forget about me final

8/7/2019 Forget About Me Final

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Chapter 1 – I’ve got to getaway

It started raining harder as Heather ran up the stairs leading to her dumpy onebedroom motel room. She quickly pulled at the thin curtain sheet to cover thesmall window. It hanged half crooked like wet newspaper against the glass as

she tried to cover up every inch. She peeked outside one last time to make sureshe wasn’t being followed, and then sat on the edge of the hard bed.

She stared at a damp brown crumpled paper bag that was propped up in acorner of a tattered green sofa. The cold steel of the handgun left an outlineimpression on the front of her stomach as she pulled it out and tossed it ne t tothe bag.

It’s been two days and eight hundred miles ago since she fled her hometown ofSouthfork !labama. It’s a small town where people are born and never leave."ut she wanted more and didn’t care what it cost.

She got up from the bed then rushed to the bathroom and threw up afterremembering what had happened. The bruises on her face reassured her that itwas the right thing to do. She touched each swollen eye then wiped away theslow dropping tears. She could see her boyfriend’s flying fist coming at her againas she closed her eyes trying to clear every memory of him out of her mind.

#$ow you won’t hurt me any more you son of a bitch.% She murmured to herselfas she stared at her face in the mirror.

He had done this to her before, but she didn’t want to leave him. She felt that she

brought it all on herself. &verything was her fault. $ot making enough money atthe 'airy (ueen, refusing to have se with him when he would come home shitface drunk or when she forgot to buy beer on the way home from work.

#I fi ed your sorry ass. )ou won’t be doing this shit to me or anyone else again.%She cursed at the foggy memory of his face behind hers in the mirror.

She slowly walked over to the bed, pulled back the top sheet and blanket thencurled up into a fetal position. #$ot ever again*% she whispered, #$ot everyagain to me or anyone else, I’ve seen to that*%

She listened to the soft patter of the rain then peacefully do+ed off to sleep.



Chapter 2 ~ “But nobody knows I’m here…”

The sound of the crackly thunder and the phone ringing in the backgroundstartled her as she sat straight up in the bed looking around frantically. The room

is pitch black with darkness. The phone rang two more times then stopped. ! fewseconds later the red message light began to flash. Someone had left amessage.

#$o one knows me in this town. $obody could possibly know I’m here.% Shereasoned with herself. Her eyes shifted to the handgun on the green sofa then tothe brown crumpled bag as thunder crackled again with the strobe light effect ofthe lightening illuminating the darkness for a brief moment.

She pulled out a fresh t shirt from her duffle bag that she used as a pillow andput it on it. Slowly she walked over to the window to peek out again. The corner

street light flickered on and off as a large wet dog ran across to the other sidethen into the darkness. $othing else is moving. $othing else out there is alive.

She walked over to the nightstand and stared at the red flashing message lighton the phone.

#"ut nobody knows I’m here.% She tries to reassure herself again. #'efinitelynobody from Southfork. $obody there knows where this town is much lessventured out this far.%

She slowly picked up the receiver. The humming tone of the phone waiting for

her to press a button reminded her of the numerous times she threatened to callthe cops on her boyfriend but never went through with it. Her finger hovered andtrembled over the #-lay essages% button.

/0ust press it. It’s 1ust probably the front desk calling for more money that’s all.’ Isthe though that’s running through her mind.

The tip of her finger glowed red in the darkness as she pressed the messagebutton. ! man’s voice began to speak.

#Hello, this is the front desk, if you plan on staying another night, you’ll need to

come down and pay. Thank you.% "eeeeep./0ust as I thought.’ She smiled to herself feeling safe again reaching for thebrown paper bag pulling out a fifty dollar bill.



Chapter 3 ~ “ hat the he!! happened to you"”

Sweet Home !labama whaled in the background as 'aryl limped in through thefront door of the "lack 'og. It’s the local bar he frequents and often gets kicked

out of because of his well known temper when he gets drunk. The bar is linedwith a few locals, long haul truck drivers, cute country girls, and his best friend0ake. He limps up to the bar and signals the bartender for a beer.

#Holly shit 'aryl2 3ho the hell kicked your ass4%

#Shut the hell up 0ake, it an’t none of your business what happened to me.%

#I’m 1ust sayin’ look at you. Shit, you look like you been worked over with abaseball bat. )our left arm is in a cast. )our heads half wrapped up like you’regonna play a part in a mummy movie or somthin’.%

#I said shut the hell up about my business 0ake.%

#5kay, okay. Shit, no need to get all uppity with me. I ain’t seen Heather aroundin while. They say she ain’t been at work over at the 'airy (ueen the past coupleof days. 3hat the hell’s going on4%

#6ot damn it 0ake, mind your own business. 3e 1ust had a bit of a fallin’ outthat’s all.%

7'id she do this to you4 'amn, she must have been pissed.%

#That’s it2 )ou want to step outside so I can give you what for4%

#8alm the hell down. Here, have one of my whiskies.%

#Shit, that bitch is gonna get what for when I find her. She’s probably stayin’ overat her sisters in 9armington.%

#)a think4%

#)ep, and I think I’ll pay her a little visit tomorrow.%

#6ood luck with that. She ain’t gonna tell you shit much less where she is or ifshe is even stayin’ there.%

#I’ll see about that. 3ill you drive me over there4%

#Heck yeah, you’re my best friend. It’s nothin’ but a word brother. 'on’t worry,we’ll find her.%



#Hey 0enny, bring us another round.%

Chapter # ~ $%me to move on

!fter listening to the message Heather looked at the digital clocks red numbers

that displayed :;<=am. She hadn’t reali+ed she had slept so long. "ut it was amuch needed rest. She went to the bathroom carrying a white plastic bag filledwith an assortment of makeup, deodorant, a tooth brush, a tube of 8resttoothpaste, a bar of 'ove soap, a 8lairol hair coloring kit, and two 6illette tripleblade ra+ors.

