Death of a Rapist

[BLACK BART]

He sat on the hard bunk grinning...grinning as if he had no cares, no worries in the world...And perhaps he didn't, for on Death Row all decisions were made for you. When you ate, when you slept...and when you died.

Tomorrow was his final day...and the young reporter that sat in front of him came to make her name...Interviewing one of the most sinister rapists the city had ever birthed. She had tried everthing, but there were few effective bribes for a dead man...and what he hinted at made her flesh crawl...

"You want the story and the location of the woman, you need to pull some strings" He said simply, leaning back against the concrete wall and staring thru the bars.

The woman shuddered, if it weren't for the bars she would give into the impression she were the one trapped..His gaze bored into her so strong...

"I'll have an answer quickly, the warden owes our paper a few favors" She answered quietly, drawing a laugh from him.

"They'd better be a few LARGE favors, or no story, Missy"

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

OOC: Looking for one serious female writer who would like to develop a thread, the ending is obvious...the beginning and story is up to us where we want to take it...

PLEASE, pm me with your thoughts before posting...

 

[BLACK BART]

ok Part has been spoken for...Thank's to all! We'll be off tomorrow nite!

 

[Sweetp4u]

The Reporter

Katie Brancroft
Herald Daily news
33, 5'6" 125 petite frame.
Brown hair, hazel eyes.


I had done it, I had finally gotten a decent assignment. Driving down the old highway, I watched as the prison came closer into view. I was going to make this a story to never forget. I had better anyways, after my pitch to my boss and fellow editors.

Bradly Richards was a convicted rapist on death row for the rape and murder of 13 women. The bodies were never found, and amoung them was my step sister Lisa.

Something inside me would not give up until I found what he did with her and just where her remains were located. She deserved a proper burial. I wanted this mans death more than anything else in the world, but first American had to know.

Where were their daughters and their mothers? And finally Why?

I parked my car and walked slowly up to the main entrance. Making my way through several check points, I was finally in and waiting. Surrounded by the worst scum in the state, I was thankful there was glass and bars seperating me from them.
"I would like to see the Warden please." I handed a guard my card and sat down to wait it out. And after an hour he finally came out to show me into his office.

"Miss Brancroft, what can I do for you?" Warden Joe Micheals hadn't changed much since I seen him last.

"I would like to see Bradly Richards and interview him. See if I can break through his shield, find out where he hid them." The warden took my arm and ushered me into his office, sitting down I watched him move behind his desk and sit. He didn't looked pleased about this at all.

He knew who the "them" were I was referring to. They all did. Shaking his head, he looked me straight in the eye,
"What makes you think you can get out of him? My god Katie!, use your brains for a moment here. IF he wouldn't tell police, the lawyers, the parents or even the Judge to save his ass.. Why would he tell you?" He looked like he was torn between laughter and snorting with sarcasm at me. "Why would he confess to a female reporter?"

Sitting forward in my chair, I didn't break his stare down contest and replied with all the confidence I felt, "Because I never give up and I am a persistant little shit when I need to be!."

He shook his head, running a hand through his hair. He asked a guard to show me to the containment cell where Mr. Richards was being held until his execution.

"Thank you.. This means alot to me."

He smirked a little, "Dont bug me about being nice, we both know I owe you a few for the scandal here last year.." I nodded my head, agreeing with him. He did owe me for that.

He stood up and showed me out of his office, turning me over to a guard, "I need a pass Warden.." I turned facing him. He groaned in annoyance and handed me one.
"Thanks again." I smiled and turned to follow the guard.


Walking down a very deserted C block, I felt all alone in here. If it wasn't for the clip clopping sounds of the guards shoes, I would have felt it more intently. he turned and motioned towards the back of the hallway. "Down at the end Miss." He turned and walked back the way he came, leaving me to move on ahead alone. I glanced in each cell as I made my way down to the end. All were empty. It was strange, but I guess this state didn't put too many on death row anymore.. Not unless they did something terrible.

Richards' trial had been a closed court room. No press, no tv, nothing. No news papers were even allowed. All they ever got was statements from the lawyers at the end of each day. There was so much contriversy over this whole affair. If I got this story, It would sell, not that I cared about the ratings at this moment. I cared more about what happened to Lisa.

I stopped before his cell looking him over as he sat on his bunk facing me. American male, charming, witty, smart as a whip. Sexy. And Killer slash rapist. A shame too.
He stood up coming towards me, smiling in the assured cocky way and I just shook my head in wonderment. I went over the information inside my head as I watched him approach the bars.

