In Darkness

In Darkness

Sydney Setterlund

In Darkness

Sydney Setterlund

Copyright 2011 by Sydney Setterlund

Smashwords Edition

Dedication

It is an honor to dedicate this book to my parents,

Bill and Carol Setterlund.

The finest people anyone could want to know.

Many Thanks.

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to:

Carol Setterlund, Karen Williams and Greg Scott, editors extraordinaire.

It wouldn’t be the same without your help. I couldn’t have done it without you all!

Chapter One

He had a good life and he knew it. He found himself turning for a double-take of a beautiful blonde. Girls, girls, girls, Dean thought. Then he remembered the date he had planned for that evening. Darla. He liked the girl well enough, but the name threw him. Dean and Darla. Too damn cute.

He turned back in the direction he was headed, on foot, to the small market for an energy drink. The store wasn’t far from his home. The town was Marshall on the California coastline. It was more of a small sized city, but everyone referred to it as town.

The sun was shining high in the sky, with wispy clouds floating by. It was late spring and everything was in bloom. Dean walked with a purpose, but not in a hurry. He had plenty of time before needing to shower and clean up for his date. He walked, thinking more about Darla. He was pretty sure she was not the one. He believed he’d know soon after meeting if a girl was the one. They had known each other a couple of months and had been out on four previous official dates in the past month and he liked her, but was already thinking of cutting his losses and moving on. He wanted to be married by age thirty-five, which was only six years away. It made sense that he would want to continue with his quest.

He was a man with a plan. Working at a mid-level marketing and advertising firm as an account exec, it was a job that satisfied his need for creativity, challenge and money. He had some charm, so he was a bit of a rainmaker, drawing in clients because they both liked and trusted him. He was reasonably ambitious and made a good living.

Dean was lanky, sinewy, with dark wavy hair, worn long almost to his shoulders. He had blue eyes, a medium-sized nose and a strong chin with a perfectly manicured five days of stubble on his cheeks. He was tight and fit enough, but not a body builder. He had a fairly normal man’s build at 6’ and about 185 pounds.

Friendly with his coworkers, he was liked by most. He could take them or leave them; much of his time he preferred to be alone anyway. The few people who disliked him were not given much thought. He dismissed whatever didn’t fit into his life.

There was his family; just his mother was still alive, his father having died a decade ago. He had two sisters, one two years older and one two years younger. He loved them all, the women in his family and was there for them whenever they needed him, but did keep a large part of his life private. He never wanted to live by theirs or anyone else’s standards.

He had many friends, but only two that were truly close to him. The three had known each other since grade school and were true-blue buddies. He didn’t keep much from them, just the few things he kept to himself. The two guys were more than just friends. They were Dean’s anchor. They kept him stable and on the right path. He knew those two were essential to his well-being. He was a bit of a guy’s guy, but got along well with the female gender, as well.

A pretty even-keeled guy, he was a lover, not a fighter. He never really learned to fight, had never been in one, but that didn’t mean he would run from a fair conflict, or if seeing someone in trouble.

He rented a two-bedroom condo on the outskirts of town. He had everything he needed there and had no intentions of leaving, or rocking the proverbial boat, anytime soon. He drove a Subaru Outback. It was kept clean.

He had many things he liked to do: surfing, biking, hiking, running his dog, and hoops. His hobbies included reading, drawing and plants. He had a bit of a green thumb when it came to his house and outdoor plants. It was considered his sensitive side.

As he approached the store, Dean reached for the door just as another customer met him through the glass. Dean stepped back and allowed the man to exit. The guy neither thanked him, nor did he hold the door open for Dean to enter, but let it fall back against Dean’s shoulder. He walked off without a word. Dean looked back at him, but shrugged it off and entered the store. He knew what he wanted, but walked the aisles anyway, not looking for anything in particular. He knew where the drinks were, but felt like wandering. There wasn’t any kind of a hurry yet. Still plenty of time. There wasn’t anything to find other than the drink that he wanted. He paid for the purchase and departed, opened the can and began his walk back home.

