Shattered Lives (The Shattered Series Book 1)

by Marilyn Williams

Ramona frowned. “You’re saying Tami came here that evening to end her pregnancy by forcing my dad to do something he was against. She’s the reason he was here that night.”

  “You only have a theory. But, if you’re right it’s still not her fault,” said Rhonda.

  “Yes, it is! He was only here because of her and her problems. You said he was pro-life, so she had to force him to order the medication and give it to her. It’s because of her he was here that night! It’s because of her he died!”

  Rhonda and Melissa both tried to get through to Ramona, but she was not listening. As far as she was concerned Tami was the root cause of it all. She asked Rhonda to promise to help her make her pay, and she copied Tami’s address from her patient file.

  With Tami’s address in hand, Ramona came up with a plan. It was to go to her house to intimidate the truth out of her. Ramona left her house around seven that night dressed in all black, with her hair pulled back into a ponytail. She packed a duffel bag with a few items and quietly left out the door. She did not have a full thought out plan, she only wanted Tami to explain why she met with her father the night he died. Ramona drove to the address, the home was a two-level brick house. When she arrived, there was a couple outside engaged in a shouting match. She assumed they were Tami's parents. Even under the moonlight, the woman appeared to be an older version of her daughter. Their home faced a four-way intersection, where Ramona parked. After the couple concluded their argument, the man got into a car. At the same time, Ramona exited her car and stealthily walked towards their home. The darkness of the night hid her silhouette. The man backed the car out of the driveway not noticing that someone was hunched down next to a bush. The woman walked towards the front door, just as she was about to close it Ramona barged the door open so hard she caused the woman to fall down onto the hardwood floor. Screams of terror invaded Ramona’s ear. She yelled for the woman to shut up. "Who are you? What do you want?" asked the woman. Not saying a word she dragged her to the nearest chair in the kitchen. Ramona retrieved a long white rope out of her duffel bag to tie her hands and feet.

  “Who are you?” she asked.

  “It doesn’t matter who I am. I’m here to speak with your daughter. Where can I find her?” asked Ramona, placing a chair in front of the hysterical woman.

  “Why?”

  “Your daughter was the last person to see my father alive and I need answers about his death.”

  “What are you talking about? Who’’s your father?”

  “Dr. Michael Pennington.”

  “Who are you really? Dr. Pennington doesn’t have any children.”

  “He did and your daughter is the reason he’s dead.”

  “I knew Michael, and an addict looking for drugs killed him. Tami had nothing to do with that!”

  “It’s her fault he was at the clinic. He would have never been there if it wasn’t for your selfish daughter. She needs to be held responsible.”

  “I understand you're hurting but what you’re doing will not bring your father back. Tami was heartbroken when she learned of Michael’s death. Yes, they were close, but she’s not to blame.”

  “Shut up!” Ramona yelled and slapped the woman hard across the face. “Don't say another word unless I ask you a question. Now, where's your daughter?”

  “I don't care what you do to me, I will not allow you to hurt Tami!” shouted the woman.

  “I’m running out of patience with you! If you won’t tell me what I need to know, I’ll force it out of you!” She reached into her duffel bag and pulled out an unloaded gun. She removed the bullets, it was only meant to be a scare tactic only. Ramona pointed the gun at the woman. “I'll ask you one more time. Where is your daughter? Where can I find Tami Hamilton?”

  “I...I don't know,” she stammered.

  “You have until the count of three. One...”

  “I really don't know!”

  “Two.”

  “I haven't spoken to her, my husband and I are only house sitting!”

  “Three!” shouted Ramona.

  “Okay…okay...I can tell you this she and her husband are out of the country. For a month or so.”

  “You better be telling the truth,” said Ramona, placing the gun on the woman’s left temple.

  “I assure you, I am.”

  “I’ll find her and when I do, I intend to make her regret what she’s done. If you even think about calling the police both you and your husband are dead.”

  “I'm not! No police,” she insisted.

