Chapter 22: The Condo Corpse
"...Criminals do not die by the hands of the law. They die by the hands of other men."
Heatherfield, 7:20 PM
Cornelia Hale had always known she was born to be more than a housewife from the suburbs of Heatherfield. She couldn't lie about it- she had been privileged all her life, but that was not the only reason for her high self-esteem and distinctive personality. While growing up, she had always outshined her peers with her beauty, wit and numerous talents: ice skating, her biggest passion, ballet dancing and even a career in modeling. She had been the popular girl in school. She had had each and every motivation to dream big. But as time went by, the beautiful blonde had to give up on many dreams and make amends in the name of bigger things.
She had given up modeling to go to college. Then, when she had gotten pregnant from the love of her life, she had given up college to be a good mother. Ice skating was one of the few hobbies she had kept to this day, alongside being a guardian, of course. Yes, Cornelia was almost 25; she was still so very young, beautiful and talented. She could still make all her dreams come true... If only she hadn't learned a little something about dreams, way too early in life- most of them were meant to remain just that. Dreams.
That was why, being true to herself, the young mother had two things on her mind while preparing a romantic dinner for her boyfriend. First, how much she wanted to make it up to him for acting like a bitch, and second, how nice it would be if she started modeling again. Yes, Cornelia Hale couldn't bear to be one-dimensional or plain- she was a hot mess and perfect ice queen all in one, and she wore her crown with pride.
"Caleb, you're home!"- the blonde exclaimed gaily when she saw her boyfriend walk through the modern kitchen door.
"Yep. Hi."- Caleb turned around and raised his left eyebrow. "What are you doin' there? Are you cooking?!"
"Don't sound so surprised."- Cornelia rolled her eyes, but still smiled. "I thought it would be nice to cook you dinner."
"Really? Well, that is nice of you- "
"Your parents called; they won't be coming home tonight. Lillian volunteered to look after Killian, so... it's just the two of us. So, I decided we should celebrate."
Announcing that, she pulled the apron off herself, revealing her luxurious black and pink outfit which was showing a generous amount of skin.
She looked up at her boyfriend with a twinkle in her eye, but to her disappointment, she realized that he wasn't looking back at her at all. He was going through their mail.
"Caleb."- Cornelia insisted. "We're going to have dinner. Please, go freshen up and then come to open the wine."
"Sure, Cornelia. But celebrating? We just celebrated New Year's the other day. You in the mood again?"
Cornelia blinked at him in disbelief over what she was hearing. It had been more than a week since their fight which had obviously left a scar, but she had thought that by now everything would be forgotten. It was not like Caleb to be mad at her for more than two days, especially when she was doing her best to make up for the part in the argument played by her. What was more, Caleb was sending her mixed signals. If he was still insulted by her words, then why was he fine during some days and then distant during others? Men will be men, Cornelia thought angrily. They had even had sex a few times after their 'big fight'. What was Mr. Rebel Leader's problem tonight, when she had put great efforts into organizing a romantic evening for him? Cornelia's confusion and desire to be sweet and kind were already morphing into fury when she finally found the words to answer:
"I obviously am in the mood. I look beautiful, I've prepared one of your favorite meals and I've managed to get the house to ourselves. So, now are you going to change into something less sweaty?"
"Yeah, I'm on it."- the man replied distractedly, throwing the mail on the kitchen island. "Sorry, I was training with the new kids in the Infinite City. It's an entirely new generation and they all want to be warriors like their older brothers and fathers. It's my responsibility to train them, right?"
"Right."- she smiled exaggeratedly. She had to avoid lashing out about all the Meridian shit, which she was sick of, again. "But baby, you smell like Blunk trained you to dumpster dive in every other dumpster in town."
Caleb grinned and playfully pecked her lips on his way out of the kitchen.
"Ew, I said go shower, Caleb!"- she demanded and pushed him away, even though she couldn't contain her own grin as he did that. There were his mixed signals again. Was he still angry with her or not? She had to know!
"I'm going, I'm going. Oh, and Cornelia."- he stopped once again at the kitchen door.
"Huh?"
"You always look beautiful."
Cornelia kept smiling at his direction, allured, long after he had headed for the upper floor. No matter what happened and how many years passed, that guy was always going to make the butterflies in her stomach dance.
Meridian
Phobos didn't know what felt worse. The fact that he was once again a prisoner to his sister's will, the fact he hadn't been able to kill her, back when she had attempted to kill him during the altar ritual, or the knowledge that he was currently under watch and had to suck it up, regardless of being able to protest.
