Elizabeth’s Revenge

Chapter One

 

Alex took her seat on the train with apprehension. She hated to leave Elizabeth, but knew taking Mary Beth’s body home for a proper burial was her responsibility. She sat the basket of food; Lhung had given to her at the train station, by her side, closed her eyes and started to pray.” My dear Lord God, Oh, please give me the strength and wisdom to get through this ordeal. She felt the jerk of her body starting to sway meaning that the train had started to move and her journey was underway. This was not the way she had planned on spending the Memorial Day weekend.

She felt the movement of someone sitting down in the seat next to her. She kept her eyes closed, not wanting to start up a conversation with a stranger at this time. This was a different emotion for Alex. As a rule she loved meeting people and enjoyed sharing stories with them. This morning she was feeling sad. Was it this sad task she had undertaken, or was it because she had become fond of Walt?

She was remembering their previous evening. He had taken her to a nice restaurant for dinner. He looked so handsome, and boyish, when he picked her up. He had the appearance of a man that would look the same at age fifty, as he did at twenty. She found it hard to believe that he was older than she. After they had finished eating dessert, Walt said, “Alex, I have enjoyed every minute I have had the privilege of spending with you.” Then he asked, “Would you consider going back to my apartment with me, I hate for this night to end.”

“Walt, I feel the same way, but I am going to have a grueling day tomorrow. I think I should go to bed early, and if we went to your apartment, you may take advantage of me in my moment of weakness,” she teased him.

“What if I promise to be on my good behavior? I just feel the need to kiss you and hold you close. I have never felt like this about a female before,” Walt confessed.

“Since you put it like that, how can I refuse, just remember, I am a virgin, and I intend to stay that way until I am married. I have always been taught that virginity is the best gift a wife can give to her husband,” said Alex.

Walt tried not to show his surprise and said, “If you will feel more comfortable, I will take you back to the apartment. Elizabeth is probably still at the hospital with Randolph, this way, we will both have to be on our good behavior, not knowing when she will be returning,” compromised Walt, and added, “I don’t think I will drive too fast. I don’t want this night to end.”

“Well, if you want a couple of kisses, you had better speed it up. Visiting hours at the hospital will be over soon,” Alex reminded him.

The two raced up the stairs and into the apartment like a couple of teenagers. Alex took out her house key; Walt took it and opened the door for her.

As they entered the room Walt noticed the luggage by the door and asked, “How long will you be gone?”

Alex stood in front of him, put her arms around him and said, “Shouldn’t that have been, when will you be back?” and kissed him lightly on the lips.

Walt drew her body close to his and held her very close. He kissed her passionately. Alex wasn’t sure where he learned to kiss, but she found it exciting. She could feel the hardness of his body, and knew he was enjoying it also. They heard steps in the hallway, and went over to the couch and set down. They both knew that coming back to the apartment was the right decision.

Elizabeth entered the room followed by Otto. Elizabeth said, “Alex, I am glad you are still here. I have exciting news. We were at the hospital visiting Randolph and he asked Otto to teach me to drive. He said that since we will be spending so much time here, we would need our own source of transportation. He said once I learn to drive, he will buy us a car before he goes back to Washington. We were remembering when he taught you to drive a car.”

“Well, perhaps he got the scare he needed. Have you asked the doctor how much longer he will be in the hospital?” Alex asked.

“I will see him tomorrow morning. He is going to ride to the train station in the ambulance with us.” She walked over to Walt, wiped the lipstick off his lips and said, “I see you two had a good time.”

Walt smiled sheepishly and said, “Yes, we enjoyed ourselves. But don’t worry about it. I was a perfect gentleman.

Elizabeth went on with “Randolph wants to stay in the apartment a few days before he goes to Washington. He wants your permission to make arrangements for any repairs and renovations he feels are necessary. He wants to start with adding showers to each bathroom, and having a telephone installed for us. The showers will be installed in our bathroom first, and then Margaret’s. Please write and sign a paper that he has your permission his mind. Oh yes, and he said at no cost to you.”

Alex knew immediately where the money was coming from, but didn’t want to upset Elizabeth’s applecart. What a wonderful way to invest the money from Mary Beth’s life insurance policies.

The train braked for a stop, causing Alex to jerk forward. A man’s hand reached over and helped her straighten up again. She opened her eyes and turned around to thank him, and to her surprise found Michael Phillips sitting next to her. “Thank you for your help Michael, I had no idea you were sitting next to me,” Alex said to him.

“You were so deep in your own thoughts, there was no way I was going to disturb you,” Michael replied, “however, at one point you were smiling.

