Chapter 10

I was late getting to breakfast. It took longer than I thought to find my phone and I made it just as they were finishing.

"Sorry I'm late," I muttered pulling out my seat.

"We're done eatin'," the old man grumbled.

"I know and I'm really sorry. I was talking to my father. We have a family emergency and I need to leave today," I said glancing toward Rebecca. She wouldn't even look my way.

"That's too bad," Melvin moaned as he stood, releasing a loud belch.

"I'll need the money you owe me so that I can go," I said watching his back as he left. He stopped and slowly turned my way.

"You ain't gettin' paid 'til the work is done, that's the deal. Not that you were much help any ways."

"Excuse me, but I've worked hard all summer and agreed to help you for three months. It's only a few days short of that."

"Like I said, 'that's too bad'," he added with a smile. That's the first time I ever saw the old man smile and as bad as his teeth are, I'm not surprised.

"Mr. Johnson, look, I really need the money and since it's not my fault I have to leave, I think you should still pay me."

"You got room and board while you were here and as little work as you done, I should charge you for your dab blasted food!" I gave a quick glance to Rebecca. The bitch better come through for me or I'm spilling my guts about Annabel!

"Melvin, why don't you just pay him and let him leave," she suggested hardly louder than a whisper. I think she wanted me gone more than I wanted to leave.

"I ain't got no money here, woman, you know that. Ain't gunna get none 'til we sell the crop next week."

"NEXT WEEK!?!?" I nearly shouted. There's no fucking way I was hanging around this shit-hole for another week! If that old fucker doesn't pay me what's due, I'll get even with him. Hell, I'll take his little precious granddaughter to St. Louis and dump her off in the worst part of town I can find!

My mind was running a million miles an hour contemplating what to do when it suddenly dawned on me that I just came up with the perfect plan. Annabel could be my meal ticket! Hell she's already fucking like a minx in heat only this time she'll get paid for it, or should I say I'll get paid for it.

"You listenin' boy?" I heard the old man shout, breaking my concentration.

"Huh? What did you say?"

"I said come back next week and I'll pay you a thousand dollars."

"I appreciate the offer, but I really need the money now, it's very important. Besides, the agreement was for twelve hundred, not a thousand."

"You're leaving early so you lose some pay."

"Okay, I can understand that, but it's only a week so it should be only a hundred."

"Melvin, I have about six hundred dollars hidden for a rainy day and I'm sure you can find a few more hundred to pay him. I just want him to leave as soon as possible." Rebecca and the old man stared at each other for an uncomfortable minute. "Please." she added, breaking the silence.

"I guess I can ask Cramer if he can loan me the rest 'til next week. I dunno if he got it or not, but I can ask," he said reaching for the phone. After a brief conversation he hung up and glared at me. "He got 'bout four hundred. All I can pay you is a grand. If you want the other hundred, you gotta come back next week to get it," he said turning to leave. "Let's get, them crops ain't gunna harvest themselves!"

"When will I get my money?" I called out as he approached the front door.

"When I get back for lunch, 'less you wanna come out to the field to get it."

"I might just do that." I said looking at Rebecca. I caught her fleeting glance as she quickly turned away from me. "I need to pack and get my things ready and then I'll head out to get paid," I called out to the closed screen door.

She stood and began taking the dishes into the kitchen. I was starved and sat, devouring the remaining food on the table. There wasn't much left but I ate until it was gone.

Taking the rest of the breakfast dishes into the kitchen I sat on the counter next to her.

"How's Annabel?"

"Jake, please don't talk about her. Just forget you ever met her."

"Chill out, Rebecca, in a few hours I'll be gone and you'll never see me again, of that I promise you. I'm genuinely concerned about her."

"If it wasn't for you, you'd have nuttin' to be concerned about. Now go away, I have alotta things to work on and I don't want you here." Not once did she look at me and that pissed me off. I didn't like how she was disrespecting me like that.

"Alright, I understand. I'm leaving so don't get your panties in a knot," I said smirking. "I guess I should say your 'granny panties' in a knot," I added making a final dig to the event from earlier. I would have paid money to see her reaction when she woke up, but that's an opportunity lost.

