Deviation Read online

  Dianne nodded, almost captivated. She held the pipe out to Frank.

  “Societies and systems in general are arranged to benefit and protect the wealthy. If you follow all their so-called truths, Dianne, you don't stand a chance.” He raised the pipe to his mouth and inhaled deeply, filling his lungs.

  Dianne exhaled and took several deep breaths. She turned slightly toward Frank, their knees almost touching. “I feel like... I don't know... like everything I learned in school is now suspect. Like it might all be wrong, somehow.”

  “It is,” Frank croaked. “It's intentional. They teach you what they want you to know, which is to say, what they want you to believe. That way you'll be just like them and carry on the tradition.”

  “But what do they get out of it? What's the point?”

  Frank blew out another cloud of smoke. “Safety. Conformity. The goal is to make everyone too frightened to live their lives the way they really want to live them. If everyone is afraid of being punished or imprisoned for following their natural instincts, the world is a much safer place. Of course, it doesn't work for everyone. But the masses in general follow the rules and live like cattle, working their 40 hours a week and spending their nights in front of the television. Have a few kids and teach them to be the same way. It goes on and on. It's gone on so long that most people don't seem to make the connection any longer. And if they do, they shrug it off. They've forgotten that they're alive, and that they're free to do as they wish.”

  They passed the pipe again, each taking another hit.

  After Dianne exhaled, she considered Frank carefully. “I think I agree with most of what you're saying. At least, it seems to make sense to me. But I'm still a murderer. There's no getting around it.”

  “No, there's not. And there's also no getting around the fact that the person you killed was a piece of shit. No sane society would or should tolerate an abuser of women. He deserved to be butchered, Dianne, and that is exactly what he got.”

  She nodded. Lifting the pipe again, she touched it to her mouth and then brought it back down. She held it out to Frank. “I'm pretty fucked up. I don't think I want to smoke any more.”

  Taking the pipe, Frank made sure it was extinguished and then reached over and placed it back inside his bible. “Like I said, it's very good stuff. A gift from god. Of course, man decided to make it illegal for a variety of political reasons, but that comes as no surprise.” He sat back and sighed. “Can you imagine? Making a naturally growing plant illegal. That's mankind for you. Or the sociopaths who lead them, anyway.”

  Dianne smiled. She looked down at the bottle of beer in her hand. “God, I'm really stoned! There's no way I can drink this now.”

  Frank took it from her hand and guzzled what was left. Then he set the empty bottle on the table. He sighed again, deeply, and studied his new friend. “So whose problem shall we solve first? Your Cliff problem, or my Lester problem?”

  “Lester? Is that your dealer?”

  “Yes.”

  “Both our problems are people.”

  “Isn't that typical? Shit beetles!”

  She laughed again. “I think I'm starting to think like you.”

  “I hope so. I believe it will do you some good.”

  “Tell me more about your Lester problem. Maybe I can think of some way to help you.”

  Frank rubbed his eyes. “Well... there's not much to tell. I called him last night and arranged for him to gather some supplies for me. A going-away package, if you will.”

  She slid closer to him and leaned her back against the wall. “You're going away?”

  “I believe I told you that. Did I not?”

  “I don't remember. So many crazy things have been happening.”

  “Yes, that's true. Anyway, he's supposed to be here sometime today. I would imagine he'd come by later this evening, but who knows? Either way, I owe him about $6,000 for the supplies and I don't have anywhere near that much to pay him.”

  “Can't you borrow some from the church?”

  “The church has no money. People don't come here anymore. Pastor McKenzie...” Frank sighed again. “It's a long story, but he sort of ruined things around here. Anyway, I've got to figure out what to do when Lester shows up.”

  “I have some money in the bank,” Dianne offered. “It's not much, but I guess I could let you borrow it.”

  Frank stared at her. “You'd really do that?”

  “Sure. Why not?”

  “I don't know. It's certainly very generous of you. But I'm not sure I'd be able to pay you back. Not for a long time, anyway.”

  “It's okay. I'm probably going to prison anyway.”

  “You're not going to prison!” He shifted on the bed so he could face her. “Would it make you feel better if the dead body in your apartment were to... disappear?”

  “Of course. That's what I told you in the first place. But how's that going to happen?”

  “With a lot of hard work. It can be done, trust me.”

  She began to feel excited. “I'll give you my money if you help me figure out a way of disposing of the body.”

  “You're not giving me anything. If I borrow money from you, I'll pay it back. All of it.”

  Dianne grinned. “I think we're making progress. This dope really works.”

  Frank nodded in agreement. “See? I told you.”

  “I can drive to the bank right now.” She thought about it. “Well, I think I can drive to the bank. I'm really fucked up.”

  “You can do it. Remember, I have faith in you.”

  “Thank you.”

  “How much have you got, by the way?”

  She hung her head. “Not enough to cover the whole thing. But I have over $4,000. Maybe we can scrape the rest of it together somehow.”