  Ramona picked up her bag and darted towards the front door. “Hey...hey you're not going to untie me?” Ramona heard the woman scream out after her. But, she kept walking never looked back. She returned three weeks later but, the house was vacant with a for sale sign out front.

  Searching for Tami was like searching for a ghost. She no longer lived at her address and nothing on social media. It was as if, she had disappeared altogether. After hitting nothing but dead ends, Ramona put a halt to her search. She convinced herself to let go of the anger and get her life together. Within a few months, she found a job at an insurance company and moved into her own apartment. Ramona was doing well until Rhonda found an internet article that featured One Star Financial. The article mentioned Tami and other employees as up and coming young executives. Ramona put all her efforts into getting hired there. After some necessary scheming, she eventually, landed a position as a file clerk. It was not Tami‘s division. However, with time, she would get there. Once that happened, it would become her mission to make Tami's life a living hell.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Tim arrived at the cigar bar near his home hoping Gordon had already arrived. He’d just left work when Gordon called asking to meet. There was new information he’d found on Ramona. Tim glanced around but did not see Gordon anywhere. Instead, it was a group of regulars that occupied the space. Most came to relax and network while they enjoyed a nice Cuban cigar. Not Tim, he had one thing on his mind, removing Ramona from his life. He bypassed the regulars to sit in an oversized leather chair in the back of the bar. While he waited, he fantasized about the day he would turn the tables on Ramona. He felt that day would come soon, he only hoped it would be today. Tim snapped back into reality by Gordon’s arrival. He noticed the folder in his hand as he pulled up a chair.

  “I assumed you found something worthwhile since you requested this meeting,” said Tim.

  “Two old friends can't get together anymore?” he asked, with a half smile.

  “Of course.”

  Gordon’s face suddenly turned serious.

  “I’ve acquired information that’s quite interesting, but I doubt it would be beneficial.”

  “I don't want to hear if it won’t get that bitch out of my life.”

  “Let me stop you right there, you want to hear this.” Gordon lowered his voice. Not that it mattered, they sat far enough that no one could hear them. “While Ramona was in juvenile detention, someone killed her father. They shot him during a robbery. Initially, her father was unknown. His name wasn’t listed anywhere, but we now know who he is.”

  Tim watched as Gordon paused to light his cigar and took several puffs. So far, this meeting has been a waste and Tim was growing more impatient by the minute. “Are you going to disclose the rest or smoke that damn cigar all night?”

  Gordon placed his cigar down in an ashtray. “Like I stated before, I now have her father’s name. You won’t believe this but Ramona’s father is Michael Pennington.”

  “Why does that name sound familiar?” asked Tim.

  “He was the doctor who opened clinics in those poor neighborhoods. He won various humanitarian awards. His death was all over the news.”

  Tim sat back in his chair and folded his arms across his chest. He thought hard as he tried to recall where he’s heard that name; he only drew a blank. “Sorry Gordon, I still don’t know who you’re speaking of.”

  “Tim, you met his sister, Melissa Pennington, at the Black & White Gala t
hree years ago. You asked her out, and she told you she was gay.”

  “That’s Ramona’s family! She’s a Pennington?”

  “I have pictures of Ramona with the family from the funeral,” said Gordon, as he retrieved photos from his folder.

  Tim viewed the images and tried to reconcile in his mind how someone like Ramona comes from a wealthy and well-respected family. “Is Vasquez her real last name?”

  “Yes, her mother is Sabrina Vasquez. She and Michael never married, and she chose not to give her daughter her father’s last name. I also found that Tami often volunteered at his clinic. But, here’s the most intriguing part Tami was the last person to see Dr. Pennington alive before the robbery. I found news videos of her speaking of a meeting she had with him.”

  “Interesting, this is great Gordon. The pieces are finally coming together. I only wish I had more. I bet anything there are more layers to this story,” said Tim.