Silently I slipped out of the kitchen and made my way around the side of the house to see the combine disappearing on the horizon. They guys were gone and Rebecca was busy in the kitchen. It was time to visit Annabel and put my plan into action.

Peeking through her opened window I saw her sound asleep, her beautiful face hardly visible from under the blanket. She really is a pretty girl and still looked radiant in spite of what she has been through these past few months. It really is a shame to waste such a sweet young thing. I crawled in, sitting on the bed causing her to stir. Slowly she opened her eyes.

"Good morning sexy," I said smiling at her as I brushed aside the locks of hair partially covering her eyes.

"Jake, whatcha doin' here?" she asked glancing toward the closed door. "If Grammy finds you in here she's gunna go nuts!"

"Relax bright eyes," I said leaning over to kiss her pouty lips. She hadn't taken a bath yet and still reeked of sweat, sex and semen. She must have been exhausted and fell asleep as soon as she hit the bed. "I already told your grandmother that I was coming here to tell you goodbye."

"Bye? Whatcha mean? You ain't leavin' 'til next week."

"Yea, well there's been a change of plans. Rebecca caught me sneaking you back into your room and busted me big time. She threatened to tell your grandfather about us if I didn't leave right away and I really don't want your grandfather unloading a round of buckshot into my ass, if you know what I mean." I was hoping this would drive a wedge between her and her grandparents.

"But I was hopin' that, uh, well I didn't think you were leavin' so soon."

"I know Baby Doll and I wish that I didn't have to go," I said taking her hand. "I love you so much and want to spend as much time together as possible. Now we'll never see each other ever again," I added turning away.

"You can come visit, can't you?"

"That's not possible, Annabel. It's too far and besides, Rebecca would never allow it. She'll tell your grandfather for sure if I try to see you again."

"We can write and call each other and..."

"Honey, look, long distance relationships never work out. You're the best thing that ever happened to me and I love you with all my heart. It's going to kill me, but..." I said bringing her hand to my heart with a long pause.

"But what?"

"Annabel you're the best thing that has ever happened to me and I want us to be together forever."

"Then why don't you stay here with me?"

"Sweetheart, as much as I'd like to, I just can't. I have school; friends, family and a future job all waiting for me back in St. Louis. Besides, your grandfather will never let me back on the farm. He hates me."

"Maybe I can go visit you 'fore school starts."

I pretended to give that idea some thought before springing my real plan.

"Why don't you come with me? We'll be together forever and I'll take good care of you."

"Jake I can't leave the farm."

"Why not? You've told me before that you don't really like living here."

"'Cause my family lives here."

"What about me? I'm your family too, aren't I? I mean you are carrying my baby," I added placing my hand over her flat stomach. "I want my baby to grow up with its father." She silently stared at my hand for a few minutes. "We can start our new life together, just you, me and the baby. Wouldn't you like that?"

"Yea, I guess, but I..."

"Annabel, do you love me?"

"Yes,"

"And I love you. And I love our baby so what's the problem?"

"I'm scared, Jake. I ain't never been off the farm before. We'll 'cept to go to the store but that's all."

"Think about what your future here will be. First once your grand parents find out about your pregnancy they'll be pissed at you and there's no telling what they'll do. They might even send you to live with your mother. If they allow you to stay, then in a few years they'll marry you off to someone you don't know or love. You know me and love me so I think it's best if you come with me. I need you, Annabel, more than you know."

"Really?"

"Of course. I won't be able to make it without you. We'll get an apartment near the university and you'll be my little wife and I'll take care of you. You won't go without, I promise you. Anything you want, I'll get it for you. You want clothes, diamonds, gold, jewelry; I'll get it for you."

"Jake I don't need none of that stuff. I just want you."

"And I want you too, bright eyes," I said kissing her again. "Besides, once I'm gone, who will be here to protect you from the guys? They'll be all over you and you won't be able to keep them off of you. Is that how you want to spend the rest of your life?"

"No."

"Then it's settled. You're coming with me."

"Jake ... uh, I don't..."

"Annabel, I want my wife and child with me, okay?"

"You're wife?"

