Hell and Determination (3 page)
Read Hell and Determination Online
Authors: kathleen Davies
CHAPTER FOUR
the following day Jo made her way to the canteen her eyes searching the crowded room wondering why Scott had not made an appearance.
It was on her return she observed the police talking to Jack, he motioned for her to join them, “can you step in here “Jack asked guiding her to the chair in the small office, “It seems Scott wa
s
Attacked last night not long after he left the diner.”
Jo sat trying to register what was being said,” We believe you must have been the last person to see him” the officer stated, “His Ma contacted us at midnight when he didn’t show up after work, we believe he usually goes to the gym but didn’t make an appearance last night.”
“That’s where he said he was going;” Jo announced her face white with the shock.” ‘Where did you find him?” I’m afraid someone contacted the station early hours this morning, he was in a right state, lucky to be alive so the doctors informed us, robbery wasn’t the motive looks like someone carried a grudge, afraid we won’t be any wiser till he resumes consciousness, I don’t suppose anything was said, which might throw a light on the case when you were together last night.?”
Jo shook her head unable to apprehend how someone could do something like this “I would never have believed he had any enemies. “
“She’s right, known the lad for going on three years seemed to get on with everybody.”
“Not everyone,” the officer intervened.
Jo proceeded through the main gate relieved to be away from the gossip on the work floor; Jack had been detained and would be working till late.
She strolled along absorbing the warm night air her mind reverting back to the night before, the warm smiling face of her companion. Mistaken identity one person had concluded, they all agreed that must be the reason for such a vicious attack, the officer had been informed he had gained consciousness, a sigh of relief echoed around the entire floor.
Jo stopped dead in her tracks has Brandon strode towards her he appeared to have seen better days.
His eyes cold as steel his hair damp with unwashed grease.
He had seen her there was no doubt about that, his stride slowing to a standstill has he reached inside his pocket withdrawing a packet of cigarettes,
those eyes never left her face has he inhaled deeply.
She had no notion of what to say, her mind blank and her throat as dry as sandpaper as she maneuverer her body towards him.
The torment showed in his eyes as he held her gaze, he was waiting trying desperately hard not to show his temper, her excuses he would tolerate at least till the day he placed the ring on her finger.
‘Well: “he asked placing his hand firmly on her shoulder.
“Well what? Jo muttered trying hard to control the shaking spasms that had suddenly taken over her limbs.
“Why the sudden disappearance. How he was controlling his temper he would never know, “Sure to God if there was anything worrying you we could have talked it over, instead of you sneaking of the way you did.”
She breathed deeply, what she was about to say was a lie, truly against her nature but the truth would not come to the surface.
She had hurt him that was plain to see now he was making her feel guilty.” ‘I needed to be alone for a while,” she managed to mutter.
“So why could you not let someone know?’ Brandon intervened throwing his
cig butt in forgotten anger.” ‘PA would never permit it, I needed a little breathing space,” she lied,” getting married is not something to be taken lightly.”
“And now, are you ready to return, now that you have had time to think it through, are you ready for marriage,” he whispered placing his arm around her waist.
She had never felt so gutless has she murmured yes.
Sometimes in life it was easier to turn your back on responsibility, and explaining to Betsy her sudden change of heart was one of them.
She felt disgusted with herself as she placed the letter of thanks and excuses on the table for Betsy and Jack. Locked the door behind her and placed the key through the letterbox.
She was for the first time in her life a coward, Brandon had managed to create that effect on her, and no way could she allow Betsy and dear Jack to see her now.
Betsy glanced at the clock ten fifteen her head throbbing with unanswered questions, she sipped the warm liquid that Jack had put in front of her allowing the heat soothe away the tension that had been building ever since she had opened the letter,” What I can’t get my head around,” she stated for the second time. “She was so adamant about starting a new life for herself.”
“Then’ this guy must have been convincing” Jack declared aware how fond his sister had become of Jo, and now she felt dejected, who could blame her, the situation had come has a blow to them both nothing only a thank you letter and an apology for leaving without saying goodbye.” ‘I’m telling you something isn’t right” she said has she knocked back the bourbon.
