Between Love and Murder

by Chris Bedell

  I snickered. “Doubtful. You just don’t go from being in love with Tommy to being in love with me.”

  “Don’t flatter yourself.”

  “You were devastated when I rejected you on the first day of school,” I said.

  She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “You’re right—I was disappointed. But that doesn’t mean I hurt Tommy.”

  “One way or another, I’m gonna find out the truth.”

  “If you ever cared about me, then you’ll leave the issue alone,” Mallory said.

  “I don’t think so—not this time.”

  “What happened to you?” she asked.

  Mallory should’ve known better than to ask her question. After everything Mallory did to me, she couldn’t plead stupidity. No thanks. She’d have better luck with tricking a five-year-old into giving her their candy.

  “You happened to me. Playing these twisted games doesn’t make us friends—it makes us enemies.”

  “I’ll do anything. Just leave it alone,” Mallory said.

  “Nope.”

  “I’ll apologize for what I did. It wasn’t nice of me, and you deserved better.”

  “Just empty words,” I said.

  THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2018

  Gravel crunched under my car tires.

  My ignition’s clunky sound halted when I took my keys out. Then, I exited my car and locked it. I couldn’t be too careful—not when I was on a mission.

  Traveling to Tommy’s lake house after school—about an hour outside of town—was my only option. Even if it meant jimmying the lock with a bobby pin. If I wanted answers about what happened to Tommy, then going to one of the last places he was before disappearing proved my best bet.

  Except I didn’t count on the neighbor’s front door opening, revealing a bald man with a cane stepping onto the front porch.

  His lips twitched. “You aren’t a member of the Drake family.”

  Crap. Bitching about the universe always being after me meant I should’ve anticipated something going wrong. If I didn’t do something soon, I’d be in trouble—and I couldn’t have that. Being arrested for trespassing wasn’t my first choice of college essay topics. No thanks. I didn’t deserve a criminal record.

  The man folded his arms. “Answer my question.”

  “I don’t mean any harm.”

  “Give me one good reason not to call the cops. You could be trying to rob the Drake house.”

  I snarled. “I’m not.”

  “Fine. Then spill it.”

  “I’m here to find answers about Tommy.”

  He rubbed his mustache. “Yeah, I heard about him on the news. What do you wanna know about him?”

  “Something doesn’t add up.”

  He chuckled. “What do you mean?”

  “I’m not convinced that he’s just another bored, runaway teen. Especially because his girlfriend isn’t innocent.”

  The wind whistled, sending a chill through the air. Yet another reminder how fall was winding down and winter’s blistering vengeance would arrive before I could count to ten. Like with frost-tinted windows and the acrid stench of smoke drifting through the air from people’s wood burning stoves.

  His eyes lit up. “I remember her. What a temperamental girl, which was kind of odd for the day after a holiday.”

  “Would you mind taking a look at something.” I pulled up an image of Mallory on my iPhone. Then, I handed my phone to the man after shuffling towards his porch. “Is the girl you’re talking about?”

  My current formality was one I wouldn’t apologize for. If I wanted to accuse Mallory of something, then I had to be sure. Nothing like resembling the emperor with no clothes. No thanks—I had to keep my reputation intact.

  He pushed his glasses up his nose, then studied the picture. “Yes, that was her.”

  “What were they arguing about?” I asked, taking my phone back.

  “I’m sorry, but I wasn’t paying too much attention to their conversation—I was trying to listen to my morning radio program.”

  “Anything you can tell?”

  He exhaled. “Their argument must’ve been pretty awful. She screamed at him in the driveway before they left.”

  “Thank you so much.”

  “Don’t mention it.”

  “One more thing. Please don’t tell anyone about this conversation,” I said.

  Yeah. I continued my formalness. I read enough mystery books to understand the importance of not leaving myself open to vulnerabilities. Not when there was no telling what Mallory would do if she knew I discovered this nugget of information.