Finally having returned to his condo, Dean went into the bathroom, stripped bare and hopped into the shower. He scrubbed down, washed his hair and exited the stall. Wrapped in a towel around his waist, he stood at the sink to shave his face clean. After shaving and brushing his teeth, he stopped and just looked at himself in the mirror. It wasn’t that he didn’t like what he saw, he just wasn’t ever sure who that was looking back at him. He stared at himself for a long moment and then, finished in the bathroom, he headed to the bedroom where he opened the closet and faced his clothes. He selected a pair of nice jeans and a button-down shirt with a collar. Leaving the top two buttons undone over his white tee shirt, he was dressed in blue, which brought out the color of his eyes even more.

6:10. Better get a move on to get Darla and have a drink before the dinner reservations. The date decision had been made on a mid-level restaurant with some dancing afterwards. He barked instructions to the dog, a German Shepherd named Ranger, to stay off the couch and be good. It was unnecessary; his dog had been trained well. After locking the door, he walked to the car, started it up, put it in drive and headed off to Darla. He stopped along the way at the florist shop and bought some irises with yellow freesias. They came with a recommendation from the florist who said any woman would love the purple and yellow flowers.

He finished the rest of the drive in less than five minutes and stood at Darla’s door with his offering in his hand. She answered the doorbell with a gorgeous smile and a killer dress. She had dark brunette hair, worn long to her shoulders, and deep set green eyes. 5’5" in her bare feet and 105 pounds, she was a little thin for her height, but was tanned and toned. She definitely looked great, but not so dressed up that he felt uncomfortably under-dressed.

Dean! It’s so nice to see you. Darla was enthusiastic. Oh! Are those for me?

No. I brought flowers for your neighbor but thought I’d show them to you first, Dean kidded, a smile in his eyes. Of course, they’re for you. He ceremoniously handed her the bouquet with both hands.

Oh, they’re beautiful. And they smell so good, too. She stuck her nose in the flowers and then leaned to Dean in for a quick kiss. Thank you so much for the flowers. I want to get them in some water before we leave. Okay?

Yeah. Fine. Dean followed Darla into the kitchen where he noticed her cat sprawled on the counter. Darla filled a vase with water and dropped the flowers in. She turned back to Dean.

Wow. Nice flowers. You didn’t need to do that.

That’s okay. I remember how you like purple and yellow. He didn’t really know if she liked those colors; it was just something to say. It sounded good.

Well, I love that you brought them. Thank you. She leaned in for another quick kiss.

You ready to go? We’ve got reservations at Louie’s at 7:30. If we leave now we’ll have time for a drink before dinner. Whaddaya say?

Yep. Just let me get my sweater.

Darla grabbed her sweater and purse and was ready to go in less than a minute. Dean couldn’t fault her for her punctuality. So far, she’d never kept him waiting.

Once settled into Dean’s Subaru, the two were at first at a loss for words. The beginning of the drive was done in silence before Darla felt it necessary to get a conversation going.

So, how’s Ranger?

Darla had been over to Dean’s condo two times so far. The one time they slept together, they had stayed at Darla’s for several reasons. She preferred it and, if he was being honest, so did Dean. He liked that he could stay a while and then go on home whenever it felt right. Usually when he stayed overnight with a girl, he felt like he needed to get home to his dog. He rarely stayed very late, but left around 6:00 or 7:00 in the morning.

Range is fine. Got a new bone today. Can’t be bothered by anything else. He would have asked about the cat, but couldn’t remember the name.

That’s nice. He’s a good dog.

Yeah. Ranger’s got his good moments.

The conversation stalled. At the time, Dean wasn’t so much bothered by the quiet as was Darla. She didn’t feel comfortable enough yet to just sit quietly without other distractions.

Did you see that article in the paper about the crime rate in Marshall? It’s on the rise again. We really need more police on the force, don’t you think? It makes me nervous, Darla said.

Yeah. I saw that. Marshall’s getting bigger and that’ll cause crime. More people, more problems.

I wish it could just stay a small town forever. I don’t like this progress.

You’ve always gotta have progress. Otherwise the town would just dry up its resources. Growth is good for the economy and jobs. Marshall needs both to keep up.

