William Jarvis - Sky Valley 04 - Murderous Coffee Crumble

by William Jarvis

  “Are you sure?” Troy asked.

  “Yeah.” Emmy said. “Don’t worry,” she held Troy’s hand. “She’ll be okay.”

  Troy gave her daughter a hug, appreciating the fact that she understood her feelings for Audrina.

  CHAPTER 10

  A BIG PUZZLE

  “Emmy,” Audrina said from her bed, watching Emmy sleep in Daniel’s arms on the couch. Daniel stirred and saw that Audrina was awake.

  “Audrina!” Daniel said, which jolted Emmy to wake up.

  “Em,” Audrina said, her voice hoarse.

  “Oh my god!” Emmy said as she hastily ran to sit near Audrina’s bed. “You’re awake! Dan, call the doctor—“

  “No, please don’t.” Audrina said. “I need to talk to you, Emmy. Or both of you. Whatever.” Audrina said.

  Emmy looked at Daniel who then came walking beside her.

  “Are you okay?” Emmy asked Audrina.

  “I guess.” Audrina said. “I’m a bad weed, I won’t die that easily.”

  For some reason, this made Emmy laugh. “You’re insane.” She said.

  “But you love me for it.” Audrina smiled.

  “You did that on purpose, didn’t you?”

  “Eating that cake?” Audrina asked. “Yeah.” She said. “I mean, I don’t want you or your father to eat it. And besides, I wanted your dad to realize that something wrong is going on. He’s just too nice to face things.”

  “That’s what I told him, too.”

  Audrina took a deep breath. “It’s so crazy.” She said. “It’s like, someone really wants to drag you guys down. I have a bad feeling that Tripp really is behind this but someone or a couple of people are possibly helping him.”

  “I saw Serena at the carnival earlier.” Emmy said. “She told me that Lena actually adopted Frank. She also said that she feels like they’re not telling her about something—“

  “Oh poor girl.” Audrina said sarcastically.

  “Anyway,” Emmy said. “What if Frank or Lena actually brought that cake to the house?”

  “That’s possible.” Daniel said. “I mean, with Serena being at the carnival…she may have seen them and since according to her, she has no idea about what’s happening, she probably decided that she shouldn’t be there and all that—“

  Just then, the doctor and a nurse came inside the room with Lena McMahon trailing close behind.

  “So, the usual suspects are around.” Lena said in way of greeting.

  “Oh you have got to be kidding me.” Audrina said. “Why is she even here?” She asked the doctor.

  “We thought that it was right for her to be here since she’s the head investigator and she may know—“

  “Of course she knows!” Audrina said. “She is behind this.”

  “Miss Naimero, I think you’re just hallucinating. You have to calm down.”

  “I’ll calm down only when you take her out of here.”

  “There’s no need for that.” Lena said. “I’ll leave.”

  “Because you’re so scared that your cover would be blown now?” Emmy asked.

  “Be careful, Miss Byrne.”

  “You won’t sue me, Lena. I know you.”

  “Ladies, this is getting out of line.” The doctor said. “Miss Naimero has to rest. Please, I order you all to get out, clear your heads.”

  “No, leave them be.” Lena said. “Audrina needs some people to be with her.

  She then went out of the room.

  “Miss Naimero,” the nurse said, “please take a rest now.”

  “Oh I will.” Audrina said. “And never bring Lena back anymore. She’s going to kill me, that woman.”

  “You heard her.” Emmy said.

  Soon enough, the doctor and the nurse went out and left them all alone in the room.

  Emmy took a deep breath. “Lena’s insane.” She said. “But what frustrates me is that…this is still all like a big puzzle…and I have no idea how I can make the pieces fit.”

  “You know what that means, then?” Audrina said. “It means you can actually make things fit. At least, sooner or later, you will.”

  CHAPTER 11

  I NEED TO SEE YOU

  “The bacon won’t eat itself, you know.” Daniel told Emmy as they were having breakfast the following morning at a restaurant near the hospital. If it was a different day, Emmy would have appreciated that they were under cherry trees and that the restaurant was beautiful in all its warmth and simplicity.

