A Brilliant Ride

by Mitchell, Lisa J.

  “Got me...I haven’t a clue. You know, it’s getting to the point where I don’t think I really know anyone anymore. Is everyone living a double life in this town, including my loving husband? Ha! What a fool I’ve been. I could kick…”

  “Look, stop blaming yourself. We don’t have time for that. We need to get ourselves together and figure out what to do next.” She flicked her glossy red mane and poured another drink.

  “I think Phyllis came out with that statement about Frank to throw us off the track,” I said, creasing my brow. “It seems that ditsy hippie has more on the ball than we give her credit for.”

  “Yeah, and we’re not talking crystal.”

  “Who do you think tried to kill Claudia?” I asked, feeling numb.

  The question hung in the air for what seemed an eternity. We looked at each other and thought the same thing. I couldn’t say it out loud, because then it would be out there, hovering; a possible reality I wasn’t ready to face.

  Jackie let out a sigh, “Okay, let’s not get crazy. We need a plan…and we need to be careful.” She wrapped her arms around me tightly. “Listen, Pen, don’t say anything about Trevor and me, or anything else for that matter. We’ll find out what’s going on, and everything will be okay. I just know it,” she said and squeezed me tightly.

  I believed Jackie. I wasn’t happy about her relationship with Trevor. I mean, obviously she wasn’t the most stable of people. However, compared to the rest of the characters in this nightmare scenario, my money was on her. I believed her story, and I trusted her. She’s always been a straight shooter, brutally honest.

  Sam and I went about our business the following day, and nothing was said about the fountain incident. Blossom and Peter had the day off, and the children were spending the day with friends. Mother was busy with her new venture: The Abigail Capwell Yoga, Tai Chi, and Deep Massage Center. She and a few of her DAR friends were pouring themselves into the project…hoping it would rake in millions, which would all go to charity, of course. I couldn’t be happier; it was keeping her out of my hair.

  Brilliant decided to make an appearance after being MIA for a few days, and I tore into him for not telling me about the drugs, not to mention everything else. His reply was short and sweet. “Open your eyes and see.”

  His response left me cold. “Excuse me, but aren’t you supposed to be my guardian angel? I mean, I thought you were supposed to be helping me and guiding me and well…what about the protection part, hello…guardian?”

  “I have taught you about relaxation, self-love, creating your reality, positive thinking, protecting yourself, looking within, and giving what you can’t handle to God. It’s when things get tough, Penelope, that you all realize how important your connection to Him is. There are trials and tribulations, fires to walk through. Reach out and have faith.”

  “I’ve been living in a dream world.” I threw my hands up.

  “Yes, and it’s time to awaken. Be aware, Penelope. See things as they really are. You are so busy running around, child - trying to rationalize the irrational, crying instead of planning, and seething instead of moving forward. Sit quietly and listen for the answers. Look inside your heart, and think about what it is you really want. Then, be brave enough to grab it. All you need is within. Look within, child. First, you need to protect yourself and your children. This is your number one priority right now.” He wrapped his arm around me and sat me down.

  “I’m scared.”

  “You have power beyond measure. You only need to ask, and you will receive all you need, my child. You have the love and protection of the Most High! You can handle anything, Penelope. If you’re being hurt and mistreated, put an end to it. Remove yourself from any situation that doesn’t offer you the respect and love you deserve. Form an intention, Penelope…and have faith.”

  Later, I was digging through some photos. It came to me that I did in fact see that ring before. I just couldn’t remember when or where. After going through dozens and dozens of photos, one caught my eye. It was a photo taken a few years back of the four of us posing around the pool. “Bingo! There’s the ring on Phyllis’ right hand!” My eyes widened. “Jackie was telling the truth. It is Phyllis’ ring. The question is why was she forcing it on Jackie?”

  I decided it was time to call Claudia. She answered on the first ring.

  “Claudia, I’ve been a wreck; do you need anything?”

  “Oh, darling, you’re a sweetheart to ask; I’m so happy to hear your voice.”

  “You scared the hell out of us. What happened?”

