Black Rose
Written By CC
This story contains profanity, sex,
and graphic violence. It's a dark, twisted who dun it tale. Any comments are
always welcome. ENJOY!!!!!!!!!
BLACK ROSE
Chapter One
The rain was pounding the black
streets as the police sirens could be heard off in the distance. Cries of
mourning were
heard as a crowd began to gather
around the lifeless body.
"Jesus Christ, get these fucking
people out of here!" yelled Detective Jones as he was getting out of his
car.
"Sir, we found another
one." Said Officer Owens as he was trying to catch his breath.
"Shit!!!!"
Detective Alan Jones ran with the
younger officer towards the alley. Upon arriving at the gruesome sight, Owens
pointed his flashlight inside the dumpster to reveal...
BBBBBBBBBBRRRRRRRRRRRing.
"Shit!!!!" screamed Liselle. Looking over at the obnoxious ringing of the phone
she debated on whether answering it at
all.
Looking up at the Heaven's she
exclaims, "Two months of writer's block, I finally catch a break, and this
how you
repay me? Hello."
"Hey Liselle.
It's Mitch. How's my number one writer doing?"
"Hi Mitch. I'm okay."
"Just okay?"
"Well, I'm writing again if
that's your question?"
"Excellent! When can I have the
first draft?"
Exasperated Liselle
said, "Mitch, we've been through this before, don't push me. Now, if
there's nothing else, I'd
like to get back to work."
With a smile on his face Mitch
responds cooly, "Alright, but you know I'm
counting on you."
"Yes, I know, I know!!! Thanks
for not pressuring me, Goodnite!!!!" and she
slammed the phone down. Rubbing her
temples she began to feel a slight
headache coming on. She reached for her bottle of Advil.
"A writer's best friend."
she said as she popped two in her mouth and reached for her glass of wine. With
her head
tilted back she sighed, "Much
better. Okay back to work."
She sat there staring at the
computer. The last few words daring her to continue.
Her face became blank as she
continued to stare at the screen. Suddenly flashes of rain, police cars, a
crowd of
people, an alley, and a dumpster hit
her all at once. Shaking her head while trying to escape the images she cried,
"No! Not again!"
Chapter2
Rays of sunshine peeked through the
darkness of the curtains as Liselle rolled onto her
side. Lightly moaning she
slowly opened her eyes to greet the
morning. She found herself contemplating what the hell happened last night and
how did she end up in bed. She thought to herself, "The last thing I
remember is..."After lying in bed for what seemed like an eternity, she
finally forced herself out of bed and stumbled towards the kitchen.
"Good Morning. It's about time
you got your lazy ass out of bed."
Pulling her long chocolate brown hair
into a ponytail and looking mighty confused Liselle asked,
"
you doing here?"
"You don't remember?"
saying something about it's happening
again. Then, you just hung up. Well, naturally I was worried, so here I am. You
didn't give me a spare key for nothing you know......"
Rolling her eyes, Liselle
headed towards the front door to get the morning paper. She truly adored her
sister, but
other in the dumpster around the
corner in the alley off of Spring and Third.
"Holy Shit!" whispered Liselle.
"And another thing if you aren't
gonna.....are you okay?" asked
"Huh? Yeah, sorry, I'm fine.
What did you say?"
"You don't look fine. Are you
sure you don't want me to stay with you for a little while?"
Forcing a slight smile Liselle said, "No. I'm okay. I have some things I have
to do. I'll be fine. Go to work and
I'll call you later."
"Alright. There's fresh coffee
in the pot and I made some toast, you're wasting away, you really need to eat
more!!!!"
"Okay, Okay."
"What, you're not even gonna thank you're only sister?"
Bowing her head in defeat, Liselle couldn't help but smile, "Thank you." she
softly said.
"That's better, and you're
welcome."
crossed between the two and looking
concerned
Crossing her heart with her finger Liselle said, "Promise."
They kissed each other's cheek and Liselle waved goodbye. She turned and slowly started
walking back inside reading
every detail of the story.
As she was sitting at the kitchen
table finishing the story, the phone rang her back to reality. Damn that
phone!!!
"Hello."
"Liselle?
It's Alan. Alan Kent."
She was dumbfounded.
"Alan."
"Yeah, I know it's been a long time.
Listen I really need to talk to you. Is there someplace we can meet?"
Tense silence filled the kitchen as
she didn't know what to say. What could he possibly have to say to her after
all
these years?
"Liselle?
Are you still there?"
"Sorry, yeah, I'm still here.
Um, yeah. Where do you want to meet?"
"I'll come to you, just name the
place."
With her voice slightly shaking she
said, "Um, okay. How about "House of Billards?"
"Sounds great. I don't get off
work until 10:30PM, so, I'll meet you there, say at 11PM?"
"Yeah, sure."
"See ya
then. Oh and uh, thanks again."
"Sure. No problem." And
with that they both hung up. Liselle sat staring at
the phone wondering what the hell that
was all about. "Oh well, I guess
I'll find out tonight." With a look of disgust, she grabbed a piece of
toast, a cup of coffee, and headed off to take a shower to start the day.
Chapter 3
Fog formed nicely around all of the
motorcycles that line the curb of the infamous "House of Billards". The bright pink
neon sign flashing against the not
yet midnight sky. A smile crosses her lips as Liselle
remembers the two of them oh so many years ago. Her smile fading as her memory
continues ahead to the fight and the volatile confrontation that separated
them. What could he possibly want now? Opening the heavy door she thinks to
herself, I guess I'll soon find
out.
