by Rhonda Lyles
“Hey I am looking for my best friend in the whole wide world” Michelle said.
“She-e-e i-s-s rig-h-t-t-t her-e-e-e” Janet stammered.
“Oh my goodness I thought I would never see you again!” Michelle exclaimed as she hugged Janet.
“I’m-m so-o hur-t-t and I need you s-o-o-o much be-s-t-i-ee” Janet stammered.
“Don’t worry bestie, I am always here for you. Try not to talk too much. We will have plenty of time to talk sweetie” Michelle said as she smiled at Janet. “I will stay here until you fall asleep then I have to go because I haven’t been home yet and I need to eat as well. You just lay here and try to get some sleep. I am not going to let anything happen to you” Michelle said.
Janet was glad her best friend was here and nothing or no one will come between them she thought as she drifted off to sleep.
Michael thinks he is going to get away with this but he is so wrong Michelle thought to herself. I know something is going on and I will find out if it’s the last thing I do. No one hurts my best friend and gets away with it she thought to herself.
Chapter 8
My nerves are so bad I need cigarette Susan thought to herself. If I get caught this could destroy my whole life and Charles will be so hurt by all of this. I never meant to hurt him and I hope he can forgive me. I am going to come clean and tell him everything tonight because I owe him that much. Well I need to prepare a nice dinner for my last night with my husband she thought to herself.
It felt good to be home Michael thought to himself. It would be better if my wife was here as well and hopefully that will be soon. I have to come clean and tell Janet everything about the affair I had with Susan. I know she will be hurt but I can’t keep lying to her and I pray she can forgive me for what I have done. I honestly don’t know why I did it and I know Janet doesn’t want to hear that but that is all I have right now. I need to get some rest so I can prepare myself for what may come once I tell Janet about the affair with Susan. God please forgive me and be with me as I tell my wife about what I have done Michael said to himself as he turned the water on in the shower.
Michelle had just entered the house when her cell phone began ringing. “Hello” Michelle said.
”May I speak with Mrs. Waters please?” The male voice on the phone said.
“Yes this is she” Michelle said.
“This is Detective Wellington from the 32nd precinct. I wanted to touch base with you and let you know we may have some information that could lead to an arrest in the hit and run of your friend Janet Reynolds. I have my people working on it as we speak” the detective said.
“Thank God. I can relax my mind now” Michelle said.
“Yes you can. I will be in touch Mrs. Waters. Have a good evening” the detective said.
“You do the same detective” Michelle said.
“Hey babe. I have good news to share” Michelle said to Dewayne.
“It’s always good to hear good news” DeWayne said.
“Well the detective called me and told me they may have some information that could lead to an arrest in Janet’s hit and run accident. I will be so glad if they do because whoever did this needs to be off the street” Michelle said to Dewayne.
“Yes honey you are so right. I pray everything turns out for the best” Dewayne said.
“Me too babe and I know it will. Well I have some more good news for you too” Michelle said with a big smile.
“It really must be good news by the way you are grinning from ear to ear” Dewayne said smiling.
“As a matter fact in nine months you will meet this newest person of our family” she said excitedly.
“Wait, I mean we are having a baby?!” Dewayne exclaimed.
“Yes we are having a baby. The due date is in January and it is only April so we have plenty of time to get ready” Michelle said.
“Yes I guess we do. I can’t believe I am going to be a dad. Babe you don’t know how happy I am right now” Dewayne said as he hugged Michelle.
“I am very happy as well babe and couldn’t be any happier. This is a cause for celebration and food sounds good right about now” Michelle said with a big smile on her face.
Chapter 9
“Are you the owner of this shop?”The officer asked Manny. “Why yes I am. Is there a problem officer?” Manny asked. “We are looking for a car that was involved in a hit and run today. Mind if we look around?” the officer asked.
“No go right ahead officer. “Was the person injured?” Manny asked.
“Yes they were. Well look here now. Bingo. When did this car come in?”The officer asked.
“It came today. As a matter of fact not too long ago. Is there a problem?” Manny asked.
“We are going to need to take the car in as evidence of a hit and run.” The officer said.
“Oh wow. Are you serious? I know my customer can’t be involved in this” Manny said with a concerned look.
“I am sorry but we have to take the car sir. We will be in touch” the officer said.
“Okay officer” Manny said.
He still couldn’t believe what just happened. Maybe I should call her and see what’s going on but on the other hand I better not. I guess I will find out sooner or later.
“Hello? Who is this?” Susan asked.
“This is your worst nightmare. I hope that you have the money ready for me” the deep voice said.
“I need more time to get that kind of money together” Susan told the caller.
“You are skating on thin ice young lady and the ice is about to crack on you. I am giving you an extra day and that is it and if you don’t do it then it’s straight to the police” the caller said.
“Hello? Hello?” Susan said into the phone but all she heard was a dial tone. I have to get it together and come up with this money fast and in a hurry she thought to herself. It’s time me and Michael have a talk and now is a good time as ever.
“Hello” Michael said into the phone.