  Frank pondered this new development. “That might be enough. I'd be able to give him about $5,000, and I could tell him I'll have the rest tomorrow. He'd probably be willing to spot me for a grand. Then, when he comes to collect it, I'll be gone.”

  Dianne regarded him, a look of sorrow in her eyes. “Where are you going?”

  “I don't know.”

  “What?” She impulsively put her hand on his leg. “I don't like this.”

  “I don't either, but I've got to move. This church isn't safe anymore.”

  “You can't just leave! What about...” She lapsed into silence, her mind working frantically. “What if I...”

  Frank put his hand over hers. “What, Dianne?”

  She looked at him. “What if I need you? I've got no one else to confide in. I... I don't want you to leave.”

  He shrugged. “I have to. I really have no choice.”

  “But you don't know where?”

  “No.”

  “And you're going... when? Tomorrow?”

  “Tonight, if possible. Or tomorrow.”

  She pulled her hand away. “Fuck!”

  Frank stared at her, alarmed. “I'm sorry. Please don't take it personally.”

  She ran her hands through her long hair. “I hate this!”

  “You hate what?”

  “Everything! Every time I make a friend...” She closed her eyes and began to cry softly.

  Frank took her hand and held it tightly. “Dianne. You're forgetting something.”

  “What?”

  “Your freedom.”

  “What about it?”

  “What's holding you here? Your data entry job?”

  “Nothing's holding me. I have nothing. I've never had anything, and I never will.”

  “Then why not come with me?”

  She froze, not sure she heard correctly. Tears were still co
ursing down her cheeks. “Come with you?”

  “Sure. Why not?”

  “I... I don't...”

  “Think about it. You'd be free to do as you wish. It would be like a fresh beginning for you. You could follow your dreams and find the path god meant for you.”

  The idea of it greatly appealed to her. The possibilities were endless. “But... what about...”

  “What?”

  She frowned. “What about money? My job?”

  “We've been through this already, Dianne. There's a whole world out there, waiting for you. It's yours. All of it.”

  Goosebumps broke out on her arms. It sounded wonderful, but she knew it wasn't that easy. “I'd have no idea where to even start. Where would I go?”

  “Anywhere you want.” Frank let go of her hand and got up off the bed. He retrieved his road atlas from the desk and sat back down, this time a little closer to her so that their legs were touching. Opening the book at random, he pointed out Nevada. “Why, we could go to Nevada.”

  Looking on with interest, she smiled. Her mood was beginning to brighten. “Nevada?”

  Frank turned the page. “Anywhere. It doesn't matter where. In fact, we probably shouldn't even choose a destination. We should just go.”

  She looked at him seriously. “Are you sure you'd want to? With me, I mean?”

  “Absolutely. It would make things much easier for both of us. We could watch out for each other.”

  She pressed closer to him, loving the idea. “Really?”

  “I couldn't imagine a better traveling companion.”

  A feeling of warmth coursed through her. “You mean... just until we get away from here? Or are you talking about something... more permanent?”

  “That's entirely up to you. The future is wide open. We could do anything, Dianne. Anything at all.”

  She felt a tremendous burden lift from her. “God, that would be so wonderful. A whole new life!”

  “Exactly.”

  “I wouldn't even have to go back to work!” she exclaimed happily.

  “You've already put in your last day. The time has come for you to be free. Really and truly free.” He took her hand again. “Can you feel it?”

  Dianne tried to focus on what was happening and how she really felt about it. She hated her life, and her dead-end job. Still, she was very apprehensive. “I'm not sure. I'm so stoned right now. And drunk.”

  “That's beside the point. You're at a crossroads in your life. I'm leaving for parts unknown and I'm leaving, most likely, tomorrow. If you'd like to come with me, you're more than welcome.”

  She took a deep breath, trying to clear her head. “Do you want me to come with you?”

  “Yes.”

  She smiled at his assurance. “I've never done anything like this before. I just don't know...”

  “Take your time. Think it over. You don't have to make up your mind until tomorrow.”

  “Alright,” she promised. “I'll think about it.”

  “I'm confident you'll choose wisely.”

  They sat quietly, Dianne lost in deep thought. She was both terrified and exhilarated, and intelligent enough to know she was too inebriated at the moment to make such a critical decision. She liked Frank a great deal, and hated the idea of parting with him. He'd come into her life so suddenly and it appeared he was going to be leaving just as quickly. Unless, of course, she went with him. The idea of returning to her old life after the past couple of days seemed almost ridiculous to her now. She had a lot to think about.

  “Perhaps you should rest,” Frank suggested. “There's no hurry.”

  She closed her eyes and leaned her head on his shoulder, loving the fact that he was there and that he was trying to help her; to encourage her to be brave and to take control of her own life. “Actually, I should get to the bank. I'm not sure what time it is. I'll loan you the money whether I go with you or not.”

