Chaos Before Freedom

Chapter 7 - Forming the plan... A

Vira’s Narrative

I set my alarm to seven, making sure I was awake enough to go ask Doris for her help today. I was tired from the night before, as it was a restless sleep. But at least I was able to sleep, and this morning it was still peaceful without Freddie home. Sometimes I wished that he would get lost on one of these hunting trips and fall off a cliff. It would certainly make things easier for me. I could just up and leave with no links to this hell hole. I brewed a pot of coffee, grabbing a piece of coffee cake simple enough I just wanted to tide myself over. After one cup, I refilled it taking it over to Doris’s with me to have the little chat.

Doris must have seen me coming as she answered the door with her hair still up in nighttime curls.

“Come in Vira.” Moving aside to make space for me to enter, gesturing as she did. “What brings you over so early in the morning.”

“I have come to ask for your help.”

“Oh, how can I help?” She said as she lowered herself into one of her kitchen chairs, keeping eye contact the whole time.

“It is a simple deal, I need another lady to go with me. I have arranged for Arthur to take me somewhere, to see what my father stashed at a bank in Arlington. But as you well know people talk. I thought if you would be willing to go with me, it would just look like a shuffler was driving two ladies out shopping or a picnic.”

“I would love to. Never know we might also do some shopping along the way.” She winked; I couldn’t help but to flash a side smirk.

“Arthur will be here at nine am, I was thinking of bringing some goodies if not something for lunch for the trip.”

“I think I still have some potato salad that we can take along. Should be enough for three.”

“Do you still have a picnic basket?”

“Sure do.”

“Okay I will make some ham sandwiches and if you are okay with us using it, we can just add them to the basket. Freddie threw ours out a long time ago.”

She nodded in agreement before I rose to my feet with my cup in hand back to that retched kitchen. Drinking my coffee and making sandwiches, I also grabbed some of my sewing money putting myself together. Doris knocked and came right into the house toting the basket right along with. Talking we finished packing the basket with goodies. When Arthur pulled up in the driveway, Doris caught a good look at him, and I swear her eyes about jumped right out of her head. Arthur was a tall drink of water, most women had similar reaction to him.

Opening the door I introduced them, and I know she was trying to be quite but I could see that Arthur heard every word. He took the basket from the counter, loaded it up before opening the doors for us.

The whole ride I kept thinking of the choices that were made that lead me to this current life. If one would even call it that, the word life would include living. But I haven’t felt alive for a long time now, the closest was last night during the meeting with Arthur. Only because it was my own choice, not something that was decided for me. I felt dead inside, nothing really gave me much joy anymore. Pain and sorrow were my constant companions. Other than my own heartbeat and breath to reminded myself I was very much alive. I have been married to Freddie for the last two years, he had cut my contact from my parents so long ago. He claimed it was them that they were so embarrassed by me that they wanted nothing more to do with us, especially me. I knew it wasn’t true and even argued the opposite in the past. But eventually just bared the torture to avoid his fist. I sat quietly lost in my own thoughts as the others chatted, Doris tried to involve me but didn’t pry hard. She had never been abused by her Tom and had no idea what was going through my head.

Once we arrived at the bank and requested the lock box, my theory about there being money in it was correct. But would be enough to start a new life or even a lawyer to help, that would be willing too. It would be easier if it was a claim of adultery, abuse was seen as the woman shouldn’t have angered him to that point. In with the 200.00 there was a note from father

“Vira, I am proud that you have come this far. We miss you terribly but for your protection we realize that we will have to wait for a reunion. Arthur has agreed to help us find you, and if need be, to take you to safety. With the two hundred dollars you should have enough to at least get a good start with a hundred of it should be enough for a retainer for a lawyer. Please know that there is a history between you and Arthur, please don’t be stubborn and accept his help. If you need more money for the escape, tell him, he will send word to us, and we will get what is needed. We love you, Vira.”

After leaving the bank Arthur treated the ladies out to lunch, saving the picnic goodies for later. Doris couldn’t handle the silence anymore and blurted out “What’s next?”

“I don’t know, I think I need to establish a safe house first.” Pausing for a bit “Freddie isn’t a fool and if I go now, I wouldn’t have enough time to arrange things. Too much of a slippery slope.”

Doris asked, “Can’t you go to your parents?”

“No, that would be the first place he’d look” Arthur pipped up “How about this? I recently heard there was a little cottage outside of Battle Creek where I live. I have no problem taking you up there if you would like to check it out. We could take the train from here if you prefer or we continue to drive up. It would be after night fall to return to Omaha if you want a round trip. With it being near to me I could run and pick up anything you might need from the store and be just moments away if you need help.”

