Page 67 of Wheelie's Challenge
“I dug out some old photos of him that he sent me when he first moved away. He looks so strong. I just can’t believe this is happening.”
Wheelie pulled her up and rested her head against his chest. The steady beating of his heart calmed her but it also made her sadder because she was healthy and carrying a new life in her and Russ was getting ready to leave this world.
“Why don’t you go get the pictures. I’ve never seen any of your family.”
“I’d love to share them with you.” Sofia padded into the guest bedroom where she still had boxes stacked that she needed to go through.Wheelie’s so sweet. I know he probably doesn’t want to see my family pictures but he’s trying to be there for me.Sofia pulled out a faded brown album and went back out to the patio. Wheelie had cleared the dishes and sat on the wrought iron love seat. He patted the spot next to him. “Come sit by me.”
She went over and sank down on the cushion and leaned into him. Wheelie wrapped his arm around her shoulder and tugged her close. Sofia opened the album and the first set of pictures were her as a baby. Wheelie kidded her about the pictures of her in a basinet and a playpen, and it lifted her mood. She pointed out her mom, dad, Russ and Josh, and it was when she got to the pictures Russ had sent of him in Denver that she felt Wheelie stiffen and pull away from her.
Sofia looked up at him. “Is something wrong?” She’d never seen such a hard, cold look on Wheelie’s face.
“What’s your brother’s name?”
Wheelie’s tone dripped ice and it took her by surprise. She’d forgotten what Russ had said about not telling Wheelie his name. “Russ.”
“What’s your maiden name?”
“Why do you want to know that?”
Wheelie jumped up and paced. “Just fuckin’ tell me.”
“Elmore.” The way his face crumbled, it looked like she’d shot him. “What’s the matter? Why are you so upset?”
“Your fuckin’ brother murdered my sister.” Wheelie scrubbed his face. “Why didn’t you tell me your last name was Elmore?”
Confusion rushed through her. “Why would I tell you that? Anyway, you’re wrong. My brother’s wife is alive and well. He’s working hard to make sure she has enough money after he dies.”
“I fuckin’ know who killed my sister. I recognize the sonofabitch! I can’t fuckin’ believe you’re his sister.” Wheelie stopped in front of her, his eyes flashing, his nostrils flaring.
“You’re mistaken. We’re not the only Elmores in Colorado. Russ told me—”
“I don’t give a fuck what that asshole told you!” He kicked over the side table. “He killed Kendra.”
Sofia jumped in her seat when the glass table top crashed on the brick floor, shattering in a million pieces like her heart was doing at that moment.Kendra? Russ told me his wife’s name is Kendra, but he said she was alive. Why would he lie to me? This isn’t making any sense. And why is Wheelie looking at me like he hates me?
“Where is the motherfucker?” Wheelie’s voice sliced through her musings.
“Uh… he said he’s in Campo working on a farm.”
“Bullshit! That loser would rather scam women outta their money than get his hands dirty.”
“Russ isn’t like that. This must be a terrible mistake.”
“There’s no mistake. And you don’t know him at all. You haven’t spoken to him since you were a kid, so you don’t know shit about him.Ido, and he’s just like your old man and Tigger—he likes to beat up women, only he went too far with Kendra and killed her. I should’ve beat his ass and made her leave him. I was the man of the house and I fuckin’ blew it. I’m not gonna do that now.”
Fear seized her. “What do you mean? You’re not going to hurt Russ, are you?”
“His damn ass should’ve been in prison for life. Nine years is all he’s done and Kendra’s life ended when she was only twenty-four. A year younger than you. Can you imagine that, Sofia?That’swhat your brother did. I’m gonna hurt him. Real. Bad.”
“But he’s going to die.” Sofia wrung her hands.
“Then a few months before his scheduled check out won’t matter.” Wheelie stormed into the house and slammed the sliding door.
Sofia rubbed her throbbing temples.What the hell is going on? I still don’t believe he’s the one who killed Wheelie’s sister. This must be a mistake.Sofia held her breath when the sliding door opened. Wheelie came out with a bunch of newspapers. He threw them at her and they landed on the love seat and the floor.
“You believe him over me? Go ahead and read about the brother you trust and love so much.” He spun around and stalked back into the house.
For a long time, Sofia read the clippings as tears streamed down her cheeks.How could Russ do this?Then images of her mother cowering in different corners of their house, pleading for Sofia’s dad to stop the assault ran through her mind.He learned from Dad.She stared at a picture of Kendra; it looked like it was a school picture. Sofia could see Wheelie in Kendra’s features. Her heart twisted: hatred replaced gentleness in Wheelie’s eyes.How can we go on? Every time he looks at me, I’ll remind him of Kendra’s murder. I can’t believe Russ lied to me. Maybe he was afraid I wouldn’t want to reconnect with him.