"Bradly Richards. age: 33. Single. 6 foot tall, tight firm build. Dark tanned skin, blonde hair, blue eyes. Sensual inviting smile, I just noticed that. And responcible for killing 13 girls/ women. A man that you would normally see on GQ or something."

Shaking myself out of the trance like state I introduced myself to him.

"Katie Brancroft. Herald Daily News. I am here to interview you Mr. Richards."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Katie Brancroft

He knew why I was here now, as I had explained my intentions. Interview a man unlike any other in this state's history for well over a hundred years now.

"You want the story and the location of the woman, you need to pull some strings"

"I will pull strings. What do you have in mind?"

"They'd better be a few LARGE favors, or no story, Missy"

"No worries, the warden owes me... as do a few others. I will be back Mr. Richards."

I walked upstairs and right back into the wardens office without knocking.

Warden Micheals looked up and sighed, "What is it now Katie?"

I sat down in the chair desperately searching for the right words and how to word what i was asking for.

"Well? I dont have all day, I work too you know.." He seemed impatience.

I blurted out, "He wants Favors of some kind.."

"NO!" He interrupted me with a rather loud refusal.

"Wait please?! Just hear me out!"

"No Katie! That man is dangerous!" He fairly growled as his eyes darkened.

"Please. you owe me Joe." I pinned him with my eyes, daring him to deny that.

"You ask too much this time! Hell your life could be in danger around him!"

"I am well aware of that." I mumbled in responce.

And he cut me off again.

"Why? Why is it so important that you would give any favor to him? A convicted rapist and killer? Answer me that Katie." He steepled his fingers before him on the desk and stared at me.

"Well.." He cut me off again, this was annoying me.

"Anything you get a story huh? You that desperate?"

I jumped up and smacked my hand on his desk, "No! It isnt like that, the story be damned! That monster killed my step sister! And I want to know where she is!" I panted with my agitation that he would assume such a thing of me.

He paused after that out burst and stared up at me. Shame, hatred and sorrow shining brightly in his eyes, also understanding. "I'm sorry Katie."

I interrupted him this time, "So am I."

"You arent going to do anything..." He didnt want to finish the thought or the sentence as he looked up at my smoldering eyes.

"No Joe, I would never sink to his level to get what I want." He ran his hands through his hair, a real sign of stress and aggitation. He was always doing that I noticed.

"I swear to you I wont break any rules." I promised.

"No one goes in Katie, and he most deffinatly does NOT come out, you hear me!? Promise and i will approve only because I know how it feels not knowing things...."

"I swear Joe."

"Alright, but no more asking for anything! got it? We're even now?"
I nodded my head and shook his hand, "Deal. After all this is said and done your IOU is fulfilled."

"Good, good. Reporters.." He shook his head and chuckled, "You play hard ball Katie."

"The pass will allowe me in after hours right?"
"Yes." He nodded his head and put a file away.
"Can I use your phone privately for a minute?"
He glanced up at me and gave me another stern look, telling me I was walking a thin line here with my demands. "Please?"
"Alright, but you are going to get kicked out you demand one more thing of me.." He was teasing, trying to lighten the mood in this small office.
Grinning I nodded, "You got it Joe. This line is secure isnt it?"
"Yeah have a ball.." he walked out and shut the door.

Picking up the phone I dialed the Govenor's office, and after a few 'choice' words with his 'secretary' I was patched directly to the Govenor's office.

"Govenor Parker speaking, how may I help you?"

"I am finally calling in my IOU Govey.."

"Who is this?"

"Katie Brancroft."

"Oh."

Yeah oh buddy, I chuckled, he owed me big time for what dirt I had on him in my hands right now.

"Go ahead and spit it out so we can deal with this and get it over with and I want the tape!" He was quietly speaking into the phone, worried he might be overheard.

"I want a weeks stay of execution on Bradly Richards..." I held the phone from my ear knowing what was coming.

"ARE YOU MAD!?" He shouted. Putting the phone back to my ear once that was done, I didn't hide my grin. "People want him fried! Want their justice! You can't ask that of me!"

"Yes I can, and Yes I am. I did not say pardon him! I asked for a slight stay is all.."

"Look Miss Brancroft, I cant do that. Not now! I would lose voters! This is an election year!"

I snorted, as if I gave one shit about that, "You will lose voters if I release this tape to the media too Govenor Parker."

"Thats Blackmail!"

"Thats how we play hard ball Govey.. Besides I think your wife might like this tape.. and how your 'playtime' with miss 'secretary' wasn't the 'playtime' she was thinking it to be.."

