Double or Nothing

by Wells, Donald

  “No April, David’s alive and he’s very close now.” June says, and yawns.

  “June, that’s probably just Simon trying to cheer you up on this most depressing day.”

  “It’s not a depressing day. It’s a great day! David’s coming back today.” Again, June yawns as her eyes begin losing focus. “Why am I so tired?”

  “Perhaps you should drink more coffee.” April says.

  June takes another sip of coffee, the cup seems heavier than she recalls.

  “June, on this your wedding day I would like to reunite you with David.”

  “You know where he is April?” June says, between yawns.

  “Yes June I know where David is—he’s dead.”

  “What are you saying?” June asks, now barely able to stay awake.

  “I’m saying that David is dead and when next you awaken you’ll be with him. Isn’t that what you want?”

  “No…David’s alive. David is close.”

  “You two will reunite in heaven. It’s really the best for all of us.”

  June puts down her cup by essentially dropping it atop the coffee table.

  “Why am I so tired?”

  “Oh, that would be the sleeping pills I put in the coffee. Goodbye June, say hello to father for me, and give sweet David a kiss.”

  “Aprilll nnoooo,” June moans, as she falls over on the sofa.

  “This really is going to be a most depressing day.” April says. She picks up the rubber mouse and squeezes it. ‘SQUEAK’ goes the toy.

  May peeks her head around the corner. “Is it over?”

  “She’s asleep, and she’ll stay that way until we drop her into the river. Her second attempt at suicide will be a success.”

  “Are you sure this is best? She is our sister.”

  “This is no time for second thoughts May.”

  “You’re right. June brought this upon herself. How do we get her to the river?”

  “We’ll carry her.”

  “June’s not heavy April, but that’s a long way to carry anyone.”

  “I guess you’re right, we’ll go get a serving cart from the kitchen.”

  “What about June, can we leave her here alone?”

  “May, June is out like a light, besides we’ll be right back.”

  The two leave for the kitchen. Before long, from the hallway comes the sound of someone singing off key. A moment later Dr. Rowlands appears in the doorway and spots June lying unconscious on the sofa. The doctor is drunk and came down to raid the drink cart that’s kept in the living room, spying the unconscious June, he now seeks to plunder something else.

  Rowlands leans over June on the sofa and begins to fondle her through her clothing. He then bends over to kiss her. His lips are less than an inch away when he feels a set of strong hands grab him by the collar and the belt. The doctor is sent with great urgency to his original destination—the drink cart. Rowlands’ head smashes into the cart with enough force to bend one its metal legs and render him insensible. As Rowlands lies there, the damaged cart leaks its supplies on the unconscious doctor.

  The man to whom the strong hands belong now looks down at June and lifts her up in his arms, cradling her. He sits down on the sofa, still holding her, and gently brushes her hair from her eyes.

  April and May, alerted by the commotion, make their way back into the room. They stop short at the doorway when they spot the man sitting on the sofa and holding June. They look over at the doctor lying in the puddle of drink and then back at the man.

  “What’s wrong with her?” Asks the man, he has a deep voice.

  “She’s just asleep. She took sleeping pills.” April says, while looking at the man strangely.

  May points at the doctor. “What happened to him?”

  “That man was molesting her, now he isn’t.” Says the man.

  The three of them stay like that for nearly a minute with nothing else said and then the man speaks.

  “I take it that this is June, that would make you two April and May.”

  “Yes.” Says April, looking intently at the man still holding June.

  “And just who the hell are you?” May asks.

  The man smiles. “I’m sorry, I was being rude. My name is Mr. Parker. I thought it was time we met.”

  And suddenly, April knows for certain that it’s going to be a most depressing day.

  36

  April gazes at the man holding her drugged sister, June, and smiles brilliantly. She sends May a look and then the two of them go over and sit on either side of him. Mr. Parker looks at each of them in turn and then down at June, whom he holds on his lap, resting in his arms.

