#281 - Crafting Suspense: From Writing Exercise to Short Story
Welcome back to the Spun Today Podcast with your host, Tony Ortiz. In this special throwback episode, we dive into Episode 281, where Tony revisits one of his earlier works, a riveting short story titled "Ball and Chain." Originally recorded as an audiobook and first shared in Episode 14, this tale explores the unique perspective of a female serial killer, a creative twist inspired by a writing exercise from Stephen King's "On Writing." In this re-released version, Tony adds new context and reflections on the story's evolution, inviting listeners to compare it to the polished version found in his short story collection, "Melted Cold." Join Tony as he shares insights into the writing process, the challenges of character creation, and the art of storytelling. Plus, don't miss the chance to support the podcast and grab some cool Spun Today merch to keep the creative vibes flowing. Tune in and embark on a journey through creativity and imagination!
This is the Audio Book version of the Short Story Ball & Chain by Tony Ortiz
http://www.spuntoday.com/shortstories/ballchain
*Original Release Date: March 12th, 2015*
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Transcript
Tony Ortiz [00:00:19]:
What's up folks?
Tony Ortiz [00:00:19]:
What's going on?
Tony Ortiz [00:00:20]:
Welcome to the Spun Today Podcast, the only podcast that is anchored in writing but unlimited in scope. I'm your host, Tony Ortiz, and I appreciate you listening. This is episode 281 of the podcast and it is a technically a throwback episode, recording this intro that you're listening to right now, as well as the outro in present day. But I'm re releasing and resharing an older short story of mine that I previously recorded as an audiobook. So the middle chunk of the episode, the story itself was released in, for example, the first time, I believe, was episode 14 of the podcast, episode 1 4. But I'm re recording the intro and outro for it because I wanted to add some, some context around the story. So first off, the origin of the story is that it is, I want to say, the first and maybe only story that I have written via a writing exercise. So if anybody's read Stephen King's On Writing, which listeners of the podcast are probably sick and tired of hearing me reference it.
Tony Ortiz [00:01:28]:
But it is a great book just from writing and creative perspective. At the end of it, there's a bit of a call to action from Stephen King and a writing exercise, writing prompt, if you will, that he puts out just to start flexing your writing muscles and playing with a different type type of idea. And I'm going to paraphrase, but it's essentially, it was essentially to think of a role that typically goes to a male or male protagonist, or a role that typically goes to a female protagonist and then flip the gender. Thinking back, it's a very progressive of you, Stephen King, but essentially flip the gender and then write the story from that person's perspective. So I decided to write this serial killer murder story. And you know, to me, typically serial killers are usually male. So in this story, my protagonist is a female and I had tons of fun with it. It's interesting to write from a perspective that's not your own.
Tony Ortiz [00:02:36]:
Makes you, makes you think more. Makes you, or not necessarily more, but just differently. And obviously you want to do it justice. You, you want to avoid, you know, just like cliched tropes and you want your work to be engaging and at the end of the day, just a good story that people want to read. And hopefully I delivered on that front and I revisited this story actually to include it as one of the short stories within my short story collection that I published, Melted Cold, available now. Go to spun today.combooks for all the links if you're interested in checking that out, but in revisiting the story for that project. I had the story, as I told you guys in prior episodes when I put together Melted Cold. That's my first time working with a professional editor.
Tony Ortiz [00:03:28]:
So the story that you're gonna hear now, the audiobook version of it, it's the same foundational story obviously, but there is an updated edited version of it available again in my short story collection Melted Cold. So if you're interested in seeing how the story evolved once going through that process, it would be a good comparison to compare this audiobook version to that and just apologies in advance. I always like to whenever I re release older episodes, I like to apologize for the sound quality. This one in particular. It's my 14th episode ever. You know, now I'm on episode 281 and my understanding of just like the final mixing and leveling out the audio, different ways to export to maintain the quality, you know, that's I picked up things along the way and upgraded equipment, so on and so forth. So you may notice a difference between the this intro and the actual story. But again, it shouldn't not be listenable from an audio quality perspective.
Tony Ortiz [00:04:35]:
And apologies again in advance. That said, wanted to remind folks to visit the brand new fourth wall Sponsored A shop. You go to my website sponsored a.com click on the shop menu item up at the top of the page and you can check out some cool new merch like mugs that come in a ton of different colors with the spontane logo and the spontaneous catchphrase. Start taking steps in the general direction of your dream. Or dreams plural. Why limit yourself, right? Add some really nice quality embroidered versions of designs that you may be used to from the old hoodies and T shirts like the podcast verse anybody design. You can check out the official Spun Today notebook in a ton of different colors as well. So on and so forth.
Tony Ortiz [00:05:21]:
Again, go to spunter.com and click on the shop menu item up on top. That would be a great way to help support this show. And last but certainly not least, before we jump into the episode, I want to tell you guys about one additional way that you can help support the Spun Today podcast if you so choose. And then we'll jump right into the short story.
Spun Today Support Promotion [00:05:42]:
For my fellow writers and creatives out there, a really cool way you can.
Tony Ortiz [00:05:45]:
Help support this show is by going.
Spun Today Support Promotion [00:05:47]:
To spunterday.com support and clicking on the prowritingaid banner. If you're a listener of the show, you know that I use prowritingaid to pre edit all of my writing before.
