by DJ Owen
“Okay, I’m on it. I’ll have dinner ready when you get here.”
Alex began to think about the dual life she was living as she chopped, measured and mixed their dinner. Monica worked as a paralegal in a large law firm, spending her days processing real estate deals. It suited her. She had always been the straight arrow, the Girl Scout, the responsible one. Alex, on the other hand, was more the free spirit. She had used her inheritance to buy the Winnebago, driving it across the country as the moment struck her. Her life afforded her the luxury of finding and disposing of the despicable; something Monica would never understand. Monica always looked for the good in everyone.
It was ironic that Alex, being the free spirit, would be the sister to bear a child. Amy was already verging on fourteen. Alex originally worked at being a dutiful wife and mother. She had married Jeremy when they were both 21, right after she found out she was pregnant. They finished their last semester of college the month before Amy was born. The family moved a month later when Jeremy was hired on as an architect in San Francisco. They decided Alex would stay home with Amy and start her writing career as a freelancer. It worked for a few years, but Alex soon became bored staying at home and felt she needed to make an impact on the world. When Amy started Kindergarten, the additional free time made it that much worse. Alex threw herself into her writing and found a penchant for researching unsolved crimes. She enjoyed trying to figure out who might be responsible, or why that particular victim was chosen. Mostly she liked figuring out the why.
As often happens in marriages, Alex and Jeremy grew apart. They separated, and Alex moved into an apartment nearby so they could both be part of Amy’s life. One day, Alex drove Amy over to Jeremy’s house for his weekend with her where she found Jeremy's front door slightly ajar. She locked Amy into the car and used her elbow to open the door wider, calling for Jeremy as she entered. She walked toward the kitchen and found Jeremy propped up awkwardly against the kitchen cabinets. He was surrounded by a pool of blood, a gaping hole in his unmoving chest.
She called the police immediately on her cell phone. Knowing the police always suspect an estranged spouse first, Alex next called Monica asking her to take Amy for the duration. She learned a great deal about police procedures from that dark time in her life. She was now the prime suspect, a central character in an unsolved crime. The fact she was the one to find the body and report it almost put her in handcuffs. It was a good thing that she and Jeremy still respected each other and remained kind in their discussions. They regularly attended Amy’s school conferences and plays together. They both supported Amy at soccer practice. As the police spoke to their friends, neighbors, family and co-workers of Jeremy, the police found nothing to implicate Alex. Neither Jeremy nor Alex had started dating anyone new, and the police could find nothing in Alex’s writing research that would make either of them a target. After six weeks of running down leads and tips, the police finally admitted they had nothing on Alex. They also had to concede they had nothing on anybody. There were no suspects at all.
Both Alex and Amy were listed as beneficiaries of Jeremy's life insurance, and Alex used the full amount to set up a trust fund for Amy’s college expenses. Alex set about selling the house since she and Jeremy hadn’t even started divorce proceedings. She managed to sell it quickly for a small profit which she added to the trust fund. The trust fund totaled just over $125,000. With interest accruing over the next ten years, Amy should be able to choose any college she desired without having to worry about financing her Bachelor’s. If she chose to go further, she may have to work or borrow, but she was far better off financially than most kids her age.
Alex was pulled back to the present when she heard the mechanical grinding of the garage door opener. She set the table and adjusted the settings on the stove as her sister entered the house.
“Hey, Alex! I’m glad you’re here. I always enjoy not having to cook as soon as I get home.” Monica loved to tease her sister, but she really did worry about Alex. It didn’t seem right for a mother to spend her life on the road, deserting her child for weeks on end. And how safe could that rolling monstrosity in the driveway be? Anyone with a screwdriver could break in, and let’s not even mention how easy it would be for a mechanical breakdown to leave her defenseless by the side of the road. Alex was always the risk-taker, though. She seemed to have no fear of anyone or anything.
“Monica! Is that the only reason you’re glad to see me? I hope Amy doesn’t feel that way.” Alex’s smile betrayed her hurt look.