Whichever of the above topped the charts, the thought that he had failed put him in a godawful mood. He began to fidget, going in circles around the space in which he was yet again forced to remain. As if it hadn't been enough he had been in a cell for over ten years; in the past few months, he had been forced to live like a fugitive in places which didn't feel like home while his sister so offhandedly resided in his Palace. How had he gotten himself into this? Once, he had been the ultimate ruler of Meridian, who everyone feared...Now they just hated him.
When had the evil prince lost all his glitz, shine and power? Since when could the guardians and his moronic sister get the better of him? Phobos gritted his teeth, and tightened his grip, crushing the glass he held in his palm to pieces. One day, one day they would all be under his thumb again and when that happened, he was going to squash his biggest enemies like ants.
"My liege. I came to check whether you need anything else before I go to bed."- Phobos turned around with his grim expression, acknowledging the other man who now stood behind him.
He waved his hand almost scornfully. If anything saved Cedric from his wraith at this point, it was the loyalty he had the prudence to show. Other than that, he had proven to be a lousy warlord and a fool. Again.
Cedric, himself, observed the fair-haired man closely and with a hint of disappointment. Ever since he had surrendered himself in order to be here, he had waited for the right moment to talk to Phobos about what he wanted. But so far, he had no luck in that department- the prince was in a terrible mood. Constantly. Bringing up the question which Miranda wanted him to resolve, would result in utter disaster at this point. Cedric had to wait.
He left Phobos alone in the living space and headed for his part of the resting home, they had been put under arrest in. It was nothing special as a building, but it certainly was better than that cave he and Miranda had bided. Just another reason for him to work for their cause faster...
"Cedric."
The man stopped in the middle of the stairs where he almost collided with Leonida. He glowered but waited to hear what she wanted. But when she just kept looking at him in a catty manner, he snapped:
"The prince is waspish, he's downstairs. Go to him at your own risk. If there's nothing else, I'm retiring to my room for the night."
"Actually."- Leonida's voice stopped him yet again, a few steps up. "I've been meaning to ask you something."
"Really?"- the shifter turned around. "And what may you want to know?"
Leonida gave him a narcissistic, vicious little smile, which didn't appeal to him.
"I was wondering. Why did you actually decide to eat the humble pie from Elyon and her people? Surely, had you strained your thoughts, you could have been more useful to us by, oh I'm not sure, rescuing us from this forced shelter, maybe? Not for me, I currently have nothing against being here, but for your Prince who isn't born to be a bird in a cage- "
"Do not fool yourself that bailing you two out of here would've ever been possible for me."- Cedric frowned at her. "I don't have your magic at my disposal, princess Leonida. I did think about it, and in the end, I realized that the only and best way in which I could serve my master and his will, was by giving up my own freedom to be by his side."
"Oh, that sure is noble of you."- the ex-princess declared, even though it was more than obvious that she didn't mean what she was saying. "But Cedric, you've been here almost three days now and you still haven't asked the rightfully expected, logical question. What's next? Don't you have the interest to know?"
For a long moment, the man could feel her words of distrust scald him from the inside. That was the last thing which he needed, Leonida being suspicious of him and his motives.
That woman truly is a menace, he thought angrily. She is put among us to halter our lives.
"We might be watched as we speak."- he snapped in the end, lowering a cold gaze at her. "It's senseless to raise up any such questions. Especially from the beginning of our sentence."
Leonida nodded her head slowly, but with an undying smile. True, Kandrakar was probably keeping an eye on them, but the shapeshifter was using that as an excuse, and she knew it.
But then again, she had a problem of her own which she desperately needed to tend to.
Cedric eyed her, askant, as she left the setting without any other questions.
"Princess Leonida?"
She stopped again and turned to face him somewhat surprised.
"Why is that you have nothing against being a prisoner in Gray Woods?"
Their eyes were entwined in a long duel of testability, hatred and desire for supremacy. He had returned her the ball for questioning things hidden beneath the surface of his intentions. Maybe he wasn't as stupid as she had thought:
"My King revealed my pregnancy prematurely, anyway. Now, this skookum house offers me time and tranquility so that my baby will be born in peace."
Cedric just nodded and she smiled. This time he could openly return the lip-deep gesture, for he, in his turn, had caught Leonida off guard.
Nerissa let her eyes scan the phone screen once more before setting it down on the table with a smile of satisfaction. Then she brought the glass of wine closer to her lips, letting her gaze get lost in the star-studded, night horizon of Meridian.
