Unwritten Lives: Path To Destiny

by Amy Shannon

8

  ALEXIS smoothed out her black skirt as she exited her cell. Walter placed the handcuffs on her wrists. “Are you ready for this?” he whispered.

  “It’s been over five months. I just want to get it over with,” she frowned. “But, thank you for asking.”

  “Let’s go, Garris,” he laughed. He took her arm and led her down the corridor.

  Alexis shuddered, as the metal gates slammed shut behind them. Walter helped her into the Sheriff’s car and sat in the front seat. “Oh, you’re coming with me?”

  “Yes, I’m your personal guard, well, at least until you’re released,” he smiled. “I’m sorry, but Officer Capshaw will be driving us.”

  “Capshaw?” she asked as the officer sat in the driver’s seat.

  “Ready, Garris?” he asked.

  “Yes, sir,” she stared out the window as they drove to the courthouse. Alexis could see the mobs of people and reporters congregated outside the courthouse. “Oh, god. Do I have to go through all of that?”

  “No, Garris. We’re taking you in the back way. You won’t see a reporter until you’re set free,” Capshaw replied.

  “As if I will be,” she muttered.

  “Alexis, don’t worry. Just tell the truth. That’s all you have to do,” Walter comforted.

  “That’s what’ll get me in trouble. I’ll tell the truth. I’ve nothing to hide, I think,” she whispered.

  Officer Capshaw parked the car in the parking garage. He and Walter took Alexis’ arms and led her inside the courtroom. Alexis scanned the faces as she walked to the defendant’s table. She smiled when she saw Emily and Tony.

  As she took her seat, Emily and Tony placed their hands on her shoulder. “You’ll be fine,” Emily whispered and Tony nodded.

  As Alexis stared at the empty judge’s bench, she heard a familiar throat clearing from behind her. She turned around slightly. Greg was sitting in the last row. His brown eyes were still soft as he looked at her, but the rest of his face showed no emotion. His tall, thin body was positioned to look directly at her, but there was still no emotion. She wanted to say something, but how can you apologize for killing a man’s wife?

  She turned away and put her head down. John and Jason walked over to her and sat down.

  “Alexis, everything’s going to be fine. Just do what I said. The prosecution will present their case first and then we’ll present ours. I want you to testify last,” John said.

  “What else do we have, John?” She sighed. “I was the only one there.”

  “I’ve a list of character witnesses, for both you and Matthew. We need to show them what kind of man Matthew was. He didn’t deserve to die.”

  “Neither did John and Mary,” she sobbed lightly.

  “I know. John’s sister and Mary’s parents are here. They support you, honey,” John reassured her.

  “Do they? They don’t hate me?”

  “Look at their faces,” Jason said.

  Alexis turned towards their families, and smiled slightly. “It’s OK, Lex,” John’s sister, Lena replied. “We’re here for you.”

  “Thank you,” Alexis turned back around as the bailiff announced the judge’s arrival.

  Alexis sat through days and days of testimony as the prosecution accused the heiress of being a cold-blooded killer. He accused her of being as cold-blooded as the victim herself.

  Alexis tried not to show any emotion. She knew that, yes, she killed Amanda, but she was NOT like her in anyway. Alexis tried to make eye contact with Greg, but he just stared right through her. Greg was on the list to testify against her, but the prosecution never called him to the stand.

  After two weeks, John started to present his case. He placed character witnesses on the stand to testify about how great Matthew, John, and Mary were. Even the Governor testified about the loss of his number one bodyguard.

  Alexis cried several times as she relived happy moments and memories through the testimony that was given. On day four, the witnesses called were there to testify for Alexis’ character. On the cross-examination, the prosecutor tried to depict her as a spoiled, rich kid who took whatever she could. He brought up her past with police officers and revealed his theory that she thought she could get away with it if she slept with the right man, the right officer.

  “Will the defense call their next witness?” the judge said.

  “Your honor,” John started. “I’d like to request a short recess before I call the defendant to the stand.”

  “So granted,” The judge slammed down his gavel. “Ten minute recess.”

  The courtroom cleared out and John looked into Alexis’ eyes. “Are you ready for this?”

  “I guess,” she sighed.

  “Remember what we talked about,” Jason said. “Just answer John’s questions.”

  “I will.”

  “Just remain calm. If you need to cry, just sob, and wipe the tears from your eyes, just always continue on.”

  “I will, John.”

  “Alexis, don’t lose your cool. Even when the prosecution questions you, don’t lose control. Don’t get defensive.”

  “I won’t. John, I’ll just tell the truth.”

  “Good,” he touched her hand.

  “All rise,” the bailiff said. “The honorable Judge Helmsman, presiding.”

  “Please, be seated.”

  “Mr. Abrams, please call your next witness,” The judge ordered.

  “Yes, your honor. I call the defendant, Alexis Rossi Garris to the stand.”

  Alexis slowly stood from her chair and walked over to the witness stand.

  The bailiff stood in front of her. “Please raise your right hand,” he ordered and she complied. “Do you swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you god?”

  “I do,” she sat down.

  John took a deep breath and slowly approached Alexis. “Please state your full name for the record.”

  “Alexis Rossi Garris,” Alexis said as her eyes met Jason’s for reassurance.

  “Mrs. Garris, how long were you married to the victim, Matthew Garris?”

  “Six years,” she smiled slightly.

  “Mrs. Garris. On the night in question, you were injured, weren’t you?”

  “Yes, sir. I was.”

  “What was the extent of your injuries?”

  “I was stabbed in the back. I’ve had several surgeries, but not all the damage was repaired.”

  “Mrs. Garris, what was a consequence of your injuries?”

  “I lost a child. I was a few weeks pregnant when I was stabbed.”

  “Did you know that you were pregnant at the time?”

  “No, sir. I did not.”

  “So, this child would’ve been another heir to the Rossi Estate?”

  “Objection,” The prosecutor stood up. “Inconsequential.”

  “Sustained. Counselor, ask another question.”

  “OK, Mrs. Garris, let’s try this, another way,” he paused. “I’d like for you to tell me, in your own words, the events of the entire day leading up to and including the death of Amanda Shapone.”

  “Yes, sir,” Alexis said. “May I have some water first please?”

  John walked over and handed her a glass of water. “Do you need a moment?”

  “No, I’m fine, thank you,” Alexis sighed. Her eyes caught Walter’s as he stood at the back of the courtroom. He smiled and nodded at her. I can do this. I have to do this. I need to pay for this. “Well, um, Matthew and I woke up really early that morning. Greg was scheduled to pick us up at five AM in his camper.”

  “Um, you mean, Mr. Shapone, the victim’s husband?”

  “Yes, sir,” she nodded. “He finally showed up at around six. He was always late,” she smiled slightly. She took a deep breath and relived the memories of that day in her head as she described them to the jury.

  “It’s about time, you got here,” Matthew said.

  “Sorry, Matthew, running a little late this morning,” Greg sai
d.

  “It’s OK. Where are John and Mary?” Alexis asked.

  “Where else? They’re making out in the back of the camper,” Amanda laughed.

  “Oh, boy, another one of those kind of trips,” Matthew laughed as he loaded the tent in the storage compartment. “Let’s get going.”

  Matthew took Alexis’ hand as he helped her inside the camper. He put his arm around her and kissed her cheek. After Greg started driving, Mary and John came out of the bedroom of the camper. “Oh, we stopped?” Mary asked.

  “Well, not anymore,” Alexis laughed.

  “Oh, I guess we didn’t notice,” John said as he kissed Mary.

  “So, the honeymoon’s never really over, is it?” Matthew asked John.

  “No way. As long as I have Mary by my side, it’ll never be over,” John pulled Mary into a kiss.

  Matthew touched Alexis’ face. “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em,” he kissed her tenderly and ran his hands down her back.

  Greg pulled into the campsite and opened up the back door. “Oh, am I interrupting anything?” He laughed slightly.

  “Um, no,” Alexis said. “Are we there yet?”

  “Yes, we are,” Amanda said. “Let’s get set up so that we can relax the rest of the day.”

  Matthew and John pulled their tents out and set them up. Mary and Alexis watched as they fought with the tents. They both laughed when the tents were finally standing straight. “Oh, wow,” Alexis said. “How will we know which one is whose?”

  “What do you mean?” Greg asked.

  “We bought the same tent as John and Mary,” Alexis laughed.

  “Great minds,” John said as he kissed Alexis’ cheek. “Lex, don’t worry about it. It’s fine.”

  “Yeah. Just don’t climb in between us in the middle of the night,” Matthew said.

  “Hey, I thought we shared everything,” John laughed.

  “You may have known my wife a lot longer, but she’s mine,” Matthew laughed.

  Alexis just shook her head and smiled. “OK, boys. You all have fun. Us girls are going for a walk. We expect this campsite to be set by the time we got back.”

  Alexis wiped the tears from her eyes as she paused.

  “Alexis, can you continue?” John asked.

  “Yes, I’m sorry,” she took a sip of her water. “When we got back from our walk, everything was all set up and ready for us. Matthew, John, and Greg even had some food and coffee waiting for us when we arrived,” she smiled.

  “Coffee? For us?” Mary asked in shock.

  “Before you drink that, who made it?” Alexis asked.

  “I did,” Greg said proudly.

  “Oh, good. If Matthew made it, I wouldn’t have drank it,” Alexis laughed.

  “Hey, I make good coffee,” Matthew defended.

  “Maybe good enough for a Marine, but not real people,” Mary joked.

