The Biker

The Biker
A short story
by Lloyd W.Alexander
 
Copyright 2006
 
He was sitting in his boxer briefs watching the ball games on the West Coast on his big screen TV. The Red Sox were out west facing the Angels in Anaheim. It was a warm evening for Maine so his windows were open to grab what little breeze was available. He heard a bike outside which was not common this late at night. As it neared the bend before his road he heard it sputter and sputter again. He chuckled a little as he knew there was no where near to get help this late at night if the biker could not get it going again. He decided it was to hot to move and just popped the top on another and tilted back the icy brew. He soon forgot about the bike and the biker. He started to doze off as was often the case for the late night West Coast games. He was fading but there was no need to fear leaving the windows and doors open where he lived. It was quiet except for the crickets and frogs.
 
 
She was on her bike and just taking in the road along the twisting coast. The rumble of the engine and the cool breeze combined with an awesome view was almost orgasmic all by itself. Then she felt the engine hiccup a little, then sputter and sputter till it died. She knew immediately what the problem was with the bike, it was out of gas. She had been looking but had not found a station the route. She hoped it would last but it did not. She figured she could just lay on a beach or something till morning. She tried to sleep but the sounds were unfamiliar to her and she could not ease her mind. It wandered as all minds do in unfamiliar surrounds in the dark. She was used to the dark of the mines but this, this was different. This trip was to help her put her recent divorce behind her and it was working except for when it was time to go to sleep. It was different with nobody beside her to cuddle with. She missed that warmth and loving touch of a man. She craved it now as the ocean breeze was quite cold. She was wearing jeans and a tank top with no bra. Her nipples were quite stiff from the chill of the air. She reached for her bag to grab more to put on. While she was reaching she saw the light on across the way and the flicker of a TV. She was cold and there could be warmth and a decent nights sleep just across the road and up the little hill.
 
She rose and walked towards the light. It was a beacon to her now and she was drawn like a bug to a lone light at night. The air was warmer on this side of the street despite only being yards further from the ocean.
 
She approached the door and knocked but the man in the chair did not stir. He looked like he was fast asleep. She slowly opened the screen door and entered. She walked towards him but stopped feet away. She admired his hairy but muscular chest. His arms looked strong and a passion began to fill her as she wished to have them wrap around her. His hands looked like a working mans hands and she oh so wanted them to caress her body's every subtle curve. Her loins began to become moist with her juices as she thought about it.
 
 
Her eyes wandered down his body to his chest, his six pack of a stomach and she just so wanted to lick it and to run her hands across it to feel the muscles.
 
She was becoming wetter. She wanted him and then her eyes wandered to his boxer briefs and saw a bulge. She felt like someone had turned on the heat as she was very hot now and her desire for him kept growing. She looked at his legs and they were very strong and muscular as well. His legs were apart and she was shaking with nerves but knew she wanted him, no, she needed him. She knelt and slowly rubbed the outside of his boxer briefs and gently kissed the inside of his thigh. He moaned with pleasure and stirred. He was awake now both below the waist and above as she slid his hardness out and slipped her tongue around the tip.
 
He reached for her and she pushed him back signaling him to be quiet and not to say a word. He wanted to talk but couldn't. Was this a dream? Could this really be? Oh he was feeling so good, so aroused. She was working him in and out of her mouth now. He was coming close to losing it. He gently pulled her up to him and looked into her dark eyes. He saw a passion he had never seen before and felt a connection instantaneously. Her looked at her and then slid back to see more of her. He saw her hair was curly and wavy as soft to the touch of his hands. He caressed her head softly and pulled her towards him. Their lips touched and he felt a wave roll through his body. Her lips were full and so soft, so sensual was her kiss.
 
They both rose as one and he pulled her tight, he could feel her stiff nipples pressing through her shirt against him. He wanted to feel them and suckle them but not yet. He slid his hands down her back to her ass which was so firm and yet plentiful. He grabbed it hard and she moaned. He pulled her tight to his body and his hardness pressed against her. She ached for him and he throbbed for her. She could feel him bursting through his boxers for her. He undid her pants and slid them down to find she was not wearing any panties. Her body was so smooth and he slid around to the front only to find more smoothness as he slid towards her wetness. She slid his boxers down and paused at his ass to feel it and savoir its firmness. They began to kiss again and his tongue felt wonderful in her mouth. She could only imagine how it would feel elsewhere. She was so wet and he was making her wetter as he played with her clit. She moaned for him to assure him of the pleasure he was creating for her. He slowly kissed his way from her mouth to her neck with a little nibble hear and there on towards her nipples where he paused and gave each ample time.... then continued to her stomach which was amazing to his lips. He paused at her belly ring and played with it for a moment to tease her. She twisted to let him know her displeasure in the tease. Down he went to his knees and as his tongue founds its mark his hands slid to her bottom to control her. She could squirm with pleasure but she could not get away from him, nor did she want too. He took her to the brink but pulled away as he felt her body tighten in preparation for the orgasm. It was not time yet for her to feel it. He rose and kissed her again and they embraced in a deep kiss. A kiss for the ages and both melted to the floor in a heap of twisted bodies. As they pressed against one another he slowly began to enter her. She moaned and he stopped to tease her, she tried to pull him closer but he was too strong. There eyes met and for the first time she saw the blue eyes of this man. Blue eyes so welcoming and warm, so full of love and yet so sad. He slowly went in her until he was deep and she tilted her head back as her eyes rolled in pleasure. She could feel him relax and took full advantage of it as she quickly flipped him over. He was shocked, pleasantly shocked. She wanted to control this ride and did just that. She rode him and he thrust into her. Their bodies moved in perfect unison, as one complete being until they both orgasmed at the same time. Both spent they collapsed side by side on the floor and held each other tight. She turned and they spooned. He caressed her breasts and stomach while softly kissing her neck till she fell asleep and then he also drifted off.
 
They did not even know each others names yet but it felt like heaven and safety to both of them.
 
She woke as a cold breeze swept through the screened windows. He was still wrapped around her but was unable to keep her warm. It was cold here even in August for her and her body which was used too much warmer temperatures back home in New Mexico. She was so glad to be away from there and all the pain associated with what used to be home. After all that had taken place on her journey East she could never return back home again. She intended to just keep riding and see if she could outrun her demons that were sure to not be far behind. She felt free for the first time in such a long time. Her mind was free from prison now and it felt so good to be out, out anywhere was better than where she had come from and where she could never return. Her past would chase her now. She had to keep moving and keep ahead of it. She felt the urge to leave and was torn between the arms she felt so safe in and the past traveling the same roads she had ridden closing in on her. She turned and faced him. He was just as handsome this morning as he had been the night before and looked oh so peaceful. She knew they had a hell of a time and she still felt safe despite what she knew lurked out there for her. She was starring at him and slowly stroking his hair when his beautiful blue eyes opened and met hers. She felt the warmth from them instantly. He smiled and pulled her closer, he gently caressed the small of her back and then kissed her so softly on the lips it could have been a butterflies wings. He was so gentle but yet he was oh so muscular. He said good morning to her and she said it back to him. She so wanted to just have him again as she could feel her insides stirring already. He slid his hand on her ass and then gave a slight gentle slap. She instantly pulled back and away from him. It was just a reaction and she could not control it even if she wanted to as it had been instilled in her over the years.
 
He did not know what to think as she pulled away from him. What did he do? Was this some crazy chick? He didnt know her and yet he felt like he did know her oh so well. Where had she come from? She looked like the angel he hoped for long ago when his wife had passed away just after their marriage. He had hoped he could love again and feel again but had not been able to over the 5 years since she had gone so quickly and tragically from his life. The thoughts brought back a pain and he could feel it now as if it had just happened again. A tear came to his eye and as he sat up it began to slide slowly down his cheek.
 
