+1+
I could hear my heart pounding a few drops of moisture dripped down my neck. Even my breathing was beginning to get shallow, shorter, panting almost. I just needed to clear my mind. I couldn't stop now.
One more step and everything collapsed around me, It wasn’t till hit the ground that I realized I had fallen. I looked up the path and realized how far I was from the house.
The only thing I could hear was my breathing against the cold dirt. I stood up and brushed of my thermal top and ran the rest of the path finally coming back to the house just a the sun had finished rising.
I kicked off my sneakers and walked into the house.
Claudia and Mr. Fierro, Rose, Father, poison, 35.1 million dollars, murder, the scotch, the will
The minute I stopped running it all came back to me. Slowly, I climbed the front steps and pushed the front door open. In the hall I tried not to look at that tell-tale music box now sitting above the facade fireplace.
At first I had convinced myself that there was nothing in that music box because if I did kill my father I certainly wouldn't have left something behind. . . right ? I of all people could never be that stupid. Then again . . .
I had tried shaking the music box, but I couldn't tell if it was the mechanism or something inside that caused it to rattle a little bit. I even tried prying it open but Mr.Fierro assured me whatever was in the box he had a copy of it somewhere else.
Damn .A picture, what if it was a picture
As I made my way upstairs I caught my reflection in the hall mirror and couldn't look away.
The dark circles were still under my eyes, the missing kiss of color on my skin only made my scars more prominent. Usually I could bear them but today I hated them. They were so ugly,deep and permanent. I reached up and gently removed the hall mirror and set it behind another pieces of furniture
“Get it together, Clara”, I coached myself as I jogged upstairs to get ready for work.
It was the last day of classes and I had to at least appear sane. Out of habit I found myself wearing all black again, this time in the form of a tailored black suit, that felt more constricting than usual.
I ran a bit of bright lipstick on my finger and smeared it on my lips. I didn't bother using a mirror because I just couldn't take my reflection right now.
Over the weekend my emotions had gone from anger, to fear to suspicion. I had just sat in my room, thinking and realizing that no matter what this wasn't going to end well.
Downstairs,I ran my hand along the piano in the hallway and played a scale with one finger.
“Good morning, Ms. DeLune”
I jumped. Dropping my school work all over the floor. I hadn’t even noticed him in the hallway watching me.
I turned to face him with a blank expression and started putting my hair up.
“Still not speaking to me ?”, he inquired
I considered answering but didn't and made a beeline for the door.
I grabbed the only set of keys off the table not giving him another glance. I knew I was being childish but not saying anything felt like the only control I had.
I kept the keys clutched in my hands as I slipped on my winter coat and approached the sleek silver Vanquish. My car was still at Clarice's house and I was running late for work.
I slipped into the front seat and adjusted the mirrors. As I started the engine I couldn't help but to enjoy the quiet rumble of the engine and the smooth speed.
Once on the road I turned on my cell phone and was runover with 45 missed calls from friends and family and even more text messages.I answered as many as I could being a vague as possible.
"I was fine", I said
"I was tired"
"I was sick"
"It was nothing"
"I'm fine"
I'm lying.
I just wanted things to get back to normal. Whatever normal was.
I hurried into the factulty parking lot, but I couldn't bring myself to get out of the car. I practiced looking calm, trying to wipe the sheen from my eyes.One glance at the clock confirmed I was still running late.
I forced myself out of the car, trying to balance all my paperwork and not fall in my stilettos I ocked the door and noticed a group of students were gaping and pointing at the pasenger side door.
“Can I help you ?”, I said
They quickly scattered and I stood back and looked over the car. I dropped my papers all over again cursing my reckless driving.
There was a dent on the passenger side door.
+2+
I cancelled my afternoon class and drove back to Monroe County. I parked with the dented side near a tree, hoping Mr.Fierro wouldn't notice. I just wanted to crawl into bed with a Merlot.
I was a little shocked to find the house empty .It was strange being alone here. When I thought about it I couldn't remember the last time I had been alone.
It didn't sit well with me.
I gathered Mr.Fierro had gone to pick up Rose and Joy from the train station.
I wondered into the kitchen realizing how long it had been since I last eaten. A pie I had baked last night, when I needed a distraction, was the only edible thing in the kitchen. I set it on the table and picked up a large knife from the counter.
