The Heart is a Lonely Hunter (40 page)

“My niece got married, today. They’re having a small reception inside is all? Go ahead in,” Jazzy said proudly.

Sill entered immediately, noticing Laura and that no-good Terrance Daniels. Waving at Laura, Sill watched Terrance exit quickly out of the corner of her eye. Some man, I guess he’s too embarrassed to even face me. Little does he know I wouldn’t degrade myself by confronting him? Scanning the room, Sill first noticed Mr. Davis who nodded cordially, but surprisingly made no further attempt to greet her. Will hadn’t had the chance to digest the slight from him when she noticed William in deep conversation with some White guy about his age. What bothered her more than anything else was the rather attractive young girl at his side? Therefore, William had traded her love handles for this hipless heifer.

“Congratulations, William.” Terry said.

“Thanks, Terry.”

“William, perhaps I shouldn’t tell you this on such a special occasion but we’ve found Morris’ killer. Name’s Thompson, Jack Thompson,” Terry said. “You know him. Seems he was unhappy about your being promoted or something. He confessed the whole thing. Anyway, congratulations and good luck. You’ve got a beautiful bride.”

Terry Shannon leaned over, kissed Melinda on the cheek and handed William an envelope. “Thanks again for your help. We couldn’t have done it without you.”

“What’s this, Terry?” William asked, pointing to the envelope.

“Just a little wedding gift.” he grinned sheepishly.

William gave the envelope to Melinda who gasped when she opened it. “William there must be over a hundred thousand dollars in here. We can’t accept this.”

“Not now, Melinda, not now. I think we have an unexpected guest. You wanna handle it or you want me to?”

With champagne cocktail in one hand, bottle in the other, Sill made her way through the crowd towards William.

“Long time no see, William. You’re looking well. When did you start hanging with the chic and sophisticated?” she asked.

“Oh, I don’t know that I can hang with either the chic or the sophisticated. It’s more like a few friends just getting together for a small celebration.”

“I’m sorry I meant to congratulate you on the buyout. I always knew you could do it. I’d like to think I was the motivating factor.”

“Wish I could say that were true, Sill.”

“What brings you here anyway?”

Sylvia sipped the champagne coolly. “Actually, I frequent Jazzy’s quite a bit. By the way, he mentioned his niece had just gotten married. Where is the lucky girl, William?”

“I’m right here, Sill,” Melinda piped up shyly.

Sylvia recognized the voice but couldn’t believe it was Melinda.

“My God, girl you look—” Sylvia said. “You’re Jazzy’s niece? Well, I’ll be damned.” Sill was shocked. “My God! Look at the size of the diamond! You go, girlfriend! Despite out little telephone conversation, I’m really happy for you. I really am. I can remember my wedding day. It had to be one of the happiest days of my life.” And she looked at her ex-husband disdainfully. “Do you remember, William?”

William nodded self-consciously. Sill grabbed Melinda and hugged her ever tightly. It was not that she was happy for Melinda but simply because it felt so good to be in William’s company again. Not even Melinda’s new found arrogance could affect her tonight. She was taking her man home in plain view of everyone. Laura could have her Terrance, Melinda with her new hubby. Sill was sure she would be leaving with Chairman of the Board. But it dawned on Sill that she had yet to meet the groom. After all, it was only appropriate that she meet the groom before leaving.

“You said I’d like him, Melinda. So where is this Mr. Wonderful anyway?”

“He’s right here, Sylvia,” Melinda said with trepidation.

It was at that moment that William put his arm around Melinda’s waist, pulling her to Mm. Sill gasped. Her world came to an abrupt stop. Dropping both champagne bottle and glass, Sill drew the attention of those not already taking in the whole affair. Finally, able to catch her breath, she spoke, “No you didn’t! You wanted a divorce so you could; marry this—this piece of trash. Tell me you didn’t. Please tell me you didn’t do this, William.”

Hearing the commotion, Jazzy sent two of his seldom-used bouncers to William’s side. William tensed up yet screwed up His courage. “Piece of trash? Wasn’t it you Sill who once told me that one man’s garbage is another man’s gold.” Melinda grinned proudly as she nuzzled up to William.

“Didn’t I tell you, you’d like Mm,” Melinda giggled.

Sylvia suddenly felt unstrung and paranoid, as if every eye in the place was now on her. Her observations weren’t too far off base. Turning, she noticed Laura looking. She stared at Sill, then flipped open her cellular phone to call someone. Probably calling that chicken-shit, Terrance, Sill thought.

Turning again, she could see Edwin who dropped His gaze when their eyes met. Suddenly the prim and proper, ever so reserved Sylvia Stanton had become the gatecrasher, the evil villain, the ex-wife, and the
other
woman. She glared at Melinda, then William waiting, hoping, praying for one of them to tell her it was all a bad joke but neither ventured a reprieve. The joke was on her. Her, Sylvia Stanton. Sure William had ample cause to pay her back but not like this. Anything but this. This was more than even she could stand. This was simply too much for her to handle.

“Tell me you didn’t do this, William. Tell me you didn’t...Sill was close to hysterics her head swam and she swooned but couldn’t remember Laura walking her to her car or offering her a ride home. She didn’t even remember the drive dome. Her only thoughts were of her William being with
that
woman. That goddamned Melinda. How could he? God, how could he?

Melinda was neither college educated or quite trained, sophisticated enough to—O.K., so she was an attractive girl but, by no means, was she William’s type. Melinda would be like a fish out of water at a formal function. She would never be able to mingle with the chic and sophisticated. It just didn’t make any sense. Of course, it made dollars for the little gold digger, who stood to become wealthy through this union. How could William be so stupid? Didn’t he realize all she wanted was his money? It just didn’t make any sense. Sill’s mind raced, spinning every which way. First, Terrance and now William. Neither that tall, lanky Laura nor country-assed Melinda could hold a candle to her. Yet, she was the odd man out, the one out in the cold. What was wrong with her? She could get a man. The problem was keeping him. As soon as it seemed that she let her guard down, he was gone. She sighed.

Where the hell was she? Abandoned, once again. Alone. God, how she hated being alone. It was the norm now.

Arriving home, moments later, she opened the door and once inside, fell to her knees. Head in her hands she screamed. Then screamed again. Wailing now. Sill fell face down, tears gushing out She looked around. At least, she saw the note attached to the whiskey bottle.

It was a note from Terrance and practically the only item left in the now vacant apartment. It read:

I love you so much Sill that I couldn’t bear to face you. I’ve put the condo in your name and moved my furniture and other belongings out

Good luck and God bless.

Terrance.

Two days later, another note was found at 1604 Havelin Drive, by the authorities when police entered the apartment after the super had made several unsuccessful attempts to have Sylvia sign a temporary lease.

Fifteen minutes away the newlyweds boarded a flight for Freeport, Bahamas, where they would honeymoon for a week both unaware of the tiny article which appeared in the
Constitution.
Sipping pina coladas huge glasses with orange and pineapple slices and colorful miniature parasols.