Her eyes are less noticeably puffy> the bruises are nearly cleared up. She appliedthe !uburn hair coloring kit, cut her hair short 1ust above her shoulders. Shesmiled at her reflection as looked at her transformation into another identity. Thecool refreshing sprinkles of water from the streaming shower rela ed her nervesand melted away the last of the bruises. !fter applying the makeup, you could

hardly tell anything had happened two days ago.She gathered up her things, put them in her duffle bag, and took one last look atthe room before closing the door behind her. She squint her eyes as she cameout into the daylight, then walked down the stairs towards the registration desk.

#!re you staying another day with us iss elinda ellencamp4% asked the frontdesk clerk.

#$o, I thought I would be but now that the weather has cleared up, I think it’s safeto drive on the highway.%

#?ery well, I hope you come again. Have a nice day.%

#Thank you, I will.%

She walked down to the corner and across the street to a Starbucks. Sheordered a 6rande latte, picked up a half folded $ew 5rleans local newspaperand sat in one of the soft large brown leather chairs near the window so shecould feel the warm sun rays.

0ust as she was about to take another sip of her coffee she saw what she was

looking for. There it was on page "@ bottom right hand corner. She smiled thenwhispered.

#They don’t have a clue.%



Chapter & ' “Is (eather here"”

'aryl and 0ake drove up the bumpy dirt driveway towards 0ennyAs house. Theypassed a half hanging $o Trespassing sign as they drove through a partially

opened wooden gate. Two large black pit bulls with heavy chains began barkingfearlessly at them as they strained their necks against the taught chains.

#6ot damn them some mean ass dogs2% shouted 0ake 1erking the stirring wheel.

#Shut up and keep drivinA She knows your truck.%

!s they pulled up to the porch they could see 0enny standing out front with aloaded double barrel shotgun draped across her arm with a finger on the trigger.

#Shit 'aryl, she got a freakinA shotgun.%

#She always has that got damn shotgun. Turn off the engine and come on.%

They slowly walked up to the porch and looked up at 0enny.

#ThatAs far enough. 3hat the hell do you two want.% she said through a plum ofcigarette smoke squinting her eyes at them.

#$ow 0enny hold on, we ainAt looking for no trouble.% said 'aryl leaning on hiscane.

#"ullshit 'aryl2%

#IAm 1ust lookinA for Heather thatAs all.%

#5h )eah, and why do you think I would tell you shit if I did know4%

#A8ause... youAre her sister, why else4%

#3hat the hell thatAs got to do with anything4% said 0enny taking another longdraw on her cigarette.

#3ell I figured since her and I had a fallinA out and all, she would come over hereto cool off. )ou know we always patch things up.%

#Books to me like you done got patched up.% she busted out laughing. #Hell, itlooks like she kicked the shit out of your ass2% She busted out laughing again.0ake snickered.

#'amn it 0enny, never you mind About what happened to me, is she here or not4%



! stone cold look came over 0ennyAs face. Her thumb cocked back the largehammers on both barrels of the shotgun. The dogs started barking again. Shestared down at both of them then e haled another large plum of smoke beforespeaking.

#$ow look you son of a bitch. IAve looked the other way when she would comerunninA over here after you beat the shit out of her and for the life of me I donAtknow why she went runninA back to your sorry ass. "ut you two got ten secondsget your yellow coward asses off my property before I commence to blowinA youtwo to hell where you belong2222%

#$ow 0enny...%

#5ne, two, three...%

#Shit 'aryl, she ainAt 1ackinA around, sheAs gonna shot us if we donAt get the hell

out of here2%

#9our, five, si ...% said 0enny as she continued to count down.

#0enny2% shouted 'aryl

#Seven, eight, nine, I ainAt bullshitinA 'aryl, get the hell off my property...%

#5kay, okay. 3eAre leavinA. 0ust tell her I come by and IAm sorry.%

#Ten. Start steppinA damn it222%

They both ran to the truck. !t first the truck wouldnAt start after two tries. 0ennystarted walking towards them pointing the shotgun at the windshield. It finallystarted. 0ake put it into reverse, then quickly into drive and sped off nearly hittingthe dogs as they approached the gate. They could hear the sound of a shotgunblast going off behind them.

#Shit, she was gonna kill us 'aryl.%

#3ell, we ainAt dead. BetAs go to the "lack 'og. I need a drink.%



Chapter ) – *h%ne +oney

'aryl and 0ake made their way back to town and headed straight for the "lack'og bar for drinks. Three men sitting in a far left dark corner of the bar watched

them as they walked in.

#Is that them boss4% whispered one of the big burly men sitting to the right side oftheir table.

#)ep, thatAs them alright. "illy, you go stand over by the door and make sure theydonAt try and leave.%

#)ou got it ister "owman.%

#$ate, go fetch them two over here to me.%

#)es Sir ister "owman.%

3illiam -. "owman owns the "lack 'og bar and a few other businesses in town,but his real money maker is his moonshine business.

# ister "owman wants to see you two now, move it.% Said $ate firmly grabbingeach of them by their collars.

#Shit2% grimaced 'aryl.

#3hat the hell he wants to see us for4% asked 0ake with a pu++led and terrifiedlook across is face staring at 'aryl.

#)ouAre gonna find out in 1ust a minute. $ow keep steppinA.%

"owman pushed out two chairs with the heel of his boot in front of his table asthey approached.

#Have a seat boys and let’s have us a little talk about my money.%

#3hat money4% asked 0ake looking at 'aryl then back to "owman.

#3hat money4 Three days ago I gave 'aryl here a case of shine for delivery to"oyd over in $ew 5rleans. I havenAt seen him until I was informed he was hereyesterday. 0udginA by the way he looks, I think he got robbed or somethinA. 8areto e plain what the hell happened 'aryl4 IAm all ears.%

#$ow ister "owman, it ainAt what it look like.%



#'o tell 'aryl.%

#3ell, you see itAs like this, when I got back from $ew 5rleans I came straighthere looking for you to give you the money. I had a few drinks while I was waitinA.

