Redemption

by Phil M. Williams

  April held out her hands. “What if you’re not wrong?”

  “If your mother says I’m not your father, I believe her. She wouldn’t lie about something like this.” Jason stood from the curb with a groan.

  “I’d really like to drive you to Sheetz. You don’t look so good.”

  Jason glanced down the road, heat reverberating off the macadam. “All right. Thank you.”

  April led Jason to her car. She thought about being in tight quarters with Jason. What about COVID? When they reached the car, it was as if he read her mind.

  Jason said, “If you’re worried about COVID, I can wear my mask.”

  “Thanks,” April replied, opening her driver’s side door. She climbed into her car, put on her mask, and started the car. She put the air-conditioning on full blast.

  Jason opened his backpack, grabbed his mask, and put it on. He climbed into the passenger seat, and powered down his window, his backpack in his lap.

  April gestured to the air conditioner. “I have the air on.”

  “If I have COVID, you probably don’t want to be sealed in here with me.”

  April powered down her window and turned off the air conditioning. “Good point.” She turned the car around and drove down the hill toward the Sheetz convenience store. April glanced at Jason. “Did you know who I was yesterday?”

  Jason nodded.

  “And you let me lie? Why?”

  “Why did you give me a fake name?”

  April lifted one shoulder, her eyes on the road. “I don’t know. I really don’t know you. You could be …”

  “Dangerous?”

  “I’m sorry. I should’ve told you the truth.”

  “It’s fine. I don’t know you, and you don’t know me.”

  April’s eyes flicked to Jason, then back to the road. “How did you find out about me?”

  “It’s easy to look up exes on social media.”

  “You looked up my mom?”

  “I guess I was wondering about her life.” He exhaled. “I know it’s pathetic.”

  “I wasn’t judging.” April turned into the Sheetz gas station, parking near the convenience store. She turned in her seat toward Jason. “Did you ever think I could be your daughter?”

  Jason shook his head. “It hadn’t occurred to me. I didn’t know your birthdate.” He glanced at the convenience store. “I should go.” He opened the passenger door. “Thanks for the ride.”

  “Do you need a ride home?”

  “No, thanks.” He exited the car and shut the door.

  April leaned toward the open passenger window and called out, “Jason.”

  He bent down, his masked face in the open window.

  “Why are you here? You’re not from Loganville.”

  “Thanks for the ride, April.” He turned and walked into the convenience store.

  April’s phone buzzed with an email.

  From: brooke@pricepropertydevelopment.com

  To: teresajohnson34511@gmail.com

  Date: July 28, 2020, 4:26 PM

  Subject: Re: Re: Tour of the Townhomes at Mountain Manor

  Hi Teresa,

  You’re in luck! Cody has an opening tomorrow, Wednesday, July 29, at 3:00 p.m. If that’s too soon, his next available appointment is August 6 in the afternoon. We have other agents available, if those dates and times don’t work for you.

  It’s not a requirement for the tour, but it might be smart to bring your preapproval letter from your lender. If you don’t have one yet, we can help with that. It’s good to be ready. Despite the pandemic, we’re selling these homes like hotcakes.

  Please let me know to confirm, and I will put you on the schedule.

  Best,

  Brooke Bollinger

  Senior Agent

  Price Property Development

  Chapter 89: The Townhomes at Mountain Manor

  The next day, April drove into an upscale community with a few hundred town houses—half of them complete. The community center featured a playground, a pool, and a gym. Many lawns were brown, the shallow-rooted sod not able to survive the summer heat. April parked in a visitor’s spot across from the model home. She glanced at the clock on her car radio—2:59. Right on time. A banner hung across the model home that read The Townhomes at Mountain Manor, From the 150s.

  She put on her mask, grabbed her hand sanitizer and purse, and exited her car. She wore a dressy skirt and a blouse for the occasion, thinking it made her appear older. The three-story end-unit townhome resembled the picture she’d seen on their website. Someone had obviously been watering the grass and the pink petunias.