For some reason I hesitated before cutting it.
I thought I heard something.
I thought I heard. . .a pulse.
A low thrumming somewhere in the room
No I was hearing things.
With shaky hands I picked up a large knife and ran it through a kitchen towel. I touched the sharp tip into the top
I watched as a bit of bright red picked through the tiny fissure in the golden crust, I put the tip in deeper and a steady stream of dark thick red liquid spilled over the edge and onto the table.
It was strange. Such a dark and brilliant color.
Furthermore cherries weren't in season.
The thick sweet smelling liquid continued to run out the side of the the crust almost as if it had a life of its own.
The stream Pulsed and throbbed outside of the pie pan like a beating heart. I thought about what a blur the weekend had been, what a blur my life had become.
I hadn't meant to fall in love with
I hadn't mean to want him...
and since then I couldn't recognize my own life anymore. He couldn't recognize his life anymore.
What the hell did I do ? What the hell was I doing ?
Had I imagined his voice this morning.
Had I done something terrible ?
The red liquid now covered half of the pie, my grip on the knife was tightening. I tore apart the crust revealing more red gelatinous pieces, splattering onto the white table cloth.
I took the knife out and bought it between my lips
It was tart
And sweet.
Cherry and Cranberry
Canned cherries, fresh cranberries
I calmed myself down as I licked the filling off the tip of the knife
There was a low rumble from the front yard I jumped and scraped my tongue. My mouth filled with a little bit of blood.
I peeked out the kitchen curtain. Outside sat a night blue Jaguar parked square in the front yard, with two front wheels in the flower bed.
I dropped the knife and shuffled though my purse and fished out an airplane bottle of vodka, spitting out the blood and vodka into the sink. Inwardly I screamed, my mouth was on fire.
The back door of the Jaguar opened followed by two long lean legs, propped up on 6 inch heels. I watched as the rest of my eldest sister slid out the car. A thick pair of shades perched on her nose. Despite it being 30 degrees outside.
Claudia made her way to the front door, sneering at the dirt that was getting on her shoes.
“Sister !”, she called rapping on the front door.
Reluctantly I opened the door.
“Sister, dear”, she greeted me. A false sweetness to her voice.
“I can’t believe you Claudia”, I greeted her sternly
“I know these are summer shoes but it’s summer somewhere.”
I folded my arms and she realized I wasn't in the mood to be nice to her
“Oh, that. . . I guess he told you ?”, she sighed, “I figured. . .Let’s talk shall we ?”
Instead of coming inside the house she walked back to her car beckoning me to follow her. She opened the back door of the Jaguar and slide in very close to me.
Derek was sitting in the front seat and started the car. His black hair slicked back, gently thrumming his hand against the steering wheel.
"Well, Clara I don't know what to say. I suppose things got of hand"
"Why didn't you tell me ?"
“It's the past”, Claudia said, "You know what we have to do now"
My eyes went to Derek, He seemed to be listening and nodding along. I looked back at Claudia concerned.
“Please, I tell Derek everything after all he is my lawyer.”, Claudia and Derek exchanged a smile through the review mirror. Did he even know she planned to divorce him as soon as she could
“Mr. Fierro is blackmailing me Claudia. I don’t know what he has. But I’m seriously starting to lose it.”
She reached and took my my hand
“Don’t worry. I’ll protect you. We just have to make him a little more viable as a suspect."
“How ?”, I asked
“The vial", she said, " The one the poison was in. The one I took from him.You still have it right ?”
Claudia took of her shades, waiting for an answer.
“Yes” I said nervously, "I hid it, but I yes."
“Wonderful”
“Claudia why did you even take it ?What were you planning on doing with it”
"What do you think ?"
"You were going to kill him ?"
"No", she laughed, "I just wanted to have the option."
"Even knowing about our relationship ?", I looked out the window at the scenery rolling by
“Oh, please Clara. You have to be the most miserable bride I’ve ever seen. I didn't really think you would care”
“I’m not miserable”
“Listen Clara. After this you’ll be a rich woman. You can get married ten more times for all anyone cares. But you can’t buy another sister. You can't buy back the time you'll get if you go to jail. . .or prison.”