!fter waitinA about a couple of hours and you hadnAt come, I went home.%

#6o on, IAm still listeninA%

#3ell, when I got home somebody 1umped me and took the money. !s you cansee they roughed me up pretty bad. Hell, I had to go to the hospital emergency toget patched up.%

#I see. 3ell thatAs a real interestinA story. $ow let me tell you what I thinkhappened and do correct me if you think IAm wrong but I doubt if I am. )ou see, Ithink that girlfriend of yours finally had enough of you beatinA on her and shedecided to kick your ass when you came home drunk. !m I correct so far4%

#)es sir, yes Sir ister "owman.% Said 'aryl lowering his head, looking down atthe floor.

#!nd then, after she beat the ever livinA shit out of your sorry ass, she grabbedher things and the money bag. The money bag that you were supposes to bringto me, right4%


#!nd now sheAs nowhere to be found. ost likely left your ass and got out of

town, right4%#Cight.%

#3ell, hereAs what you two are gonna do. )ou got one week to find her and mymoney and I mean all of my money. )ou hear me2% he said pounding his fist onthe table.


#I didnAt hear you say anything 0ake.% He said pointing a finger in his face.

#)es Sir ister "owman. 5ne week.%

#6ood, now that we understand each other, donAt make me have to come lookingfor you two boys. )ou do know what happens when people avoid me donAt you.%

#6ators4%



#ThatAs right, gators.%

Chapter ,-' .er%/y your %dent%ty

Heather folded the newspaper then tossed it into a tall trash can on her way out.ItAs a nice sunny day in $ew 5rleans. Tourists are unloading from tour buses,street vendors are setting up their carts. The sounds of street musicians tuningtheir instruments began filling the air. The river walk across the street is lined witha mi of tourist, locals casting their fishing lines into the incoming tide sitting onplastic buckets, as kids with balloons in their hands walk along side their parents.

Heather unfolds a local city bus route map then studies it for a few minutes. She

looks up at the street sign then loops her arms through her backpack and picksup her duffel bag. She walks two blocks to a 8ricket cell phone store andpurchases a disposable pay as you go cell phone. She scratched off the silversecurity coating over the activation code and enters it into the phone. ! fewseconds later she hears a voice recording.

#)our phone is now activated with three hundred minutes.%

She reached inside the left pocket of her 1eans and pulls out a folded slip ofpaper with a hand written phone number on it. She entered the number thenbegan walking towards the bus stop.

#Hello4% she whispered.

#Hello, please verify your identity with your given code word.% said a soft femalevoice.

#Dydeco4%

#)our identity has been verified. Take bus number fourteen to the corner of 8analand Coyal Street. 6o to the onteleone Hotel and then to the small cafe insideand order two cups of 9rench 8hicory. Someone will meet you there.%

#I understand% she whispered back while cautiously looking around. #Thank youso much, goodbye.%

She could see bus number fourteen pulling up to the stop as she approached it.She slid the e act change into the meter and sat at the front of the bus behindthe driver.



#3elcome to $ew 5rleans ya’ll. 9rench (uarter, "ourbon Street coming up.% saidthe bus driver over the intercom as they pulled away.



Chapter 0 – e! ome

The bus pulled up to the corner of 8anal and Coyal Street. She stepped off thebus and stood looking around. 0a++ and blues music poured out from the string

of bars, cafes, and night clubs that lined the street. She looked at her map thenstarted walking towards the end of the block. She has never been to $ew5rleans. She only read about it and seen T? commercials about the up coming

ardi 6ras and all it’s parades.

She looked both ways before crossing the street to the onteleone Hotel. Shewent in and stood in the main foyer. It’s a beautiful hotel that first opened in <EE:and is part of the historic preservation district. The Be cafF is straight ahead andto the right.

# ay I be of assistance adame4% asked a passing porter stopping in front of

her.

#The cafF4% she said softly

#)es, it’s this away, please follow me. 3ould you like for me to check you bags atthe front desk4%

#$o thank you, I don’t know if I’m stayin’ or not yet.%

#"ut of course, please this way to the cafF.%

She looked all around at the rich lavish hotel as she followed the porter acrossthe spotless marble floors. She has never stepped foot in such a fancy placefilled with so many rich people and beautiful dFcor.

#Here we are adame. -lease en1oy your visit.%

#Thank you, 5’ and here, this is for you.% She said reaching into the brown bagpulling out a five dollar bill.

#Thank you adame, you are most kind. -lease en1oy and let me know if I canbe of any further assistance.%

She stood at the entrance in front of the /3ait to be seated’ sign.

#Table for one adame4% asked the maGtre d .

#9or two, I’m e pecting someone.%

#I see, and do you have a reservation code, a word perhaps4%



Heather couldn’t figure out what he meant at first. She 1ust stared at him for amoment. Then it hit her.

She leaned in close to the maGtre d and whispered #Dydeco4%

#5f course, I see we have your reservations right here and you now have beenconfirmed. I’ll have two cups of 9rench 8hicory brought to your table. -eter, willyou please escort iss ellencamp to table number three4 Thank you.%

The fine china, silverware, and linen table cloth is nothing like she has evere perienced in her life. 9or the first time in her life she felt respected. She neverknew complete strangers could be so kind and caring. -eter brought over thecoffee.

#Thank you.%

# y pleasure, en1oy.%

She took two sips of the deep dark coffee and sat quietly taking in the beauty ofthe cafF when she heard someone say her name.

#Hello Heather, I’m !manda. I’m glad you made it. 3ould you like something toeat4%

Heather looked up at !manda. She’s a tall strikingly beautiful woman with darkbrunette hair, soft green eyes, a pretty calming smile, wearing a black and whiteone piece 8hanel, with pearl earrings and matching necklace.

#Hello iss !manda. I, I’m at a lost for words. I can’t believe I made it. I can’tbelieve I’m here. Ceally I can’t% she said through the warm tears that startedstreaming down her face.

