Please be sure to watch "Lock 7," a short film that is based on this story. It can be found at https://youtu.be/RjsUugngNDY
Check out an excerpt from my newest book below:
Other Books by Michael W. Turner
An excerpt from "Injustice Served"
Chapter 1
"I haven't seen you all week is all I'm saying. Randy's coming home, and I thought it would be nice to sit and have dinner as a family," Patricia said as she stood in front of her dresser, pulling up her stockings.
"I know babe, but this isn't just a Christmas party; I'm actually working. It is my job to make the clients feel as comfortable," Brian said as he groomed his goatee in the bathroom mirror. He was always meticulous when it came to his appearance. As an advertising executive, appearances were crucial to his success.
"Sometimes I wonder what comfortable means?"
"You have some nerve. I work my ass off for you and the kids. We've been married for twenty years, and not once have I ever cheated on you. I love you whether you believe it or not."
"It's easy to say but harder to show."
Brian knew he had been putting in a lot of extra hours, but he loved his work. At first, he worked extra hard at Martinez and Dupree Inc., to provide a better life for his family. But now, the extra effort was for the sheer pleasure of overcoming challenges and all the prestige that his work brought.
"I'll try to leave the party early. What time is Randy getting home anyway?
"He should get home in the early evening."
Brian knew that he would get home way too late, and that his son would probably be partying with friends by then, so he tried to sell his next idea with enthusiasm. "We can do a family dinner on Sunday!"
Patricia gave Brian a menacing gaze that he was very familiar with. It was a signal that he was losing the sale. "Come on, baby. Don't be like that," he said as he approached his wife. He embraced her and attempted to kiss her, but she blocked his advances with a palm to his forehead.
"Stop. You still have shaving cream on your face. You'll mess up my makeup."
Brian ignored his wife and kissed her anyway, which left shaving cream on her mouth and cheek. A struggle ensued as he stole another kiss. The two laughed as they fell on the bed.
Chapter 2
The Mariah Carey song, "All I want for Christmas," played lightly as Brian sat with a woman at the bar at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City, engaged in conversation. "No really. I'm serious. I like planting vegetables and flowers. I can't even explain the feeling it gives me to drag something through the dirt and watch it flourish into something so beautiful," he said.
He paused after his last sentence due to the unspoken language - the message in her gaze and her silver-clad body that shifted ever so slightly on her plush bar chair. It made him a feel a little nervous and guilty. He thought of his wife, children, and the family dinner that they weren't having.
"That's pretty poetic, but I don't believe you, Brian. You don't look like a gardener," she said.
"And what the hell should a gardener look like?"
"I don't know exactly, but maybe she should have boobs?not big muscles like you." She leaned forward and caressed Brian's bicep through his well-tailored suit.
Brian was jolted by the sudden contact as if he had just got zapped by a cow prod. "Aww?that's so cute. You're blushing," she said while smiling wide and exposing her perfect white teeth.
"No I'm not." Brian said avoiding eye contact and trying his best to not fall under a trance.
She leaned in even closer to him this time and took notice of his wedding ring. "The good ones are always taken. It's such a shame. I think you need another drink."
"I don't know if I should, Lauren. It's getting late, and I should probably be getting home."
Lauren was able to keep her body balanced by resting her hand on Brian's leg, which gave him an unrestricted view of her cleavage. She caught his wandering eyes trying to steal a glance, so she raised an eyebrow and gave him a mischievous grin. "This isn't just a Christmas party; it's a celebration, remember? Your agency has done very well this year. Your ad campaign has taken my clothing line from the shelves of the local thrift store to Saks Fifth Avenue. The least I can do to show my thanks is have a few drinks and a couple of laughs."
Chapter 3
Brian and Lauren stood on a balcony outside of the restaurant as snowflakes fell around them. She smoked a cigarette as her arms trembled in her purple coat.
"I can't believe I'm standing out here with you in the freezing cold, inhaling second-hand death," he said.