She had withdrawn and now felt unsure of what to do with herself. She had not wanted to do so but it was fight or flight and she always had flown whenever possible except, except, she tried to block it from her mind. She just wanted to be back in his arms and then she saw what appeared to be a tear sliding down the side of his face. She had never seen a man cry before until the other day, before she began this journey. Their eyes met and she reached towards his face, she touched just beside the tear and then slowly wiped it away. His eyes looked so sad now and distant but as she wiped the tear he slowly returned to look at her warmly. She wrapped her arms around him and pressed herself against him tightly. He squeezed her back and she felt so safe and so comforted by him that she could not believe it could be real. She fought the urge to pull away and run as this had been what she always wanted to feel with a man but he was a total stranger to her. They sat and just held each other without a word between them. Their hearts were beating as if they were one heart. She caressed him and slowly they became entangled yet again in a passionate ball of arms and legs twisted together. Before both of them knew it they were connected again. He slowly worked himself in out and out of her. He could feel her becoming moister with each pump into her and it helped him go deeper and deeper. She moaned with pleasure and he went faster and faster as she met him with each plunge by raising her hips to him. Then a loud knock at the screen door startled them both. Their hearts stopped or so it felt. He slid out of her and she tried to cover up but it was useless and too late. They had been seen no doubt about it. She slid behind him to use him as her blanket and felt somewhat concealed. The figure in the door was tall and seemed to block out the sun. She could feel him stiffen before her and she did not know if to scurry away or to cling to her new found safety. She placed her hand on his back and it was tight with tension.
 
He slowly began to rise and did not bother to reach for any clothing for himself. He did grab some of her clothing and tossed it to her with a smile before walking towards the door. She was shaking and so wanted to run, but where, she did not know this house and certainly did not know the area. Her bike was out of gas so it would be no use to her now either. She would not make it far on foot and would probably die in the woods from frostbite she thought. Her bag!!! Where was her bag!?!? She needed it and would feel safer if she had it with her. She needed what was inside of it to give her more options. Where was it!! Think she told herself, calm down and think. Dont panic just think. Stay in control or lose control and it will be all over before it even starts. Then it caught her eye, there it was but she could not get to it. There was no way for her to get the bag. It was just inside the screen door where she had left it after she saw him asleep in front of the TV. Between her and the bag was a man she did not know but was in awe of already. And just outside of the door was a man she certainly did not want to see. Had she not run far enough or fast enough? She was beginning to tremble as it felt just as it had before she began her journey. She was afraid again. She so did not want to be afraid anymore and had run to be free. She felt stupid for not making sure she got to a gas station. If she had planned even a little better she would not be here now and the past would not be lurking where it was right now. She would still be ahead of it, yes, looking over her shoulder but still ahead of it. Right now she was no longer ahead and that fear was over taking her. She could not move and was frozen right where she sat there on the floor. She barely had enough strength to cover herself with her clothes.
 
He made his way to the door. He was angry to have been interrupted and was going to let the man in the doorway have a piece of his mind. He had finally felt things inside that he thought were dead. FINALLY, yet now someone had to ruin it. Couldnt they have turned around atleast after knocking on the door? Apparently not and this only further angered him to the point of wanting to rip the man apart. He was not known for his temper by any means around the small town but he knew what he had inside him if it ever needed to come out of him. He had only lost his control and temper once in his life and that was a night he will never forget. It was burned into every part of his body and every fiber of his being so he could not escape it even if he wanted to but yet he did not wish to escape but rather to maybe just turn back the clock. Turn it back to a time before his precious wife was taken from him. She was an angel, his angel for all eternity he had thought. She was a red head with the fire of one as well. She was everything you could ask for in a woman. He could not want for more in another human being as she satisfied everything in him. She completed him. He had lost it that night when he came home and found them. He remembered the car at the end of the driveway that he didnt recognize, he remembered the muffled screams from inside his home, he remembered running inside and yelling for his wife!!! He ran up stairs to their room their hometheir room. He found her there naked.. naked it every sense of the word and so full of fear. Her eyes showed so much fear and pain. Her wrists and ankles had been tied to the posts of the bed. Her mouth had been covered by a scarf tied around her head with it going through her mouth. That is why the screams had been muffled he remembered. Her ripped night gown and tattered panties lay on the floor beside the bed, also there though was a shirt that he did not recognize and a pair of black jeans right beside them with what looked like cowboy books under them. His anger started to come then but instead his heart broke and he fell to his knees. She had betrayed him but why, why had she done so, he remembered thinking that back then. As he sobbed she was making noise but he paid no attention to her and just as he remembered the boots meant someone else was still there as he had not passed them in the house nor heard the card pull away. He felt a sudden fear before feeling a sharp pain; everything had gone black for a few seconds. He tried to shake it off but blood had already flowed into his eyes from the fresh wound on his head. He looked up and saw a figure near his wife, it was a man, and the boots were now occupied by his feet. The pile of clothing gone from the floor. He saw this man had something shinny in his hand and then saw him swing it at his wife who suddenly and violently moved, twisted really but could not get free. Her scream was piercing despite being muffled. Then the boot was in front of him, he reached for it, found it and pulled hard on it. But he was left with just a boot and nothing more as it had come off of the man who now fled his home. His wife was quiet and still now on the bed just feet from him. She no longer tried to scream and no longer twisted to try to gain her release from her bonds. As he rose and saw her, he immediately knew why. This stranger had just sliced her throat from one side to the other; her eyes had no life left in them. She was gone!!! His love, his life was gone forever. He then heard the car start and speed away from his driveway. He dialed 911 and then fell to the ground in a heap, his heart crushed. He felt like he was living it all again and felt like he could fall to the ground right now as well from all of the pain. Then, then he remembered the man at the door. His sadness quickly turned back towards rage!!!! He walked towards the man in the door.
 
As he neared he recognized the man but did not smile at him. It was the town Sheriff. They were very familiar with each other and because of his wifes death and how the Sheriff handled it did not sit well with him. They had initially taken him into custody and were looking at him for killing his wife. It was only days later, after she had been buried in fact, that they found evidence leading them in another direction. So he not only lost her but he didnt even get to say goodbye. That makes a man bitter and he was very bitter. Hat is why last night with this woman and this morning made so little sense to him as he did not want to be close with anyone but yet, he felt something with her.
 
The Sheriff remarked about his nakedness and told him he should close his door for privacy. He told the Sheriff to mind his business and glared back at him with a cold icy stare. The Sheriff apologized for getting off on the wrong foot but had stopped to inquire about the bike across the street from his home. Had he heard anything last night or this morning? Did he know the location of the driver? He thought, looked over at her, she was so beautiful. He then turned back to the Sheriff. And told him he heard the bike last night and it sounded like it just quit. He had not heard form the rider or riders. He in fact had not even gotten up from watching the Sox game to take a look. He obviously was not too concerned because he told the Sheriff he didnt lock his door or anything. He re-assured the Sheriff he knew nothing but would keep an eye out for the rider. The Sheriff asked him to call if nobody returns for it by later that day as they would have to look into it at that point. He thanked the Sheriff for his concern and closed the door without waiting for a response from the man. He turned to her and noticed the fear in her eyes. He walked to her and took her in his arms and held her tight.
 
She watched him as he talked to the Sheriff and could tell the Sheriff was not looking for her in the sense he thought she might be right now. The conversation between the two men seemed tense and heated but not because of her, it was something else, something personal. She felt relieved when the door closed but knew he could still see the fear in her. He approached and held her tight. She felt so comfortable with him that her fears quickly faded. They moved towards the window and watched as the Sheriff left to head back towards town. They just stood there soaking in the morning sun and view of the coast.
 
He suggested breakfast in town and then they could get some gas for her bike. She agreed and then they finally introduced themselves. His name was Mike and hers was Miranda. They smiled at each other and seemingly began to get lost in each others eyes. She asked if the Sheriff was one of his favorite people and he laughed before telling her that he was not and never would be either. They had their differences and they would remain that way for the foreseeable future. She offered up that she was sorry for being so friendly last night. He smiled and said it was an interesting greeting, one like none he ever had before or ever even imagined to be quite honest. She smiled sheepishly and said sorry. He pulled her tight and told her not to be that way as it was wonderful. He told her he felt things so powerful inside and she caressed his back and told him she had never felt so safe.
 