  “I don’t know, Pen. That’s the stinker…I can’t remember a thing,” she said. “It’s all a blur. I remember arriving at the club, but the rest is a blank. Um, Pen, did you hear the latest about that murdered waiter?”

  “No, I haven’t heard a thing.”

  “It seems I’m not the only one receiving a hefty dose of reality.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, Paul spoke with a friend of his down at the District Attorney’s office. Evidently, he wasn’t strangled.”

  “What about the apron tied around his neck and the rolls in his mouth and…oh, it’s all so gruesome,” I shuddered.

  “Well, the coroner’s report came back. He actually died of an overdose. The apron and the rolls…well that was a sort of calling card.”

  “What? You sound like Frank…”

  “Yes, well that’s what the police called it anyway. I’m scared, Pen. Things have gotten out of hand. Someone tried to kill me, just like that waiter…and Todd,” she whimpered. “You know I’ve never taken a drug in my life, nothing more than an aspirin. You believe me, don’t you?”

  “Oh, Claudia, I don’t know what to believe. Who would do this to you?” I blurted out. “Listen, I didn’t want to get into it so soon. I mean, you’re just getting on your feet again, but I’ve been a mess with worry.”

  “I know,” she said softly.

  “Look, Claudia, I’m just going to come right out with it. I saw you, in town, arguing with some punk; I also saw you give him a wad of cash. What was that about?” My eyes welled up.

  After a period of silence, she spoke. “I’m sorry you saw that. I’m sorry. I don’t want to get into this now. It’s best if you…”

  “Look, I’m at my wit’s end. I spoke with Jackie, and we know something’s going on - something bad. We’re starting to piece things together, Claudia. Please tell me what’s going on.”

  “Well, if you must know…it has to do with Todd Crowe.”

  “Todd?” I stammered.

  “I don’t know how to say this…”

  “Just say it.”

  “Look, Todd and I were involved.”

  “What?” I couldn’t believe my ears.

  “Yes, an affair…for some time.”

  “Am I the only one in this town NOT having an affair?”

  “Probably…”

  “Never mind, go on.”

  “Look, you know I love Paul. It’s just…well, we just sort of drifted apart, you know. The spark went out. We’ve been living separate lives for a long time now,” she confessed.

  “Claudia, I’m in shock. I thought the two of you were perfectly in love. I’m really shocked.”

  “It was just a fling. I wasn’t planning on leaving Paul, for crying out loud. I certainly wasn’t in love with Todd. Oh, I guess I needed a bit of excitement. Todd made me feel young again…alive and desirable. I know this must all sound very childish, but I just needed something and Todd fit the bill. He was a huge boost to my ego. Anyway, it didn’t last long. I found out he was two timing me with some little thing half my age. Imagine that! Leaving me for some little tramp! Then I found out he was dealing drugs. That was completely unacceptable. It really upset me. I broke it off with him as soon as I found out. I never got involved with the drugs, Pen…I swear. Anyway, that punk you saw me arguing with is blackmailing me. He works at Regal Rock. He found out about my affair with Todd, and he’s threat
ening to go to Paul and tell him everything. I can’t let that happen, so I’ve been paying him off. Look, Todd was a nice guy; he just got involved with the wrong people. He was in way over his head. Oh, Pen, he didn’t deserve to be murdered!”

  “Now, I understand why you became so emotional when we saw him on the side of the road…”

  “Yes, I was devastated. I knew his drug dealing was probably the reason he was killed. When the detectives asked if we knew anything, I lied. I know too much,” she wept.

  “Why didn’t you confide in me?”

  “Because…” She stopped herself.

  “Go on; I think I already know what you’re going to say.”

  “I’m so sorry. I was trying to protect you. The less you know, the safer you’ll be.”

  “I have to know, Claudia. I have to.”

  “Okay, look, I know this is going to be very hard for you to believe, but I think Todd was actually working for Sam. In fact, I’m pretty sure Sam’s behind everything.”

  “Sam…? What are you saying..?”

  “Oh Pen, I’m sorry I didn’t approach you sooner. Look, I wanted to have proof before I came to you with all of this. I wanted to be sure. I even went so far as to meet Sam for drinks…ask him point blank. It blew up in my face, though. The moment I started asking questions, he exploded. He told me to mind my own business. He threatened me. The guy has a dark side, Pen. I’m so sorry; I was going to tell you everything after the Ball…but that didn’t go as planned.”

