Stagecoach Road Read online

  Chapter Nine

  Marsha knew about Benny’s past but he never let on that it was eating him alive. Only once did they talk about the beating in length, then in passing, when Benny complained of jaw pain. He was left with a chronic case of TMJ (Temporo-mandibular Joint Syndrome). His dentist fitted him with a bite plate which he wore at night.

  Marsha was a pretty girl from a similar background. She had brown eyes and long brown hair that she often wore in a ponytail. Her figure was perfect and shapely. She liked to wear stylish clothes, even to the grocery store. But she was very frugal and didn’t spend money on junk. Marsha was the typical suburban soccer mom who liked being busy with the kids and would often help out at Benny’s office. She studied accounting in college but decided to become a full time wife and mother after she finished her degree. Marsha had lots of friends with children of similar ages. They would meet for lunch and go out a lot. Benny liked to socialize too, but not as much as his popular wife. He mostly kept to himself after he came home from the office. Sure, he had friends, but preferred to do things alone like fishing, watching television, and betting on the ponies. He was also an accomplished chess player, achieving master status. He was a gifted pianist, and was accepted to Indiana University’s prestigious music program. But after a while Benny found it too difficult to play the keyboard since he developed an early case of arthritis in his fingers after they were broken. So he decided to put his talented digits to use as a chiropractor.

  It was becoming increasingly difficult for Benny to stay focused on his chiropractic practice while leading a double life as a self-serving sleuth. The most important thing on his mind was finding the other two goons, Gerald Hill and Frank Stram. He went through the motions each day of putting on a chipper face, treating patients, and taking care of his family. Although, he grew less tolerant of pain-in-the-ass Carla. By now she baked something new for him each time she came in for an adjustment. Marsha knew about this, but it didn’t bother her. No contest.

  At least twice a week Benny would go out by himself, either to the local chess club which met each Tuesday at the Hammond library, or to the nearby off-track betting parlor just across the state border in Illinois. He usually went to the track on Thursday evenings. So he had two convenient excuses to go out at night, and Marsha never asked any questions.

  He already knew what Tommy did with his days, and he knew where Murphy lived. But what did he do for a living? Did Murphy just stay in the house all day? Maybe he had a 9 to 5 job somewhere. Benny had to find out.

  Chapter Ten

  The following Monday Benny decided to get up at 5:00 a.m. and stake out Murphy’s home on Grand Boulevard. He thought he might get lucky and follow him going to work. He told Marsha he wanted to try out the fishing at Calumet pier and would be back in time for his nine o’clock appointments. He brought his fishing gear and a change of clothes with him to make it look good.

  He arrived at Murphy’s house by 5:30 a.m. but didn’t see his truck in the driveway. Damn, he thought. He must be working nights somewhere. Or maybe it’s in his garage. Either way he was prepared to wait another hour. He made sure he was parked far enough down the street so as to not arouse suspicion.

  His wait paid off. At about 6:30 a.m., just as he was about to leave, he saw truck lights coming towards him, which brought back a rush of memories of that night in ‘73. The truck pulled into the driveway and Murphy got out, wearing some sort of work clothes and boots. It was obvious he had a job somewhere at night. But where? The only way to find out would be to follow him on his way to work. So the following evening, Tuesday night, when he was suppose to be playing chess, he drove to Murphy’s house and got there by 8 p.m. There he sat and waited until 9:15 p.m. when he saw Murphy leaving his house, and a woman, about the same age, handing him his lunch box.

  That must be his wife, thought Benny. Hey, she ain’t half bad. I wouldn’t mind doing her myself one day.

  Murphy started driving south on Grand Boulevard as Benny followed the best he could without being noticed. Murphy headed towards Lake Street as he passed the old housing projects on the right. That’s where Benny’s old seventh grade girlfriend, Twila Fairfield, lived. Her parents were really poor but she was the sweetest girl you ever wanted to see, not to mention a little on the trashy side. Twila was brought up rough, and more often than not, had to fend for herself. She had long, natural blond hair, blue eyes, a very pretty face, and the most radiant smile. Oh, and the world’s sexiest heart-shaped tush. Twila was also well endowed for her age which got everyone’s attention, that, and she spoke with a hint of a southern accent. She was one of only a handful of white girls in an otherwise black neighborhood. Benny and Twila were more like friends than boyfriend and girlfriend. He wasn’t that advanced to think of her any other way. Didn’t even cross his mind. But it crossed Murphy’s.

