by M. Sembera
Showering helped for a few minutes until I stepped out and heard Mrs. Thomas asking Jackson why he slept over. Standing still, I could hear them in the den.
“We were talking and it got late mom, we fell asleep,” I heard him say.
She lowered her voice but I could still hear her as she said, “You need to give her time to get herself together.”
“Mom,” he fussed, before informing, “We are friends.”
Mrs. Thomas’ voice was full of concern as she said, “Jackson, I know how you feel about her. We all love her but she can’t handle it. The two of you are going to end up hurting each other so bad there will be no coming back from it.”
There was a long pause before Jackson replied, “I know mom, she told me. She’s told me a bunch of times but I know, okay.”
“Okay son,” she agreed before I saw her walk to the kitchen.
The next thing I knew, the smell of bacon was filling the house.
Sophia was just waking up when I walked into Jackson’s old room. I instantly scooped her up and hugged her tight. Only letting go of her long enough to get her changed and dressed, I wanted her in my arms until I left. Unfortunately, she felt differently. Squirming at my side, I finally gave in and set her down. She held onto my hand as we slowly walked to the kitchen.
Mr. Thomas laughed when he saw us, saying, “Look at this big girl Suz.”
“She had me all over the house yesterday,” Mrs. Thomas cheered back.
Sophia walked me in a circle, before leading me into the living room.
“Where are we going?” I asked her.
She tugged on my hand, saying, “Mama…Jast…”
Looking up when she pointed, I saw Jackson walking towards us.
Smiling wide, he asked, “Are you lookin’ for me Pea?”
Bursting into a giggle, Sophia bounced a little then let go of my hand. Astonished, I watched Jackson hit his knees and hold his arms open wide as she took her first step towards him.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas were quickly at my side watching her with me. I was so excited and at the same time, I wanted to cry. My baby was taking her first steps all by herself. Sophia stopped suddenly realizing she had nothing to hold onto.
Making his way towards her on his knees, Jackson said, “Come on Pea, come on girly, you can do it.”
Holding my breath, I watched as she slowly took a step and then another before falling into him.
Lifting her into the air, Jackson cheered, “You did it!”
Darting to them, I kissed her cheeks assuring, “You’re such a big girl.”
Sophia giggled as if she was just as proud of herself as we were.
Unfortunately, I looked at the clock and it was time to go. I hugged Sophia a few extra times after I hugged Mr. and Mrs. Thomas goodbye. Jackson drove me to the house to pick up my car. When we pulled in the back driveway, I noticed Hert wasn’t back yet. Quickly getting out of his car, I tossed my bag in the back seat of mine and turned to find him right next to me.
“Am I gonna see you later?” he asked.
Uncertainty filled me as I answered, “I hope so.”
Nodding, Jackson shared, “I know we said a lot last night…” before I cut him off, saying, “I really can’t do this right now.”
Smiling at me, he said, “I just want to make sure after today you still have time for an old friend.”
Throwing my arms around him, I hugged him tight.
On the way to meet Henley, I thought this is the last one. This is the last meeting, the last time I would be sick and afraid of what was going to happen and the last step to the rest of my life. Pulling into the parking lot of the institution, I thought about going in for a quick visit with Ms. Herterand then changed my mind when I saw HIM walking to my car.
After opening the passenger door, HE slid in saying, “Thank you.”
Hesitant, I asked, “How is she?”
HE stared straight ahead, replying, “She cried.”
Nodding, I asked, “How are you?”
“Ready to see Salvador,” HE growled.
Thinking, ‘okay then let’s go’, I pulled out of the parking lot and we were on our way.
When we reached Salvador’s, I pulled his file out of my bag in the back seat. Making my way to his door, I stopped suddenly when HE stepped in front of me.
Scowling at HIM, I snapped, “What are you doing?”
Glaring at me, HE said, “If I was mean to you. I’m sorry.”
‘If?’ I thought before saying, “Okay.”
HE stared at me for a moment then walked to the door and knocked. Salvador greeted us with an eerie smile. My heart was beating so fast as we made our way to the back of his house, I felt dizzy.
Standing in Salvador’s office, HE and I stood side by side. Glancing at the file in my hands, Salvador gave me a nod as he sat behind his desk.
Reaching out his hand, Salvador asked, “May I?”
Without a word, I leaned over his desk and handed him his file.
Rubbing his hand over it, Salvador questioned, “Are the agreements inside?”
Standing up straight, I replied, “No.”
Leaning back slightly, he rested his hands on the arms of his chair, saying, “I see. Not quite ready to hand it all over yet?”
“I already did,” I stated, watching his face drop before I shared, “As promised, I am here handing you over everything you deserve,” I stated.
Narrowing his eyes at me, he snapped, “We had a deal.”
Shaking my head at him, I reminded, “I was very clear on not entering into anything binding with you.”
I jumped a little as Salvador’s fist slammed down onto his desk while he shouted, “You are going to wish you were with your parents that night.” Then practically hissed at me as he leaned forward, demanding, “Where is Ramsden?”