  He is a handsome man with brown hair and brown eyes and a thin moustache. His black suit is obviously expensive and his tie holds both a large diamond pin and an onyx tie clip.

  Parker looks to his right. “Which one are you, April or May?”

  “I am April, on your left is my undeniably beautiful sister May. You seem to be on the verge of intimacy with our sister June. My question to you is, who are you Mr. Parker?”

  “C’mon ladies let’s not play games, there’s no time for that. You know exactly who I am. I know we’re not supposed to ever meet, but you hired me for a job and I didn’t finish it. I’m here to finish it.”

  “And what job would that be Mr. Parker?” Asks May.

  “The killing of David Manning.”

  April smiles sweetly. “Our late, unlamented brother-in-law to be is most certainly dead Mr. Parker and May and I had nothing to do with it. If you’re saying you’re the one who murdered him then I suggest that you go immediately and turn yourself in to the authorities.”

  “I get you April, you think I’m wearing a wire, well OK, play it that way. David Manning is alive and if he’s alive he’ll come back here to get June. I shot him in the head and left him in that apartment for the police to find. Imagine my surprise when I return from Italy and learn that Manning is listed as missing, presumed dead.”

  “You say you shot him in the head, then how could he walk away?” April asks.

  “I don’t know. I do know that I’m going to finish the job when he shows up. Oh yes, there’s one little problem ladies.”

  “What problem?” April asks.

  “Right before I shot Manning I happened to mention that you two were the ones who hired me. He might be holding a grudge over that, you know how some people are.”

  “What are you trying to say?” May asks.

  Parker grins at her. “I’m saying that you’d better watch your backs, Manning may try and kill you.”

  April glares at Parker while speaking through gritted teeth. “If I had hired you I would be demanding a refund right now.”

  Parker shrugs. “All I can say is, oops. I had no problem getting into this place, Manning shouldn’t either.”

  “I’ll triple the normal security.” April says.

  “No, you’ll leave it the way it is. We want Manning to get in, that way I can take care of him. If he can’t get in then he may surprise you someday when you’re out in public somewhere.”

  “Well, if you’re going to guard us you should have your hands empty, place June on the other sofa. Better yet, carry her upstairs and place her in her room.” April says.

  “I was just going to suggest that.” Parker rises from the sofa in one smooth motion. “I can see the stairway from here, which room is it?”

  “One flight up and the third door to your left.” May says. “Oh, and Mr. Parker, I hope you’re not the type of man to take advantage of an unconscious woman.”

  Parker nods toward the still senseless Rowlands. “No, that seems to be his forte.”

  Parker carries June up the stairs as April and May look about uneasily.

  “April, June was right all along, David is alive.”

  “Yes, I guess he really did send that package to June this morning, this is not good May. Our best bet is to let Mr. Parker handle him and then we’ll see to June.
What’s keeping him up there anyway? Perhaps he is molesting poor June. If he doesn’t come down soon we’ll go and get him.”

  “Maybe we should call Marco.” May says.

  “There’s no need, he called earlier and said he’d be stopping by, something about a ‘loan.’ I told you he wouldn’t be satisfied with the money from the foundation. Maybe after Mr. Parker takes care of David we can talk to him about Marco.”

  Just then, Parker returns to the living room.

  Without a word to April or May, he goes over to the damaged drink cart and begins dragging Rowlands by the collar. He yanks down the chintz cords from the windows heavy drapes and proceeds to tie Dr. Rowlands securely, he then lifts Rowlands up and places him on one of the loveseats. Parker then settles on the sofa across from April and May.

  “That takes care of the trash, now all we have to do is sit and wait.”

  “Mr. Parker you are very impressive.” May says.

  “You’re pretty cute there yourself A or M.” Parker says.

  “My name is May, when this is over maybe we can spend a little time alone. I’ve never had a hit man before. I hope you’re not rough in bed, I like my men gentle.”

