by Matt Juhl
It was difficult to discern much of anything. However, for all she’d been through, if there was one thing Harper had felt in her time in Michigan was pain. Maybe that was their common thread. She could see the hurt spelled out in his eyes, so clearly it practically screeched across the deafening silence.
Harper felt compelled to say something, struggling to find any thoughtful words.
After a couple minutes of awkwardness, she rinsed her glass and placed it in the dishwasher.
As she went to leave, she turned around and faced him. “May I?” she asked, motioning to the empty chair.
Jett nodded.
She momentarily reconsidered her proposition as the sweat began gathering in her palms. Instead, she nervously wiped them off on the front of her shirt and sat down.
“What’s on your mind?”
Harper lifted her eyebrows in astonishment. “I wanted to say thanks,” she muttered.
“Why?”
“For lettin’ me stay here with y’all.”
“Oh yeah, sure.”
With a dubious look, Harper continued. “I don’t know how much you really know about me. It was kinda my choice to go to Traci’s in the first place ‘cause I didn’t really have any options after my aunt kicked me and Mama out. At first, Traci seemed like she really wanted to help me.” She began fidgeting and running her fingers across the badly scratched wooden tabletop.
Jett waited impatiently for her to continue.
“When Auntie died, Traci tried her hardest to make sure I was all right, but she’s different now. She’s meaner. Like when Detective Harris found Mama’s body, for instance, Traci’s party was more important than worryin’ about my feelings. I thought she’d be more understandin’ and supportive, especially since she lost her mother just a year ago, as you’re well aware.” Harper gulped.
Jett cleared his throat. “Traci sounds like a heartless bitch. She must take after her mother.”
Harper closed her eyes, quietly chastising herself for her blind insolence. “I didn’t mean to bring Andrea’s name up. I’m sorry.”
“That frickin’ whore destroyed our family. As far as I’m concerned, she can rot in Hell.”
“Forgive me for sayin’ so, but the affair ain’t all her fault.”
“Yeah, you’re right. Pat was stupid enough to follow her to his own death, and now he’s never coming back. I hope she was worth throwing away his life and family. They both deserved to drown in that lake.” Jett flicked the ash off the end of his cigarette and watched with haunting intent. “You know what I don’t get? How does someone, who spends their whole life on a boat, manage to drown? Couldn’t handle a little storm? That’s the stupidest shit I’ve ever heard. She ruined him—she made him weak.”
“Well, maybe not.”
“What the hell does that mean?”
“If you ask me, I’d say she made him stronger. It takes a lot of courage to stand up for what you want and go after it.”
Jett scowled. “Yeah, maybe that’s how Nik and I should see it too,” he said sarcastically.
“Actually, that is how Nik sees it. Look, in life we don’t always make the best choices. Who’s to say what’s wrong for one person ain’t right for another? We only live once. Personally, I think it’s better to go after what you really want instead of stickin’ around some place you ain’t happy.”
“He abandoned his family.”
“I didn’t say that makes it right, but he had a good reason—”
“Like what, chasin’ after some straight woman?” Jett clenched his jaw. “When you make a commitment to someone, you’re supposed to follow through, for better or worse. Bottom line, that frickin’ cheater couldn’t even do that.”
Harper glared at Jett. It took every ounce of self-control to keep her mouth shut.
“Everyone thinks I’m the bad guy here, but that’s just it—my ass is still here, his ain’t. That asshole never said bye to either of us. Some guy he turned out to be.”
“Maybe he was afraid.”
Jett frowned. “Afraid of what?”
“Afraid of you.”
“Me?”
“Yeah, you. It ain’t exactly Sunday brunch tryin’ to have a conversation with you.”
“You don’t know anything about my family or my relationship with Pat.”
“No, but Nik’s told me enough to paint a pretty good picture.”