They continued with small talk about her trip but she made sure to avoid where she was from and where the trip had started. She talked about the places she had been but not the places she wished to go. He picked up on all of that as they continued to talk. He also noticed that on her left hand was the indentation of where rings had been recently been but were no longer there at all. He wondered what secrets she was keeping and just why she had been so tense when they had a visitor that morning. He had thought it was because they had been interrupted and startled but now he was not so sure of it being just that to cause what he saw in her eyes. There was a fear in there that was real and raw. He wanted to know more but how, when, why could he ask her as they barely new one another. He would take the questions slow and see where they led if she would open up to him. She asked about taking a shower first and he pointed her towards the shower. He told her he would go bring her bike from across the road to his driveway so it would be left alone. She thanked him and picked up her bag as she headed towards the shower.
 
She turned on the water to let it warm up the room a little with some steam but also to give some background noise while she wept. She opened her bag and dug around till she found it. There it was she reached in for it. She pulled out the black Beretta 9000s and fingered its smooth black finish. It was small and could hold ten shots which was more than enough to make her feel safe. She held the firearm as if it were her life and to her it was just that, her life.
 
He walked across the road and to the bike. He noticed it was a bit larger than what he thought she could easily handle but apparently she was able to do just fine according to the journey she had mentioned to him. He slowly moved the bike towards his home and was halfway up the driveway with it when he noticed something red just behind the headlight of the bike. He looked closer and it had been mostly wiped away but it appeared to be blood. He thought for a second and then pushed the bike up next to his truck. He noticed her plates said New Mexico and it was pass due for registration. It seemed odd to him as she did not mention New Mexico and why would you take a journey with an unregistered bike? He decided he was just thinking too much and it did not really matter as she was something else and he felt things he had not felt in such a long time. She had brought him back to life so who cared if things were a little off. He noticed the bathroom curtain move as he lifted his head but thought maybe it was just the breeze from the ocean.
 
She let go of the curtain just before he glanced up. What was he looking at she had wondered as he brought the bike up the driveway. As he paused to look at the plates her heart sunk and yet she did not feel fear. She did not fear him at all which was odd to her and not something she had felt with a man. She put the Beretta back and hoped her past was still far behind her but she also had this sense that it was getting ever closer to her.
 
He could not believe there was beautiful woman is his shower as he walked back into the house. The water was still going and he wondered if she was okay. He went upstairs and changed into something more suitable for going in town and out to breakfast. He came back down and was picking up the bottles from his latest attempt to drown his memories of his past wife. It never really worked but it did help him sleep and for the most part kept the guilt away. If he had only not thought she was breaking their vows and paid attention to the fear in her eyes when he walked in the room she would still be alive today and their dream would still be playing. Instead he questioned her when she had never given him reason to and that mistake cost her life. It was his fault and he knew that, the police, the press, and the town knew that as well. He always felt as if they were starring at him and talking behind his back. It didnt matter as whatever they said or though could hurt no worse than the pain he already felt inside. Nothing could ever make him forget that until last night. She somehow did that for him and he so wanted to keep that feeling around. Should he ask her to stick around and stay with him for awhile or should he let her and her mysteries go on down the road. He knew if she left that he would likely never see her again and the memories of last night would soon be replaced by the old haunting ones of the days before. He felt inside that he needed her to stay with him atleast until he was able to breath in more of the life she gave him. He headed towards the kitchen with the bottles just as the bathroom door opened and she stepped out. They bumped and the bottles dropped to the floor with a thud but they did not smash. He could smell her now and it was such a refreshing clean smell, there was no smell like that of a woman after showering. He did not know what they used but it was magical. She bent to help pick up the bottles and brushed against him and as he looked up her eyes met his and the attraction was still burning inside both of them. He paused and she continued downward, her shirt was low cut and her breasts became visible to him and the collar passed the level of his eyes. They were beautiful and better than he remembered in his dream like state last night or the passion of the morning. She glanced up and smiled at him.
 
She knew he was looking down her shirt but that was the point of it. She felt safe with him and did not want to leave him even though she knew that she should already be long gone from this place. If she could keep him interested then maybe she could stay with him for awhile, maybe longer if she could get him to love her and if, if it didnt catch up to her. She picked the bottles up and handed them to him. She watched him walk towards the kitchen and place the bottles in a plastic bin beside the trash can. She turned slowly and headed towards the living room. She knew he would follow her and he did just that. They went to his truck making small talk about the weather and what summers where like her many other things. She went on and on about how she loved it here and anything else she could think of to get him to let her stay here. Both had their secrets and both had deeper stories they were trying to hide but needed to share. She knew he would be coming for her and she trembled at the thought. She could only hope he would not find her because if he did, if he did she could not even process the thought as fear came welling to the surface.
 
He could tell others were looking at him again and wondering what he was doing here and who was he with anyway. Who was this new woman? She wasnt from around here obviously because no woman around here wanted anything to do with him. He knew but did not care either as it would not bring her back. He knew they wondered if this woman knew what had happened to his wife. He would tell her but he did not exactly know what to say to her about it as he had never told anyone knew in his life. Everyone already knew the story. Or thought they knew it atleast. The killer was still out there somewhere and had never been caught to this day. So it was an unsolved case and despite the forensic evidence that proved he did not kill her but this town was not so sure of his innocence and they let him know that every chance they could by letting him know they were watching him. He knew he couldnt convince them and his only hope was someday the killer would be caught and then he could look them in the eyes and know that they knew they were wrong about him. He ate his eggs and bacon, washed it down with coffee. Across the table she sat picking at her own breakfast plate seemingly far off somewhere distant. She looked up and he could see it, fear, it was all over her face. He reached his hand across the table and gently put it on hers.
 
She felt at ease the moment that he touched her, it was only a hand but it felt so strong and powerful. She felt safe, protected and cared for right then. She smiled back at him and thanked him for being so kind. They finished their meals without another word between them. She kept thinking though about how or if she should tell him the truth about her journey and the danger that was closing in on her and him as well as long as she was with him. If she told him she wondered what his reaction would be towards her after. She could not decide if he would want to protect her or if he would want her and her troubles to ride on towards another destiny even though she knew in her future and encounter would be inevitable. She could run, she could hide but she also knew she would be found and there would be a price to pay. She just could not make up her mind as she was torn between her affection and trust in this man, her past with other men, and the fear or the one closing in on them. She just felt like she needed to be honest with him and just hoped he felt like she did so they could both prepare for what was coming or maybe even both start on a new journey. A journey in which she would not be found and could live a happy life with Mike safely anywhere in the World. She decided that he deserved the honesty and she told herself to tell him later when they were alone with nobody around to over hear her story.
 
He told her he was done but she needed not to hurry or anything, just to take her time and enjoy it. She told him she was ready if he was and maybe he could show her a round a little if that was okay. He said he would love it and he was surprised because he actually meant that when he said it to her. He wanted her company and wanted to show her some of the nice places here to give her reason to stay longer. They headed out and first went by the gas station to fill a can for the bike. While filling it the Sheriff drove by and slowed, he gave a nod to Mike and then sped off down the road. Mike was not sure why he had done that but he wondered yet again what secrets she had and had the Sheriff found out any of them by running the plates? He did not know and hoped he would not have to care either.
 
She was nervous when the Sheriff came towards them and then slowed but he did not stop which was a huge relief to her. He kept going which meant he knew nothing at this point and maybe he would not know anything. Maybe the police did not know anything yet, maybe they would never know. She decided that they probably would not find out anything as he would never tell them. He would prefer to take it into his own hands, track her down and.
 
He heard a thud in the truck and as he looked in she was slumped over at the waist and her head had hit the dash. He quickly opened the door and called to her. She did not move at first and his heart skipped a beat or two. He put the can down and slid into the truck. He felt her wrist and she had a pulse so he slowly lifted her head up and set her back. She opened her eyes and looked at him, dazed but coming too, coming back to this World. He told her he was taking her to see the doctor. She shook her head no but he insisted. She was still a little woozy. He raced the truck across town and carried her into the only doctors office around.
 
The receptionist quickly yelled for the nurse as she saw Mike walking through the door with a strange woman in his arms. The nurse came out and asked what happened and he told her. She said follow me and off they went towards an exam room. She asked Mike who this was and he told her what he knew at that point. She then asked him to leave since he was not family. He went back towards the waiting room and sat feeling overwhelmed and confused by what had just happened. He didnt understand but his first thought was he was going to get blamed again. He felt the urge to run for his truck and just get the hell out of town. He got up and started to head for the door but as he opened it he knew it would be wrong and he needed to be here for her. So he turned and sat back down. His legs in constant motion to help ease his nerves.
 
