by Lee, S. G.
“Pity you can’t stay,” Emma sneered. Then, spinning on her heels, she returned to the kitchen.
Jillian was horrified by Emma’s outburst but Evan managed to distract her. With a few of his compliments and a charming smile, Jillian quickly forgot Emma’s rudeness. Even though his twin hadn’t noticed, Matt was grateful for the diversion. It was no secret that Jillian despised housework and she was only too anxious to keep Emma in the role of Cinderella. If Evan hadn’t stepped in, Emma would have had at least two weeks, if not more, added to her sentence. Emma’s inability to hold her tongue had already turned a two-week punishment into three months.
Shortly after six o’clock, Alan Wexley trudged through the door. Emma was just setting the last dish on the table when her father entered. Family dinners had been a source of joy for both Matt and Emma until Jillian entered the picture. After their dad remarried, the twins found it unbearable. Dr. Wexley often noticed the sadness in his children’s eyes and it broke his heart that he had no idea how to comfort them. He had been naïve enough to think that Jillian could help fill the void his children felt with the passing of their mother and possibly assuage their grief but he’d been wrong.
There was an unspoken agreement between the twins and Jillian; they all played nice during dinner. Between bites, they exchanged pleasantries like a happy family. Because of the demands of Alan’s job, the brief time they shared at the dinner table was often all he had to give. None of them wanted to spoil it by bickering. Jillian prattled on enthusiastically about her day while the twins tried not to roll their eyes.
“I have some news too. Our new director finally arrived and we really hit it off. Friday night, we’re having dinner with Major Stone and his family.”
Emma felt a wave of nausea crash over her. Clearly, our new address is in the fifth ring of Hell, she bemoaned to herself.
Unaware of her distress, her father continued, “I think the major’s son might be in your grade. He has a daughter too, although I’m not sure about her age.”
In the midst of her panic, Emma was struck by inspiration. “It’s a shame I’ll have to miss it but I’m still grounded.”
“Don’t be silly, sweetheart. Of course you’ll be excused from your punishment to join the family for dinner.”
Convinced that her dinner was going to come right back up again, Emma stood to clear the table. As she loaded the dishwasher, she tried to formulate a new plan. Stomach flu? Respiratory infection? 24-hour tumor? She had three days to come up with a convincing reason to stay home and avoid Evan.
***
It had been several weeks since encountering the mutilated Campbell family and, since the ordeal, there had been a sharp rise in gory, violent crimes. Shortly after John Campbell and his family were delivered to the hospital, there were attacks on an orderly, two nurses and a doctor. At the grocery store, a seventy-five-year-old woman was bitten by a mugger who’d tried to steal her pocketbook. After twenty-plus stitches the old gal had a heart attack and died. In the same strip mall, a couple of teens were assaulted by a drifter. If it hadn’t been for his rookie partner, Officer Scott Raines would have happily forgotten the whole bloody mess with the Campbells, but Kepler insisted they were somehow linked together.
By far, the most gruesome event had taken place near Ursinus College’s campus. By the time the police arrived on the scene, both male and female partygoers had been shredded to the bone. The sole survivor had lost copious amounts of blood and was clearly in shock. After the hospital administered some powerful sedatives, she calmed down enough to speak with Kepler and Raines. The co-ed sounded stoned and her words slurred, but she managed to stay awake long enough to give a statement.
“Our party was totally raging. We had loads of liquor and … oops! I can’t believe I just told the cops I was drinking. Are you gonna take me to jail?”
“As long as you tell us the absolute truth, you won’t be brought up on charges. You have my word,” Raines said.
“M’kay ... but you promised. Anyway, a buncha guys showed up but they looked like they’d started partying long before they got there. They were, like, really sloppy … slurring and tripping over stuff. One of ‘em slumped in the corner and passed out. I’m not really sure how long he was out, but it seemed like forever. It’s just so wrong, ya know? Our party was amazing. We were sure the whole campus would be talking about it for weeks. Hmm, guess they still will, just not for the same reason. Anyway, it wasn’t until most people left, or disappeared with their hook-ups, that we noticed him. That one guy was still in the corner. We decided to let him sleep it off and we all sorta crashed. Some passed out on the sofa and some were sleeping on the floor. I was in my bedroom with Hunter and … oh God. You cannot tell my parents that! Seriously, you can’t, okay?”
