by Stacy Juba
Her husband, Michael Soares, who allegedly helped her cover up the murder, has been sentenced to five years probation.
In February, Cheryl Soares confessed that she had killed her 21-year-old sister in a jealous rage. According to police, Diana had gone to tell her sister that she'd had an affair with Michael Soares.
The confession came days after the Fremont Daily News published a story by this reporter, stirring up renewed interest in the case.
Cheryl Soares, who at the time was a substitute teacher at Fremont Jr. Sr. High School, allegedly bludgeoned her sister to death with a 2 X 4 she had found in the basement. She and her husband dumped the body in the woods behind Fremont State College.
"She should have gotten life imprisonment," said Jill Hastings of Fremont, while sipping coffee at Dunkin' Donuts. "I mean, come on, she couldn't have felt too guilty if she went on with her life all these years."
Selectman Chairman Thomas Harper, Jr. shares her opinion. "A lot of innocent people were questioned while Cheryl and Michael Soares kept their mouths shut," he said, taking a break at his business, Tom's Diner. "What if a boyfriend had done it in a jealous rage? Would he be given a slap on the wrist? I don't think so."
Max Riley, a customer at Tom's Diner, also believes that Cheryl Soares got off too easily.
"It just goes to show you that our justice system has gone to hell," said Riley. "You hear about cases like this all the time, wives stabbing husbands with an icepick, then whining they didn't mean it. People get into arguments every day, but they don't kill each other over it."
The news also disturbed members of the Greater Fremont Area Women in Business Association. Cheryl Soares, who owns the Treasures in the Aisles secondhand bookstore, served as president of the organization until recently.
"I feel like we were all taken in by her," said new President Debbie Walker. "Our whole group is built on independent women making a success of themselves. If you find out your husband is cheating on you, get rid of him. To think that she was teaching the children in this town."
Candace Armstrong, a member of Soares' book discussion group, shares her views, but adds that she is glad Cheryl wasn't sentenced to prison.
"Cheryl is very needy, very fragile," said Armstrong, a psychologist. "Appearances are extremely important to her. She's got a beautiful house, a great business, and was always talking about her wonderful husband. Her life obviously wasn't perfect, but she wanted people to believe it was. I honestly don't think she would've survived in jail."
Dan Maguire of Fremont blames Michael Soares for the tragedy. "He pushed her to the edge. Her husband should be the one to suffer. Any one of us could have reacted the same way as Cheryl."
Teachers at Fremont High School, where the Soares' son Eric is a music teacher, would not comment on the case. Cheryl Soares' 75-year-old mother, Irene Ferguson, has also declined comment.
***
May 8
Woman Attempts Suicide Over Killing Sister
Associated Press
FREMONT - A woman sentenced for killing her sister 25-years ago tried to end her own life yesterday after taking an overdose of sleeping pills.
According to police, she was discovered unconscious by her husband, Michael Soares, in the basement of their Brandywine Estates home.
She was listed in stable condition this morning at Fremont Regional Hospital. Last month, Cheryl Soares was sentenced to 10 years probation for killing her sister, Diana Ferguson, in a jealous rage. In a plea bargaining agreement, the murder charges were dropped to involuntary manslaughter. Michael Soares, who allegedly helped her cover up the murder, will serve five years probation.
Michael Soares had come home from a job interview when he found his wife, said Lieutenant Gerald Frank. He had been employed for 10 years at Flex Fitness Products in Waltham. A spokesman confirmed that he is no longer with the company, but would not comment on whether Soares was terminated because of the murder case, which has garnered national network news coverage.
Cheryl Soares has reportedly sold her bookstore, Treasures in the Aisles, which she has owned for the past eight years. In February, Cheryl Soares confessed that she had bludgeoned her sister to death in the basement of her home.
She and her husband left the body in the woods behind Fremont State College. Police said that Soares grew enraged after Ferguson, a cocktail waitress at the former Rossi's Bar, admitted to an affair with Michael Soares.