"Alright! Heartless Katie, damned Heartless... This tape will be shipped to me? Right?"

"Yes, do this for me and its yours. No more IOU's Govey."

"A week no more than that!"

"Thanks again." I grinned I won for the moment.

"You are one ruthless, cold blooded bitch! You should be working for me..."

Click!

Like I wanted to be chased around by a fat balding pervert in office. Shaking my head, I walked out and informed Joe he should contact the Govenor, Bradly Richards had a stay of execution... Joe looked a little confused by this, but nodded his head. He knew I had connections to get what I wanted. And I could have asked for a pardon, but even I wont subject women to that monster again.

Picking up my bag I left in Joe's office I headed back down to death row. I had a few dozen tapes, a recorder and a 'anytime' access pass to get in and out of here. Now if Bradly Richards just played along with me, gave me what I wanted, all would be set and ready. I just needed to figure out what I would ask him and how I would get the information?

I walked back and sat before the bars at the provided table, facing his cell.
"Alright I got permission, and here is my deal. You can ask me for one favor a visit. Meaning before I leave tonight, you ask for what you want tomorrow and we'll see if it can be delivered. Warden Micheals set the rules.. No one comes in and you do not come out, all else is workable. Do we have a deal Mr. Richards?" I sat straight faced and very serious, I wanted inside his mind, and I meant to get it.

 

[susan__32]

this story has me on the edge of my chair.. please keep it going..

--Susan

 

[BLACK BART]

I moved to the middle of the bare cell and sat down, looking the trim form of the woman outside the bars over...

She was a reporter...and like all reporters she wanted a story..My story, the one I had refused to give to the Judge or D.A., had refused to accept a jury that might have been sympathetic...even turned down the Carson show.

Still she showed determination...and an impressive array of connections...she had spoke to the warden, obtained a pass that normally was given to only high ranking government officials...and made what else type of arrangements?

She had me aroused...no, not aroused...curious...


"Pretty strong demands for a woman who has nothing to gain and everything to lose, Miss?" I taunted...gently.

"It's Ms. Ms. Brancroft" She supplied, her face a look of distaste that she had to answer to me.

"Mizzzz Brancroft" I finished, smiling at her. "What could you possibly offer me that I would want?"

Leaning backwards I stretched out on the cool cement floor, turning my head to keep my eyes on hers, cupping my head in one arm as I relaxed in my "home"

"Pleased to meet you, Ms Brancroft" I spoke quickly, rolling and lifting myself to my feet in a practiced, smooth motion...and extending my hand thru the bars to shake hers. "My name is Brad Richards"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Katie Brancroft

"Well Mr. Richards, I can tell the world your story. I can make the last few days here on this earth interesting, and give you a chance to reach millions. Perhaps to tell your story as you would want it written?" I stepped forward almost ready to take his hand in mine and shake it, but suddenly recalling just who he was, I didn't come that close.
"It is nice to meet you Mr. Richards. How about it? Do you wish to reveal the inside of yourself for a better understanding? Or do you wish to die, with never have been heard?" I planned so many speaches for this moment, so many reasons and for some reason looking up at him, they failed me. I could not recall one simple speach I had practiced for this moment.
God I wanted to kick myself for that stupidity. Hopefully he wanted something before he died that I could deliver?

 

[BLACK BART]

"No...I don't " I answered, withdrawing my hand and smiling at how I had almost "had" her. "I don't want my story told...ever"

And then it hit me....She had said a favor a visit, tell her what I wanted the night before and she would see if it were possible tomorrow.

"Tomorrow? What do you mean tomorrow" I asked her, my face twisting in anger, I had no tomorrow...It was my time...time to die.

"What the HELL did YOU do?" I growled at her, lunging against the bars...slamming my shoulder into them as I reached for her...

"I can't have a TOMORROW!"

I had her blouse in my fingers...as she tried to back pedal and pull away...Then I released it...pulling my arm back in and sitting back on the floor...

"What have you done?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Katie Brancroft

His sudden lunge scared me shitless, and he had my blouse.
Jumping back, my blouse pulled free of his fingers and I backed away.
"Yes there is a tomorrow for you Bradly. I arranged it, and i will keep getting more tomorrow's for you until I get what I came for. A story. Answers. Reasons. I played hard ball Mr. Richards, I played god so to speak. All I am asking is the story from your own lips. And once you give me the story, It will all end. All of this. Prison, life, nightmares. Whatever it is that haunts you in the dark." I felt a little shakey, perhaps I had done the wrong thing, but answers were desperately needed, from this man. For my own sanity, for the families who did not know.
"Will you cooperate, or do you need a few days in silence to think about it?" I let the threat hang in the air. With that tape, the Govenor was in the palm of my hand.
"Govenor Parker owes me Mr. Richards..." It was a gamble, all of it. What if he lied to me? What if he did not talk and my time ran out? I needed to think and think fast of something, anything I could use to get him to start speaking up?
"You wanted Huge favors Mr. Richards, I am just trying to deliver and make some time here worth while..."

