Waiting and Watching

by Darcy Darvill

  “I remember you and a woman from child services I guess, coming into my classroom, and then my whole life changed in a flash. I remember my body felt numb and tingly, and I couldn’t believe that Mom wouldn’t be there to tuck me into bed and say my prayers that night or any other night ever again. Who would fix my lunch for school? I remember hanging onto you so you wouldn’t go away and die, too. I couldn’t stop crying when they separated us. I never saw my old room again. Who packed my stuff, Connie? You?”

  She shook her head and shrugged her shoulders, too moved to speak.

  “I think I cried for weeks in Miami. I didn’t understand why we couldn’t live together in our old house. I felt so alone, like there was a big hole in my heart. My cousin was sweet, but she wasn’t my family. What about you, Con? It must have been terrible for you, especially when Andrew was arrested for the murders.”

  “It was totally numbing. I don’t think I began to feel again for years. Aunt Viv was great, but as you said, she wasn’t Mom. It seemed like I cried forever. I hated my new school. I was the only one there without parents, and it felt like everyone was talking about me behind my back. I missed Mom and Dad, you and my friends, especially Andrew. I tried joining some clubs and going to school functions, but it was so hard trying to act happy and carefree like all the other kids.

  “Some of my friends from Tilden wrote to me saying that Andrew had been arrested for the murders. He was my boyfriend, Julio! I would have known if he was capable of hurting anyone. He was such a gentle person. I tried to keep up with the events of the case by reading the Cincinnati Enquirer at the library, but once it became old news, there wasn’t much about it anymore in the papers.”

  “Have you heard anything more about him?”

  “When I spoke to Nola, she told me Andrew’s folks were devastated and insisted their son would never hurt anyone. They felt the only reason the police and neighbors even looked at him was because he was black, or as Nola says, colored. The fact that he spent so much time at our house compounded the theory. They never had any proof, but they charged him anyway. Nola said his parents moved away from Tilden Park when Andrew was released. It’s a miracle he was exonerated. I guess his father hired the most expensive defense attorney in the country and he proved Andrew’s alibi.”

  “Do you know where Andrew is now?”

  “I have no idea,” Connie said.

  “What about his parents?”

  “No.”

  “You have to wonder why Andrew’s parents moved to Tilden Park in the first place. Weren’t they the only black family in town? I mean, talk about uncomfortable.”

  “Yes, but they’re just like everyone else. Once you start making money, you want to move to a nicer, safer neighborhood. Upscale black neighborhoods and clubs were scarce back then. They probably moved there hoping other blacks would follow, and that’s what the neighbors feared. Both of Andrew’s parents were scientists at the University. They wanted a good life for themselves and their son, just like everyone else, and you know how Mom and Dad loved them. Andrew and his parents were always welcome in our home. Our parents were very special and saw people for what they were, not for the color of their skin.”

  “Luckily, Andrew was smart and athletic, so he was accepted at school pretty quickly. Let’s face it; if it hadn’t been for him, our football team would have stunk. He was the nicest and best looking guy I’d ever seen with the exception of my precious little brother.”

  “I’m glad you made that exception, Sis.”

  She gave him a wry grin. “Anyway, I think about him a lot. He was my first love—only love—and I’ll never forget him.”

  “I always liked him too. He was my idol because he was different, like me, and I watched how he handled that. He seemed comfortable in his own skin, and he always talked sports to me like a real person. Once I came home from school crying after some kids called me names because of my dark skin. I fought back the tears all day until I saw Andrew, but then I started to cry because I knew he would understand. He told me I was better and smarter than the rest of those idiots. He said to work hard in school and someday I would be richer and more successful than any of them. I asked him if he ever cried and he said, yes, especially when kids made comments about him being different.

  “Andrew could always say something to make me feel better. It makes me sick to think of him being accused just because he was black and hung out at our house. I would love to see him sometime. I can't imagine he would consider coming to your reunion.”