Magjenzian Falls were breathtaking, serene and so very sentimental. She loved how the moonlight got reflected in the crystal-clear surface and the sound the falling waters made when splashing into the still from above. It was the perfect place for the Meridian home they had wanted to have, and as the building process was progressing, Nerissa couldn't help stop herself from spending the night there with her husband. Years ago, when they had first fallen in love, they had spent so many nights naked in the grass. Now they were going to have their own dream home a stone's throw away. The sound of the waterfalls and the majestic views were all around the lot. Nerissa took a deep breath into the night and took a second to just appreciate the chance to be here again. Magjenzian Falls were just a secluded piece of Heaven, and they sure needed a little bit of heaven after the latest hell-like turn of events with Phobos and his home arrest. Yielding and just getting back to where life had first started to bloom for her after years of withering, was a welcome gift of rejuvenation.
"Reception between two worlds was odd enough, but catching it here, between the falls? Astounding."- her husband's warm, calm voice from behind her made her turn around and gift him with a smile. He was carrying yet another jug of wine with himself. He really does think I need to get drunk in order to lose the stress, doesn't he? Nerissa smirked as Julian sat beside her, around the outer table.
"Ah, you know. One of the perks of controlling technology plus the Whelp's attempts to modernize the planet."- the ex-guardian mused, setting her long legs to rest across his lap.
"Yes, but text messaging? Should I be worried?"- Julian cocked an eyebrow, running his hand up her left leg.
It took Nerissa but a few seconds to get his joke, before bursting out in a care-free, maiden-like giggle.
Julian just watched her with a genuinely happy smile, for seeing his wife as laid-back wasn't an often-recurring event lately.
"The thought of that, Julian, it sounds so very plain! When have I ever done plain things? You know before texting was a thing, lovers and cheaters, in particular, used to write these notes and letters -"
"Letters? I can write letters."- Julian divulged comically, interrupting her.
Nerissa looked back at him with mirth:
"Really, then how come you've never written me one?"
As she laughed, the veteran rebel brought her hand to his mouth and kissed it.
"All jokes aside, in actuality, Cornelia informed me that she and our son have officially worked the tension out."- the ex-guardian further explained what he had seen her reading.
"Tension? They've had arguments lately?"
Nerissa proceeded to tell him all about Cornelia and Caleb's fight before Christmas and how she had later advised Cornelia to show some humility in order to remedy the situation. The way to a man's heart isn't always through his stomach, much rather through his homeland.
"Day and night you tremble over our son's happiness. You're that very solicitous, Nerissa. Wake me up next time; I can also help."
Nerissa smiled at him. The ex-rebel just happened to be someone who longed to do everything with his two hands; he wanted to provide and take care of his family, almost reprieving her of any duty. She knew it was important for him to be her rock, that was why she had let him deal with the construction of their Meridian home, instead of using magic to complete it faster, yet still; Nerissa couldn't let Julian take it all on his shoulders.
"You've lost so many nights of sleep, Julian."- she spoke lovingly, as she caressed his face. "Over the years and especially during that one year in the horrid mines... I don't want you to ever lose sleep over nothing again. "
"You talk as if you've spent all that time in peaceful dreams."- Julian responded to her caring tone with his own love and care, taking both her hands in his.
She shook her head with a wistful smile, but he went on, nevertheless:
"After everything that we've been through, both together and individually, we ought to share both joys and miseries. This current thing with the kids is not of such importance, but I'm taking in general, for you tend to try solving all problems on your own. And you don't have to struggle with that any longer, love. You have me and you mustn't spare me anything. Promise me."
"I promise."- Nerissa murmured through the passionate kiss that their lips locked into. His tongue fought hers in a fierce, lustful duel, which she enjoyed just as much as he savored her fingers grasping through his hair with burning thirst.
Suddenly, it was not about words and talking anymore. Now it was just their bodies that communicated.
Love insisted. They had to have each other right away. The carnal desire that their bodies craved, would be pleased in their new home, which if the weather had been a little warmer, they would've hardly bothered going inside of.
And when the passion started talking, Julian gave up on asking his wife whether she felt fine, despite the recent turns of events. Even if she didn't, she would soon feel better under the magic of his touch, and he knew. If pleasing her, by releasing some sexual tension, would make her forget about the problems, even for a while, it was an even better time investment than their regular lovemaking usually was.