“You only know Pat’s side of things from Nik’s perspective. That doesn’t mean you know the truth. Has Nik bothered to tell you how hard I’ve had to bust my ass to keep this family going over the years? Has he even mentioned the millions of things I’ve done to try and please Pat? I may not have been perfect, but at least I was always faithful. He’s the one who cheated on me. That woman, Andrea, was just as bad as he was. What kind of person breaks up a family? She stole everything from me, and now I’ve got nothing left.”
Harper folded her arms across her chest in disgust. “She stole everything?”
“You heard me, everything.”
“Wow.” Harper clicked her tongue, feeling her filter diminish. “You’re frickin’ blind.”
“Excuse me?” Jett lifted his eyebrow.
“Never mind.”
“If you have something to tell me, you better come out with it.”
Harper cleared her throat. “I don’t think you know what you’re sayin’. Once I start, I can’t stop.”
“Did I stutter?”
Harper took a deep breath and carefully contemplated her words. “You remind me of my Mama. I know y’all never had the pleasure of meetin’, but you should know that bein’ compared to her ain’t a compliment.”
Jett stiffened his back. “Is that so?”
“Let me just start off by sayin’ that I don’t agree with Patrick’s behavior—runnin’ around behind your back. I can’t imagine what that feels like, but can you really blame the guy? You probably hurt him with all the fightin’.”
“So having a couple of arguments makes it okay to cheat on your husband?”
“No, that ain’t what I’m sayin’, but judgin’ by the look of Nik’s back, it seems like y’all do more than argue around here.” She glared at him. “Forget it. I ain’t gonna fight with you, Mr. Roberts.”
“Then you shouldn’t have started this. Besides, you could’ve fooled me. It seems like you wanna run your mouth ‘bout shit that ain’t none of your business.” Jett took another drag on his cigarette.
Harper propped herself up and leaned in towards Jett. “I’m the kinda girl who’s gotta say it like it is. There ain’t no way I can sit across this table and pretend that I don’t know about the ways you’ve hurt your family. I don’t know your reasons and I don’t know all the details, but it doesn’t matter. You can choose to see what you did to Pat or you can ignore it. You’re the one whose gotta live with yourself and the messes you’ve made, but as you’re well aware, Pat ain’t here to clean up after you anymore.”
Jett flashed a scowl at Harper.
“Takin’ care of someone who doesn’t give a damn about you is the most thankless job in the world. My Auntie spent her whole life carin’ for Mama and never got anything in return, not even so much as a thank you. It used to make her so mad, and I bet that’s how Patrick felt.”
“It ain’t my fault he’s gone—”
“Maybe part of the reason he left had to do with his sexuality and things you couldn’t give him, but you’ve gotta accept some of the blame for the way you treated him. If you don’t, you’ll never move past it. Bottom line, there ain’t nothin’ you can do about it anymore, so you’ve just gotta accept what happened. Otherwise, you and Nik won’t ever be able to have a future, especially with what you said about Andrea taking everything away from you. That really pisses me off.”
“Why, ‘cause Traci filled your head with shit ‘bout how wonderful her mother was?”
“No, it ain’t got nothin’ to do with her. It’s ‘cause you’re too blind to see what’s in
front of your frickin’ face. You still have Nik, don’t you see that? And he’s all that you’ve got left.”
Jett folded his hands and stared down at the table in silence.
“Nik had to pick up where Patrick left off. Every time we hang out, he’s late from his chores or rushin’ back to make sure you’ve got dinner on the table. If it ain’t that, your chickens need to be fed, your yard needs a trimmin’, or you need somethin’ else done that you’re too lazy to do yourself. I’ve never seen a guy work so hard to please his daddy, but Nik feels like he’s nothin’ more than a disappointment to you. He’s had to grow up real quick, takin’ your abuse and livin’ through all your fightin’. So if you think for one moment you’ve got nothin’ left while Nik’s still in your life, then you’re a God damn idiot.”
Jett was so stunned he couldn’t speak. He couldn’t even look at Harper, feeling incredibly shocked by the heavy truth of her words.
