I walked into the living room. Shannon stood and rushed over to me. As she walked me to the door, she said, “Thank you for coming by. It was so nice of you to spend so much time with him.”
I stared at Shannon looking for the answers as to why she would let a monster touch her son, but I knew the answer wouldn’t be written on her forehead. Now wasn’t the time to talk about Dillon, but I would find the perfect opportunity, better believe it.
I said dryly, “You’re welcome.” I turned and walked away knowing it was well time that I left.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2009
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
For most of the day, the store wasn’t very busy. I finished stocking everything that needed to be stocked, and now my main goal was to find out about the investigation into Jason’s death. I was trying to remember where Tanie went on her computer to do a search when we were looking for Alex in Atlanta. It can’t be too hard.
Brandon sat in the seat beside me and asked, “Angela, have you heard anything about Walter yet?”
“I saw him yesterday. He’s at home, and he’s doing good.”
“Excellent. That was real scary the other day.”
“Yes, it was.” I said. Brandon gave me an idea. I continued, “I was wondering if you could help me with something.”
“Sure,” he remarked.
I said, “I’m not very good on a computer. I was wondering if you could help me search for someone.”
“Of course, I can help.” Brandon faced the computer he sat in front of and turned it on. The Burkett Books’ emblem disappeared, and a flower garden image took its place. He selected one of the smaller images, and the web popped up. That’s what I was looking for. One data entry field was in the middle with a short vertical line blinking in the far left corner. Brandon said, “Type in the person’s name.”
I typed in ‘Olivia Gray’. I really wanted to type in Jason Stone, but Brandon was watching. Now, I knew where to go on the computer to do a search. Immediately the picture turned into a list of names, places, and descriptions. There wasn’t anything about my sister.
Brandon remarked, “If you’re a part of a social website, then you can search there, too. A lot of people are on those sites, and you’ll probably find her.”
I looked at Brandon confused.
He asked, “You don’t know what a social website is?”
“I’m not really into computers, Brandon.”
“Are you for real?”
“Yes,” I answered. I didn’t feel ashamed or stupid for not knowing what he was talking about. It didn’t bother me one bit that I’d rather do other things than sit at a computer.
He stated as he began typing fast, “I’ll sign into the social website, and we’ll put her name in there. I think it is so cool.”
“What do you think is cool?”
“You might be the only person in the world that has not been on the web. Well, at least, the only adult I know of.”
“I guess some people would call it backwards.” I stated.
“I don’t consider it backwards at all.” Brandon was already signed on to the social website, and he typed in Olivia’s name.
Her face popped up tenth in a list of people. I stood and leaned towards the screen to get a closer look. It was definitely Olivia. The picture was recent, and she looked happy like the world was given her every single thing she ever wanted.
“Can you click on that?” I asked as I pointed to Olivia’s picture.
Brandon did what I asked.
“There’s nothing there to show where she is.” I noted.
“She has to add that information in order for you to see it.”
I sat back in my chair giving up on the search.
Brandon asked, “Who is Olivia?”
“She’s my sister.” I said. I was eager to go back to the other site and put in Jason’s name.
“Why are you looking for her? You don’t know where she is?”
“We separated on bad terms. I only know she’s in Virginia, but I have no idea where in Virginia.”
“I can try and connect with her if you want...”
“No, Brandon, that’s not a good idea. I’ll find another way to contact her. I think it’ll be better face to face considering our past.”
“Well, if you want help, let me know. I can show you how to sign up on the website.”
“Maybe later but I do appreciate your help.” I stood, and Brandon quickly stood with me.
He was holding my forearm. I waited patiently for him to release my arm. We stared at each other, and I felt that unmistakable desire a guy has towards a girl. He released me and said, “Angela, I’ve been meaning to ask you this since Monday, but I wasn’t sure how to ask you a question like this...”
Oh, no! Not again!
“Would you like to go out with me tonight?”
Where did this come from all of a sudden? I said, “I can’t go out with you.”
“Why not?” Brandon looked like his feelings were hurt.
There were a few problems, and I couldn’t mention any of them. There were my ex-boyfriends that I killed, and his brother, Dillon, who almost raped me. Also, my heart was closed.
So, I stated instead, “I’ve been through a lot before I came here, Brandon. I’m not ready.”
“We can just go out...”
“No, Brandon, please, don’t.” This reminded me so much of the conversation I had with Alex when he first asked me out, and I wasn’t going to do that again. I wasn’t going to date any man, no matter the color. I just couldn’t. I said, “I’m sorry.”
Brandon nodded and said, “No, I’m sorry, Angela. I don’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”
I did not understand why this guy wanted to date me anyway? Usually, there is some kind of sign that a guy likes you, but I got nothing from him. Maybe, I wasn’t paying attention. Maybe, I’ve been too wrapped up with all these old and new problems. Brandon smiled at me, and he left the second floor. Now, I felt bad. Maybe, he’d find someone else to keep his attention like the woman that was flirting with him the other day.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Before it was time for me to go home, I found the Elizabeth Harrow book. It was a gorgeously bound hardcover book. I stared at it like it was precious metal, and I opened its stiff front cover for the first time. It was $29.99. I was looking forward to giving Ms. Emma the book. I smiled as I went to pay for it. I handed Evanna the book and the money.