“That could work, and it isn’t too far from my parents when this mess is done with it.” A frown formed on my lips; the others tilted their heads silently asking what was wrong. “We will need a camera and possibly a doctor that can keep their mouth shut until the right moment.” The idea of doing this made me feel ashamed that I was even in this situation. Doris reached over and rubbed my shoulder while Arthur held my hand to comfort me.

Depending on whether the cottage could be secured for me and if there was anything left, there probably was a bank in town to stow it away. I know Arthur would hold the key to a box for me, maybe even sign a joint account with me. So, if this didn’t pan out at least those who contributed might get their money back.

We decided to make the drive to get a better lay of the land out. The town was nowhere close to the size of Omaha. It seemed quaint and peaceful just in case I tried to make myself less recognizable. I pulled my hair into a bun then using a scarf to cover the hair completely. Digging a little deeper in my purse I found a cheap pair of sunglasses, they were nothing fancy, just simple round frames from a local drug store. I always kept them close to hide the bruises.

Arthur stopped by the cottage owner’s home to ask if he could look at the place. It didn’t take long for the owner to escort us outside of town to its location, it wasn’t a horribly long distance from town. That would make it so I could probably find some sort of employment to support myself.

The cottage itself was cute, flowers planted nicely by the home, even a fence that used to be white surrounded it. Of humble size and aged but not in disarray. Inside it had a crème-colored living room, kitchen and two bedrooms both the same size and done in a floral wallpaper one sage green with darker blue hues. While the other was similar only a light purple hue with blue color schemes. The jack n jill bathroom that had white tile on the bottom half other than the wall with the tub that was completely tiled in white, the painted portion was a daisy like yellow. The light blue kitchen was big enough to accommodate a dining table with an open partial counter dividing the two spaces. The clothes washer was on the enclosed back porch entry adjacent to the kitchen. The lady that chose the overall décor must have been inspired by a country garden. Both Doris and I loved that it had a fireplace but had actual heating banisters beautifully detailed with the classic scroll work. While we explored, Arthur talked to the owner about the rental cost.

Arthur’s Narrative

It was a good thing I decided to bring along my checkbook with me. The owner did not want to rent it out but to sell it. We struck a deal for $1,500.00. I knew Vira would be upset about me just purchasing it. Something I would gladly handle later, I have quite a bit saved up from my military salary. Apart of the reason I could afford this search for Vira in the first place. Her father offered me money to help with it, and I did take it. Better not to argue over something I knew I would not win with that old man.

Now if she wanted to rent it. It would be from me, and when she was ready to move on then I could move into it or rent it out to another. With the transaction completed the old owner handed me the keys. By the end of the conversation, I noticed the ladies waiting by the front door. I grabbed the basket of goodies before making my way to them. When I returned to their sides I gestured to the door and asked, “Ladies shall we go inside to discuss and have a bit to eat?”

“How much a month?” Vira queried not long after we entered settling down at the left behind worn table in the kitchen.

“Nothing, I bought it.” She scowled at me but got the hint that was the only option. “I will stock the place with food and whatever else you might need or want. Just make me a list please. Also, the day before your arrival I will pick up any perishables for you that you wish.”

Doris pipping up “I think maybe a hair color or cut on the escape day or shortly after would be of use.”

“I am not a fan of a change, but you have a point.” Vira looked disappointed. I continued to watch the ladies go back and fourth in conversation, while enjoying the goodies they provided. Damn these two could cook, whipping something up like this in such a hurry. If their leftovers were this good, I imagined both Tom and Freddie would have a husband's belly by now.

Doris interrupted “I will, we can do it over at my place while he is gone or asleep. Maybe I can convince Tom on a guy’s night or something.”

“Wouldn’t Tom? I mean they are friends.”

“Not as much as you think, he can’t stand abusers of women and children. And he suspects Freddie of abusing you.”

“Okay so now we have where, and a disguise planned. But as for when I will need more than what I have currently. I won’t be able to take anything really or he will notice right away. It would be too suspicious being this close to the current trip. Somethings I am sure I could just say they broke so I threw them out.”

“True maybe a month hopefully no later than next month? The colder it is the less options for men to go out.” I asked.

“I will have to save back some from my sewing jobs not enough that is noticeable at the end, he thinks it’s a worthless hobby so it should help. I will also make myself a few new clothes so that he will not be able to describe them. When I do leave there will be no real trace, just as if I disappeared from going grocery shopping. Freddie normally lets me go shopping once a week, normally on Fridays when Doris can come with me.”

