He blushed with a laugh and asked, “I’m that obvious?”
“Yes, you are that obvious.”
I started giggling. He was so cute when he was embarrassed. Brandon approached me for a subtle kiss. I obliged him. I loved kissing him, tasting him. He smelled like a man that I can just sink myself into and be as comfortable as I would in a plush leather recliner.
All of a sudden, I had a revolution of an idea. I looked at Brandon, and he stared back at me. He saw the wheels in my head turning. I asked him, “Brandon, I hate to do this, but I need your help.”
“I’ll help you with anything, Angela.”
I despised asking, but I had no choice. I had to be ready for the future, and it was coming really fast. I asked, “Can I borrow five hundred dollars?”
“What you need it?”
I knew he was going to ask me that, and I was ready. “I have this bill that is due, and I’ve wanted to pay it off. You can take money out of my check every week if you want until I pay you back fully, and you can take interest if you want.”
“That’s all you need?”
Of course, I wanted more, but I wasn’t going to take more. I answered, “Yes, that’s all I need.”
“When do you need it?”
“I need it today.”
“I can write a check to the people you owe.”
I said without hesitation, “No, I don’t think that’ll do. I’m going to Threshold to pay it because the company has an office there. I figure if I pay in full with cash, I can be done with the bill for good.”
“Well, I don’t mind helping you, Angela. I have to get it out of my office. I’ll give it to you before you leave today.”
I smiled relieved. Now, I was going to have the means to get out of Wisp if I need to at the last minute.
“So, after work and dinner, it’s my place, correct?”
“Yes, you and me at your place.”
He kissed me on the cheek, and he walked out of the stockroom. It was possible in another life and another time that Brandon and I could completely fall in love. We could be together just like he wanted, just like I wanted. But it wasn’t another life or another time. When everything comes to light about my past, he’s going to be very unhappy with me. At least, I won’t be around to see it and feel it. I don’t think I’ll be able to take it.
CHAPTER FORTY
Brandon and I met Beth at the restaurant called American Delicacy. It was a restaurant with seats outside the door, and it had a menu that was easy to pick from and affordable. We sat at the table as Beth was continuously dialing Dillon on her cell phone. She was annoyed.
Brandon asked, “He’s never answered your calls?”
Beth answered, “No, he has not. I can’t believe he’s ignoring me like this.”
“I’ll try him again. I called him earlier from the store phone, and he didn’t answer. Maybe, he’ll answer the call from my cell.” Brandon pressed a button, and he put the phone to his ear. It rung and rung and rung, no answer.
I tried to appear as if I didn’t have a clue. I wondered how long will it take for the body to be found?
Brandon said, “Why don’t we just have dinner without him?”
“Do you think he’s found someone else?” Beth whined.
“I can’t even answer that question, Beth. Dillon and I really don’t speak.”
“He is such a jerk. He didn’t call me when I was away for training. I bet he’s with another girl.”
We ordered our food and drinks, and we spent most of the dinner watching Beth calling Dillon. At first it was working my nerves. After an hour of watching her, it was actually sad.
I was so glad when dinner was over. I gladly got in the car with Brandon, and we went to his house. Now, I wouldn’t have to hear her whine about her boyfriend not answering his phone. Brandon and I settled into the living room. I had a glass of water, and he had wine. I wanted my mind to be clear from this point on.
Brandon touched my hand, and I debated on whether to give in to him. His eyes spoke clearly as to what he wanted, and I wasn’t so sure. He set down his glass on the coffee table, and he leaned in to kiss me. It wasn’t passionate, but it was very sweet. We stopped, and this was my time to make a decision. If I wanted Brandon that evening, I had to push the past out of my mind while we were together.
I stood holding his hand and asked, “Can we go to your bedroom?”
Brandon didn’t have to say a word. He stood with me, and he took me to his bedroom. When we were there, we undressed one another. We took each second to touch, kiss, and explore. There were no moments of shyness or fear. We left the world behind, and it was only me and Brandon. I believed I learned how to love that night. I learned how to give in not just physically but emotionally.
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2009
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
Brandon got a phone call the next morning, and it was the call I was expecting. Dillon was found dead. Brandon took me to Beth’s house, and he headed for his parent’s house. He was distraught. He gave me a kiss before he drove off. Shannon’s car was parked in front of the house. I didn’t want to go inside because I knew Beth was going to be hysterical. I didn’t know where else to go. I could go to the beach, but I still have to return to Beth’s house. I exhaled making a decision to go in, and just as I turned, a police car drove into the cul-de-sac. Officer Clark pulled in right behind Shannon’s car. Okay, so now what’s going on?
He got out of the car and said, “Hello, Angela.”
“Hi, Officer Clark.”
“Is Beth home?”
“I think so. Her car is here, and her mother’s car is right there.”
“Did you hear about Dillon Burkett?” His shades hid his eyes.
“Yes.”
“It’s shocking news.” He started for the house, and I followed.
