Chromosome 'S': The Angel

by Rey, Solomon

  “Okay, we’re out of here!” Derek said.

  “Well…be careful…watch out for…oh, never mind,” Warning Olivia to be careful of anything was like warning a lion to be wary of a Chihuahua. “Just have fun!” Richard said. No need to warn Derek, he thought, being with her was probably the safest place he could be.

  “Okay, we’ll be back in a few hours,” Olivia said, walking out the door.

  “Yeah, you two behave yourselves while we’re gone. Hey, should we make a quick sign for you guys before we go?” He asked.

  They stared back at him confused.

  “It can read: If the house is a rockin’, don’t come a knockin’,” he laughed. They heard Olivia laugh from outside.

  Donna choked back a laugh, as she ran toward him, “If I catch you, Derek Roman, you will be in deep −“ He ran out the door, too fast for her.

  Olivia and Derek casually strolled away.

  CHAPTER XXVIII

  Richard and Donna waited a few minutes before resuming their conversation. He moved into the kitchen to help with the cleaning. “So you were saying?” Donna asked.

  “I thought about you a lot last night.”

  “Really?” She asked excitedly, “When you were thinking about me, were there any times I didn’t have clothes on?” She smiled, bumping him with her hip, as she turned the water off, submerging the dishes into the hot soapy water.

  “Sometimes…so does that make me a pervert?” He asked playfully.

  “No, it means you have good taste.”

  “Oh, really!?” He chuckled, “Is there a bit of an egomaniac beneath that sweet, sexy, humble exterior?”

  “Maybe a little,” she washed and rinsed glasses, as he wiped the counter. He was limited as to what he could do to help, considering one hand was toting a cast.

  “You know things aren’t really fair.”

  “What do you mean?” She raised an eyebrow.

  “I told you my feelings for you last night and I just revealed to you that I had difficulties sleeping because of you.”

  “What’s your point, Romeo?” She grinned. She knew where he was going, but playing with him was so much fun.

  “Well, Juliet, I think you need to share some of your feelings with me,” he said frankly.

  She dried her hands on the dish towel, turned to face him.

  “I agree,” she said, stepping into his personal space. She placed her right hand behind his neck, pulling him close, tiptoeing till their lips met. They kissed passionately for several minutes, his arms pressing her against his body. As they eased away, he said, “Wow, you are a hell of a talker.” She giggled lightly.

  “Thank You! I think you’re pretty good yourself. I see you learned a few words of French,” she grinned. He got her meaning. Taking a step back, “I think it should be obvious by that kiss, how I feel about you, but in case there is still confusion, let me say this: I think you are an amazing man; I think we are meant to be together and I wish we hadn’t waited so long to make our feelings known. I want to spend the rest of my life with you−.” She was shocked she had made that last declaration. The last thing she wanted to do was spook him. “Oh God! I shouldn’t have said that. I’m sorry! Forget I said that, okay,” her face was flush.

  He stepped back, bumping into a chair. He sat down on it, as he stared at her.

  “Please say something,” she pleaded nervously, “You’re freaking out, aren’t you?” She was panicking.

  “I’m surprised.”

  “I know, I’m sorry,” she said sincerely.

  “You don’t have to be sorry,” he said calmly with a smile. “I’m surprised, because you said exactly what I’d been thinking. I couldn’t sleep last night, all I could think about was you and me and how happy I would be spending the rest of my life with you.”

  “So…what are you saying?” Ask me, she thought, ask me the damn question! Please, please, please! We both want the same thing, let’s not waste another second!

  Richard was headed down a road he hadn’t planned on going, at least not yet. He wanted his proposal to be be memorable and romantic, and the time was right—the time was now! Holy crap, he thought, what do I say? How do I say it? His mind instinctively reverted back to it’s analytical state.

  Richard hesitated, gathered his thoughts and began, “Well, the way I see it, eighty percent of any relationship is based on, what I call, the ‘like factor.’”