Tony Ortiz [00:05:58]:
I put it out or before I.
Spun Today Support Promotion [00:06:00]:
Ship it off to my editor so that it is in as pristine condition as I can probably get it. ProWritingAid offers a great toolkit that helps you polish your work with easy to use grammar checks and the writing assistant that also looks into things like pacing improvements, typos, punctuations, and much more. Go to sponsored aid.com support click on the banner for prowritingaid and check out their free option as well as their different tiers of paid options. Spontane.com Support.
Tony Ortiz [00:06:35]:
Ball and Chain By Tony Ortiz Written Mar 1st, 2015 they sat across from each other on either side of the ballistic glass, rotary style phone receivers in hand. He listened intently, as he usually does during these weekly visits, and she did most of the talking. Time's up, inmate, said Seal. McNeil, wrap it up. Sarah looked over her shoulder at him with a sarcastic, acknowledging grin. Charming guy, charles said. They pressed their hands up to the glass as they traditionally did at the end of these sittings. We'll be together soon enough, said Charles in an attempt to reassure her that their next appeal attempt would pan out, and they said their goodbyes.
Tony Ortiz [00:07:25]:
CEO McNeil reshackled Sarah to lead her back to her cell. After inside with the steel door shut, she stuck her hands out of the opening that she receives her meals through and had those cold metal bracelets released. Aside from Charles's tri monthly visits, a daily shower, and an hour they allowed for walking around in the prison yard alone, this 6 by 8 foot cell was her world, accompanied only by one book per week that she could order from the prison library and by the reoccurring nightmares she'd have about her sentencing. Footnote number one will the defendant please rise? Said Judge Mueller. Mrs. DeFranco, you stand here before us seemingly remorseful, but your endless stream of manipulative tears couldn't drown the sorrow that these family members feel. They have lost a loved one by your hand. The fact of the matter is that four people lost their lives while another remains in a vegetative state.
Tony Ortiz [00:08:29]:
We have reason to believe beyond the shadow of a doubt that you poisoned your patients with the ricin that led to their eventual deaths. You plead ignorance, but I see deliberate malpractice. You plead inexperience, but I see malicious intent. I hereby sentence you to life in prison without the possibility of parole. She'd relive this moment almost every night, expecting a more lenient outcome each time, and would wake up in a cold sweat when she didn't get it. You'd think she'd be batshit crazy by now, shouting, being irrational, acting out like the other lifers in this block. But she wasn't. She was actually a model inmate.
Tony Ortiz [00:09:12]:
There was an eerie calm about her, like she was in on a joke that went over everyone else's head. It's only been eight months since her sentencing, but that's about seven and a half months more than other inmates take to lose their shit. On his way home, Charles ran a few errands, as he routinely did after visiting his incarcerated wife. Although the trips back home were shorter now, after the move, it still seemed like a lot to leave behind. A house which he inherited after the brain aneurysm induced seizure claimed his father's life three years prior, the staff accountant position at Wilton Capitol, and the neighborhood he grew up in. He wasn't passionate about his work, but his job was actually enjoyable at times. Still, it was a bit much to give up for the sake of more frequent visitations. But he was in there with her.
Tony Ortiz [00:10:06]:
He was loyal to a fault, if there is such a thing. Selfless, obedient, one might even say. Plus, Sarah rarely ever didn't get her way. She wanted him to reopen her bakery, but closer to her, all he needed to find was a storefront and she would teach him all her recipes during his visits. Life revolved around her before. Why should it not now? Charles's world was now scheduled to exist outside and around every other Wednesday and the final Friday of each month. All days in between were just fillers. His days now consisted of submitting appeal requests to reopen Sarah's case, consoling his estranged wife, and carrying out her wishes to make her happy before this new reality they led.
Tony Ortiz [00:10:51]:
Normal enough cookie cutter lives. Charles was an accountant and Sarah ran a small but thriving bakery in town. She was known for her complimentary raspberry drop sugar cookies that she would indiscriminately give away to anyone who asked, even non paying customers. Many a day, frustrated parents came in to yank their freeloading 8 year olds out of the bakery. The kids would sneak away to get their sugar fix when the elementary school across the street would let out for the day. Ms. Sarah, Ms. Sarah, can I have a cookie? They would ask excitedly.
Tony Ortiz [00:11:26]:
Okay, but just one more. I wouldn't want to ruin your supper. She responded while giving them a playful wink. She was loved. Even the aggravated parents would take one of these delicious bite sized sugar cookies to go when they came to get their kids. Most of the parents school Staff and faculty were regular customers. All birthday cakes and bunches of cupcakes to reward a class for good behavior were purchased at Ms. Sarah's Bakery.
Tony Ortiz [00:11:55]:
Business was good and she was happy doing what she did. She was much happier than when she worked at the hospital. Charles, on the other hand, didn't hate his 9 to 5, but he didn't love it either. After work he would clock in a couple more hours per week taking care of the financials for Sarah's Bakery. Pro bono of course. But this he did love gave him a sense of purpose. He was really good at it too. Meticulous like no other.