It started sounding like this would take more time than I hoped for. So, I had to put my input, I rather not have her waste her precious time on sewing when I could provide most of the things she needed “But light would be best, correct? I can make sure there is some clothing already here if you wish. Even a sewing machine and fabric. So maybe make one dress and hide it over at Doris’s, would that be easier?”

“Yes, can we arrange a drop and pick up for the things that I would prefer not to leave behind? If you two wouldn’t mind meeting at the local café and do a discreet bag switch.” Vira directed towards both of us. We knew it was risky enough for her to meet me after dark last night, to be seen in broad daylight would be like suicide.

“I think that could be arranged.” Doris agreed, I nodded as I had just taken a bit of potato salad.

“But if the opportunity arises sooner, please take it. Or if he gets unavoidable that you need to speed up plans.” I stated with concern in my voice. I understood the importance of all of this, but the convenience was almost perfect currently. “Just get what is important, nothing much more than that. Clothing can be replaced along with many other things. If it looks like nothing is missing a disappearance is all he could suspect. Sure, wouldn’t look as if everything was planned out.”

“Agreed. Freddie will be due for another trip to Chicago before Thanksgiving. I know it won’t be the next weekend as it is Halloween.”

“His favorite holiday?” I questioned Vira.

She almost busted out laughing but was able to keep it down to a chuckle “Not hardly. He only wants to make sure I don’t open the door for any trick or treaters, or anyone else for that matter. He isn’t really big on visitors in the house. I will be allowed to help with the church Halloween luncheon but after that the house will be limited lightening and locked up tight.”

“Now that makes sense. We invite you two over but unless it is a outdoor event we are never over at your place.” Doris had the look of revelation now. Vira nodded yes to her comment. I had a bewildered look on my face this asshole was something else. He was that worried people would find out his little secret.

Doris made the statement “It is getting late; we should be going. And if we are going to make this look convincing, we better stop by a few shops to buy something.”

“Can we stop by a Bank here in town also Arthur? I would like to put this cash in there so there is no risk of him finding it.”

“But of course, my dear lady.” I replied with a goofy smile on my face.

We locked up the place with basket in hand, as a gentleman I opened both doors for the ladies. We stopped off at the bank first, putting the money into another safety deposit box. But it would be under my name, so Freddie would have no way to trace it down. I did, however, add a V. Daluth as a cosigner on the box and my checking account. It was a temporary arrangement I told her only so if needed she could access it anytime, she wished until she was truly free of that bastard.

We stopped in some of the Battle Creek stores just so Vira could be more informed about what store sold what for the future move. There was one grocery store, a market place, a few retail stores and a couple of boutiques along with a barber shop and of course for the ladies a solan. I watched Vira barely pick anything up to buy, knowing apart of her reason was lack of money. I paid close attention to what she seemed to enjoy, grabbing them as soon as she put them down. In the long run she bought a dress herself, it would be the only dress that would go back to Freddie’s. Probably wouldn’t even leave the bag once there. Putting the loads I purchased in the farthest into the trunk of my car. Once we arrived back in Arlington the ladies asked me to stop at a few stores that they noticed during our first trip through.

For once during this trip, Vira was smiling, I mean really smiling. Laughing and going on like any other woman would while shopping with a friend. I was hoping she felt freedom in this current moment. This was life should be like for her when out on a special day with a friend. I fought back the tear that was trying to creep out, because if I had made her go with me that day, we would have seen each other. This would be more like her life; she wouldn’t have known the hell she had been living in. Whipping it away before the ladies noticed. But once more she would put everything she liked right back on the shelf, with me not far behind picking them up to pay for them. She only purchased a black leather bound bible, and a simple leather bookmark. I was not sure the reasoning behind it, if she ever felt like telling me she would.

By the time I got the ladies back to Oak Street the sun had started to set on the horizon. I took their purchases to the house they led me too, I am guessing it was Doris’s. Just as planned I would only look like a driver. Doris gave me an envelope that I knew was empty and that was also part of it just so it looked right for the onlookers. I drove back to my hotel room, deciding I would take the items I purchased for Vira back with me when the first drop would be made by Doris. And it wouldn’t be long wait either, I recived a call on that Tuesday to meet Doris at a corner market café.

Doris was there before I arrived conveniently, she sat at one of those small two-seater tables. I was able to sit at one nearby, pulling out a newspaper to appear like I was reading. It was for coverage of our conversation.

“How is Vira?” My first words came out of my mouth. I have been so worried about her I tried to be calm about it, but I felt like jumping out of my skin.

“She so far is alright. She has put together the things she will be taking with her. Plus told me to tell you there is a list in there that you requested from her.”