Cheryl Soares confessed the crime after Kris Langley, formerly an editorial assistant for the Fremont Daily News, triggered an investigation into the case. Langley has declined all interviews.
***
Dear Irene,
I'm probably the last person you want to hear from, but I wanted to tell you how sorry I was to find out about Cheryl. I'm glad Michael came home in time to save her.
I've been reading up on mythology and found out that the Furies, those avenging goddesses that Diana painted, considered the murder of a blood relative the ultimate crime. After years of blocking it out and trying to pretend Diana's death happened another way, I think Cheryl is a prisoner of her own guilt.
I thought I knew what it was like to live with guilt, but I'm not so sure anymore. You, Cheryl and Eric helped me to feel free talking about my cousin Nicole. Thanks to your family, I've been able to forgive some guilt surrounding her death.
I feel great compassion for Cheryl. For both her and Diana. It's hard to change my mindset after all these years, but I've begun confronting my Furies. I hope Cheryl will do the same.
Last week, my former editor, Jacqueline, surprised me by offering my old job back at a higher salary -- under pressure from the publisher, I'm sure. Lieutenant Frank has been making it clear to the other news media that it was me, not Bruce, who worked on the investigation. I accepted the job with the stipulation that I could continue writing stories and be considered for the next reporting position.
If you ever need anything, please feel free to call. I know you're going through a difficult time.
Kris Langley
Epilogue
Memorial Day Weekend
A sense of peace hung in the air, the cemetery quiet except for chirping birds. Sunlight warmed the fragrant freshly mowed lawn. Kris smiled at Irene's geraniums, the red splashes bright against the polished black granite cross.
Diana Marie Ferguson, Beloved Daughter and Sister
Mopping sweat from her brow, Irene carried her trowel to her husband's headstone. A lump constricted in Kris's throat. Diana had been looking for her father the whole time. Painting must've connected her to him. Maybe that explained why she portrayed herself as Daphne, whose father had rescued her.
"I'm glad you came up with this idea," Irene said over her shoulder. "I get depressed coming here alone. Memorial Day weekend is especially hard."
"I figured you could use the company," Kris said. "So can I."
"It seems strange without Cheryl. We always plant our flowers together."
"Next year."
Forehead puckered, Irene glanced at her. She returned to shoveling dirt. "Yes. Next year."
Kris didn't know how the poor woman managed. Irene refused to see her son-in-law, but visited Cheryl in the psychiatric hospital every week. Soon, Cheryl would return home and need her mother even more. To raise Irene's spirits, Kris had suggested a day trip to Newport, R.I., visiting antique shops and mansions. They would leave for Rhode Island after the cemetery.
"Eric wanted me to ask if he could come see you," Irene said without looking up.
Shocked, Kris stared at her profile. "What? It's been months."
"A little time can make things clearer. All this has been hard on him. He misses you."
"It can't work between us, Irene. His father threatened me. I ruined his mother's life."
"Cheryl ruined her own life," Irene said. "You and I are friends. Why can't you be friends with Eric?"
Waving a hand, Kris walked past Diana’s geraniums. "It's different. More complicated. E
ric pushed me away. I suspected him of using me. That doesn't say a lot about our relationship."
Irene gathered her gardening tools. "People make mistakes. Don't you believe in second chances?"
Kris reached down and picked up the trowel. "I ... I wouldn't know what to say to him."
"I'm sure he's confused, too. Why not talk it out? What harm is there in that?"
"Let me think about it. Can you tell him that?"
Straightening, Irene brushed grit off her slacks. She gestured toward the wrought iron gate. "You're going to hate me, but you can tell him yourself. I'll take a walk."
Kris whirled to see a red Camaro coasting up the winding path into the cemetery. Her heart hammered. Irene strolled down a gently sloping hill as her grandson drove past. He parked behind Kris's car.
She set the trowel on her hood, wishing she could dig a hole.