  “I am a kitten in the sack May. What about you April? I’ve heard that you girls sometimes run a two for one special.”

  “Maybe Mr. Parker, you do look interesting. Let’s see if you rectify your mistake first.”

  “Manning’s as good as dead.”

  There’s a buzz from the wall phone.

  “Who could that be April? I thought all of the servants were gone?”

  “It must be the gate. I left one man on duty.” April switches on the speakerphone and the guard at the gate informs her that a Mr. Salvatori and a Dr. Manning would like to see June.

  “Tell them that June isn’t seeing guests today.”

  There is a sound like a grunt of pain heard and then the guard comes back on. “I’ve let them in Ma’am. Mr. Salvatori’s driver was…persuasive that I do so.”

  April yells, “Damn!” and switches off the phone.

  Moments later, the doorbell chimes and May answers it. She returns with Carol, Al and Simon following her.

  April smiles without warmth. “Simon it’s so good to see you again, and I see you’ve brought company.”

  “Where’s June?” Carol says. “And why is there a man tied up? He smells like a brewery.”

  “June is upstairs in her room.” April says. “The poor thing has taken sleeping pills in an attempt to sleep through the day. She’s depressed.”

  Carol says, “I’m going up to check on her.” as she looks over at Mr. Parker. Carol then leaves and Al follows her. Simon remains behind.

  “Simon it’s very bad of you to bring guests here, now I’ll have to teach you a lesson.”

  “Do what you will April. I don’t care what happens to me as long as June is safe.”

  “Should I tell Mr. Parker what a bad boy you’ve been? Mr. Parker I think you’ll appreciate this, it’s right up your alley.”

  Parker appears bored as he adjusts his tie and brushes lint from his jacket.

  “This guy looks like he wouldn’t harm a fly.”

  “Oh, you’re wrong Mr. Parker.” May says. “Simon here killed our mother, why she’s buried right beneath that fountain in front of the house. We were blackmailing him to make him behave but he just won’t be a good boy, so I guess we’ll have to call the police on him. Mother really should have a proper burial.”

  “That is shocking.” Parker says. “But I would think the last thing you girls would want is the police digging into anything around here, literally or figuratively.”

  April nods in agreement. “Perhaps you’re right Mr. Parker. Simon you’ll have a short reprieve.”

  Simon stares sadly at April and May. “God why do I still love you girls? I would still do anything in the world for you and all you want to do is torture me.”

  “You betrayed us Simon.” May says. “You’re just like father was around June, the only difference is that you don’t call her June bug. Sweet June is everyone’s favorite. Well the hell with you and father, there’re plenty of other men who want us, isn’t that right Mr. Parker?”

  “There’ll be time for play after we finish our business.” Parker says.

  Simon shudders in disgust as he turns and walks toward the stairs.

  Parker sighs. “This place has become Grand Central Station. The guest we’ve been expecting may not show if he thinks there’s a party going on.”

  “Mr. Parker’s right, as soon as Carol comes back down we’ll tell her to leave.” April says.

  “Parker?” Al asks, as he enters the room. “Did you just say that this man’s name is Mr. Parker?”

  “Yes Al. What is that to you?” April asks.

  “Mr. Parker is the name of the man who shot Davey. You wouldn’t be that Mr. Parker, would you?”

  Parker chuckles as he straightens his tie clip. “If I were, I would be a fool to admit it, now wouldn’t I, Mr….?”

  “Salvatori, Albertino Salvatori, Mr. Parker.”

  “I’ve heard the name. I’m told you are a shrewd businessman.”

  “He’s an idiot!” Everyone turns to find Marco entering the room from the rear hallway.

  “How did you get in here?” April asks.

  Marco flashes his phony police badge. “This thing works wonders.”

  “What the hell are you doing here Marco?…Is Parker one of yours?”

  “No Al, I have other partners.” Marco walks over and settles on the sofa between April and May, placing his arms around them.