The nurse began asking questions which she could not answer. Then she told her she was going to get her in a Johnny before the doctor came in took look at her. She began to peel her clothes off of her and she wanted to stop the nurse but could not fight her as she for some reason had no energy. The nurses eyes told her all she needed to know when her shirt came off. The nurse saw the marks and looked back and forth. The nurse looked stunned.
 
Meanwhile, there was a loud rumble of a Harley on the road near the coast. It was not uncommon for the summer in Maine by any means as people would ride anything to feel the warm wind in their hair after a long cold winter but this man was far from home. He was riding the Harley with an intent that showed distinctly on his face. You could only wonder what was lurking behind his dark sunglasses. His jeans were tattered and dirty, his leather jacket scuffed and his bike scrapped which all added to his look of one mean man. There was also some dried blood on his cheek from what appeared to be a fairly fresh wound. As he passed the bend in the curve near Mikes house something caught his eye by the side of the road. It took a minute for it to register with him as it was real small but he recognized it somehow. He slowly turned the Harley around and headed back to the curve in the road. He pulled his bike over on the wrong side of the road as he was sore and wanted to avoid walking anymore than he had too. He slid his leg over the bike with some effort and walked towards the shinny object. He bent down to pick it up the object and as he stood back up his anger began to overtake any pain he was feeling at the time. He opened his hand and fingered the objects with his other hand. He could not believe what he was holding and it only angered him more. How could she do this to him? Who did she think she was messing with anyway? Did she not understand what would now happen to her? He burned inside with fire and rage. He looked down at his hand again and then squeezed tightly hoping to crush the weddings rings she had left by the side of the road. He squeezed until blood trickled from his hand as the rings dug into the skin of his hand. He tensed from toe to head and shook as he yelled her name!!! He hoped she could somehow hear him and would shake from his voice. He wanted her to know that he was right behind her and would find her sooner or later. She would pay the price!!! She was HIS wife and would listen to him. He looked around but did not see anything else until he turned to go back to his Harley. Then he saw tracks in the dirt and he followed them to the road where they appeared to be headed straight, no turn or swerve that appeared to head one way or the other but seemed to head straight across the road, and as he raised his head he saw a home sitting on a hill with a dirt driveway leading to the road and straight across to where he stood. He thought for a second and just shook his head. Thinking there was no way it could be this simple for him. He walked back to his Harley, the pain seemingly gone with the adrenaline flowing in him now, opened his side bag and slid out his Bowie Hunting knife and sheath. It was 12 inches long and razor sharp. He always had it with him but would put it in the bag when he was riding as it was just too long and uncomfortable. He bent and tied it to his left thigh and secured it to his waist. He checked to make sure he also had his small single shot gun tucked in his boot. He did and he was set to go over to the house but could not decide if he should be sneaky or walk straight up to the door. He thought about it for a few minutes and pondered what would happen if she saw him coming up the driveway, maybe she had already seen him. She surprised him once and he would not allow it to happen again. He was lucky to be alive and had never thought she could have something like that in her. When he was done she would never have it in her again and he was sure of that. She was HIS WIFE, HIS WIFE!!!! He decided that sneaking would be best at first just to not give her an advantage if she was there and if not then he would deal with whomever else he had to deal with as well. He was not afraid and had never known fear in his life. He was vengeful right now and he always made sure people respected him and his ways. She had crossed that line and now she would pay. He decided he should leave to make it look like he had found nothing. He touched his jacket pocket to make sure the rings were still there and they were. He thought about what he would do with them and then a slow smile came across his face. He got on the bike and drove down the road a little bit till he found a place to hide the bike off of the road. He had to lay it on its side which irritated him even more as it was his baby. She had already damaged it, his other bike, and him. He would damage her now. He walked back towards the road and then headed towards the house.
 
 
The nurse slowly looked at her back which was marked and bruised. She wondered what the marks were from and had some ideas but the doctor would NEED to see this with his own eyes. She lifted the back of Mirandas hair and saw something that made her quake inside with disgust and fear. There was no doubt that those were burn marks and they were too big to have been from a cigarette. It appeared to be more like a cigar had been used. These marks were a mix of very fresh and very old. She could not believe her eyes and decided to go get the doctor. When the nurse left Miranda tried to get up and get out of there as she knew what the nurse saw and thought. It would mean she would have to explain to the Sheriff as they would no doubt be calling him. If he came and she had to answer questions then they would find out the truth. She could not have that happen as it would mean she would have to face him again or maybe face prison if she was lucky. If she had been successful then he was dead and they would lock her up forever. She thought that may be better than running forever but she didnt even know if he was alive or dead. She tried to kill him but did not know if it had worked or not. She did not stick around to find out. She had thought long and hard before she set him up for her attack that would either break her free from him or have him end her life for trying to end his life. She knew if he was alive that he would come after her and somehow he would find her as he had in the past when she simply ran off. That is why this time she tried to incapacitate him so she could get as far away as possible.  She did not know if it had been enough and could only hope that it had been, and that it had done the job so she could be free from him. Fear from the terror and pain that she had been in for so many years now. She almost just gave up and but decided to give it one last try and see if she could get away or die trying. Anything had to be better, it just had to be. It could not be worse than suffering the beatings and torture he so often had dished out to her over the years. If he thought she looked in the direction of another man then he would beat her to let her know that she was his and his alone. If he caught another man looking at her he would confront them and they inevitably would back down from him and his rage without any fight. He beat her in ways that were not plainly visible to anyone and he never beat her or tortured her enough to send her to the hospital but enough to cause pain for sure. He was a mean man with a cold heart now but had not always been that way. When they met he was a different man but he had been a Marine, served in Iraq and it changed him. He came back a changed man and a mean man. She hated him now and just wanted away. She knew if she got him made that he would go into a rage and not think clearly anymore. She thought if she planned well that maybe it could work to her advantage. She thought long and hard about just how to do it in a way that she could almost orchestrate the events. She knew that if she ignored him and did not answer him that he would soon lose his temper and patience with her. Then if she could get him to come after her down the hall towards the stairs to the basement she could toss a ball down the stairs to make some noise for him to think she went down the stairs to the basement. She would hide across the hall in the closet that was covered by drapes to give easy access but keep things covered from view. She had spent the day making room to fit. The timing though had to be perfect or it would only serve to make him more angered and he could kill her as his rage had been getting worse. He would yell to her form the top of the stairs and would be so loud and intense he would not notice her behind him or atleast she hoped. She put a baseball bat in the closet to smack him and hope he fell down the stairs. And at the bottom of the stairs she would place a large square board with nails sticking up from it for him to land on if all went well. Then she could run and start a fire in the house to trap him and be free forever. If it all worked out then it would be her chance to be free. She was fearful of the consequences of it not working as she had planned. She would try it and just hope luck was on her side. She did not know where she would go but knew she would take one of the bike sand just go. She had hid a little money, and taken one of his guns from the cabinet which he locked but she had found the key. She could do it and would do it.
 
The doctor entered with the nurse and introduced himself to Miranda. She did not even here his name as she began to feel woozy again. She started to wobble and the nurse put her arms on her shoulders to guide her softly to lay on the gurney. She faded from consciousness yet again.
 
