Book Read Free

WISHBONE II: ...Some Wishes Should Never Be Made

Page 22

by Brooklyn Hudson


  Jessica rattled her arms within his fists, jerking them and rocking against his grip.

  “Sssh, yes, I know. Papa is trying.” Seeing her frantic chiseled away the confidence he gained from his success with Owen. He wanted to explain the difficulty in escaping the Victorian, but he didn’t know how to express it in terms she could understand and accept, without instilling more fear in her.

  “I took us away from here once and I will do this again. I do not know how I will do this yet, but I will figure it out, Jessica…I promise. You must be patient. Do as you are told. Be a very good girl. Do what they ask of you and know that I am trying.”

  Jessica dove against him burying her face in his chest.

  Julien held her tight, rocking her in his arms, “I promise Papa will fix this. It will not be much longer.”

  He could feel the dampness of her tears soaking through his shirt and his heart sank.

  You are failing this child.

  How…?

  How do I win against these people?

  You’ve made her a promise now…

  Can you keep it?

  Arlette’s shrill call broke the silence.

  “Jessica…!” she hollered from the floor below.

  Jessica, startled, tightened her hold on Julien.

  “It is alright. Go down and eat your dinner,” he urged.

  Jessica only pressed against him harder.

  “Come now. You have to eat.” He sat up, forcing her to do the same. “I will come with you. I will go downstairs and walk you to your chair. Is this okay?”

  Jessica pouted and she looked down at her lap.

  “Okay… Come now.” He got up from the bed. Jessica stood tall on the mattress and he picked her up and lowered her to the floor, “You are getting too big to be carried.” He took her hand and led her down the hallway and down to the first floor. She tightened her fingers around his hand as he brought her to her seat between Rachael and Jérome.

  She refused to let go of him as he slid the chair closer to the table.

  Sarah narrowed her eyes at Jessica and she finally released her father’s hand.

  Julien swept her hair back behind her shoulders and bent to kiss the top of her head.

  He whispered, “You eat your dinner and I will see you after you are done.” He walked away, refusing to look back, knowing the look on her face would devastate him.

  Jessica followed him with her eyes until he disappeared into the kitchen.

  The house was a flurry of activity. Utensils clanking, glasses and bowls being carried out to the dining room. Rachael stood carving the roast on top of the stove. Julien stood watching, waiting for a chance to pass behind her. She made a precision slice at the neck of the bird, and then another, forming a perfect V-shape. Using her fingers, she removed the wishbone from the bird then brought it to her lips. With a speedy maneuver, which revolted Julien, she slid the bone into her mouth and curved it quickly, sucking all the remaining meat, gristle and grease from it in an instant. She moved to the sink where she rinsed it before meticulously patting it dry with a paper towel. She turned to the cabinet housing the gift box and took it into her hand. She removed the powder blue top then motioned to place the new bone atop the others; she paused. Using her pinky nail, she flicked at the contents then froze again. Her back stiffened, chin tucked against her chest, she studied the contents of the box. Ever so slightly, she tilted her head.

  He felt her looking at him from the corner of her eye. He knew instantly, she realized bones were missing from the small, tightly packed box. There was nothing he could do now. He stood his ground, awaiting his punishment.

  Rachael placed the new bone into the box then put the top back on and slid it back into place beside the glasses in the cabinet. She closed the door and paused again then spun around to face him head on.

  Startled, he didn’t know what to say.

  She pressed her lips together tight then popped them apart before hurrying back to the stove to finish carving the roast.

  Julien knew better than to feel confident in Rachael’s ability to keep their secret. She feared her own safety and if that meant turning him in, she would surely do it.

  Starving, he grabbed a roll and slathered it with butter. He stood eating it at the sink, thinking and trying to calm the feeling of dread. Rachael tapped at his shoulder and handed him a plate then walked away. He checked it over, decided to skip the rice for fear it had been cooked in broth and helped himself to the remaining side dishes. Standing at the counter, he ate quickly. Looking out the window over the sink, the sun was waning fast. He saw the dog cut across his view, heading for the porch. He placed his dish in the sink and walked out into the dining room. Everyone was eating, including Jessica. He went to the door and let the dog in. The retriever darted past him heading for the dining room to beg for his supper.

  He listened for Arlette’s usual response.

  “Oh now, go… go lay down!” she shouted.

  Julien smirked then exited the house, closing the door quietly behind him.

  He turned left to circle the house from behind. He didn’t want to take the chance that any of them would look up and see him pass by the dining room window. He headed for the barn knowing what he had to do.

  Inside, the coop was silent. He hurried to the door then slowly opened it, hoping to keep their noise to a minimum. The chickens were settling down for the evening and the heat lamp timer had already kicked on; hens clustered in groups around them for warmth.

  There was minimal cackling; just a rumbling of small sounds emitted from each of the curious birds. He reached up for the axe hanging on the wall beside the door then stepped inside.

