Marie was determined to talk until they listened. Amanda was the one to surprise Marie with a gun. Marie’s memories were fuzzy after that. There was a struggle. She didn’t intend to kill them, but once Samuel was shot, Marie knew if either lived, she’d be arrested. She couldn’t endure what Nathaniel had in prison; she just couldn’t. The combination of pent-up rage, years of degradation, fear and self-preservation all fueled Marie’s ability to stage the final scene. She knew the exuberance of the gun shots nullified the murder/suicide theory. Yet, Marie hoped the scene she staged would aid in that notion.
Next, Marie turned up their television and cleaned away evidence of their scuffle. Her finger prints were wiped away. By all accounts she was still in New York. She’d driven the three thousand miles in her own old Honda, using cash along the way. There were no records of her traveling to California. No one knew she was there, except Anton.
Opening the door of 12 A, Anton entered the small stale hotel room. The stench of old tobacco and bodily fluids filled Anton’s senses. It was enough to quench any desire he’d previously had of food. Nonetheless, he brought food from a local drive through. Placing the bag and cups on the small table, he said, “I brought this for you.”
“Anton, I want to get out of this dump. When will it be safe for me to leave?”
He paced the only space large enough to take more than three steps, near the end of the bed. He considered sitting; however, the filth and stains on the furniture quickly changed his mind. “A few more days. I’ve been talking to the police and making all the necessary arrangements. So far the neighbor, Chester, is cooperating. He made one statement that first night to some cop. After that, he conveniently forgot about my father’s sister’s visit.”
“It’s going to cost money to keep him quiet, isn’t it?”
“Yes, but I’ve negotiated. It won’t all be up front, more of a yearly settlement.”
“Did he agree?” Marie asked.
“I’m a very good negotiator. He understands -- sudden wealth brings questions. This will be mutually beneficial. Over time his payments will increase and it assures us of his future cooperation.”
Marie stood before Anton. He looked at the woman his grandfather loved. She looked so much older than three years his senior. Her tired gray eyes cried out in anguish over the events of the past few months. She’d lost her husband, her name, and now her money. Anton knew he could turn her in to the police and go on with his life. Marie knew that too.
“I will repay you for this.” She said, with her eyes lowered trying not to notice the grime on the worn carpet. Marie continued, “I know you are doing this for Nathaniel, not for me. But, I thank you.”
He lifted her chin; she was his grandfather’s wife. She needed to act as such. “You are right. And you are a Rawls; don’t ever look down like that. I am the one who failed him by not stopping my father’s law suit. I will not fail him again.”
“I came to your family as hired help. I am not above doing that again. I can work for you.”
Anton stared. His mind filled with memories of his family. He remembered the dinners in the grand dining room -- his grandfather, grandmother, father, mother, Marie, and him. How had it come down to just the two of them? “I’m not sure how this arrangement will work. I don’t exactly have need for household staff at this point.”
“You will.” In the midst of total chaos, Marie’s tone rang with confidence. “You are Nathaniel’s grandson. You will succeed. I have no doubt.”
Anton remembered Nathaniel’s evaluation: She is mighty remarkable. He replied, “I will not abandon you. In a few more days we should be able to move you. Once we get you back to New York, we will create a timeline, an iron clad alibi for your whereabouts during my parent’s death. The future will work itself out.”
“It will, Anton. I have confidence in you.” She reached for his shoulders, there was no sexual attraction. They were family. Marie felt as if she were looking into Nathaniel’s eyes each time she stared into Anton’s deep dark irises. The touch was merely a point of contact. They were together in this mess and bound forever by Nathaniel. “You know, your grandfather had plans for after his release. I’ve had a lot of time to think about those during these past few days.”
“He told me.” Her determination impressed Anton.
“I can help. I want to help. Truly I didn’t intend to kill your parents, but I’m not sorry they’re gone. I could lie and tell you I am. But, I won’t.” Anton nodded. “There are others who assisted in putting Nathaniel in prison, your father was but one.”
“I have names. However, this will take time and money.”
Marie smiled, “I have time. You make us more money.”
The truth is rarely pure and never simple.
- Oscar Wilde
Chapter 46
Sophia exhaled and spoke determinedly, “Mr. George, I’ll consider the most recent offer, but I’m afraid I cannot give you an answer today or tomorrow.” She didn’t wait for his response. “I will call you when I make my decision. Good-bye.”
Silvia looked questionably at her daughter. “You are too busy to be babysitting your old parents.”
“I’m hardly babysitting. You and Pop are helping me get this studio ready to open.”
“I think getting away from home for a while has been good for your father, a change of scenery and all.”