  “The ‘Like Factor’? What is that?” She asked, naturally intrigued by the fact that he had dissected, analyzed and hypothesized relationships. Oh, this should be good, she thought, laughing to herself.

  It’s getting to know someone—their quirks, habits pet-peeves and idiosyncrasies. Finding out whether you like the other enough to co-habitate for long, extended periods of time. You and I have known each other for many years and I think we’ve made it passed the ‘like factor’, he said. She took a seat, folded her arms across her chest, tried hard to suppress a smile. He continued, “Then there’s the ‘Love Factor’. Just remember, I’m speaking of the importance of these factors and not the emotions themselves. Please keep this in mind.”

  “Oh, I will,” she said humoring him with a nod, “Please continue.”

  “Well, emotionally speaking, Love is the most important, but I’m referring to what’s necessary to maintain a successful relationship. Do you follow?” He asked nervously. He was obviously frazzled, which she was taking pleasure in.

  “Completely!” She held her hand up to stop him. “So, you’re saying we are compatible enough to co-habitate—like hamsters?”

  “Exactly!” He said enthusiastically, “So what do you say?”

  He pulled on the front of his t-shirt, detaching it from his perspiring body, as he waited nervously for a response.

  She stared at him as she considered which would be the most enjoyable way to tease him, to torture him—to play with him. An image of a cat, swatting a mouse as it ran between paws, popped into her head. She pondered the idea for a second, but couldn’t do it…well…maybe a little. She giggled inside. “I’m a bit confused,” she said.

  “Really?” He was surprised. He felt his words were straight-forward and well spoken, though not exactly what he would have said if he had a chance to plan.

  “Was that, in some round-about way, a proposal?” She stared at him still with her arms folded.

  “Well…yeah. I thought that was clear,” he said nervously.

  “That was as romantic as a mathematical equation. Maybe, we could get married by an accountant,” she said sarcastically. Her face was blank, emotionless, but inside she was laughing hysterically. Tiny beads of perspiration sprouted on his forehead, “What happened to all the amazing things you said to me last night?”

  “I…uh…I was,” he inhaled deeply, allowing time to partially compose himself. “I’m sorry…I wasn’t prepared. I was at a loss for words. I think you are the most beautiful person I’ve ever known and your compassion astounds me. I want to spend today…tomorrow…and the rest of my life with you.” I screwed it up, he thought, what was I thinking.

  “Ha! That’s it!” she shouted, clapping, “That’s what I wanted to hear!” She laughed joyfully, hugging and kissing him.

  “So is that a yes?” He asked smiling, squeezing the words out between kisses.

  “Yes, Yes! You romantic, silver-tongued fool,” she said excitedly.

  * * *

  Professor Saunders arrived in Coos Bay, ten minutes earlier than scheduled. His flight from San Jose to Portland was uneventful, other than an occasional air pocket, lasting seconds. The connecting-flight, from Portland to Coos Bay, was a similar scenario.

  He stood at the car rental booth, behind a family of four, who had also flown with him. at the car rental booth. The representative was fast and efficient, and had the family on their way within minutes.

  “May I help you?” An attractive blonde asked.

  “Yes, there should be a car reserved in my name.”


  “Well, let me take a look,” she said, pushing a few keys…and your name?”

  “Saunders…Steve Saunders.”

  She typed it in, “Okay, I see we do have a 2017 Toyota Camry being held in your name. It comes with air, CD player, GPS and Bluetooth.”

  “That’s fine.”

  “May I see your driver’s license and a credit card.”

  “I thought it was already paid for?” he snapped.

  “It is, Mr. Saunders, it’s standard operating procedure. Your credit card will never be charged,” he handed it to her, reluctantly. “Thank you,” she said graciously.

  He was in the Camry and driving toward the Red Lion Inn within minutes.

  * * *

  “I’ve got to call Max, he should be up by now,” Richard said, glancing at the clock on the wall, which read 10:32, “I’m a bit nervous about calling him.”