  The number of birds never seemed to decrease. Night after night, Sarah produced a roast, yet the coop was always full. It would be a risk, but weighing his options, and by Rachael’s reaction to the gift box, it seemed more likely that Sarah would notice the count of the bones than a few missing chickens.

  Growing up on a farm, their chicken coop had often been raided by fox, especially in winter, when food was scarce and the fox more willing to put in the hard work to capture a meal. He saw a section of wire, less flush to the dirt, and decided he would dig the area and tear back the metal; do his best to mimic a fox attack, scattering bloody feathers before he left the coop.

  He walked around, looking into their faces and searching for the older birds.

  More guilt…

  Who am I to decide their fate?

  Your daughter’s life is at stake.

  He stopped at a nest box. The hen looked frail, more so than those around her. He closed his eyes and shook his head, dreading the task.

  You’ve done this once before.

  But I wasn’t myself…

  I was desperate.

  You aren’t desperate now?

  Your little girl is begging you…

  Bah!

  Julien placed the axe under his arm then reached for the hen. She made a soft cooing sound and went willingly into his hands. He carried her at his side to a corner of the coop. He placed her down on the dirt then turned her onto her side. She didn’t struggle.

  Please fight me…

  Do not make this so easy for me.

  The bird laid there with only the slightest pressure from his hand. It lowered its head to the dirt, relaxing its body. In the orange glow of a nearby heat lamp, he could make out the jet black pupil of her dark amber eye. The bird stared off in the distance. It didn’t give him the grief of having to look at her stare as he lifted the axe.

  Now do not miss…

  Whatever you do, kill it all at once.

  You still have to do this a second time…

  Two bones, remember?

  He lowered the axe to the bird’s neck, gauging his aim then drawing the axe back up into the air. He moved it up and down a few times, readying himself for the final strike.

  It is going to move around after the head is off…

  Be ready for this.
/>
  Stop!

  “Stop it! Don’t!” Julien said out loud. He let go of the bird and dropped the axe to the dirt beside him.

  The chicken righted itself then took a look around before nesting down in the dirt against his knee.

  Julien sighed, “Fuck me!” He got up quickly and picked up the bird, returning it to the nest where he found her.

  He turned away and marched back to where he had dropped the axe. He grabbed it, frustrated, he ran his fingers through his hair then groaned, disappointed with himself.

  What is wrong with you?

  It is a fucking chicken…

  Your lives are in danger.

  I’ll take my fucking chances…

  Maybe she will not notice?

  Maybe this is Rachael’s job…

  To fill the box.

  Maybe Sarah will never know…

  Maybe Rachael will tell her.

  Maybe so.

  Julien, the axe in his hand, turned to exit and came face-to-face with Lind, standing at the far end, leaning against the wire on the outside of the coop.

  Julien took a step back. His mind too cluttered to formulate a valid excuse.

  Lind let go of the wire and offered a discrete nod. He turned and slowly panned the property for a moment then walked away, leaving Julien standing alone.

  Julien stood there in disbelief. First Rachael and now Lind, both knowing his secrets and both holding his fate in their hands.

  What did he see?

  How long was he there?

  Why did he not speak?

  What was that nod about?

  Quietly, he left the coop, entering back into the barn. He hung the axe beside the door then took a few steps, looking around. He paused, waiting for the barn doors to swing open and the lynch mob to arrive, but no one came.

  A loud fluttering sound startled him and he ducked then spun around. An owl closed its wings snug against its body then turned its head to look in his direction. It sat, high above him, one eye open, watching. Satisfied that Julien posed no threat, the bird turned away and hunkered down.

  Julien left the barn and cut over the bridge. He paced back and forth at the base of the porch steps, stalling. He had no idea what he might be walking in to. What Lind might have said? What Rachael might have told Sarah? What Jessica might witness, once he mustered the guts to walk back in through that door. He listened carefully, but all was quiet inside. He could see into the dining room; the table had been cleared. He sat down on the steps in the cold night air.

  You are being ridiculous...

  If either of them have said anything…

  She would have come after you by now.

  Julien, now cold and trembling in a short sleeve t-shirt, got up and went to the door. He placed his hand on the knob, took a deep breath and walked in. He tried to act natural as he moved through the room. Jérome seated, unmoving in the corner. Arlette nowhere in sight. Sarah and Rachael mulling around the kitchen. Jessica in Lind’s lap; the old man reading a book to her by the fire.

  Julien reached the stairs and began to walk up.

  “Okay, how about you run off with your father, little one?” Lind sat forward, scooting Jessica from his leg.

  Julien froze in place and waited for Jessica to catch up to him on the third step. She took his hand and Julien led her up to his room.

  On the bed, he found a small stack of books, a carton of cigarettes, lighter fluid, toiletries, candy and gum. Sarah had left him another peace offering. She accepted his apology for pushing her away in the barn and this was her way of telling him so.

  See!

  “Very good, Sarah. Just let it go.” Arlette stood in the kitchen brushing the hair from Sarah’s eyes. “That wasn’t so hard, now, was it? He’ll come around.”