“Detective Rainer saw those letters. She knows Cal is you. She knows you two were planning something”
“Oh”, she looked at Derek in the rear view mirror again,”We took care of her”
As if on cue Derek tossed me an exact copy of the keys to the Vanquish.
“Claudia”, I was on edge, "what did you do ?"
“Clara”, she turned to me a hint of fear and sincerity in her voice, “Admittedly I got myself in too deep we all did, but it’s not too late to fix it.”
I was silent
“Place the vial somewhere that will be easy for the police to find”, Claudia instructed “ I’ll make an anonymous call to the police telling them I know the plate for the car that was involved in Rainer’s accident. They'll want to look around and when they do you just be sure to be extra helpful and make sure they find the poison”
“I just want this to be over, the guilt is getting to me.”, I looked at my red staind fingers
I looked out the window to see we had just circled the block and Derek was pulling back into the driveway and the flowerbed
“Don’t worry Clara", Claudia offered, " I’ll protect you. After all we are family"
+3+
I peered throughthe stained glass windows from the upstairs study as Claudia’s car drove away. Our conversation and her instructions still in my head
I turned away from the upstairs window and faced the beautiful although stuffy study.
I had made myself comfortable in the chair by the window and let my eyes linger over the silver “A” hanging on the door opposite me.
I just wanted to get this over with.
For some reason I knocked as I approached his bedroom door. I turned the handle and was greeted with a click and the door swung open.
"Yes", I said quietly
I hurried back into my room tripping over the door decoration I had pulled off. I recoveredthe lipstick I had put on this morning sitting on my bed
I took a moment and slipped on one of my leather gloves and opened the tube removing bright pink lipstick and carefully shook the vial out of the bottom of the lipstick barrel and into the palm of my hands.
Holding it up to eye level it was obvious the vial was empty. That sweet smell, which I knew now was oleander was still there. 
Moving much faster I used my elbow to push the door open to his bedroom. I tried not to be distracted by the immaculate room dressed in perfect shades of gray and black with three large white rose arrangements.
I sat down on the rather large bed and surveyed the room. There weren't many places to hide something. It had to be hidden but visible enough that someone searching might see it.
I turned to the bedside table taken a back by the photograph of me. Scars and all. It was probably taken at Emile's old apartment, not a year after I'd had my bandages removed. If you didn't know any better you couldn't tell I was four months pregnant when it was taken
I scratched my pinky nail against the thin glass of the picture frame.
No, I couldn't lose focus.
I layed down on the bed, staring at the celing, a small skylight displauing the overcast sky.
I kept staring at the dark clouds trying to figure out what I had gotten myself into. I yawned taking in the fresh linen, soap and flowery scent. I turned to stare at the vial in my gloved hand.
My eye lids began to drop and the more I tried to concentrate the less I could
+++
What felt like seconds later I heard the front door open and close. My eyes darted open.
“Shit”, I was wide awake.The vial had rolled away from me into the center of the bed.
I had been asleep for an hour.
I quickly grabbed the vial and slipped my other glove on followed by my coat. I could hear murmuring in the kitchen and I went quietly down the back staircase and out the back door.
Using the spare key Derek had made I opened the car door and placed the vial in the passenger side door. Suddenly thankful I had driven that morning with my gloves on.
I ran back around to the back door, slowed my breath and stood in the kitchen door way slipping off my gloves
Rose and Joy's suitcase were in the hall and they were both in the kitchen, Joy was pressing coffee.
I kneeled down as Rosalie put her arms around me, Once she let go of me she ran her hands over the large diamond on my finger. I'd never worn it until Friday and I forgotten to take it off.
“It’s pretty”, she said her voice sounded distant. I shuddered thinking of the times Rosalie had taken and hidden my jewelry, clothes and keys never to be seen again.
I looked up from Rose to see Joy pouring Mr. Fierro some coffee, our eyes quickly met then he looked away
I jumped as my phone buzzed. Claudia had texted me a question mark. I stood up leaning against the door frame.
“Mr. Fierro, may I speak to you ?”, I said
“Certainly”, he made no mention of my me breaking my silent treatment.
He followed me to the living room where I picked up the music box.
“Okay”, I said, “Last chance. Please tell me what’s in the box.”
He wrapped his finger around a thin gold chain around his neck that I realized held the key
“I don’t think so, Ms. DeLune, though it is lovely to hear your voice again.”
