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Sweet Revenge
By Sleuth
Rated NC-17
Ray slid into the Mercedes and felt very uncomfortable , he was not sure why. The radio was playing soft jazz sounds and she smiled at him. They stared at each other and then she took his hand and placed it on her breast.
"Ray," she sighed.
"Don't do this.. don't " Ray pleaded with her.
"You want me .. you know you do." she smiled slyly "Why don't you understand that, why do you fight me?"
She leaned toward him and he accepted her kiss. His mind was closed to everything but her. Her hand was exploring his thigh on its way to more interesting places. She smiled , she saw his face.. he was lost.. he would do anything she told him to.. she knew that.
He groaned when her hand found what she had been searching for.. she kissed him passionately.. the other hand slipped behind his neck and she inserted the needle.
Ray awakened hours later in surroundings that he could not recognize. He tried to clear the dullness from his brain. He couldn't think. His neck was sore. His hand gingerly touched a spot on the back of his neck.. he looked at his hand and saw blood on his fingers. He fell in and out of consciousness for the next hour.
She stood on the landing above the living room staring down at Ray's prostrate body. She smiled. He would behave now. No more running away. . she was quite satisfied with herself. The Santos family had no idea who they were dealing with... she knew all about them.. they didn't scare her.. she had ways of dealing with their threats.
She walked down the stairs and mixed herself a drink. She put on some music and watched him fight off sleep. He was so handsome.. she knew how to get to him. She had known from the beginning. He was so innocent.. so trusting.. it was almost too easy. She would make sure that he didn't leave until she had what she wanted.
Ray finally managed to sit upright. His vision was blurred and he stared at the figure standing across the room. He blinked and tried to clear his vision. She looked so far away and yet he knew she wasn't.. his brain just wasn't working with hi s eyes.. he struggled to see her face. She smiled at him. He saw that. She walked toward him and sat down in the chair neares t to him.
"How do you feel Ray.. better?" she asked softly
"I .. how did I... where am I?" Ray's words were slurred and he was surprised at the sound of his voice.
" Don't worry about a thing Ray. She sat next to him on the couch and pulled him close as you would a child. He did not seem to have the strength to fight her.
Michelle and Danny walked to the church hand in hand. They wanted to see Ray about their new found happiness. Everything was going their way. They were bursting to tell someone. Even though they were still mourning the loss of Abuela a month ago, things had turned in Danny and Michelle's favor for once. Abeula had left them a beautiful home in Mendicino on the California coast. Danny and Michelle were leaving. A new beginning. They met Father Tomas in the chapel and he informed them that Ray had not returned this morning after mass. He had no idea where he might be and he was concerned.
Danny told Michelle privately that Ray probably just needed a day of freedom. He would call him tomorrow. They went on to the
Towers for a celebration dinner with Bill and Pilar.
She kissed him and Ray tried to pull away. She spoke to him quietly telling him that he wanted her and she was so glad they
were together. Ray felt her hands against his chest. He tried to protest.... he had no strength..his mind would not focus.
Carmen called Dietz in her usual manner, "Dietz, Dietz come in here."
Dietz sometimes felt as though he should be wearing a collar and leash.
"Dietz we have a problem and I want you to find out who is responsible for Ray's disappearance."
" Yes, boss." Dietz replied quietly
Dietz wondered to himself how in the hell he was supposed to comply with her wishes. He had no idea who would do anything to
Ray. He left the compound to ask Bernard for some help.
Maybe a rival family did something to him? Dietz did not have a clue.
She made sure that Ray was settled and quiet and then she went to the phone.
Ray stirred in his sleep. His dreams were of a sexual nature and he tossed and turned on the narrow bed. She had made sure
that he was completely confused before she drugged him again. She sat across the room and stared at him, smiling ...
knowing what kind of dreams he was having, after all she had planned it that way.
She picked up the phone and dialed the number.
"Hi, it's me. I have him here now. Of course he doesn't know why. I am not a fool. Well, Ray is tucked in for the night all
cozy and warm." she smiled to herself.
Danny and Michelle were supposed to leave for their new home in Mendicino and were puzzled by Ray's disappearing act.