“I can see the hurt in his eyes. It’s the same hurt I’ve felt my entire life. I’ll have to take that pain to the grave ‘cause Mama ain’t around to clean up her mess and apologize to Auntie and me. Maybe it’s too late for you to tell Pat sorry, but it ain’t too late for you and Nik. Sure, you’ll never be able to erase the hurt you’ve caused, but at least you still have the chance to make things right with your son. Don’t you see that? Nik’s still here. He’s all you have left. Hell, he’s all I have left, and I’ll be damned if he’s made to feel like he’s nothin’. Maybe he ain’t that special to you, but let me tell you somethin’, Mr. Roberts, he’s everything to me.”
“This ain’t any of your business.”
“Stop sayin’ that. Nik’s well-bein’ is my business and it always will be ‘cause I love that man, hell, someone’s gotta. I feel sorry that you can’t see how incredible he is. One day you’re gonna wake up, Nik’s gonna be gone, and you’ll be all alone. Then you’ll really have nothin’ left, except for your ugliness…and your guilt.” She stood tall and pushed her chair in.
For a brief moment, Jett locked eyes with Harper and flashed in incredulous stare. Normally he would’ve emphatically denied everything, but he didn’t. He couldn’t even open his mouth.
Instead, he watched her storm out of the room. Then he slammed his head down against the table and grumbled, feeling remorseful for everything he’d destroyed.
TWENTY-FIVE
“I really appreciate your assistance,” Tonya called over her shoulder, looking at Brielle’s reflection from the car’s rearview mirror. “And I’m glad you’re finally feeling better.”
“Oh yes, darling, thank you. I had an awful spat of flu. Thank goodness my niece, Daisy, was there to take care of me.” Brielle ran her fingers through her long, chestnut-colored hair and leaned forward. “I sincerely hope I’ll be able to help you again with your investigation. Admittedly, my visions have been quite hazy since my illness.”
“We’ll take all the help we can get. You’ve already been instrumental in the case. After all, it was your vision that led us to the remains of Mindi Jones.”
“Phony ass psychic,” Leland muttered under his breath.
“What was that?” Tonya asked as she slammed her fist into Leland’s arm.
“Damn, nothing,” he whined, rubbing his arm and looking out the window.
Brielle rolled her ice blue eyes. “I see you’re a skeptic, Officer Brown.”
“Don’t pay him any attention,” Tonya interrupted. “The man can hardly tell his face from his ass.”
“Real funny, Harris.”
Brielle raised her voice over their banter. “What’s the matter, my tip at Whispy Creek didn’t convince you?”
“The odds were stacked in your favor. Besides, I think psychics are just scheming opportunists.”
Tonya hit him again. “Fortunately, his opinion doesn’t reflect that of our entire police department. What Officer Brown should be doing is thanking you for your assistance. We’ve been working tirelessly on this case, but the killer is incredibly cunning. He hasn’t left many clues behind. We’re hoping he’ll slip up before he gets another victim. That’s why I want to bring you to Old Man Winston’s house.”
“He’s still your prime suspect, right?”
“At the moment, he’s our only suspect.”
“What, may I ask, lead you to that conclusion?”
“Shouldn’t you know that already?” Leland squawked.
“Enough, Brown,” Tonya ordered.
He chuckled to himself.
The detective continued. “Bill Winston’s been seen lurking around Faye’s property on numerous occasions before and after the fire. Since then, he’s disappeared. No one’s seen him in over a month. We’ve also learned he had a less than amicable relationship with Faye’s sister, Mindi Jones, and we all know what happened to her.”
“You expressed concern earlier that Mindi may have been involved in her sister’s death. You don’t believe that anymore, do you?”
“No, we don’t, Ms. Holloway. Forensics tests revealed Mindi was killed at least twenty-four hours before Faye. There’s no way she could’ve killed her sister.”
“I see.” Brielle wet her lips and closed her eyes, hoping she’d be able to see something.
However, it wasn’t until the squad car rounded the corner onto Old Man Winston’s street that the psychic was able to start feeling flashes of energy wash over her.