Tony Ortiz [00:12:28]:
Sarah was an amazingly artsy baker. But the business wouldn't have been in the green without Charles's oversight. In about two months time, with the savings they scraped together, the rental income from Charles father's home and the part time gig as an adjunct accounting professor over at the local community college, pacc, he leased out a storefront. Her determination and his tenacity were making the dream of Sarah's Bakery too come to fruition. It was about a quarter of the size of the original but meant the world to her. Her happiness was his main priority, so he shared in her elation. On that Wednesday, she gave him detailed instructions on how to set up the place, what equipment to order, paint, decoration, and just general organization. It turned out to be a cozy little bakery, a mini replica of its predecessor.
Tony Ortiz [00:13:24]:
In just under three weeks he brought pictures in to press up against the bulletproof glass. She loved it. She was very pleased. Charles learned a couple of her muffin recipes, corn and blueberry, and a handful of recipes for assorted cookies. That same day after the grand opening, business wasn't what you would call booming, but it was doing rather nicely in their new, less densely populated location. Charles estimated that they should be turning a profit inside of six months. He had this strange quirk about never tasting anything he baked, but his baking wasn't half bad. Who would have thought? When you gonna teach me the sugar cookie recipe? He asked.
Tony Ortiz [00:14:07]:
I think they'll be a hit again in time, hon. And I know they'll be, she responded. I just don't want that to be the primary reason customers are coming in this time. We need to win them over first. And we will. They were both right. Midway through month four, Sarah's Bakery 2 was in the green, barely covering all of its costs, but building up a loyal client base and turning a small profit nonetheless. It's time to debut our raspberry drop sugar cookies, babe.
Tony Ortiz [00:14:37]:
And I'm so Proud of you, by the way. You're doing a great job, she told Charles. We're doing a great job, babe, he corrected her. You know this doesn't exist without you. So tell me how to make those delicious bites of bliss. You can't be upset with me, she told him. Upset? Why would it be upset? Charles asked. Because I never told you about my secret stash, she said.
Tony Ortiz [00:15:02]:
But I couldn't afford to let my recipes get out. I never told a soul. Okay, he said shortly and with a surprised look on his face. Where is it? Sarah went on to explain that she locked away certain recipes along with some rare ingredients, some spices and sugars that were imported from overseas in a storage garage a few miles from their old home. Charles was definitely surprised and upset. This type of deception made him livid, but given the circumstances, he let it go. Following her direction, he was able to retrieve the key to the secret location from an unused old mailbox behind the shed of their old home. He went to the 24 hour access storage place a few miles away and located her lot number 109.
Tony Ortiz [00:15:49]:
It looked like those little garages you see on reality shows like Storage Wars. He opened it up and went inside. It was pretty well organized. You can tell she frequented fairly often. There was a few shelves with color coded unlabeled bottles and jars on them. Some were filled with a sugary like consistency and others looked to have a flower like texture. There was a desk and the small filing cabinet where she apparently safeguarded her recipes. He was taken aback by some of the medical supplies she had there.
Tony Ortiz [00:16:22]:
Stethoscopes, scrubs, syringes and boxes of latex gloves. He wrote it off as supplies she took from the hospital gig before she began to bake full time. But how long has she been hiding this place then? It's been a long day filled with information he was still processing, so he decided to call it a night and get some rest. He went home and to sleep. Tomorrow would be another day. Charles was upset about Sarah's secret place, but knew he could never stay mad at her. Still, on his next visit, the final Friday of the month visit, he let her know he wasn't going to make it to the next one. She knew his passive aggressiveness all too well and without skipping a beat she told him what he needed to hear in order to go through the motions of his little revolt a bit faster.
Tony Ortiz [00:17:10]:
She pouted and batted her ocean blue eyes at him and in an innocent little girl voice asked, why baby? Because the fall semester starts in two weeks and orientation is a bit earlier than usual, with most of my time dedicated to your bakery. Our bakery, she interrupted in that same manipulative voice. He continued. I haven't been able to put a lesson plan together yet. Sarah gave him a sad face through the double paned glass and Charles cut his eyes away in dissent. I'm so proud of you baby, she told him. You're juggling so much. I'd be lost without you.
Tony Ortiz [00:17:46]:
I know you have other responsibilities and can't just focus on keeping me happy. I'll miss you terribly, but I understand. Damn, she knew how to run that game so well. I'll definitely be here for the next Wednesday visit afterwards though, he assured her. I knew you wouldn't break my heart for too long, baby, she responded. Just remember that you're mine. These kids are lucky to borrow you. I know hon, he responded.
Tony Ortiz [00:18:11]:
And you're all mine. That's right, she said, smiling back. I hate them for taking you away from me, but I do want you to make a good impression on your first day. Let's make them a batch of the sugar cookies. Think I'm ready for those? He asked. I know you are. My baby can do anything he sets his mind to. A little ego stroking never hurt anyone, right? Okay, I've always made two different types.
Tony Ortiz [00:18:35]:
They taste similar enough, but one uses more of the high end imported ingredients and is usually for special occasions. The other is just as good but less costly to make. Let's make your new students the special batch. She went on to meticulously explain the two different recipes, having him repeat it to her several times to make sure he knew the right combination of color coded jars. Okay, I got it, he said, frustrated. I'm sorry, she said. You know how important these cookies are to me. Yeah, I know, he responded.
