“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
Rainbow Connection; chapter six, part two
“Gary, we are here with Carol Sayers, the facilitator of the therapy group that Ashley was mandated to attend before her death. Ms. Sayers, what can you tell us about Ashley? Was she mentally disturbed? Do the police think the group had anything to do with her death?” The anorexic blond anchorwoman with her forced… Continue Reading
Rainbow Connection; chapter six, part one
“Welcome back,” Carol smiles at us warmly, though with a tinge of sadness. “As you all have most likely read, we are one less in number. Let’s have a moment of silence.” As we dutifully quiet down, I look around the room. Everyone else has shown up, but no one looks too happy about being… Continue Reading
Rainbow Connection; chapter five
“Rayne! The police!” Paris looks at me with wide eyes even though neither of us is a stranger to the police. During the last investigation, they talked to one of us at least every other day. “Sergeant Grimes, Ms. Liang.” He is over six-feet tall, rangy with a buzz cut and muddy brown eyes. He… Continue Reading
Rainbow Connection; chapter four, part three
Wednesday is uneventful, and I am grateful. I wake up Thursday morning, cautiously optimistic. For once, I have slept for several hours on end. Paris isn’t up yet, which isn’t unusual for him. He had gone on a date with Lyle last night and hadn’t return home by the time I went to bed which… Continue Reading
Rainbow Connection; chapter four, part two
“Name’s Sharise.” She pronounces it with a hard ‘ch” sound. “I’m here because my man was killed during a robbery attempt. He was the cop who caught the squeal.” Her eyes fill with tears, but she steadies herself. “Motherfucker fired on him ‘fore he even had a chance to draw his piece. Been seven months… Continue Reading
Rainbow Connection; chapter four, part one
“I’m here for the trauma group,” I say softly to the sympathetic-looking receptionist who nods her head encouragingly at me. “Spreading Our Wings,” she says, patting her red curls. The name tag on her desk reads ‘Tessa Simpson’. “Pardon?” I am unsure what she is trying to convey. “That’s the name of the group,” Tessa… Continue Reading
Rainbow Connection; chapter three
Break of dawn, I am up again. At least I don’t have to be shaken awake because I’m screaming, so I am thankful for small favors. I lie in bed, wondering if I should try to sleep more or if this is one of those days where nothing can entice me back into unconsciousness. I… Continue Reading