The Many and the One

by Donald Wells

  Jason turns off the TV. He looks across at Lindsay. She has circles under her eyes and he supposes he does too, since neither of them has slept in about thirty-six hours.

  Lindsay stares at him. “You’re not thinking of killing Derek, are you?”

  “No honey, don’t worry I won’t try and kill him again.”

  A moment passes and then Lindsay says quietly, “I might.”

  * * *

  On Monday morning, they’re on their way to get Jenny and drive her to her therapy in upstate New York.

  Lindsay’s cell phone rings. It’s Simone with great news. Jenny will definitely be in their custody, there’s more to tell and Simone says she’ll drop by after work and fill them in.

  Lindsay had Jenny moved to a private room, physically Jenny looks well but still appears disheartened.

  As they walk into the room she gives them a weak smile while sitting up in bed.

  “Hi Little Girl, how are you?” Lindsay says.

  “I feel a little better.”

  Jason sees a tray of uneaten food. “I guess the food here isn’t as good as yours, huh?”

  He receives a nod, and then Jenny looks at Lindsay.

  “I want to ask you about this place you’re taking me to.”

  Lindsay sits on the side of the bed. “Sure honey, what do you want to know?”

  Jenny’s eyes start misting. “Is this you guys way of getting rid of me? Is this like a home for girls like me?”

  “Oh, Jennifer no, baby this is just therapy. There are people there who can help you in ways we can’t.” Jason says.

  Lindsay leans over and stares Jenny in the eye.

  “Young lady, you are trying my patience. First you do that silly thing with the pills and scare us to death and now you’re accusing us of not wanting you. For your information your Aunt Simone called and said it’s official, you’ll be in our custody when you return from therapy. Jenny, have Jason or I ever lied to you?”

  “No.” Jenny answers.

  “Then believe us now when we tell you this, we both love you very much, none of what’s happened is any of your fault and there is nothing you could ever do or say that would make us stop loving you. Now, are we clear on this Little Girl?”

  Jenny gives Lindsay a genuine smile and hugs her. “We’re clear.”

  Lindsay says, “Good, now give Jason a hug too.” and Jenny does so.

  “When will I be able to come back?” Jenny asks Lindsay.

  “We’ll be picking you up on Christmas Eve. You’ll be home for Christmas.”

  “Home,” Jenny says wistfully.

  She’s released from the hospital and they begin their trip to New York. During the three-hour drive they make plans for the future and try to lessen Jenny’s anxiety about her therapy.

  They arrive at the Drake Center, a sprawling building of white brick and mirrored glass surrounded by acres of quiet woods.

  Jenny is checked in and it’s time to say goodbye. They tell Jenny that they love her, amid hugs and kisses.

  As Jenny is escorted to her room by an attendant she calls out.

  “Lindsay, could you buy a big turkey so I can cook for us on Christmas?”

  “The biggest one I can find honey and all the trimmings too.”

  They grin all during the ride home. If Jenny is thinking of cooking, she’s going to be okay.

  * * *

  That night, after Matt’s been put to bed, Simone drops by, she’s all smiles while taking her usual spot by the fire.

  “Have I got news for you guys. First of all, Derek engineered a plea agreement. He’s going to do six years in prison, a nice white-collar prison, but a prison nonetheless.”

  Lindsay looks startled. “I would have expected Derek to fight this for years.”

  “Normally he might have, but he doesn’t have much money left.”

  “What?” Jason says. “With the fortune Charlotte left him, how could that happen?”

  “Most of it was embezzled by McGee, the… whatever he was, handyman? Chauffer? And Marta, the maid, Marta Vargas,”

  “How could they do that?” Lindsay asks.

  “Paul says McGee set up a real estate management company in 1980. He named it Anin Management. It was a real company, which actually managed a few small holdings. Charlotte handled things alone, but Derek wasn’t about to spend his time managing the details of a real estate empire, and so McGee made his move. Over a period of years he gradually sold off properties and kept the proceeds in a cash account he had access to. As long as Derek got his check every month he never suspected a thing. The estate is still his. Paul says McGee must have thought it too risky a piece of property to sell, it and a few rental units are all that’s left.”