Sweat, smoke, alcohol, and stale
perfume penetrates the air as rageful eyes stare at
the newcomer. Her pale blue
eyes scan the room trying to find him
like a child looking for its lost mother, yet all she sees is nothing. Unaware
of being watched Liselle goes to the bar, sits down,
and orders a drink. Feeling eyes upon her she begins to stir in her chair,
looks around, but seeing nothing, she pays the bartender, and sips her drink.
Feeling a tap on her shoulder she
jumps.
"Jesus!" exclaims Liselle.
"Sorry I didn't mean to frighten
you. Are you okay?"
Slightly smiling she said,
"Yeah. You just caught me off guard."
Holding his hand out he instructs,
"C'mon, I have a table in the back where we can talk." She hesitates
for a moment,
then grabbing her drink and gently
taking his hand, she follows him.
As they slid into the booth Liselle notices a pair of piercing green eyes staring at
her through the darkness of the
room. Unaware of who they belong to
she looks back at Alan and shrugs her shoulders.
"So, what's up? Why did you want to see me?"
Nervously laughing he says, "You
don't waste anytime do you?"
Not having anytime for games she
explains, "Considering our past, I don't expect this to be a social call
and since
you were the one that called me, what
do you want?"
His jaw tightened and his face became
stern while he grabbed some photos out of his briefcase. Slapping them on the
table he said, "This."
Her eyes scanned the pictures of
women, dead women. He continued, "Seven women. Seven innocent women
have lost their lives to one
man."
Clearing her throat and looking back
up at him she said, "I'm sorry, I don't understand. What has this got to
do with
me?"
"I need your help." Liselle quietly stared at him. " I need you to help me
nab this psycho!"
Her eyes went back to the women.
Slashed throat and a black rose. Every picture was the same.
Quietly she said, "Why me?"
"Because you're the best."
With sorrow in her eyes, Liselle got up from the booth and headed towards the
restroom. Unaware of those eyes still
watching her, she stopped and held
herself up against the last booth. Feeling a pair of strong hands lightly
touching her shoulders, she remembered to breathe. Feeling his hot breath near
her ear she listened as he tried his best to show compassion.
"Listen, I know this isn't an
easy decision and I know me coming to you doesn't make it any easier, but I need
your
help. If you won't do it for me then,
at least do it for his next victim."
She nodded her head. "I'll call
you soon." And with that Alan left. Watching him walk out the door she
never expected
in a million years that she would be
working with the man that broke her heart.
"Are you okay?"
She slowly turned around to find a
huge gorgeous man leaning against the wall with huge arms crossed over his
chest.
Dressed all in black and a long silver
chain hanging from his neck, there was something familiar about this man, she
just couldn't place it. Then it hit her. Those eyes. Those were the same eyes
that were watching her ever since she came in.
Running her fingers through her hair
she said, "Yeah, I'm fine."
"You don't look fine."
His voice was deep and spun like fine
silk. He pushed himself off the wall and started to walk towards her. As he
came
closer she noticed not only did he
seem to get taller, but his body could put a Greek God to shame. He stopped
right in front of her. Liselle had to slightly raise
her head to look him in the face.
With an outstretched hand he said,
"The name's Mark." Liselle stood there in
awe of the whole situation. Her eyes
slowly traveled down his massive
frame while she took his hand and introduced herself, "Liselle."
With a cocky grin he bent down and
said, "You look like you could use a drink."
"I'm fine. I gotta
go." And she began to leave. He grabbed her arm and as she turned around
to face him he asked,
"Who's the guy?"
"Excuse me?"
"You heard what I said."
"I don't think that's any of
your business. Now if you excuse me, I need to leave." And she tried
loosening her arm.
Gripping her arm tighter, he pulled
her into him and looking deep into her eyes he explained, "It's always my
business when a man hurts a beautiful woman."
Her breathing became shallow as she
began to feel things she hadn't felt in years, yet at the same time couldn't
help
but wonder who in the hell does he
think he is.
"I don't know what you are
talking about." She said barely above a whisper.
"Sure you do. The guy who just
left you standing here with tears in your eyes."
Smiling with a sigh of relief she
said, "Oh, no you have it all wrong. He's just an old friend."
With a look of suspicion in his eyes,
he decided to let her win. "Okay, whatever you say. How about that
drink?"
"No seriously, we're just
friends."
"I said okay, but I'm not
letting you go until you have that drink with me."
Several seconds went by as she stared
into his eyes knowing that he was serious, deadly serious.
Chapter 4
Liselle groaned as she rolled over on her
side slamming into something hard. Opening her eyes she was face to
face with those eyes.
"Good Morning."
Looking confused she asked,
"Where am I?"
With a wicked smile he
explained, "My hotel suite. After
you agreed to have a drink with me, you decided to stay, and
well, one thing led to
another...."
She couldn't believe it. She couldn't
have. He threw the covers off himself and headed towards the bathroom. She
watched in amazement as his muscles
rippled with every step. From his beautiful long hair, his wide shoulders
proceeding down to a perfect V reaching his small waist, those luscious tight
buttocks to his long, lean, and muscular
legs. The man was utterly and
perfectly beautiful. And not a stitch of clothing on him. Shit she thought as
she lifted the sheets to reveal her own naked form. "I gotta
get out of here." She threw on her clothes, grabbed her purse, and bolted
for the door.
