The Battered Heiress Blues (32 page)

Trying to stifle the sounds of my discord, I plunged my head into the pillow. Crying seemed to upset Dog. She marine crawled her way up to my face, licking my wet cheeks. My mind was filled with images of girlfriends and step monsters caring for Emma while Henry was away working. A tart like Callie was destined to be in my sweet girl’s life and there wasn’t anything I could do about it.

When I calmed down enough to speak clearly, I called Gabe who informed me that he would be home in a flash with a chocolate milkshake. Thank God for true friends.

22

T
rying to seem unaffected by his rejection, I did my best to make small talk with Henry as we waited for Tommy and John to arrive. They called from the limousine I had sent to collect them saying that they would be home momentarily.

I’d managed to take a shower and get dolled up just as Gabe had suggested during his pep talk earlier in the morning. He’d said that it was time to make Henry jealous. I was drowning in a sea of hopelessness, but agreed to play along. Gabe warned that he would be overly helpful and touchy during the course of the next few days. He was always helpful, but the touching would seem weird; although, after the events of the day, I was game.

Gabe arrived and brought me a big bouquet of flowers. They were hydrangea blossoms- my favorite. He kissed me on the cheek as he placed them in my hand.

“Hi beautiful,” he said as he rubbed my belly. “How was the rest of your day? I enjoyed the time we spent together this morning. I’m glad you agreed to consider exploring the possibilities we discussed,” he added as he gave me a pat on the backside.

Henry’s expression was priceless. His jaw almost touched the floor and his eyes grew in size.

“I bought some tickets to that concert you wanted to go to. Maybe Henry could watch Mattie for us; give him some practice for Emma Grace. What do you say, Henry?”

“I say that Jewels is on bed rest. She can’t be going to any concert,” he said irritated.

“True. However, the concert is in March.” He turned his attention back to me. “I could only get tickets for the Atlanta show so I thought we could spend the weekend painting the town. I’ll check into suites at the Ritz Carlton.”

“Sounds good?” I replied, not having the script to Gabe’s mind game in front of me.

“She’s breast feeding. She can’t be away from the baby so soon after giving birth,” Henry firmly stated, rather annoyed, but proud of his argument.

“You’re right. That’s why we’re going to take Emma Grace with us. My mom said that she would come and watch her while we’re at the concert,” he said to Henry as he slapped him lightly on the back. “I’ve worked out all the details. You don’t mind; do you Henry- just a quick trip to the city? Julia deserves it after all these months stuck in bed, don’t you think?”

“I guess,” he responded bewildered.

“Good, then it’s settled. I can’t wait,” he said, grinning from ear to ear as the front door opened.

Tommy was standing in front of John. Anxious to see my father with my own eyes, I charged the door. Before me stood a sickly old man, devoid of the vigor he once had. John’s eyes were still a light yellow and his skin was pale. He seemed a little short of breath which was concerning.

“Hi Father. How are you?” Without waiting for a reply, my nervousness kept my mouth moving. “Come in and sit down. I’ve had Gabe move a bed into the study for you so you don’t have to climb stairs. Are you hungry? I could fix you some food? Do you need to take medicine? I could get you a glass of water.”

“Julia, child, take a breath. I’m fine- just a little tired. It has been a long two weeks.”

“Come on Dad,” said Tommy, “Let’s get you to the couch. I’ll bring in your suitcase.”

Tommy walked past me, asserting control over John. It was apparent that they’d grown close through this ordeal and I was happy for my brother.

“Stop fussing over me Tommy. I can still walk.”

“Now you know how I’ve felt all these months. Sucks, doesn’t it?”

“Don’t talk like that Julia. Ladies don’t use those words.”

“Yes sir,” I said mocking him.

“I’m still fit enough to take you to task and don’t you forget it.”

“That’s it. I’m sold. John is fine,” I said, adding my estimation of his health.

Tommy walked back in carrying a package. Henry grabbed the suitcase and disappeared to place it in the study. I sat down next to my father on the sofa and Gabe sat on the arm, next to me, with his hand on the small of my back. This was obviously for Henry’s benefit. When he returned, he sat in the chair across from us- the sad chair. My father broke the tension with questions.

“How have you been, Henry? I heard that you helped your replacement get adjusted to working in our New York office. Thank you.”

“I’m fine, sir. I was sorry to hear of your illness. Your new hire is quite versed in the Spencer portfolio. He’ll be a great asset,” said Henry, acting congenial.

“Thank you. That’s good to hear. Any job prospects for you?” he quizzed.

“I’m considering some opportunities.”

“You know you have my highest recommendation.”

“Thank you, sir. I know.”

Tommy walked over to me and held out the brown paper covered package.

“This came for you. It’s from the Peruvian police department. What could that be?” he asked.

“Father John said that they would be posting my personal effects after the investigation was closed.”

“Are you sure you want to relive that event, sis?”

“No, but I want Mom’s locket and my pictures,” I replied.

Henry stood to walk over and intervene, but Gabe beat him to the punch.

“Come on. You and I will open it together. Let’s put the past in the past.”

Henry and I looked at each other. It was clear to me that he wanted to be the one to get me through it. Maybe Gabe’s plan was working. Regardless of who helped to open the package, it was going to be difficult. I hadn’t thought of that night for a very long time. Henry’s unhappiness was apparent as he stormed out the front door. After hugging John and discovering that he didn’t need or want anything, Gabe led me up the stairs to my room. He took out his pocket knife and cut through the police tape, exposing the contents to light.

