by Неизвестный
Just in time, I jumped off the veranda, my ankle twisting slightly, but protected by the sturdy leather boot. In that instant I avoided his grasp.
I knew I couldn’t outrun him, but tried anyway. Within seconds he would reach me, but I had to give it a shot.
As he grabbed my forearm, I spotted the group of teenagers on a porch across the street.
“Hey guys!” I called out.
“Penelope, how’s it going?” the biggest kid said.
“Not so good. I need you guys to walk me to my bike.”
Before he let go of me, Jimmy turned me to face him.
“We’re not done,” he said. His charming mask was gone, and in its place was the real face of Jimmy Leone, the lion, the hunter, the man of rage who’d slaughtered the Salvaggi family in cold blood.
Why?
Because she’d asked him to. Angelina, the angel of death. The little girl who despised her family with cause, with an unrelenting hatred. The woman bent on destruction.
“You are, Jimmy. You and Angelina. You’re both done.”
He released his grip and strode back to his house, to his mother, to the life he’d thrown away.
The kids walked me to my bike, smoking and laughing, innocent of knowledge.
But I knew. And I could never again pretend I didn’t.
***
My Aunt Rachel has a saying: It’ll all come out in the wash. And so it did, in its own way.
Angelina could have carried it to her grave, but Jimmy was not made of such stern stuff. His temper got the better of him under close questioning by Toronto’s homicide detectives, and the truth came barreling out.
Angelina hated her father. By extension, she hated her mother and brother as well. She could never be free, as long as they were alive.
They had millions in savings squirreled away, and wouldn’t part with it. They wouldn’t even consider helping their daughter get a good start in married life.
All she’d asked for was enough to make a down payment on her own house, a house she and Jimmy could share.
The old bastard was as tight-fisted as he was perverted.
Then she came up with a plan.
She and Jimmy pretended to be through. She took up with Kevin, the Inglese idiota, and a few months later planned a trip to Mexico with him.
This was to be her alibi.
Meanwhile, Saint Jimmy was known throughout the neighbourhood to have taken the breakup “like a lamb”. His own good nature was his alibi.
Sometime after 2 am, he called the Salvaggi home to say he’d heard from Kevin about an emergency situation in Mexico involving Angelina. Mrs. Salvaggi was frantic. Jimmy promised to come right over and tell them the news in person.
They let him into their home without hesitation.
The lion in lamb’s clothing.
Donna Carrick is the author of The First Excellence (winner of the 2011 Indie Book Event Award), Gold And Fishes and The Noon God, available in both paperback and e-book. Her Crime Anthologies, Sept-Îles and other places and Knowing Penelope, are available for e-readers.
Her novels have sold over 60,000 copies worldwide.
Visit Donna at her Website
or at her Amazon Author Page
REMEMBER ME
Alexander Galant
Author’s Note: This was my entry for a short story challenge. Writers were assigned a specific genre, subject and character and had to use all three in their short story with a 2500 word limit.
I was assigned: Genre: Mystery, Subject: Pen pals, Character: a 10-year-old child. Final word count: 2369.
Dear Pen Pal,
My name is Noah. I've never written a real letter before. I'm 10 years old. I'm in grade 5 and I live in Toronto. I like video games and chess. I have a cat named Zeus, who sleeps in my room.
What's your name? How old are you?
Your pen pal, Noah
***
Dear Noah,
I already know all about you. Don't you remember me?
Have you learned to swim yet? Or are you still afraid of water?
Your friend, Eddie
P.S. What happened to your black cat, Hades?
***
Dear Eddie,
I don't remember knowing anyone named Eddie. I did know a Freddy once but that was my neighbour's dog. How did you know I had a cat named Hades? He died three years ago when I was 7. He was very old for a cat. We got Zeus a year ago.
When did you know me? I don't recognize your address. And I still don't like the water. I take showers instead of baths. How did you know?