She smiled at me and said, “This is an excellent book.”
“I’m buying it for Ms. Emma.” I remarked.
“Oh, you know Ms. Emma? She is a lovely lady. I love her.”
“She is a great lady.” I agreed.
Evanna remarked, “I’m told Elizabeth Harrow is her favorite book.”
“Yea, it is. Speaking of Ms. Emma, Evanna, I have a question.”
Evanna placed the book in a gift bag and handed me the changed. “Go ahead, Angela.”
“Do you know Ms. Emma’s husband?”
Evanna rolled her eyes and said, “He is a jack-ass, and I can’t stand him.”
“Does he mistreat Ms. Emma?”
“Does he?” Evanna came from behind the desk and said to me in a whisper, “He carries a gun around always threatening people.”
“Is he dangerous? Will he use that gun?”
“I think he’s borderline on being dangerous, but he’s never shot anyone that I know of. He’s just a pain to everyone here. He’s always saying Ms. Emma needs to be committed. He should be the one locked up in a white room with a double straight jacket, if one ever existed.”
“I wish he’d just leave her alone, Evanna.” I was going to tell her how he tried to scare me, but I didn’t.
“Her son can do something about it, but he won’t. I think he’s scared of old man Lawrence, too.”
“Well, I better get going. I have a gift to give.”
“I’ll see you later, Angela. Tell Ms. Emma I said hello.”
When I was about to leave, Brandon was walking out the door, too. He offered me a ride home because it was dark, but I didn’t really want to ride with him, not after I turned him down. But he was animate. I decided to give in to his offer. At least, he understood we weren’t going to have a relationship, and I didn’t have to go through all the emotional rollercoaster that it involved.
When he was driving me home, I started to tell Brandon that I knew about Dillon, but I didn’t. Brandon was not the one to beat up on. He was not the ultimate goal.
When we arrived on Red Rooster Circle, we noticed Dillon’s truck at the same time. My immediate reaction was absolute anger. Brandon sighed. I had a feeling he didn’t want to be bothered with his own brother, either. Brandon pulled up behind his truck, and we got out together. Brandon could have just dropped me off, but he wasn’t going to be rude and leave me on the curb and drive off. We walked beside one another to the front porch, a respective quiet between the both of us that spoke volumes of the upcoming tension we were approaching.
I entered the house first, and Brandon was close behind me. Dillon sat on the sofa with his right ankle resting on his left leg, and he had the television turned up to an ungodly level. I thought that was absolutely stupid. Was he hard of hearing?
Our eyes met, and I recalled our last meeting. Dillon eyes moved from my face down the length of my body. I hated him. He was worse than a nuisance. He was a predator, an evil leach, and I couldn’t believe that Shannon and Beth allowed him to do whatever he wanted.
Dillon knew his brother was with me, but he never made eye contact with him and never spoke. He turned his attention back to the television.
I went to the kitchen where Beth was running faucet water into a pan. She smiled when she saw me and said, “Hey! How was your day?”
“Very nice, Beth, thanks. Is something wrong with Dillon’s hearing?” I was being very smart.
Beth didn’t even pick up on my sarcasm as she turned on the stove. She answered, “No, his hearing is fine.”
I shook my head at the sheer nonsense. Brandon came into the kitchen and spoke, “Hi, Beth.”
Beth stopped before she placed the pot on the open flame. She looked at me and then at Brandon. Her smile became brighter thinking we had been together. “Hi, Brandon, this is a nice surprise. Did you two go out on a date?”
I answered, “No, Brandon was nice enough to take me home.”
Beth laughed and her eyes lit up as Dillon entered the kitchen. “Did you hear that, Dillon? Brandon was being a perfect gentleman and took Angela home.”
Dillon remarked sharply, “A perfect virgin.”
“Cut it out, Dill.” Brandon remarked with a subdued anger.
I had a smirk on my face. Dillon was jealous. His body language was a dead give-away as he dragged to the refrigerator.
“You hit that, bro?” Dillon asked as he stared at Brandon. He snapped the beer open, tossed the tab across the floor, and took a long swallow of beer.
Beth looked at Dillon shocked by his words. Brandon shook his head, and I still held the same smirk. I loved the fact that Dillon was pissed off and jealous, and for no reason at all.
Beth quickly dismissed what he said with a nervous laugh and said, “Angela, so when are you two going out?”
I stared at Dillon as I answered, “We’re going out to dinner tomorrow.”
Brandon looked at me shocked by my answer. I know he was confused.
“I can recommend an excellent place in Threshold, and there’s actually a cozy, romantic spot right here in Wisp if you two don’t want to go too far.” Beth spoke hoping her soft tone of voice would ease the thick tension in the room.
“I would love to hear all of your recommendations, Beth.” The eye contact between me and Dillon was a beyond crazy. I hated him, and more than likely, he lusted after me. I bet Brandon felt like his head was in a fog as he watched us.
