!" Sara gasped as Mitch started pumping. It hurt, but it also felt right -- very right!!

----------------

Sara got up around nine AM, had a coffee and a sweet roll for breakfast, then went back to bed. When she woke again it was one o-clock. She showered, and was barely dressed when somebody knocked loudly on her door.

“Mitch?” Sara opened the door cautiously.

“Sara!” Becky laughed, “Wow, you really got whaled on! Hope you can eat 'cause we brought a little soul food -- and mud pie!”  

Coleen, and little old Miss Murray stood behind Becky holding bulging plastic bags.

“Come on in!” Sara beckoned. 

Colleen portioned out the delicious smelling chicken, fried okra, collards, biscuits, and gravy, on paper plates while Becky said the prayer.

“Dear Jesus we don't always recognize, and give you proper thanks for the blessings you bestow upon our lives. Our friend Sara is not worthy of your love yet you continue to bless her life in countless ways.  

Lord, we just pray that you help Sara out of the trap of trying to live by her own power. Because when she does that she fails -- and things in her life go terribly wrong. We ask that you will help Sara to once again know you, and your love.

And we pray that you will bless this meal and fellowship. In these things we pray in your name Lord God Jesus.. Amen.”

“Okay, let's eat!” Coleen said enthusiastically.

Sara's jaw throbbed with each bite, but the Cajun chicken was so good she didn't care. The food, along with the Christian fellowship just felt good.

“Sara..” old Miss Murray eyed her cautiously, “Word of what happened to you has gotten around.. Everyone agrees, Mitch was behind this.”

Becky nodded vigorously, “He's trying to win you back.”

“No he's not!” Sara groaned, “Those guys wanted Kim's diary!”

“Calm down Sara.” Colleen sighed, “This isn't about some stupid diary. At the funeral Mitch saw you looking at Joe. He got jealous and he set the whole thing up.”

“What the..?!” Sara caught herself. “Look, you guys weren't there, you don't know what happened..”

“No Sara!” Miss Murray cut in, “We prayed about this. You're the one who doesn't know what happened. You need to learn to trust Jesus. Besides I think you and Joe would make a cute couple. Now there's a man of Jesus!”

------------------

 

[1badboy 581]

Sara spent the rest of the week sleeping, and eating only lunch at Pete's Barbecue -- where they had an excellent soup and salad bar.  It was the type of food she could eat without pain.  Sara's jaw was almost back to normal, and she was getting good at hiding the bruises with makeup.

“Com’on let’s go watch Joe’s interview.  It will be fun!” Colleen encouraged over the phone.

“I didn't even know channel ten had a studio audience.”

“Well they do silly, and I'll pay for your ticket.”

Sara and Colleen found seats at the back of the totally packed, ridiculously excited, almost entirely female, audience.  There were woman wearing way too much makeup, and women without any at all.  Women who looked like they could be Joe's mother, and girls so young they appeared to be in High School.

The news broadcast was surprisingly entertaining to watch, and when Joe made his appearance Sara had to admit that he was cute, and charismatic.  When he spoke people listened.

When the female interviewer asked Joe if the rumor that he was a virgin was true he flushed crimson, but continued to smile

“I've got four brothers and three sisters.” Joe shrugged,  “I'm a simple Christian guy -- I value family. I want to get married before I have kids.“

Sara breathed a sigh of relief.  No talk of male masterbation accountability groups!  Like Bill, she too had always found the subject a bit cringy.  

“Is there a special lady in your life now?”

Joe smiled quixotically, “Maybe.. I see my friend Sara in the back of the audience.  She's the one in the yellow dress.”

The camera panned to Sara.

The interviewer smiled, “If Sara would like to accompany you to dinner here are two gift certificates to 'Clints Cajon Seafood’.”

Sara shook her head emphatically, “No!”. She stood up and waved her hands as she shook her head, “No!”.

“Sara where are you going?!” Colleen chased Sara out the exit, and stopped her in the foyer.  “Sara how can you do this to Joe?!” 

A video monitor on the wall played the News broadcast: 

“It's okay,” Joe flushed slightly, “Sara's had a difficult week.”

“I'll go out with you!” Somebody cried out from the audience.

The camera panned to a girl who looked to be about sixteen years old.

