CHAPTER 16

Jumping up Mort ran to the kitchen. On top of the refrigerator was a small box with a lock on it. Mort broke the lock and took out the small pistol he owned. It was the same gun he pulled it out on Amy and Ted in the motel.

He opened the cylinder and inside held one bullet. A single shot. He lied to Amy and to himself about it being not loaded. It was but he was a coward to pull the trigger so he simply told Amy he didn’t have any bullets and she believed him. He stuffed the gun in his pocket. He didn’t know what he was going to use it for, but best to safe, right?

Stepping back into the living room Mort wasn’t surprise to see the uninvited guest again.

“Hello there Mr. Rainey,” Shooter greeted.

“You sick filthy rat. What did you do to her?” Mort roared.

Shooter shook his head. “Tsk tsk. Now with that kind of attitude is going to get you nowheres.”

“What did she ever do to you?”

“It’s not what she did to me, Mr. Rainey. It’s what she did to our woman.”

“Our woman? Excuse me, but she’s my girlfriend! You don’t exist! You cannot have her!” Mort yelled.

“Why Mr. Rainey do you know what that Jessica Green do to the lovely (you)?”

“And how could you possibly know?” Mort asked in disbelief.

Shooter grinned. “I know plenty. I was able to get into her purty head and see everything that’s hurting her.”

“Her head? Shooter, leave her alone. Get the Hell out!”

“Don’t you want to hear? I’m surprised that (you) isn’t upset anymore. I know I would keep a grudge for a long time.”

“Fine! What did she do? What did she possibly do that would make you kill her?” Mort demanded.

“I knew you would asked sooner or later,” Shooter said. “Before (you) caught good old Chris in bed with her sister, Jessica did something that you writers hate most. She stole a poem (you) wrote. There was a time when the girl wanted to be a writer but didn’t have niche for it. Couldn’t come up with an idear of her own so she stole one. Now I don’t take kindly when someone steals something of someone else’s.

“You know that Mr. Rainey. Well, (you) found out when she found that poem in a magazine under Jessica’s name. She became upset but (you) blew off that steam before it could rise. She forgave Jessica despite they both despise one another. Don’t know why though. I wouldn’t have forgiven her.”

“Of course not,” Mort mumbled. “That’s why you killed her? Over a lousy frickin poem that Jessica stole? Obviously she learnt her lesson since she never did it again. I’m not saying it was right but that was no reason to commit murder!”

“Don’t ya want to hear how I did it?” Shooter smirked.

“No. Tell me, since you got Jessica did you-“

“Did I get Sandra? Reckon I did. Easy really. After I bed (you) and she fell asleep I took a walk down to Sandra’s.”

“Bed (you)? You did not!”

“Sure I did. You and I are the same person Mr. Rainey. Whatever you do I’ve done also or did you forget that little detail?”

“No.”

“Good. Well, it didn’t take me long. Once I had Sandra tied up and brought her here I was ready to go back to (you). I figured soon I’d take care of her and send Jessica and her off to (you). So I did it that day right after we saw Chris kissing (you).”

“So why did you killed them for what reason other than you hate them?”

“I love her Mr. Rainey. I love her like no other man has ever loved her. I would die and kill for her, understand?”

“And what did you think that she would love you in return when you killed them?! She will never love you Shooter. Never!”

“Oh she does. She loves you right? But if she changes her mind then that would be a wrong move for her. Are you getting the picture?”

During this, Shooter stepped closer until he was right in Mort’s face. “Well?”

Shooter’s breath was hot against Mort’s face. His cold eyes bored into Mort’s waiting for his response. “I think it’s about time you should see how I did it. You don’t remember Amy and Ted’s death but I can make you remember the Greens’.”

Shooter removed his hat and placed it on Mort’s head.

~Flashback~

Setting the bag down, he went over to untie her. As soon as the ropes fell, Jessica made a bolt for it. Quickly, Shooter grabbed her and brought her down. She fell and hit her hard on the surface of the cement floor. She was knocked out. Shooter picked up the Jessica and stuffed her in the bag. He was strong thanks to the weight-lifting Mort done so carrying the bag wasn’t a struggle. And he started off.

