Dog Tags

by Heidi Glick

  ****

  The winds outside had been stronger than usual. Mark straightened his gale-swept hair then took the change the concession worker handed him and slipped it into his pocket. Why did everything cost twice as much at the theater? He took a sip of his soft drink then shook the container. Eighty percent ice. Nice.

  Tim led the way down the movie aisle. He pointed to a couple in the distance. “Hey, there’s Beth with that guy.”

  Mark put up his hand. “Don’t wave.”

  “Why not?”

  He released a sigh. “Because she’s on a date.”

  “So?”

  “So leave her alone.” While Mark handled the accounting at Fishy Business, he could calculate more than the books. He’d called it. Maybe he was off by a week or two, but he could tell the guy was into Beth by how he’d first looked at her. A mental kick assailed him. He should have spoken up earlier, told her how he felt.

  Tim leaned toward him. “When are you going to tell her?”

  “She doesn’t come around the store much anymore, and things have worked out OK since she left. Why dredge up unpleasant memories? Besides, she appears to be dating, having fun. Why ruin her life?”

  “Are you afraid talking to her about what happened might...?”

  He shrugged. “Trigger an episode? Uh, yeah.”

  “I think you’d feel better if you tell her.”

  There was no sense in even entertaining the thought. Maybe talking about it would help him. But what about her? Better to leave Beth alone and not confuse or upset her. He’d ruined two lives already, why mess up a third? If Mark really cared for her, he’d let her be.

  What’s-his-name did the stretch and yawn routine to put his arm behind Beth. Puh-lease. Mark’s shoulders tensed. Why did it bother him so much? Was it a protective instinct? Not really. The guy wasn’t exactly being a jerk. The most he’d seen him do was touch her shoulder. No, something else. Mark cracked his knuckles. The green-eyed monster, perhaps?

  But what if Beth’s boyfriend was the White Knight? Hadn’t the notes stopped coming right before she started seeing the guy?

  Tim moved to the wheelchair access row in the middle of the theater.

  Mark wished there was a little more distance between him and Beth. He could be happy for her, but that didn’t mean he needed to watch her get cozy with someone else.

  The opening credits rolled. A few minutes passed. An explosion then a car chase scene. So far, so good.

  Mark glanced over at Beth. She hadn’t clung to her date during the scary part. A good sign. He leaned toward Tim. “You think he could be the one?”

  “The one what?” Tim asked. “You think he’s gonna pop the question to her or something?”

  “I mean the one who wrote her those notes.”

  Tim took a sip of his soda. “He could be. But anyone could for that matter. Like Randy, for instance. He’s pretty chummy with Beth.”

  “If we’re suspecting everyone who’s friendly to Beth, I’d have to add both of our names to the suspect list. Besides, how could Randy get the notes to her at work?”

  “That’s a good point. It does make Beth’s boy toy seem suspicious.”

  “Boy toy?” Mark stared and hoped Tim felt the full weight of the glare.

  Mark glanced over at Beth. She’d exited his world by her own choice. Should he follow her to ensure her safety, or did he leave her be?

  Mark shifted his gaze to the movie screen. The hero slammed his brakes, yet the car skidded into a concrete barrier. Bleeding from his forehead, he climbed out of the mangled vehicle and helped the leading lady escape from the passenger side. Together, they limped away as the villain approached. The villain insisted he belonged with the leading lady. Just like the notes from the Knight.

  Run! Don’t let him catch you. A shiver ran down his spine.

  The theater grew pitch black. Small lights lit the floor along the aisle. Tim stood, holding his cell phone. “All the high wind tonight must have knocked out the power.”

  A while later, he and Tim exited the building.

  “Of all the nights the Santa Ana winds could have swept through the valley.” Mark crossed his arms. “I really wanted to see the end of that.”

  “At least they gave us rain checks. We can come back tomorrow night.” Tim walked away then stopped. “Wait.” He held up his hand, blocking Mark’s path.

  Mark tried to peek around his friend. “What is it?”

