by Terri Marie
“I want you to know something, Sebastian. I took your place at the age of eighteen, and raised my brothers the best I could. They all went to college and have wonderful lives. Montclair Pharmaceuticals is thriving and you don’t fit in anywhere, do you understand?!” Tyler warned. “You stay away from my family, Sebastian! You no longer have one!”
“I’ll stay away, I promise. If you ever need anything—” Tyler interrupted him as fast as he could.
“Need anything? Don’t you think you’re a couple decades late for that?!” Tyler laughed at him. “There was a very long search for your body, Sebastian. Did you even care that people were working around the clock to find you?” Tyler shook his head and laughed harder at the pitiful man before him.
“Yes, but I felt like everyone was better off without me. I broke your mother’s heart and she killed herself because of it. I jumped over the banister to join her, but I ended up just busting my hip on the rocks instead. To be honest, I’m not, nor have I ever been, happy that I lived.” Sebastian held up his cane.
“Don’t even tell me that you want my sympathy. I’m not happy you lived either!” Tyler yelled.
“Just because I wasn’t visible, doesn’t mean I didn’t care,” explained Sebastian.
“And just because you’re alive, doesn’t mean we do…” Tyler slung open the door and walked out. “I’m done,” he uttered as he headed down to the beach. With his hands shoved down inside his pockets, Tyler made his way back to the rental car and drove to the burned up ruins of the Montclair Estate. Though tempted to keep driving past, Tyler knew what had to be done. After all these years, it was time to confront another demon. He pulled up into the driveway and got out of his car.
He tripped over the rubble and got scratched up more than he wanted, but Tyler was able to make his way around the burnt-out remains, to where the rope had once swung above him. Taking a few more steps, he was able to see the rocks where his father had landed. But this wasn’t about his father.
Tyler looked up at the sky and cleared his throat. He never thought he’d be standing where he was, ever again. He squeezed his eyes closed for a moment when he felt them welling up with tears. “I’m here to thank you for everything you did for us growing up. We couldn’t have had a better mother than you when we were together as a family. But you chose to put a cheating, lowlife man, above your own children and end your life over his transgressions. It saddens me to know that we weren’t reason enough for you to live. I raised your sons by myself, and we’re all doing well. I just had to tell you how I felt, so I can finally move on with my life in peace. It’s best if me and my brothers keep the past where it belongs. I have the answers I need. I might not know them all, but I know enough to realize we’re just fine despite what you both did.”
Gazing across the water, Tyler continued. “I won’t be back. I’m done mourning the loss of you, the mother that chose to go away when I was sixteen. Perhaps you thought that dad would stay and raise us, or maybe you didn’t care one way or the other. I’ll never know, but it doesn’t much matter anymore. Maybe someday I can come to peace with what happened, but for now, I need to go about my life and be the best husband, father and big brother I can be. At least I can learn from the past and be a better parent than what we were exposed to. Children shouldn’t have to suffer because their parents aren’t getting along. You could have divorced dad and taken us with you to start a new life long ago, instead of wrapping a noose around your neck.”
Shaking his head, Tyler paused when he thought about seeing the noose for the first time. “Obviously you weren’t as strong as we all thought you were. I’m sorry you felt the need to punish your husband and his lover at the expense of the rest of us. I wasn’t in your shoes during that dark hour, but you weren’t in ours when we were left to pick up the pieces from your wreckage. I don’t hate you, but I can’t exactly find any empathy either, nor continue to hold you up on that pedestal I had created inside of my head. I hope you’ve found some sort of peace, but now it’s time for me to find my own. I have a family I need to be with, so I’m going home now. Just know that even with all of the odds stacked against us we came out fighting and it made us all stronger.”
Tyler wiped his face with his hands and took one last look around before turning back towards the car. He’d call someone to clear the debris from the fire when he got home. The best thing he could do for everyone would be to sell this land, but Tyler would check with his brothers first. Climbing back into the car, he turned on his phone, saw all of the texts and voice mails waiting and smiled to himself. He felt a thousand pounds lighter. No matter what happened, he had three brothers, a beautiful girlfriend, a teenage son, and a sister named Emma who’d love and be there for him always. The baby on the way was such a gift, and now he could focus all of his thoughts and energy on what he needed to. He wouldn’t allow Sebastian and Natalie to chip anything else away from him. Tyler pulled out of the driveway without looking back.