Giving him a slow smile, I replied, “Once Mr. Herterand acquired the controlling shares, he left suddenly. I assumed he was headed here. Shame he didn’t make it.”
Salvador glanced back and forth between HE and I as he shared, “Do you know why she brought you here nephew?”
My heart started beating erratically, wondering what Salvador was going to tell HIM.
“She wanted to trade you for my understanding,” he lied.
HE instantly glared at me.
Why was HE looking at me like that? HE knew what was going on. The sick feeling rose to my throat as I wondered what was going on?
Salvador took full advantage of the moment, coaxing, “Remember what you told me about her?”
Wanting to ask, ‘what did you say about me,’ all I could do was stare back at HIM.
“She betrayed you. Now she has done the same to me and all for the same man,” he stated.
Scowling at HIM, I took a step back as HE turned and faced me.
There was a loud clink on Salvador’s desk before he stated, “Perhaps we could speed things along.”
A string of curse words ran through my mind as I glanced over and saw what Salvador set on his desk. My next thought was, ‘I’m going to die’.
HE pulled me forward holding my wrists with one hand and my face with the other, growling, “I never lied to you.”
Shaking all over, I couldn’t respond.
Slowly releasing my face and hands, HE whispered, “I’m sorry.”
HE took a step back and glared at Salvador before stating, “I need that.”
Salvador picked up the gun that set on his desk and lifted it in the air. When HE stepped forward and took it from him, my whole body went numb.
Facing me, HE ordered, “Turn around.” I shook my head at HIM before HE shouted, “Now!”
Turning my back to them, my eyes filled with tears.
“Kneel,” HE stated.
I obeyed without a second thought, closing my eyes and hanging my head. Crouching down behind me, HE brushed the hair from the side of my face.
Feeling HIS breath on my cheek, I heard HIM whisper, “Cover your ears.�
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Something about the tone of HIS voice made me snap to as I quickly lifted my head.
Before I covered my ears, I heard Henley say, “There comes a time in every man’s life, when he has to face the things that he has done. Not every man can live with himself when that day comes,” then a gunshot.
It was so loud my hands did nothing to muffle the sound.
Everything was silent except for the ringing in my ears. Afraid to move, I gave a loud sigh when I heard the gun clink against the top of Salvador’s desk. Henley stepped in front of me before falling to his knees. The look on his face was indescribable. Slowly, I stood up in front of him. He reached up and wrapped his arms around my waist, resting the side of his head against my stomach. My eyes burned with fresh tears as I brushed my hand on the back of his head trying to comfort him.
“I was there the night your parents died,” he revealed before sharing, “I set the fire but I did not kill them.”
Closing my eyes, I wanted to react but I knew I needed to hear what he had to say.
“Your mother was already…gone. Your father said she took something. I did not go because of Salvador. I was there because I respected your father. Just before he hung himself, your father told me, ‘There comes a time in every man’s life, when he has to face the things that he has done. Not every man can live with himself when that day comes’. I called Salvador and told him what happened. He told me to burn the house down and to never tell anyone that he was not responsible for them,” there was a pause before he finished by saying, “Salvador is the only other person that knew.”
“Thank you,” was all I could say when I realized that’s how Henley knew I was telling the truth about everything.
Needing to go meet Hert and knowing The Brothers would be on their way, I nudged him away before stepping back.
“You need to get up. We have to go,” I said, watching him stare at the floor.
Seeing him slowly get to his feet, I knew, although he was troubled and a bad person, he wasn’t like his uncle. It was clear, no matter what had happened, Henley still felt bad about taking Salvador’s life. I let Henley walk in front of me as we made our way out of Salvador’s house. Leaving the front door wide open so The Brothers knew we were gone, I hurried to my car.
Neither one of us said a word on the way back to the institution. Truthfully, my mind was like jello after everything that had happened. I never expected there to be a gun and I just wanted to go to sleep.
Stopping Henley before he got out, I said, “Wait.” When he turned and looked at me, I pulled an envelope from the console of my car and shared, “Fiore knows where you live. Salvador’s gone now. After today, The Brothers are no longer of service to me. That means you are no longer protected.”
Appearing irritated, he snapped, “I know.”
Taking a breath, I informed, “Dr. Chepelli has made arrangements to move your mom out of town. There is a facility there that will allow you to stay with her while she is recovering,” then handing him the envelope, with the check I got from JPT Financial in it, I said, “Don’t ever come back.”
Henley opened the door and slid out of my car before sticking his head back in, asking, “Was it all bad?”
Carefully inspecting the confused expression on his face, I replied, “No.”
He looked at me for a moment, then stood up and closed the door.
Already running late, I had to speed to make it to the courthouse on time. Hert was waiting outside when I parked and practically ran to the front.
“Where the hell have you been?” he fussed, grabbing my hand and pulling me into the courthouse.
Racing up the stairs we made it into the courtroom with one minute to spare. Turns out, Hert used some of his position to ensure it was a closed courtroom. All and all, it took longer for us to get married than divorced. Parting ways from the courthouse, Hert went to the house and I headed to the Thomas’ to pick up Sophia. It was a weird feeling getting divorced. The day Hert and I were married, when we left the courthouse I felt different. Expecting to feel something, it was strange for me that I really didn’t feel like anything had changed.
