Vengeance: Elber Stone

© 2010 Tim Turner. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 12/09/2010

ISBN: 978-1-4520-8051-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4520-8050-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2010914424

Printed in the United States of America

This book is printed on acid-free paper.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any Web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Special Thanks

First, I would like to thank God, who showed me all things are possible. I would like to thank my children, Evelyn, Ashley, Tim, JC, and Karla, for giving me the drive and need to succeed. I also want to thank Linda Carol Franks and Darrell and Tina Loyd for looking out after my release from prison.

There is my agent, Mark Black who received Elber Stone from prison and believing in its success. Oh, and how can I forget about the people who talked about me in a bad way. Keep up the good work because it only makes me a stronger person.

Contents

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Epilogue

Dedication

This and all of my other novels are dedicated to my mother, Doris Turner, the only person who believed in everything I set out to do. All of my love, thanks mom.

Chapter 1

Deep in the delta of Mississippi, in a town known as Clarksdale, lived a young man named Elbert Stone. At eighteen, he was somewhat of a loner. He was very shy, which some considered strange.

Elber was not a handsome man. In fact most thought he was ugly. He was short and thinner than most young men his age. What stood out most was his large head and giant marble sized eyes that always seemed filled with tears.

The year was 1958. Elber was walking at his usual slow pace to the corner store to get his forty-year-old mother a pack of cigarettes. He never knew his father. Lucy, his mother, was all he had. Although she was known to be the town drunk and whore, he loved her and most times he felt she loved him.

As always, he dreaded the trip to the store. The owner, Roy Smith, was mean to him. He often joked about his looks when other men customers were present. Elber prayed that he wouldn’t be there and his beautiful wife, Maddy, would be. She was nothing like her husband. She always spoke kindly to him in a flirting way. Like all women she, made him nervous, to the point he couldn’t speak.

As he made the turn at the next gravel road, he was in plain sight of Smith’s store. A frightened look creased his face when he saw Roy Smith’s truck. He immediately froze in his tracks. He sat on the step of an old clothing store and buried his huge head in his hands.

Not today, he whispered to himself.

He scanned the area hoping to see someone who might go in for him. No one was in sight, at least that he knew of.

If Odie was here, he’d go in there, no matter what ol’ Smith said to him, he thought to himself.

Odie Hopson was black, and like Elber, he never knew his father. Odie also lived with his mother, Emma, who was blind. At seventeen, Odie was a year younger than Elber, but in Elber’s mind, Odie was a lot smarter. Although the two never spoke about it, Odie had already had sex while Elber was still a virgin.

Roy Smith gave Odie a hard time also, but he never seemed to let it bother him. He wished he had Odie’s strength and courage. He didn’t mind what Smith said to him.

It was nearly a mile back to his place and another half mile to Odie’s for this task. Odie was out of the question. This he would do on his own.

What the fuck can he say that he ain’t already said, to me? he asked himself.

He stood proudly and brushed off the seat of his pants and marched towards the store.

As he got closer, he noticed another vehicle. The old white BelAir belonged to Sonny Miller, one of Roy Smith’s friends who always joined Roy in disgracing him. He bit his bottom like and continued at a slower pace.

He finally reached the store. As he slowly climbed the steps, the first person he saw was Sonny, who was sitting on a stood behind the counter. When he walked in a wide smile took to Sonny’s face.

Elber stared at the floor and spoke in a low tone, I need a pack of Lucky Strikes.

With a wide smile, Sonny called out, Hey, Roy, you got yourself a customer.

Elber reached in his pocket and pulled out a single dollar. When Roy got to the front of the store, Elber stood motionless before him. Roy became filled with joy.

Well, well, well, if it ain’t the biggest head in town. What can I do for you today? he asked as they laughed.

I need a pack of Strikes.

Do? I’m supposing they fer yo’ momma.

Yes, sir.

Roy tossed the cigarettes on the counter. Tell me something, Head. What’s that ma of yours doing now days besides screwing every dick with a bottle?

Elber put the dollar on the counter without speaking.

Answer Roy’s questions, boy, Sonny said loudly.

She at home, he whispered.

Roy looked at Sonny curiously. Sonny, why do you suppose old’ Big Head here always looks like he’s been crying?

Hell, Roy, look at him. Wouldn’t you wanna cry looking like that?

I think it’s the weight of his head puttin’ strain on his neck. They laughed.

Can I just get the cigarettes? Elber asked with authority.

