Tad and Phil The Wedding Part 15

 

 

Tad lies at the bottom of the ravine half in and out of consciousness he looks over to where Taylor was lying and tried pulling himself towards her again then screams as pain racks his body. He had to reach her! He had too!

 

Phil: Tad! Tad! (He calls softly from above him)

Tad: Help! Somebody help! Please! (Tears still rolling down his checks his face etched with agony)

Phil: Tad calm down no one can hear you.

Tad: Oh God, You have to help Taylor she’s trapped! (He looks at him his eyes wild as he struggles to free his self) You have to get her out! You…you have to get her. (He collapses back on the ground his face bathed in sweat)

Phil: I can’t Tad.

Tad: What do you mean you (struggling to sit up he looks at him with anger and confusion) you can’t you’re right here.

Phil: She’s gone Tad. 

Tad: She’s gone? (He snarls his eyes filled with rage) She’s still here! She’s right there!

Phil: You heard her Tad she’s already gone she said good-bye. (He pleads)

Tad: No! She alive, she just passed out from the pain! (He struggles to sit up his strength starting to fade he lies back against the earth closing his eyes against the image of Phil shaking his head again) 

Phil: She wasn’t in pain Tad and she not sleeping. She’s crossed over. Jenny took her a little while ago. (Tad quiets thinking back to just moments when Taylor was talking about Jenny. It all made sense now. He rubs his eyes then laughs bitterly)

Tad: So, is that why you’re here to guide me to the other side? (His laugh burgeoning on hysteria)

Phil: No. (His voice calm and level)

Tad: Then why? Why are you here?

Phil: I’m here to help you.

Tad: Help me how? (He shouts his anger boiling over) Are you going to lift this car off of me? Are you going to bring Taylor back?

Phil: No, I can’t do any of that but I can help you get through this if you let me?

Tad: How? (His voice sounding weary and defeated)  How are you going to help me? Are you going to lift this curse off my life?

Phil: You life isn’t cursed Tad. (He sits down on the soil opposite him)

Tad: It’s not? Then how come everyone I love is taken from me? First Jenny then Dixie now Taylor when does it stop huh? When am I allowed to be happy? Why now huh? Why today? (He looks at his brother confused and hopeful waiting for some philosophical reasoning his brother wishing he could give him one)

Phil: It was her time and you heard her she was happy, happier than she had been in her life.

Tad: So that’s it don’t be happy. (His laugh sounding hollow, emotionless)

Phil: No, that’s not it.

Tad: It has to be every time I’m happy or I have hope for the future he takes it away from me.

Phil: Tad she was happy and she was at peace. You did that.

Tad: Yeah, sure I did that and for what? So he could take it all way.

Phil: No, so she would have the happiness she’d always sought. 

Tad: Oh, I get it now I’m not supposed to be happy I just bring it to others.

Phil: No, Tad listen to me please. (Tad stares at him his eye cold his voice a deadly whisper)

Tad: No, you listen I’m done! You understand? I’m not doing this anymore you hear me! (Phil glances up and see the two men only a few feet from the bottom and stands and dusts his self off) 

Phil: Look their coming I’ll be back later.

Tad: Don’t bother! (His head beginning to throb as well as his leg)

Phil: I just have to make some arrangements you’re going to be okay I promise you. (he leans down and pats him on the shoulder and smiles just as the rescuers his bottom)

Tad: Just go and don’t come back. (He whispers his voice raspy and hoarse from screaming)

Phil: The paramedics have reached the bottom they’ll be here any second. I’ll see you at the hospital.

Tad: What’s the point? (He closes his eyes as the darkness begins to enfold on him)

Phil: Hang in their little brother. (He pats his shoulder again then stands and walks through the brush and disappears in to the darkness) 

Paramedic: We got you man just hang in there.

Tad: Just leave me alone! (He screams)

Paramedic: Oh can’t do that buddy we spent way too much time getting down here. (He looks over at the other paramedic who inspects the inside of the car then shakes his head grimly) 

Paramedic 2: We’re going to need the jaws

Phil: No, you’re going to have me around for a while get used to it. (Comes the call of Phil’s voice on the tail of the breeze wafting though the canyon)

Paramedic 1: I need a pressure bandage!