My heart was racing. When we entered, Beth was sitting on the sofa, and she had her face buried in her hands. Shannon was sitting beside her, and Walter was on the floor watching television. When he saw me, he ran to me, and I hugged him. He looked me in the eyes, and he smiled a little. I believe he understood that Dillon was gone and I was responsible. If he said anything, I wouldn’t stop him. I’d let Walter scream to the world that I protected him from the monster, Dillon Burkett.
Beth stood when she saw Officer Clark and asked, “Do you know who would hurt Dillon like that?”
“We are still investigating, Beth. I came here to talk to you. I need to get more information about his whereabouts the last few hours.”
“I don’t know, Hoss. I’ve been training for a new job the past few days. I’ve been calling him since Sunday, and he never answered my phone calls.”
“Did he tell you what he had planned while you were gone?”
“No, the last time I spoke to him was Friday, I think. I can’t believe someone would hurt him like this. He was such a good man. He was good to me and my family.”
Wasn’t he a prick or a jerk not too long ago? What in the hell was she saying? I was immediately pissed off. If he was good to anyone, it was just her.
“Shannon, have you spoken to Dillon lately?” Officer Clark asked.
“I don’t remember the last time I spoke to him. I don’t think I spoke to him this past week.”
I was so tired of the questions. I tried to walk away, but Walter stopped me. He had a hold of my arm. Officer Clark noticed, and he looked at me strangely.
He asked me, “So, what about you, Angela?”
“What about me?” I was so nervous.
“Have you spoken to Dillon or seen him?”
“No, I haven’t.”
Officer Clark nodded and turned back to Beth, “Was he seeing another woman?”
“No, he wasn’t. He was faithful to me.”
I laughed. It came out so fast that I surprised myself. Beth looked at me like I was crazy.
I asked smartly, “You really think he was faithful?” I couldn’t hold back anymore. One more good thing
about Dillon, and I was going to pop her in the mouth for lying.
She answered angrily, “Yes, he was very faithful to me.”
“You are delusional.” I stated.
Beth approached me with anger and asked, “What the hell do you know about it?”
“I know he is a child molester!” I calmly stated, “Your brother and your roommate’s son!”
She came toe to toe with me and asked threateningly, “What did you say?”
I gently moved Walter out of the way because I wasn’t backing down. If I had to fight, I didn’t want him in the middle of it. I was just as angry if not more. I said, “You heard what I said. He’s been molesting your own brother, Beth, and you know it.”
“THAT’S A LIE!”
Beth tried to grab me, but I blocked her with one arm and I slapped her dead in the face with my other hand. I mean I came from outer space meaning to put her on the floor. She grabbed her cheek and stumbled away. Tears began filling her eyes. I wanted her to grab me one more time. Please, try it one more!
Officer Hoss stepped between us and commanded, “That’s enough!”
“Stop being selfish, Beth, and tell the truth!” I yelled at her. I was seeing nothing but red.
Beth said in a shaken voice, “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Officer Clark asked, “Beth, has Dillon been inappropriately touching Walter?”
Shannon answered as she went to Walter, “It is true, Hoss. Angela is telling the truth.”
“MA!” Beth screeched, “They’re lying! All of them are lying! Dillon would never do such a thing!”
Officer Clark looked down at the ground. He knew it was true.
Beth tried to move around Officer Clark and get closer to me. She pleaded, “You take it back, Angela! You tell him you made it up!”
How ridiculous. Why would I take it back?
She turned to Shannon and demanded, “Mom, I am your daughter. We are family. Tell Hoss the truth.”
“And Walter is my son. Angela is right. I want to press charges, Hoss.”
Beth cleared her throat and tried to sound more civil, “They’re lying, Hoss. Don’t listen to them.”
“Beth, if Walter has been hurt, I have to investigate it further.” Officer Clark was concerned as he stared at Walter and Shannon. “I should have followed up fully when I first heard about the abuse from Justine and her son.”
“Justine was a liar, Hoss. I can’t believe you actually think she was telling the truth.” Beth stated. “You can’t do anything now, anyway. Justine is gone. Dillon is dead. What’s important is who killed my boyfriend.”
“All of it is important. Shannon, bring Walter down to the station later on so I can get a formal statement.”
Shannon was holding Walter in her arms, and she nodded understanding.
“Angela, I want you out of my house!” Beth demanded.
I went towards her, and Officer Clark touched my shoulder. I said in a low, angry tone, “You should be ashamed for selling your brother’s soul for this house.”
Her mouth fell open at what I said. She tried to get her words out, “I...I can’t...you’re...”
I walked away before she could say anything else. I knew I hit her right where it mattered. I went to the bedroom, and took off the clothes she gave me. I put on the clothes I showed up with. I took the gun from under the mattress and hid it in my purse with the money Brandon gave me. I walked out of the door with nothing else. Walter ran after me and stopped me at the end of the circle. He was crying
I got on my knees and said, “You never have to worry about Dillon ever again. He’s gone for good. I kept my promise, Walter.”
“I know you did. You always keep your promises, Angela, but where are you going?”
“Baby, I can’t stay here. I’m leaving Wisp.”
He said, “But I don’t want you to go. You can stay with me and my mom.”
“No, Walter, I can’t.” I touched his cheeks, and I kissed his forehead. I continued, “You be good to your mom. She will protect you from now on.”
