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Murder In Oakwood Park

Page 2

by Jane T O'Brien


  “Someone is at my door, Mary Lou, thanks for the information and good luck with the sale.” Saved by the bell, Rebecca thought, the last person I want to talk about is Brad Pickett. She opened the door and recognized Brad Pickett smiling at her.

  “Hi Becky, long time no see.”

  “Hello Bradley,” she replied knowing he loathed being called Bradley as much as she disliked the nickname Becky. She had nothing against the name, however, she is named after her grandmother, Rebecca, who she loved dearly.

  “You don’t seem surprised to see me. Are you going to invite me in?”

  “As a matter of fact, I was about to leave when the doorbell rang. It was good to see you but I’m running late for an appointment.”

  “Come on, you can make time for an old friend.”

  “I don’t mean to be rude, but you leave me no choice,” Rebecca began to shut the door when he stuck his foot in to stop her.

  “These are five-hundred-dollar shoes you just ruined with that door, it should prove to you how much I want to talk to you.”

  “Tell me what you came to say and then leave.” She stood blocking his way inside the house.

  “I came to apologize for leaving the night of prom. It was your old man’s fault, you know.”

  “What are you talking about?” She asked.

  “Your old man ruined my plans for the evening when he said he wanted you home by two o’clock. Our friends were pulling all-nighters and you had a curfew.”

  “I don’t remember any of my friends being out all night. What did you plan to do in the wee hours of the morning?”

  He smiled at her in such a way it gave her chills. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Andy’s car pull into the driveway.

  ***

  He came into the kitchen through the garage. “Hi, hon, I came home for the proposal I worked up last night.” He stopped when he saw there was someone at the door.

  “Hello,” he said holding out his hand, “Andy Snow, glad to meet you.”

  Brad shook Andy’s hand. “I’m an old friend of your wife, I’m Brad Pickett. I presume you’ve heard of me.”

  Andy knew all about the debacle at Rebecca’s prom but didn’t let on he’d heard of it.

  “Sorry, guy, I know most of Rebecca’s friends, your name doesn’t sound familiar. You must be from out-of-town.

  “Rebecca, aren’t you late for your meeting, I thought you’d have left already.”

  “I should have left ten minutes ago, I made the mistake of answering my phone and then the doorbell rang.”

  “Goodbye, Bradley, it was nice seeing you again, but I really must go.”

  Brad didn’t like being dismissed, women usually fell for his charms.

  ***

  “Thanks for the fib, Andy. He’s a real jerk, he put the blame on my dad for leaving me at the prom. He said he’d planned an all-nighter if you can believe it, and Dad put the kibosh on it when he said I had a two o’clock curfew. I was seventeen years old for heaven sake.”

  “He is a jerk, but I can see where a young girl could fall for his good looks.”

  “Hey, Andrew Snow, you aren’t a slouch in the good-looks department yourself. In fact, if I wasn’t already late for this meeting…”

  Andy smiled, he’d often wondered about Brad Pickett and how anyone could walk out on a girl like Rebecca. Andy had fallen in love with her the first time he saw her and that love grew with each passing day and year.

  At the Community Playhouse

  Rebecca apologized for being late to the meeting of the community players.

  “We’re glad you’re late, Rebecca, it gave us a chance to vote for you to give the bad news to Barry Kemp. He can’t play Inspector Turley in our next production.”

  “Is that my punishment for being late? I’d rather serve popcorn and lemonade at the refreshment stand during the children’s matinee.”

  “I agree,” said Sandy Clark, the leader of the volunteer crew. “However, Rebecca, you have such a gentle way of telling our wannabe actors they can’t act.”

  “Yes, Rebecca, folks don’t mind getting the heave-ho when you tell them the bad news,” Harvey Rutledge said with a chuckle. Harvey a spry eighty-two-year old was the eldest member of the group and a retired high school drama coach.

  “On a more pleasant subject,” said Rebecca, “Carolina Bloom will be returning to Oakwood Park and is considering offering her talents to our group.”

  “Carolina can be such a diva. She was bad enough before she became semi-famous. She’d bring in more money than we usually get, but putting up with her might not be worth it,” said Sandy.

  “What do you think, Rebecca? Do you think she’d fit in with our group? I like being the director and don’t want any help from her,” said Marsha Brill.

  “Marsha, you’ll be lucky if she doesn’t take over your job and you’ll be the one handing out popcorn to the children,” said Harvey.

  “Why don’t we wait until she gets here,” said Rebecca. “It could be that she doesn’t want to work with amateurs. Let’s not ask for trouble before it happens.”

  “Rebecca,” said Elaine Baker, “did you hear Brad Pickett is back in town? His poor mama would be so upset if she knew he’d missed her funeral.”

  “Yes, I heard, in fact, he is the reason I was late. He showed up at my doorstep uninvited.”

  “Did you give him a piece of your mind, Rebecca?” Harvey asked.