  “More nervous than you were proposing to me?” She joked.

  “Not even close,” he smiled at her. “I just don’t know how he’s going to react to my call.”

  “Well, if he’s as good a friend as you say, I’m sure everything will be fine,” she said confidently.

  “I tell you what…I’ll go take a shower while you call. Give you some privacy,” she said, kissing him gently before walking away.

  He nodded, watching his fianceé, sexily saunter away. As she disappeared down the hall, he dialed Max’s number. The phone rang several times before being answered.

  “Preston Investigation Services,” came a deep, gruff voice.

  “Hey Max,” Richard said, wincing as he waited for rebuke. He expected his old friend to go off on him; He knew he deserved it.

  “I’m sorry…do I know you,” Max said, faking ignorance.

  “Max, it’s me Richard.”

  “Richard…Richard who?”

  “Richard Osborn, your best friend,” he emphasized ‘best friend’.

  “I feel the need to correct, sir…I used to have a best friend named Richard, but I lost contact with him years ago. I tried to get in touch with him many times, but he blew me off,” Richard rolled his eyes and held the phone away from his ear. He knew Max could be long winded at times, and this would be a good platform for him to express himself. “I often wondered what happened to him and his cute little girl, who I happened to be Godfather to…oh…did I mention, I was his bestman at his wedding! I guess all that was inconsequential to him. Don’t you think it’s sad, when you know someone and you consider them to be a brother, and they just turn their back on you as though you never existed?”

  “Max…I was going through Hell, my whole world came crashing down when Brenda died and all I could think of, was to go somewhere safe and decent to raise Olivia, which I found right here in Coos Bay, but my memories were haunting me. My only chance to save my sanity was to turn my back on my previous life. It was an irrational conclusion but I was not in the right frame of mind to make logical decisions. I’m sorry…it was wrong of me to turn my back on you and I hope you forgive me.”

  “Wait a minute…is this Richard!? ‘Richard Osborn, Holy Cow! It’s good to hear from you. What’s going on, man?” He said good-naturedly.

  “Does that mean you forgive me?”

  “I was never angry with you…okay…initially yeah, but I considered what you were dealing with. What kind of a friend would I be if I didn’t understand or empathize with you. I’m so glad you called, it’s really good to hear from you.”

  “Yeah, it’s really good to hear your voice. I missed you,” Richard said.

  “Hey, don’t get all sloppy on me, okay. I’m strictly a ‘women only’ kinda guy.”

  “Same old Max,” he said chuckling.

  “So how are things up there in the great Northwest? How’s my Goddaughter doing? I bet she’s gorgeous, just like Brenda.”

  “She’s amazing! She’s the most beautiful teenager ever and a great kid!” He said proudly.

  “I’m glad you’re not biased,” Max chuckled.

  “Max, I called for two reasons−one’s happy news, the other’s not.”

  “Well, give me the not-so-happy news first. I like to be cheered up by the good news, after.”

  “It has to do with Brenda’s murder,” Richard said somberly.

  “I’m listening.”

  “You know Olivia witnessed everything−”.

  “Richard, she was two years old at the time, there’s no possible way she’s traumatized,” Max said firmly.

  “It’s nothing like that…you’re not going to believe me when I tell you.”

  “I’ve heard and seen a lot of crazy stuff in my line of work, try me.” Max was always up for a challenge.

  “Recently, she’s been having recurring nightmares about that day. Very violent and vivid dreams. She says she can identify the person who killed her mother.”

  Silence

  Silence

  “This is some kind of a joke, right? You can’t be serious. It’s not scientifically or psychologically possible. I don’t know which word fits, but it’s still not possible.”

  “It’s no joke. You know me, Max, I’d never kid about something like this.”

  “True…so what can I do?”

  “I need a sketch artist.”

  “I know where you’re going with this…why don’t you go to your local police?”

  “They won’t even humor, Olivia. They’ll think it’s some kind of prank.”