Tony Ortiz [00:19:07]:
Lastly, my filing cabinet has some paperwork I need you to mail in to the DA for me. I told my public defendant about it, but you know how they all but ignore appeal requests for cases they feel they can't win? Okay, sure. What's in it? Just some information I started to put together before my trial that I never had a chance to give to the attorney, but maybe it can help with the appeal request. There's two thick manila envelopes already sealed and ready to go. One is a copy and says copy on it just so I could keep track of what was already submitted. So you just have to mail the one. Time's up, inmate chimed in. CEO McNeil.
Tony Ortiz [00:19:44]:
I'm on it, hun. I'll make you proud. Promise. Charles responded and they said their goodbyes. CEO McNeil put the cuffs on and led Sarah back to her cell. As always, she stopped in front of her cell and turned to face him before walking in, making sure her straight blond hair brushed his face as she spun around. I see the way you look at me, McNeil, she told him as she stared raptly into his eyes. What are you talking about, inmate? Go into your cell, he responded.
Tony Ortiz [00:20:15]:
He did check her out though. All the guards did. Visitors did too. She was easily the most attractive woman in the prison, the type of woman that would own a room just from walking into it. Yes sir, she told him. I'll do anything you say, she said salaciously as she moved half a step into his personal space. He cracked half a smile. She reached down with both hands still in handcuffs and gently grabbed onto the now obviously bulge in his officer blue pants.
Tony Ortiz [00:20:50]:
Ooh, she said with a seductive rasp in her voice as she fondled him for a bit. You know, you could do whatever you wanted to me if it weren't for all these cameras around. She licked and bit her bottom lip. Then she let go and took a step backwards into her cell seal. McNeil didn't say a word as he slid the red steel door shut. She poked her hands out through the door's opening and he removed the restraints, caressing her hands before letting go and closing the opening. On his way home, Charles passed by the storage unit to pick up what Sarah told him he needed for the cookies and also grabbed the manila envelope to mail in the day before orientation. He followed her instructions precisely and went on to make a large batch of raspberry drop sugar cookies.
Tony Ortiz [00:21:41]:
They were a hit at the orientation. Most of the students in the lecture hall took one on the way in and another on the way out. He thinks they may have even distracted some of them from taking part in the usual rumors, but he still overheard a few of the students on their way out after class. Did you hear his wife is in jail? I heard she killed kids or something. Yeah, I know, but I heard she was insanely jealous and she caught him cheating with a student and she killed her. Hmm. I think I'll flirt my way to an A then. They all giggled and laughed.
Tony Ortiz [00:22:15]:
You're both wrong. I looked up some old newspapers last semester in the library from around the time it happened. She was fired from being a nurse at a local hospital where they used to live. They said it was negligent or something. Then months after they investigated and found that three or four of the patients that died under her watch were actually poisoned. Holy shit. Are you serious? Yep. You can look it up too.
Tony Ortiz [00:22:40]:
Wow, what a sick bitch. This was actually less commotion about his wife than he was used to overhearing, so all in all it was a good day. He grabbed his messenger bag and noticed he never mailed Sarah's evidence for the appeal. On his way off campus, he passed by the main office and tossed it in with the outgoing mail batch. In the days that followed, a few flirty looks and winks were shared between the inmate and the co, but aside from that, it was business as usual at the Muncie doc. Charles missed the next Wednesday visit as expected, but was predictably already on the visitors list for the third Wednesday of the month. Soon enough it was visiting Wednesday again and Charles approached the double paned glass eagerly, waiting for Sarah to walk through the double doors that separated the visiting area from the housing units. The room was filled with inmates, visitors and measured levels of mixed emotions.
Tony Ortiz [00:23:38]:
She walked in and locked eyes with him instantly as she approached him with an ear to ear smile, he lit up like hids. With the phone already up to his ear. She sat down and picked up the phone on her side. Hey stranger, she said playfully. Hey you, I've missed you, he responded. How'd your orientation go? She asked. It went great and your cookies were a hit. I did hear murmurs of the usual rumors though, he told her.
Tony Ortiz [00:24:06]:
It's okay, she responded. After their visit, Seal McNeil led Sarah back to her cell as he normally did. This time when they got to the front of her cell, he grabbed her by the waist on either side and pressed himself up before behind her. She welcomed it with a flirty moan. He took in a deep breath of her essence and whispered into her ear right before he began to nibble on her neck. I disabled that camera up there. Fit in the work order for it, which won't be looked at until The Sunday after next NCL Jenkins is on a 15 minute break. What was it that you were saying about me doing anything I wanted to? Sarah turned around to face him with a mischievous smile on her face.
Tony Ortiz [00:24:50]:
She used both hands, which were still cuffed, to grab McNeil by the belt and pull him into the cell with her. They maximized that 15 minute window of privacy and quenched the pent up sexual frustration they'd been flirting with for weeks. By Saturday night there were at least half a dozen of these visits mixed with plotting and scheming. Are you sure the evidence you had him submit is enough? He asked her as he zipped up his pants and she wiped her mouth. I'm positive, I'm positive there's so much self incriminating information in there that he should be arrested before next week is out and I'll be released pending his prosecution. That could take weeks. Months even, he responded. What if I can't wait that long? Be patient, baby, she told him.