“Ah maybe,” though he knew , it was a waste of time worrying if this guy had convinced her things would work out ,good luck to them.
CHAPTER FIVE
Jo glanced at her reflection in the pitted mirror all fingers and thumbs as she tried to force the last three remaining buttons through the well sewn slits of her wedding outfit ,her palms damp with perspiration.
Her Pa’s voice echoed around the empty cabin as he impatiently called out for the second time, “My God woman get a move on.”
She had remained calm before Lidia’s departure, joking amongst them as they placed the strands of dark copper in a knot at the top of her head, leaving a few whispery strands to give a slight seductive appearance.
The last button was at last in place, she fumbled with her soft suede shoes trying to force her clammy feet inside, “Damn,” she groaned out loud wiping her soles with a damp towel, when she had at last succeeded she glanced through the long mirror admiring the effort.
The ice blue material enhanced the deep sapphire of her eyes. The suit fitted perfectly her waistline petite, taking the small bouquet of white lilies, borage and sprigs of lemon balm that Lydia had made for her she descended the stairway.
Jake stood with his back towards the window, his hands clasped firmly behind him, tall and spruce in his only dark grey suit.
For a moment she could have sworn he smiled as she appeared at the bottom of the stairs, if he had, it soon changed to a grunt has his eyes turned to view the grandfather clock, not one compliment had he paid her, not that she expected any, She had a strange feeling that if his stubborn pride had not intervened he would have done so.
Jo glanced back towards the cabin as if for the last time, not that it grieved her, she would miss Lidia more so than Giles.
Life could have been much sweeter if her Ma had been around. The same thought had crossed her mind a thousand times, she felt bitter sometimes angry at the mother she vaguely remembered for leaving them.
Though she knew death waited for no one, the Lord sure made a mistake when he took her Ma. He hadn't realized the grief Pa would inflict on his offspring.
The Chapel stood on the outskirts of town; the mountains at its rear seemed to form an inward arch like a fort protecting the small stone building.
The pastor held out both hands to Jake in a friendly gesture, and muttered something about the Reverent Blake performing the ceremony.
He seemed bewildered as he welcomed Jo, he was curious she could sense it his expression glum with self-righteous opinion.
Pregnant, certainly or she wouldn’t be marrying someone nearly twice her age, his thoughts bore judgment, there was no need for words.
Brandon breathed a sigh of relief has the reverend spoke his final words, kissing his Wife gently before leading her down the aisle.
A small gathering of town folk had assembled outside the church; Jake abandoned all formalities as he mingled with the spectators.
Jo recalled from previous experiences there was no sentiment in her Pa, though she hoped on this occasion he would have diminished his pride, if only to wish her well, it wasn’t to be, she had said a tearful goodbye to Lydia and Giles.
Brandon introduced her to his brothers Mike and Ben. She had taken an instant liking to Ben, there was warmth in his voice, a genuine politeness to his nature, he appeared younger, wide set across the shoulders his waistline firm has though he had taken care of his diet over the years, or not afraid of work.
Brandon had noticed his wife's admiration it had turned his blood cold as he watched their idle chatter, and the genuine friendship that seemed to be forming between them.
His disapproval showed with a shake of his head, and a glance that could kill him quietly assured Ben there was plenty work to be finished back home.
Mike seemed a flunky agreeing with everything Brandon said, a wayward character with no mind of his own. He was the youngest of the three brothers tall with slim features.
Jo was puzzled by his behaviour and noticed Brandon appeared protective towards him. They were speaking ill of Ben has Mike climbed into the passenger side of the truck, she was sure Ben had known of his brothers slur though he smiled with a shrug as he jumped into the driver's seat.
Everyone had soon dispersed and now she was being driven to her new home.
Placing the incident behind him, he turned towards his wife ‘“you seem deep in thought,” he said observing her slightly parted lips her breathing steady, more than he could say of his own, so seductive and innocent she appeared, he braved his hand on her knee slowly edging upwards to her inner thigh.
