"What Evil Lurks"
(Suspense/crime)

Thanks to new magazine Cemetery Moon for running this one in its first issue.

Funny story behind this. My wife and I met online, and knew each other for YEARS before we ever met, despite living just 60 miles away. She was in high school at the time, and I'm 13 years older, so meeting wasn't something that would have looked good anyway. But eventually, when she was between her sophomore and junior years in college, we decided we had to meet before one of us got hit by a bus and died and the other person wished we'd connected. So we did.

Needless to say, we began dating almost immediately, got engaged shortly after that, and were married two years after our first meeting (more than five years after first meeting online!). But Elaine had a close friend who was convinced I was a mistake, and kept suggesting that I could be some psycho. We used to laugh about that, but one night early on in our dating, when her friend was being particularly difficult about the psycho thing (the friend didn't like me much; our age difference was part of it), I wrote this story. If you're me or Elaine, you can see loads of personal things strewn throughout this story. If you're not either of us, you won't. But they're there, really.
 

"What Evil Lurks"
(Excerpt)
by David M. Fitzpatrick

“You’re going to what?”

“I’m going to meet him,” Mary Ann Lacey said through pursed lips on a white face framed by flowing black hair, but she was shaking slightly. She knew Ally would react this way.

“You can’t,” Ally said, big blue eyes wide. “Come on, girl... I’m supposed to be the dumb blonde in this pair. You don’t even know this guy.”

“I’ve known him for six months.”

“But you’ve never met him.”

“I know him better than most people who meet for first dates know each other.”

They were on Ally’s front porch, Ally on the glider swing and Mary Ann on the railing. It was mid-afternoon, nearing the time Mary Ann had to leave to meet Jack. She’d waited this long to tell Ally so she wouldn’t have to listen the girl’s rant for long.

“He chased you down on a singles Web site,” Ally said, curly hair bouncing as she shook her head. “What do you expect from a guy who does that?”

“Well, I did list myself on the singles site in the first place.”

“Which shows that you’re not using your head. You need to think more about this.”

Mary thought about it.

#

I’ve responded to singles ads before, but never got much of a reply, he typed to her.

Well, I’m not looking for romance, she replied. Just friends to talk to. Nobody I want to meet in the real world.
I can understand that, he said. But posting an ad on a singles site is a strange way to do it.

Maybe, she said.

It was a fairly long time before he responded. She thought she’d lost him. But then his words popped up in the chat window: Well, I’m not going to lie to you... I wasn’t answering singles ads just for friendship. I was looking for someone to get involved with. But I respect your wishes, and hope we can hang out.

We can hang out—online.

Sure, that’s what I meant. I’m on a lot anyway, and you seem more intelligent than most of the women I’ve chatted with here.

I have to go, she typed suddenly.

Okay.

Maybe I’ll catch you on here again sometime.

Maybe.

#

“Maybe,” Mary Ann said softly.

“Are you listening to me?” Ally said.

“Yes.”

“You don’t know this guy. He could be a psycho.”

“Why must you harp on that?” she asked. “I’ve gotten to know Jack intimately over the past six months. I’ve told him almost everything about me, about my private life. I trust him, Ally.”

“But you don’t know if he’s told you everything about his private life. He could be setting you up... you could end up raped or beaten or dead.”

“Setting me up... for six months?” She grimaced with incredulity. “You live in a fantasy world.”

“No, I live in the real world—where women and men meet up in the flesh, not in some virtual world where they meet using recycled electrons.”

“So where’s the difference? You go out all the time with guys you’ve only just met. You think you know a guy just because you met him one day and had a two-hour phone conversation the next?”

“Yes, I do. There are things you can tell when you hear someone’s voice—inflection, emotion... things you can’t get from words on a screen.”

Mary Ann sighed. “Well... I think my way is safer. Six months of getting to know each other... we confide in each other for everything. There’s hardly a day that goes by when we don’t talk. And now it’s time to meet him.

Besides, murderous rapists aren’t going to groom a potential victim for six months.”

“Take a look in the mirror,” Ally said. “You’re tall, thin, beautiful, and have a body any guy’d wait six months for.”
“He’s never seen me,” Mary Ann said.

“You’ve sent him pictures, haven’t you?”