Nerissa just moaned, suddenly unconcerned with everything else, as she wrapped her legs around Julian's waist on the way to the half-ready house. Strong, carnal desires, had been what their relationship had started with in the first place, and then, later on, it had been sensually enriched with true love and genuine feelings. But just because she was now a loving wife and even a grandmother, didn't mean that she couldn't as well be a libidinous lover. And boy, did the ex-guardian know full well how to be that...
A few days later, Heatherfield
Susan Vandom-Collins failed to appreciate the cold, gray weather that January in Heatherfield was usually accompanied by. But in the face of the unpleasant meteorological circumstances, she got ready for her yoga class downtown.
Susan wasn't a vain woman, or at least so she liked to say; but even with that, if was no secret that she cared about her looks and spent a sufficient amount of time in front of the mirror, before each and every going out in public. That was why, even though she was off to do sports, the mother of two did not miss applying some CC cream, mascara and a nice shade of melon orange lipstick, to go with her cantaloupe and black sportswear.
It was a late Saturday afternoon and the sun was already going down when Susan finally left the house; she got in her car and rushed for the wellness center, where her yoga classes were being held. She was already running late and she didn't want to miss all of the warm-up.
Susan had thought that getting to her class on time would be the most stressful part of her day, but it was not until 2 hours later, when her yoga practice had ended, that the real stress would start.
It all started with a phone call she received in her car. The caller had been an unknown number. Susan wasn't thrilled to pick up; she wanted to go home, shower and change before going out for dinner with Dean, who had just returned from a seminar abroad. But since the caller kept insisting, she saw herself forced to answer:
"Hello?"- she said, trying not to show her annoyance.
"Good evening, am I speaking to Mrs. Vandom?"
"This is she."- Susan replied, stopping the car at the next red traffic light. "How can I be useful to you? Who's calling, by the way?"
"Mrs. Vandom, this is Officer Alexis from the Heatherfield Police."- the man said from the other line and Susan could immediately feel her heart sink. The police?! "Neighbors of your condo in ''Jensen Locus'' contacted us. Mrs. Vandom, please come here at once. There has been a death on your property."
"Jensen Locus" was one of these fancy apartment complexes around town, where the wealthier resided. Constructed and owned by local and national celebrity performer, and dance guru, Kevin Jensen, the luxurious complex could be considered the second most expensive in Heatherfield after "Garden Plaza".
Upon inheriting a condo in it, in the end of summer, when her husband's will had been fulfilled, Susan Vandom- Collins had thought of giving the residence for rent, yet she had never got to actually publishing an offer. That was why she was twice as astounded and worried when she got that particular phone call from the police.
Susan parked in front of the tall building, not even bothering to stop her car within the borders of the assigned parking spaces. She was in a hurry to get to the 5th floor and seek answers regarding the very disturbing news she had just received. But before she could make her way through the frosty garden area...
"Mom!"- her daughter had parked just across of her. Susan nailed herself in place, exhaling deeply.
"I can't believe this."- Will stood towards her, spreading her arms in anger and disappointment. "Seriously?! You weren't going to tell me about this, again? Did you forget I'm co-owner of this place? I got a call just like you. I thought we've stricken a deal, to be honest with each other and..."
"Will, please."- Susan begged her, feeling the stress trigger a sharp migraine. "I just arrived here; I was literally flying on my way to here after my yoga class. I didn't even think of keeping you in the dark this time."
"This time."- Will murmured under her nose. She instantly regretted her sharp reaction. Her mother was just as shocked and appalled by the news as her, if not more. It was just that all the nervousness and stress she had accumulated over the last weeks, reflected on her entire being in so many, unpleasant ways.
"Mom, I'm so sorry. I know you must be shocked and worried, but it's all going to be fine."- the guardian approached her mother and wrapped a reassuring arm around her shoulders. "I'm here. We're going to go through this together. Whatever crazy thing has happened in dad's apartment. It can't be worse than losing him, right? And we've already gone through that."
"You're right, Will."- Susan managed to smile weakly. "You've become more mature than I give you credit for, haven't you?"
"Well, if you say so, I'll take the compliment."- Will grinned back.
Her mother graced her with another warm smile before her face became despondent and a few thin wrinkles of worry appeared on her forehead:
"We've been through a lot indeed, but a death on our property? It's scary, no one else has keys to Tony's condo. I can't wrap my mind around how it happened."
"Let's just go upstairs and talk to the police."- Will suggested, keeping the other woman in the over-the-shoulder embrace. "I'm sure it's just some unhappy coincidence and that there's an explanation for it.