  He didn’t fret. “Absolutely.”

  FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2018

  Wind slammed against my house, and the red glow from my alarm clock on the bed board revealed it was a couple minutes before 11:30 P.M.

  The weather interrupting my sleep wasn’t my biggest problem, though. Nope. The girl sitting next to me on my bed was why my arm hairs stood. I almost screamed when she clapped a hand over my mouth.

  “Don’t make this any worse than it has to be, because I don’t wanna hurt you,” Mallory said. “However, we need to get a few things straight.”

  I rolled my eyes.

  “I’ll remove my hand if you promise not make a scene and wake your mother,” Mallory said. “Can you do that?”

  Nodding was my only choice. Fighting with Mallory wasn’t worth it—not when my pulse hummed in my ears louder than it ever had before. No telling what Mallory was capable of if she snuck into my house.

  “Good,” Mallory said. “Anyway, I know you went to Tommy’s lake house the other day. But that’s the last time you’re gonna investigate Tommy’s death. Do you understand me?”

  Creepy. Mallory actually did it. She hadn’t just entered my home past bedtime, she followed me. So, yeah. That burning sensation in my throat the first day of school this year wasn’t far-fetched. She was better at stalking than anyone realized—especially if I hadn’t realized she tracked me.

  “Whatever you say,” I replied.

  “I’m serious, Chad.”

  “Fine. I promise to let go of my suspicions.”

  She bit one of her nails. “Good, because I’d hate to see anything bad happen to you.”

  Mallory could make all the threats she wanted, yet I wouldn’t abandon my search. She didn’t have a monopoly on devious behavior. If she was so concerned about what I’d discover, then I was closer to the truth than I realized.

  So, yeah. I had no problem cracking a smile. Let her think she won this round. Then, my eventual victory would be even sweeter—the worst defeats were the ones people didn’t see coming.

  AFTER

  WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2019

  “Do you think I’m making a mistake by considering a guilty plea?” Mallory asked.

  I continued sitting next to Mallory on her bed while moonlight trickled into her bedroom. Forgetting about my scheming with Gemma wouldn’t happen anytime soon—not when Mallory wouldn’t have been in her current predicament if it wasn’t for us. The amount of guilt I’d feel remained to be seen, though. Not punishing myself would’ve been the smart thing to do if I wanted to enjoy my happily ever after with Archie.

  She furrowed her eyebrows. “Well?”

  “I can’t tell you what to do—it’s your life, not mine. Besides, you saved me,” I said.

  Mallory squeezed my hand. “I’d do it again. Tommy had no right to threaten you.”

  “But now you might be going to prison.”

  “Thank goodness for Kelly—I don’t know what I would’ve done if it wasn’t for Kelly.”

  A lump lingered in my throat. “Seriously?”

  “I would’ve cracked if it wasn’t for her. But no. She insisted on how I don’t know anything, and Tommy and I just had a toxic breakup.”

  “Was your diary incriminating?” I asked.

  “How did you know about my diary?”

  Shit. If I wanted to get away with my alliance with G
emma, then I needed to be more discreet. I’d have to think of a quick response if I didn’t want my plan unraveling.

  “I was there in the hallway when the detectives searched your locker,” I said.

  She slapped her cheek. “Duh. I’m such an idiot.”

  My pulse stopped echoing in my ears.

  Wow. The universe was on my side for once. I wouldn’t have known what I’d do if Mallory hadn’t believed my defense. So, yeah. If I continued being careful, then Gemma and I might get away with everything.

  “Don’t be too hard on yourself—you might lose everything because of me,” I said.

  “Confessing would solve all of our problems. But to answer your question, no. I stopped writing in my diary after discovering Tommy and Gemma in bed together.”

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  “Then you won’t have to worry about whether I’ll ruin your relationship with Archie.”

  Funny thing for Mallory to say. Some people wouldn’t have been so bold with joking about past drama. Denial was always easier than facing the truth—even if the situation involved an enemy.