He made his way to the airport and bought a ticket to Metro Airport. Tyler knew he had some phone calls to make, and he wasn’t looking forward to any of them. His brothers would probably yell at him, but then they’d welcome him home with open arms. Renee and Brian, on the other hand, would choke him. He walked over to a quiet corner and called Vincent.
“Tell me you’re okay, Tyler, that’s all I need to hear.” Vincent’s voice began to crack. “You do whatever it is you need to do, but I have to have my brother back in one piece. I love you.”
Tyler closed his eyes. He could only imagine how much he’d worried everyone. Guilt was rearing its ugly head. “I’m catching a flight home, and it leaves in a couple of hours. Can you pick me up from Metro? I’ll text you my flight info.”
“Yes, of course.” he quickly replied.
“Renee and Brian…are they okay?” He sat down in a nearby chair and ran his hand through his hair.
“They’re both fine, just worried about you. We’re still waiting on the verdict, so we’ve been sticking close by one another. I highly doubt the jury will reach a decision at this hour.”
“I’ll see you soon, Vin, and thanks for everything. I love you guys, too.”
Tyler sat there for a moment before making his next phone call. He had no idea how Renee was going to respond since he’d taken off without a word to her. He wasn’t proud of himself, that’s for sure, but he couldn’t risk having her try to stop him. Renee would have been successful, and Tyler would have stayed, and then nothing would have gotten resolved.
“Tyler?!” she cried.
“Yes, Baby, it’s me. I’m on my way home. Is everything okay with you, Brian, and the baby?” Tyler prayed they were.
“We’re fine, Sweetheart. We just want you home.” Renee let out a small sob.
“Are you guys angry with me? I don’t blame you if you are.” How could I hurt a woman like this, thought Tyler.
“No one is upset with you. We all love you more than you’ll ever know. Did you find what you were looking for?” She asked, her voice full of compassion.
“Renee, I had to find out some truths, so I could be free to love my family with all of me. My mother and father and their ugly past has weighed so heavily on my shoulders and in my mind. I had to face them both. I’m free, Renee. The truth I found is that neither one of them are who or what I thought they were. Sebastian and Natalie Montclair were two of the most selfish people I know. I never have to be like them.” Tyler breathed a sigh of relief.
“Like I said before, Honey, you’re going to make a wonderful father. Brian’s here and he’d like to speak to you.” He heard her passing him the phone.
“Dad? Are you okay?!”
It was then, that Tyler finally broke down.
Chapter 6
Vincent was already awake and getting dressed when the phone rang. He grabbed his cell phone, hoping for the news that a verdict had been reached, so they could all finally move on. He quickly answered it.
“Vincent Montclair.”
He was out of breath from racing to the living room.
“Hi, Vincent, this is Carrie Oliver. I was wondering if you wanted to have that coffee date?” she asked with a small laugh.
“Of course I do. Are you still in town?” Vincent hoped she was.
“No, but I reported into work this morning just to be told the department was being cut back. I got laid off.” Carrie’s mood seemed to take a nose dive.
“Oh wow. I’m really sorry to hear that.” This shocked Vincent. He knew firsthand what a good cop she was.
“I called the precinct in Southfield, and they said I could come in for an interview. I’ll be in town tomorrow morning, looking around for a place to stay.” Vincent had plenty of room, but he didn’t want to sound too forward.
“I’d like to help you look at some places, but we’re still waiting on a verdict in the Preston trial. I’m afraid I can’t be too far away from the court house until that comes in. I’m hoping I’ll get a call from the prosecutor soon, so we can put this all behind us.” If not, he’d definitely be calling Furrow.
“Then I’d better not keep you. I’ll talk to you in the morning, Vincent. Thanks so much.”
