by C. L. Brees
“Thanks, I do want a little privacy to talk to him.”
Amy glanced out the window and turned away and began walking towards the kitchen. As she passed the grandfather clock she noticed the time was closing in on six-thirty. Her stomach growled as she turned the corner into the kitchen. As she emerged into the kitchen, she discovered Carol setting a large sauce pan and boiler on the stove. Even though she tried hard to hide it, Amy could see that she was visibly upset by the news of Kelli’s death. She nervously attempted to strike up a conversation with her as she approached.
“I’ve come to lend a hand if you need it.”
“Absolutely, Amy. I can use all the help I can get today.”
“Anything special you need me to do?”
“Are you any good at watching pasta boil?”
“You bet I am. In fact, I’m a pro at doing mundane tasks,” Amy laughed as she picked up two packages of spaghetti from the counter.
“It’s your lucky day then.”
Turning back towards Ms. Jones, she inquired, “With this crazy day, how are you holding up?”
“I’m taking this all pretty well, given the circumstances. How are things going at school?”
“Oh you know, busy as usual. But we’re nearing the end of it all. I can’t wait to get to New York. I don’t know how much longer I can stay living with my parents. They’re crazy, but then again you already know that.”
“Well, you all are doing a great job from the way Alex puts it,” Carol said as the water on the stove reached a rolling boil.
“We’re all doing an awesome job. We should all finish in the top five percent, just as long as we all do amazing on our finals next week.”
“You’ll all do great. Like I told Alex, stop stressing about it. Damn it, where’d I put the sauce at?”
“I’ll get it; I know where it’s at. I think Alex got bored one day and rearranged everything in the kitchen.”
“Sounds so typical of my son.”
While things downstairs were going well, everything upstairs was a different story. Alex sat at his oversized desk, grasping a silver framed photo in his hand. The photo was of him and Mike, taken only a few shorts months ago on a hike. He sat there and thought about the wonderful life the two had shared over the past few years. Alex knew he had to find out exactly what was going on because he wasn’t about to give up on an amazing relationship over jealousy. He set the frame back on the desk and picked up his cell phone. He held it lightly in his hand, sitting there just staring at it. He was still very unsure if this phone call was something he wanted to do. However, it could possibly be something that he had to do. Alex threw caution to the wind and searched through his contact list. After selecting Mike’s number, he pressed “send” on the phone and it began to ring.
“He-l-l-o,” the deep voice on the other end of the phone answered.
“Mike, it’s Alex. I think we need to talk.”
Mike let out a sigh of relief, “Yes, Alex, we definitely need to talk. First off, I think I should explain to you what was going on the night you saw me downtown, now that I’m able to.”
“That would definitely be helpful for me to know.”
“Truth be told; the man you saw was an undercover informant that I work with. He has been providing me information on some organized crime that had bled over into Ridgewood Hills recently. He was giving me an update, and he couldn’t risk being seen that the police station and blowing his cover.
“Organized crime? Are you talking about the mafia?”
“Come on, Alex, you know there is no such thing as the mafia.”
“Ok, whatever you say. Go on,” Alex replied as he chuckled quietly under his breath.
“We met up that night downtown because he wanted to pass along some important intel that he had found out. This part I shouldn’t be telling you, however, it does concern you and your mother.”
“What in the world are you talking about, Mike?”
“The murders this morning, well, the ones you all witnessed—we think they were the work of these criminals. This investigation has been ongoing for several months, but I was sworn not to tell anyone. Now mind you, before this morning all of these crimes were petty. They probably wouldn’t even make the six o’clock news. However, after this murder spree this morning I now fear for your safety. It’s a long story. Can I drive over now and explain the rest to you in person?”
“This all sounds pretty crazy but serious. Um, yeah you can come over. We’re just making dinner right now, but I’m pretty sure I can squeeze another place in at the table.”
“Yeah, we really should be discussing this in person. Let me put my shoes on, and I’ll be over in about ten minutes.”
“Sounds good. See you in a little bit,” Alex said as he hung up.
Alex took his cell phone, put it back in his front jeans pocket, and stood to his feet. He made his way for his bedroom door but stopped for a moment to gather his thoughts. How was he going to prepare everyone for Mike’s arrival? And this craziness about the mafia after his family seemed so far-fetched. Could he be making this up just to get Alex to allow him over? How would everyone react to Mike coming over?
Hmm, well Amy’s going to flip, John won’t care and mom, oh lord, she’s going to go off the deep end as soon as Mike gets here. Guess I should go break the news to them now. I have to think about how I’m going to put it.
He walked out into the dark hallway as the floor creaked beneath his feet. He made his way towards the lit stairwell that lead downstairs to the foyer. In the distance he could hear laughter coming from the kitchen. He knew that in a few seconds his news would shatter the peaceful, entertaining atmosphere. Laughs would quickly turn to gasps and blank stares. He began descending down the stairs as he heard the creaking floor behind him. Swinging around quickly, he found that nothing was there except darkness. He wondered now if his mind was just playing tricks on him, or, could someone have been there listening to his entire conversation with Mike? He blew off the uneasiness and continued moving down the stairs. Only now he was moving much quicker than before he had heard the sound.