“This isn’t a game to me anymore. I’ve told you everything”
“No, you have not”
"How do you want this to end ?"
"I think you know"
I sighed and brushed past him and called to Joy
“Joy, can you take Rosalie upstairs”, I stopped her at the doorway and whispered “Don’t let her downstairs no matter what happens.”
She looked concerned but nodded.
I twirled the phone in my hands a few times, till If finally had the nerve to respond
Now
+4+
From the corner of my eyes I saw the blue and red lights flickering as a set of police cars came down the driveway. I put down the paper I was grading and watched from my seat in the parlor as three officers walked over to the passenger side of the Vanquish. They looked at the plate and took notice of the dent.
One of them started searching the car and I tensed.
Mr. Fierro’s back was to the window, he was facing me but his eyes were on a book. Only occasionally did he look at me, when he thought I did not notice.
I bit my lip when there was a harsh knock on the door. I moved to get to the door before Mr. Fierro could register what was happening. When I opened the door I expected to see Detective Rainer. Instead I saw two strong armed officers.
“Where is Detective Rainer”, I asked.
“She’s still in the hospital”
“Still?”, I was shocked I didn’t think Claudia and Derek had hurt her that badly.
“We’re looking for the owner of the car outside.”, the officer said
“What is happening ?”, Mr. Fierro moved me out the way
“Sir, you’re under arrest for the assault of a police office. . . and the murder of Martin DeLune.”
For the first time Mr. Fierro seemed speechless. His eyes found the police officer handling the empty vial. Then his eyes met mine with a familiar coldness and anger.
I looked as the officer reached for his handcuffs. He didn't resist but my God.If looks could kill.
"Wait”, I said, “. . .It’s cold, please let me get him a coat.”
The officers stood awkwardly as I retrieved placed the coat over his shoulders, when I reached the buttons I let my hand trail on the gold chain by his neck, pulling hard and fast as it snapped unnoticed by the officers into my hand.
I couldn't wait. I just couldn't. I walked over to the music box my hands shook and I heard the officers cuffing him.
I slipped the key into its delicate lock and the box clicked open easily and I lifted the lid. A rush of adrenaline hit me.
It was empty.
It was just a hollow box covered in blue velvet. I ripped up the velvet lining and still nothing.
He’d lied. . . to me.
A last minute lie
To keep me here.
Everything seemed to happen at once. Mr. Fierro’s gaze went from me to othe stairs and then to me. The darkest ill-intentioned gaze I’d ever seen, as the officers lead him out the door.
I was going to pay for this.
“What are you doing”, Rosalie’s soft voice went unnoticed by the officers. She was standing on the stairs with her elephant in hand, looking so innocent, “What did you do, Mommy ?”
“Go upstairs”, I said tossing the music box into the trash
She ran for the front door but I grabbed her, I put my hand over her mouth before she could bite me.
"No", she screamed her voice muffled, "What did you do"
“Stop it Rosalie", I said,"This is not about you. Go upstairs or you and I are going on a little swim”, I regretted the words before I said them. She became stop struggling and I let her. She ran upstairs to where Joy was waiting for her.
I sat down breathing hard.
I did it.
I had done what he knew I was going to do.
I framed a man for murder.
+++
“When ? When did this happen ?” What do you mean she is in the hospital ?"
Juliet looked expectantly at the officer in blue, the one who just moments ago was joking about Rainer’s hit and run accident
Juliet had stopped by the station Monday after school. She had been preoocupied with side projects and schoo all week. She had decided to stop by in person to see if Rainer found out about Ella Stanfield's confession to having helped kidnapped Martin's DeLune's grandaughter.
Juliet had warned Ella not to officially report the crime, in retrospect is wasn't that important. Of course there was no one who would corroborate Ella's story
“Saturday. Rainer was in an accident on Saturday”, the officer answered, “I’m suprised you didn’t see it coming.”
“It doesn't work that way”, she said tired of having to defend herself gifts, “Where is she ?.”
"They got her over at County."
"Please, can you take me to see her", Juliet felt handicapped not being able to drive, but the thought of having an episode while behind the wheel kept her in the passenger seat.
The officer, Officer Marks, was relutant but the girl seemed genuinely concerned for Rainer's well being. Which was saying a lot.
