4.2 In High Demand
Terry
Carl and I were sitting in our favourite burger bar after work when I spotted Kellie Heffner with her little sister on the street, probably heading to the park. I couldn't get Kellie out of my head. I will never forget the morning when I brought her brother back. First I thought things would go as they always do when I bring the bad news. Tears were streaming Kellie's cheeks and she looked on the verge of losing it completely. But then she didn't. One moment her face was contorted in pain the next her shoulders straigtened as if she had reached an important decision and she put her arms around her brother holding him firmly, determination written in her face. She completely blew my mind with the display of her inner strength. She was so young. But there was something about her... I couldn't help myself, I felt strangely drawn to her.
"Are you even listening to me anymore, Terry?" Carl's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. "Is it the Heffner girl again? Ask her out already. I want to live to go into retirement. With you being this distracted by the girl my chances are getting low."
I couldn't help but laugh. "You are exaggerating, Carl. And besides since the kidnapping of the Heffners the crime rate has dropped. I'm sure you'll live to see your grandchildren and their children."
Carl frowned. "What is it with the Heffner women anyway? The most wanted criminal was infatuated with one of them and look how it ended. The other is occupying your thoughts too much. Can't they settle for an accountant or a street vendor? Thankfully, I'll be long retired when the youngest Heffner starts causing trouble."
"Do you think he's grieving?"
"Who?"
"Corleonesi. Since Beryl's Heffner death we haven't seen his handiwork anywhere."
"Nah. Maybe. I don't know. Are cold-blooded killers even capable of grieving?"
* * * * *
Tony
Beryl... Non ti dimenticherò mai... Tu sarai per sempre nel mio cuore... sei una parte di me... Perdonami... *
'La famiglia è il più grande tesoro.'** Nothing is more important than a family. I thought she'd always be here when I need her. And I wasn't there when she needed me. I barely saved my sons. I'm such a failure.
When she was alive I let myself believe that maybe one day I would live a normal life with her somewhere. She always needed her time to make mistakes and learn from them. It was the way she was. I knew I needed to be patient. I hoped that one day she would realize that what we had was worth sacrificing the legacy for and she would come to me and stay.
But our future was stolen from us. All my hopes and dreams died with her. I was lost in the dark. I had tasted the hope and without it I couldn't go on with my life and - ironically - nor do my job. I couldn't be just a killer anymore. Beryl discovered a part of me I had thought long gone. She made me remember that I had used to know the value of human life, that I had once cared. I wanted to become the person she believed I was. For her and only for her.
But now with her gone who was I? I was a father of two sons, yet none of them called me so. How could I ever be whole again? I knew I wouldn't.
Maybe it's time to find out if I really won't be allowed where you are, Beryl. Let both Heaven and Hell try to stop me! We'll see each other soon, my love.
* * * * *
Thomas
Kellie finally agreed to meet me in the park today. We've been talking over the phone a lot in the past weeks, but we didn't have the opportunity to spend much time together. Since the tragedy she's been always on the go, taking care of her brother and sister and somehow managing to study and eventually get her diploma. I desperately wanted her in my life. Now that I started working in my father's company I needed a woman by my side more than ever. I wasn't just going to settle for any presentable looking woman. I wanted her.
However, when I arrived to the park I spotted her talking to some other guy. And judging by his body language and the smiles he was flashing at her, he was seriously into her. I instantly wished I could wipe that smile off his face with my fist.
Hands off my girl, man! I haven't been waiting this long only so that you could waltz in and steal her away from me!
Kellie finally agreed to meet me in the park today. We've been talking over the phone a lot in the past weeks, but we didn't have the opportunity to spend much time together. Since the tragedy she's been always on the go, taking care of her brother and sister and somehow managing to study and eventually get her diploma. I desperately wanted her in my life. Now that I started working in my father's company I needed a woman by my side more than ever. I wasn't just going to settle for any presentable looking woman. I wanted her.