The interviewer looked amused, “What's your name?”

“Rachael!”

“Joe would you like to go out with Rachael?”

“Sure!” Joe laughed, then smiled broadly, “Com'on Rachael, let's go get something to eat!”

Colleen turned to Sara  “You can find your own ride back.  I'm not friggin’ driving you!”

Sara hurried outside and pressed the Uber app on her phone.  She had missed several calls from a strange phone number she didn't recognize.

In less than ten minutes a woman in a blue Lexus SUV picked her up and drove her home.  

"If I don't want to go out with Joe, it's my own business!" Sara fumbled with her apartment keys. “The doors unlocked!” Sara gasped.  She opened it carefully and stood silent for a moment. 

Sitting on her dinner table was a familiar manila envelope with something scribbled on top;

“Sara, you were holding this when I took you to the hospital. Don't tell anybody about it. Just read it, and take it to the police.”

"Mitch.. why did you have to fucking break into my apartment?!  Couldn't you have left it on the doormat?"  Sara reached into the envelope.  "Holy shit Mitch you fucking returned the money!" She pulled out the little rubber banded stack of perfect one hundred dollar bills.  

There was still something square -- like a small book -- still inside the envelope.  Sara took a breath.  "The diary!" Sara's heart beat hard, she actually had the diary!  Sara eyed the sad worn little book with the same uncomfortable mix of shame and fear she'd felt when she saw Mitch at the funeral.

Sara's hands almost shook as she opened the pitiful little book.

“Oh God today was so incredibly perfect!  I nearly fainted when Mitch asked me out to lunch! I was freaking out! I didn't think he noticed me looking at him! But I wasn't the only girl in class checking him out.  He's so good looking!  He's built like a Greek god, but he's not a steroid freak like Joe.  He wears tight jeans and you can tell by the bulge in his crotch that he's all man!  His voice is so deep, and confident.  

When Sara saw me with him she was so jealous!   It's obvious that she wants him too but there's no way I'm losing him to Sara!”

Sara closed the diary and sat with her heart beating hard.  "You want me to read this Mitch?"  Sara wiped the tears from her face.  "Fuck you! I'll just take it to the police!"  

"Mitch, you probably think Kim's bulimia was my fault..  You're the one who rejected her, and chose me instead!" Sara exhaled hard.  That just made her feel even worse.  At least she was one of the people who had prayed for Kim. Kim's bulimia had miraculously ended shortly there after.  How could Mitch explain that with his atheism?

 ---------------

The morning after Sara dropped the diary off at the police station she got a call.

“Sara..” Officer Brennon took a breath, “..pardon the expression but that..uh.. diary.. it's nothing more than a school boy's wet dream.  Let me guess, you got it from Mitch?”

“Yeah..” Sara admitted.

“Uh huh! We had a handwriting expert check it out and it is definitely a forgery.  Our theory is that Mitch got a duplicate diary.  “Meg's Scrapbooks” sells them.  He copied, embellished, and changed, Kim's diary.  We got rid of that disgusting little rag!  Hopefully Mitch didn't destroy the real diary…" He paused for a few seconds,  "Sara, level with me.. are you in touch with Mitch?”

“No, he just left the diary at my apartment.  I don't even know where he lives.”

“Okay.. well be careful, the address he gave us did not check out.  He could be renting a room, or staying with a friend, anywhere.  If you see him, stay away and call us. He is a dangerous!”

Sara looked at the strange phone number on her phones log from the day she received the diary.  It was probably Mitch's.  Maybe she should have given it to Officer Brennon?  

-----------------

“Sara, come join us!” Becky beckoned Sara from a large table near the window.

Cynthia and Patti scooted over and grabbed another chair.

“Hi, thank you for inviting me.” Sara took a seat between Cynthia and Patti. “How you all doin’?”

“We're doing well.” Becky answered for the group and everybody nodded. “Welcome to the 'Woman's Breakfast’.” 

Sara glanced over at the waitress who was headed her way with a menu. “Becky, you meet every Monday?”

“We do!” Becky smiled, “Sara I know you've put on a bit of weight but the country chicken with waffles is to die for.”

“Thank you.” Sara fought the urge to say something insulting. “I'll get the southern chicken and waffles.”