  April climbed the stairs on the side to the second-floor entrance. She stepped inside, without knocking. The open-concept floor plan was staged with dark wooden furniture. Cody and a woman stood in the dining room to April’s left. Cody waved at April and raised his mask over his face. He wore slacks and a polo shirt embroidered with Price Property Development over his left pectoral. Cody approached April at the front door. He was tall, maybe six two.

  He stopped a polite distance away. “You must be Teresa.”

  April waved. “Hi. You must be Cody.”

  He grinned under his mask, his green eyes squinting. “Guilty as charged. Would you like me to show you around?”

  “That would be great.”

  “Let’s start in the basement and work our way up.”

  “Sounds good.”

  Cody led April downstairs to the basement. It didn’t feel like a basement though. Large windows in front and back let in the sunlight. April scanned the spacious living area. It wasn’t furnished like the second level. The ceiling felt higher than a normal basement.

  “As you can see, the walkout basement is completely finished,” Cody said. “Wall-to-wall carpet. A large bedroom, bathroom, laundry room.”

  April peered into the open bathroom door, as if she cared.

  “A full bath with a shower stall.”

  “It’s nice,” April said.

  Cody showed April the bedroom and then the laundry room. He gestured to the front-loading washer and dryer. “We have a special for deals signed in July for a free washer and dryer. I’m not trying to pressure you of course. We have more buyers than we know what to do with.”

  April nodded, noncommittal.

  Cody showed her the one-car garage. “This is the garage. Could also be a nice workshop. Are you married or single?”

  “Single,” April replied.

  “I doubt you’ll be on the market too much longer.” Cody winked.

  April blushed.

  Cody led her back through the living area and out the back door. They stood on a stone patio, overlooking a little green patch of grass, surrounded by a wooden privacy fence. A wooden deck overhead shaded the patio. “This is a perfect place to play for small kids, when you find that special someone, or for a dog or even for a vegetable garden.” He stared at April. “Has anyone ever told you that you look awfully young?”

  “I’m older than I look.”

  Cody showed his palms. “It’s a good thing, as far as I’m concerned. What is it that you do, if you don’t mind me asking?”

  “I’m a nurse.”

  “Really? I used to be an EMT at Loganville General.”

  “I work for a pediatrician. It’s a small family practice.”

  Cody tilted his head. “Brooke said you requested me specifically. Do I know you from somewhere?”

  This is my opening. “Susie Murphy said I should talk to you.” April eyed Cody, watching for a reaction.

  His face turned to stone for a split second, then softened. “Susie Murphy? How do you know her?”

  April had already prepared for this question. “The doctor I work for is a mutual friend. We met at his birthday party a few years ago, and we hit it off. She’s hilarious.” April smiled under her mask. “She said you were the best real estate agent in town.”

  Cody took a step back, examining April. “What is this? Who are you?”<
br />
  “You know who I am.” April touched her chest. “I’m Teresa Johnson.”

  “Can I see some ID?”

  April glared at Cody. “I’m not showing you my license.”

  “You don’t have to show me your license.” He gestured to her purse. “Show me anything with your name on it. I don’t care if it’s a library card.”

  April pressed her lips together, unsure how to respond.

  “If you wanna buy a house, you’ll need to provide identification. If you can’t do that now, this showing is over. I’m a busy man, Teresa, if that’s your real name. I’ll show you out.” He gestured to the open door back to the basement.

  “I’m April Gibbs.”

  Cody drew back. “Danny and Michelle’s daughter?”

  April nodded.

  “I don’t understand. What’s with the ruse? Why are you wasting my time?”

  “I’m sorry. My parents would kill me if they knew I was here. I need to ask you some questions about Jason Lewis.”

  He shook his head. “I won’t tell your parents that you were here, but you should go home.”

  April flashed her palms. “Please. I think Jason Lewis might be my father.”

  His eyes bulged. “Whoa. Look. I feel for you, but this is none of my business.”