However, when I arrived to the park I spotted her talking to some other guy. And judging by his body language and the smiles he was flashing at her, he was seriously into her. I instantly wished I could wipe that smile off his face with my fist.
Hands off my girl, man! I haven't been waiting this long only so that you could waltz in and steal her away from me!
I strode to them to cut their conversation short as soon as possible. When Kellie noticed me she jumped to her feet and gave me a friendly hug. I held her a while longer than courtesy required and kissed her cheek. That should give the guy a hint that he's trespassing.
"Thomas! I'm so glad you could make it! We met detective Mitchel, while I and Celeste were waiting for you."
So he's a detective, hm? I bet he's at least ten years older. Can't he find a woman of his age for himself?
Kellie introduced us properly. Mr. Detective wasn't smiling anymore. I guess my arrival ruined his perfect day. Good.
"So, what brings you here, detective Mitchel?" I asked innocently. "Has anyone in the park commited a crime? Are the kids safe?"
From the brief look he gave me I could tell he was considering committing a crime himself. With me as the victim. For Kellie's sake he forced a smile onto his face.
"No, I'm not on duty now. I merely came to say hello to miss Heffner and check on how she's been doing since the... family tragedy."
At least he's still calling her miss Heffner.
"That's correct, detective Mitchel has been so kind to check up on our family from time to time..."
Oh, has he?
"...I'm sure not every policeman is so dedicated to his job," Kellie continued.
Or to the bereaved after the police failed to save their loved ones. I hope there's at least a trace of guilt gnawing at him when he looks at her. "How noble of him," I muttered.
"Well, I won't take up any more of your time," detective Mitchel said. "I'm sure you have other and more fun things to do than chatting with me."
Did I hear disappointment in his voice? We said our goodbyes and at last I had Kellie all for myself. Well, Kellie and Celeste to be more accurate, but the little one was too busy playing pirates and shouting commands at other kids.
"So how's your new job at your father's firm, Thomas?" she asked me when we sat down on the bench.
"You're looking at the new assistant financial manager. But it is only temporary. My father wants me to work in each department for some time to familiarize myself with the personnel and everything before he makes me his assistant."
"I'm happy for you. I think your new image suits you. You're looking really good."
"You think so? What are you going to do about it?"
She gave me a confused look and laughed. "What?"
I sighed inwardly. "Do you like me Kellie?"
"Of course I like you, Thomas. Why are you asking me that?"
"Because I like you a lot. I've had a crush on you since high school."
Her eyes went wide. "You have? But I was the ugly Kellie. Nobody liked me."
I gently took her hand into mine. She didn't pull away. "They were all blind. You were the most beautiful girl at school. Correction, in the whole Newcrest and all neigbouring towns. You still are. To me you are the most beautiful girl in the world."
"Thomas..."
"No, let me finish while I still have the courage. I've been waiting for the right time to tell you, but there always seemed to be something more important happening in your life, your mother's wedding, your going to Europe and then... you know what. I didn't want to rush anything, I wanted you to know me really well before I tell you. And look at us, we're adults now. I've been waiting for far too long."
"Thomas..."
"I want to take care of you, be there for you, make a lemonade when life gives you lemons. I want to look after you, see to that you don't forget about your own happiness while making sure everyone around you is happy. You are an amazing person and I love you." I took a deep breath. "Will you make me the happiest man in the world and be my girlfriend, Kellie Heffner?"
She sat there completely silent for a moment. Then she put her other hand over mine and looked into my eyes and said, "Yes."
Author's note: poses used in this chapter were created by Jellysimwich
translation of the italian words:
* Beryl... non ti dimenticherò mai... tu sarai per sempre nel mio cuore... sei una parte di me... Perdonami...
Beryl... I will never forget you... you'll stay forever in my heart... you're a part of me... Forgive me...
** La famiglia è il più grande tesoro
Family is the greatest treasure