He slipped into the woods near the driveway and moved parallel to it as he made his way towards the house out of plain sight. As he neared the crest of the hill he slowed to make sure he was quieter and more stealth like that before. He froze when he saw his bike near the house. Shes here was the first thing he thought and then the rage began to build within him. He began to shake with anger but tried to control it so he would not just run at the house and charge in. He had been having a harder and harder time controlling his rage since he came home from Iraq. The place changed him and he knew it deep inside but somewhere along the way he also decided he did not care that it had changed him. He would knew he used to be different but so what, this was now and he would never be, could never be, the same person as he was before his tour in Iraq. He had served near Fallujah for most of his tour and they battled with insurgents daily. It wore on your nerves greatly always being on the edge and sometimes having to go days without sleep. Then the things you saw and even the things you did to make sure you were safe and made it home changed you, they had to change you. Life there was not life here but it was so hard to go back to trusting in simple things again. The only people who understood where the ones that were there with you. They knew and they always had your back, always. Here though nobody had your back and it was up to you to survive on your own. He had survived and he had changed but he was alive. She did not understand him and yet she was his wife and he would make her honor him. She was his and his alone. He knew he should be more loving to her but she hounded him about how different he was and to go to counseling. How was some fucking counselor going to help when all they did was sit in their damn office. They hadnt been there and thus they could not even have shred on what it was like. They never walked in his and could not even imagine the horrors he had seen in his days. They would crumble too if they had the same experience. She just needed to be reminded of her place as HIS WIFE from time to time. How could she betray him as she had and how could she not realize he would not be fooled so easily. He had to admit her idea was clever and may have worked on a normal man but he was a soldier, a highly trained one at that!! She misjudged but so had he as he never thought she could do something like that. He had come home from drinking with his buddies and found the house a mess which was not normal. So he called to Miranda time and again with no answer, then heard a noise near the basement stairs., as he walked he smelled something like gas in the house but just decided it was maybe a gas can left open in the garage. He was at the top of the stairs and then he got this strange sense to move quickly, he did and she just glanced his head with a baseball bat. It had stunned him more than hurt him as he bounced off of the door frame to the cellar and slid part way down the stairs. He saw something shinny at the bottom and grabbed for the banisters on the railing as he slid towards whatever it was laying there for him. What had she done he remembered thinking. His instincts were kicking in as he slowed to a stop a few feet short of the bottom of the stairs. He could feel a little trickle of blood flowing from a fresh wound. At the bottom of the stairs was a board with what seemed like 100 spikes sticking through it. She had hoped he would fall into that? He would kill her!! Who did she think she was!!! She was to honor him and not disrespect him. He would teach her respect is what he thought. She would pay dearly for this mistake. He remembered running up the stairs and smelling smoke then seeing fire. She had lit the damn house on fire hoping to burn him alive!!! She had gone crazy!!! He almost let panic set in but then the adrenaline came back full force and he ran towards the bay window and dove towards it through the smoke and the flames. He hit the window hard and it gave easily he remembered. He flew to the ground and landed hard but amazing the cuts he suffered where not that bad. He had scrapes and had roughed up his leather jacket a bit but all in all he was fine from the experience. He heard a motorcycle rumble in the garage and tried to pick himself up. She didnt know how to drive a bike!!!! It wasnt his Harley because he could see it before him in the driveway. He was beginning to get up and he saw her drive into the Harley, knocking it hard to the ground. NO!! He remembered yelling as that was his baby. He staggered to his feet and as he looked up she was driving right for him!!! He barely had time to react as his head and the front of the bike met. He remembered waking up with firemen and police all around him. Where was she is what he asked them? They had no idea and asked if she had done this to him? He lied, he told them he did not know who it was but did not know where she was either. He worried for her safety he told the officers. He just wanted to have his wife back and remembered thinking, so I can kill the bitch after I make her suffer!!! They wanted to take him to the hospital but he refused treatment, signed their papers and then saw his Harley, scraped and slightly dented his anger raged inside as he slowly picked it up. Slid his leg over the side and kicked it to life!! The engine roared and then he drove to see a buddy who could track her for him through his military connections, they had his back still. Then he followed the leads knowing eventually he would catch her!!!!!!! Now he knew she was near atleast as the bike was right here. He was close and the anger over took his senses as he ran towards the home with his knife drawn!!!!
 
The doctor was examining her when she awoke again. He smiled when she opened her eyes and looked over at him. He told her to just relax and that the cables connected were to monitor her heart to see what was causing these fainting spells. So he said everything looked well and that it could be related to the marks on her back and neck. He asked what they were from and she lied knowing that he was buying none of it but she was embarrassed that she had allowed him to treat her so poorly and do these things to her. She knew the doctor would figure it out as it was what he was trained to do plus the nurse seemed so shocked that it must have been obvious to both of them. She was so ashamed but atleast now she was free from him and hopefully he would never find her in this lifetime or any that followed. She had done what she needed to do and it almost still didnt work as he somehow got out of the house. When she saw him she felt so scared and then just drove towards him and ran him over. The bike went out of control but luckily she was not hurt and when she got up she saw him lying in a heap. She so wanted to go see if he was alive and if he was to finish him right then and there to be sure she would never face him again but she was so afraid he could wake up. It was easier and safer to just go. She had to purchase gas and things along the way and when the money ran out she used her credit cards figuring enough time had passed and enough miles as well. If the police were looking for her then the distance would never be enough anyway but she doubted he would go that route. He would rather handle it himself. The doctors voice brought her back to the present as he was trying to get her attention. He told her they were going to keep her for a little longer to make sure she was fine. He said it was routine and the nurse would stay here with her incase she had any questions or wanted to talk. He told her she would be safe here with them.
 
Mike was still sitting nervously in the waiting room when the doctor entered and asked Mike if she was with him. Mike told the doctor that she was indeed with him and was staying at his place. The doctor told Mike she would be okay and that they were just running some tests to make sure she was fine. Just to be safe and all. The doctor asked Mike if he was okay as he was obviously nervous. Mike told the doctor he was fine and thanked him for asking but thought it was kind of strange for him to ask such a question right then. Mike watched the doctor leave and saw him take one final uneasy glance back towards Mike that made him get the chills for some reason. Mike did not like doctors offices and just passed it off as that and went back to his wondering about Miranda and how she had to come to him last night. Who was she and why his place? He had so many questions but at the same time he didnt really care to find out the answers.
 
Back in his office the doctor picked up the phone and dialed the Sheriff. He got him on the phone and told him he had a woman here that Mike Renshaw brought in not long ago. She had been abused and they looked fresh to him. He also told the Sheriff that Mike was acting a little nervous and that he thought maybe Mike was the one who had done these things to her. He wondered if the Sheriff could come on over and take a look. The Sheriffs interest was peaked as he had seen a strange woman at Mikes that morning and she seemed to cower behind Mike, which he thought was strange. She had fear in her eyes then but he let it go because she did not give him a signal of any sort and they were being quite intimate when he first saw them from the other side of the screen door. The Sheriff thought that he needed to look for himself and then maybe take Mike for questioning at the station to see if he could get answers from him. He headed out to his patrol car and off towards the office across town.
 
Miranda told the nurse she was fine and just wanted to leave. The nurse was attempting to convince her that she should let them help her and that if she would tell them what happened that whoever had done this to her would be arrested by the police and she would be safe. Miranda insisted that she did not know what the nurse was talking about. Miranda told the nurse in a loud voice that if you dont let me go you are only going to be making this worse for me. Please let me go. Mike is waiting for me. Let me go now. The doctor stepped in at that moment and said she could go real soon, with Mike even but just had to let them do the tests he wanted first. He told her that the fainting spells were likely Psycogenic synope which means fainting spells that are caused from anxiety, panic, or even major depression. He asked Miranda if any of those where currently something she was experiencing in her life? Miranda quickly said that she was most certainly not and knew she sounded very defensive. The doctor said well he would need a few more tests then to make sure it was not a cardiac related event of some sort. He would be back soon.
 
The Sheriff pulled into the small lot and parked behind Mikes truck to make sure it could not easily leave should Mike want to take off as he had back in the day when they were trying to bring him in for his wifes murder. As he entered the waiting room his eyes met with Mikes. Instantly Mike felt odd and knew something was wrong but he did not know what could be wrong. Was Miranda wanted for something? What had she done? He had more questions now and now he wanted some answers but the Sheriff told him he would be right back to talk with him. He asked Mike to stay put and Mike quickly agreed to wait right where he had been all along. He just could not shake the feeling though that he was headed down an all too familiar path.
 
The Sheriff met the doctor in the hall and was briefed on what the doctor thought about Mirandas sickening burns and what appeared to be bruises and welts from a belt. He mentioned how they were in places that could easily be hidden without any trouble which was common in abuse cases. They both entered the room. Miranda saw the Sheriff and felt her heart sink. She quickly told him that they were wrong and that nobody had ever laid a hand on her. The Sheriff took a look at the marks and asked her who had done this to her and that it was not some accident. He said lying would do her no good and only keep her in harms way. She told him she was not in harms way and she just wanted to leave. The Sheriff told her she could leave soon. He left the room and asked the doctor to keep her occupied until he left. The doctor agreed and the Sheriff went back in to talk to Miranda before leaving. He told her would do what he could to protect her and told her he knew Mike had done this too her. He would make sure that Mike paid for it and he had already gotten away with killing his wife but would not be able to get away with this crime on her. Miranda told the Sheriff he was wrong, he had it all wrong, Mike had done nothing to her at all and he was not the one it was. She faded again.
 