  Amanda sat in silence as she watched them laugh and joke around. Greg sat next to her and put his arm around her. “You know, Mandy, it’s OK to have some fun.”

  “Are you sure, Greg? I don’t want to get in the way or anything,” she replied.

  Alexis and Mary looked at her and shook their heads. “Amanda, let’s go for a swim. Let’s all go for a swim,” Mary offered.

  The six of them headed out to the lake and started to dive in the cool water. Alexis swam for a little while and then sat on the shore. A short time later, Greg came over and joined her.

  Alexis watched as Matthew and John splashed each other. She smiled.

  “Alexis, are you OK?” Greg asked.

  “Yeah. I’m fine,” she sighed. “It’s just so peaceful here.”

  “I wanted to talk to you about something,” he said.

  “Greg, we talked about it the other day. It’s done with.”

  “I just wanted to apologize for the way that I did it. If I scared you, I’m sorry,” he patted her bare leg. “I have to admit that, yes, I do love you, but I respect the love you and Matthew have.”

  Alexis laid her head on his shoulder. “It’s fine, honey. Greg, you know that I love you. You’re one of my closest friends, but I love Matthew,” she smiled.

  “I know, sweetheart. I couldn’t help myself. I wanted to tell you. I know how you are about honesty. I figured one day you’d see right through me.”

  “I can see it when I look in your eyes, but you have Amanda and I have Matthew. That’s the way it is. I love Matthew with all my heart. He’s the first man I really loved.”

  He kissed her mouth. “I understand. Just so you know I’ll always be here for you.”

  “I know,” she smiled as Matthew walked up to them.

  “Is this guy hitting on you again?” He laughed.

  “Of course,” she flirted.

  He scooped her up and kissed her. He carried her back to the campsite and sat her in front of the fire. “So, what you and Greg really discussing?” he asked.

  “Matthew, you have nothing to worry about. He just thinks that he’s in love with me,” she smiled.

  “Should I be jealous?”

  “No, baby. I only love you. I hope you know that. Don’t you?” She kissed him softly on the mouth.

  “Yes, Love, I do.”

  The group soon joined them and they sat in front of the fire for a while.

  Alexis took a sip of her water and glanced in Greg’s direction. His eyes were sad, but she didn’t know the exact reason. “Um,” she cleared her throat. “After a few hours,” she continued her testimony. “Amanda and Greg decided to go off for a walk together,” she took a deep breath and sighed.

  Matthew, John, Mary, and Alexis sat by the fire as Greg and Amanda wandered off into the woods.

  “Do you think he really loves her?” Mary asked.

  “I don’t know,” Alexis responded.

  “Why?” Matthew asked.

  “I don’t know. He seems to have complete control over her. She can’t even get the mail without his permission.”

  “I guess he can be a little controlling, but he means well. If she doesn’t mind it, who are we to judge?” Alexis said.

  “I guess you’re right,” Mary said.

  “Well, maybe they’re like us, but only behind closed doors,” John raised his eyebrows up and down.

  Mary leaned over and kissed him. “Who knows? We don’t mind showing our love in public. They seem to hide theirs.”

  Loud voices started getting closer to the site. “Oh, god. Here we go. World war three. The Shapones are at it again,” Matthew said.

  “Well, we’re going to head in. We’ve some loving of our own to do,” John grabbed Mary’s hand as he led her into the tent.

  “Um, John?” Alexis started to say.

  Matthew shook his head. “Don’t worry about it. They can sleep in our tent tonight. We’ll just take theirs. I don’t think they’ll even realize it.”

  Alexis leaned over and kissed him tenderly. “So, what should we do?”

  “Let’s go for a walk. Hopefully, the war will have calmed down by the time we get back,” Matthew helped her stand and led her into the woods.

  Tears streamed down Alexis’ face. She tried to wipe them quickly. “John, I need a moment, please.”

  John looked up at the judge. “Your honor, may we have a short recess?”

  The judge looked at his watch and then at Alexis. “Mrs. Garris, do you mind picking this up tomorrow? It’s getting kind of late.”

  “No, sir, that’s fine,” Alexis took her seat at the table and held her head as she cried. “I’m sorry, John. I can’t help it.”

  “It’s quite all right, honey,” John hugged her gently. “Try and get some sleep tonight. Tomorrow will be a long, hard day.”

  “I know. I’ll try,” Alexis stood up as Walter approached her. “Go ahead, cuff me.”

  9

  ALEXIS sat on the edge of her cot and sobbed. Walter came in and sat next to her. “Alexis, you did really well.”

  “It’s going to b
e so hard tomorrow,” she continued to cry.

  “Do you care yet?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Do you care what happens to you?”

  “No, Walter, I don’t. After tomorrow’s testimony, you’ll know why.”

  “What about Matthew, John, and Mary? Don’t they count?”

  “Of course they do. They count because it’s my fault that they’re all dead. Amanda killed them because she, well, she thought they were Matthew and me. She hated me. Matthew just got in the way, and she killed him.”

  “Alexis, don’t do that on the stand.”

  “Do what?”

  “Elaborate on what you think happened or why you think things happened. Just state facts.”

  “They’re going to destroy me when the prosecution gets a hold of me.”

  “Just tell the truth. That’s all you can do.”

  Alexis spent the night staring at the ceiling of her cell. Walter came in the next morning after she got dressed and took her to the courthouse.

  Alexis sat down and waited for John and Jason to arrive. Emily placed her hand on Alexis’ shoulder. “Are you going to be all right?” she asked.

  “Today will be hard. Em, if you can’t hear about it, I’ll understand if you want to leave.”

  “Not a chance. Alexis, you never told me exactly what happened. I need to know about my brother. I loved him so much. I need to know about his last moments,” she sobbed lightly as Tony wrapped his arms around her.

  Tony looked at Alexis. “Just do what’s right. My wife needs to be able to put her brother to rest.”

  “I promise. I’ll tell the truth,” Alexis took a deep breath and waited for the trial to start.

  “Your honor, I call Alexis Garris back to the witness stand,” John said.

  Alexis slowly took the stand. She noticed that Greg was just walking in as she sat down. Her eyes pleaded with forgiveness from him, but he just stared blankly. She took a deep breath.

  “Alexis, are you ready to begin?” John asked.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Yesterday, you left off in your testimony when you and your husband, Matthew Garris, went for a walk.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Will you please continue from there?”

  “Yes, sir,” she nodded slightly.

  Alexis and Matthew came out of the woods and back to the campsite. “Amanda! What the hell’s going on?” Alexis yelled.

  Amanda, covered in blood, stared coldly at them. “You? You’re not dead.”

  “What are you talking about? What did you do?” Matthew screamed. He ran over to their tent and looked inside. “Oh, god, Amanda, what did you do?”

  “You’re not dead, you bitch!” Amanda muttered.

  Alexis slowly walked over to Matthew and looked in the tent. “Why? You killed them? Why did you kill them?”

  “You were supposed to be in there. Why didn’t you go in there?” Amanda cried calmly.

  “Amanda, calm down. Just look at me and calm down, please,” Matthew pleaded with her. “What happened?”

  “Her!” She pointed to Alexis. “My husband’s in love with her!”

  “That’s not true, Mandy. Come on you know that Greg loves you,” Matthew said.

  “No, Matthew. They have us all fooled. They’re going off together. I know. Greg loves her. Well, he can’t have her. He’s not going to have her. I’ll kill her first. I swear, Matthew, I’ll kill her first.”

  “No, come on, Amanda. You don’t need to hurt anyone else. Let’s talk about this. Where’s Greg? He’ll straighten this out.”

  “Amanda, I don’t love Greg. I love Matthew,” Alexis cried.

  “You’re going to die. I wish Greg was here to see it but he’s in the woods. You’re about to die,” Amanda raised the butcher knife in the air and stabbed at Alexis. Matthew pushed Alexis out of the way and was hit in the chest.

  “Matthew!” Alexis screamed. “Oh, god, Matthew. No. No, baby,” she held Matthew in her arms. “Stay with me, Love. Please don’t leave me,” she cried.

  Matthew looked up at Alexis. “Love, know that I love you. I’ll always be with you,” he smiled slightly. “I do love you,” he reached up slowly and touched her face. “Love,” his arm lowered to the ground as he took his last breath.

  “No, Matthew. Please come back. Don’t leave me. You promised you would never leave me,” she cried as she held his lifeless body.

  Alexis looked up at Amanda, who just stared at her. “You killed him!” She screamed. “You killed my Matthew!”

  Amanda raised the knife and plunged it into Alexis’ back as she held Matthew’s body.

  Alexis buried her face in her hands. “I-I-I need a minute,” she wiped the tears from her eyes and her voice shook. She held her face for a few minutes and then nodded to John.

  “Alexis, do you know what happened next?” John asked.

  “The next thing I remember is waking up. The police were there with Greg and Amanda was dead.”

  “Alexis, did you kill Amanda Shapone?”

  “Yes, sir. I believe that I did.”

  “Do you remember killing Amanda Shapone?”

  “No, sir. I don’t remember anything from when she stabbed me to the time I woke up.”

  “How do you know that you killed Amanda?”

  “The police told me I did. I had to have done it. I was the only one there.”

  “Alexis, when you opened the tent, before Matthew was killed, what did you find?”

  “John and Mary. Their bodies were butchered. There was so much blood. If I didn’t know it was them, I would’ve never recognized, um, recognized them,” she sobbed.

  “Alexis, for the record again, did Amanda Shapone tell you who she wanted to kill?”