"Hey, wait up! I'm here!"
The two women turned around at the sound of the new voice, just before the entrance of the complex. It was completely dark by that time, but Will didn't need her eyes to recognize his voice:
"Matt, I told you to stick to your work."- she rebuked him, even though she was more than glad to see his familiar strong frame in a blue bomber jacket approach. "We were going to be fine."
"Stop with the BS, Will. I can't leave you two go up to a crime scene alone."- Matt insisted. "Susan, you want me to call Professor Collins?"- he suggested.
Susan, who had been smiling faintly, happy to see her daughter's steady relationship flourish, shook her head:
"No, Matt. Thank you though. You two being with me will really make matters better. Come on, let's go and talk to Officer Alexis."
They took the elevator all the way to the fifth floor, where her father's condo was located. Will remembered it full well, he had bought it upon coming to Heatherfield, and she had been there with him every other weekend for a while. Then she had come less and less often, and she hated herself for that. Nevertheless, coming here had been fun and it did trigger the redhead's melancholy and dolor over Tony's death. Everything, from the corridors to the swimming pool area and the apartment door, was drenched in memories. Seeing the policemen in front of that same door now did make Will's stomach turn.
Susan felt the same way. She tried to avoid the eyes of curious neighbors that were looking at the scene from their doors. Officer Alexis, a tall dark-skinned man in his 30s, noticed them and greeted them somewhat sternly:
"Ms. and Mrs. Vandom, right? Glad you could make it. Otherwise, we would've had to send a car for you."
Will blinked at him, trying not to be distracted by all the other policemen and the yellow tape that they had put all around.
"A car for us? I'm sorry, officer, but isn't that only done for suspects?"
Officer Alexis gave her a look which she didn't like at all. She turned to look at her mother who was even more bewildered and frightened than her. Matt also looked clueless and when none of the uniformed men answered her, Will saw herself forced to ask again.
"Officer?"- she repeated. "Is something wrong? Other than...somebody dying here, of course."
Swell Will, she thought to herself, mentally slapping her forehead.
"...how did it happen, though? We would appreciate some answers."
"That's what we're aiming to find, too, Ms. Vandom."- Officer Alexis replied shortly. He and one of the other cops exchanged glances and a short nod. "Meanwhile, since you mentioned suspects. You are on the top of the list. You have the right to remain silent and contact a lawyer. My colleagues will now take you to the station. "
"What?! Officer?"- Susan exclaimed in shock before Will could even assimilate what she had just heard. "On the phone, you said there has been a death on our property, now you're saying that it has been a murder?!"
"Officer, it can't be."- Matt interjected seeing Will lose her cool and Susan panic. "Both my girlfriend and her mother have alibis, I can assure you that- "
"All that will be discussed down in the police station, Mr. Olsen. Please do not hinder our work or we'll have to resort to force."
And before Matt could wonder as to why the man knew his name, he got pushed out of the way. Two men solemnly urged Will and Susan to go forward.
"Wait a minute!"- Susan demanded, still in shock. "I don't understand anything, why are you doing this? Is no one going to tell us the identity of the deceased? Why are you treating us like criminals?!"
Will was beside herself. This was the last thing which she needed to add to her unhealthy anger and, lately, malleable psyche. Now someone was trying to frame her and her mother, and these stupid cops treated them like crap! No, she wasn't having this. Without thinking about it, she got free of the man who had been holding her, giving him a case of bad static electricity, which surprised him.
"Will!"
No one could stop her, she made her way in the residence, jumping through the yellow tape. She had to see it with her eyes. What was this all about?! What were they being mistreated for! Who the hell had kicked the bucket in her late father's home?
"Hey, what the heck? Someone, stop this woman!"- one of the criminologists present in the living room began, but Will pushed her away.
She had already seen what the object of the crime was. And then she felt it. The awful, putrid smell. A smell of death.
The young guardian felt her stomach turn another time as she found herself standing in front of the big freezer, her father had used to keep stocked up with ice cream in the past.
Could the deceased be in there? But this smell...No one that has just died smelled as fetid as that... Unless...
Will dared to cast a look inside the freezer, which had been opened, and barely managed to contain her scream. Inside the freezer, which had once stored her favorite ice-cream treats, now rested a terrifying, decaying corpse that looked up at her with its black, empty eye-sockets.
The "Condo Corpse" is a minor storyline that will be unfolding during the next 10 chapters or so. It's a part of Arc. 3. Do let me in on your thoughts! See u soon.
xoxox ~jimelization~