Tony Ortiz [00:25:38]:
We'll be together in increments longer than 15 minutes. Soon enough, she reassured. I have a better idea. We'll stage an attack of you on me, he explained. My carelessness coupled with your cunningness would make for a good escape. What about your job? You can't be on the run with me, she said. That won't be an issue. The most that will happen is a fine and or suspension.
Tony Ortiz [00:26:03]:
Then by the time they arrest him, they'll be so eager to sweep your escape under the rug that they'll acquit you of all charges and streamline his sentencing. I love a man that can take charge the way you do, she agreed. They settled on Friday during her yard time. He came back later that evening before his shift was over and they hammered out an outline. By Thursday night they had every angle measured and every wrinkle of doubt ironed out. Friday morning routinely came and went when the sun fell midway down the sky. McNeil went over to Sarah's cell to escort her outside. As he loosely placed the bracelets around her wrists without securing them in place, he tells her, remember what I told you.
Tony Ortiz [00:26:46]:
Don't crawl back into the car until after I go back in to ring the alarm. It's very important that I follow protocol. Stay low to the ground, then wedge yourself between the back seat and the trick trunk I told you about. Just pull down that yellow strap to open it up. They will search my vehicle, so don't make a sound or move around until I let you out. This could take hours, sir, yes sir, she said playfully. They walked out to the yard as they normally did. McNeil unlocked the gate that led to the employee parking lot to, quote, get a pack of smokes from his red O2 Mustang.
Tony Ortiz [00:27:27]:
On cue, Sarah loosened her cuffs, wrapped it around her fist like brass knuckles, and clocked CEO McNeil twice, drawing blood from the back of his head, which would later require aid stitches, while his back was turned, and she ran toward and into the three miles plus of forest opposite the parking lot, which surrounded the Muncie doc. McNeil eventually sat up and stumbled through the mess hall with blood trickling down his ear and neck into the CO control room to sound the alarm Inmate escape. Inmate escape, he repeated, out of breath in an Oscar worthy performance. The other COs fell in line and followed the proper protocol to begin the search. There would be failed escape attempts at Muncie on a quarterly basis. Some stressed out in Maine would try to climb the fence or get boosted over a wall, but it would always end the same way. The dogs would sniff them out of the bush and they'd spend a month in the hole. Not this time, though.
Tony Ortiz [00:28:29]:
By the time Warden Glenn came down to give the search order and speak with McNeil about what happened, Sarah had safely crawled into the back of the Mustang, entering from the far side away from the camera, and wedged herself into the concealed compartment, which was scent proof. McNeil purchased the car from the PAPD repo auction. The previous owner was a quote importer exporter. After an exhaustive search that yielded no results, including the thorough search of all employee vehicles in the lot, warden Glenn interrogated CEO McNeil one last time while the prison nurse finished stitching him up. The media is going to have a field day with this. How could he be so fucking careless? I was attacked, boss. I didn't even see it coming. By a woman half your damn size that you failed to properly inspect and secure.
Tony Ortiz [00:29:24]:
I did inspect and secure the inmate. I have no idea what she hit me with. A rock, maybe. A rock wouldn't cause a wound this narrow and deep. Nurse Kelly chimed in. Regardless, this happened on your watch. You can't be trusted to do your job properly right now. And we need to show a swift and precise response to this situation for when the media gets a hold of this.
Tony Ortiz [00:29:47]:
I understand, boss. McNeil responded remorsefully. You're suspended for a month without pay. Effective immediately upon your reinstatement, you go into two weeks of inmate protocol refresher training, also without pay. Understood? Yes, sir. And again, I'm sorry. By the time he finished that sentence, Warden Glenn had already walked out of the room. After gathering a few things from his locker, he went out to his car, opened up the trunk and placed the box in it.
Tony Ortiz [00:30:17]:
Got in, started it, and off he went, as he normally did. After clearing the guard at the Muncie entrance, he pulled over so that he could go back and speak to Sarah. Babe, I was beginning to think you forgot about me. Sarah responded jokingly. Do you need anything? I'm sure there'll be a checkpoint further ahead and we can't risk a camera spotting you, so I can't let you out until we get to my apartment. No, I'm fine. He kissed her on the lips and closed the compartment back up. There was a checkpoint about a quarter mile after the far street surrounding the prison.
Tony Ortiz [00:30:52]:
McNeil approached, slowed, and lowered his window. How's it going, Torres? McNeil. Tough one today, huh? Yeah, you won't be seeing me around for a while. They finally get rid of you? Taurus said jokingly. Not that easily, man. A month and a half, no pay, McNeil responded. Ouch, Taurus said. Keep your head up, buddy.
Tony Ortiz [00:31:20]:
Shit happens. Thanks, man. Good night. They made it to the apartment unnoticed and laid low for a few days between their 50 shades of grayish sexcapades. They would watch television, waiting on breaking news of the escape to materialize, but it never did. The Muncie doc was under code Red lockdown. That meant no one in or out. They had a skeleton staff that was housed on premises for a few days and kept every inmate caged 24 7.