Listen here, boy. You don’t raise your mouth at me ever. You hear, boy? Roy shouted.

Yes, sir, Elber whispered. It’s just that Mom’s needin’ them smokes pretty bad.

I bet she do, Roy said as he walked from behind the counter and stared directly down into Elber’s huge, moist eyes. Where’s that there niggra friend of yours be? He’s got one smart mouth on him. I like to teach him one good lesson.

Staring at the floor without looking up, Elber said, I don’t know where he be. Can I have my change and go?

Not just yet, boy. Answer Roy’s question, Miller shouted.

But I told you, I don’t know where he be at.

Roy walked back behind the counter and opened the cash drawer and then slammed the change down beside the cigarettes.

Thanks, Elber said while reaching for the cigarettes and change.

Roy grabbed both of Elber’s hands as he reached. He held them tightly and looked into his eyes. You listen, boy, and you listen real good. I don’t like niggras, and I don’t like white folk who keep niggra company. If I see y’all two together, I’m gonna flood this here town with all that water you got in that big-ass head of yours. Do I make myself clear?

Elber gave him a nod. Yes, sir.

Roy released his strong hold. Now get!

Without a moment’s waste, Elber ran out the door without looking back. When he was well out of sight of the store he slowed to a walk.

One of these days, he said to himself, yo’ gonna pay. You thinkin’ you can keep from my friend? Ain’t no way that gonna happen.

When Elber walked in the house, he found his mother at her usual self. She sat on the couch with a drink in hand. At forty, her beauty had not shown any wear.

She stood and gave him a light kiss on the cheek. What took you so long, Son? I was getting worried, she said, reaching eagerly for the cigarettes.

He flopped down on the couch and blew out a long breath. Miss Maddy whatn’t at the store today.

His mother gave him a saddened look. I already know, Son. That fucking Roy makes my blood boil. He’s always hated me and all I love. She eased down beside him.

I hate him, Mom. I wish I could go to the…the bastard’s funeral tomorrow.

With a trembling hand, she lit a cigarette and blew out a long, gray stream of smoke that seemed to calm her. She placed a hand gently on his knee. Don’t you worry ‘bout a thing, baby. God’s gonna take care of him real soon. You just wait.

He looked at her with his huge teary eyes. I hope that wait ain’t gonna be much longer than tomorrow. Maybe God needs help to speed up things a bit.

Don’t feel that way, Son. We just have to wait on the Lord. Hell, if that sow of a man could have me just once, he’d be the nicest person you’ll ever meet. Hell, he’s always wanted me.

Elber looked her. He believed her. She was a beautiful woman. Her long, black, silky hair and tall, sexy frame gave her the look of a model.

I’m glad you never fooled around with the likes of him. If that’s why he treats me the way he does, then I’m glad and will settle for that.

She gave him a motherly hug. I’m glad you see it that way, Son.

He gave a half smile. I meant to say that I’ll settle for that now, but not for long. He sprang cheerfully from the couch.

Looking confused, she asked, Where you going, Son?

I think I’ll give Odie and his ma a visit.

She smiled at the sound of his name. You tell him I said ‘hi.’ Oh, and tell Miss Emma the same.

I’ll be sure to do that. He leaned and kissed her on the cheek. Bye.

Lucy’s mind quickly wandered to Odie. She couldn’t explain it, but she had a strong liking to the boy — a sexual liking. Of all the men she’d had, a black was not one. She knew if given the chance alone with him, she would act out her fantasy.

One day, you handsome black stud, one day, she spoke under her breath.

As Elber took the shortcut through the woods to Odie’s house, Roy Smith took all of his thoughts. Something has to be done about the man who has caused me more heartache than everyone in the entire town. Odie is smart. Maybe my friend can come up with some kind of plan. He knew of the trouble he’d caused Odie as well.

While thinking so deeply o f Roy Smith, he looked up and saw Odie’s house in sight. The half mile seemed only yards. He reached the front door and gave his usual three slow knocks.

Hey, is that you, Elber? came from inside the house.

Yes, Miss Emma. It’s me.

Then c’mon in.

He stepped inside to find Emma sitting at the kitchen table peeling potatoes.

Good afternoon, Miss Emma.

Same to you. Odie be out back trying to get milk outta that stubborn cow. Odie! Odie! she called out loudly.

Moments later he burst in carrying a small pail. He nodded towards Elber. What’s up, Elbow? He called Elber that sometimes.

Just out visiting.