Dietz told Danny he had inquired everywhere and had found nothing.. no connection to families throughout the state. Danny
did not want to leave things like this and told Michelle perhaps she should go on alone. She refused and Danny finally gave in
and said that they would both go for a short time and then return to Springfield.
Danny thought back to the day they found out about the will.
Danny sat with his head in his hands. She was gone. His grandmother had been his only confidant before Michelle had
entered his life. Now he would never bring her chocolates again or hear her stories of her marriage to his grandfather. He
never knew his grandfather and often looked at pictures of them as a young couple. His grandmother had been a pretty
woman. Her features soft and hair as black as midnight. The picture in her family album showed a young and beautiful face
looking adoringly at his grandfather
Michelle came into the room and put her hand on Danny’s bowed head.
"Danny, I am sorry.. but it is time to go to the lawyers." Michelle whispered.
"Why.. what could he have to tell us that matters anymore?"
"Obviously you are mentioned in her will. We have to be there Danny." she kissed the top of his head.
Carmen entered the room and announced that Dietz was waiting. Pilar rushed into the room after changing her clothes at
least four times.
" I am ready now..," Pilar announced
They went to the offices of Geezling and Gang. Mr. Geezling greeted them.
"If you would all step into my office we can begin with the reading of the will" he said dourly.
"First just let me say that I was sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Santos. She was a wonderful and warm women. That
being said, I would like to tell you that her will is very simple. She left everything to Danny and Michelle Santos. I will read
the explanation to you so just bear with me."
He read:"I Maria Rivera Santos being of sound mind and body do hereby bequeath to my grandson Daniel and his wife
Michelle the following property.
My home in Mendicino and all the contents there in. To Michelle I leave all my jewelry and my stocks. All my other
investments I leave to St. Michael's church. To all others I leave one dollar. If this will is contested then I revoke the one
dollar and all legal fees will become the responsibility of the party taking this action.
Danny and Michelle looked at one another in shock. What home in Mendicino.. why there? "Grandmother never mentioned
Mendicino.." Danny muttered to himself.
Carmen was furious. She had cared for the family ever since her husbands death. Put up with the old woman through thick
and thin.. and this was her reward. She didn’t want money, that wasn’t the point.. but not to even have recognition for her
sacrifices., it was just too humiliating.
Pilar looked at her brother and felt more left out of the family than ever before. She was gone so long that her grandmother
didn’t even remember her when she did return. "Not that she wanted anything from her anyway.," she told herself.
Danny asked his mother about this house in Mendicino and she replied she knew nothing about it.. it had never been
mentioned to her.
When Danny received the deed he realized in was near the sea.. and old farm house with 200 acres. He was amazed at the
value of the home. He and Michelle wanted to explore it for themselves. It would be the first home away from Springfield. They
had looked forward to the trip.
They at least wanted to find out if it was a place they could live. They might hate it and then have to put it on the market.. they
had so many questions.. they wanted answers now.
They drove along the coast from San Francisco. What a beautiful scene.. ocean so blue it took Michelle’s breath away. The
rugged coastline was bright with sunshine. The ocean sparkled like diamonds as far as the eye could see.. the air was sharp
and clear. As they approached the farmhouse they could see that it sat high on the cliff.
Michelle walked cautiously up the steps.. the door held an oval cut glass window that sparkled in the sun. The house was
perfect. Obviously someone had kept it in top condition. Danny stood at the bottom of the stairs and looked at the view. The
front lawn spread out down to the sea wall. The ocean lay before him like a vast movie back drop. It was a spectacular sight.
Michelle turned the key and opened the door, as she stepped inside she could smell the welcoming scent of coffee. She turned
to Danny and said " someone is making coffee.. can you smell that wonderful aroma.." she laughed.
As she entered she heard a noise from the kitchen.
Sam walked into the foyer and said "Welcome Mr. & Mrs. Santos. I hope you don’t mind I made you a little lunch and some
coffee. Sea air can make you hungry, you know?"
Michelle must have looked startled. Sam said" I’m sorry , I am Sam Martinez ,the caretaker. I have lived in the guest house
for over 35 years.. took care of the house for Mrs. Santos all that time. She was a wonderful woman."
Danny walked into the house and was amazed at how much the house reminded him of his grandmother. She had obviously not
lived in it for a long time but still it reflected her likes and choices so perfectly. "Sealed in amber all these years." Danny
thought to himself.