#$ow, now, what’s important is that you’re here honey and you’re safe now.%

#"ut he’ll find me, I 1ust know he will, and when he does he’ll*%

#Trust me, he won’t.% She said with a scowled look on her face. #He’ll never layanother hand on you again, ever.%

Chapter – “4eah5 I saw her6”

It’s the afternoon of day three as 'aryl and 0ake pull into the parking lot of the"lack 'og bar. They have spent two days driving from small town to small towntrying to find Heather.



#3here in the hell could she be hidin’ 'aryl4 3e’re almost out of time. Shit.% Said0ake in disgust.

#The hell if I know. She ain’t never been gone this long before. I’ve had enoughfor the day, let’s go inside and have a few drinks.%

They pushed open the door and walked up to the bar and began looking aroundfor ister "owman.

#Thank 6od he ain’t here.% Said 'aryl.

#Hey you two, what can I get ya4% asked Shelly the bartender.

#Heather.% Said 0ake shaking his head. #Two "ubs’ and 3hiskey.%

#3hat about her4%

#3e’re 1ust looking for her that’s all.%

#Two "ud’s and two 3hiskies, I’ll be right back.%

She returns with their drinks and looks intently at 'aryl.

#So, ya’ll lookin’ for Heather4 I remember seeing her about five days ago.%

#3hat2% they both shouted out at the same time in disbelief.

#)eah, five days ago at the Trailways bus terminal. I was there picking up mysister in law around <<;@ that night. She was sittin’ by herself in a corner with ared "ama hoody pullover with the hood pulled low over her head wearin’ shades.I almost didn’t recogni+e her at first. 'id you beat on her again 'aryl, cause shedidn’t look so good.%

#$ever you mind about my business, do you know where she was goin’4%

#I don’t really know. y sister in law showed up 1ust as I was about to go overand talk to her. "ut I did see that she got on bus number eleven. That’s thenumber I saw on the back of the bus.%

#'amn it girl, never mind about the damn number, what city, what city was shegoin’ to4%

#I don’t know. I didn’t see the front of the bus, 1ust the number on the back. "ut Ibet if you go down to the terminal and look up that number you might be able tofind out what city it goes to.%



#6ot damn girl, you’re a freakin’ genius, come on 0ake.%

They both took off running to the truck then sped off heading for the bus terminal.Shelly kept looking at the parking lot until she was certain they had left, thenwalked over to a table in the far back corner of the bar. She could see a match

light up and then a plum of white smoke as she got closer.

#How did I do ister "owman4%

#0ust fine darlin’, 1ust fine. $ow fetch me two shots of shine would you please4%

#)es Sir ister "owman, right away.%

#$ate, "illy, you two head on down to $ew 5rleans and keep an eye on thosetwo and come back with my money.%


Chapter 17 – “4ou’re w%th us now6”

#3here are we4% asked Heather looking around the room of the lobby. She couldsee other women there of all ages all around. Some talking with one another at aposh bar, others are 1ust sitting and reading books. She could see a restaurantdown one corridor to her left and could hear music coming from a blues bar toher right down another corridor.

#3elcome to The 8ourt 5f 9our Sisters, !manda. Here, you are safe. )ou will

never have to go back and more importantly, he’ll never find you.%

#Thank you, thank you so much.%

#)ou have what we call 6uardians watching over you that made it possible.%

#6uardians4%

#)es, 6uardians that made a special request for you be sent here to us. ost ofthe women you see here have 6uardian wishes that have been granted.%

#"ut who are they4%

#3e can never reveal that to you. 5nly that you are free to leave whenever youwant but never return.%

#I would never leave here, that is, if I could stay. I’m a hard worker, I won’t causeany trouble, I promise. I got money, lots of it, see.% She said holding out thebrown bag filled with cash.



#That won’t be necessary. 3e have plenty of money. !ll of it is donated by the !ngel foundation. !ll of this was started by the late great iss "arbara 0eanThibodeau. This is her portrait.%

Heather looked up at the huge painting resting in a golden gilded /rame6

“*he was on e %n a re!at%onsh%p !%ke you and a!! the others you see here68ushed to the edge5 she !e/t her husband and everyth%ng beh%nd e9 ept herpr%de and d%gn%ty6 :ver the years pr%or to !eav%ng h%m5 she stashed away agreat dea! o/ money6 *he a!so had very power/u! women /r%ends that were%n her same pos%t%on but ou!dn’t or wou!dn’t !eave5 but vowed the%r so!emnsupport6

She and three others left together and came to $ew 5rleans and bought thismansion. They decided to name it The 8ourt of 9our Sisters. 3e now havemansions all over the world supported by very wealthy woman and believe it or

not some men. 8ome> let me introduce you to some of the others.%Chapter 11 – $he 8urp!e ;!!%gator

'aryl and 0ake arrived in $ew 5rleans the ne t morning after driving all night.They checked in at a otel Si then headed to "ourbon Street to search the barsand clubs for Heather.

#I’m figurin’ a bar would be the only 1ob she could get here, don’t you 0ake4%

#Hell yeah, she ain’t got no skills for anything else.%

#Bet’s go over to "oyd’s bar first and see if he can give us some places to checkfirst. It’s 1ust a few blocks that away.%

The -urple !lligator is filled with tourist and locals when they arrived. It’s one ofthe most popular bars in the 9rench (uarter. It boasts a live band stage, threebars, and a large outdoor patio in the back.

#'amn, will you look at the si+e of this place4 Shit you could put three "lack 'ogbars in here.% Said 0ake as they weaved their way to the center bar.

#)ep, it’s pretty damn big. I see "oyd over there in the corner. 8ome on.%#3ell, look what the cat drug in, howdy boys.% Said "oyd looking up at 'aryl thenshifting his ga+e to 0ake.