Tonya pulled into the driveway and opened Brielle’s door.
The autumnal chill was reminiscent of the unsettled feeling that had devoured the clairvoyant’s body.
Just as the officers began walking towards the house, Brielle stopped them. “Wait.” She placed her hand on Tonya’s arm. “I’m being pulled across the street, towards Faye’s place. I want to search the wreckage.”
“Be my guest,” Tonya motioned to the residence. “While you do that, we’re heading inside with our search warrant. I have a feeling this house has plenty of secrets.”
Brielle slowly shook her head in agreement. “I don’t doubt that for one moment. Excuse me.”
Leland and Tonya watched her cross the gravel road to Faye’s property line.
“She’s frickin’ loony. I don’t know why I have to keep telling your ass that,” Leland laughed while he pounded on the door.
“Think what you want Brown, but until you can provide me a shred of evidence nearly as helpful as she’s provided, I’ll take her word over yours any day.”
“Okay, gimme a minute.” He put his hands out in front of his body, bent his knees, and closed his eyes. “I see it, something real unbelievable…it’s, uh—” he paused. “It’s a big pile of bullshit. Do ya smell it?”
Tonya reached out and slapped Leland upside the head. “Shut the hell up, Brown.”
Suddenly Gage appeared shirtless at the door, standing with a blank expression on his face.
“Good evening, Mr. Black.” Tonya stood tall.
Gage half-smiled and walked through the screen. As the cool air hit his exposed chest, he rubbed his strong hands on his arms. “Detective Harris—how nice of you to stop by again.”
“A pleasure as always.”
“What can I do for you both this evening?”
“Going somewhere?” Leland asked.
“Yeah, getting dressed then heading to the Silver Tavern for a couple of beers. I just finished hauling the rest of the pumpkins out to the stand for Halloween. If you want a couple, help yourselves.”
“I see.” Tonya said, motioning to Old Man Winston’s vegetable stand. “Sounds like you’ve been a busy guy. What else have you been up to?”
“What’s this about now? Are we doing this again? If you’re bringing me in for more questioning, you’re wasting your time. I’ve already told you everything I know about Pops.”
“Are you saying that you still haven’t been in contact with Bill Winston?” Tonya asked.
“Nope, he was supposed to check in within the week of his arrival, but I never got a call.”
“Positive. I’m a little uneasy about things, especially with how strange he was acting after the fire. I’ve been keeping the doors bolted ‘cause he usually leaves the entire house unlocked. I don’t suspect he even has a key if he wanted to get back in, but no, I ain’t seen him.” Gage looked down and spit. “It looks like you’ve got another suspicious person on your hands.” He pointed at Brielle.
“Don’t worry, she’s with us.” Tonya assured him.
“Ah, got it.” He carefully watched her scour through the debris, certain not to take his eyes off her. “So you’re just looking for Pops, again? Sorry to disappoint you.”
“We didn’t expect to find him here.” Tonya handed Gage the search warrant. “We’re here to search his house.”
“Oh, of course.” Gage scratched his chin. “Absolutely, whatever you need to do. Come in.” He motioned to enter, closing the door behind them while watching the psychic.
Meanwhile, Brielle fell to her knees and shut her eyes. Her mind spun in overtime as the telling visions rushed to the forefront of her attention, overlapping each other in fast succession.
She ran her hands through the ashes, letting the tiny cinders fall through the spaces of her fingers. Unexpectedly, the blurred visions started becoming clearer…
She saw Faye Jones, racing away from the masked intruder inside her home. The defenseless woman had been screaming at the top of her lungs, desperately battling down the hallway.
The intruder was relentless, maniacal in his pursuit. He was completely dressed from head to toe in black, carelessly shooting bullets into the wall.
He grabbed a hold of Faye’s foot and dragged her across the carpet against her will.
She reached down and clawed her nails into the back of his neck, anxiously pulling away.
Faye sobbed and pleaded to have her life spared as she was tied down on the floor.