The nurse tended to her as the Sheriff went back to the waiting room. Mike saw the Sheriff enter and knew that something was wrong when he saw the smirk cross the Sheriffs face.
 
 
The Sheriff stopped just before Mike and asked him to stand up. Mike looked at the Sheriff but did as he requested. The Sheriff asked Mike to put his hands out and told him he was under arrest for abuse of a woman. Mike pulled back and told the Sheriff he was crazy. He hadnt touched anyone. The Sheriff told Mike there are bruises on the girl and they were fresh. She had said it was him and he should just confess to make it easier on himself. Mike demanded to see Miranda as the accusations were false and he didnt believe she would say it was him. Mike told the Sheriff he didnt see any bruises on her and they had been intimate, what was he talking about!! The Sheriff stepped closer to Mike and Mike backed up but was quickly out of places to move. This chess game was the Sheriffs and Mike pleaded for the Sheriff to check again with her as it must be a misunderstanding. The Sheriff told Mike that things always catch up to you and maybe this was his past catching him for the other wrong he had committed and gotten away with a few years ago. Mike dejectedly shook his head and knew there was no way out of this situation unless he truly did break the law by assaulting the Sheriff. That seemed like it would be fun to Mike but it was simply not his style. Just not the way he handled things and thus he put his arms out and the Sheriff cuffed his hands. Then led him to the Patrol car outside where he placed Mike in the backseat and told him he would be right back. The Sheriff went back inside to talk to Miranda and the doctor one more time. Mike was furious as the Sheriff left him in the car and just simply could not think straight. What had just happened and what was he going to do now? How could he ever get this town to let the past be the past and not look at him as if he was guilty despite the evidence that said otherwise? Maybe he should just leave for good when this was over. He put his head down and felt anger mixed with sadness.
 
Back at Mikes home, Allen had given to his anger and rage by bursting towards the house in a full blown sprint. He almost slipped a couple of time as his boots were made for riding more than running. He reached the door, ripped open the screen door and slammed his shoulder into the wooden door behind it which quickly gave way to his power. He did not expect it to give quite so easily and thus was thrown off balance as he entered the house. He fell to the ground in a loud crashing pile of ex-Marine. His knife went flying out of his hands and stuck in the wall as if thrown. He winced in pain as it somehow seeped through his rage now that he had fallen on the floor. He did not hear any movement within in the house and this caused him to laugh out loud for some reason he did not understand. He picked himself up and then strode over and pulled his knife from the wall. He listened and moved slowly but still he heard nothing. He could smell something though. He knew that smell, yes, he knew it all to well, he yelled her name at the top of his lungs, MIRANDA!!!! If anyone was here then they knew he was here as well. He walked less quietly now as he checked the living room, then walked down the hall towards the kitchen and as he passed the bathroom he froze in his steps, his heart raced with anger. He saw her bag on the floor and knew he had found her. He picked up the bag and thought about going through it but then remembered he still had not looked through the whole house. He finished checking the kitchen and then made his way to the stairs and ran upstairs. He checked all the bedrooms and found no sign she had slept in one of the rooms. He heard a noise and tossed the bag on the bed and went across to another room where he could see the driveway. Nothing, nobody, better safe than sorry he thought and knew that had saved him before. Extra careful can save you but he needed to keep his head straight and not let the rage get him. If it got him then he was useless. He decided he would wait for her here and if she did not return then whoever did was in for a rude time until they let him know where she was right now. He started to head downstairs and then remembered the bag. He went and retrieved it and headed back to the living room to wait. He made himself comfy on the couch and opened the bag. He thought he heard a noise form out back and slithered to the kitchen to check it out. It was just some birds in the tress out back. He opened the fridge and decided he might as well relax until it was time to do what needed to be done. He learned that in Iraq, hungry then eat now or thirsty then drink now as you never know when you will have time again. He made a turkey sandwich on some flax seed bread stuff, where the hell was plain old white bread anyway, this guy must be a pansy!! He then grabbed for a beer and sneered when he saw Shipyard or Sam Adams were his only choices. He just shook his head and grabbed a couple. Laughing he went back to the living room where he saw the big screen and turned it on. Not a bad way to spend some time he thought as he settled into the recliner. He looked over and saw the bag and thought about getting up to get it but was too comfortable and it was her he wanted anyway. Friggin bag didnt matter.
 
The Sheriff told the doctor that when Miranda awoke to have her call if she wanted to talk about this and tell him the truth. Till then he was going to bring Mike in and begin to question him for this battery. He told the doctor that he would put Mikes keys in his truck so that the girl could get back to her bike and put the gas in it to get out of town if that was what she wanted. He told the doctor to tell her Mike would be taken care of and never harm her again. The doctor and nurse agreed it was best to get Mike away form her and that they would tell Miranda when she awoke.
 
The Sheriff left and drove Mike to his office. He never read Mike his rights and Mike pointed that out to him. The Sheriff told him it didnt matter as it was his word against his and who would believe a wife murderer and now an abuser over a Sheriff. Mike could not believe this guy and felt his hatred for the man grow inside of him. They arrived at the jail and Mike was escorted inside and put in a small cell. The Sheriff asked Mike what he wanted to say about it and Mike told him I didnt do anything so what is there to say except I am innocent which you do not believe.  The Sheriff told Mike the sooner he admitted to it the sooner they could go forward as it was only a matter of time before they had Mirandas signature on the complaint he had left with the doctor, knowing full well that he had left no such thing for her. He thought he could get Mike to confess without her help and maybe once and for all rid this town of this pathetic man.
 
 
Miranda came to at the hospital and seemed a little more stable this time as she became focused it seemed the blood flowed faster to keep her adrenaline moving. She was excited for sure as the heart monitor raced to keep up with her beating heart. She told the doctor she had to see Mike, she had to see him. The doc told her Mike had been taken to the jail for abusing her. She told him it wasnt Mike and the doctor asked who it was then if it was not him. She said she could not say and began taking the cords off of her body. The doctor told the nurse to help her. He told her the Sheriff had left Mikes keys in his truck for her to be able to get the gas back to fill her bike.  He told her she needed to get some rest and reduce her stress to eliminate the fainting spells. If she felt one coming on to try to breath slower and relax. It would likely not happen if she could get herself to relax he told her. She asked if she could have some privacy to put her clothes back on and then they could ask her whatever they wanted but she did not feel comfortable sitting in the Johnny. They left the room and heard a door open and she in another room. She quickly dressed and then looked out the window where she saw Mikes truck still in the little lot. She opened the window and pushed the screen out. She climbed up and the door opened just as she jumped to the ground. The nurse made it to the window only in time to see Miranda jumping in the truck and speeding off down the road. Her adrenaline was flowing now and she felt like she had her edge back. She did not want to cause Mike anymore trouble so she decided she would just go to his house, fill her bike and stop at a pay phone to explain to the Sheriff. This way she would be far away and Mike would be free as well. She drove the truck as fast as she thought she could and stay on the road. She took corners fast and hard, on one corner something slid across the seat and hit her thigh. She reached for it and found it.
 
 
She put her hand on it and could feel the heat it had absorbed from sitting in the sun. It hurt a little but she did not want to lose it and held it tight. Clutching it like it was a lost friend. Miranda was nearing Mikes house and knew she was almost free again, almost. She thought of Mike and what he must be going through. She felt bad for him as he had been so nice to her and the connection was one she never felt before in her like. She could not help feeling that she was turning her back on him and being selfish. She wondered if it was okay to be selfish and make sure she got far away or was it being to selfish to wait that long and leave Mike in jail with that ass of a Sheriff who obviously had it in for Mike. Her heart pulled her in two directions and felt as if it wanted to tear apart. She could see the driveway now and made the left hand turn into it and was driving up the hill to the house.
 
