by Tully, Alex
It was his first night there, so Lorene decided not to push it. “Okay. Why don’t I show you around real quick? Then you can get some sleep.”
He yawned, “That sounds great. Thanks.”
***
“Trevor! Wake up!” He could feel someone shaking his shoulder as he slowly opened his eyes. Everything was out of focus at first. Finally he was able to make out Lorene, standing above him with a big smile on her face.
“What time is it?” he asked groggily.
She walked over to the window and cranked the blinds open. “I’m sorry hon. I never would’ve woken you but I thought for sure you’d be up by now. It’s almost 1:30 and I told Carol Sorak she could come over. She’s been taking care of your dog for you.”
Jip! Trevor sat up in bed and shielded his eyes from the light. He couldn’t wait to hug the little guy. “Are you sure it will be okay to have Jip here?”
She smiled, “Of course. Reggie and I have had a few dogs in our time, so we know what to expect. Besides, I know how much he means to you. It will be fine.”
She paused by the door, “Oh and there are towels in the tall cabinet next to the sink. And I made you some homemade mac and cheese—the good stuff, not that Kraft junk. It’s in the fridge.”
“Okay, thanks.” Lorene was being unbelievably nice. He wasn’t used to this.
Once she was out of the room, Trevor pulled himself out of bed and headed for the shower. He stood under the hot water, trying to wash away some of the sleepiness. It wasn’t working.
Maybe eating something some would help. He went down to the kitchen and got the mac and cheese out of the fridge. He popped it in the microwave and poured himself a glass of milk. He was sitting down at the table when he heard a dog bark out front. Jip!
He dropped his fork and ran out the front door. Before he could step off the porch Jip was in his lap, yelping and licking his face frantically. “Okay boy, okay…” Tears were forming in Trevor’s eyes. He couldn’t help it. This was their dog, his and Mr.T’s. The licking and whimpering continued as Trevor buried his face in Jip’s fur. “I missed you too.”
“Hello Trevor.” He hadn’t even noticed Carol Sorak standing there. She was smiling, but there was sadness in her eyes.
Trevor stood up, putting Jip on the ground. “Hey Carol.”
She put her arms out and hugged him, squeezing him hard. They were both missing Mr.T. “How are you holding up?” she asked.
Trevor noticed her eyes watering, and he only hoped she didn’t lose it right there. He knew that if she started crying, he would start crying too. “Okay, I guess. It’s really nice being here, with Lorene.”
Carol nodded, “She seems like a really nice lady.”
“Hey thank you so much for taking care of Jip. I was so relieved when they told me he was with you. I can’t thank you enough.”
“Oh that was nothing. He was no trouble at all.” She smiled down at Jip who had not left Trevor’s side. “Hey guess what else I brought ya?”
Trevor only hoped she was talking about one thing.
She walked back to the car, opened the door and pulled out a silver pot so big, she could barely get her arms around it. Trevor rushed to her aid and grabbed the pot out of her hands.
He could already feel his stomach grumbling as the familiar aroma rose from the pot. “Cabbage and noodles?” he asked with a smile.
“Yep, the one and only.”
“Two things that can make me happy no matter what—Jip and Cabbage & Noodles. Thanks so much Carol. For everything.”
She put her hands on Trevor’s shoulders, “Just promise me you will come by the diner once in a while. I know it’s a little out of your way now, but I’d still like to see my favorite patron. You hear?”
“I promise.”
She gave him another hug and then Carol walked back to her car.
He turned to make his way back to the house when Jip started barking like crazy. Trevor looked over his shoulder to see what the dog was yapping about.
Just as Carol pulled away, a black sedan pulled up in the driveway. Trevor stood like a statue, holding the giant pot in front of him.
As the car door opened, he felt his grip slipping on the pot. Out came Investigator O’Donnell, a.k.a. the man-in-black.
CHAPTER 38
Trevor set the pot down on the grass and wiped his hands on his jeans. What the hell did he want?