Running until she couldn't anymore, Liselle looked around trying to figure out where the hell
she was. Not recognizing any of the streets, she saw a diner up the street and
headed toward it.
Upon entering the busy diner she
walked up to the first waitress she saw. Feeling stupid, but being forced to
ask she softly said, "Excuse me, but can you tell me what city I'm
in?"
Smiling at her through pink iron
rimmed glasses, the elderly woman said with a little Southern twang, "Had
a bit too
much to drink last night, honey? Feeling herself turn red, Liselle smiled and nodded. "Well, happens to the best
of us. You're in LA, Century and Sepulveda. The name's Dot and can I get ya some coffee?"
"Thanks." And she followed
Dot to a comfortable booth by the window.
"I'll be right back with your
coffee."
"Thanks again."
How the hell did I end up in his
suite and how the hell am I gonna get back to my car?
Liselle was trying to remember what happened last
night, but nothing would come to her.
She knew the answer to getting back to the Valley and picking up her car, but
dreaded having to make the call.
"Here ya
go darlin,"
"Thanks."
"Can I get ya
anything else? Or is your tummy feeling a bit restless?"
"No, I'll be fine."
"Alright. Forgive me for
intruding, but are you okay? You look a little troubled."
"Nah, I'm good, I just have to
make a call that I really don't want to make."
"Aw. Well, if you need anything
else let me know cause I get off in 30 minutes."
Not knowing why she felt drawn to
Dot, she proceeded to ask her anyway, "Actually there is something you can
do
for me, if you don't mind."
"Where do you need to go?"
"The Valley, to get my
car."
Smiling, Dot said, "No
problem."
Chapter 5
Needless to say, Dot and Liselle could not stop talking and laughing on the way to
pick up Liselle's car. So it's no
wonder they exchanged phone numbers
and promised they would get together real soon. The day went by fast with Liselle running around trying to get various errands done.
The chill of the night came faster than expected and as
Liselle was searching for her keys her pager
went off. Looking down at it she didn't recognize the number.
"Hi. This is Liselle.
I was paged."
"Yes you were."
"Alan?"
"Yeah. How was your night?"
Not wanting to discuss it she changed
the subject. "It was okay. What can I do for you?"
"We found another body. How fast
can you get here?"
"I'll be there in about twenty
minutes."
After getting directions to where the
body was found, she hopped in her car and sped off. Sitting in traffic, tapping
the wheel, and trying to forget last
night, a headache began to dominate her brain. When out of nowhere, a flash of
white light hit. Then, the visions came. She watched as a woman was talking to
a man, drunk and laughing as they were leaving together, turning the corner,
the woman grabbed hold of the building to steady herself, walking down a
secluded alley, then he threw her up against the building and starting kissing
her. Passion consumed them both. Liselle watched
helplessly as he reached in his back pocket and pulled out the infamous knife,
in one swift movement, from right to left, he slashed her throat, the woman
fell to the wet ground and a Black Rose was placed by her side.
Horns were honking as Liselle was brought back to reality. Waving her hand she
continued on. Rounding the corner, she recognized the bar, the building, the
alley, and there was the body being covered with a dark plastic sheet.
Chapter 6
Watching Alan work had always been a
thrill. The way his long lean legs moved through the scene, dominating everyone
who stood in his way. With a notepad in one hand and speaking to all with the
other, he took command of every murder scene he's ever encountered. One look
from those strong facial features and any woman would be hooked, especially Liselle. Staring off into space her memory took her back to
the apartment they shared and her arriving home early to surprise the man of her
life. As the key slid into the hole, she heard those familiar moans and groans
of pleasure. Hesitating for only a moment, she shook her head convincing
herself it was only her imagination. As she rounded the corner and down the
darkened hall, the voices became more clear. Her breathing became shallow and
her heart was racing, this can't be, it has to be a dream. Swallowing the lump
that had formed in her throat, she threw open the door to reveal the two people
she cared about most. Her worst fear had come true.
"Excuse me Miss, but I'm gonna have to ask you to leave." said a gentle
officer.
Realizing her nightmare was over, she
slowly turned her head to him and said, "I'm looking for Alan. We work
together."
"I'm sorry, but I'm gonna have to see some form of ID to let you through."
Noticing the officer speaking with Liselle, Alan walked over to explain everything.
"It's okay, she's with me."
"Oh, I'm sorry, I just was doing
my job...."
Smiling at the young naive officer
she said, "Don't worry about it, it's okay."Turning
to Alan she continued, "What have you got?"
As they walked towards the body he
explained the gruesome details and how it must be their friendly serial killer
at
work once again.
"Everything is the same, slashed
throat and a Black Rose. I just don't get it. Why a Black Rose?" And with
that he
pulled the sheet back. With a shiver
going down her back Liselle recognized the face.
"I saw her."
"What?"
"On my way over here, I saw the
murder."
With a lowered voice he asked,
"What about the suspect? Did you see him?"
Several seconds went by before she
would answer. Finally she said, "No, his back was to me the entire
time."
"What about height, weight,
clothes, anything we can on."
Bending down she looked into the woman's
lifeless eyes. Several minutes ticked by as nothing was revealed.
