Seeking Revenge

The night of Andrew’s death was horrible. Sleeping was near impossible and even when I managed to drift off, my dreams were filled with images of Andrew’s death. I saw him being beaten and stabbed.

Strangely, in each dream, I saw his partner doing the unimaginable acts. It confused me, was my mind trying to tell me something?

That morning, I went to the police station and asked to talk to the police chief. I received a questioning glance upon my request, but was given access after a moment of waiting. I was patted down and searched before being allowed into his office.

My meeting with him turned up some very valuable clues. He was never informed of any special case that Andrew was supposedly on. He also knew nothing of them going out that day to do anything other than routine traffic watches. He did know that Andrew had passed away, but he hadn’t heard the circumstances in which he died.

The Chief was very interested in my concerns and assured me that he would do all he could to find out what happened. There was going to be a deep investigation of each staff member, held by the FBI. If they were to find anything fishy, they would be sure to take action.

By the time I left the station, it was nearly eleven. I knew I needed to head over to my mother’s house and get my kids. I dreaded having to tell them the news, but there was nothing else I could do. I just hoped that my mother still had her hair, knowing how naughty Chris and Caleb can be.

When I arrived at the house, I found my mother home alone. She came up and greeted me warmly. I was furious, “Where are my kids at?” I couldn’t help the feelings that boiled over me. I trusted her to watch them and she acted as though there was nothing wrong.

She managed a weak chuckle despite the fear written on her face, “Raven, it’s Friday. Your kids are in school. Don’t worry son, they are just fine.” She patted my shoulder.

I rubbed my forehead, “Right, sorry. I’m just a bit stressed out right now. I had completely forgotten about them having to go to school.”

She told me it was alright and invited me to come sit on her couch with her. After we settled down, she looked me in the eye and stated, “I’m very sorry for your loss, Raven. I know how hard it is to lose the man you love and have given your heart to.”

My eyes narrowed, “How did you know that Andrew died? I never told you anything except that he was injured.”

The expression on her face was hard to figure out, it was almost as though she knew something.

She shook her head and the expression changed instantly, “Oh, well, uh… You know… It’s ah,… Mother’s intuition. It’s not hard to see that you are very concerned and sad. I mean, I went through this when your father died. I know what it’s like.” Her speech was fast and when she was done she flashed a fake smile at me.

I stared at her for a bit, debating in my head whether or not to trust her. My instincts were screaming at me to get out of the house, but my head wanted so much for a strong, honest relationship with my mom. However I could not shake the feeling that she was up to no good.

I stood up, “I think I’m going to go now. I, uh, have things to do. Getting the funeral arrangements in order and stuff, ya know.” As I walked away from her, I could feel her eyes following me, burning into my back. It made my heart pound as I got away from her as fast as I could without making a scene.

I went back to the police station and talked to the Chief again. I told him about the weird encounter with my mother and the sketchy past I had with her. I told her she should be interviewed as well and he agreed. He ushered me away, thanking me for the help, but he assured me that they had top-notch investigators and they would get it all figured out.

The day of the funeral came and went. It was hard on the boys, as I knew it would be. They were adjusting well, though, and I knew it would not be something that haunted them. I did not tell them the way he died, I just told them he died while at work. They all had known his job was dangerous and I suspect it’s part of the reason they were not as torn up as I was.

I found myself most nights standing in the family graveyard, praying that he could show me what happened so I could get revenge. However, since the night of his death, I had not had another dream.

The months flew by, and eventually turned into years. The boys were getting older and had started high school. They each had become so handsome and were unique in many ways, however I could still see me and Stella in them.

Chris was still a big sports fan and spent a lot of time working out. He signed up for high school football and had been accepted. Their first game went great and he played amazingly. He still had a goal of someday going pro in some sport.

Colton was still very much into inventing and dinking around with electronics. His goals had not changed much either, he wanted to become an airplane mechanic now. He grew himself a mustache, even though we all told him it looked ridiculous and asked him to shave it, he said it made him feel more grown up.

Chris was no long the ring leader of the evil twins. Caleb had enough of his beatings and one day turned on Chris and beat him up. Now he follows his brother Caleb around like a sissy puppy dog. He wants to be “mega rich” when he grows older, I don’t think you can count that as a job, but that’s the best he can come up with.

Caleb, as I said, was now the boss man. His evil doings had increased ten-fold and he was in the principle’s office more than he was in class. I tried my best to get him straightened out, but that kid hears nothing. I often wonder if it is because of Andrew’s death, but I try not to bring it up around the kids, so I may never know. He told me one day that he is going to become a smuggler or a jewel thief. I just pray to the creator he changes his ways.

It was half way through the freshman year when they finally closed the case on Andrew. The ruling was in my favor, two police officers were charged with murder and conspiracy. They were also charged with various small things including misuse of their badges. Their sentences were life with no parole.

As for my mother, she got away free. There was no evidence that she had any part in the murder and her interviews revealed nothing suspicious. I still had my doubts, though, and didn’t allow her near my kids or myself anymore. She claims that it broke her heart, but I doubted she even had one to begin with.

As sweet as the revenge felt, I could not get past the sadness I felt for Andrew’s death. First my boyfriend, Lance, and then my husband Andrew. I decided not to ever date again for fear of what would happen. It was difficult being gay in a town of people who don’t understand and only wish to rid the world of my “filth”.

My time was coming to a close though, as my age began to catch up with me. I knew that eventually I would have to choose which son I wanted to carry on my grandfather’s legacy, I just wished I could have a little help knowing who would be the best heir.

Chapter Ten: Chosen One