Friendly Neighbors

Friendly Neighbors

By J. D. V.

Chapter 1

"She had not known the weight until she felt the freedom." Nathaniel Hawthorn

Police arrived at Applegate's residence and were called by neighbors. Two officers approach the door and hear a woman screaming. The two officers break the door down and see Carlene on her knees, holding her wrist and face, crying. Her husband, Gary, runs away from the officers, but one catches up, tackles him in the backyard, and places him under arrest.

"72 David requesting a bus at 357 Plainfield Lane. A woman with a broken wrist and bruises to her face caused by her husband. Mam, are you okay? An ambulance is on its way," said Officer Jeanie Coppola.

"Look who I found. Mam, you are safe now, and he won't hurt you again," said Officer Frank Reilly.

The ambulance arrives, and Officer Coppola walks Carlene out. Sitting on the ambulance's bumper, she looks at Officer Coppola and says, "You don't know him. He will get out and come back to finish what he started. He will hurt me again and again."

"Press charges so he can't get out and come back after you."

"He will get out. He has friends who help him get out, and every time he comes back, he hurts me more."

"How many times has this happened?" Officer Coppola said.

"Too many times to count. No one can help me. He always finds me, no matter where I go or hide from him. He always finds me checking your records."

She climbs into the ambulance with Officer Coppola. "I am going to go with her and make sure he does not send anyone to the hospital."

"Right, I will take this lowlife in and book him. Get her statement so we can get the charges going. I will meet you at the hospital after."

"Contact SVU, Detective MacKay, and send her to the hospital."

"Will do."

Doctor Visitacion Toland examined Carlene and found several past bruises that were not healed all the way, and her X-rays showed she had broken her arm before.

"Your husband did all this to you?" asked Doctor Toland.

"Mm hmm, yeah."

"He is not getting to you here. You are in good hands here," said Toland.

"He always finds a way to get to me," Carlene said.

"How long have you been with him?" Asked Toland.

"Eight years," Carlene said.

"When did he start beating you?" Asked Toland.

"Four years ago."

"Every time you left, he found you. The beatings got worse."

Carlene, crying, answered, "Yes."

"Hello, I am Detective MacKay, and my partner is Detective Carter."

"I'm Doctor Toland. You are here for Carlene; she was brought in by ambulance."

Chapter 2

Six years later

Jack got home early from work and couldn't wait to shower. The hot weather took its toll. He started the water for a nice, cool, refreshing shower. You know, the kind that lets you stand under the water for hours, which He had planned to do. Jack lathered himself with soap, ensuring every inch of his body was clean of sweat. Ah, the water dancing on his skin felt relaxing. Jack's mind began to wander. It found an incredible but familiar place. His thoughts dwell on my neighbor. She was hot. Average height, blonde, slim, with a firm body and massive breasts, is more significant than a handful. What would he give her to spend one night with her? Just as he started to fantasize more about her, my doorbell rang. Jack quickly dried himself off, grabbed his robe, and ran down the stairs to answer the door.

There she was, the woman who invaded Jack's mind, who could make him happy forever if it was okay with my ladylove. Yes, he is married, but what man has not fantasized about having a threesome with his ladylove? All husbands think their wives are the sexiest woman alive. If they don't, they should; they might get laid more.

"Hi Carlene, what's up?" I said.

"Hi, oops, did I catch you at a band time?" Carlene said.

"No, I was just taking a shower."

"Sorry, do you have any regular plain aspirin? It's the only kind I can give my dog."

"I think so; let me check. Come in."

She followed me up the stairs. The angle of the stairs allowed her to peek up my robe. When we got to the top, she waited near the kitchen entrance.

"I have some. Take the bottle and give it back to me when you are done."

"What are you staring at? You like what you see?"

I stood there, mouth open. She knew I liked and desired everything I saw.

"Do you want to see these big lushes' tits?"

"Yeah, I want to see them."

"Are we alone?" she asked.

"We are alone."

Carlene walked up to Jack and pushed him back toward the bedroom. Then she pushed him down on the bed. She backed up and seductively danced. Her striptease only enhanced what Jack wanted. She put her foot on the bed between his legs. She slowly rolled her nylons down her leg and off her foot. She gently swayed her nylon stocking in the air and up and down the center of his body. She put her foot on his already-swollen manhood.

"Mm.... I like that," she said.

She continued dancing and did the same with her left leg and foot. Her smooth skin and fit legs enticed him. She backed up and swayed her hips. Her hands moved up and down her body, controlling his attention. She turned around and removed her skort. Her yellow thong and firm ass were exposed. She bent over slowly, holding onto her legs. On her way back up, she smacked her ass. Jack sprung up and wanted to feel her ass. She walked back over to him, removed her thong, and stuffed it in his face so he could smell her. Jack fell back, and she climbed on the bed and hovered over him. Dancing over him, Jack could see the wetness of her pussy. He stood up and licked her pussy. Pushing me back down, she waves her index finger. Above him, she took off her top, revealing her well-endowed chest. Looking up at her, he became fully erect. She watched as it burst out of his robe.