  “Due to the parties involved it’ll be difficult to find anything further. We can’t approach the Pennington family or anyone Tami knows. I poked around and found places Ramona frequents, but no one is talking,” said Gordon.

  Tim was no longer paying any attention to Gordon, he was lost in his own thoughts. He replayed every discussion he has had with Ramona in his mind. He’s only now realizing how calculated her plan was. From how they met, insisting he hire her, and the blackmail. She probably had this planned for months. The more he thought about it, the more he felt he needed to warn Tami about Ramona.

  “I have to warn Tami,” Tim said, almost frantic.

  “That's a bad idea, Tim. We haven’t obtained all the facts yet. Besides, this girl has the power to blow you out of the fucking water.”

  “We don’t need all the facts, Gordon. For whatever reason, Ramona is out for her blood and I should warn Tami.”

  “Not to the detriment of your career. We only know half the story.”

  Gordon was right. Although, he felt bad for Tami he was not about to risk his career for her.

  The next night Tim met Dan and Julia for dinner at a steakhouse that opened a month ago. They haven’t seen each other since Tami’s dinner party. He brought Miranda along as his date. He imagined how hard it would be to have dinner with someone close to Tami now that he knows her connection to Ramona. Tim was guilt-ridden for keeping quiet. He can only imagine how disappointed Dan would be if he knew the truth.

  “Tim, I spoke with Tami and she’s singing your praises,” said Dan.

  “I will have to thank her next time I see her,” replied Tim, before he placed a slice of steak in his mouth.

  “How's your assistant working out?”

  “Ramona? She's working out fine.”

  “I have to be honest with you,” began Dan. “I find it odd you fired someone who’s been with you for several years. Not once had you complained about Amy and you out of the blue replaced her.”

  “I already explained my reasons to you.” Tim could feel his temper rising. “Amy did not work out!”

  “Wait, a minute. I'm not questioning your decision.”

  “I think you are, Dan!” said Tim, through clenched teeth.

  “This conversation has definitely taken a turn in the wrong direction. I meant nothing by it, I was merely stating a fact,” said Dan.

  “Can you guys please lower your voices?” asked Julia, “People are beginning to stare.”

  “I'm sorry Julia, I did not intend to cause any problems. If your husband stood by me the way he stands by his protégé, he wouldn't question my decisions.”

  “What the hell are you talking about? I'm the one that recommended you to the board,” said Dan.

  “I'm no longer in the mood to finish dinner. Let’s go, Miranda.” Tim threw his napkin on the table and reached for Miranda's hand. “I'm sorry Julia.”

  Tim walked out of the restaurant not sure what or who he’s mad at. Maybe it's the pressure of being under Ramona's thumb or it could be the guilt he felt for not giving Tami fair warning. Perhaps, it could be the combination of the two. He opened the passenger door for Miranda and sauntered over to the driver’s side. He waited for her to ask him to explain his behavior on the ride home. She didn't, she only placed a hand on his thigh softly stroking him. It brought him comfort, and he eventually calmed down. When they arrived at his home, he walked straight to one of many bars he had in various rooms. Tonight he chose the closest one to the front entrance, in the library.

  “I meant to tell you that you look ravishing tonight,” he said to Miranda, as he made them both a martini.

  “Thank you. Are you okay?” she asked.

  “I have a lot on my mind. I should have canceled dinner with Dan. But, it was planned weeks ago and I owe you a date.”

  “Tim, you don't owe me a thing. We’re having fun, enjoying each other company.”

  He liked the calm quality Miranda possessed. Unlike Cindy, Miranda had the ability to help him see past any obstacle. He knew he could trust her with anything. That’s why she’s the one person to help with the situation with Ramona.

  “I have a dilemma,” said Tim, as he handed Miranda her drink.

  “What kind of dilemma?”

  “Without going into too many details. Let’s say you have information that could prevent a bad outcome for someone you know. Would you warn the potentially injured party?”

  “Yes, that would be the appropriate course of action.”