  Tim contorted his face. “Some couple. I think they might kiss.”

  “So?” He pushed Tim aside. Oh. He meant that couple. Beth and the other teacher, standing outside, close to each other.

  Mark clenched his fists. “Well, Tim, in case you hadn’t noticed, that’s what couples do.” He moved forward, far enough away from Beth that she shouldn’t see him. Tim stayed close behind.

  Maybe this was God’s way of saving Beth from heartache. If she’d gotten closer to Mark, he’d only let her down with all his deception.

  His cell vibrated, and he glanced down. No incoming call. Just a text message from earlier. His phone must have just picked up reception outside the theater.

  Hi, Mark. Can we meet for breakfast before class on Monday? I’d like to discuss a few things. Why don’t you pick a time and place and get back with me? Carol.

  A text from one of the women he and his friends had dined with previously. He’d seen her on campus a few times. She taught a special education class at Riversdale Community College. Interesting. She must have gotten his number from Bill or Tim. Where was this headed—a friendly gesture and nothing more? Perhaps.

  He bit back a grin and puffed out his chest. Perhaps not.

  21

  The Knight stared at his yellow memo pad. A crease marred the top paper. He ripped it off and tossed it atop the pile of wadded papers he’d thrown earlier in the evening. He stared at the bottle of pills on the desk. Magical modern marvels that helped him cope long enough to get through his nine-to-five. The creases in the papers continued to irritate him. Maybe he should take his meds. No, home was his domain. No need to kowtow to society’s notions of normal while inside his own castle. It was bad enough he’d had to force himself to take pills for work and the few times he attended a support group—something that turned out to be a complete waste of time.

  He tossed the notepad in the trash. Beth no longer hung out with Mark. No sense in writing her more notes. Sure the Knight still cared about her, but his reason for writing the notes had ceased to exist. Yet he’d continue to watch over her, to protect her from any threats.

  The Knight stared at the photo of his dear friend. Poor Juanita. She should have learned her lesson like Beth.

  But what if Beth went back to Mark? That would be a grave mistake.

  Speaking of which, perhaps it was time to visit Juanita over in Plot Fifty. If he left now, he could be at Riversdale Cemetery in ten minutes.

  But he’d never have to take things that far with someone as smart as Beth.

  She’d stay far away from Mark Graham if she knew what was good for her. Otherwise, the Knight would be forced to take drastic measures. Good thing she had someone like him to look out for her.

  Not everyone was so fortunate.

  22

  A week had passed since Beth’s last outing with Antonio. He arrived at the food court of the Riversdale Mall to enjoy dinner with her during her evening work break. Beth wanted to try the Chinese buffet but hadn’t been able to talk Antonio into it yet. Instead, they dined on cheeseburgers and fries.

  Beth wiped her mouth with the corner of her napkin. If only life could slow down long enough for her to catch up. “My life’s so crazy right now with teaching and the drama club. And once spring nears and it’s time for the annual play, it’ll only get worse. Though I guess your life is hectic too during football season.”

  Antonio grinned, then took a sip of his soda. “So you think maybe we could see another movie this weekend?”

  “I’ll have to see wh
at my schedule for next week is like. But yeah, that’d be fun.”

  Antonio’s eyes widened. He became animated, using hand gestures. “There’s this new sci-fi movie coming out. Your Mom is from Mars. A lot of big name stars are in it. I’m sure you’ve seen the previews.”

  Not exactly what she had in mind. But at least he was company.

  For the remainder of their meal, Beth asked Antonio about his football team, and he was more than eager to provide her with details.

  While Antonio chatted, a couple walked by, holding a painting of a battle scene. They must have visited the Paintings and Posters store on the other side of the mall. Beth didn’t recognize the battle, but Mark would know. Yep, Professor Graham had the lowdown on all things historical. Sometimes she missed hearing him spout off facts.

  Antonio slurped his soft drink. “So I hope you’ll come to the game tomorrow.”

