Heart's Betrayal (18 page)

    Kim, our realtor, showed us the house. It was perfect and in move in condition. It was going to take some time to close but Kim was a friend of the owner, so he let us move in before closing. The home had been empty for a couple of months and really needed to be cleaned up. Some of Michael’s friends from work helped us out. We were hoping they kept quiet about where we lived. Michael was adamant that Dave not know. We started cleaning on Saturday and we moved in on Thursday. Cleaning the house and fixing up the place was good for me. It cleared my mind and made me focus on our lives instead of everyone else’s.

My cell phone rang and I saw the name Tilly. I was so happy to hear from her, but hesitant to answer the phone.

“Jen, its Tilly.” she said.

“Tilly? How are you? How’s Eddie?”

“He’s okay. I just heard about Margaret. My God, it’s like a nightmare. I just can’t believe it. Poor Margaret. I’m so very sorry. I know you were very close to her.”

“I haven’t heard from you. Is everything okay? How did you hear about Margaret?”

“One of Eddie’s colleagues kept in touch with him when he withdrew from the academy.”

“Withdrew? Why didn’t you call me earlier?”

“I’ve been going through a lot of shit with Eddie.”

“I’m sorry.”

“He didn’t want to go back to the states. He hates Dave and he knew his career as a police officer would be ruined by Dave’s influence.”

“That’s ridiculous. Dave would never do something like that?”

“Do you really even know him? Don’t be bloody ignorant Jenesis.” she said sarcastically.

“Why are you calling? Weren’t you the one that loved him so much? Why do you keep bad mouthing him? What do you know? Just say it already. I have nothing bad to say about Dave. I love him. He’s always been there for me.” I barked.

“I can’t talk now. I’ll call you again, soon. I’m sorry about the baby. I didn’t think you could handle losing another child.”

“Well I’m doing fine. Please don’t mention it again. Please.” I whispered.

“I’m sorry…Goodbye Jenesis.”

“Goodbye.”

    My conversation with Tilly was short, cold, and painful. I wish she hadn’t called me. I felt sorry for Dave. I hated that everyone disliked him. He’s been so good to me and even
I
turned my back on him.

Michael walked through the door.

“Hey baby.”

“Hi.” I threw my arms around him and kissed him hard.

“Wow…what was that for?”

“I just love you…that’s why.” I slid my tongue across his lips. He nipped at my tongue gently and I slid my hands down his back to his tight ass.

“Hmmm…delicious. I wanted to talk to you.” He whispered against my lips.

“What about?” I said as I slid my hand up and down the front of his pants.

“Dave.” I was shocked.

“I’m glad…me, too.” I said, relieved.

“He’s changed you know. He has a better outlook on life. He wants to start over, too.” he seemed unsure about what he was saying, but he wanted to try to convince me; maybe even convince himself.

“Really? I didn’t know that.” I lowered my head. “Have you been speaking to him? I mean, it’s okay.” I glanced up at him hoping he would tell me he did.  “I know you see him at court once in a while. It’s just that…I wish we were closer, the way we used to be. But I’m afraid he doesn’t feel the same way about me anymore…what do you think?”

“I think we should give him a chance. He’s always loved you, Jen. Can we invite him over?”

“Are you sure?” I wanted to see him but I didn’t want any of the drama to follow him. Michael seemed so sure that Dave was in a better place. He was more eager to see him than I was and that was odd.

“Yes.”

“When?”

“Tomorrow?” he asked.

“Fine” I shrugged my shoulders. I wasn’t thrilled, but I truly missed Dave and maybe starting over would be the best for all of us.

“Tomorrow, then?” He asked again.

“Sure.” I nodded.

    I stared at Michael cautiously. This just didn’t make sense. Michael made me feel uncomfortable around Dave and now he wants us to act like we’re one big happy family. It almost felt as if he was setting me up for failure, a chance for me to realize that Dave should be out of the equation.