"Yes, my wife. As soon as you're old enough, we'll get married so that our baby will have two parents that love each other."

"OH JAKE I LOVE YOU!" she cried out sitting up to wrap her arms around my neck, squeezing it tightly.

"And I love you too," I replied prying her arms away. The odor of sex was so strong in nearly made me gag. "We don't have a lot of time to prepare."

"What do you mean?"

"We're leaving right after lunch."

"Why can't we just tell my grandparents 'bout us and 'bout the baby? They might let me live here and get married."

"Annabel, you're living in a fantasy. There's no way your grandparents will allow me within fifty feet of you once they find out about us and your trigger-happy grandfather will probably shoot my cock off."

"He won't do that!"

"Think about it Baby Girl. You know he's got a bad temper, right?" She nodded. Anyway, to be sure they won't try to keep us apart; I want you to just leave with me. Don't tell anyone. I'll park my car on the side of the house and leave the trunk open. Just throw a few things in back that you need. A few clothes, any valuables and money. Do you have any money?"

"A little, but not much."

"Bring it. We'll need it when we get to St. Louis but after we're there, I'll take care of you and you won't have to worry ever again about money, I promise you," I said smiling. She smiled back and moved closer to kiss me. "Oh and make sure you shower first, you're smelling a little ripe."

"I'm not sure what to take."

"Travel light. Two or three changes of clothes and anything valuable. I'll buy you everything else you'll need once we get there."

"Jake ... I'm not sure 'bout this. I'm scared."

"I know, Sweetie, but trust me when I say everything will be okay. We'll be one big happy family just you, me and the baby." She gave a half smile before lying backward. "Rest for a while but get up soon, clean up and then get something to eat. After lunch, as soon as I get the money from your grandpa, I'm out of here and I'm taking you and my baby with me, okay?" She nodded. Smiling I left the way I came in, glancing backward one more time to see her smirking at me. A lamb to slaughter.

It took me about an hour to get all my shit together and move the car to the side of the house. Backing in, the trunk was about ten feet from her bedroom window, making for a quick get away. I went in to get a feel of Rebecca's mood but she quickly sent me away, still angry at what I had done. If she only knew the half of it.

Over lunch Annabel and I kept stealing glances and smirking at each other. A few times the old man noticed and loudly cleared his throat. I bit by tongue. Just a little while longer. After lunch the guys headed outside and I still hadn't been paid.

"Uh, excuse me Mr. Johnson, but I need to leave so can I get my money now?" He mumbled something under his breath as he continued out the door. That bastard!

"I have your money, Jake," Rebecca said from just inside the kitchen. I sighed a breath of relief. "Annabel clear the table," she said reaching into her apron pocket to pull out an envelope. "Here's your money, so please leave. Now."

"Well that's a fine way to send off a friend," I said snatching the envelope from her.

"You're no friend. In fact I'm sorry I ever met you."

"Come on now, that's a little harsh don't you think?"

"Jake, please leave, NOW!"

"I'm going," I said winking at Annabel. She smiled at me and I counted the money. An even grand.

Stepping onto the porch I noticed the guys were still loitering around the combine, waiting for the old man to return. I sat on the steps to wait. I wasn't in a real hurry and needed to wait a while to give Annabel enough time to get free.

Jimbo noticed me and gave a big toothy grin before heading my way. Great, just what I didn't need.

"We're gunna miss you," he said from about fifteen feet away. Too bad you gotta go but don't you worry none 'bout Annabel, we'll take real good care of her for you," he said grabbing his crotch. I smiled. The poor fool didn't have a clue.

"Hey Jimbo, come here, I want to tell you something."

"What is it?"

"You need to be closer; I don't want to say this out loud."

He stood towering over me for a few seconds before taking a couple of steps closer. "What is it?"

"If you guys are ever desperate for some pussy I have a sure-fire way to get some for you."

"We already gots that with Annabel."

"Yea, I know, but if you can't fuck her, you'll need a back up, right?"

"Whatcha talkin' 'bout?"

"I'm talking about Rebecca. I know a secret about her that she'll do ANYTHING to protect."

"A secret? What kinda secret? I been knowin' Miss Rebecca for a long time and she don't got no secrets."