  “You’re right about that,” Max confirmed.

  “I was hoping we could get a drawing of the murderer, then run it by the L.A.P.D. or F.B.I. and see if anything turns up. You still have your connections?” Richard inquired.

  “Yeah, of course,” he paused to consider his caseload, “I can be up there in a few days with an artist, who will cost a lot, but he’ll be one of the best.”

  “I can handle it.”

  “I know you can. I’ll set it up…so, what’s the good news?”

  “I just got engaged!”

  “When did this happen?” Max asked, elated for his friend.

  “About thirty minutes ago.”

  “Congratulations! So what’s wrong with her?” He asked joking.

  “She’s insane. Off her rocker!” He laughed.

  “Well, when I get up there we’re going to have to go out and celebrate!”

  “I look forward to it. I’ll call you tomorrow afternoon to set everything up. One more thing…I need everything regarding Brenda to be−.”

  “Go it. Hush, hush. no problem.”

  “It’s been good talking to you again. I meant it when I said ‘I missed you’”, Richard said.

  “I missed you too, man and congrats again on the engagement. Hey, you never told me her name.”

  “Her name’s Donna. You’re going to love her.”

  “Talk to you tomorrow,” Max said.

  “Okay, talk then, bye.”

  “Bye.”

  * * *

  “Now look at that one, the one in the middle,” Derek said, pointing into the sky, as both lay on their beach towels drying off.

  “Okay, what about it?” She asked.

  “What does it look like to you?”

  “Nothing at all,” she said, as she tugged on her shorts.

  “What are you doing?”

  “She wiggled about, “I have a wedgie, it’s all up in my crack,” she said with annoyance. Derek laughed uncontrollably. “What’s so funny?”

  “I just got this image of Lois Lane yelling, ‘Save me Superman’ and then he comes back with, ‘Give me a second, I’ve got a hellofa wedgie’. How funny is that?”

  She laughed as he glanced over at her.

  “Uh…Olivia,” he said to get her attention.

  “Yeah?”

  “You’re kinda popping out of your top a bit.”

  She looked down to find both breasts half out of her bra and tank. She adjusted them without embarrassment.

  “These really take some getting used to, y
ou know. It would have been so much easier for them to grow slowly, giving me time to adjust to them. But no! I have to have them explode—overnight.” He chuckled. “It’s not funny! How would you like it to happen to you?”

  “I don’t have to worry about growing breasts, thank you!” He smiled.

  “No, but what if you wake up and your ‘thing’ grew seven inches overnight?” She was seriously trying to prove her point, but didn’t consider who she was dealing with.

  “Really? Seriously? I would get down on my knees and thank God!” He said euphorically. She rolled her eyes, “Boys!” She said exhaustively, crossing her arms over her chest, “They’re so stupid!”

  * * *

  Saunders entered the hotel room, throwing his bag on one of the double beds, as he dashed to the restroom to empty his bladder, not bothering to close the door. He zipped, flushed and turned to gaze at his reflection. “I look pretty good,” He said admiring himself, “Especially for a rich man.” He smiled devilishly.

  He found the gun, exactly where Sinclair said it would be, quickly identified it as a Glock 9mm. He checked the chamber and magazine—fully loaded.

  Sitting on the bed, he dialed Richard.

  “Hello,” Richard said.

  “Richard, its Steve.”

  “Steve, I’m surprised to hear back from you so soon.”

  “Well, I’m in town.”

  “You’re in Coos Bay?” His surprise was evident.

  “Just got in, you mind if I stop by?”

  “I…I don’t mind, but what are you doing in Coos Bay?”

  “There was a family emergency in Eugene right after I spoke with you.”

  “You have relatives in Eugene?”

  “No, not me! My wife does though. She’s got an Aunt there.”

  “Did your wife come with you?”

  “No, she wasn’t comfortable leaving her so soon.”

  “Well, I hope it’s nothing too serious,” Richard said, still in shock and suspicious of his motives. He felt uneasy.