 

[BLACK BART]

"You want to make time worth while?" I snarled "Go to HELL!"

I sat on the floor looking up at her...another USER...just like the others I had run into, all wanting something for themselves...

"Go to hell, Mizzz Brancroft, and I'll be waiting there for you.." I growled at her "I've sat and listened to the best liars, heard their promises..and the threats when the promises ring hollow...and you don't even rank at the top ten, Mizzzz Brancroft."

The truth was I had...and told them all where to go, and now that I had accepted my fate, and dealt with it..SHE came into it and botched all the plans up...

"I'll give you a story...I won't lie to you about it all, BUT there will be terms. TERMS that you will follow, WHEN I say and HOW I say" I counter offered "Lie to me...or try to use what I tell you before I say you can and I'll deny it, then clam up...til I die"

I grinned...grinned the "mad" from my eyes and face...then rose to my knees and then stood, facing her...

"Even YOU can't make me live forever" I told her, my voice calm...reasonable..."How do I know you'll keep your promises?" I asked her, my back to her...

 

[Sweetp4u]

Katie Brancroft

"Alright, fair is fair. Ask for something reasonable I can deliver tomorrow and I will do it. As I said before we talk, I will do your favor. If I can not deliver that favor you do not have to talk to me. But remember the warden's rules. No one goes in there and you do not come out. Even I can not change those rules Brad." I felt a spark of hope break through the darkness of this situation and his hatred of me at this moment. There was a chance I could get inside his mind, find out what made him tick and why. Find out where Lisa was.
I felt my hands sweat, my heart beat wildly waiting for his final answer. Would he accept those terms for I could not deliver anything more than that.
"I would not break your trust, I would not put one word on paper until you gave me permission." or you are dead, I did not add that last part.
"A favor per visit Bradly..." I whispered, but I knew he heard me. "All I ask is you answer my questions honestly and in turn I will answer any you have.." I fell silent, knowing I was pressing my luck, but dammit I wanted this so badly my teeth hurt. I would not anger him, for I knew he would clam up on me. I would not degrade myself and appear weak by pleading.

 

[BLACK BART]

"OK, So you're a reporter. I want all the files on me...and the women...everything that was said...all the different facts you've gathered. Then after I've read them we'll talk"

We had reached an empasse of sorts, something I could use to my benefit perhaps...to finish what I had started and end this all, after all.

"Who are you, Ms. Brancroft?" I asked curiously, "What is your angle...the reason you're wasting so many favors on me?"

I hung my arms thru the bars, my face pressed to them as I looked at her and considered what I saw. And what she was looking at.

"Do you have any family...friends, boyfriend?"

It was curious, her eyes had flared then hardened as I looked at her. I had struck a nerve...How deep I wondered...

 

[Sweetp4u]

Katie

"Alright, I will bring the file in the morning. All the gathered information is in there..." He stared at me as if trying to 'read' me in some way or another. I felt this place was shrinking and he was too close for comfort, but truth be told I was more than five feet away from him. A safe distance not even he could breach.

"I dont consider it a waste of favors to get the real story from the mouth of the man who did the crimes. To find out why more so than anything, what made you this way, if anything.. and just to be heard..." what more could I say? The truth would end it all I was certain of it.

He asked after my family and I felt my heart lurch painfully and my eyes darken a little. "I have a family yes. A mother, step father and some cousins and aunts. The normal large family. A boyfriend, no. Not at this time. I want companionship they just want meaningless relations." It was all I was going to offer him for now. Perhaps later I would tell him more? Perhaps.

"I think I should go for the night and bring those files in the morning. I am assuming that is the favor you want?" I moved from one foot to the other, shifting my weight as my feet were tired from standing. Tomorrow i would have a chair brought down to go with the table. Why they did not think of this is beyond me. I held his gaze, waiting for his answer before I left.

