The Cherry Pages

by Gary Ruffin

  “You’re a wonderful copper, Cooper.”

  “Good one.”

  Cherry looked out to sea with a wistful look, and we sat silently swinging for a while, the rain still falling steadily. After a couple of minutes or so, she said, “It’s funny the way our lives take certain paths, almost as if we have no control over them.”

  I stretched, and said, “I know what you mean. Sometimes the smallest incidents can turn out to have the biggest effect on who we become.”

  She nodded in agreement, and then asked, “Do you ever feel you want to go back and relive your childhood? Would you do anything differently, if given a chance?”

  I replied, “Oh, man, would I ever. When I think of some of the really stupid things I’ve done, it makes me nuts. Like the hundreds of times I hurt someone by being mean, or broke almost every Commandment in the Book, or just made a stupid decision in my life that I regretted later. I’ve never understood these people who say they wouldn’t do anything differently, that they wouldn’t change a thing about their past. Hell, I’d change a million things if I could.”

  When she didn’t say anything for a few moments, I asked, “What about you? Was your childhood really as idyllic as you made it out to be?”

  She looked down at her hands, which were on her bikini-bottom lap, and a tear formed and trickled down her cheek.

  I said, “Hey, Cherry, come on now. I’m sorry, I was only trying to make conversation.”

  She smiled, and said, “You just hit a nerve, especially with the tale of your late-night sneaking out with a great friend. And, well, it’s just that there is something I’ve always wanted to tell someone, but I made a promise.”

  I patted her bare knee, and said, “Look, I don’t want you to break any promises. We can just sit here and enjoy the rain if that’s all you want to do, no questions asked.”

  She wiped the tear from her eye, and said, “No, Cooper, I think I really do want to tell my story. And you’re the one person I want to hear it.”

  She stopped the swing with her feet, took a deep breath, and told me the story of her secret.

  50

  AFTER LEAVING MATTHEWS, PENNY DROVE HER USUAL PATROL ROUTE, the rain still coming down in sheets. The windshield wipers were barely able to keep up with the deluge, and the overall grayness of the day made it difficult to see. Luckily, she knew the route so well that it didn’t matter. No amount of rain could dampen her spirits after meeting Cherry last night, and while finishing her coffee, she had come up with a good plan for the evening.

  The first order of business was to buy plenty of groceries. Her refrigerator was almost empty, and that was unacceptable with a houseguest. But she would be damned before she set foot in O’Kelly’s again while Cherry Page was in town. Blanche would get suspicious if Penny bought enough food for three, and word would get around in a matter of minutes that something was going on at the cottage. She thought about going to the other grocery store, Milo’s Whole Foods, but decided against it. Milo’s is bigger, and more impersonal, but people knew her there, too, so she decided to do her shopping in Pensacola.

  Her plan for the evening’s entertainment would also be easier to execute with a trip to Pensacola, so after making her rounds, she called the office to let Doreen know where she was going.

  Penny had decided that tonight was a good time to introduce Coop to Cherry’s movies, and the Blockbuster in Pensacola would be sure to have a much bigger selection than the tiny video store that sat on the highway just outside Gulf Front.

  Bub’s Video had only two Cherry Page selections, and Penny had seen each of them three times. And besides, all Bub had were VHS tapes, which simply would not do. Coop had given her a DVD player for Christmas, and they hadn’t even used it yet; it was time to break that baby in.

  The drive to Pensacola was difficult, but she was so excited about the thought of watching a Cherry Page movie with Cherry Page sitting right next to her, that she was unaffected by the downpour. She changed her mind, and decided to go and get the videos before the groceries. She couldn’t wait another minute to get her hands on a Cherry Page DVD. Or four.

  Then she remembered that someone had told her one could buy used tapes and DVDs from Blockbuster. Should she just go ahead and buy them? No, she’d rather have brand-new ones. As soon as she got home, she’d go online and order the complete Cherry Page collection.

  She pulled off the interstate, headed for a Blockbuster she’d noticed one day, after a meal at Ludie’s Soul Kitchen. She parked and once again was happy that her sweet Coop always kept an umbrella in his car.

  Inside, she got herself a membership card, and asked where she could find Cherry’s movies. A nice young man took her right to an aisle that contained nothing but Cherry Page movies, taking advantage of all the free publicity the murders had generated.

  Penny thanked the guy, and smiled to herself as he walked away, wondering what all the store patrons would say if she told them that she knew where Cherry was at that very moment. Not to mention, that the Computer Killer had tried to add Penny to his list of victims last night. No doubt about it, life was a lot more exciting with a fugitive movie star in your house.

  She looked at each of the selections, trying to decide which one would make Coop the least unhappy. He was a pretty romantic guy sometimes, when the moon was right, but chick flicks were something he avoided with malice.

  What was the title of that World War II movie Cherry had made a few years back? It had enough killing and things blowing up to keep Coop’s manly attention span interested for a couple of hours. What was the name of it?

