Sweet Revenge

Sarah sat on the edge of the couch, her nerves too unsettled to relax. The German Shepherd was sitting right in front of her, an occasional whine escaping its throat as he begged for attention from the woman who was staring into space. Her ears were strained, desperately trying to make sense of Gerard’s hushed words from the kitchen. He was pacing up and down, his back rigid and his movements filled with tension. Her presence alone was causing him stress but she couldn’t let herself feel the sting of regret that was threatening to raise its head. Her own selfish motives aside, she was doing this for her daughter. In all the years she had suffered she had never asked for help for anyone. She had never contacted Gerard before to try and find out more about Michael, in the hopes that she could discover what had caused him to turn into such a monster. She had asked for nothing from him, and she wasn’t about to feel guilty for reaching out to him now, even if she was putting his life in danger. She knew he played a role in whatever trauma Michael had gone through. He couldn’t hide the guilt his felt; she had seen it in his eyes. She was giving him an opportunity to cleanse his soul and clean his slate. Of course, if he knew her plan there was no way he would help her, but it was necessary. Gerard was the closest guarantee to safety she had. Michael had never touched him, whether through fear or brotherly love she couldn’t fathom. It didn’t matter, either way it was important that she was taught to defend herself by someone who knew what they were doing.

“This is Detective Way, I need to speak to whoever’s in charge of the Michael Way case…yes, I’ll hold…”

Gerard deliberately turned his back to her. He needed to look away from the pathetic desperate figure that sat on his couch, right at the edge of the seat as though she questioned whether she should even be in his home. She was right to doubt her decision. She was making a mistake in coming to him for help. She had an ill conceived notion that he could protect her because he was a cop. Gerard wasn’t sure why Mikey hadn’t come near him yet but, he was certain that it wasn’t to do with fear. Mikey hated him, he was certain of that. One might argue that Mikey had every right to hate his brother but, it didn’t translate to fear like Sarah had fooled herself in believing. Fear was an emotion Mikey had no use for. No, Mikey wasn’t the brother who lived in fear. Gerard was done everything he could over the years to erase Mikey out of life, for one simple reason; Mikey terrified him. He wasn’t the sweet little boy who looked up to his big brother anymore; he was a cold blooded killer who killed his own parents in a fit of rage. Mikey had turned into someone that Gerard couldn’t predict or reach out to. He had read the files and the psychological evaluation, and it was with a sickened stomach that Gerard discovered that Mikey wasn’t detached from reality and the consequences of his actions like he had hoped. He wanted to believe that there was a reason for Mikey to turn into a monster, but the nauseating truth was Mikey simply didn’t care. He didn’t care that he had almost killed his unborn child and the woman he still claimed to love to this day. He felt no remorse for killing his own parents. He felt justified in all actions, and it made him even more dangerous and unpredictable. He refused to talk about his childhood, or explain what had been the trigger that led to his parents’ murders. Gerard knew he would never find the answers to the questions he desperately needed to ask, so he made the choice to block Mikey and everything connected to him, out of his life. He had been quite successful at it until today. Everything in his being was telling him to kick her out of his apartment and forget about her. The six beers in his fridge would give him a helping hand in pushing her out of his memory along with any guilt that would be associated with turning his back on her. Then she pulled out the picture of her daughter, and he knew he couldn’t run and hide anymore. The little girl in the photo was the image of her father, and in that moment Gerard felt something tugging inside him. He couldn’t pinpoint what the emotion was but whatever it was, it was telling him that he had to help her. Sarah may not have been any concern of his, but the little girl with her father’s eyes was most definitely his concern. As Sarah had bluntly told him, Charlotte was his flesh and blood and the only remaining member of his family that he could help. He had let his parents and his brother down; now was his chance to make up for his past failures. If keeping Sarah safe was what it took then he’d have to suck it up.

“Detective Way, this is Detective Iero. How can I help you?”

“I was looking for an update on the Michael Way case” Gerard was straight to the point.

There was a pause on the other end of the phone, it was barely noticeable to the untrained ear but to Gerard it was like a loud siren call. It screamed of surprise and a hint of fear.

“May I ask what your interest in the case is Detective Way?”

“Michael Way is my brother, detective. He escaped a few days ago, have you gotten any leads on where he might be?”

“Your brother has managed to avoid detection so far unfortunately. We’re doing everything we can to retrieve him; it’s only a matter of time before we catch up with him. After five years in prison he’s bound to make a mistake, and soon. There’s no evidence that you’re a target at this stage if that’s your concern.”

“What about Ms. Logan?”

“I’m afraid I can’t give you any information on Ms Logan detective, I’m sure you understand.”

They were unaware of her location, which was obvious by Iero’s vague reply. He sounded young, and according to the information Sarah gave him, he was probably new to the case. He wondered if the detective had even finished reading the file that had been thrown on his desk. After what had happened to his predecessors it was unlikely that anybody would be willing to take it on. Gerard felt a pang of sympathy for the man on the phone. He was probably thrown into the case and in way over his head. He wondered what lies would have been fed to him. Maybe he was told a promotion was in order if he could solve it.

“Of course I understand. Be sure to let me know if there’re any updates.”

