Chapter 94: There's something not quite right about that girl…
'You will never follow your own inner voice until you clear up the doubts in your own mind.'
-Roy T. Bennett
Becca knew this was wrong from the jump. She went over every possibility and decided this was the best thing to do. An internal battle was raging in her head.
She should be doing this? Would Ellie think she were betraying her trust? She told herself she was doing this because she loved her.
Ever since she saw Abby sneaking out of their bedroom, she couldn't help but feel as if something was up with that girl. She's had her suspicions about her, but that really threw her over the edge.
Joel, who was usually very perceptive of people, thought she was great. When she brought up her concerns, he thought she was just being an overprotective mother. Maybe she is, but she would rather be safe than sorry. They've had too many people in the past trying to kill them. They've gone through too much shit to have someone else come along and ruin it.
So here she was, standing outside of the public records office. She was determined to find out all she could ahout the young woman. Not much was known about her. Whenever they would ask her questions about her past, she would always become evasive and change the subject. Something was up. She could feel it in her bones.
She never told Ellie or Joel about catching Abby sneaking out of their bedroom. She wanted to so many times, but she didn't want to disrupt anything until she was absolutely sure. She didn't want to scare anyone for nothing and end up looking like a fool.
She walked into the building and asked the receptionists for public records. She didn't think they would have much information. Not anything deeply personal anyway, but she would take whatever she could get.
She looked around the room, seeing only a few people inside. The public records office was meant to be a place where people could come and get information on people in town. It helped people find their loved ones and take records of deaths and the new people that came into town. Jackson was surprisingly a weak developed town.
A lot of people traveled to Jackson, hoping for a safe refuge. While they didn't turn down everyone, they made sure to divert the unsavory people to neighboring communities most suited for them. They've also managed to build relationships with neighboring towns. There were a lot of survivors out there if you knew where to look. They've met some really good people.
She looked through the files to find Abby's name. It took her almost a half hour sifting through all the numerous files before she found hers. She sat down at a table and opened it up and she began reading through it.
Abby Anderson. 20 years old. Salt Lake City, Utah. Born December 10th, 2009
Father: Jerry Anderson
Her eyes widened at that. The name Jerry Anderson sounded familiar. She remembered seeing that name before. She was sure of it. She needed to go through Sharon and Francis's files. They would have way more information.
She tried to find a file on her file, but there was as nothing be found. It meant he never came to Jackson. He was either dead or whereabouts unknown.
Not much else was written about her. Apparently, she came to town with her friend Lev and her boyfriend named Owen Moore.
Boyfriend.
She was intrigued by that. She always assumed Abby was into the same sex. Then again, she wasn't naive. She knew women could be into whomever they wanted. She truly didn't even know if Abby or Ellie were dating. Could Abby be manipulating her? Was she making Ellie think she was into her just to get close to her?
She shook her head, ridding her mind of those thoughts. She couldn't help it. There was a lot she couldn't turn a blind eye to. Especially why it came to Abby.
She looked over at the receptionist as she sneakily slid Abby's file into her messenger bag. She got up from the table and sweetly waved goodbye to the receptionist before leaving. When she walked outside, she made sure no one was watching or following her.
Rather than going back to Maria's house, she made a detour to Sharon's house. It was abandoned, but they've kept most of her stuff inside. After her hanging, they didn't let anyone live there nor did they remove any of her stuff. She was stupid enough to keep all of her personal information, along with files and research in a safe at her own house. Joel managed to break it opened, but they kept her house untouched. They never knew what they might find.
She made sure no one was following her (as if she would really know anyway) as she made her way to Sharon's house. She felt a knot in her stomach as she walked to her home. She hasn't been here since she was hung.
She looked up at her house and sighed. She felt sick to her stomach coming here. She still couldn't believe she betrayed them. For so long, she looked up to her. She looked at her like a mother figure. She was so close to her. Only to discover it had all been a lie. Her trust towards anyone was never the same after that.
She took a deep breath to gather her courage as she walked up the steps to her home. She unlocked the door using the key Joel had given to her. After her death, he changed the locks so only her and himself could go in if they needed to.
She slowly walked inside, smelling the musty air and dust. There was a cloud of dust in the room and everything was covered in dust and debris from not being cleaned in almost two years. She considered it ironic. Sharon had been such a neat freak. Her cleanliness stemmed from being a nurse. She loved everything kept neat and orderly.
Her house was nothing like that. Everything was tossed around and in disarray from Joel and her ransacking it for information. When Richard died, Joel took everything he owned on mechanical and electrical engineering. Books, parts and wiring. He wasn't trying to clean him out. He wanted his stuff to learn.
Before Richard's death, he had been mentoring Joel and teaching him everything he knew about engineering. His death hit him hard. She knew without a doubt Richard wasn't involved in Sharon's schemes. He was one of the good ones.