As he emerged into the foyer, he turned the corner and found John and Amy both sitting at the dining room table talking with Carol. They all looked up and saw Alex standing in the archway between the foyer and the dining room.
“Hey, how did the call go?” Amy asked as Alex began moving towards the couch.
“It went well; I have some bad news to tell you guys. Amy, you remember those two men this morning at the convenience store?” Alex asked her.
“Uh, yeah, the ones I won’t soon forget anytime soon.”
“Well, I just spoke with Mike and he told me that he believes those two men are part of some organized crime ring that has spilled over into Ridgewood Hills. He thinks that my mother and I could be in danger. Like serious grave danger.”
“What do you mean danger?” Amy harshly asked.
“Possibly life or death danger. He’s heading over to speak with us and make sure that we’re ok tonight, but I don’t think I’m going to let him stay all night.”
“Should Amy or I be worried?”
“I’m not sure yet. I was just told that something is going on and that he needed to come over and talk to us.”
“Now I’m worried for you, Alex. Maybe it would be a good idea if I stay here with you tonight.”
“It’s up to you. I don’t mind if you want to. I’ll can always have Mike drive you home to get a few of your things.”
The doorbell rang and Alex looked at Amy and John, “Looks like he was quicker than I thought he would be.”
Alex quickly stood to his feet and trotted towards the front door. He opened the front door and there stood Mike, still in his uniform as if he hadn’t had time to change after getting off of work. He leaned in towards Alex and attempted to give him a hug, but Alex stepped backwards to avoid the embrace.
“I’m not quite ready for that yet, Mike. I hope you understand,�
� Alex said as he escorted Mike into the house, his mother rounding the corner as Mike walked in the door.
“Of course I understand. We’ll work this all out, I promise.”
Rounding the corner, Ms. Jones was surprised as she looked at Mike standing in her foyer. She looked at Alex and fixed the apron she was wearing.
“I thought I heard the doorbell. It’s great to see you again, Mike,” she said as she walked towards him extending her arms out.
“It’s good to see you as well, Carol. I have some news to share with everyone that affects all of you,” he said as he removed his jacket and shoes in the foyer.
“All I’ve had all day is news. I’m really starting to hate that word. Let’s all sit down, because anytime a handsome police officer walks into your house and says ‘news,’ it’s never good news.”
“Well I’m sorry to say, Carol, but it is bad news. “
“For the love of God, let’s get on with this so I can digest all of this over dinner.”
It felt strange having Mike walking into his house, especially after the sleepless nights he had endured lately. However, he knew in his heart that if Mike hadn’t actually lied, then he should lighten up. He was always doing that, jumping to conclusions before he had all the facts, just like he had on that night he saw him downtown.
“Well, we’re all here, so maybe you should start from the beginning and fill us in on the craziness of today,” Alex stated as he took Mike’s jacket from him and hung it up.
“Sure, no problem. I know a lot has happened today and this seems overwhelming. I suppose I can make this quick and painless for you all. First I must warn you all to be on your guard for a while. You have to pay attention to your surroundings. With the triple homicide this morning at the 7-11 and now the gruesome murder of Kelli Burgess at Centennial Park this morning, I don’t want you guys to take any chances,” Mike said.
“Gruesome murder? The news said she was found dead. They didn’t say anything about a murder.”
“Well you’re hearing some inside information from me. She was murdered. Shot in the head and stabbed multiple times.”
Gasping loudly Carol inquired, “How long has the police department known about these lunatics?”
“Well they have been on our radar for a few months now. However, the kind of destruction that they exhibited today was not something we were expecting from them.”
“Is there anything that we should do to avoid being their next victims?” John asked.
“I’m advising none of you to travel alone. I’d suggest staying here as long as you can and if you need to leave the subdivision, you should always travel in a group. The more of you there are the less the chances are of you being kidnapped or murdered.”
“What about school? We have finals next week.”
“I will personally see to it that you make it and from school safely.”
“Ok, I think we get it. This is depressing; I’m hungry now,” Amy said as they all stood up and made their way towards the kitchen.
As everyone was walking to get their plates ready, Alex and Mike dragged slowly behind. Alex stopped in his tracks and looked at Mike. Words were not exchanged between the two; just a sense of awkwardness filled the atmosphere. Alex sighed heavily and broke the silence when it became clear that not speaking was making the situation even more weird.
“Mike, I have to say that I am truly sorry that I didn’t have faith in you and that I accused you of cheating on me. I know that you love, me and I love you. I think I’m ready to start acting like an adult and move on from this horrible incident.”
“Alex, it’s alright. I’ve always know that you were feisty and hot headed. Sometimes you don’t think before you speak. We’ve been together every day for almost two years. I would hope that by now I can confidently say that I know you—all of your insecurities and odd quirks.”
“And that’s what makes you amazing.”