"Mm... I can see someone is ready for me."

She did not waste any time. She sat on his thickness, which filled her to the hilt. She moaned. Her blond hair floated through the air. Her chest bounced, and he grabbed onto them and massaged her already hard nipples. He squeezed them with my fingertips. She pulled him up and plunged her right tit into my mouth. Carlene asked, "You like sucking on mama's breasts?" To my surprise, he tasted milk. Once he did, he switched from sucking to suckling.

"Ah, suck my tit harder. Ah, harder." She demanded.

Her screaming only made him want more. He stopped sucking on her and pushed her breasts together. Sucking on both of them, Jack could feel her Kegel muscles squeezing his cock as it traveled in and out of her. She screams in ecstasy. Jack knew she was ready to come for him.

"I want you to come for me," Jack demanded.

"Oh, I will," Carlene said with a sexy whispering voice.

She grinds him harder, groaning, as Jack thrusts up meeting her grinds. The pleasure they were feeling was incredible. Neither one of them was giving up. Their bodies craved to feel this moment in time together. The other neighbors probably heard screaming of pure joy, and they did not care. Her moans enraged Jack's desires until that moment came. Their muscles are tight, and their bodies are nearly spent physically in a quiet explosion of seed and juice. Her juices ran down his legs, and she collapsed on top of him. Her head popped up, and she kissed Jack. She whispered.

"That was hot. You felt so good inside me."

They rested for a bit and got dressed. Jack walked her to the door and said goodbye.

Jack's ladylove pulled up with her new car as she was leaving.

"So, do you like my new car?" Lauren asked.

"It's sweet looking, babe," I said.

"Did you like her? Maybe next time, all three of us could go for a ride?" Lauren said.

Chapter 3

Lauren and Carlene have spent a lot of time together over the last few months. One could say they are the best of friends. On their day off from work, Lauren took Carlene to lunch.

It was the 16th of November. Carlene was sitting at the table, just staring into space. "Earth to Carlene, are you there?"

"What. What did you say? I am sorry."

"Where are you today?"

"In the past."

"What are you talking about?"

"I have come to terms with this and feel safe enough to tell you. I was not always this sexy, hot girl who was into having sex with a couple. I was the opposite."

"Go on." Their lunch arrived at the table. They paused for a moment as the server put down their food.

"Can I get you anything else?"

"No, I think we have everything," Lauren said. The server walked away and went to her following table.

"Carlene, you can tell me. Whatever it is, you can tell me."

"I know. I was in a sexless, abusive marriage. He would beat me over and over again. Every time I tried to run, he would find me, and the punishment was rougher than the last."

"Oh my God!"

"Six years ago today, I was set free from him. The neighbors called the cops because I was screaming so loudly. He punched me, he kicked me, and he broke my arm and collarbone. The D. A. got the charges to stick. I testified against him and divorced him. The last few times before that, his friends were able to get him out, and he would hunt me down and punish me for leaving him. Throughout this, he would still say I love you. He promised to get help and change, but he never did. I couldn't take it anymore."

Lauren places her left hand on Carlene's hand. "He is gone, and you don't have to deal with him. You are safe."

"I wish I could believe that. I have this feeling he is watching me lately."

"He is still in prison, right?" Lauren said.

"They would have contacted me if he had been released or escaped," Carlene said.

"That's good. You could always call the cops who handle your case. Make them confirm he is still in prison."

"I still have their card." She digs Detective Mackay's business card out of her purse and calls her.

"MacKay."

"Detective, this is Carlene. Do you remember me?"

"Yes, I remember Carlene. What can I do for you?"

"Could you check if my ex-husband is still in jail? Lately, I feel like I have eyes on me."

"What do you mean you feel like you have eyes on you? Has anyone approached you? Did you see someone that you think would try to harm you?"

"No, nothing like that. I can't explain it.'

"I will check on your Ex-husband. If you think someone is watching you, stay at a friend's house. I can also inform the local police and ask them if they could drive by."

"Thank You, Detective."

"Take care. I will reach out after I check," Detective MacKay said.

Carlene hung up the phone, but Lauren could hear the conversation. "Your friend lives in the next apartment. That won't help," Lauren said.

"He will find me if he hasn't already. He can always find me."

"Let's go down to AC and get a room."

"What!?"

"Let's disappear for the night and get a room in AC," Lauren said.

"What about Jack?"

"I will tell him to meet us down there. We can explain it to him in the room," Lauren said.

"What about clothes?"

"Ac has shops."

"Shopping?"

"Why not?"

