FanStory.com - Living On The Edge - Chap. 11by Begin Again

CHAPTER 11

Layla peered through the curtains as she watched Jake pull out of the driveway. The sound of her phone ringing caught her attention, and she quickly picked it up. The caller ID displayed a number from New York. She answered the call and was greeted by Ryan's worried voice.

"Layla, what's going on?" he asked. "Diane says you're in Illinois. I don't understand. We were celebrating. I was going to ask you to marry me."

Layla's heart sank, and she felt guilty. She knew that what he was saying was true, but it was not what she wanted. "I'm sorry, Ryan. Allie needed me."

"Your sister calls, and you drop everything, including me," Ryan said bitterly. "What about your business?"

Layla tried to explain, "Diane can handle the day-to-day business. We're in downtime for the next month since the shows are over."

Ryan replied sarcastically, "Sounds like a good excuse."

"Ryan, I don't expect you to understand, and I don't need an excuse. I should have called and explained, but I couldn't. I'm sorry," Layla apologized.

"So, Allie needed a shoulder to cry on, and you hopped on the next flight. Is that how our marriage is going to be? I won't play second fiddle to anyone, including Allie," Ryan retorted.

"Ryan, Allie is missing, and someone might have murdered her. I've got to find her."

Ryan's voice rose as he screamed into the phone, "Layla, have you lost your mind? That's why there are police departments. Let them do their job and come home." He was angry and frustrated, and his words were biting.

But Layla was resolute. "I can't, and I won't. Allie is my family, and we stick together," she replied firmly. Her voice was steady, but there was a hint of sadness. She knew what she had to do, even if it meant sacrificing her relationship with Ryan.

"I care for you, Ryan, but I don't love you enough to get married. I wouldn't have said yes if I had stayed there," she said, her words laced with regret.

Ryan's tone softened as he pleaded with her. "Layla, you don't know what you are saying. You're upset about Allie and confused," he said, hoping to change her mind.

But Layla was resolute. "Yes, I am upset, but I'm not confused. I'm sorry, but we don't have a future together. It's over," she said, her voice breaking a little.

There was a long pause on the other end of the line, and Layla could hear Ryan breathing, but he wasn't saying anything. "Ryan — did you hear me?" she asked, hoping for a response.

But there was no response. Layla heard a beep, and the line went dead. Ryan had hung up without even saying goodbye.

She hadn't intended to end their relationship over the phone but accepted it had happened. Allie was her top priority, and she knew she had to do whatever it took to help her. As for Ryan, she was optimistic he'd land on his feet within a week.

Ryan was successful in the financial field, owned a flat in New York City, and had a family in the Hamptons. The minute the word was out that he was single, she did not doubt that girls would stick to him like flypaper.

*****

Troy had been dozing off throughout the day, his mind reeling with all the information he had learned from Sammy earlier. His medicine had helped him relax, but he still felt uneasy about meeting with the cop. He had imagined her as a stern and imposing figure, resembling the Catholic nuns from his childhood. But, when she tapped on his door and poked her head into his room, he was taken aback by her friendly demeanor.

Her emerald green eyes sparkled as she smiled warmly at him. Troy was struck by her beauty - her wavy hair framed her face perfectly, and her smile was so infectious that he thought his heart rate would set off the monitors. Despite his past as an iron-fisted ex-con, he felt like a giddy schoolboy in front of her.

"I hope I'm not bothering you," she said, her musical laughter filling the room. "They said I could stop and say hello once in a while."

Troy was positive that if she smiled once more, he would melt like the witch in the Wizard of Oz. "Bothering me? No, I'm craving company. Please, come in."

"Thank you. I've been in the atrium quite a while, so I won't stay long."

"NO! NO! Please stay as long as you like." Troy couldn't get the words out fast enough.

She laughed again, and Troy couldn't help but feel drawn to her. He had never believed in love at first sight, but today, he thought it was possible.

"My name is Troy," he said, hoping to make a good impression.

"It may sound silly, but I don't know mine," she replied. "The doctor said I had an accident, and my memory took a vacation. Well, I guess all of me did because I've never been to such a beautiful place. I don't even know how I got here."