  It was like driving down memory lane as Murphy led Benny to Route 12 and headed west. Most of the locals referred to Route 12 as 12/20 since it converged with Route 20 before hitting the pits of Gary. Through Gary, U.S. 12/20 runs westbound on 4th Avenue, and eastbound on 5th Avenue. Driving west from Miller, Lake Michigan was on the passenger’s side, but was obscured by the industrial buildings. Visible were the white foam peeks atop the vast blue water as the waves from the great lake crashed into the distant shore. It was a very familiar scene to Benny. He and one of his best childhood friends, Albert “Al” Fredericks, used to go squirrel hunting just off of Route 12. Al was a great shot and went there often to be near his dad who worked in the parts department at the nearby Chevy dealer.

  As Benny continued to follow Murphy, he sensed he was heading for the steel mills. Of course, he thought. Why didn’t I figure that out before?

  That’s just where Murphy was heading. It was very dark outside, but Benny was clearly able to see the brightly lit U.S. Steel sign as Murphy entered the gate and showed the guard his pass. Benny didn’t have a pass and decided to park his car in the small public parking area which was on the same side of the entrance, but still had a clear view of everyone who pulled in. He parked there because he had a hunch. Maybe, just maybe he might see another familiar face or two going to work. He knew it was a long shot but as long as he was there, he wanted to wait at least an hour. The night shift, he figured, probably started at 10:00 p.m.

  A lot of cars started to pull in all at once and formed a short line to the guarded entrance. It was almost impossible to see anyone’s face, especially with the bright lights reflecting off the windshields. Benny decided to go home, satisfied that he at least knew how Murphy spent his days. His plan was to go back to the mills in the morning, about 5:45 a.m., thinking the night shift let out at 6:00 a.m.

  The next morning he gave the old fishing story to Marsha and headed for the mills. He parked his car in the same spot, but this time he brought a pair of binoculars. The sun was just coming up and people started to drive out of the lot. Benny must have seen a dozen or so cars and trucks drive out until he spotted Murphy. One by one he examined the drivers and passengers as they made their way out. All of a sudden, Benny’s blood froze. “That’s him,” Benny muttered to himself after getting an eyeful of the guy who savaged him that night some nineteen years ago. “My God! That’s Frank Stram and the guy next to him looks like he could be Gerald Hill! God help us, they’re still buddies!”

  Benny’s hunch paid off huge. He got three for the price of one. Murphy worked the night shift and the other two during the day. Now all he had to do was follow that dented, burnt amber pickup Frank was driving.

  Chapter Eleven

  Benny didn’t exactly like bad neighborhoods and was hoping he was being led to a decent side of town. He had a few close calls when he drove his bike to the projects as a 7th grader to visit Twila. For starters, Benny was milky white and didn’t quite blend in. But he had an ally who lived there, a 10th grader, Edward Clifford Moss. Eddy’s family was just as poor as anyone else’s in the project but he was one of the nicest guys you’d ever want
to meet, not at all resentful of those who had more. His mother, Joanna, was proud of her son for being such a good student and for the way he treated others. Everyone liked Eddy. He was athletically built, good looking, tall, about 6’ 2”, had a closely cut Afro and an inviting smile. He also had a little edge, but in a nice way. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for his friends. But if you pissed him off, watch out. He’d lay into you like a steamroller.

  Eddy and Benny used to play chess after school in the lunch room, and on several occasions Twila sat and watched even though she didn’t play. Afterwards, Eddy would walk Twila home. At first they were just friends. But by the time Twila was in 8th grade, Eddy really liked her and she liked him. He wanted to be more than friends. Much more. Twila’s mom, however, didn’t approve of her innocent daughter dating a black guy. She wanted her only child to stay pure at least until she graduated high school. A bigger problem started when Murphy made a play for Twila.

  Towards the end of 8th grade, about the middle of May, Eddy and Benny were finishing a chess game in the lunch room when Murphy and Frank walked in. Twila was sitting next to Eddy. She was wearing a tight fitting T-shirt with no bra underneath, her nipples almost poking through the material. Maybe she couldn’t afford a bra. And she had on a snug pair of jeans which made her heart shaped ass look even juicier.

