The Undertaking of Adam Novak

by Sofie Hern

  She spent many hours during the past few weeks pondering upon it. She admires how Adam handled everything with Aaron after Tianna’s death and with the accident. She thinks he’s amazingly sweet with Aaron and how he did everything to make sure he had the best care.

  She recalls their first kiss and how their tears blended together for their loss. Frank is being cold, distant, and doesn't understand what she’s going through, but Adam does. She decides to call him and talk to him as soon as she can and tell him how she feels.

  “Why didn't you tell me it was a gunshot?”

  Frank’s question takes her out of the trance and she turns to him, “Would you have gone if I told you?”

  He glances at her then back to the road. “Whatever they got going on back there is no longer your business. There’s a criminal on the loose who has beef with them and I'm not going to let you stay in harm's way.”

  She looks straight ahead, thinking that maybe he’s right, but she needs to stay in touch with Adam because… because she’s in love with him.

  “Fine,” she says and continues to look out the window.

  The desert looks endless and dark clouds gather above. Life feels different for her and she wonders if she’ll ever be the same. She doesn’t know who she is anymore and she blames Frank, who makes it difficult for her to process her grief.

  She wonders what Adam is doing and worries about him and Jaycob. She wants to check on them, but using her phone will turn into a grilling by Frank and she has no energy left in her for a fight. She’s angry with Frank for his lack of sympathy. Rita lost a dear friend, again, and Frank could care less.

  She’s dozing off when she feels the car stop and looks around. Only a rest stop.

  “Restroom?”

  She shakes her head.

  When he leaves, she takes out her phone and sends Adam a message.

  –Can we talk later?

  But there’s no reply and she puts her phone away. She closes her eyes, rests her head back and goes to sleep. Home is still two hours away.

  –

  When they’re home and after Frank has put the equipment in the garage, he walks in the room where Rita is sitting on the bed, untying her boots. He stands at the door and says, “Since it’s still early, I thought maybe we could go visit my folks. Mom said she made dinner.”

  She’s exhausted and only wants to be alone.

  “I think I’m just going to get some sleep. I’m exhausted.”

  “It’s only three o’clock.”

  She goes to put her boots in the closet. “You go ahead.”

  He rolls his eyes. “Here we go again,” he says and leaves the room.

  Rita hates conflict, but right now she doesn’t care. She’s not only exhausted but she’s hurt by Frank’s attitude and goes after him.

  “I hope that you don’t lose someone you care about and feel what I feel!” She cries.

  He grabs his jacket from the sofa and turns to her.

  “They are not your family!” He says and leaves the house.

  Rita is shaking as she goes back to her room. She climbs into bed and pulls the covers over her head, but then sits up and grabs her phone to call Adam.

  “Hey, you,” says Adam.

  His voice gives her comfort and she wishes to be his arms so they can cry together.

  “How are you? How's Jake?”

  Adam takes a deep breath. “He’s sleeping so that’s good, but he's hurting real bad.”

  They’re both quiet for a moment.

  “Adam, about last night, I… how do you feel about it?”

  “Well, uh. I know this isn't something we should discuss over the phone, but... I’ve um… I’ve known for a while that… well, about my feelings for you. I think that, uh… I’m in… love… with you. I’m in love with you, Rita.”

  Her heart skips a beat and she finds it adorable that he sounds so nervous. She exhales with relief. “Adam, you’ve taken me by surprise in the best way.”

  “How?”

  “Because I too have been feeling strongly about you since the day you were sick. Weird, I know, but… well, I um… I think I’m in love with you too.”

  She feels so much better knowing that he knows, and happy. Happy to know that the feeling is mutual. “How do you feel about that?” she asks.

  “Relieved. Relieved and scared at the same time,” he admits.

  “Why scared?”

  “Because… I don't know where we go from here. You’re married and… I know what happened last night was wrong, but the heart wants what it wants. I just don’t know what’s going to happen.”

  “Time will tell.”

  “I agree.”

  She smiles.

  They talk about Aaron and the plans to get him to his mom. Adam tells her about everything that happened with Jaycob and she tells him about the fight with Frank.

  “If I were there I’d kick his ass for making you cry.”

  She likes how attentive and caring Adam is with her and she enjoys talking with him.

  The time flies by and after talking with Adam for what feels like hours, Frank is home.

  “I have to go. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  “Sleep well,” says Adam and the call ends.

  Rita no longer feels alone because she knows that Adam will be on her mind and hopefully in her dreams. She closes her eyes to avoid talking to Frank, who doesn’t bother checking on her. She thinks about Adam and their kiss as she slowly fades away to sleep.

  35

  ADAM

  The days following Aaron’s death were long and quiet. Jaycob mostly kept to himself and didn't return to work at the station, and with good reason. Our world has been turned upside down and we’re left with no sense of direction.

  Charles told me to take the rest of the week off, which started with us going to the funeral home for Aaron’s cremation where we were told they would call us in a few days so we can pick up the ashes.