Odie sat the pail on the table where his mother sat. I only got ‘bout half a gallon out the ol’ heifer.

That be good ‘nuff for bread. She just done got old and dried out. Maybe the good Lord will bless us with another one day soon.

Well, we better hope it be soon cause I don’t see her giving much more.

Don’t worry, Son. The Lord gonna step in in plenty a time.

Odie and his mother lived off the land. They had no electricity and pumped water from an old well. They had one cow and raise three or four hogs a year. Emma knew how to salt their meals and store them in their storeroom. Elber was amazed that they survived that way.

Odie motioned for Elber to go outside. They settled on the porch swing that Emma called her thinking stump.

Most times Elber was more than talkative. Odie knew something was bothering him.

So what’s eating at you today?

Elber shook his head and got up from the swing and stepped off the porch. With his back to Odie he stared in to the woods.

You gonna tell me or should I guess?

Still staring into the woods, he spoke. It’s that fucking Roy Smith!

Odie sighed. Not him again. I would think you would be used to him by now. So what the redneck do this time?

Elber turned and returned to the porch and took his seat on the swing. That sum-bitch put his hands on m me.

Anger flooded Odie’s face. You mean the piece of shit hit you?

Elber held up a hand halting Odie’s anger. No, but he grabbed my hands so tight he nearly cut my blood off.

Why he do that?

Just being his mean ol’ self, I guess. He asked about you, too.

Odie looked surprised.

Me? What he ask ‘bout me for?

Elber cleared his throat. He asked where that niggra friend of mine was. And he said you had a smart mouth and he wanted to teach you a lesson.

Well, just maybe I need to teach him a lesson he’ll never forget. Odie gave Elber a crooked smile. You in?

Hearing what he’d hoped to, Elber smiled. You fucking right I’m in. Whatcha got in mind?

I was thinking of having ourselves a little fire around midnight tonight.

Elber looked startled. No, Odie. Miss Maddy ain’t done me no wrong.

Holding up a hand to settle Elber, Odie said, No. I’m not talking ‘bout torching the house. I was thinking more in the lines of that new truck he loves so much.

Smiling and shaking his head, Elber agreed. Yeah, he’ll cry like a baby without its bottle. Suddenly thinking of something else Roy had said, Elber held up a finger. I forgot to tell you what else Roy said.

Odie looked curious. What?

He said if he ever saw me with you, he would do me harm. Not wanting to tell Odie what he said about flooding the town with that was in his head.

Odie gave Elber a wondering look and said, Does that talk scare you?

Fuck yeah!

Good because sometime tomorrow we gonna make sure he see us together. And the looks on our faces gon’ make him think we might’ve had something with his truck gittin’ torched.

Think that be a smart thing to do? You know him and that Sheriff Burt be good buddies. He tell him to jump in a lake, that fool will do it.

I don’t give a damn ‘bout Burt, Roy or any sum-bitch. If any knock at my door trying to arrest me, my single barrel gon’ be my lawyer."

I like to get his buddy, too, Elber said viciously.

He’s got a lot. Just like him, which one you talkin’ bout?

Miller. Sonny Miller. He was there today too.

So be it. We’ll get that bastard too. If you want, we can get ‘em all, one at a time. That’ll spook the hell outta ‘em. After ‘bout the third one, the rest gonna get real nervous wondering who shit gon get fucked up next.

Such talk made Elber feel important and a part of something. He laughed. Yeah, I can see ‘em all staying up all night staring outta their windows hugging them shotguns.

Odie held up a hand to silence his friend. His look was more serious than Elber had ever seen. He spoke calmly. This is the plan. Tonight dress in the darkest clothes you got. All black if you can. Momma usually goes to bed round ten-thirty. So meet here at eleven. That’ll give us plenty of time to get our shit together.

With a puzzling look, Elber said, Like what shit we gonna need?

Well, the main thang we need to get is our thoughts together. I guess I can go out to the shed before dark and get the gallon of gas. It’s been out there for quite some time. I might oughta make sure it’s still good. When we leave here tonight, we’ll take Wilson Road. No one ever hardly travels it. If a car do come, they be plenty places to hide with all that tall grass.

Elber wore a huge smirk.

Why the look? Odie asked.

I just can’t believe I’m ‘bout to get some get-back. It just feels so damn good.

Well, you just keep things to yourself. Only you an’ me know ‘bout this.

Now, Odie, who the hell would I tell: Matter of fact, who could I tell? You da only person I talk to. You the only friend I got. There’s Mom. Ain’t no way I’ll tell her nuttin’ like this."