  Initially, Murphy and Frank pretended to be interested in the game. “Let’s see,” Murphy said as he pointed to the chess board as Frank looked on. “If you move your queen there and he takes your pawn with his rook, then you can trap his bishop.”

  Eddy, Benny and Twila tried to ignore him but he wouldn’t stop.

  “Then,” Murphy continued, “if he moves that horse over here,” as he touched the knight, “you can rip off his other pawn like this--zap!” Murphy said as he knocked over the pieces, to Frank’s great amusement.

  Benny got mad and got up so say something. Murphy quickly pushed Benny in the face with his palm as Frank flung the vinyl board off the table. Benny was too afraid to fight back. He was humiliated, especially in front of Twila who did her best not to notice. Eddy stood up and made a motion at the two losers.

  “What’s you gonna do, NIGGA?” shouted Frank, as Murphy grabbed Twila by the arm.

  Benny just stood there, disgusted with himself that he didn’t have the courage to defend her.

  “Hey, let go of her,” shouted Eddy as he pushed Murphy’s arm off of her.

  “Look at that, the nigga’s got balls. Is that why you like him so much?” Murphy said as he looked at Twila. “Or do you like his big African dick?”

  Eddy got mad and took a swing at Murphy. Frank jumped in and tried to help his buddy, but Eddy could take them both--they knew it, and backed off.

  “Hey sweet thang,” Murphy shouted to Twila as he and Frank trotted for the exit, “why don’t you come home with me and I’ll show you things to make you forget your jungle bunny hero!”

  With that, Eddy ran after Murphy, pushed him down and kicked him in the balls as hard as he could. Frank was already outside, not wanting to tangle with Eddy. After all, he didn’t say anything.

  Murphy shrieked in pain as he staggered out the heavy glass doors. “You wait, NIGGA,” Murphy threatened. “I’m gonna lynch your black ass if you ever touch that white bitch.” The two took off running.

  Benny was too mortified to continue playing. Eddy tried to make Benny feel better but it was useless. Twila, at this point, was more interested in Eddy anyway and asked him to walk her home.

  “See you tomorrow?” Eddy asked Benny as he dejectedly made his way outside.

  “Yeah sure,” said Benny, acknowledging Eddy’s concerned gesture.

  It was about 4:30 p.m. The school was just about empty. All the teachers and yellow buses had left, and there weren’t any extracurricular activities that day. The only people left were the evening janitors. Everyone, including Eddy, knew the janitors’ routine. They first buffed the floors upstairs and cleaned the bathrooms before they did the classrooms. That took a couple of hours. Then onto the first floor. Eddy, who never made a move on Twila, wanted to sneak some alone time with her before he went home.

  “Did you ever see the old gym they have downstairs?” Eddy asked Twila as she pressed her books next to her chest, getting a better grip.

  “Maybe once last year before the new gym opened,” replied Twila. “Why do you ask?”

  “It’s a really cool place,” said Eddy. “Sometimes they leave the back door open at night and me and my buddies go there to shoot some hoops. I have a locker down there where I keep an extra set of clothes and some shoes. I was going to pick them up before I went home. Wanna come with?”

  Twila thought for a moment. She liked and trusted Eddy, and she was attracted to him, but wasn’t too sure going downstairs with him was a good idea. But she went anyway.

  “Sure Eddy, I’ve never seen a men’s locker room,” she said, giggling at her own comment.

  Eddy put his hand on Twila’s shoulder as they walked down the long hall to the basement door. He opened the door for her as they walked down the narrow flight of stairs.

  “This way,” said Eddy, still holding her shoulder as he pointed to the locker room.

  It was quiet and empty in the old gym. Each step echoed against the walls. They walked up to Eddy’s locker in the men’s bathroom. Eddy worked the combination on the lock and grabbed his clothes. Twila marveled that such a nice big gym was going to waste.

  “They could hold church meetings in main gym area,” Twila said. “Did you see all those bleachers we passed?”

  Eddy was silent. He stared right into Twila’s beautiful blue eyes as she stared back. She knew what he wanted.

