CHAPTER 65

 

8:45 p.m.

Rita and Father Pete shuffled lazily around the miniature dance floor, barely noticing that the mariachi band had stopped playing. The effects of just one drink on Rita were noticeable, and she leaned heavily against the priest, who had a high tolerance for alcohol. What Rita didn’t realize was that while she was visiting the Ladies Room, Richter had slipped a dose of Rohypnol into her second drink. He had never used drugs before—but tonight was different. Realizing that he couldn’t take any chances, he talked a local junkie into getting the drug for him, in exchange for salvation—and two crisp twenty-dollar bills. Now, the “date rape” drug was taking full effect, and he knew he had to move fast.

“I really think we should be getting you home, don’t you think?” said Richter, his heart pounding in anticipation.

“My place or yours?” giggled Rita. Her tongue was thick with the effects of the Rohypnol, and the words came out slurred.

“Well, actually, I thought I’d just see you home—what with my…uh…situation and all,” said Richter.

“Let’s just have one more eensie-weensie drink,” slurred Rita. “I promise I won’t tell.” Richter had all he could do to contain himself. He ordered two more Margaritas, paid the tab when they arrived, and left Bob a hefty tip. He downed his drink in one swallow, and waited patiently while Rita slowly sipped hers. Can’t rush, he thought. God, I wish she’d hurry up.

Five minutes later he helped her out the front door. Anyone watching the couple would have thought they had known each other for years. The sky was clear, and the temperature had dropped appreciably. Rita snuggled against Richter, in an effort to get warm, and he waived at several passing taxis, before successfully stopping one with an illuminated vacant sign. He gave the Middle Eastern driver Rita’s address, and relaxed back into the seat alongside Valdez, who was nearly asleep.

In a little while, the cab pulled to the curb in front of Rita’s apartment building. Richter shook Valdez gently, “Hey, Rita, we’re home.”

“Wha—?” Cobwebs filled her head from the brief sleep in the taxi, along with the effects of the Rohypnol and the alcohol from the Margaritas. Richter paid the driver, and helped Rita from the vehicle. Together, they wobbled up the stairs to her apartment. He waited while Rita fumbled in her purse for her house keys.

“Oh, shit,” she said. “I forgot my hat.”

Oh great, thought Richter. He could imagine what would happen if they went back to the bar now. She’d sober up, and probably change her mind. It was early, and he still had big plans for the rest of the evening.

“So, get it tomorrow.” His mind was racing madly. “Tell you what,” he offered. “I’ll pick it up tomorrow, and drop it off to you.”

“You promise?”

“Yes, yes. I promise. You have my word as a gentleman.” He couldn’t resist giggling at the absurdity of it all. “If I don’t get it, I’ll give you mine.”

“I don’t want yours,” she pouted. “I want mine.”

“I promise, I’ll get it.”

“Okay. But, if you don’t—”

“Hey, what is this? Our first fight?” he laughed. Just like all the rest, he thought. Why do they always have to make it so hard?

“I’m sorry,” she said, her voice barely a whisper. “I didn’t mean to be a ball buster,” she sighed. The drug was working rapidly.

There was no time to waste, thought Richter. He laughed nervously to himself. He wasn’t sure how to act. He had never done it like this before. It had never been planned; it had just happened. Women made him so damned uncomfortable. Christ, now what do I do?

Rita unlocked the door, and stumbled through the opening. The light was blinking on her answering machine, but she didn’t bother checking her messages. “I’ll just make us some coffee,” she offered. Those drinks had really been strong, she thought. I’ve just got to wake up.

Richter was shocked—no, elated would best describe what he felt – at how well things were progressing. It was too good to be true. He squeezed his eyes shut tight, then opened them again. Everything was still just like it was a second ago. Rita was just standing there, looking fantastic, waiting for him to close the door. So he did. And when he did, his hand brushed across her breast, causing her to stiffen. Oh God, now I’ve done it. He hesitated, then feeling a need to do something – anything – he kissed her hard on the mouth. She gasped for breath, and broke free.

“Hey,” she said, “That’s not supposed to happen. You were just going to see me home, and—”

“And do what, just be a good boy and go home?” said Richter, a hint of angry sarcasm in his voice. He grabbed Rita, and kissed her again – hard enough to cut her lip.

“Hey!” she shouted. “What the hell are you doing?”

Rita turned on the light.

Oh shit, said a voice in Richter’s head. Now I really screwed it up. And then, another voice sounded from deep within the recesses of his mind—a much louder one this time. You’re already screwed, Jack—you might as well enjoy it!

“Yes, yes, I know it,” he whispered back. “I will. I promise.”

Rita looked at him with a puzzled expression. “What did you say?” she asked.

You don’t owe her any explanations, Jack, said the voice in Richter’s head. She’s just a cunt—like all the rest. Tell her nothing!

“Look, Father, I think you better leave – before this gets really out of hand.” Rita turned on the light, caught the wild look in his eyes, and realized it was already too late. Suddenly, she was more frightened than she had ever been in her life.

“You’re just like all the others!” shouted Richter. Without warning, he slammed his fist into Rita’s face, knocking her to the floor; she tasted blood inside her mouth. A second punch, an uppercut, caught her under her chin, and knocked out a tooth. She felt as if she might lose consciousness; her head was swimming. Richter stood over her, his hands at his sides. Rita’s service revolver was inside her purse on the table by the door. If she could only reach it, she might have a chance. But, before she could make a move, Richter reached down and yanked her to her feet by her hair. He was incredibly strong, and she knew that her only chance was to convince him that she wasn’t a threat.

She never got the chance.