“I refuse to divulge too much information to you. I don’t want to find my name in the papers tomorrow,” was her comeback.

“After all, I am one of the top reporters on the East Coast. I didn’t get that reputation by being diffident,” Michael bragged.

“If I had known we would be traveling together, I would have brought a dictionary along,” Alex teased.

“Perhaps we could make a deal, and try to enjoy the company of each other for the rest of the trip. I solemnly swear I will not divulge one word about you, or anything you have said to me, if you share your basket lunch with me,” bribed Michael.

“It’s a deal. I am afraid I have gained a little weight; I have really enjoyed the food here. Lhung is a great cook,” Alex confided. She opened the basket, and the two sorted through the sandwiches and snacks.

“Out of curiosity, Michael, where are you headed?” Alex asked.

“I am not really sure. I thought I would tag along with you. Just to get some input on the feelings of the people regarding Randolph’s stay in congress. It is 1926, will this publicity help or hinder him? I am sure the public is waiting for a press release on his health condition, that kind of thing,” Michael replied.

“I am afraid your trip is going to be in vain. Elizabeth is planning on giving a press release concerning Randolph’s health issues tonight,” Alex said. Their conversation was interrupted by the noise a young boy was making running up the aisle.

He stopped at their seat, looked up at Michael and said,” I am hungry, will you give me something to eat?”

Michael answered, “It is not my food. You will have to ask the young lady.”

He stuck his tongue out at Michael, smiled sweetly at Alex and said, “You have the most beautiful eyes, may I have something to eat, please?”

Alex replied, “Before I say yes, I will need your Mother’s permission.”

A woman came walking up the aisle, and in an agitated voice said, “Mark, I have been looking for you.”

Mark answered, “I am hungry, and this pretty lady said she would give me something to eat, if it was okay with you.”

She apologized, “I am so sorry he has been a nuisance. Come on Mark, let’s go sit down.

“Wait a minute please. I have ample food; may I at least share a portion of it with you?” Alex asked.

“That would be very generous of you. I am afraid I left in such a hurry, I didn’t think about food. My father is on his death bed, and I just want to get home in time to tell him that I love him,” the lady said.

This touched Alex. She handed the lady the basket and said, “Please take this food, we have had our fill.”

The woman gratefully accepted the basket, managed a smile and said “May the sun shine brightly over you.” She took Mark by the hand, and walked down the aisle with him. Mark turned around, blew Alex a kiss, and once again stuck his tongue out at Michael.

Michael slumped down in his seat and said, “Kids are brats.”

Alex replied with “Michael, were you born an adult? You are acting sort of childish right now.”

Michael sat upright in his seat and said, “Alex, I have admired you for many years. I have never gotten up the nerve to talk with you, and now that I have, the right words won’t come out of my mouth.”

Alex responded with,” Blame it on our professions. It seems as though I make the news without trying, and you earn your paycheck by covering the news. Suppose we complete our trip by pretending to be two different people. I will be a happy schoolgirl, on her way home for summer vacation. Please call me Lexia. What role will you feel comfortable playing, Michael?”

“Lexia, my name is Drew. At this moment I am unemployed. I am trying to find myself, and make my niche in the world. The generosity you showed by sharing your food was so humane. You must be a very caring person,” answered Michael.

“Did you notice the sadness in her facial expression? Her eyes looked like she had been crying for hours. Anyone would have done the same thing,” Alex answered.

“Have you ever thought that perhaps crying is a good thing? Perhaps tears cleanse the soul,” Michael replied.

“No, but you are probably right. We do feel much better after we cry. Now if you don’t mind, I think we have played this silly game long enough. I also have to remember to pack Elizabeth more clothing and send to her. I am going to take a nap. If I snore, please wake me,” Alex requested as she leaned her head backward and closed her eyes.

Michael took out his pen and paper and started to write. Soon Alex was fast asleep. Her head had tilted to the side, and her body was slumped in her seat. Michael put away his pen and paper, turned his body and adjusted Alex’s head so it was resting comfortably on his chest. He put his arm lightly around her shoulder, and Alex continued to sleep for the rest of the journey.

The conductor walked up the aisles yelling, “All off at Decatur.” Alex awakened with a start. She jumped up and started to smooth her hair.

“You look fine,” Michael said, “I will help you with your things,” and he picked up her jacket, as he gathered his personal belongings. He stepped aside to let her walk down the aisle first.

As they stepped from the train, Michael noticed a large gathering of people at the station. He spoke to Alex in a soft voice saying, “Relax, today I am not a reporter, I am your friend. Not one word from me to the newspapers.”