On top was an official letter with attached documents from the police which I laid to the side. Under that was a plastic bag with my dress in it. The garment was still covered in mine and Connor’s blood. Gabe became upset.

“What kind of crack pot police force sends these items back to the victim? Do you have a number for these people?” he said angrily.

I stood motionless holding the torn dress, remembering Hector shoving the knife into my belly. Gabe noticed my emotional distance and unclenched my fingers from the plastic bag. He walked to the door and tossed it out into the hall.

“Are you sure about all this? I can go through this stuff and find your mom’s locket,” he said concerned for my mental health.

“No. I’m okay. I’m not a victim, Gabe. I’m a survivor. There’s a big difference in the two. Let’s keep going.”

I pulled out some of my books that were left at the mission, along with pictures and correspondences from the States. Below the letters was another plastic bag containing my blood-drenched shoes. Gabe immediately took them and placed them next to the dress in the hallway for disposal. Returning to my side, he took the box and shook it, rattling its final contents.

“Is there anything left?” he asked as he peered into the box.

Reaching in, his hand swept the inside of its cardboard walls.

“Here’s something,” he commented as he pulled an object from the box. “What’s this?”

In his hand, was the black, death amulet that Hector’s acquaintance had given me during my birthday party. My own hand rose to hold the object again, grabbing it out of Gabe’s grasp. Without delay, my mind was transported to the events of that night and the tragedy in the clinic. The memories flooded back with warp speed in a schizophrenic fashion.

“Julia?” he said, waiting for some type of response. When one wasn’t forthcoming, he became concerned. “What’s the matter, Julia?”

My hands rubbed across the smooth ceramic surface, surprised that it had survived the long journey intact. I stood and walked out onto the veranda, leaving the door open behind me. Suddenly becoming paralyzed with fear, I began to cry, scanning the yard for the evil that was certainly lurking behind the magnificent magnolia trees.

“Julia, talk to me. What is this thing?” he questioned, grabbing my arms, and shaking me gently to try and break my trance.

All I could do was sob louder. I heard the sounds of someone below, scurrying to the front door. Within minutes, Henry was at my side.

“What’s the matter with her, Gabe?” Henry asked.

“They sent the blood drenched clothes back and this thing seems to have upset her a great deal. I don’t know what it is,” he replied, confused.

Henry stood in front of me, taking my head in his hands, forcing me to make eye contact with him. Tears rolled quickly off my chin and down my neck.

“Jewels, it’s me, Tru. Talk to me, love. Why are you so upset? What is this thing you’re holding? Tell me so I can help.”

I held up the amulet in front of his face.

“This thing…they gave it to me at my birthday party…to warn me that they were coming for Connor…to kill him…it means death for whoever holds it…I’m marked…again…they want Emma Grace…they want my baby girl…”

Grabbing me, the amulet still in hand between our bodies, he held me tightly, stroking my hair as I cried out in agony.

“You’re safe here. No one is coming for you, love. I’m here. You’re safe. Gabe and I won’t let anything harm you. Right, Gabe?”

“Absolutely, Julia. Henry and I will protect you. You’re safe here. This is Savannah. They can’t get to you in the States.”

My body became weak and I slid down Henry to the ground, finding support from the veranda railing. The commotion drew Tommy and John to the scene. They both looked at me, unsure of how to help. I couldn’t see anything past my own experience- the experience of that night.

“It’s just that he promised to get me and the baby…and he did. He lured me to the clinic and I was so stupid for going. I should have stayed and waited for my guards, but I wasn’t scared. I should have been scared. They tricked me. He punched my face and I fell.” I recalled the attack so vividly that I grabbed my cheek, once black and blue. “…and my hair; he pulled it so hard,” I said, running my hand over my curly locks. “The knife was so big. He waved it around and around. I could barely see him…there was so much blood coming from my head. I should have left…the door was right there, but I stayed and fought him…that’s why my Connor is dead. They’ll get me again…that’s what this means,” I said, holding up the amulet, paranoid. “This is a warning. They’re coming for Emma. We’re not safe. They’ll find me,” I said seriously, looking out into the dark night.

Just as Henry was about to talk, John stepped forward and knelt down behind me. He waved the others off and they obeyed, moving to the veranda door. He pulled me back against his frail body and wrapped his arms around me.

“You let it out my sweet girl. Daddy’s here. You’re not alone anymore. You’re not alone,” he repeated as he rocked me back and forth. “We’re fine. You all go in the house. Close the door.”

John held me for what felt like an eternity as I sobbed. Every ounce of pain that had claimed my existence had surfaced. He reached into my hand, demanding that I release the amulet, which he laid to the side.

“You are Julia Spencer- a remarkably strong woman. I don’t know how you’ve carried this alone for all these months, but I’m here now to carry it with you. We’ll share the weight. Do you hear me? Let it go. You did nothing wrong. You’re safe.”

I lay back in my father’s arms for a long time, unable to move. He was patient and kind; the father I had always dreamed of having when I was growing up. Now, at the end of his days, he’d become my daddy.

With things quiet, the boys couldn’t contain themselves in my room any longer. The door creaked open and they cautiously entered on to the veranda. John motioned for them to come near and help get us vertical. We were both frail. With Henry and Gabe on each side and Tommy steadying my dad, we rose, still defeated, but living to fight the good fight.