Although Odie knew what Elber said was true, it still touched him. A feeling of sorrow over came him. He cleared his throat. And guess what? You da only friend I got, he said, patting Elber on the back.

Elber’s huge teary eyes and bright smile touched Odie.

Thanks, Odie. You alone make up for all the friends I should have.

Odie started to feel more important, more needed than he ever had. He wanted more praise. Hell, man, if you ever need me for anything, I’m here.

Same thang here, Elber said. Hell, man, I’ll kill a rock and put a brick in the hospital for my only friend.

Damn, that was a goodin’. Why didn’t I think of that? Odie thought.

Elber bounced up from the swing. Well, I’ll be here at ‘leven sharp, dressed in black. He stuck out hand. They shook.

Odie got up and followed Elber off the porch.

Don’t knock tonight. You might wake Momma. Just walk in.

  

With Elber’s first steps on his porch, came moans. He stopped in his tracks to listen. He knew the sounds. He’d heard it several times before. It was Lucy having sex. For the first time, for reasons he didn’t know, he wanted to see her in the act.

What would it hurt? he thought.

He eased the door open and quietly closed it once inside the living room. He tiptoed through the living room being careful not to be heard. When he reached Lucy’s bedroom, the door was ajar. When he looked in, he saw something his mind would never let him forget.

The man’s face Lucy was straddling could not be seen. Elber couldn’t believe that a human cold have a penis as large as the man had. His mother was taking it all and seemed to love it. It was like magic. Each time she went up, the huge rod appeared. Then it disappeared when she went down. He wondered now she took it so well with enjoyment. The look on her face. Her mouth in an O shape. The speeding up and the sounds she aroused him.

Oooh, yes! It feels sooo good! Yes! Yes! I love it!

By this time, Elber had a hand in his pants stroking his penis. As she sped up, he did the same with his strokes.

I’m cooommming! she shouted. Oooh, yes! Here it comes! Ahhh! Yes! Yes!

Elber didn’t quite understand. He felt probably what she felt. His underwear was drenched. He felt weak but satisfied. Quietly he staggered to his bedroom and without thinking slammed the door.

Oops, he whispered.

Elber is that you? Lucy called from her bedroom.

It’s me, he answered. He knew she would probably come into his room, wondering if he’d heard her. He heard whispers and knew she was getting rid of her company. He then heard footsteps in the living room and then the front door slam.

She pecked on his bedroom door. Before he could answer, she stepped in wearing her black silk robe. It was like the most expensive piece of clothing she owned. It was sexy and she knew it drove the men wild. Elber accepted her lifestyle when he was old enough to understand that was how they survived; how the bills were paid; how they ate.

He gave her a big smile so the shame that creased her face would vanish.

Hey, Mom.

Hey, Son, she said nervously. How long you been home?

I just walked in.

She sighed with relief. "I didn’t expect you back so soon.

Me and Odie broke off early cause we got plans for tonight. Instantly he realized he had said too much.

Plans? What plans?

Thinking quickly, he said, We gonna do a little coon hunting.

Coon hunting? she asked curiously. This time of year? Coon won’t be fit to eat this time of year, Son.

We know that, Ma. We just having some fun.

Well, can’t be much fun with just that one shotgun Odie got. I reckon that there be kinda my fault you ain’t got your own.

It’s not your fault, Ma. It’s no big deal. I’m not no great hunter, any how. His mind shot back to his mother riding that huge man again.

Elber. Elber.

Yeah. He came back to the present.

You okay?

Yeah, Mom. Still wet, he had to change. Well, I guess I should be changing.

What’s wrong with what you got on?

He was wearing blue jeans and a white shirt.

Well, you just don’t go hunting for coon at night with a white short on. I’ll scare all the coons away. He pointed at his pants. And these are here a pair of my good pants.

She shrugged. I’m sorry, I guess you’re right. I’m no big hunter. She hugged him. You be careful in them there woods.

I will, Ma. Love you.

Love you, too.

Chapter 2

Desperate for revenge, Elber stuck with the plan. At exactly eleven o’clock, Elber quietly stepped inside Odie’s house to find him pacing with a serious, intense look. He wore a black turtleneck, long sleeve shirt with black pants and boots. The boots seemed to add three to four inches to his six-foot frame. His carmel-colored face was smudged with ashes from the wood stove.

Elber stepped in his tracks and pointed up at his face. Is that what I think it is?