“You’ll be the first to know, detective. If you hear from Way-“

“I’ll let you know.”

Gerard hung up abruptly, letting out a heavy sigh as he clenched his fist tightly. The fact that a rookie was in charge of Mikey’s case didn’t fill Gerard with any sense of hope or relief. Mikey was dangerous and unpredictable; officers with twenty years experience couldn’t find him, and yet they believed a rookie could pull it off. They were naïve and enthusiastic, but wasn’t enough to take on a killer like Mikey.

Sarah had listened to every word that had fallen from Gerard’s mouth, but she was none the wiser on what it was he was planning. His tone of voice hadn’t changed while on the phone, given her no indication on what was being said on the other end, or what he was thinking. His back was still turned to her, which Sarah guessed was deliberate on his part. She was thankful that Gerard didn’t reveal her location on the phone; Gerard may not believe Michael had someone on the force giving him information, but Sarah was positive of it. She knew full well just how charismatic and persuasive Michael could be when he wanted something. He could read people like a book, and he knew how to get what he wanted from them. He was the master of flattery and deception. Michael would make you feel like you were only person who mattered to him, that you could trust him with your heart and mind. He was a passionate speaker who was full of false sincerity and bashful smiles. That was how he had won her heart before he broke her spirit into a million little pieces. She was going to make him pay for it; she would bring him down to his knees before she ended his life. It was the least she deserved. The German Shepherd gave a little cry before rushing from her side, running to his master in the hopes of getting some affection. She couldn’t blame the dog for being stressed in the tense atmosphere that filled the entire apartment. Gerard patted the dog on the head, earning a lick on the hand before he decided he needed more information from Sarah.

“Where have you been staying?”

"The Westbury Hotel.”

“How long?”

“Just last night. I’ve been moving place to place for the last three days. I figured it’d be safer that way.”

“Have you been using your bank card at all?”

“No, I took money out the day before my parents took Charlotte away. I didn’t want to risk anyone finding out where I was.”

For a woman who was in fear for her life, Gerard had to admit her ability to think before she acted was impressive. He just hoped it would stay that way.

‘Where’re your bags?”

Sarah pointed to the large handbag at her feet. It was big enough to fit a few items of clothing and a few essentials, but nothing more. Gerard raised an eyebrow, slightly amused at how prepared she was.

“Good. I’m going to have to talk to my superior about taking time off. I’m due annual leave so it shouldn’t be a problem. I know a place where we can go and lay low. I’ll teach you how to fight, and maybe shoot a gun if I think you can be trusted with one. You asked me to keep you safe, and I’m going to do my best to keep my word. There’s no guarantee that Mikey won’t look for you there. If we go, we’ll be alone and isolated, if Mikey finds us there won’t be anyone to help us out. I’m one man, and there’s only so much I can do to help you. Right now, you’ve got a choice. You can go back into police protection, where you’ll be safe. Mikey got lucky once, believe me when I say he won’t get a second shot so easily. It’s the safest option for you. If you come with me, you have to listen to every word I tell you. I’m not taking you there for a bonding session; I don’t want to know about your past with Mikey, and I certainly won’t be answering any of your questions. I’m doing this for your daughter, not for you. I’m not a counsellor, and I’m not going to be your friend. I don’t care if you need answers or closure, or whatever else you think you’re entitled to. You won’t be getting any of it from me. Is that understood?”

Sarah’s face was frozen in an emotionless expression, but underneath her skin she was filled with anger and indignation at his words. He wanted her gone, and he thought a few heartless words would deter her from what she wanted. She wasn’t so easily frightened, especially not after everything Michael had put her through. Venomous words bounced off her with little or no injury. She saw through his tough act for what it was; an act. She was intruding in the world he had created for himself, a world where his brother wasn’t a vicious killer. She wasn’t surprised by the slight aggression in his voice, but the familiar involuntary shiver of fear ran down her spine as it always did when she was confronted with anger. It was a response that would never leave her; some lessons could never be forgotten.

“I understand.”

Gerard kept his eyes focused on her, making her shift uncomfortably in her seat. He was searching for something, but whatever it was he didn’t seem to find it. She maintained eye contact with him, unwilling to be the first to break it. If you were the first to look away, you were the weaker one. Another lesson she had learned at the hands of Michael. Gerard was unfazed by her determined gaze.

“Okay. I’m going to talk to my superior now. Just…watch TV or something. Now that you’re here its best you don’t leave. I’ll make up the couch for you later.”

He didn’t wait for a response before nodding at her, pulling his phone out of his pocket and walking back to the kitchen.

“Gerard…”

He stopped, pivoting on the spot. His hazel eyes narrowed with curiosity, waiting for her to speak.

“Thank you for doing this.”

He couldn’t help the smirk that pulled at his lips.

“Don’t thank me yet sugar. Thank me when this is all over.”

Notes

Hey guys,

Another update for you to enjoy. I know it's a bit slow, but it will pick up so please just bear with me. As always, comment if you can. Comments are awesome, and they make my day. I may not always get the chance to respond, but I read every one of them and they mean a lot, even if they're short and sweet. It's hard to judge what the audience think/want when there's no response.

Lyra