"She's got at least one and it's a big one."

"Fool, why would I wanna fuck that tried old pussy when I can fuck Annabel?"

"Like I said, you should have a back up plan. You want your own private fuck toy? Rebecca's you're whore."

"'Aiight, say I believe you, how I know it's true and she'll do whateva we say? If she tells Mista Johnson he'll have my nuts in a sling!"

"Don't worry about him. She won't tell him. She's kept it a secret for over 30 years and she won't dare risk him finding out now."

"Lord it must be a whopper."

"Before I tell you, I want you to promise me that you'll act on this, you know make her suck your big black cock and let you and the others fuck her whenever you want to. Hell, there are a few rug rats that live around the farm that will come sniffing around here looking for pussy so let them have some too!"

"I'm sure she ain't gunna let no one touch her, let alone fuck 'er."

"She will if you threaten to tell Melvin that his daughter isn't really his daughter." He looked at me with furrowed brows.

"Whacha mean?"

"Linda, his golden child, isn't his daughter. Rebecca fucked some vacuum cleaner salesman one day and got knocked up. She had the kid and told the old man it was his. The old fucker raised someone else's kid."

"No fuckin' way! You're shittin' me."

"No I'm not. Just drop the name Nelson Meadows and watch as the blood drains from her face. Tell her you have proof and that you'll go to her husband unless she does what you tell her. She'll spread her legs out like a Thanksgiving turkey in no time, I promise you." He shook his head grinning.

"Maybe so, but like I said why would I want her when we gots Annabel willing to drain my balls anytime I want?"

"Just keep the information handy, you may need it someday."

"Let's git," the old man called out to Jimbo. He turned to wave and gave me a quick glance before leaving. I chucked to myself thinking of what was in store for the old bitch. That will teach her to cross me.

Packed and ready to go I sat in the car for almost an hour and there was still no sign of Annabel. What was keeping her? Going to her window I noticed she was stilling on her bed wringing her hands together.

"What's wrong?"

"I don't know 'bout this no more, Jake," she said not looking at me. Shit, don't tell me she's changed her mind!

"What do you mean?" I asked crawling into her window. "Baby we've got this all planned out. I love you and I need you. I won't be able to survive without you."

"I know, Jake, but I'm scared."

"Scared? What do you have to be scared about?"

"Goin' so far away from the farm and I don't know nuttin' 'bout where we're going."

"Annabel please," I begged getting down on one knee. All my plans revolve around her living with me and supporting me until she's totally used up. If she backs out now I'm screwed. "You're just nervous about leaving, that's understandable," I said kissing the back of her hand. "But you know what? I have just what you need to feel better," I added digging out a crack rock. "Why don't you fire this up and relax. It's exactly what you need." I only had a couple left.

I knew she had one rock this morning and she probably already smoked it so she should be feeling the early withdraws. She took it, dropped it into the opening and reached for the lighter. I stepped back as I didn't want to be inhaling the fumes, that shit will fuck you up big time.

Seconds after the first puff of smoke penetrated her lungs she closed her eyes and began to relax. "There, you see, that really hit the spot, huh?" She moaned, the sides of her mouth creasing from a big smile. Locking her door, I keep and nervous eye out for Rebecca expecting her to come banging on it at any moment. She wouldn't be able to see my car from the house unless she went outside for something.

"Where's your money?" I asked opening a few drawers.

"Why?" she asked after taking another hit.

"I think it will be better if I kept all of our money together, so it doesn't get lost. She was wearing a thin summer dress and pulled a few wadded bills out from the front pocket.

"Here," she said finishing the last of her drug. I counted it.

"Twenty-six dollars? That's it? That's all the money you have?" She nodded. Digging through her drawers I found a woman's wedding band made of 18 carat gold. That has to be worth something.

"That's my momma's ring," she informed me.

"Really? We'll I guess she won't mind if we take it then, right?"

"I dunno. My father gave it to her."

"Your father? Isn't that interesting?" I said slipping it into my pocket. "Do you have anything else of value? We're going to need all the money we can get once we get to St. Louis.

She stood and had to brace herself as she nearly toppled over. She giggled as I caught her arm. "Whoa," she mumbled falling back onto the bed.

