PAYBACK

Chapter 6

     Terry stared right at her family. The letter said, ‘WILLOWS IS GUILTY. DO THE RIGHT THING ELSE INNOCENT PEOPLE WILL PAY THE PRICE.’

     Her heart thumping, Terry reached for the telephone on the desk and called Gabby’s school. She and the principal were very close. She’d asked him to keep a close eye on her and inform her of the child’s attitude and her performance at school. That meant an extra job, and Terry had wholeheartedly compensated the principal.

     She waited impatiently, her lips quivering. A short while later, a manly voice came through the line.  “Hello, Terry. It’s been a while. How have you been?”

     She was too nervous to engage his pleasantries. On the other hand, she didn’t know how to go straight to the point without being rude. Quickly she said, “I’m fine. My daughter. Is she in school?”

     “Yes. I saw her this morning. They’re having Mathematics with the substitute teacher I told you about.”

     A good amount of the anxiety was dispelled. Terry had met Gabby’s substitute teacher during one of the school’s PTAs, and she’d liked her on the spot. Gabby had also said nothing but wonderful things about her. She was assured her daughter was in good hands. “Okay. Please keep a close eye on her. I will pick her up myself today.”

     “Don’t worry, Terry. Your daughter is safe with us and sure.”

     Terry didn’t doubt it. Their school was one of the best in South Carolina, partly the reason why she’d chosen it for her daughter. Apart from the quality education they offered, their security too was tight, and the teachers were affable.

     “Thanks again. I’ll see you later.”

     She hung up but didn’t put the phone away. Next, he dialed the number to Eddie’s cell. While she waited for him to answer, her breathing slowed, and her fingers went numb. She lifted herself from the chair, walked to the windows, and yanked all the blinds open.

     The air that came into the room was refreshing. It calmed her nerves, and she exhaled. Eddie’s happy voice brought her to life.

     “Hi, sweetie. How are you?” Terry said.

     When she analyzed everything, she realized it sounded awkward calling him after she’d seen him an hour ago just to ask how he was. But deep down, she knew the letter was a threat and there was no way she’d breathe without knowing her family was safe.

     “Great.”

     “Good to hear. Are you in your office?”

     “No. In a meeting.”

     She felt bad for interrupting him. Eddie had never missed her call since their so many years of marriage. He’d always answered regardless of where he was or the situation. Family First, his motto. It wasn’t a surprise he picked up in the middle of a meeting.

     “Then I won’t waste much of your time.”

     “I hope everything’s all right.”

     Everything wasn’t all right. There was a threat letter on her desk, and she was far away from her family. To top it all off, the trial had only begun and there was no way she could avoid it. She didn’t want to bother him, so she said, “Yes.”