“We’re not concerned with who was in your bedroom. Just keep going. You’re doing fine.” Raines shook his head as he scribbled, ‘She’s killing me’ on his notepad for his partner to see. Kepler coughed to cover his laugh.
“We heard screaming. That’s what woke us up. When we came out, there was blood, like, everywhere. M-My s-s-sisters were …” She dissolved into inconsolable sobbing. The officers tried to comfort her, but she was beyond rational discussion. “I-I don’t wanna talk about this anymore.”
Her loud cries attracted the nurses who bustled in, scowling at the officers. The more the nurses fawned over her, the louder she bawled. Finally, Officer Scott Raines’ patience was exhausted.
“Enough!” Raines bellowed. He then changed his tone to one of compassion before continuing, “I understand that you are upset and you saw something horrible. But if you don’t help us, we can’t protect you, or anyone else. For all we know, the murderer is still out there and you, YOU, are the only surviving witness. Help us, help you.”
“Yeah,” Kepler added, playing his role in the good cop/bad cop scenario, “because if you don’t, we’ll charge you with everything from obstruction of justice to underage drinking. Not to mention, if your parents bail you out, they’ll get to see your rap sheet and confession.”
The girl’s eyes widened and her jaw dropped. After a minute, she stopped bawling and regained her composure. She dismissed the nurses and agreed to continue.
“Okay, where was I?” Her voice wavered but she was determined to finish her statement. “Bodies, at least five, maybe more, were on the floor covered in blood. It looked like someone had ripped them apart. Parts of their insides were … hanging out … spilling all over the carpet. That boy, the one who’d been passed out, was awake. He was crouched over Tracy and he was …”
The girl’s face turned green and her body spasmed like she was going to vomit. Raines and Kepler stepped back to get out of the splash zone but she recovered.
“He was eating her.” Tears flowed freely down her cheeks but she no longer bothered to wipe them away. “Hunter ran over, grabbed the guy and punched him in the face. It was like the guy didn’t even feel it; like he was trying to … I dunno. I tried to help, but he was just so strong. He grabbed my arm and, look, he bit me. See?”
She raised the sleeve of her hospital gown to reveal oozing bandages.
“Hunter yelled for me to go get help. I knocked on Hannah’s door ‘cause her boyfriend is huge and he does MMA. When she didn’t answer, I thought maybe they were asleep. I opened the door; she was all butchered, just like the others. Her boyfriend was gnawing on her leg like it was freaking KFC! I ran back to my bedroom, grabbed my phone and called 911. The operator told me to lock the door and wait for the police to arrive. I could hear Hunter screaming but I was so scared. He’s dead, isn’t he? Hunter, I mean?”
The officers nodded; Hunter was dead. They left the grief-stricken girl in the capable hands of her nurses. As they left, Kepler slipped his card into the soft hands of a pretty nurse.
“If she remembers anything else, just give me a call.”
The next day, the nurse called. Her patient had died in the night, bringing the sorority party dea
th total up to eleven.
***
Despite Emma’s best excuses, Friday evening found her being ordered upstairs to change into something presentable. Jillian’s suggestion that Emma should try putting on a little makeup was met with rolling eyes and an exasperated sigh. As Emma sat on her bed and stared into her closet, she considered ‘accidentally’ tripping down the stairs; a fractured skull seemed to be a small price to pay.
Every few seconds, Dr. Wexley checked his watch and sighed.
“That’s it! I’ve had enough.” Jillian charged upstairs to pick out something appropriate for Emma to wear.
Visibly annoyed, she tossed a long denim skirt and a flattering burgundy sweater at Emma. “You have exactly five minutes to change and get your butt in the car, young lady, and that’s final!”
***
Waiting in his room, dread churned in Evan’s stomach. As he wrote in his journal, he noted the expression about paybacks.