Monica perched herself on one of the barstools in the kitchen.
“Amy is growing up fast. She’s caught up in all the goings-on at school, so don’t be surprised if she doesn’t even notice you’re here. Sometimes she doesn’t even notice if I’m here. She is just like you were … always into everything, always making new friends, nobody a stranger. I always envied you that.”
Alex remembered how shy her sister was in high school. She always sat by herself at lunch and never made waves. Chances were, her classmates only remembered her when they see her photo in their yearbook. Alex, on the other hand, was in trouble as often as not. She was almost on a first-name basis with the principal, and met a lot of her friends in detention. The forced study time was well worth it, though. She used that time to get her homework done and managed to keep her grades up. She hadn’t been a bad student; she just didn’t appreciate the cookie-cutter approach to teaching kids. She ended up Valedictorian and graduated with a full scholarship. Monica struggled a little bit more with her studies and graduated something like tenth in her class which suited her just fine since she wouldn’t want to stand on stage to give a speech.
They were so different, yet they complemented each other. Monica could always rely on Alex to step in if there was any kind of confrontation needed. It was Alex who negotiated the price on her sister's house and car, whereas Monica would have just paid the asking price without argument. Alex could rely on Monica to provide Amy the stable environment kids need, leaving Alex free to travel the world.
“It wasn’t all it was cracked up to be, you know. I was always the chief suspect every time someone pulled the fire alarm or started a food fight. Now that I’m older and have a kid of my own, I understand how hard it must have been for Mom and Dad, expecting to hear I was in trouble every time the phone rang.” They sat in silence for a moment. “I really miss them, Monica.”
“Me, too. They’ve been gone almost seven years, but it still seems like yesterday. I was making a pot roast the other day and almost picked up the phone to invite them over. I wonder if everyone reacts this way, or only family members who don’t get closure.”
“At least we were able to bury them, even if we don’t know who is responsible.” Alex remembered the late night call from her sister. Her parents had been driving home from a weekend in Chicago when their car slammed through the guardrail and down a small cliff, killing both instantly. The police said there was absolutely no mechanical reason for them to lose control of the car. Then the autopsy indicated they were both drugged with Benzodiazepine, probably from a common sleeping pill, but no alcohol was found in their systems. The investigators could not locate the source. In the absence of forensic evidence to the contrary, the police concluded the two decided to use the drug on the road, tossing their water bottles along the way.
“I’m still furious the police didn’t even look for anyone. Mom and Dad would never do anything so stupid.” Monica’s hands shook as she absently thumbed through the mail on the counter. Both she and Alex were distracted when they heard a key in the lock.
“Mom!” Amy dropped her books and ran to her mother, leaving the front door standing open. Monica went to close it as Amy brought Alex up to date on the latest gossip at school. She was still at it as they ate.
“Dinner was delicious. You were always such a good cook,” Monica said as they cleared the table an hour later.
“Thanks. I figure that’s the least I can do when I’m in town
. Amy seems so well-adjusted, considering I practically dumped her on you.” Amy had excused herself to go work on her homework. Monica and Alex knew Amy's studies would often be interrupted by phone calls and text messages from her friends. They had agreed not to intrude as long as Amy kept her grades up.
“Come on, now. We’ve talked about this. I love having Amy here, and you would never be happy staying in one place. There’s no way you could do the research you do sitting at home. This way, you can travel and write, Amy gets stability, and I have a family at home.”
“True, but I still feel like I’m taking advantage of you. Don’t you want your freedom so you can find someone for yourself, maybe get married and have a kid of your own?”
Monica glanced up at Alex and then studied the floor, a tell-tale smile beginning on Monica’s face.
“What?! Have you met someone?”
“Maybe. I don’t know,” Monica stammered. “A new guy started working in our office. He’s a criminal defense lawyer. He came here from some little town in Pennsylvania. We’ve bumped into each other getting coffee in the break room.”
