Ashley was agitated about her father, calling him a shithead in sheep’s clothing. When Melissa pointed out that her father was well-known for his contributions to the community, Ashley openly sneered. She told them they were idiots if they believed everything they saw or heard. Her father was a first-class prick who had a mistress… Continue Reading
Rainbow Connection; chapter ten, part two
“Did she ever tell you any secrets?” I ask awkwardly, not sure how to continue this conversation. “Nah, we weren’t that close.” Maria shrugs and opens the door to her studio. It’s tiny but filled with riotous colors. The paintings on the wall are amateurish but quite good. “Yours?” I ask, indicating the artwork. She… Continue Reading
Rainbow Connection; chapter ten, part one
The next few days are a blur of work and talking on the phone with Lyle and Paris. Despite what he said, Paris is grateful that Lyle made the trip to Memphis, even if it means Lyle staying at a nearby Holiday Inn. Mr. and Mrs. Jenson refuse to allow Lyle to stay in their… Continue Reading
Rainbow Connection; chapter nine, part two
“That Stevenson girl sounds like a real piece of works,” my mother says, returning to the former subject with little preamble. “I think she stuck her nose where it didn’t belong. If your group is involved, you have to find out more about the other members.” “Maybe I could run the names by you,” I… Continue Reading
Rainbow Connection; chapter nine, part one
“Rainbow, how are you?” My mother asks as she ladles some tofu surprise onto my plate. My mother is a vegetarian and serves the best meatless dishes I’ve ever tasted in my life. If I could cook vegetarian food like that, I would be happy as a clam. Now if she would just call me… Continue Reading
Rainbow Connection; chapter eight, part three
Lyle is captivated by the same idea that fascinates me—whether Rosie’s comments in group contributed to her demise. If so, then someone in the group killed Ashley. That is not something I want to think about, but it’s not something I can ignore, either. If someone is a murderer in the group, then I need… Continue Reading
Rainbow Connection; chapter eight, part two
I slip into the building. The receptionist is on the phone and she holds up her finger in a one-minute gesture. I look around me and spy a list of numbers on the receptionist’s desk. It’s the phone numbers for all the employees of the clinic. I don’t know how to snag it without her… Continue Reading
Rainbow Connection; chapter eight, part one
“It’s about time, girl!” Paris coos into the phone. “I was getting performance anxiety waiting for you to call.” “Don’t flip out on me,” I caution him as I walk to the well-lit corner of the street. “What? Oh my god, you’re hurt!” Paris screeches theatrically. He only turns on the camp when it’s the… Continue Reading
Rainbow Connection; chapter sever, part two
“May I help you?” Carol asks sharply, her face scrunching up. “This is a private meeting, you know.” “Sorry to intrude,” Inspector Robinson says, flashing her badge and not looking at all sorry. “I’m Inspector Robinson. I’m investigating the homicide of Rosalita Chavez. This is Detective Brady. She is investigating the homicide of Ashley Stevenson.” … Continue Reading
Rainbow Connection; chapter seven, part one
The next Tuesday, I am on edge all day. I snap at everyone at work, and no one knows why. I have yet to tell anyone at work about my involvement in the therapy group because I don’t want to be the object of more pity or worse, suspicion. Quinn hangs around me looking like… Continue Reading