  Jason chuckles. “That McGee is some piece of work.”

  “Paul also thinks it was McGee that sent me the tape of Jenny’s abuse, probably for his own reasons. Oh, the police in D.C. found several homemade tapes hidden away in Derek’s townhouse there. The good news is that the videotaped evidence left Derek little room to maneuver in.”

  “That bastard. Is there a possibility of parole?” Lindsay asks.

  “Yes, possible parole after five years was a part of the deal.”

  “Who the hell created this deal?” Jason asks. “It seems so favorable to Derek.”

  Simone smiles, “Well, there were concessions made, but only because it was a way to make him sign these.”

  She produces a set of papers from a leather portfolio. Jason and Lindsay read them over quickly and shock crosses their faces.

  “Is this valid?” Lindsay asks.

  “The three of you have to sign them in front of a family court judge and it’s done. I’d like to take the credit, but Bob arranged it through the Governor.”

  “We’ll thank Bob personally tomorrow.” Jason says.

  Simone stands and heads for the door. “I’ve got to get going, give Matt a kiss for me.”

  After Simone leaves, Jason leans back against the door and sighs.

  “It’s been quite a few days, hasn’t it?”

  “Yes it has Boomer, when Jenny returns this is going to be one great Christmas.”

  “I can’t wait to see her face when we tell her.”

  * * *

  December 24th, 1997

  The Drake Center in upstate New York

  Jenny looks out the sliding glass doors that open to the center’s entrance and watches the snow swirling in the wind, as she searches for the people she loves most in all the world. She then spots Jason and Lindsay standing by the admissions desk and runs to them. They embrace in a tangle of arms among a flurry of kissing, and are soon on the road home.

  Lindsay turns around in her seat. “Jenny you look terrific, they must’ve helped you here.”

  “It’s a great place, I know now that like you guys said the molestation wasn’t my fault.”

  Jason looks at Jenny via the rearview mirror. “It’s good to hear you say that. You don’t know how much you scared us by taking those pills.”

  “I’m sorry I put you guys through that. I’ll never be that stupid again.”

  Lindsay says, “You weren’t being stupid honey, you were in pain and there’s nothing to be sorry about.” she then hands Jenny money.

  “Lindsay, what’s this for?”

  “Christmas shopping young lady, you have a little brother who expects a gift from his big sister. Matt’s out getting you a gift right now; he’s shopping with Grandpa Adam.”

  “I hope you guys didn’t go to any trouble getting me a present.”

  “Oh, we got a couple of surprises for you all right.” Jason says.

  “You guys are too good to me.”

  “That’s not possible Jennifer; there are not enough good things in this life that could happen to you.” Jason says.

  * * *

  After returning home, they take Jenny upstairs. When Jenny opens the door to the guest room she finds the room redecorated. There’s a frilly canopy bed c
overed in pink bed covers and pillow shams. On a roll-top desk sits a computer. There’s also a new TV, stereo, and a video game system. On the inside of the door is a sign that reads: Jenny’s Room.

  Lindsay opens the closet and reveals an assortment of new clothes.

  “I got you some basics, jeans and tops and a couple of skirts, but we’ll go shopping soon and get you a full wardrobe. Welcome home, this is your room now, forever.”

  While standing behind her, Jason places his hands on Jenny’s shoulders.

  “Do you like it?” Jenny shakes her head yes and starts crying.

  Jason turns her around to face him. “Jennifer Little Girl, you are not only safe, but loved, and you have truly come home.”

  Jenny falls into his arms and cries harder, and Jason and Lindsay know that they are all the good tears of joy.

  * * *

  Christmas morning dawns bright and cold.

  Jenny is up and working in the kitchen as Matt wakes his parents. They open their gifts by the warmth of the fireplace and when all packages are torn and plundered, Matt busies himself outside with the remote control race car that Jenny bought him.

  Jenny is back in the kitchen, happily cooking and singing.

  When Jason and Lindsay walk in, she stops singing and gives them a self-conscience grin.

  “I sing when I’m really happy.”

