Soul Hostage Read Online Free PDF

struck by how different Louis Stoaffer was from the old drunk I had first seen in the grocery store about an hour earlier.  I should have been disturbed more by such a distinct change. It probably would have bothered me more if I had not gotten so caught up in his story.  Fortunately, nothing crossed the car’s path during that time, because I seriously doubt that I would have seen anything.
    “We had a nice big house on the cliffs overlooking the ocean, drove the newest luxury cars, vacationed in various exotic locations, and lived a fine life.”  His smile faded away, and he stopped for a few seconds.  “Of course, everything changes. My life changed incredibly one October night in two thousand three.”  Stoaffer’s face grew a bit paler, and he shook his head.   
    “Theresa and I went to dinner at the home of another couple, my business partner and his wife, Gary Blake and his wife … uh … Linda.  I met Gary in college and thought of him as a brother.  I would have done anything for him or given anything to him.  We had been roommates, and I knew Gary better than any person I’ve ever known.  Lots of late nights spent talking over beers instead of studying gives you a good look inside of a person.  The problem did not lie in how well I knew Gary.  Rather, the trouble was in how poorly I knew Theresa.” 
    “Hold on,” Joey interrupted.  “I gotta pee. And as much as I’m enjoyin’ the story, we gotta figger out what we’re doin’ here.”
    Louis Stoaffer nodded and was quiet.
    “So, Louis, if you would be kind enough to point us in the direction of a gas station.” 
    Stoaffer looked a bit confused.  The clicking of the breath mint sped up, and finally he answered, “I really haven’t the slightest idea.  I mean, I’m just passing through the area like you.”
    Before I could ask Louis what he meant, Joey blurted out, “There’s a gas station!”
    The small rundown mini-mart offered a couple of self-serve gas pumps. But considering it was the only building we had seen in the last few miles, the place must have seemed like an oasis to Joey’s bladder.  I pulled the car next to a dusty old payphone about fifty yards away.  He was out of the car and trotting toward the store before the car had stopped.  
    I had no reason to use the phone but figured a couple of guys parked next to a payphone appeared more normal. That’s me, always thinking.  As I glanced around the area in every direction other than the backseat, I noticed a yellowed piece of paper taped to the payphone - Out of Order .  So much for looking normal.
    Despite Stoaffer’s transformation from babbling drunk to coherent human being, I was still disturbed by the sight of him.  However, my uneasiness did not stop my eyes from flying to the backseat at the sound of his voice.
    “Well, I’d have to say that our friend Joey is quite the hothead.”  He made the observation in the same bright tone that someone would comment on good weather.“The term sociopath comes to mind.”
    I turned to face him with the idea of challenging his opinion, but my idea went out the window as soon as I made eye contact.  Something about the deep blueness I found in the eyes made me forget what had been planning to say.
    “He seems a bit … uh … unpredictable.”  Stoaffer did not attempt to hide his amusement. “Of course, it’s not my place to say, but don’t you think his lack of control could get you into a world of trouble, Thomas?”
    Without thinking, I shot back, “Joey has always been there for me.  He’s the best friend I’ve ever had.”
    “As the saying goes, ‘with friends like that who needs enemies’?’” The old man paused and stared as if memorizing every feature of my face before he said, “You know the things Joey does are wrong.  We could easily start this car, drive away, and leave the darkness far behind.” 
    I stared at him for a moment trying to figure out if he was mocking me.  The