The view from every window was breathtaking. Michelle loved this house immediately. It seemed to draw her in and more and
more. The colors and decorations suited her, she would not want to change a thing. "How could this house, empty so long ,hold
so much love?" Michelle wondered to herself.
Michelle and Danny ate their lunch and could hardly contain the enthusiasm they held for their new home. They raved about
the food, Sam and all the wonderful times they would have there.
After lunch Michelle climbed the curved staircase. The second floor contained five bedrooms. The house was full of antiques
and each bedroom held more treasure than the last. She was amazed at the selection of period furniture.
Sam left with a wave and said" If you need anything at all , just dial 55 ,it is the extension to the guest house."
Michelle busied herself with the unpacking . They chose a room with a view of the ocean . While Michelle put things away she
found a photo album with pictures of Danny's grandmother and grandfather. She was fascinated with the pictures of Danny's
father. Danny looked so much like him. The same dark wavy hair and intense eyes.. " Oh, she thought, I am really going to
enjoy exploring this wonderful house."
Michelle knew that this visit would have to be a short one. Danny was too restless about Ray to stay very long.
Dietz tried to find out the last time anyone had seen Ray. Father Tomas said he did not return from morning mass. He had
been missing since 8:00 AM. Some of the parishioners were reluctant to speak with Dietz. He did find that Ray was seen in
front of the church at around 8:30 and after that nothing.
She removed Ray's clothes, set up the video camera, removed her clothes and put on the black wig. She positioned herself
so that her face was not seen and made a very incriminating tape. Ray was semi-concious and somewhere in his mind
aware of what he was doing, it was all seemed like a dream.
Carmen was furious about Danny leaving right now. She thought he loved his cousin .. damn Michelle... she always came first.
Carmen hissed the name out loud. "Michelle"
The following morning Michelle and Danny walked the grounds around the house.They saw the guest house set back in a
cluster of oak trees. It was built much like the houses they had seen on their way up the coast. A small mission style house
with a clay shingle roof. They knocked on the door and Mr. Martinez welcomed them to his home. The rooms were very small
and a narrow staircase led to the second floor. It had a very warm and comfortable feel about it and Michelle commented to
Danny that it was a special house.
They talked with Mr. Martinez for an hour about Danny's grandmother and grandfather. They had lived here after the birth of
Danny's father. His grandfather had built this home for them. There had been talk of smuggling during the early years and of
course the coast of California was a perfect place for that. He offered them some tea or a cold drink but they declined. Danny
said he really should call home and find out about his cousin.
After they had walked back along the sea wall Michelle told Danny she felt like she could really relax for the first time in a
long time. He agreed this was a very relaxing atmosphere. They held hands as they walked back to the main house.
Mr. Martinez looked out the window and watched them walk away. He turned and smiled to himself.
Carmen sat at her desk going through the daily mail. She opened the package and was surprised to see a video tape. After
looking for a note or letter in the package she walked to the VCR and inserted the tape. She sat in shock watching Ray and
some woman engaging in sex. She quickly turned off the tape and sat in stunned silence.
Dietz entered the room and informed her that he could not find any information about Ray and his disappearance. Carmen told
him to forget about his search. She didn't need him. She needed Ben. She ordered Dietz to call him immediately.
Danny and Michelle were preparing for the flight home. They knew this was going to be their home from now on and felt that
they had to deal with Ray's disappearance.
Mr. Martinez came to bid them good bye.
"Don't worry about a thing, everything will be ready when you return." he assured them.
On the flight home Michelle and Danny discussed Ray and what would have made him leave so suddenly.
"Do you think he had a breakdown or something. He has been acting kind of .. well out of it lately. Didn't you notice that
Danny?" Michelle asked gently.
"Ray is fine.. probably just the loss of our grandmother and the pressure of the priesthood" Danny tried to reassure himself.
"The last time I talked to Ray he kept drifting in and out on me. I had to repeat things three or four times. I am telling you
Danny something was wrong"
"O.K... all right Michelle.. we will deal with it when we get home. I will talk to my mother and see if she knows anything that
might have been stressing him out."
Danny felt a little annoyed.
He knew his cousin too well. He also knew something was wrong that last few weeks.
He had attributed it to grief over their abuela. Now he was not so sure.