The man-in-black wasn’t wearing black this time. He approached Trevor wearing khakis, a blue button-down, and a big smile on his face. “Hi Trevor, I have some good news for you.”
As Investigator O’Donnell stood in front of him, Trevor realized he wasn’t very tall. In fact, he was shorter than Trevor. As a kid, the man-in-black had seemed like a giant. And from the hospital bed, he had seemed much more intimidating. Not so much today; he looked more like Trevor’s history teacher.
“Good news. Really?” Trevor was surprised at how calm his own voice sounded.
“Yeah, I just heard on the wire that they caught your uncle. Someone spotted his truck at a roach motel in southern Indiana. They apprehended him about an hour ago.”
Mixed emotions swirled around inside Trevor. He was happy they caught the bastard, but he really didn’t want to deal with all the legal bullshit that would be coming down soon. “That’s good,” Trevor said.
“I bet you’re relieved.”
Did he think Trevor was afraid of the fat-ass? “Relieved? Not really, just glad the asshole will get what’s coming to him.”
Investigator O’Donnell nodded, “Well I’m sure the police will be contacting you shortly.” He reached inside his jacket and pulled out a folded up piece of paper. “I also wanted to give you something.”
He held the paper in front of Trevor, “Before you read this, you need to know that there is someone out there who really cares about you. I could get into deep shit here, but you have a very persuasive friend.” He handed the paper to Trevor, “Anyway, I think this may clarify some things for you. And if you have any questions, my numbers on there.” He handed a business card to Trevor, and turned to leave.
“Uh, thanks.” Trevor felt a twinge of anxiety creep into his gut.
As Investigator O’Donnell got in his car and pulled away, Trevor slowly opened the folded up piece of paper. Large black lettering across the top of the paper read:
OFFICIAL FINDINGS: Case 54792-b 09/2010 MCNULTY, PAULA
The twinge of anxiety spread like a wave that sent his heart racing and his palms sweating once again. He crumpled up the paper and shoved it in his pocket.
He ran into the house, not looking back. With his stomach in knots, he forgot all about the pot of cabbage and noodles sitting on the front lawn.
***
Trevor sat on the edge of his bed and pulled out the crumpled piece of paper from his pocket. He took a deep breath. He desperately wanted to know what happened in his house that day, but he was so afraid.
He closed his eyes and tried to remember what Dr. Fisher had said to him, “This was not your fault.”
Screw it. He slowly opened the paper and began reading:
It is the official finding of this investigation that the fire was started by a gas explosion from the gas stove in the kitchen. It is determined the gas leaked for an extended period of time where occupants were aware of leak because breathing would have become difficult. It is determined that ignition occurred in close proximity to gas stove (within 1-2 feet). The fire was ignited by a small flame source, and given supporting case evidence, the source was likely a lighter, match, or lit cigarette. Based on burn patterns and body location, all three victims appeared to be in close range of explosion at time of ignition, with adult female closest to the source of ignition. All windows and doors in the home appeared to be locked from the inside. It is highly unlikely the ignition was accidental, as occupants would have left residence because of lack of oxygen.
The official conclusion of this investigation is as follows: Fire was sta
rted by intentional gas leak and intentional ignition of leak, by one Paula McNulty.
The official ruling of this investigation: Double homicide; suicide.
Trevor stared down at the paper, his eyes focused on one phrase that was highlighted in bright yellow marker: with adult female closest to source of ignition.
Mom did it. She was right by the stove—she was out of bed. She let the gas run until they couldn’t breathe, and she locked them in.
Trevor suddenly felt something lurch inside his stomach, a sickening realization of what mom had done. It was too much to take. No, no, no...
“No!” he screamed.
He ran to the bathroom and threw his body over the toilet. His body heaved up and down until every bit of gut-wrenching vomit was finally expelled. Trevor laid his head on the seat of the toilet and closed his eyes.
“No, mom, no.” Then he collapsed into a heap of sobs.