  Beth glanced at the clock hanging on the opposite wall. “I’m sorry. I really have to go, but I appreciate you stopping by.” She stood and emptied her trash at a nearby receptacle, stacking her tray on top of others.

  Antonio did the same then walked with Beth back to California Chic.

  As she headed toward the register, Antonio waved good-bye then left.

  For a few minutes, the store experienced a lull in customers. Beth helped her bubbly blonde coworker fold sweaters and set them on a table. Beth folded a blue cardigan then peered out into the mall.

  Directly across from her store, Tim and a brunette sat close on a bench, while a blonde lounged on his other side. Beth could hear Mark but couldn’t see him. Her shoulders tensed. What was he doing there?

  In a voice loud enough she could make out parts of his conversation, he told a funny story about the history of the mall’s carousel. Judging from the sound of the blonde woman’s laugh, she appreciated his sense of humor. Who wouldn’t? Beth stole a second look. The woman didn’t resemble a supermodel, but she wasn’t hideous either.

  Beth’s coworker turned toward her. “I have to get some more inventory from the back. It’ll only take a second.”

  If he came into the store, they’d have to talk. Her stomach tightened. “I need to stretch my legs. I’ll go get it. How many boxes?”

  Her coworker tilted her head. “Two. They’re sitting by the door. Are you sure?”

  Beth nodded as she strode away. She reached the storage area and flung open the door. Inside, she leaned against the wall and breathed a sigh of relief. That was close.

  So Mark was happy and found someone else—someone closer to his age. Great. But she didn’t need to see them together. Besides, given their past history and the way he’d treated her, it shouldn’t bother her anyway.

  23

  Talk about a long day. So much for Beth’s bright idea to get middle school kids to read Shakespeare. Quite an exercise in futility.

  She walked into her apartment and set her bag and purse on her kitchen counter then sniffed her sleeve. Did her entire place smell like a middle school or only her? The scent of cheap cologne mingled with teen sweat assaulted her senses.

  A light flashed on her answering machine. Maybe her parents called. Or perhaps Mark. She released a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. As if Mark had even thought about her during the past few weeks. She tapped the play button. A long beep sounded, and a message followed.

  “It’s Antonio. Give me a call when you get a chance. Thanks.”

  In three weeks’ time, she’d become exhausted. Tired of doing stuff with him while trying to work two jobs. At first it was natural to hang out with him, but then she questioned why he’d become so friendly. Like leaning way too close to her outside the movie theater. Friends didn’t stand that close.

  She dialed his number. “Antonio?”

  “Hey, I got your message. I’m sorry we couldn’t go out last week or this week, but maybe—”

  “Wait, before you say anything else, I need to say something.” She lowered her voice. “You’re a good friend, Antonio, and we’ve had fun together. But, I’m afraid that maybe I’ve given you the impression that I’m interested in a relationship, which just isn’t the case.”

  Antonio was silent. She had no way of gauging his reaction.

  She cleared her throat. “Are you OK?”

  “Are you sure you don’t want to hang out anymore?”

  “We can still be friends, but I don’t want to lead you on.”

  “I—I don’t know what to say. I didn’t realize you felt this way. I was hoping we could hang out as friends, but it sounds like you’ve already made up your mind. Guess I’ll see you around.” He hung up.

  Beth realized she didn’t feel sad or upset. Instead, relief flooded over her.

  The notes from the Knight had stopped, and she’d be safe, with or without Mark or Antonio.

  24

  Beth shook her head. “It’s is not possessive.” She wielded her red pen then entered the student’s information in her grade book. One of Antonio’s darlings. The boy wouldn’t get to play in the next game—not with a D plus on his English assignment.

  She’d only run into Antonio twice that week, not too awkward though. Beth would inform Antonio of his student’s ineligibility first thing the next morning. She set down her red pen and took a much-needed break from grading papers.

  The pink hue from the setting sun lit up the evening sky outside her living room window. An urge to close her blinds overcame her. Perhaps staying up late the night before reading a novel about a serial killer wasn’t the best idea. She scanned the area in front of her apartment before shutting her blinds. What if the Knight was out there, watching her every move? She shook her head, willing away the thoughts of what if.