"You're a grown man, and you have choices. You chose to be a gentleman and accompany me on this very cold winter night. I thank you," she said with a chuckle. "I love the way the city lights sparkle through the snow.
"Yeah. It's a really pretty view from up here. So how are you getting home tonight?" Brian asked.
"I am home. I got a room in the hotel."
"That would explain why you've been drowning yourself with alcohol." Brian felt an intense lustful energy pulsate through his body. It felt good, but he knew it was a dark. He never stepped out on his wife in all of their years, and he didn't want this to be the start of infidelity. He felt a vibration in his heart, but he soon realized it was just his phone in his breast pocket.
"Hello?" He paused for a moment, and his grin became a frown. "Oh goodness?well, can't you pick him up?"
He admired the fact that even with her coat on, Lauren's figure was still apparent. Not even the plushest bed comforter could hide those curves. He diverted his gaze and thoughts away from the emotions he was feeling for this woman. She exhaled the smoke slowly from her cigarette. Her full lips were on display, but Brian didn't want to continue playing this game. He had a family that he loved, and that was more important to him than Lauren. "Ok babe. I'll pick him up. I love you." He ends his call and places his phone into his jacket pocket.
"What's going on?" Lauren asked.
"My son is coming home for winter recess. He's a sophomore at Syracuse. He was supposed to drive up with his friend, but he wound up taking the train. Now he's at the station waiting for someone to pick him up. In other words, I have to be the daddy and go get my son."
"I'm sorry to hear that. I was having such a good time getting to know you better. I would like you to stay," Lauren said with a domineering tone.
Brian was uneasy by her changed demeanor and was actually relieved that his son was still irresponsible. "I really would love to, but my son doesn't have a way home. I'm very sorry."
A screech from the balcony door behind Brian broke the tension. A taller gentleman by the name of Alex Martinez strolled in, wearing a black suit. He was tall with broad shoulders and had the confidence of a seasoned politician. "There you are! I just wanted to make sure that Brian was taking good care of you. How are you enjoying yourself, Lauren?"
"I'm having a wonderful time. I've been having a great conversation with Brian, but unfortunately, he has to leave.
"Oh no? What's going on Brian?
"It's my son. He's at the train station waiting for someone to pick him up and bring him home."
Alex stood silent for a moment and mused with his hand to his chin. "Ok. Will you be returning?"
Brian was hoping to avoid Alex and sneak out without being detected. He knew his boss wouldn't be pleased with his early departure. "No. I wasn't planning to. It is getting pretty late. I'm sorry." Brian walked off the balcony to get his coat, as Alex remained outside with Lauren for a few moments more.
Chapter 4
Brian was on his way out of the bar when Alex rushed over. "Brian, wait a moment. Let me have a word with you. I know your son is waiting, but surely you must be able to make other arrangements."
"Look?I haven't seen my son in months. I was actually looking forward to picking him up, so we could spend some time together."
"You think I don't want to see my son?" Alex asked.
"O
f course not. I just-"
"I thought you told me you wanted to be a partner."
"Of course I do."
"A partner does whatever it takes to make the client happy. She likes you, so if you aren't here, then she isn't happy."
Brian called his wife back while his boss entertained Lauren at the bar.
"?look I know what I said, but if I want to make partner, these are the type of sacrifices that - "
"I know the speech, but I'm getting tired of it," Patricia said. "It's getting old. How many more events will you miss? How many more holidays before you make partner? I love you, but I'm not sure how much more I can put up with."
Brian was silent for a few moments. "I'm so sorry, baby. Please, I promise I will make it up to you. All of you."
Brian approached Alex and Lauren with resentment, but he put on a fa?ade of the cheerful account executive that would stop at nothing to please his clients. Lauren's expression brightened when she saw him approach.
"Brian, your back!" she said.
"It wasn't the easiest sale, but I was able to have my wife pick him up."
Lauren darted out of her chair clasping her hands together with excitement and was almost jumping up and down like child ready to receive her toys at Christmas. Brian was flattered by her excitement but he felt guilty at the same time because he knew he would have to flirt with this woman the entire night while his wife and family sat at home without him.