  “Yes, sir. She wanted to kill me.”

  “What was the reason that she gave?”

  “She said that her husband was in love me,” she wiped her tears.

  “No further questions,” John sat down.

  Alexis looked up at the judge. “Your honor, May I have a few minutes before the cross-examination, please?”

  “Yes, Mrs. Garris. Take your seat. Counselors approach the bench please.”

  Alexis sat down at the defense table while John joined the prosecution at the judge’s bench.

  John came back to the table and took her hand. “You did really well, Alexis.”

  “John, I can’t get that out of my head. Matthew’s really gone,” she sobbed.

  “I know, honey. But Amanda Shapone will never, ever hurt anyone again.”

  “He died protecting me. I don’t deserve it,” she cried harder. “I don’t deserve anything, anymore.”

  “Alexis, get a hold of yourself. You have to get through the cross-examination. Please, they’re going to throw your past in your face. Please, just tell the truth. Don’t elaborate, just facts.”

  “I know, Walter already told me how to handle them.”

  “Walter?” John asked.

  “I mean, Officer Wheeler.”

  “Alexis, you didn’t?” Jason asked.

  “No, Jason. No. I didn’t. We didn’t. He’s just a nice man. That’s all,” she lied.

  “Good. Are you ready?” John asked her.

  “Yes.”

  “My client’s ready for the cross-examination now,” John stood up.

  “Mrs. Garris, please take the stand and remember that you’re still under oath.”

  Alexis nodded as she sat down.

  Mr. Martin, the prosecutor stood up. “Mrs. Garris, again, how long were you married to Matthew Garris?”

  “Six years.”

  “How long did you date him before you were married?”

  “Um, about seven, eight months.”

  “I see,” he looked at his notebook. “Mrs. Garris, have you ever dated a police officer before?”

  “Objection!” John stood up.

  “Overruled. Go on, Mr. Martin. Please answer the question, Mrs. Garris.”


  “Yes, I have.”

  “How many?”

  “Objection!” John stood up again. “What does her previous personal life have to do with the case?”

  “Your honor, I’ll make my point shortly,” Mr. Martin said.

  “Overruled. Continue.”

  “Six. I’ve dated six police officers.”

  “Weren’t they Pennsylvania State Troopers?”

  “Yes, sir. They were. But that was a long—”

  “Mrs. Garris, who were the police officers that arrived at the crime scene?”

  “I think there were State Troopers and local PD. I don’t really remember.”

  “You don’t remember much, do you?”

  “Objection!” John stood up.

  “Withdrawn!” Mr. Martin spat. “Mrs. Garris, it seems you have a history with police officers. A sexual history,” he smiled. “Since this incident, have you slept with any more police officers?”

  Alexis’ eyes met Walter’s. “No, sir. The last time that I slept with a police officer was eight years ago,” she sighed.

  “Have you slept with anyone since your husband died?”

  “Objection!” John stood up.

  “Withdrawn,” Mr. Martin said. “Mrs. Garris, when you were in the hospital recovering from your wounds, were you interviewed by the police?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Do you remember the officer’s name?”

  “Yes, sir. It was Sergeant Eric Thompson.”

  “Did you know Officer Thompson, previously?”

  “Yes, sir. We had dated years ago.”

  “Did you ask him to cover for you?”

  “Excuse me, sir?”

  “Did you ask Officer Thompson to help you in this matter? Cover it up for you?”

  “No, sir. Why don’t you ask him that? He’ll tell you the same thing,” she jumped up from her chair.

  “Please, sit down, Mrs. Garris,” The judge ordered.

  “Yes, sir. I’m sorry, your honor.”

  “Mrs. Garris, Officer Thompson was killed in the line of duty shortly after questioning you. His report was never filed.”

  “I didn’t kill him,” she muttered.

  “Did I ask you that?” Mr. Martin said.

  “No, sir. I didn’t know that he died. I’m sorry about that,” she sighed heavily.

  “Mrs. Garris, why did you leave the hospital against doctor’s orders?”

  “I had to say good-bye.”

  “Good-bye to whom?”

  “Matthew. I needed to say good-bye. He was my husband. I needed to say good-bye.”

  “Mrs. Garris, earlier you admitted that you killed Amanda Shapone.”

  “Yes, I did.”

  “But you state that you don’t remember.”

  “No, sir, I don’t remember. She killed John, Mary, and Matthew.”

  “You beat her head in with a cast iron pan from the fire and yet, you don’t remember? You hit her twenty times in the head. You hit her even after she was dead, and you can’t remember?”

  “No, sir. I don’t remember,” she started to cry. “She killed my friends and she killed my Matthew. I don’t remember. Damn it! I don’t remember, but YES, I’M GLAD THAT SHE’S DEAD!” Alexis stopped. “She killed the only man I ever loved. She killed my Matthew and she took our lives away from us.”

  “Don’t you think that you should pay for your crime?”

  “Mr. Martin. Yes, I do. And I’m paying for my crime. I’ll never forget what happened that night. I’ll never forget what she did or why I did what I did. Yes, she’s dead, but so is my Matthew.”

  “Your honor, I’ve no further questions for this witness,” Mr. Martin sat down.

  “Mr. Abrams, do you wish to redirect?”

  “No, sir.”

  “Mrs. Garris, you may take your seat?”

  Alexis sat down next to John.

  “Mr. Abrams, do you have any more witnesses?”

  “No, sir. The defense rests.”

  He banged the gavel down. “Closing arguments tomorrow at nine AM.”

  Commotion filled the courtroom. “John, I’m sorry,” Alexis cried.

  “You told the truth. That’s all that matters. I’m sorry that I didn’t know about the Officer.”

  “That’s OK. The past always haunts you, no matter what. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Alexis stood up as Walter cuffed her.

  He led her back to the cell and locked the door. He smiled at her as she laid down. “Good night, Walter,” she whispered.

  “Good night, Alexis.”

  10

  WALTER led her into the empty courtroom. She sat down at the table and looked up at him. “Why are we here so early?” she asked.

  “Alexis, I just figured you needed some time without the bars.”

  “Thanks, Walter. I appreciate it.”

  “No, Alexis. Thank you. You didn’t say a word.”

  “Walter, I’d never do anything to hurt you. I’ll never say a word about it,” she laid her head on the table. “Thank you for the silence.”

  “I’ll be over by the door if you need me,” he walked away.

  She closed her eyes and let the tears stream down her face.

  “I have to go, Em. Please, I have to say good-bye.”

  “Alexis, you’re still recuperating. You could die,” Emily pleaded with her.

  “Em, I need to say good-bye to my husband,” Alexis cried.

  “OK. I did bring you some clothes. Alexis, what if you get caught?”

  “I don’t care. I’m not hiding. I’m going to a funeral. I need to see my Matthew,” she stared at the rings on her finger. “Em, please take these, though.”

  “Your rings? No, I can’t.”

  “Please, make sure Matthew gets them. I don’t know if I’ll be able to do it. Please, he needs them. They’re better off with him.”

  “But you keep everything he ever gave you,” Emily cried.

  “Em, if I go to jail or prison, I can’t take them with me. Please, give them to Matthew. He’ll keep them safe, forever,” Alexis cried as she slipped them off her finger and handed them to Emily. “Take care of them, please.”

  “I will,” Emily hugged her. “Let’s go say good-bye.”

  Alexis stood over Matthew’s casket and cried. She gently touched his face and kissed him on his cold, lifeless mouth. “Oh, baby. I can’t live without you. You promised me you wouldn’t die. It’s not fair. You left me. You swore that you’d never leave,” she cried harder. “I love you, Matthew. I’ll always love you,” she dropped to her knees as she clutched onto the casket. “No, Matthew, no.”

  “Alexis Garris?” A voice said from behind her. She didn’t respond, she continued to hold on to the casket.

  “Alexis Garris? You’re under arrest,” he said.

  She turned slowly towards the voice. “Not here, please,” she whispered.

  “You need to go back to the hospital,” the officer said.

  “Please, I need to say good-bye,” she looked at him. “Jack? Is that you?”

  “Yes, Alexis. It’s me,” he smiled softly. “I’m sorry, but I have to place you under arrest.”

  “Can we do this outside? Please, Jack? I’m burying my husband today.”

  “Of course. Please come with me,” he took her hand and led her outside of the funeral home. “I’m sorry, Alexis. But I have to place you under arrest and bring you back to the hospital until you’re ready to go to jail.”

  “What’s the charge, Jack?”

  “Manslaughter. Alexis Garris, you’re under arrest for the murder of Amanda Shapone. You have the right to an attorney, if you cannot afford one, one will be appointed for you. You have the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. Do you understand these rights?”

  “Yes, Jack. I knew it would happen eventually. Please, just take me back to the hospital.”

  “I’m sorry, Alexis.”

  “Jack, don’t worry abo
ut it. I’m sorry for anything I’ve ever done to hurt you. Please, take me back to the hospital.”

  “Alexis, are you all right?” John asked.

  She lifted her head up. “Yeah, John, fine. Just thinking about Matthew’s funeral.”

  “I’m surprised that they didn’t ask you about Officer Jack Theisen.”

  “Yeah, me, too. But he’s still alive, so his story probably matches mine. Jack’s a good cop and a good man.”

  “Alexis, this is almost over,” John touched her hand.

  “Good. I can’t handle much more.”

  “I did talk to a Mark Dix yesterday.”

  “Oh, really?”

  “Yeah. I guess Emily hired them. They didn’t find anything new either.”