* * * *

He reached Shilling’s Forest in record time. So far Jessica was still knocked out cold. He took the nature trail down to the fork and made the right turn. He dragged the bag to an old oak tree. He opened the bag and dumped the girl out.

Letting her go, Jessica was still paralyzed in fright and couldn’t make her feet move. Chuckling to himself, Shooter held the ax and with a swift stroke it came towards her pale throat. The blade formed a deep cut and she fell lifeless to the ground. Bending down, Shooter took the ax and came down over and over until her head was detached from the body.

* * * *

After Shooter was finished with Jessica, he needed to get himself cleaned. He stuffed the body and head into the bag and dragged it back towards the path where the fork met. When you and Mort had your walks, you would go down to the left and there was a lake towards the end. Shooter swung the bag over his shoulder and pursued to the lake.

Shooter covered the bag and hid the ax behind an old chest. He climbed up the stairs and carelessly tossed his hat in the closet. As he reached the bedroom, it was to his relief that you hadn’t moved an inch. He shed his clothes off and slid under the covers so you wouldn’t suspect anything.

* * * *

Mort was standing outside your window as jealousy and fury fueled within him. How dare Chris! The last coherent thought was the soothing darkness overcoming him.

~End of Flashback~

Mort stood there in a trance throughout the scene and not once could he lash out at Shooter.

“See? Pretty creative don’t you think? I thought so myself when I was doing it.”

“You are disgusting,” Mort barked.

Shooter laughed. “Now now Mr. Rainey watch your temper. By the way, I haven’t seen (you) in some time. Don’t matter I suppose. I’ll find her soon and there’s nothing you can do to stop me.”

~You POV~

During the ride to the store, you and Sam sat in silence as the rain pattered against the truck. You didn’t say a word to him of what you found.

“Mighty weird weather we’re having,” Sam remarked as the rain picked up speed.

“Yeah,” you agreed. “First it was hot to beat the band and now it’s cooling down.”

Sam laughed. “Ain’t that the truth? Hey (you) I hope you don’t mind me asking, but how close are you to Mr. Rainey?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean are you two a couple of some kind. From the way he called me earlier it sounded like there was more to it than friendship.”

You faced him. “Yeah we are a couple.”

“Oh,” was all Sam said. You looked at him strangely. “Why Sam?”

“Its just Joe has told me from what our cousin told him up in Tashmore. I didn’t believe him, but I started to wonder that perhaps it could be true. How often does two people disappear into thin air and then show up dead? We haven’t had a crime like this in over 50 years. I hate to see Mr. Rainey get locked up for this crime because of those rumors.”

You silently agreed with Sam. You knew the truth but there was no way you were going to betray Mort’s trust. Your mind started to wander aimlessly until Sam pulled up.

“Here we are,” Sam grinned. “You can use the phone in my office to call Mr. Rainey (you).”

“Sure thanks Sam.”

You walked inside his office and for a moment you stopped to look at the pictures on his desk. There was plenty of him and Joe when they were younger and just about everyone in the town. Sam had close relations to most of the people in Green Waters Shore from all the close business he done. There was even one of you and Chris with Sam when Chris was Employee of the Month.

Taking your eyes away, you went to the phone and dialed Mort’s number. The phone rang for a while and his answering machine kicked on. That’s strange, you thought. After the beep, you told Mort that you were with Sam at the store and later would be heading over to Sam’s place.

After hanging up, you went out looking for Sam.

* * * *

“At the store? Well I reckon it’s time to pay a visit,” Shooter said as he listened to the message you just left. Grinning like a madman he left into the coming storm.

* * * *

~Your POV~

Sam was over at the registers collecting the money to put it away. He glances over to see you and smiled. “Did you call Mr. Rainey?”

“Yup not home,” you informed him. “Do you need help getting that to the safe?”

“No. Almost done,” Sam told you.

The wind was wailing and moaning outside. A heavy storm was definitely coming through.

“I hope we don’t have a blackout like we did that one time,” Sam said.

You nodded. It was a pretty bad one. No one had power for a couple of weeks and that was just a year ago.

Just as you both spoke, the lights began to flicker on and off. “Oh great,” sighed Sam. “(You), could you get a couple of flashlights? They should be in office and if not then check Hardware’s. Damn Joe keeps leaving them there.”