He heard a vehicle coming up the driveway. He quickly turned the TV off and went to the back of the house. He would wait for thee right moment and then seize control of the situation. He did not know how many people were coming and thus had to get some idea before making a plan of attack. Allens adrenaline was starting to rise and he could feel that the anger was not too far behind. He knew he had to keep it in check though or he would make a mistake. He hoped he was close to getting Miranda and now was not the time to mess up. He hid in the bath room as he knew it would only be one person at a time entering there and he could quickly make them unconscious without killing them. He closed the door almost completely and hid behind it.
 
Meanwhile at the jail, the Sheriff was asking Mike how it felt to get away with murdering his wife and how could he be so stupid to stick around this town after doing so? It had made the Sheriff feel like Mike was snubbing his nose at him in front of the whole town. Now though it would be seen that Mike was truly a murderer and the Sheriff finally got his man once and for all. Mike kind of felt sorry for the Sheriff in some ways for all the grief he received for Mike going free and the killer never being caught. Mike told the Sheriff again that he did not kill his wife and that he did not beat Miranda. He still didnt even know what they were talking about as far as that went. He asked the Sheriff what the marks were on her. The Sheriff rose angrily and walked to the cell. He pointed his finger at Mike and told him he was a careless sun of a bitch to sit there and pretend not to know when he full well knew how she got those cigar burns and welts from being whipped from a belt. Mikes jaw dropped and the Sheriff for the first time had a little doubt because of Mikes reaction. Then his resolve came back and he told Mike he hoped he would burn in hell. He was about to continue with the finger waving tongue lashing until the phone rang on his desk, he glared at Mike and turned towards the phone.
 
Miranda was by the house now and parked the truck. She stepped out and went to grab the gas can in the back of the truck. When she saw it though she had feelings of guilt and knew Mike should not suffer anymore. She would be able to be far away by the time he was back here. She reached for the cell phone she had taken from the seat of the truck and removed it from her pocket. She dialed the directory assistance and then the Sheriffs office.
 
The Sheriff picked up the phone and he was surprised to hear Miranda on the other end. He was quickly irritated the doctor had not called him to tell him she had left already. Miranda told the Sheriff that Mike was innocent and he needed to be set free. He did not hurt her in anyway. The Sheriff called her a liar and refused to listen to her lies, he hung up.
 
Miranda could not believe this guy!!! He was supposed to uphold the law but he was ignoring her. He was just so focused on Mike that nothing else seemed to matter to him. She knew now that she needed to call back and tell the Sheriff the complete truth if it was to set Mike free and he deserved no less. She called back and this time when the Sheriff picked up she told him the whole story from the start. About Allen being different when he returned from Iraq and about her escape and told him he could confirm the story with the local authorities as far as the house on fire and her not there and Allens injuries even. She gave him all the information and angrily asked him if he understood. He said he got it and would check it out. Miranda called him an ass and hung up on him. She grabbed the gas can and filled the bike with gas. She was about to hop on and get the hell out of there when she remembered her bag. She had left it in the bathroom and needed it as it had everything she owned in it. She started for the house and when she got to the front door it was open but she could not remember if Mike had locked it up or not. She decided probably not because it was a small town. She stepped into the living room and noticed beer bottles on the table and a plate with crumbs as well. Then she saw her bag and froze as she knew something was very wrong. She had not left her bag there and she was sure Mike had taken all the bottles out towards the kitchen. She was afraid and her heart was pumping hard. She turned to run and get the hell out of there as quick as she could. All she had to do was get to the bike and go, keep going, never stop, just go. She made it to the door and then remembered her bag. She turned to go back for it and that is when she saw him standing there in the doorway to the living room. It was Allen and he was smiling. He looked like the cat whom had the canary cornered. Miranda wanted to run but couldnt seem to move as Allan walked towards her.
 
The Sheriff slammed the phone down into the receiver. Who the hell was she to hang up on him was what he wanted to know. He looked at Mike and ran his hand across his brow to wipe the beads of perspiration that were forming. He picked the phone up and punched in some numbers. He spoke fast and listened intently to the authorities on the other end in New Mexico. They were confirming Mirandas story and he was filling them on what he had for pieces here. Together the picture became clear to both the officers in New Mexico and the Sheriff in Maine. Miranda had ran from her husband Allen and now Allen was gone as well without a trace. So the most logical solution was he had somehow found Miranda and gone after her. They informed the Sheriff of Allens military background and that he should be careful when approaching him as he was known to have a temper. The Sheriff thanked them for their time and hung up the phone. He had sweat running now freely from his forehead. He was feeling very stressed and raced with ideas of how to let Mike go and still save face. He could not think of any and decided to just let him go.
 
Mike saw the Sheriff coming towards him and could tell he was stressed about something as he was sweating despite the fact the jail had its AC on. The Sheriff paused in front of the cell and took the keys from his belt. As he searched for the right key he mumbled to Mike that he was free. Mike had to ask again as he was not sure what he just heard. The Sheriff turned the lock and opened the cell. He took his arm and motioned for Mike to leave the cell. He told Mike briefly what he had learned and told him he was free to go. Mike wanted to ask for an apology but knew it would be more trouble than he wanted and that it would not be heartfelt anyway. He just wanted to go home and grab a couple of beers. He walked to the door of the building and opened it.
 
Allen could see the fear in her eyes that followed quickly after the initial surprise. She was turning white as a ghost and he loved every second of it. He stepped near her and pulled her close, he whispered in her ear. Hi honey, did you miss me? Allen then grabbed her by the hair and slung her towards the wall and she went crashing hard into it. Allen looked straight at her and flexed his muscles in a show of force to his fallen pray. He was doing everything to intimidate her.
 
Miranda looked up from the floor as Allen flexed his muscles and laughed at him. She knew it would infuriate him but what did it really matter now. She would take the digs anyway she could right now because she knew he was going to kill her. She no longer feared him and believed death was better than being alive if she had to be with him. He came towards her again and Miranda tried to hide her face as he rained blows down on her. Then he picked her up and threw her into the coffee table which shattered when she landed on it. He was screaming at her but she could not understand him as she was fading from consciousness.
 
Allen could tell she was going from the conscious state to the unconscious one quickly. He knew he had not done enough to kill her yet though. He would savior every second of this and then he would let her beg, yes, beg for her life. Then if it was convincing maybe he would let her live but she have to earn it or he would kill her. He reached down and grabbed her by the hair and withdrew his knife.
 
Mike was almost out the door when the Sheriff cleared his throat and then offered up a ride home to Mike. He did not want to take anything from this man and was about to say no when something inside him hurt. He felt pain in his heart but it was not a heart attack it was something different. He looked at the Sheriff and shook his head yes. The Sheriff walked towards the door. They both climbed into the car, this time with Mike sitting in the front seat with no cuffs. They pulled out and began the ride to Mikes place. They drove in silence until the end of the drive when the Sheriff said he was sorry. He said maybe he had been wrong this time about Mike. All Mike could hear was maybe, there was no maybe in Mikes mind but here was the Sheriff again trying to lessen the impact of his apology. Mike turned his head to look out the window and smirked as he knew atleast that the Sheriff knew he was wrong even if he could not fully admit it. They neared the bend and took the left on the driveway. As they neared the crest of the hill they saw Mikes truck and the bike. They glanced at each other and shrugged as they both expected to see no signs of Miranda. They pulled to a stop and Mike began to get out. The Sheriff wanted to say something but did not. Mike paused but then realized nothing was coming and got out, closed the door. The Sheriff watched Mike walk to the house. Mike paused at the doorway as he noticed damage to the door frame.
 
Allen heard the car coming up the driveway and moved Miranda out of the way quickly. He had cut her hair with his knife and also taken time to rip her clothes off so she would feel even more vulnerable when she woke up. It was another way to terrorize her and he knew that it would work. He saw the Sheriffs car and was unsure what to think because the lights were not on and they did not seem to be in a hurry to get out. He hid beside the door to jump the first guy in and eliminate one before they knew what happened. He heard someone on the porch and could tell they had stopped at the door. He waited in anticipation for the door to pen so he could attack the man who entered.
 
 
The Sheriff saw Mike pause at his open door and thought it was a little odd. He fought with the idea of making sure Mike was okay as his instinct told him to do and with his dislike for Mike. He also wanted to speak with Miranda if she were there as well. He turned off the car and got out. He heard a crashing inside the house.
 