If Emma even hints about the way I treated her, Dad is going to kill me! (Mom too.) It’s like I can already hear her chewing me out. I know she’ll feel sorry for Emma— losing her mother so young, trapped with a nightmare of a stepmom, overshadowed by her “perfect” brother, a father who’s never around, and having to start over in a new school …
As his thoughts poured onto the page, Evan felt guiltier than ever.
This is going to be a very long night! It’ll be a miracle if I don’t end up grounded too.
Lucy, Evan’s eight-year-old sister, poked her head into his bedroom. “Mom said come downstairs. The guests will be here soon.”
As he rose, Evan could hear the doorbell. It sounded like the clang of impending doom.
While introductions were being made, Emma noticed a pair of sapphire eyes peering around the corner under a fringe of golden hair. The youngest of the Stone family remained at a safe distance, making Emma wish she had the same luxury. The mere presence of Major Stone made her feel like a frightened child. He towered over her own father and was tight and toned whereas Dr. Wexley was soft and slack. His commanding tone and penetrating steel-blue eyes made Emma feel as though he could see right through her. In stark contrast, his wife, Kate, emitted an aura of warmth and love with her kind brown eyes and soothing smile.
“Lucy, it’s rude to lurk in doorways. Come greet our guests.”
Emma jumped, fearing for the little girl, but Lucy ran into her daddy’s arms and he lifted her, snuggling her to his cheek.
“I hope you brought your appetites. Kate’s been cooking to feed a small army.”
He wrapped his free arm around his wife and tenderly kissed her cheek. Emma was surprised to see such affection from a man who embodied intimidation.
Throughout the meal, the adults talked while Lucy edged closer and closer to her mother. Matt and Evan were engaged in their own conversation, leaving Emma the odd man out. Ever the attentive hostess, Kate nudged her husband under the table and covertly motioned toward their slighted guest. To Emma’s horror, the adult conversation shifted to her.
“Emma, your father said you’re planning to go to medical school. Do you have a specialty in mind?”
Again, Major Stone’s voice made her jump. Emma’s face burned red as she answered, “I was thinking about specializing in infectious diseases or maybe diagnostic medicine, but I’m also interested in Genetic Research and Bioengineering. I’m kinda hoping Matt will get a full athletic scholarship so I can use some of his college fund.”
Emma hoped her reference to Matt’s athletic ability would steer the conversation in his direction. Instead, her twin sabotaged her plan and kept the focus on her.
“Ever since Emma read The Stand she’s been convinced that the government is creating a super flu. All I know is, if you’re using my college fund I’d better be the first one you save!”
Emma kicked Matt from under the table, attempting to silence him. Jillian’s face paled and she glared at her husband’s children with a look that said, ‘You two are in trouble’ Dr. Wexley’s research facility was on a military base. They were all living comfortably on the government’s dime and foolish talk like that, especially in front of strangers, could get them into trouble.
“That Stephen King gives me nightmares,” Jillian chuckled in an attempt to lighten the mood. “Besides, no one really believes that nonsense about our government developing deadly viruses. That’s why they call it fiction.”
With an unexpected urge to defend Emma, Evan voiced his opinion. “It’s entirely plausible that our government is developing different forms of biological warfare even as we speak. I’m positive others are too. I guess Emma is our only hope.” He smiled at her and whispered, “The Stand is one of my favorite books too.”
Emma was surprised that he could look so sincere while mocking her.
Creating a much needed diversion, Kate steered the conversation back to safer topics by asking if anyone wanted coffee with their dessert. Emma picked at her slice of cake as she watched the clock on the wall. The boys had devoured their cake and disappeared upstairs. Unnoticed, Emma gathered their dishes and took them into the kitchen. At Kate’s suggestion, Lucy timidly trailed behind Emma.
“Do you wanna see my room?”
Lucy’s eyes remained fixed on the floor. Emma could appreciate how hard it was for Lucy to ask.
“Sure, lead the way.”
She dutifully followed Lucy toward the staircase but slowed as they passed one of the most beautiful rooms Emma had ever seen.