  Was there one person in this entire town who hadn’t heard about what happened to her over twenty years ago?

  “No, Harvey, believe it or not, I got over that mess a long time ago.”

  Sandy Clark adjourned the meeting.

  “Thank you for talking to Barry, Rebecca, I hope he doesn’t give you a hard time.”

  “I hope not either, Sandy. I think I’ll head over to the television station, I might as well get this over as soon as possible.”

  At the television station

  Rebecca was happy Barry Kemp was at the station when she stopped by to see him.

  “Hello, Rebecca, are you here to talk about my part as Inspector Turley? I think I nailed the audition.”

  “Barry, your enthusiasm is refreshing, however, the director doesn’t think you are right for the part. I’m sorry to tell you, someone else will play the inspector.”

  “Is it because I forgot my lines before? I know I could do better. I get nervous when I see all those people in the audience.”

  “That’s understandable, maybe a few small parts would give you more confidence. In the meantime, we can use your help behind the scenes. Sandy is always looking for someone to help with set decoration.”

  “I’ll think about it, I’m too disappointed to volunteer for anything today. You understand, don’t you, Rebecca?”

  “I understand, Barry,” she responded knowing Barry would never have a bigger part than a bystander on set.

  “I hear Carolina Bloom is coming to town, maybe she can help me with my lines for the next production.”

  “Where did you hear that, Barry?” Rebecca asked. She hadn’t told anyone about Carolina’s plans until today at her meeting.

  “Barb Tinsdale, Mr. Carlson’s assistant, said Carolina will be here tomorrow. I hope you aren’t upset after what happened at prom with Carolina and your date,” Barry said sheepishly.

  “Barry, I’m married and have two grown children. I’m looking forward to being a grandmother in a few years. I can assure you, I don’t dwell on what happened at a high school dance years ago,” Rebecca said while saying to herself, I wouldn’t think about prom if people would stop bringing it up. She did wonder how Barry Kemp knew about Carolina being the one Brad ran off with that night. Oh well, what does it matter?

  “Sorry, Rebecca, thanks for stopping by to let me down easy, I don’t think the others have the nerve to tell me they don’t want me in their play.”

  “Barry, when my kids were small, I did spend some time decorating sets and getting ready for th
e shows. I enjoyed doing that and it didn’t take as much time as acting in a play. Think about it, I’m sure they would welcome your help.”

  Chapter Four

  Meanwhile in the Harrington mansion

  Carolina Bloom packed the last of her belongings into a carry-on bag. She stood in the foyer looking up to the glass chandelier in the center of the ceiling with a winding staircase cascading to the floor below. Milton Harrington was a control freak but he gave fabulous parties in this old mansion. Carolina closed her eyes picturing herself in one of her many lovely gowns. The guests would stare in awe as she glided down the stairs. Milton always greeted her with an approving look. Caroline knew she was merely a trophy wife. Milton was old enough to be her grandfather and had no interest in her except to impress his cronies.

  Lucky for me, he only lived for six years after our marriage. The parties were the only reason I stayed married to the old coot.

  Carolina knew the parties weren’t the only thing that kept her tied to Milton. Her life was one of ease, she had her own personal assistant to take care of her every need. The chauffeur was at her beck and call allowing her to shop any time she wanted which was often. There was no limit on her credit cards and all the best salesgirls in the posh dress salons catered to her whims.

  After Milton’s death, his financial manager warned her against making investments without his approval. Carolina wanted to continue the lavish parties but was told it would be disrespectful to give a party or wear anything other than black for a year after Mr. Harrington’s death.

  “What a stupid rule, I look terrible in black and I have some wonderful ideas for parties. I’ll perish if I can’t have fun for a whole year.”

  “I’m certain you won’t perish, madam. Remember what I said about investing and you will live well for years to come.”

  Carolina didn’t heed the man’s advice. She thought she could become a major figure in the movie industry. She bought her way into starring in or producing one movie after another. Most were forgettable no matter how much money she poured into them.

  It wasn’t her lack of acting talent as it was her choice of screenplays. She chose roles and scripts that were unsuitable, usually with more sex than substance. She thought of herself as a sex symbol. After all, it was her sex appeal, and willingness, that lured Brad Pickett away from the most popular girl in the senior class. Milton Harrington wouldn’t have given her a second look if she’d been plain and flat chested.

  For years her mother berated her for her low grades in school. ‘you’d better marry for money, Carolina. Your large bosom is the only thing you have going for you.’ Ida Bloom had no idea how much her words hurt her daughter. Carolina knew her mother resented the invasion of a child on her life. Ida was a single woman in her late forties. She was content with her life and didn’t see the need for a man to become a part of it. One day a salesman entered the store. He was a handsome fellow whose sweet talk Ida couldn’t ignore. A couple of months after their first meeting Ida found herself in a family way. After breaking the news to the father of her unborn baby, the man said he had no intention of leaving his wife or being a father to Ida’s child.