"Okay, just tell Jack."

"Let's finish lunch and head south."

***

On the way to Atlantic City, Carlene's cell rings. "Hello."

"Hello, Carlene, it's Detective MacKay. According to the Warden, your Ex-husband is sitting in his cell. He is not out."

"Thank you for checking, Detective; I feel better knowing he is still locked up."

"You are welcome. Have a good night." She hangs up the phone and looks out the window.

"What did she say?" Lauren asked.

"She said he is still in prison," Carlene said.

"You don't sound convinced he is," Lauren said.

"No, I can't help but feel someone is watching me. You think I'm paranoid?" Carlene asked.

"I think we are on our way to AC, where there are many people. So we will stick together, and if someone follows us, we can get lost in the crowd," Lauren said.

"We need to call Jack," Carlene said.

"I will call him as soon as we get to our room," Lauren said.

***

"Hello, Jack."

"Hey, babe."

"Carlene and I are in Ac at the Tropicana, Room 312. Come down and join us."

"Ah, sure, why are you in AC?" Jack said.

"Just come down. I already have clothes for you, so shoot down from work." Lauren said.

"Okay, that sounds like a plan. I'll see you in about two hours," Jack said.

***

In their room, after Jack arrived, the moment in time when they needed to forget why they were there came about rather quickly. Jack kissed Carlene passionately, and she moaned slightly. She was overwhelmed and taken aback. Lauren rubbed her powder blue blouse near her breast. I could see her nipples harden through her shirt.

Lauren asked, "So, how far have you gone?"

"I love it," I said.

Carlene asked, "Why don't we clean you up and join you in the shower?"

"I bet you could also use a massage," I said.

"If you are offering, we both can use a massage," Carlene said.

"First, let's take a shower," I said.

"Mm... Twist our arms, baby." Lauren grabbed us and guided us back to the bathroom. The lust was so thick in the air that it enveloped the room.

Carlene started the shower to let the water warm up. Lauren undresses Jack. She pulled off his shirt. She slowly rubbed his biceps. She worked her way down to his chiseled chest, rubbing it hard. She followed Jack's happy trail to his throbbing manhood, feeling it through his shorts. Carlene wrapped her arms around Jack from behind him. Carlene rubbed his chest and abs softly. Lauren dropped to her knees, pulled his shorts off, and sucked his cock. Jack's head went back, and he moaned. One of his hands was on her head, and the other reached back and massaged Carlene's shapely ass. He was about to come. Lauren tasted his pre-come. She stopped her activity and got up. Jack removed her shirt. His hands moved up and down her arms, kissing her neck. His hands moved to her breasts, her beautiful, full chest. He pushed them together to unclip her bra. Her large, above-average-sized breasts fell out, and her bra dropped to the floor. Jack's fingers traced her areolas and fondled her nipples, giving her double stimulation. They both became aroused in seconds. Jack stops so Lauren and Jack can turn to Carlene. Lauren removed Carlene's top, and Jack removed her pants and lacey black panties. He slowly removed her stockings with his teeth. He looked up. Lauren and Carlene kissed. It was a kiss worth watching over and over again. They were assertive. Jack rubbed Carlene's leg. Carlene turned her head. She looked down at him. Lauren kissed her neck. His hands moved to Carlene's inner thigh. My lips followed. I kissed her inner thigh, working my way to her moist corridor. Her pussy called to me. I answered. I could feel the warmth of her pussy. Her divine aroma invited me in. I sucked on her clit softly, slowly, and loved it. Lauren worked Carlene's neck with her lips. Laurens's hands gave Carlene's breasts the attention they deserved. Carlene's nipples peaked. Laurens's lips move down Carlene's neck to one of her big areolas, about five inches. Lauren licked it, kissed it, and sucked on it. Carlene moaned. Naked, Jack stood up, took both of them by their hands, and walked them into the shower stall. Lauren found her body wash. She squeezed the bottle, applying the body wash to her loofah sponge. She washed Carlene first. He took a step back and enjoyed the show. Carlene enjoyed her shower. His arousal was heightened. Lauren started washing Carlene's nape of her neck and slowly moved down to Carlene's shoulders, arms, back, ass, legs, and back up. Of course, she made specific stops along the way. Lauren rubbed Carlene's clit rapidly with the sponge. Carlene began to breathe heavily. She moaned. Lauren grabbed the shower head, switched the setting to a more forceful stream, and sprayed Carlene's corridor. The water from the shower head massaged her clit. Lauren, soon after, decided to inspect Carlene's pussy with her tongue. When she was close to coming, Lauren stopped her tongue inspection and moved up Carlene's body. Her tongue traveled up Carlene's tight stomach to her massive breasts. Carlene moved back against the wall. She wrapped both hands around Laurens's head. She pushed Lauren's face into her breasts. Carlene also watched as I stood stroking my cock for them. Carlene picked Lauren up and turned her to face me. They smiled and said nothing. They used hand signals to call Jack over. One licked her lips, and the other blew a kiss. He walked over, going behind them both. I rubbed their backs and then kissed their necks. His ladylove's first, then Carlene. Carlene pressed her breasts against Lauren's chest; both let out a soft moan. The three of us kissed together. Lauren grabbed my cock and stroked. She whispered to me, "I want your cock inside me." She said it again, slower, "I want your big fat cock inside me now." I grabbed my cock and guided it into her saturated pussy. "Push harder, baby. Push him deeper in me," Lauren demanded. The sight turned Carlene on, "That feels good, honey?" She kissed Lauren. My cock continued to massage her from the inside. I pound her moist corridor from behind as we both love. It felt so dam good I wanted to spread my seed all over hot ass. She swayed her hips from side to side with him inside her. The motions enhance the pleasure. Jack could not stop the eruption anymore. Jack had to come.

