Jennie and Shelley got in to town at eight o’clock on Saturday evening. Jennie was kind enough to drop Shelley off at the Sherriff’s office. Shelley found the Sherriff at his desk and reported Matt.
“You look like hell. What happened to you?” asked the Sherriff.
Shelley broke down into tears, and the Sherriff gave her a tissue to dry her eyes. She cried inconsolably for five minutes before calming herself. It helped Shelley clear her mind and focus.
She recollected how the day had started as she unsuspectingly went for a picnic with Matt at the local lake. The Sherriff was rather surprised at the mention of Matt’s name, because he had known him from childhood. In fact, the Sherriff knew Matt’s parents and had sympathized with his plight. This report baffled him, because he had never known Matt to be the murderous type.
“I want Matt nailed for what he did to me,” Shelley said. “He left me for dead and planned everything. There were no witnesses.”
“I can only take your word for it at the moment, but we will investigate your statement. Don’t worry. We will bring him in for questioning immediately and continue with the investigations. However, you need to note that he has no prior offenses and it may take a while before we can pin anything on him, and I mean anything.”
Shelley left the Sherriff’s office rather downcast and bitter at the fact that it would take a while before Matt was pinned. The Sherriff kept his word and picked up Matt at the local bar for questioning. Matt protested.
“I don’t know what she’s talking about. I never tried to kill her. I dropped her off at home and went to have a drink with Jim, and that’s final.”
The Sherriff detained him in custody until Sunday evening and let him go when the investigation trail went cold.
Chapter 2
Shelley went to see her doctor the following morning. It was something she had to do so that she could present the medical report to Sherriff Riley later in the day. The clinic was quite busy for a Sunday morning. There were patients of all kinds. Shelley waited her turn patiently. The nurses gave her a concerned look.
In the small town of Savannah, nothing went unnoticed. Despite Shelley reporting straight to the Sherriff, word had gotten round about the previous day’s incident. Shelley felt as though the nurses were looking right through her. She waited her turn to see the doctor patiently and went in.
“Aren’t you early for your monthly appointment Shelley?” asked Dr. Johnson.
“Yes. I had a nasty experience yesterday and came to get a report on my condition today. I need to take it to Sherriff Riley’s office.”
Dr. Johnson looked concerned. “What happened?”
Shelley went ahead and explained herself. Dr. Johnson listened in dismay as he carried out the examination. By that time, one of the nurses had come into the doctor’s office to assist him in the examination. The doctor expressed grave concern for the baby but after carrying out the medical examination, he was pleased to inform Shelley that she and the baby were fine.
Shelley was relieved. She thanked the doctor and collected a copy of the report for delivery to the Sherriff.
Shelley went straight to the Sherriff’s office and gave the file to his secretary. The Sherriff was out of the office. On further enquiry, Shelley learned that Matt was still in custody, as Sherriff Riley was carrying out an investigation into the previous day’s events. Shelley was somewhat relieved that some action had been taken, and went home to spend the day resting and recovering from the traumatic experience that she went through on Saturday.
Monday morning came fast. Shelley tried to put the series of events over the weekend behind her and focus on work. After the medical examination, she was calmer, since the results showed that she and the baby had not suffered any permanent injuries or effects of the weekend ordeal.
Shelley got to the automotive plant by eight o’clock in the morning and went about her routine tasks. She took a ten o’clock tea break and headed straight for the cafeteria. She went to the counter to get tea and a donut. Her appetite had increased since she became pregnant. Shelley had developed a habit of having a ‘second breakfast’ during the mid-morning break.
Suddenly, she noticed Matt coming in her direction. His appearance shocked her and she felt giddy. Shelley made for a seat at one of the tables in the cafeteria and steadied herself once she was seated. Unknowingly, Matt had trailed her to the table and joined her. He was cold and calculated.
“I won’t let you take anything from me,” Matt whispered. “I know you want to ruin my life. You will not get away with what you did.”
Shelley realized that she was dealing with a maniac of sorts and tried to remain calm. He went on.
“You had better lay off and keep your mouth shut if you know what’s good for you.”
Shelley avoided eye contact. She was fearful of what he might do next. She prayed that he would leave her alone and go his way. He knew there were no investigators or law enforcement officers there and he could intimidate her all he wanted.
“I will be watching you from now on. It doesn’t matter if you go to Sherriff Riley. I will get what I want and you nothing from me.”
Shelley was helpless. She had no one to talk to. Concentrating on work for the rest of the morning was impossible. Her boss noticed her sullen mood and called her aside to ask her why she seemed distraught.
“Shelley,” Mr. Finley began, “I have noticed that you seem a little distracted or afraid. Is there a problem?”
“No, sir,” she answered. “I’m just feeling a bit under the weather today.”
“Are you sure? I wouldn’t want one of my best workers to be distracted, especially with all the pressure there is in production at the moment,” Mr. Finley said. “I don’t want to lose a dedicated employee and be left with more staff with mediocre performance. Times are changing and I need to retain the ones that can adapt to change fast.”