“Sara..” Cynthia pushed the grits around her plate with her fork.  “I heard you and Colleen had a bit of a falling out.”

“Yeah..” Sara took a sip of coffee

“Sara?” Patti smirked, “I thought you liked big men.  Weren't you dating that horrible Mitch?”

Becky groaned, “Sara only likes rapists and murderers.”

Old Miss Murray made a face, “Maybe she could find herself another boyfriend over at the prison?”

“Fuck you..” Sara said without thinking.

Old Miss Murray stood up. “I didn't come here to listen to a potty mouth.”

“Enjoy your breakfast Sara.” Becky got up, and Cynthia and Patti followed.

Sara watched them leave.  

The waitress, and Daryl, the manager were watching her intently.  Daryl shook his head.  “Sara..” he walked over, “.. Becky and her group left without paying again.  I think they're expecting you to pick up the tab.”  He set the bill on the table.

-------------

Sara stood outside the restaurant and looked at her car. “Am I being punished because didn't go out with Joe?” Sara's  car had a huge scrape down the left side, and the left mirror was missing.   

A University counselor had advised Sara to use humor to help calm herself down from a conflict -- rather than drinking and lashing out like Mitch.

"If anybody says “You better get MAACO! I am going to get my new boyfriend -- from the prison -- to take them out!"  Sara joked.  It didn't make her feel any better.  Maybe she had done it wrong?

Sara looked at her phone and sighed..  Joe had called three times while she was in the restaurant with the ringer turned off.  What could be so urgent? "Ok Joe, if you call again, I'll answer.. Let's get this over with." Sara grudgingly put her Bluetooth in her ear.  

The ringer sounded in Sara's ear before she was even home.  Sara sighed and pushed the button on the Bluetooth “Yes Joe?”

“Joe?!” Mitch's voice boomed, “Sara you're expecting a call from that drug addict psycho?”

“Fuck you Mitch, he's not a psycho..”

“Yes he is!  Didn't you fucking read Kim's diary?!”

“No Mitch, I didn't!”

“Why not?!” Mitch yelled.  “Did you at least get it to the police?”

“Yes Mitch…” Sara humored him. “..they were very entertained.”

“Entertained?! Sara, Joe raped Kim!!  He raped her, and raped her, until he fucking got her pregnant!"

"Joe the virgin?" Sara snickered. "Kim was pregnant?"

"Sara, Kim never had bulimia! She had morning sickness!  Sara, she got a fucking abortion!”

Sara sighed, “Mitch, isn't morning sickness only in the morning?”

“No Sara! When my mom was pregnant with my brother Tom she threw up all day!”

“Mitch they had a handwriting expert look at the diary.  You didn't fool anybody!”

“Holy fucking shit Sara the diary was real!  What did they compare it to?! Sara, you need to get the fuck out of there!  You need to leave before Joe fucking kills you!”

“What are you smoking Mitch?  I remember back when you failed the drug test you were so paranoid that somebody had tampered with your sample.”

“Sara, do you know what I fucking tested positive for? LSD! Heroin! Cocaine! A little bit of everything!”  

“And you weren't doing any of that stuff?”

“No! The only thing I was doing was drinking too much!  I apologize.. Fuck I deserved the DUI, and the other shit! But I wasn't taking any drugs..  Somebody switched my sample with Joe's!”

“You're nuts Mitch.”

“Sara you need to get out of there!”

“Goodbye Mitch.” Sara hung up, and set her phone to block his number.

Sara parked her car in front of her apartment.  There was no sign of Mitch, but he would probably be there soon enough.  Sara picked up her phone and auto-dialed, “Hello Joe!”

“Sara! How are you doing?  I've been trying to get ahold of you.  I want to apologize for putting you on the spot at the News 10 studio.  I shouldn't have done that.   I wasn't thinking.”

“That's okay,” Sara laughed, “..you were just being nice.”

“Well would you like to go out?!” Joe laughed.  “I would love to see you before I have to head back to spring training.  ‘Clint's’ has some incredible blue crab..  We could catch up on old times.”

“Yeah.” Sara smiled, “I'd love to.”