CHAPTER 39
It was Trevor’s second day at Lorene’s house. So far, it had been quiet compared to the first. Not that he was complaining. He wouldn’t mind having one day with no visitors at all. He was already exhausted and it was only late afternoon. The stress must really be catching up with him, because he hadn’t done much of anything today.
Earlier he had watched TV for a while, and then he helped Reggie on his train cars. While painting the old cars Trevor was reminded of the Box. All of his tools, his projects, his ideas—up in smoke, literally.
He was now in his new room putting away the few clothes he had. He liked this room; it didn’t smell. And he couldn’t get over how clean everything was. He didn’t have to worry about things crawling on him in his sleep, or the disgusting toilet that overflowed on a regular basis. He would never have to step inside Uncle Gary’s rat hole again.
Trevor couldn’t wait for the day when he got to face his uncle again. Imagining him all decked out in an orange jumpsuit and cuffs made Trevor smile.
There was sure to be a trial. Uncle Gary would never confess or make a deal. But that didn’t bother Trevor. He planned on being there for every minute of it.
That day played over and over in his head. It was still hard to believe that the whole thing had happened at all. He knew his Uncle Gary had a screw loose—there was no doubt about that. But to come at Trevor with an axe and leave him to burn? That was a whole new level of crazy. Trevor could only hope the bastard would get what he deserved.
“Knock, knock…” It was Lorene.
“Come in!”
Lorene was always smiling, “Hey, I forgot to tell you that Jean Tyminski will be stopping by in a little bit—Mr.Tyminski’s daughter.”
Really?
Trevor’s heart sank at the thought of Mr.T. It still didn’t seem real. He felt uneasy about meeting Mr.T’s family. What if she blamed him?
Lorene set a glass of ice water on the bedside table. “If you’re thirsty…It’s a hot one today.”
She must have seen the worry on Trevor’s face, “Jean came to see me a couple of days ago, and said she really wanted to meet you. I wouldn’t have invited her over without giving you more notice, but she has a flight back to California tomorrow. I meant to tell you last night, but you looked so exhausted. And you went up to bed so early.”
Trevor wished he could just hide in this room forever, just pull the covers up over his head and never come out. “Did she say what she wanted to talk about?”
Lorene sighed, “Not specifically. But she said very nice things about you Trevor. She said her father talked about you all the time, and thought of you as a grandson. She seemed like a very nice person.”
Trevor tried to feel some comfort in Lorene’s words, but his anxiety was growing.
Suddenly Jip jumped on the bed and began barking. Someone was here.
Lorene got up, “Oh, I’m going to go get the door. That’s probably her now.”
Shit. He felt very strange about meeting Mr.T’s daughter. Her dad was gone because of him. Trevor just hoped she wasn’t going to ask him questions about what happened that day, because he honestly didn’t have the answers.
As he walked down the stairs, his shoulders relaxed. Jean Tyminski was standing across from Lorene in the entryway, in shorts and a t-shirt. She had a big smile on her face and seemed friendly enough. The conversation suddenly stopped as they turned their attention to him.
Lorene quickly made introductions, “Trevor, this is Jean Tyminski, Mr.Tyminski’s daughter.”
Jean reached her hand to Trevor, “It’s so nice to finally meet you Trevor. My dad talked about you all the time.”
He nodded, “Hi.”
“Well I better go check on dinner. Jean, can I get you something to drink?” Lorene asked.
Jean held up an aluminum water bottle, “No, I’m fine really.” Finally someone carrying a responsible water bottle!
“I think we’ll go outside if that’s okay with you Trevor?”
“Yeah, that’s fine.”
It was hot as hell outside—probably in the nineties, and humid too. But inside the house, it was just as bad. Lorene didn’t have air conditioning and preferred it that way. She said she liked the heat. It was the only time her arthritis didn’t bother her. She offered to buy Trevor a window unit for his room if he wanted it. But like Lorene, he didn’t mind the heat. After having the kind of winter they did, he would never complain.