"Baby, I am going to come," Jack moaned.

Carlene didn't want him to come, at least not yet. Jack could not stop it anymore.

"Baby, let me come on your ass," Jack requested.

"Come all over my ass, honey," she ordered.

Jack pulled out of her and rested my cock between her ass cheeks. She pushed back. Her ass pumped my cock as Jack came. His seed spread across her ass. Carlene rubs his seed all over Lauren's ass, a new massage lotion perhaps. Jack was breathing heavily from coming so hard.

Carlene was so horny but felt slightly ignored, "What are you going to do with me?"

Lauren answered, "Don't worry, baby. He will be hard for you in a second."

"What? He can get hard after he comes."

Lauren replied, "We usually do it at least four times in one night." "Mm. Let me have that cock."

She came closer to me. We kissed. Her soft touch made me hard immediately. It was a welcome surprise for her. She smiled. We continued to kiss; she continued to stroked my cock. My ladylove was against the wall, playing with herself while she watched. Carlene massaged my hard cock. My ladylove turned on at the sight of another woman taking my cock deep into her mouth. I watched as my ladylove pinched her nipple and rubbed her clit. She fingered her opening. It turned me on even more. Carlene stopped as she felt my cock grow inside her mouth. She looked at my ladylove, and then her eyes landed back on me; she then continued to suck on my cock. Carlene's hands massaged my sack, and I liked that.

"Release it for me. I tasted your pre-come. Now give me more. Come all over my big breasts," Carlen demanded.

Without a moment's hesitation, the white seed shot all over her massive breasts. She stroked my cock, getting every last drop of come out. She licked my come off her breasts and swallowed. My ladylove, now on the sink, was breathing heavily. She was close to coming. Carlene moved over to her and licked her moist pussy. Lauren's nipples became more erect. Jack walked over to suck on her nipples.

"I am going to come, baby," she said.

She looked into my eyes.

"Stick him back in me. I want to cum all over your cock. Please ram him in me." Lauren said, nearly out of breath.

Carlene backed away, and my cock replaced Carlene's tongue. I thrust into her pussy, ramming her hard. Carlene stood behind me, her hands on my hips, pulling and pushing me in and out of Lauren's pussy. Lauren screamed. She was in ecstasy. Carlene fingered Lauren's clit. Her pussy is a pleasure in many ways. She naturally thrusts up, lifting herself off the sink and riding my cock harder. The pressure was so intense. Carlene could see we both were going to come again. The sweat rolled off both our bodies.

"Baby. I'm going to... AH Yes..... Do it, baby, pound me. AH. AH. AH"

She came, her eyes rolled back into her head, and a silence of pleasure came about, ending her screams. Then Jack followed not a second more. Her pussy squeezed his cock as she came; we both came hard. Jack's ladylove's juices squirted out of her onto me. He came inside her. Lauren's movements were slow; she struggled to move. They hugged and kissed passionately. He pulled out of Lauren and then brought Carlene and Lauren back into the shower.

Lauren said, "I cannot feel my legs."

"Let's get cleaned up again and get something to eat," I said.

"Before we do that, we need to tell you why we came down here," Lauren said.

"What is going on?" Jack asked.

"Six years ago, I was in an abusive relationship. He had broken a few bones and beat me half to death a few times. The last time the neighbors got involved, he was finally arrested. With the help of the neighbors testifying, I, and the examination from the doctor and her testifying, he was locked up." Carlene said.

"So, why are we here if he is locked up?"

"Carlen felt like there were eyes on her. We called the detective from the case, and she checked to see if he was still in prison," Lauren said.

"But?" Jack asked.

"But, I feel like I am being watched," Carlene said.

"Did he have friends?" Jack asked.

"Yes, they always helped him get off the charges," Carlene said.

"So maybe they are watching

"Yes, they always helped him get off the charges," Carlene said.