Noah
***
Dear Noah,
I told you. I know all about you. I know you were always afraid of dark. You would wet the bed if you woke up and it was dark. I know you don't like your new mother and hate your father for replacing your real mom.
We used to be best friends. You used to tell me everything. Do you remember me now?
Your friend, Eddie
***
Eddie,
You're freaking me out! How do you know so much about me? I don't hate my new mother, she's nice to me. I don't remember my real mother. I don't know anything about you. I really don't remember you. I'm sorry. Do you have a picture you could send? Maybe I'll remember that way.
Noah
***
Noah,
I'm very upset that you don't remember me. It's your new Mom's fault. She's not nice. She made you forget me. She never liked me. It's because of the accident. That's why you can't remember. Go ask Doctor Zelenko. He would remember me.
Your best friend, Eddie
***
To: Eddie,
Accident? What accident? But - the name doctor Zelenko sounds familiar. It also sounds like a bad guy in a Bond movie. How do I find this doctor to ask him?
Noah
***
Dear Noah,
Check your Dad's address book. He'll have the phone number there. You can find the number there and then you can call Doctor Zelenko. He'll tell you all about me.
Your best friend, Eddie
***
To: Eddie
I've looked but I can't find any address book anywhere. Just tell me the number, or tell me how we first met. Maybe I'll remember then.
Noah
***
Dear Noah,
Do I have to think for you all the time? The address book is in your dad's laptop computer. The password is your birthday. At least it used to be. If not, try your new mom's birthday.
Your only friend, Eddie
***
EMAIL
From: Joseph Thompson
To: Dr. E. Zelenko
Subject: Eddie
This is Noah Thompson's father, I'm following up on the three voice-mail messages I left for you. I caught my son breaking into my laptop. After some prodding, I found out that Eddie may be back. At least I think it's him. He's been communicating with my son via some pen-pal program that the school has started. How could this happen? He's starting to manipulate Noah like last time.
***
From: Joseph Thompson
To: Dr. E. Zelenko
Subject: RE: Eddie
I haven't heard back from you and I'm concerned with Eddie being back in Noah's life. We have to do something about it. I'm worried about Noah and that he might remember what happened.
***
From: Joseph Thompson
To: Dr. E. Zelenko
Subject: RE: Eddie
This is my third e-mail to you. I need you to get back in touch with me. I demand to see my son's file, or else I may have to do something drastic.
***
DOCTOR MURDERED! POLICE QUESTION A PATIENT'S FATHER
(Staff Reporter)
The body of Dr. Eduardo Zelenko (51), of the Hillhome Clinic was discovered this evening by his office security staff after an alarm was triggered. Police are treating the suspicious death as a homicide, citing evidence of foul play and an arson atte
mpt. However, the Fire Marshall believes that the fire extinguished itself because no accelerant was used to start the fire.
One specific patient's file seemed to be deliberately set aflame and left unattended. Police speculate it was burned to destroy evidence of foul play. The patient's father, who allegedly made several attempts to contact Dr. Zelenko and left hostile voice messages is being questioned by police. A small trail of blood outside the scene of the crime was discovered by investigators.
Police are not able to comment on whether the blood found belonged to the suspect in custody or to the victim. No charges have been laid as of yet, but the investigation is ongoing. Since the patient involved is a minor, authorities are withholding all names for the child's protection.
***
EMAIL
From: Dina Thompson
To: Gerald Parker, Principal
Subject: Noah & pen pal
Dear Mr. Parker,
I'm sure you've heard rumours that the police are holding my husband on suspicion of murder.
You know my husband and he would never harm anyone. I was wondering if you could be of assistance. Has Noah mentioned anyone named Eddie?