You nodded. “I’ll be back in a second.”

You first went to Sam’s office and sure enough they weren’t there. “Off to Hardware’s then,” you mumbled.

You left the office to go down to the one area that Joe practically lived in.

The Hardware section was one of the largest areas next to the actual groceries. It was Joe’s idea since like most men they like they’re toys. You went over to the Hardware’s service desk and behold there they were. Shaking your head, you bent over to get them.

“I see you found them,” Sam spoke from behind you, causing you to jump.

“Sorry,” he replied sheepishly.

“Forget it,” you told him. You handed him one of them. “Do you think there’s any need for them Sam? The lights are still on.”

“Can’t be too careful (you),” Sam said cheekily. “Stay here will you? I thought I heard the back door banging. I told Joe so many times to closed that door good otherwise the damn thing will be flapping about.”

“I will Sam.”

Sam left you standing alone in the middle of men’s heaven when utter darkness filled the entire store. Sighing, you flicked on the flashlight. The light was dim and not strong enough for you to see 10 feet in front of you.

“Just my luck,” you muttered. “Sam?”

You left the spot to go look for him. It was odd being in the store like this. Everything was so different in the dark. You bump into a few racks but still managed to keep moving on.

You found yourself with the registers looking out the large glass windows. All the other buildings had power but this one. Sam must be playing a joke on me, you thought.

You knew Sam for a long time and he can be a joker when the time called for. Especially tonight when there’s a storm brewing and the fact he told you to get the flashlights. Not very smart with this one, you thought.

“Sam? Sam! If this is your idea of a practical joke well then forget it! It’s lame!” you called. No answer.

You moved to the back of the store. “Sam? Okay Sam you got me all right? It was fun while it lasted and right now this is getting old fast.”

You were now standing in the backroom where he was suppose to be, but to your surprise it was empty. The back door was closed properly and there was no sign of the owner.

“Sam?”

There was some movement behind you and you flashed your light to the spot quickly. “Sam? Stop Sam please? You’re starting to scare me.”

Summing up the courage within, you stuck your head out of the door into the room and looked around. There was no one there.

Shrinking back inside, you heard something fall. “Sam?” You flashed your light to where you thought it came from.

“Sam?”

There was an opening that led from the backroom into a small office where Sam and Joe kept the paperwork for the store. You stepped inside and looked around when you stopped. The light on your flashlight started to flicker off so you bang on it to get it back. When the light returned you settled it on a large object that was a few feet away.

“Sam? If it’s you then please stop this right now.”

You moved closer to where you could get a better look and gasped in horror.

* * * * *

CHAPTER 17

Poor Sam was sitting in a chair with a wrench stuck into his left side of his head. You covered your mouth and tears stung your eyes. How could this happen? you thought frantically. Why him? Why Sam?

Spinning around you ran out towards the Sporting Goods. Shooter had to be here and you needed anything that would provide protection. Turning down to the hunting aisle you found a small glass case. You punched through and took out a medium-sized hunting knife. Ignoring the cuts on your fist, you bellowed out, “SHOOTER! Come out you coward!”

This has gone far enough. Already 3 people were murdered and you were starting to blame yourself. You weren’t sure what you were going to do. But you were going to try your best to stop him and save Mort.

Armed with the knife and flashlight, you walked out in search of Shooter.

Shining your light around and calling out his name, you grew in anger and fury. It wasn’t Mort’s fault, but Shooter’s. Shooter was to blame. He wasn’t a person but a monster.

“Looking for me darling?”

Making a sharp right, you were face-to-face with Shooter.

“You bastard! You heartless son of a bi-“

“Careful missy. Might want to think about who you calling those names to.”

“I do know. You Shooter. Why did you kill them? Why did you kill Sam?!”

“Now (you), it’s not easy to explain for my actions,” he drawled. “I’m a righteous fellow deep down. After all right is right and fair is fair and that’s how I was treating this. The Greens’ hurt you and I couldn’t take that. But your friend Sam was only getting in my way so I quickly dispose of him.”