Shelley faked a smile. “No worries, sir. I’ll strive to be your best worker. Just having an off day.”
Shelley excused herself and made for the door. She could not disclose her fears as long as Matt was free from custody. She soaked it in and got back to work, more conscious of her performance than ever.
It was lunchtime soon enough, and Shelley went out of the plant premises to have lunch. She visited her favorite café, a walking distance from the plant, always looking over her shoulder to check if Matt was trailing her. As long as Matt was free, her life would be living hell, and she needed to find some evidence to get him behind bars and away from her for a long time.
Matt knew her favorite café, and Shelley was as apprehensive as she was at work because she feared that he would be there, waiting to taunt and threaten her even more. Fortunately, he wasn’t and this gave her a little confidence.
Shelley made straight for the counter and ordered her favorite ham and cheese sandwich. She also bought a sweet soft drink hoping that it would help her forget the morning incident with Matt. She didn’t realize that she looked like a forlorn figure seated alone in the cafeteria, staring into empty space. Even the owner of the cafeteria noticed that there was something different about her.
“Is everything all right, Shelley?” asked Tim.
Shelley looked up. “Why?”
“You don’t seem to be your usual cheerful self today. Tough morning?”
Brad was sitting across the cafeteria, enjoying the view. He had just come into town on an assignment regarding the history of Savannah and the local automotive plant. Brad could not help noticing the beautiful lady that had walked into the café. He overheard the conversation between the café owner and her. He noticed that she was in some kind of trouble. His experience in journalism had taught him to understand the body language of people, and from what he could see, the lady was lonely and in need of help.
His nature as a curious investigative journalist made him make his way over to where she was sitting and strike up a conversation with her. It lo
oked like she could use some comforting.
“Hi. I’m Brad. I couldn’t help but notice you from the other end of the cafeteria.”
After the traumatic experience with Matt and the unfolding events, Shelley did not know what to make of Brad’s forwardness. But she figured that it would be nice to have some company; someone different to chat with, even though it was just for a quarter of an hour or so. Perhaps this is what she needed to take her mind off the day’s events.
“Hello. I’m Shelley.” She forced another smile.
Brad pressed further. “I hope I’m not disrupting your lunch or anything. I just thought that, as a newbie in town, it might be a good idea to start making friends. I’m an investigative journalist and I’ve come to Savannah to do a feature on the state of the automotive industry in town.”
“It’s fine,” said Shelley. “I don’t mind the company over lunch. I’ve had a tough morning and would rather talk about something refreshing to get my mind off the whole experience.”
Brad sat down across from her. “I noticed you came from the direction of the automotive plant. Work there?”
“Yes, I do.”
“So what’s new at work? Perhaps you could give me some pointers.”
Shelley laughed. “You’re the expert, aren’t you?”
Brad replied, half laughing and half serious, “Perhaps you could be my research assistant? I could hire you as an intern.”
Shelley was amused at the suggestion. It lightened her mood. This is what Brad had hoped for. They went on talking for the rest of the lunch break. Finally, Brad asked Shelley why she seemed a little disturbed and if he could be of any help. Shelley explained to him what had befallen her over the weekend and on Monday morning. Brad was genuinely concerned and felt that he could relate to Shelley.
Brad came from a humble background. He had worked in an automotive plant, and like Shelley, used the job as a stepping-stone to pay for his college tuition in order to embark on a journalism career. He came from a small town that had an automotive plant as well, and could understand the challenges and problems that workers in such plants faced. This included their personal challenges too.
Brad had suffered his fair share of problems in life. His parents were recovering alcoholics who had lost their jobs, failed to make mortgage payments, and were now in a nursing home with alcohol-related illnesses. As if that wasn’t enough, they had been stripped of custody of their only son, who was put in the care of a social worker. Fortunately for Brad, he had supportive foster parents and the social worker ensured that he could get through all the ups and downs associated with foster care as well as the challenges of life that were thrown at him.
Despite their shortcomings, Brad still loved his parents and would visit them often in between volunteering to help foster kids. He had a burning ambition and desire to make it to the top of the ladder, and whenever he identified a potential story, Brad would pursue it as if his life depended on it. His star was rising and Brad was climbing up the journalism profession very fast.
Brad offered to help Shelley with her problem. He told her that, with the resources available, they could build up a story to expose Matt.
“I think I can help you, Shelley. But, I am going to need your cooperation. Would you be willing to have your story featured in the newspaper?”
“Yes, I would,” replied Shelley desperately, “if that is what it will take to get Matt out of my life for good and into jail for what he has done to me. It is difficult enough having to see him go scot-free after what he did. It doesn’t matter if he doesn’t want the baby. What right does he have to take away our lives?”
“I know. I am really shocked at what he did,” Brad said. “He committed a heinous crime and should pay for it. And if he was already dating someone else, he should have been man enough to tell you the truth. You could have made child support arrangements, even if the relationship didn’t work out.”