“That’s my mommy’s music room. Her piano used to be my great-grandmother’s.”
Enchanted by the elegant décor, Emma followed Lucy inside. The room had been designed with excellent acoustics so even Lucy’s soft voice carried clearly. Kate’s antique, upright piano took center stage; the satin-smooth, mahogany finish and intricate carvings were of superior craftsmanship. Even though it had been years since Emma had last touched the baby grand in her house, her heart ached to hear its rich tones and to feel the bittersweet memories she associated with her mother. She only needed to close her eyes to capture the sheer delight of listening to her mother play or learning to pick out simple tunes with her mother’s help. Music and love became synonymous to her.
As if under a spell, Emma crossed the room and her fingertips lightly caressed the keys. Lucy begged Emma to play something. Mesmerized by the piano’s ornate beauty, she closed her eyes and Beethoven’s Sonata Pathetique filled the room. Since the door was left open, the soothing melody drifted out to envelope the rest of the house. Alan recognized his first wife’s favorite piece immediately and his heart ached. Enraptured, Kate followed the music to its source while the other adults trailed along behind her. As the sound floated upstairs, Matt paused their video game.
“Oh my God! Is Emma playing?”
Evan’s curiosity was piqued; he had assumed his mother was at the piano. He and Matt crept down the stairs to join the others as they hovered by the door. Anxious for the impromptu concert to end, and enraged by the weepy look on her husband’s face, Jillian cleared her throat loudly. Startled, Emma realized that she and Lucy were no longer alone. Everyone was standing in the room listening.
“She looks so much like your mother,” Alan whispered to Matt. “I used to come home to find Emma sitting on the bench next to your mom, listening to her play, just like Lucy was.”
With tears in her eyes, Emma jumped up from the piano, nearly toppling the bench and Lucy along with it.
“You play beautifully, Emma. Won’t you please continue?” Kate gently requested.
“I don’t remember the rest anyway. I’m sorry, Mrs. Stone. I shouldn’t have touched your piano. It’s just, Lucy was about to show me her room and we got sidetracked.”
Emma took Lucy’s hand and tugged her toward the doorway. As they climbed the stairs, Emma heard her father attempt to explain her odd reaction, as well as Kate’s reply of ‘Poor dear.’
Desperate for a distraction, Emma asked Lucy about school. The young girl�
��s nose wrinkled as she made a gagging sound.
“I hate it here. I don’t know anyone. That’s not the worst part. We have to do a presentation in front of the whole class.”
Lucy’s face paled at the thought. Emma remembered having a teacher like Lucy’s; one who believed that humiliating students would teach them verbalization skills. Her teacher had made them memorize poetry then stand in the front of the room to recite it.
“Do you know what you’re going to do?”
Lucy looked close to tears as she shook her head no.
“Well, let’s see if we can think up something together, okay?”
***
Muffled voices and dull thuds coming from across the hall had Evan wondering what was going on in Lucy’s room. Trusting Matt’s word that Emma was actually good with children was much harder than Evan let on, especially since he was overprotective when it came to his baby sister.
“Lucy’s in good hands; I promise. Emma’s really not as bad as you think. It’s kind of her defense mechanism, you know, like if she doesn’t let anyone get close then they can’t really hurt her.”
Evan had learned quite a bit about Emma; mostly that his first impressions had been completely wrong. His thoughts were interrupted when Lucy shouted his name. Evan shot Matt a stern look as he ran from the room to defend his sister. Matt followed, right on his heels.
“Lucy? Are you okay?”
Lucy nodded and told Evan she needed an audience. Matt hovered at the doorway until Emma ordered him to join Evan and take a seat.
“Emma taught me a magic trick for my presentation, so …” Lucy cleared her throat loudly, “Ladies and gentlemen.”
Her voice wavered at first but, as she focused on the trick, her nervousness abated. To Emma’s delight, Lucy performed the trick flawlessly. Showered in enthusiastic applause, Lucy took a bow before she launched herself into Emma’s arms, hugging her new friend. Ecstatic, Evan lifted his sister in the air and twirled her around.