Three Word Wednesday - The Gravel Pits-Part 6

Three Word Wednesday - The Gravel Pits-Part 6

Entanglement, noun: The action or fact of entangling or being entangled; a complicated or compromising relationship or situation; an extensive barrier, typically made of interlaced barbed wire and stakes, erected to impede enemy soldiers or vehicles

Death, noun: The action or fact of dying or being killed; the end of the life of a person or organism.

Heartless, adjective: Displaying a complete lack of feeling or consideration.

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                                        The Gravel Pits-Part 6

     This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. All rights reserved. 

      Another girl was dead? How could this have happened? This girl had been only a year older than Kathleen and yet she had met her death. How had she gotten in such an entanglement.  Kathleen grew scared. This man that she thought so interesting; could he have kidnapped and murdered this girl? Had Kathleen escaped the same fate and this girl been snatched because she dressed like Kathleen? Had he followed her to the concert to kidnap Kathleen? Did he know where Kathleen lived? No, she’d met him at the Sulphur Springs. He couldn’t know where she lived or he’d also have known Karl wasn’t her brother. The sooner they caught this man the better. Should she go down to the police station and help them draw a composite picture of the man? She’d call Karl and ask him he’d know. She dialed but there was no answer.

   “Kathleen, put that phone down and hurry up we’ll be late for church. You’ll have to eat properly afterwards but here’s some oatmeal cookies,” Great-Aunt Frieda cried holding out the cookies.

   “I’m coming,” Kathleen answered putting on her shoes.

    When they arrived at church it was almost time to start so they quickly sat in their pew. When the service was over, Kathleen spotted Karl and Terri. Kathleen thought about her grounding and knew Great Aunt Frieda would frown on her speaking with them. Kathleen glanced at her great-aunt.

  “Go over there, you have ten minutes to speak with them while I speak to Reverend Clarke then we’re leaving,” Great-Aunt Frieda advised.

  “Did you hear the news?” Terri whispered as soon as she saw Kathleen.

  “You’re talking of that poor girl? Yes, I heard and it scared me,” Kathleen replied.

  “It should that could have been you,” Karl admonished.

  “Really Karl, don’t be such a dork, you're so heartless. Kathleen has to be scared and won’t do that again. Besides and it was partly that Tommy Gunderson’s fault,” Terri censored.

  “That guy’s a turd.”

  “Karl watch your language in church,” Karl’s mother, Rosa said walking over to him.

  “Sorry, Mom,” Karl commented.

  “Kathleen, Rosa and I haven’t been able to speak with Reverend Clarke or Elsa Brimmer about the upcoming bake sale so I’m going to be a little longer. Why don’t you wait for me outside and take your conversation outside. Just don’t go anywhere, or speak to anyone else.”

  “Thank you Great-Aunt Frieda,” Kathleen said, “And don’t worry I’ll be safe.”

  “I’m not Karl will be with you and he’s a good boy.”

Kathleen hurried outside before her great aunt changed her mind.

Karl yawned.

  “Do we bore you Karl?” Terri asked.

  “You know dad had me down at the station in the middle of night doing a composite of this guy. I’m tired,” Karl complained.

  “Sorry Karl. I’m just glad Dad didn't wake me up.”

  “So if they sent out the composite. They should catch this guy soon right?” Kathleen asked.

  “Dad didn’t want me to tell you girls, but they think this guy is a serial killer. He thought you’d be scared, but I think you being scared is a good idea. Then you know to be careful.  Some girls have been taken in the area over the past three years and he fits the pattern,” Karl admitted.

  “That girl last year in London?” Kathleen asked.

  “No, she doesn’t fit his pattern,” Karl answered.

  “I’m scared Karl. He knows we know what he looks like what if he comes after us?” Terri asked.

  “He won’t but if he did I knife him. See I have my old bowie knife strapped to my left leg,” Karl answered pulling his pant leg up long enough to show them and then quickly putting it down lest anyone else see.

  “After church you're coming to our house?” Terri asked.

  “Huh, I’m lucky I can still speak to you. Great-Aunt Frieda grounded me for a week,” Kathleen explained.

  “Kathleen, since you are grounded for the week I’ve volunteered your services for the bake sale. You can help bake and set up the sale with us,” Great-Aunt Frieda said walking out of the church and over to Kathleen.

  “It’s a hundred degrees out,” commented Kathleen.