"So maybe they are watchin you?" Jack said.

"What do we do?" Lauren asked.

"I make a phone call and get some help. Did you go shopping today?"

"Yes, why?" Lauren asked.

Jack shook his head, "No reason. How long did you get the room for?"

"Two nights. We need to check out by 11:00 AM Friday," Lauren said.

"What was your plan for tonight? Will you stay in the room or go down and play the slots?" Jack asked.

"That is up to Carlene," Lauren said.

"I just want to stay in tonight and enjoy the room, the bed, and your company."

"Well, I can certainly get behind that," Jack said.

"Me too!" Lauren said, making eye contact with Carlene, who was slightly tilting her head and smiling.

Chapter 4

Of course, that didn't last long, and they were at the casino's slots, and Jack watched for anyone looking at Carlene. Of course, that was easy because every guy in the room was checking her out, and Lauren. They wanted to fuck, not hurt her. Jack didn't think he had been in a room where there were so many drunk horny men. Carlen and Lauren were nothing more than food for them. Not one had the courage to approach them while they were standing with them. Jack told them before they came down to stick together and keep an eye on each other. They took that quite literally.

"I was thinking we should get our own place," Jack said.

"What!" Carlene said.

"You want us to get a house together and live together," Lauren said.

"Yes."

"That's crazy we..." Carlene's voice trails off, and Lauren chimed in. "What made you think of that?"

"We all have fun together; we can get a three-bedroom house. Money is not an issue for us. So why not? It will be a safer place for all of us," Jack said.

"We need to think about that, and now is not the time with all this going on," Lauren said.

"Yeah, I was thinking we could get one down here where our neighbors are not on top of us, and we could see someone coming at us," Jack said.

"Oh, I see," Carlene said.

Lauren and Carlene excused themselves and went into the restroom. One never knows what one might find or what might happen in the restroom. Lauren and Carlene entered, talking about moving in. Lauren realized they were alone and pulled Carlene into the last stall with her. The door closed, and their lips became one. Lauren's tongue went deep into Carlene's mouth; their tongues went round and round. Lauren was intense. Carlene was not expecting such lust from Lauren. Her cravings needed to be satisfied. Lauren opens her button-down blouse and pulls her breasts out from their containment. Carlene's lips left Lauren's. She cups Lauren's breasts, rubbing just underneath her nipple. Carlene brings her mouth to one of her nipples; she licks from the bottom up, slowly flicking her nipple. Lauren moaned; her breathing had changed, and she was enjoying it. Carlene flicks Lauren's nipple quicker and quicker. Flicking from bottom to top still, Lauren's moans were louder. They hear the restroom door open. Two women enter the restroom. They listen to them bicker about the service and their husbands. Carlene doesn't blink. She continues to flick and rub Lauren's breasts. Lauren quiets down. The other two women wash and leave. They did not realize the intense love that was going on in the last stall farthest from the door. Lauren did not want Carlene to stop, but she knew I would come in if they did not come out soon. They arrived back at the slots. I looked at Lauren and saw something out of place on her shirt. I smiled at Lauren and Carlene. Lauren touched Jack's, looked him in the eye, and kissed him.

"Well.. what do you both say? Are you in?" Jack said.

"Where are you thinking of having us go?" Lauren asked

"I don't know. I am already bringing you trouble into your house." Carlene said.

Lauren, shaking her head, already knows my response. "If that were true, we wouldn't be here with you," Jack said.

Carlen was about to respond when her body shook as if she got a chill. She looked around. "Oh my God, there he is," she said, pointing at the roulette table. By the time Jack looked over, he was gone. It couldn't have been more than 1 minute. They immediately took Carlene back up to the room. Jack spoke with the manager and security, explaining the situation and asking them to have the local PD come in so we could leave with an escort. Carlene also contacted Detective MacKay, and Jack spoke with her.

"Detective, My name is Jack. I am a friend of Carlene and a former NJPD officer; now, I am personal security. She is staying with me and my wife while we figure this out. We are in Atlantic City, and she said she saw him at the roulette table. I know you made a call to the warden, and he visually checked that Gary is still in prison. She is scared out of her mind. I am an Ex-Cop; I know when a victim is scared and feels her life threatened."

"What hotel are you at?" Detective MacKay asked.

"The Tropicana," Jack said.

"What do you want me to do?" Detective MacKay asked.

"Can you go to the prison and talk to Gary? You arrested him and see what kind of vibe you get from him. Can you get the footage from the security cameras? If we see that he is here, we have a problem," Jack said.

"That will take time," Detective MacKay asked.

"I know. I have a friend at the local PD that can help me protect her," Jack said.

"Right. I will do what I can. If he is in prison, then she may be having a mental break," Detective MacKay said.

"After six years of being free from him, Detective, you honestly think she is making this up," Jack said.