But, don’t you think that’ll change the town? It’s already becoming a city. I’m just afraid it’s going to lose its charm.

Not with people like you around. You’ll keep us charming.

Aren’t you the sweetheart, Darla answered with a grin.

As he pulled into the parking lot at Louie’s, Dean turned toward Darla. He smiled his beautiful smile. Ready for dinner?

Mmmm. Yeah. I’m starving.

They entered the restaurant together, hand in hand. Dean held the door while Darla ducked under his arm and slid in. He followed behind.

They made their way to the bar and had a seat. Dean excused himself momentarily to advise the hostess of their arrival. She agreed to come and collect them at the bar when the time was right and the table was ready. Dean rejoined Darla.

We’re set. She’ll come and get us in about fifteen.

That sounds good. What do you want to drink?

The bartender seemed to hear the question and materialized down the bar to stand and wait in front of the two. What’ll it be, folks?

I’ll have a margarita, top shelf, Patron silver, rocks, no salt, please.

I like a girl who knows what she wants, Dean joked to the bartender. I’ll have Stoli and tonic with a twist. Thanks.

The bartender went to work on mixing the drinks. Dean turned on his stool to face Darla.

How are things, Darla? How was your day? Dean knew well enough that girls liked to talk – and liked to be asked about their day. He wasn’t a complete imbecile. He’d been out with a fair number of women in his time and had at least learned a few things.

Good. I guess. I mean, my day was fine, but I mostly did errands and chores. It seems like I spend the majority of my weekends on errands and chores. There’s just never enough time to get everything done, she complained.

Yeah. I get you. I spent my day doing fix-it work around my condo. Took a walk, but that was about it for recreation today. Glad to be out with you tonight, though.

I’m glad to be out with you, too.

The bartender took this momentary break in the conversation to deliver their drinks. Both took sips and nodded to each other and back to the bartender. Dean put a twenty out on the bar. The bartender exchanged it for three ones. Dean left them there.

Good margarita, Darla said.

The bartender smiled in response and moved down the bar to another customer. They sat in silence for a minute, each enjoying their drink. It was Dean who broke the silence, suddenly no longer comfortable without conversation. They hadn’t been together long enough for either to be at ease in silence.

I love this restaurant. Have you eaten here before?

Once. My parents were visiting and we ate here. It was very good. I remember the chicken sauté sec was fantastic. I think I’ll have it again tonight.

Mr. Thompson. Sir, your table is ready.

Dean reached up to assist Darla off the stool without dumping her purse on the floor. He took her hand as they walked behind the hostess.

Right this way, please. The hostess gestured in the main dining room direction and led the way. She carried two menus and a wine list under her arm.

After being seated, the two each took a menu and opened it in front of them, menu to menu. Small talk seemed hard to come by this evening so the pair kept pretty much quiet while they perused the lists of food selections. They discussed the specials with each deciding from the regular menu, Dean with a zinfandel butter steak and Darla with chicken sauté sec. The food came quickly, the restaurant less than busy. Dean dug into his steak immediately while Darla pushed her chicken around on her plate for the first few minutes.

Something wrong with the chicken, Darla?

Oh, no. Nothing’s wrong. I’m just waiting for it to cool down a bit.

That would seem to suffice as dinner conversation. Both dug in to their meals, obviously hungry, but also a way to keep from having to talk. They split a mousse for dessert with coffee for both. They talked a little more while dipping their spoons into the creamy chocolate.

How’s work, Dean? Darla asked between bites.

Good. I’m working on a project right now that has a lot of potential. The client is pretty cool, too. So, all in all, it’s going really well.

What about that guy that was giving you trouble? Is that better now?

Yeah. That’s better now. That guy’s just a miserable jerk. But, as long as I stay out of his way, the friction’s minimal.

It must be hard, though. Working with someone who doesn’t like you like that.

I don’t give it much thought. Just steer clear whenever I can. We don’t work on the same projects – yet, that is. I don’t know what will happen if we do get put on the same account. But, that’s unlikely. We’re both account execs and there are rarely two on the same job.