“Meet me at the park on Tenth Street. We really need to talk” Susan said.
“You really have some nerve calling and demanding me to do something after all I have been through!”Michael shouted.
“I am sorry Michael but I really need to see you” Susan pleaded.
“Give me about an hour and I will be there” Michael said angrily.
“Okay” Susan said as she ended the call.
I have to tell Charles now. I can’t wait any longer Susan thought. Now where could Charles be? I made dinner and now he is nowhere to be found. She looked in the den and in his office but no Charles. Maybe he just went to the store for something but he would usually say something. Oh well I will tell him once I get back from meeting with Michael she thought to herself. I have to put on a hat and hopefully that will help disguise me somewhat until I take care of business.
It looks no one is home the officers thought to themselves. They knocked several times and no answer.
“Well I guess we will have to come back later or in the morning. In the meantime I am going to call in for a patrol car to be out here in case someone comes back” the officer said.
“Okay that sounds like a good idea” the other officer said.
Michael wanted to get this over with quick fast and hurry. He wanted to trick Susan up so he could see if she had anything to do with Janet’s accident. I hope she didn’t have anything to do with it because I don’t know what I am capable of.
Susan just arrived at the park as Michael pulled up.
“Okay let’s get this over with. I have other things to do” Michael said to Susan.
“Well first of all I am pregnant and I am not sure if you are the father or Charles is. I should have never got involved with you and I am sure you feel the same way” Susan said.
“Yeah you could say that. I am not taking responsibility unless I see proof that you are pregnant. You could be lying for all I know! Where were you today around five today? My wife was hit by a car and somet
hing tells me your name is all over it!” Michael shouted.
“I don’t know what you are talking about” Susan pleaded.
Michael reached out and started shaking Susan by her shoulders. “Just admit that you did it!” Michael said while shaking Susan.
“Michael, stop it, stop it!” Susan screamed.
“Not until you tell me the truth. Did you run down my wife?!”Michael shouted.
There was a loud bang that startled them both.
“Let her go or I will be putting one between your eyes!” the deep voice shouted.
“Okay, okay I let her go. Now you can lower that gun” Michael said nervously.
“Hello Susan. I can see by the expression on your face that you weren’t expecting to see me. Remember Charles your husband. Surprise!! He shouted.
“What are you doing here?! She stammered.
“I came to let you know that I know what you did to that man’s wife” her husband said in that deep voice.
“No, it can’t be!” Susan screamed.
“Sorry sweetheart it’s me! You thought I didn’t know about your little affair but I have known about it all this time!” Charles shouted.
“Oh my goodness it was you that was threatening me for fifty thousand dollars! My own husband! No it can’t be!”
“Yes I am afraid so!” Charles shouted.
“This has really turned into a nightmare” Susan said.
“Yes your worst nightmare and it is only going to get worst!” Charles shouted.
“Charles let’s talk about this” Susan pleaded.
“You should have thought about that before you had an affair!” Charles shouted.
“I know you are hurt Charles and I am sorry” Susan said.
“Yeah you are sorry alright and disgusting!”Just Charles shouted.
“I never meant for this to happen. I really didn’t. Please forgive me” she pleaded.
Chapter 10
“Okay, you two obviously need to talk and I need to see about my wife” Michael said.
“You make one move and that will be the last you make!” Charles yelled as he pointed the gun at Michael.
“Okay mister there is no need for the sarcasm” Michael said.
“I would just be quite if I was you. I should have taken care of you when you showed up on my front porch looking for Susan” Charles said.
“Charles! Stop this! We need to sit down like adults and talk about this!”Susan shouted.
“Sweetie I am tired of talking!” Charles said.
Michael saw an opportunity to wrestle the gun away from Charles. He pushed Susan to the side and wrestled with Charles.
“Help! Help! They are going to kill one another!” Susan screamed.
There was a loud bang that broke the silence of the night.
Susan looked to see if either man was moving. She saw Charles moving and went toward him. Oh my goodness! He is bleeding but when she looked she only saw he was bleeding from his arm. Now she had to check on Michael. Oh no! He was bleeding from the stomach and from the looks of it he was losing blood fast. I have to call 911 to get help.
“911 what is your emergency? The operator asked.
“Yes I need an ambulance quick! Two people have been shot!” Susan shouted.
“What is your location?” the operator asked.
“The Loft Park on Tenth Street. Please hurry!”Susan said.
“The police and ambulance are en route to your location. Are the two individual’s conscious ma’am?” the operator asked.
“Yes one is and he is shot in the arm but the other one has a weak pulse with a gunshot to the stomach losing a lot of blood! “Please hurry!” Susan exclaimed as she ended the call.
I have to get out of here before the police get here. I can’t take any chances by being seen.
“Charles I am so sorry. I never meant for this to happen. Please forgive me” she said.
“Get out of my face!” Charles yelled at Susan.
“Okay I asked for your forgiveness and I am not going to ask you again. I have some news that you are not going to like but I have to let you know. I am pregnant but not sure if you are the father or if it’s Michael. I love you Charles” she said.