  I frowned “I’m not concerned—Archie and I are stable.”

  “Even with Andrea back in town?”

  “It’s gonna take more than his horny sister to ruin our relationship.”

  “I admire your confidence.” Mallory bit her nail. “There’s one thing that I could do.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “An insanity plea.”

  The “I don’t know” response sometimes proved accurate. It remained to be seen if Mallory going to a mental institution instead of prison would ruin everything Gemma and I planned. Residing in a sanitarium still meant she was locked away. Just not in the way we might’ve preferred. If the situation reversed itself, then I wouldn’t have hesitated about choosing between prison and a mental hospital. The 1800’s were a long time ago, and I’d rather have drool on my chin, than always glancing over my shoulders in fear of being raped.

  “Why? Do you think the DA would try you as an adult?” I asked.

  Mallory shrugged. “I’m not sure, although I can’t take the risk. And I’m sure my lawyer wouldn’t have mentioned the possibility if he didn’t think it was worth it.”

  I snickered. “I can’t believe Kelly got Dave Morrison—he’s one of the best defense attorneys in the state.”

  “Yeah.” She pushed a chunk of her hair to the side. “He hasn’t lost a case in over two decades.”

  “It probably doesn’t seem like it now, but your life is gonna be okay,” I said.

  Her head dropped. “One thing bothers me.”

  Maybe, just maybe, Mallory’s therapy turned her into a better person. The old Mallory would’ve lashed out at me for telling her what to think or for being too positive. But no. She hadn’t even winced at my response.

  “And what’s that?” I asked.

  “How the diary, gun, and flash drive got in my locker. Gemma must’ve broken into my home—I just know it.”

  “You don’t know that.”

  “Please don’t defend Gemma—she’s a terrible person and can go to Hell.”

  “My therapy appointments could help support my insanity defense,” Mallory touted.

  “That’s true.”

  “I’m sorry to complain—this situation just sucks.”

  I forced a laugh. “One good thing came from this.”

  “And what’s that?”

  “Kelly making arrangements for you to do your assignments from home.”

  Mallory straightened the bed comforter. “Only because I’d rather die than leave the house.”

  Kelly knocked on the door. “I don’t mean to be a buzzkill, but you should leave, Chad. Mallory needs to start her assignments.”

  “Can’t I have five more minutes with Chad?” Mallory pleaded. “Rebecca and Dan haven’t even stopped by to check on me.”

  Kelly folded her arms. “Trust me. I’m doing you a favor.”

  Ouch. If I didn’t know better, then I would’ve thought Kelly’s comment was a jab at me. And that wasn’t fair. No matter how unpleasant helping me might’ve been, I hadn’t been mean to Kelly. I just made her to do something she didn’t wanna to do, and she’d have less sleepless nights once she got her inheritance.

  I rose. “It’s fine; I’ll go.”

  “Smart guy,” Kelly said.

  “You don’t have to leave, Chad,” Mallory said.

  “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine,” I said.

  FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

  Gemma tapped my shoulder while I stood by my locker, getting everything I needed for my morning classes.

  “Excited for the weekend?” I asked.

  “Not when Mallory remains free.”

  “But she’s a person of interest.”

  “Not enough,” Mallory said. “I just don’t want her to suffer. I wanna witness her eternal damnation.”

  Yikes. Threatening someone and following through with it were two different things, yet I couldn’t shake the contempt in Gemma’s eyes. Almost like she’d never be able to sleep again if Mallory went unpunished—there was no telling what she’d be capable of if she didn’t get her way.

  “I gave everything I had,” I said. “It’s not my fault if the police need more than circumstantial evidence to arrest her.”

  She bit her lip. “You’re right, and I’m sorry. I just need to keep the faith.”

  “You could say that again. Increasing the police’s suspicion in Mallory is a good thing,” I said.

  “I’m sure the police will find something eventually.”