Carmen told Ben about the tape.
"What do you want me to do Carmen? Someone is obviously blackmailing you. There was no note? No phone calls asking for
money? What do you think these people or this person wants.?" Ben asked.
"I don't know Ben. I just know it is not any rival family. We have checked everywhere and no one knows anything about this..
I am completely at a loss. This cannot get out.. I will not have Ray ruined because of me.. I just can't let that happen."
Ben was surprised at Carmen's devotion to Ray. After all, in his mind, anything was possible and maybe Ray was using this to
blackmail the family.
"I am a little more cynical than you are Carmen.. which surprises me, but have you thought that maybe Ray is after
something?"
Carmen looked at him in stunned surprise.
"Ben, have you lost your mind? Why would Ray do such a thing? This would destroy him.. that makes no sense at all."
"Well, when you get a note or a phone call let me know.. I may have some contacts that can help. That is really all I can do,
Carmen"
Ray struggled to regain consciousness. He was losing his mind he was sure of that. He couldn't think or speak. He didn't
think he had eaten for days. She walked him to the shower. She bathed him. She talked soothingly to him. He could not
focus on her face. She offered him soup. He was starving. She told him she was pleased that he was finally hungry.He
wanted to please her, he knew that was important. He didn't know why it was, he just knew it was very important.
Soon he was drowsy again.
Carmen greeted Michelle and Danny at the door.
"Danny I need to speak to you in private" Carmen declared
" We don't have any secrets mother.. Michelle will stay."
" I don't think you would want her to Danny, believe me!!" Carmen shouted.
Michelle looked at Danny and shook her head.
"I'll go and unpack.. have your private talk." she kissed Danny and left the room.
"Come in here Danny.. I want to show you something."
Danny followed her into the living room. She turned on the TV and inserted the tape.
Danny stood there with his mouth hanging open.. he could not believe what he saw..
"Turn that damn thing off.. where did you get that.. what the hell is wrong with you.?." Danny shouted.
"Now you see why I said we had to speak alone. Nothing is wrong with me.. we are being blackmailed.. don't you understand?"
Danny felt confused.. who would use Ray to get to them.. and why?
She watched him sleep. It had been 24hrs since she sent the tape. It was almost time for the next move. She dialed the phone
and then hung up. She could not have the wrong person answering the phone.. no that would not do at all.
On the other side of town the phone rang.
He would have answered but his wife beat him to the phone.. god I hope she doesn't say anything..
"Who was that ?" he asked
" No one.. they hung up."
Michelle came back in the room and asked if they were through with the private talk. Danny said they were and asked if they
could take a little walk around the grounds.
"So, what is it Danny.. more family business problems?" Michelle asked
" I am afraid it was about Ray.. someone made an incriminating tape and sent it to my
mother."
" Incriminating.. of Ray?" Michelle laughed
" Yes, Michelle.. definitely X-rated." Danny said
"Danny there has to be some mistake.. Ray? Maybe someone pretended to be Ray or doctored the tape..No , not Ray." Michelle
shook her head in disbelief.
"My mother says she has no idea who would do such a thing."
Michelle was still shaking her head and repeating Ray's name.
Carmen's phone rang and she answered quickly.
"Hello,"
"Mrs. Santos?"
"This is a friend.. I know about Ray.. there is something you should know. Ray has engaged in some dangerous activity. We
have proof. We want you to know that we will be making demands when the time is right."
She hung up.
Carmen.. stared at the phone.. who would dare to threaten her this way.. the person must be insane. She quickly dialed *69.
The number displayed turned out to be a pay phone.
She called Ben and told him she had been contacted.
He said he would get right on it and would call her back as soon as he knew something.
Ray told himself within his clouded brain that he should not eat anything.. he had to find a way to stay awake.. she left him
alone. He did not see her in the room and he was slowly coming out of the fog.
"Just don't let her feed you, " he told himself. He struggled to focus on the room. It was an ordinary room. Only a bed and
dresser. The windows were shuttered from the outside.
She walked into the room.
"Oh, we are awake are we.. well we can't have that can we? Are you hungry Ray?"
He stared and tried to focus on her face. " No.. no I'm not, thank you"
"Thank you? Oh yes.. thank me Ray... I should thank you.. " she laughed.