#Howdy ister "oyd.%

#)ou brought more shine 'aryl4%



#$o sir. 3e was wonderin’ if you can help us find somebody.%

#3ho might that be4%

#It’s my girlfriend Heather. She’s about ’E%, slender, blondish hair, and green

eyes.%

#Hell son, you’re describin’ nearly half the women in my place right now and in$ew 5rleans, why you looking for her4%

#3ell, I, I’d rather not say if you don’t mind sir.%

#I don’t mind. 3hatever it is, you’ll have your hands full looking for a pretty girllike that around here. )ou got a picture4%

#)es sir, right here. )ou can keep it. I’ll check back with you later on tonight.%

#Sure, sure, no problem, I’ll pass it around to my waitresses. 3hy don’t you boysgo have a few drinks and a meal on the house on me before you head out.%

#Thank you kindly. 3e sure do appreciate it.%

Chapter 12 – $hree <orks

#How did you like your room4%

# iss !manda it’s beautiful. I ain’t never slept in such a comfortable bed before

and had such good tastin’ food.%

#3ell I’m glad you like it and please, call me !manda.%

#I’ll try> it’s 1ust the Southerness in me that 1ust keeps comin’ out.%

They walked over to the bar on the north side of the mansion which faces outtoward "ourbon Street. It’s called Three 9orks. It has a main bar, a cafF bar, anda coffee bar.

#3ell, being that you have had retail e perience, which one of the bars would you

like to work in4%

#5’, I don’t know iss !man* I mean !manda. I only ever worked at the 'airy(ueen.%

#3ell, that’s retail. )ou know how to meet people, serve food and drinks, makechange, and look at that smile.%



#'o you really think I would be good at workin’ in one of these fancy bars4%

#5f course I do. 8ome on, I’ll introduce you to Bola over at the main bar. She’lltutor you. 0ust follow her lead and you’ll do 1ust fine. Bola honey, this Heather ournewest arrival.%

#Hi Heather, I’m pleased to meet you.%

# e too.%

#3ell, I’m going to leave her in your very capable hands Bola, and Heather don’thesitate to ask for me if you need anything okay4%

#I will !manda.%

Chapter 13 – “I’m somebody you don’t ever want to meet tw% e6”

It’s Jpm and the main bar K adame Thibodeau’sL is packed. -atrons are waitingin a long line halfway down the side of the building along "ourbon Street. The '0is playing the latest mi of dance music, the dance floor is packed, and the bar isstacked two people deep wanting for drinks

#This is wild> I’ve never seen anything like this.% Heather shouted out at Bola asthey handed out drink after drink to waiting hands.

#It’s like this every night. 5ur shift will be over shortly, you want to hang outtogether afterward4%

#Sure2 I can’t wait2%

The bouncers at the door are checking I'’s and turning away people too drunk toparty any more.

#)ou and you can come in. )ou, come back later when you sober up.% Said oneof the enormous bouncers checking I'’s. ! drunken business man keeps tryingto get in.

“I sa%d when you sober up5 now get out o/ my !%ne now6 =on’t !et me have to

te!! you aga%n6 $rust me5 I’m somebody you don’t ever want to meet tw% e5you hear me>”

He repeated himself posturing like a silver back gorilla stepping into the drunkenman’s face. The man quietly staggered out of the line then faded into the streetcrowd. #-unk ass, ne t2%



Bola and Heather went up to their rooms, quickly changed and met backdownstairs in the lobby.

#)ou ready4% asked Bola touching up her makeup one last time then closes herompa t6

“?eady6” Beamed (eather6 “(ow do I !ook"”

“@ook at youA you got %t go%n’ on g%r!6 ow !et’s go work %t +%ss thang6”

#)ou are too funny Bola. I think we’re gonna have us a good time.%

#)ou know it2%

They entered the bar, got themselves drinks then went out to the dance floor.They danced together like two teenage girls at a sock hop. 0ust as they were

leaving the dance floor a tall guy with a baseball cap turned backward, skinny leg 1eans, wearing a black /Tap 5ut’ T shirt, tapped Heather on the shoulder andasked her to dance.

#Hey, come dance with me.% He said looking her up and down.

#$o thank you, I’m out with my friend.%

#8ome on, one dance. I’ll buy you a drink afterward.%

#$o, no thank you.% -anic began to wash over her as she watches Bola fade

away from her sight on the dance floor.

#8ome on, 1ust one little dance.% He asked again now pulling on her arm.

#I said no2 Bet me go2% she said 1erking her arm away from his grip

#I won’t bite, 1ust one dance cutie.%

0ust as she was about to scream a large shadow from the overhead lightsloomed over both of them, then a huge muscular arm reached pass her andgrabbed the guy by his arm and 1erked him backwards.

#Step the fuck back now before I rip off your arm2%

The bouncer yanked the guy so hard his drink fell out of his hand.

#Hey my drink2%



#That’s the least of your problems. )ou’re coming with me.% He said as hedragged him through the crowd like kid with a rag doll towards the front door.

#$ow get out and stay out of my club. 'on’t let me have to tell you again.% Hesaid tossing the guy out into the street. The huge bouncer went back into the club

and over to Heater and Bola.

#)ou okay miss4% he asked in a deep gentle voice.

#)eah, he 1ust scared me a little. I’m okay, really, I’m okay. Thank you.%

# y pleasure, trust me he bother you again.%

#Thank you, you are so kind. 3hat’s your name4%

#I’m "rady C. 0ohnson, but everyone around here calls me "ubba. I prefer

"ubba.%

#Thank you "ubba. )ou’re my knight in shinning armor.%

#Heck, it wasn’t nothin’. I throw out that kind of trash all the time.% He said with ablushing smile feeling protective of her. #!in’t no one ever called me a knightbefore.%

#3ell "ubba, you’re my knight, my knight in shinning armor.%

#Ceally it was no big deal iss4%

#I’m Heather and this is Bola. I’m new here. I’m glad to meet you "ubba.% Shesaid holding out her slender hand. He smiled and grasped her little hand betweenhis thumb and fingers. Her hand looked like an infant’s in his.

#3ell, you two go on and en1oy yourselves and don’t worry about anymoretrouble tonight. I’ll keep an eye on ya.%

#Thank you "ubba.%

He walked back to the front door, put back in his security earpiece and slipped on

his dark shades.

#$e t, I'’s please.%

Chapter 1# – “4ou’re !ook%ng %n the wrong p!a e6”

It’s nearly midnight and after searching bar after bar, 'aryl and 0ake went backto The -urple !lligator. "oyd sees them come in and waves them over.