One time, when Sara was in a particularly weird mood -- after the breakup with Mitch -- she had peed on the carpet in the library.  It was on the third floor, on a Friday afternoon, and the library was vacant.. except Joe came walking around the corner of a bookshelf just as she was pulling up her jeans. He merely shook his head, and walked on.

------------------

[1badboy 581]

“Sara, what happened to your car?” Joe got out of a blue convertible Lamborghini.  

“I think somebody was angry that I didn't go out with you..” 

Joe put his hand on his head, “I'll tell you what, after you get it fixed, send me the bill. I'll take care of it. Don't get too angry with these people. We live in a broken world. Say a prayer, forgive them, and move on.”

“Thank you.” Sara sighed, “You really are a nice guy.”

“I try to be.” Joe held the car door open for Sara.

-----------

“Sara, have you ever ridden in a 'Lambo’?” The engine roared as Joe tromped on the accelerator and blew through a stop sign.

“Joe..woah slow down!” Sara gasped as Joe continued to accelerate towards a red light.

“Sara relax!” Joe chuckled and pushed the pedal to the floor.

Sara closed her eyes in horror as Joe ran the red light narrowly missed cars going both directions.

“Relax Sara!” Joe laughed loudly, “You're in no danger. Remember I am a professional athlete.”

“You can explain that to the police.” Sara said under her breath. The police cruiser behind them turned on his siren and lights.

“Watch this.” Joe pulled over to the curb.

The officer pulled up behind them but instead of coming to a complete stop he suddenly wove around the car and pulled alongside. He rolled his window down, “Joe Christiansen!”

“What may I do for you Officer?”

“Well… I would appreciate it if you held your speed down a little bit…” He beamed, “I see you finally got Sara to out with you!”

Joe nodded, “I'm taking this beautiful lady to ‘Clints’.”

“Right on!” The officer gave Joe the thumbs up. “May God go with you.”

---------

Joe stopped his car in the middle the curved driveway directly in front of the entrance.

“You're parking here?” Sara looked around nervously.

Joe shrugged, “Sure. I know the owner. It's cool. People can get around the car.”

Joe put an arm around Sara, smiled and said a few “Hi’s”, as he forcefully guided her past the groups of people waiting out front, and into the crowded restaurant.

“Joe Christiansen!” The hostess ran to greet them. “Sara?!”

“Yeah?”

“Uh..it's um.. too bad you weren't feeling good the other day.” The hostess led them to a table the busboy was clearing.

“Wow, it's sure nice having reservations.” Sara sat down at the table.

“I didn't make reservations.” Joe smirked. “Sara you need to relax, let's get some wine!” He motioned to a waitress

“I didn't think you drank.”

“Sara, you look scared.” Joe laughed, “What's good for the goose isn't necessarily what's good for the gander. There's nothing wrong with drinking so long as it doesn't come between you and Jesus.” Joe gave the waitress an easy smile, “We'd like a good Reisling.”

She pulled out a card with a list of wines. “We've got a Schmitt Sohne Thomas Private Collection Estate Riesling. It's medium-bodied with aromas of peach and apple. It has a firm and fruity palate and crisp acidity. It's two twenty-five a bottle.”

“Sounds perfect! Thank you.” Joe watched her leave. “Sara did you ever find Kim's diary?”

“Well….Mitch left what he claimed was Kim's diary. But the police had a handwriting expert look at it.” She shook her head and sighed. “He said it was a forgery… They destroyed it.”

Joe exploded with laughter. Tears streamed down his face and he could barely speak. “Mitch…..forged it?!”

Sara nodded.

“Did you read it?”

Sara shook her head, “Just a little bit of the first page where she described Mitch.”

Joe grinned, “Poor Mitch…. Now that's somebody who definitely should not drink. Isn't he from Pennsylvania, or one of those states up there? The heathen north.” 

Joe's expression became much more serious, “The secular atheists, in the US, have done a great deal of damage to the lives, the moral fiber, and the faith of the US Christians! Christianity will survive, it's growing in other parts of the world. In South America millions of Catholics have converted to Christianity. And, in Africa, Christians now number well over five hundred million! Asia is the untapped final frontier!” Joe's eyes lit up, “I'll tell you a secret, we're making headway with China. In a few years there will be major Mission trips to China -- and I mean MAJOR!”