  Frank put his arm around her. “I appreciate that, Dianne.”

  11. Lester

  They were in the kitchen again, eating turkey subs which Dianne had bought on her way back from the bank. She was drinking a can of Sprite in an attempt to stop her hangover before it really took hold. Frank was drinking more beer. On the table before them was a thick envelope filled with cash.

  Frank finished chewing and took a swallow of beer. “Are you sure you wouldn't like something a little more... psychoactive to drink?”

  Dianne guzzled more soda. “No thank you. I'm still plenty high.”

  “If you change your mind, you know where to find the supplies.”

  “Maybe later.”

  They ate in silence for several moments, devouring the subs. When Dianne began to feel full she set the last few bites aside and sipped from her can. “So why is it you need to leave? Or is it a secret?”

  Frank thought about his answer while he finished eating. After a swig of Pabst he sat back in his chair and wiped his mouth. “Do you ever watch the local news?”

  “Sure. Sometimes.”

  “Are you familiar with the so-called epidemic of missing children?”

  She nodded slowly, feeling suddenly anxious. “Yes.”

  “I don't know for certain, but I believe our local pastor may have something to do with it. At least in the cases of some of them.”

  She allowed the information to sink in. “You mean he killed them?”

  “Among other things.” Frank took a drink of beer. “Douglas McKenzie is the most vicious man I've ever met. Very dangerous. Very unstable, too, and getting progressively more so. He can turn on the charm when he wants to, but the truth is he's a raging lunatic. One of your classic top-shelf sociopaths.”

  “And you think he's a serial killer?”

  “He's a pedophile for sure. And a homosexual. There's been certain... evidence... that suggests he might be the common denominator in the lives of most of these kids that have disappeared.”

  Dianne looked sick. “That's horrible. Where is he now?” She glanced nervously around the room as if he might be hiding nearby.

  “I don't know. He's disappeared himself. It's been about four days.”

  “And you're afraid you might be arrested in connection with... whatever he's been doing?”

  “Something like that. There's a good possibility that there's physical evidence right here in the church. Most likely the basement.”

  Dianne felt a chill. “You mean he buried them down there?”

  “I don't know. There's a walk-in vault down there. I'm unsure how big it is, exactly, or what's inside. It's absolutely impenetrable.”

  She shook her head. “Why don't you just call the police? Tell them what you suspect?”

  Frank smiled sadly. “I would never call the police on anyone. It goes against everything I believe in. They'd probably have me locked up before the day was over. Anyway, you have no idea how dangerous the pastor is. Intelligent, too. Something tells me he'll be back here before too much longer. I don't think I want to see him again. The more I consider it, the more certain I am that he's eventually going to feel the need to... dispose of me.”

  Dianne took a drink of Sprite. “You said there's evidence. Maybe if --”

  There was a sudden muffled knocking from somewhere else in the church. Dianne jumped, her eyes going wild.

  “Relax, Dianne. That's probably only Lester.”

  “What if it's not?”

  “It's certainly not McKenzie, if that's what you're thinking.”

  “How do you know?”

  Frank stood up. “He wouldn't knock. Would you like to come with me, or wait here?”

  They both glanced down at the envelope on the table. “Which
would you prefer?”

  “It's entirely up to you.” Frank picked up the money and then stepped over to the counter. As Dianne watched, he removed another of his paring knives from the drawer and slipped it into his pocket. “Just a precaution.”

  She nodded. “I guess I'll go with you. Just in case.”

  “Thank you. It shouldn't take long.”

  As they made their way into the sanctuary there was another knock on the front door. Dianne stood near the outer row of pews as Frank continued on, reaching the door to the foyer just as it opened and Lester peered in.

  “Come in,” Frank said.

  Lester glanced at him and then stepped inside, shutting the door behind him. “You really ought to get a doorbell for this place.” His eyes roamed around, coming to rest on Dianne who was standing off to one side. He stared at her for a very long time. Finally he looked back to Frank. “Who's she?”

  “A friend. Did you bring my supplies?”

  Lester noticed the envelope in Frank's hands. “Maybe. I don't like audiences.”

  “You don't need to worry about her.”

  He looked at Dianne again, licking his lips. “Let's hope not.” He was a heavy-set Mexican with short black hair and a thick mustache. He was wearing a hooded sweatshirt, both of the pockets bulging in front. He lifted his hands and slipped them into the pockets as if guarding their contents. “How do you want to do this?”

  “Come.” Frank motioned to the altar at the front of the room. “Show me what you've brought.”

  Lester nodded, seeming to relax a little. They made their way up to the altar, leaving Dianne alone on the far side of the room.

  She wanted to go with Frank, but didn't think it would be appropriate.

  When Lester reached the altar, he pulled a thick Ziploc bag from one pocket and set it down. Frank stepped up quickly and lifted the bag, analyzing the contents through the plastic.

  “That's two ounces of Lemon Skunk,” Lester informed him.