Part 1 –
Part 2 –
Bethany was in the closet, towel wrapped around her mouth and her bleeding stomach in her hands. Bethany’s husband, Huerto, had locked her inside. He was also the twisted man who stabbed her.
She listened in as he opened the front door, and hoped to God the visitor was a policeman.
“Hello? Can I help you?” said Huerto.
“Good morning sir, I just came to talk to you about the good book.”
“Oh?”
“Do you mind if I come in?”
There was a brief pause. “You know what, fine. Come on in,” said Mr. Huerto.
Bethany wanted to cry. She wanted to pout and shout or punch her fist into the wall but she knew it was too late. No matter what sound or shriek she made it would do nothing to help. As soon as she heard the door fasten close, she knew all hope was lost.
“Why don’t you come in here little lady,” said Huerto. “Got something I’d like to show you.”
Despite knowledge of her effort’s futility, Bethany started smacking around in the closet chaotically. She screamed as loud as she could, though her voice never left her head. She flopped around, whacking the clothing all around her, and began kicking the door as loudly as she could.
The door to the closet swung open. A chain rattle swiftly and an overhanging lightbulb turned on. She saw Huerto’s pock-marked face. He wore a brown wig like it were a loaf of bread, and always wore one of those blue button downs with the birds and flowers. Huerto slapped Bethany across one cheek, then the other, before finally throwing the young teenage girl visitor at her. Holding the bible into her chest, the young girl had a black mark on one eye and a towel wrapped around her mouth. She met eyes with Bethany.
Huerto rubbed his hands. “All right, all right. I’ve never had two wives before. Hmm.” He laughed, then pulled them both in for a hug. They didn’t hug back.
“Well, you two wait here while I go figure some stuff out. I’m excited to have you at the Huerto residence Amanda.
Amanda tried to yell, but it expelled like a hum.
A tear ran down Bethany’s cheek.
Huerto smiled, poked Bethany in the tit with the barrel of his rifle, then shut the door to the closet and locked the two of them up together.
Bethany reached out and hugged the girl, who began shaking convulsively. After wrapping her hands around her head Bethany managed to undue Amanda’s towel. Not that it would do any good, a shout was only as good as its nearest set of ears.
After a lengthy struggle, Amanda returned the favor and removed Bethany’s gag.
“I’m Bethany.”
“How long have you been here?” said Amanda.
“Too long.” She looked down, then back up again. “I’m sorry.”
Amanda looked away. Her lower lip was trembling. “What’s going to happen now?”
“I don’t know. I need to get treatment.”
“What happened?” said Amanda, before noticing the river of blood staining Bethany’s gown. “Oh my…” She covered her mouth and her blue eyes widened. She looked mortified.
“Fight with the husband.” Bethany smiled as best she could.
They laughed. Weakly, but they laughed.
Part 4, Coming Soon!
– Thomas M. Watt
Thomas M. Watt 
Great line – ‘a shout was only as good as its nearest set of ears. Good stuff.
Thanks!
I was about to say the same thing! I agree – it is a great line!
Thank you!
Thank you Caterina! Means a lot.
You keep the reader on the edge of their seat. I am looking forward to reading the next part.
Thank you very much sir. Enjoyed your post about research by the way, great insight.
This is an attention grabber from the get go. The first pages are the most important, and yours are real good. If you’re interested in critique or feedback, I’ll give you some. Just let me know. Keep on poundin’ the paper!
Shannybananny,
If you’re referring to the book I’m pushing to get published, I’d love to hear your opinion. Feedback helps immensely and I can see from your blog you are very well read. I would only send you a chapter or two of course, not going to burden you with the whole book. If you have anything you would like to get another set of eyes on, I’m more than happy to take a look.
If yes, email me at wayoftheworld@thomasmwatt.com
If no, respond accordingly.
If confused, please type email below and I will contact you.
Thank you again Shannybananny!
This sounds great! I do have something to send your way. It’s middle grade fiction. I’ll do the same; only a few chapters. I’ll email you this weekend!
Thanks!
When’s the next part? This is exciting!
tomorrow madame!
I actually held my breath while reading this. It’s a first! Got to get back to breathing and writing my own book now. Looking forward to the next distraction. 😉
Thanks so much Lindie!
OMG what is going to happen!
haha you never know…