  But because things were the way they were, she couldn’t focus on what’s around her right away. Instead, her mind was focused on what happened to Audrina and on what could still happen if they don’t end things now.

  “What?” Emmy asked Daniel absent-mindedly.

  “Nevermind.” Daniel said.

  “I’m sorry.” Emmy said. “I know you want to talk about the wedding and I want to do that, too, but I’m just…I have no idea what to feel, you know? It’s like all these things are happening and I don’t even know why. I mean, I do have an idea why but how can I connect the pieces? And then…then I feel like I’m being unfair to you because I said yes when you asked me to get married and yet, it’s like my heart’s not in it. I mean, I do love you, Dan, it’s just—“

  “It’s all a case of bad timing.” He said. “I get it. I understand.”

  “I don’t want to be unfair to you.”

  “Em, if you’re trying to break up with me again, please don’t.” He said. “It’s just ridiculous, you know? We’ve been through this.”

  “But I don’t want you to feel like you’re waiting for nothing—“

  “Am I waiting for nothing?”

  “No, of course not.” She said. “It’s just that…I feel like I’m wasting your time with all these problems—“

  “Em,” he said, “Whatever you’re going through is also something that I’m going through. It’s not like you’re in this alone. You have to get that thought to your head, you know? I’m here. I’m not going anywhere. Even if it takes a long time. I waited for you for so long already. What makes you think I can’t wait more?”

  She smiled at him lightly, her heart bursting with pride even if she was still worried and broken inside.

  Then, her phone rang. She hastily took it from her purse and noticed that an unfamiliar number was calling. She answered the call and was surprised to hear Jimmy’s voice on the other end of the line.

  "Jimmy?" Emmy said. "Is this you?"

  "Yes." Jimmy answered in hushed tones. "I don't have much time." He went on. "Can you come here today? I need to see you."

  "Why?"

  "We need to talk. They're talking about Audrina. Please come here while Lena's not around. Please see me now."

  "Okay." Emmy said. "Well be there."

  And so Daniel and Emmy hastily made their way to the prison to see Jimmy. Some of the officers were around so Jimmy tried to talk in hushed tones as much as he could.

  "You're right." He told Emmy. "You're right about everything."

  "You mean this was all Tripp's doing? He...he planned to kill his own daughter?"

  "It's more complicated than that." Jimmy said and handed Emmy some pieces of paper--a letter, apparently. "Everything you need to know is there. I can't talk much here...But please...read that letter. And...and if you can, please give the other one to...to my ex-wife. And...tell Audrina that I'm sorry. I really am. For everything."

  After talking to Jimmy, Daniel and Emmy figured out that they could not stay there for a long time because it would not help either party. So, Daniel drove them to a secluded area not too far from the jail and Emmy opened one of the papers that Jimmy gave them. It was the letter that would change everything. Jimmy’s handwriting was almost not legible, but Emmy tried her best to read it. It was evident that Jimmy didn’t have much time to write and he had to write fast or else he might be in danger.

  Emmy,

  First of all, I would like to say sorry for everything. I know you see me as the
bad guy right now, but I just tried my best to make things right for everyone. However, it’s obvious that I did the wrong thing and unfortunately, things are still out of hand.

  It’s true that Tripp Meyer is behind all this but it’s not that simple. That coffee that killed Annabeth? It was meant for you. But, voila! At the last minute, Annabeth took it, as you may remember, so now, she’s gone.

  I was wrecked by guilt when that happened. I was also ruined because I felt like…if the plans came to life, you would have been gone by now and believe it or not, that does not make me feel good. So, when I saw that almost everyone was putting the blame on Audrina, I realized that it was time for me to step in. I knew that it wasn’t right that she was being seen as the culprit when it’s my fault to begin with. I also realized that I had a good alibi and that…that at least, at the last minute, I could show Annabeth that I cared for her and that I’m willing to stand up for her.

