Suffer (22 page)

42

HE RAISED HIS TWO-HUNDRED pound head. When he opened his eyes, the darkness remained. Even after an hour of staring into the absolute silence, not even a speck of light penetrated the pitch black veil.

As his mind began to clear, he remembered what he was doing before he slipped into unconsciousness. The images of sitting with his brother Ramon on their grandfather’s yacht were blurry, but coming into focus. Diego remembered the conversation going well and being pleased that the family was willing to forgive his recent transgressions. Ramon offering to help kill Kate and put everything behind them allowed him to relax and have another drink. He drew a blank trying to remember anything after.

Diego knew he would have to answer for killing the child. He assumed sitting alone in the dark room was the beginning of that punishment. A deep breath followed the acknowledgment of the coming pain, but it was also a sigh of relief. He knew in the entire history of his family, not one was responsible for killing another. The bond between blood was stronger than any brutality he inflicted on anyone outside of the circle – even a child.

“I am ready, brother!” cried out Diego into the stillness. “I accept my punishment with open arms! Just go easy on my face. It would only serve to disappoint the ladies.”

Another thirty minutes of silence passed, but Diego felt no panic. He filled his mind with thoughts of being welcomed with adoration from his grandfather. He occupied the time with a daydream of wealth and success he’d share with his brother. He knew one day soon he’d be crowned as the head of the family.

Diego jerked his head to the side when he heard a door open. A faint light broke through the dark hood covering his face. He counted the heavy footsteps as they grew closer.

“Everyone is here,” said the voice.

“Good,” replied Ramon. “I won’t be long.”

“Ah, brother,” said Diego. “I knew you would be close, but I don’t recognize the other voice. Who are you?”

“Someone you’re never gonna forget, turd.”

The door closed and the darkness returned. “So now we begin?” asked Diego.

“Yes,” replied Ramon.

“You didn’t have to drug me,” said Diego. “I would’ve come to Grandfather’s on my own, brother.”

“We’re not at Grandfather’s,” said Ramon. “You’ll never step foot in his house again. You are no longer his family, and you no longer have the right to call me brother.”

“I know all of you are angry with me, but no matter what he does, he’ll always be my grandfather. And I will always call you my brother.”

“I suppose,” said Ramon. “But very soon you will no longer have the ability. I am only here to deliver you to your fate. A fate Grandfather has accepted for you. He asked that I give you a message.”

Diego heard his brother stand. A moment later, he heard footsteps coming toward him. A few inches from his ear, Ramon delivered the message before he walked out. “Die slow.”

There were still no feelings of panic, but his brother’s words were confusing. The moment he awakened, he realized his arms were bound behind him and his legs were pinned to the chair. He couldn’t move a muscle, but began to try and wiggle free from his restraints. In the front of his mind, he still believed this was part of his punishment. In the back of his mind, he started to believe the pain about to be inflicted would be a little more than he’d expected.

His attention was diverted when he heard the door open again. The footsteps of the person entering were much lighter than the others. He scanned back and forth turning his head to follow the person’s position by sound. The new visitor walked around him four times before stopping behind him. He squinted his eyes when the hood was removed, revealing a bright light shining from the wall in front of him.

He couldn’t identify the person who stepped out from behind him and then sat in a chair six feet away. Diego narrowed his eyes and made out the shape of a woman. She came into perfect view when the bright light was extinguished and a softer light emitted from overhead. His heart rate increased with the first introduction of panic.

“Welcome to my home,” greeted Kate.

Diego looked at Kate briefly. There were too many other items in the room drawing his attention. Adorning every available open space on the walls were pictures of Caleb. Most were of the young boy by himself. Others were of Caleb with his family. As his eyes followed the collage to the corner behind him, he stretched his neck to bring the pictures behind him into view. The photos he could see without effort in front of him showed Caleb’s life
.
Behind him were the crime scene photos that showed Caleb’s death.

He turned his head around to focus on the most disturbing area of the room. Against the wall opposite the door were items that intensified his panic. A large stainless steel table – the type used by morticians – was flanked by two carts full of medical equipment. One resembled a crash cart used to resuscitate patients at death’s door. The other displayed rows of surgical instruments packed onto several shelves. On the top shelf were two monitors. To combat his fear and confusion, he turned to face Kate and smiled.

