Subj: Secrets and Alibis 6
Date: 4/6/00 9:16:58 PM Central Daylight Time
From: KimD
The next day at Collinwood Vicki was in her room. She looked at the vase that Mrs. Stodard had given her, and an air of sadness fell over her. She picked it up and thought about the events of last night. She had reconsidered her decision countless times since the previous night. But she knew that there was nothing else she could have done. She couldn’t get around the fact that the man she love was keeping a secret form her. One that he couldn’t trust her with. The fact that he felt the need to keep part of himself from her was what hurt so much. She considered returning the vase to Mrs. Stodard, but just having it gave her a sense of family, even if it was just an illusion.
She didn’t want to be alone any longer, so walked downstairs past the dreary gray stone walls. The whole house seemed to be cast in a dismal shadow. She made it to the foot of the stairs when she heard a knock at the door. She found William Haynes at the door. They walk into the drawing room. “Mr. Haynes, I mean William, I didn’t expect to see you. What brings you here?”
“You do,” he said. At the first sight of her he could see that his plan had worked so far.
“Me?”
“Yes. You lost this in town,” he said and held out a silvery earring to her.
“Thank you. How did you know I lived here?”
“You told me,” he said using the first excuse that came to mind.
She thought back to their conversation yesterday. “I’m sorry, but I don’t remember telling you. I’m afraid I’m a little off today.”
“Is there something wrong? Do you want to talk about it? I can be a good listener.”
“No, thank you. I’ll be alright.”
“It’s a terrible feeling when someone you love doesn’t trust you enough to confide in you.”
“How did you know?” she asked in surprise.
“I’ve been in that position before. I feel that I know you as well as know myself.”
“But how can you?”
“He leave you alone doesn’t he? He doesn’t tell you where he’s been or what he’s been doing. You’re lucky if you have any warning as to when he’s going. You’ve left behind to wonder and worry.” Vicki was amazed at how well he was able to describe what she was feeling. “I want to help you if you give me a chance.”
“But how can you help?”
“I want you to come with me.”
“Now?”
“Yes, now.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” she said hesitantly.
“I had hoped to do this without any trouble.” The kind gentleman of a few moments was gone, in his place was a hardened man with an emotionless face. He grabbed her by the arm, pointed a gun at her and propelled her out the door.