Deadly Alliances

The sun blazes across the early morning Georgia skies as Tess pulls up to her breathtaking new home on Druid Hill. It'll be so nice to finally move in, she thinks, dreamily eyeing the grand mansion.

 

Her life had taken a sudden turn after her employer's unexpected death left her both unemployed and homeless. Thankfully, the money she had quietly retrieved from Stevens served as her lifeline. She invests it wisely. The returns, along with the profit from selling the trinkets, allowed her to purchase this home under an alias.

 

I need to see what the previous owners left behind, figure out what needs replacing, and make a list of what else I might need.  Stepping inside, she surveys the space. She quickly rearranges the furniture, then glances at her finished work. "I'll need a few more pieces for the front room, maybe some art and knickknacks to tie it all together." She smiles, recalling what she'd learned while earning her bachelor's degree in interior design. A degree she pursued while enduring Steven's abuse, knowing she'd need something to rely on once she escaped. She had no idea that those trinkets Steven deemed worthless were a small fortune in disguise.

 

The day was beautiful, with the clear afternoon skies overhead. Birds sang cheerfully, and the sweet scent of spring flowers lingered in the air. I love everything about this place, she thinks, heading to her car, a contented smile on her face.

 

A few minutes later, she steps into Modaina Furnishings, a high-end store in the city's historic district. I'm sure they'll have everything I need, she muses, her gaze sweeping over the elegant displays. As a child, she'd often pressed her nose to the store window, dreaming of shopping there, only to have her foster mom tug her away. "We couldn't even afford a pillowcase in that place." She would scold.

 

Memories of her childhood return as she browses. Tess then recalls the struggles she and her mom faced. If it weren't for school lunches, I wouldn't have eaten at all. She then recalls her mom mending discarded clothes so they'd have something to wear. I've come a long way, she smiles, walking further inside.

 

Tess is inspecting a lamp when she hears a familiar voice echoing through the store. Peeking down the hall, she spots her ex-friend Marisol berating the store manager. Tess sighs, recalling Marisol's knack for ruthlessness. I'd love to see her reaction when I mention my place on Druid Hill. Maybe I should invite her over sometime. The idea brings an ornery smile to her face.

 

She's walking towards Marisol when a shrilly voice from her past stops her in her tracks. Turning, she sees Jill walking toward her. I should've known she wouldn't be far behind, Tess thinks, forcing a smile. Marisol and Jill were inseparable.
"

Jill, darling. I'm so happy to see you." Tess says. It'll be even happier to see you dead.

 

"You too," Jill replies, a sharpness in her tone. "Though I'm surprised to see you here after everything with Steven."

 

"It wasn't my finest moment, but it's time to forgive and forget. How is Steven? And Lisa? I bet their baby is adorable. She's about a year old now, right?"

 

Jill's face darkened. "You haven't heard?"

 

"I've been living in Europe for the past year."

 

"The police found Lisa and Steven dead in their home."

 

Tess gasped theatrically. "What happened?" she asks, hiding the smile tugging at her lips.

 

"They think Steven killed Lisa before suffering a heart attack."

 

"And the baby?" Tess probes.

 

"She hadn't delivered yet."

 

"That monster," Tess murmurs, shaking her head. "I'd never have thought Steven capable of something so horrific. Sure, he'd lose his temper, hit me now and then, but I never thought he would ever resort to murder."

 

"I guess you never truly know what people are capable of."

 

"So, what brings you here?" Tess asked, smoothly changing the subject.

 

"Just shopping with Marcel. And you?"

 

"I'm furnishing my new home on Druid Hill. You know, the old Winston place."

 

"That was you?"

 

"Closed on it yesterday."

 

Jill straightens. "With Steven's money, I presume."

 

"I didn't receive a dime from him." Shaking her head, Tess continues. "That stingy bastard wouldn't even let me grab a change of clothes."
 

"So how did you manage such an extravagant purchase?"

 

Tess laughed. "The house is from investments I made before we married. Steven had no idea the prenup protected my assets from him."
 

"Well," Jill said, visibly flustered, "I'm glad we had a chance to catch up."

 

"Let's do coffee sometime," Tess offered, a smile on her lips. Coffee with a side of death.

 

***

 

The sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of amber and crimson. The exhausted detective makes his way to his desk to find the sergeant sifting through her notes.

 

Hearing her partner approach, Toni glances up, frustration etched across her face. "I hope you had better luck than I did."

 

"I'm afraid not," Jamal replies, dropping heavily into his chair with an audible sigh. "One name keeps coming up: Tess Cadwell. Everyone I spoke to described her as crude and uncultured. They said that they tolerated her for Steven's sake and were thrilled when he finally kicked her out."

 

"I heard the same," Toni said, flipping through her notepad. "A few people claim the last time they saw her, she was on their doorstep, begging for a place to stay. When they refused, she got belligerent shouting, using foul language, and calling them deplorable names. One woman said Tess made such a scene she thought the police would get involved. Another said she was already on the phone with 911 when Tess stormed off."

 

"Sounds like someone with a motive," Jamal mused.

 

"That's what I thought," Toni nods, "but I double-checked the plane manifest. Her name's on the list, and the airport has her on camera walking down the boarding bridge."

 

"So, what now?" Jamal asks, leaning back in his chair.

 

"We dig into Emily's charities," Toni suggested. "See if there's a common thread connecting the victims."

 

***
Tess is standing in the center of her front room, admiring the final touches, when there's a sharp knock on her door. She peers out the window to find Jill and Marisol chatting animatedly on the porch. Let the games begin, she thinks with a sly grin. After a quick glance in the mirror, she opens the door.

 

"Jill, Marisol! What a lovely surprise," Tess says warmly. She had suspected they might drop by after their earlier run-in at the store.

 

"So, you really did buy this place," Marisol barks, craning her neck to peek inside.

 

"I fell in love with it the moment I saw it," Tess replied, stepping aside with a gracious gesture. "How rude of me. Please, do come in."

 

Jill steps forward; Marisol pulls her back. "We really should be getting back," she says curtly. "It's been nice seeing you again."

 

"You too," Tess replies. She closes the door. A wicked smile creeps across her face when she says, "It'll be even nicer seeing you both in your graves."

List of Characters
Tess Cadwell, serial Killer
Toni Rodriguez, Sergeant of the Atlanta PD
Jamal Monroe, Detective for the Atlanta PD

Tess's Victims
Steven Cadwell, Tess's Husband
Lisa Moore, Stevens lover
Marsha Whittigar, Steven's Sister
Bill Whittiger, Marsha's Husband
Emily Whitmore, Tess 's Enemy.
Jack Whitmore, Emily's Husband