"Annabel come on, stop playing around, we need to leave."

"I'm ready."

"I want you to change. I don't like that dress you're wearing." She looked down at it.

"What's wrong with it?"

"For one thing it's old and faded and the flower pattern really sucks. Let me find something else for you. Going through her closet didn't yield much. She had only one pair of shorts and the rest was dresses and long skirts. Grabbing a black, knee-high skirt and silk shirt I tossed it on the bed.

"Put this on," I said reaching down to unbutton her dress.

"I ain't 'sposed wear this blouse. Grammy says you can see my bra through it."

"Don't worry about it, Annabel, no one will see your bra through it 'cause you won't be wearing one."

"HUH? What did you say?"

"Just put the damned thing on, Annabel! We really need to leave or risk getting caught. Leisurely she removed her clothes, leaving on her bra and panties. "They come off too," I said reaching over to snap her bra strap. She softly yelped.

It took longer than I wanted to get her dressed and out the window, but soon we were sitting in the car with my hands shaking. I could technically be charged with kidnapping and a whole host of other charges so I really needed to get moving. It took some gentle persuasion to convince her to remove her panties and she insisted on bringing them along just in case, but as I tossed her things into the trunk I made sure both bras and the handful of panties were kicked under the car. She won't know they're gone until we get to where we're going.

I had less than an eighth of a tank of gas, not nearly enough to make it home. Pulling into the gas station I met up with Eric the other day I stopped next to the pump and shut off the engine. It looks a lot different in the day light. I noticed some middle-aged guy using a push broom to sweep the front walk way and a crazy thought crossed my mind. She's going to be earning her keep so why not start now?

"You see that guy over there?" I asked her pointing toward the fortyish-looking man.

"Yea."

"I want you to go to him and tell him we need gas and we're out of money and you want to make a trade with him."

"A trade? You're not talkin' 'bout my momma's ring are you?"

"No, not the ring, something a little more special," I said patting her bare thigh. It took a moment to dawn on her but I knew she finally got it when her eyes bulged open.

"JAKE! YOU DON'T MEAN..."

"First offer a blow job for a tank of gas and if he says no, kick it up to a fuck."

"JAKE I CAN'T DO THAT!"

"Sure you can. I can't even guess how many blow jobs you've given of the past few months and god knows how many times you've had a cock in your pussy so it's no big deal."

"Jake please. Just use the money Paw-Paw gave you."

"We'll need that in St. Louis to get an apartment."

"What about my money? Isn't that enough?"

"Like I said, we'll need a lot of money once we get to St. Louis so we need to keep all that we have. Come on Annabel, stop being such a baby, it's no big deal. Just do it and get it over with so we can get going and start our lives together. You, me and our baby."

"Jake..."

"Annabel, I'm not asking! It's time you realize what your role is in our relationship. We need money and you have the means of making it for us. Do it for us and our baby. Without a good start, the baby won't stand a chance and we'll be living out on the streets. Is that what you want?" She turned to look out the window. I needed a different approach.

"I know what you need." I told her reaching into my pocket. I had three rocks left and it had been over an hour since her last hit. "Here, take this."

Turning toward me she stared at the small crystal, lightly licking her lips. She reached for it.

"Not so fast," I said enclosing it into my palm. "Remember how expensive I said this is. I don't have the money to support your addiction AND support our family. You're going to have to help out, understand? Her intense stare at my hand never faded. Slowly she nodded. I smiled. "Here, take this one but remember that I only have two left so make them last," I said opening my palm for her to take it. She snatched it quicker than the attack of a trapdoor spider capturing its insect pray.

Handing her the pipe and lighter I got out of the car, as I didn't want to smell the fumes. Even the second-hand smoke is pretty potent and I didn't need the trouble. Leaning against the trunk I reached for the gas hose, flipping the handle before shoving the nozzle into the tank. The shopkeeper noticed me at the pump and went inside. He was probably working alone or someone else would have started the pump. From behind the counter he looked out to me but didn't activate the pump.

