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CHAPTER SEVENTY-SIX: THE RECKONING AT NASSAU STATION.
Last Updated:
2025-01-17 18:29:54
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Mary was clearly enjoying the chaos as her scathing and taunting laughter reverberated throughout the room. She flourished in chaos, particularly when Laura was in sight. Mary looked at Rose and smiled mischievously. “So, Rose,” she said, her tone full of derision. "You're also a concubine of Fred Walker?" Mary got up from her chair and gave Rose a sharp look in a tone that was equal parts disdain and laughter. Everyone in the room grew silent as the realization weighed heavily on them. The sheriff remained motionless as his mind raced to comprehend the network of lies that was being revealed to him.But Sarah was unable to control her anger. She jumped up, her cheeks flushed, her hands clenched, prepared to meet Rose. She cried, her voice shaking with fury and betrayal, "How could you, Rose?".Mary took Sarah's arm and held her back before she could do anything. Mary snarled, trying to manage the growing tension with a tight grasp, "Calm down." Rose's voice cracked as she spoke, h
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With his hands slipping into his pockets, the Sheriff moved with purpose toward Rose, his eyes unwavering and steady. The deep hush was broken by his strong yet low voice. "I'm really disappointed in you," he replied quietly, the calm tone hardly concealing the rage inside. Slowly, as though driven by some unseen power, Rose turned. She breathed unevenly, her hands shaking as she clasped her fingers together. She avoided looking, trying to regain her balance. "You pretended not to recognize me even though you knew I was Linda's father. Why?” With his arms folded across his chest and his eyes narrowed, he demanded a response in a sharp voice.Rose closed her eyes for a second and let out a long breath. "I apologize, sir," she said in a guilty tone. "I wasn't prepared to discuss Linda and myself. All that took place was horrific. I'm not proud of it, and I stayed away from anything that reminded me of those times. The sheriff examined her closely, evaluating the authenticity of her s
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After a long drive to Beekman Street, where Maggie lived, the vehicle came to a stop. Maggie held out her hand to direct the driver to her door while her gaze swept the road. Jack, meanwhile, became worried when he saw the car following them. His piercing eyes lingered on it, attempting to make sense of it. Maggie was too preoccupied with getting home and relaxing to see the danger that was right outside her. As the vehicle pulled to a stop, she pointed to her home and said, "Here." Jack's heart raced in increasing alarm. He gently tapped Maggie's shoulder as he leaned in closer. He muttered, "Mom," in an attempt to get her attention.Maggie, however, disregarded Jack's uneasiness since she was not aware of the tightness in his voice. She reached inside her bag and took out some money to give to the driver. "I understand that you're hungry, Jack. I am, too”. She led him out of the car while keeping her eyes on her front door. "Let's head in, and I'll look something up before we ca
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Laura felt as though a million irreparable pieces had been blasted from her universe. Mr. Tim, who had always seemed to understand her and with whom she had felt safe, now spoke to her as if he were a complete stranger. Although she wanted to be upset, she was unable to place the blame on him. All he was doing was what he thought was required to safeguard his company and its expansion. Nevertheless, Laura was unable to control her emotions as the pain of his words persisted. As she sobbed hysterically, they poured freely down her cheeks, heavy and hot. Feeling stuck, she had to decide between two unfeasible options: staying at her low-paying job as a waitress at the cafe or accepting the secretarial post at the clothes firm which she hadn't even applied for, but now desperately needed.She had little choice because of her mother's deteriorating health. Her only way to pay for the medical care her mother needed was to work as a secretary, which paid more. But she was troubled by the u
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After completing her bath quickly, Laura checked the wall clock to make sure she wouldn't be late for her interview. She hurriedly put on the sharp shirt and pants Jerry had picked out for her and picked up her phone and purse. She muttered, "My shoes," as she knelt down to get her wedges from beneath the table, where she had kept them safe ever since she got to Fred Walker's house. After a quick spray of her favorite cologne, Laura hurried from her room to the living room to see Jerry before she left.Jerry heard her loud footsteps approaching, and his heart began to rush. Knowing that their friendship might never be the same after this day made them uneasy. Laura was not aware of a secret Jerry had long withheld from her, which added weight to the interview at Fred's workplace. Jerry stood up anxiously as she emerged, his gaze fixed on Laura. He was astounded by her attractiveness, which was increased by her attire. He was momentarily engrossed in her beauty. “How do I look?” La
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Laura's heart thudded loudly, and she turned abruptly, only to freeze in horror as she saw her biggest dread just a few paces away. Time seemed to pause. She was startled by the background karaoke music, but it wasn't enough to stop the flood of emotions that washed over her. She felt like the floor beneath her was about to collapse and engulf her. Her lips trembled, her mind trying to process what she was seeing, and her body betrayed her. She let out a cry of shock and terror, screaming, "What? Fred? What are you doing here?”.Fred remained silent, barely broken by a sly smile that curled his lips. With measured, purposeful movements, he approached her, his sneakers clicking menacingly on the floor. She felt a chill run down her spine with every stride. Laura took a few unsteady steps backward out of instinct, her movements motivated only by terror. As her thoughts searched for solutions, an explanation, or a way out, her breath caught. Ben stood motionless close by, his forehe