  “I just have a couple of questions. Please.”

  Cody blew out a heavy breath. “Go ahead.”

  “Did you think Jason was guilty?”

  “The jury sure thought he was guilty, and I certainly agreed.”

  “Why did you and Susie break up?” April peered into his eyes, searching for signs of deception.

  He broke eye contact for a beat. “It was too hard. To be honest, I wasn’t mature enough to handle Becky after that mess. It was awful. I’m sure you know that we were engaged.”

  “I do.”

  He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down. “I wish I would’ve handled it differently. I’m sure Susie still hates me.”

  “I’ve never heard her say anything about you.”

  “Well, I’d hate me if I was her. I should’ve been there for her, but I wasn’t.” He glanced back to the open door to the basement. “I should get back to work. I can take you out through the garage.”

  “Okay.”

  Cody led April back through the basement and into the garage. He pressed the button on the wall and the garage door opener rumbled to life, letting in the sunlight. They walked outside to the driveway.

  April turned to Cody. She was a few steps down the sloped driveway, so Cody towered over her. “Do you ever see my parents?”

  “I haven’t seen them in years,” Cody replied, squinting into the sun. “We’re Facebook friends, but … you know how it goes. We all have our own lives.”

  April nodded again. “I’m sorry again for bothering you.”

  “I hope you find what you’re looking for.”

  April forced a smile and said, “Thanks.” She turned and walked to her car in the visitor’s parking spot. She sat behind the wheel and glanced back at the house. Cody was gone, and the garage door motored down. She thought about his reaction when she had first mentioned Aunt Susie. It was brief, and he covered it up, but it was there. He reacted with something. Anger? Fear? He’s hiding something too. It’s like they all agreed on a big lie.

  Chapter 90: Cody’s House

  The next morning, April sat at her desk, browsing Cody’s background check on her laptop. Something’s off about him. Too perfect?

  A knock came at April’s door. April closed her laptop and said, “Come in.”

  Michelle stepped into April’s bedroom. “I’m going to the grocery store. Do you need anything?”

  “No, thank you.”

  Michelle offered a small smile. Maybe as a way to let her daughter know that she wasn’t mad at her anymore. Michelle left April’s room, shutting the door behind her.

  April opened her laptop, grabbed Cody’s address from the background check, and programmed the location into the GPS on her phone. She stood from her desk, slipped on her sneakers, and grabbed her keys and her purse. She went to the window and parted the blinds. Her mother’s minivan backed out of the garage.

  April left her bedroom and crept down the hallway, not wanting to wake her brothers. They had been staying up too late, playing video games. Each day it seemed like they slept in a little later. April left her house and walked to her Honda.

  Inside her car, she set her phone in the cradle and tapped on the GPS. It was already set to go to Duncansville. She drove out of Loganville via 17th Street. Then she drove south on I-99 through the Allegheny Mountains. The traffic was light. Windmills rotated on the distant mountaintops. The valley below was bright green and dotted with farms.

  Five miles later, she took a left exit toward Duncan Boulevard. She drove for a few minutes on Duncan Boulevard until the GPS said, “Turn right on Blair Hill Road.” April turned her car onto the narrow two-lane road. She drove past farmland and forest. The GPS said, “You have arrived at your destination on the right.”

  April slowed her car, trying to read the numbers on the upcoming mailbox. She recognized that the numbers did, in fact, match Cody’s address, but the house was obscured by the forest and not visible from Blair Hill Road. The shoulder was crowded with brambles. She drove two hundred yards past Cody’s driveway, finally finding enough shoulder to park on the side of the road. Brambles scratched her car as she parked. She stepped out of the car and peered back at the lonely road. Cody’s mailbox wasn’t visible from her perspective, as she’d parked just beyond a hairpin turn.