Exhausted and needing to escape, she
shook her head.
"Nothing. I'm sorry." Knowing she was beat Alan looked at her and
with a faint smile told her, "It's okay. You did
your best. Go home, get some sleep.
I'll call you in the morning."
Straightening back up she said,
"Okay. Good night." Turning around she headed back to her car with
Alan keeping a
watchful eye.
Throwing her purse and keys on the
small table, she reached for the light that would illuminate the darkened
house.
As she flicked the switch she
screamed. There sitting on the mantle was a vase of Black Roses.
Chapter 7
She cautiously walked up to the
mantle that held her gift. Noticing a card peeking out of the black petals, she
reached
in and took it. As she pulled the
card towards her, she nicked her skin on it's deadly thorns. "Shit!"
she exclaimed.
"When did you get here?"
Lightly sucking on her finger she turned around and rolled her eyes. "I
just walked in and what the hell are you doing here?""Nice
to see you, too!!! You never called me back yesterday like you said you would,
so I spent the night. Worried sick I might add!! Whose the, ah, dark
fellow?" "What?" Pointing to the vase she sarcastically replied,
"Mr. Sunshine!!!" Staring at the flowers she explained, "Just
somebody. Listen I'm sorry I didn't call and for worrying you, but I'm beat and
would really like to get some rest." Gathering her belongings
thought to herself, "God she
needs to have kids!!!" With the house quiet and still, Liselle
walked back to the mantle. Taking a breath, she opened the card. It read:
Liselle,
It's too bad you didn't feel like you
could stay.
I would have loved your company, but
maybe some other time. You look beautiful when you
wake up. I'll be back in town in two
weeks. I'll call you then.
I'll be thinking of you,
Mark
How the fuck did he get my address?
RRRRRRRRRRRRRRIIIINNNNNNNGG. She whipped her head around as the phone began to
ring. Chills were running down her spine as she stared at the phone. She slowly
picked up the receiver, "Hello" "Liselle,
it's Dot!" With a sigh of relief she smiled and said, "Hey. What's
going on?" Her eyes falling upon
the roses. "Not much, except a
bunch of us girls are gonna hit the town tomorrow
night, want to come?" The silence
between them was deafening as Liselle just realized something. "Liselle,
are you there?" "MMMM, yeah, sorry. No that sounds great. I'd love to
go." "I'll call you with the details tomorrow" It couldn't be.
"Hello? Anyone home?" "Yeah, sure fine." "Are you
okay?" Jesus, why does everyone think there's something the matter?!!!
"Yeah, I'm just tired." "Ok. Take care and I'll talk to ya soon." "Yeah bye," she said hanging up
the phone never taking her eyes off the roses.
Chapter 8
In general the day consisted of Alan
getting Liselle better acquainted with the case as
well as getting her a badge, gun, and anything else that she might need. They
were walking towards the exit when she finally told him. "Listen, I had something rather bizarre
happen last night. I've been hesitating on telling you cause I really don't
think it matters, but
a dozen Black Roses were sent to my
house last night."
Stunned he asked, "Why didn't
you tell me this before?" Looking away from him she answered,
"Because I didn't think it was that important." Shaking his head in
disbelief, he pulled her around the corner and said, "Not that important! Liselle, a Black Rose is his calling card! What the hell
were you thinking. Who is this man?" Feeling sorry she ever said anything,
she explained, "I don't know, exactly." Looking puzzled he said,
"What is that supposed to mean?"
Shrugging her shoulders, she said, "Just what I said. I met him the
same night you and I talked at the House of Billards."
Tense silence followed. Even with her eyes fixed on the ground she could feel
his intense glare. "Alright. Do you at least have a name?" "His
name is Mark." "Mark. Mark, what?" Feeling extremely
uncomfortable she whispered, "I don't know." "Jesus Christ! This
man is sending you flowers and you don't even know his last name?" She had
finally had enough. "No!" she screamed. "Look I don't need you
badgering me or him. It's just a coincidence, that's it!" And she
stormed off to her car leaving Alan
watching her in total and utter shock.
They entered the club all smiles as
it's neon colors splashed against the walls and floors. A strong spotlight
reflected off the mirrored ball which circled brilliantly above the dance
floor, sending off chips of transparent white light. The air was thick with
smoke, smelling like coconuts and tanning oil, with just a touch of humidity,
reminding one of those balmy nights in
and sat down. After drinking,
talking, and laughing awhile "Let it Whip" came on. "Hot damn
this is my favorite song. C'mon Liselle dance with
me." "I don't know..." All the girls encouraged her to dance and
she finally agreed. With her brain soaked in alcohol she was finally feeling
loose. As she seductively swayed her hips to the beat, the rest of the girls
joined them. Unbeknownst to the women, off in a darkened corner of the club,
was the same pair of eyes that noticed them when they first came in. Especially
one of them. The one they called, Liselle. His eyes traveled from her lush long
chocolate brown hair, to her deliciously perfectly size breasts, to her small
leather clad waist, to her nicely rounded ass, down to her long curvaceous
legs. This woman was made to please a man, especially this man. Peering
through the curtain of smoke with
multi-colored lasers shooting across the dance floor, he reached inside his
pants and wrapped his fingers around his long hard shaft. Picturing the two of
them engaged in a kiss on the dance floor his hand began pumping. Tongues were entwined as hands
were roaming over bodies in time with the beat. Liselle
smiled as she continued to strut her stuff. Pumping increased as she slowly
unbuttoned her blouse revealing creamy white skin
rounded to perfection. Moving his
mouth over her nipples she closed her eyes letting her head fall back. Beads of
sweat began to form on his upper lip. Kissing his way down to her leather
skirt, his hands grabbed the hem, pushing it up long with himself as he pressed
against her. Grabbing the back of her head, he pulled her up and passionately
kissed her. Her hands moved down to the button of his trousers. Licking his
lips, he felt her fingers unzipping his pants. A strobe light hit as he lifted
her up and thrust himself into her. Continuing to dance Liselle
closed her eyes as the strobe started
playing games with her senses. Smoke
encircles them as the strobe increases it pace. Furiously pumping he watches
her cry out his name. Back and forth. Back and forth. As he slams his head
against the wall, he silently cries out her name with his essence spilling onto
the cold black floor below.