Tony Ortiz [00:31:54]:
They'd search for news online and nothing. Sarah also accessed Charles's emails. He used the same password for everything and read through some of the flirty emails he had going back and forth with a student, Amy Lessig, who was in search of some one on one tutoring. She recognized the address Charles gave Amy from the return address on the holiday cards he had sent her in the past. Sarah, now a short haired brunette, took the Mustang and drove over to Charles's apartment. After stopping by the storage facility. She had another key stashed close by. Was right before dawn on the fourth day after her escape and the day where her grand plan, years in the making, would finally come to fruition.
Tony Ortiz [00:32:43]:
Charles woke up and made his way into the kitchen to drink a glass of water from the tap. His eyes look worried as he stares out of the window above the sink. Like they haven't gotten enough sleep. And no, they're not going to. Sarah has already made her way into the apartment. At this point she slides up behind him and he feels the precise piercing pinch of a syringe on the right side of his neck, Dexter style. About 30 minutes later he comes to as his vision deglazes enough for him to evaluate his surroundings. His arms and legs are tie wrapped to one of his dining room chairs and his mouth is cliche ly duct taped next to him.
Tony Ortiz [00:33:26]:
Amy is similarly secured but still not conscious. Sarah is facing them while sitting on top of the island in the kitchen. So who's this? The student of the month? Sara said sarcastically. You selfish son of a bitch. Is this what you've been doing while I've been suffering alone? You should Be ashamed of yourself. You told me you changed. You told me Beth was the last one. Footnote number two.
Tony Ortiz [00:33:57]:
Beth was a co worker of Charles back at Wilton Capital. After snooping through his credit card statements and emails, Sarah pieced together and pretty much caught him red handed. He was having an affair with her. After a brief separation, Sarah wound up forgiving and consoling Charles when she found out that Beth died suddenly of liver and lung failures. What? You want to explain? Sarah hopped down off the counter, walked over to Charles and yanked the duct tape off his mouth in one fluid motion that almost took his lips. He yelled, what the fuck did you do to her? Amy. Amy, wake up. Oh, I'm sorry.
Tony Ortiz [00:34:44]:
Amy can't come to the phone right now. Sarah says, what did you do? Sarah? Amy? She can't hear you, asshole. What I injected you with was a nap. What she got. Well, let's just say it's a bit more permanent than that. That that slutty cunt won't ever hear you again. I can't fucking believe you. You're a monster.
Tony Ortiz [00:35:11]:
The cops are gonna find you. I know everything. I won't keep my mouth shut. You crazy bitch. What are you even fucking doing here? How are you here right now? Said Charles. Newsflash. Cheating, Charlie. I'm out of prison permanently.
Tony Ortiz [00:35:29]:
Besides, they didn't find out why perfectly healthy Beth suddenly had health problems, did they? She smirked maniacally as Charles gasped in disbelief. She walks around behind him and slides her hands down the front of his chest. She leans in and whispers into his ear. And your father's aneurysm. That was me too. She duct taped his mouth again as he squirmed and screamed and cried about what he had just heard. I'll tell you exactly what's going to happen here. Within the next few hours or so, you'll wake up surrounded by cops that have a warrant for your arrest based on an anonymous call from yours truly.
Tony Ortiz [00:36:19]:
They'll read you your rights and book you. It will soon enough come to light via the manila envelope that you mailed in for me. That you are responsible for each of the deaths that I was convicted for. You did meet me at the hospital for lunches within three days of each of the deaths of my patients. Remember that you used me to finagle connections at the hospital behind my back to get the ricin and the syringes that you use. It was a shame about poor Beth too. She was tired of being the other woman and she was going to expose you and your affair. There's the motive for her unexplained death.
Tony Ortiz [00:37:01]:
Should I continue? Did you happen to notice your class size go down for a bit after cookie day? That's because you began experimenting on students by dosing them with non fatal portions of ricin. Oh, wait. But there's nothing here in this apartment linking you to any of this, right? Oh yeah. You also gave them the location of the storage facility you've been going to fairly often, which has syringes like these and dozens of containers with different levels of rice and doses. And the best part, your favorite fingerprints. And only your fingerprints are all over the place. And little Amy here, her death will be the cherry on top for them to build their case. As for me, it won't matter that I've slipped out of jail a bit sooner than expected.
Tony Ortiz [00:37:59]:
It'll all be swept under the warden's rug over at Muncie. Warden Glenn was on the phone with the district judge. I'm calling in a favor, Terrence. Again, the judge responded. How much leverage do you think you have with me, exactly? Enough to call this in. And trust me, the alternative would be worse for all of us. All I need is a signed arrest warrant and your word on a swift, no jury sentencing, said the warden. Even if I was willing to cut through the red tape and expedite this, you know I can't give you an arrest warrant without PC.
Tony Ortiz [00:38:36]:
I'm looking at all the PC you'll ever need in the form of a full confession letter, along with corroborating evidence, which my guy is already checking out, responded Glen. Okay, so why not go through the proper channels? The judge asked. It's better you don't know, responded the warden. I'm not sure what you think I owe you for introducing me to your buddy with the underground casino and massage joints, but it's definitely not enough to get you a blank check in the form of an arrest warrant. So tell me, what's the urgency about, Judge? There was an escape a few days ago. A successful one? The judge asked, surprised. Yes, Warden, Glenn continued. Remember the nurse that killed a handful of patients last year? Her.