Eric stepped out in a black leather jacket, carrying a red rose. She'd hoped that if she faced him, her feelings would be gone, but they brimmed in her chest like a tidal wave, about to sweep her away.
She cleared her throat. "This is a surprise."
"I asked my grandmother not to tell you. I should have never let you walk out on me." He watched her with appraising eyes.
"What else were you supposed to do? It couldn't work between us."
"How do you know? Kris, I can't live without you. I've learned that the hard way."
"There are too many complications. Your parents ..."
"We'll figure it out as we go along. Please. It doesn't have to be over." He clasped her hand. "I’ve never connected with anyone the way I did with you. I don’t think I ever will."
She gazed down at their intertwined fingers. "How about you drive down to Newport with us and we'll take a walk on the beach. We've got a lot to discuss before we jump into anything."
"But we can talk it over?"
"I guess there’s no harm in talking."
Irene observed in the distance, a small figure among the rows of graves. Even from far away, Kris could describe her expression. Hopeful.
"I'm tired of thinking about the past," Kris said. "How about we take your grandmother antique shopping before we hit the beach?"
"Antique shopping?" Eric asked. "Isn't that about the past?"
Laughing, Kris accepted the rose. He leaned forward, hesitated and kissed her lips. Her laughter broke off as she kissed him back.
Maybe Pandora's Box wasn't empty after all. Maybe they had replaced the lid just in time.
About the Author
Stacy Juba is the author of the acclaimed adult mystery novels Twenty-Five Years Ago Today and Sink or Swim, the young adult paranormal thriller Dark Before Dawn, and the young adult family hockey novel Face-Off, all available in paperback and multiple ebook editions. She is also the author of the children's picture book The Flag Keeper, available in print and as an ebook, the ebook exclusive children's picture book Victoria Rose and the Big Bad Noise, and the Teddy Bear Town Children's E-Book Bundle.
Connect with Stacy online:
Web site: http://www.stacyjuba.com
Blog: http://www.stacyjuba.com/blog/blog
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/stacyjuba
Twitter: http://twitter.com/stacyjuba
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stacy-Juba/100155471301?ref=share
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stacy-Juba/100155471301#!/pages/The-Flag-Keeper/137706292908871
Looking for more books by Stacy Juba? Try these:
Sink or Swim - How do you change the channel when reality TV turns to murder? After starring on a hit game show set aboard a Tall Ship, personal trainer Cassidy Novak discovers that she has attracted a stalker. Can she trust Zach Gallagher, the gorgeous newspaper photographer assigned to follow her for a local series? As things heat up with the stalker and with Zach, soon Cassidy will need to call SOS for real. Adult mystery/romantic suspense.
Dark Before Dawn - When teen psychic Dawn Christian gets involved with a fortuneteller mentor and two girls who share her mysterious talents, she finally belongs after years of being a misfit. When she learns her new friends may be tied to freak “accidents” in town, Dawn has an important choice to make – continue developing the talent that makes her special or challenge the only people who have ever accepted her. Appropriate for adults or young adults.
Laundry Day (Short Story and Stacy Juba Mystery Sampler) - When Gregg accidentally discovers his neighbor’s lingerie collection drip-drying in her shower, he has no idea that she will soon be strangled with her own fishnet stocking. Includes very short story and excerpts from Stacy's mystery novels. Free from most retailers.
Face-Off - Brad’s twin brother T.J. has gotten himself out of the fancy prep school his father picked for him and into the public high school Brad attends. Now T.J. is a shining new star on the hockey team where Brad once held the spotlight. And he’s testing his popularity with Brad’s friends, eyeing Brad’s girl and competing to be captain of the team. The whole school is rooting for a big double-strength win…not knowing that their twin hockey stars are heating up the ice for a winner takes all face-off. Young adult novel.
Children's Books
The Flag Keeper -Elizabeth may be a little bear, but she treats the American flag with big respect. After Dad leaves for a trip, Elizabeth pledges to raise the flag all by herself and follow all of the flag etiquette rules that her father has taught her. However, her dad never told her what to do if the flag gets dirty or the police show up. Teaches children about U.S. flag etiquette through a fiction story, flag facts, activity idea, and discussion questions.