“Why don’t we go sit on the porch?” Jean asked.
Two white wicker chairs took up most of the space on the small covered porch. Colorful flower baskets hung from the wood ceiling. Like the rest of Lorene’s house, it was very cozy.
They sat down and Trevor tried to make himself comfortable. But the familiar, uncontrollable sensations came on fast. His heart began racing and his eyelid twitched. And the heat seemed to make his anxiety worse.
Before Jean could say anything, he heard himself rambling, “I just want you to know, I feel so bad about what happened to Mr.T. I can’t believe that he risked his life for me. And he died for me! I am so sorry that this happened. I am so sorry—you don’t know how sorry I am.”
Trevor suddenly felt Jean’s hand rest on his. As he glanced over at her, she was dabbing the corner of her eye with a tissue. “Trevor…please stop.”
She smiled, “Please do not blame yourself for this. You meant the world to my dad. He talked about you all the time. He loved you like a grandson Trevor, he really did.”
Trevor could feel the tears welling up inside of him. Thinking about Mr.T was too painful. He missed the old man so badly, it actually hurt inside physically.
He tried to focus on something—anything. He looked across the street at two little kids running through a sprinkler.
“After my mom died, my dad was in bad shape…really bad shape. My sister and I asked him to come out to California but he didn’t want to move. He always said Cleveland was his home and that was that.”
Jean went on, “Well, we even considered moving back here, but Dad wouldn’t have it. He knew how much we loved it out there and he didn’t want his grandchildren being moved around. He insisted we stay put—and so we did.”
She reached into her bag and pulled out another aluminum water bottle. “God, it’s hot.” She handed it to Trevor, “Here—I brought one for you—ice water.”
“Thanks,” Trevor took a long drink, “I guess I must be used to the heat. It really doesn’t bother me.”
“Yeah, my dad told me that about you. He said you weren’t a complainer.” She took another drink, “Anyway, we would come visit twice a year and we would fly him out to see us twice a year. But he never seemed right, and understandably so. And truthfully, he was getting worse every year. We were all devastated by mom’s passing, but my mom and dad had something really special.”
She was quiet for a minute and Trevor was afraid she would start crying again. “We worried, a lot. Until you came along.”
“Me?” Trevor asked.
She turned to face him. “Yes you Trevor. I can�
��t tell you how much my dad changed after he met you. It was like he was a completely different person. When we had our weekly chat, I could hear the excitement in his voice.”
Jean had a huge smile on her face now, “He loved telling me what you guys had done that week, what you were working on in the Box—all of it. It was such a relief to finally hear some happiness in his voice.”
Trevor hadn’t realized how much he had meant to Mr.T. He knew the old man cared about him, but neither of them were big on showing emotions. “Well, he always used to say to me, ‘it goes both ways’. He definitely changed my life too.”
Jean sat back in her chair, “Trevor, I have to tell you a little story so that all of this will make sense to you. Is that okay?”
Trevor wasn’t sure exactly what ‘all of this’ was. Just when he was beginning to feel relaxed, the anxiety started creeping back in, “Okay…”
“Trevor, did my dad ever tell you…how my mom died?”
CHAPTER 40
Trevor was caught a little off guard, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to hear about Mr.T’s wife. “No, he didn’t really talk about her.”
The kids across the street were now filling up a baby pool shaped like a turtle. They were fighting over who got to hold the hose.
“Well I don’t like talking about it, but I think I need to explain to you what happened. All of this will make more sense.”
All of what? The tone of her voice changed and he thought he heard a twinge of anger in it. He had a feeling this wasn’t going to be good. He took another long drink of his water.
“My mother had insomnia and it was pretty serious. People think it’s just that insomniacs can’t sleep well, but it’s actually a medical condition and it can cause serious problems. If it’s severe, as in my mother’s case, it can cause heart problems—even diabetes. When my mom developed high blood pressure, she decided to get some help. She had always been very health conscience.”