Chapter 7: Poison and Return

The next morning, Tyler showed up. After a little tenderness, he got impatient. “Where’s the money?”

Natalie pouted, said nothing. Tyler coaxed, promised marriage, swore he only loved her. Finally, Natalie pointed to the freezer. “Thirty thousand, all for you.”

“Babe, I love you so much.” Tyler kissed her, then searched. “Nothing here, Natalie. There’s nothing.”

“Impossible! Are you kidding?”

“Really, see for yourself.”

Natalie got down, checked, then sat on the floor in shock, clutching her chest. “The money... where’s the money?”

“I should be asking you—where’s the money?”

“I put it there myself... how could it be...”

Tyler’s face darkened. He straightened his clothes. “I get it, you’re playing me.”

“I... no, I really withdrew thirty grand, all my money, put it underneath.”

“Damn!” Tyler slapped Natalie. I flinched as I heard the slap, bile rising in my throat. I wanted to look away, but I couldn’t move.

“Bitch! Dare to play me!” Tyler pulled off his belt, folding it. He whipped Natalie. After just a few hits, she was kneeling, begging for mercy. Tyler was furious. He tossed the belt, grabbed Natalie by the neck, and dragged her to the north window.

That window overlooked Hank’s diner. If Hank looked up, he’d see his wife being humiliated at the window.

Tyler pointed downstairs. “No money? I’ll post your business all over Main Street.”

Tyler left. Natalie crawled to the bed, tears streaming down her face. I felt guilty—anyone would, seeing someone so broken. She lit a cigarette, her gaze changing as she smoked. She dialed a number.

“Honey, there seems to be a rat at home. Do you still have the rat poison from last time?”

“Yes, at the diner. I’ll bring it home later.”

“Okay, you scared me to death. Bring more.”

Natalie definitely didn’t want the rat poison for rats. Her hand shook as she took the bottle, and for a split second, her eyes flashed with something colder than fear. If she killed someone, I’d be implicated. Panic swept through me.

I paced my kitchen, trying to drown out my thoughts with loud music, but nothing helped. What if I became part of this mess, just for a shot at happiness?

A few minutes later, Hank came home in his apron, handing over a glass bottle wrapped in plastic bags. “Be very careful, this stuff kills on contact,” he warned. “Come down for dinner soon.”

Natalie watched out the window, made sure Hank had gone, then called Tyler. “Tyler, I was wrong. I lied because I was afraid you’d leave me. I really did withdraw the money. Come get it this afternoon, okay? I can’t live without you. I just want to marry you.”

Tyler was silent, then said, “Okay. I love you too. I just can’t stand being lied to.”

I hurried back to my room, took out the three envelopes, and after Natalie went out, I sneaked over and put the money back under the freezer.

I tried to calm my heartbeat by playing games, but my hands shook the whole time.

At 5 p.m., Tyler came again. Natalie handed him a Coke, but Tyler didn’t drink it. Instead, he hugged her. “Sorry, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have lost my temper, but I love you.”

Natalie said gently, “I know, I love you too. The money and I are both yours.”

Tyler kissed her face. “Where’s the money?”

“Say you love me.”

“I love you. Where’s the money?”

“Don’t be anxious.” Natalie acted coy. “Tired? Thirsty?”

“Not thirsty, it’s getting late.”

“Can’t you keep me company for a bit?”

Tyler couldn’t wait and started searching: pillows, nightstand, wardrobe. His eyes landed on the freezer.

Natalie watched, unmoving.

He pulled out three envelopes. “Ten, twenty, thirty... thirty grand. Why is it so greasy... Natalie, I love you so much.”

The Coke in Natalie’s hand dropped to the floor, spilling everywhere. Natalie stared at the Coke bottle on the floor, as if it might hold the answer to everything that had gone wrong.

“When I get rich, I’ll come marry you.” Tyler put on his clothes and disappeared.

Natalie slumped on the bed, fingers trembling, her reflection in the dark TV looking as lost as I felt.