Tad: Oh God no! (He groans as the light from the other paramedics flash light blinds him freighting him for a moment till he feels the pounding of his heels as he runs to the other side of the car at the same moment Phil’s voice drifts in his ear) )

Paramedic 2: You’re going to be okay buddy!

Phil: Watch it man!

Tad: Why? He doesn’t care if he did this wouldn’t be happening all over again! (He groans the paramedic ripping open his shirt to inspect his wounds)

Paramedic 2: Who’s he talking too? (Kneeling down on Tad other side looking confused)

Phil: If he didn’t care I wouldn’t be here. See you later. (The Paramedics shield their faces from the sudden breeze then look down at Tad bruised and batter body and finding a large puncture wound in his side)

Paramedic 1: I think he’s going in to shock. We got to get him out of here quick!

Tad: Yeah sure!

Paramedic 2: Mountain rescue team just got here and are on the way down the chopper is on the way. Let’s get him stabilized. It’s okay we’re going to get you out of here! (He turns toward Tad who closes his eyes the pain in racking his body becoming beyond endurance he allows the darkness to envelope him) 

Aidan Adrian: The Wedding Part 14

 

Aidan and Adrian sit in the cold dark car outside at what seems to be a vacant warehouse watching the building through a pair of night goggles.

 

Aidan: Tell me again why we’re sitting here? (His head tipped back against the head rest)

Adrian: Tip came in from the agency that this is where the drop off is.

Aidan: Really, (His head snapping forward) doesn’t look as if anyone has been here for month.

Adrian: Doesn’t look as if there is anyone here now. (Pulling his night goggles from his eyes and places them on his lap)

Aidan: Do they at least have a time or are we supposed to stay here all night? (He grumbles laying his head against the rest)

Adrian: We’re supposed to stay here for as long as it takes. (He sighs heavily picking up his binoculars and looking at the building again)

Aidan: What happened to the tail they had on them? (He grinds out between clenched teeth then slaps the dashboard with his palm in frustration)

Adrian: Some how they lost them on the interstate. (Aidan looks over at him his expression perplexed)

Aidan: Can you explain to me how you loose a truck?

Adrian: I don’t know it’s the interstate and there are lots of trucks? (He snorts smothering a grin)

Aidan: Well I have to tell you this really sucks! I should be home with Annie enjoying the first evening we’ve had alone in months instead I’m stuck in the middle of no where stuck in a car with you watching and empty warehouse! (The last part coming out as a yell) 

Adrian: How do you think I feel? (He grouses handing him the glasses) I thought I’d be spending the evening getting to know my date.

Aidan: Speaking of your date how did that go. (He holds the glasses up panning the building in front of him)

Adrian: Pretty good. (He grins at the memory)

Aidan: What that’s supposed to mean? (In his best “ah-ha” voice)

Adrian: It means ((He says stretching out the last part and nodding his head) we had a nice time.

Aidan: So are you two going out again? (Sounding a little too much like “na nana nana” to Adrian’s ears and shoots him what he hopes is a quelling look which Aidan ignores)

Adrian: Yeah, I asked her out to dinner.

Aidan: Dinner huh? (He grins using his best “I told you so voice” making he and Adrian laugh)

Adrian: I figured a nice dinner might make up for me skipping out on her tonight. (He shrugs and Aidan nods in agreement)

Aidan: I don’t know how I’m going to make it up to Annie. She was really looking forward to tonight.

Adrian: We could make it a double date. Maybe go to the “Chateau”.

Aidan: I guess we could (He shrugs) they were getting along great at the wedding.

Adrian: And it would be really good for Lola she’s pretty new in town and doesn’t know a lot of people. (Mulling over to the idea and allowing it to form in his mind that could be good they could spend some time together but there would be that buffer between them he leans his head back against the head rest closing his eyes his mind lighting on snippets of the day and fighting his weariness)

Aidan: She’s Krystal’s sister. (Spotting a car pull into the driveway wait a moment for the other car to pass then backing out and heading back in the opposite direction)

Adrian: Yeah. (He says distracted by his thoughts)

Aidan: Funny I’d heard her mention a brother I didn’t know she had a sister.

Adrian: She kind of like me a long lost sister. (He chuckles)

Aidan: Sort of kindred spirits huh?

Adrian: Something like that. (His eyes snap open as he catches him self starting to doze he sits up right reaches for the ignition key turns it then press the button for the window and opens I letting in the cool night air) ) This is a bust they should have been here by now.