  “And the church needs some help, which we are very happy to give, because we are thankful,” admonished Great-Aunt Frieda.

 “Fine. See you in about a week Karl and Terri.”

 “Actually I think you’ll see Terri sooner. Rosa generously offered Terri’s services too.  Terri will be over later this afternoon to help us bake.” Great-Aunt Frieda, Then the two of you will go over and get the church set up on Tuesday for the bake sale Tuesday evening.”

   Terri actually looked happy and Kathleen thought even though it was hot, this punishment wasn’t that bad she could spend time with her best friend, Terri. When her punishment had ended she looked forward to going to the gravel pits with Terri and Karl again.

©Sheilagh Lee  August 27, 2014 

to be continued.

Three Word Wednesday - The Gravel Pits-Part 5

Three Word Wednesday - The Gravel Pits-Part 5

Impulsive, adjective: Acting or done without forethought.

Morose, adjective: Sullen and ill-tempered.

Sparse, adjective: Thinly dispersed or scattered; austere; meager.

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                                        The Gravel Pits-Part 5

     This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. All rights reserved. 

   Karl drove the rest of the way home to Delaware in silence. Kathleen tried to figure out how to confess to her Great- Aunt Frieda what she had done. Would Aunt Frieda want to throw her out? She had lied to Great-aunt Frieda and broken all her rules. She’d also gotten Terri and Karl into trouble. Would they still want to be friends to her?

Frankly Karl had grown on her. She looked at him through her long hair as he concentrated on driving. His hands were at ten and two, showing that he never violated the rules, but he had for her. He’d risked condemnation from his police dad just to save her. How had she not known how handsome he was? And he how smart and brave he was.  Look how calm he’d been with that drowning victim. He’d issued orders and other obeyed then he’d breathed life back into her. That girl was lucky Karl had saved her. Kind of like prince charming he’d saved Kathleen too. Could he ever look at Kathleen as other than his sister’s friend?

    He was really angry at Tommy, on Kathleen’s behalf. Maybe that meant Karl liked her just a little and would forgive her for getting him in trouble? Terri didn’t seem mad but she wasn’t talking to Kathleen. Terri looked like she pretended to sleep or maybe the truth was Terri was asleep?

   Kathleen thoughts were interrupted as she realized they were pulling into her Aunt- Frieda’s driveway. The front porch light was on and Aunt Frieda was on the doorstep.

  “Get in here! Where have you been young lady? Do you know how worried I was?” Great-Aunt Frieda yelled.

   Kathleen walked in the door and told Great-Aunt Frieda everything. Great-Aunt Frieda surprised Kathleen by taking her in her arms and comforting her when she cried about what Tommy had done. Then she surprised Kathleen even more by telling her of an incident when she was young.

  “Once, I was impulsive too and it really harmed me.”

  “How?”Kathleen asked.

   “I snuck out and went to a dance with a boy, who had a car. My parents had forbidden me going to this dance, but when this seventeen year old asked me, I had to go. He was handsome older and monied. I was thrilled. I lied and said I stayed at a friend’s too. That’s why I should have known you were lying.”

  “I shouldn't have lied, but you don't know how sparse good looking guys are in this town.”

 “Kathleen there are more to men then looks there are qualities like kindness, gentleness, and bravery.” 

  “We'll you tell me more of what happened on your date?” Kathleen asked.

  “Understand, I don't like to talk about this but because I think you must learn from my mistake, I'll share,  It's a very sad time in my life and after I tell you I don't want questions, or even this commented on, especially to others. Do you except my terms?”

  “Yes, Great-Aunt Frieda.”

  “On the way home the boy stopped the car and became morose. I begged him to take me home. He said he'd wined dined me and now he wanted his payment. He ripped my clothes and took what he wanted. I told no one. I blamed myself, after all I had lied. Five months later, I realized I was pregnant. I didn’t know how to tell my parents their fourteen year old daughter had been raped by a seventeen year old acquaintance and was now pregnant. So I remained silent, until it became obvious to my mother. When it came time for the baby to be born, an adoption was arranged for my son. I should have loved my boy, but I couldn’t look at the child without thinking of the rape.” Great-Aunt Frieda then turned and asked Kathleen, “Tell me the truth. did he rape you?” 

   Kathleen answered “No, and I'm so sorry for my behaviour, Great-Aunt Frieda.”

  Great-Aunt Frieda continued pressing Kathleen, “You can tell me anything. I won’t judge you. I’ll arrange an abortion if you need one.