  “Would you come back if you knew the whole community thought you were capable of murder?”

  “I doubt it.”

  “I’m so sorry because I never realized how much Andrew meant to you, Julio. I remember you following us around when he came over, and I always chased you away. Sorry I called you a pest and told you to go away and leave us alone.”

  “That’s okay. I never really left. I would hide and spy on you guys all the time. I learned some of my best moves watching Andrew trying to romance my sister.”

  “You’re a shit, Julio. I had no idea you were spying on us.”

  “I know. I spied on a lot of people.”

  Some of the tension melted away as they finished their meal, paid the bill and walked back to the car.

  “Besides facing our ghosts as you put it, what else is on your agenda while we’re here in the land of the Big Red Machine?”

  Connie sighed and said she wanted to talk to Nola about their parents and see their old house. Julio reiterated that he was not particularly fond of Nola, but was curious to see his old home again, too.

  With that, they drove over to their old neighborhood and parked several streets away from their house. There was the fall smell of chimney fires in the air and the crunch of dried leaves under foot. As they walked through the neighborhood and saw people going in or out of their homes, they wondered if any of them had known their parents.

  The neighborhood looked prosperous with all the Tudor homes still maintained to perfection. Each had a manicured lawn and lots of big shade trees. Connie felt a lump in her throat. It was hard seeing old sights and remembering how happy she had been living here.

  They walked by their church, which hadn’t changed at all. Melancholy struck Connie as she recalled all the youth meetings she’d gone to with Andrew.

  Finally, they reached their street and stopped in front of their former house.

  “Well, I’m looking at it, but with my lack of memory coupled with the renovation, I have no emotional reaction at all.” He glanced at Connie who had her eyes shut. “Go on, Sis. Take a look.”

  It wasn’t as difficult as she expected. Yes, the renovation made it look different, but it was probably the passage of time that had dulled the expected pain. The driveway was the same and the neighbors’ houses were as she remembered.

  The color of the house was gray now instead of white and the front porch had been enlarged. It was as though an old familiar picture frame now held a slightly altered painting. The overgrown landscaping gave it an empty, lonely feeling. Silently, they stared at the site of their happiest memories and most horrid nightmares. A chill went down Connie’s spine as she wondered what really had happened inside their home that awful day.

  They passed Nola’s house, but couldn’t tell if anyone was home. She wondered about Martin; he had been a good friend and neighbor growing up. Hopefully, he would be at the reunion either Friday or Saturday night.

  She recognized Earl Lookey’s house across the street. Her memory of him was of an elf-like man with a spry step and a witty personality. He had a big old basset hound, Sniff, which he took everywhere. Sue, his wife, was a popular teacher at the local elementary school. Mr. Lookey had spent a lot of time at their house, verbally sparing with their parents about politics. He must have been inside because smoke rose from his chimney.

  After staring at the house for several minutes, Julio put his hand on Connie’s. “Let’s go check into our hotel,” he said.
“It’s been a long day and I need a rest and a shower before dinner.”

  They drove to the old Tilden Park Inn on the town square. The exterior of the Tudor-style hotel had not changed. Connie remembered her dad going to the barbershop in the lobby. As a young girl, she’d liked coming here with him and watching all the activity. She used to marvel at the shoeshine man who could whistle any song beautifully. She would gaze at the variety of candy sold at the newsstand and always came home with a bag of her favorite chocolate nonpareils and several comic books.

  As they entered the lobby, it was obvious the hotel was no longer the center of the town’s activities. The barber and beauty shops were gone along with the newsstand and the shoeshine boy. The lobby now had a minimal sleek and modern look incongruent with the Olde English exterior of the inn. The bustling activity was gone and was now replaced with soft music. The emptiness of the lobby reflected the hollow feeling she felt at coming back to Tilden Park.