  “That’s OK. There’s nothing to find,” Alexis sighed. “So, what happens after closing arguments?”

  “Mr. Martin will do his first and then I’ll do mine. After that, the case goes to the jury, and then we just wait until a verdict comes in,” John explained.

  “What’s a good time frame for the jury?”

  “I don’t know. You can never really tell,” Jason sighed.

  The courtroom started to fill up with people and reporters. Alexis watched as Greg entered and sat down. He put his head down and refused to look at her. She knew at that moment, that he didn’t love her anymore. In fact, he hated her. But who could blame him.

  “All rise,” the bailiff said as the judge entered the courtroom. “Please be seated.”

  “Mr. Martin, are you ready for your closing arguments?”

  “Yes, your honor,” he stood up and walked over in front of the jury box. “Ladies and gentlemen, here you have Alexis Rossi-Garris, a woman who murdered another woman in cold blood. Yes, Amanda Shapone killed her husband and two best friends, but Alexis took matters into her own hands. No, she took justice into her own hands. She slammed a cast iron pan into Amanda’s head, twenty times. Self-defense, I think not. It was the second blow that caused the death of Amanda Shapone.”

  He took a sip of water and continued. “Alexis Garris has a history, a very intimate history with police officers. She figured that she could hide her guilt by using her influence with them to not file charges. She was wrong. Dead wrong. Even her money couldn’t buy her out of this one. Do what you think is right. Find Alexis Rossi Garris guilty of Manslaughter in the first degree. Thank you.”

  Mr. Martin took his seat and smiled at John. “All yours,” he whispered.

  John stood up and walked over to the jury. “Ladies and Gentlemen, on a warm, summer’s day, Alexis, Matthew, John, Amanda, Mary, and Greg went camping. Six of them arrived, however, only two of them left. Amanda Shapone took it upon herself to try and kill my client, Alexis Garris. In her psychotic mind, she butchered John and Mary Reardon, only because they made the mistake of sleeping in the wrong tent. The intended victim was Alexis Garris. Autopsy reports show that John woke up during his wife’s attack. He witnessed the brutal death of his beloved wife, before he, himself, was killed.”

  John took a deep breath and continued. “When Matthew tried to protect his wife, he was killed. He died in his wife’s arms. My client was stabbed. Of course, she retaliated, in order to save her own life. She just found out what horrible things that Mrs. Shapone was capable of. If Amanda Shapone were alive today, she’d be sitting in that chair over there,” he pointed to Alexis. “And, we would be trying her for at least four counts of murder one.”

  He paused and took a deep breath. “Yes, years prior to marrying Matthew Garris, Alexis had several relationships. Yes, six of them were police officers. So? Alexis was not with those officers because she knew that eight or nine years later, her husband would be murdered, or even that her friends would be murdered by a close friend who wanted to kill her. She could not predict that she’d be standing trial for a murder that happened because she tried to save her life. If her intent was to kill Amanda, she would NOT have waited until her husband was dead. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a clear case of self-defense. What would you have done, if it happened to you? Thank you,” John took his seat.

  The judge looked at the jury. “You may now go into the other room for your deliberations,” The twelve jurors walked quietly out of the room. “This court’s in recess until the jury reaches a verdict.”

  Alexis took a deep breath. “John, do I have to go back to my cell?”

  “No, why don’t we wait here at least until the end of the day. If there’s no verdict, you can go back at five.”

  She hugged him. “Thank you, John. I know that I’ve been giving you more problems in the past six months than I have, ever in my life,” she looked at Jason. “I’m sorry. Jason, I just want to go to prison and have it over with.”

  Jason looked into her eyes. “Alexis, you’re not going to prison.”

  “But I killed a woman,” she sobbed.

  “Alexis, I know. I wish I could’ve proved otherwise, but, honey, you don’t need the rest of your life taken away because of this.”

  “Jason, the minute Matthew’s hand dropped, my life was taken away. Matthew was my life.”

  “Alexis, I know Matthew. He’d want you to be happy. I understand your grief’s so deep, and, no, it won’t ever go away. But you can’t let the grief lead your life.”

  “Jason, it doesn’t matter anymore.”

  “Yes, Alexis, it does. And when you’re out of here, when you’re free, you need to stay focused on the future. You can’t go back to the past.”

  “Jason, I don’t know what you mean.”

  “Alexis, I’m talking about your past before Matthew. Please, don’t self-destruct. I know what you do when you’re in pain. You need to find some other way to deal with it.”

  “Jason, I can only take life one day at a time. I can’t promise anything other than that.”

  Jason kissed her cheek. “We’re going to grab something to eat. Officer Wheeler will stay here with you,” John motioned to Walter.

  Walter stood behind her as she laid her head on the table. A few minutes later, the door opened. “Um, excuse me, officer? Can I speak with Mrs. Garris please?” A man asked.

  Alexis turned around. “Mr. Dix?” She looked up at Walter. “Can you just give us a minute?”

  Walter nodded and walked over to the door as Mark Dix approached her.

  “Mrs. Garris, I wanted to tell you that I’m sorry about our investigation. I thought for sure that something would’ve come out of it.”

  “Mr. Dix, don’t worry about it. You can’t prove otherwise, because I did it. I killed Amanda Shapone.”

  “Please, it’s Mark.”

  “Oh, well, call me Alexis,” she smiled. “Please, take a seat.”

  “I, well, we, my brother, Mike and I, wanted to help you. We knew your husband. He was a great man and a good friend. He used our services a lot. We did small investigations and things like that for his business.”

  “Oh, well, he was a good man. I’m glad that you got the chance to know him.”

  Mark smiled. “Yes, he did love the Marines, didn’t he?”

  Alexis laughed slightly. “Yeah, he really did.”

  “I’m sorry to bring it up. I don’t mean to upset you.”

  “Oh, please, no. I like hearing about Matthew. It’s really OK.”

  “Does his friend know? What’d he call him? JC?”

  “I don’t know. We, um, tried to contact him a few years ago, but he had left Arizona. I don’t know where he is.”

  “Oh, well, I’m sorry that we couldn’t help you. But I want you to know that if you ever, ever need our help, please feel free to call us. Alexis, Matthew was a really good friend. We’re so sorry for your loss,” he kissed her cheek and smiled. “Good luck,” he got up and left the courtroom.

  Alexis smiled as she wiped the oncoming tears. “Yes, he was a good man,” she gulped heavily as Walter walked back to her.

  “Are you all right?” He sat next to her.

  “No. But you kne
w that already.”

  He ran his hands lovingly up and down her back. “It’ll be OK.”

  John and Jason came running into the courtroom and Walter jumped up. “Alexis, the verdict’s in,” John said.

  “All ready? It’s been what? An hour?”

  “Forty-five minutes. I’m sorry. We got tied up with reporters outside. No time for lunch right now.”

  Commotion filled the courtroom and Alexis nervously ran her hand back and forth over her forehead.

  “All rise,” the bailiff said as the judge entered the room.

  He nodded to the bailiff and he let the jury enter the room.

  As the twelve jurors took their seats, anticipated silence filled the room. “Mr. Foreperson, have you reached a verdict?”

  “Yes, your honor,” The thin man stood up, eyes focused on his paper.

  “Will the defendant please rise?” The judge then looked at the jury. “Please hand the verdict to the bailiff.”

  The bailiff walked the paper over to the judge, he looked at it for a second and then handed it back. “Mr. Foreperson, please read the verdict.”

  “On the sole count of the indictment, Manslaughter in the first degree, we, the jury, find the defendant, Alexis Rossi Garris, Not Guilty.”

  Alexis collapsed in her chair “No, guilty,” she whispered. John held her tightly.

  Commotion filled the courtroom as reporters ran out into the corridor. Emily ran up to her and embraced her.

  “Em, they’re wrong,” she whispered.

  “No, Alexis, they’re not wrong.”

  “But…”

  “No, buts. I’m taking you home.”

  Alexis stood up and watched as Greg left the courtroom. She closed her eyes as tears streamed down her face. Walter smiled at her and waved. “Good-bye, Alexis,” he walked out of the courtroom.

  “But, where’s home, Em?”

  “I don’t know. Tonight, you can stay with us. We’ll figure out tomorrow, tomorrow.”

  “But, I’ve some things, personal things, in my cell,”

  John put his arm around her. “I’ll get them for you. Don’t worry. They’ll be sent to the house. You do have to eventually go there and decide what you want to do.”

  “Just not now.”

  Emily wrapped her arms around Alexis as they led her out of the courtroom.

  “How does it feel to get away with murder?” One reporter asked.

  Alexis walked as fast as she could through the crowd of reporters as they yelled questions at her.

  “So, money can buy freedom, can’t it? The heiress has been found not guilty,” another yelled.

  “No comment,” John said as he pushed them through the crowd.

  “So, what are you going to do now, Mrs. Garris? Find a cop, or just another Marine?” a third one yelled.

  Alexis turned around as anger filled her eyes. “I’ve something to say, so you all should shut up and listen! I don’t want you to miss this quote. My husband was brutally murdered. My two best friends were butchered. I’ll be in my own prison for the rest of my life. My money has always only been used to provide people jobs, home, or a safe place to go. Yes, I killed a woman, but she killed my husband. So quote that and get it right the first time,” she got into Emily’s car and slammed the door.

  11

  EMILY pulled up to the end of the driveway. Alexis slowly got out of the car and stared at her home. “Oh, Em, I don’t know how to walk in those doors.”