“Joe!” boomed a tall bearded man in a fancy chefs uniform. “It's good to see you! I've got your Riesling.”

“Clint!” Joe stood to shake his hand, “Sara, this is Clint Walker, the owner of this great restaurant.”

“Sara! I've heard about you.” Clint smiled broadly, “It is good to see you and Joe together!” He gave her a sly smile. “I've got something you two might like.” Clint held up the bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. “A 'Screaming Eagle” Cabernet Sauvignon, from Napa!” 

“Sorry..” Sara apologized, “..I don't know much about wine.”

Pride showed in Clint's eyes. “This particular vintage is a bit rare and pricey. It is a red wine.. richly flavored.. It doesn't really pair with most of our seafood, but I could cook you something off the menu -- like a spicy filet mignon? It's got a bit of a bite, so I'll garnish it with buttery potatoes, and lobster tail. It will be on the house -- of course!”

“Wow, Mr Walker, that sounds incredible. I'm sure we would both go for that!” Sara looked over at Joe who nodded approvingly. ”If you'd like to hang out with us a little your welcome to join us.”

“Thank you! I would love to.” Mr Walker smiled broadly, “I will be right back with the food!”

Joe walked around the table cupped his hand and leaned close to Sara's ear, “Don't you ever order for me again... You obviously have no idea how bad that makes me look.”

“Sorry Joe..” Sara caught her breath, “I thought you approved.. You can order something else if you want.”

Joe shook his head, “Sara, that's not it. It's like you're trying to be the man.”

“Wow Joe, why is this so serious to you?”

“Calm down Sara.” Joe smiled, “Let's not fight.” He poured her a glass of wine. “Let's try to enjoy the evening.”

“Okay..” Sara nodded -- and then smirked unintentionally. Bill was right about Joe. At least the evening promised to be an experience.  

Excited talk caught Sara's attention. She turned to see Clint pushing a cart towards them loaded with food, and a third bottle of wine.

“I hope you two are fixin’ to do some eating tonight!” Clint's eyes glowed with pride.

“Wow Clint, you have prepared us a feast!” Joe stood to help distribute the food. “We are obliged.”

The filet mignon was truly delicious -- everything was. Clint knew how to cook!  

Sara just ate and listened as Joe and Clint talked football, and food. Clint moved on to talking about his family and the new yacht they had just purchased.

------------

“Thank you Joe, that was fun.” Sara drunkenly climbed into his car as the valet rushed to move the cones he had placed around Joe's car.

Joe closed the convertible top. “Sara..” he gave her a very serious look. “I don't appreciate the way you cut me off when I brought up the subject of justice... I was talking to Clint, not you!”

“Gawd Joe..” Sara slurred the words slightly, “..you're too fucking preachy sometimes.”

Joe threw the car into gear before she even had the seatbelt fastened, “Sara do you have to use the F-word?....... Sara listen to me! The subject of justice is important! We are constantly bombarded by porn, drugs, sex -- immoral behavior! The secular atheists are tearing apart the moral fibre of the world! You! Me! None of us are immune! Our justice system is a joke. Few of the guilty really get what they have coming to them!”

“Joe I'm tired.. I wanna go home..” 

“No Sara, first there is something that I am going to show you!” Joe headed down a ramp into a parking garage under a large building. A large gate blocked their way at the bottom. “The security guard is off tonight, but I know the code.” Joe reached out the window, punched a few numbers on a keypad, and the gate opened. He parked in front of the elevator and almost pulled Sara out of the car.

“I'm sure you've heard about the clothing line I started.” Joe unlocked the elevator with a key and the door opened.

“Yeah, the one with Biblical quotes on the shirts and jackets.” Sara stepped into the elevator and steadied herself against the wall. “Joe I'm tired… I need to pee..’

“Sara!” Joe punched a key and the doors closed, “You're an adult, act like one! You can use the bathroom when you get home.” The doors opened and Joe grabbed her hand and gave a tug. “Com'on!” He led her to a simple door marked only by the company logo: “Salvation”.

 

[1badboy 581]

It was apparently just a marketing office, with samples hanging on the wall. Tight spandex style pants appeared to be the fad.

“These are made in China but we use only Mississippi cotton.” Joe held up a light-weight t-shirt that read “Personal Savior”.