#3ell now, 1udgin’ by your faces, it doesn’t look like you found what you werelooking for.% he said handing each one of them a beer.

# uch obliged for the beer. $o sir, we didn’t find her anywhere.%

#3ell, I did do some checkin’ around and if your girl ran away or something likethat, there may be one place you could check.%

#3here ister "oyd4%

#3ell this is second hand information mind you, but try The 8ourt of 9ourSisters.%

#8ourt of 9ours Sisters4 3e didn’t see any place like that.%

#3ell then maybe you boys have been looking in the wrong place.%

#It sounds like a real fancy place. She ain’t no fancy girl. She’s country.% Said'aryl after taking another long draw on his beer.

#)eah, country as cornbread.% added 0ake.

#I’m 1ust sayin’ it might be a place you want to check out. )ou haven’t had anyluck looking in the places you have been. "ut, suit yourself.%

#$ow hold on ister "oyd, we’ll take your advice. 3here is this place at4%

"oyd reached into his top pocket and pulled out a slip of paper.

#Here you go. $ow, you didn’t get that from me, you hear me4% he said cuttinghis eyes to each of them.

#$o sir, we didn’t get this from you.% 'aryl said while reading the address.

#How do we get there from here4%

"oyd turned the paper over and drew out a small map to its location then gavedetail instructions.

# uch obliged ister "oyd> we’ll head over there right now2%

#3ell, good luck to you both. "e sure to let me know how things turn out.%

They finished off their beers then left immediately. "oyd pulled out his cell phoneand presses a speed dial number.



#They’re on their way over there now.%

Chapter 1& – “$h%s %s the p!a e>”

Heather and Bola went back to the bar and ordered drinks.

#3ell, looks like you have a new friend.% Said Bola looking over at "ubba thenback at Heather.

#I’m thankful he came over and saved me from that idiot.%

#"ubba has been here a long time. He’s was an orphan you know4%

#Ceally4%

#)eah, his mother was a crack head. 3hen she died of an overdose !manda

took him in and raised him like her own. He’s fearlessly loyal to her and everyonehere. I’ve seen him in action and let me tell you, you don’t want to be on thelosing team.%

#I know what you mean. I thought he was going to crush that guy like beer can.%

#That’s nothing compared to what he’s like when he’s really pissed. This is $ew5rleans, and when people come here, they get drunk and do things they wouldn’tnormally do anywhere else.%

#)eah, I know what you mean. Mind of reminds me of the bars back where I

came from.%

#Speaking of which, what’s your story4%

#I’d really rather not talk about it if you don’t mind.%

#$ah, it’s all good, 1ust askin’ that’s all. Shit, my man use to beat on me all thetime. I don’t know why for the life of me I put up with his sorry no good ass.%

#)ou too4%

#)ep, son of a bitch would come home drunk and get pissed at the least thingand then let lose on me. I’ve tried to kick is ass, but it only made him morepissed.%

#The same thing happened to me too.%

#3ell, that’s all behind us now. Here’s to a newer and better life.%



#Hell yeah, to a better life2%

N N N N

#Hey 'aryl, is that the place over yonder4% asked 0ake pointing to the far end of

the corner across the street.

#Shit yeah, that’s it2 8ome on2%

They went over and stood in the long line. They are fifty people back but couldsee the entrance.

#'amn, this place is packed 0ake. It’s gonna take us forever to get in there.%

#$ever mind about how long, 1ust as long as we get in.%

Thirty minutes had passed. They are now three people back and can hear themusic and the crowd inside.

#Hell, he’s a big son of a bitch.% Said 0ake looking at "ubba checking I's.

#He must be an !labama boy.%

They looked like the Tin man and the 8owardly lion from the 3i+ard of 5+ asthey approached and looked up "ubba.

#I's please.% He said holding out his hand.

They both fumbled around in their pockets.

#I's please or get out of my line.% Cepeated "ubba.

#Here, you go. )ou must be from !labama huh4% asked 0ake trying to makesmall talk.

#'on’t act like you know me and for your information, hell no I an’t from !labama.Step inside or get out of line, ne t, I's please.%

They stepped inside and began scanning the dance floor and bar.

#'o you see her yet4% asked 0ake.

#Hell no, there’s too many people in this place. 0ust keep lookin’%.

N N N N



#Hey Bola, I’m a go freshen up, watch my drink for me.% Said Heather picking upher purse.

#5kay, I’ll be right here. Take your time.%

Heather went to the restroom. 'aryl and 0ake continued to walk among the thickcrowd of people.

#Hey 'aryl, let’s get a beer and hang out at the bar, maybe she’ll show up there.%

#5kay. 3hich one4 There’s three of /em.%

#I don’t know, the one in the middle one I guess.%

#5kay.%

They made their way to the middle bar and ordered a couple of beers and shotsof 0ack 'aniels.

#3atch my shit, I gotta go take a leak, I’ll be right back.% Said 'aryl

#5kay.%

'aryl made his way to the far back section of the bar. "oth the male and femalebathrooms doors are ne t to each other separated by only a few feet with postedsigns. 0ust as 'aryl is pushing open the bathroom door, Heather came out andwalked right passed him. He didn’t recogni+e her at all and continued in to the

restroom.

#Thanks Bola.%

#$o problem. y turn, I’ll be right back.%

#5kay.%

0ust as 'aryl comes out of the restroom he passes by Bola and continuestowards the bar. Heather is leaning on the bar tapping her foot to the music andhumming along as 'aryl walks past her and back to the center bar.

#Hey 0ake, they got fancy faucets and shit in the bathroom and even a guy inthere that will shine your shoes.%

#)ou’re shittin’ me4%

#$o lie. Hell, they even got mouthwash, cologne, gum> it’s like a palace in there.6o look for yourself.%



#5kay, I’ll be right back.%

!s 0ake passes Heather he turns his head to stare at her for a split secondfeeling like he recogni+es her but keeps walking to the restroom.