  “Even if you would hurt yourself in the process. In order for me to help another, I would have to destroy myself.”

  “The Tim I know would never allow himself to be in that particular situation. If we are speaking hypothetically, you must protect yourself. You can't save the world, but you must always save yourself.”

  Miranda was right. No matter how much he respected Tami he could not help her. Besides, he only recently met her, he's not selfish for wanting to protect his interest, career, and reputation. Tami would have to find another savior because it couldn't be him.

  He and Miranda enjoyed the rest of the night outside under the stars as he held her close under a blanket. Occasionally, he would glance in her direction to admire how stunning she looked under the moonlight. He considered himself lucky to have a friend like her. From the moment she spoke her name, he realized she was much more than a pretty face. The night they met they talked all night about life, her love for animals, and the love they both shared for classical music. She made it clear from the beginning she was not looking for a boyfriend, husband, or anything else that fell into the significant other category. She's never been married nor desires to be. Miranda often refers to herself as a free spirit who doesn't want the constraints marriage has to offer. That was a breath of fresh air for Tim. To be with a woman who was truly independent that doesn't have the desire to force a man to commit. What else could he ask for? By the end of the night, Tim knew what he needed to do. Protect himself at all cost.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Saturday morning Ramona received a text from Chad stating Gordon Bishop had contacted him and had agreed to meet at five at a local strip club. Before leaving the house she found a picture of Mr. Bishop on the internet. A search brought up a legal magazine which featured him on the cover. His appearance was average, blond hair with an even side part, large rimmed glasses, the typical Ivy League look. Nothing to write home about. She left her apartment to arrive forty-five minutes earlier than him.

  It was 4:15 when she turned into the parking lot of Red Lipstick, a club all the high rollers frequent. On any night you’ll find, athletes, rappers or a CEO partaking in the activities that a strip club offers. She parked in the rear of the parking lot facing the door of the club. It provided the best view of the coming and going. The air conditioner had gone out in her car the night before, therefore she had to sit in the hot sun with the windows rolled down. She wiped the sweat from her forehead as she observed the door, no one had arrived or exited. Ramona checked her watch, it was past five, and she was growing imp
atient. Not one car has driven into the parking lot, she thought maybe Chad mixed up the meeting time. She called him to verify what he had told her and he said as far as he knew nothing had changed. They were to meet at five o'clock. She hung up and waited an additional fifteen minutes. Watching the door was just like scouring through Tami’s emails, boring but necessary. Five more minutes, she mumbled to herself. Restlessness had settled in, she reclined the driver’s seat to rest her eyes for a minute. She could listen out for any cars driving through the parking lot. Her eyelids were almost closed when she saw the front door opened. Ramona put her seat in an upright position and seconds later a familiar face walked out with a woman who appeared to be a stripper. It was Nick, the last person she thought she would see. Although she threw out his card, he remained in the back of her mind. She watched as he walked to his car, causing unexpected emotions to stir inside her. In her mind, she envisioned stopping him to get his attention but wasn’t sure if she should. She continued to ask herself if she should get out her car and speak to him or pretend like she doesn't see him. Whatever her decision may be, she had to decide fast. He and the stripper were entering his car. Feeling conflicted and not sure if she would regret what she was about to do, she had to follow her heart. Ramona opened her door and yelled his name right as he helped the woman into his car. He looked up at the sound of his name being called. She quickened her pace towards him, the puzzled look on his face did not go unnoticed. It would puzzle her also if she was him. “Ramona? What are you doing here?” he asked.

  “I was meeting someone, but they’re a no-show.”

  “You were meeting someone here? At a strip club?”

  “It’s a long story. When I saw you walk out, I thought I’d come over to say hi,” she said.

  “I’m surprised because you never called. I thought you weren’t interested.”

  “Excuse me, can we go?” yelled the woman from inside the car.

  Nick ignored her and kept his attention on Ramona. “So, why the silence? No call or text.”