"You have amnesia. Your memory will come back in time. For now, rest and get better."

"I love the atrium with all the flowers and birds," she said with a dreamy look. "They even have butterflies fluttering about. The nurse told me about each wonderful creature. I can't get enough of the warm sun. I'll take you there when they say you can get up in a wheelchair. You'll love it, I bet."

"I'm sure I will. Thank you."

Alyssa stood up from the chair, her movements slow and careful. Troy watched her as she walked towards the door, her slight frame looking fragile against the sterile hospital walls. "I better go. They said not to stay long, and the nurse keeps close tabs on me. Maybe I'll see you tomorrow," she said softly. She opened the door and turned to say goodbye.

"Goodbye, Alyssa," Troy replied, his voice warm and gentle.

Alyssa paused for a moment, a look of confusion on her face. "You called me Alyssa. It's a pretty name. Do you think that's my name?" she asked, her eyes searching his.

Troy hesitated, unsure of what to say. "I don't know. It just popped into my head," he replied, feeling foolish for using her real name.

Alyssa smiled, a glimmer of mischief in her eyes. "Hmm, I like it. You can call me Alyssa if you want. Everybody needs a name, right?" She waved and disappeared down the hall.

Troy watched her go, feeling a sense of loss as she left. She had taken all the light with her, leaving him alone in the dimly lit hospital room. But as he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, he couldn't help but hope for sweet dreams.

*****

Layla couldn't resist the temptation to explore Jake's place after he left. She went through his drawers and cupboards, searching for clues about him. She found an envelope with his address in the top desk drawer and a gun in the drawer by the nightstand. She hesitated momentarily, considering whether to take the weapon, but she decided against it. She knew nothing about firearms and felt it was better to leave it alone.

She rummaged through Jake's closet and found a jogging suit. Although it would be baggy on her thin frame, it was still better than the pajamas or the dress she had worn the previous night.

Once dressed, she called a cab to take her to Alyssa's apartment.

She spent the next two hours showering, washing her hair, and going through her suitcase to find more suitable clothes.

She'd seen a church nearby and decided she wanted to go, light a candle for her sister, and pray.

*****
As she walked towards the church, the fresh air felt invigorating, and the bells ringing in the distance were soothing. She was awestruck by the beauty of the statues and hand-painted ceiling when she stepped inside. She approached the front altar, where dozens of candles lined the stand. After dropping a few dollars in the box, she took a match and lit a candle for her sister.

"Allie, wherever you are, this candle is for you to guide you back home to me. Fight harder than you have ever fought. I know I will until I find you. I love you, Allie."

She made the sign of the cross and moved to the front pew, where she knelt to pray.

When Father Williams entered from the rectory, he felt surprised to see a young woman praying. Someone he did not recognize as one of his parishioners. When she finished her prayer and stood, he approached her.

"Welcome to St. Peter's. I'm Father Williams, and this is my parish. I don't believe I've seen you here before."

"My sister, Alyssa, lives a few blocks from here. I was wondering if you might have known her. I'm from New York. I came because she's missing." Layla pulled a photo from her pocket and showed it to the Father.

"I'm sorry I can't help you. I shall pray for your sister." He extended his hand toward her in comfort, and Layla froze. His right hand had a tattoo of a cross and a serpent.

Fear gripped her. "I'm sorry — I just —" Her heart was racing, and her throat tightened. She turned away.

Stunned by her reaction, Father Williams called after her. "Please, let me help!"

Panic overwhelmed her, and she couldn't speak or catch her breath. She spun around and ran down the aisle towards the door, with Father Williams following her and pleading for her to stop. She burst out of the church doors and ran up the block until she found a cab. She climbed in and told the driver to take her to the police station.

*****

Jake parked his car in a side parking lot and climbed the steps to the door labeled Police Department. He'd received a call regarding the body found in the river and he wanted to see what the Chief had to say about it.

"Hi, Penny."

"Hi, stranger. You've been missing in action lately. Thought you might have already given up on us."

"I've just been following up some leads instead of hanging around the office. Is the Chief in his office?"

"Oh, he's there." She poured him a cup of coffee. "You might need this."