Carrie quickly hung up the phone, and Vincent found himself wanting to talk to her more. Images of the pretty cop made him smile. With a spring in his step, Vincent walked back to his bedroom to finish getting dressed. Getting to know her better would definitely be fun, but he also knew he made a lousy boyfriend.
As he was walking out the door, his phone rang again. It was Tyler, just the man he needed to speak with.
“It’s about time you got up,” answered Vincent.
Tyler laughed. “I barely slept. Renee was up worrying all night. I can’t wait to be finished with Robert Preston. Have you heard anything yet?”
“Nothing about the verdict, but I received a new trial date for Brian’s parents. It’s in two months. When you can, I need to meet with you, Renee, and Brian. This isn’t going to be easy for the kid.” Vincent hated to add more stress into their lives, but he couldn’t avoid it.
“Let’s shoot for Friday. His teacher leaves the house around 2:30 in the afternoon. I’d rather not have him miss school. Plus, that’ll give him the weekend to process everything.” Vincent could tell that Tyler wasn’t looking forward to putting Brian through this.
“Sounds good. I’ll call you when a verdict’s in. You’ll need to be close by. They won’t wait for you.” Vincent had seen many times where the victims weren’t able to be present.
“I’m taking Renee and Brian to the diner for breakfast. Sean, Jacob, and Emma, are going to meet us there. Can you join us?”
“Not this morning, Ty. I need to get to the courthouse. I’ll talk to you soon I hope.” Vincent hung up and headed out the door. When he reached the courthouse, he seemed to notice police officers more these days, and couldn’t help but think of Carrie when he saw them. His palms began to sweat. He shook the thoughts from his head and walked over to the wall to read the cases on the docket for the day. There was another murder trial starting, and Vincent instantly felt sorry for the families and all the grief they were about to go through. He picked up a crumpled newspaper off the bench and sat down to wait for news from the prosecutor’s office. Just as he opened up to the sports page, he heard people hurrying in the door. His cell phone vibrated in his pocket, and he saw Furrow rushing towards him.
“I was just calling you. The jury’s reached a verdict. Get your family here now!” Furrow headed down the hall with his assistants.
Vincent called Tyler. “There’s a verdict.”
“We’re across the street. Be right there, Vinnie.”
Vincent waited in the lobby for his brothers. He saw everyone run across the street. Renee’s face looked as white as a sheet. Once inside, he led everyone into the courtroom. The proceedings hadn’t yet begun. Vincent felt instant relief that they were all there. Renee wanted to sit in the front row, and he knew it was so she’d have a clear view of Robert. He couldn’t blame her. If anyone deserved justice, it was Renee.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Robert sat in the holding tank of the Stupid Jail, hating the place more and more each second. If he was back at the prison, he could at least find out whether or not they’d hired him to work in the kitchen. Then he could pile extra food on his plate and stop having to eat like a damn bird. But noooo! Being stuck in this Stupid Cell was pissing him off. For dinner last night, Robert was given a dry bologna sandwich with fake cheese, a carton of warm milk, and a damn soft apple. Where’d they get this shit? A dumpster? He pictured himself throwing Idiot Renee into the trash, right where she belongs. Robert laughed at his thoughts. For breakfast he had a little container of cereal, another carton of warm milk, a squishy banana and a cup of stale decaf. If he wasn’t starving, he would have thrown it at everyone who looked at him.
Robert waved his arms towards the guard station. If one of them would just get off their Lazy Asses, he could maybe get himself a pencil. Finally one of the thin ones got up and walked over.
“What’s the matter, Preston?” asked Skinny Guard with a bad attitude.
“I’d like to have a pen or pencil, please.” Robert knew a pen would be out of the question.
“You’re not getting shit, Robert. Both of those things can be turned into a weapon. You’re only here to await the path to your future. I’m sure it’ll be blissful.” Skinny Ass strolled off laughing.
Robert walked the few steps back to the wooden bench and sat down. He wanted a pencil to carve his name in the wood too, so people would know that someone famous, Robert the King, once graced this cell. He began to read what other people had written and started to laugh. Who calls themselves Beans Burran? Robert wanted to write ‘Stinky Ass’ underneath it, but Skinny Guard wouldn’t give him something to write with.