“I wasn’t raped Great-Aunt Frieda. He tried, but I kicked him,” Kathleen answered.

“Okay, I’ll drop it,” Great-Aunt Frieda countered “But if you need to talk at any time, I’m here. In the meantime I hate to do this, but you’re grounded for one week for lying to me.”

“That’s not fair. Did your parents ground you?”

“My parents sent me away to live with my grandmother in the country. I was taken out of school and worked on the farm until I turned eighteen. Then I ran away and got a job at a local cafe.”

“Did you ever speak to your parents again?”

“No, but I regretted, that after they died and I reached out to my siblings. Shortly after To your father and mother. Then you were born and I loved you from the very moment I saw you, pumpkin and when your parents died I fought the courts to raise you.”

“I’m sorry that happened to you, Great-Aunt Frieda, but I'm glad you took me in.”

“I know you are and remember I love you and want the best for you when you think my rules are archaic. I’m just glad you didn’t get in the car with that strange man. Promise you’ll never ever think of going with a stranger again. Here you keep this dime in your shoe and if you need to you call me and I’ll come and get you no questions asked,” Great-Aunt Frieda cried.

“I will,” Kathleen promised putting it in one of the shoes she’d just taken off.

“Now it’s time for bed,” Great-Aunt Frieda said pointing to the stairs. Kathleen obeyed and went up the stairs.

  The next morning getting up for church she turned on the radio and heard, “Police seek the whereabouts of Gina Waterstones, six teen years old; Gina, last seen entering a navy blue Ford Fairline car with man in a military style bearing. Gina Waterstones is described as follows: five feet four inches tall, one hundred and eight pounds, with brown hair shoulder length hair and brown eyes, wearing a short mini-style dress with white go-go boots. If you have seen Gina Waterstones, this man or his car, please contact your local police.

  Kathleen worried about that girl but thought they would find her safe and sound soon.

  A few seconds later she heard, "We interrupt this regularly scheduled program with breaking news: The body of a young girl has been found at the Sulphur Springs this morning. Positive identification has not been made at this time. We will update you on this story as more details become available."

To be continued next week.

©Sheilagh Lee  August 20, 2014

Three Word Wednesday - The Gravel Pits-Part 4

Three Word Wednesday - The Gravel Pits-Part 4

Eradicate, verb [with object:] Destroy completely; put an end to.

Mercenary, adjective: (Of a person or their behavior) primarily concerned with making money at the expense of ethics; noun: A professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army; a person primarily concerned with material reward at the expense of ethics.

Squeamish, adjective: (Of a person) easily made to feel sick, faint, or disgusted, especially by unpleasant images, such as the sight of blood; (of a person) having strong moral views; scrupulous.

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                                        The Gravel Pits-Part 4

     This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. All rights reserved. 

    Kathleen stood there shocked and angry. She wanted to eradicate Tommy Gunderson. How could he leave her here? But maybe it was her fault? She did kiss him.
  How could she get home now? Even if she could get downtown the last Greyhound bus left five minutes ago. Then she heard a car drive up and she was suddenly terrified.

   “Well hello,” the man in the dark blue Ford Fairline said to her out the window.

   Kathleen leaned over and looked closely it was the man from the Sulphur Springs.  

    Kathleen then smiled.

 “Did you get stranded? Would you like a ride home,” he asked opening the passenger side door.

    Kathleen breathed a sigh of relief and went around the car to get in.

    A car drove up and Kathleen heard a voice say, “Kathleen, there you are. Get in dad’s waiting.”

    Kathleen looked over to see Karl in his car and Terri in the back seat. 

   Kathleen shut the door of the stranger’s green Ford Fairline and climbed into the seat beside Karl’s. The man from the Sulphur Springs gunned his car and took off without a word.

   “Why did you say your dad waited?” Kathleen asked.

   “If I he thought I wasn’t your brother, he would have challenged me and not let you get in my car. I needed to get you away from him. Don’t you have the sense God gave geese, Kathleen? Getting in a car with a total stranger, when you’ve heard girls have gone missing is just plain stupid,” Karl lectured.

Kathleen started crying.

  “Geesh, Kathleen, please, don’t cry. I’m sorry. I was just so worried, Karl said, then turning to Terri and taking his eyes off the road he implored, “Tell her Terri. Tell her how worried I was.”