Jack ends the call with Detective MacKay and calls Austin.

Chapter 5

Austin's Lake House in Hammonton doubles as a safe house. Austin bought it from a rich wacko who was paranoid that someone was coming after him to take his companies away from him. This worked out for Austin. He has taken a few victims here and caught the perpetrator. As Austin says, they never stop hunting their prey.

As soon as we arrived, Carlene locked every lock on the door and ensured that all the locks on the windows were also locked. She sat in the corner of the living room, further away from the doors and windows, on the floor. The house looked typical from the outside, but inside, it was gorgeous with all the latest amenities.

Lauren sat with Carlene and got her to calm down. She took her to the bedroom and stayed with her. Soon after, Austin and his friends arrived.

"Hey man, thanks for letting us crash here," Jack said, shaking Austin's hand.

"No worries, brother, you do the same for me. Tell me what the deal is with all this."

"Six years ago, Carlene got out of an abusive marriage. He went to prison for all the hurt he caused her. They were able to make it stick this time. The other times, he gets away with it. He had friends in high places, but this time he hurt her in front of the police."

"Now he is out and wants revenge," Austin said.

"According to the Detective handling the case, he is still locked up," Jack said.

"But she swears, she has seen him?" Austin asked.

"I know. It doesn't make sense. He can't be in 2 places at once. Lauren thought someone looked like him. He is paying someone to mess with her head. He stays far enough away," Jack said.

"Does he have any family?" Austin asked.

"None," Jack said.

"That would be diabolical. He messes with her mentally after all this time. As if to say I can get you from wherever I am and there is nothing anyone can do about it," Austin said.

As we were talking, his guys opened a hidden cabinet and turned on a computer monitor. He has cameras everywhere: outside cameras at various locations and two Cameras high above the lake house in trees. This place is covered. Anthony opened _a door that looked like part of the wall.

"You have a panic room?" Jack asked.

"Yep. Not one person can get in there. The house was built around it. The room is encased in solid steel. Might as well be a vault," Anthony said.

"I want the three of you inside there. I am not taking any chances," Austin said.

"When?" Jack asked.

"Soon. Let's get settled, set up everything, and make it look like we are a typical house on the lake."

"Yeah, like let's eat dinner, I am starved," Victor said.

"So go make one of your special Italian meals," Austin said while laughing.

"You are the one who made us stop to get the food and ingredients we need," Anthony said.

"Yeah! What's your point?" Victor said.

"After we eat, the three of you will be placed there for the night. They usually come at us at night," Austin said.

Chapter 6

They entered the panic room after we cleaned up dinner. Those guys watching them aren't half bad for cops. The cops ensured they had everything in the panic room, including a bed. It was a small room, but it had enough space to accommodate anyone who came in. It was soundproof, of course. If Gary had found them, as long as we had been here, he wouldn't have gotten to them. Jack still has one question going through his mind. If that is him in prison, who is following Carlene, and how do they follow her with such precision? Unless they have a way to track her or listen to our conversations.

Jack looks over at Carlene. She is staring at the door. Jack thinks she expects him to break it down and get her. Lauren is asleep on the bed. He sits next to Carlene and holds her in my arms. Her head rests on his shoulder, and he kisses her head.

"He won't get you. I promise," Jack said.

"Don't make that promise. The last cop that did is underground," Carlene said.

"Tell me about Gary," Jack said.

"What?" Carlen said.

"Tell me about Gary. I want to know it all. I want to know what makes him hurt someone he supportively loves?" Jack asked.

"Why do you want to know?" Carlen asked.

"Because knowing him may help stop him," Jack said.

"Tell me how you met. Tell me how you fell in love with him. Then tell me when it started to go bad. Then really bad," Jack said.

"All of it?" She asked.

"All of it. I want to know him as if he were a person I was hunting. His habits, his family, his friends. All of it," Jack said.

"Do you think, knowing all this, you can stop him..."

"Tell me!"

Carlen looked at me and looked away. She got up and started pacing the room. She stopped before me and plopped on the bed, waking Lauren up. "Hey, what's going on?" Lauren asked.

"Go on, Carlene, tell me," Jack said.

