Only Women in Hell Read online

  Only Women in Hell

  A. R. Braun

  Copyright © 2012 A. R. Braun

  All rights reserved.

  Kindle Edition

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this ebook with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Ebook formatting by www.ebooklaunch.com

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  CONTENTS

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  Chapter Forty

  Chapter Forty-One

  Chapter Forty-Two

  Epilogue

  CHAPTER ONE

  I’m in hell, but I’m still alive.

  As she mused over her hell-on-earth at the orphanage, eleven-year-old Stacey turned to look at the door after a knuckle rapped on the other side.

  Her social worker, Cassandra, peeked into her room at The Children’s Haven. “Stacey Warble?” The orphanage was located in Mowquakwa, Illinois, a city seventy miles east of Peoria. Cassandra smiled, which accentuated her chubby cheeks.

  “Werner,” Stacey answered.

  Sandra’s wobble into the room jiggled her tubby body. She flicked her gray-streaked red hair behind her ears. Her haircut didn’t even reach her neck. “The foster parents I told you about are here.”

  Stacey was nonplussed. She’d often frowned in the mirror when looking at her plain face, long brown hair, and stick-thin body. She wished for the curvy figure, full lips, bewitching blue eyes, and the lush blond or brown hair of her roommates.

  “Pack your suitcase,” Cassandra added. “You’re out of here. Aren’t you excited?”

  Stacey smiled. “Of course I am, ma’am. I’ll get ready.”

  Cassandra clapped. “Congratulations, kiddo.” She shut the door.

  Stacey looked at the other girls she’d come to love and abhor at the same time: Chelsea, Carol, and Sarah, the latter folding her arms.

  “I guess this is it, guys,” Stacey said.

  Chelsea put her hands on her bone-thin hips, then walked over and hugged her. “Congratulations, Stace.”

  “Thanks, Chels’.”

  They broke the embrace.

  Carol moved across the room, shaking Stacey’s hand. “Be good. That way I’ll never see your dumpy face again.” Carol’s portly hand was clammy.

  Sarah stomped over, her fists clenched. “You better get to steppin, girl. I see your white ass again, and I’ll beat you down.”

  Stacey turned and walked away.

  “Don’t forget Furry,” Chelsea reminded.

  Stacey turned and smiled, grabbing her pink bunny rabbit from the bed. “I won’t.” She proceeded to pack her clothes and amenities.

  When Stacey finished, Cassandra knocked and walked in. “Let me take that suitcase for you.”

  Stacey handed the heavy burden over. “Is it warm outside? Do I need a sweater?”

  Cassandra bent downward. “Not really. I guess this is your lucky day. Even though it’s February, it’s sixty degrees.” She rose, put a hand on Stacey’s back, and urged her out the door.

  Stacey stopped, warm tears leaking from her eyes, and took a last glance at her ex-roommates. “I love you guys.” She continued out the door. Stacey could hear their comments as she walked down the hall and knew she’d never hear the soft click of that door again.

  Chelsea said, “Aw nuts. I miss her already.”

  “Don’t be a faggot,” Sarah answered.

  <^^>

  Cassandra took Stacey’s hand. “Relax. Your foster parents had to be certified, so this will work out. You’ll love your new home.”

  Stacey nodded and gripped Cassandra’s warm hand.

  I’m so scared I think I’m going to puke.

  Cassandra escorted her into her office. When Stacey saw the middle-aged couple, she smiled. The man’s Santa-like chubby face grinned back, and his portly wife beamed, looking like Mrs. Claus. Cassandra ushered Stacey to a seat beside them, then sat behind the desk.

  “Stacey, these are your new parents, Dick and Marie Alley.”

  “Oh, she’s adorable,” Marie said.

  Stacey raised a trembling hand. “Hi.”

  Marie rose and took her hands. The grips of the lady’s warm palms were a bit firm. Stacey rose.

  “What a precious child, and such a pretty yellow sun dress.” Marie gave her a hug—almost crushing her—then pulled away and returned to her seat.

  Dick nodded. “You’re a lovely young lady.”

  Stacey felt her face grow warm. “Thank you.” She knew she’d blushed.

  Cassandra paused, shuffling through her folders. “Stacey, you’ve been here, uh, six months. Is that right?”

  “Three years,” she answered with a sigh.

  “Oh yes, I see that now.” Cassandra kept looking through her folders. “Your parents died in a car accident?”

  “Plane wreck.” Stacey sighed.

  Cassandra’s cell phone vibrated. “Excuse me for a few secs.” She answered the phone and spoke in a soft tone.

  Dick leaned forward. “Excuse me, could we get on with this?”

  Cassandra furrowed her brow at him, then wrapped up the phone call. “Sorry about that.” She paused, probably gathering her thoughts. “Like I said before, the state will fund your care for Stacey, so there’s no out-of-pocket expense.”

  Dick smiled. “Free, that’s the right price.”

  They laughed over the joke.

  Stacey took deep breaths.

