Keep the Storm Clouds Back

It's The Sound of My Gun

Before I had time to react, Jim’s left hand had lunged into the breast of his shirt and he was pulling out a .22 Magnum pistol. When I caught sight of it, I instinctively flinched, knowing full well that my shovel was useless against him now.

Jim must have noticed the scared look on my face because he said, “Feeling a little more cooperative now?”

I nodded and dropped the shovel to my side.

“Come and sit down now, Sandra. We need to talk.” He said coolly.

I did as I was told, but only because of the gun. I was scared and I just wanted to get out of this alive, if only so that I would have a chance with Steven, or at least to save Steven. He was the only thing keeping me from giving up at this point. I had to keep trying for him.

Jim slung his arm around my shoulder and leaned in toward me gently. He actually smelled good now, like some expensive cologne. I was disgusted with myself for thinking that. I thought it mildly humorous though how he had been able to disguise himself so well, making himself seem like some hillbilly.

“Now, my dear Sandra, there is a lot you have to find out. I’m sure you’re very confused…scared…worried. I know I would be if I were you. Anyway, let me get on with this. About two days before you pulled into this parking lot I had done the same. I was on my home from a business trip and”

I cut him off. “Wait, you don’t really work here?” I asked, getting a surge of arrogance.

“No, no, dear. I have a six-figure salary as an accountant on Wall Street. The only thing that brought me here was that horrible storm. When I came inside, I found the place empty; empty except for the real motel clerk who was lying dead on the floor behind the counter with a bullet hole in his head. The cash register was also empty, so I put two and two together and surmised that the place had been robbed. Of course that didn’t stop me from staying here. I soon got very annoyed though, because the water service got caught off for a while and I was unable to shower. But more to the point, another young girl stopped here as well. I was quite upset and lonely, so I tried to persuade her into showing me a bit of affection. Naturally she put up quite a fuss so...” He paused and smiled, obviously very pleased with himself. “Well you saw her in the shed.”

“You sick, sick bastard” I muttered.

His arm still around me, Jim squeezed my neck until I let out a tiny whimper.

“I’ll tolerate no more of that behavior. Now, where was I? Ah, yes, the girl…before I killed her, Tiffany I believe her name was, I subdued her to the point where she gave me what I wanted.” He chuckled to himself.

“Why are you telling me all this shit now?”

“Because, my dear, I’m giving you the upper hand. You’ll give me what I want, only without putting up a big fight. Then I’ll off you just like Tiffany.” He smiled.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Steven starting to gain consciousness. I hoped that the alcohol would be worn off by now and he’d be able to help me. But my hopes were dashed when he went absolutely still again, completely out of it.

Jim stood up and shoved the gun into his belt. Then he concealed it with his shirt. He stuck his hand out for me to grab. I had a plan in mind, and I hoped it would work out better than my last one. I reluctantly took his hand in mine, and let him take me to the back room.

The first thing I noticed was the dim candle light that Jim had going in the room. There were rose petals scattered on the bed and I knew right then that Jim was in fact a complete lunatic.

“Lie down my dear.” He instructed.

I smiled and did as he said. I even began unbuttoning my cardigan just to make sure he would think I was cooperating.