“Well done,” said Diego. “You used my family against me. You’ve learned much since we last met.”

“I have, Diego,” said Kate. “And I’ll be showing you what I learned in the very near future; lessons you taught me well.”

“The thing you’re looking for,” said Diego, holding his smile, “you won’t find it with me. I’m not the one who wanted this to happen. The man who paid for my services is the one who should be in this chair. I was simply following his instructions.”

“Please tell me this isn’t your best effort,” said Kate, standing. “Everyone has been telling me how dangerously intelligent you are. In fact, they were concerned about me being alone in a room with you. I have to tell you, Diego, you’re disappointing.”

“I agree,” said Diego. “I’m not the devil you think I am. I was just following orders. But I can bring you the man who truly is responsible for all of this. I can help you.”

“How kind of you,” said Kate. “But that won’t be necessary.”

“What is it that you need me to do?”

“Bring back my husband and son,” said Kate.

“I’m afraid I don’t have that kind of power,” said Diego. “I wish I did.”

“I’m starting to better understand the kind of power you do have,” said Kate, circling him. “Is this how you felt when Caleb and I were helpless to stop you? When you walked around us, knowing what was about to happen when we didn’t? It’s quite intoxicating, isn’t it?”

“It was just a job for me,” said Diego. “I felt nothing.”

“Today is your lucky day because all that is about to change,” said Kate, returning to her chair. “You’re about to feel many, many things.”

“Do you want me to beg for my life?” asked Diego. “Because I will. I am a coward, Kate. I’m weak and do what other people tell me to do; they told me to do those things to you; they told me to kill your son. I know it was so very wrong, but I can’t fight them. They have all the power, not me. I’m so sorry, Kate; I’m so sorry.”

Diego lowered his head and began to cry. He mumbled that he was sorry over and over again. He pleaded with Kate to spare his life so they could go after the men responsible. He vowed to end his association with them and fight to the death in Caleb’s honor. The tears were streaming down his face as Kate watched him in silence.

“I need your word that you’ll help me find them?” asked Kate.

He raised his head and his eyes grew wide with astonishment. “I will do anything to help you. I swear to God, I will die for you and the memory of your son. I will be your soldier against them. We will end all of this together.”

“Okay,” exhaled Kate. “Okay, Diego. I’ll think about it. Maybe we’ll be stronger fighting them together.”

“Yes, yes, we will,” said Diego, smiling. “Thank you, Kate. Thank you for seeing the truth.”

Diego lowered his head again as the tears continued to flow. His head popped up when he heard another person enter the room. The sorrow disappeared from his face and the tears ended as if he flipped a switch.

“Jesus Christ, Kate,” said Sheriff Doyle. “What the hell is going on here? Who is this man?”

“I’m the man who has your daughter,” said Diego, sitting up straight. “And she’ll be dead in less than an hour if I don’t make a phone call. Now, cut me loose so I can kill this fucking cunt and take you to her.”

Sheriff Doyle drew his gun and aimed it at Kate with shaking hands. “Don’t you move an inch. I swear, I’ll put a bullet in your head.”

“Fuck it,” said Diego. “Kill her now and let’s go. Your daughter is sitting on top of enough explosives to turn her into dust. I can deactivate it by phone, but you’re running out of time.”

“I’m sorry, Kate,” said Sheriff Doyle. “He took my daughter before he came after you. She’s my only child. I have to do what he says. Please, you have to understand. Your baby is gone. I can still save mine.”

“I understand, Conrad,” said Kate. “Do what you have to do.”

“This is all very touching,” said Diego. “Now cut me the fuck loose before I forget that number!”

The Sheriff holstered his weapon and pulled out a pocket knife. He cut away the duct tape holding Diego’s legs to the chair. When they were free, he moved behind him to slice through the tape holding his hands.

“I can’t shoot her,” said Sheriff Doyle. “And you’re not going to, either. Not with my gun. She’s your problem. Figure out another way.”