“But we’re friends, Angela! You can’t go!”
“I’m so sorry, Walter.” I stood. “I have no choice.”
“If you won’t stay, I want to go with you. I don’t want to stay here with them.”
“You have to. Your family needs you.”
“No, they don’t! Please, Angela, don’t leave without me!”
I shook my head. I had no answer. I was holding my breath. I was trying to stop the tears. I looked to Beth’s house hoping Shannon would be in sight. She was still inside. No one was around in that circle.
“You’re my best friend, Angela. Please, don’t leave without me.” His big baby eyes screamed to be rescued, and I couldn’t say no.
I couldn’t stand there any longer. He was killing me. I took his hand, and we walked away from the house. I didn’t run. I wasn’t hiding. I was hoping Shannon would come driving up at any moment and get him.
I went directly to the bus stop that I got off of when I first got to Wisp. We sat on the covered bench. I was shivering, chilled to the bone in the June summer heat. I felt sick. Oh Lord have mercy, where was Shannon? If I got on the shuttle with this boy, my life was over. After all the murders and then kidnaping this child, the world will want to bury me alive.
The shuttle arrived sooner than I hoped, and I got on with Walter in tow. We found an empty seat in the back. He was smiling up at me, and I smiled at him. How long will he remain with me? And will I be able to really keep him safe? I knew the answers. Not very long and probably not.
Every choice I’ve ever made has gotten me this far, and I knew taking Walter was the worse one of all. This was the beginning of the end.
THE KILLER CONSEQUENCES
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2009
CHAPTER ONE
The shuttle arrived sooner than I hoped, and I got on with Walter in tow. We found an empty seat in the back. He was smiling up at me, and I smiled at him. How long will he remain mine? And will I be able to really keep him safe? The answers were easy. He wasn’t going to stay mine very long, and I probably won’t be able to keep him safe.
Every choice I’ve ever made has gotten me this far, and I knew taking Walter was the worse one of all. This was the beginning of the end. My life wasn’t really in danger yet, but as soon as I cross the town limits of Wisp, it would be. And then the authorities would seriously look at me for the deaths of Jason, Alex, and Dillon. I wasn’t prepared for the entire world to come down on me, and I had no doubts in my mind I would lose. I had no chance. Walter had to stay.
We got off at the last stop in Wisp. It was before the long road back to Threshold. I knew at that moment, I saved my life and probably Walter’s life, as well.
“Why did we get off, Angela?” Walter asked as he grabbed my hand tight. His warm little fingers gripped three of my fingers.
“Walk with me, Walter,” I requested.
“Where are we going now?”
“We’re just going to walk for a little bit.” I said.
We started on our way, and Walter walked beside me. He was calm. I guess he felt the heaviness of the situation.
“You’re still leaving, aren’t you?” Walter asked.
I nodded and said, “Yes, I am.”
“I know you don’t want me to go with you, Angela, but I promise I’ll be good.”
“I know you will, but I can’t take you, Walter.”
“Why not,” he whined.
“Because you don’t belong with me, and your family would miss you.”
“Beth wouldn’t miss me. She’d be glad to see me gone for good.”
“I think that’s where you’re mistaken, Walter. Sometimes family can be tough on one another, but that doesn’t mean they don’t love you. Your sister and your mom would bring the world down on my shoulders if I take you, and I can’t fight the whole world. I won’t win. You could get hurt and so could I.”
“I just don’t
want to see you go. You’re my friend, Angela.”
“You’re my friend, too.”
“If Beth is the reason you’re leaving, you can fight her back. I’ll help you. I’m not afraid of her.”
I laughed and said, “It’s not Beth. It’s me.”
“Will you ever come back?” His bottom lip was poked out. The kid was just breaking my heart.
“No, I won’t,” I answered with clarity. “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to come back.”
“I’m going to miss you, Angela.”
What Walter said meant a lot to me. I’m glad I met him. He made me feel human again.
Our arrival in front of the bookstore gave me an idea. We went inside, and I noticed Evanna was on the right hand side reading to a group of kids. Their attention was entirely on her as she read a children’s book. Her eyes were bright, and her voice rose and fell with the sentences. She was really good at reading to those kids, and they responded with smiles and giggles. She glanced up at me quickly and waved without tripping over her story. I waved back. This was the perfect place to leave Walter.
I got down on my knees and said to him, “Go have a seat and listen to the story.”
He smiled and gave me a hug. He knew what this meant, and the tears crested in my eyes. I was going to miss that little boy. I whispered to him, “You be good, kiddo.”
“I will, Angela.” Walter went to the crowd of kids, and he sat down right in the middle of them.
With a heavy heart, I watched him. I took in a deep breath. I felt really good about leaving him behind. I went to the back of the bookstore, and I left out of the back entrance. I figured Evanna or Sharyn would get him to his mother.
I must admit I made some good friends while in Wisp. Ms. Emma was the best of them all. She cared, and she was always good to me. Her strange behavior was hilarious, and actually, it made my stay in Wisp much more bearable. I’ll have to make sure to take care of what she started. So, she won’t get in trouble. I was going to miss her terribly.
The Ex Killer Series Page 48