  Success! At the end of the aisle, she saw it: The Cliffs. The title referred to the white cliffs of Dover, and Penny remembered enjoying it in spite of the guns and killing, because it had a lot of romance and a big dance scene in it. It had been nominated for a slew of international awards, and Cherry looked absolutely gorgeous in the clothes and hairstyles of the 1940s. Guns, bombs, and a bombshell. Perfect.

  Penny took it, and three other Cherry films, and headed to the checkout line, wishing she could tell everyone in sight what she was going to be doing later that night.

  Back in the downpour, she realized she had no way to record Cherry’s visit. Coop’s digital camera was at his place, so that wasn’t an option. Even though she knew where he hid his extra key, she might have to deal with his elderly landlord if Mrs. Wiley saw her entering Coop’s apartment. Then, Mrs. Wiley would want to ask questions about Coop and Cherry’s whereabouts, and that just wouldn’t do.

  Luckily, there was an electronics store right up the street, so she headed there to buy a camera. No way was Cherry Page going to stay at Penny’s house and not be photographed at least a hundred times.

  When she got to the store, she found a camera she liked, and then it hit her: Why not get a video camera too? There were a million good reasons to get one, including the fact it might come in handy on the job someday. At least, that’s how she convinced herself to buy it.

  Penny almost maxed out her credit card buying the video camera, a video card, and a digital camera with printer. Outside the electronics store, she used her bank card in the ATM and got cash for groceries.

  Now all she had to do was go back down the street to the Publix and buy enough food, Cokes, wine, and beer to last the three of them through Sunday.

  And enough popcorn and candy to get them through four Cherry Page movies.

  51

  It was nice to be home again, out on the prowl in the late-morning sunshine, searching for what might turn out to be the most important chess piece of them all. After the all-night drive from that crummy beach town, it felt good to sit still and keep an eye out for the perfect prey in the small park. The amphetamines were just kicking in, smoothing out all the rough edges caused by the near tragic consequences in Florida. Near tragic? Maybe a bit melodramatic, even under the circumstances.

  Okay, time to concentrate on locating and securing the perfect dumb animal for the job at hand
. Another sacrificial lamb, blemishes accepted this time. A complete nobody, another so-called human that wouldn’t be missed by society, or bring the police into the mix.

  Eyes peeled.

  Not that one, though—not big enough. No, that one is too big. There’s an interesting-looking creature, the one talking to what must be a close companion. That might be a problem if they are too close, but it doesn’t seem that way. Now, if the companion will only go away and leave the coast clear. Once again, Baal brings the ideal victim to the web, right on time, and ready to be taken.

  The smoothness of each operation so far, excepting the chick cop, showed that it truly did matter where you put your faith. If you believe something will happen, it will, as long as you remember who is behind the scenes pulling the strings that make the puppets dance.

  Yes, this one looks to be a perfect choice to fill the role. Focus becoming sharper as the drug reaches every nerve ending, bringing with it confidence and strength. Now if only the rabbit could be alone for a few minutes, just enough time to stalk and capture the worthless creature.

  There goes the companion walking away, done as if by order! The rabbit, alone now, taking a seat on the bench out of sight of the few people in the small park. No one left to call for help now, and nowhere to hide. No angels watching over this scene, ready to lend a helping hand.

  Look at the dull expression on the fresh victim’s face, the heavy form; there really couldn’t be a more perfect choice. Strong, yes, but soon that strength would be reduced to nothing more than dead weight. Well, not dead weight.

  Not yet, anyway.

  The new toy had been more fun than anticipated down in the beach boondocks, and would truly come in handy with this big creature.

  Zap!

  Down to the ground, duct taped and hog-tied, and another very important piece of the puzzle would be in place.

  The rest of the day to take it easy, and yet still take care of the business that must be done before nightfall. Tonight and tomorrow will be a delight, even more pleasurable than the next few minutes!

  Once again, the timing couldn’t be more perfect.

  Okay, slowly out of the car, quietly, quietly. Stun gun in the pocket at the ready, and all the signs pointing to another triumph. Time to make the move that will—damn it!

  What made the rabbit suddenly run? Why would—oh, there was the reason. The companion came back, and they’ve left together.

  No problem. There will be another chance, and soon. Baal must have changed his mind about this move, and he certainly knew best.

  Time to forget about this one, and go on to the next appointed meeting.

  52

  TWELVE-YEAR-OLD CHERRY PAGE WAS UNDER THE COVERS IN HER BIG bed, fully dressed and waiting for the ancient downstairs clock to strike eleven. Her parents had checked on her an hour ago, and she knew they were fast asleep by now.

  The clock chimed, she jumped from the bed, formed her pillows into the shape of a body, and pulled the covers over them. Satisfied that her ruse would fool anyone who looked in, she slowly opened her bedroom door, stepped out, and closed it quietly.

  Creeping past her parents’ bedroom, she heard her father snoring loudly, and giggled softly as she tiptoed down the long upstairs corridor. The antique Oriental carpet runner softened the sound of her footsteps as she walked past the portraits of long-dead Pages, each of them following her with their eyes as she made her way to the top of the stairs. The large old mansion in St. John’s Wood in London had been in the family for generations, and its size made it easy to move about undetected.