Aidan: No joke! What do you say we wrap this up they’re not coming.

Adrian: Anything more from our guys who were supposed to be tailing them?

Aidan: Nothing! (His voice dripping with disgust and annoyance)

Adrian: Can you pick up anything on the scanner?

Aidan: Nothing put the normal police chatter earlier but hold on I’ll check again. (He reaches for the radio and begins turning the knobs till he hears Brot voice and stops to listen)

 

“Chief Hubbard this is Detective Monroe what’s you twenty?.. Hubbard to Monroe five minutes out just turned left on Monongahela Ave should be heading up Oswego in two over… Monroe to Hubbard… Pine Valley Fire and rescue on the scene over…. Hubbard what’s it’s looking like down there Monroe, over…Monroe to Hubbard not good chief were still waiting for Mountain Rescue to get here no way the Fire Department can get them up with their equipment …Hubbard to Monroe understood has anyone been able to get down to them over…Monroe to Hubbard good news two of the fireman were just coming back from rock climbing and still had their gear with them they just reached bottom getting the report now over…Hubbard to Monroe report…Monroe to Hubbard both victims are still trapped in the car over… Hubbard to Monroe are they alive over?.. Monroe to Hubbard Tad was partially thrown from the car his leg is pinned (His voice trials off for a moment his cracking slightly as he speaks) Taylor’s body is still trapped inside…(The radio goes silent for a moment then Jesse’s voice comes back) Hubbard to Monroe Understood over and out”

 

Aidan and Adrian stare at each other a moment in stunned silence shock and fear registering on both their faces.

Adrian: Screw this! (Turning the key in the ignition and stamping on the gas pedal he shifts into gear all in one swift movement the two roar down the dirt drive gravel spraying up behind them the air filling with a cloud of dust)

Aidan: Turn right when you get to the end of the fence. (They speed down the highway in tense silence each lost in their own thoughts each saying a silent prayer)

Jesse 01/04/2013

 

 

Jesse walks in to the police station stopping by the desk sergeant on his way through.

Sergeant: Evening Chief! What are you doing back here?

Jesse: My wife wanted to check on a patient on the way home so I figured I’d stop in here see what’s going on.

Sergeant: Been pretty quiet all night.

Jesse: That’s always a good thing.

Sergeant: Yes sir! You’re looking pretty spiffy you and the Mrs. out for a night on the town?

Jesse: No coming home from my best friends wedding.

Sergeant: Aww, another poor bastard bites the dust!

Jesse: Tell me about it! Did Drummond make it in?

Sergeant: Late but he made it.

Jesse: Good, I’m going to be in my office for a while if you need me.

Sergeant: I’ll alert the Media.

Jesse: You don’t have too they always seem to know exactly where I am.

Sergeant: Ain’t that the truth? Oh, chief wait a second (He says coming from around the desk and handing Jesse and envelope) this came for you a little while ago.

Jesse: Great, Thanks oh and only you and I know I’m here got it?

Sergeant: Haven’t seen you since yesterday. (Jesse walks down the hall to his office looking down at the envelope tapping it on his palm as he walks. If this was, what he thought it was he’d need the privacy of his office. For some reason Angie always had a way of dropping in on him whenever he was trying to keep something on the down low. He stops in front of the door fumbles in his pocket for a moment before opening the door)

Officer: Chief

Jesse: Officer. (He open the door flipping the switch for the light then walks to the desk tossing the envelope on the bolter. He shakes out of his jacket hanging it on the back of the chair and sitting down. He picks up the envelope and stares at. Would what was in it confirm his suspicions or just leave him with more questions. What was in it could change his family forever and did he want to be the one responsible for what ever happened once the truth was out? But, he more than anyone knew that the truth had a way of coming out no matter how hard you tried to keep it buried and this was no different. He taps the envelope against his palm then stares at it again. There was no point in delaying the inevitable. One way or the other the truth needed to be known and dealt with. He reaches for his letter opener sliding it carefully under the flap and slicing it open. He removes the folded sheets of paper skimming through them quickly to the part he needed. Ninety-nine point nine-eight percent likelihood that subjects is father and child. Griff was Randi’s father. Now what was he going to do? Call Frankie. He reaches for the office phone just as it rings.

Jesse: Chief Hubbard!