 

[BLACK BART]

"My favor? No...I'll save the favors for when we're thru,by then I'll know if you're a person to be trusted." I answered, pushing off the bars and moving to the concrete bunk. "The papers are for me to pass the time, and to study, as you'll be studying me"

The "deal" was made. If it paid out was to be seen, but for now we were done, till the next day, or the next. That part was up to her and I really didn't care, she would keep me alive as long as she wanted.

Rolling over I faced the wall, closing my eyes as if it didn't matter...

"Now get outa here, I need my rest" I growled.

If she answered I didn't hear. The sound of the heavy hallway door rang thru the cement hallway and I was alone. The lights clicked off one by one and I welcomed the dark, the dark and what it hid...So I didn't have to.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Katie Brancroft

I turned to go, looking back just once to see what he was doing before vanishing around the corner. MY heart still hammered in my chest. I had been to close, he almost had ahold of me! That I could not allowe again.

The strangest part was, he wasn't a 'mad' man. He did not laugh for no reason, he did not twist things, look distant. He did none of the normal ramblings of a 'mad' man. So that meant just one thing. He was sane and he was cold hearted. To kill and rape and not have at least some form of insanity was just beyond me. Of Course I had not done any research on rapists. This was the first one I ever wanted to talk to.

Wanted. Well not the right word, but HAD to talk to was more like it. Soon I would tell him, perhaps tomorrow about Lisa. He didn't want lied to, but bringing up those memories were hard. They cut deeply and hurt. No amount of searching had brought her home.

Another factor in this case, and how they pinned all 13 on Bradly Richards I did not know. Simple fact was none were the same. Nothing was the same. The M.O. was different each time. Each girl was different. Ranging from all heights, ages, hair color, professions, pretty to plain. None of it had made sense to anyone during this whole mess. The police actually thought at one time it was many men raping and kidnapping these girls. but there was no ransome demands, there was no bodies found.

I glanced up at my house, sitting in my car. I didn't even recall getting in and driving home. Thank god my mind was working when I wasn't aware of it. That shook me up a little, to be suddenly home and no realize I had been driving. Shaking my head I climbed out and went inside.

Brutus was waiting for me when I got in, and I scratched his yellow head tenderly. "How's my boy been while I was away?" He barked and sat down watching me. I checked the pile of mail in the floor for anything worth while and set it on the near by stand. "Hungry? I am.. Let's go into the kitchen.."

I fed the dog and myself, showered and climbed wearily into bed. Brutus laid down on the floor between my bed and the door way snoring instantly. Who would have thought a dog would snore so quietly? Not to mention one his size. Bear would have been a more accurate name for my pet.

Dosing off, Thoughts filled my head of things I wanted to ask Brad, but before long I was sound asleep.

3AM-

I did not know where I was, but I was walking through a park. It was dark outside and eerily there was no sounds around me. Not even crickets chirped. The wind picked up, making me feel colder and frozen, so I walked faster down this path of stone. But as I watched the stone path, I never got closer to the buildings or the trees at the end. It was like I was walking in place. Pulse jumping for some unseen reason I began to walk faster and faster. Still not getting close enough, my limbs began to feel sluggish either from the cold or something else I wasn't sure.
"It's just a dream... It's just a dream.. Wake up Katie!" It wasn't working I was still nearly running along this path. My heart jumped in my throat as I heard a twig snap near by. I stopped and glanced around the dark park, but seen nothing. Heard nothing more. I turned and began to run, heading for the buildings, knowing there were people inside from the beconing light. I heard foot steps behind me, and like some cheesy horror movie they were walking steps where mine were running.
Panic set in and I did not even know why? I kept telling myself to wake up, please wake up!
No one heard my prayers or I was just too stupid to wake up at this moment. I screamed but no sound came out from my lips as I felt hands grab me from behind and push me to the ground. I tried to scream again, but no sound came out. Now I was really panicing, heart racing painfully in my chest, and I could not seem to make my legs obey me and kick out.
"Let go let me go!" They were supposed to be shouted but came out as pathetic whimpers. I was flipped over and came face to face with Brad. His smile twisted as he stared down at me, "I told you not to betray me.. I warned you not to play mind games.. You should have let me die bitch!" His words hit like cold stones onto my body, pinning me helplessly to the ground.
"But.." No more words came out as He wrapped his hands around my throat and began to squeeze off the air. I fought, but my limbs would not obey me in the slightest! Frustrated, scared and cold for some reason, My pathetic attempts to get free weren't working. His hand came down and gripped my shirt as one slowly choked the life from me. I could hear the tearing of fabric in my ears and an ear piercing scream..