  “Put your eyes back on the road, Karl,” Terri cried and then added, “He was worried Kathleen. He heard bad things about Tommy and decided we had to come get you." 

  “Why didn’t Tommy Gunderson drive you home?”Karl asked.

    Kathleen started crying louder.

  “What did that a-hole do to you? I’ll kill him,” Karl shouted.

  “Stop the car, Karl. Pull over to that coffee shop and get us a drink."

   Karl frown and gave Terri a look that said NO!

   “I'm not been mercenary, Karl. Don't look at me like that. I’ve got some cash. Now stop, I want to talk to Kathleen alone.”

  Karl obediently pulled the car over.

 “Lock the doors. I’ll be back soon,” Karl bade.

 “Tell me what Tommy Gunderson did,” implored Terri.

 “I can't."

 "Don't be squeamish Kathleen tell me what Tommy did."

   Kathleen took a big breath and tried to get the words together then she began, “It was such a lovely date at first. We got pizza and ate it in the parking lot and then we saw a fabulous concert. I think it was my fault things got out of hand, when I let him kiss me. Karl’s right I’m stupid.”

   Karl climbed back in then holding a bag. You are not stupid I should never have said that. I’m sorry,” then he asked gently, “What did Tommy do to you? Should I be taking you to the hospital to get a rape kit and then file a police report?”

  “No he didn’t rape me but not for lack of trying. He took my panties off. I’m so embarrassed, “Kathleen said not even hearing Karl and continuing to talk to Terri.

  “I’ll kill him,” Karl growled.

  “Shut-up Karl you can do that later. Right now Kathleen needs us. You know it wasn’t your fault. You said no, didn’t you?” Terri stated.

  “Yes, but I kissed him before that. I encouraged him,” Kathleen protested.

  “Kathleen, no man has the right to take that from you. You have the right to say no and he should back off. If he doesn’t then it’s his fault, not yours. What Tommy did is almost attempted rape, I'd classify as rape but I'm not sure the law does.. That guy needs to be taught that women should be treated with respect. I suppose the reason why you were going to get in the car with that stranger is because he left you there in the dark.”

  “He was mad,” Kathleen apologised for him.

  “Nothing excuses his behaviour. I’m just glad you’re okay and that we got there before you got in the car with that weirdo.”

  “Thanks Karl and Terri,” Kathleen said drying her tears, she continued,“Karl, why does a cop car pull us over? Were you driving too fast?”

   Karl pulled over and the cop got out of his car and walked to the window.

  “Dad?”

  “You two worried your mother sick, and you Kathleen; you’re Great-Aunt Frieda put out an all-points bulletin for you. She said you told her you were stating with her family. I’m very disappointed in you Kathleen. You’ve put my wife and myself in an awkward position. Your Great-Aunt Frieda trusted us to look after you, instead my son takes you gallivanting to London.”

  “Don’t blame Karl he actually rescued me.”

  “He did?”

  “Yes, he did. I went to the concert at Treasure Island Gardens with Tommy Gunderson.”

  “Then why are you in the car with my son and why did you say he had to rescue you?”

  “Tommy and I had words and he left me there.”

  “He left you in the parking lot in the dark? I think I’ll have a talk with that young man.”

  “It’s worse than that Dad, she said no and he tried to...”

   “How could you Karl?”Kathleen cried.

   “Did Tommy Gunderson try to rape you, Kathleen?”

   “A simple misunderstanding. I don’t want to talk about this,” Kathleen said.

    Karl shook his head at his dad, silently communicating and his dad dropped it.

   “I’m glad I found you now you drive home son. I have to get back on the job there’s another young woman missing tonight. Witness saw her getting into a dark blue Ford Fairline.

  “What?”Kathleen cried.

  “Dad a guy in a dark blue Ford Fairline tried to pick up Kathleen at the Sulphur Springs and again at the concert venue.”Karl answered.

 “Karl is right dad. The guy’s car was navy blue. He gave me the creeps,” Terri added.

 “He gave you the creeps? Why didn't you tell me?”

 “I did, you just didn't hear me,"Terri protested.

 “Describe him!” demanded Mr. Ward.

 “An older man with short black cropped hair about twenty-two,” Kathleen answered.

 “He was a military man, Dad and his hair was clipped short like he was still in the military man,” Karl answered.

 “Thanks kids now go straight home. Kathleen, I’m trusting you to tell your Great-Aunt Frieda everything. No more lying,” Mr. Ward demanded, "and you Karl drive her straight home and see her into the house then take your sister home."