Tony Ortiz [00:39:26]:
But if this confession from the husband and evidence checks out, he's taking the rap for all of it and more. And you buy this bullshit? The judge asked. Seems a bit convenient. Belief isn't a requisite. Belief isn't a requisite of my job, Judge. If it checks out, it checks out. She'll be released, he'll be sentenced, and nobody will be the wiser. Okay, Glenn, you have a verbal arrest warrant granted.
Tony Ortiz [00:39:57]:
If this blows up in your face. I won't back up or document this though, said the judge. Don't worry, Judge. We'll clean this up on our end. Soon you can go back to your table games and happy endings stress free. Oh, and Terrence? Yes? Give my best to Marie and the twins. Back at the apartment, Sarah grabbed a fistful of Charles's hair and yanked it back. They lock eyes.
Tony Ortiz [00:40:25]:
You did this to us. Don't you forget that, she told him as she leaned in and kissed him on the lips over the duct tape. She squeals a few drops from the syringe as she flicked it and then shot it into his neck. Sleep tight, baby, she whispered. She tied Amy's wrists to the headboard in the bedroom to make it look like an intense sex scene gone awry. She made sure his fingerprints were on the ricin needle and then she vanished. He came to as his apartment was being raided for his arrest. He tried to explain, but they saw it as resisting and they clubbed the back of his knees, dropping him to the ground, and they cuffed him.
Tony Ortiz [00:41:10]:
Eight months later, Charles laid on a cot in a cell not dissimilar to the one Sarah was once in, Reading the Count of Monte Cristo. A prison guard approaches DeFranco, you have a visitor, said the guard, but Charles didn't respond. DeFranco, he said as he pulled out his club and banged it against the cell bars. I heard you, Jimenez. Trying to read here, he responded. It's not a request, you smug asshole, said Jimenez. In 10 minutes you'll be escorted to the visitor's room. Charles thought it was another reporter or attorney trying to make a name for himself with a high profile appeal case, albeit an unwinnable one, but in the public eye nonetheless.
Tony Ortiz [00:41:56]:
Boy, was he wrong as he walked into the visitor's room on his side of the ballistic glass. The CO on duty tells him, your visitor is hot as fuck, by the way. Oh yeah? Charles responded uninterested. Yeah, you miserable prick, the CO responded. Charles signed into the room and walked over to window number nine, where a redheaded woman with big sunglasses on sat on the opposite side. He knew who it was in the depths of his soul before his brain finished processing. As he sits down and picks up the phone. She removed her glasses, her piercing blue eyes unapologetically staring back at him.
Tony Ortiz [00:42:37]:
You heartless bitch. I could kill you. Charles opened up strong. Oh Charlie, so much aggression. Haven't you done enough killing already? What would your father think if he saw you this way? Sarah responded. You're a sick, evil person. How do you have the gall to show your face? I just didn't want you to worry about me, darling. I wanted to let you know that I sold the house and I'm moving to Florida.
Tony Ortiz [00:43:07]:
What? My father's house. You didn't. You couldn't. Charles responded in disbelief. My house actually. Remember how transferring the deed into my name would benefit my appeal? Well, it did, she said mockingly. I'm leaving tomorrow. Just wanted to say goodbye, Charlie.
Tony Ortiz [00:43:28]:
Make sure you sit and think about what you've done to me. And if any of them were worth it, said Sarah. She hung up the phone, stood up, blew him a kiss, put on her glasses and walked out of his life forever. Charles was livid, yelling and screaming, slamming and breaking the phone against the glass. You fucking bitch. Come back here. Come back here. The guard runs over after combing it in on his walkie talkie, Charles nails him with a right hook to the jaw which catches the guard by surprise, but only stuns him.
Tony Ortiz [00:44:05]:
The guard pulls out his club and jams it into Charles stomach and then elbows him in the nose. Two other guards rush in and help wrestle Charles to the ground. He's still irate. It was her. She was here. It wasn't me. God damn it. Listen to me.
Tony Ortiz [00:44:23]:
He yelled out as he cried from passionate rage and physical pain. The nurse was called and comes in with a syringe that they used to sedate him. He wakes up in a slightly bigger room, restrained to an unfamiliar bed. The time that has lapsed between is a mystery to him. Has it been hours? Weeks? Months? He can't recall a thing between then and now, but he picks up where he left off. It was her. She was here. It wasn't me.
Tony Ortiz [00:44:55]:
Let me out. Let me out of here. A nurse turns to the doctor in charge of the psych ward for instruction. Continue to sedate him as long as these hallucinations continue. Yes doctor, she responded as she approached Charles to sedate him. All that was said before things went dark again was don't you stick me with that. I need to go to Florida. Let me out.
Tony Ortiz [00:45:22]:
It was her. It was really her. She needs to be stopped. Hours later on Interstate 64, a red headed woman could be seen alone at the wheel of a red 2002 Mustang flowing through the traffic carefree, heading towards Florida with all that she needed in the trunk and some of what she no longer had use for in a scent proof compartment.