  Pride kept Ida from suing the man for child support. She held her head high and announced she was expecting a baby. Although the townspeople were curious about the child’s father, everyone was too polite to ask.

  Ida never told Carolina anything about her father. The subject was never mentioned. If Carolina was curious about the man, she didn’t let on.

  All the children in Oakwood Park knew Ms. Bloom, the story lady. Their parents brought them to the bookstore every Wednesday and Friday for story time. Carolina watched as her mother sat on a small stool with children encircling her. She called them all by name as they hugged her after she read them a story.

  The children Carolina’s ages often told her how lucky she was to have the story lady as her mother. Carolina didn’t think she was lucky at all. Her mother was happier when she was with a bunch of kids than she ever was when they were alone. Ida tried to interest her daughter in reading but the girl refused.

  “Mama, why do you like being with other children more than you like being with me?”

  “Don’t talk nonsense, Carolina, pick up a book and read it instead of badgering me. Your teacher says you should read more. How do you think it looks when the only bookstore owner in Oakwood Park has a daughter who can’t read? You and your make-believe, you can’t live your life in a fantasy world, Carolina.”

  Carolina did read but only late at night when Ida was asleep. She wouldn’t give her mother the satisfaction of letting her know she enjoyed the lives she read about. They were much more exciting than her own life.

  Ida Bloom didn’t know how to be a parent. Her own mother was a cold, unfeeling woman who feigned illness when Ida needed her advice and guidance. The woman only knew how to insult and berate her only child.

  Ida found it difficult to love the child of the man who’d abandoned her. If only Carolina looked more like her, but she was the image of her father.

  Carolina’s interest in the drama club alarmed Ida. She watched as Carolina’s figure changed from a girl to a teenager. Ida had to admit, her daughter was a beauty with her long blonde hair and stunning figure.

  “Carolina, here’s a heavy sweater to put over that skimpy shirt. I don’t want you giving those boys in the school any ideas. Don’t think about acting, those people are evil, it’s nothing but sex on the movie screen these days.”

  “What’s wrong, Mama, are you afraid I’ll end up like you?”

  Carolina felt the sting of her mother’s hand on her cheek and vowed she would leave home the day after graduation.

  ***

  Carolina smiled through the graduation ceremony knowing she would be out of Oakwood Park the very next day. With the money she’d swiped from her mother’s strongbox, she paid for acting school and had enough for a dreary flat she shared with six other aspiring actors. She didn’t like school and hated living with strangers.

  Carolina forced herself to stick it out and was rewarded with small roles in Broadway productions. The money she made was not enough to move out of her crowded apartment. She’d been fired from her waitress job because she was a no-show on the days she had an audition.

  “Carolina, I know you are an actress but I hired you to wait tables. If you can’t show up to work, I’ll find someone who can.”

  Carolina’s future looked bleak, if she didn’t get a break soon, she would be forced to return to Oakwood Park and beg her mother to take her back. She hadn’t seen or heard from Ida since the day she left.

  The next day, Carolina met Gavin Lancaster. It was love at first sight. Carolina’s dreams were finally coming true and her world was looking up until the day Gavin announced he was in love with someone else.

  After briefly returning to her hometown, Carolina set her sights on a career in the movies. Again, she left her mother’s home with the remaining contents of the hidden strongbox.

  Chapter Five

  Brad Pickett pulled away from Rebecca’s house in his red sports car convertible.

  Rebecca is even more beautiful than I remember. If anything, age has improved her looks. If I hadn’t gone off with Carolina that night, I might have been that guy standing by her side. Who am I kidding, I’d go nuts living in this crappy town all my life? I wouldn’t be back here now if it weren’t for Carolina’s threats.

  What is it about Carolina Bloom that makes me lose my sanity when I’m around her? Sure, she’s hot, but so are plenty of other females whose company I’ve enjoyed over the years.

  What possessed me to tell her about my insider trading scheme? Thanks to my big mouth that night, I could be facing prison time. At the very least, I’d lose my job and be forced to give up the things that make my life worth living.

  Bradley Albert Pickett is the only child of Herman and Elsie Pickett. His parents doted on the boy from the moment he was born. With his dark curly hair and sp
arkling grey-blue eyes, he attracted attention from the Pickett neighbors and friends. When he reached his teen years, he was the type young girls swooned over. Although Brad had known Rebecca Wilson since kindergarten, the two became inseparable in their high school years. That is, until the night of the prom when Brad left Rebecca alone to go off with the willing Carolina Bloom.

  After graduation, Brad left Oakwood Park for college and never planned to return. Upon hearing of his father’s death, he told his mother that he couldn’t break away from his job, the brokerage firm didn’t allow for bereavement leave. It wasn’t true but, as usual, Elsie didn’t doubt her son’s words.

  Two years later, a neighbor informed Brad that his mother had died. He called the local funeral home and they handled her burial.

 

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