#

Wow, he typed. You’re beautiful.

Thanks.

I didn’t mean it to be offensive. I’m not trying to hit on you or anything. You really ARE beautiful.

Thanks.

I just stepped over the line, didn’t I?

No, you didn’t. I’m just not very good at hearing how beautiful I am. And you know you’re the first person I’ve ever sent my picture to.

I am honored, then. :-)

Don’t be. It isn’t a good picture.

It looks perfect to me.

#

“Yeah,” she said. “Lots of them. But that’s not the same as seeing me in real life.”

“Guys get off on women in magazines, silly. You think a picture on a screen is any different?”

Mary Ann sighed. “It isn’t like that. I mean, I’m sure he’s attracted... but there’s a connection there. That’s why I have to meet him.”

“Can’t you at least talk on the phone first?”

“That would ruin it. I want our meeting to be perfect.”

Ally gave a start. “Please tell me you’re meeting somewhere very public.”

“Of course.”

#

I don’t have a problem with you coming here, he typed, but I just want to make sure you know I’d be more than happy to drive up there.

Either way, one of us has to drive two hours, she replied.

True... just wanted you to know.

So where should I meet you?

There’s an Italian restaurant by the mall... Angelino’s.

I know it.

Is that okay with you?

Whatever you want is fine.

#

“You’re going there?” Ally said with bug eyes gaping. “In his territory? You should be here, in case he tries something.”

“I hardly think it matters. It’s in the most public place down there..”

Ally’s eyes widened again. “Wait... so if you trust him so much, why are you making sure you’re in the most public place?”

“Oh, stop reading into everything,” Mary Ann said. “I just haven’t been down that way in a while. I thought I’d hit the mall... make him tag along while I shop. If he sticks around after that, I know he’s a keeper.”

Her broad smile got to Ally, and her friend chuckled and shook her head. “I give up on you, girl. Hey, you know I’m just worried about you, right?”

“You’ve done this with every guy I’ve ever gone out with,” Mary Ann said. “This is nothing new.”

“That’s because on the rare occasion you go out with a guy, it never works out. You have a history, honey... you’re beautiful and sexy and smart, but you have no guy experience. You’re too afraid of them, for whatever reason.”

“You’re the one acting afraid.”

“I’m afraid for you. Most of the time, you don’t even go out on a second date with a guy—but usually, you get yourself worked up to go out with a guy and then cancel. What’s with your fear of dating?”

#

I’ve never told anyone this before, she typed. Not even Ally.

Okay... you don’t have to... but if you want to, I’m here to listen.

I do want to. I have to.

Okay.

I was abused as a child... a lot.

I see. Did your parents beat on you?

No, not like that.

There was a long pause before he typed, Ohhhh.

That turned you off in a hurry. I never should have done this. Just forget it.

No! It isn’t like that at all! Please, don’t misinterpret my typing.

All right.

Please, continue.

It started with my father, she said. As far back as I can remember. Three, maybe four years old. He started touching me, then got braver as I got older. And his two brothers touched me a lot, too.

Did your mother know?

I tried telling her when I was ten. She didn’t believe me.

That’s terrible.

My Uncle Jim forced himself in my mouth when I was eleven. When I was twelve, my father outright raped me. It never stopped after that.

Wow... I don’t know what to say... did your mother ever figure it out?

Eventually, she knew. She just ignored it and let it happen. But she was scared... he was always drunk, and he beat her pretty good. As long as he was out screwing someone else or me, he was happy and she didn’t get hurt.
How long did this go on?

Until I was eighteen. I moved out as soon as I could. Lived with friends, bounced around... eventually, Dad died. So I never got to do anything about it.

What about your uncles?

Jim died in a freak car accident just this past year. And nobody knows where Joey’s been for a few years.

So nobody to answer for any of it... that has to be rough.

It is rough... I’ve lived like this all my life... it’s why I can’t have normal relations with men. It’s why I’ve never been able to meet you. I feel close to you... I’ve never been close to a man. I’m afraid of everything... but somehow I’m not afraid of you. I’m just afraid of intimacy.

You don’t have anything to be afraid of, he said. I’m your friend. I’m here for you. I’ll never hurt you.

#

“I have an idea,” Ally said. “Take me with you.”

