Deadly Obsession (13 page)

“Officer Smith, we found Dexter lying in the back alley. He’s been shot, paramedics are on their way. You might want to get over here right away.” He advised.

“I’m on my way.”

He turned to the other officers on the scene.

“Take her to her mother’s home; don’t let her out of your sight for a moment. Keep a car outside around the clock. Dexter’s been shot.” he ordered.

Carmen was horrified, a day that only moments ago, was filled with nothing but happiness had suddenly taken an extreme turn in the opposite direction. Her world was quickly crashing down around her. She put together a diaper bag for Zachary and left with the police.

“Dexter’s been shot, it was Nick, he’s back in town. He went to our house first but the cops came before he was able to hurt me and Zachary. Dexter wasn’t as lucky.” She told her mom.

Officer Smith was arriving to the hospital. He knew he was racing against time to find Nick before he had a chance to harm someone else.

“I’m looking for Dexter Crane; he was brought here by ambulance a short time ago, as a result of a shooting.”

“Let me see what I can find out for you officer, have a seat, I’ll be right back.”

“I’m Doctor Stevens; I’m taking care of Dexter Crane. He can’t talk to you right now, he’s unconscious. He’s going to surgery right away to try and stop his bleeding; he’s in shock. The bullet penetrated an artery in his abdomen and we have to repair it immediately.”

“Is he going to be okay?”

“I don’t know; I’m sorry officer but I’m wasting time, I must go.”

He felt terrible for Dexter. He’d already gone through so much. Nick would pay for the anguish he had caused this family. Officer Smith wouldn’t give up until he was behind bars and would try his best to make sure he stayed there for the remainder of his miserable life.

“This is Smith; block every street leading in and out of town. We’re looking for a canary yellow, 1969 mustang with black racing stripes down both sides. Nick Dasher cannot escape, warn everyone to be careful when approaching him as he’s armed and dangerous. He’s wanted for murder, two kidnappings and aggravated assault.”

Now he had to deliver the upsetting news to Carmen.

“How’s Dexter, is he going to be okay, please tell me he is.”

“He’s in surgery right now; his artery was damaged, they’re trying to stop the bleeding.”

“He barely survived the kidnapping and now this. Where does all of this end? Will our lives ever be normal again? I just don’t know how much more of this I can take.” Carmen cried.

“I’m so sorry, Carmen. I promise you we’re going to find Nick and put him behind bars where he belongs, just hang in there.”

Unmarked cars remained at the Haines’s residence, waiting for Nick to show up. It was time for this atrocity to be brought to an end and the authorities were determined to see it happen soon.

Dexter was desperately fighting for his life, a battle which unfortunately he was forced to fight quite often lately. His strong will and determination to be with his family simply wouldn’t allow him to give up. It was touch and go for several hours but doctors successfully repaired the tear in his artery and he was taken to recovery.

“Where am I, where’s Carmen?” Dexter asked.

“It’s okay Mr. Crane, you’re at the hospital. You were shot.”

“I want to see Officer Smith, now!” Dexter demanded.

“Okay, just calm down and I’ll get him for you.”

She went to the waiting room.

“Officer Smith, Dexter Crane is awake now and demanding to see you.”

She led the way to his room.

“Did you find Nick yet, he’s the one who shot me?”

“I know Dexter, every cop in this county is looking for him; he won’t get away this time. Do you remember what happened?”

“I saw his car circling the parking lot so I went outside to ask him what he thought he was doing. He went into the back alley and I followed. I barely rounded the curve when he opened fire. That’s the last thing I remember, everything went dark after that.”

“Carmen’s at her mother’s, she and Zachary are safe. I’ve stationed around the clock guards until we find Nick.”

“You better find him before I do. If I ever get my hands on him, I swear I’ll kill him and take pleasure in doing so. He doesn’t deserve to live.”

All was quiet at the Haines’s. Everyone was tucked safely away for the night while Nick Dasher was planning his next move. He travelled the same wooded trail he had once before on the night of Zachary’s kidnapping with a loaded gun, seeking revenge. There was no movement inside the house and no lights. He quietly stepped on the back porch and reached for the doorknob; right then and there his freedom ended as the cop who had been keeping watch at the back door made his presence known.

“Freeze, police, don’t move or I’ll shoot. Put your hands in the air, now.”

Nick was unwilling to go without a fight, attempting to run away but his effort was in vain. Now there were two police officers on his trail. Catching up to him, they knocked him to the ground and wrestled his hands behind his back. Finally managing to handcuff him, they radioed for a second car, Nick Dasher was in custody and on his way to jail where he would remain for a long time.

Awakened by the commotion, Dave Haines stumbled outside.

“What’s going on out here?” he enquired.

“It’s okay Mr. Haines, we got him; Nick’s in custody, he won’t be bothering you good folks anymore.”

Carmen began to cry. She was relieved that her nightmare was over.

“Dad, will you please take me to the hospital? I need to see Dexter.”

Dave was barely able to bring the car to a complete halt before Carmen jumped out. She was eager to see Dexter and make sure he was still alive.

“I’m so glad to see you, are you okay?” Carmen cried as she rushed over to embrace Dexter.

“I’m fine but what are you doing here; it’s not safe.”

“Yes it is they got him. Nick’s in jail, he tried to break into our house tonight and the police apprehended him. He won’t be bothering us anymore. We no longer have to look over our shoulders; he can’t ever harm us again.