#I’m back, let’s go dance, I like this song.% Said Bola after returning.

#So do I, let’s go.%

!s 0ake walks back to 'aryl he slows down to look back over where he thoughhe might have seen Heather. He scans the bar twice then continues on.

#)ou were right 'aryl. Hell, that bathroom is nearly as big as my mobile trailer.Have you seen Heather yet4%

#Hell no, there’s so many damn people in here.%

#I thought I saw her when I went to the bathroom 1ust now, but whoever it wasisn’t there any more. I mean it kinda looked like her, but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t.%

#3hat do you mean kinda look like her4 !re you for sure it wasn’t her or not4%

#-ositive. "esides, like I said, whoever it was ain’t there no more.%

Chapter 1) – “ ake> I see her>>>”

!fter a couple more beers, 'aryl and 0ake headed off to the bathroom together.

Bola and Heather left the dance floor and went back to the bar.

#3hew, I feel like I’ve been in a 1a++ercise class.% Said Heather reaching for herdrink.

#Bord have mercy, me to, my legs feel 0ello.%

They laughed and continued to drink and talk. 'aryl and 0ake came out of thebathroom and began scanning the bar again.

#Hell, 'aryl, I don’t think she’s here.%

# e toO# 'aryl stopped suddenly then looked straight ahead at the bar.

#3hat '4%

#I think that might be her over there.%

#3here4% asked 0ake as he looked in the same direction.



#There, ne t to that black girl.% He said pointing a finger. #See4 Cight there.%

#!re you sure4 That’s not her hair color and she sure as hell don’t wear fancyclothes like that.%

#3ell, I’m gonna go find out and if it’s her I’m gonna give her what for2 8ome on2%

They started walking quickly towards her and Bola pushing threw the crowd.Heather doesn’t see them approaching her.

#'amn it 0ake, it is her. I recogni+e that scare on her forehead. She dyed herhair. 8ome on> move faster before she sees us2%

0ust as Heather looks up at the mirror behind the bar she catches what looks like'aryl’s favorite !labama 8rimson Tide baseball cap moving through the crowdtowards her like a shark fin breaking through the surface before attacking its

prey. Terror washes over her face as their eyes lock ga+es on each other. 'arylbegins to walk faster as he points at her.

#Heather, stay right there got damn it, you hear me222% he shouts at her then startsto push his way through the row of people lined up at the bar. #Stay right there,don’t you move2%

Heather let’s out a blood curdling scream.

#Bola, 5’ y 6od, It’s him, 'aryl2% she cries out as she points at him then urgesBola to run. #3e’ve got to get out of here now2%

#3hat4% asked Bola confused by what she was saying, #Him, who4 8alm down.%

#It’s him, 5’ my 6od he found me Bola, he found me, run2%

#6ot damn it Heather, don’t you run away from me, you hear me2 Stay right thereor I swear*2%

#"ubba2 "ubba2 Help me2 "ubba222% she screamed as she started off towards thefront door pushing through the crowd then onto the dance floor. "ubba is focusedon a fight that broke out in the waiting line and starts to go investigate.

#Heather, stop, stop right now, you hear me42%

Bola sees 'aryl and 0ake pushing through the crowd furiously trying to catch upto her.

#Meep running Heather, I’ll get help.% Shouts Bola turning towards bar security.



#"ubba2 "ubba, 5’ please "ubba help me.%

'aryl and 0ake are only a few people behind her.

#6ot damn it Heather, stop runnin’ now2 0ake, go that way and head her off2%

#5kay2% 0ake breaks away from 'aryl and began pushing his way to the left ofHeather to block her escape.

#"ubba2 "ubba2 Help me, please help me2% she cried out as she tried to run at fullspeed through the thick crowd towards the front door looking frantically for"ubba. "ubba stops and turns his head towards the dance floor and hearsHeathers calling his name. He shoved three people at once to clear his way.

#Heather, where are you2 I’m coming2% said "ubba charging at full force throughthe crowd.

#"ubba222 "ubba please help me, he’s gonna kill me, he’s here2%

#Heather, I see you keep running towards me and don’t stop2%

"ubba threw off his shades and began pushing and shoving people out of hisway. Their bodies fell back and to the side like uprooted trees in an oncomingtornado. 3hen he sees whose following her he increases his speed.

#5’ hell no mother fucker, not in my house2% he yelled, #)ou done fucked up2%

#"ubba, please, please, help me2%

0ake came from her left side and grabbed her by the waist and held her as shethrashed and kicked trying to get free of his grip. 'aryl soon caught up with themwithin a couple of steps.

#$ow, now, you didn’t think I’d find your little country ass in this fancy city didya4% said 'aryl. His eyes are wide opened and filled with rage as he grabbed ahand full of her hair from behind 1erking her head back.

#$ow you are comin’ with us and you’re gonna tell me where the hell the money

you took from me is or I swear I’ll beat it out of you, you hear me you fuckingbitch2%

0ust at 'aryl started pulling her off the dance floor "ubba reached out throw thecrowd that surrounded them and grabbed 'aryl by the wrist.

#Bet her go now2% he shouted in a voice that sent chills through everyonestanding around. His fingers began to coil around his wrist like a boa constrictor



strangling its prey. He punched 0ake so hard with his other free hand that he fellback end over end through the crowd.

#3hat the fuck4% cried out 'aryl.

"efore he could say another word "ubba began squee+ing his wrist even tighter.

#I said let go now2% The sound of 'aryl’s wrist bones cracking under "ubba’sincreasing grip could be heard.

#5’ shit, let go of me. It hurts. Bet go, please let go2%

#)ou let go of her first and then pain will stop.%

#5kay, okay. Shit, 1ust let go.% 'aryl crouched down on the floor holding his limpwrist then looked up at "ubba. #I think you broke my wrist.%

#Stay down and I won’t break anything else. )ou hear me4% he scowled at him.

#"ubba, thank you so much.% whispered Heather.