“Oh God no! The only ‘righteous fellow’ is Mort, Shooter. And that was no excuse to kill any of them! Were you expecting me to welcome you into my arms or something? I don’t love you Shooter and killing my friends won’t make me change my mind!” you spat.

In the dark you could fell his eyes growing huge at your statement. Shooter didn’t reply right away and for a second you were afraid he would pop up from behind and nail a screwdriver into your head.

“I’m sorry you feel that way,” Shooter finally said. “I wish I didn’t kill them, truly I do, but it wasn’t my idea at the time. Honestly! It was Mr. Rainey I swear.”

“So you’re going to lie now again? I don’t believe a single word that just came out of your mouth.” You felt your face start to redden in total hatred towards this man who shares the body with the one you love.

You heard him sigh. “(You), please try to understand where I’m coming from. Mr. Rainey created me to do such deeds and I don’t like it one bit. I ant to be my own person and I know together you can make me a better person all right.”

You shook your head. “Sorry Shooter but I’m afraid I’m reserved only for Mort Rainey.”

“You wouldn’t dare!” he cried. “Do you know what might happen if you refuse me?”

“I don’t care,” you said promptly. “That’s life Shooter. You can’t always win.”

“You’re wrong!” A hand flew out and blew you across the face. You fell and the knife skidded out of your hand. Great. There goes my savior.

“If you don’t want me then there’s no need for you to stay alive!”

You thrust your foot out and made contact with his groin. As Shooter fell you scrambled to your feet and took off running in a blind direction. Your mind raced with thoughts of, I’m going to die! I’m going to die! I’m going to die!

You kept running into the clothes area. Your heart was pounding fiercely that you felt it would fly out. You moved around a corner and fell to a fetal position. Huddling as close to the wall, you slowed down your breathing trying to get your heartbeat to a normal pace.

You were calm down somewhat. You couldn’t believe this was happening. The shock expression was still etched in your mind and all you wanted to do was wept for him. Sam was everyone’s friend. Everyone’s! Even strangers who rode past the town would stop in for directions and something and they would always stay a bit longer than planned, just talking to good old Sam.

He didn’t deserve that kind of death, your mind wailed. It should have been me!

Wait a second! What do you mean it should have been me? Sam died that’s terrible but you have to do something! You promised Mort that you two were in it together and that you would both stop Shooter! A voice screamed out in your mind. You have to stop him from harming anyone else! You can’t give up on him!

“But what can I do?” you whispered.

Simple. You must take a stand, the voice said reassuringly. You were presuming it was your conscience since it wasn’t saying kill whoever you have a grudge against.

Relaxing more, you wondered what you could do to stop Shooter but without hurting Mort. “Why did they have to be one person!” you moaned.

You knew you shouldn’t give up but was there a way to prevent Shooter from doing more evil? This was a brainteaser that didn’t seem to have an answer.

You can’t do this you know you can’t, another voice spoke up. There’s no way to stop Shooter and not hurt Mort. It’s impossible! If you try to stand up to him who do you think will come out victor? Shooter is obvious a lot stronger than you ever were.

No! you yelled at that voice. I can do it! I promised Mort that I would stay by him throughout. I never back out of a promise before and I don’t intend on starting right now. Mort was the one who helped me with my trusting problems. Even though he lied to me, it was only in my best interest! I never had anyone take that kind of precaution for me. Never! Mort saved me in many ways and he inspired me like no living being as ever. I can’t leave him to Shooter. I know Mort is fighting within and he won’t give up. And if he won’t give up than I won’t either!

That negative voice didn’t reply. Good. You never felt so much better before in your life. You knew that if didn’t matter if you failed or not, as long you tried for Mort’s sake. You loved him and that’s the only thing that matters. Doesn’t love mean you would willingly lay down your life for that person?

You knew what you had to do. And you were going to wait for the opportune moment.

“I know you’re here.” Shooter’s voice was in a distance but appeared to come closer. “(You), I’ll give you one more chance. If you promise to be my wife I will never harm another soul, I swear.”

“Go to Hell!” you yelled.

“You know Mr. Rainey will be heartbroken if he found out that he killed you. And this time I would certainly make sure that the law will get him,” Shooter taunted.

You held back the biting comeback that was threatening to explode. Footsteps were getting near and you held your breath and slowly started to count in your head to ten.

