The Ring of Fire & Serpents

Chapter Nine - Flat Tires

***TRIGGER WARNING- THE FOLLOWING CHAPTER CONTAINS DESCRIPTIONS THAT MAY BE TRIGGERING FOR SOME READERS***

SOPHIA'S POV

It's pitch black as I head down the gravel road. I force myself to keep my eyes wide open as panic consumes me. God, I hope I don't get pulled over!  Not only will I get in serious trouble for smoking pot, but I have no driver's license, no phone, and no money. My heart is nearly pounding out of my chest, and my stomach is doing flips as I turn off of a country road onto another. I glance up in my rearview mirror, and what I see has me nearly jolted out of my seat, causing me to swerve the car into the grass... I thought I saw Momma staring back at me! I do a double-take and feel a bit of relief to find it was only me. Oh my God! I literally thought Momma was in the car with me! With one hand on the steering wheel, I reach up with the other and pat both cheeks to keep myself alert. 

My palms are beginning to sweat as I turn right onto the highway. At least this will take me directly home. It's heavily wooded, so I am hoping that no cops are hiding out in the area. I flip my bright lights on as I press down on the gas. It's well-lit until I approach the wooded part of the highway. I notice in passing a sign that warns of deer crossing, so I decide to slow down a bit. I pump the breaks ever so slightly and watch for anything that may dart out onto the road. 

Suddenly, I hear a loud bang as I'm hit with impact; the car loses traction, which causes me to spin in the opposite direction on the road. I attempt to maintain control of the car and slam on my breaks to stay on the road, but I end up sliding down into a ditch. Once the car has come to a complete stop, I throw it in the park. What in the hell just happened? What did I hit? I sit and scan my environment as I attempt to reorient myself. I realize that I'm much slower to react, considering the condition I'm in. My chest is heavy as panic sets in, and I attempt to catch my breath. I'm in so much trouble!

I step out of the car and stumble around to the front, discovering that both of my front tires are completely flat. How did this happen? What did I run over? I walk around the vehicle to inspect for damage, and there's nothing else that I can see visibly. I stand in place momentarily so that I can try and figure out what to do. I can't call anyone because my phone was in my purse that someone stole at the party. Oh no! I'm going to have to walk the rest of the way home. I open the passenger side door, grab the keys from the ignition, and place them in my pocket before climbing up the hill. 

My entire body is shaking like a leaf; I cross my arms in front of me as I hastily walk down the road. It's hard telling what might be lurking around here at night. The only sound that can be heard around me is the sound of crickets off in the distance. I can barely see where I'm walking two feet in front of myself. I begin to pick up the pace and sprint so I can reach some sort of civilization quicker. I definitely don't want to be out here longer than I have to. I'll stop at the gas station just outside of Ellisville and ask to borrow someone's phone to call Momma. I absolutely dread that call!

While jogging, I hear a car in the distance coming up behind me. I'm not sure if I should slide down into the ditch and hide or if I should flag them down. It might be Savannah and her new friend, but then again, it could be the police. Damn it! I don't care if it's the police! I'm terrified to continue walking down this road in the pitch black of night. I turn and wave my hands once I see the headlights. Please let it be Savannah!

The car slows down as it approaches me, pulling up beside me. The driver rolls down the window. It's a man, kind of heavyset, wearing a suit and tie, "Young lady, what are you doing out here all by yourself?" he asks. 

I place my hands on the passenger side door and lean over, attempting to catch my breath, "My car...two flat tires...ditch..." I attempt to catch my breath while trying to explain my situation. 

"You look familiar...you wouldn't happen to be one of Laura Carmichael's daughters, would you?" He asks. 

I stop dead in my tracks and look up at him, eyes wide, "Yes! How do you know my Mom?" 

He chuckles, "I'm her boss! The name is Frank Schumacher." 

I breathe a sigh of relief. Thank God!  I lay my head on the car door, "Oh, I'm so glad you are here! I was at a party, and someone stole my purse with my phone. Would you care to call my Mom and have her come and pick me up?"

He shakes his head, "I'll do you one better. Hop inside, and I'll take you home. You shouldn't be out here in the middle of the night. It's not safe. I know a guy who can tow your car to his shop and fix your tires good as new in the morning."

I stand in place for a moment so I can contemplate if I should get in the car. I don't personally know this man, but momma does. She seems to adore and trust him. I guess there is no reason why I shouldn't trust him as well. I reach down and pull the car handle to open the passenger door and climb inside. He smiles warmly at me, "Thanks so much, Frank. I really appreciate it!"

He puts the car in drive and speeds off down the road, "There's terrible reception out here. Once we get into town, you can call her if you like. You guys live somewhere in Ellisville, right?" He asks. 

I nod my head, "Yep, I'll tell you how to get here once we get into town." 