Chapter 9
The clock on the night stand read 4AM
when its obnoxious ringing began. Bringing her arm out from under her cave
of comforters Liselle answers with a hoarse "Hello."
"He struck again. I need you here ASAP.""Okay
I'm on my way." After getting directions, she put on some clothes and
headed out the door.
The fog was thick as the blue, red,
and yellow, flashing lights of the police cars lit up the scene. Officers were
running around getting information and trying to keep the camera crews away
from the body. A friend of the victim was covered up in a blanket trying her
best to relay what she could remember to the officer beside her. Morbid
onlookers were trying their best to sneek past the
yellow tape. Chaos was the scene. Liselle drove up
and flashed her badge as she got of the car. "Where's Alan?"
"Right over there." "Thanks." And she headed straight
towards him. Looking helplessly tired, he said, "Hey." "Hi. What
have you got?" As they walked across the huge lot he told her, "It's
not good." "It can't be worse
than any of the others." Pausing for a moment he reflected, "He's
changed types. He always use to go after young, thin, beautiful women with
brown hair, this time he went after someone a little older." With a
puzzled look on her face she asked, "What do you mean?" Before
pulling back the sheet he told her, "Take a look." Liselle covered her mouth with the palm of her hand as
chills ran down her spine. There lying on the ground with her throat slain was
Dot. Beautiful, vibrant Dot with whom she had just had the time of her life
with not hours ago. Looking confused Alan asked, "Do you know her?"
Shaking her head she answered, "Yes. Her name is Dot. I was just with her
a few hours ago." All of a sudden a headache blind sided her along with a
flash of white light. She found herself seeing her being dropped off by Dot.
They said goodbye with Liselle watching her and Karen
drive off. The next thing she saw was Dot complaining she had to go to the
bathroom and couldn't wait. The problem was there were on a barren road. They
came across an empty lot and Dot said this was good enough for her. Liselle watched as Dot told her to stay in the car and
she'd be right back. Dot ran across the street and into the lot. An eerie
feeling came over Karen as she watched Dot being
swallowed by the fog. Liselle was following Dot as she saw fear covering the face
of her newest, yet close friend. Moving swiftly and carefully, Dot could barely
see the black leather gloved hand that came around and over her mouth. Her eyes
widened as she saw the sharp blade out of her perferial
vision. Briefly feeling the cold steel slide across her
porcelain skin, she said a quick
prayer as her life slowly drained away. Tears were threatening to spill as Liselle watched him pull out a Black Rose. Dot saw him
lightly kiss the dark petals as darkness pulled her in. With anger building Liselle silently looked at him as kneeled down beside Dot.
"Rest in Peace." He said as he laid the flower beside her. Where have
I heard that voice before? "Liselle, can you
hear me? Liselle, Liselle."
Slowly regaining her
consciousness, she looked up at Alan
and said, "Yeah." Giving her a moment to get her bearings, he asked
her, "What
did you see?" She explained what
she just saw and then remembering something she stopped. "Where's
Karen?" Pointing to a shaking woman he said, ""Over there,
but......" Liselle was off like lightning. She
ran over to her and as Karen looked up with tear stained eyes, she wrapped her
arms around Liselle. "I'm so sorry." Liselle whispered. Karen held onto her tightly and began to
cry. Liselle just stood there holding her as Alan
watched from a distance as the fog
consumed the scene.
Chapter 10
The air was still and thick with
grief. A blanket of black covered the grass surrounding her grave. The blazing
sun
shooting it's rays of life across the
sky. A quiet minister spoke the words of love and passing on, to the tear
stained crowd. None of it mattered. It wasn't going to bring her back. Dot was
dead and nothing could be done. She listened with a deaf ear as the lonely
minister recited words he's probably said thousands of times. Watching the sun
reflect off of the dark rich oak coffin, Liselle was
reminded of Dot's brilliant smile. It's shiny surface couldn't even begin to ompare
with the radiance of her personality.
As the casket was lowered, she raised her bloodshot eyes to the arriving limo
across the street. The white limo stood there alone in deep contrast to the all
black affair. She squinted her eyes as
if the brightness were too much to bare. Then, something moved. Liselle concentrated harder to see as she saw movement in
the back of the limo. She waited with bated breath as the back tinted window
lowered just enough to reveal a man's arm reaching out. She gasped as she saw
in his gloved hand a Black Rose. The limo began to move as he tossed the flower
onto the green grass, just as he did with Dot's life. Watching the white snake
slide away, it finally dawned on Liselle. He knew
her. This was a game. A sick game. Everything had a meaning. Everything had its
purpose. This wasn't just a random killing by a sick serial killer. This was
the work of an artist. A cold, calculating, genius who
mastered the game of life. The
question was, who.