County hospital saw a lot of cops coming and going. Hopefully more through the front door than the back. It wasn't hard to find Rainer's room. Cops had been coming and going all weekend out of respect but none of them stayed long.
Tucked away in the hospital bed Olive Rainer's firey red hair had been pulled back, her hard features were covered in a oxygen mask. Her right eye was a little swollen the side of her face had two small bandages, she had a broken leg and fractured rib but Rainer had been through worse overseas.
"Can you wake her up ?", Juliet looked to the nurse who was tending to the other patient in the room.
"For a bit, she's in a lot of pain though", the nurse offered sweetly. Probably thinking Juliet was her daughter.
“Which is kind of ashame considering the new arrest in the DeLune murder”, said Officer Marks.
"Arrest ? Who ? When ?", Juliet questioned as the nurse began to work around the machines Rainier was hooked up to.
“I don’t know they got a good tip about the guy's who car did . . .", he pointed his chin towards Rainer, "They even found the poison that killed Martin DeLune in his car. Been in custody for a few hours.They say he hasn't said a word so far."
“I want to speak to him. I want to solve this for Detective Rainer. . . though my method might be unconventional.”
“I don’t think so kid. Besides Rainer isn't in a position to vouch for you”
“No, but my mother is”
“Your Mommy ?”, he joked
“Yes, Commissioner Wakefield”, Juliet answered
Officer Marks stood speechless. Now that he looked at the girl she could easily pass for a younger version of Commisoner Wakefield. It certainly explained why she was even allowed to consult in the first place.
"I'll see what I can do", Officer Marks said stepping out
Juliet leaned in close as Rainer's eyelids fluttered open. Rainer let out a small groan as her eyes explored her surroundings finally landing on Juliet.
"Detective ?"
Rainer rolled her eyes as if to say "I can't believe what this has come down to"
"We are so close to the end", Juliet said, "I promise I'l solve this for you. And when I do--we do I'll be sure you get to make the arrest."
Rainer moved to sit up but both the nurse and Juliet stopped her.
"You have to rest", Juliet said, "I have a way in. I can do this."
Rainer blinked slowly and kept her eyes on Juliet, a sign of gratitude a sign of determination.
+++
For some reason Juliet felt anxious as she stepped into the interrogation room. This was and would be a new opportunity. A chance for her to do what everyone wanted her to.
It was one of the older interrogation rooms. Bare walls and floor. Juliet had asked them to remove the tables and they do so almost hastily.
He looked almost exaclty the way he did in her sketch. Deep eyes, solid lines, tense expression.
“Mr.Fierro ?”, Juliet said
He seemed surprised that she knew his name, this seemed to interest him.
“Have we met ?”
“Not really. My name is Juliet Wakefield. I’m a Psychic. The psychic."
“Ah, you are the one”, He said. His voice was cold his tone a little amused “Are you going to tell my future ?”, he mocked her.
Juliet stood behind him. Her hands on the top of his chair.
“As a matter of fact, I am.”
"Is that so ?"
"Yes, and belive me you want to know it."
He was silent, slightly tensing at her words
Juliet walked in front of him and looked around the empty room.
"I asked them to remove the cameras and microphones. I told them it would mess with my ability, but I want this conversation to be private."
"I have done nothing"
"I know", Juliet said, "But you're smart. I think you know what really happened."
He seemed to be considering her words, cautious as to answer or not.
"I do.", he said
"How did you find out ?"
"I know Ms. DeLune is guilty. Believe me, I know what a guilty woman looks like"
"Here's the thing" Juliet said, her back to a corner, "I've never been able to read anyone' s e future. . . not till I was around Clara or you. I never knew what a burden it was. Knowing things."
"Perhaps you should share the burden."
"I will, after you get her to confess."
"And if I don't want to know what lies ahead"
"Is that a risk you really want to take ? If you knew your current future you could change the outcome to a more favorable one. You could guarantee your own happiness for once in your life.."
"You will just let me walk out of here ? What if I were to leave the country ?"
"Let's just say I don't think that bodes well for your future."
"Why is that ?"
"Because now that you finally have her, you can't stand to let her go. Get her to confess and I can guarantee your happily ever after"
Juliet watched him not moving, he seemed to be considering her words and the truth to them.
"I'll do it", he said. his lips barley moving
Juliet smiled, "Great,you have 48 hours"