  “Just a couple of things, honey, before you go in,” she said.

  “What, Em? What’s wrong?”

  “With the exception of all the food, everything in the house is the same as you and Matthew left it.”

  “His truck and your car are still in the garage and everything’s the same,” Emily sighed. “We couldn’t go through your things.”

  “That’s OK. I have to do it. I don’t want to, but I have to,” Alexis looked at her. “I can do this, but I have to do it alone.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “Em, I don’t really know yet. I know that I can’t stay in Pennsylvania any longer. I have to move on. I don’t know who I am anymore. Matthew was the better part of me,” she smiled slightly. “I can do this. I’ll call you later.”

  “Are you sure, honey?”

  “Yeah, I’m sure,” Emily watched as Alexis walked down the long driveway to her home. Alexis opened the door as Emily drove away.

  Alexis took a deep breath before entering. “Here goes nothing.”

  She walked down the long entryway to the kitchen and looked around. She could still smell Matthew’s horrible coffee. He may have been a great cook, but his coffee was terrible. She imagined him standing behind the counter, singing as he prepared breakfast.

  Tears streamed down her face as her body shook. “No, I can do this,” she quickly wiped them away and walked out to the living room.

  She sat down on the sofa and scanned the room with her tear filled eyes. She stood up quickly and headed out to the garage. She stopped when she saw Matthew’s truck. She gently ran her fingertips over the truck. She opened the door and sat in the driver’s seat. She laid the seat back and took a deep breath. “Matthew, I can still smell you,” she closed her eyes as she ran her hands over the leather seats. “I can’t do this anymore. I have to get out of here. You’re everywhere. But, yet, you’re not really here.”

  She grabbed a few boxes from the corner of the garage and started going through Matthew’s truck. As she was cleaning, she noticed something on the floorboard. She picked up the bracelet that she gave him for his birthday. She clasped it in her hands and held it to her heart. “I’ll keep this for you, baby,” she put it in her pocket and continued her work until the truck was empty.

  She walked over to her car and pulled it in front of the house. She loaded a few boxes in the trunk.

  She grabbed a few more empty boxes and headed in the house. She quickly grabbed all of the photographs off of the mantel and placed them in the box. She grabbed a few books and albums and placed them in another box. She stared at the entertainment center and cautiously opened the door. She grabbed all of the videotapes and put them in the box.

  She was about to head to the bedroom, when there was a knock on the door. There stood Officer Capshaw.

  “Officer, what are you doing here?” Alexis asked. “Did I do something else wrong?”

  “No, Garris,” he smiled. “I wanted to bring your personal items to you. I-I also wanted to apologize for the way I treated you.”

  “Don’t worry about it. Why didn’t Officer Wheeler bring the stuff over?” she asked.

  He handed her the box. “He took a short leave. He said he needed a break. After all, he did work all those hours.”

  “Well, when you see him, will you tell him thank you for me?”

  “Yes, Garris, I will. Alexis, take care of yourself,” he extended his hand.

  “Thank you, sir,” she held the box as she watched him leave.

  She brought the box into the living room and went through it. She pulled out the book, William Shakespeare’s book of Sonnets, and ran her hand over the cover. “Thank you, Walter. Have a good life,” she whispered. She placed the book inside the box with her other books.

  She looked around the house. It now seemed so empty, though it was still full of furniture. She brought the boxes out to her car and came back into the house.

  She went into the office and sat behind the desk. She thumbed through the files on the desk. She picked up the phone. “Jason, it’s Alexis.”

  “What’s wrong? Where are you?”

  “Jason, I’m fine. I’m at the house. I’ll be leaving in a couple of days, but I have to finalize all the business stuff first.”

  “Do you want me to come over?”

  “Yes, please. I need all the reports. I think I know whose offer I’m going to accept for the Garris Engineering Foundation.”

  “Oh, OK. I’ll be there soon.”

 
; “Good,” Alexis hung up. She looked through the filing cabinets, pulled out a few important files, and placed them in a box. She turned on the computer and stared at it as it booted up. She watched as the screensaver of her and Matthew scrolled across the screen. She shook the mouse angrily to make it stop. She grabbed a few CDs and started burning the files to them and then she placed them in the box. As she was burning the last CD, Jason walked in.

  “Alexis, are you OK?”

  “Yes, Jason. I’m fine,” she said. “I’m just burning a few CDs. I really don’t know where I’m going, but I wanted to make sure that I have what I need with me. The rest of these files, I’d like for you to have stored them for me. You never know when I may need them.”

  Jason sat down in front of her. “Alexis, I brought the papers you wanted.”

  “Good. Jason, I need to talk to you about something.”

  “What is it?”

  She took a deep breath, pulled her hair back into a loose bun, and transformed herself into her business form. “I want six different accounts set up.”

  “Six? You already have ten,” John said.

  “Is the lawsuit over? Did Greg take the 10 million?”

  “Yes, Alexis, he did.”

  “What’s left?”

  He leaned back in the chair. “Well, there’s 30 from the estate.”

  “What else?”

  “Well, there’s Matthew’s insurance policy. That’s about two million. Whatever you get for the sale of the Engineering firm and then you still have the Gift Shop. About the Gift Shop, are you keeping it?”

  “Yeah, Emily needs something. She’s still my partner. She can run it. That’s one of the accounts I want set up. Emily can do what she wants with her profits. I want half of my profits sent to one account.”

  “What about the other half?”

  “I want a dummy insurance account set up. I want the funds dispersed monthly to John and Mary’s family. They can’t know that it comes from me.”

  “Understood. What amount do you want to start out with?”

  “Ten million.”

  “Ten million?”

  “Why should only Greg get something out of the deal?” She muttered. “I’m sorry, but, yes, I want that set up.”

  “What about the other accounts?”

  “I want two accounts set up for donations and things like that. I’m still going to help people, Jason.”

  “And the other two?”

  “Well, I want a checking account. Start out with about $600,000. I think I’m going to do some traveling. If I don’t have to touch it, I won’t. Believe me. I’m still going to work for my money.”

  “What’s the last account for, Alexis?”

  “The proceeds from the sale of Matthew’s, um, shop, as he called it,” she smiled slightly.

  “I’ll take care of this for you.”

  “Thanks, Jason,” she sighed heavily.

  “One more thing, Alexis.”

  “What is it?”

  “The Rossi Carpet Saver Incorporation.”

  “Jason, Alfred’s doing a great job. I was never into it very much, and I’m sorry about that. Mom loved that company. Just keep it as it is. Do me a favor. Sell my shares to the employees. Offer market price to anyone who wants them. Divide them up any way you feel necessary.”

  Jason stood up and opened his briefcase. “Um, Alexis, here’s the album. I completed it at the conclusion of your trial. Are you sure you want it?”

  “Yes, Jason,” she took the album and stared at the etched writing. “My Former life?”

  “Alexis, you need to find something for yourself now. Matthew’s gone. I’m not getting any younger. Your family’s gone. I want you to be happy. You need to get out there in the world and do what you have to make yourself happy. It’s time to write a new life for yourself,” he kissed her cheek.

  “I’ll try,” she sighed.

  “Alexis, just don’t self-destruct in the process.”

  “Jason, thank you for everything. I don’t know what I’d do with out you and Emily.”

  “She’s a good kid. I like her,” he smiled.

  “Take care of her while I’m gone, please.”

  “I will. When you leave, at least stay in touch with her. Remember, besides her husband, you’re all she has left, too.”

  “I know,” she stood up and hugged him. “Thanks, Jason, for being my dad.”

  He touched her face. “Just doing my job. I’ll always be right here for you. I’ll see you later.”

  “I’ll see you soon, I hope,” she leaned back in her chair and watched Jason leave the house. She stared at the album and placed it in the box. Now was not the time to open it.

  She picked up the phone as she looked at the number for the Welch Corporation. She took a deep breath. “Yes, this is Alexis Garris. I need to make an appointment with either Steven or Paul Welch. They made an offer on one of my companies and I’d like to discuss it.”

  “Oh, yes, Mrs. Garris,” the woman said. “Steven had a stop in New Jersey today, and tomorrow he’ll be in Pennsylvania for a few hours before he heads back to Arizona.”

  “Good. I’ll meet with him at anytime.”

  “I can set it up for nine A.M. He’ll be working out of the Hilton. They have a conference room and office set up for him there.”

  “Good. I’ll be there. Thank you very much,” she hung up the phone. She gathered the boxes and files and headed to her car.

  She knew that she had one last room to go through. She pulled her hair out of the bun and sighed. Slowly, she opened the bedroom door.

  “Come on, baby, wake up,” Alexis said as she rolled on top of Matthew.

  “What time is it?” he asked groggily.

  “Time to get up, baby,”

  “Why? It’s Saturday. Neither one of us have to work,” he tried to roll back over.

  “I never said anything about work,” she kissed him softly on the mouth.

  “Is this how all our mornings are going to be?”

  “Oh, yeah,” she kissed him again. “It’s been a week since we’ve been in our new home. I wanted to celebrate.”

  He held her tightly and kissed her. “I guess I could be persuaded to celebrate with you.”

  “You guess?” She kissed him softly and ran her hands down his chest. “How’s this for persuasion?”

  Alexis dropped on the bed and held Matthew’s pillow tightly. “Oh, baby. I can’t do this alone. I can’t live without you,” she cried. “I don’t want to live anymore,” she closed her eyes as the tears forcefully rolled from her eyes.