Becca stood in the living room and sighed, shaking her head. She wouldn't be in here any longer than she had to be. This place felt like a funeral home. It was eerie to be in here considering everything that's happened. It felt like Sharon's eyes were on her.
She carefully walked through the house, making sure not to step on anything. She walked to her study where she knew she kept most of her research. They didn't bring everything back to the farm with them. Only the pertinent information, but they didn't throw anything away, knowing they may need it later on.
She walked up to her bookcase and pushed a button. It made one of the shelves slowly open. Her and Joel laughed to themselves when they discovered this. They joked it was something out of a movie, but it seemed to work for her considering what she was up.
She walked inside the room, her eyes scanning over the filing cabinets. She placed her hands on her hips and sighed. It was like finding a needle in a haystack.
She didn't know how long she had been in there. She didn't find anything on Abby. Maybe she really was innocent or they were keeping her completely under wraps. She wouldn't put it past the Fireflies with anything. They've already proven they didn't have any moral qualms about lying to get what they wanted.
After what seemed like forever, she finally found his file.
Jerry Anderson.
She smiled triumphantly as she took out his file. She sat on the floor as she opened it up. He only had a few pages, but at least it was something.
She saw his photo staring back at her and a chill ran up her spine. His blue eyes stared back at her, almost boring into her soul. She remembered those eyes vividly. She saw those eyes before. His face was unmistakable.
She continued to read his file.
Jerry Anderson. 45 years old. Salt Lake City, Utah. Scientist/ doctor/ researcher.
Member Affiliation: Fireflies
It felt like ice water was running through her veins at that. Firefly. He had been a Firefly doctor. Everything was starting to make sense now. Saint Mary's Hospital in Salt Lake City. That's where they took Ellie from Silver Lake. It's where she had been raped and almost killed. They almost killed Ellie before he killed everyone in that hospital.
Her eyes widened. Joel killed everyone. Could Jerry have been one of the Firefly doctors Joel killed? Could Abby be here for revenge? Is that why she was in his room that night?
She continued to read through his file. He was working with the Fireflies to research a cure for Cordyceps Brain Infection. He was a well respected doctor and scientist in the Fireflies. Along with Francis, he spearheaded the research for the cure.
Her grandfather knew this man. Abby had to know what her father was up to. She had to know Joel killed her father. It would be too much of a coincidence.
She closed his file as he pulled herself up from the floor. She didn't need to read anymore. She had everything she needed to know. Now that she had it, she just needed to figure out what to do with the information.
She slid his file in her messenger bag and securely closed it.
When she walked out of Sharon's house, she took a deep breath of fresh air. She locked her door and hurriedly walked down the steps. She didn't know what to do. Should she go to Joel with this information? Ellie? Would they even believed her?
Joel would probably go off the rails. She didn't want him killing a kid. Regardless of what Abby may be up to, he would get hanged or kicked out of Jackson. She would refused to let either happen.
She decided the best course of action would be to talk to Joel about it. He was her husband after all. She couldn't hide something like this from him.
Becca knew he had the day off and was probably at the farm with Matty. This was his day to have him. She should be relaxing, but instead she was playing Nancy Drew. She couldn't sleep on something like this though. Not when it pertained to her family.
She went to Maria's stables and grabbed Luna. She hopped on her and galloped out of town to the farm. She desperately needed to talk to Joel about this. He would know what to do.
When she got to the farm, she found Joel tending to the sheep while Matty sat on a blanket in the grass. She didn't even post up Luna. She went straight to Joel.
She hopped off Luna and went over to Matty, picking him up as she walked over to Joel. She bounced Matty in her arms as Joel noticed her there.
He grinned as he took off his work gloves and tucked them in his back pocket. He cupped her cheek and kissed the other one,'What do I owe the pleasure, darlin?' He looked over her flustered appearance and chuckled,'Ya look like a fire has been lit under your ass.'
She sighed as she reached into her messenger bag and handed him Abby and Jerry's files,'Read over them and tell me what you think.'
He stared down at the files and shook his head as he glanced up at her. She had Matty resting on her hip as she looked up at him impatiently. She was waiting for him to read them. Now.
He walked over to the blanket and sat down on it. She sat down next to him, placing Matty down on front of them. She watched Joel as he opened up Abby's file and read it. He didn't say anything as he closed it, but she could see the wheels turning in his head.
Her heart started pounding as he opened up Jerry's file. She knew this one was going to be a doozy. She thought about waiting to tell him, but she didn't see a reason in that. One of the their biggest issues is they don't talk about anything. They kept secrets from each other, which makes it difficult for them to trust one another. She wouldn't do that to him anymore.
Once he was finished reading Jerry's file, he slammed it closed, muttering,'Son of a bitch.'