He casually moves his left hand up to the controls on his door; I can hear the sound of all of the doors locking at once. That was very strange. Next, he picks up his phone to call someone, "Hey, Butch, I need a favor...There's a white Toyota Camry in the ditch about five miles outside of Ellisville on the highway... I need you to take care of it...Yeah, I'll make it worth your while; just do it!... Oh, and make sure you grab the trap..." He instructs before quickly hanging up the phone.

I eye him curiously as he flashes an evil grin at me. I notice his eyes linger down my chest to the hem of my skirt. Gross old p*****t! I immediately adjust my skirt, pulling it down over my thighs, so he isn't able to see anything, "Has anyone ever told you that you look just your mother?" He asks, his voice deep. I find it hard to believe it's coming from the same person. It's very unsettling. 

Trembling in fear, I clear my throat, "Yes, all the time." I respond; my voice is raspy. 

He snickers, "You got your mother's figure, that's for sure. That woman drives me wild wearing those tight little skirts around the office. What little c**k tease she is. I can tell the apple doesn't fall far." He glances over to me, his eyes bloodshot.

I cover my face to hide my embarrassment, "Frank, you are making me feel very uncomfortable. Please stop!" I blurt out. 

His eyes grow wide; he reaches up and scratches his jaw, "Oh really? Is that the thanks I get for picking you up and giving you a ride?" he asks in a sarcastic tone. His face, three shades of red. Oh s**t! He looks really pissed off!

I redirect my attention on the road to avoid his hateful glare. Up ahead, I can see lights from the gas station just outside of town," Take this road straight into town; we live on Maple. Just turn right at the second light, and my house is like six houses down on the left. It's not hard to get to." I instruct him in an attempt to change the subject. 

He laughs maniacally and presses down on the gas, causing us to speed down the road. I place one hand on the door and the other on the console; my heart is pounding out of my chest. I can file bile rise in my throat, "Oh my God! Frank, please slow down! I'm sorry I upset you, Please!" I plead with him. 

He begins howling with laughter as he picks up speed down the road, "Not a chance, little darlin!"

Frank slams on his breaks before reaching the gas station just outside of town, jolting us forward before turning left onto another road. I scan my environment to see where he's taking me. There's a sign to the right; I read it as we pass: Laurel - 8 miles ahead. I shake my head and reach down and unbuckle my seat belt, "No, Frank! Pull over! I'm walking home!" I scream loudly. 

He reaches out and grabs my wrist violently, "And just where do you think you are gonna go at this time of night, hmm? You are not going anywhere! Do you hear me, you little w***e?! Just like your mother!"

I begin to whimper as my eyes well with tears, "Frank. Would you please take me home? I'm begging you! I won't say a word to anyone, I promise. Not even momma! Please!" I begin to sob uncontrollably as I plead with him.  

He turns to me with an evil grin, "No!" he responds as he releases his grip on my wrist. 

I begin wailing and thrashing my arms and legs vigorously, hoping to cause enough of a disturbance that he pulls the car over so I can make my escape. All of those crime shows that momma and I watch always tell you to fight for your life. I need to get out of this car, fast! I can make a run for it and get to the gas station, I bet. I doubt he could run after me, considering how big he is. I reach out and begin smacking him as hard as I can on the face. He pulls back, and the car swerves into the grass off the road slightly. I reach up and dig the fingernails of my left hand into his neck. He belts out a high-pitched wail, and the car swerves to the left. He grips the steering wheel tightly and attempts to gain control of the vehicle as I continue to smack and claw at him—blood oozing down his neck, his face red as a beat. 

With his left hand still holding the steering wheel, he reaches into his pocket with his right hand and pulls out a syringe. He pops the cap off at the end with his thumb. I reach out and grab his wrist with both of my hands so I can keep him from stabbing me with it, but it doesn't work. He's much stronger than I am and ends up jamming the needle into the side of my left thigh. I reach out and grab my leg with both hands noticing the trickle of blood oozing out from where he jabbed me, "Oh my God! What in the f**k did you shoot me with, you monster!?" I scream as loud as I can. I pull close to the door. 

He pulls the safety on the syringe before throwing it behind him in his back seat and begins to chuckle. He places his finger over his mouth, "Shhh...just relax, baby girl."  

Suddenly, a strange sensation sweeps my body, and my eyes get very heavy. There's no coming back from this. I realize I can't fight it. I lower my head as I begin to close my eyes. He belts out a maniacal laugh, "Oooo...weee!!! It looks like I got ya good. You are already about to pass out! Feisty little s**t! Jesus! You are lucky I'm behind the wheel, or things could have gotten really bad for you, honey bun!"

 I throw my head back as my eyes begin to close. I whisper, "Go to hell."

He snickers, "On my way, little darlin, and I'm bringing you with me! I have a feeling you are gonna make me a s**t ton of money..."

Just then...darkness consumes me....and I pass out.