  12

  ALEXIS woke up still lying in her bed. She looked around the room, and realized that it wasn’t a dream. Matthew was still gone. He was still dead. She hugged his pillow tightly and tried to breathe in his scent.

  She sat up wearily and glanced at the clock. “Oh, god, six A.M,” she whispered. She dragged herself out of bed and headed for the bathroom.

  After she took her shower, she stared at the clothes in the clothes. There hung all of Matthew’s suits. She ran her hands over the fabric and then stopped. “No, I have to get ready. I have to get out of here.”

  She pulled out all of her clothes and laid them on the bed. She pulled out her business suit and got dressed. Then she packed the rest of her clothes in suitcases. She opened her dresser and pulled out her jewelry box. She opened the false bottom. She took out a small velvet box and placed Matthew’s bracelet carefully inside. She put the box back in the jewelry box. She packed that, along with some photographs, in the suitcases.

  She took the suitcases out to her car and went back in the house for one last look. She picked up the phone and called Jason. “Jason, it’s Alexis. I’m heading off to the Hilton to meet with Mr. Welch.”

  “Alexis, what time is it?”

  “I don’t know, about eight or so. After my meeting, I’m leaving. Put the house, truck, and furniture up for sale. Emily can take what she wants of Matthew’s and then
donate the rest. I can’t stay here anymore.”

  “I thought you weren’t leaving until tomorrow.”

  “Jason, I can’t stay here anymore. It was too long of a night here. I can’t do another one like that. I’ll drop the paperwork off at your office before I leave. I’ll see you soon.”

  Alexis walked outside. She closed and locked the door. She walked to the backyard and stared at the mountain view. “Good-bye, Matthew,” she whispered as she touched her chest.

  She slowly sat in her silver BMW and drove away, not looking back. She sat in the parking lot of the Hilton and stared at herself in the rearview mirror. She pulled her hair up and placed it in a loose bun. “Business time,” she whispered.

  She grabbed her briefcase and headed up the stairs of the hotel. She walked over to the front desk. “Yes, I’m here to see Mr. Steven Welch.”

  “Oh,” the desk clerk just stared at her. “Um, yes.”

  “Don’t stare at me! Just tell me where he is!”

  “He’s in the conference room down the hall over there. Are you sure he knows that you’re meeting with him.”

  She looked at his nametag. “Um, Carl, yes, Mr. Welch knows that I’m here. I wouldn’t give me any problems! If you do, I’ll buy this damn hotel just to fire your ass!” She stormed down the hall and shook her head.

  She carefully knocked on the door. “Um, Mr. Welch,” she walked in slowly. “I’m Alexis Garris.”

  He stood up, and ran his hands through his sandy hair. “Yes, Ms. Garris. I’m Steven Welch.”

  She smiled slightly. “Thank you for meeting with me on such short notice.”

  “Not a problem. I hear you want to accept our offer.”

  “Yes,” she shook his hand. “I’ll sell you the Garris Engineering Foundation on one condition.”

  “Which is what?” he asked as they both sat down.

  “All the current employees get to keep their jobs,” she crossed her long legs.

  “Ms. Garris, I’ve no intention of letting anyone lose their jobs,” he smiled.

  “Good. My husband worked very hard to build that firm. I don’t want anything to happen to it,” she sighed.

  “It won’t. I promise. Actually, my brother, Paul, will be handling that company. He’s out of the country right now, that’s why I’m taking care of this.”

  “Good. I’ve had a contract drawn up. We can sign this. My attorney, Jason Abrams, will complete the transactions. I’ll be leaving town right after this meeting.”

  Steven looked over the paperwork and signed his name. He handed the papers back to Alexis. “Looks like everything’s in order,” he smiled.

  She signed her name and stood up. “Thank you, Mr. Welch. It was good doing business with you,” she started to walk away. “I hope that we can do business again sometime.”

  “Me, too. Mrs. Garris, I heard about your trouble. I’m sorry about your husband.”

  “Thank you, sir. Have a safe trip home,” she said as she walked out.

  She headed to Jason’s office. She slowly walked down the corridor and all the employees stared at her. She shook her head as she opened Jason’s door. “Jason, here you go. Signed, sealed, and delivered. Mr. Welch just needs the account information. He’ll wire the money.”

  Jason stood up. “Alexis, are you sure you have to leave?”

  “Yeah, Jason,” she walked over and hugged him. “I do.”

  “Please, keep in touch.”

  “I will. Jason, any financial stuff, will you keep Emily updated on? I trust you with everything, even my life, but I’d feel better if more than one person knew what was going on.”

  “No problem. Are you going to see her?”

  “Yes, I’m headed to the Gift Shop now. No, I can’t walk in there. Will you call her and tell her that I’m on my way? Please, just have her wait outside.”

  “Yes, honey,” he hugged her. “Take care of yourself.”

  “Please tell John that I said good-bye and thank you. I promise. I’ll take care of myself,” Alexis walked the door and headed to the A&M gift shop.

  She slowly pulled across the street. There was no way she could ever walk in those doors again.

  Emily walked over to the car and Alexis got out. “Em, I’m sorry, but I have to leave.”

  “I understand. It’s OK, Alexis. I love you. Please, just let me know where you are.”

  “I will. Jason will keep you informed and share all the financial information. Em, I’ll only let you know where I am. Please, take care of things for me.”

  “Did you say good-bye to Matthew?”

  “No. I can’t go there,” she sighed. “Em, if I ever find a place to call home, I’ll bring him there. I just need to figure out what I’m going to do. I need to find myself again. Alexis Garris is dead.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “I don’t know. Right now, Jane Doe’s headed no where, fast,” Alexis hugged her. “Good-bye, Em,” she got back in the car and headed towards the highway.

  13

  Ohio

  AFTER driving for hours, she pulled into a small motel off an exit ramp in Ohio. She got a room and then changed her clothes.

  She walked out to the front desk. “Um, excuse me. Can you tell me where the nearest police station is?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” she smiled at her. “There’s one about twenty miles from here.”

  “Twenty miles?” She sighed heavily.

  “Yeah. Is there a problem?”

  “No, no problem,” Alexis started to turn away.

  “Ma’am, if you need any assistance, there’s a State Trooper that patrols the area. He stops by usually around six PM. He eats in the diner and then heads on his way. If it can wait, I’m sure he could help you.”

  Alexis smiled. “Six PM, huh? Thank you.”

  Alexis headed back to her room. “Hmmm, time for a change,” she whispered. She looked at herself in the mirror. “Good-bye, Alexis. Hello…” She thought for a moment, who? Who am I? She smiled. “Today, my name’s Jane,” she laughed.

  At around five-thirty, she headed to the diner. She sat at the booth closest to the door and waited. She had no idea what to expect, but she didn’t care anymore. She stared out the window and watched as the trooper’s car pulled in.

  An older man with graying hair adjusted his belt as he walked into the diner.

  She smiled as she watched him sit down. She gazed at his left hand, as she noticed that it was bare. She took a deep breath and walked over to him. “Um, excuse me, officer?” She smiled at him.

  “Yes, ma’am, can I help you?”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bother you. I’m sure that you get this all of the time, but I wanted to say that you’ve taken my breath away,” she smiled.

  “Ma’am?” He stood up. “Please, have a seat.”

  She sat down across from him. “I’m sorry. I don’t usually do this,” she flirted. “But when you walked in, I couldn’t help but notice you.”

  He smiled and took her hand. “Did you have something in mind?”

  “For the record, I’m not a prostitute or anything. I’m just passing through town, and, well, I saw you,” she smiled. “I’m Jane.”

  He looked at her. “I didn’t think anything of the sort. I do have to admit, at my age I don’t get hit on very often. Especially, in my uniform,” he blushed.

  “You don’t look old and the uniform, well, it was what drew me to you. I’m sorry. I guess I just have a minor thing for cops,” she licked her lips.

  “Jane,” he touched her face. “Just passing through town, huh?”

  “Yeah. I’m on my way to Detroit.”

  “How long are you going to be here?”

  “How long do you want me to stay?” She flirted. “I’m staying at that small motel across the street. Room 96. If you’re interested, please stop by,” she stood up and left the diner.

  He watched her leave and then walked quickly to her room. He knocked nervously. “May I come i
n?”

  She pulled him in the room and shut the door. She ran her hands over his chest and pulled off his badge. She held it in her hands as he had sex with her.

  He sat up and looked at her as she laid on the bed. “Jane, will you be around?”

  “No, Tom. I’m on my way to Detroit. But, thank you for tonight,” she smiled.

  He looked around. “Have you seen my badge?”

  “No, but if I find it, I’ll leave it at the station for you,” she stood up and wrapped the sheet around her. She kissed his cheek. “I’m sorry.”

  He touched her face and smiled. “Jane, or should I say, Alexis, I understand.”

  “Oh, you know who I am?” she whispered.

  “Followed the trial,” he smiled. “I understand what it’s like to need something. Good luck, if you’re ever back in town, please call me. Here’s my card,” he kissed her cheek and left the room.

  Alexis stared that the badge on the floor. “Can’t keep this,” she ran to the door and opened it. “Tom!” she yelled.

  He turned around and looked at her. “Badge?”

  “Yeah. Here you go.”

  He walked up to her and removed it slowly from her hands. “It’s OK,” he smiled.

  “I’m sorry,” she said.

  “Don’t worry about it,” he walked back towards the diner.

  She closed the door and laid on the bed, what the hell am I doing? She sat up quickly, forgetting. I just need to forget.

