Vengeance
By Brian M Sorn
()
About this ebook
A painter rents a cabin in the woods for some work, fishing, and relaxing with his best friend. What starts out as a peaceful and happy trip unravels when he is attacked by a group of local lowlifes. Left for dead, he devises a plan for vengeance!
Brian M Sorn
Brian M. Sorn is an indie author from Illinois. He enjoys many devious and immoral hobbies like video games, horror movies, and tattoo artistry. You can buy his debut novel, Hallowed Ground, on Smashwords. If you have already read his work, he would love to read your reviews! He is currently working on the most depraved piece of literature the world has ever seen...you've been warned!
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Vengeance - Brian M Sorn
Vengeance
By: Brian M. Sorn
Smashwords Edition by Brian M. Sorn at Smashwords
Copyright 2016 Brian M. Sorn
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
This is dedicated to my Dark Passenger.
Thank you for your continued guidance.
CHAPTER 1
And that should do it,
Steve announced, applying one last brush stroke to the canvas. Placing his paint brush into a jar filled halfway with paint thinner, he stepped back to admire his latest painting. This piece, like most of his paintings, was of a landscape from a recent trip to Rockdale. Steve made sure to capture every little detail; from the tiny cottages set in front of the mountain to the blue jays perched throughout the towering evergreens. He even managed to make the snow appear to glisten from the sun peeking over the ridge. For as talented of an artist as he was; most of his work could be found hanging in hotels and doctor's office lobbies, instead of galleries and museums where they belonged. Every once in a while the occasional enthusiast would come along and set up a show to showcase Steve's collection but they never led to anything more. That didn't matter to him though. The money that he made was more than sufficient and kept him from working what he considered a real job. Most of all he was getting paid to do something that he was passionate about.
So what do you think? Is it another masterpiece?
Steve asked his dog Gypsy. As she often did, she barked and wagged her tail in approval. Gypsy originally belonged to Steve's parents but when they passed away he had taken her in. For the past ten years the two had become inseparable and the best of friends. Steve would often confide in Gypsy and would choose her company over another person any day. It wasn't that Steve didn't like people; he had just found his life was more manageable with fewer people around to complicate things. That is exactly what I was thinking. Great minds, right? Well we'll let this finish drying and we'll take care of the rest when we get back. In the meantime, let's make sure we have everything we need for our trip.
Leaving the painting on the easel, Steve left the living room and headed for his bedroom with Gypsy by his side. His whole life Steve had always been prepared and planned for any situation. Every trip that he had taken he would get ready for in the exact same way. Each time he would sort everything out on his bed by clothing, work, recreational, and miscellaneous. Clothing wise Steve would plan according to the weather and always bring along one formal outfit incase such a situation would arise. For work Steve had his digital camera, tripod, a case of sharpened pencils, and a brand new sketch pad. Steve preferred to take his time while painting and rarely worked on location. Instead he would take numerous photographs and make multiple sketches of the scenery that he wanted to capture. This allowed him to work at his own pace and paint in the comfort of his own living room. To entertain himself Steve always brought the same three things. He would bring whatever book he was reading at the time, his fishing gear, and a fresh can of tennis balls for Gypsy. Last but not least was his miscellaneous row that consisted of his toiletry kit, maps and directions he printed off of the internet, and his wallet and car keys. After looking over the items twice and running down his mental check list, Steve packed everything but his wallet and keys into a heavyweight top load military duffle bag.
Well that just about does it,
Steve said, slinging the duffle bag over his shoulder. You ready girl?
Gypsy barked that she was and the two headed for the front door. Before leaving, Steve gave the apartment one last look over to make sure he wasn't forgetting anything. Satisfied that he had everything that he needed, he slid his fishing rod holder and tackle bag over his shoulder next to the duffle bag. He then grabbed a painting he had wrapped to deliver to the Wiffledorf Hotel which was along the way. Flipping off the main light, Steve opened the front door and let Gypsy lead the way.
Hi Steve! Hi Gypsy,
an overly cheerful voice called out from behind Steve as he was locking the apartment door.
Turning around Steve was greeted by his across the hall neighbor Janice. Janice was a twenty eight year old baker that liked quiz shows, astrology, and angel figurines. Thick black framed glasses sat in front of her light hazel eyes. Her hair was a slightly darker shade and, for as long as Steve had known her, she always kept it pulled back in a single braid. Janice was a very shy and soft spoken person but her attraction to Steve caused her to gush and ramble in his presence. Unfortunately for Janice, Steve did not feel the same way about her. Instead he viewed her as nothing more than an acquaintance and one of the few people that he didn't mind talking to. Steve also used Janice's obvious attraction to him to his benefit. Whether it is a home cooked meal or having an errand run, all Steve had to do was ask and Janice would stop what she was doing just for him. Steve knew that it was wrong of him but he couldn't help himself. He wasn't completely heartless or unappreciative, though. Every trip that he took he made sure to find an angel of any type to bring back to Janice as his way of showing gratitude.
