They began their ascent up the steep polished cobblestone street to Castle Brown. Each of them leaned into the hill and stepped more forcefully as they trekked to the summit.
As they climbed, Troy spoke; “I remember when I was here last. A girlfriend and I spent some nights here. It cost a fortune but for me—chump change. You know; dinner and romance for a couple of days. Bang Zoom.” Troy smiled as he remembered.
“How nice for you—a young couple. My wife loved it here. We used to come to get away. Our family was small then.” Forrest was melancholy. Although his breath was a little heavy, Lacie wasn’t sure it was simply from their vigorous pace.
“What happened to your girlfriend?” Lacie asked trying to give Forrest a break.
“Oh, she wasn’t my girlfriend; just something to do while I was here. There was a big business merger. She was alone and looking for some fun since her husband was always away. Sadly, the bitch tried to trap me. You know…She might be pregnant and it was mine? Well, I high-tailed it right out and never saw her again. Psycho. It could have been bad for me. Besides, who could ever know for sure if it was even mine? She could have been screwing a ton of guys.”
“Gotta protect yourself.” Lacie added. The corners of her mouth turned down.
Forrest just kept walking. His fists were clenched as he huffed along the ragged trail. Lacie thought they might need to stop.
“I never knew my father.” Lacie continued. “He left me with relatives and ran off. My mother died when I was an infant. I grew up just over those hills. My cousins and I used to come here to see view from the top of the world.”
Finally reaching the top the three paused, leaning over the railing to stare across the glassy water and marvel at the forever that stretched out before them. Horizon and sea simply pushed together melting different shades of blue. It truly was spectacular. But it was Forrest that took their breath away.
“My wife and I used to come here. She jumped to her death after she’d given birth to our only child.”
“What a sad place this is for us.” Lacie sighed. Turning to Forrest she asked, “Was it depression?”
“No.” Forrest shrugged. “She was having an affair and although he’d told her he loved her, he ran off when she told him she was pregnant. She couldn’t live with the guilt or shame. She wouldn’t let me forgive her. I couldn’t deal with a little baby and so I left her with my family. I thought I could run away. I never did.”
The reality settled over them like a dewy cobweb, clinging to each. Lacie’s mouth was dry. Troy shifted from foot to foot, running his fingers through his hair. Forrest stood like an exhausted statue. He seemed to be aging before their eyes.
“Troy,” Forrest asked softly. “Do you remember her name?”
Nervously, he dug his shoe at the loose rocks in the road. “Laura?” he asked.
Forrest lunged with a low growl. His hands grabbed Troy’s shirt collar and tore at it. His eyes burned with hate. Shoving Troy against the rail, the two began to slip in the loose rock. It gave way and they skidded to the edge of the mountain. Troy brought his knee up, causing Forrest to sputter and shrink but the older man began to punch Troy’s face. There was an awful cracking sound as blood began to color Forrest’s fist. He angrily spat on Troy. The younger man groaned, begging Forrest to stop. Lacie pulled at Forrest, shocked tears and sobs crashing into the salty air. Forrest stood over Troy who was balled up and bleeding.
“Her beautiful name, you animal” he panted, “was Leona.” And he bent over, shoving Troy off the cliff to the jagged rocks below. Lacie wailed. Her arms flew out to catch Troy. There was only a sickening “thuck” as his body broke below.
Forrest took one final gasp and wiped his mouth. He stood straight and said quietly. “You loved it here.” And walked back down to the square.
Neither spoke for several days. Lacie took a leave from duties. Before the trip ended, she met Forrest in a quiet spot.
“What do we do?” she asked.
“I did what I needed to. You must evaluate for yourself.”
“You killed someone.”
“I did what was right; for my family, my heart and my wife.” I understand if you need to report it. I understand if we cannot pursue this relationship further. I want to Lacie. I want my daughter.”
She looked far away. The tears burned her eyes and cheeks. The sobs were quiet but strong. In front of her lay everything and nothing. Forrest touched her hand. She did not pull away.