As people paid their last respects to
the heart broken family, Liselle walked away glancing at each tombstone she passed.
Finally, stopping near a tree, she noticed an old faded plaque crying out to
her. Intrigued by it's loneliness she bent down reading the words of a child
who died a mysterious death in 1814.
"Are you okay?" Those same haunting words she heard not just
two weeks ago. Turning slowly around she saw him. The chill of an on-coming
breeze separated the two lovers, but only for an instant. Stunned and surprised
she asked "What are you doing here?" "I was
worried about you." Snorting she
replied, "How can you worry about someone you don't even know?"
Smiling he
retorted, "I know you. I know
you better than you know yourself." How dare he stand there and bait her.
His arrogant stance with that smug look of confidence written all over his
beautiful face. God, why did he have to look so DAMN delicious! He towered over
her waiting for a response, yet receiving none. "Look, I know we didn't start
off on the best of terms. Let's just say we start over. MMMM?" Looking
into his piercing green eyes, she found herself troubled. "Before
we do, I have a question for
you." "The flowers, right?" She nodded. "That morning we
woke up together, you never gave me the chance to tell you what I do. I'm a
wrestler for the WWE. My so called character is named The Undertaker."
Almost laughing sarcastically with outstretched arms, she replied, "How
ironic." With a toss of his long dark hair, he said, "Yeah." Before
Mark could continue, Alan approached them. "Liselle,
we need to talk." He glanced up at Mark and then back at Liselle. "Can you give me a minute?" Nervously
looking back at Mark, he said, "Sure." Alan backed away under Mark's
watchful glare. "Listen, I gotta go,
but....""Why don't we meet later, say 8PM, you choose the
place." Shaking her head she hesitantly said, "I don't think
so." "At least let me finish explaining everything, then, if you
still feel the need to leave, by all means, it's been fun." Wanting to
know more about this gorgeous creature that stood before her and desiring the
truth about the roses and her address, she agreed. As they stood there
discussing dinner plans, Alan watched the two from a safe distance. Who is this
man and is this the one she's trying to protect? Feeling twinges of old
jealousy boiling from within, he mumbled, "We'll just see who's protecting
who."
Chapter 11
Liselle spent the rest of the day at the
reception trying to avoid Alan, who for some reason, was acting mighty strange.
She comforted Karen as best as she could, but her mind kept going back to the
cemetery and a particularly tall and intensely handsome man. "So, he's a
wrestler, huh?" She turned around to find a weary Karen trying to make
light conversation. Smiling, Liselle answered,
"Yeah. I'm meeting him for dinner tonight." "Well, have fun, but
be careful."
Looking puzzled, she asked, "Why
do you say that?" Lowering her voice, she said "Because I've heard
things." "Things? What things?" "Oh, just things" And
with that she sauntered off. Liselle started to laugh
as it dawned on her that this was Karen's half hearted attempt to come back to
the real world.
As she started to open the door, an
arm reached around, and closed the door. "Where do you think you are
going?"
Spinning around, she came face to
face with Alan. "Leaving. Now if you don't mind." She started to open
the door, but Alan leaned on it. "I don't think so. We still need to
talk." He harshly whispered. "You're drunk. Go home and we'll talk
tomorrow. I promise." Shaking his head, he leaned towards her, and asked,
"Who is he Liselle?" Smelling his
intoxicated breath on her face, she had to turn away from his toxic rage.
"Answer me." Feeling the fear that was beginning to rise, she turned
to move the other way. Swiftly she moved through the crowd trying to find
another
exit. Unfortunately, there were none.
She found herself in the library with nothing but shelves of books. Hearing the
door slam behind her she knew she was trapped. "There's no way out. I'm
sorry to say." Slowly she turned to face the man she once adored.
Swallowing hard, she quietly asked, "Why are you doing this?"
Slightly swaying from side to side, he smirked and said, "Because I have
no other choice. You won't tell me who he is and I need to know. My job depends on it." With that he
fell onto the sofa looking scared and alone. Cautiously she approached him and
asked, "What do you mean?" Looking dazed and confused, he told her,
"My life has been nothing without you. All I have left is my work. If I
don't solve this case, what's left?" Regretting the fact that he never
told her just how much she really meant to him, he caressed her face and said,
"I need your help." Laughing he continued. "Look at me. I'm a drunken
fool who's the top detective on the force. What will people think?"
Holding his hand she wanted to scream at him for all of the abuse she had
endured. Why couldn't you have told me this back then?! Unfortunately, she
couldn't. "C'mon. Let's get you
home." And she helped him out of the room. After telling him to get a good
night's rest and she would talk to him in the morning, she watched as the long
white limo took him home.
Sitting on the plush sofa in front of
a raging fire, she slowly drank her brandy. Thinking back over the day's
events,
she never felt the space next to her
sinking down. "Penny for your thoughts." Smiling she replied,
"Only a penny? Surely you can afford more." Laughing he said,
"Alright. A thousand then" "A thousand dollars or pennies?"