Jerking up in bed, thrashing as I came up, my pillow went one way and my hands tore at the unseen hands holding my throat. Panting for air, I struggled, twisting and turning until I realized I was awake and it was my sheet wrapped around my neck. Slowly breathing in and out, which sounded so loud in my bed room, I glanced down at Brutus who was standing up now, looking at me like I was mad.
"It's alright boy.. Go to sleep.." I trembled as I crawled out of bed to retrieve my pillow. shaking from head to toe, I wondered what the hell kind of dream was that?!
Falling back into bed, it took awhile before I could sleep without checking the dark corners of my room time and time again.
groaning with frustration I commanded myself to stop acting stupid and get to sleep. Sleep finally did come at five am.
The alarm went off at 9am.
Rising from the bed I knew this was going to be another long day. Gathering my files and my pass, I drove off to the prison.
The nightmare still haunting me, making me dread going, but I knew I had to go and get these answers.
By the time I reached C block and was walking down death row to speak to Brad once more, I had my nerves calmed and my head cleared. A chair had been provided and he sat on his bunk just watching.
I walked over to his cell, keeping my eyes on him as I set down the file a few inches thich on the floor infront of the bars. I stepped back and sat down, still watching him.
"There is everything that was released to the press and a few items copied by a 'friend' for my own use."

 

[susan__32]

mmm please dont stop now...

--Susan

 

[BLACK BART]

Morning had started for me with it's usual routine...Two guards arriving, electric prodding sticks charged as the door to my cell opened.

"Time for breakfast, rapist" The first man informed me, grinning as the second tossed a set of manacles at my feet.

"Put 'em on, Dead man" He ordered...and I obeyed....

"So what's on the morning menu?" I asked, knowing the reply...but still hoping.

"Gruel and yesterdays coffee" The second guard informed me as I stood and extended my hands, as a second set of manacles "clicking" as he snapped them on. "Now can the chatter, CON"

I couldn't help it; the look on his face was so tempting...


"Fresh gruel this time?" I asked innocently "You must have been worried about me last night?"

The stick hit my abdomen and I bent over as it drove the air from my lungs, gasping for it as the second guard connected the "short chain" between my manacled ankles and wrists.

"The only thing I worried about was how SOON you're gunna fry, I want to be there to watch" He laughed at me as I straightened and followed the first guard as he led the way...

Breakfast was all they promised and it sat burning in my stomach as I leaned against the wall, holding myself away from it as the pressure of the hose tore against my skin...

"Why doncha turn 'round, Dead man?" The first guard taunted...and I grunted as he directed the cold water between my legs and ass.

"No Thanks" I replied, having learned my lesson from the first day when he had asked the same question and I did, then felt the punch of the waters power as he directed it at my testicles. The pain had knocked me to my knees as he laughed...still keeping the pressure on...the stream blinding me...

"Sorry we cant letcha have your usual morning "run", But you got a lady friend comin, the Boss says" He sneered at me as the water stopped and he tossed a rag at me. "Maybe tomorrow?"

I dried off quickly, then pulled the coverall back on and reattached my "jewelry", thinking there was some fringe benefits to being the reporters "prize".

"I was looking forward it so much, though" I jibed, the remark earning me another jab of the stick as it reminded the guard of how I was able to return a cheap shot...and knock out his tooth before I was taken to the floor...

"Oh, Don't worry Dead man...there'll be one last time for us" He promised, his eyes full of hate as his tongue toyed with the recently vacated hole "I promise"

I kept my mouth shut as they double-timed me to my cell, the maneuvers causing the manacles to chafe my ankles till they bled when they were removed...

"See you in the morning, Dead man" The first guard promised...the second laughing as they walked down the hall, the manacles dragging behind them, clanking ominously...then cutting off abruptly as the door opened and slammed shut.

Less then ten minutes passed and the door opened again, a lighter set of footsteps echoing, announcing the arrival of the reporter...

"So how was your evening, sleep good?" I inquired after looking at the slim pile of files she had placed before me.

"I've had my breakfast and a shower, hope you took the time to eat, as it's a long time before dinner"

The words hung there...her eyes analyzing me as she considered them and I returned to my position on the cool floor.

"Not much for files..." I commented, flipping thru the neatly labeled manila folders...glancing at each and placing it beside me. "I thought you had contacts...where is the forensic reports...the presiding officers statement on each girl...or the endless photos the cops usually shoot at each site?"

The last file hit the floor, the one-labeled "LISA", in handwritten letters, unlike the other 12 neatly typed headings.

"This gal reminds me of you, somehow...But more innocent...waifish" I compared, placing the file on the top of the others and picking up her "friends" special file...