They have been communicating through the school's pen-pal program. Noah's pen pal is 'Eddie' and an Eddie is no stranger to our family. We went to great lengths to keep Eddie out of Noah's life. When we signed the permission slip for Noah to take part in the pen-pal program, we assumed it was to correspond with a student who lived overseas. I'm not sure how it's possible, but Eddie or someone claiming to be Eddie appears to be taking advantage of the program. I was wondering if you knew who might have had access to the pen-pal addresses. Someone might be using the pen-pal program to pose as Eddie and is using the late Dr. Zelenko's file on my son for background. Any information could be helpful to the police to find this person pretending to be Eddie. Thanks!
Dina Thompson
***
From: Gerald Parker, Principal
To: Dina Thompson
Subject: RE: Noah & pen pal
Dear Mrs. Thompson,
I can sympathize with you and your family's dilemma. However, I am perplexed. Our school fully intended to take part in the pen-pal program but it was cancelled due to the constant threats of a postal strike this year. We did not wish to disappoint the students, so we decided to postpone it until their letters could be sent and received with more certainty. I have no idea who this Eddie is or how he was able to contact Noah, but it certainly was not through our school. If I should learn anything new I will certainly contact you. Best of luck.
***
Dear Noah,
You haven't responded to any of my letters. You can't ignore me forever. If you don't answer, I'll do something nasty.
Your best friend, Eddie
***
MISSING - A one-year-old white male cat with blue eyes. Answers to the name 'Zeus'. REWARD if found. Dina Thompson 555-7396
***
Dear Noah,
Zeus is a pretty cat. Not as pretty as Hades was, certainly not as smart. If you want to see it again, you should write back to me now.
Your friend forever, Eddie
***
Eddie,
Don't hurt my cat! Please! I'll do anything you want. Just give me back my cat, please!
***
Dear Noah,
I'll be happy to give Zeus back to you. But first you have to kill Dina! She's not your real mom! It's her fault you don't remember me. She's the one who really killed Dr. Zelenko to cover up what he did to you. And now your dad is going to jail for what she did. She has to pay for what she did. Your dad keeps a hunting gun in the garage. The bullets are locked in the metal toolbox. The keys are in your dad's desk - bottom drawer. Do this and you'll see Zeus tonight.
Your best and only friend, Eddie
***
Eddie,
You're crazy! That's murder! I'm not a murderer! No! I can't! I won't do it! Never!
***
Dear Noah,
Dina's not your real mother. She's taken all the pictures of your real mother and put them in a box in the garage. If you don't believe me go look... it's in the shelves next to where the gun is kept. There are pictures of her holding you when you were a baby. But Dina made you forget her... and forget me. Just outside the garage you'll find Zeus' collar. There is a little blood on it. He isn't hurt too badly... yet. He sure yowled when I cut him! If you do what I say, I promise you will see Zeus again. You have to do it tonight!
Your only friend,
Eddie
***
(9-1-1 INCOMING CALL - TRANSCRIPT)
OPERATOR: 9-1-1 What is the nature of the emergency?
FEMALE VOICE: I've been shot!
OPERATOR: Is your address 1366 Stevenson Street?
FEMALE VOICE: Yes, hurry! I'm bleeding badly.
OPERATOR: I have sent dispatch! The police and ambulance will be there shortly.
FEMALE VOICE: (mumbled sound)
OPERATOR: Is there anyone there with you to stop the bleeding?
FEMALE VOICE: Yes... no!
OPERATOR: Ma'am, Is assailant still in the house with you?
FEMALE VOICE: I don't know.
OPERATOR: Do you know who shot you?
FEMALE VOICE: It was... No... it was Eddie.
OPERATOR: Who is Eddie?
FEMALE VOICE: (no response)
OPERATOR: Ma'am? Are you still there?
***
WOMAN MURDERED IN HOME!
Staff Reporter
Local resident, Dina Thompson (36) was found without vital signs in her own home last night. Emergency Medical Services and the police were dispatched to her home on Stevenson Street after the victim placed a call to 9-1-1 shortly after 9:00pm. Police searched the premises and found a 10-year old boy hiding in the garage, crying as he cradled a dead cat in his arms. He could be heard screaming, "Eddie broke his promise!" The boy has been put into the care of child services while police continue to investigate and search for someone named "Eddie" who has been named a person of interest.