“It will be a shame

(ONE)

for Mr. Rainey to know

(TWO)

what he did,” Shooter went on.

(THREE)

“I’m not sure

(FOUR)

if he will be

(FIVE)

willing to live.”

“Mort will get over it,” you said. (SIX)

“I reckon he won’t,” he replied. (SEVEN)

Shooter was just standing behind you. If he took another step he would easily see you. You pulled your legs closer and waited.

(EIGHT)

(NINE)

(T-)

“What the Hell-?” Shooter let out and then silence.

You heard a scuffling and then a thud as something fell to the ground.

“(You)!”

“Ah!” you screamed and turned. It was Chris.

“Hurry come with me quick!” he cried urgently.

Next thing you knew, Chris was pulling you up on your feet and leading you towards the exit with a bright flashlight leading the way into the abyss.

* * * * *

CHAPTER 18

You watched as Chris closed the passenger door and run around to get to the driver’s side. Slamming the door, Chris brought the car to life and sped off away from the store.

The rain came at incredible speed and for a crazy moment you wondered what it was like to be a single drop.

“Are you okay?” Chris asked, breaking the ice.

“Sam’s dead,” you replied softly.

“What?”

“Sam’s dead,” you repeated. Your throat was dry and the meaning of the words was still a shock. After a while, you asked, “How did you know where to find me?”

“I had a bad feeling that something was amiss. I called Joe, damn him, was sleeping and couldn’t make much sense of the situation. He sounded not worry about you and said that Mort called Sam to find you. After he said that Sam had to go to the store so thank God I was there in time,” he explained. “I stopped him before he could have done anymore damage.”

“You didn’t hurt him? Tell me, you didn’t hurt him?!” you cried. During your outburst, you reached out and grabbed Chris’s arm. He jerked the steering wheel causing the vehicle to do a 360. He slammed on the brakes and drove into the skid to get the car under control.

He set it to park and began to fume. “God damnit (you)! What the Hell is wrong with you?”

“You didn’t lay a hand on him, did you?” you asked again.

He looked at you as if you lost your mind. “(You), your boyfriend was going to kill you! I had to stop him long enough to get you out of there and all you can say is ‘You didn’t hurt him’?”

“That was not Mort, Chris,” you told him. “That was Shooter.”

“Shooter? Look I know who I saw and it was Mort.”

“No it wasn’t! It was Mort’s body, yes, but not him. Shooter was trying to hurt me.”

“Who is Shooter?”

“Shooter’s a part of Mort and he has taken over him! Please, whatever you do don’t harm him,” you pleaded.

“Have you lost your marbles woman? That makes no sense! I’m telling you, that Mort is dangerous. He killed his wife-“

“Ex,” you interrupted.

“Whatever. He killed her, her boyfriend, and these two guys. And I have the suspicions that he killed Sandra and Jessica.”

“Yes but not Mort! Shooter did it! Shooter did it!”

“There’s no Shooter! I bet he made it all up so no one could convict him! (You) he’s extremely dangerous and he almost killed you! How can you still be on his side?”

“I love him Chris! I know I can help him. Shooter may right now have control over Mort, but I know he’s there fighting.”

Chris shook his head in disbelief. “I can’t believe you. After what just happened, you’re still nuts over this guy.”

“Let me out,” you said.

“What? I will not! You’re staying with me until I can get hold of the Sheriff.”

“No!” you yelled. “No sheriff! You’re only going to make it worse. Let me out now!”

“Are you insane? It’s pouring out and a serial killer is on the loose! You are not leaving this car!”

“He is not a SERIAL KILLER!” you hollered.

Chris mumbled something intelligible under his breath and returned the car to drive and headed to his house. You crossed your arms over your chest in defeat. It didn’t matter if you ran out; Chris would have brought you back.

He pulled up and you followed him inside. Chris had a fire going and you sat beside it to warm up. Chris stood next to you to bask in the embers.

“Look,” he said, “I’m sorry what I said earlier about Mort. I just can’t deny what I saw. I know you hate me but try to see where I’m getting at. I know he’s important to you and perhaps, if you let me, I could help.”

“You don’t know what’s really going on,” you replied.

