GUILTY 32

CONTINUED FROM THE OTHER DAY…. In the beginning stages of my plan, I looked him up in the phone book and easily found his address. Not many Winston Waters’ in Davenmore. And then I began following him, studying his every move, watching where he went every day. I had to know everything about his life. You have to understand. I only ever intended to observe, never act. But one night, I followed him down to a bar, Finniken’s Tap. I had been watching him go there twice a week for three weeks now. It was as though he was becoming obsessed. One night after following him, I decided to go inside. As I sat there staring at him, something clicked inside of me and I knew. I had to talk to him. Had to speak with the man who ruined my sister’s life. And so, I started up a simple conversation. I should have left it at that. I should have said good - bye and kept my distance from that point on to ensure the welfare of the plan. But that’s not what happened. I saw him again. And again, I kissed him. Had sex with him. All for what, exactly? My ‘Plan’? I tried to justify my actions by convincing myself that I could use this to my advantage. I could embed myself into his life and get all of the information I needed. I knew he wanted me. Just by the way he looked at me, I knew. So we started something. I told myself that I wouldn’t develop feelings for him, Oh, I didn’t even have to worry about that. I knew I wouldn’t. How could I? After knowing what he did? He’d fall right into my hands. But sometimes even the most meticulous planning can end up disastrous. Because one thing I didn’t account for was this baby. Not Emerald - the one inside of me. God dammit, I didn’t plan for that. I also didn’t plan to develop feelings for that horrible man. But here’s what happened. I got distracted. Just like my sister did eleven years ago, I fell into his hands. With his kind eyes and charming words. He knew all the right things to say. He made me feel special, wanted. As though I meant something. And I second - guessed myself. I told myself that he changed. It had been eleven years, after all. Everyone changes, right? And then I did the one thing I vowed to never do. I introduced him to Clementine. Oh what a mistake that was. Because he was so good with her. All I told him was that her parents died in a car accident years ago, and I raised her as my own. He adored her. Always made an effort to talk with her and ask her questions about her life and school. He was so kind and genuine, I truly believed he had changed. I let myself slip. I deviated from my plan. How could I let myself become so stupid and desperate for his love and attention? He has the ability to make women fall under his spell. And I fell for it. I thought that perhaps things could be different for us. I was even going to call off my plan. Contact Teddy and tell him that the May 18th plan was cancelled. What the fuck was I thinking? That he’d leave his wife and baby to come be with me, Clem, and this new baby? Idiotic. All my prior thoughts and hatred towards him were resurrected today. We met at Coffee Culture so I could confirm the news of my pregnancy and have the chance to talk things out with him. I thought that things would go smoothly. That he would take my hand and tell me that we would be alright. But you know what he did? The exact same thing he did to Toni, with his bullshit and excuses. He offered to take me to the abortion clinic. And when I refused that, he said he couldn’t raise this baby with me. Backing out and not taking responsibilities for his actions. What a fucking scumbag! He is the sole reason that my sister killed herself. Because he couldn’t own up and take responsibility to be a father. And after eleven years, I can see that nothing has changed. He’s still the same immature, selfish prick he was all those years ago. I just don’t know how I didn’t see that coming. How did I allow myself to become so blinded by his flawless face and magnificent charm? He’s a devil, alright. A wolf in sheep’s clothing, I just can’t help but feel stupid for falling for it all. I should have known better. Why did I think he could change? Why did I think things could be different? The plan is back on. I should have never considered calling it off in the first place. After today, I am no longer distracted. My mind is focused and my eyes are set on revenge. I’m going to take him for all that he has and more. He owes it to me and Clem. He owes it to Toni. And he owes it to this precious little life inside of me. The little life that is Clem’s half - sibling. We will be fine without him, just the three of us. Once I get the money, Clem and I will leave town and never return. This place will be all but a memory someday. A place where Clem lived and learned and grew up. We’ll go somewhere else. Perhaps North West. We’ve always wanted to go there. Start a new life where the three of us can live in peace and harmony away from that despicable man. We’ll go wherever Clem wants. Because I love her so much. I never thought it was possible to love another human being so much. But I’d do anything for her. She’s my everything. And she’s the last little piece of Antonia that I have left. --------- Detective Gerald Sullivan Sunday May 21,2016 I rush down the stairs, Clutching the journal in my hands. It all makes sense now. Everything. How did I not figure this out before? I had all the pieces right in front of me. The name, the car, the affair - how did I not piece it together sooner? I can’t help but think that maybe if I did, we’d have Emerald back by now. And Rosie wouldn’t be dead. Teddy must have gotten to her first. By the looks of things, she was supposed to meet with him on Thursday night. I guess he had a change of plans, kept the baby for himself, then killed Rosie. He’s most likely taken Clementine as well. I reach the bottom of the stairs, turn swiftly around the corner and end up back in the kitchen, the Chief Lieutenant, Frank Rice, has arrived and stands in the corner speaking with Holden. I head towards them, my mind blazing. They both turn and face me. ‘What’s wrong? Did you find something?’ Holden asks as he gauges my face. I hold up the journal. ‘This,’ I huff. ‘Is our golden ticket. It explains everything.’ The chief reaches his hand out and I place the journal in his hands. ‘What’s it say? Summarized.’ ‘She was getting retribution for her sister’s death eleven years ago. Winston’s the father of the kid, Clementine. He denied the child was his, left her on her own. This was Rosie’s idea of revenge.’ His eyes widen. ‘You’re Kidding,’ ‘It makes sense now. All of it. She arranged to have the baby kidnapped and was planning on using her for ransom. But the guy never showed on Thursday night.’ ‘Guy? Who is he?’ ‘All she wrote was that his name is Teddy. I don’t know if that’s legit or not, it could be an alias. She used the name Margery, so we’ll need to look into it.’ ‘I’ll have an officer on it,’ the chief says. ‘My guess is that this Teddy guy had a change of plans and decided to keep the baby for himself. Then he must of come over here, killed Rosie and took Clementine.. ‘Dammit,’ Holden curses and turns away from us. ‘Now what do you suggest?’ ‘Get a search on all possible Teddy’s in the area. Last names, first names, anything. I want it all,’ I pause. ‘And lastly, someone get me her phone.’ ------ THE DAY OF Teddy White Thursday May 18,2016 I keep an eye on the clock as it goes from two - fifteen, then I slip the syringe into my pocket, lock the car door behind me, and head up to the front door. It’s time. I’ve been parked on the street for the past couple of hours, waiting for the perfect moment. The husband and another woman were here a little over and hour ago, some kind of commotion ensuing from inside the house. I had to wait for them to leave, then wait a little longer, just to be sure they weren’t returning. The neighbour took his kid to school just before that. The other neighbour was out watering her garden, so I had to wait for her to finish. Now the coast is clear and it’s my time to shine. I knock twice on the door, waiting patiently for her to answer. I’ve seen a photo of her, so I know what to expect. Dark hair, big brown eyes. Pretty lady. She opens the door and looks surprised to see me. Of course she does - she doesn’t have the slightest clue who I am. I put on a large grin. ‘Hello, Mrs Waters,’ I beam. ‘Do you remember me?’ She looks confused. ‘No, I’m sorry, should I?’ ‘I work with your husband. We’ve met once or twice at one of the gatherings.’ ‘Oh, I’m so sorry I don’t remember. What’s your name?’ ‘Andre! My wife is Cynthia.’ She smiles softly, ‘My apologies, Usually I remember a familiar face. Is there something I can help you with?’ ‘Winston actually just sent me over to pick up something he left here. Do you mind if I come in and grab it?’ I’ve been in this business for too long to be an amateur at this thing. It always takes research and careful planning. ‘Oh, what did he forget?’ I hesitate. ‘Oh, you know Winston,’ I joke. ‘Something in his brief case, I believe? Said it was in his office. I can call him and ask.’ She raises her eyebrow. ‘But he was just here. What could he possibly have forgotten now?’ ‘I’m not sure.’ I force a laugh. ‘Do you mind if I come in?’ She stares at me intently, studying my face. ‘Where did you say we met again?’ In one quick motion I bring my left hand out of my pocket, clutching the syringe and step forward into the house, sliding the needle into her neck. Eszopiclone and Zaleplon, a sedative that, with a high enough dosage, will cause loss of memory. She Won’t even remember me. My face can never be identified. I hold the back of her head in my palm, carefully steadying her while simultaneously shielding her limp body from the outside world. I step inside and kick the door shut behind us. Her eyes are fluttering shut. She’s almost out. After lying her body down on the couch, I head straight for the baby. Fortunately for me, they live in a large bungalow and the baby’s room is easy to locate, just down the hall. What a cute little thing. Looks just like her mother. She’s lying on her stomach, sound asleep. I grab the pacifier and blanket that rest beside her. These will come in handy later. I wipe down the place to ensure there are no fingerprints or footprints that can be traced back to me. Then I wrap the child in my jacket, holding her carefully to ensure she doesn’t wake. I take one last glance at the sleeping mother and head out the front door, disappearing as though I was never there. As I drive down 53rd street, I glance in the rear view mirror, keeping an eye on the baby as she remains asleep in the car seat. I put my phone on speaker and dial Andy’s number. I tell him that the plan has been successful thus far and I’ll meet him at his place later tonight. Andy and I run a business together, you see. We discovered long ago and valuable price of children on the market today. Some may say it’s and unethical business, but we get the money for it and that’s all that really matters. We’ve already found a man out in Limpopo who’s going to purchase the baby. He’s giving us ten grand for her. But little does Andy know, I have another plan in store for us tonight. I’m going to take the other kid, the eleven year old. She’ll be a perfect sell. Young and cute, ideal age for certain buyers. Someone will love her. And will pay big bucks for her. I just gotta get the money from the mother, then dispose of her. She’s collateral damage. It always baffles my mind how clueless some people are. She honestly thought I was going to give up the baby, just like that? Does she not know how valuable this little girl is? I’m not sorry. It’s her fault for getting involved with a guy like me. She should really do her research before hiring strangers from the dark - web. Because guys like me are bad news. And I only got one goal on my mind. The baby yawns and I smile to myself, knowing how much money I’ll be getting tomorrow. TO BE CONTINUED….