  Chapter 5

  Tilden Park Tavern, famous for its burgers, looked the same but a little dated. Julio and Connie grabbed a booth, ordered burgers and a couple of beers. A small crowd gathered around the bar. They sipped their beers and watched the singles crowd hit on each other.

  Julio got up to use the restroom. Navigating through the crowd, a petite strawberry blonde in her thirties barreled into him, practically knocking him over and spilling her drink on the floor. Both rushed to apologize. She flashed a warm, friendly smile and offered to buy him a drink. He declined as his drink was safely on the table.

  Intrigued with what he quickly assessed as a baby doll face with a dynamite body, he insisted on buying her a drink and suggested she join them. They worked their way through the crowd, back to Connie. The young woman sat down and introduced herself as Lily Palmer.

  Connie gave Julio a sharp jab under the table to let him know that this was not the right time to be picking up women. After a second kick just to make sure he got the message, she turned to Lily and smiled. “Hi. I’m Connie Harriman, Julio’s sister. We’re out-of-towners, just back here to reminisce and attend my twentieth high school reunion.”

  “You went to Tilden High?” Lily asked.

  “Yes, I did.”

  “I went there too, so I know about the class reunion this weekend. Where in Tilden Park did you live?”

  “We lived on Kensington.”

  “Oh, of course. I remember the name now. I made your reservation at the Inn. I work there at the front desk—reservations, concierge and whatever else they ask me to do. I knew your name sounded familiar when I spoke with you over the phone. Stupid me. I should have put two and two together then, especially when you asked about this place and other high school haunts.” Lily giggled and drained her glass. “You were the best cheerleader on the squad and only a freshman. You won’t remember me. I was a year behind you.”

  A look of reflection crossed Lily’s face. She furrowed her brow and suddenly looked uncomfortable. “Oh, I remember. Your parents were murdered. I’m so sorry.”

  Connie and Julio exchanged glances. Neither knew what to say and after an awkward pause, Julio verified her statement. “Yeah, that’s us.”

  Shocked and embarrassed, she apologized profusely and offered to leave the table.

  “It’s okay, Lily. Julio and I are dealing with it. Where did you live?”

  “We didn’t actually live in Tilden Park. My mom and I lived in the Rainbow Housing Project, those apartments on Rainbow Road. It was very different there from where you lived, although the kids in my neighborhood went to Tilden Park schools.”

  “Oh sure. I know where you lived. Is there still a hospital on the hill?” Connie asked.

  “Unfortunately, yes. The sirens go day and night.” Lily leaned forward, her voice quiet. “If you’re planning on going back to your old house, you might want to rethink that idea. It was first sold, then remodeled, but the rumor is the new owners just abandoned the place. Kids drive by and claim they see lights going on and off. It freaks them out, big time.”

  “Well, I have to admit I was a bit frightened about returning to the house as well as seeing my old classmates. It’s the first time we’ve been back since the murders, and the emotional strain has been intense.” She stared down at her drink.

  Lily nodded with understanding. “I’m really sorry for upsetting you. When I first sat down, I sensed a lot of sadness in you. Maybe some fear too. I’m somewhat psychic about those things, so I should’ve been more sensitive. I understand your being anxious. It’s difficult for most people when they return to a meaningful place from their past. Reunions are tough enough, but with all your horrific baggage, I’m impressed you and Julio are here. I don’t know if I should even mention this, but I do séances. I think we could communicate with your parents; if you want to try, please call me.” Her voice was hopeful as she glanced from Connie to Julio.

  “Lily, you seem like such a nice person, but you’re freaking me out. I’ve never met a real psychic before. Have you. Julio?”

  “Not in this lifetime,” he said skeptically.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you more than you already were. I have this special ability and feel obligated to tell people, even though it does creep some folks out. Just for the record, I have helped several people, but let’s not talk about it anymore. Julio has finished his beer and so have you. Please let me get the next round.”