Sergeant: Chief, this O’Rourke at the front desk.

Jesse: What’s up O’Rourke?

Sergeant: I have a call from Officer Monroe.

Jesse: I thought I told you I wasn’t here?

Sergeant: He says it’s urgent.

Jesse: Okay put him through. (He waits a couple of seconds till he hears the Brot’s voice on the other end)

Brot: Chief this is Detective Monroe.

Jesse: Go-ahead detective.

Brot: I’m here on Oswego Ridge there’s been a hit and run involving a limo. The limo went over the edge. Sir, it’s really bad.

Jesse: How bad?

Brot: It’s Tad and Taylor’s limo Jesse.

Jesse: Oh my God! I’ll be right there! (He takes the envelope placing it in his desk drawer and locking it before grabbing his jacket and coat and running out the door)

Tad and Taylor the Wedding Part 13

 

 

Tad: Taylor? Taylor? (He moans fighting against the throbbing in his head)

Taylor: T..Tad (She says weakly)

Tad: I’m right here honey. I’m right here. (He rolls his head slowly from side to side struggling to get his barring)

Taylor: T…Tt…Tad…

Tad: I’m right here Baby, I’m right here! (He moans he wills his eyes to focus till he can see the shadowed outline of Taylor’s upper torso inside the mangled vehicle her face wane and pale intermittently lit by the still flashing hazard light)  

Taylor: I feel like something is pressing on top of me. I…I…It’s hard to breath. (She tries to will her outstretched arm to move but her fingers barely scratch the dirt)

Tad: Can you pull your self out?

Taylor: I c…c…can’t move

Tad: Are you in pain?

Taylor: No, I’m c…c…cold.

Tad: Hang in there honey I’m going to try to get you. (He gathers his strength and pushes against the rocky surface then falls back screaming in agony)

Taylor: Tad? (She cries out trying to force herself to move towards him but her body doesn’t respond to her efforts)

Tad: I think my legs are broken. (Perspiration bathes his body as he fights against the pain in his legs to once again reach for her and finds her cool listless hand and holds it tightly in his)

Jenny: I like and dislike this part. (Brushing a stray tear from her cheek)

Phil: This kind is always extra difficult.

Jenny: That’s probably why they had us do it this time.

Phil: Yeah, ready when you are. (He sighs heavily then looks at her his expression grim)

Jenny: They have a few more minutes lets give them that. (She takes his hand in hers as he nods his head in agreement)

 

Devereaux: Get it into the trunk hurry up! (He shouts looking up and down the road)

Maurice: That’s all of it sir. (He brushes his hands together dusting the truck grime from his gloves)

Devereaux: Take him with you (pointing to the other driver) sweep through the truck again make sure there’s nothing left behind.

Maurice: Yes sir. (He replies flatly walking quickly back towards the damaged truck as Devereaux focuses his attention on the other driver)

Devereaux: Un load the rest of the cargo in the alternate warehouse here are the directions, then get rid of the truck make sure it’s clean and it’s never found. Give me your phone. (The driver reaches in his pocket pulling out his phone and hands it to him Devereaux snatches it from him placing it in his pocket) Take this one there is a pre-programmed number you can use it to reach your contact when you’re done then dispose of it. As soon as you’re finished I want you two on the next flight back understand?

Driver: Understood. (Nodding as he tucks the new phone away)

Maurice: It’s clean sir.

Devereaux: Good, here (he hands a new phone to the other driver then takes his old one) do not make any calls between here and the warehouse not on that phone or any other. That goes for both of you understood?

Driver: Yes sir.

Devereaux: Now get out of here! Go! (Devereaux watches angrily as the two of them walk hurriedly to the truck and climb inside. They are lucky that he hadn’t killed them right then and right now but that would have been another mess to clean up he’d have to deal with them later. Luckily for them there hadn’t been anyone else down this back road since it happened. He watches till the tail light of the truck disappears into the darkness then reaches in to his pocket and dials 911)

Devereaux: I’d like to report a horrible accident!

 

Taylor: Tad? (She moans her voice sounding weaker than before)

Tad: I’m here honey. (He croaks chocking back his tears as feelings panic and fear begin to rise inside him)

Taylor: Hold my hand.