Chapter Fifteen

Though the wedding had once again been postponed, the big day had finally arrived. Dexter and Carmen were set to take their vows before God, family and friends. The church was absolutely beautiful.

The light breaking through the cathedral glass, cast a red glow over the entire congregation. Dexter was handsomely positioned at the altar, awaiting Carmen’s march down the aisle to join him. He was wearing a black and teal green tucks and his tie was perfectly tied and centered. Officer Smith was beside him, standing as his best man as he was much of the reason they were there.

The music began to play, a song by Eddie Rabbit and Crystal Gayle, You and I. Immediately following was the wedding march. Carmen was always beautiful but today, a picture of pure perfection, taking Dexter’s breath away. He stood proud to know that she had chosen him to be her husband. Dave held her hand as he walked beside her down the aisle to give her away, tears of joy were flowing.

The music stopped.

“Who gives this woman in marriage?” the reverend asked.

“Her mother and I do.” Dave proudly proclaimed.

Dexter and Carmen had gone through so much that traditional vows didn’t seem to be suitable for this occasion.

“I Dexter, take you Carmen, to be my wife. I’ve loved you from the moment I first saw you and I will love you for as long as there’s breath inside me. I promise to always do my best to make you happy. You are my best friend, my lover, my soulmate, and I’m so thankful that you chose me to love.” Dexter vowed sincerely.

Carmen could hardly see through the tears.

“I Carmen, take you Dexter, to be my husband. I’ve never once doubted my love for you. I promise to always be faithful, loving only you as my heart could never love another. Just to be with you for the rest of my life is more happiness than any one woman deserves. Your beautiful smile, kindness and unconditional love are all I’ll ever need. I love you Dexter, I will always love you. You truly are my one and only.”

They gently placed the rings on each other’s fingers. It was official, Dexter and Carmen were man and wife. Silently they stood for a moment gazing deep into each other’s eyes, cherishing this special moment. Dexter gently removed her veil, softly caressing Carmen’s face as he slowly moved in to kiss her. They exited the church hand in hand and were carried away by a horse and buggy decorated in white satin and flowers.

Dexter wanted to make Carmen’s wedding night unforgettable. He picked her up and carried her across the threshold of their apartment. Once inside, she was blown away by his thoughtfulness.

“Oh Dexter, this is amazing. When did

you do this?”

“Before leaving for the church.”

The entire apartment was lit only by candlelight and red rose pedals were leading the way to the bedroom. On the bed he placed a beautiful negligee for Carmen to wear.

“I love you Carmen. Your happiness is the most important thing in this life to me. I will never hurt you again.”

They passionately made love as if it was their first time. The last few months had been extremely trying and hard on them but their love had stood strong through it all.

Chapter Sixteen

Nick had spent the last two months in the Haralson County Jail, awaiting trial. He chose to have a jury present even though the evidence stacked against him was much too obvious to deny. His only hope was to lessen his time. At this particular moment, Carol seemed to be the lucky one in all of this, as far as he was concerned.

“It’s time Nick.” The jailor told him.

He handcuffed Nick and shackled his feet. It was time for him to face trial for his unspeakable crimes. He was escorted into the courtroom. Across the room, he could see Dexter and Carmen, their eyes filled with hate for him. He smirked at them.

“You bastard, I hate you; I hope you burn in hell!” Dexter shouted.

The judge cautioned him to hold his peace. One more outburst and he would be escorted out of the courtroom. He pulled himself together as he wished to be present for the proceedings. He needed closure in this case. He had to hear the judge sentence Nick to a lengthy prison sentence.

“Nick, what can you tell us about Dexter Crane’s kidnapping?” the state appointed lawyer asked.

“I didn’t have anything to do with it, it was Carol. I didn’t even know she’d taken him until after the fact.”

“So you deny any involvement in the kidnapping of Dexter Crane.”

“I sure do, I didn’t do it.”

“What about Ada Crane’s murder? What do you know about it?”

“Carol paid me to kill her. I cut her brake lines. I would have gotten away with it too, if Carol hadn’t decided to kidnap Dexter.” He said smugly; grinning.

Dexter was absolutely outraged.

“You piece of garbage, you’ll die and go to hell for what you’ve done. What did my mother ever do to you?” Dexter asked.

The prosecuting attorney quickly called him down.

“Hey it’s nothing personal, I just needed the money. I would have killed my own mother if the money was right.”

“Why did you kidnap Zachary Crane?” the lawyer asked.

“To keep them silent.”

“Then why did you leave him in California with your parents?”

“I got tired of hearing the little brat cry. I couldn’t listen to him any longer. I would have killed him too but I knew it would cost me the rest of my life in prison.”

“No further questions your honor.” The defense attorney rested.

Nick had hung himself, his intentions were painfully clear to the jury. He was unkind and heartless. He didn’t care about anyone, not even the life of an innocent child. He didn’t deserve to be among society. He had no remorse for the things he’d done.

It was time for cross-examining.

“Nick, you told the jury that you had nothing to do with Dexter’s kidnapping, is that right?”

“That’s right, it was Carol.”

“But you did know where Carol was keeping Dexter and yet you didn’t bother to tell anyone where to find him. You knew the police were looking for him, why didn’t you come forward?”

“It wasn’t my problem, and I didn’t want to get involved. It was between Dexter and Carol; it had nothing to do with me.”

“You mean to tell me that you knew what grave danger Dexter was in and you felt no obligation to help him? Isn’t our duty to help our fellow man when he’s in trouble?”

“I don’t think so.”

“No further questions your honor, the