The Many and the One

by Donald Wells

  “I think the policeman walking the beat looks like you Paul.” Rollins says.

  Jason winks at Rollins. “Well, it’s okay if the cop’s ugly, Bob.”

  “Hey!” Paul says.

  “Just kidding,” Jason grins.

  “Paul told me about the blood tests results. I’m sorry Jason, it must have been quite a shock finding out she’s not yours.”

  “Not really, I always knew there was that chance, but Simona’s her own little person. We love each other and that’s all that matters.”

  Rollins looks across at Jason, shaking his head. “I’ve known men who would not only give her to Stern but demand back child support, that’s a lucky little girl.”

  “Thanks, but I’m the lucky one.”

  “Jason, Bob and I will come to the barbecue tomorrow if we can make it, but the Fourth’s usually a policeman’s nightmare on the Island, so it could be late.”

  Jason shrugs. “You guys have to eat sometime, anytime you can make it is good.”

  “Is Tyler bringing the kids by?” Paul asks.

  “Yep, and the weather is supposed to be beautiful.” Jason says. “It should be a great Fourth of July.”

  * * *

  Derek returns home that evening to find Charlotte flexing her jaw in the foyer mirror.

  “It’s so good to be able to speak easily again Derek. It was frustrating to write everything. Incidentally, I’m keeping the bell to call Marta with, I should have thought of it years ago.”

  Derek says, “Good God, you’ll drive her mad with that infernal tinkling, I pity her.” then, while checking his appearance in the mirror, he tells Charlotte. “By the way, I’m throwing a picnic for all of us tomorrow, even Marta will be able to enjoy it since I’m having it catered.”

  Charlotte looks at her son as if he had arranged to have the moon painted.

  “Derek, that’s sweet of you… spending money on everyone like that—what is the reason?”

  “I’ve been remorseful over the fight we had when I was forced to drop the paternity suit.”

  “It’s a shame; Simona would have brought you much pleasure.”

  “But isn’t she a little young still?”

  Charlotte smiles cruelly. “Derek, you know you have to mold them young.”

  “Yes.” I remember Bitch. I remember every fucking thing you did to me.

  “The Reynolds think they’ve won, let them.”

  “Jason has won, at least as long as he has that tape.”

  Charlotte grins. “You know mother never loses.”

  Derek grins back at her. We’ll see about that you miserable cunt.

  “By the way mother, I’ve also arranged to have fireworks tomorrow, after all, it is the Fourth of July.”

  “Oh, the dreadful things are so loud; they’ll make an awful racket.”

  Derek smiles, “Yes, I know.”

  29

  The cabin, Tuesday, July 4th 1989, 3:26 p.m.

  The barbecue is in full swing and the burgers are flying. Jason is entrenched at the grill, cooking as fast as he can, when a noise from the road announces the help he’s been expecting.

  The car eases down the graveled driveway and parks near the cottage. A lanky teen-aged boy emerges from the vehicle with his hands full and strides across the vast lawn to deposit his burden on the picnic table that sits forty feet from the grill. The boy then walks over to Jason.

  “There you go Mr. Reynolds, ten pizzas with various toppings.”

  “Thanks Jeff, you’re a lifesaver. Say how’s Connie? Simona loves when she baby-sits.”

  Jeff shrugs. “Connie’s perfect Mr. Reynolds, she’s my girl, you know what I mean?”

  Jason watches Lindsay, as she walks toward him. “I know exactly what you mean.” He then hands Jeff money. “Keep the change.”

  “Mr. Reynolds this is a huge tip.”

  “Make sure you use it to buy Connie something nice.”

  Jeff jogs back to his car. “Wow, I will Mr. Reynolds and thanks, happy Fourth!”

  Jason calls back, “Happy Fourth Jeff,” while walking to the picnic table.

  Lindsay spies the stack of pizzas. “Boomer! Pizza at a Fourth of July barbecue?”

  “Honey I know when I’m licked. I can’t cook as quickly as those kids can eat.”

  “Actually, I could go for a slice, they smell great.”

  “Help yourself, I’ll leave two here and take the rest down to the beach.”

  Jason carries the pizzas pass the granite bench and struggles to hold them with one hand, while he opens and closes the gate on the wooden safety railing. He then makes his way down the wide, stone steps that lead to the beach, and enters a large tent, set up near the base of the cliff.