Tony Ortiz [00:45:54]:
And that folks was episode 281 of the Spun Today podcast. Hit me up and let me know what you guys thought of the short story Ball and Chain. Again, to read the updated version of that story and how it evolved after going through the professional editing process, check out my short story collection Melted Cold, which you can find on Amazon or check out via my website spunsuday.com build books again, the title of that short story collection is Melted Cold. It is a story that I've contemplated Spoiler alert. Writing a part two for and just following that crazy serial killer to different states and seeing what iterations her appetite for killing takes. So in my mind, potentially a part two to that story within a future short story collection. And just a reminder before I let you find Folks, Go Please check out the new Spun Today shop by visiting spun.com and clicking on the shop menu item up on top where you'll find an array of T shirts and hoodies. Nice quality embroidered hoodies, tank tops, the official Spun Today notebook in a ton of different colors, the official Spun Today coffee mug also in a bunch of different colors with the Spun Today logo on it on one side and the catchphrase on the other, which is start taking steps in the general direction of your dreams and much, much more.
Tony Ortiz [00:47:20]:
Again, that's spun today.com and click on the shop menu item at the top of the website. Thank each and every one for taking the time to listen to the show. It is much appreciated. Here are a few additional ways you can help support the podcast in any way that you choose. You know, check you guys out next time. Peace.
Tony Ortiz [00:47:42]:
What's up folks?
Spun Today Support Promotion [00:47:43]:
Tony here. I hope you're enjoying the Spun Today podcast as much as I enjoy producing it for you. Here are a few ways you can.
Tony Ortiz [00:47:50]:
Help support the show.
Spun Today Support Promotion [00:47:52]:
For my fellow writers and creatives out there, a really cool way you can.
Tony Ortiz [00:47:56]:
Help support the show is by going.
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To spuntoday.com support and clicking on the ProWritingAid banner. If you're a listener of the show, you know that I use prowritingaid to pre edit all of my writing before.
Tony Ortiz [00:48:08]:
I put it out or before I.
Spun Today Support Promotion [00:48:10]:
Ship it off to my editor so that it is in as pristine condition as I can probably get it. ProWritingAid offers a great toolkit that helps you polish your work with easy to use grammar checks and writing assistant that also looks into things like pacing improvements, typos, punctuations, and much more. Go to spunter.com forward/support, click on the banner for prowritingaid and check out their free option as well as their different tiers of paid options. Spuntery.com/forward/support A great way for my fellow writers and creatives out there to help support this show is by going to spunterday.com support and clicking on the Mock Up Shots banner. When I first started writing and putting out content content, I wanted to think of creative ways to help market my books. So I would take my own pictures, place the books in different places, take it to the beach with me, put it out in the snow, and I'd wind up with a couple good usable images and a bunch more mediocre ones. And also in the case of the snow example, a completely soggy book. Then I found Mock Up Shots in one click, Mockup Shots turns your book cover into thousands of images, videos, graphics and more.
Spun Today Support Promotion [00:49:27]:
If you follow me on social it's what I use to promote my books. You can check them out on Instagram at Spun today to take a look at the professional creative quality of what Mockup Shots has to offer. And now for my listeners, you can get unlimited lifetime access to the largest instant book mockup archive for 50% off off. That's right, that's 50% off and you can use it for any books that you currently have available or any books that you will write in the future. I highly recommend it. It's a great marketing tool. Go to spunter.com support and click on the banner for Mock Up Shots to claim your 50% off discount. You can also support by checking out my writing.
Spun Today Support Promotion [00:50:10]:
Go to spunter.com forward/freewriting here. Here you'll find a collection of freely written thoughts which is intended to be a cathartic, meditative practice for myself, but also winds up doubling up as motivation and inspiration for myself and others. You can also go to spunteray.com shortstories to check out my latest short stories and also listen to the free audiobook versions of those stories. You can also support my writing by going to spun Monthstuddy.com books and check out what I have available for sale. Currently available is Make Way for your, which is a collection of tips for getting out of your own way. It's a great read for my fellow writers or creatives out there. Also available is Fractale, which is my debut time travel novel, and last but certainly not least, Melted Cold, which is a collection of short stories. Each of the books are available in all digital formats for your Kindle or Ibook or any other e reader, as well as paperback and hardcover options.
Spun Today Support Promotion [00:51:19]:
Again, go to spuntery.com books and I'd love to hear what you chose to check out as well as your thoughts after reading spun today.com books if you're.
Tony Ortiz [00:51:30]:
A fellow creative, a cool way that you can help support the Spun Today Podcast and actually be part of the podcast is by filling out my five question questionnaire located@spun2date.com questionnaire.
Tony Ortiz [00:51:42]:
Here you'll find the five open questions.
Tony Ortiz [00:51:44]:
Related to your craft, your art, what inspires you to create, what type of unrelated hobbies you're into, and what motivates you to get your work done. You can choose to remain anonymous or plug your website and your work, and once you submit your questionnaire, I read your responses on a future episode of the Sponsor Day Podcast. It's completely free at no cost to you. And what I like to say about it is that if your responses could potentially spark inspiration in someone else, why not share that Spun Today.com questionnaire? And as always folks, substitute the mysticism with hard work and start taking steps in the general direction of your dreams.
Spun Today Support Promotion [00:52:24]:
Thanks for listening.
Tony Ortiz [00:52:39]:
I love you Aiden. I love you Daddy. I love you Grayson. I love you Daddy.