  Rachael kept her eyes low. She scrubbed at the stovetop, rubbing so hard, her fingernail snapped. She drew her finger to her lips and cringed. She could feel their eyes on her.

  “Everything alright, Rachael?” Arlette asked.

  Rachael nodded then reached for the sponge and began scrubbing the stove again.

  “Well, everything is coming together so nicely around here. All of us getting along, working together for the common good.” Arlette moved to the table and reached into her purse to produce an envelope. “Sarah, this is the home I was telling you about. I would like you to take care of this tomorrow. They’re a young couple. They could use a little help.”

  Arlette left the paperwork on the table, took her purse and left the girls to finish cleaning the kitchen.

  Sarah reached for a dish towel then took a glass from the drain board. She diligently dried the tumbler, leaving not a smudge nor spot behind then opened the cabinet. She replaced the glass in its space and paused to look at the blue gift box.

  Rachael turned to rinse the sponge in the sink. She froze as Sarah reached for the box; her hand moving through the air with trepidation.

  “Sarah?” Lind interrupted, startling both girls, “Do you know what I would love? Some of your special coffee. You know, with the toffee melted in it and that heavy cream.”

  Standing in the doorway, leaning against its frame, he turned to Rachael, “You should try some. This girl makes a mean cup of coffee. Nice, after such a pleasant meal.”

  Rachael chimed in, “And my sculpture, Sarah. I finished it today. Can I show you?”

  Sarah looked from Lind to Rachael, overwhelmed by their requests. She held up her palms in Rachael’s direction and shoved at the air then pointed to Lind. She mumbled and moved to a low cabinet where she removed a saucepan. She found cream in the refrigerator then placed her hand on a cookie jar. She paused briefly and closed her eyes then opened them again, removing the top and producing a chocolate covered toffee bar. Fastidiously, she prepared the sweet coffee concoction.

  Rachael counted three mugs. She knew one was not for Sarah nor Arlette, but for Julien, upstairs. Arlette’s lecture from the afternoon had worked. Sarah was trying to repair her relationship with Julien. All Rachael would have to do is show Sarah that there were two bones missing from the gift box and no amount of pep talks or lectures from Arlette would bring peace back to the home. Rachael didn’t know who she was angry at anymore. All she could do was survive each day. Forget about the past and never think of the future. Just survive the day.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  A fire blazing and Jessica’s warm body against him, Julien felt like he might suffocate. He turned Jessica off his side and onto her pillow to his left. Sound asleep; he covered her and paused to listen for the methodical sound of her breathing, reassuring him that her day had come to an end. He took a book from the stack Sarah had left for him and read the cover; Watership Down. She was nothing if not a creature of habit. He switched it with the next book in the pile; Cujo. He wondered who might have read it once, etching the title into her mind. He opened the book and settled back against the headboard to read. Several pages in, Sarah appeared in the doorway with a mug in her hands.

  “Is that for me?” he asked, trying to sound pleasant. He held up the book, “Thank you.” He dog-eared his page and replaced it on the stack beside him.

  Sarah entered the room, carefully bracing the cup balanced over her open palm. She seemed to glide across the floor, shuffling her feet gracefully as she approached his side of the bed. She stood there patiently holding it out to him.

  Julien took it and looked at the steaming liquid before taking a sip.

  “Ah…sweet.” He nearly choked, “Thank you.” He took another sip and placed the mug beside him on the nightstand. He sat forward then carefully shifted over on the bed, taking a quick peek at Jessica, as he made room, “Here, sit with me.” He patted the bed.

  Sarah looked at the hallway then stepped closer and sat on the edge of the bed. Immediately, she leaned forward and kissed his cheek.

  Julien’s first reaction was to push her away again, but he stopped himself.

  Harmless…

  Just a peck.

/>   Nothing she does is harmless.

  Uncomfortable, he forced a smile, “Now we can be friends again, no?”

  She leaned forward, leaving him no time to react. She kissed his lips.

  Julien grabbed her arms, bracing her then pushing her back.

  Sarah recoiled; nostrils flared and ready to fight, she glared at him.

  “No! Do not get angry. Listen to me.”

  Sarah turned away and moved to stand, but he held her there.

  “No, Sarah, we must talk about this.”

  Again, she tried to turn her back to him, but he refused to let go of her arm.

  “You must understand. I am much older than you. It is not right.” He watched her eyes glaze over.

  Julien drew a deep breath and sighed, “Aye aye aye, Sarah. If this were only a different time…” he paused to think, searching for the right words.

  Sarah’s expression softened and she waited.

  “You know, if I were a single man. If I were young and not married to Rachael…” He sighed and took a cigarette from the pack, lighting it.

  You might as well be a single man.

  He took a drag and exhaled slowly, thoughtfully choosing his words.

  “You know, you are a very special young woman. You are a very smart and pretty girl, but you are different. You have a very special gift…and with this gift, you are different…and this difference will make those who do not understand the situation, believe that I am taking advantage of you. That I am a bad man who is taking advantage of a very young and very special girl. Do you understand this?”

 

‹ Prev