Hello, Janice. How are you?
Steve asked, forcing his best fake smile.
I'm okay,
Janice began, I have the day off but I spent most of it cleaning. In forty minutes Trivia Showdown starts and that's about the extent of my fun for the day. How are you?
I'm alright. Just in a bit of a hurry,
Steve replied. We're just trying to get on the road before it's too late and the traffic gets too congested. Plus I still need to drop this painting off at the Wiffledorf.
Which one was that again?
Janice asked trying to prolong the conversation.
It's the landscape I did of Whispering Springs from my trip two months ago.
That's right, the one of the lake with the sun setting behind the trees! That painting is one of my favorites,
Janice gushed. If you want I can drop it off for you and save you a stop. It's really no trouble.
I appreciate the offer but it really is right on our way. Thanks though.
You're welcome. You know if you ever need anything, whatever it may be, I'm always willing to help.
Since you mentioned it, there is something you can do for me,
Steve informed her. I'm expecting a package sometime this week. If you can just put that and my mail on the kitchen table for me that would be great. Hold this and I'll get you my spare keys.
Actually I still have them from the last time you went on a trip. I'm sorry I forgot to give them back. They've been on the key hook by the door ever since.
It's okay. You just hold on to them for now. There's no point in us giving them back and forth when I still have two more trips scheduled.
If you don't mind me asking, where are you going this time?
We're headed to Shady Hallows for a week of fishing and exploring the great outdoors. Of course I'll also be working but getting away from the city is always a nice treat.
That does sound nice. I'll have to take a vacation, someday.
You really should go on one. Speaking of; this stuff is starting to get heavy and Gypsy is anxious for her car ride,
Steve said, trying to politely end the conversation.
Yeah if you don't leave now I could talk your ear off all day. Well you have a safe trip and you'll have to tell me all about it when you get back. Bye Gypsy! You be sure to take care of Steve.
Oh she will. You take care and we'll see you in a week,
Steve told her. Gypsy barked in agreement and led Steve down the hallway. Janice stood between the two apartments and let out a blissful sigh as she continued waving bye. Just as she turned to go back into her apartment, Steve stopped at the end of the hall and called out to her. Janice?
Yes, Steve?
Janice eagerly replied.
I almost forgot can you make sure to water my plants? I just got them the other day and I don't want them to die off already. Thanks, you're a delight.
Sure. No problem,
Janice answered, trying to hide her disappointment. She wasn't sure what Steve was going to ask but she had hoped that it would be something more than watering plants. She just stood there feeling deflated as she watched Steve and Gypsy disappear around the corner. Once again she was by herself. One day I'll be able to tell him how I feel. One day.
CHAPTER 2
After one flat tire, three stops, and eight hours, Steve found himself entering the town of Shady Hallows. From the research that he had done prior to the trip, he had learned that Shady Hallows is a small bustling town of five hundred and fifty three people that is constantly growing. With its numerous mom and pop shops and a handful of bars there were multiple employment opportunities for the residents. For those that were seeking other options there was a nearby coal mine and steel mill within half hour of the town and a hour south was the much larger town of Hickory Brook. Not only was Shady Hallows evolving into the perfect quaint destination town to raise a family, it was also described as being a must stop for any outdoor enthusiast. Its expansive campground was equipped for both tents and RVs while the surrounding forest housed a plethora of game for year long hunting. Not to mention the very large, and oddly named, River Lake was awarded, by Fishing Times magazine, the honor of being one of the top ten fishing spots in the state. Steve was looking forward to settling in and experiencing all that Shady Hallows has to offer.
Just one more quick stop, girl. Then I promise you can get back out of this car,
Steve informed Gypsy after noticing the gas gauge was nearly on empty. Turning off of the main road, Steve pulled his station wagon into Tracker Brothers' Gas & Auto Body Repair.
Located across the road from the build site of Kay's Food and Liquor, Tracker Brothers' Gas was one of the first businesses established in Shady Hallows. Even though the name had changed over the years, the actual building had remained the same since the day it was built. The gas station was a small white brick building with black trim along the roof and around the windows. Attached to the side of the gas station, closest to the street, sat a two door mechanics garage. The garage was the same height and was painted to match the gas station but it appeared to be twice as long. Centered on the roof of the two buildings was a large oval hand painted wooden sign that bared the name of the business. The main centerpiece that gave the gas station that small town feel and added a touch of nostalgia was the six original, and now antique, gas pumps that still worked as well as the day that they were installed.
"Well I guess