'I know.' She nodded and sighed,'Do you think Jerry was one of the doctors at the hospital?' She frowned,'I recognized him, Joel. He was wearing a mask, but I know those eyes. There's some things you don't forget.'
'Ya think El would recognize him?'
'I don't know.' She shook her head,'She was drugged up and doesn't remember anything from that day. Thank God.'
He was silent for a while as he pensively chewed on his bottom lip. He stared down at their files, contemplating his next move. He was angry, but he wouldn't resort to violence. He couldn't do that anymore. He only ends up hurting himself and the people around him. He realized he can't go putting a gun in everyone's face. There are better ways to deal with things.
He would still slit Abby's throat if he found out she was betraying them. He wouldn't even bat an eye.
He placed a hand on her lower back and frowned,'What made ya look into all this?'
She took a moment to gather her thoughts. She knew this was the moment of truth. She could keep to herself what she saw a week ago or she could be honest. She didn't want to lie to her husband anymore.
'The night of the big storm, I found Abby sneaking out of your…our bedroom.' She whispered admittedly,'She said she was finding blankets, but Ellie would tell her not to go in there. She knows how we are about going into our room. She would've told her where the blankets are.'
He nodded as he rubbed her back,'Why didn't ya tell me?'
'I didn't want Ellie to be…mad or for you to think I was being paranoid.' She sighed and shook her head,'Ever since I've met her, she's given me the impression something isn't right. If something's too good to be true it usually is.'
'You're being cynical.'
'Maybe.' She shrugged,'I call it being realistic.' She looked over his face,'What if her father is one of the doctors you killed that day? What if she's here for revenge? What is she wants to kill you?'
He had to laugh at that and squinted his eyes,'Many have tried and failed. I ain't worried about her, Bec. To be honest? I thought there was something funny about her too. She seems too…'
He snapped his fingers trying to think of the word and she offered one to him,'Nice?'
He smiled wryly and nodded,'Yeah. I know people are nice, but she seems like she's trying too hard.'
'She made us breakfast.' She smirked,'We should hang her. She might not even know about her father.'
'She might not.' He agreed,'It's why we shouldn't give up anything yet. I'm gonna keep a close eye on her. I can promise ya that. She came with a boyfriend?' He huffed,'Where's this boyfriend now? I'd like to meet him.'
She shook her head as she stared down at the files on his lap,'I don't know. He doesn't live in town anymore. I don't know if he ever did or just dropped her off here. I think Abby and Ellie were both around the same time. We need to figure out who Abby's mother is. Do you know Jerry?'
He opened up his file again and stared down at his photo, pursing his lips,'Back when Tommy and I were Raiders. We used to sweep Firefly compounds for supplies.' He snorted,'It's how the Fireflies recruited Tommy. They thought he would be much better on their side. So I switched too. I never met any doctors of scientists as a Firefly. I was on the bottom of the food chain, but he looks familiar.'
She nodded as she stared down at the photo,'Do you remember killing him?'
'Darlin.' He smiled sadly,'I've killed a lotta people. He coulda been. There were a lotta Fireflies at the hospital that day.'
She looked off into the distance and sighed,'I remember. I remember that day very well, Joel. I wish I could forget it.'
He frowned as he placed his hand on her thigh and gently squeezed it,'Me too, Bec.'
'El is gonna be devastated when she finds out. She really likes her.'
'I know.' He nodded,'Which is why we're gonna hold off telling her until we found out more information. She's already been through enough as it is. I don't want to upset her if there's no reason.'
'I agree.' She looked up at him warily,'So you're not mad about not telling you that night?'
He ran a hand through his hair and shrugged,'I understand why ya did it. I woulda done the same. Ya told me now. I figured ya had a reason. Did ya go into Sharon's house like some fucking detective?'
She shook her head and scoffed,'Someone had to. I figured it mine as well be me.'
He wrapped an arm around her shoulder and pulled her close,'It never ends does it?'
'We always knew they were still out there, Joel.' She chuckled,'They can't stay away from us. See it as a compliment.'
He snorted at that and kissed the top of her head,'Ya wanna reschedule going away in a couple days?'
'Why would that matter?' She frowned,'It wouldn't change anything. I don't think Abby is in the take action stage yet. I think she's more in detective mode right now. Besides, Matty is just as safe with Betsy and Maria then he would be with us or anyone else.'
Joel had to admit, he felt relieved. What he just discovered got him all kinds of fucked up, but he wouldn't go into psycho mode and start shooting people. He would handle this rationally and then go into psycho mode if he had to.
She ducked her head to meet his gaze,'You're not gonna do anything crazy right?'
'No.' He grinned,'Are you? Other than sneaking into people's homes and stealing files from the public records office.'
He was teasing her, but he understood what she meant. If she kept looking for trouble, she would find it. He appreciated what she did. He wished she didn't do it alone.