  Talking to someone else would help her stay grounded in reality. Even with the time difference, her parents should still be up. She grabbed her phone off the coffee table. A few weeks had passed since she’d last spoken to them. “Hey, Dad. It’s good to hear your voice.”

  “Hey, kiddo. How have you been?”

  She considered mentioning the notes from the Knight. But they’d stopped coming. No reason to make Dad worry.

  Forcing herself to relax, Beth kicked off her shoes and swung her feet up on her couch. “Fine.”

  “That’s good to hear, and how’s Mark? Did you two catch the Ohio State game on Saturday?”

  Her neck muscles tightened. “No, we didn’t. I’ve been so busy I haven’t really spoken to Mark lately.” A truthful statement, more or less. She’d been busy…avoiding him.

  “You know, it’s almost Thanksgiving. Mom’s been shelving her scrapbooks and getting out her recipe books.”

  Beth scratched her head. Coming home would be fun. Fun but expensive. “Yeah, Dad, about that. I don’t think I’ll be able to come home for Thanksgiving this year, but maybe Christmas or during spring break.”

  “Your mom and I love you, and although we’d love to see you, we understand.” His voice lowered a decibel. “Like you said, maybe we can see each other at Christmas.”

  “Thanks, Dad.” Beth spent twenty more minutes on the phone with him, reminiscing and catching up. Then she headed for bed. Why did she miss her parents so much? Dear God, please provide a way for me to see them.

  25

  Beth shut off her computer, stuffed her grade book in her bag, and made sure to lock her desk before leaving her classroom. She opened the door and stepped into the nearly deserted hallway.

  “Beth?”

  Antonio approached her.

  “I need to tell you something. It’s sort of—”

  “Sort of what?” She adjusted her bag on her shoulder.

  “I don’t know how to tell you this, but…” Antonio checked the hallway, but no one else was there. “Long story, but I saw one of my players in the parking lot of this physical therapy center near my gym. I chatted with him and ended up following him inside. And, it’s really weird, but—”

  “But what?”

  “I saw your fri
end Mark inside of this place, and he was walking.”

  Ten years earlier, when Beth had passed Mark in front of the Hometown Café, even then, he was in a wheelchair. Quite a shock considering she hadn’t known he’d been injured. How could he suddenly walk? It didn’t make sense. Unless…Could Mark be leading a double life? “Walking? Are you sure? He’s been in a wheelchair for several years. It had to be someone else. Maybe someone who just looks like him?”

  Antonio threw his arms in the air. “Maybe. But it looked an awful lot like him.” He marched away.

  Maybe Antonio thought he saw Mark, but clearly he was mistaken. It wasn’t like Mark to keep a secret from her. Perhaps Antonio was jealous and wanted to make Mark look bad somehow. Antonio once made the comment that she talked about Mark a lot.

  Or maybe Mr. Coach was angry one of his players was ineligible. Tough. Football wasn’t everything. Try getting a job without knowing how to read or write.

  If he made up a story about someone with a physical disability, that was pretty low. Maybe it was a blessing that things hadn’t gotten serious between her and Antonio.

  Come to think of it, she started receiving strange notes around the same time she met him. Maybe he was the one leaving them on her desk and in her bag. The notes stopped coming right before they’d started hanging out. He certainly had ample opportunity. But what was his motive—to make her scared and run into his arms? Who knew what made men behave like that. Perhaps she should confront him about the notes sometime.

  Beth left the school and passed Fishy Business on her way home. Maybe it was time to pay Mark and the guys a visit. She pulled into the parking lot and headed toward the entry. Randy waved as he left his truck and walked toward the building.

  Tim came out the front door and picked up a phone book left on the front mat then went back inside. Maybe he hadn’t seen her. There was still time to walk away before she might run into Mark and the blonde. The sight would be hard to stomach. Confused and torn, she hurried back to her car and continued home.