  I was amazed at Jaycob’s composure through the process and he said it was because he no longer cared about anything which worries me a great deal. Aaron’s death has been the hardest on him, not only because they were extremely close but because of the circumstances.

  Howard has been so helpful and supportive as has Beth, who will be returning home with us when we take Aaron back for his memorial in a week or two.

  –

  I wake up early and just like the previous few days, I awake wishing that it was all a bad dream and that Aaron is just in the other room. I grab my phone from the nightstand to check the time, which is 6:12 a.m. One day since the cremation, three days since Rita told me that she loves me, and five days since Aaron’s death.

  Rita keeps coming to my mind. The thought of her brings a smile to my face, which is rare these days, and I send her a message.

  –Have a good day. Miss you.

  I put my phone back on the nightstand and get up to go to the bathroom to wash my face. The mirror tells me how much my stubble needs a trim, but I don't care. I’m not doing anything for the next few days anyway, except keep Jaycob company. I brush my teeth and wonder where the fuck Levy is and can’t believe that he got away.

  We learned from the authorities that Levy’s home in San Diego was raided and they found out that he is part a human smuggling ring. With what they found, coupled with the kidnapping charge I am surprised they don’t use more resources to find him, but as Jaycob told me, the damage is already done.

  I leave the restroom and as I pass my room to go downstairs, I hear my phone ringing. It’s Thomas and I wonder why he’s calling so early.

  “Hi, Thomas.” I sit on the bed.

  “Adam, I think you need to come to Henderson right away, we got a huge break in the case.”

  For a moment I am confused, “Levy?”

  “Jordyn.”

  I quickly get to my feet. “What do you mean?” I’m not sure that I heard right.

  “Colin was right, Adam. It was no suicide.”

>   My heart sinks. “What?” I whisper.

  “I can’t share the details over the phone, but Irene is my main suspect.”

  The room starts to spin and I have to sit down.

  “You need to come right away. I haven’t told Colin because I thought I’d tell you first and wait for you.”

  “I'll be there as soon as I can.”

  I get to my feet go to the closet and start throwing clothes in a duffel bag. I’m not sure how long I'll be gone and need a few changes of clothes. I change into jeans, a black tee and put on my shoes. I’m shaking so bad that I’m barely able to tie them. I put on a baseball cap then go to Jaycob's room and knock on his door. So much for a relaxed week.

  “Yeah?”

  “Can I come in?”

  “Sure.”

  I open the door and find him in bed, listening to music. The room is a mess, dirty clothes litter the floor, dirty plates and bowls, which is strange considering Jaycob’s usual obsession with tidiness. He also hasn’t shaved in days.

  “I need to go home for a few days,” I say, looking around and he sits up.

  “Why?”

  I’m not sure if I should share the news, but I know I can’t keep shit from him anymore. I sit at the edge of the bed and take a deep breath. “I just found out that Jordyn’s death might not have been a suicide.”

  “What?”

  “Thomas thinks it might have been Irene's fault.”

  He gets out of bed quickly, picks up his jeans off the floor and puts them on then sits to tie his shoes.

  “What are you doing?”

  “I'm going with you.”

  I honestly don’t think he should be exposed to any more bad news right now. He’s not in the right state of mind and I don’t know exactly what Thomas has found. Jaycob is still processing Aaron’s death and I can’t add any more shit to his vulnerable mind.

  “Jake, I… I need you to stay in case Aaron’s ashes need to get picked up.”

  He stops what he’s doing and looks thoughtful for a moment.

  “Fine.”

  I pat his shoulder. “I'll tell you everything, okay?”

  He nods and I leave the room.

  –

  I put on a jacket, grab my phone, my bag and go downstairs. Howard is at work, but Beth’s downstairs, in the kitchen, cleaning the stove.

  “Beth, I have to go.”

  She turns to me then looks at the bag. “Where are you going?” She wipes sweat off her forehead.

  “I need to go home for a few days. Will you please keep an eye on Jake?”

  “Yes, of course. Is everything okay?”

  “I hope so.”

  She nods.

  “Please, please be careful. Don’t open the door for anyone and if you see anyone or anything suspicious call the cops right away and—”

  “Adam! I know.”

  “Thank you.”

  –

  I look at every single car that is parked outside. There are six, but none of them look suspicious. A woman is out for her morning jog all bundled up. Nothing else looks out of place.

  When I’m sure that Levy isn’t around, I get in the car and call Howard to tell him what’s going on and ask him to please keep an eye on Jaycob then I leave for the airport.

  36

  JULIA

  Julia realized too late that the move to Houston was a bad idea, especially after what she saw before they left Las Vegas.

  The new house is huge and she loves it, but Ken has changed since the move. She has not heard from Irene since the incident, not that she wants to, but she’s been waiting for an apology. Since that day, Ken has been in a foul mood and started drinking more than usual.