Tad: I am honey I’m holding it as tight as I can. (He sobs his tears flowing unchecked down his cheeks)

Taylor: I’m so tired. (She sighs heavily)

Tad: I know honey but you have to stay with me okay? (he gives her hand a squeeze chocking back another sob. Jenny moves to the other side of the car and bends smiling down at Taylor)

Taylor: Who are you? (Frowning up at the face glowing above her)

Tad: It’s me honey I’m right here.

Jenny: Hi. (She says gently the sound of her voice comforting to Taylor)

Taylor: Wait, I know who you are.

Tad: That’s great honey. (sounding hopeful and panicked all at the same time)

Taylor: Jenny (she smiles then looks confused)

Tad: Jenny and Kathy are fine they’re with Jamie.

Taylor: How did you get here?

Jenny: I was sent to guide you.

Tad: We were on our way to the airport.

Jenny: Are you ready to go.

Taylor: Where are we going? (She frowns up at her eyes wide not sure what to do)

Tad: We’re on our way to our honeymoon, remember

Taylor: Yeah, we’re on our way to the Rivera. (She looks towards Jenny her eyes pleading a knowing voice warning her something was wrong)

Jenny: No honey I’m afraid you and I have to go. (She says softly )

Taylor: I don’t want to go yet I want to see my family.

Tad: We’ll see them as soon as we get back I promise.

Jenny: You don’t have a choice.

Taylor: Can we stay a little longer?

Tad: We can stay as long as you want.

Jenny: I’m sorry there’s not much time. You have to say good-bye now. (She extends her hand towards her holding it gently in her own Taylor begins to feel a warmth and understanding spread through as her fear recedes)

Taylor: If I have to go then I’m glad it’s now. (Jenny nods as Taylor turns her attention to Tad mixed tears of joy and sadness streaming down her cheeks) I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day or a more loving husband and father.

Tad: Taylor? (He shakes her hand then lets got craning his neck from side to side looking for something, someone) No honey hang in there don’t let go! HELP! (He bellows futilely at the trees praying for help that was never going to be there in time)

Taylor: No, Tad shhhh! Shhh! It’s time. (She whispers as Tad grasps for her hand)

Tad: Taylor, baby stay with me! HELLLLP! (He screams into the empty night sky)

Taylor:  Tad stop li….listen to me please.

Tad: Okay baby I’m here I’m right here. (He strains to move closer ignoring the excruciating pain shooting mercilessly up his leg)

Taylor: Today …It was exactly what I wanted you are exactly what I wanted. Our life is everything I dreamed it would be and that’s all because of you Tad. I love you so much (She sniffs a single tear rolling down her cheek towards her ear unable to move her hand to wipe it away as Tad struggles to control the rage and anguish building inside him as he pleads with her)

Tad: Honey please! Please stay with me! (He chokes out between sobs)

Taylor: and I love the girls. I love the life we had together. You’ve made me happier than I have ever been in my life. I love you with all my heart and always will. Good-b…b…

Tad: Taylor? Taylor! Taylor! Come on honey don’t do this! No! Don’t! Taylor! Taylor! (His mournful wails fill the canyon his tears blinding his vision as he searches the darkness for a glimpse of her face as the courtesy light flickers out and the darkness of the night and in his heart envelopes him completely. Taylor leans down and gently kisses his temple then turns to Jenny)

Taylor: My poor Tad. Is he going to be all right?

Jenny: He’ll be okay in time. (She says looking down upon her brother his sorrowful wails once again wrenching at her heart)

Taylor: I don’t want to leave him here like this.

Jenny I promise you he won’t be alone (Pulling her gaze from Tad and flashes Taylor a reassuring smile then takes her hand) a friend will be watching over him but we have to go.

Taylor: Good-bye my love. (She says blowing him a kiss then follows behind Jenny in to the brightness.