  “Eddy, I don’t know,” she said as he dropped his clothes and put his arms around her waist as her books fell to the floor. “What would my momma think?” she said as he kissed her and lowered his hands to her curvaceous bottom.

  “You’re embarrassing me, Eddy,” Twila said, thinking she saw someone walk passed the window above.

  Eddy kept on kissing her, then reached up her T-shirt and placed his large brown hand on her big, white firm tits and gently squeezed each one. Then he lifted up her shirt and put his mouth on her rigid nipples. Twila was turned on and kissed him back, placing her hand over his zipper and squeezing his huge hard dick through his jeans.

  “Oh Eddy, are you sure it’s safe?” Twila whispered as he pulled down her pants and slowly worked his finger in her young, tight pussy. “I’m only 14.”

  “Don’t worry, baby,” Eddy whispered back as his pants fell to the ground. “And I’m almost 17. Let me show you the way.”

  Twila was even hornier than Eddy while she lay on her back as he placed his enormous dick up to her hot virgin box. Twila reached back and grabbed his ass and pushed on his firm cheeks so she could be penetrated for the first time. He slowly worked his way in, breaking her taut juvenile cherry with his ebony bayonet.

  “Ow, Ow!” cried Twila. “You’re too big. Oh, stop, stop, stop.”

  It was too late. Eddy slid in the rest of the way, pushing all nine inches of his thick, hot black meat deep into her blond bush.

  “Oh Eddy! Oh Eddy! Oh Eddy!” Twila moaned as Eddy pumped harder and deeper as she felt her brain explode with her first climax. “Oh no, Eddy! Oh no, Eddy! Ahhhhhhh!”

  Eddy pulled out and turned Twila over to do her doggy style. She liked that even more. After a few minutes he pulled out again and came on her back between her plump crack.

  “Baby, I don’t want to get you pregnant,” Eddy said, breathing heavily and exhausted from the experience.

  Twila stretched out on the floor after it was over. She looked totally relaxed. Then, as long as they were in the locker room, they got up to take a shower, sudsing each other up and kissing while they rinsed off.

  “We’ve got to do this again and soon,” Twila said to Eddy. “What took you so long?”

  Chapter Twelve

  Benny managed to get off wo
rk early the next day. Frank was driving east down U.S. 20. Gerald, it appeared, nodded off quickly, slumping his head to the side. Benny kept a healthy distance behind the truck, dodging the numerous potholes along the badly maintained stretch of road. At least we’re heading east, thought Benny. I’m familiar with this part of town.

  About three miles down, Frank made a sharp right down a dark street, Tyler Road, and parked his truck in front of an old, two story wooden house about a hundred feet from U.S. 20 . Benny cut his lights and didn’t make the turn. Instead, he stopped short of the street and waited at the corner. Frank nudged Gerald, who woke up with a start, then Gerald opened the passenger door and got out. There weren’t any vehicles in front of the house or in the driveway. Benny assumed, for the moment, that Gerald probably lost his driver’s license--probably too many DUI’s.

  Frank was there less than a minute before he made a U-turn and headed back towards the main road. Benny mistakenly anticipated Frank was going to continue east on U.S. 20, but instead he crossed over Route 12 to the other side of Tyler. As Frank was crossing, Benny saw Frank momentarily glance at him, probably wondering why a strange car was parked so close to the corner. This concerned Benny, as he waited until Frank’s truck was out of sight to start his car. He figured this was Frank’s daily routine, and could always follow him home another day. Instead, Benny used that time to examine Gerald’s house.

  The sun was straining to reach the sky as Benny drove down that dark street. Tyler Road, as it turned out, was only three blocks long south of U.S. 20 and came to an abrupt dead end at the small, shallow pond next to the woods. It looked like a forgotten section of town. None of the dozen or so old houses on Tyler were maintained. Many of them were boarded up. Benny knew he had to be careful, so he only took a quick peek around the grounds. The air was crisp and extremely quiet. He could hear the subtle patter of squirrels walking on the dry leaves. He parked his car in front of a debris laden vacant lot and got out, quietly walking towards Gerald’s house. Before he could walk five feet, he heard the sound of a pickup truck slowing down on U.S 20. Then, to his horror, the truck abruptly turned down Tyler and sped towards him. Frank was back.