  “This is crazy,” she said to herself. She had been hoping to just drive by his house and check it out, thinking that his house might tell her something important about him that wasn’t on his background check. She had envisioned a neighborhood like Sylvan Heights. I should’ve looked it up on Google Earth. I’m so stupid. April blew out a breath. Even if it was a regular neighborhood, what did I think I’d find? A freaking NAMBLA flag? I’m already here. I’d like to see his house. I could walk through the woods. He’s probably at work anyway.

  She grabbed her cell phone and her keys and exited her car. She hiked along the shoulder back toward Cody’s mailbox. As soon as she cleared the hairpin turn, she saw Cody’s mailbox in the distance. As she neared the mailbox, she slipped into the woods, the brambles tugging on her jeans. Once she was under the canopy of the great oaks and hickories, the forest floor was relatively clear, except for leaves and saplings struggling for sun. She walked through the woods parallel to the driveway, her steps crunching the dried leaves underfoot. A squirrel darted away from April and up a tree.

  She stopped at the edge of the woods, partially concealed by brambles, but with a view of the front of Cody’s house. April scanned the house for several minutes, wondering if it looked like the house of a decent man. It was a two-story stone house with a three-car garage. A wooden privacy fence surrounded the backyard. She stood still, listening to the squirrels scurrying across the leaves and the birds chirping overhead. Why would he need a privacy fence? Nobody’s out here. I could walk through the woods to the back fence and look over the top. See what’s in back.

  A rumble diverted April’s gaze to the garage. The left-hand garage door opened. She expected to see a car drive out, but instead Cody zipped from the garage on a racing bicycle. He wore spandex shorts, a yellow jersey, and an aerodynamic helmet. He coasted down the driveway to the road. Then he turned left, and he was gone.

  The left-hand garage door was still open. A BMW sedan and a white van with a ladder rack were parked inside. The van was only partially visible from her vantage point, obscured by the closed garage doors. She considered inspecting the open garage. Isn’t that breaking and entering? Or is it just entering? Either way, it’s probably against the law. I should just check out the backyard.

  April walked around the house, staying concealed by the woods. She crept to the six-foot-tall privacy fence. She tried to
peek between the boards, but the wood was tight together and in good condition. She reached and grabbed the top of the fence, and hoisted herself upward, using her feet against the boards for assistance. April was never good at pullups, but she was able to hold her head over the fence for a few seconds before her arms tired.

  A green lawn was in the backyard, along with a rectangular pool, the blue water rippling with the breeze. Perfect for laps. April sighed. I should go. This was a big waste of time. April hiked through the woods, leaving the same way she’d come. As she walked, she thought about what she’d seen. He has a nice house, which looks normal. He likes to bike, which makes sense, considering he’s a triathlete. Makes sense that he’d have a lap pool too. Maybe he has the privacy fence to keep animals out. He has a nice car and a van. Windowless vans are creepy, but his company builds and maintains houses and apartments. It’s probably a work truck. Although, I doubt he’s doing any construction himself. He is the boss. Maybe he’s into DIY stuff. It is weird that he’s home on a Thursday morning. Maybe he works late. Don’t real estate agents work late so they can see clients after the workday? My appointment with him was in the afternoon. Or maybe he works whenever he feels like it.

  A twig snapped causing April to stop in her tracks and scan to her left, listening for the culprit. It was eerily quiet. She looked around, suddenly aware that she was alone, and nobody knew she was here. How far away is the nearest neighbor? A chill ran up her spine, and the hair on the back of her neck stood on end. Another twig snapped, this one directly behind her, causing her to bolt, like a frightened deer. She sprinted through the woods, avoiding trees, adrenaline coursing through her veins.

  The road and her car appeared in the distance. She glanced back but didn’t see anyone chasing her. When she looked forward again, she nearly collided with an oak tree. She sidestepped the tree and ran to her car.

  April got into her car, still breathing hard from her run. She started the vehicle and drove away from the scene, like she’d robbed a bank. She didn’t turn around because she didn’t want to drive back by Cody’s house. She let the GPS take her home. It wanted her to turn around for a few miles, but it eventually found an alternate route. April giggled to herself, relieved. I’m being paranoid.