“Great you wait till I am shot and bleeding to tell me something like that! Get out of my face and I don’t want to see you again!”He yelled.
“I tried to tell you while we were home but I couldn’t find you. I am sorry Charles I really am.”Susan turned and knelt down towards Michael. “Michael you may not hear me but I am so sorry and I never meant for anyone to get hurt. Please forgive me” she pleaded with Michael.
I have to go now before the police get here. I hear the sirens getting closer. I have someone I need to pay a visit to she thought to herself. She made perfect timing as she sped away. The police and ambulance just pulled up as she made her get away. Now I have some unfinished business I have to take care of once and for all she thought as she drove onto the exit.
Michelle was on her way back to the hospital when an ambulance came from out of nowhere and almost hit her.
“Hey! Watch where you are going!”Michelle shouted to the driver.
I need to report that because they are driving too reckless she thought to herself. I have to be careful. I have another person to take care of now she thought as she touched her growing stomach. I can’t wait to tell Janet but I know I have to wait till she gets much better. I am not sure if she can take the news of a baby now after what she has been through. I know Janet is a very strong person and she will pull through this with my help. Well at least I have a close parking space and won’t have to walk far. I hope Janet is doing okay and she gets all the help she needs. I am going to do whatever it takes to get her back to normal. I love her like a sister and will do anything for her.
Chapter 11
“Excuse me, Mrs. Waters? A familiar voice called.
Michelle turned around and saw that it was Dr. Jackson.
“Well hello Doctor. Is there something wrong with Janet?”She asked.
“Well actually no it’s her husband. He was just brought in to the ER with a gunshot wound to the stomach area” the doctor explained.
“Are you serious?! No! This can’t be real! First my best friend and now her husband! I don’t think I can take any more bad news today doc! I am not sure what’s going on but this has been one crazy day. Is he expected to make it Doctor Jackson?”She asked with a concerned look on her face.
“Yes I believe he will pull through this very well. We have him in surgery now and we have removed the bullet from his stomach. He lost a lot of blood so we had to give him a transfusion to get the blood that was lost back to him. So, he should recover fairly well” he replied.
“Well that is good news. Does Janet know about Michael’s accident?” she asked.
“No we didn’t want to upset her so we thought best to wait until he is out of surgery and recovering. I have to go and check on Mr. Reynolds now so, I will see you around Mrs. Waters and again hate to meet on these circumstances” he said.
“Thank you for everything doctor Jackson. I really appreciate what you have done for both Janet and Michael” she said with tears in her eyes.
“You know that’s my job to save and help a life. I will do it all over again any day. I thank God for allowing me to become the compassionate and caring doctor that I am. God bless you and your family Mrs. Waters” the doctor said as he walked away.
Wow! If only there were more people like Doctor Jackson on this earth she thought on her way to Janet’s room. She walked into the room and saw that Janet was asleep. She needs her rest and I don’t want to wake her so I will just sit here until she wakes up. Might as well take me a rest too because I am a little tired myself. Michelle was woken up by a sore neck. This chair did me more harm than help she thought. What she saw shocked her. A lady was standing over Janet with a gun pointed at her. She blinked to make sure her eyes were not playing tricks on her and to her surprise he
r eyes were not playing tricks on her. Michelle fought to get up out of the chair with her eyes wide open and opened her mouth to scream for help but the threat from the lady with the gun stopped her.
“Well sleeping Beauty has awakened. You scream and I will make it a reality that you are the last face your friend sees before I take her out missy!” the lady said.
“Okay, please let’s just be rational and talk this through ma’am!” Michelle pleaded.
“You are not running the show missy, I am! Now get over here where I can see you and no funny stuff either or it will be two bodies!” the lady exclaimed.
Michelle felt so sorry for Janet who looked so scared and terrified. I have to do something and distract this crazy lady she thought to herself.
“Now I know you two are wondering who I am. So, let me introduce myself as Susan Douglass the woman who your husband had an affair with!”
Chapter 12 “Okay, I will give you two a moment to let the shock wear off” Susan said with a smug.
Janet had a look of shock and dismay on her face. She could not believe this woman was here in her hospital room with a gun pointed right at her. What have you done Michael? Oh God please help us she thought to herself.
“I don’t know what he saw in you because his wife is a thousand times more beautiful than you!” Michelle said with venom in her voice.
“HA! HA! I will let you have that one you piece of garbage!” she exclaimed.
“Why aren’t you talking Mrs. Reynolds?! Cat got your tongue?” Susan asked with a smirk.
“She doesn’t have to say anything to you. She doesn’t owe you anything!” Michelle said with anger.
“Yes, she does owe me something. As a matter of fact she owes me fifty thousand dollars to be exact and I came to collect! You are just trying your best to get hurt aren’t you? Well keep it up and I will make your day sweetie!” Susan said to Michelle.
“There is no way she owes you that kind of money and you will surely never get it!” Michelle exclaimed.