Sara started laughing, “You ship the cotton to China?” 

“Yes!” Joe grabbed a metal dart from a box on the counter and chucked it hard at a dartboard on the wall. It struck a quarter of an inch to the right of the bullseye. “We ship the cotton to China! Jees, no wonder everyone says you're a real bitch.”

“Fuck you Joe. You should hear what people say about you.” Sara studied a framed magazine advertisement for the “Amazing Grace” collection. “Mitch once said he overheard Coach Henderson talking about how you were adopted. And how your mother was a prostitute who died on the streets.”

Joe chucked another dart into the board, “One day Mitch is going to get what he's got coming. What else did he say?”

Sara shrugged, “That you raped Kim until you got her pregnant.”

Joe headed behind the counter to a desk and began rummaging through a drawer. “Sara,” Joe said angrily, “.. there's a restroom here if you really need to use it.” He pointed to a door.

“Okay..” Sara hurried to the door, opened it, and looked inside.   It was an empty closet. Something painful stung her on the rear, and urine began running down her legs as she wet herself. 

“You brought this on yourself, Sara.” Joe pulled the hypodermic needle out and tossed it into a waste basket. Fire seemed to spread down Sara's leg as she collapsed to the floor. 

“You wanna act like a bitch?” Joe approached Sara with a dog collar, and a leash, “Then I will treat you like one.” He roughly fastened the dog collar around Sara's neck choking her slightly. "You're nothing more than a female dog that used to piss all over the University campus!"

Joe fastened the leash to the collar. “Sara, how old are you?

Sara struggled to focus her brain. “Fifteen?”

“You're ten.” Joe grabbed the box of darts from the counter. “Now, be a good little bitch and come with me to the roof.” He dragged her out of the office by the leash, and shoved her roughly into the elevator.

“Stop crying!” Joe yelled, “You're as bad as Anna.” 

“I'll be good! I'll be good!” Sara pleaded.

Joe pushed the button marked “Rooftop”. “Would you believe Anna had a porn addiction.” Joe shook his head, “A rape fantasy.” He paced around as the elevator climbed towards the roof. Finally it stopped and the door opened. “Move it bitch!” Joe gave her a kick. Sara staggered out into the small room that enclosed the elevator and stairs. “Outside!” Joe yelled, “Move it bitch!”

Joe followed Sara outside and gave her a kick that put her on the ground. He set the darts down grabbed the leash, and practically strangled Sara as he dragged her up against the wall. “On you knees facing me!” Joe yelled as he unzipped his pants. “Be a good little urinal and open your mouth!” His urine hit her face and stung her eyes. She opened her mouth as wide as she could, so he wouldn't keep peeing in her eyes.. “Swallow it bitch! Swallow!” Joe yelled.

“I'm trying..” Sara struggled to focus her brain.

Joe smirked, “You sure are a pretty little urinal.” He rubbed his semi-erect penis in her face as he tied her leash to a pipe on the wall. “Now stay there!” Joe commanded.  

Sara watched as Joe walked over to a large metal toolbox, unlocked it, and extracted two pairs of handcuffs and a small gun -- which he slid into his pocket. “Okay bitch, now stand up!”

Sara hung onto the pipes on the side of the building and slowly made it to her feet.

“Face me!” Sara almost fell as Joe wrenched her around. He attached the handcuff to pipes on either side of her, and then to her wrists. Joe looked at her appraisingly then took hold of her summer dress and ripped it down the middle. He yanked her bra up off of her breasts, and violently pulled her panties down. “You don't even shave. You really are a dirty little bitch!”

“Please don't hurt me. I'll be good.” Sara promised.

“Just stand still dirty bitch.” Joe grabbed the box of darts and backed up about ten feet from her near the edge of the rooftop. “Right breast.” 

“Oww!” Sara gasped at the sharp sting of the dart.

“Quiet!” Joe yelled and put a second dart painfully into the side of Sara's nose

“Please..” Sara tried to fight back the tears, but she couldn't.

“I said quiet!” Joe threw a dart hard into the pelvis bone under Sara's hairy pubic mound.  

“Please stop..” It didn't hurt as much as the dart in her nose but it scared her.

