A Portrait of Emily by J. P. Bowie

Author:J. P. Bowie [Bowie, J. P.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Suspense, Fiction, General, Mystery & Detective, Thrillers, Psychics, Gay Police Officers, Laguna Beach (Calif.), Stevens; Jeff (Fictitious Character), Brandon; Peter (Fictitious Character), Gay Artists
ISBN: 9780595280490
Publisher: iUniverse
Published: 2003-05-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

After Peter and Jerry had parted company outside the cafe, Peter drove down to Jeff’s office on the way home. Monica, Jeff’s receptionist, had already gone for the day so with Peter’s arrival, Jeff decided to close up shop. They went for a walk on the beach, and Jeff listened in amazement as Peter recounted the events of the day.

“Jesus, what a family.” Jeff stooped and picked up a pebble, flinging it into the sea in exasperation. “How in hell do people find themselves in this kind of mess? Those kids certainly deserve better lives than this.”

“Well, at least Jerry is going to be there for Emily.”

“Thanks in no small part to you.” Jeff squeezed Peter’s arm.

“I knew he’d do the decent thing. He’s that kind of guy. He was just torn up by what Emily had been through.”

“She’s going to need him now more than ever after last night’s scene. God, what a grotesque individual Hastings is. Where do you suppose his mind was when he was letting that other creep rape his son? How can he live with himself?”

“He’s a total degenerate. It’s just unbelievable that someone could willingly do this to his own family.”

When they got back home they listened to the message Gloria had left them on their answering machine. “Guys, you will not believe what’s happened—Uncle Charlie was found murdered in his office today. Aunt Patricia is under sedation. I’m here at their house with Emily. Anthony is nowhere to be found. Jerry’s on his way over. Please call me at Emily’s when you get this message.”

The message was timed at three thirty. Peter and Jeff looked at each other in disbelief.

“So someone finally had enough,” Peter said.

“Call Gloria and see if we can do anything,” Jeff said. “I don’t think they’ll be in mourning, but it’s got to be a shock nevertheless.”

“Right.” Peter grabbed the phone.

Gloria answered. “Hi, Peter. Thanks for calling.”

“How is everything there? Is Emily all right?”

“She’s better now that Jerry’s here. Looks like things are back to normal with them. I left them alone for a heart to heart. The police have been all over, of course. They’re trying to find Anthony to let him know.”

“You haven’t heard from him yet?”

“Nope. Patricia said he’d gone to speak to his father. Left around ten this morning, but the secretary says he never came to the office…at least while she was there.”

“Is there anything we can do?”

“Not really. Patricia’s still zonked out and there’s a nurse in attendance. Emily has Jerry…and between you and me, Peter…” She lowered her voice before she continued. “…the world is one helluva nicer place today, now that bastard is dead.”

Peter could not find it in himself to contradict her, as cold as she had sounded. Jeff was right. No one was going to mourn the passing of Charles Hastings.

“Gloria, be sure to call if you need anything.”

“Will do, sweetie. Bye for now.”

Peter put down the phone. “What do you suppose could have happened to Anthony? He’s not at home and the police are looking for him.

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