She rolled her eyes and rested her head on his shoulder,'It was for a good cause. The people in this town think I'm crazy anyway.'
He laughed and shook his head,'Join the club.'
They sat in contemplative silence. They were both worried. They knew this was just the beginning. Who knows who else Abby was working with.
Becca gritted her teeth as she thought about Abby. She would shoot her dead if she tried to hurt her family. She wouldn't even think twice about it. God mercy on her soul.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Ellie was casually hanging around Maria's house babysitting her baby brother Becca was tending to the memorial garden. She was bored with a rare day off from work and nothing to do. Besides, she liked spending time with Matty.
He was taking a nap right now and she was walking around the house. She made her way up the stairs, checking on Matty and make sure he was alright.
She walked out of his room and peeked her head into the guest bedroom, which was converted into Becca's bedroom. It was mostly bare, but there touches of Becca. It was almost like she didn't want to decorate. She wanted to remind herself it wasn't permanent.
She narrowed her eyes when she saw Becca's messenger bag on the table. There was a file with Abby's name on it. Curiosity always did get the best of her. It always got her into trouble too.
She made sure no one came in the door and she walked inside the room. A peek couldn't hurt. Maybe it had something to do with her parents.
She kept the door opened to alert her of anyone coming inside the house. Her eyes widened when she see saw Abby's name written on the file. She opened it up and her heart dropped to her stomach. She had affiliations with the Fireflies. She didn't know what she was more. Surprised or disgusted. Not at Abby. She couldn't help what she was born into.
Maybe she had a hidden agenda. Maybe she didn't. She's beginning to learn through therapy she shouldn't always judge a book by its cover. Not everyone is out to get her. She would keep her eye out though.
Self preservation.
She shook her head to herself and narrowed her eyes. She didn't like Becca going behind her back. She didn't trust Abby. She knew she didn't like her. She made that very clear.
She picked up the folder and went to pick up Matty. She ignored his crying and fussing as she made her way out the door to the memorial garden. She saw Joel and Becca walking up.
Becca's eyes widened when she saw Ellie's eyes emblazoned with anger,'What's going on?'
Joel sighed as he saw a crying and cranky Matty. His face was scrunched, red and wet with tears. He took Matty out of Ellie arms and began shushing him, gently bouncing him.
Ellie threw Abby's folder at her and scoffed,'Like you don't know.'
Becca bent down and picked up the folder, sighing when she see Abby's name,'Spying through my room I see.'
Ellie narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest,'I'm glad I did.' She looked over at Joel,'You know about this?'
'Yeah.' He met her gaze dead on and unashamedly, he didn't have anything to hide,'I thought it was best until we know more information.'
'The night of the storm.' Becca frowned as she stared at Ellie warily,'You were sleeping and I caught Abby sneaking out of me and Joel's room. I had my suspicions but-'
She held her hand up and shook her head,'I didn't wanna hear it.' She averted her eyes between them,'We all had a deal. We tell each other the truth. No matter what.'
They couldn't argue with that. They made that pact almost seven years ago.
'I need some space. From, all of you.'
Becca frowned and shook her head,'Where are ya gonna go?'
'To live with Abby.' She shrugged,'I'm about to turn twenty. You're not my mother. You can't tell me what to do.'
Joel stood up to Ellie and stared down at her, narrowing his eyes,'Hey now. You show some goddamned respect.'
'You're not my father neither.' She seethed,'You both say ya want me to be happy but ya don't trust my judgment. Ya know what? I knew Abby's dad used to be a Firefly.'
Becca knew Ellie didn't know to what extent. She was turning a blind eye. She did what she feared. They ended up pushing her even closer to Abby than intended.
Ellie shook her head and sighed,'I'll let ya know when I want to talk.'
She stomped away from them, fueled with misguided anger. They knew therapy would help her work through things. She also needed to see the real Abby for herself. No one would be able to tell her.
Joel didn't seem even the least bothered by it. At least for himself anyway. He looked down at Becca and frowned, seeing the tears in her eyes.
He sighed and wrapped his arm around her shoulders,'She just needs some time.'
Becca blinked away tears and nodded,'You think she's safe with her?'
He smirked as he looked down at her,'I thought we should be asking the same about Ellie?' He kissed the top of her head,'She's right. Ain't nothing we can do. She's old enough to do what she wants. Abby will either be right as rain or about to be sent to the gallows.'
Becca nodded silently and swallowed harshly. She hoped to God Ellie turned around. This is exactly what she's been afraid of.
Joel raised a teenage girl before and knew what to expect. Maybe this is the norm for women her age. Yet, Ellie wasn't a teenage girl anymore. She was a young woman. She didn't need nor felt on them anymore. She was right. They weren't her parent's biologically, but they loved her the same anyway.
They could only hope she felt the same.