“Okay bitch, which eye? The right, or the left?”

“Fucking asshole!” Mitch said loudly.

“Well well, look who followed us.” Joe chuckled. “Com'on Mitch are you faster than a gun?” He stepped up onto the little wall at the edge of the rooftop and aimed the gun at Sara. “Which eye? The right? Or the left?”

Mitch's shoulder seemed to explode as he lunged in front of Sara. He took a second shot in the body, and dove at Joe. The gun fired in the air as the two disappeared over the side of the building.

Sara saw black dots as the night seemed to smother her into oblivion.

---------------

“Okay, she's coming to again.”

The hospital room slowly came into focus, and Sara became aware of a familiar blond male nurse leaning over her. “Sara, you are lucky to be alive. You really took a dose this time.” 

Sara sat up slowly as sweat poured down her face. “I think.. I think I'm going to..!” Sara vomited violently all over the bed.

“Sara,” The nurse caught her as she almost fell off the bed. “Take it easy.” He lay her back down on the pillow and pulled the soiled blankets off of her.

An officer Sara didn't recognize stood up from his chair on the side of the room. “Sara, we found this in the 'Salvation’ office.” He handed Sara her phone. “Look Sara..” He took a breath, “We have some really bad news..” 

“Mitch?”

The officer shook his head, 'Joe… Joe Christiansen is dead.”

“What about Mitch?” Sara felt like she was going to throw up again.

The officers face contorted, “Mitch?” His voice shook with anger, “He.. he.. he's a God damn demon! Nothing can kill that creep! He hit a flagpole on the way down .. swung through a window.. He actually distracted the medics by directing them to the roof..”

Sara looked at the officer in disbelief “Mitch is alive? He wasn't trying to distract them. He was trying to save me.” 

“How can you think that after what he did to you?”

“Mitch didn't do this to me, Joe did!”

The officer snickered, “No Sara, the drugs have your brains scrambled.”

“He's right.” The nurse nodded, “You took a heavy dose of that designer drug. It will be awhile before your memories straighten out -- if they ever do.”

“Don't worry Sara,” the officer set a hand on her shoulder, “..we will catch Mitch. And if we don't… well people in the Belt carry guns. If Mitch so much as shows his face in public -- he is a dead man.”  

Sara watched the officer leave. Her whole head seemed to throb with the worst headache she'd ever experienced.

“Sara, would you like a painkiller?” The nurse asked.

“No.” Sara squinted through the pain. “Please no more drugs.” She slept through the rest of the day and the following night.

-------------

 Sara awoke as the morning sun was rising. She was soaked to the skin with sweat but she felt surprisingly rested without a trace of a headache. She grabbed her phone, headed into the bathroom, locked the door, and sat down on the toilet.

The screen of Sara's phone was cracked and, when she pushed the power button, the back of the phone, and the battery, fell out. The Sim card was even bent and damaged but Sara was able to get it securely back into the slot. She played with the battery and suddenly the cracked screen lit up. She had missed thirty-five calls! The call that interested Sara the most was the one with a Michigan area code. It was an old phone number that she recognized.

Sara punched the automatic dial feature.

“Hello..Sara?”

“Yes?”

“Sara, this is Mandi Gibson.. Mitch's mother. Oh Sara, I know you must still be overwhelmed by visitors and reporters, but I've seen the news and I don't believe it. Please tell me that Mitch didn't do something horrible!”

“Mrs Gibson, he saved my life.” Sara whispered into the phone. “Joe almost killed me.”

“Oh gawd Sara, what is going on?”

“The police don't want to believe me.. Mrs Gibson I heard that Mitch inherited a lot of money. Is that true? Do you know where he would go?”

“Sara, Mitch didn't inherit money, he inherited land. I will call you when I hear from him. Oh Sara.. if you need to get away from the mess down there you are always welcome here.”

Sara showered, then realized to her embarrassment that she had nothing to wear other than the hospital gown. She rang for the nurse.

A female police officer poked her nose in the door, “Yes? Sara, what do you need?”

“Something to wear.” Sara turned around so she could see her bare butt.

“Good grief!” Officer Brennon stormed into the room, “Just get her a damn diaper, to cover her butt!"