 Opal wakes with a start then listens a moment for the sound of Palmer gently snoring beside her. The sound comforting her after her night terror. She sits up glances over at Palmer asleep with the book open on his chest. She reaches to the end of the bed for her robe wrapping it around her like a cocoon and belting it tightly around her waist she walks to the window and stares out over the horizon. This dream was similar yet had been worse than the one earlier where the one earlier had left her feeling afraid and panicked this one had left her feeling forlorn with an over whelming feeling of loss and sadness. She closes her eyes a moment trying to piece together the remnants of her dream and make sense of it but it was all to confusing and just downright frightening and she didn’t know why. “What is it” she mutters aloud then turns quickly as Palmer snorts then continues his lone night song. Whatever darkness was coming she prayed it wouldn't touch her family. She turns back towards the window her eye catching a flash as it ascends in to the sky and disappears she blinks then rubs her eyes dismissing it as another trick her mind was playing on her tonight just another one of those light flashes that had been plaguing her dreams all evening.She shuffles back to the bed crawls between the sheets and snuggles closer to Palmer for warmth and comfort as a chill rattles through her sending shivers through her heart and body. Palmer awakes startled by the shaking of the bed his book slides to the floor as he turns towards her)

Palmer: My God you’re shivering! Come here (He moves closer wrapping his arms around her and holding her to him.  He places his palm to her forehead feeling it cool to his warm hand) that’s it I’m calling the doctor first thing in he morning.

Opal: I don’t need a doctor Palmer just hold me please. (She snuggles in to the warmth of his embrace closes her eyes and silently prays)  

Tad and Taylor The Wedding Part 12

 

 

Tad: So you’re back to that again? Well I’m not going to tell you till we are at least at the airport. (He crosses his arms over his chest)

Taylor: Same goes for me! (She imitates his actions pursing her lips and crossing her arms)

Tad: That goes for me double! (He huffs making them both laugh)

Taylor: Come on this silly were going to be at the airport in like twenty minutes! I’ll make a deal with you, you tell me your secret and then I’ll tell you mine okay.

Tad: Okay! As a wedding gift my mother and Palmer gave us two weeks in all expense paid trip to Palmer’s…. (Letting his voice trail off)

Taylor: What come on! (Her eyes open wide)

Tad: Villa on the French Rivera.

Taylor: Oh…My…God! (She squeals with delight) I have always dreamed of going there!

Tad: I know!

Taylor: I can’t believe Palmer did this!

Tad: I’m sure after my Mom twisted his arm a little.

Taylor: I don’t care if she broke it off and beat him with it! This is Wonderful! I can’t believe it! (She throws her arms around his neck giving him a strangle hold hug)  Thank you!

Tad: Don’t Thank me thank Palmer.

Taylor: Thank you Palmer Cortlandt where ever you are! (She wraps her arms around Tad’s neck her kiss taking his breath away)

Tad: Wow!

Taylor: Wow, is right! (She beams up at him then lays her head on his shoulder)

Tad: Okay, (He pulls away slightly) okay enough of that tell me your secret!

Taylor: Okay, remember the other morning when you were trying to get in the bathroom? (He looks at her his eye squinted his mouth twisted quizzically, She rolls her eyes and sighs slapping her hands on her knees) You were trying to get in because you guys had the fitting and were running late as usual! If you had just gotten up when I called you the first time but no! You had to lay there like a big sack of potatoes…

Tad: Never mind all that! (He says with a dismissive wave of his hands) What’s the secret?

Taylor: Well if you wouldn’t interrupt and would just let me tell it my way I could have told you already! (She looks at him pretending to be insulted by his interruption as she smothers a laugh)

Tad: Okay, (He smiles back his anticipation etched on his face) okay I’m sorry go ahead tell me!

Taylor: Well I (Their head swivel in the direction of the sound of tires screeching just seconds before the exploding crunch of impacting metal sends the limousine tumbling down the side of the ravine towards the rocks below. The sounds of Taylor’s screams shatter the evening sky like an opera singer shatters a glass the at the end of her performance the sounds crescendo to a climax as the twisted metal smash to a halt on the rocks below. The truck’s driver rolls to a stop a few feet from where the limousine once stood it’s driver sprawled on the pavement his body looking more like a pile of rags than the man he was seconds before. He flings the door open and hurries from the vehicle to the roads edge the other to the body of the driver. He stares at the mangled wreckage below. Cursing his luck he reaches in to his pocket for his phone quickly dialing starring alternately from the wreckage below to either direction of the highway pacing back and forth like a caged animal)   

Driver: We have a problem. (He growls in to the phone)

Second Driver: He’s dead. (Walking back towards him shaking his head)

Devereaux: What happened? (He snarls in to the receiver still annoyed by the earlier jostling. This had all been a disaster the last thing he needed was another complication but his instincts told him that wasn’t at all likely) 

Driver: We had an accident. (His tone matter of fact)

Devereaux: How bad? (His anger barely contained)

Driver: Bad. (He says flatly)

Devereaux: Are you able to still drive? (His voice tight his words clipped and stilted)

Driver: Yes.