They both laughed. Feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, she looked into his lust
filled eyes as he slowly bent forward. Electricity shot through her as their
lips lightly touched. After brushing and lightly sucking each other's lips she
finished with, "MMMMMMM, that was nice." "Yeah, it was. I've
missed you. I know it sounds crazy, but there's something about you. Something
different. I can't explain it." Nodding her head, she knew what he meant.
As his eyes danced in the firelight, she knew she had nothing to fear. This was
no killer, this was a lover. And she wanted, needed to be loved. Making the
first move was not her style, but
this was an exception. Placing her glass down on the table, she glanced up at
him and ran her fingers through his thick mane. Curling her fist in his hair,
she pulled him close and passionately kissed him. His warm wet tongue snaked
out of his cave gently stroking her lips. She opened her mouth and he tasted
her for a few short seconds. He began to lightly stroke her breast as he kissed
her chin and his tongue traveled down her throat. Moaning in sheer ecstasy, he
brought his tongue back up and he gently bit her neck. Knowing she was ready,
he picked her up, and carried her to the King size bed that was awaiting them.
Chapter 12
It was way past midnight and Liselle couldn't sleep. Turning over on her side she
watched him. Slices of his dark
auburn hair gently caressed his face
as his delectable lips were slightly parted. His strong facial features were
softened with his eyes closed, yet she could feel the intensity hiding under
those long lashes. With the sheet tucked between his legs, she scanned his
broad shoulders painted with pale skin and splashed with freckles for effect.
His long arms were a canvas adorned with the times of castles, knights,
magicians, and skulls. He was a sight to behold. Taking a breath, she
slid out of bed and covered herself
with her silk robe hanging on the chair near the bed. Going over to the
table, she booted up her laptop and
checked her e-mail. There was a message waiting for her from Alan. She checked
the date and as suspected it was sent two days ago. God, where did the time go?
Everything ceased to exist with Dot's death. I guess it's time to return to the
living. Clicking on the e-mail, she read the news. She couldn't believe it.
Arrested for
drugs, larceny, and assault and
battery with a deadly weapon. This can't be real! Looking at the attached file,
she
began to sweat. Looking over her
shoulder at the man who she had just made passionate love with, she shook her
head. Turning back around she thought, no way has she been betrayed again.
Taking a deep breath, she slowly
moved the cursor towards the
attachment and......"Hey beautiful, what are doing up?" Slamming the
laptop closed she
tried in her most calming voice,
"I couldn't sleep. So, I'm working." She looked over at him as he
patted the space
beside him and seductively said,
"I'll help you sleep." Smiling nervously, she walked over to him and
sat beside him. Wringing her hands she said, "I need to ask you
something." He was quiet. Staring at her with those piercing eyes.
Dreading the answer, she continued. "You never told me why you sent the
black roses or how you got my address." Sighing he said, "It's late.
We'll talk about this in the morning." Shaking her head, she replied,
"No. I really need to know." Sitting up with his back against the
cool wall, arms folded, he cocked his head, and questioned, "Why is this
so
important to you?" Swallowing
she explained, "I don't know anything about you. Yet, you know where I
live, where I am, what happens in my life. It's just, I, I want to get to know
you. I mean, we've shared a bed together, twice, and still, I know
nothing." She lowered her head as she saw his steamy glare. Fidgeting with
her fingers she waited for his response. Nothing. For several seconds the
silence was intensely unbearable. Never taking his eyes off of her, he
whispered, "You don't want to know me." With fear running through her
veins and throughly confused, she asked, "Why do
you say that?" Moving up close to her, he tucked her silky brown hair over
her ear, gently licking the shell, he wispered,
"Because if you know the truth, you'll never want to see me again."
She glanced up at him and looked into his darkened eyes. As they were filled
with rage swirling with desire, he lowered his head and captured her lips in a
searing kiss. The embers that had
cooled burst into flames as she deepened the kiss. He wasted no time in
seducing her with his skillful hands. With one hand entwined in her hair, the
other hand moved to her robe. As his long fingers slowly untied her robe, he
continued assaulting her senses with his talented tongue. Pushing aside part of
her robe, his hand
went to her breast as he embraced it
with his rough calloused hand. Squeezing the soft globe hard brought her back
to
her senses as she gently pulled him
away. "No. This has got to stop." Moving to her neck and gently
biting, he said, "No it doesn't." Trying to stay in control, she said
firmly, "Yes. Yes it does." With his tongue sliding up her throat and
moving to her ear, he whispered, "We have all morning to talk." She
slowly closed her eyes. In between the kisses and licks he continued, "I
need you. And I know you need me. We're perfect for one another. I know how to
please you, all of you. The dark side of you." Chills ran down her spine
as she heard these words. No matter how much she tried to deny it,
she knew he was right. All was
forgotten when he curled the hand in her hair, and violently kissed her as he
pulled her down on her back. He licked his way down to her tender breasts.