“My special thanks to you dear friend, and your chest made a very comfortable pillow. I needed the rest. When I hear from Elizabeth, you will be the person I break the news to.

Alex was greeted by her mother and father. They hugged and watched as the coffin was removed from the train. Mr. Gray, the undertaker, only had two men with him, so Michael walked over and volunteered his services to help carry the casket. Once it was loaded inside the ambulance, he walked over to where Alex was standing. She was holding his camera.

Alex handed Michael the camera saying, “I took the liberty of snapping a picture as the casket was being loaded. Use it. I did not have the right to ask you not to write any lines about this event. It is news, and the public has the right to read about it. I am sorry I was thinking so selfishly. “

“Thank you Alex, but only since you gave me the okay, I will use tact,” Michael said as he picked up his baggage and headed toward the car that was waiting for him.

The ambulance pulled out of the driveway first, followed by a car being driven by Alex’s father, followed by five other cars. Michael pulled the car he was driving out last. The procession was headed toward the cemetery. At the cemetery, Michael parked a respectable distance away, not to intrude on the grief of the family. Once the casket was being lowered into the ground, Michael started his car and headed for the hotel, where a reservation had been made for him. He parked the car, went inside to the desk, picked up his key and mail and walked up the stairs. He opened the door, placed his baggage by the bed, and lay down, falling asleep. A knocking on the door awakened him. It was the bellhop with a telegram. Michael reached in his pocket and pulled out a bill, handing it to the bellhop, and then ripped the telegram open. Another body had been washed up in the Philadelphia area. The body was stuffed in a barrel, and had not yet been identified. He was ordered to go to Philadelphia to cover the story. Michaels first thought was to find Alex and let her read the telegram. If she wanted a ride back to Baltimore, it would be on his way, are perhaps he could drop the clothing off for Elizabeth, and Alex would not have to ship it. First, he had to shower, shave get dressed, and possibly a bite to eat. Michael came out of the bathroom, packed his bag, and then went downstairs to the hotel restaurant. To his surprise most of the tables were taken. As he started to seat himself at the lunch counter, he spied Alex with a group of girls, looking at a magazine. He walked over and remarked, “There should be a law against this.”

The girls closed the magazine, and turned the cover over quickly.

Alex glanced up and asked, “A law against what Michael?”

“Against so many beautiful women gathering in one place,” answered Michael “I thought perhaps you would like to read this,” and handed the telegram to Alex

Alex scanned the message and asked, “How does this concern me?”

“It means I will be driving past Baltimore. I thought perhaps, if you wanted me to, I could drop the clothing off for Elizabeth, or better yet, you could ride along with me. I could use the company.”

“How soon will you be leaving?” questioned Alex.

“I am packed and ready to go. I want to spend tomorrow in Baltimore, leaving early, and be in Philadelphia Monday morning,” Michael answered.

“Tricia, I need you to do me a big favor. Go over to Elizabeth’s house and pick up the clothes I have packed for her. I will go home and pack and be back in half an hour. Michael, why don’t you get us a box lunch to go,” Alex was giving orders.

Tricia picked up the magazine and started to walk out the door with it. “Hold it just a minute,” Michael was saying, “Alex may want to take the magazine with her.”

“No way,” answered Tricia, “this baby goes under my mattress at night,” showing Michael the cover. It was a picture of a man, wearing only a tight wet bathing suit.

Michael said, “I can do that pose,” and started unbuttoning his shirt.

Tricia said, “Alex, are you sure you are safe with him?”

Lila Lee chimed in, “You know she is. If he gets smart, she will put a hammer lock on him, right, Alex.”

Alex answered by going over to Michael, extending her hand, and when he took it, she twirls him around in a hammer lock, also twisting his wrist.

Michael let out a yell saying, “Alex, I need my arm to drive. I get the message.”

“I think I had better go pack my bag, before he changes his mind,” said Alex as she was walking out the door. Michael went over to the lunch counter to order the box lunches, and wait for Alex’s return.

In no time at all the girls returned, came inside for Michael, and watched as he packed the luggage inside the car.

Tricia said, “Drive carefully, and keep both hands on the steering wheel, Mr. Hot Stuff.”

Alex was very quiet while all the bantering was going on. Once on the open road Michael asked, “Why are you so quiet tonight?”

“I am not really sure. I keep thinking about the telegram, and I have a feeling it means something to me, maybe I am just tired,” she answered.

“I found out one thing about you tonight,” Michael bragged.