                                                         ***

    Dave came over the house the next day and I felt awkward at first. He was so attentive to Michael but seemed to totally ignore me. I overlooked his behavior, giving him a chance to adjust being around me again. He finally approached me and said,

“Jen, I’m so glad I’m here with you guys. I never really got to tell you how sorry I am about you losing the baby.” His eyes watered, and he lowered his head.

“It’s okay…thanks.” I hugged Dave tightly, and it brought back all of the good memories I had with him.

    He kept apologizing about Margaret, but I just ignored him and nodded my head. I didn’t want to ask him any questions, but I hadn’t forgotten about the blood stained clothing or what he said to me about the abortion. I just continued to smile and nod my head, but I think he knew what was running through my mind. I would catch him staring at me once in a while, and it made me feel uncomfortable. We all sat in the living room and for a moment and awkward silence filled the room. Then Dave stood up and walked towards the window.

“I’m going away for a while.” he said as he slid his hands into his front pants pockets.

“What do you mean you’re going away? I thought you were the lead detective on Jenesis’ case?” Michael seemed surprised and a little annoyed.

“The case is cold. No leads. It’s closed, Michael.” He stared at the photo frames on the fireplace as he tapped his fingers rhythmically on the mantle.

“What? What do you mean it’s closed? Really? That was quick.” Michael stood up and approached him. “You didn’t mention anything to me last week when we spoke. Where are you going?” Michael was blatantly annoyed. The look of death he gave Dave made Dave glance away quickly.

“Overseas to London for two weeks on business. Hey, did you know Tilly and Eddie stood in England after the wedding? He quit the academy. A friend of mine told me Tilly and Eddie split up, something about an affair Tilly was having with someone. I think Eddie is back here in New York…in Brooklyn somewhere.” He glanced over at me with a huge smile on his face. My eyes widened.  “Enough about those two knuckle heads, it’s a special case, can’t discuss It.” he said smugly.

“Wait, Tilly and Eddie. I just spoke to her yesterday. That’s impossible. She didn’t say anything to me. When did he get back?” I said. Dave already knew what I was thinking.

“What? Eddie’s back without Tilly. What the hell is going on here?” Michael barked at Dave. “Eddie… I haven’t spoken to him at all. I can’t believe he’s back. I don’t understand. He’s my best friend.
My
best friend. Why wouldn’t he get in touch with me?” Michael said shocked. He stared at Dave, but it was a bizarre stare.

“Yeah, he told me last week. He’s working in Brooklyn now. You should look him up. He was devastated about Tilly. He thinks she’s knocked up by the guy.” Dave said with a devilish grin.

“I don’t know what’s so funny. Eddie and Tilly are our friends. Now, I can see why they haven’t kept in touch with us. I didn’t know all of this was going on. I feel so bad.” Michael slid his hand through his hair. Dave smiled at Michael, then winked at me. I was blown away by his non-chalant attitude.

“Get over it, life happens.” Dave walked towards the front door and lit a cigarette.

“I think I need to give Tilly a call.” I said reassuringly as I quickly changed the conversation as I saw Michael’s eyebrows furrow.

“Her numbers disconnected, I tried calling her last night.” He inhaled deeply on his cigarette then blew the smoke in my direction.  “Anyway, I have to go. You could always reach Eddie in Brooklyn. I have his number. I’ll text it to you.” He put out his cigarette on his shoe and walked towards the door. “Well, I’m off. I have to go pack.”

“Take care and be careful, call me when you get to your top secret destination.” I studied him before he walked out of the door. I wanted to see the change. I needed to see the change. He was completely out of character. I was heartbroken.

“Can’t, its top secret remember? He chuckled lightly.

“But you’ll be in London, will you visit Tilly?” I asked. I knew damn well he was going straight to her.

“Don’t know where I’m going to be but, you never know.” He winked at me. “Jen, I love you, you know that right?” he looked at me deeply, my love for him like a father, his love for me…
questionable.
I felt very uncomfortable and I thought I would never feel that way.