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Fred's sharp eyes seemed to probe Maggie's soul as they fixed themselves on her. His voice, full of rage, ripped through the air as his hand fell to his side. "No! Listen to me!" he bellowed. "Laura will be working here, and there is nothing at all that you can do about it!".His remarks caused a sharp pain that made Maggie's breath catch. Fred had never angered her so much, let alone over a woman. The fact that he had never, ever reacted so strongly to her like that made it hurt much more. Something about Laura's presence appeared to ignite something dangerous in Fred, and she had an unusual hold on him.Maggie couldn't help but think of their recent chat in his office. Jack had claimed that Laura had rescued him from an enraged mob, and she had informed him of this. She had never witnessed Fred's behavior that day before; it was furious, defensive, and obviously triggered. Maggie's suspicions appeared to solidify before her, and they were no longer just conjectures. She snapped her
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Mr. Tim's broad chest rose and fell with each breath, and he stood tall and uncompromising. His anger radiated from his penetrating eyes like heat from a roaring fire. He had the appearance of a storm about to break. His words were ruthless and harsh, like a whip. He spat, "You went for the interview after I told you not to." "You're fired”. “Additionally, forget about your salary, as I previously stated”. “Get off my property right away”. Before Laura could reply, he slammed his office door, punctuating his last statement.As his words pierced Laura's chest, she stood motionless. He was so angry that it seemed like his heart was being crushed. She turned to Jerry slowly, her eyesight confused by the tears running down her cheeks. "I - I hate you!" she stuttered and exclaimed, her voice brimming with resignation. She left the café quickly, leaving tears in her wake, without waiting for a response. Jerry was motionless, and his whole body was shaking. Each stride she made cut into h
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A puny cry gave its echo through the corridor of the hospital, sharp against the heavy silence, as a sudden sprinkle of light in the darkness. Short, yet long enough to create a ripple of emotion in the waiting room.Fred raised his head, his eyes wide in disbelief. "What... was that...?".Helen gave a gasp and within a moment her hand flew to her mouth, and her eyes were filled with tears. "Oh my God, that’s the baby! That’s Laura’s baby!" Jerry sprang up from his seat, almost toppling his chair. "She did it!”. “She really did it!".And for a moment in Presbyterian Hospital, time came to a screeching halt. The coldness of the white corridors was stifled with raw, unfettered emotion. Fred, Jerry, and Helen stood utterly still, their hearts thumping, while the set of double doors at the end of the hallway held their attention.With that, the doors flung wide open, and the doctor emerged, his face blissfully lit up with joy and pride. Tension snapped in an instant."Congratulations!" h
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The sky was deep gray when Fred, Jerry, and Helen reached the hospital. The car with headlights sped through darkening spaces, spilling brassy rays onto the glimmering glass entrance of the hospital. As he screeched his tires, Jerry drove the car to an abrupt stop. "Here!”. “We are here!" shouted Jerry as he jumped from the car, running to the rear door. Fred held Laura in his arms, a mask of horror and concern.“Hold on, Laura. Just a little more”. "We are at the hospital," said Fred, hopeful, his voice straining, almost breaking under the burden of panic. Laura wrung her face as she shed tears. "It hurts… Fred… it hurts so badly… I can't...". A voice trampled by agony held in her throbbing, swollen tummy.Moments to spare, Helen dashed toward the hospital entrance and shoved open the glass doors. The sound of her voice arched in desperation through the reception area as she yelled, “We need help here! She’s in labour!”.Responding instantly, two nurses sprinted down from behind the
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A soft golden sunlight fell across the driveway, bathing it beautifully as Fred's car gently rolled to a stop in front of the house. The trip from Laura's family house was quiet, really quiet, as though it spoke volumes in silence. Fragments of thoughts inhabited Fred and Laura, offering their thinking as they were trying to build a new life and future together. Fred turned his face toward Laura and noticed that her expression was calm and almost radiant. With one hand resting on her bulging belly, she was a silent but very potent reminder of the new starts ahead of them."Home sweet home," Fred said tenderly, with an affectionate smile as he turned toward her. Laura gazed in return, lips curling in a gentle smile of her own; though there was a sparkle in her eyes, one of wonder, hope, and just a hint of nervousness. "It feels... different now. More real." Fred gave her hand a squeeze before going on to add, "We will make it our home together."Out of the car they stepped, with warm a
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The soft morning sun filtered gently through the curtains; it fell into the bedroom with a mellow light. It warmed the tumbled sheets and stillness of the room, bathing everything in gold, in a hush. Fred stirred first to awaken slowly from the very deep slumber that had followed yesterday's clutch of emotions and celebration. When his eyes fluttered open to adjust to the sweet light, the first thing that came into sight was Laura.She looked serene, her features were calm and composed, yet some signs of fatigue hung heavily on her features. The previous day's joyful nerves, tears, and chuckles left nothing for her to hide under the restful appearance of sleep. Somehow, Fred could tell that the day had not been easy for Laura, physically and perhaps even more emotionally. He gazed at her for an unusually long moment, physically taking in her look, he had now possessed her as a wife, a woman who carried his child.He reached out gently and brushed Laura’s cheek. The gesture was silent,
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY: WE MADE IT HOME.