  “I think we’ll still pony up a little money for our darling, though,” Marie added.

  Cassandra nodded, then fixed her eyes on Stacey. “Honey, make sure you behave like a proper young lady. You’re representing the foster home, all right?”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  “Great.” She turned her eyes from Stacey to her new parents. “I think the best way for you to get to know each other is to head home and begin your new life. Congratulations, Stacey. Congrats, Dick and Marie.”

  Dick rose to shake her hand. “Thank you very much. She’ll brighten our humble home.”

  �
��You’re welcome. I’m sure you’ll be a fine father.”

  Marie rose to shake with her. “Yes, thank you so much.”

  Cassandra smiled. “Thank you. Go be a happy family.”

  Stacey got out of her chair, suitcase in hand, feeling as if she’d cry from nervousness.

  Dick walked over. “Let me take that for you, hon.”

  She handed him the suitcase. “Thank you.”

  Marie took Stacey’s hand, the strong grip relaxing a bit this time, thank goodness. “Let me show you to the car, dear.”

  Wow, an actual home! I was beginning to wonder if it would ever happen. I hope I make lots of friends.

  Dick placed a sloppy kiss on her forehead and stroked her hair. “Dear child.”

  They headed for the car.

  Did I just smell alcohol on his breath?

  <^^>

  Marie looked at Stacey’s stuffed animal she carried like her own baby as they walked out of the orphanage. “Is that your little friend?”

  Stacey gazed up at her. “That’s Furry. He’s my bestest friend.”

  “Isn’t that nice.”

  “My only true friend in the foster home.”

  “Aw. Well, that’s not going to be a problem anymore.”

  They took the sidewalk to the car, and Stacey marveled at how warm it was.

  “Ah, what a beautiful day,” Dick whipped out a device on his keychain and unlocked the vehicle, which beeped.

  Wow, what a cool silver car.

  As if reading her mind, Dick said, “Nice ride, huh Stacey? It’s a new Audi.”

  She nodded.

  He unlocked the trunk and set her suitcase in, then smiled at her. “Don’t worry, sweetie, we’ll be a happy family.”

  Still musing over the alcohol, Stacey forced a smile. “Um-hmm.”

  Dick opened the back door for her. “Does Furry like the car?”

  Stacey made Furry nod. “Yes, I do,” she answered in her funniest voice.

  Dick chuckled as Stacey climbed in and smoothed her dress under her legs.

  Wow, new car smell—awesome blossom—and the seats are nice and comfy.

  Dick climbed into the car. Marie already rode shotgun. He fired up the vehicle and took off.

  Marie craned her neck. “You’ll be going to school on Monday, dear. You’ll make plenty of friends there, I’m sure.”

  “I hope so,” Stacey answered.

  “Don’t worry, an adorable girl like you? Of course you will.”

  “Is your house big?”

  “It’s our house, sweetheart.” Dick looked in the rearview mirror. “And yes, it’s in an upscale neighborhood. I think you’ll be pleased.”

  Stacey craned her neck and glanced at The Children’s Haven one more time.

  I don’t think I’ll miss that place much. Good luck getting adopted, Chels’.

  “So, do both of you work?” Stacey asked.

  Marie nodded. “Your father’s a realtor and a landlord, and I own an insurance company. He’s also got the stock market figured out.”

  “Walmart stock, it never fails,” Dick added.

  “Nifty,” Stacey said.

  Dick stopped at a stoplight, glancing at Marie. “Wow, that’s some channel, the one with stories about criminals killing children.”

  Marie frowned at him. “Oh Dick, stop.”

  Stacey was confused. “What channel?”

  Dick laughed. The light turned green, and the engine revved as he took off. “One of those news networks on cable. The media pundits argue about how scummy it is that some men abduct and then kill young girls.”

  “Yuck.”

  Dick snickered again. “Yes, I can see how you’d think it’s unpleasant. If you ask me, it’s damned interesting.”

  Suddenly uncomfortable, Stacey looked out the window.

  Marie said, “Dick, that’s not a very nice thing to talk about.”

  “Not really, but not-so-nice things happen sometimes,” Dick stubbornly continued. “Convicted murderers really ruin their lives. If they ever get out of prison, they certainly can’t become foster parents.

  “But what if they never get caught?”

  Stacy gasped.

  Oh my gosh, what’s he saying those weird things for?

  “If the foster father’s unstable, it’s too late,” he added.

  “Cut it out,” Marie warned. “You’re scaring the child.”

  Stacey shook with fear.

  Dick craned his neck to look at her. “Sorry honey, just saying.”

  “It’s okay,” Stacey answered. “I guess.”

  Raising her eyebrows, Marie turned to look at her. “Do you believe in god, dear?”

  What a strange question.

  “Um, I’m kind of mad at god for taking my mommy and daddy. Is that wrong?”

  Stacey noticed the houses were getting bigger and the lawns more lush. Expensive cars dominated the driveways. She thought Dick having the air conditioning on in April was a little much.