“Oh, really? What’s he look like? Is he married? Has he asked you out?” Alex was happy for her sister, though she hoped this wouldn’t turn out like the last time Monica dated someone.
“He’s cute enough. He’s a little older than I am, and I’m pretty sure he works out. He said he’s trying to get back in shape after his divorce. He said he and his wife just didn’t work out. It sort of sounded like you and Jeremy.”
“Tell me more!”
Monica collected her thoughts for a moment. “He has dark brown hair and the greenest eyes I’ve ever seen. He has just a little bit of a Southern drawl. His dad was a teacher in Tupelo when Mark was young, but then they moved to Pennsylvania.” She paused. “I really like him, Alex. He’s a good guy, and I think about him all the time.”
“So have you two gone out?” Alex was amused she had to ask this question twice to get an answer.
“Well, no, at least not yet.” Monica blushed. “Not that I wouldn’t, though.”
“Knowing you, he’s probably trying to figure out if you’ll shut him down if he asks. I mean, it’s not like you wear a DATE ME sign around your neck.” Alex was torn between protecting Monica and encouraging her to put herself out there in the dating world. “You’ve got to work it, girl. Let the man know you’re interested. Get in the game before some other woman steals him away.”
“I know, I know. I just don’t know how without looking like I’m desperate.”
“Okay, well, let’s head upstairs and see what you have in your closet that screams DATE ME.” With that, the sisters went to contemplate the contents of Monica’s closet.
CHAPTER FIVE
Alex had gone to the guest bedroom around 9:30, telling Monica and Amy that she was exhausted from the drive and needed a good night’s rest. She woke up at 4:15 with thoughts of Brad, her parents, and Amy running through her head. She tried going back to sleep, but grew frustrated when it eluded her.
I might as well make use of the time, Alex thought, sitting up and pulling her laptop close. She opened up Ixquick, an internet browser service that doesn't record IP addresses or use tracking cookies. This was especially helpful when she sometimes had to research how bombs are made, or her stories about serial killers. She started with Florida newspapers and when they didn’t prove fruitful, moved on to Georgia. Next was South Carolina, and that was when she heard Amy start to take her shower.
Alex threw on a robe and headed downstairs to make breakfast. Monica joined her in the kitchen wearing a V-neck sweater which showed off all the right curves without being unprofessional. The deep cranberry red color brought out the natural pink hue in her cheeks, taking a few years off her face. She wore tailored black slacks and carried a black suede blazer over one shoulder. Her wavy black hair was left loose around her shoulders.
“Wow!” Alex was impressed that Monica took her suggestions to heart. Monica would usually lose her nerve overnight. This new guy was evidently different.
“Sweet!” Amy came down the stairs behind Monica. “Who are you trying to impress?”
“Nobody. Your mother just gave me some ideas on how to freshen up my look is all.” Monica’s cheeks turned more pink, giving her fib away.
“Yeah, right. Who is he?”
Monica gave Amy the basics and told her not to expect any romance. “We haven’t even had lunch together.”
“You will after he gets a load of those threads!" Amy turned to her mother. "I’ve got to go. We have an assembly this morning and I need to get there a little early. Good luck with your new beau, Aunt Monica! Mom, will you be here tonight, too?” Was that a flash of pleading Alex saw in Amy’s eyes?
“You bet. I’ll be here for a few days, at least. Do you want me to take you to school?”
“Nah. Meghan’s mom is driving us today.” They heard a car horn and Amy said, “That’s them. Later!” She darted out the door, at least remembering to close it this time.
“That girl is always on the run. Is she like that when I’m not around?”
“Yep. Never stops. But she’s really responsible and good about making whatever arrangements she needs to make to get where she needs to be. Once she gets her driver's license, we’ll probably never see her again.”
Monica took a last sip of her coffee and thanked Alex for breakfast.
“You paid for the food, you know. I just heat it up.”
“I know,” Monica said, “but you have no idea how nice it is to let someone else worry about cooking for a change.” She smiled at her sister. “And I know Amy loves having you here, too. Why don’t you think about sticking around for a few months this time? You know you’re always welcome.”