“On the date?”

“Yeah. Then there will be no question he’ll behave and he’ll get the point you have people watching out for you.”
She rolled her eyes and laughed. “I am not taking you on my date. Besides, if he were a psycho and wanted to try something, he wouldn’t if you were there. He’d save it for a later date.”

Ally sighed in frustration. “I’m just trying to help.”

“I know, but have to do this on my own. I have to trust him. You have to trust me. Sometimes... sometimes risks have to be taken. H

w else are we ever going to meet anyone, for any reason? Risk is part of it, whether we like it or not.”
“I suppose.”

“And besides, we’re just friends. We’ve always been just friends, and we have no plans to be anything other than just friends.”

“He might want more than that.”

“He and I have both admitted to the potential we see in being more than that, but right now we just want to meet as friends.”

#

I want to ask you a question, he said, and I don’t want you to be angry with me or think I’ve got ulterior motives or anything like that.

Okay.

And I just want you to answer honestly.

Okay.

And I am asking this because I just want to make sure it’s perfectly clear in both our minds what we’re doing.

Okay.

We’re finally meeting, and I’m a little nervous... I know you are, too.

Yes.

And we’ve talked about this a lot, about being friends and not wanting to pursue anything else.

Yes.

But we’ve talked about intimate things and it seems like we’ve both dropped a few hints here and there... like we’ve been feeling each other out on this.

Yes.

So my question: Are we investigating the possibility of heading down a different road in our relationship? Are we meeting to see if we’re interested in pursuing something further?

She sat back in her computer chair and let him wait for her answer for a little bit. Finally, she typed, I think I have always recognized the potential for something more in our relationship, but all along I’ve been too afraid. So yes, for me I am meeting you so I can get a feel if there should be something more.

Okay.

Does that answer your question?

Yes, it does. Thank you.

Now my turn.

Okay.

How do you feel about that?

Now he let her wait. It was to be expected. Eventually, he typed, I feel the same way. I, too, have always felt a potential for something further than friendship, and I’m curious to know if there’s somewhere else for us to go.

#

“I still can’t believe you’re doing this,” Ally said, “but I can see you’re going to no matter what.”

“You’re right.”

“Look, just... just keep the cell phone handy. If he tries anything, dial 911 and scream for help.”

“He’s not going to try anything,” Mary Ann said with a grin.

“I’m glad you’re so sure.”

“I’m very sure. That’s what trusting and taking risks is all about. Believe me, we’ve talked about the potentials for our relationship and we both know exactly what we’re doing when we meet at Angelino’s.”

#

Well, I guess when we meet I’d just like to give you a hug. A friends hug, you know... I just don’t want to upset you.

You won’t upset me.

Are you sure?

I’m sure.

I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.

If I feel that way, then I’ll tell you that I am, and you can stop.

Okay, then.

You will stop if I ask you to, right?  :-)

Of course.

I was kidding. You saw the smiley face, right?

Yes, I did. :-)

#

She let Ally walk her out to her car. The girl complained all the way, an eleventh hour attempt to appeal to Mary Ann’s sanity, logic, and reason.

“Give it up, Ally,” Mary Ann said. “It’s starting to go beyond you being annoyingly concerned for my welfare and venturing into you being just plain annoying.”

“I see how it is,” Ally said as Mary Ann climbed into the driver’s seat and closed the door. “That’s what I get.”
“I’m leaving now.”

“Wait, one more thing... you’ve never told me this guy’s name.”

“And I’m not going to,” Mary Ann said, pulling her seatbelt on.

“Don’t be stupid. Just imagine, for one moment, that I was actually right... that he’s a psycho and he kidnaps you and rapes you and kills you... if I know his name, at least I can tell the cops.”

“If he kills me, I won’t care. Besides, the cops would get my computer and figure it out.”

Ally scowled at her, arms crossed. For the first time, the girl’s eyes didn’t seem like they wanted to leap out of their sockets and pummel Mary Ann in the head. “Just give me his name.”

Ally wasn’t going to shut up until she gave in. She decided to compromise. “It’s Dial-A-JAM,” she said.
Ally snorted. “That’s his chat handle!”