He sighed in frustration. “I’m trying to be sensible here. Can’t you try to be civil to me?”

You got up and faced him. “Look I tried to. I tried after that night and even when you left me and came back. You never respected my feelings. In fact, I don’t think you ever respected me period. So Chris I think you should be civil to me and Mort.”

“You have got to be kidding! You know what? Fine! Be with the nutcase see if I care! Maybe when he turns against you and you end up with your head in a box you would realize, ‘Geez, Chris was right and I should have listened to him.’”

Your mouth dropped. “I cannot believe what you just said. If one of us should be pissed it should be me! I was cool for you and Sandra even though she was a bitch! God bless her soul. So if you excuse me, I’m getting myself a beer and pretending I didn’t hear anything you said.” You stomped off into the kitchen.

Chris watched you leave and fell to his recliner. You were right, as always it seemed. But even after those three years of marriage right now he felt like a stranger in a house with a beautiful woman. Well, an unattainable woman at that.

Maybe he was out of line, but he knew what he saw. It didn’t matter if the store was dark, Chris knew what the outcome would have been if he didn’t interfere.

Meanwhile, you were leaning against the counter drinking a beer. You were so mad it wasn’t even funny. Taking a large gulp, you set the empty bottle down. You contemplated on whether or not you should get another one. Making up your mind, you headed over to the fridge and just as you opened the door the lights started to flicker.

Slowly, you closed the door and moved to the drawers. Searching through them, you found the one that contained the knives. You pulled out a cleaver, you walked out into the living room.

Chris was on the floor (on all fours). You rolled your eyes. “What are you doing?”

“I dropped the flashlight,” he answered. “Oh, found it.”

He jumped up and flashed it in your face. “God Chris!”

“Sorry,” he said sheepishly.

“What happened?” you asked.

“I dunno. Could be a fuse or something.” Then the lights went off completely. Chris screamed. (A/N: For anyone who has seen Scary Movie 3, there’s a part where George screams like a girl when the lights went out in the basement. It sounded a lot like that.) Again, you rolled your eyes.

“Calm down Chris, please.”

“I’m fine. I was startled that’s all,” Chris said. “Good thing you found that. Okay, I’ll go check the power box and there’s some candles upstairs in the bedroom, so could you get those?”

“Sure,” you mumbled. You turned around and started to go up when you looked at Chris. He stood facing the door and not moving. “Need the cleaver?”

He shook his head and went out. Shaking your head, you went to the bedroom and sure enough there was the candles lying on the nightstand. Smiling, you waltzed over and stopped. You thought you heard shouting outside. Quickly dismissing the thoughts of Shooter being here, you grabbed a few and headed out.

The front door slammed and there was a pounding of feet below. Dropping the candles, you held the cleaver with a death-like grip and slowly looked over the railing. The lights were now just dimmed so you could see a couple of bodies.

It was silent between them. You set the knife down and crawled to the head of the stairs for a better look. Then someone spoke in a low tone.

“It would be in your best interest to give her to me.” You recognize it as Shooter.

“Why? So you can kill her?” Chris barked.

“No. She’s a treasure that (you) and though she don’t want me, I won’t hurt a hair on her.”

“You lie!” And Chris charged towards Shooter. Chris went to punch him when Shooter dodged and popped Chris in the stomach. Chris fell but quickly recovered and came up by socking Shooter in the nose. Chris gave him another blow, this time on the head. Shooter fell. Chris walked over and stood above him.

“Look who won,” Chris said joyfully.

Shooter’s eyes flew opened and kicked Chris to the ground. Shooter got up and hovered above the fallen hero.

“Looks like I did.” He bent down and picked Chris up by the throat. Chris tried to break Shooter’s hold but couldn’t. Shooter held tighter, squeezing the air out of his lungs.

You stared in horror as Chris’s flailing arms started to go limp. His shorten breaths grew raspier and soon no sound was heard. Shooter dropped the body and looked up to where you were.

You ran down the stairs and stopped at the foot, just glaring at him.

“I’m sorry (you) I really am. It’s just he was getting in the way and he did cheat on you.”

“Yeah but he didn’t deserve to go like this,” you whispered.