We were interrupted by the waitress asking me what I would like I ordered a Danish and black coffee. As soon as the coast was clear I asked, “Does she know yet when Freddie will be leaving next?”

“Yes, she says the set date is the Friday before Thanksgiving that he will be leaving. However, it will not be until Saturday night that we will begin to move forward with the plans. Just in case he has to work late on Friday. Plus, with nightfall it will be easier for her not to be seen. As usual when Freddie is gone, Tom will invite her over for dinner at our place. Which she will be there with bells on, your pick up will be from our home not Freddie’s.”

“Sounds thought out. She moved things up on the timeline, I am glad to hear that. Tom was alright with this?”

“Oh hell, he offered to drive her right up to your doorstep.” She giggled.

“Well I am thankful for him being on board with all this. But I actually meant that is he alright with you meeting me like this.”

“Oh… Yes, he is. He was my ride here actually and is currently setting up at the café bar space. He was hoping to meet you in person, at least see what you looked like.” She paused to take a sip of her coffee “plus he caught a glimpse of a man near Freddie’s place, wanting to make sure what was what before he called the cops on a creeper.”

“Tom is right, it was me I am sure. I have found myself at least driving slowly or observing from a far since my arrival here. Just making sure Vira was okay or needed me. I am very grateful that she has good friends like you.” I put down my paper, tipping my head to the closest man at the bar the only one looking our way. He smiled and returned the nod to me, letting me know I got the right man.

“We will see you around then.” She whispered as she got up from her chair. I replied with a simple yes and have a good day. I watched the couple leave the café and drive off with the bag next to me that Doris had brought. Once I finished my pastry I went to pay, but was told that the man at the end of the bar already had paid for mine and the lady’s setting at the nearby table. After tipping the staff I left for the cottage.

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Tom’s Narrative

I was sure happy to be home, I do enjoying those hunting trips with the guys. But I do love coming home to my Doris and own bed. After dropping off Freddie and his gear I got started on my own. Cedric, the master of thought, it seems always provided us ways to wrap up our turkeys to keep it in the freezer portion of our ice boxes. Most of us now had an electric refrigerator of course but still called them the old ice box. I think Freddie still had one or at least it was an older electric refrigerator. Doris was about to get a surprise this week, I have been saving up money to get a bigger double door general electric refrigerator. Just in time for her having to host Thanksgiving, true it might be a little over kill most of the time. But it will still come in handy with the bigger compartment for frozen foods. And a bonus shot for me, her bossy, over bearing sister I almost couldn’t wait for her to walk in the kitchen barking orders. That is until she sets her eyes on it that should shut her up real quick like. Plus, the fact that I was getting this for the house, not using it as a gift for Doris and for no reason at all only to upgrade. Just the thought made me chuckle.

When I walked into the house from the garage, however, there was a different feel to the environment. “Doris, I am home. And I have the turkey for thanksgiving. Where are you honey?”

“In here Tom.” Her voice was coming from the kitchen.

I asked her once I had her within my sight “Is something wrong, love?”

“Tom,” She walked closer to me and I started to worry she looked really serious. Wrapping her arms around me tightly and laying a kiss on my lips before she added “I am so glad to have you as my husband.” I looked behind her just in case I got the delivery day wrong for that fridge, but the old one still stood there.

“What is going on Doris? Admittedly you have me a bit worried sweetheart.”

Now with tears tugging in her eyes “No dear we are fine. It is Vira who isn’t.” Wrapping her arms around me even tighter “Freddie has been beating her, and she has asked me for help to escape.”

“Well, where is she now?”

“Home in that prison.”

“Okay, it is okay Doris. Why are you crying?” pulling her away so I could see her face, and lead her to the chairs in the dining room to sit down.

“Tom I am crying more because I am so happy, I ended up with you. I am saddened for Vira. While you were gone, I learned a lot and went on a trip with Vira. First to Arlington to a bank to pick something up from her father, then over to Battle Creek to secure a safe house followed by some shopping.”

“Vira drove that car of Freddie’s?”

“No, we had a driver take us around.”

“Sounds like he earned a good part with all that driving. So, when is this great escape day? And what can I do to help?”

“He didn’t charge anything, he is an old friend of Vira’s family.” She had a look like she already had told me the missing information. “I am not sure the exact day as of yet, Vira has to put some things together first. Then I will be helping with messages to her friend. The day she will be leaving will be from our home after I do up her hair to help disguise her.”

“Alright, whenever you need to meet him you let me know so I can drive you. And if need be I will drive her to his doorstep if needed. I have no problem with helping her out of that house, I knew Freddie was more of a bastard then given credit for.”