“I already have something in mind,” said Diego, smiling at Kate. “Did you really think I’m that stupid? Did you think a man like me doesn’t have a way out of every situation? You dumb bitch. I’ve always been ten steps ahead of you. All you did today was bring me to your front door.”

Sheriff Doyle stopped cutting and grabbed a handful of Diego’s hair. He pulled his head back and landed a nose-breaking punch. He walked around to face Diego and landed another, knocking out two of his teeth.

Kate stood and yelled for Chief, but he was already running into the room. “I told you he wouldn’t hit him once,” said Chief. Grey followed and helped him restrain the sheriff.

“All right, all right!” said Sheriff Doyle, shaking off Chief and Grey. “I’m done.”

Grey stood between Diego and the Sheriff. “She’s back at home, you sick fuck,” said Doyle over Grey’s shoulder. “They found her at your place in North Miami this morning. Your own brother told them where to look. The bomb squad disarmed the explosives in about two seconds. You’re nowhere near as smart as you think you are.”

“We’ll take it from here, Conrad,” said Chief. “Did that feel good?”

“You have no idea, Tony. I just wish I could stick around for the rest of it.”

“I wish you could, too,” said Chief. “But the less you know, the better.”

“Nobody is gonna come looking for him,” said Sheriff Doyle, turning to Kate. “You take your time.”

Chief and the sheriff walked out of the room, leaving Grey and Kate alone with Diego. Blood was pouring out of his nose and mouth. Grey knelt beside him and slapped him on the back of the head.

“Don’t you go passing out on us,” said Grey. “We’re just getting started.”

Real tears were streaming down Diego’s face and mixing with the blood as he shook off the double vision. He spit out another tooth loosened by the heavy blows. Grey stood and moved to the corner as another visitor walked into the room.

“Do you know the show ‘this is your life’?’” asked Kate as Diego sat silently. “It’s been off the air for a long time, but I remember it well. They would surprise the guests with people from their past; people connected by moments they shared together during their lives. For the most part, they were moments of happiness and were met with smiles, laughter, and hugs. Our version of the show for you is going to be a little different.”

“Diego Santiago,” said Kate, holding out her arms. “This is your life. And it pleases me to introduce a man who’s been waiting patiently to see you. You’ve only talked to him over the phone, but we brought him here especially for you. I’d like you to meet Dr. Singer.”

43

IT TOOK EVAN TWENTY-FOUR HOURS to reconfigure the room to accommodate all the medical equipment Dr. Singer would need to perform the procedures. They didn’t require a sterile surgical environment which made the process much easier. Nobody in the house was worried about Diego’s wounds becoming infected.

After the discovery of the remains of Dr. Singer’s wife, Kate contacted him in secret. At the time, she wasn’t sure if anyone would agree to her plans for the killer once he was caught. When he read the police and coroner reports about the condition of his wife’s body and cause of death, convincing the doctor to help was easy. Ever since she regained consciousness after her attack, Kate had been looking forward to this day. It would be the day the punishments would begin to fit the crimes.

“Primum non nocere,” said Dr. Singer, pulling up a chair close to Diego. “It means, first, do no harm. It’s kind of the unofficial oath for doctors, and it’s one I’ve followed since the day I put my hands on my first patient. Just so you know, I’ll be breaking that oath today.”

Dr. Singer leaned in and held a stare with his silent patient. It was as if he were giving him one last chance to justify what he had done to his wife. He was looking for a reason why he raped, tortured, mutilated, and then decapitated the woman he loved. Diego didn’t utter a word.

“I made the coroner describe to me in detail how she died,” said Dr. Singer, standing and walking over to his equipment. “As you probably already know, he was quite reluctant to tell me. She had over thirty deep cuts and stab wounds, but that didn’t stop you from brutally raping her at least twice. He said she was alive and conscious during the entire ordeal. I suspect that’s the way you prefer your victims. I’ll be extending you the same courtesy.”

He pulled the metal table and the carts to the center of the room. It didn’t take him long to set up the mobile operating suite. Kate put on rubber gloves and assisted Dr. Singer with the preparations. Every so often each would look over at Diego when they heard him struggle to free himself.