Mr.Ward then went back to his car and radioed in before speeding away.

To be continued next week.

©Sheilagh Lee  August 13, 2014

Three Word Wednesday - The Gravel Pits-Part 3

Three Word Wednesday - The Gravel Pits-Part 3

Liberated, adjective: (Of a person) showing freedom from social conventions or traditional ideas, esp. with regard to sexual roles; (of a place or people) freed from imprisonment, slavery, or enemy occupation.

Muddy, adjective: Covered in or full of mud; (of a color) dull and dirty-looking; (of a sound, esp. in music) not clearly defined; confused, vague, or illogical; verb: Cause to become covered in or full of mud; make (something) hard to perceive or understand.

Vicious,  adjective: Deliberately cruel or violent; (of an animal) wild and dangerous to people; serious or dangerous.

     This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. All rights reserved. 

                                               The Gravel Pits-Part 3

   Aunt Frieda had agreed to let her stay the night at Terri’s, Kathleen’s plan was set. Terri had covered and said they were going to her house now, when really Kathleen would now meet Tommy at the library. She hoped he liked her mini dress and go-go boots. The boots had been her mother’s one thing she kept as a memory. Kathleen had snuck them out of the back of Great-aunt Frieda’s front closet. She felt so liberated, even if a little guilt snuck in now and then.

Tommy arrived a few minutes after Kathleen got to the library.

  “You look fabulous,” he cried.

  Kathleen blushed but was pleased.

  “We need to boot it so we get a bite to eat before the concert,” Tommy cried.

  “Dinner too?”

  “Yah, just pizza.”

  “I’ve never had pizza.”

  “There’s this really good place called Bondi’s on Wharncliffe Road, we’ll get a pie there and take it to the parking lot of the concert, eat and then go in,” Tommy explained.

     Kathleen was thrilled. Kathleen had never had pizza but it sounded exotic and delicious. It seemed it was some kind of Italian dish, tomato sauce and cheese on a bread circle they baked in an oven. Dinner and a concert it was so romantic.

The pizza delicious and the concert amazing everything that Kathleen had imagined. Kathleen looked at her watch and realized that it was really late. It was almost midnight and they were two of the last people to come out of the venue. The parking lot which had once been filled with cars looked deserted. Their wasn’t even a moon tonight, so it was if inky blackness touched from the sky to the muddy ground. If it wasn’t for the bright lights at the parking lot, they would never have found Tommy’s car back in the far west corner. She hoped she could sneak into the White’s quietly so she could spend the night. Terri said she’d leave her window open and Kathleen could climb up the trestle and into Terri’s bedroom. Kathleen took a peek at her watch again. If they left now she could be home to Terri’s just after one a.m.

  “I see you checking your watch, Kathleen, so it’s late already. We should just take some time for necking before we head back. Almost all the cars are gone no one will see us,” Tommy claimed.

    Kathleen really did like Tommy and necking sounded fun. Kathleen hadn’t even had her first real kiss and now Tommy would be her first kiss. Could this night get any better?

    Tommy leaned over and kissed Kathleen deeply and the kiss seemed to go on and on. The next thing Kathleen realized Tommy pulled up her dress and pulled down her panties. She slapped his hand and when that didn’t work kicked out at his privates.

  “You bitch. You had pizza and a concert. This cost me a shitload of money. You better put out baby.”

  “Put out?” Kathleen said shocked.

 “Are you that stupid, or just a tease?”

 “I’m not a tease,” Kathleen screamed, “You’re a pig, Tommy Gunderson!” kicking him again for good measure.

 “See how you like walking home to Delaware,” Tommy shouted back viciously opening the car door and shoving Kathleen out. Then Tommy gunned the engine and drove away.

    Kathleen stood there shocked and angry. How could she get home now? Even if she could get downtown the last Greyhound bus left five minutes ago and it was so dark and scary. Why had she agreed to go with Tommy and lie to Great- Aunt Frieda? She then she heard a car drive up and she was suddenly terrified.

  “Well hello,” the man in the car said to her out the window.

   Kathleen leaned over and looked closely it was the man from the Sulphur Springs. Kathleen smiled much relieved.

  “Did you get stranded? Would you like a ride home?” he asked opening the passenger side door.

  Kathleen breathed a sigh of relief and went around the car to get in.

To be continued

©Sheilagh Lee  August 6, 2014