“I trusted him with my life, and this is the mess he got me into. I really don’t know what to do. My life is half ruined, and as if that isn’t enough, he wants to take away what little that I have left.”
“As long as I am in Savannah, I will do everything to make sure that he doesn’t get away with it,” Brad reassured her.
Shelley wondered how Brad would accomplish his task. “You’re new here and don’t know anybody. Don’t you think it will be difficult to corner him? I think I’m asking too much of you.”
“Well, if it makes you feel any better, Matt is not the first loser that I have pinned down. All psychos have a pattern of crime and I am sure there is something I can find to pin him down. Don’t worry. I will discuss the matter with my boss. He prefers real life stories with a human touch and he has a sense of justice like me. That’s why we get on pretty well.”
Brad and Shelley exchanged contacts and parted ways a few minutes before the end of the lunch break. Shelley went back to work and Brad called his boss a few minutes later.
“Good afternoon, sir. Just calling to let you know that I got to Savannah safely and have started work on the state of the automotive industry in Savannah. While I was on lunch break, I met a young lady that works at the plant. She suffered a life-threatening experience at the hands of her boyfriend and the police’s hands are tied. They can’t seem to get any evidence on him and he doesn’t have a past criminal record. I was wondering if I could do an investigative feature on the boyfriend and help come up with some credible evidence to help put him away.”
“Do you think it’s a captivating piece with all the hallmarks of justice missed?” asked his boss. “If you think it makes a good piece, then cover it and make sure you get to the bottom of it. It would make a good side story for the plight of workers in Savannah during such difficult times.”
Brad was relieved. “Thank you, sir! I think it will make for a heart-wrenching story and add to the already difficult plight of the automotive workers and the desperate state they’re in. It brings out the socially devastating effects of the economic downturn in the state.”
Later that day, Brad called Shelley to inform her of the good news. Shelley was pleased. They decided to meet for dinner and plan the strategy that they were going to employ in order to get information on Matt.
Shelley was fortunate to have had a relatively peaceful afternoon at work. Her colleagues noticed the improvement in her mood and this had a positive impact on everyone working around her. It pleased her boss as well and calmed his nerves.
“All is well, Shelley?” asked Mr. Finley. “You seem to have resolved your morning issues?”
“All sorted, sir. I apologize for any problems I may have caused.”
“Not to worry. I knew you had the capability and strength to overcome any challenge, personal or professional.”
That was enough. Mr. Finley was contented. He knew his superiors would not pull him up for a slowdown in production, and was looking to surpass the monthly target so that he and his staff could get bonuses at the end of the month.
Brad spent the rest of the afternoon preparing the foundation for investigations into Shelley’s attempted murder. He would need to start by researching Matt’s past to dig up some dirt. This was not going to be an easy task, considering the fact that Matt had no criminal past, even though he had a turbulent childhood. What made it even more difficult is that Matt had not had a string of girlfriends that could provide him with information. He kept few friends and those that knew him would not have much to tell.
Later in the evening, Brad met Shelley at the local bar and they had supper in a relatively informal setting. They had struck off a friendship fast, and this was evident in how comfortable and free they were with each other.
No one gave them any odd glance because word about the relationship between Matt and Shelley had spread. By Monday evening, word had gotten round about what had transpired over the weekend and in a small town like Savannah, people preferred to remain silent about such shocking in
cidents.
Brad was not treated with hostility and suspicion. In fact, Savannah was a town that was known for its hospitality. Shelley and Brad had all the space and privacy they needed to discuss the investigation they intended to carry out on Matt. Moreover, with Brad present, Shelley knew she had an ally that would intervene if Matt showed up and tried to harass or threaten her.
Shelley found Brad sitting alone at a corner table.
“You made it!” said Brad.
“Yeah. Was a little concerned about meeting you-know-who.”
“Don’t worry. The likes of him are cowards,” he reassured Shelley. “They only strike when their target is alone. He wouldn’t want to try anything now that you have an escort of sorts.”
Shelley laughed. This was the first time she had felt genuinely safe since Saturday. She needed it, and knew she had made friends with a person that genuinely cared and meant well.
“I’ve started doing some planning for the week,” said Brad. “I figure it won’t be easy to extract information from Matt’s friends, but perhaps I can get some material at the school library about the history of the place and take a look at some yearbooks. Perhaps I could talk to some of his high school teachers and anyone else who may have known him during his days in high school.”
Shelley was impressed at Brad’s investigative skills. She told him that it would be a good place to start, as she did not know much about Matt’s teenage past other than what he had told her. Shelley realized that he would have made an effort to conceal negative information about himself in order to impress her and to keep her from pulling away from him.
“You could also try his section at work,” she said. “Maybe some of his colleagues could help you, but you would need to be cautious. It may be wiser to visit his previous employers and find out how or why he lost his jobs. Matt did tell me that he had worked in a surprising number of places before he joined the automotive plant. It seemed rather unusual that he’d worked at several different places within a short period of time.”
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