Jerry smoothly navigated the car into Fred's driveway; the tires barely made a sound crunching on the gravel under the soft evening light. At the gate, the security guard immediately recognized the newlyweds. With his face glowing with happiness, he quickly jogged towards the vehicle; his accession was respectful and yet openly thrilling."Congratulations, Mr. Fred, Miss Laura," he greeted them sincerely and graciously opened the car door with a courtly bow from the others. "It is an honor to welcome you home as husband and wife."Fred was the first to alight from the car; his movements were slow and deliberate. He turned towards Laura and extended his hand as she reached out and placed two fingers gingerly into his. As she stepped out of the car, indirectly from the porch light, that soft glow bathed her face, capturing those quiet, lovely smiles. Behind them, Helen and Jerry walked out of the car and gazed at each other, sharing a silent happiness reflected in their eyes.With a voi
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Gasps rippled through the crowd, like waves crashing upon a still shore. Slowly, every head turned towards that sudden sound coming from the road. A hushed silence draped over the ceremony. Laura's breath stuck in her throat as the doors of the first vehicle flung open.Thomas stepped out first, calm and composed, and next to him was Maggie, her face unreadable. It was the second car that stole the moment. The doors opened, and three figures stepped out that Laura hadn't seen for what felt like forever: Sarah, Linda, Rose and Mary. Time seemed to halt. Every eye widened in disbelief. As if that weren't enough, Mr. Tim followed behind them, walking steadily. Then came the sheriff, his presence commanding even in silence.Laura felt her knees weaken. Her fingers clutched at Fred's arm for support. Her voice trembled as it slipped from her lips in a whisper only he could hear."Fred... who invited them? Linda and Mary... what are they doing here?". Fred's eyes were narrowed and confusio
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The early sun caused a golden glare over the town, still sleeping against the softly glowing rays indicating the heaviness of that day. In her own little cozy bedroom, Laura stood at the window while a gentle breeze curled the curtains. She held her phone to her ear, while the presence of flutters in her chest showed excitement.And then his soft, warm voice fluttered in on the line. "Good morning, my love. I hope you slept well.""Yes," Laura replied, twirling a strand of hair between her fingers shyly, "though not without dreaming about today." A gentle chuckle came through the phone. "Guess what," continued Fred. "The event planner is on her way with everything you need: shoes, dress, and a few little extra touches." For a moment, her heart skipped a beat, dissolving into gales of giggles while she shook her head and pressed her fingers to her lips. "Fred, I cannot wait to see you"! She declared with all the joy she could muster."Same goes, beautiful; I want our day to be that p
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-SEVEN: THE CALM BEFORE THE VOW.
Thomas picked up the call after a few rings, his voice calm but laced with curiosity. "Fred? What's up? Been a minute." Fred did not answer immediately. His eyes strayed towards Laura, who sat at the edge of their bed, fingers knotted together tightly, nervously. The evening light softened through the curtains, catching the shiny anxiousness in her eyes. On the call, Fred could hear possible laughter, a comical chuckle of Maggie's blended with Jack's lighthearted voice. It painted a picture of peace, a home filled with warmth and healing. The sound stirred something in him. Was it guilt? Regret? He couldn't name it, but it was heavy inside his chest. Fred tried to focus, coughing in an attempt to clear his voice. He reckoned: "I know it's all so sudden." "But Laura and I are getting married... in a few hours”. “Monday morning. Rockaway Beach." There was a pause at the other end. Not static, not silence, just a long moment that tied emotions in the quiet. "What?" Finally came from
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-SIX: ARMS THAT WAITED YEARS.
Time unraveled, his breath slightly impeded, and his chest suddenly tightened with the apparent new stiffness of the atmosphere. For a split second, his legs were rigid and would not allow him to advance. The reverse of time seemed to be in action. Unending photographs flashed through his mind: dusty photo albums, grainy pictures taken in hospitals, the gentle voice of his parents telling bedtime tales, and the image of a woman who had become a treasured legend enshrined in the folds of memory. No, surely, not. It could not have been her. But the contrary was undeniably true. Years had conspired to inscribe their stories on her skin; once dark hair turned lustrously silver, but her eyes had remained constant. Kind and wise, Fred had never forgotten them. Even if time had sculpted her features, everything those eyes stood for was untouched. An agonizing heartbeat followed, and he took a step in her direction. There was another woman beside her, probably her daughter. The family rese