"He did things to me emotionally, mentally, and physically. In the beginning, he was charming. I felt safe in his arms. After we got married, he seemed to change slowly. I didn't see the right of way. I didn't see the red flags. He would yell at me for stupid things, and everything became my fault. The company I worked for closed its doors and locked out all employees. We didn't receive our pay because there was no money left in their accounts. That was the first time he struck me. He said it was my fault they closed down because I was a worthless employee. I had bruises on my face, and I couldn't go out for someone to see. I wouldn't let my family see me like that, either. The first time, I was in shock. Why did he hit me like that? My son would do things that kids do, and he would whip him. He had no off button. He burned me with his cigarettes and cut me with a knife. I dropped a fork on the floor, and he kicked me when I went to pick it up. His temper was outrageous. He was so angry one night. He pushed our son down the stairs going to the basement, and he died. His friends helped him with the police, and they ruled it an accident. After that, he used it to demonstrate what he was capable of, showing me that I could be next. Nothing I did would make him happy, and everything I did was wrong. Eventually, he stopped me from seeing my family and friends. Some would come by, and I would turn them away because I knew he was watching. About three years ago, my parents died in a boat accident, and he wouldn't let me go to their funeral. I never got a chance to say goodbye to them. I tried to run away with our son before he killed him, but he found us and punished me for leaving. He chained me to the bed in the basement without food or water for a few days. He had me chained by my wrists and neck. There was no way for me to move. He set me free, and I didn't try it again. I became this hopeless, afraid thing. Now he is out and wants to possess me again to hurt me or kill me."

Chapter 7

"Detective Mackay, have you been to the prison?" Jack asked.

"I am heading in now and will get to the truth. There is no way he could have escaped from this prison. The Warden here is way too strict and meticulous to allow something like this to happen," She said.

"Carlene is positive she saw him at the casino. Do you think you can get the footage from the security cameras?" Detective MacKay asked.

"I have someone working on that. If she is right, then we will have a serious problem," Jack said.

"Yeah."

***

MacKay enters the box alone with Gary. He has been shackled to the chair as he sits at the table.

"Detective, to what do I owe the honor of your visit?" Gary said.

"We had a report that you escaped and were terrorizing your ex-wife," MacKay said.

"Sorry, detective, I am still here," Gary said.

"I see that." She smirked a little. "I bet you could get one of your friends to help you with that little task. Maybe dress like you and stay far enough away; one of your friends with the same build and height could easily be mistaken as you," Detective MacKay said.

"Maybe one could be if I so wished it to happen. However, detective, I have no more ill will toward my ex-wife. She is out of my life forever," Gary said.

"Is she?" She looks around the room, then stares at Gary. She looks him up and down. She puts her hand on her hip and drops both hands on the table. "Who have you been talking to here?"

"Check the logs, sweetheart; I don't get any visitors," Gary said.

"Nah, I bet you have a burner phone in your cell," Detective MacKay said.

"Go toss it. I don't keep anything that will send me to the hole. The Warden finds everything we hide. The last two fellows were sent to the hole for a week," Gary said.

The Detective left, and her phone went off when she returned to her car.

"Hello."

"MacKay, I have the footing from the casino."

"Okay, is it Gary?"

"See for yourself." Carter sends a still photo to MacKay's phone.

"How is this possible? I just talked to him in prison."

"I don't know, MacKay, but it looks like our guy."

"All right, put an APB out on him right away. I am heading back; I want to see that video. This guy is toying with all of us," Detective MacKay said.

"I will have it ready for you. MacKay, we need to dive into this guy's life deeply."

"Yeah, there is more going on here. Call Jack and see if they have seen more of whoever is stalking them," Detective MacKay said.

"On it!"

Mackay heads back to the precinct as Carter sends out an APB and begins her deep dive into Gary's life. She finds his file is sealed and can only access it with a court order. "Why would you have a sealed record?" She says to herself. She immediately files to get access to his sealed record.

"Hello," Jack said.

"Hello. This is Detective Carter. I am Detective MacKay's partner. How are you all holding up?"

"We are good, detective. Any updates as to what Gary has planned for her?"

"No. Mackay talked to Gary at the prison. We think he has someone doing this to her, but we don't know who."

"Keep us posted, Detective," Jack said, ending the call quickly.

Carter kept diving into Gary's life, from his childhood to his imprisonment. She looked at all the case files against him. She found a history of abuse and violence. MacKay arrived back a couple of hours later. "Hey."

"Hey. How was your visit?" Carter asked.

"Disturbing. Not much to say, but he was calm throughout our conversation," MacKay said.

"Weird," Carter said.

"Yeah, let me see the video from the casino," MacKay said.

They watch the video again and again and again.

"That looks exactly like him," Mackay said.

"Yeah, exactly like him. As in a twin brother?" Carter said.

"There is no record of any siblings. We checked!" MacKay said.

"If it's not a twin brother, he found his double ganger," Carter said.

"Did you talk to Jack?" MacKay asked.

"Yeah, they are fine. He did get off the phone quickly," Carter said.

"He is a former military and police officer, probably worried someone would trace his call. He has friends keeping her safe with him," MacKay said. "Do you know where they are?"

"No. He would not say," Carter said.

What did you find on Gary?" MacKay asked.

"Gary has a sealed record. I put in the paperwork to access his record, which can take forever," Carter said.

"What else did you find out?" MacKay asked.