  It’s true what I said that I got her pregnant and there was something between us for a while, but you know how Annabeth is. She never wants to be with people who are not in the same “level” that she’s in. She’s all for being popular and all that. But whatever others may say about her, I loved her. I knew that there was something great in her. I knew she was more than what everyone thinks she is but unfortunately, she wasn’t able to see that yet.

  Of course, I was really mad at her when she said that she didn’t want me to…to stand as the father of the baby but never did I think about killing her. When I worked with Tripp, I knew he had his reasons and I know this doesn’t exactly make me a saint, but I needed the money. Sure, I wasn’t with my wife anymore but we have a daughter and I just…I just wanted to give her the best in life. Tripp was taking care of our expenses so who was I not to take advantage of that? Besides, when Annabeth died, I felt like I shouldn’t be here anymore. I can’t seem to be the perfect man for anyone while I’m around so why not just be in jail and let Tripp pay for everything? He knew about the plan and he was devastated that his daughter died but he couldn’t own up to it so I did. And yeah, he was surprised that I had something with his daughter, too.

  Anyway, as for why Tripp’s doing this? Well…I don’t think it will come as a surprise that he has always wanted what your dad has: the perfect family, a good line of business, popularity…I think that’s also the reason why Annabeth was the way she was. What’s more…Tripp was in love with your mother, Emmy. He loved her. He was obsessed with her and always wanted to be with her and obviously, that’s not what happened. I think…all these obsessions caught up with him in recent years so…that’s why he did what he did. I don’t know when he’ll stop, Emmy, but I’m telling you everything now so maybe something could be done. I don’t know how as he’s working with Lena, yes, you’re right about that, too, but as to why…I really can’t answer you because I have no idea either. I just realized that they were working together when they all plotted against you and Audrina. You have to be careful around her, but I trust you with this because you’re smart and all.

  I don’t have much to say anymore. But please, if you can, give the other letter to Michelle, my ex-wife. I would appreciate it a lot. I wrote the address there, too.

  I’m sorry again. For everything.

  Jimmy

  Emmy took a deep breath after she read the letter. There it was—almost all of her questions being answered. There were still some holes, but at least, there was some clarity now.

  “What do we do now?” Daniel asked her.

  She looked at him for a couple of seconds then spoke. “We go see Michelle.”

  CHAPTER 12

  TURN THINGS AROUND

  Sky Valley was a small town, sure, but it certainly has its fair share of secrets. Michelle’s house was probably one of those. She lived in a small cottage some two streets away from the carnival, her house close to the edge of a valley. In fact, it was the only house in the area. Emmy wondered how someone could live in such a state of seclusion then she came to realize that there are a lot of times when people need to be alone, especially when everything and everyone around them are crazy—and driving them to be crazy, too.

  “Is this it?” Emmy asked Daniel. Sometimes, she still felt like a stranger in her own town.

  “Yeah,” Daniel said, “that’s the address. Come on.” He helped Emmy out of the car and they made their way to the cottage. It was definitely a simple, humble abode. Maybe, Michelle did not want to make do with the money that she’s being given; maybe she’s still keeping it for future use, but who knows?

  They didn’t have to knock because Michelle was outside, watering some of the Roses. It sure was a small house but the garden was beautiful as there were lots of flowers everywhere, the way most houses in Sky Valley have, but what makes this different is the fact that somehow, the house felt one with nature because of the location.

  “May I help you?” Michelle asked them. She was obviously not in the mood for visitors; she probably didn’t get any, and that was okay with her.

  “Hi,” Emmy said. “I’m—“

  “I know who you are.” Michelle said. “You’re all over the papers.” She then eyed Daniel. “And I know you, too, Daniel.” She took a deep breath. “My question is what are you doing here?”

  “Uhm,” Emmy said, “We saw…we saw Jimmy today.” She fished the letter out of her pocket. “He wanted us to give you this.” She handed Michelle the letter.