“Whatever.. Can somebody get us a diaper for Sara?” The female officer yelled into the hallway.

“Sara,” Officer Brennon gave her a hard look, “..are you ready to go home?”

Sara nodded.

“You've got all your stuff?”

“Not really, just this broken phone and my shoes.”

Officer Brennon folded his arms, “I've got your purse in my car. When you get your diaper let's go.”

------------

Officer Brennon pushed Sara in the wheelchair while the female officer walked to her right, and the male officer -- from the day before -- walked to her left. They took her into the elevator, and down to an employee parking garage, under the building.

The female officer seated Sara in the back of Officer Brennon’s cruiser, while Officer Brennon took the front seat. He turned and faced Sara as the other two officers left. 

“Okay Sara, “ Officer Brennon spoke with determination, “..we're going to have a talk.”

“You still don't believe what I told you?”

Officer Brennon shut his eyes and shook his head. “Sara, “ he exhaled, “..neither you nor Mitch are married, or have kids… Believe it or not If either of you were to die the world would continue on without you. Your absence would not be noticed. You're not as important as you think you are!”

“Are you threatening me?”

“Sara, Joe is dead. What good would it do to spread dirt about him now? Joe accomplished something that Mitch could never have. Sure, Mitch could have taken the Landsharks to a National victory, but not as a 'Christian’. Not as a Christian who exemplified the values of the Belt. Joe didn't just bring pride to ‘Ole Miss, and Oxford. He brought pride to the entire state of Mississippi. He brought pride to the entire Bible Belt.”

“If you cover this up somebody might end up killing Mitch!”

“Sara you could be implicated in Joe's death too.”

“You are threatening me!”

“Sara, what you want to do would hurt too many people. Do you have any idea of how the media would jump on this? The famous conservative Christian quarterback from the south was really a rapist and murderer….”

“So what am I supposed to do?”

Officer Brennon gave her a hard look, and spoke slowly, “You will be packed and out of Oxford no later than Friday. You will leave Mississippi. Consider Canada, or South America. Forget about Mitch.”

 Sara had never seen so many American flags -- all at half mast -- as she saw on the ride home. She headed into her apartment in a daze, sat down at the dinner table, and checked her phone.

Mandi Gibson had called again. Sara took a breath and punched the auto dial key.

-------------

“Hello Bill.” Sara walked through her apartment as she spoke on the phone. “I'm okay, but I'm leaving.”

“Leaving? Sara? What is going on? You and Mitch were somehow involved in Joe's death? The police were very vague on the news.”

“Sorry Bill I can't talk about it, and I really can't say where I'm going. I will tell you more after things have settled down a bit….Bill, my apartment keys are under the doormat. You can have my car. The key is in the back of the refrigerator. And can have any of my furniture in exchange for cleaning out my apartment. Keep what you want, donate the rest to charity.”

“Sara, this is crazy! Where are you going?”

“Goodbye Bill, you are a good man.” Sara hung up.

-------------------

The flight was the longest Sara had ever been on but she was unable to sleep.

Sara walked off the plane in a daze. The airport, the scenery -- all felt surreal. A blast of humid air hit Sara as she exited the terminal into the mob of people waiting for the other passengers. Darwin Australia was as humid as Mississippi.

“Sara, over here!” Mitch towered over the crowd.

Sara literally ran, dragging her suitcases, towards Mitch, tears streaming down her face. He caught her as she threw her arms around him. “Careful Sara, I've got a few broken ribs, and I had a couple of slugs removed from my body.”

Mitch tossed Sara's luggage onto the roof rack of a boxy old ‘SUV’. It looked like something out of 'Mad Max’.

“What is that thing?” Sara marveled at the vehicle.

“An old bush car my uncle put together. Don't worry she's not pretty but she’s tough as a mule.”

Sara started into the car and Mitch burst out laughing, “Are you driving Sara?”

“Everything's so backwards here.” Sara went around to the other side.

“You'll get used to it!” Mitch laughed, “You'll like my Uncle's farm. When I was a kid I spent a summer helping him build the house. It's quite an operation. We grow bananas, and Mango's, and some exotic tropical fruits too. Have you ever tried rambutans, mangosteens, durians?”

Sara fell sound asleep as the bush car bounced down the road.

THE END