“And what might that be?” asked Alex. Her curiosity had gotten the best of her.

Michael answered with a smile in his voice, “The man that marries you has got a tiger by the tail, now don’t get insulted. I meant it as a compliment.”

Alex asked, “Do you mind if I turn on the radio?”

Michael turned on the radio for her and said, “Perhaps you would like to select the station.”

Michael was grateful he had the music to listen to; it would help keep him awake. Alex had fallen fast asleep.

Michael pulled into an all-night service station and filled up the gas tank. Alex woke up, went to the restroom, and waited for Michael to return from the men’s room. She had bought a couple of bottles of Pop. Handing one to him she said, “Let’s eat, and then I will drive while you get some sleep.”

Michael snickered, thinking, she won’t even know how to start it. Soon Alex let out an “All aboard.”

Michael took his seat in the passenger side, Alex slid under the steering wheel, placed her right foot on the starter, pulling the hand brake to mid position, into low gear, saying “No Tin lizzie is going to get the best of me.” Once on the open road Alex pushed the lever forward, taking her foot off the left pedal, putting the car into high gear. Now the car could cruise without having to push any of the pedals.

Michael wasn’t sure he was comfortable enough to sleep. He rested his head on the back of the seat, closed his eyes, and soon he was sound asleep.

Michael was awakened by Alex shaking him saying, “Here we are.” He opened his eyes and saw that they were already at the rooming house. “My God, what did you do, fly?” Michael asked.

“Michael you are aware that this car has four cylinders and goes forty-five miles an hour, aren’t you?” Alex asked. “How about helping me upstairs with this baggage

Michael got out of the car, stretched his arms, and said, “Yes Ma’am, let’s go.”

Once upstairs, Alex asked, “Michael, what are your plans now?”

“Well, I was thinking about going to church, then to the luncheon and attend the songfest. Is that appropriate, or should I change my plans?” Michael answered.

“What I rather have you do is wait for me to get dressed, drop me off at the church, and then continue your trip to Philadelphia,” Alex told him. “For some reason, I feel compelled to know more about the body that was found. As soon as you get the information you need, please drive back and fill me in.”

“If that is what you want, I shall oblige,” replied Michael. “Now go get dressed.”

Michael could hear her in the bedroom grumbling. When she came out she looked extremely beautiful.

“You are one gorgeous dame,” Michael complimented her, “And what were you grumbling about?”

I couldn’t find the skirt and blouse I wanted to wear. I can’t believe Elizabeth wore them. They aren’t her colors, “Alex explained.

 

Chapter Two

 

Elizabeth and Otto were walking to the parking lot at the hospital when they heard footsteps and a voice calling, “Please wait a minute Mrs. Hall, I need to talk to you,”

A female voice yelled. The two stopped and waited for the young lady to catch up with them.

“Mrs. Hall, thank you for stopping. Please, I need your help. My name is Trixie Taylor. I know how you must feel about me, but I need help badly, and you are the only person that I know of that could help me. I will do anything you ask,” she pleaded. “As you know, I used to be a prostitute, but I want to change my life. That means I am going to give up prostitution, and I want to become a respected person in the community. I need you to teach me how to walk, talk, and dress. My Father is going to sell his house, and come live with me. I want him to be proud of me, not be ashamed to be seen me.

This caught Elizabeth by surprise. After a moment of silence she said, “Trixie, are you sure you want me to help you. I will have high expectations of you. The most important is that Gresy be out of your life completely.

“Mrs. Hall, I expected that. I have already told Gresy he is out of my life. I appreciate the fact that he did help me, when I was down and out, but I am older and wiser now,” replied Trixie. “I want self-respect, and no one can give that to me, I have to earn it for myself. I want to be able to look at myself in the mirror and think, “Trixie, you have become a woman your Mother would have been proud of.”

“If you are absolutely sure, Trixie, be at my apartment at 10:00 o’clock in the morning,” Elizabeth told her.

“I am so happy, thank you so much, I will be on time,” answered Trixie, as she walked away.

Elizabeth turned to Otto and asked, “Now what have I done?”

Otto answered, “A very wonderful thing. Trixie did not have a loving Mother, such as you, to guide her in her early years. You have the ability to guide her now and turn her into a beautiful, caring person, such as yourself.”

“Otto, you certainly know how to flatter females. They are like butter in your hands,” Elizabeth mused. By this time they had reached the car, and Otto opened the car door for Elizabeth. She sat back in the seat and let out a deep sigh. Elizabeth was very quiet on the way home. She was wondering, where do I start and what do I do.