  The next morning she packed her car up and headed to Detroit. After driving almost six hours, she stopped at a local grocery store and picked up a few things, such as hair color.

  She felt as if someone was following her, but that’s just not possible. She looked around and there were only strangers behind her. Even when she looked at herself, she saw only a stranger.

  14

  Michigan

  SHE continued on to Detroit. She stopped at a rest area a few miles outside of the city. She went into the restroom and dyed her hair. “Red,” she smiled. “Maybe this time no one will recognize me,” she cried silently.

  She drove to the Hilton in downtown Detroit. She slowly walked up the stairs and headed over to the desk clerk. She waited in line and smiled at the back of the man in front of her. “Hmmm, not bad for a civilian,” she whispered.

  After he walked away, the desk clerk stopped him. “Um, Mr. O’Roark, you forgot your extra key.”

  He turned around and grabbed the key. “Thanks.”

  Alexis watched the man walk away. She shook her head slightly. “No, can’t be him,” she stood at the desk. “Yes, you have a reservation for Jane Gardner.”

  “Yes, ma’am. You’re in suite 1109,” he handed her the keys. “Enjoy your stay.”

  She smiled. “Thank you,” she said as she headed towards her room.

  She dropped down in the sofa and turned on the television. She stared at it as she flipped through the channels. She stood up quickly and gazed out the window. “Now what? What the hell do I do now?” She changed her clothes and headed down to the street.

  She turned around quickly, who’s following me? She wondered. I must be going crazy, she thought. She walked for a while until she found the local police station. She looked up and down the street and noticed O’Malley’s Bar and Pub across the way. She went inside and sat down at the bar.

  “Um, vodka, straight up, please,” she ordered.

  The bartender smiled and gave her the drink. “New in town?” he asked.

  “Yeah, you could say that.”

  “Oh, so, what do you think of Detroit so far?”

  “Actually, this is the first place I’ve been, except for the hotel. It’s so quiet in here.”

  He laughed. “They haven’t gotten off shift yet.”

  “They?”

  “The cops. Not to scare you, but this is a cop bar. If you’re looking for something other than hanging out with a bunch of cops, you don’t want to be here.”

  “Hmmm, cops? Really? Cops don’t bother me one bit,” she laughed.

  “Good. What’s your name?” He leaned on the bar.

  “Jane. Jane Gardner.”

  “Nice to meet you, Jane,” he shook her hand. “I’m Evan. Actually, it’s Detective Evan Jones,” he laughed.

  “You’re a cop and a bartender?” She touched his hand lightly.

  “Yeah. Well, I own the bar. I bartend during day, and I work the night shift at the precinct,” he bragged.

  “That’s so cool,” she leaned into his words.

  “You do look familiar. Do I know you?”

  “No, I’d definitely remember you,” she flirted as she noticed his empty ring finger.

  He smiled his crooked smile and ran his hands through his short, dark hair. “Jane, are you involved with anyone?”

  “No, I haven’t been involved with anyone in a long time. Why do you ask?”

  “I was wondering, well, since you’re new in town, well, I could show you around. Maybe take you to dinner or something.”

  “I’d like that,” she took a large sip of her drink. “I’m staying at the Hilton. Room 1109. I’d really like that.”

  “How about I pick you up around six tonight? I don’t have to work tonight.”

  “Sounds great. I’ll see you then,” she finished her drink and walked back towards the hotel. She noticed a few dress shops on her way and stopped in. She bought a few outfits and headed back to her hotel room.

  She showered and got dressed in her new short black dress. She opened the door when there was a knock at it. “You look nice,” she said.

  “You look really great,” Evan smiled.

  “Thanks, but can you do me a favor? Can you zip me up please?” She lifted her red hair as he zipped up her dress.

  “You really look great.”

  “Please, have a seat. I’ll be ready in a moment.”

  He sat down and smiled at her. “Jane, I have to tell you that I don’t normally pick up women that come into my bar, but there was something about you.”

  She sat next to him as she put on her shoes. “Evan, I’m not one to go out looking either. I do have to tell you something, though.”

  “What is it?”

  “Well, I’ve always been, well, attracted to a certain kind of man,” she flirted.

  “What kind?”

  “Cops,” she whispered.

  “Oh, really?” He leaned over and touched her face. “So, you like the fact that I’m a detective?”

  “Yeah. I’ve never been with a detective before. Where is your badge, anyway?”

  He smiled and took off his jacket. “On my belt, where it always is. On duty or off,” he smiled.

  She touched the silver badge that hung from his belt. “That’s very, very nice,” she whispered.

  “Jane,” he whispered. “Can I kiss you?”

  “I wish you would,” she pulled him close to her and he kissed her tenderly.

  He smiled. “Is this it?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Am I going to be a one-night stand for you?”

  “Do you want that?”

  He shook his head. “You’re very attractive. I’d like to spend more than one night with you.”

  “Well, I’m planning on staying in Detroit for a little while. Evan, I can’t commit to a relationship, but if you want to just have some fun for a while, I can do that,” she smiled.

  “I’d like that,” he took her hand. “Let’s get something to eat.”

  After dinner, she took him back to her room. She sat down on the sofa and draped her legs across his. “Are you sure you want to be here with me?”

  “Yes, Jane, I do,” he smiled. “I don’t want to be anywhere else.”

  “You know nothing about me, yet, you want to be here,” she touched his face.

  “I don’t need to know anything more than what you want to tell me. I know that your name’s not Jane, but that’s all I know.”

  “How do yo
u know my name’s not Jane?”

  “You don’t look like a Jane,” he smiled. “But it doesn’t matter.”

  “You’re a cop and it doesn’t matter? Aren’t you curious?”

  “Oh, well, curious? Yes, curious, but I don’t care. I just want to hold you and know that feeling of doing so,” he stood up and held her. “Can I? Please?”

  “Yes,” she whispered as she led him to the bedroom of the suite.

  He took off his suit jacket and laid her down on the bed. She ran her hands over his badge that hung from his belt and pulled him close to her.

  He slowly and carefully, removed her dress and lightly ran his fingers down her chest. He ran his hands down her back slightly and she shuttered when he touched her scar.

  “I’m sorry,” he whispered.

  “That’s OK,” she kissed him hard on the mouth.

  He kissed her all over, and slowly, he made love to her.

  The next morning, she rolled over and touched his face. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.

  He opened his eyes. “Don’t be sorry. I understand,” he smiled. “Are you saying good-bye?”

  “No, not if you don’t want me to.”

  “No, Jane, I don’t want to you leave. I’d like to see you again,” he sat up and started to get dressed. “I wouldn’t mind for this to happen again.”

  “It will,” she sighed. “Evan, thank you.”

  He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I have to work tonight. I go to the precinct right from the bar. Feel free to stop in later for a drink. I leave at five.”

  “Do you want to come here after your shift tonight?”

  “Why don’t you stop by the precinct at around ten tonight?” He smiled. “I’ll show you what I do. Maybe you’ll come up with another fantasy.”

  “I’ll see you at four,” she walked him to the door and closed it after he left.

  She went into the bathroom and stepped into the shower. “Oh, god, what am I doing?” she cried as the hot water streamed down her body. “Someone save me.”

  She got out of the shower and laid on the bed. She leaned over and picked up the phone.

  “A&M Gift shop, this is Emily.”

  “Em, it’s Alexis.”

  “Alexis, are you OK?”

  She started to cry. “No, I’m not OK. I don’t know what I’m doing.”

  “Honey, why don’t you just come home?”

  “I can’t. I can’t live there without Matthew,” she sighed. “I, I’m doing things, Em. I’m doing things I can’t help.”

  “Stay away from the cops, Alexis.”

  “How’d you know?”

  “Self-destruction. You know what’ll happen. You’re going to lose yourself in your fantasies. You can’t do that. You need to stay grounded. That way you know what’s real.”

  “He’s a nice cop, though. He’s a detective.”

  “Alexis, I can’t tell you what to do. Just don’t get into trouble, OK.”

  “Thanks, Em. I’ll talk to you soon.”

  Alexis hung up the phone and got dressed. She headed down to the lobby when she bumped into Mr. O’Roark. She looked at him for a minute. “Oh, I’m sorry.”

  He smiled softly and then kept walking. “No, problem, ma’am.”

  She decided to go out for a long walk. She needed to clear her head. Who’s following me? She had that feeling again. Someone’s following me.

  15

  ALEXIS stared out the window of her hotel room. Evan wrapped his arms around her. “Jane, are you all right?”

  “Evan, I’m sorry, but I need to leave Detroit now,” she looked at him with her sad eyes.

  “I know, you do. I’m sorry,” he kissed her cheek. “Jane, it’s OK. I knew this wouldn’t last, but I did enjoy myself.”

  “So did I. You helped me forget a few things,” she sat down on the sofa. “I’m sorry that I’m leaving.”

  “Jane, it’s OK. I know what you’re doing. It’s OK. I’m just glad that I could be here for a little while to help you.”

  “You did, Evan. You really did,” she sighed. “I still can’t shake this feeling about being followed. I know you must think I’m crazy.”

  “No, I don’t,” he touched her face. “You need something to protect yourself with.”

  “I can’t get a gun. Believe me, I can’t.”

  He smiled. “Yes, you can. Being a cop does have some perks. I know where you can get a clean one, no questions asked.”

  “I don’t even know how to shoot a gun.”

  “Don’t worry about it. You can get a .25 caliber and it’s so easy to shoot. I’ll show you,” he kissed her mouth. “Let’s go.”

  She followed him out to his car. “Evan, isn’t this illegal?”