"So beautiful" he whispered as he cupped one, licking the already
hardened nipple. She moaned as she grabbed a hold of his thick mane. As his
fingers traced their way down her stomach she automatically spread her long
legs. Playing with the damp curls and finding that special nub soaked in her
juices, he smiled to himself as he tongued his way back up to her mouth. With
one swift thrust he buried himself between her warm moist walls. Crying out,
she wrapped her legs around his waist and ran her nails
down his back. He grunted in pleasure
as her nails dug deep in his skin leaving fiery trails. Pounding into her
mercilessly, she met him, thrust for animal thrust. A pearl of sweat broke free
from his forehead and traveled down the length of his nose, landing on her
lips. As she tasted its salty sweetness, a flash of white light crossed her
vision. Images of the past two weeks burned in her brain as the speed was set
in fast motion. Clasping his fingers between hers, Mark brought both of her
hands up over her head and held them down. Dead women with slashed throats and
a black rose lay by their side. Robbing her of the precious air her lungs so
desperately craved. The vase of black roses on her mantle. Slamming into her deeper and deeper until he
reached the back of her walls. Dancing to the strobe with the girls in the
club. A finger caressing her most prized jewel. Looking into Dot's soulless
eyes. Hugging Karen as Alan
stares. Faintly hearing groans of
self indulgent passion as hot air brushes across her ear. The funeral. Tears of
sadness and heartbreak. The white limo with the lowered window as the arm
encased in tweed drops the midnight rose. Pain shoots across her arms as he
purposely increases the pressure. Mark and Liselle
talking at the cemetery as she admires his suit. That beautiful building
sensation. The reception. The library. The talk. His suit.
"FUCK!!!!!!!" Howled Mark as they reached the stars together.
Chapter 13
Running into the police station and
barely saying hi to everyone that greeted her, she headed straight for her
desk.
Flipping on her computer, she pulled
out the file entitled Black Rose. Flipping through the countless pages of
reports, her eyes programmed for one word. One name. Anything to end this
vicious game. Nothing. Turning to open the drawer that housed the one mug shot.
Scanning the empty faces staring back at her. Nothing. The past sat before
burning
brightly on the screen. Scrolling
through the dates and events of past crimes and daily events. Still nothing.
Sitting back in her chair, she thought, What am I doing? There it was. In the
lower left hand corner. The tiny print barely visible, yet
screaming to be noticed. Sitting up,
she enlarged the article. "Holy Shit!"
Speeding down the highway her mind
was racing a mile a minute. She had all the proof she needed, yet, how she
played her next move was crucial. Suddenly her pager went off. Glancing at the
fateful number she thought, God, what does he want?!!! Telling him she'd be
there soon, she hung up, and tossed the phone on the seat beside her.
Walking up the huge estate driveway,
she paused to look at the lonely old mansion. Beckoning her to come as the wind
howled against the brick walls. She
shivered as she continued up the pathway. She pounded on the door as the he
watched her from above. The mundane butler opened the door and told her he was
in the living room. She thanked him and headed down the hall. Swords and Arabic
carpets adorned the walls while the oak floor glistened with pride. Carefully
walking she made her way down the long corridor and then turned left. There he
sat. Drinking a whiskey and staring into the fire. With not even a glance
towards her he said, "C'mon in." Slowly she entered. "Close the
door behind you." Stopping to turn around, she reached for the crystal
knob and pulled. Feeling the breeze coming through the French doors that lead
to the balcony, she stood behind him
and asked, "It's early, why are you drinking?" Sipping on the amber
liquid, he smiled and said, "Cause I can." She said nothing as she
watched him. "For someone as new to the business as you are, you surely
don't waste anytime, do you?" "You asked for my help." Feeling
the hot liquid slide down his throat he nodded. Getting up he stated,
"It's a shame that it has to end." With the gun pointed at her she
asked, "Why did you do it?" Through a shiny vision he re-lived that
horrible night. "I was never good enough for her. She was always screaming
I could do better. Be better. It wasn't enough that I loved her with every
fiber of my being." His memory served him even more pain as he traveled
down the lane of physical abuse. Taking a breath to calm himself, he went on.
"That night her lover came. She thought I would never find out, but I
knew. After hours of despicable fucking, I heard the argument begin. I got out
of bed and ran down the hall. The voices becoming louder and louder. The door
was slightly open and as I peeked through the crack I saw what he did. She
tried to leave and he grabbed her arm, not letting her go. Putting his arm
around her waist he drew her into him. She was leaning against his chest facing
me, but not knowing I was there. The bitch didn't even know I was there!!!!"
Swallowing the rest of his
drink he threw the glass against the
fireplace. Wincing in fear, Liselle listened as he
finished the story. "As he
kissed her cheek and whispered in her
ear, Rest In Peace, he brought the machete across her throat." One tear
rolled down his cheek as he saw the life drain from her eyes. Shaking his head
he said, "You know the bastard even had the audacity to send black Roses
the day of her funeral." Closing his eyes, he could see them vividly and
proudly mocking his failure, never hearing the fatal shot. That all too familiar pain began in the
middle of his back, traveling to the
front of his aching heart. Opening
his eyes, he saw the two of them. His true love standing there and by her side
the creature. Dropping the gun, he fell to his knees. So, this is what it feels
like? He looked at her one last time with the expression of sorrow etched in
his eyes. Coughing he rasped, "I'm sorry." As blissful darkness
consumed him. "Are you okay?" Once again, those infamous words, only
this time bringing a smile to her face. Turning to him she nodded wrapping her
arms around him, holding on tight. Looking at the once respected man with
disdain, he held her until she they heard the fading sound of sirens. Pulling back she looked into his questioning
eyes, "I heard the whole story. Who was he talking about?" Looking
Back at Alan's lifeless body, she whispered, "His mother."
The End
Main
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