He wished he had something to do other than watch the Stupid Jerks at the desk or the damn clock. But noooo! He was being caged like an animal just to humor Waddles Weddle. He didn’t care what that Can of Lard thought. The jury hated Robert the King, and so he scowled at them as much as he could in court. ‘Eat Shit’ is what he wished he could yell, but instead, Robert began to make up a song for the jury. Maybe he’d even sing it to them while they read the verdict. “Twelve Freaks, sitting in a row, I hate you too, let the record show…” he began loudly.
“Shut your pie hole, Preston!” yelled Hillbilly Guard. “Get up!”
“For what?” Robert was just getting ready to think of the next line when The Hillbilly startled him. He must be proud of that Stupid Puke-Colored green uniform. He looked just like a green bean. Beans. Beans Burran. Robert began laughing hard.
“You’re about to hear your verdict, Robert. When you get life in prison, I’m sure you’ll find that funny too. Hopefully they’ll throw away the key.”
Damn, thought Robert. I didn’t even get to finish my song.
“Back up to the cell door!” Skinny Ass came over to join in on the fun.
Robert waited quietly while they cuffed and shackled him. He made as much noise with the chains as he possibly could. The guards shoved him, which made Robert want to bust them in their faces.
“Hey, don’t I get a suit or something?” He wanted to look nice for everyone.
“Move!” Skinny Ass yelled.
They loaded Robert into the back of a police transport van. There weren’t even any windows. That pissed him off too. The least they could do was let him walk outside and get some fresh air. But noooo! They drove him down a secured tunnel and then through the lower level of the courthouse. His attorney met him in a private area outside of the courtroom.
“How are ya holding up, Robert?” Knowles asked with a stupid grin on his bony face.
“I’m just dandy Dumb Ass. How about you close your trap. The first chance I get, I’m gonna snap that gooseneck of yours.” Robert couldn’t help but try and scare the Freakin’ Creep.
“I’ll see you inside. The judge has ruled that you’re
to remain shackled and cuffed today, due to all these threats, Robert.” His Useless Lawyer hurried off. That was okay by him. The guy was a Joke. Knowles doesn’t Know anything. He laughed hard as he was being escorted inside.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Renee was so happy that Tyler had come home safe and sound, and that he was sitting next to her right now. She wasn’t naïve enough to believe she’d be all better once Robert was convicted of all the crimes he’d committed. But at least she could finally begin the process of healing, knowing he was no longer an immediate threat. Renee had been very worried that the monster would escape the local jail. Once he was sent back to Marquette, behind twenty feet of concrete, razor wire, and gun towers, she’d allow herself to breathe again. Putting this nightmare ‘behind her’ wasn’t something she had faith would ever happen.
On one hand, Renee wouldn’t trade the events that had occurred in a million years or she wouldn’t have met those who had become the center of her world. On the other hand, she didn’t know if she could ever forgive herself for making everyone else pay the price for her freedom.
No matter how many catastrophes Renee had brought into the lives of this group, they loved her anyway. It sickened her to know that she hadn’t been with Tyler during some of the most painful moments of his life. When his brother lay dying, she couldn’t be there to hold him, and when he confronted his father, she’d been miles away. But Renee didn’t have a choice in either of those situations. She had no idea what she’d ever done to deserve the friendship and love she now experienced daily. What she did know was that this child growing inside of her would be the luckiest person alive.
As the other victims’ families began to file into the courtroom, her gut wrenched. They deserved justice, but they shouldn’t have had to be here in the first place. No matter how much time passed, she would never forget their faces. Renee knew she wasn’t responsible for Robert’s actions, nor had she believed he was capable of this degree of violence. But she’d unwittingly started the ball rolling the day she walked out. There were plenty of occasions when she’d slump into a dark place, knowing she could have gone back to him and saved everyone a lot of pain, a lot of loss. Memories can open old wounds faster than a knife, Renee thought.