  Jason smiles, “If I did that I’d be singing an opera this morning.”

  “We have something for you.” Lindsay says.

  “Oh no, you guys have given me way too much already.”

  Jason hands Jenny the documents they received from Simone.

  “Well, it’s conditional upon your agreement, but Lindsay and I are hoping you won’t want to return it.”

  Jenny reads over the papers twice, between glances at the two of them.

  “Is this for real? This says you’ve adopted me and my legal name is now Jennifer Reynolds.”

  Jason grins. “You’d better believe it daughter; you’re stuck with us now.”

  “That’s right, no more pretend, Little Girl we’re a family.”

  “Jennifer Reynolds,” Jenny says like a prayer. “Jennifer Reynolds,” She embraces both of them around the neck and hugs them. “My mommy and daddy, I finally have a mommy and daddy. I love you guys so much.”

  “That’s what makes us a family, love.” Lindsay says.

  “Well then, we’ve been one since the day we met.” Jason says.

  And at the Reynolds’ cabin, Christmas is indeed the most wonderful time of the year.

  * * *

  Outside Washington D.C. there sits an enclave of long, gray, two-story buildings that house some of the country’s most well-connected criminal population. This is where the embezzlers, stock manipulators and money launderers wind up. The security is low and the freedoms high.

  Derek Stern, one-time presidential aspirant, sits in his room contemplating his downfall.

  I was so close to getting all of it, eventually I would have been President. That sneaky bastard McGee and that worthless cunt Marta, betraying me after all the years mother and I were so kind to them. My fucking life is over. No White House, no power, fuck, no money even, and if I don’t get my hands on some coke soon I’ll go insane. Five years at least, what the hell am I going to do in here for five years?

  “Senator?” A voice calls from the hall.

  Derek looks up to find one of the other inmates. She’s lolling in his doorway, a woman about forty-years-old with dishwater blond hair and a fair complexion. Her sizable breasts were obviously manufactured outside her mother’s womb as well as her nose, chin and lips.

  All in all an acceptable package, Derek reflects. Especially given the location,

  “You’re Senator Stern, right?”

  “Yes, that’s who I was.” Derek says.

  “Hi, I’m Joan Richards. I’m in for stock manipulation.”

  “It’s nice to meet you Joan, and are you having a Merry Christmas?”

  Joan moves closer. “Not especially, how about you Senator, Derek isn’t it?”

  Derek walks over and closes the door that has no lock on his side, he then turns and takes Joan Richards into his arms.

  While smiling, he asks, “How would you like to unwrap a package Joan? After all, it is Christmas.”

  Joan smiles back and they move toward the bed.

  Derek has two thoughts while laying her atop the stiff, institutional sheets. The first is a bit of standard record keeping. Number 5,938 is imminent, secondly, God bless the man who created co-ed prisons.

  44

  Saturday, February 7th, 1998, 6:03 a.m.

  The scream enters Jason’s ears and exits through his heart. It is the sound of absolute terror and it originated from within the house. He sits bolt upright in bed, listening.

  Beside him, Lindsay stirs. “It’s Jenny again.”

  They throw on robes and walk toward her room, as Matt comes into the hallway, rubbing his eyes and yawning.

  “Mommy what’s wrong?”

  “Jenny’s just had another bad dream baby, everything’s okay.” Lindsay tells him, as Jason knocks on Jenny’s door.

  “I’m sorry.” Jenny calls from behind the door.

  “Open the door honey, please?” Lindsay says.

  Jenny peeks out, her forehead is damp and her complexion, pallid, behind her, every light in the room is on.

  “Are you all right baby?” Jason asks.

  “I’m fine, I’m sorry I woke you up again. The dreams are just so real.”

  Lindsay touches Jason on the arm. “I’ll talk with Jenny, see to Matt?”

  “Okay, you’re sure you’re all right Jennifer?”

  “I’m fine Jason.” Jenny says. Jason smiles at her and gives Lindsay a quick kiss goodbye.