  “How have you been doing?”

  Gemma glared at me. “What do you mean?”

  “I’m not an idiot—the police must’ve talked to you in light of the evidence that we planted. People don’t just sweep incest under the rug.”

  She yanked her backpack strap. “Everything is fine. My mom is just making me go to counseling.”

  Wow. Gemma deserved to win some sort of an award. I wouldn’t have had such a calm demeanor if I had an incestuous affair exposed. There was humiliation and then there was live-in-your-bedroom-for-the-rest-of-your-life disappointment. Gemma’s parents couldn’t have been happy about uncovering the truth regarding Tommy and Gemma. Incest didn’t have a positive spin no matter how optimistic someone was.

  “You aren’t worried about being thrown in foster care or something?” I asked.

  “I might or might not have threatened the detectives.”

  “I’m impressed,” I said.

  “No need for praise—I did what needed to be done.”

  “She’s considering an insanity plea to make her life easier.”

  “How do you know?” Gemma asked.

  “I visited her Wednesday night.”

  “Not sure that’s the best idea. You might end up feeling guilty.”

  “I can handle myself.”

  “Whatever you say.” Gemma remained silent for a moment. “Anyway, I wouldn’t be mad about Mallory going to a sanitarium.”

  Interesting. I would’ve suspected Gemma would be furious if Mallory wasn’t locked away for the rest of her life. Then again, Gemma might’ve been that desperate about wanting Mallory gone. So, she might’ve welcomed anything that banished Mallory.

  I raised my eyebrows. “Really?”

  “Mallory just needs to disappear at this point.”

  Okay. Good to know I still had a future as a psychic. I could always count on my intuition no matter how unpredictable life was.

  “Good to know,” I said.

  Footsteps shuffled, getting louder with each passing moment. Then, Archie scowled at me. “What’s going on, babe?” he asked before kissing me.

  “Gemma and I were discussing an assignment,” I said.

  Gemma didn’t blink. “I was confused about something, but I get it now.”

  “Whatever,” Archie said.

  Perhaps gullible behavior was contagious. Fir
st Mallory believed the diary excuse and now Archie bought my explanation for why Gemma and I were talking.

  MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2019

  I closed my textbook and notebook while sitting at a table in back of the cafeteria during one of my free periods. Then, I stuffed them into my backpack.

  Archie accosted me. “We need to talk.”

  Fantastic. He just said the one thing every teenager dreamed of hearing, and I couldn’t wait to hear what he had to say.

  “What’s up?” I asked.

  He threw a gaze towards an adjacent hallway. “Not here.”

  “Everything okay?” I asked once we stepped into the hallway.

  “I kept thinking about your conversation with Gemma.”

  Shit. This conversation couldn’t have been headed in the direction I thought it was. Even the universe couldn’t have been that cruel on a Monday morning.

  “I explained that to you. We were talking about a homework assignment,” I said.

  “I’ve seen you chatting with Gemma several times over the last few weeks.” Archie sucked in a breath. “And I know what happened.”

  “You do?”

  Yeah. If Archie was gonna make an accusation, then he had to actually say it. I wouldn’t make the situation any easier for him. Not when my relationship might’ve been seconds away from unraveling.

  “At first, I suspected Gemma of planting those things in Mallory’s locker—Mallory might be vindictive but she’s not stupid,” Archie said. “But I think she had help.”

  “What’s your point?” I asked.

  “You helped her, didn’t you? You knew about Mallory’s diary entry about uncovering Tommy and Gemma’s affair in addition to how Kelly put the gun and flash drive in her safe.”

  Fuck it. Maybe trying something unexpected was what would save my relationship with Archie.

  My nostrils flared. “Congratulations, you’re right. I teamed up with Gemma.”

  Several students walked by while Archie remained silent, and I couldn’t wait for the next thing out of Archie’s mouth.

  “You better have a good explanation for your behavior,” he said.