In a bizarre twist of fate, the victim was the wife of Joseph Thompson who is still in police custody in relation to the mysterious murder of Dr. Zelenko earlier this week. It is not known if the two cases are connected. Forensics have identified Mr. Thompson's blood near the body of Dr. Zelenko, placing him at the scene of the crime. However, an insider revealed that Mr. Thompson does not have any injuries or marks on his body that would leave a trace of blood. Police say Mr. Thompson has been very cooperative and was visibly upset when learning of his wife's death. However, he refused to answer any questions regarding 'Eddie'.
***
Dear Noah,
I didn't break my promise! I promised you'd see him again. I never promised 'alive'.
Now that your fake mother is dead, do you remember me?
Your best friend, Eddie
***
Yes Eddie! I remember you now! You are not my friend! Leave me alone!
***
(Written on the wall of Foster home - manic writing, carved in with pen)
Dear Noah,
I can't leave you alone! You need me. Now more than ever! Who else will take care of you? You can't hide from me. I am here in this house. I know where to find you.
Your best friend, Eddie
***
(Scribbled underneath in different handwriting)
You are not my friend Eddie. I'm going to go where you can never follow me!
***
(9-1-1 INCOMING CALL - TRANSCRIPT)
OPERATOR: 9-1-1 What is the nature of the emergency?
MALE VOICE: The boy tried to kill himself! We need an ambulance right away! Hurry!
***
PATIENT FILE - CASE NUMBER 612-36
Patient's Name: Noah Thompson
Age: 20
Therapist: Dr. de Winters
Subject, Noah Thompson is currently undergoing treatment for Multiple Personality Disorder. The in
dividual known as "Eddie" was originally an imaginary friend of Noah's when he was three years old. Though not uncommon and generally a normal stage of development for children around the age of three or four, it is also normal for children to create playmates when they feel lonely or do not know how to relate to their parents or vice-versa. It also allows an expression of creativity and healthy fantasy. It only becomes a concern when the imaginary friend prevents the child from interacting or making real friends. Such was the case of 'Eddie' who continued to be a constant presence in Noah's life. We can assume it is a defence mechanism triggered by a boating accident that resulted in the death of Noah's natural mother as she tried to save Noah's life.
The imaginary friend eventually manifested himself in physical form as an alternate identity, when Noah was six and the father began courting Dina Rivers, who later became his second wife. Noah withdrew into himself and 'Eddie' (the persecutory personality) began to act out with hate within Noah, dominating his physical form and retaliating with self-mutilation. The boy's psychiatrist Dr. Zelenko commenced extreme electroconvulsive (shock) therapy treatment, along with medication.
Noah seemed to have responded well to the radical treatment and for three years continued developing normally without incident. During his tenth year the persecutory suddenly resurfaced as an imaginary 'pen-pal'. It is not clear why the dissociative identity of 'Eddie' resurfaced or what triggered it, but one thing is certain: Noah Thompson is still not aware of his actions when he is Eddie.
While undergoing a treatment of medication and therapy, Noah corresponds repeatedly with Eddie, now back to an 'imaginary friend' status. With crayon and paper he continues to relive the traumatic events of when he was ten.
On-going medication, close supervision, and indefinite treatment is necessary.
***
Dear Pen Pal,
My name is Noah. I've never written a real letter before. I'm 10 years old. I'm in grade 5 and I live in Toronto. I like video games and chess. I have a cat named Zeus, who sleeps in my room.
What's your name? How old are you?
Your pen pal, Noah
Alexander Galant (Remember Me) was awarded 'Finalist' in the International Book Awards 2012 for his novel: Depth of Deception (A Titanic Murder Mystery). Alexander has also written and directed several short films which have won awards in festivals around the world, including the Silver Remi (Suspense-Thriller) for The Missing Piece.