  They moved into a gorgeous hacienda style home with beautiful arches surrounding an incredible garden with a fountain in the center of the green grass. The living room has high ceilings, a stone fireplace, a wall of bookshelves filled with photos, books and whatever else Ken likes. Past the living room is the kitchen which has a brick oven and Ken installed professional appliances. The house has the living room, dining room, kitchen and two spare rooms on the first floor. Upstairs is the master suite, four guest rooms and Ken’s study, which also has a terrace. Julia fell in love with the house right away, but things changed quite rapidly.

  A few days ago, after making a wonderful dinner for her husband to try and work things out, Ken got home late and when Julia asked where he was, he got angry.

  “Why? Do you think I was out with some whore? Huh? I know I fucked up and I don't need you to remind me every fucking time you feel like it!”

  She was sitting in the living room when he approached and slapped her across the face. Julia was shocked. Granted, he was drunk, but it scared her because Ken had never been violent with her.

  The second time he hit her was when they were sitting in the study and she told him that she wished Irene would apologize. He gave her a black eye and then apologized the next day saying that he was under a lot of stress.

  Julia has no one to talk to and never leaves the house unless she has to run errands. She regrets leaving Nevada but she still loves Ken, more than anything. For the most part, she tries to keep the peace, but the last straw came earlier this morning.

  Julia returned home from a jog and went up to Ken’s office where he was finalizing a deal with one of his clients and she interrupted him—or at least that’s how Ken saw it. She greeted the client and then went down to the kitchen to make a smoothie.

  When the client left, Ken went to the kitchen and approached Julia, who was pouring milk into the blender. When she saw the look on his face, she slowly backed away until her back touched the closed refrigerator.

  Ken stared at her for a long time. “Do you want to cost me a client?”

  Julia slowly shook her head.

  “You dress like a fucking whore!” he picked up the blender glass and threw it at her.

  Luckily she got out of the way and the glass hit the refrigerator. Milk spilled everywhere and the glass broke into a dozen pieces.

  “You're making my life miserable!” he said and left the kitchen.

  Julia was shaking and thought it might be time to take a break from each other.

  –

  After taking a shower and changing, she goes to his office. She approaches the desk and he looks up from his laptop to look at her.

  “What?” he asks dryly and returns his attention to the laptop.

  Julia sits on the chair across from him. “I’m going away for a few days.”

  He looks at her again. “What?” he asks and closes the laptop.

  Julia is nervous and gets slowly to her feet, taking cover behind the chair. “Only for a few days.”

  He leans back on his chair and laces his fingers behind his head. “Is that so?

  Julia relaxes a little. His reaction is better than she anticipated and she approaches the desk. “I, uh… I think maybe we need a break, you know? Like from each other.”

  Ken studies her for a moment and Julia manages a nervous smile. He gets to his feet, but Julia isn’t fast enough and he grabs her by the neck and slams her on the desk. She can't breathe and Ken doesn't seem to care.

  “You're not going anywhere!” He squeezes harder.

  She’s on top of the desk, fighting for breath. Photos, papers and whatever else he had on the desk fall to the floor. She moves her hands around, looking for something to grab. Somehow she takes a hold of a lamp that remains on the desk and manages to hit him over the head as hard as she can and breaks it on him.

  He falls to the floor and Julia gasps for air. She rushes to the bathroom because she feels she might be sick.

  –

  She’s dry heaving and when she catches her breath, she looks in the mirror. Her eyeballs are pink with shades of red; her forehead is covered in tiny red spots. She coughs, but the choking feeling will not go away.

  He almost killed her and she is terrified. What do I do? Then starts to panic, Ken will wake up
any minute!

  She fears for her life. She’s terrified of her husband—she always has been. She knows that if she stays, he’ll kill her. Maybe not now, maybe not tomorrow, but one day. Not only does he have the means to do it, but the will.

  She splashes cold water on her face, goes back to his office and stops when she hears him moaning. She runs to get her purse and leaves the house.

  –

  Once in the car, she starts to cry. It’s time Julia, she thinks. For the past few years, she has lived with so much guilt and remorse. She is part of something awful; something she knows is wrong and is time to end it. She drives seemingly in circles, building up the courage to do it. She pulls over and buries her face in her hands.

  “I’m sorry, mom. I’m so sorry, daddy!” she cries. “I didn’t mean to, I swear.”

  She has not cried this hard since the day her parents died. The guilt is horrible and she can’t take it anymore.

  37

  ADAM

  A lot of things are going through my mind as I fly over the Mojave Desert. I don't understand why Irene would do such a thing and hope that it is all a misunderstanding, a mistake by Thomas. I think about Jaycob. His mental state is something to be concerned about. He’s completely broken.

  I think about Rita and I have no idea where we are headed. Does she want to move forward with us? She’s unhappy with Frank but that doesn’t mean we can just hook up. This is so wrong.

  –

  I take a deep breath as I put my bag in Jaycob’s truck, which is still parked in the same place I left it a week before with a few infractions under the windshield. I turn on the engine and wait for it to warm up. I call Jaycob who says he’s fine. He says that Howard hired a security guard for the house. Thank God.

  I call Thomas to let him know that I’m on my way to his office and should be there in just a few minutes. Next, I call Rita.