"His father abused him. His father was a drunk and took it out on him and his mother. Cops went to his house for domestic violence a few times. No charges were filed. The mother kept refusing to file."

"And the hits kept on coming," MacKay said.

"Yep, and now the son follows in the Father's footsteps."

"We need his record unsealed," MacKay said.

"What is our next move?" Carter asked.

"Keep digging and see what else you can find. See if you can find a copy of his birth certificate. Did his mother only have one child? Look into his mother and father. I am going to check the APB status," MacKay said.

"Will do," Carter said.

Chapter 8

In the middle of the night, there was no moonlight or sound of the animals living near the lake. A killer wind crept up, along with storm clouds, and thrashed the lake house with torrential rain. They heard the rain pounding the roof and saw the rain flooding the area.

"Austin, this storm is crazy. The wind and the rain make it impossible to see across the street or into the lake," Anthony said.

"Yeah, stay alert."

"You think he would tonight?" Victor said.

"He is crazy, and I don't put anything past him," Austin said.

They gathered their gear and put on the bulletproof vests; Victor closely watched the monitors. Anthony went around and double-checked all windows and doors. Austin had cocked his guns and got ready. They became silent and listened to the sounds of the storm and for any movement outside. Carlene, Lauren, and Jack were in the panic room. They sleep there every night. Austin felt Gary would use the cover of the night to get to Carlene.

A flash grenade comes through the window, knocking everyone down. Gary throws a flash grenade, disorientating them completely. He kicks open the door, shooting the 3 in the head with two shots each. While this happens, Jack, Lauren, and Carlene escape through a back trap door leading under the lake house. They wade through the water, get to the truck, and drive away to the local police department.

Chapter 9

Carter finishes up her deep dive on Gary.

"MacKay. I know who is helping Gary terrorize his ex-wife."

"Who is it?" MacKay asked.

"Gordy, his twin brother. They were separated at the hospital. Gordy was taken to a church by his father. His father only wanted one child, and he gave up his other son. His mother didn't know because she had complications and was sedated. As far as she knew, she had one son. Gordy was adopted, and his last name was changed as part of the adoption process. That's why it didn't appear when we initially looked for siblings."

"So, who is in prison, Gary or Gordy?" MacKay asked.

"How can we tell?"

"We need to ensure Carlene is still alive," MacKay said.

"Call Jack," Carter said.

"Yeah."

***

Jack, Lauren, and Carlene make it to the Police Precinct in Hammonton. The duty officer has to calm them down as they all begin to speak at once, and he doesn't understand their words.

"Please, people, one at a time," the Duty officer said.

"My ex-husband is hunting us. He wants to kill me and my friends. We were at the lake house, and he killed three of our friends," Carlene said.

"He is coming here, and he doesn't care that he has a warrant out on him," Lauren said.

"You can contact Detective MacKay. She can verify our story," Jack said.

"We need help! He is coming. It won't take him long to find us," Carlene said.

"Let me get some help."

He called the detectives on that night and other police officers in the building. They made contact with Detective MacKay, who told them the entire story. MacKay and Carter were heading down from North Jersey. They stayed all night, and by morning, the storm passed. Jack had an idea to flush out Gary, Gordy, or whoever. He tells the others his plan. He wanted to use Carlene as bait to lure him out and take him down when the opportunity arose. He used this plan to protect an ambassador. Carlene agreed. She waited in the diner down the road by the window. She had her coffee and breakfast with Jack and Lauren. The police had a sniper on top of the roof across the street. He was hidden. It was six in the morning, and the streets were empty. They waited patiently and ate what they could, considering the feeling of getting this over with.

Carlene was so tired of running and being afraid that she kept looking out the window, hoping to catch sight of him. After some time, he showed up, running into the diner, pointing a gun at everyone.

"Why did you run, baby? I told you what would happen when you ran away from me," Gary said.

"Put the gun down, Gary. You can't hurt me. You don't have what it takes to kill me," Carlene said.

"I just killed your protection. Oh, I have the guts, darlin, you and your friends are going to die now."

"I don't think so. You coward!" Jack said. "All you do is pick on women. Does that make you feel strong? You are nothing but a coward," Jack said.

"I will kill you where you stand," Gary said.

"Pull the trigger if you got the guts. All I see is a lot of piss and wind. You are just a sad little man," Jack said.

"I got the shot," Sniper said.

"Take it," Lt said.

"Target down," Sniper said.

Jack and Lauren hugged Carlene. The police stormed the diner and moved the gun away from Gary.

"It's over," Lauren said.

"Detective Carter, Detective MacKay. Guess we were wrong, and Gary did get out." Jack said.

"No, he had a twin brother," Carter said.

"So, who was shot, Gary or his brother?" Jack asked.

"We don't know. Probably won't know either," Carter said.

"Let's go home," Carlene said.