He took a step forward with a devilish look upon his face. Just as quick as he took that step, his face softens and worry replaces the murderous glaze in his eyes.

“Mort?” you asked unsure.

He blinked a couple of times and a relieved smile appeared. “(You)! You’re all right!”

“Yes!” you cried with glee. Tears started to dot your eyes in happiness to see your boyfriend back.

Then his features darkened. “Come here now!” he yelled in a southern accent full of venom.

Mort/Shooter grabbed his face and hissed. He took a staggering step back and moaned in pain. The two were at war as to who got control.

“(You), get out now! Leave!” Mort screamed.

You shook your head in awe. “I’m not leaving you Mort.”

“You must! Go before it’s too late!” Mort cried. “I can’t go on anymore.”

You watched as his expression changed from sane to insane in seconds. “I’m about done fussing with you!”

You moved back before he could grab you. The man fell and one of them threw the hat off out of desperation.

Mort looked up to your face and pleaded, “Go! I want you to leave me now!”

“No I won’t!” You fell beside him and took his hand. “I can’t leave you Mort. We’re in this together and we can fight off Shooter.”

“You don’t understand. Shooter’s a part of me and he will always be there.”

“But you have him under control! See? He hasn’t showed up-“

“Yet,” Mort finished. “I know but frankly it’s not enough. You seen him out of control and it was pure luck I’m talking to you now.”

Mort pulled away from you and took his gun out of his pocket.

“Mort?” You looked at him confused.

Love, adoration, and sincerity reflected out of those warm deep eyes. “I have to (you). It’s the only way to protect my love ones.”

“No!” you reached but he moved away.

“There’s no other option. Go! I can’t bear you to see this.”

“Mort . . .”

“GO!”

“No. Mort you can get rid of him! You’re in control not Shooter. You can easily rid yourself of him just as easy as you created him. You decide whether or not if Shooter lives within you. You have that choice!”

“No I don’t. I tried (you) but it’s no use. I love you.”

“Don’t you dare say that! Mort you have to stay! You have to! I’m not going to let you kill yourself!” you yelled.

“Damnit! You’re making this difficult.” Mort couldn’t take it anymore. He could feel Shooter trying to get out and Mort couldn’t hold him back any longer.

“(You)! Hurry! I can feel Shooter coming. Please! I don’t want you hurt.”

Mort took the gun and pointed it to his head as tears streamed down his face. He didn’t want to die but there weren’t anymore options. It was either to stop Shooter for good or let him roam free and kill more innocent people. Mort chose to give up his life to save you and anyone else who threatened Shooter.

Everything appeared to be moving in slow motion. You continued to plead with Mort and whenever you reached out he pulled back further and screaming to you to leave.

“Please Mort. Don’t throw us away,” you said. Just like what happened in the store a pair of arms scooped you up. As if you became deaf in a short time, two voices argued back and forth, but the words wouldn’t go through your ears.

Before you knew it you were being turned around away from the sight. It was Joe who was at your side, guiding you out of the house.

Joe received a call from Chris about you and after hanging up, he knew something was wrong. He got to the store as fast as he could, but no one was there. He went around and found Sam’s body. It reminded him of what his cousin told him in Tashmore. Mort’s dog, Chico, had a screwdriver drilled into this head and supposedly another soul had the similar fate. No one knew for certain and it was best just to think of it as a rumor.

Joe left and headed to Chris’s house. Every time he got closer, this feeling kept nagging at him. And when he went inside, he saw you pleading with Mort. He heard Mort telling you to go so Joe did the thing he could think of.

He held you tightly in his arms as Mort’s words rang in his ears. “Take her out! He’s trying to get out and kill her!”

Joe didn’t know who “he” was but he did what was asked of him. Just as he got you outside, a loud bang echoed.

Tears pouring, you turned closer to Joe as he offered the best thing he could: comfort to a friend in need.

* * * * *

CHAPTER 19

A year passed since that dreadful night. You couldn’t bear to go back to the house and you moved out as soon as you could. The one person who brought back what you longed for was gone and there was nothing else that mattered.