"I knew I made the right choice when I hired this guy. I don't know where we would be without him," Alex said as he shook Brian's hand. He pulled Brian in and whispered, "You made the right choice."
Brian felt like he was being bullied, and he didn't particularly care for it. Alex said his goodbye to Lauren and walked off to entertain some of the other clients at the party.
"I'm happy you stayed," Lauren said as she moved closer to Brian. "So what made you change your mind?"
"Because I'm having such a good time, and it's been a while since I had this much fun." She clasped her hands together with excitement. "Is it because of me?"
"Maybe," he said. She hugged him, and her firm body excited him. He pulled away quickly so that his excitement would not show through his fitted pants. "You don't want to get to close. I think I'm coming down with a cold," he said.
"You poor baby. I have this ginger tea up in my room. It will knock that cold right out. Why don't we go up to my room and get some?
Brian thought about it for a minute. She's beautiful. Of course there was no amount of beauty that could ever replace the happiness that he got from his family. "Umm?I'm allergic to ginger."
"Ahh?how about fucking? Are you allergic to that too?"
He took a step back from Lauren. "I'm sorry. I think you got the wrong idea-"
"Don't do that Brian."
"Do what?"
"Turn me down. It never happens."
"Well?no one has to know. I'm gonna go pick up my son from the station. I'm sorry and enjoy the rest of your evening," he said as he shook her hand.
Chapter 5
Brian navigated to his wife's cell phone number from his car's stereo deck and dialed her number. "Hey, baby. I wound up leaving the party. I'll get Randy from the station."
"You might as well go back because I'm already on my way there." Patricia said.
"I was afraid you would say that. Well?drive safely and I'll see you two when you get home."
"Wait. How was your party?" Patricia asked.
"Entertaining?"
"Is that right?"
" We'll discuss it when I get home," Brian replied.
"Mmmm Hmmmm?," Patricia mumbled with a hint of intrigue and jealousy.
"I love you."
"Love you, too."
Brian disconnected from the call and worried about how his wife would react when he told her about his horny client. That would be a problem for later. For the moment, he would only worry about the slick road and listen to the news. The words from the reporter just danced over his head because he was more focused on seeing his son, Randy, who was a little worried about one of his final exams because there was a statistics class he was having some problems with. Brian was also eager to hear about some of the new friends his son made this semester-the young ladies in particular. His son was a lady's man, and Brian liked talking about his son's relationships. He enjoyed imparting his fatherly wisdom, although it had been a while since he had a deep conversation with his son. Brian knew that he had neglected his family the past year with all the long hours he put in for the agency. Hopefully that would change soon.
Chapter 6
Brian arrived home and found his daughter Charlene, sitting in the dining room, reading a book. She was a studious home body, but Brian loved that about her. He always found it odd that she preferred reading in the dining room instead of her bedroom. The mahogany chair was so rigid, but she said the dining room kept her mind focused. She's such a perfect little angel.
After reading her book for close to an hour, Charlene joined her father in the living room and watched a movie. Her head rested on his shoulder as his arm was draped around her.
"What time did you say your mother left, honey?"
"It was around ten, I think. It was probably an hour before you got here."
Brian felt uneasy because the drive to station was probably about 30 minutes away.
"She didn't call before I got here, did she?"
"No."
Brian grabbed his cell phone off of the coffee table and called his wife. He felt a knot in his stomach as the phone got to the forth ring. The fifth ended abruptly by his wife's recorded greeting. He decided to call his son instead, but his phone went straight to voicemail. Brian was worried but played it off as if nothing was wrong to avoid upsetting his daughter who was beginning to fall asleep.
"You don't have to wait up for your brother, honey. You should go to bed."
"Alright, Daddy," she said as she got up and made her way up the stairs. "Goodnight."