“Don’t wear yourself out,” said Kate. “You’re going to need your strength.”

Diego tensed when Dr. Singer drew a syringe full of liquid from a glass vile and stepped toward him. “In case you’re wondering,” said Dr. Singer, “the needle I’m using is three times the size it needs to be.”

He pushed his palm into Diego’s chin and forced his head back. His neck was stretched and exposed when Dr. Singer stabbed it with the long needle. While Diego grunted in pain, he pressed the plunger, sending the drugs into his body. A few seconds later, Diego turned into a ragdoll.

Grey and Dr. Singer removed his restraints and cut off his clothes. They laid Diego face down on the ice cold stainless steel. He was powerless to resist them, but remained keenly aware of what was going on around him. They used straps built into the rail to secure him to the table. Kate sat in a chair placed in front of Diego.

“This took a little thought,” said Kate as she watched his body begin to twitch. “The rest of your final days were easy to plan, but not this part. The difficulty came when I was thinking about how I could make you experience what it feels like to be raped. Sure, there were thoughts of hiring a bunch of thugs to have their way with you, but the logistics of putting that group together proved cumbersome. This is where the expertise of Dr. Singer really shines.”

Diego’s eyes grew wide when he felt the pressure of Dr. Singer inserting a hard object past his anus and deep into his rectum. The fast-acting drugs used on him were wearing off, and his body was metabolizing the debilitating cocktail. His arms and legs began to shake as the amount of pain increased with each millimeter the object penetrated into him. The pain subsided when Dr. Singer was satisfied with the placement.

“Let’s give him a couple minutes to recover from the injection,” said Dr. Singer. “He’ll experience more discomfort if we wait. I want all his senses alert and functioning when you begin.”

Kate nodded and then returned her attention to Diego. “All the professionals say it’s less about the sexual gratification and more about the control of your victim. They say your excitement comes from knowing there’s nothing we can do to stop you. You simply get to take what you want. Is that true?”

Diego stretched open his mouth twice and then smiled at Kate. “Fuck you, bitch. It doesn’t matter what you try to do to me, I’m always going to own you. I’ll always be a part of your life even if you take mine.”

“I was hoping something like that would be your last words,” said Kate, reaching down and connecting a plug to an extension cord.

The other end of the cord was attached to the device inserted into Diego. Evan and Dr. Singer created it before their prisoner arrived. Inside the metal cylinder was a heating element similar to the type used in a curling iron.

“The convenience of this device is that I don’t have to worry about you bleeding internally,” said Dr. Singer. “We made a few modifications to ensure a high enough temperature to cauterize the ruptured vessels. We also configured it to increase power at a slower rate. You have about thirty seconds before it really starts to burn. Consider it a gift from my wife.”

“Consider it a gift from every woman you brutalized,” said Kate. “What you did to us was painful, but nothing like what you’re about to experience. It makes me happy your true last words are going to be screams of agony.”

Diego began to shake as the fire inside him reached an unbearable level, but he fought the impulse to show emotion. He was trying to prove to Kate he was still defiant. It was a brief fight when the odor of his burning flesh reached him.

In spite of the room being soundproof, Abby heard the muffled screams while she was in the kitchen upstairs. She put down her cup of coffee and concentrated on the shrieks. She jumped when Chief entered the room.

“I’m sorry,” said Abby. “You scared me.”

“It’s okay,” said Chief. “It sounds like they’re getting started downstairs, huh?”

“I guess,” said Abby. “But I don’t know for sure since I’m not allowed down there.”

“Come on, Abby. You know why.”

“No, Chief, I don’t. I want to see the pain and suffering on his face just as much as anyone else here.”

“You won’t understand it.”

“What does that mean?” asked Abby. “I don’t care if he dies, and I hope it takes a very long time for it to happen. For once, someone is getting what he deserves.”

“If you go down there and see what they’re doing to him, you’ll never look at your sister the same way again,” said Chief. “The part you won’t understand is how Kate could be so cruel. Even if that other human being is more of a monster than a man; even if that man did unspeakable things to her and murdered your nephew, you’ll still only see a man being tortured.”