Jo felt the colour rise in her cheeks as she discreetly removed his hand, causing him to laugh and declare “later- I can wait.”
She tried to place her role as Brandon's wife it was her moral obligation now, her duty bound, once she had mastered her first night, the thought caused an unusual sensation in the pit of her stomach, she glanced at her husband sure he could read her mind, he smiled “you can just make out the chimney stack” he was saying pointing in the direction of the valley in the distance, hiding amongst the vast mountain range.
Jo believed there was nowhere more remote than the place she had been born and spent her childhood days, this was unbelievable no civilization for miles nothing only dusty trails leading through the mountain pass, the scenery was spectacular the wild ravines cascading down the craggy terrain she dreaded to think what critters hid amongst the forest,
the black grizzle, coyote, wolves, the spirit bear, naming but a few.
“Hope you have transport in mind,” Jo asked observing the sharp bends, that wove in and out the rugged track.
Brandon appeared confused, “Ah you're thinking of spending my money already are you? He answered, saying no more on the subject.
“Where’s the timber yard? She asked noting the distance they had travelled and knowing Giles would not care to travel along the mountain track to work every day.
“Past it half an hour since, there was a turning on your right as we crossed the bridge,” he answered.
Jo stared in awe as they approached the cabin, the lake motionless in the background; he had mentioned the cabin but never the magnitude of the place.
Brandon noticed the delight as he helped her down from her seat to the gravel driveway,” like it kid? He asked as he opened the door revealing the wide hallway.
She stood entranced staring at the wide open stairway at the rear of the wood panelled hall. Two doors stood to her left, to the right a large archway.
“Make yourself at home,” Brandon commented carrying her luggage to the bottom of the stairs, ‘take your time get the feel of the place, I’m going to open a beer do you want on.
“Sure,” Jo acknowledged following him to the spacious fitted kitchen, she smoothed her fingers along the oval pine table, feeling the shiny smooth surface never had she pictured Brandon in anything so grand.
With a drink in her hand she wandered through one room to another, the lounge was oblong in shape a large bay window overlooking the lake.
A natural stone fireplace established in the centre. The furnishings did nothing to compliment the room though adequate. She strolled over to the window taking in the glorious surroundings, in the far distance the snow-capped mountain peaks ranged as far as the eye could see standing proud against the horizon, the rugged valley followed the lake down to the winding ravine, hens pecked happily amongst the grass verges, to her right the forest forged through the mountain trail along the track she had just witnessed steep and dangerous with nothing for miles only rough mountain terrain.
Brandon carried the cases upstairs pleased that his wife was taking an interest in the place, for him it had meant nothing more than a place to pass the time, contrary to what Jo believed -he, his brothers and his Pa had not built the property it had come has an extra bonus when they had taken over the logging company.
The luggage he placed near the wardrobe he presumed fitting, Jake may have been a domineering beggar when it came to Jo, but he certainly didn’t keep her short of clothes he noticed .
He strolled over to the window to release the catch allowing the warm air into the room. His eyes wandered to the double bed he had purchased new, he smiled with self-admiration his achievement fulfilled, for the last few years he had watched her grow from the leggy teenager, to the beauty she had become. His composure was overcome with intense desire, months he had tormented himself dwelling on this very moment.
He summoned Jo upstairs watching as she approached the landing, her eyes searching the direction of his voice.
“Here,” he whispered his finger beckoning her to come closer.
For a moment she felt rigid as she observed the bed behind, taking a deep breath she did as he asked.
He cradled his arm around her waist the sober expression on her face excited him even more. One by one he removed the grips that kept the locks secure until at least he was able to run his fingers through the long silky strands.
She didn’t respond has his fingers opened the buttons from her jacket, his eyes searched her face hoping to find one shred of ecstasy.
How dare she not show any emotion when he was bursting to the point of explosion.” Afraid” he murmured, consoling his pride.
She stared deep in his eyes, before replying “should I be.
Her cool attitude confused his eager spirit, either she was scared shitless, or a sudden flash a recollection of her laughter turned his desire to rage, Ben had inspired her.
