If Only She'd Loved Him

Chapter 74

Saturday 6:35 pm

Erik glanced over at Sean, bringing the car to a rough halt.  Sean raised up one eyeball then shut it again.  He was suddenly grateful for the seatbelt holding him against the seat, positive that without it, he'd go slipping to the floor.

"We're here," Erik said, slipping the key out of the ignition.

"Hey, thanks man," Sean slurred.  He fumbled with his seatbelt but couldn't unfasten it.  Annoyed, Erik snapped it open for him.  Reaching into the backseat, he picked up the six pack he'd promised Sean, and stuffed it under his jacket.

As Sean had feared, without the seatbelt he slid towards the floor in a puddle.  Opening Sean's side of the car, Erik pulled him ungently from his seat.  He pushed him towards the Amber Hotel.

"You're a good friend, you know that, man," Sean said as his feet stumbled after Erik.  "A real good friend.  I'm glad you're back with Megan.  She's a pain in the ass, but what an ass!"  Sean tried to cup his hands together to illustrate his thoughts.  But Erik shoved him through the door and pushed him on an empty stool at the bar.

"Sit," he instructed him.

Sean rubbed his head. "Sure." He fell off the stool.

"Hey buddy," the bartender interrupted, shaking his head.  "I think your friend's had one too many.  I can't serve him." 

"I know," Erik replied with a smile.  "I just want to get him a room.  No way I'm letting him drive like this."

"Oh," the bartender jerked his thumb.  "Room's upstairs. 201."  He walked over to his cash register and opened it, handing Erik a key wrapped in yellow tape.  Then he looked over at Sean, who, having tried unsuccessfully to climb back on the stool, just hung there like a four limbed wet noodle.

"Looks like you've got your hands full," the bartender smirked.  "Why don't you take your friend up now?  You can pay me when you come back down."

"Thanks," Erik replied. 

"Need some help?" The bartender winked at his local customers, all three of them.  "Sure you don't need some help?" he asked again, though he didn't move as Sean's left hand whacked Erik across the face.  Erik tried to swing Sean across his shoulders, then gave up and leaned him against the bar. 

"Nope," Erik grunted, forcing Sean's hands against his side. "I can manage, thanks."

Putting both his hands into Sean's shoulder blades, Erik snow-ploughed him towards the steps.  He didn't let up until Sean was safely at the top of the stairs. Leaning him against the door knob, he inserted the key the bartender had given him, and then pushed Sean until he fell on top of the bed.  Catching his breath, Erik plopped down on the bed, laying the six pack on the night stand. With any luck, Sean would wake up thirsty and chug a beer before he realized what he was doing.  Erik popped one open, just to provide a little more temptation.  Standing up, he looked down at Sean.  His face darkened.  The sight of Sean snoring peacefully was too much. 

Megan was lying on a bed too, only she was still and quiet and beautiful, and dead.  And part of that was due to this miserable fool all because he had to show up where he wasn't wanted.  Erik hated Sean as he lay there. But this was a public place.  There were witnesses downstairs, and he needed Sean to think he was his friend.  He needed Sean to still believe in him tomorrow, and the next day, when the police came asking about Megan.  He was under no illusions.  He'd hide the body as well as he could.  Maybe dump it in the lake.  But at some point, it would surface.  He'd need an alibi and Sean was it.  Slowly, Erik unclenched his fists.  He was so tired.  Why couldn't it have worked out like he'd planned?  Why did he have to go back and bury the girl he loved?  The girl he'd killed?  Why had she tried to leave him?  He would have given her everything, done anything.  He loved her.  Why hadn't she loved him?  None of this would have happened, if only she'd loved him.  Erik lowered his head, tucking a sheet across Sean.  His arms were limp.  He didn't feel like he had the strength to do anything anymore.  Turning his back on Sean, he headed down to the bar below.  There, he handed the bartender the four twenties he'd offered Sean before. 

"Check out's at ten.  Think your friend will be up?" the man asked, handing him his change.

"Just pound on the door till he is, do him good," Erik muttered.  Zipping his jacket, he left the bar.  Time to get back to Megan.  Time to finish what he'd started.