Devereaux: Where are you?

Driver: About a mile and a half past the turn off.

Devereaux: Wait for me there try to stay out of sight.

Driver: Right. (Devereaux presses the receiver disconnecting the call then tosses the phone across the car. He leans forward and taps on the partition waiting a moment as the glass winds down)

Devereaux: Maurice, turn the car around and hurry. (He snaps winding the window back up. Maurice pulls the car to the side of the road waits a moment for the other car to pass then wields the car around and heads back the way they came. He smiles to his self whatever that call was about it seemed to completely dismantle his employers usual cool collected persona. Some days the crown weighs heavy!

Maurice: Here’s to more of them! (He mutters the jest tickling him thoroughly he chokes back his laughter disguising it as a cough, he drives through the darkness a grin filled with mirth on his lips contemplating what the scenario of events was that had upset him) 

Opal The Wedding Part 11

 

 

 

Opal sits in the chair in front of the fireplace despite the warmth of the day the evening had turned cold almost raw chilling her through to the bones. She pulls the afghan closer around her then reaches out and turns the card from the deck and places it a top the pile spread out on the table then picks them all up and places them back in the deck placing it down on the table. It was pointless to even try her mind kept wandering back over the day. It had been beautiful Tad and Taylor were glowing and joy had filled the air but there had also been strange under current that she couldn’t name running just under the surface and twice after the bathroom incident that morning she’d have sworn she’d seen her Jenny standing just on the edge of the crowd smiling and quietly watching the festivities. She hadn’t mentioned it to Palmer or anyone else for that matter it had unnerved her that much so much so she’d practically jumped for joy when Tad had said he’d felt her too. Well not in that many words but she’d been on his mind. She stands and walks to the fireplace picks up the poker and jabs at the logs. The fire was roaring but she still felt cold deep inside it was more than cold it was if somewhere there was a door to her heart open allowing a chilling draft to sweep through her soul. More so after she’d awakened from that horrible dream! She shivered again feeling it going through her spine. It was so unclear shrouded in red shadows and gray fog but she could feel it and hear it as if she were right there. The sound of an explosion and the shrieks of pure terror had been deafening, she still felt nauseous at the memory of the spinning the pain as her body was tossed around like a rag doll. The blinding white light at the end of all of it had awakened her as it enveloped her but, it was the screams that kept echoing in her mind that unnerved her. Something was wrong, very wrong and it scared her to death. She’d tried reading her cards but her mind was too muddled and distracted to concentrate. She felt as if she should call someone and warn them but who and warn them against what? She places the poker back on the holder then walks to the window looking up at the star filled moonless night. She closes her eyes and says a silent prayer to protect her family and friends then opens them in time to see not one but two falling stars as they fall landing she assumed along the ridge.

Palmer: What the devil are you doing skulking around in the dark? (He bellows coming into the room and turning lights on as he walks)

Opal: I was a little tired after and fell asleep in the chair.

Palmer: No wonder it’s like a blast furnace in here.

Opal: I was cold. (She pulls the blanket up around her neck as she shivers)

Palmer: Are you feeling well (He comes to her laying his palm against her forehead) you’ve been acting strange ever since we got home.

Opal: I’m fine just a little tired.

Palmer: No wonder after all that champagne you guzzled down! (He smirks)

Opal: I had three glasses all day! (He smiles when his attempt to get a arise from her was successful that confirmed to him it wasn’t something physical when she was physically ill she lost her sense of humor completely)

Palmer: Maybe you should go up take a nice long bubble bath and lie down? I’ll lock up down here.

Opal: That sounds like a good idea. (She says shuffling slowly to the hall then moving slowly up the steps stopping on the third and turning back towards him

Palmer: Go on I’ll be right up. (He says with a wave of his hand shooing her up the steps)

Opal: Promise? (Her eyes pleading her voice hopeful)

Palmer: You go ahead I promise I’ll be right up. I’m going to lock up down here and grab my book from my desk.