Well, that’s good anyway.

Hey, you done with your coffee? Wanna get outa here? Dean asked.

Yeah. I’m done. But let me use the bathroom first. Okay?

Sure. I’ll just settle up the check here. Meet you at the door?

Okay. Hey, thanks for dinner. It was nice.

Yeah. You’re welcome. It was nice.

Payment and peeing completed, the two stepped out of the door. As she was exiting, Darla accidently body-bumped a young skinhead. He was with two other head-shaved guys.

Hey. Look where you’re going, bitch.

I’m sorry. Really. I didn’t see you there. My mistake.

You bet it’s your mistake. Why don’t you watch where you’re going?

Hey, now, Dean interjected. No need for that, man. She said she’s sorry. Why don’t you just let it go?

Who the hell are you, boy? Whaddaya think you’re doing? I was just havin’ a word with the bitch and you just can’t mind your own shit. Can ya? You wanna fuckin’ do something about it?

Look. I don’t want to fight you, if that’s what you mean. Just step aside. We don’t want any trouble.

The two other young men stepped up to Dean. One of them pushed his chest out and shoved his face just inches from Dean’s.

You wanna try and make us?

No. I don’t want to try and make you. I’d just like you to step aside and allow us to leave. Like I said, we don’t want any trouble.

The third man pushed the other two aside shoved Dean in the chest with both palms. Dean took a step back from the pressure. He stepped forward again so that he was standing next to Darla.

Hey, Dean said. There’s no need for that. Just step aside and we’ll leave.

Whaddaya gonna do about it?

At that moment, an older man, also with a bald head, approached the five people. From his looks, he appeared to be a father or some other relative of the younger men. He was older, but buff with a barrel chest and huge arms showing through his tight tee shirt.

Whadda we got goin’ on here? he asked as he spit chew on the ground. It missed Dean’s foot by a couple of inches.

Nothing, Dean answered. We were just leaving.

He took Darla’s arm and tried to steer her through the four men. None of them budged. Dean turned his shoulder into the gap between two of the younger guys and pushed through, trying to pull Darla along with him, but the two men stepped together so that she was blocked.

Hey! Dean barked. Back off of her. Let her through.

Yeah? one of the younger men answered. Whaddaya gonna do about it?

Dean stepped back and pulled his cell phone from the case on his belt. He flipped it open and hit three numbers.

Whaddaya doin’? Gonna call your mama?

No. She would hurt you. Dean responded. Hello, he spoke into the phone. He continued, Yes, this is Dean Thompson. My date and I are at Louie’s on Denton Avenue. There are four men here blocking our exit. Could you send a patrol car before this gets out of hand?

He listened into the phone while the five other people watched him. The older man gestured to the three guys to step back. They looked at him with confusion on their faces, but obeyed his command. All four men stepped back and allowed Darla through.

You know, it looks like we’re being allowed to leave now. Guess that patrol car isn’t necessary after all.

Dean didn’t speak soon enough. Just as he was telling the operator that they didn’t need the officers, a patrol car pulled up.

Wow. That was fast, Darla commented, from Dean’s side.

Two officers jumped out of the car just after it came to a stop. Both were holding the end of their nightsticks at their belts. They hurried over to the small crowd.

Okay. Break it up, one of the officers said. Everybody back off now.

Sorry, officer, the older man said, raising his hands up to chest level, palms out. We don’t want any trouble here. This is just a misunderstanding.

Oh, you misunderstood that I needed to move out of the entrance? Darla asked, finding her voice. She spoke with a sarcastic tone.

Dean took her arm. He smiled at her, but with caution in his expression.

Hello. He spoke to the police. Thank you for coming. We were just having a little trouble getting out of the restaurant, but it looks like that’s not a problem anymore.

Whaddaya mean? You were having trouble getting out? I think it was more of us having trouble getting in. The older man spoke with an edge.

Whatever, Dean answered him. We don’t want any more trouble. We don’t want to press any charges either. He spoke the last part directly to the policemen.

You think maybe we might wanna press charges? one of the younger guys butted in.