  “Good idea,” Julio said, “but I’m buying. We’ll never get the attention of our waitress with this crowd, so I’m heading for the bar. Just keep talking, but limit the conversation to this planet, okay?” he said, grinning as he slipped from the booth. “I’ll be right back.”

  Lily smiled at Julio and nodded as he left them. She was glad to have some time alone with Connie to get the lowdown on her brother. Lily liked Connie and felt a strong spiritual connection between them, but she was interested in a different kind of relationship with Julio.

  “Your brother is so handsome. Is he married, engaged or going with someone?”

  “Well, to be honest, my brother’s a terrific guy with a great personality and an amazing sense of humor, but he’s a real player. I don’t think he’ll settle down for quite a while yet. It’s best to just view him as a friend or you’ll get hurt. I have met too many girls who’ve had their hearts broken. He dates young models in Miami, and while he has a good time with them, he shows no interest in monogamy. Sorry to be so blunt, but it’s best you know what he’s like up front.”

  “I appreciate your candor and I can see why he gets so many girls. He’s gorgeous, and he also seems nice and friendly.”

  Julio returned to the booth carefully juggling three beers. Lily kept the conversation away from the paranormal and the three of them had a great time for the rest of the night. Before they knew it, they had consumed two more rounds and the bartender yelled last call. Connie and Julio walked Lily to her car and exchanged phone numbers.

  On the way back to the hotel, Connie convinced her brother to drive by their old house. A sense of melancholy had overtaken her ever since Lily talked about the house being haunted.

  Julio acquiesced and they pulled up right outside. After ten minutes of sitting in the dark without hearing ghostly sounds or seeing lights or apparitions, Connie felt better. Just then, the lights on Nola’s front porch went on and a man opened the front door and walked over to the garage. He disappeared in the shadows and shortly a light went on in the apartment above.

  “Must be Martin,” Connie said.

  “Yeah. I wonder why he’s back living with his mother. Did Nola ever say if he was working? Whatever happened, it must have been something pretty serious to make a man his age move back with his mother.”

  “Well, maybe Martin will be at one or both of the reunion parties and we can see what he says.”

  “Can’t wait for that. So, what’s our social calendar look like?”

  “Tomorrow is a free day although I would like us to visit Nola for a short time.
Friday night there’s a casual party at the Little Miami River Boat House. It’s open to anyone who went to Tilden Park High. Saturday will be just for my class reunion at the old Buckeye Club downtown.”

  Chapter 6

  Connie didn’t realize how exhausted she was that first night until they returned to their two-bedroom suite at the Tilden Park Inn. Julio slumped down on the sofa in front of the TV in the small living room. She went over, kissed his forehead and thanked him for being there for her.

  “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  Closing the door to her bedroom, Connie collapsed on her bed and fell into a deep sleep. She woke up in the middle of the night, sweating profusely. She’d had a nightmare and it was still vivid in her mind.

  Alone at dusk, she stood on the sidewalk, gazing at her home. From the familiar second story window—her bedroom window—a strange dark figure stared right at her and waved…ever so slowly.

  Just thinking about it made her shiver. She looked at the clock. It was three-ten in the morning. Wide-awake and scared, she began to do something she had not done in years; she prayed.

  She prayed for her parents and for the strength to find something—anything—to help her understand what had happened and why. She prayed for Julio, and finally for Andrew and his parents, who must have suffered terribly from the ugly rumors and accusations, not to mention how awful it must have been for gentle Andrew to face possible incarceration for such a heinous crime.

  Her prayers finished, she felt some peace of mind and a renewed determination to discover answers to the questions that had gripped their lives and would not let go. Connie couldn’t just sit around the room until daylight. She dressed, scribbled a note to Julio, collected the rental car keys and headed out. She was in the process of reaching for the door knob when a shadow moved through the light visible beneath the door. She froze. Was someone lingering in the hallway outside? Not until the shadow disappeared did she crack the door open and step out into an empty hallway. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a shadowy figure rounding the corner to the hotel’s stairway.