The Battered Heiress Blues

22





Trying 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.

Once erect, I asked Henry to give me the amulet. He didn’t comply at first, but I insisted. With my family behind me, I held the amulet over the railing, and let it fall from my fingertips. I quoted a passage from Psalms, chapter six, which I’d repeated many times since Connor’s death. “Pity me, O Lord, for I am weak. Heal me, for my body is sick, and I am upset and disturbed. My mind is filled with apprehension and with gloom. Oh, restore me soon. Come, O Lord, and make me well. In your kindness save me.” As it shattered into small pieces, I stood resolved that history would not repeat itself. Hector’s life had been taken to pay for Connor’s death. We both lost. It was over.

I turned around into my dad’s open arms. Gladly finding an escape in his tight hold, I asked the others to leave me alone. I was tired and beaten. Gabe emerged with my mom’s locket; the last of the items in the box. Opening it to find her picture made me and my dad smile. We said our goodnights and Tommy carefully led John downstairs to rest.

After a long, hot shower, I exited the bathroom to find Henry sound asleep on my bed. The recliner was begging for his companionship, but I didn’t have the heart to wake him and take a stand. I dressed in my old lady nightgown and got under the covers, taking care not to cross the imaginary line I’d drawn down the middle of the bed. With Tru spouting that he had moved on, I didn’t want to be the one that broke the understanding.

Try as I might, sleep did not come easy. As usual, Henry had the ability to doze through any crisis. He lay beside me, on his back with a peaceful smile on his face. While he was enjoying some jovial fantasy, I had difficulties blocking out the thoughts of Hector Costelano. The arrival of the death amulet did little to banish my fears. Every time I closed my eyes, the images of Hector charging me with the knife and it plunging into my uterus, played in slow motion. The images looped, showing me the door and then the fallout from my choice to stay. I could still hear the sounds and taste the dirt clouds as they rose from that dusty clinic floor.

Without making a conscience decision to do so, my eyes opened wide, halting the montage of horror. Dreams had become anything but sweet for me. Turning my attention to the fan above, I began to count.

The sounds of glass breaking interrupted my coping exercise. With Gabe and Mattie away at the cottage, the old fears resurfaced. I tried to calm myself and control my panic, but the anxiety began to choke me. I finally nudged Henry who barely moved.

“Tru, wake up, someone is downstairs. I heard glass breaking.”

He groaned and mumbled, “It’s probably just Tommy or Dog getting into something. Go back to sleep.”

Surely, he was right, but the crashing sounds didn’t make any sense. As Henry turned over to escape my nervous chatter, I decided to go downstairs and see for myself. The house was dark except for a small lamp that sat on the round table in the foyer. The light bounced off the glass shards that were scattered across the floor, throwing a rainbow against the wall. The front door bolt was still locked, making an intruder less likely. I relaxed until I stepped in a puddle. The water that had once sustained the hydrangea blossoms glistened below me.

A moaning sound demanded my attention. Beyond the destruction of the vase, I noticed two feet in the doorway of the drawing room. Hurrying around the corner, I saw John lying on the ground, clutching his chest.

“Daddy? No,” I whispered as I knelt at his side. “No.”

“Julia Grace?” he panted.

“Yes, Daddy. I’m here. I’m here.”

“I’m cold,” he uttered weakly.

Crawling to the couch, I retrieved a throw from the sofa and the telephone off the side table. I dialed 9-1-1 and tried to cover him. I frantically begged the operator to send help quickly. My dad closed his eyes and his breathing became shallower. Scared, I pulled his head onto my lap and told him to open his eyes.

“Tommy,” I yelled. “Henry.”

My brother arrived first, running to our side as he caught sight of us on the floor.

“What hap-,” Tommy began to ask only to be interrupted by John.

“I can’t breathe, son. My chest hurts.”

“An ambulance is on the way,” I added, trying to remain calm for my dad’s sake. “You’re going to be fine.”

Henry raced in to see what situation accompanied the noises that woke him. As he and Tommy conversed about opening the security gate for the police and rescue crews, I pulled myself off the floor and stood to join them. My head felt dizzy and I began to stagger forward, off balance, toward Henry as he was turning on the overhead light.

“Where’s all this blood coming from? Did you cut your head on the broken glass, Dad?” Tommy inquired as he began to search the back of John’s head for wounds.

Henry stood in front of me, moving his lips, but I couldn’t hear him. The ringing in my ears was overpowering. I’d felt this once before. My face became flushed and my knees weak. My mind became cloudy and the room started to spin.

“Jewels, are you okay, love?”

Continuing to walk towards him, I felt warm liquid running down my legs, leaving a trail behind me on the floor. My dress was covered in my own blood. I was losing her.

“You’re bleeding. It’s you,” he screamed as my body began to fall horizontal.

Henry dove for my head, catching it before it smacked against the ground. My shoulder hit hard and pain ripped through my body. Hearing returned with this new positioning. My face looked upon John, who was staring back at me through his own discomfort. His hand reached out to meet my own. With our fingers barely touching, he smiled at me with his eyes.

“I have always loved you. A father could never be more proud of a daughter than I am of you,” he said through his strained breath. “I should have told you more. I’m sorry. You are your mother’s daughter.”

“I am my father’s daughter.”

“I’m tired baby girl. I’m so tired.”

“I know. Let’s sleep for a little bit,” I said as my eyes unwillingly closed. “I love you Daddy,” I mumbled.

“I know,” John said smiling. “I have always known.”

Henry began to cry, pulling me up against him. “No, love, no. You have to fight. Open your eyes. Keep your eyes open. Fight,” he said over and over as he stroked my hair. “Help is coming. Hold on. You hold on. Don’t you go to sleep, Jewels”

I pushed against the heaviness of my eyes and wiped his tears.

“Promise me something.”

“No.”

“You promise me, Tru. Save her. Choose the baby. You save Emma. Let me go. Promise me,” I demanded through my own tears.

“I can’t do that,” he replied, destroyed.

“You have to…promise me, now. I’m so tired.”

Gabe, who must have heard the call go out over his scanner, came into view.

“Oh, you’ll just do anything for attention, won’t you?” he grinned trying to seem less concerned, for my benefit.

“Gabe?” I responded, closing my eyes.

“You remember who you are. We’ve talked about this before. Fight for us. We need you. Mattie needs you. I need you,” he admitted.

“I’m tired, Gabe.”

“I don’t care, Julia. Don’t you be a quitter. Don’t you dare quit on me.”

“Tru? Do you hear that?”

“No, love, what is it?” he said, trying to pull himself together.

“My mom’s here with Sissy…and Connor. He’s grown. They’re here for me. Do you see her, Dad?”

“Don’t you do that, Jewels. You stay with me. You hear me. I can’t lose you. Don’t you go with them.”

“I love you,” were the last words I could muster.

With that, death called. The amulet demanded satisfaction.