Shut up, boy, the older man said.

Okay. That’s enough. The officer turned to Dean. What’s your name, sir?

Dean Thompson. But like I said, we don’t want to press charges. We’d just like to leave now.

That’s fine. I just need your names and addresses for the report.

Okay. I’m Dean Thompson and this is Darla Karnes. May we leave now?

Just spell your names and give me your addresses and you can leave, the officer answered.

Dean complied. He and Darla then waited while the police wrote down the names and addresses of the four men. John Farley and his three sons, Junior, Bo and Sonny Farley.

Having completed the requirements for their report, the two officers went back to the patrol car. Dean and Darla followed behind them until they reached the Subaru in the parking lot. Dean unlocked the car with the remote and walked Darla over to her door. He held the door while she tucked herself into the seat. He then went around to his own side and climbed in behind the wheel.

Damn. That was fun, wasn’t it? Dean spoke with a joke in his tone.

Yeah. I’ve always wanted to run into the guys from Deliverance. ‘Cept I think these guys had less teeth.

Dean laughed. It was easy to laugh now that he felt such relief. For a moment, he didn’t know if they were going to make it out of there.

Dean started the car. As he began to pull out, he stopped suddenly.

What? What is it now? Darla asked.

Damn. It’s the Farleys again.

Darla turned in her seat to see what Dean was watching. She saw the four men standing a few feet behind the car. They weren’t moving. All three younger men were staring hard at the occupants in the car.

C’mon now, John, the older man said, loud enough for Dean and Darla to hear through the car noise. Git in the truck, boys.

The four men slowly moved past Dean’s Subaru to a big truck two slots down. It was an older model Ford brown four-door truck with big wheels. They jumped into respective doors.

Dean continued to pull out. He spoke through the side of his mouth. What is with those guys? Just out for a fun time screwing with people?

Let’s just go now, Dean. I want to get as far away from those men as we can.

We’re outa here, Darla.

Dean swung the car toward the exit. He stepped on the gas as he pulled out of the parking lot. He began the drive down Denton Avenue. They were five or six blocks away when Dean noticed the truck in his rearview mirror. He couldn’t tell yet if they were being followed or if the men were just headed in the same direction. He didn’t say anything to Darla about it, but kept an eye on them anyway. Finally to the freeway entrance, Dean swung to the right instead of continuing on the city streets.

Where are we going? Don’t you want to stay on Denton? Darla asked.

No. I thought I’d bypass town. Whaddaya want to do, anyway? We could go dancing, or maybe catch a movie?

While he was talking, Dean glanced up to the mirror again. The truck was two cars behind them, also taking the freeway.

I don’t know, Darla responded. You know? I don’t really feel like doing anything right now. You want to just go back to my place and watch some TV? Or, maybe rent a movie? I don’t really feel like going out anymore since we were accosted.

Well, don’t let it ruin your evening, Dean advised. But your place sounds fine to me. Let’s pick up a movie on the way.

He pulled off on the Morry Blvd exit and watched behind them. The brown truck pulled off the exit after them. Dean was pretty sure they were being followed, but didn’t want to alarm Darla. He kept his mouth shut. His brain was racing, though. All he knew for sure was that he didn’t want to lead them directly to Darla’s place.

How do you feel about hanging out at my place tonight? Dean asked Darla, not letting on that it was for any particular reason.

That’s fine. Can we pick up some Ginger Ale? My stomach is bothering me. Guess that chicken didn’t sec so well.

Sure. We can probably get some at the video store. If not, we’ll stop at the market.

Two blocks later, Dean pulled in to another parking lot, this one at the video store. He glanced up at the mirror and saw the truck slowly pass by the entrance. All of the men were looking at his car. He couldn’t be one hundred percent certain, but was pretty sure it was four bald men who looked a lot like the Farleys.

After renting a video and purchasing the soda, Dean steered the car toward his condo. He kept a close eye on the rearview mirror. Twice he thought he saw the truck, but wasn’t sure. He pulled into his parking space in front of the condo without a definite sighting of the men. He let out a sigh of relief.