  Michelle hastily took the letter from her and opened it to read. Emmy was sure that she did not finish reading the letter because as she was halfway through, her eyes began to fill with tears but she made sure that she wouldn’t cry in front of them just like that. She folded the letter and put it in her pocket. “Come in.” She said and led them inside the house. “You can sit down there,” she said, pointing to the couch. “My daughter’s in school so she’s not here right now and I don’t have much to offer but…I have water, tea, and juice, so—“

  “No, it’s alright.” Emmy said and took Michelle’s hand. “It’s okay.”

  Michelle took a deep breath as she sat across them. “I’m sorry you’re caught up in all these.” She said. “My ex-husband’s insane.” She went on. “I already told him years ago not to befriend Tripp Meyer but what did he do? He’s just the stupidest man on earth. I don’t love him anymore,” she said, “I have no idea what love means anymore.” She laughed sadly. “I just wish he didn’t take the road he took.”

  “I think he’s…he’s trying his best to make it up to you.”

  “What? By giving us money? Money that came from admitting that he’s a murderer?”

  “But he’s not.”

  “Yeah, but that’s not what everyone else thinks. He befriended these powerful, evil people and he lost us in the process. He thinks money can save the world and can make this family better. I am not going to use a cent of it. I’m…I’m saving it all up for Rosie’s future but that’s that.” She went on. “Thank you for giving me this letter but…but if ever you see him again, I hope you can tell him that I have no reason to see him and I don’t want my daughter to be around him. He’s a good man, deep down, I know that, but he’s insane for doing all these. We probably won’t be here anymore for long, though. I just want Rosie to finish this school year then we’ll probably move to Nebraska. My parents are there. We should have moved a long time ago, if you ask me. But now, I have the means so…”

  “I understand.” Emmy said.

  “Look,” Michelle said, “I’m sorry for everything that happened to you but I want you to know that…that this is the last time that you should see me. I don’t want my daughter getting involved in all these. She doesn’t deserve all of these. You can turn things around, though. I don’t think it’s too late for that. Then, once this is all over, you should just focus on your life and don’t think about us anymore. You at least deserve that.”

  “Thanks…” Emmy said. She didn’t really know what else to say.

  She looked at Daniel. “I don
’t know what your kind of relationship is like, but I hope you take care of her. She’s been through enough already. You both have. So, I hope you get your peace after all these. Good Luck.”

  CHAPTER 13

  BUT WHY?

  “Now that sounds like an eventful morning.” Audrina said. She was in her bed at home as she was already allowed to get out of the hospital.

  “Audrina.” Emmy said. Even on time like these, she still found time to make light of the situation. Daniel was already home to help Nana sort out some things but he promised to be back later.

  “What?” Audrina said, a sly smile on her face. “At least, you had a good one. And anyway, at least Jimmy came back to his senses.”

  “He seemed really honest about it.”

  “He had to be.” Audrina said. “His craziness caused all of these.” She went on, “I mean, I know it’s not his fault but…whatever.” She said.

  “How are you feeling, anyway?”

  “I’m okay now.” Audrina said. “You know they can’t kill me. Well, at least now, we know that Tripp is behind all these.”

  “Yeah.” Emmy said. “You know, I remember him trying to talk to my mom a couple of times back when I was a kid and she would be so uncomfortable around him. That’s probably because he was coaxing her to fall for him or whatever. Like my mom would ever do that…”

  Audrina laughed. “Tripp’s insane.” She said. “It’s like, he’s a kid who’s never gotten over his childhood crush and it just sucks. As for Lena…I’m wondering why she would be in on this unless she’s just a crazy, power-hungry woman, which I bet she really is. Or, maybe she’s in love with your father, too?”

  Now it was Emmy’s turn to laugh. “That’s crazy. Dad said they were classmates in High School and spent some time together in college but I don’t think it’s as serious as that. And besides, wouldn’t that be too childish?”

  “If Tripp can be childish, so can she.”

  “Yeah, but she should be way beyond this. But oh well, she seems to be scheming, too.” Emmy took a deep breath. “By the way,” she asked, “How are you and dad? I mean, anything going on between you at the moment or anything?”