Victoria Rose and the Big Bad Noise - Victoria loves her home and family, but boy, does she hate the noises that invade her daily life. Her imagination transforms the blender into a growling bear, the vacuum cleaner into a lion and the lawnmower into a spaceship. This picture book is exclusively available in e-book format.
Teddy Bear Town Children's E-Book Bundle - Three complete picture books in one download – the children’s favorites The Flag Keeper and Victoria Rose and the Big Bad Noise, along with the brand new, e-book bundle exclusive, Sticker Shoes, all in a $2.99 download. (November 2011)
SINK OR SWIM
by Stacy Juba
How do you change the channel when reality TV turns to murder?
Cassidy sat poised in her chair as former contestants filed onto the soundstage at WBC in New York. Together, the studio audience and television viewers had watched the recorded footage of her walking the plank. Gabriel would now interview the competitors from the inaugural season one final time.
More importantly, he would announce her prize. If it erased most of her debts, then it would at least make this whole embarrassing experience worthwhile. Cassidy’s heart kicked in her chest and sweat moistened her brow.
As one of her old teammates entered, her heart rate skyrocketed for a different reason. Josh Sanchioni slid into a bucket seat, carrying himself stiffer than normal in his sharp gray suit. Studio lights caught his sunbleached strawberry blonde waves, brightening the reddish gold tints.
Cassidy slipped her gaze to his leather shoes. If Josh hadn’t been engaged, they could have been an item. Instead, they’d been good friends until that one evening when the cameras were off and they almost kissed. They’d both realized their mistake and backed away. Things were strained until Josh walked the plank a week later.
Tonight, not only did Cassidy have to face Josh, she would probably meet his fiancée.
Her cheeks heating, Cassidy focused on the competitor beside Josh as a distraction. Adam Horton sat erect, hands folded in the lap of his olive green khakis. He wasn’t military, but he dressed like an Army wannabe. His reptilian eyes drilled into Cassidy, his angular face revealing the shape of bones underneath. A blond goatee darkened his pointy chin.
Cassidy shuddered involuntarily. Adam never said much, but he made her uncomfortable just the same. She’d sense someone watching her on the ship and Ad
am would be lurking in the hatches. Luckily, he only lasted on the show two weeks.
“Before we catch up with our former contestants, I’d like to congratulate Cassidy on a job well done,” Gabriel said in the middle of the circle.
Applause thundered from the audience and a wave of excitement crested over her. Cassidy offered a smile for the cameras as Gabriel finished, “I’m proud to present you with your prize – a luxury vacation for two to the Bahamas on a real cruise ship with $3,000 spending money!”
Dumbfounded, Cassidy watched as a video depicted a majestic ocean liner on the large TV screen. “Set sail with us to the Bahamas, where you can swim with dolphins in turquoise waters, relax on sugar white beaches and explore the island’s history as a haven for pirates,” said the female announcer in a voice-over. “On your voyage, you can enjoy our ten lounges, two outdoor pools, luxury spa, casino, cinema, dynamite shows, and glass walls and elevators that get you up close to the ocean views.”
Another boat? More ocean views? Were they friggin’ serious? A frozen smile hovered on Cassidy’s lips. Too bad she’d already seen the counselor that afternoon and he’d attested that all her screws were still in place. This travesty might be enough to unhinge her.
As the video montage ended, boos erupted from the crowd and several people jumped to their feet.
“No fair!”
“Give her a real prize!”
“Cheapskates!”
The thrill of the jeers rippled down Cassidy’s spine, their zealousness stunning her. Granted, her little brother had been the heckler to yell “Cheapskates,” but the other supporters weren’t relatives.
“You seem to have some disappointed fans,” Gabriel remarked as a camera panned the crowd. “What do you have to say about the prize, Cassidy?”