Walking around to the passenger side I tapped on the window. Annabel was in her own little world, savoring the sensation of the crack and didn't notice me knocking the first time. Slowly she turned toward me, her eyes nearly black from her dilated pupils. She rolled the window down.

"You're on," I said opening the door. I knew she was fucked up and would do whatever I said. "Remember, blowjob first and if that's not good enough, offer him pussy. We need to fill up and see if you can get a six pack of Bud out of him too."

"Bud? What's that?" she asked trying to focus on my face

"You've never heard of Bud? It's short for Budweiser, its beer, stupid!"

"I AIN'T STUPID!" She slurred with a hurt expression.

I knew that I'd better do some back paddling or risk her changing her mind about coming with me. Now wasn't the time to push her away, they'll be time for that later.

"I'm sorry, Annabel, you're right, I didn't mean that. Of course you don't know what Bud is, you've never had any. Do you forgive me?" I asked in my sweetest voice with a big smile. I need to stay focused and on track. "Do you?" I asked again reaching into the car for her hand and kissing the back of it. She smiled back.

"I don't think I can get any beer, Jake, I ain't old 'nuff."

"Annabel, he's about to fuck an underage whore so trust me, he'll be willing to let loose a six pack."

"Jake, I ain't never done nuttin' like this 'fore, I'm scared."

"There's nothing to be afraid of, Sweet Cheeks, you'll do fine. Just think of him as one of the neighborhood boys, or one of the farm hands or one of my friends. Hell, think of him as me if that makes it easier for you, but whatever you do, get your ass in there and seal the deal, understand? We don't have a lot of time. If your grandparents discover you missing, they'll be looking for you, so get that sexy little ass in there and do the do, okay?" Tugging on her hand I pulled her upright, catching her as she lost her balance. "Do me proud," I added swatting her ass as I propelled her forward.

Watching her meandering toward the building I smiled at the thought of my little cash machine getting her official start as a whore. All the other guys she's fucked so far have been freebies but this one is her first paying gig. I felt my cock swell. Suddenly she stopped and turned to face me, her face cringing.

"What's the problem?" I shouted.

"I, um, I..."

"Annabel we've already gone over this, now GO!" I growled, stressing my final word, feeling the muscles in my jaw tighten. She needs a crash course of following my orders without question. Perhaps a day or two without her crack will help her see the light.

Turning she resumed her course inside. I returned to the gas tank and waited for him to authorize the pump. It was hard to see what was going on inside as the windows were tinted, but I could see her standing at the counter with the man who had just moments before had been sweeping on the other side. He looked my way briefly before turning his attention back to Annabel.

"Come on Annabel, seal the deal, seal the deal!" I mumbled praying that this guy isn't some goody two-shoes and call the cops. That's all I need to add to my problems. I could feel the sweat running down my face and the back of my shirt was drenched with perspiration. Not all of it was from the heat.

Suddenly the gas pump whined before the previous purchase price changed to all zeros. I heaved a sigh of relief. Still watching what was going on, the attendant went around the counter, turned the 'closed' sign around and locked the door. Seconds later he and Annabel disappeared toward the back of the store.

"Hook, line and sinker," I said aloud with a smile. "I hope she remembers the beer."

It took thirty-four dollars to fill my tank and I had just pulled the nozzle from my car when I heard someone pulling into the parking lot. Turning I saw a faded red 1950's Ford pickup truck that had seen better days. Dust blanketed the vehicle and only a small area on the windshield was semi clean. I watched as it pulled to the island on the opposite side of the pumps. Even standing next to it I couldn't tell who was driving as it was so dirty. Suddenly the door squeaked open and a tall, older black man exited, looking at me with suspicion.

"How's it going?" I asked trying to be friendly. He continued staring silently, reaching for the handle on the gas pump, not blinking once. That was pretty creepy.

"Ain't seen you 'fore," he finally spoke, giving me the once over.

"Just passing through," I replied leaning against the trunk to wait for Annabel to finish.

"Come on, Pete, turn on the pump," the stranger called out, not really loud enough to be heard inside the store, but loud enough to startle me. My nerves were already on edge so it didn't take much. Another minute passed before he stepped out from behind the pump, waving his arms above his head as if he was signaling an airplane.