#'on’t worry, you and Bola go up to your room now, I’ll deal with them and comecheck up on you later. )ou’re safe now. 6o on, I’ll take care of these two.%

"ubba grabbed 0ake up off the floor and dragged them both back behind the barand out through a side door then down a long hallway. He opened a large doorwith the number five on it and tossed them both in then locked it. "ubba reached

into his 1acket pocket and pulled out his "lackberry.

#Hello, this is "ubba. I’ve got that packaged you asked for. It’s in store roomnumber five.%

Chapter 1, – $%me to o!!e t

The store room is pitch black and quiet. 0ake reached into his pocket and pulleda "ic lighter. "oth of their faces illuminated.

#3here the hell are we 'aryl4%

#Hell if I know. See if you can find a light switch on the wall.%

#5kay.%

0ake crawled along the floor until he could feel the wall then stood up. Hefollowed the feeling of the brick pattern until he felt the edge of the light switchplate.



#I found it.%

#3ell turn it on then, shit2%

They both looked around.

#It’s 1ust an empty room, why did that guy put us in an empty room4%

#I don’t know. Shush, be quiet, I think I hear somebody comin’%

They both could hear the sound of two footsteps coming down the hall towardsthe door.

#Hello4 Is anybody out there4 3e’re in here, lets us out2%

The footsteps stopped in font of the door.

#Hey, let us out2 3e won’t cause any more trouble.%

The door knob turned slowly after the sound of a key being inserted stopped.They shielded their eyes from the bright florescent light as it poured in on them.

#Times up, where’s ister "owman’s money4% asked $ate.

#$ate, "illy, how’d ya’ll find us4% asked 0ake

#$ever mind that, where’s the money4%

#3ell, we ain’t got it yet, but we did find Heather.%

#Heather is your business> we’re here for the money.%

#3e’re gonna get it, I promise. 0ust give us a couple more days.%

#That’s not for us to decide. Bet’s go, you can ask ister "owman yourself.%

$ate and "illy put +ip cuffs on their wrist and led them out the back of thebuilding and shoved them in the back of black Suburban and drove off into the

night. !n hour later they pulled up to an old wooden shack in the middle of aswampy moss. The sound of frogs and crickets filled the air around them. Theground is muddy and soggy.

#Is ister "owman out here4% asked 'aryl.

#He’s coming later, now get out.%



They stepped out onto the soft wet soggy ground. Their boots sank nearly a halfan inch as they stood up. They could barely walk straight as they strained to putone foot in front of the other. The finally made it to the front of the shack. Therewere no lights on and it appears that nobody was inside as 0ake peered throughthe front window.

#Meep movin’, head towards the back.%

#)ou’re not gonna kill us are you4% asked 0ake nervously walking slowly behind'aryl.

#Shut up and keep movin’% said $ate pushing him from behind. #

They could see an old uneven planked peer with a swamp buggy tied to one ofthe crooked post.

#That’s far enough. $ow get in that swamp buggy and keep quiet.%

$ate and "illy sat behind them on a bench seat. ! large propeller behind thembegan to slowly turn as $ate pressed the ignition button. !fter a few seconds asteady flow of howling wind pushed the swamp buggy away from the small pier.5nly a large bright spotlight shined along the murky water path they were taking.Spray from the front of the bobbing buggy washed over 'aryl and 0ake as theyleaned back from the thrust of the forward momentum.

The swamp buggy soon slowed to a crawl towards a small mound peering abovethe water line. It was 1ust enough for two people to stand on. $ate stopped the

engine after beaching the front of the buggy up to the edge of the mound.#5kay, get out, turn around and stick out your hands.% Said "illy holding a ra+orsharp knife in his left hand. He cut away the +ip straps then sat back down.

#$ow, in about an hour, the sun is gonna rise. Pntil then I wouldn’t make anysudden moves if I were you.% Said $ate pointing a finger at them.

'aryl and 0ake could see several pairs of white glowing eyes opening andclosing wherever "illy shined the spot light on the swamp surface.

#Them’s gators, now they’ll leave you alone as long as you don’t move from thisspot because they done been fed. $ow come sunrise, that’s a different story. SoI suggest as soon as you see the sunrise over yonder, you boys better get movin’to that tree line over there and I mean fast. If ya’ll make it, then your debt iscleared. Cemember, as soon as you see the sunrise, start movin’.%

Chapter 10 – <orget ;bout +e



#Heather, there’s a call for you on line three honey.%

#5kay, I’ll be right there.% Said Heather wiping her wet hands on a bar towel. Shepicks up the receiver and presses the blinking light ne t to line one.

#Hello, this is Heather4%

#Hello Heather, I 1ust wanted to call and let you know that little problem you had,it’s been taken care of. )ou won’t have to look over your shoulders any more.%

#Thank you> thank you so much for everything you done for me.%

#'on’t think anything of it. $ow I can tolerate a lot things darlin’, but beatin’ on awoman ain’t one of them. I 1ust won’t stand for it. $ow you go on and haveyourself a good life down there, you here4%

#I will, and thank you again for everything you done for me.%

#)ou’re welcome.%

#"ye.%

#6oodbye darlin’.%

#How’s she doin’ ister "owman4% asked the waitress standing at the table witha large tray of food.

#0ust fine, she’s doin’ 1ust fine now.%

#6ood, good.% She unfolded a stand for the tray and started handing out theplates of food. #Here you go ister "owman, deep fried 8a1on spice gator with aside of red beans and rice and two shots of shine for each of ya.%

#Thank you darlin’, this sure looks mighty good, don’t it boys4 Hey "oyd, passme the Tabasco sauce would ya please4%

#I got it ister "oyd, here you go ister "owman.%

#3hy thank you "ubba. $ow let’s all dig in2%

"owman, "oyd, $ate, "illy, and "ubba all ate and drank the night away,celebrating freeing another girl brutality. 9or you see, in a span of seven daysthey had come up with a plan to rescue a girl that had lost hope of ever escaping.

They are part of a secret society sworn to give safe passage to anyone in need.They are The 6uardians of The 8ourt of 9our Sisters.



The &nd

forget about me final

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