When I arrived at the Thomas’, Mrs. Thomas told me Sophia was taking a nap on the couch with Jackson. They had been so busy trying to get her to walk by herself again, Mr. Thomas ended up being late and she forgot to pack him a lunch. Hugging her before she left to bring Mr. Thomas his food, I thought, I love this family so much.
Sophia was curled up at Jackson’s side when I tapped him on the shoulder, whispering, “Jacks.”
His eyes fluttered open a few times before they were wide as he blurted, “Ren!”
“Shhhhh. Don’t wake her up,” I fussed, stepping back so he could get up.
Slowly sliding over, he stood up, asking, “Are you okay? Is everything okay?”
“Yea it is,” I replied, smiling because for the first time in my life, it was the truth.
Flashing a smile, he asked, “Can I hug you?”
Rolling my eyes, I laughed, “Of course you can hug me.”
He did and it lasted a little longer than it should have but that was okay with me.
Sophia was still asleep when I left the Thomas’ house but I wanted her to spend as much time with her dad as she could before he left. Feeling her nap could be finished in the car, I was on my way. Unsure if I was surprised or confused when I arrived. Hert was standing in the garage with The Brothers. Glancing at them as I walked Sophia past them, I headed into the house.
Emerson was waiting with open arms that hugged me tight before taking Sophia. Nodding at him, I smiled. Turning from them, I walked out of the back door before meeting Hert and The Brothers in the garage.
The Brothers both nodded in unison, greeting, “Mrs. Herterand.”
Standing there staring at them, I was suddenly overcome with emotion.
Without being able to say what I wanted to in front of Hert, I stated, “I would like you to reconsider my offer.”
“Mrs. Herterand it is my understanding you are no longer in a position to make said offer,” Ignacio replied.
Glancing between the two of us, Hert shook his head, questioning, “These are the two men?”
Keeping eye contact with Ignacio, I said, “If they will allow me, I will make the introductions.”
Ignacio stood very still with a stern expression on his face. Then he turned and looked at his brother.
Fiore gave him a nod before Ignacio looked at me, stating, “You may.”
Stepping to the side of them, I introduced, “Ignacio,” as he extended his hand, then “Fiore,” as he repeated his brother’s action.
Hert shook both their hands before offering, “The position is yours.”
“Thank you Mr. Herterand,” they replied before Hert stated, “Meet me at The Office at eight thirty.”
The Brothers gave a nod in confirmation, before I looked at Hert and said, “I will meet you inside.”
Hert gave me an uncertain look before turning and walking into the house.
I waited a few moments trying to think of everything I needed to say. I decided to start with what I was sure they came for.
“We never settled on an amount. How much do I owe?” I asked.
Ignacio replied, “Nothing.”
I gave him a crazy look before Fiore stepped forward, explaining, “The value of our file exceeds the payment of our services,” then holding out his hand, he said, “It has been a pleasure to have been of service to you.”
Shaking his hand, I replied, “Thank you.”
Looking up at Ignacio, I could feel the tears building as I stated, “Thank you for your service.”
“Yes ma’am,” he said with a nod.
Holding out my hand, I waited. Tempted to snap at him when he shook his head at me, I was overwhelmed when Ignacio hugged me instead. Tears streamed down my face as I buried it in his jacket. Cherishing the smell of cigarette that followed, I felt him squeeze me tighter.
Wiping
my eyes as he pulled away, I said, “I don’t know how to respond to that.”
Standing up tall in front of me, Ignacio gave a serious expression as he stated, “Have a good day, Mrs. Herterand.”
Unable to keep from smiling, I shook my head, saying, “I will.”
He closed his eyes as he gave a nod before he turned and walked away.
Taking a deep breath, I mentally wished The Brothers all the best before walking back into the house. Emerson was walking through the kitchen hunched over so Sophia could hold onto his hand.
As I smiled at them and the ease of Sophia directing him, by saying, “Em…Em...” Emerson looked up at me and said, “Hert wants to talk to you upstairs.”
Nodding, I patted Sophia on the head before heading towards the stairs. Thinking Hert should be down here playing with her since he was fixing to leave, I walked up the stairs and into his office.
Slightly irritated by the time I stepped into his office, I thought, ‘damn right’ when he offered, “I should have trusted you.”
“Yep,” was all I could get out without telling him off.
Sitting on the edge of his bed, Hert looked at me and said, “I should have done a lot of things different.”
Scowling, I assured, “We still would have ended up here.”
Hert nodded as his jaw flexed before sharing, “Maybe.”
Taking a step closer, I questioned, “So did he at least come clean?”
Shaking his head, Hert replied, “He was a coward right down to the end.”
Almost afraid to ask, I said, “So what happened?”
After stopping to think for a moment, he replied, “I heard he left the country.” Confused, I stared at Hert as he questioned, “Where were you this morning?”
Figuring there was no reason to lie, I replied, “I had a meeting with Salvador Perazzi.”
Narrowing his eyes, Hert asked, “What happened?”