Opal: Okay. (Her voice sounding forlorn as she turns and walks slowly up the steps. Palmer watches her ascent for a moment then bolts the front door and sets the alarm before walking down the hall towards his study to retrieve his book. He wasn’t sure what had gotten in to her since they came home but he was sure it was nothing that a warm bath and a little TLC and a good nights sleep wouldn’t cure)   

Tad and Taylors Wedding Part 10

 

 

Tad and Taylor sip their glasses of champagne as the limousine rolls its way through the fading evening twilight towards the airport.

 

Taylor: You still haven’t told me where we’re going? (She places her glass down in the cup holder and stares at him her eyes and smile challenging)

Tad: It’s a surprise! (He teases grinning like an imp)

Taylor: You know I hate surprises! (She huffs playfully cross arms over her breast)

Tad: You’re going to love it! (He laugh’s sounding like the man in that store for men’s suits commercial making her laugh as she pulls on his arm and growls)

Taylor: Come on! Tell me!

Tad: Nope it would ruin the surprise! (Making the motion of zipping his lip and throwing away the key)

Taylor: You know (She looks her voice ringing with an “I told you so” lilt to it a playful grin on her lips) I have a little surprise of my own.

Tad: Oh yeah? (He says giving her a side long glance)

Taylor: Yeah! (She slaps her hands together and smiles satisfied at the look of curiosity glowing in his expression)

Tad: So what is it?

Taylor: I’m not going to tell you it’s a surpriseee! (She mocks dragging the last word her eyes open wide she throws her hands up splaying her fingers)

Tad: Oh so it’s going to be like that huh? (He laughs and nods)

Taylor: Well you tell me your surprise and I’ll tell you mine. (She giggles)

Tad: Oh sweetheart I’m not that easy. (He laughs)

Taylor: Come on tell me! (She growls stamping her foot on the floor board making him smile with satisfaction as he leans back against the cushions)

Tad: You tell me! Ho! (He yelps holding on to Taylor as the car rattles and shakes to a halt)  What was that? (He yells tapping on the partition between he and the driver just as it winds lowers)

Driver: I think we just blew a tire. (He calls back over the dinging on the door alarm as he opens it)

Tad: Are we going to make it to the airport? (He frowns looking down at his watch as he moves to the set across from him and pokes his head through the opening)

Driver: Sure, I have a spare it will only take me a minute (He stands removing his jacket and cap and tossing them down on the seat then bends and sticks his head back inside the vehicle) you folks sit tight I’ll be done in a jiff. I’ll make sure you make you flight. (He smiles then closes the car door and walks to the back of the vehicle)

Tad: Thanks. So I finally have you to my self! (He leers lecherously moving across the seat towards her making her giggle as he twist his imaginary mustache) 

Taylor: Yeah, (She place her hand on his cheek kissing him tenderly then whispers) it really was a perfect day.

Tad: It was wasn’t it? (He smiles happily back at her)

Taylor: The girls looked so pretty in their dresses, the tables and flowers were gorgeous. It was everything I dreamed our wedding would be and more. (She kisses him again)

Tad: And now for our perfect ending… (He trails kisses down her neck)

Taylor: Not so fast! (She pushes against him causing him to slide to the floor then laughs at the confused look on his face) You still haven’t told me my surprise!

 

Devereaux: How far behind us are they? (He turns his head looking out the window behind them)

Maurice: perhaps half to a quarter of a mile. (He sighs inwardly annoyed with his employers constant demands)

Devereaux: Is everything prepared for their arrival? (He snaps annoyed he was this closely involved in this portion of the operation and he wouldn’t have been if Trousseaux hadn’t been arrested that morning! The entire thing from that point on had left a bitter taste in his mouth but it was way too late o abandon the operation besides his other investors wouldn’t be happy at all)

Maurice: Yes sir the arrangements have been made. (He reply’s his voice dry void of all emotion) 

Devereaux: Good let me know when they have arrived.

Maurice: Very good sir. He reaches for the button to roll up the window just as he rounds the bend his eyes wincing at the light reflection on the other cars chrome bumper he turns his head swerves to the other side of the road then back tossing his passenger almost from his seat)

Devereaux: What the hell was that?

Maurice: Sorry sir there was a large disabled vehicle just as you come around the bend. (Enjoying the momentary sound of panic in his employers voice)

Devereaux: Stupid place to stop. (He barks then composes his self as he pulls at his jacket sleeves then straightens his tie)

Maurice: Very sir. (He agrees rolling up the partition and smothering a chuckle)