"But this is interesting" I commented "The part where this paragraph states...

"In all of the murder / rape crimes, not one single piece of evidence links them, despite the departments best offer to find one"

I read the file, then too laid it on top of the others, looking up into her glaring eyes...eyes that spoke of death...and hate...

"So where do you want to start?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Katie Brancroft

"Thats what I want to know Bradly. Why is there no evidence? And how did they make this case stick? A few pieces of Jewelry and some clothes isnt much to go on. I read the reports. All that was found was some articles of clothes and jewelry in your apartment and car." I pulled out the last file from the Police department's records and handed it to him.
"That's one of the many reasons I am here and questioning all of this. No one knows what happened in court but you and the others. Only one talking.. well No one was talking. Thats why I am here. To find answers." I thought for a moment, then reaching into my bad I pulled out a recorder and tapes. Setting one up I cleared my throat and glanced at him through the bars.
"This is your story Bradly, I would like to start at the beginning. It is up to you where you wish to start. Perhaps a troubled childhood? Perhaps high school? Work up and tell me this as a Story..." I studied him, hoping he would go back and tell me what brought him here. That thought of I asked him, "Work up to what brought you here..."

 

[susan__32]

thank you.. keep it up please



--Susan

 

[BLACK BART]

I looked at the table in front of her, the pile of tapes set aside neatly...her purse laid aside as she pressed the record button and waited expectantly for me to begin talking.

"I said "WE" would talk" I corrected her expectations "Not I would speak into that damn box. If you want that I'll fill you full of half truths that you can't verify or disprove, then let you print them wondering how large of a fool you've been made"

Her face began to grow an angry red, her eyes flashing as she opened her mouth for a scathing retort...A retort I cut off deliberately...

"Turn the recorder off and talk to me" I told her, then asked her in a lower voice. "There's a beautiful woman in the same cell block as the condemned man...He can see her...smell her...but not touch her, do you think he would want to spend his last days speaking to a box?"

What I wanted to tell her was how I had made my mind up to die...Gathered the strength I had and accepted the inevitable conclusion...And how she came and destroyed that resolve, and left me questioning my own bravery to face it again...

But I wouldn't, it wasn't the way I was raised...You took your beatings quietly...by yourself.

"You can take notes, I'll stop where you want and let you fill them in as you need" I offered "But I want you to talk to me...If I'm going to tell this story, and you're going to repeat it, I want you to tell it correctly...and honestly"

Her face cooled, then the eyes...they lost the angry expression in them as well and her hand drifted to the buttons on the recorder, caressing them gently and hovering above the far button before pressing it down.

Nodding I looked at her and began.

"You know my name, my place of birth...the name of my deceased parents and the place they were buried 15 years ago. You know I was one of two boys that my mother raised proudly, that my father sacrificed to send to college, dying before we graduated but telling us how he knew we would to the end. What you want to know is the HOW, the WHERE, and probably most importantly the WHY"

She hadn't moved, her attention was focused on me as I spoke and I knew she hadn't needed the tape recorder...it was a prop. a way for her to distance herself from me and not get "involved"...She would remember what I said. Few notes would be needed except for the facts she decided to verify.



"I'll tell you all of that. And perhaps more, But I want two promises from you in return...One: You'll print it all, omitting nothing or changing the context of the words. TWO: You'll release the story no sooner than one week after I'm buried...and You've done the favors you offered in return for each day we talk."

Again her hands hovered over the recorder, her fingers tracing the outline of it as she considered my words and then she nodded in acceptance, speaking a single word...

*Agreed*

Nodding myself I almost smiled, then continued.

"My brother and I finished college together, it's a matter of record as well, one you've probably already checked. He placed 7th in his class, finishing ahead of 303 others and accepted by one of the largest and most prestigious law firms in the New York region...I graduated...barely, again its a matter of record...The scholarship in the various sports I played in guaranteed it...My performance as a jock was essential to the colleges continued "title" ranking, and to my brother and I getting the final year of college paid for. We did it for our parents, to honor their memory, to show them we respected what they wanted and to let them know we learned what they taught us and had succeeded. My brother went on to becoming a partner in that law firm...I went on to being the jock, then couch for other jocks...as my knee wore out and I couldn't run the yards fast enough. We had succeeded...Right?"

Again she nodded and I wondered how much of this she already knew...but still listened to.

"Your turn"

*What? * She questioned, her face showing confusion...

"It's your turn to talk, tell me about yourself...your life. Who you are"

*But that's pointless, of no use to the story...* She pointed out, and I rebutted.