You finished your story now titled Inspiration and it was sort of a take on the past events. It became a best seller, but it didn’t make you feel any better. Anna, the main character, her boyfriend died from a fatal bullet wound because of the demons that plagued him had pushed him off the deep end. Her ex-husband, Chris, well wasn’t mentioned too much in this story since of the terrible car accident in the beginning. In the ending, Anna was able to get over the loss of her love and move on.

You hadn’t. Never.

Mort was always on your mind and every night you wake, expecting to see him beside you but realizing he will never come back. The one thing that haunted you was how no one knew where Mort’s body was. The only body they found was Chris’s. In your heart you held out on hope that he was still alive, but that gun being pulled was no special effects.

You now lived in a much smaller town than Green Waters Shore and where basically everyone kept to themselves. You appreciated it and no one has ever bothered you.

You drummed your nails on the computer desk, staring at the blank screen. You were working on your next novel that happened to have no title and no plot.

“I’m open to suggestions,” you said, turning to your dog Bandit (A/N: That’s right! You kept Bandit because he needed an owner. Kudos for your kind heart). The dog raised his head and barked.

You laughed. “Okay boy. Maybe tomorrow will be better.”

Bandit started to whine softly. You cocked your head at him. “Bandit? What’s wrong?”

The animal jumped up and ran to the front door. He started to scratch the door and his crying grew louder.

You sighed. “Bandit, how many times do I have to tell you the rain is not going to hurt you.”

You walked over and patted his head. “The rain won’t hurt you. Now lie down, sweetie.”

Bandit reluctantly turned around and lay by the sofa. Grinning, you started to move away when a tapping came at the door.

“Must be the UPS guy again,” you murmured.

You opened the door and stopped breathing.

Standing on the porch, dripping wet from the fresh rain fallen stood the man who stole your heart.

“My gosh, Mort-?”

It couldn’t be! It couldn’t be happening! There were times where you thought you seen him, but those were just mirages. Was this Mort just an image also?

“You can’t be real,” you whispered. “Or are you?”

“(You),” he said. “You are so beautiful.”

Hesitate, you moved towards him. Looking him straight in the eye, you reached to touch his face. As your hand met solid skin, you crushed your lips against his.

Mort’s arms went around and pulled you closer. Your tongue traced his lips and when he allowed access, you drove into taste what was offered. Your senses were going to overdrive as the realization that this was the actual article and not a dream.

As wonderful the moment was it had to come to an end. You pulled back and Mort gently rubbed the tears off your face.

“This can’t be possible,” you choked. “I thought you were-“

“Dead? Not by a long shot.” Mort smiled.

“I heard the gun,” you gasped.

“I pulled it away from me to have everyone think I was dead.”

“But the body! No one could find it.”

“Well, I thought about what you said how I can easily destroy Shooter since I created him. I never tried hard enough before until you said it. I guess the gun and the fact of almost killing myself caused Shooter to flee for good.”

“Why didn’t you come back?”

“I couldn’t not right after what happened. But by the time I got around to your house you were gone and so was my dog. You have no idea how long it took to find you. It wasn’t until your book got published that I knew where to look. I read it and it was beyond words to explain how good it was. The ending was a bit upsetting to me since Anna was able to move on and I wondered if you did too. I had to come to see for myself and by look of things you still have feelings for me.”

You nodded. “I can never get over you if I tried Mort Rainey. So is Shooter gone for good?”

“He hasn’t shown up at my door for a year now.”

You softly chuckled. How good it was for the real Mort to be here and not an imaginary one!

“(You), there’s something important I have to say and that from the moment I laid eyes on you I realize you were my soul mate forever. I love you and after what we been through I can’t stand to be away from you. I was wrong to think that we wouldn’t be strong enough to fight off Shooter but we were and we did. I can’t live without you by my side since you gave me that second chance at love. Despite what happened I see great things for the both of us in the future if you say yes.”

He got down on one knee and stared lovingly into your eyes. “(Your full name), will you marry me?”

“Mort, you never had to ask me. It would be an automatic yes.”

He laughed and stood up. “I love you with all my heart and soul.” He bent to capture your lips in a sweet, passionate kiss. As you stood in his embrace, you thought happily, ‘I have to change that ending.’

* * * * *

A/N: Stay tuned for the sequel, The Past Never Dies.

THE END

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