  The house was not as cold as it would have normally been on a night in late October; a freak warm spell had come to town, and the temperature was more like an evening in early August. Earlier that day, Cherry and her best friend, Poppy, had decided to take advantage of the nice weather and have one last late-night adventure before winter came to London. It being Friday, they had no school the next morning, and they made plans to meet at their special place at eleven fifteen, as usual.

  The past summer, they had slipped out after hours almost every weekend, and each time had been more fun than the last. They would nick cigarettes from their parents, and had four or five apiece to smoke during their late-night trysts. They both were so good in school, so proper in church, it was fun to be a little bad now and then, and they looked forward to the get-togethers with great excitement.

  The household staff were dead to the world by ten, so there was no chance of being caught going out or coming in. Even if they did catch her, Cherry was sure she could talk her way out of trouble.

  Downstairs, she took her bright yellow scarf from the coat rack and wrapped it around her neck, throwing the end over her shoulder with a flourish. She silently opened the big front door, stepped outside, and felt the exhilaration of freedom. She quietly locked the door, took the front steps in three jumps, and walked quickly down the street towards the park.

  There had been a short rain shower during the earlier part of the evening, and it made everything seem brand new, all shiny and clean. The night air invigorated her, and made her feel as if the night would never end. The red and white lights of the cars were reflected in the wet surface of the street, the colors running together like a watercolor.

  Cherry couldn’t wait to get to the meeting place and share the perfect night with her dearest friend. Poppy was so much fun, so smart and nice. Best mates since the first day they met at school, they were now inseparable, sharing each other’s secrets and looking out for one another at every turn.

  There had been quite a transformation in Cherry’s behavior since the summer; she had been timid on her first few late-night jaunts, but now was confident and not the least bit afraid. She ignored the looks and stares of people who wondered what such a young lady was doing out in the street alone so late of a Friday night, and smiled to herself at what they might be thinking.

  She hastened to the park, and waited at the appointed spot by the brick wall near the entrance. Within five minutes, Poppy showed, and they held hands and ran into the park. They ran across the large open green, stopped when they reached the wooded area that had become their favorite place in the world, and stepped off the path into the trees. The leaves were almost all gone, but the girls couldn’t be seen because of the hedges that bordered the path, and the thick undergrowth all around.

  Out of breath from running and laughing, Cherry said, “I couldn’t get any of Mummy’s ciggies. Were you able to get some?”

  Poppy said excitedly, “I got an entire package from Daddy’s desk while he was out golfing!”

  “Well let’s have them, then!”

  Fishing through her pockets, Poppy said, “They’re right here. Or, they were.”

  Cherry asked, “What, can’t you find them? You did bring them didn’t you?”

  Poppy moaned, “I must’ve left them in my other coat. Bloody hell! I’ve got to go back. We can’t stay out here without a fag or two. Back in a mo’!” With that, she bolted across the field.

  Cherry wrapped herself tighter in her coat as the wind started to pick up. It was colder than she had thought it would be, but being with Poppy was worth a little cold. Plus, this would be the last chance they would have until next summer to get out and ‘go on the prowl,’ as Poppy called their late-night conduct.

  After several minutes of waiting and pacing, Cherry looked up at the night sky and made a wish upon the first star she saw. She just knew that her wish would come true, having been made on such a glorious night. The nearly full moon was shining brightly, causing the wet, leafless tree branches to glisten like diamonds floating in the air. She couldn’t remember seeing a more beautiful sight ever in her young life, and felt as if the park were the center of the universe. Smiling broadly, she twirled around three times, and snapped a large twig that was beneath her feet.

  A man walking by on the path stopped, and said, “Who’s there?”

  Startled, Cherry quickly crouched down behind a hedge.
Her scarf caught on the top of it, and she pulled on it.

  The man came straight at her and grabbed the scarf before she could get it free.

  “Well, well,” he said. “What have we here?”

  Cherry turned to run, but he caught her by her long hair, and clamped his gloved hand over her mouth before she had a chance to scream. She tried to bite his hand, but the thick leather gloves protected him, and he laughed as he squeezed her mouth shut.

  He pulled her by her hair around to face him, and slapped her hard, knocking her to her knees. She tried to scream, but his hand found her mouth again as he pushed her onto her back in the damp grass. He lay on top of her, his weight nearly crushing the air from her lungs. Cherry squirmed with all her might, but she couldn’t budge him even an inch. He removed his hand from her mouth for a second, and she managed to shriek, “Help!” before he slapped her hard again, splitting her lip.

  Cherry blacked out for a moment, and when she opened her eyes, he snarled, “Make another sound, girlie, and I’ll straight-on kill you.”

  Tasting her own blood, Cherry went limp and gave up, something she had never done before. But she had never been so completely and utterly powerless before.

  Now satisfied that he had her under control, the man pulled back her coat, and tore her shirt open. Cherry tried to cover herself, but he roughly pulled her hands away, crushing her fingers together so hard it brought tears to her eyes.

  He leaned down to kiss her neck, and Cherry realized that he wore the same brand of cologne as her father. She remembered going to the shop with her mother to buy a bottle for Daddy’s last birthday. How could someone similar to her dad be treating her in this manner?