The Ex Killer Series

by Bridget Bundy

  My room wasn’t quite done, but I decided to take my time throwing anything out of there. For the most part, I had already cleaned out Olivia’s stuff and fixed everything in there the way I wanted it.

  Milton and I stood in the back yard getting some fresh air. I was thinking now all I had to do was sweep and mop, and eventually work on getting new furniture. Working for Roscoe, I would probably have new furniture by the end of June.

  Milton asked me, “Angela, I was wondering if the rumors were true?”

  “What rumors, Milton?” He sparked my interest.

  “Word is that you were with Alex Westing, you know, dating him.”

  “How did you hear about that? Who told you?”

  “You know how word gets around. People talk. I wasn’t talking. I was very quiet.”

  “Who are these people, Milton?”

  Milton didn’t answer. It was one of his friends. He said, “Don’t be mad at me, Angela. I’m not trying to get you upset or anything.”

  Why not? I’ll tell him the truth. “I dated him once, but it’s over.”

  “I didn’t believe it when I heard it.”

  “It’s true, Milton, but it was short and unimportant. Nothing to remember.”

  “So, you’re not dating him anymore, right? I mean, you’re single again?”

  “Yes, Milton, I’m single now.”

  Milton nodded. I can tell he was happy about that, and I know he was thinking he still had a chance.

  I said pretty much to end the conversation, “I better get cleaned up, Milton. Thank you for your help today and thank you for lunch. You and I had a nice date together.”

  Milton put a huge smile on his face. I said date intentionally to make him happy. He said, “We did have date, didn’t we?”

  “Yes, we did. Did you fix those sandwiches yourself?”

  Milton instantly was overjoyed. He answered, “I did make them. I can make you more, but I ran out of turkey. I can make you a ham sandwich instead, but it wouldn’t be as good as the turkey. I like turkey. Do you like turkey?”

  “Turkey is the best, Milton.”

  “It is the best. Well, if you need anything else, let me know. I mean you can call me or come by like you did before.”

  “Thanks, Milton. I’ll remember that. Have a good day, okay?” I meant what I said to him, and I think he knew that.

  He said, “Okay, Angela. I love you, Angela.”

  The most sincere I love you from a guy who I knew for a fact was in love with me. Unfortunately, I could never love him back. I smiled and waved at Milton as he slowly walked home.

  I started sweeping and mopping the apartment. It took a good hour before I was done. Then I opened the windows to let some fresh air in. I locked both front and back doors, took a shower, and I went into my room to relax and to ease my mind.

  For the first time it was scary quiet. Olivia wasn’t there anymore and neither was Andrea. I kicked Pritchard out, and now I had the apartment to myself. I felt a deep quiet and serenity from it all. I wasn’t sad. I didn’t miss anyone. I just loved the fact I had the apartment finally to myself, and it could remain that way for as long as I want. With all the turmoil I’ve gone through, I knew how to appreciate this tranquility. I was going to lay here, rest my body, and not worry about anything.

  CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE

  A tap from my bedroom window woke me from my nap. I looked above my head only to see an upside down Tanie. I turned over on my stomach slowly so she would appear upright. She yelled through the window for me to open the door. The work must have worn me down because I dragged out of bed. I opened the back door for Tanie, and I sat down at the table with my head resting on my hand.

  “Is that all your stuff beside the dumpster?” She walked in looking up and around at the kitchen. She commented, “I know this kitchen has never been this clean. What did you do?”

  “I threw out all the garbage and I mean all of the garbage.”

  “The floor is nice and clean. What are you going to do with those pots and pans?”

  “Put them back in the cabinets.”

  “I’m going to Atlanta Friday, and I plan on staying there until Sunday morning.” Tanie sat down beside me and said, “I think you need to ride out with me this weekend.” Tanie added,

  I said, “You must be making another run for Roscoe?”