Brian smiled until she was out of sight, then he decided to call his wife again. He got the same response, so he called his son. Still no answer. He was scared and feeling extremely helpless. He knew he was getting worked up over nothing, so he tried to get his mind off of it. He walked over to the dining room table and took all items off. There were decorative plates, place holders, salt and pepper shakers, and a dark blue vase filled with fresh Peruvian lilies-his wife's favorite. He would normally curse his wife for all the clutter that was on the dining room table but not today. He walked over to a closet in the hallway, pulled out a sheet, and used it to cover the table. Then he opened up a drawer in a wooden cabinet and pulled out a tin box that contained a few small wooden blocks and a folded carving knife. Then he sat at the table and started whittling.
A pile of wood chips lay on the table as Brian fabricated a car. The hood and the windshield were the only two things that could be made out, but it was a sporty design much like his Audi A6 that was parked in the garage. He was having a hard time staying focused. He used the hobby of whittling as meditation. It wasn't working too well on this night. He was still very worried about his wife and son. He went to his closet to put on his coat and a pair of sneakers. He thought to tell his daughter that he would be right back, but he did not want to wake or worry her, so he went into the garage. He heard a car pull into the driveway and was flooded with relief. He smiled as he pushed the button to raise his garage door.
He was blinded by headlights as the door to the garage opened. A driver and passenger both stepped out, but their silhouettes were larger than his son and wife. As the two people stepped closer to Brian, he could see that they were police officers.
"Tommy, is that you?" Brian asked.
"Yeah, Bry, it's me."
Brian and Tommy had been friends for years, so it wasn't uncommon for him to stop by the house, but it was uncommon for him to stop by so late.
"What's going on, Tommy?"
"Bry, why don
't we step inside and sit down?"
Chapter 7
Brian felt as if his stomach was going to implode. His hands shook and his legs no longer worked. Tommy grabbed Brian's arm so he wouldn't fall. His partner grabbed at his other arm and led him back inside.
They sat at the dining room table, and Charlene stepped into the room. She jumped at the sight of the uniform officers.
"Tommy?"
"Hey, Charlene . Come in and have a seat by your father."
She looked at her father for approval, and he nodded.
"So what's all this about ? Why are you here?" Brian asked.
"It's hard to say. There was an accident. A drunk driver drove his car onto the wrong side of the expressway. It was one of those old-school muscle cars?umm?
your wife's car couldn't withstand that kind of impact."
"My wife!"
"Something happened to Mom?" Charlene laid her head in her hands and started sobbing. Brian hugged her and stroked her head.
"Well is she okay? What hospital is she in?"
"She's not at a hospital." Tommy began crying. "She had already passed by the time I arrived on the scene. I'm very sorry."
Brian and his daughter sat there and cried in each other's arms. He knew there was one more question he had to ask, but he was afraid of the response he would get.
"Randy? What about Randy?"
"He died on the way to the hospital."
"Jesus...not my boy. Oh God?"
Chapter 8
Brian and his daughter sat in a quiet and still courtroom on a wooden bench that was hard as iron. The room was filled to capacity with opposing family, friends, and colleagues in support of Brian and the defendant. Brian fidgeted every few minutes, trying to find a better position, but it was useless. He grimaced as a sharp pain shot up his back, and a bead of sweat ran down his face. Charlene reached in her purse, pulled out a folded paper towel, and dabbed her father's face and brow. Brian smiled. "Thanks sweetheart."
He admired his daughter's strength. Despite losing her mother and brother, she was holding herself together quite well. Most days, he felt like he couldn't even walk straight because the ground he stood on was so unstable without his wife.
Brian's thoughts of loss were replaced with rage as he watched the man who murdered his family walk up to the stand. Ethan Woods was a younger man with dark-circled, sunken in eyes and a very expensive navy blue, pinstriped suit. Brian wondered if he had slept at all during the past six months. He hoped that this accident was haunting Ethan now and that it would for the rest of his life. He noticed that Ethan's hair was different. Around the time of the accident, Ethan had long brown hair, but now it was shorter. Take a look at this little son-of-a-bitch. Now he wants to try looking like a proper young man. Randy was a gentleman, but this guy is as proper as a pedophile at a daycare.