  Tyler watches him place the boxes next to the soft drinks and ice on a card table.

  “What do you have there, Jason?”

  “Pizza, give the kids a call please Tyler, I don’t want them to get cold.”

  Tyler opens the flap to call the kids and finds it isn’t necessary, their food radar is working perfectly, and they’re already piling into the tent.

  “You kids thank Mr. Reynolds for everything, you hear?” Tyler says.

  “Thanks Mr. Reynolds.” Is said in a hearty, yet uneven chorus of over a dozen juvenile voices,

  “You guys are very welcome. Tyler, I better get back to the grill, Lindsay’s father eats more than these kids.”

  “Thanks again Jason.”

  “Don’t mention it.”

  * * *

  Not far away, Derek sees that the caterers are set up and that the food is about to be served. He goes to the office and locks the door, then, getting down on his knees, he reaches under the couch.

  A moment of panic ensues when he feels nothing, but then he touches the cold metal of the gun. He places it at the small of his back, his shirttail hiding the slight bulge. Next, he goes over to the desk and takes out the small gun his mother keeps there, this, he sticks in his pants pocket.

  Soon mother, soon,

  * * *

  Paul and Chief Rollins arrive at the barbecue at 7:41 p.m.

  Paul looks ravenous and grabs the last two slices of pizza from the cardboard box.

  “There’s no need to eat cold pizza, Paul, these burgers are almost done.”

  “Jason, I’ll have those and the pizza. This is the first chance I’ve had to eat all day.”

  “It’s been a crazy day.” Rollins says. “Just a lot of stupid bar fights and other alcohol fueled nonsense, the price of being a tourist town on the Fourth.”

  A loud bang is heard in the distance.

  “What was that, fireworks?” Jason asks.

  “It’s probably the Senator’s party.” Rollins says. “He surprised me by coming in for a fireworks permit, I would have thought him the type to just do as he pleases, and not bother with legalities.”

  “Maybe he’s turning over a new leaf.” Paul says.

  Jason frowns. “In his case, it’s more like crawling out from under a new rock.”

  Simona comes out of the cabin, with Sunshine close at her heels, and flies into Jason’s arms.

  “Did you have a good nap sweetie?”

  “Yes daddy, I slept a long time.”

  “I know baby, you were tired after watching the sunrise.”

  “Mommy says now I can stay up for the fireworks.”

  “Great, say hello to your Uncle Paul and Chief Rollins.”

  “Uncle Paul! I didn’t see you, give me a kiss.”

  Simona climbs onto Paul’s lap and grabs his face with both hands; she gives him a big kiss and then looks over at the Chief, sizing him up.

  Simona then reaches out to the Chief. Rollins looks confused for a moment, but then he picks Simona up off of Paul’s lap. Simona, now sitting in the Chief’s lap, puts one little arm around his neck and stretches up to kiss him on the lips, afterward, she rests her head on his chest.

  “Looks like you’ve got a new friend there, Bob.” Paul sa
ys.

  “Jason she’s precious.” Rollins says. “Thank you for the kiss honey.”

  “You’re welcome.” Simona says, she gives Rollins another little peck before sliding off his lap and chasing after Sunshine.

  Lindsay comes over to the grill. “Hi guys, glad you could make it. Boomer let me have one of those burgers. I’m going to sit at the table and keep an eye on Simona.”

  Jason hands Lindsay the first burger. “Sure hon, here you go.”

  “Bye guys,” Lindsay gives Jason a quick kiss and then goes over to the picnic table where Simona is playing with Sunshine.

  Jason places the other burgers on a card table. “Are five enough or should I make more?”

  “Make more, I’m still hungry.” Paul says.

  Jason blinks at him in wonder. “The long arm of the law? In your case Paul, it’s more like the bottomless pit.”

  “Verhy funhy.” Says Paul, while chewing.

  * * *

  Derek stands at the edge of the driveway, looking across at the woods that line the back of the property, and again he checks his watch. 7:58

  Where the fuck is he? Harry you son of a bitch, you screw this up and I’ll kill you. After thinking it over, Derek chuckles out loud. Hell, I need to be good and fucked-up for this.