  “I actually make the pick up on Sunday morning, but I figure you and I can go and make the weekend of it. You know, get away from Colum for a bit. Go party, drink, and eat the weekend away.”

  “Yes, I would love to go party, drink, and eat the weekend away. I have never been to Atlanta.”

  “We are going to have such a good time!”

  “You think I’ll be able to find Alex while we’re there?” I wasn’t holding my breath on that possibility.

  “You might be able to find him. Did he tell you where he was living?”

  “No.”

  “Of course, he wouldn’t.”

  “But he told me he planned on working for his uncle up there.”

  “What does his uncle do?”

  “I don’t know.” I felt defeated.

  “Let me think about it. Honestly, Angela, you may have to wait until he comes back to town to see him again.”

  “He’ll sneak in, and I won’t know. I plan on finding him, Tanie.”

  “I feel sorry for him when you do.” Tanie laughed.

  We sat at the table for a while, and we talked. The subject was easy going. I wasn’t too happy when she left, but still I wanted to be alone. I lay back down in my bed, and I let the day tick away.

  TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2009

  CHAPTER SIXTY

  When I woke up, I had a revelation. I wondered what time Helen will be at work. The only problem I had is whether her boss, Mrs. Westing, would be at work, too. If there was anyone who might be able to give me information about Alex, it would be Helen. I would go by there and see if she is in the office by herself.

  I drove over to the office. Mrs. Westing was a lawyer, and her office wasn’t too far from where Andrea used to work. The only car parked in front of the law office was Helen’s car. She was standing inside in front of the main window watering the plants. She looked like she was talking to them.

  Helen saw me park next to her car. She waved with a smile, and she came out to meet me. Her arms were outstretched, and she gave me a big hug. Helen asked me, “Are you doing okay? I was so worried about you after I heard about Andrea.”

  “I’m doing really well, Helen. I came by to see if we can talk. I hope you can make some time for me.”

  “Of course, I can. Come on inside.”

  “Is Mrs. Westing inside?”

  “No, she’s in court in Montgomery. She’s always away in the beginning of the week.”

  Mrs. Westing’s front office was a wide open space with plants and dark mahogany furniture that looked brand new. The carpet was dark beige and soft under my feet. The air conditioner was blowing the scent of apples and cinnamon around the room. It made me hungry. The scent came from candles that were lit in front of a mirror over a dark fire place. There were nice soft chairs and one long sofa on the right hand side, and they surrounded a coffee table that had current fashion magazines and a couple of nature magazines. There were large decorative sticks coming from a glass vase in the corner of the room.

  Helen looked very professional. She had on a dark blue skirt, a white blouse, and a pink sweater on. She had her hair perfectly styled. Helen’s shoes were black with low heels, and she walked around like she was totally comfortable. I was kind of envious. She looked like she could be a lawyer herself. From what Olivia told me, Helen was studying to be a lawyer, anyway.

  “Have a seat on the sofa. It’s more comfortable than the chair near my desk. Are you thirsty? I have sodas or water.”

  “No, thanks, Helen, I don’t want to hold you up long. I know you are very busy, but…”

  “Angela, I don’t mind you being here. I was hoping
you would need my help when it came to the funeral arrangements. I know that can be a daunting task especially when you’re trying to set up everything by yourself.”

  I decided to follow her conversation first instead of going straight into Alex. I remarked, “Well, it’s kind of slow going, you know, but I’m sure everything will work out.” I wondered what she thought if I told her there wasn’t going to be a funeral for Andrea. I wasn’t going to tell her.

  “Have you spoken to Olivia yet? How is she taking the news?”

  I admitted, “I haven’t told her yet, Helen. We haven’t spoken since she left.”

  “I tried calling her, but I forgot she told me she was going on vacation with her dad. They went to California, but I think they’ll be back in Virginia by tomorrow or Thursday. I forgot exactly which day she told me.”

  I said, “Helen, when Olivia calls, could you please not tell her about Andrea. I would prefer to tell her myself. I think she needs to hear it from me.”