Alex reached in and gave Mike a hug. He immediately felt much better knowing that he was doing the right thing. The muted sound of the telephone ringing in the distance distracted Alex from what he was going to say. Knowing his mother was in the kitchen with the others, he was certain that she would answer it. The sound quickly diminished and a moment later he could hear his mother talking to someone on the phone. He was too far away to make out exactly what she was saying but she soon appeared at the breakfast bar that separated the dining room from the kitchen. She looked at him as she cupped her hand over the mouthpiece of the phone.
“Alex, when was the last time you saw Heather today?”
“I dropped her off at her place around one o’clock. I haven’t actually seen her since. She called me around four o’clock from her cell phone to let me know about Kelli. She said she just wanted to stay home and be with her family tonight. Why do you ask?”
“Well, her mother said she left at about four-thirty for a walk and she hasn’t returned yet.”
“She could just be off somewhere gathering her thoughts and trying to make sense of all of this. She does enjoy going up to the park when things seem overwhelming. I’m sure she’ll show up soon.”
Carol disappeared again back into the kitchen and continued her phone call. Amy and John reappeared in the dining room with a plate full of spaghetti each. They both looked at Alex and Mike and smiled. As she sat down at the dining room table, Amy motioned at them to go get some food and sit down.
“I guess we better get some food. I’m so hungry,” Alex said as he grabbed Mike’s hand and walked into the kitchen.
Alex walked in just as his mother was hanging the phone back on the cradle. He stopped and waited for her to turn around.
“Everything alright mom?”
“I’m worried now. Mrs. Burgess said this isn’t like Heather to be gone this long. She said she’s not even answering her cell phone. Do you mind trying to call her really quick?”
“Sure, I don’t mind. Mike, do you mind getting me a plate ready while I call her really quick?”
“I don’t mind at all.”
Alex reached for the phone in his pocket and began dialing her number. The phone rang and after a few seconds it went to voicemail. He waited for the message to end and quickly left her a message.
“Heather, it’s Alex. I’m just calling to check on you. Your mother is extremely worried about you. When you get a moment please call either me or your mother back and let us know that you are safe.”
Alex hung up the phone and he walked towards Mike who was making his plate. He reached behind Mike to give him another hug and he quickly swung around.
“You scared the shit out of me.”
“Who did you think it was?” Alex asked as he laughed uncontrollably.
“I should have known it was you, but I was in deep thought. Did you get ahold of her?”
“Oddly, no. It went almost straight to voicemail. Maybe after dinner we should drive through the subdivision and look for her.”
“Yeah we should do that. Just for the peace of mind. I know she’ll turn up,” Mike said as he handed the plate to Alex.
When they returned to the dining room everyone was sitting at the table discussing the robbery that morning. The conversation abruptly ended when they entered the room. Alex and Mike sat down in the chairs at the end of the table. Everyone had forgotten the garlic bread in the kitchen, so Alex graciously placed it in the middle of the table for all to enjoy.
“Alex did you get ahold of Heather?” Carol inquired.
“It went straight to voicemail. Mike and I are going to go out after dinner and search for her.”
“Probably a good idea. I’m really worried about her now. I’ve never known her to not have her cell phone on at all times,” Amy announced as Alex reached over to grab a slice of bread from the basket.
“Yeah, it’s very irregular that’s for sure,” John said as he, too, reached for a slice of bread.
“Don’t worry guys, she’ll turn up. So Amy, you decide if you’re stayi
ng over tonight?”
“Yeah, I’m sure my parents are going to have another blow out tonight, so I think it’s best if I just stay here with you—if anything to keep my sanity intact for tomorrow.”
“Wise idea, Amy. I can’t believe your parents are still at their shenanigans. Are they ever going to grow up?” Carol asked as she scooped spaghetti onto her fork.
“I doubt it.”
“So, back to Heather. Do you think she’s just trying to get some attention?” Amy whispered softly to Alex.
“Well I was thinking that, but then again, her sister was murdered this morning. What if she went out for a walk and the same guys who murdered Kelli ended up taking her?”
“That sounds a bit far-fetched, wouldn’t you say?” Amy skeptically asked.
“I suppose you could be right, Amy. You know, my imagination just runs wild from time to time.”
Perhaps it was a little out there—Heather actually being abducted by the same men who killed the convenience store clerk, two innocent bystanders, and Kelli. But he still felt uneasy with the fact that Heather had just disappeared off the face of the earth without warning. Alex wasn’t sure if they should involve the police yet in the matter. He figured he would leave the decision up to Mike.
Everyone finished up dinner and Alex and Mike collected all of the plates from the table. Carol and Amy stood up and began walking towards the kitchen to start dishes.
“We got this. You all did such an amazing job with dinner, I just want you to both relax,” Alex announced.
“No complaints from me. I hate doing the dishes,” Amy said as Carol laughed.
They both stood at the sink, Alex washing and Mike drying. It was beginning to feel like old times again. The dishes only took a few moments to complete and once Alex closed the cabinet door, he looked over at Mike.