Jo stared mouth agape, motionless on the bed unable to justify the blow he had inflicted. Her ear throbbed, her eyelids heavy trying desperately to fight back the tears.
He was staring out through the window his fist clenched by his side. His rage slowly subsiding, “how the hell had he let that happen? His mind battled with his common sense, he turned to Jo such beauty turned to pain.
“Forgive me Jo,” he pleaded as he made his way to the bed.
She felt bewildered as he placed his arm around her, his fingertip gently wiping away the tears.
“Why?’ she questioned her eyes like an injured puppy sad and degraded.
“Can’t we forget it? He whispered gently pressing his forefinger over her lips.
“Forget it? She fumed. “You nearly knock my head of my bloody shoulders for no reason and you ask me to forget it. Jesus Christ,” she stormed forcing his arm from around her. “What do you take me for.?’ the reality of the situation beginning to sink in and she was frantic.
Acting quickly before she had time to escape he pinned her down, she fought like a mountain cat hurling abuse trying to force herself free.
Her hot headed fury only added to his excitement, each garment he tore from her body until at last she lay naked beneath his powerful body, breathless and broken.
His eyes scanned every inch of her body as he undressed, he had her just for the taking, with his hands firmly gripping her butt the throbbing force of his manhood he entered the soft concealed entrance of her body with such intensity, watching the expression on her face, her body tensed her eyes deepened with pain, with self-indulgence he tore her apart triumphant with each penetrating thrust, his heightened arousal ravaging her body tearing at the raw tender part of her that she had kept private for so long.
Jo lay drowning in her own grief as his pace increased bringing at long last release, he rolled back on the bed pulling her towards him he was spent and more than anything else Jo belonged to him.
CHAPTER SIX
By eight thirty the following morning she had completed most of the chores, she wiped the tiles on the window ledge glancing out towards the mountain trail, her mind reverting back to the night before ,he was like Jekyll and Hyde one minute full of good intentions ,that very morning he had awakened her with gentle kisses apologizing for his rough treatment of the night before, promising it would never occur again, so in the end after much persuasion she had forgiven him.
Brandon had gone down river to the timber yard he had left the intercom in case she needed him for anything, he would be gone till four.
She bided her time feeding the hens and collecting the eggs, Autumn was on its way the leaves already changing colour, how she loved the fall the vibrant gold and red leaves causing a spectacular display amongst the mountain background, she emerged from the hen shed carefully carrying the trays stacked high.
Her heart leapt from her chest at the loud crash of metal that seemed to come from nowhere. The top tray of eggs discarded their careful hold, landing in a heap of broken disarray at her feet.
Jo glanced down sighing, when a roar of laughter came from the side of the building.
“Sorry Jo,” Ben stated “I had no intentions of startling you. This dam bonnet has a will of its own; one of these days it will take my head clean off.”
Jo turned to Ben, who failed to control the urge to laugh at the mess that lay before her.
“Here let me take those from you,” he was saying removing the heavy trays from her grasp, “no need to look so distraught they lay well yesterday.”
“I thought everyone was down river,” Jo answered feeling rather foolish.
“I have a few jobs that need my attention here first,” his eyes gazing at the truck, “though I could find time for coffee, if you care to place the kettle on the hob. Come on I’ll carry what's left to the house for ya, I’ll scrape that lot up later,” he laughed.
Jo agreed, yet she was aware of the reluctant gut feeling that gnawed away at her insides. She wrestled with a vision of Brandon walking into the kitchen has Ben relaxed with his fresh brewed coffee, and for some reason it wasn't doing her nerves any good.
Ben tried to commune with her, until he realized she had not heard a word he was saying.
“My it must have been some night,” he quoted, giving her a gentle push in his teasing fashion.
At least he’d got through, but instead of any wisecracks he’d been expecting the expression on her face looked troubled, not that of a new bride he had a feeling if he placed his arm around her she would have sobbed, knowing his brother as he did he didn’t fancy getting himself involved, especially as he had no idea how they had come to be married in the first place.”‘Hey if I have chosen an inconvenient time, just say so, I’ve a terrible habit of pushing my nose in where it’s not wanted.”