  “Of course. Well, I’ll tell you what I will do. I’ll buy some flowers. I’m sure she’s at the only funeral home here in town, right?”

  “Yea, she is.”

  “I’ll call the florist and get that all set up. I guess I’ll need the burial date.”

  “That’s all in the works, Helen, and plus, you know, I’m waiting to hear from Olivia first. I can’t really move forward without her.”

  “Oh yea, that’s right. Now, are you sure I can’t help with something else? I don’t mind.”

  “There is one thing you can help me with, but it’s not really related to Andrea or Olivia.”

  She looked at me curious, but she was ready as she shifted in her seat.

  I had to think of a lie quick. “I have to postpone my move to Atlanta because you know why, and I have to call Alex and let him know.”

  She was agreeable and said, “Yes, okay.”

  “He changed his number. I had the new number, but I lost it. Did he give you his new number or did Mrs. Westing give it to you?”

  “Let me check my computer. I haven’t spoken to Alex in a long time, Angela. So, I might not have his new phone number.” She went over to her desk that set squarely in the middle of the room. Helen went through her file first and then checked the computer. She finally answered, “The only phone number I have is this one.”

  I went over to look at the computer, hoping it was the new one. It was the same number as the one before. I said with disappointment, “I have that number. I wished I memorized the new number he gave me.”

  “Don’t feel bad. John tells me his social security number all the time, and he gets mad because I never remember it.”

  I wasn’t giving up yet. My mind was still turning.

  “I’m sure Alex will call you back.”

  “Yea,” I remarked knowing that wasn’t going to happen. “Helen, I better get going. I’ve held you up long enough.”

  “Alright, Angela, I’m sorry about Andrea. Call me if you need my help. Don’t be shy, I’ll come right over and do whatever you ask.”

  “Thanks, Helen. That’s really nice of you.” I started for the front door. Helen followed me, and she gave me a hug before I left.

  I hated lying to her, but I couldn’t tell the truth about Andrea not having a funeral. Because I knew news like that wouldn’t take long to get around town and she would definitely call Olivia and tell her. I didn’t want Olivia coming back to Colum because of that. She was happy living with her father, and this whole thing was just a distraction. I hoped Helen would remember to keep her mouth shut. I wasn’t going to worry about it now. I didn’t have money to bury her, and no one I knew was going to come up with all that money, unless I went to Roscoe, and I wasn’t going to ask him for nothing else.

  I went back to my mostly empty apartment. I felt tired but that was only from not eating. I didn’t want to eat by myself. The one thing I hated was being lonely. At least, there weren’t any more arguments, which is good. I can live without the arguments. There weren’t any more alcohol bottles lying around the house. That was a great thing. I wasn’t stepping over Andrea any longer when she slept on the floor. But I did miss the true moments that mattered.

  So, I was sitting at the kitchen table, the apartment just as empty as my heart, and that good feeling I had earlier, faded away. I don’t know where it went. The tears came slowly, my nose began to run. Maybe, I was delusional, and the life I was in now was as bad as I thought. I had no mother, no sisters, no real job, and no boyfriend. My only friend in the world was Tanie. She understood me, but at the moment, just having her in my life, wasn’t enough. My whole heart was empty, just like that apartment.

  WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2009

  CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE

  Yesterday started off on a positive note. I was in a good mood, but by mid-morning I began to feel sorry for myself. The tears fell so many countless times yesterday. Spending another day like that wasn’t going to work, and my emotions were drained. First, I went to eat breakfast. I did call Tanie to join me, but she didn’t answer the phone. I didn’t let it ring for long, anyway. She had a life beyond entertaining me and keeping me company and I didn’t want her to feel like she had to spend every waking moment with me. So, I ate breakfast by myself.