“But the JAM part is also his initials,” Mary Ann said, and then started the car. “You know his first name is Jack. And that’s all I’m telling you. Now move away before I drive over your toes.”

Ally backed off, reluctantly, and Mary Ann zoomed away from the curb.

#

I’m excited about tonight, Mary.

So am I. :-)

I have kind of a silly question.

I like your silly questions. :-)

Okay... well, we’ve traded pictures, but people always look different in real life. Can you tell me what you’ll be wearing, so I know what to look for?

Sure... I’ll go casual. Denim shorts, a purple, sleeveless shirt... and brown sandals. I’ll be carrying a blue sweater, just in case we run late and it gets cold.

Okay... thanks!

And how will I know you?

I’ll go casual as well. Blue Dockers, white Red Sox T-shirt... glasses, white sneakers...

Great. I’ll see you tonight, then, out in front of Angelino’s.

I can’t wait.

Me either. :-)

#

She pulled into Angelino’s parking lot and saw him right away, waiting out front. He didn’t see her drive in, so she parked around the side and headed to the front doors of the restaurant. As it was, he almost didn’t see her until she was nearly there. When he did, he looked her up and down for a moment, and then smiled a perfect white smile—like he usually had in his pictures.

“Hey there,” he said. His voice was soft but strong, very pleasant.

“Hi,” she said sheepishly, and felt her neck warm with nervousness.

He stepped up, seemed to be muddling over it in his mind, and then he reached his arms out to hug her. She returned it, but found herself a little less enthusiastic. He squeezed her tightly for a few seconds, but then seemed to sense she wasn’t feeling entirely comfortable. He released her and stepped back.

“Wow,” he said. “We’re finally meeting.”

“Yes, we are,” she said. “I’m very glad we’ve finally come to this point.”

“Me too.”

They stood there, looking stupidly at each other for a few moments as patrons filed in and out of the restaurant around them. Finally, he said, “Well, I confirmed our reservations and they have our table. Shall we?”
“We shall,” she said.

#

The odd feelings during the hug notwithstanding, Mary Ann truly enjoyed his company over the next hour, and she got progressively comfortable with him. Throughout dinner, they talked and laughed. They covered familiar topics and still managed to come up with things they’d never discussed before. Dinner was over too quickly, and Mary Ann realized she wasn’t ready for it to end.

She could sense he was feeling the same way as they walked outside. “I’ve really enjoyed meeting you,” he said quietly. “I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that I’m a bit distressed that our meeting is over so soon... and if you don’t want to turn around and drive all the way back home right yet, I’d love to hang out with you.”

“Careful,” she said, “I might drag you to the mall to shop for shoes.”

He smiled. “We can do that if you like.”

She cocked her head. “Do you mean that?”

“Sure.”

“Most guys hate to go shopping with women.”

“Well, I’m not most guys, and you’re not just any woman.”

“You’re just saying that to please me,” she said.

“Not at all. I loved every moment we’ve spent together. I just don’t want it to end. If you want to go shopping, and let me tag along, that’s just more time I get to be with you.”

“That’s sweet,” she said, and he smiled.

They locked gazes for a few long moments, and then both smiled as if on cue. “Tell you what,” she said, “why don’t we go for a ride? I only ever come to the mall down here, and... I guess I’d enjoy seeing any of the sights.” She was trembling slightly, nervous and unsure. But he seemed so right.

He nodded. “I think that would be a wonderful idea. I feel I should warn you, though... there aren’t that many sights to see around here.”

“Maybe we could see the remote places,” she said, and felt her heart beating faster.

He hesitated, and she could almost hear the gears turning. When he spoke, he was trying not to stammer. “Oh, sure... if I... there’s not much to see, but the... the surrounding towns... there are back roads, fields, farms... farms and... farms...” He got control of himself, clearing his throat. “Yes, absolutely. Shall I... drive you?”

“I think we should take my car,” she said, almost breathlessly.

*   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *  

But he's so perfect... he can't be dangerous... can he? Or is Ally right?

Ordering info will appear here as soon as it publishes.

Home - My Writing - Publishing - Resources - Contact

Site Copyright © 2004-2012 by David M. Fitzpatrick (indy@fitz42-QQQ.net)
Remove the "-QQQ" part before you send your email! Click here to learn why.