  He takes out a vial of cocaine and empties the remainder of its contents on the back of his hand, after snorting the powder, he tosses the empty bottle into the pines.

  Soon a shape emerges from the trees. Harry has arrived.

  “Derek you didn’t tell me this place was on top of a freakin’ mountain. I’m all worn out from walkin’ up here.”

  “Never mind that, do you have what I told you to bring?”

  “Sure thing, I got it right here.” Harry slides a pry bar out of his waistband. “This damn thing banged against my leg all the way up here.”

  Derek leads the way to the basement door and points to the padlock securing it.

  “Okay Harry, earn your five grand.”

  Harry sticks the pry bar between the shafts of the padlock and pushes with all of his strength. He’s rewarded with the sound of the hasp popping loose from the doorframe.

  “Good work, now put down the crowbar and follow me.”

  They enter the basement, their path lighted only by the descending sun filtering in through dust-covered windows.

  Derek leads Harry up a flight of wooden stairs and motions for him to stop on the landing. Derek then continues up and into the kitchen. He looks out a window and sees Marta and Emily talking quietly at one of the patio tables.

  “Harry get up here.”

  Harry peeks around the doorframe and then slinks into the kitchen.

  “Jesus but I’m nervous, get me the jewelry so I can get out of here.”

  “The jewelry is in the safe, follow me.”

  Derek leads Harry up the backstairs and through a door on the right. Outside, firecrackers and bottle rockets make their camouflaging sounds.

  Charlotte sits by her bed reading. She looks up as Derek enters the room with Harry.

  “What’s going on here? Who is this man? And how dare you enter my bedroom without permission?” As Charlotte talks, she places her book on the table beside her.

  Derek gestures toward Harry. “This is Harry Johnson mother; he’s a bartender at your hotel. Harry broke in here tonight, to rob you.”

  Harry stands in the threshold, his mouth is moving but no words are coming out.

  Charlotte eyes Derek curiously. “Well, did you call the police?”

  Derek pulls the gun out from behind his back.

  “No mother, I’m going to do that after he murders you.”

  Charlotte intakes a sharp breath and slowly slides her hand off the book she placed on the table. She subtly reaches behind the table while talking. “Derek, don’t do this, is this because of my threat to disown you? I was never serious, please put the gun away, please?” Finally, she feels the switch; a slight pressure flips the toggle to the on position.

  As the camera activates, a whirling sound momentarily comes from the opposite wall. Derek glances at the wall, but takes the sound to be coming from a clock that hangs there.

  “Is that fear I hear in your voice mother? God, I’d love to make you beg for what you’ve done to me.” Derek sends a quick look Harry’s way. “Unfortunately, there’s no time for that.”

  “Derek don’t do this.” Charlotte pleads. “I love you. Don’t you know that mother loves you more than anyone?” Her voice is pitching higher now, as she sits back in the chair. Charlotte scrunches down, instinctively trying to make herself a smaller target.

  Derek’s face twists with hate. “You love me? You love me? Go to hell, go to hell and fry.”

  He raises the gun and aims at her chest, but at the last instant, his arm drops and he fires. Five, forty-four-caliber slugs tear into Charlotte’s groin, causing her body to convulse grotesquely and shredding her vagina into bloody ribbons. Charlotte slumps in the chair, dead. Beneath her, the warm, crimson blood quickly begins to puddle. Derek glares at her corpse and grimaces.

  He turns to find Harry still in the doorway, but now Harry has found his voice.

  “Jesus H. Christ Derek, what the hell did you do?”

  Derek takes out the other gun and aims at Harry’s chest.

  “Goodbye Harry.” Derek squeezes off two bullets, the .25 Browning sounds like a whisper after the .44 Magnum’s roar.

  Both bullets strike Harry and send him tumbling into the hallway, where he falls face down on the floor, in a motionless sprawl.

  Derek puts the gun back in his pocket and turns to Charlotte’s corpse, her eyes are open, but obviously unseeing. Derek stares at her, lost amid reminiscences of childhood.

  “Goodbye mother, goodbye Number 1.”

  He leaves Charlotte and walks into the hall to place her murder weapon near Harry’s body, but there’s a problem. Harry is gone.

  * * *

  Jason and Lindsay sit with their backs leaning against the top of the picnic table. To their left, near the grill, sit Paul and Chief Rollins. Farther to their left they can see Simone holding Paul Jr. and chatting with their parents on the patio.

