Better the Devil you know

Tony...

It was Rita with a baby at the shopping complex, I'm sure of it! I tried to follow her but man, she took off with the speed and grace of a startled gazelle. What were the odds of seeing her in that shopping complex on my first day back? I figured I’d have to search every business in this s**t town to find any trace of her without going to her parent’s house and grovelling for any information they throw my way. I don't even know if they will talk to me I left so suddenly. The number Jerry gave me on the card had been disconnected so I didn't find out if it was hers, he only gave it to me four days ago. The money I was forking out to find her was becoming ridiculous. I know she is here somewhere, she wouldn't leave her parents to struggle on their own. I just have to find her and explain what happened and why I had to leave the way I did. The last address the investigator had for her was her parent’s house in Dundas but she hasn't been seen there in a while. I demanded an update at the end of every day if there were any sightings and so far no good news. I don't know where she works, where she lives or even if she is married. I think she may be a nanny or something since I saw her with a kid, but so far no leads. No one remembers if she moved or even if she died! How could someone just drop off the face of the planet? Maybe I should ask my mother about her, she never really liked me being around Rita. If she knew how I felt about her she would probably have her killed. Dad always said “you have to risk it for the biscuit son”. I don't know if I could.

When I got back to my Mother's house, home, I still couldn't call it that. It’s like a museum of stupid affluent peoples artifacts through time that are supposed to be special to me. Nothing here is special. It's like a snapshot out of my own personal horror film. I try not to notice my surroundings, taking notice of my position in the house. Some rooms I can’t even walk past without hearing the past calling from the other side of the door. I don’t venture to the third floor at all, or the basement. I found my mother in her drawing-room looking rather pleased with herself as I entered. I hate the look of her over botoxed face when she attempts to smile, it makes her look constipated. I wonder how much plastic surgery she has had. Her features were always soft and kind now she is harsh and empty of emotion. I used to love her smile when I was a child. Before the monsters became real and my protectors were brought with shiny new things. Even her hair looks to be stuck in time. I thought she used to look elegant and put together, now like she is a part of a wax museum with really bad models. If you hold a flame to close everything will combust and melt to nothing. That's what I felt for her now. Nothing.

She waves an envelope in my direction and I cringe. “Dinner party reservations are flooding in darling, everyone is dying to see you again,” she says as she places the envelope in my hand. “This one came especially for you and I know you will be dying to open it. Go on, I want to see your face as you read it!” this can't be good. That level of excitement from this woman can only mean one of two things - a wealthy match or my monsters are still alive. “I have to read it later, mother I have something to ask you. Do you remember Rita Greaves? I'm sure you would, do you remember where she was working about 3 years ago just before I finished Uni? I can’t find the store, did they move?”

That shouldn’t raise too many questions I’m sure. She used to love that store, with all the shiny glittery expensive things I would buy her as a child. Father would take us there to buy mother a gift as we returned from father-son trips away to show her how much we missed her. That was a happier time until Rita started there. She was paying her way through Uni. Mothers face tightens and takes on a sour expression. I must have struck a nerve either mentioning Rita or my father. “Oh, that store was torn down not long after your father passed I’m afraid dear. I have another favourite store for little trinkets if that’s what you’re after” Damn I wasn’t going to get any help from her, at least she thinks I want to be a happy family again. Just need to keep my s**t together. I walk towards the back of the house trying not to look at the stairs as I pass. Once a favourite hiding place as a child now sends fear through every nerve in my body. I pass quickly reaching the pool just as Jerry dives in. I waited for him to surface, taking a seat near the edge of the terrace. “Did you get your special envelope?” he asks as he lifts himself out of the pool. “Mother was beside herself when she noticed the address, who is it from?” to be honest I had forgotten about it and I didn’t really want to be alone when I opened it. I guess with Jerry is as comfortable as I will ever be. “I will open it now if you promise to shut up about this stupid dinner party!” Jerry raised an eyebrow, questioning my tone. “Not happy to be the centre of attention again are you?” he asked. I wonder what gave him that idea. The sooner this is all over with the better. I tore open the envelope and swore. “That f*****g old b***h just can’t leave it alone can she?” I was done. I tore the note and envelope into tiny pieces and threw them into the pool, let her pool boy fish that s**t out. I just had to get out, have to find Rita. My sole reason for coming back to this death pit is to find what I lost all those years ago and make things up to Rita. I don’t know how but I will find a way. Once I’ve reached my car I take out my phone and call the investigator again. “I am doubling your fee, I don’t care how many men you need, I need her more” I shout down the line. Being back here has really set me on edge. I make another call to my therapist and demand she fly here to see me daily, all expenses paid. If I have another break it will be better if I’m prepared. I will not have a repeat of last time. Last time the monsters were just in my memories, now they are here. In the flesh. About to die. I make another call. “It's time, bring in the big guns.” This s**t is global, it’s time to act.