Darla tucked her hand in Dean’s arm. I say let’s do it.

Chapter Two

The next morning Dean drove Darla home after coffee. It was Sunday and he had the whole day to play. The decision was to take Ranger up to the mountains for a hike. He thought about asking his buddies along, but decided the dog was perfect company for the day.

They returned relatively early. It was still hours before sundown. Dean figured it was a great time for a barbeque. He called his best friends, Joe Brennan and Ethan James. They decided to get together early for beers and throw some burgers on the grill later on. Joe picked up Ethan and they arrived in the same vehicle. The men burst through the door. None of the three stood on formality. Knocking just wasn’t necessary.

Joe was shorter than Dean by a couple of inches, Ethan about the same size as Dean. All three men were athletic and in good shape. Joe lifted weights and had a tighter build. He had dark and unruly hair with dark eyes. He looked Italian.

Ethan was more laid back in his looks. He wore his hair longer than Dean’s, and it was dark blonde. He had high cheekbones and pretty blue eyes with a distinctive nose. His mouth was what women called kissable. He’d heard more than one woman say she wanted to suck on his plump bottom lip.

Joe! Ethan! Good to see you! Dean was exuberant. After having spent the day alone with the dog, it was good to see his buddies. Who’s for a beer?

You gotta ask? The two men spoke simultaneously. They all laughed.

Dean grabbed two bottles from the fridge. He handed one to each man. They both twisted off the caps. Again, simultaneously, they both took a long pull on the bottles.

Ahhh. That tastes great, Joe announced. Where’s Ranger?

Out on the back patio. I think he’s eagerly awaiting the barbeque. He knows I’ve got it set up and he knows he’s going to get something, so he’s just waiting for it. I didn’t raise a dumb puppy.

Hey. What’s with the music? Why don’t you have the game on? Ethan said, changing the subject.

Oh, man. Didn’t know it started yet. Let’s fix that.

Dean strolled over to the coffee table and picked up the remote. He found the appropriate channel and saw the Lakers score over the Celtics. The guys liked all sports, but they liked basketball best and the Lakers were their favorite team.

Yeah! Lakers! What’s the score? Ethan inquired.

Um, looks like Lakers over Celtics 34-28 at about eight minutes into the game. Good. We didn’t miss too much, Dean answered.

Looks like a good game so far, Joe added.

The two guys dropped unceremoniously onto the couch. Dean sat in the recliner.

Whoa! they all shouted.

Did you see that shot? Ethan demanded. Man, that Kobe can play!

They watched the game until half-time, shouting at the screen and each other. After the buzzer called the half, Joe and Ethan sat back on the couch while Dean went to get their second beers. He brought them out and handed one to each man and plopped back down on the recliner.

Man, I gotta tell you about this run-in last night. Darla and I were held up by four men at Louie’s.

Held up? You mean like robbed? Ethan interrupted.

No. Not exactly. Although it could have gotten there, I suppose. I called the cops though.

Shit, man. What the hell happened? Is Darla okay? Joe sounded concerned.

Yeah. Yeah. We’re both fine. Except I thought I saw them following us. I don’t know.

Well, tell us. What happened? Ethan was intent on hearing the story.

We were just walking out of the restaurant when we ran into these three skinheads. Oh, I don’t know if they were skinheads or not. They were all bald and had plenty of tats. Missing teeth. You know. Deliverance dudes.

Fun stuff. Joe commented.

Yeah. Anyway, these three guys won’t let us pass, so I sort of shoulder through them, but they blocked Darla from leaving. ‘Bout that time, their old man showed up. I wasn’t going to try to fight four guys so I pulled out my handy-dandy police phone. They must have been around the corner because they showed up really fast and fixed the problem. We didn’t file any complaint, but they did take everyone’s names and addresses.

Damn. That sounds gnarly. Wish we could’ve been there with you buddy. Ethan is sincere.

Yeah, man. Three of us against four of them? No contest, Joe adds.

"Well, that wasn’t quite the end of it. I spotted their truck following us so I took the freeway to see if they would, too. They did. Then I saw them take the Morry Blvd exit after us. We stopped