Mike took one step in the door and saw the mess on the floor. Allen had wanted him to step further to give him a better angle but saw the pause and knew now was the time. He hit Mike on the back of the head with the butt of the handle on his knife. Mike never knew what hit him as he fell to the ground. From where he landed he could see Miranda and called to her but did not get a response. She looked to have been beaten pretty well. Mike tried to stand up but before he could do half of a push up Allen was on top of him and hitting him with everything he had in the back of the head. Mike quickly passed out from the rain of blows that he could not hope to evade. Allen heard a door shut outside and knew whoever else was there was now coming inside as well. He went back to the door and hid yet again, waiting to strike with his power and force once more.
 
The Sheriff was cautious as he approached and began to call to Mike and Miranda but did not receive a response. He was walking slowly and looking for any sign of movement inside but did not see any. He did see the damage to the frame of the door and he immediately turned his thoughts to what the police in New Mexico had told him about Allen. He knew he would have to approach with caution. He slowly moved to the door and as he pulled open the screen door he saw a flash coming at him. He tried to react but was caught off guard by the quick and ferocious attack.
 
Allen knew he needed to go offensive on the Sheriff as he was approaching cautiously and would not expect such a sudden attack on him so soon. He went straight for the Sheriffs face to make him have to reach for it instead of his firearm. It worked to perfection as Allen gained control quickly and flung the Sheriff into the house through the now closed screen door. As he saw the Sheriff crash to the floor and not move a muscle he was sure that one move did the trick and knocked the Sheriff out. As he began to walk by the Sheriff he turned and kicked him hard in the ribs. The Sheriff groaned and moved which was something an unconscious man would not do. He lunged for the Sheriff.
 
Miranda was slowly coming too and could hear lots of noise around her that sounded violent. Her eyes opened but took a minute to focus. When they did focus she saw Mike and then the pile of Allen with the Sheriff. She was unsure what to do and then saw it but did not know if she could make it there and what if Allen had found the Beretta. Then what, he would come back after her? She decided he was going to do that either way so she had nothing to lose. She made a move for the bag and hoped the gun was still there. Her body burned with pain as she moved but she fought through it and reached the bag. Her hand slid inside, where was it, Jesus where was it, she could not find the gun. The Beretta was not in the bag!!!!
 
Allen pummeled the Sheriff who fought back with everything he had but was not in the best of positions to do anything more than deflect most of what Allen sent his way with his arms. Allen had used the knife in one hand and the Sheriff was sliced badly on his forearms but fought yet with adrenaline keeping him going. He knew if he lowered his arms that the knife would be buried inside of torso. And that would be far more damaging than this was right now. Allen heard Miranda move and told her to stay put but she did not listen to him. His anger quickly rose and turned to rage. He could see nothing but her now as he turned towards her. He went straight at her in a rage. His eyes bulged and his muscles quivered with anger.
 
The Sheriff saw him heading towards Miranda and tried to get his gun but his hands and arms where cut to shreds. Blood dripped off of each steadily. It was likely nerves and tendons were cut along with everything else. He watched Allen with a sort of amazement as he seemed so much stronger than a normal human being.
 
Allen reached Miranda quickly and began to beat her again. He dropped the knife to the floor as he did not want to kill her yet. He just wanted to inflict more pain on her and beat her into submission. She was HIS WIFE and would obey him. Miranda tried to crawl deeper into the couch and her hand struck something cold and hard between the cushions. She was fading fast but knew she found the Berretta which must have slipped form the bag and into the couch. She wrapped her hand around it but things were becoming fuzzy.
 
Mike awoke and saw the boots before him. Memories flashed before his eyes mixed with the reality of now. He saw something shinny within reach and tried to focus on it. It was a knife!!! He reached for it and Allen never saw him move for it either. He grabbed the knife and then grabbed the boot, this time the boot came with a man attached. Allen was caught by surprise and toppled to the ground off balance. He fell near Mike who quickly plunged the blade of the knife in the first part of Allens body that he could reach. This only seemed to further enrage Allen who quickly shrugged it off and pulled the knife from his thigh. Both Allen and Mike quickly struggled tot heir feet and both were clearly in pain. Allen lunged for Mike and he met him half way in an explosive meeting of flesh!!! They were like two alley cats clawing at one another. Blows were raining wildly with some landing an others missing just as wildly!! It was intense and Mike was holding his own. Miranda was slowly coming back to her senses. A gun shot rang out and Mike twisted from the force of the blow. It shocked him and his eyes met those of the shooter as he fell to the ground.
 
 
Miranda saw Mike fall and felt as though her heart had stopped. She could not believe her eyes as he lay there writhing in pain. She could not tell where the shot had hit him though. The Sheriffs eyes were still locked with Mikes from across the room. He dropped his gun as he realized he had shot the wrong man. He had tried to steady his hand before shooting but he couldnt and now he had shot Mike. He could not take his eyes of off Mikes and he could see Mike was hurting. The Sheriff suddenly saw a boot instead of Mikes eyes as Allen returned to him with rage and anger. Allen bent and picked up the Sheriffs revolver. He stood over the Sheriff and emptied the gun into him. The Sheriff was dead. He turned and went to finish Mike as Miranda lay motionless on the couch. He picked the knife up from the floor and dropped to his knees straddling Mike. He raised the knife over his head and started its descent towards Mikes already battered body. Miranda swung around with the Beretta and pulled the trigger till it was emptied. Allen flew backwards off of Mike and crashed to the ground with a look of shock on his face. He thought he had made it from Iraq and that hell to be shot here by his WIFE? He could not believe his fate as he struggled for each breath he now took. Miranda dropped the gun and went to Mike. She helps him and tries to comfort him. He tried to get up but could not she held him tight to her chest and told him she would be there for him and never leave him. Mike felt warm and loved. He felt things he had not felt in years and just wanted to be with this woman. He hoped they could build a life together. He knew it would not be here in this town as he just wanted to get as far away as possible. There eyes were locked and the warm flowed between them. Both were battered but thankful to be together.
 
Mike saw a flash of silver out of the corner of his eye!!! They both turned to see Allen pointing a small gun in their direction. He had a smirk on his face despite the blood that was oozing out of his body and his mouth. He was struggling to get the energy to pull the trigger but he had enough hatred left in him to find that strength. He pulled the trigger and fell backwards from his seated position. He thudded to the ground. The bullet seemed to be traveling in slow motion to Mike. It was headed straight for Miranda!! Mike summoned what strength he had left and shoved Miranda backwards out of the bullets path. He knew it would put him in the path but he could not let her suffer anymore pain from Allen. The bullet struck Mike as he entered its path. His forward momentum had cleared Miranda and she fell back towards the couch. Mikes eyes met her eyes and then he slouched forward to the blackness before him.
 
Tears immediately came to Mirandas face. She began to sob and sob harder yet. She heard sirens outside as State Police cars rolled into the driveway. The Sheriff had keyed his walkie talkie at some point during the mess as his hand still held it open now despite his death.
 
The police entered cautiously and then saw Miranda was still alive. They rushed her off to a waiting ambulance and to the hospital. It looked like she would be okay after healing up a bit. The officers went t and checked the pulse on the Sheriff and he was gone, the same with Allen, but Mike. He had a very weak pulse and they put him on an air ambulance flight him to a major hospital in Portland for emergency treatment. He was likely to not make it but they had to try.
 
The officers tried to piece everything together but had a solid idea form what was audible over the walkie talkie. The air flight landed and they were rushing Mike into the ER for surgery to try and save his life. Miranda heard on the radio in her ambulance that Mike was clinging to life. She asked that they take her to the same hospital as Mike. She arrived while they were prepping him. She asked if they could just wheel her beside him for one second incase it was goodbye. They agreed and told her to make it real quick. She did as she whispered to Mike, I will be here when you get out, dont leave me!! I need you!!
 
Her voice more than the words registered with Mike and his heart pumped a little stronger as now he knew had a reason to live.
 
A month later both were still recovering from their injuries at the hospital. They had progressed nicely in that recovery. On this day, they were the center of attention as they were brought by wheel chairs along the Western Prom towards a gathering just waiting for them to begin. After all a wedding cant start without a bride and groom can it?