"That sounds ominous. Is he on the warpath?"

"The body they found has got him wound up tighter than a spring. I bet he's called the lab twenty times, trying to find out if he can hold the press conference."

"Press conference? On an unidentified body?"

Penny rolled her eyes. "He's got the body identified and the killer pegged as well."

"What did I miss? Wasn't she burned beyond recognition?"

"Yes, but I guess they found some scraps from her dress with DNA and a bracelet with her name." Penny looked toward the Chief's office and lowered her voice. "He says it's Alyssa, and he's pinning it on Troy."

"That would be a big mistake." Jake could feel his blood starting to boil.

He walked toward Richard Harrison's office and knocked on the door, opening it before anyone could answer. He was asking questions before Richard could even open his mouth.

"I heard they fished a body out of the river. Penny says you might already have identification. Is that right?"

Richard snapped, "Damn girl should keep her mouth shut."

"We work for the same team, don't we, Richard? Why would you keep it a secret?"

"Not you, just people in general. I've got a press conference scheduled for three."

"A press conference. Are you sure about this? You're moving mighty fast." Jake couldn't believe this man's arrogance.

"Why wait? Her body was burned beyond recognition and then dumped in the murky river water. Everything's contaminated except for what they found on shore."

"Which was?"

"They found scraps of her dress stuck on the thorny bushes along the bank. I'm waiting for clarification, but I'm positive they will find Alyssa's DNA. That, along with the bracelet with her name, is enough." He appeared to gloat as he added, "As for the killer, it pains me to say it, but it's Troy. He just got out of prison and knew she was out to send him back. He beat her to the punch. But he won't get away with it. Not if I have anything to say about it."

Jake couldn't believe what he was hearing. This man, someone he'd known almost his whole life, was about to sell his brother down the river. For what, political votes?
"You really think Troy would risk going back to prison?"

"I don't think it. I know it." Richard turned and stared out at the skyline before he spoke. "They found his watch, a gift he received from our father. It's engraved with his name. I'm guessing it got ripped off in a struggle. Regardless, it seals the deal for me."

"Have you talked to Troy? Got his version of the story?"

"No, it's not necessary, and he'd lie to stay out of prison. He got a reduced sentence, and this is how he repays those who helped him." Richard cleared his throat. "He's going to rot in prison this time. I haven't seen him, so I assume he's on the run. It won't take us long to track him down."

Layla raced into headquarters, breathless, screaming, "I've got to talk to the Chief. I found my sister's murderer — the attacker — whatever he is."

Penny jumped out of her seat and hurried to Layla's side. "Calm down. Take a deep breath and breathe."

"No! I want to see the Chief." Layla looked toward the Chief's office. "Is that Jake?" Before Penny could answer, Layla was moving and calling out, "Jake! Jake! I found the guy."

He hurried to her side and wrapped his arm around her. "Layla, calm down. What are you talking about?"

"I went to the church to pray. The priest introduced himself. When he extended his hand, I saw the tattoo, the one I saw on the video chat. I saw the cross and the serpent."

"What church were you at?"

"The one by Alyssa's house—St. Peter's, I think. It was him, Jake. They need to arrest him right now."

"I've known Father Williams all my life. So has the Chief. You're mistaken. He's a good man."

Richard joined the group in the doorway. "Please come in and sit for a minute. I'm afraid I have some unpleasant news to share with you."

"I don't want to sit. I want you to arrest my sister's killer."

"I'm afraid we have."

"What? When?" She looked from the Chief to Jake and back again. "How could you have gotten to the church that fast? I just left there. I don't understand."

"Your sister's body was recovered from the river early this morning."

"No, it can't be. I don't believe you. I want to see her."

"No, Miss Saladino, I assure you — you don't."

Penny handed him a box of Kleenex, and he placed it near Layla.

"Your sister was set on fire. Her body was burned and then tossed in contaminated water somewhere near the sewage company. She was wearing a bracelet with her name engraved on it. I'm deeply sorry for your loss."

Layla was numb. This couldn't be true. Allie couldn't be dead.

Tears rolled down her face as Jake tried his best to console her. "It's not her, Jake. I know it's not her."

"Come on. I'll take you home."