“I can’t believe you’re saying that to me,” said Abby, glaring at Chief. “You’re making it sound like I’ll feel sorry for him. How could you even think that?”

“Because it didn’t happen to you,” said Chief, ignoring the glare. “That’s why most people will never understand what she’s doing to him unless they were a victim. If a cop walked in down there, he’d arrest Kate and let Diego go free. But Sheriff Doyle walked down there, beat the shit out of him, and walked out again. If Kate walked into a hospital and asked a doctor to help her torture a man, he’d be calling the same cops to arrest her. But a doctor is down there helping her.”

“But we’re helping her, too,” said Abby. “We’re victims.”

The screaming from downstairs ended.

“You were affected more than most, but he didn’t kill your son in front of you. He didn’t rape you and leave you for dead. There’s a difference, Abby. And that difference is why you can’t go down there.

“The difference is also the reason why Grey and I aren’t turning him over to face a jury of his so-called peers,” said Chief, driving home his point. “Because the twelve people sitting on that jury aren’t the victim. They just see photos and hear about what he did. They didn’t experience it. They have no fucking clue what Kate went through. And if a defense attorney shows them one single flaw in the investigation, they’ll let that freak walk out of the courtroom. You watch the news. How many times has a guy like Diego walked out a free man because the glove didn’t fit or the prosecution failed to present a solid case?”

“Too many,” said Abby. “I get what you’re saying, Chief. But I want to see him suffer with my own eyes.”

“I know you do,” said Chief. “So do I, but Evan and I aren’t down there either. We’re not because we’re not victims. I don’t belong down there and neither do you.”

“And Grey?”

“He’s there to make sure Kate stays safe,” said Chief. “But he’s also there because he’s strong enough to let her finish.”

“You would stop her?”

“Oh, hell no,” said Chief. “I’d kill him too fast.”

“Chief,” said Abby, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Is she going to be okay after this?”

“You see, now, there’s where the rest of us come in,” said Chief, returning the hug and then putting his hands on her shoulders. “I have no idea what’s going to happen after. But what I do know is that we’ll all be here to help her figure it out. Especially you, pretty lady. She’s really gonna need you, okay?”

“Okay.”

Dr. Singer and Grey turned the unconscious patient onto his back. Kate sat in her chair as they moved one of the carts closer to Diego’s head. The excruciating pain that caused him to pass out was just the beginning.

“He went out a little faster than I anticipated,” said Dr. Singer. “But he felt all of that before he did. I’m going to need to prep him and put a tube down into his lungs to breath for him. The procedures after that may take me ten or twelve hours. He’ll be awake, but paralyzed. If you two need to get some rest, now is the time.”

“He’ll feel everything you’re doing?” asked Kate.

“Most of it,” replied Dr. Singer.

“If a video of what you just did ended up on the internet, I don’t think another woman would ever be raped again,” said Grey.

“Let’s leave him to his work,” said Kate. “We need to take care of a few things before tomorrow.”

“Okay,” replied Grey. “Are you sure you don’t need anyone down here with you, Doc? I know Chief wouldn’t have a problem assisting or just keeping you company.”

“No,” said Dr. Singer. “I appreciate the offer, but I’d like some alone time with my new friend. He’s not going anywhere.”

Kate and Grey left the room and headed upstairs to give instructions to Evan and Abby. Dr. Singer closed the door behind them. He pushed another cocktail of drugs through Diego’s IV. A few seconds later, his eyes flew open, followed by short, panicked breaths.

“Don’t worry, the pain will ease up a bit in a minute,” said Dr. Singer as he drew a fresh syringe. “The cool part is now you get to watch.”

The effects of the paralytic coursing through his veins caused his breathing to stop. The only working muscle in his body was his heart. Dr. Singer moved to the head of the table and inserted a plastic breathing tube down into his throat. The ventilator sprang to life and filled his lungs with lifesaving oxygen. After ten minutes of preparation, Diego felt the pressure and pain of Dr. Singer placing a device to gain access to the organ. Fully conscious, but paralyzed, Diego could only watch as the scalpel hovered over his left eye.

“Let me know if this hurts.”