  To their right and from below come the sounds of Tyler’s children, playing on the beach. About twenty yards in front of them is Simona, happy as a little girl can be, playing with her puppy, Sunshine.

  “Boomer they’re so cute together. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her happier.”

  “It’s like they were made for each other.” Jason says. He stands and leans down to kiss Lindsay. “I’d better go keep an eye on those last few burgers. Miss me.”

  Lindsay smiles, “I always miss you, even if you’re only in the next room.”

  Jason heads for the grill and waves to Simona, as she plays in the grass. Simona sees him and waves back. On the wind, he can hear her laughter as she plays with the puppy.

  Jason checks the burgers, and seeing that they’re done, he turns off the grill, he then hears a sound from the road, a car’s coming. Jason watches as the car suddenly swerves and speeds down the graveled drive.

  * * *

  Derek stares down at the floor where Harry’s body should be. All that remains of Harry is a bloody smear on the carpet.

  What the fuck! Think Derek think Derek think Derek. What to do now? What the fuck do I do now? Harry’s gone. How the hell is Harry gone? Two damn bullets in the chest and he fucking gets up and walks away? I am fucked now!

  Derek looks down at his left hand; he’s still holding the weapon he used to kill his mother. He takes out a handkerchief and wipes the gun off, he then drops it near the blood on the carpet. Then, he hears footsteps. Harry? But no, it’s Marta and she’s terrified.

  “Oh Senator, I’m glad to see you’re all right, a man covered in blood drove off in Madam’s limousine. Should I call the police?”

  “Yes Marta, call the police and tell them mother’s been murdered.”

  “Mur… murde
red? Madam?”

  “I’m afraid so. That man won’t get far though, I shot him twice.”

  “He shouldn’t get too far in any event Sir. From the sound of the car, I’d say he went the wrong way on the road, he’s headed toward the point, toward the Reynolds.”

  Derek’s face turns white.

  * * *

  Harry knew he was dying. He was shot twice in the chest at close range, there couldn’t be much time left, he had to get to a doctor. He pulled himself up off the hallway floor and stumbled down the stairs.

  In the kitchen, he spotted the car keys hanging by the door and grabbed them all, as he made his way out of the house.

  The women screamed at the bloody streaks running down his shirt, then Harry saw the limousine and it was the third key he tried that started the ignition. When he made it to the road he turned right.

  Harry was having a lot of trouble seeing; his vision had shrunken down to a little dot of visibility. Ahead, he thought he saw an opening that could be a road. He turned the wheel hard to the left and the little dot shrank to nothing. Harry knew he was dying.

  Now his corpse sits behind the wheel of a three and a half ton mass of metal streaking across the Reynolds’ lawn. Directly in its path sits Lindsay, with her back to the road, totally unaware of the steel juggernaut bearing down on her.

  Jason watches as the limousine gains speed in its descent.

  Oh my God it’s headed for Lindsay.

  Without hesitation, Jason runs toward her and directly into the path of the careening automobile. “Lindsay!”

  Lindsay, mesmerized by watching Simona play, instantly snaps out of her trance and turns to look at Jason. In her peripheral vision she sees the car coming toward her. She has only enough time to turn and look at the threatening car. She has no time to get out of its way. Lindsay’s life flashes before her eyes.

  Jason sprints toward her. I’m not going to make it.

  The limousine is nearly upon her when some instinct buried within commands Jason to leap, he propels himself into the air, as the limousine’s thunderous engine eclipses all other sounds.

  * * *

  Derek goes over the murder.

  Harry could be telling Jason the whole story right now. I was stupid. I should have made sure Harry was dead. I also never got a chance to fire a shot off in his hand, so that when they check for gunshot residue he’d have some. I have to say there were two of them now, but that I never got a good look at the other one. No, even better, I never even saw the other one. I only heard someone moving around downstairs after the gunshots that killed mother. It’s the mystery man that killed mother… yes, he’s the one with the gunshot residue, and… I spooked him into dropping the gun when I called for mother… and, as I was coming up the front stairs, he was going down the backstairs… and as I made it to the landing… I saw Harry reaching for the gun and that’s when I shot him in self-defense. Yes! This could still work. Oh Harry, please be dead.