  “Only if you get caught,” he laughed. “Don’t worry, Jane. I’m working undercover and I can get you a gun. We’ve been working on a gun ring. The guns are clean. So, don’t worry. I can get one for you.”

  “Evan, I don’t want you to risk your job for me.”

  “I’m retiring in one year. Don’t worry about me. I’m almost done being a cop.”

  He held the door for her as she got out. “Here?”

  “In back.”

  Alexis packed her suitcases and headed downstairs to the lobby. “I’m checking out today,” she said.

  “I hope you enjoyed your stay, here at the Hilton of Detroit,” the clerk said.

  “I did. Thank you very much,” she turned away. “Oh, did Mr. O’Roark check out all ready?”

  “Yes, ma’am, last month.”

  “OK, thank you,” she picked up her bags and headed out to her car. She sat behind the wheel and sighed as she started the car.

  16

  Chicago

  ALEXIS drove towards Chicago. She didn’t want to stop. She just decided to keep driving the twenty hours it would take her. She needed to find something, anything that would take her away from everything. No more, cops, Alexis. I can’t do the cop thing anymore. Time to start helping people again.

  She pulled into the parking garage of the Hilton of Chicago. She dragged herself to the front desk. “Yes, reservation for Garris,” she sighed.

  The clerk looked at her and smiled. “Yes, Ms. Garris, your room’s waiting for you.”

  “Thank you,” she smiled.

  “If you need anything to make your stay more comfortable, please let us know.”

  She looked at him. “You do know who I am, don’t you?”

  He smiled and nodded. “Yes, enjoy your stay. We also have the conference room available for you at anytime.”

  “Really?” She smiled. “Thank you. I’ve had a long drive, so please don’t let anyone disturb me until morning.”

  “We won’t. Have a nice rest.”

  Alexis followed the bellboy to her room, as he carried her bags.

  “Yes, Mr. O’Roark, your room’s ready for you. Follow me,” a man said behind her.

  Alexis turned around quickly, but no one was there. I must be going crazy.

  She entered her hotel room and dropped on the sofa. “Thank you,” she said to the bellboy. “Here you go,” she handed him a one hundred dollar bill.

  “Thank you, Ms. Garris,” he said as he closed the door.

  She closed her eyes and Matthew was there, so close that she could touch him. Oh, Matthew, god, I wish you were here. I need you to save me again. I can’t do this all by myself. I need you so much. She cried. She cried until she fell asleep. Her sleepy mind drifted back in time.

  “Alexis, where are you, Love?”

  “I’m unpacking, baby. What do you need?”

  He popped his head in the doorway. “You, Love, always you.”

  She smiled and pulled him into the room. “So, what do you think?”

  “About the room?” he asked.

  “No, about Chicago,” she asked.

  “Not bad for a city, I guess,” he kissed her cheek.

  “I know. I know it’s not what you’re used to, b
ut this is really important. Chicago Memorial really needs this ward. It’s for the children, you know.”

  He wrapped his arms around her. “Yes, Love, I know. I just don’t know why you had us fly out here.”

  “I like to see the progress they’re making on the wards. They should’ve already have patients there.”

  “I know. You’re so loving and kind, Love. These kids are lucky to have someone like you on their side.”

  “Yeah. I’m lucky to have someone like you on my side,” she pulled him on the bed. “We do have some time before I have to be at the hospital.”

  “Yes, we do.”

  Alexis sat up quickly and looked around the room. It was as empty as when she walked in the door. What the hell am I doing? I need to keep my mind focused.

  She pulled out the binders from her briefcase and thumbed through them. “Time to take a walk,” she pulled out the checkbook and stuffed it in her pocketbook. She looked in the mirror at her long, red hair.

  “No time to change now,” she muttered. She pulled her hair back into a bun and then walked out.

  She walked down the streets of Chicago with a purpose. As she walked several blocks, she stopped at the bottom of the steps of a large church. She took a deep breath and slowly approached the doors. She could hear organ music playing and the choir singing.

  She slowly walked down the aisle and sat down in a pew. She closed her eyes and listened to the children singing their hearts out. She placed her hand on her chest as tears streamed down her face.

  She jumped up when the priest placed his hand on her shoulder. “Ma’am, are you all right?”

  She looked up at him. “Yes, father. I’m fine,” she wiped the tears from her eyes.

  “Are you sure?”

  She stood up and looked into his caring eyes. “Father, I have to admit I haven’t been in church in a very, very long time.”

  “It’s OK, child. Would you like to talk?” He smiled at her.

  “I’d like that,” she followed him into his office.

  “Take a seat, um, what’s your name?”

  “Alexis,” she sighed. “Alexis Garris.”

  “Oh, I see.”

  She stood up quickly. “Sorry to bother you, father,” she headed towards the door.

  “No, please wait, Mrs. Garris. I was just a little surprised. I didn’t expect to see you in my church,” he said. “Please, take a seat.”

  She sat down slowly. “I didn’t mean to bother you. I really didn’t. I’m just looking for something.”

  “What are you looking for?”

  “Peace. I think peace,” she said sadly. “Father, if you know who I am, you must realize how broken I am.”

  “Why are you in Chicago?” he asked.

  “Honestly, I don’t know. I was here a few years ago, with, um, my husband,” she smiled solemnly. “I know that he’s gone and I have to live with that and a lot more. Father, I didn’t mean to kill anyone,” she stared to cry.

  “Alexis, only god knows what happened that day. I’m not about to judge you.”

  “Father, I feel like I’m missing something. I know that a piece is Matthew, but it’s like there’s something or someone out there, waiting for me and I keep missing it. I just don’t know what life has written for me anymore.”

  He sat next to her and put his hand on her shoulder. “Child, you need to look deep inside yourself. If you’re missing something, you’ll find it. I promise you, you’ll find it. Sometimes, it finds you when you least expect it.”

  She smiled. “Thank you, father,” she looked around the room. “Father, may I ask you something about the church?”

  “Anything.”

  “What kind of services do you provide?”

  “I’m not sure I understand.”

  “I mean, is there a daycare center, homeless shelter, food kitchen or anything like that here?”

  “I wish. Our church may be big on the outside, but inside it’s small. There’s no budget.”

  “But, father, I’ve seen the neighborhood. It looks like they could use your help.”

  “Yes, they could. I wish we could afford it.”

  “Father,” she reached into her pocketbook and grabbed her checkbook. “This is for the church,” she said as she wrote. “I’m donating it anonymously. You don’t need a murderer associated with a church. Just do whatever you think will help the community, please. That will give me some peace,” she handed him the check.

  He looked at the check and smiled in shock. “$100,000?” he asked. “But, Alexis—”

  “Father Lawrence, please. I only use my money in this way. This helps me get peace, but more importantly, it helps people who really need it,” she pulled a card out of her purse. “If you find that you need more to continue the projects, call Jason Abrams. He’s my attorney. He’ll handle the rest,” she stood up and shook his hand. “Thank you for your time, Father.”

  “Thank you, Alexis. And if you’re ever in Chicago, stop in anytime.”

  She smiled. “I’ll be here for a little while. I don’t know how long, just long enough to spend a little money like this,” she walked out.

  As she walked down the steps of the church, her heart felt a little bit better. She headed back towards the hotel. She approached the desk clerk. “Um, excuse me?”

  “Yes? What can I do for you?”

  “Could you provide me a list of homeless and battered women’s shelters in the area?”

  “You’d have to go to the police station for that,” she sputtered.

  “Is there a problem?” Alexis asked.

  “Yes, we don’t like murderers frequenting our hotels. How you got a reservation, is beyond me,” she snapped.

  “Listen, missy. I don’t need your crap right now. I’m in Chicago because I’m free, so get over it.”

  “Oh, please. You bought your way free.”

  “Maybe, maybe not. But you’re pretty dumb to get a killer pissed off. Who knows? You could be next,” Alexis spat.

  The woman took a step back. “Um, are you threatening me?”

  Alexis shook her head. “No, I’ll be back in a few minutes to check out. And, by the way, you can tell your boss, that I withdraw my donation to the hotel,” she stormed up to her room and began packing.

  A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door. She answered it. “Yes, can I help you?”

  “Um, Mrs. Garris? I heard that you were checking out,” the man said.

  “Who the hell are you?” She spat.

  “I’m Mr. Lyons, hotel concierge,” he extended his hand.

  She just looked at his hand and shook her head. “I’m checking out now. So, what do you want?”

  “I’d like to know why you’re leaving us so soon. You just checked in yesterday.”

  “Do you really want to know?”

  “Yes, ma’am, I do.”

  “First of all, don’t call me ma’am. Second of all, I asked your little desk clerk, Cheryl, where I could get a list of homeless shelters and such, and she insulted me.”

  “She did?”

  “Yes, sir. If you don’t want a murderer in your hotel, don’t accept my reservations. I didn’t pretend to be someone else.”

  “I’m terribly sorry about that.”

  She shrugged her shoulders. “Don’t worry about it. I’m used to it. That’s why I’m taking my money and checking out. I don’t need to be where I’m not wanted,” she picked up her suitcases. “Sir, I came to Chicago to help people. I know that there are a lot of shelters and things like that that could use the money for improvements. Everyone needs to eat, and a place to sleep. I see that I just came to the wrong hotel.”

  “Please, Mrs. Garris, don’t leave,” he begged.

  “Hmm, a beggar. Nice try. I’m outta here,” she stormed out down to the lobby. “Check me out, NOW!”