  Being able to eat whatever I wanted without worrying about money for the first time felt really nice. I ate a full breakfast which included scrambled eggs with cheese, two servings of bacon, grits, and pancakes. I also ordered a slice of cheesecake with strawberries. At least, Alex did one good thing I like, introducing me to cheesecake.

  When I was half way done with my pie, someone stood right in front me blocking the incoming rays of the morning sun. I looked up to see Sheriff Smithe. He held his hat in his hands, and he had a gentle smile. He looked like a man who could be immensely trusted. He spoke in a soft voice, “I’ve tried the cheesecake here. It’s pretty good.”

  I looked around the diner thinking people were staring, but no one was paying attention. I cordially said, “It is pretty good.”

  “How have you been holding up?” Sheriff Smithe spoke gently like any loud noise would make me upset.

  “I’m fine.” I answered. I set my fork down on the plate and placed my hands in my lap.

  “That’s good, Angela. I came by your friend’s apartment yesterday. No one was there.”

  “I was at home most of the day.”

  “I stopped by your apartment, as well.”

  “Yesterday wasn’t a good day for me, Sheriff.”

  He nodded understanding, and he asked, “May I sit down for a moment?”

  I looked around the restaurant again wondering who was cutting their eyes and outright watching, but still people were minding their own business. I answered, “Sure.” I didn’t want him to sit, but I didn’t want to be rude.

  Sheriff Smithe pulled out a chair, and he set his hat in the empty seat beside him. He remarked, “I got a call Monday from the coroner.”

  He was about to go into a long explanation that I was not in the mood to hear. I said, “Sheriff Smithe, I’m glad you’re concerned and trying to help me. I really appreciate everything you’re trying to do, but I am trying to finish my breakfast. Honestly, I don’t want to hear anything the coroner has to say.”

  “The young man probably won’t serve time, Angela.”

  “Okay.” I was disconnecting. I was tired of bad news.

  Sheriff Smith was confused by reaction but he continued, “The coroner thinks there was another cause of death. Her system had a high level of alcohol, an unheard of level. Her organs were in bad shape. If she would have taken better care of herself, not drink as much, we believe she would have survived the hit. He’ll be going to court, but more than likely, he’ll be placed on probation.”

  “It’s fine.”

  He asked with concern, “Did she try to get help for her alcoholism?”

  “No.” I answered.

  “I don’t mean to upset you with this news, but...”

/>   I interrupted him by saying, “I’m not upset one bit.”

  Sheriff Smithe appeared to be taken back by what I said. The expression on his face was confusion. He cleared his throat and continued, “Um...anyway, he might lose his driver’s license for a while and probably do community service. It’ll all depend on the judge, but I wanted you to know they won’t give him hard time.”

  “Is that it?” What was he expecting from me? Praises and hugs?

  “During sentencing, you may be allowed to give a statement against the young man that hit your sister. The Judge will take that under consideration during that time.”

  “The Judge doesn’t need a statement from me. He’ll do whatever he please, I’m sure.” I wasn’t interested in going to court.

  He stared at me still, set back by my attitude. Sheriff Smithe said, “Well, I guess that’s it then. Do you have questions for me?”

  “No.” I said dryly.

  Sheriff Smithe stood, as well. He was trying to figure out why I had no reaction, no questions. The history of my family was a harsh one, and it made me an angry person, a selfish person, to the point where I didn’t care. Did it bother me? A little bit, but I wasn’t going to change how I felt at that moment.

  Sheriff Smithe said, “Angela, you have my card. You can call me anytime.”

  “Sure.”

  “Oh, there is one more thing I wanted to tell you. The name of the young man that hit your sister is Josh Westing.”

  He had to be joking. I looked straight ahead ready to faint. Josh Westing hit and killed my sister, and he wasn’t going to serve one second of prison time. I laughed. How fucking fitting is that?

  The Sheriff was disturbed by my disinterest, but then he stopped and said, “Angela, your reaction is not normal. Anyone else would be interested in my findings. They would want justice. It seems like you don’t care.”