     He walked over to give me a hug and Michael stepped in between us. Their eyes locked. Michael’s blue-green eyes widened and he gave Dave such a profound, distinct look that Dave backed away and walked out the door.

“By the way, you have a beautiful home. In the woods away from everyone, Margaret would have loved it here. Just like Pennsylvania, right Jen?”

“Yes, she would have, and yes…it is.” I stood eyeing him for a moment, cocking my head to the side trying to figure out what he was thinking.

“Good bye, Michael.” Dave said sternly extending his hand.

     Michael nodded his head without extending his hand back to Dave, he turned around and headed upstairs. I closed the door behind Dave, and as he looked back at me he blew a kiss and winked. I cringed. Michael walked back down the stairs.

“Is he gone?” he whispered.

“Yeah, you know Michael, we haven’t seen him for over a month. I felt really uncomfortable. I wish I didn’t feel that way.” My lips were trembling with emotion.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“Everything that he just finished telling us about Tilly and Eddie, don’t you find that strange. Tilly didn’t call me to tell me that she broke up with Eddie. Eddie didn’t call you to tell you they broke up. What’s wrong with this picture? How come he knows everything and we don’t. This is all too strange. I’m not going to lie, the day of the wedding, when he gave me away to you, he told me that I shouldn’t marry you. That I didn’t know who you were.”

“Really?” he said agitated.

“No, it’s the way he said it. He meant it.” I looked away from Michael.

“Do you think it’s true?” His stare was fueled with resentment.

“Michael, please, this has to stop. Before I shut the door a few minutes ago he blew a kiss at me. That’s not like him. I don’t know what’s gotten in to him. But he’s different. He looks at me differently. He was laughing at the fact that Eddie and Tilly broke up. I knew him before you did. He was my friend now he’s yours, this is crazy! How did he change? Answer me!” I yelled.

“This is crazy! He’s our friend! He’s family…He loves y…” He shouted as I cut him off as he spoke.

“Michael, come on, don’t act like you don’t see it! I know you do! He makes me feel uncomfortable and I don’t want him around anymore!” My heart was filled with fear and I didn’t know why.

“He’s your friend! Not mine! Remember. One minute you love him, the next minute you hate him! Make up your mind!” he said mocking me.

“Really? Really, Michael? How long has it been since I’ve talked to him. You started talking to him without me knowing. You’ve always spoken to him without me knowing. You know what, I think Dave killed Margaret!” I held my breath for a moment after I said that. Michael’s mouth dropped open. He slid his hands into his front pockets and leaned against the hallway wall. Then he pulled out his hands and threw them up in the air.

“That’s it! Oh my God! Now you’re being ridiculous! What are you saying?” he yelled in my face.

“I found blood on her clothing in their house! In the hamper! Michael, he hurt her, I can’t prove it, but I feel it! I know she might have been cheating on him, but that’s not a reason to kill her!” I barked at him. He didn’t have any answers for me, so all I could do was assume.

“Jenesis, are you fucking out of your mind? You’re getting all excited about nothing! Stop! He didn’t kill her!” he shouted.

“Michael, for God’s sake! You stop! Aren’t you curious as to why he’s saying I love you and blowing kisses my way?” My blood was blistering at Michael’s denial. Everything made sense…
at least it did to me.

“Please, just calm down, Jenesis.” He tried to hug me but I pushed him away.

“Calm down? For what? You’re not listening to me, dammit, Michael stop this!” I turned around to walk away from him when he grabbed me by the arm to stop me.

“I promised you I would never touch you again, but you are pushing me…” he said seriously, his blue-green eyes turned burning a hole into mine. I shrugged him off of me and walked toward the stairs.

“I’m going to sleep. I have nothing left to say to you.”

“Jenesis, please we need to talk about this.” He said as he stood in front of me blocking me from walking up the stairs.

“Michael, you don’t believe me, so there’s nothing to talk about.” I said as my voice trembled with anger.