  Al begins to seethe as his hands clench into fists. “These whores tried to kill my best friend, and you’re in bed with these bitches?”

  “In more ways than one cuz.” Marco says, he then kisses first April and then May.

  Al charges Marco and grabs him around the throat. Marco manages to get a leg up and kick Al off of him.

  As Marco rises from the sofa, Parker shouts “Hey,” and takes out a gun. Both Al and Marco freeze and stare at him.

  “Let’s calm down gentlemen. April, what’s the story here?”

  “The story is simple Mr. Parker. Marco is blackmailing us.”

  “C’mon honey, that’s a little harsh isn’t it? We’ve just come to an understanding that’s all. You give me free rein with the Davenport Foundation and I don’t turn you over to the cops.”

  “Marco do whatever you want with these two, but if you do anything to June I’ll kill you, family or not, I’ll kill you.” Al says.

  “Fuck you Al! This is business plain and simple. If you’re too stupid to milk this cash cow that’s your problem, but I intend to drain it for all it’s worth and win Poppa’s little contest, and oh yeah, if these two ever get fingered for their father’s murder they’re going to name you as the go between.”

  Al glares at Marco as his breathing increases. “I could kill you with my bare hands for what you did to Davey.”

  Marco takes out a money clip and counts out a thousand dollars, he looks over at Mr. Parker. “How would you like to make a quick K?”

  Parker shrugs. “Depends on the work,”

  “Take my cousin into the back hallway there and teach him some respect.”

  Parker grabs the money. “That won’t take but a minute.” He then gestures with the gun toward the open doorway that leads to the rear hallway.

  Al walks out with him, then, reaches back and closes the doors behind them. After the sounds of a scuffle and raised voices, there is a long silence.

  Outside the estate, a lone figure makes his way over the north wall and heads for the house.

  May stares at the hallway door. “Mr. Parker and Al have been gone a long time, do you suppose they’ve killed each other April?”

  “I hope not, Mr. Parker still has work to do.”

  Moments later, Al and Mr. Parker return. Parker smiles at April and May, while Al grimaces and holds his stomach with his left
hand and supports himself by leaning on the back of the sofa.

  “Are you going to be a good boy now Al?” Marco asks.

  “Yes.” Al answers, grudgingly.

  Carol and Simon return and Carol senses the tension in the air. “What’s going on here?” Carol points at Marco. “Who are you? You look familiar.”

  April sends her a smirk. “Like everything else in this house that man is none of your business.”

  Carol answers April’s smirk with an evil look. “Never mind, I just want to leave. June’s fine, she’s just sleeping, but I wouldn’t leave her in this house for another second.”

  “June is staying Carol.” April says.

  “June’s leaving with us. Al please go upstairs and—”

  “No Carol.” Al says.

  “What?” Carol says.

  “June’s staying here and we’re leaving now.”

  “Al, what are you saying? Are you mad?”

  Al walks over to her and looks Carol in the eyes. “If you love and trust me you’ll do as I say, please?”

  Carol stares at Al, stunned, but then she says. “All right,”

  Al herds Carol and a protesting Simon toward the door and soon they are gone.

  “What did you do to Al, Mr. Parker?” April asks.

  “Just a tune-up, I also told him that if he didn’t leave, I’d kill the woman he came in with.”

  “Would you really have killed Carol? Right here in the house?” May asks.

  Parker shrugs as he settles across from April and May. “Here now, or somewhere else later, either way I promised him she would die if he interfered in my business.”

  “Al has his own hired killers, he may come back with them.”

  “I thought of that April, that’s why I explained to him that June would be remaining here as my insurance policy. If he comes back here with a crew, June would be the first to die.”

  “He must have a soft spot for June, and I know he loves Carol, he once turned the two of us down so he could stay with her.” May says.

  “Salvatori turned down the two of you? He must be in love.”

  “How are you at arranging accidents Parker?” Marco asks.

  Mr. Parker turns to face Marco. “I’ve arranged plenty of them, why?”