"Not to me, Knowing who you are, what you understand is more important to me than you know...and perhaps also to this story"

I left the words hanging there, waiting quietly...my eyes focused on her trim ankle that she bounced angrily over the other...

 

[Sweetp4u]

Katie Brancroft

I sighed and nodded my head, tit for tat, I guess it's my turn. I thought for a moment, what would he want to know? I guess the same things he told me?

"Well.. My name is Kaitlyn Brancroft, as you know. I am a reporter for the Daily Herald News. I grew up in a small town with a strict military step father. Went to private schools and moved around alot. I learned to tell stories to entertain the other men in the army my Step Father brought home, and my mother when she was home and not drunk.. I went to a community college and finally settled in one place when I was 21 and able to get out from under step dad's firm thumb. I moved here to this town, attended college and got a degree in publishing. I started out as a type setter, then an editor for other news reporters and finally given a break a few years ago. Reporting on a fire in some local store." That was enough for now wasnt it?

I made sure I had everything in memory he told me, and paused waiting for him to continue.

"My life has been boring and simple. Nothing much exciting about me I am afraid, but I leave that for you to decide..."

 

[BLACK BART]

“You worked hard to get where you’re at, didn’t you?” I asked, seeing her chin rise slightly in pride.

You’re used to competition, having to work harder at something so you succeed and get the position you want… I can understand that…it was the same on the field…in the classroom…and with my brother as well…

Have you ever had a brother or sister? Someone like you that you loved…yet hated because they were better? They won where you lost? Placed first over you constantly? Perhaps won the attention of your parents while you stood on the side while they basked in it?

It was that way with us…despite the love we felt…we competed day and night, a never-ending tournament to prove ourselves to our dead parents…

It sounds stupid; silly perhaps…but to us it was no game. We were both dead serious about it and never satisfied to let the other brother win.

I thought it had ended, was over after we went on a camping trip together…a trip for the boys we told our significant others, a chance for us to get to know each other again and make peace…"

Something happened on that trip that changed our lives…. And I assumed it ended the rivalry…but I was wrong, it made it worse…and that’s when it began…


I had spoken the last words still looking downward, noticing the gold chain she wore on her ankle…trying to read the inscription that was engraved on it, over the twin hearts that were linked together.

Somethings go too far in life, sometimes debts have to be repaid....Now if you're not going to tell me more about yourself you'll have to excuse me, It's time for my dinner and I don't want to miss what they've cooked up for me

 

[Sweetp4u]

Katie

"Yes I know how that feels.. I had a step sister, she was perfection where I was flawed. Her father was proud of her blonde beauty and brains. She succeeded in everything she did try and didnt really try. It was hard, but as I grew up I began to just respect thats how life was. It did not matter what I did or didn't do to please my mother, Lisa did it better than I did anyways and it went unnoticed what I had accomplished in life. But still she was there for me, to give me pride in what I did and encouragement where my parents failed to.." I fell silent for a moment.
"So now I told you more, you tell me .. What happened on that trip you thought would change everything?" I studied him, knowing he caught on to the name I just said aloud. But he had to answer my question before I would answer his.

 

[BLACK BART]

"My brother was scaling a slight incline...determined to show me he could do it...Despite my pleas to not do it. Almost at the top he turned to look up where I was...And as he lost concentration on where he was I lost hold and fell. I was still tied off, and when I began to fall he moved down the cliff and was able to grab me..pull me back up despite my wrenched arm"

I had caught the name she had mentioned...It fit the inscription on her ankle as well *Sisters forever, Love Lisa* It read...and I reached for the file second from the top as I continued speaking.



"On top again he informed me I owed him my life...And I knew he was serious, Serious enough that I thought the competing between us was over. Finally over, we could be brothers again...without the competition"

Stepfather she had said...A father but not a father...two last names for two different sisters...from one mother???

"Your Lisa was this Lisa?" I asked holding the file up so there would be no doubt..."The final victim?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Katie

I listened to his story and felt a little sick, thinking something was wrong here? But what?
I glanced at the folder and nodded my head, "Yes that is my step sister, Lisa. She came with her Father when my Mother married him. She was 8 and I was 10. My mother didn't spend alot of time with me since my father died. He was a police Detective here. Anyways once the Military man came along and she didn't have to work.. Lisa got her attention because she was cute, young and still loved to play dress up where I did not.."
I gulped down the lump in my throat, trying to get past the thoughts and the desperate feeling of not knowing where Lisa was.
"Alright, so you owed him your life, So he says.. What happened then?"