She sat next to him on the bed and ran he hand through his hair. He pulled away.
"Why are you pulling away.. don't you love me anymore Ray? she laughed again, Well, no matter.. we can work that out ,
can't we?"
He thought he would be sick. He silently prayed that this would end soon. He felt so confused. He wanted to be able to think
clearly again.
Danny and Michelle entered the house and decided that the new home would have to wait until this business with Ray was
finished. They could never enjoy the new home knowing that Ray was in danger.
The phone rang and Rick answered quickly.
"Well, I called her. I think the next step will be to demand that our medical license's be restored. I have had enough of this..
I feel more like a criminal than that whole Santos family."
"We have to make sure that they understand we will not back down. Michelle doesn't speak to me anymore anyway, my
marriage was almost destroyed because of Danny. No ... we will get our revenge. "
Dr Bradford hung up the phone and looked at the locked door. Poor Ray.. she knew what she had done to him.. it was all
too easy. He was so sweet natured. Underneath though.. the normal sexual desires.. all she had to do was free them.. who
ever said people would not do anything against their nature under hypnosis was wrong. Maybe she would write a paper.
Ben was fast closing in on the information of where Ray was being held. He had help from the FBI. His contacts there paid off.
No questions asked.
Ben called Carmen and told her he knew where Ray was and who was holding him.
"Ben, you never cease to amaze me. You have done it again. No wonder I love you." she laughed.
"Yeah, well.. I forgot to tell you one more thing. The person holding him is Dr Bradford and she has been in touch with Rick
Bauer.. so what do you want to do now?"
Carmen sat down at her desk. She was stunned. "Those fools.. what did they hope to gain?"
Ben cleared his throat and said " Carmen.. Danny got their license pulled remember?"
Carmen was furious. As usual this was all about Michelle.
"I want what any other citizen wants.. I want Ray out of there and I want them arrested. I want that today."
"Are you sure you want that Carmen. You would have to deal with the press and that tape would make it's way to some gossip
rag .. do you really want this all over the press?" Ben asked
"Does Dr Bauer want this all over the press is more to the point?." Carmen replied
"O.K. , I will call Frank and have Dr Bauer picked up.. my friend in the FBI told me where Ray was being held.. we can send
some officers to get him right away. Dr Bradford is finished. That is for sure."
"Thank you , Ben.. you always come through for me." Carmen kissed him and touched his face.
"What would I do without you?" Carmen smiled.
Danny and Michelle entered the room and witnessed the kiss. Michelle turned to Danny and gave him a questioning look. He
just shrugged his shoulders.
Carmen was only too happy to tell Michelle and Danny that the person blackmailing the family was none other than Rick
Bauer and Dr Bradford.
Danny took Michelle aside and asked her if she wanted him to do anything about this situation.
"No, I want it handled in the normal way. Maybe a few years in jail will make Rick realize what he has done to us. I just want
to go to our own home.. just you and me.. Danny please."
"I'm not sure this is wise, Michelle. He is your brother." Danny said gently.
" I don't care. This was a horrible thing to do. I really think he has gone off the deep end anyway."
The police raided the house and removed Ray. Dr Bradford was taken to jail and provided with a lawyer. Rick was shocked
when the police arrived at his door with a warrant for his arrest.
Ray arrived at Casa Santos. Carmen called her doctor to examine him. He had been drugged and was not coherent. Danny was
shocked at his appearance. Michelle cried to see him so dazed and frightened. She remembered how she felt when Danny
finally took her from that terrible tiny room. She had been drugged and dazed. She wished she could comfort Ray. He had no
one. She had Danny, he had comforted her and kept her safe.
"Ray, I want you to come to California with us, the house is beautiful and your grandmother's things are everywhere. You will
love it..please say you will" she begged.
"Yes, Ray ," Danny said," please come with us.. you would not believe this place. Nothing but ocean for miles and Abuela's
love is all over that house. Come with us.." Danny put his arm around Ray's shoulder.
Ray nodded .. " I would love that.. I miss her more than you know.. Yes..I will go with you."
Danny made all the arrangements.
Carmen was livid, but Ben told her to calm down and maybe someday they might even invite her to visit.
Ray , Danny and Michelle left the next day. New beginnings .. that is what they all needed.
The end.
