Bursting into Jo’s office Carla almost ran up over the desk. Her breath was throaty, she had so much to say it was rushing up from her toes.
“I know what you did!” She blurted.
Susan spun slowly. “And what is that?”
“Oh!” Carla pulled back stunned.
“No. Please. Continue.” Susan laid her fingertips together and cocked her head. “You’ll never be able to prove it. Not the murder. The papers? The money? Maybe. I know you have quite a bit of that already gathered up. Busy little bee you are with all this time on your hands.”
Carla was trying to wrap her mind around what Susan was babbling about. The weight of what she was saying crashed in her ears. She needed to keep going. Her phone vibrated and stuffing her hands in her pockets, she silenced it.
“Well, there was a print on the boot.”
“Jo’s”
“Someone saw you.” Carla was grabbing.
“No. Mrs. Walker saw Jo.”
“A wig?”
“Now, you’re guessing.” Susan smiled enjoying the game.
“It was your father.” Carla said incredulously.
“He gave birth to me. Yes. He wouldn’t give me the money I needed. He said he would, but he crossed me. Not wise.”
“You…cut...”
“Yeah, it was very labor intensive. My little arms are tired.” she smiled and cocked her head.
“You killed…” the floor tilted for Carla.
“No. Jo did it. That’s what everyone will think. I simply hauled the old fart to the road. Jo did the rest. I followed her to the bar. I’ve watched her for weeks. Poor dear. She’s such a creature of habit. Home by nine. The dog? I had to coax it across the road with treats. Stupid animal. I simply waited. At least I didn't have to bury it too.”
"But she could have swerved the other way.”
"She didn’t. I was lucky. Well, I saw her headlights.”
“How could you?” Carla whispered.
“I did what I had to.” Susan shrugged. Suddenly, she stood, quickly closing the gap between them. Carla never saw the knife but felt the burn as it sliced her skin. She gasped and doubled up, leaning on Susan who applied pressure, held the blade and began to walk Carla out the door. She hollered at the secretary.
“Quick! Get the door! Carla is sick! I’m taking her to the hospital”
“What?” the gum chewer stammered. “What’s wrong?” Color drained from her cheeks.
“Do it! I think it’s an appendicitis…a heart attack! Who the Hell l knows! I’m taking her with me right now.”
“Call 911!” the chomper choked and picked up the phone. Her lacquered nails clicked against the keypad.
“I’m not waiting.”
Carla shook her head and tried to speak. The pain tore through her insides. She winced and cried.
“It’ll be okay.” Susan soothed, laying Carla's head against her shoulder. She pulled her to the lot.
Carla looked up to see Paul sitting in his car. She smiled with great relief.
“What the Hell?” his face twisted.
“Just hurry it up Paulie. We’ve got to get her out of here." Susan snapped.
Carla felt sick. “Paul?”
“Shut it.” Susan snapped and twisted the blade. Carla grunted and dropped to her knees. Susan stuffed into the back and slid in next to her.
“Baby, this wasn’t how it was to..”
“Life’s messy Paul. We have to clean it up.”
Carla slumped in the seat. Consciousness wavered. She closed her eyes and began to cry. A thick painless sleep came to her. She welcomed it. It could all stop right now if she just gave in.
“Sue, this isn’t what we talked about.” Paul whimpered.
“Paul.” Susan pouted shoving the dead woman to the side. “It was what had to be done. We’ll be out of here tomorrow. They won’t find her for days. We’ll be long gone Honey.”
“Susan, how could you?”
She clucked disgustedly. “Paul, I’m tired of hearing that. Just drive.”
“Sue, I don’t think I can do this.”
“You didn’t. I did, but let me caution you Sweetie. Don’t cross me. Don't get weak now.”
Paul stared ahead and did as he was told, heading for the field they’d picked for his wife’s unmarked grave. He winced at the thought of having to bury her. But Susan was right. It was the only way. His rich beautiful future was just up the road.
Susan sighed and looked out the window. The money was safe. The tickets were bought. She was packed and ready. She felt the weight of the gun in her purse. She’d let him get most of the hole dug before shooting him. Then she’d simply bury them both. The sun flickered in the trees trying not to miss a moment.
“Almost over.” She said softly and patted Paul’s hand.
Thanks for playing. I hoped you liked it. I appreciate you visits.