  Marie scowled. “Well, of course it’s wrong! Who do you think gave you to us? Quit being so cynical! We go to a Baptist church, and you’ll be a good little Baptist girl in this family, or else, Missy.”

  “I’m sorry, ma’am.”

  “Ma’am? I’d appreciate it if you called me Mom.”

  Stacey looked out the window again as the sun shone in with a vengeance, warming her a bit. She shielded her eyes from the glare with her hand.

  Dick pulled into a huge house with a long circular driveway. The home had turrets, gabled windows, a deck on one side of the house, and a two-car garage on the other side.

  “Job was angry with god,” Dick said, “but when he gave him more than he’d ever had before, he got over it. You’ll get over it, too, Stacey.” He stopped the car and shut the engine off. It knocked a few times, then quietness ensued.

  Wowie zowie, look at this place!

  Marie said, “Yes, we’ll straighten her out.”

  CHAPTER TWO

  Stacey took Marie’s hand, and they walked up the drive. She caught the scent of freshly-cut grass. Wrens chirped in a cluster of trees, and the smell of the freshly-mowed lawn calmed Stacey’s worries.

  If the front yard’s huge, then the back yard’s probably gigantic, too. Perfect for playing. There’s probably a pool, too.

  Dick unlocked the front door. “Welcome to your new home, Stacey.”

  She released Marie’s hand and walked into the marble-walled foyer. It actually had pillars. Stacey was overwhelmed by the living room, more amazing than she’d ever imagined a room could be, and at the same time there was something distinctly surreal about it. Dick and Marie smiled and nodded to each other. Stacey gaped at the massive home entertainment center.

  The speakers are taller than me!

  Stacey walked over and took a seat on a red suede couch.

  This is comfy-cozy.

  An elegant, polished coffee table accented the area. Stacy wondered if the ornate table was taller than she when stood on end. A chandelier, crystals twinkling, adorned the living room. She noticed what looked like new, cream-colored carpeting, and not a stain on it.

  “Wow,” Stacey cried. “This is great.”

  Marie walked over and bent down to her. “Yes, god gave us all this.” The tubby lady obviously paused so that last comment would sink in. “It’s Friday. We’ll be going to church on Sunday, so we’ll go shopping tomorrow so you can have a proper dress to wear. Since it’s your first day here, you can relax.”

  “Okay.”

  Marie squeezed Stacey’s cheeks.

  I hate it when grown-ups do that.

  “That’s a good girl,” Marie said. “Would you like me to show you your room?”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  Dick rummaged through the mail, then put it aside. “I’ll have the butler take Stacey’s suitcase upstairs.”

  We have a butler? Oh wow.

  Sure enough, a man in a black suit and a bowtie entered the picture and lugged
Stacey’s suitcase up the stairs.

  Frowning, Marie bent down to her again. Red veins showed in her eyes as she issued fetid breath Stacey wished she’d kept to herself. Hair sprouted out of a mole on her cheek. “That’s Mom. I just corrected you on that.”

  “Sorry.” Stacey looked at her shoes, hoping for black patent leather ones to go with her dress.

  Dick stopped on the spiral staircase with a wooden rail. “Oh, leave her alone, Marie. She’ll get used to us and get it right in time.”

  “I suppose, darling.” She reached out to Stacey. “Come on.”

  Stacey got up, taking Marie’s hand.

  Geez, I hope these people aren’t completely nuts.

  “I can’t wait to see my room.”

  “You’ll love it.”

  Stacey marveled at the polished, wooden staircase with lions at the bottom of the banisters as she climbed the stairs. The air conditioning was cranked in here, too, and Stacey sneezed.

  Marie said, “My goodness, are you actually getting a cold the first few minutes you’re here?”

  Stacey shook her head. “Mm-mm.”

  “You’d better not.”

  Stacey couldn’t take her eyes off the landing that wound upward like a stairway to heaven. “These stairs are amazing.”

  “You’ll have to be careful so you don’t fall. You wouldn’t want to break your little neck.”

  <^^>

  When Stacey reached her room, her breath was taken away.

  Wow! I’m rich!

  Marie smiled down on her. “Do you like it, sweetie?”

  How could she not like it? The room was gigantic, with a massive four-poster bed sporting a pink bedspread and a top with a fluffy pink covering above four posts of pink metal. A huge bow window big enough for her to sit in dominated the west wall, and ceramic dollies crammed the bed. Stacey wondered if they were antiques. A big, oak desk with a new computer—complete with a printer and speakers—stood against the east wall, along with a small Bose stereo compatible with an mp3 player. An iPod Touch was next to it. Next to that was an iPad. As she walked in, Stacey noticed a plasma-screen 3D TV hanging on the south wall. A massive dollhouse demanded her attention, and she ran over and knelt before it.

  It was an exact replica of the house!

  Marie wobbled over and stood beside her. “This dollhouse has been in my family for years. It belonged to me, my mother, and her mother.”