“Maybe I will. I haven’t decided. I’m still looking for the next story.”
“Well, if you need to run any errands, I drove your Mustang Monday. It needs gas.” Monica ducked as Alex threw a dishcloth at her head and missed by a mile.
“Thanks a heap! Seriously, though, I appreciate you starting her up every so often. At least she isn’t dry rotting while I’m on the road without her.” Monica’s house was her only home base. Once Jeremy’s house sold, Alex broke her lease and moved back across country. She rented an apartment about a mile from her parents. It was just under two years later that she found herself selling their home after the so-called accident. When the estate was settled and the insurance money dispersed, Monica bought this house while Alex bought her first motorhome. She traded that one in last year for a new one to keep repairs to a minimum.
Monica tossed Alex an “Anytime!” as she headed out the door. Alex went back to work researching South Carolina newspapers. She moved up the coast to North Carolina and beyond. She finally unearthed an interesting article in The Narragansett Times.
Woman Hospitalized After Date Rape Attempt by Robin Leahy – Margaret Meadows, 43, of Eulate was hospitalized after she escaped from an alleged attacker on Tuesday. Ms. Meadows stated that she accepted a drink from a man at a bar near the county line. She began to feel ill after taking a few sips of the drink. The man offered to take her to the hospital, but instead drove her to a secluded area where he allegedly attacked her. She broke free when two teenagers in a truck drove up behind the attacker’s vehicle. The 17-year-old male came to Ms. Meadows’ defense, and the alleged attacker drove off. The two teenagers then drove Ms. Meadows to the hospital. The police are on the lookout for the man, described as a white male, medium build, 40-50 years of age, dark hair and eyes, driving an SUV, possibly red or maroon.”
Alex printed out the article and continued her search of digital newspapers throughout the East Coast. She found several other reports of attacks, but none that stood out as premeditated. It was getting late in the day, so she shut down the computer and started dinner.
When Amy arrived home, Alex spoke with her about the living arrangements. Alex was concerned Amy would resent her for not being available lik
e her friends' mothers.
“Really, Mom, I’m okay. I know you have to travel for work, and I can’t do that and go to school. Someday I’ll choose my own way. I may travel or I may not, but it will be my decision. As for right now, I like staying with Monica. She’s cool. We’re a different kind of family, but we’re family.” Amy certainly didn’t seem to resent Alex’s choices.
“Well, Honey, you know I love you and if you ever get to a point that you don’t want to stay here anymore, you let me know. In the meantime, keep me posted on when your parent-teacher conferences are coming up so I can be here. Same goes for any other events you want me to attend. You know I’ll be here if I possibly can.” Alex still felt guilty, but Amy didn’t take advantage of it.
“It’s okay, Mom. Go do your thing.” Amy paused. Alex could tell she was struggling for words to say something important. Amy finally continued. “But I do have one request.”
“What’s that? Just ask.”
“Could you maybe take me on one of your trips? Like, this summer maybe? I don’t care where, but it would give me an idea of what you do while you’re gone. It would be a good learning experience, too!”
Alex wasn’t sure how to respond. She wanted to chuckle because it was obvious Amy had rehearsed the part about the educational benefit. On the other hand, she also knew that with Amy along, she would have to play it safe and restrict the trip to research and writing.
“We’ll see, Honey. It would be nice to have some company, but living on the road isn’t all fun and games. I wouldn’t want to have to worry about you getting in trouble or being bored to tears while I work.”
Amy’s face fell and her eyes moistened just a little. “Okay, Mom. I understand. I wouldn’t be any trouble but I don’t want to get in your way.”
"Let me think about it. I sometimes spend hours in libraries, or speaking with witnesses and police officers, so I would need to figure out how to keep you entertained. I'll see if I can figure out a way for you to join me, okay?" Alex hated to see her little girl unhappy, but she wanted to protect Amy from what she did on her little trips.