  Lindsay enters Jenny’s room. On the desk, in a gold heart-shaped frame, sits a picture of Jenny’s mother Cindy, apparently taken when she was not much older than Jenny. The photo was taken before the heroin, before Derek, and shows a blonde, blue-eyed innocent.

  Jenny’s bedding is in disarray. Lindsay picks up the pillow from the floor and finds the pillowcase damp with sweat.

  “My God that must’ve been some nightmare, this pillow is soaked.”

  Jenny goes to her crying and Lindsay drops the pillow and hugs her.

  When Jenny gets herself under control, Lindsay guides her to sit on the bed.

  Jenny plays nervously with her hair as she talks. “These nightmares, this is from the abuse isn’t it? It’s a side effect of being abused.”

  “It may be baby, I’m so sorry. Honey listen, you’re going to be all right and Dr. Jacobs says you’re doing fine. Do you want to talk to her today? I have her home number.”

  Jenny considers it. “No, I’ll be okay; I’ll be seeing her on Tuesday anyway.”

  “All right honey.” Lindsay kisses Jenny on the cheek and stands. “If I know your brother he woke up hungry, I’ll go see to his stomach.”

  “No I’ll feed him; I’ll feel better if I cook something.”

  Jenny has six more nightmares over the next few weeks, but by the middle of March they occur less frequently and are less intense and Jenny begins sleeping through the night.

  * * *

  Saturday March 28th, 1998 flaunts a high temperature of seventy-eight degrees amid bright sunshine.

  Lindsay pokes her head into the kitchen and sees Jenny frosting Paul Jr.’s birthday cake.

  “Can I come in? I promise not to help.” Lindsay sits next to Jenny at the table. “That Paul is so lucky, not many boys have a girlfriend who can cater their parties.”

  “We’re just friends, catering his party is only my birthday gift to him.”

  “Whatever you say dear, you two are just a boy and a girl who like to do everything together and don’t see other people, I understand.”

  “Stop teasing, I’m not his girlfriend—we’ve never kissed.”

  “Really? I’m surprised, I’m sure h
e has a crush on you.” Lindsay dips a finger into the chocolate frosting. “Would you like him to kiss you?”

  “Lindsay!”

  “I’m not trying to embarrass you, I’m just nosy.”

  “Well, I wouldn’t mind, but it’s nice having a friend too.”

  “I suppose.” Lindsay sighs, and Jenny smiles to herself.

  * * *

  Later that day, Lindsay and Jason join Simone on her elevated deck, where they can sit and view the entire yard.

  An elaborate, wooden footbridge built over a stream gives the home a bucolic ambiance, while also granting access to the lawn beyond where two dozen plus teenagers laugh, play music and talk.

  Paul had taken the day off to be with his son, but an urgent police matter dictated him leaving before the party began.

  Jason and Lindsay were helping Jenny deliver the food, and then offered to stay and assist in chaperoning the party, since Matt is off visiting Lindsay’s parents.

  “Jenny really impressed Paul with this feast; it must’ve taken a lot of work.” Simone says.

  “She’s been cooking for days, she wanted everything just right.” Lindsay says.

  There comes the sound of a commotion, Jason stands and sees it’s a fight. He jumps over the railing and lands on the ground ten feet below.

  As he sprints toward the fracas, Jenny passes him, crying, Jason calls to her, but she keeps going.

  A crowd has formed around the combatants and as Jason is pulling him off the boy beneath him, he realizes he has a hold of Paul Jr.

  “What’s the problem here?” Jason yells. “This is supposed to be a party!”

  The other boy gets up; his face is a bloody mess, his bottom lip split open. Paul Jr. makes a charge at the boy, but Jason has him and he calms down.

  “Okay everybody, the fight’s over.” Jason then turns to the injured boy, a kid with spiky bleached blond hair and green eyes. “Son, let Dr. Martinez have a look at your lip.” Next, he points at Paul Jr. “You’re with me.”

  Jason takes Paul inside to the living room and sits across from him. It never fails to strike Jason what a perfect combination of Simone and Paul the boy’s turned out to be. He wears Simone’s fine features on Paul’s lanky body.

  “Paul what was that all about? I know you don’t start fights, what happened?”