  “I can’t believe I’m hearing this,” I mumbled.

  “Look, Pen, someone tried to shut me up, for good. Things are out of hand. I’m really worried about you and the girls. I think you should pack them up and get away for a while; go to the Cape like you planned. I don’t trust Sam. He’s involved in all of this somehow; I just know it. Please just go away for a while.”

  “He’s been agitated lately. I don’t want to do anything that’ll make him suspicious. I have to think very seriously about my next move. I need some time to process all of this,” I said. “It’s a lot to take in.”

  Just then I heard the door. I turned and saw Sam standing in the doorway smirking.

  “Pen, who’s that on the phone?”

  “Oh, Sam, you’re home early. I’m speaking with Mother,” I lied. “I was just telling her not to hurry back.” My voice cracked. “Yes, okay Mother, see you later,” I said calmly into the receiver.

  “Pen, be careful,” Claudia whispered and clicked off.

  Sam walked over and stroked my hair.

  “You seem nervous. Is anything wrong?” he asked in an unnerving voice. “You don’t seem quite yourself?” His lip curled just the slightest bit.

  “It’s just…I have so much to do,” I answered quickly. “Actually, I have to dash.” I glanced down at my watch. “I have to pick up the kids. Blossom will be back soon. She’s making a roast for dinner. See you later.” I hurried past him, holding my breath.

  I could feel his eyes on me, as I grabbed my coat and bag from the hall closet and dashed out of the house for my car. Safely inside, I locked the doors and let out my breath. I couldn’t start the car fast enough. My hands were shaking, and I couldn’t remember how to drive for a moment. Trembling, I put the car in gear and sped down the long drive, glancing back to make sure he wasn’t following me. He wasn’t.

  “I need a plan,” I mumbled, looking in the rear view mirror. Sam looked suspicious. He had that look in his eyes. “That look means trouble.”

  I headed straight for Jackie’s house. When I pulled into the circular drive, I noticed Phyllis’ car parked on the side of the house, back behind the hedge. I made my way up the grand stone staircase leading up to Jackie’s large contemporary and rang the bell several times; Phyllis answered.

  “Well, hey…Jackie, look who’s here,” she yelled out. “Come on in, Pen; we’re having a little party,” she snorted and showed me into the living room.

  As soon as I entered, I knew something was wrong. Jackie was sitting up stiffly in her white leather chaise, her eyes blazing. Without saying a word, she motioned over to the phone with her eyes. I turned and set my gaze on Phyllis. She seemed odd, and her speech was thick and slurred.

  “Come on Pen; take a load off. Have a seat. Jackie and I were just getting started.” She walked over to a tray of drinks and downed one.

  “None for me,” I said politely.

  “Come on, Pen; stop being such a buzzkill.”

  “I’ll have one,” Jackie said. Phyllis ignored her and set her gaze on me.

  “What’s this all about? Are you two having a little impromptu girls’ night? Starting a little early, don’t you think? Too bad Claudia isn’t here. Oh, but that’s right, she’s still recovering. You know…from her overdose,” I stammered.

  “Yes, she is; the poor dear,” said Phyllis flatly. “It’s really too bad about Claudia. We almost lost her.”

  “Thank God for Debbie.” I stared her down.

  It’s amazing how someone can change right before your eyes. Phyllis had taken on the look of a hardened woman. She looked ugly to me, now…like a rodent.

  “Oh dear, things have really escalated. Our sweet little village…so much drama, and so much bad energy,” she sneered. I looked over at Jackie. She was staring at the phone, not saying a word.

  “What’s wrong, Jackie, speechless for once?” Phyllis laughed.

  I started for the phone. “I have an idea; let’s call Claudia and see if she’s up to joining us. What do you say, girls?”

  I got half way there, when Phyllis hauled off and slammed me across my face, knocking me to the ground. “I’d think twice about making any calls, if I were you.”

