NIP 17

Marcy will never forget the first time she met Sari Clarke. It felt like the wind had been knocked out of her. ‘What a surreal moment,’ remembers Marcy. Sari walked the most friendly of walks right up to Marcy. She extended her right hand to greet Marcy with her perfectly wide smile. Sari’s eyes shined like emeralds and in that moment Marcy knew she was face to face with Amanda Hayes. Those eyes, her beautiful blonde curls, her amazing soul. Marcy nearly fainted.

Could this all be a coincidence? Marcy stops fidgeting…completely.

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Mark savors the burn of his scotch on the rocks with a twist from the darkness of his and Sari’s living room. He sits a disheveled mess. The day’s events have exhausted him…mentally, emotionally and physically. And from the looks of the TV it just got a whole hell of a lot worse.

He turns up the volume on the 50” flat screen TV. An engagement gift from Clara.

“In studio we have ABC’s very own Sari Clarke. Sari’s sister and aunt were victims of malicious crimes this every day which took their lives. We have the exclusive on this horrifying story straight from Sari herself.” Carol Jacobs pauses on cue. Dramatically she swivels her anchor chair to face Sari. “Sari, you are so brave and courageous to chase this story in the wake of this very personal tragedy.”

“Thank you Carol. I cannot imagine a tougher day. Yet, this experience has given me perspective on all viewers who have experienced this kind of loss and sadness. Like some of the victims I have interviewed I will stop at nothing to find the truth so my sister and my aunt may rest in peace.”

Mark rubs his forehead and takes sip of his scotch. Sari is unbelievably composed. Not one blonde curl is out of place. Mark observes his bride. Her strength is magic. It is as if she is reporting live from their living room speaking only to him. Mark is sure everyone watching this broadcast is having the same reaction. She is determined, alive and brilliant. Mark chugs his scotch wondering what breaking news she will reveal.

“I have uncovered facts indicating a man by the name of Ed Hayes was released from prison yesterday. Ed Hayes has not been in touch with his parole officer since his release.” A picture of Ed Hayes appears in the screen. “This is of interest because Ed Hayes was convicted of murdering my mother and father in 1983. All evidence points to Ed Hayes being responsible for the murders of my sister and my aunt. It is crucial that any information on Ed Hayes be given to the police. He is a dangerous man and needs to be removed from the streets of Chicago.”

Sari’s eyes are sparkly emeralds. Passion erupts from those beautiful eyes. Mark shakes off a chill.

“Is there anything else you know about Ed Hayes at this time?” Carol promptly asks.

“Ed Hayes was awarded the Police Officer of the Year Award in 1977. He rescued….”

Marks zones out what Sari is saying. He has heard all of this before. What else does she know? He begins to perspire. He cracks his neck. He would know how to respond if he knew what she knew! But he is too much of a coward to answer her calls. He doesn’t have the guts. Mark stands, stumbles to the bar and pours himself another scotch.

“SON OF A BITCH!” He yells as his glass smashes against the wall. His body crumples to the ground at the same speed of the scotch dripping down the wall.

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“…my mother was in the fire.” A loud noise to the side of the stage steals my attention. I try to hide my gasp.

Detective Hughes is tearing through the studio. He is forcing his way through the crew. He is coming after me. Brad jumps in his way to stall him. I take zero chances.

“They married a short time after. This all we know now. Please report any information to the police. Thank you!” The words are rushed but the meaning is intact. Carol seems a tad startled by my haste but she is a professional and will cover it up effortlessly.

I dash off the opposite side of the stage. I know the ins and outs of this studio like the back of my hand. I could run through the halls with my eyes closed. My breathing is so heavy and I fear I will not hear the vicious footsteps behind me.

I make it to the building exit. The door flies open from my push. I run. I run north. I run north in high heels. I run north with stinging eyeballs. I run. I run as fast as I can. I run and run.

I don’t want to stop running. I don’t want to face this. I don’t want to be alone. If I stop running I will be alone. I can’t be alone nor can I be idle. I need to think. I need to a plan. I need to digest this information.

I run. Ed Hayes. Amanda Hayes. I didn’t report this info because I am not sure what it all means. Evan Clarke is Ainslie and Lizi’s father but not mine. Perhaps there is a chance this all a mix up. Why lie?

LIZI!

“Shit.” I plant my feet. I dial Lizi as I recite the Lord’s Prayer. Who knew I still remembered it. Surely this will award me brownie points in my hour of need.

“Lizi! CALL ME!” I hang up. Frustrated. Crushed.

I run.

Home.

I sneak past Doug, the doorman, I can’t talk. I stand silent in the elevator. I am alone but the silence is evident. My mind has quieted.

I unlock the door to mine and Mark’s condo. With my head down, I walk into my home longing for my bed. I want to crawl on my bed and hide…if only for a minute.

“Sari!” Mark’s silhouette rattles me to my core.

I plunge to the ground in uncontrollable sobs.

“Oh baby. You’re home now. You are home. With me. I gotcha’ya.” Mark wraps his arms around Sari. He tries with all of his might to melt his body into hers. “I love you sweetie.”

“Get the FUCK off of me!” I violently convulse causing him to lose his hold on me.