Dillon managed a well-timed burp before walking out the kitchen. He made sure he didn’t go anywhere near me, and he purposely hit Brandon with his shoulder when he passed him by.
Brandon exploded, “You need to grow up!”
Beth turned and saw Dillon right before he disappeared into the living room. She said, “He was in a good mood before you guys showed up. I don’t know what got into him.”
If she opened her eyes, she’d know exactly what’s eating him. I was out of his reach and more so into the reach of his brother, and he couldn’t stand it. She returned back to cooking. The front door slammed hard enough to startle everyone. Beth looked up at the ceiling like she was praying for some sanity. She better pray for more than that.
Brandon said, “Well, I guess I better get going, too. Angela, take tomorrow off, okay. I’ll see you Friday. Is that okay with you?”
I asked him, “You don’t want to go out tomorrow?”
“I thought...well, okay, sure.” He smiled. I didn’t like using him to make his brother jealous, but I couldn’t help myself. I just have to make sure that Brandon and I will not go any further than friendship. I just wasn’t up for the next step.
I said, “Good, eight o’clock is a good time?”
“Of course,” he agreed. I walked him to the door and he said in a whisper, “I’m sorry about my brother, Angela. He can be very vulgar.”
I looked passed his glasses, into his eyes and said, “You can’t apologize for his behavior, Brandon. I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but it has to come from him.”
“He won’t apologize, Angela. He’s never apologized for any wrong thing he’s ever done.”
“Why is he like that?”
“I don’t know why. It’s a mystery to me. I’ll see you tomorrow evening, Angela.” Brandon gently touched my shoulder and walked out.
Beth leaned against the kitchen entrance and said, “He likes you, Angela.”
“He’s wasting his time, Beth.” I remarked as I turned off the television.
“Why would you say that?”
“I’m not going to be here long enough for a relationship.”
“Well, I think that’s a shame. I think you should stay and give him a chance. He’s a perfect gentleman. He knows how to treat a girl, unlike my heathen boyfriend.”
There was no way I was going to stay for him, no way. And then on top of that, I had to open my heart to a relationship. I wasn’t about to put myself out there again.
“Brandon is the type of person that will take care of you.”
“I don’t want or need any guy to take care of me. At one time, I thought...” I cut myself off. I couldn’t even give a hint to my past. I didn’t say another word.
She continued, “We all need rescuing at some point in our lives, Angela. Brandon looks at women like they are equals. He doesn’t throw your faults in your face. He doesn’t make you feel like you’re less of a human being because you’re different from him. That man is capable of true love, and he needs a lady at his side to give it to. All I’ve seen from you is that you’re a decent, good human being. Don’t you think you deserve an equally decent, good human being? Brandon is the real deal.”
I stared at Beth, taking in her words like water. He truly was. I could not argue against that fact.
“I hope you think about what I said.” She returned back to the kitchen to finish cooking.
I stood in the living room, thinking about what she said. When I see Brandon working with customers in the store, I see genuine interest and respect of another person. He took his work serious. He wasn’t running a game nor had an agenda. I didn’t get the impression that he was selfish or hateful. He also treated his employees really good. There was a mutual respect between all of us there at the store. I had no doubts in my mind about Brandon. He was true as a person can be, and I didn’t deserve him.
I compared him to Alex Westing. Brandon was older than Alex. He was living his goals, whereas Alex was looking forward to attaining his goals. Brandon didn’t have time for games. He wasn’t looking to hurt an
yone, but Alex, that’s all he did, was run a game the whole time we dated.
Alex had an agenda that only suited him. His affections weren’t genuine. He sure seemed like the real deal at the time, but he showed his true colors.
Brandon is nothing like him. He is the type of person that you see and know he’s on the real, and you never question his intentions. That’s all I’ve ever wanted was a man like that, but no, I got the bottom of the barrel. I got the abusers and the users, and we all suffered for it, more so them than me.
I’ll go out on this friendly date tomorrow night, and I’ll probably like him even more. I have to make sure to keep my heart locked away. It’s like I told Ms. Emma before, I’ve given up on love.
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2009
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
The next morning I was at Ms. Emma’s door first thing ready to give her the book. She let me in, and we sat at the kitchen table. I handed her the gift bag, and she pulled out Elizabeth Harrow. Ms. Emma gleamed at the book. She lifted the hardcover testing the weight and then set it down carefully on the table. I sat directly on her right side. Today, her hair was fixed back into the big white bowl. The tiara was gone, but she wore a sensible blue dress. She seemed to be in a good mood.
She asked, “Have you ever read this book, Angela?”
“No, ma’am, I haven’t.” I answered.
“This wasn’t required reading in your high school literature class?”
I shook my head as an answer.
“What is it?” Ms. Emma asked with concern.
“I never took literature. I never finished high school.”
Ms. Emma sat back in her chair taking in my secret. She said, “Oh, Angela, I know I didn’t hear you correctly.”
“Yes, ma’am, you did.” This was the one thing I was truly ashamed of.
“Why didn’t you finish school?” Ms. Emma faced me intently awaiting my answer.
The Ex Killer Series Page 41