  Jackie shrieked, “Get away from her, you maniac,” and jumped up to help me. It was useless. Phyllis spun around like a ninja and kicked her hard in the stomach, causing her to fall back against one of her giant canvasses. Breathless, Jackie let out a moan and crumbled to the ground. I was horrified. Phyllis was totally out of control. What’s more, she reeked - a horrible combination of scotch, patchouli oil, and perspiration. She was sweating like a pig.

  “Phyllis, what’s wrong with you?”

  Turning quickly, she grabbed me by my throat, unleashing a maniacal laugh. “You two are pathetic,” she snarled.

  She pushed me over to where Jackie was lying on the floor and threw me on top of her. Jackie held me close and put her mouth up to my ear, “She has Trevor tied up in the back; she hit him over the head.”

  “Poor Trevor; Phyllis is certifiable.” I managed to shift my weight off of her, and we sat up clutching each other.

  Phyllis stood over us, glaring. “Stupidly, you all misjudged me. I have big plans for the two of you,” she sputtered. “Same goes for that mental midget, Claudia. She’s going down, too. She had a good thing going with that dishy tennis pro, but she had to get all righteous and uptight. She’s a liability, just like Todd and that stupid carcass at Magnolia.” Her eyes flashed. “I had to get rid of them, you see. They were getting sloppy; talking too much. It was so easy - a perfect plan. A few pills and they were off to La La Land.”

  “Phyllis, what are you saying?” I held my heart.

  “You see, I had to do it; I had to keep them quiet. They were very naughty.” Her eyes glazed over. “I couldn’t take any chances. It was very simple, really.” She grinned. “I’m such a genius. Ha, ha ha…it won’t be long before the police are knocking on your door,” she spewed at Jackie, “with a warrant for your arrest. You see, I was very clever giving you that ring to wear. Everyone’s seen you wearing it,” she squealed. “That ring is packed with pills…the same pills I used to kill the waiter and Todd. Too bad Claudia was rescued by that nit wit, Debbie,” her face contorted. “I’ll be sending that ring to the Police Department, later today…with a little note. Maybe I’ll even get a reward,” she snickered.

  “I don’t think so, Phyllis. You see, I have the ring…right here in my handbag. I found it in my basement
,” I said, tightening my fist.

  “Hmmm, that does present a little problem,” she sniffed. “I thought I had it in an envelope…”

  “Ha, you mean that envelope stuffed with cash. The one you and Sam hid behind the steam pipe in my basement? I found that too, Phyllis. You’re not as buttoned up as you think.”

  “How did you get that ring back? I thought I lost it,” Jackie hissed.

  “I went to your place and took it,” Phyllis said flatly. “Your housekeeper let me in.”

  “Remind me to fire her,” Jackie grumbled.

  “Actually, this is perfect,” Phyllis chirped. “Now it has your fingerprints on it, too, Pen. It’s almost too good to me true. Now, hand the ring over!”

  “You set me up,” Jackie wailed.

  “Yes, and it was fun; I must admit,” said Phyllis, her face contorting. “I even sported a trampy red wig the night that waiter got his just deserts. Oh yes. It’s just a matter of time before everyone puts two and two together. Ha! And that brooch they found in Todd’s car…I picked it up in a little consignment shop two towns over. It looks a lot like the ugly garbage you wear; don’t you think, Jackie?” she whinnied like a horse. “Do you remember when I popped over to your place, the day after that waiter got what was coming to him? I asked you to look at a brooch I bought for my sister. You held it in your hands, putting your fingerprints all over it. Do you remember? You have to admit, I’m on the ball,” she cackled.

  “You are one sick puppy, Phyllis.” Jackie shook her head.

  “And you!” Phyllis turned to me, her eyes glowing like two hot coals. “What a pathetic excuse for a woman. Sam should have his head examined for spending a second of his time with a whiny little wall flower like you.”

  “Um, I’ll take that drink now,” Jackie said, staring at the tray.

  “So, it’s Sam, is it?” I laughed. “Sam is the one you’re hot for? Please, you can have him.”

  “Don’t worry, I know that,” she replied quickly. “You lame brain; he’s been mine all along. We’ve been thinking of ways to get rid of you for ages. You’re like a pimple that won’t go away. Not to worry, though.”