The Subtle Murderess

By Bruce Reechaard

This is a love story with a twist. Therefore its considered a murder mystery. It contains every facet imaginable, from hilarity, to tear jerking, and finally heart wrenching.

It involves everyone, from the main characters, to the parents, friends, relatives, even the innocent children. Then your interest and curiosities are tweaked so youll want to find out the outcome of the many breathtaking situations. Youll find yourself laughing, holding your breath, shedding a tear or two, and finally being overwhelmed by its shocking conclusion.

The novel was test marketed as it was being written. Some of the suggestions given by the readers were incorporated. Many of the crucial situations that took place, were researched to give the novel credibility. The outcome of which, would actually result in real life.

I enjoyed writing this novel knowing full well, because of the work and effort put into it, youd enjoy it. I sincerely hope that you agree, making the fruit of my labors for the past three and a half years worthwhile.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 19, 2005
• ISBN: 9781467031448

Bruce Reechaard

I’d like to introduce myself; my name is Bruce Reechaard. I was born in a small town in upstate New York, and was brought to New York City as a child, where, I was raised. In high school, it was suggested, since I wrote well, upon graduation, I should do it professionally. Of course, being young, and immature, I didn’t. As with most young people, all I was interested in was making a buck, writing required planning and fortitude. Of course, I didn’t have time for that, and, still have a full social life. Time passed, I moved to Connecticut, raised a family, they grew up, married, went on their way, which gave me free time. I remembered, what had been suggested when in school, and decided to give writing a try. I enjoyed some success, by being published in several chronicles throughout New England. Wanting to reach a larger audience, I decided to create a website  www.iwriteforfun.net on which I write monthly columns, encompassing everything from pure ridiculous, to heart wrenching, and tear jerking. Receiving an overwhelming, encouraging response from my readers, along with the love and support from my wife, I made the decision to write a novel. This novel is a love story, with a surprising ending. It has unique characters and family  drama. Which will make you, laugh, cry, hold your breath, while waiting to see what the out come of various situations will be. You’ll be happy when the outcome of a particular happening is what you anticipated, and  disappointed when it’s not. I had fun writing it, knowing you’ll enjoy  it.   Yours truly, Bruce Reechaard

Book preview

Contents

Dedication

Preface

Bob Meets His Love

Angela Meets Her Dream Man

They’re On Cloud Nine, Then Bob Proposes

Bob Meets The Children

Angela’s Parents Meet Bob

A Weekend Away

Things Begin to Change

Angela Spreads Her Wings

The Truth Comes Out

Angela’s Realization

Stormy Times Ahead

The Fabulous Meeting

Reality Strikes

Things Start Getting Better

Time Passes, Things Improve

Darea’s Prognosis

The Long Road Back

The Celebration

Together Again and It’s Summer

It’s Vacation Time

Wedding Time Approaches, While The End Is Near

Rough Times Lie Ahead

Author’s Comments

Dedication

I am dedicating this novel to my wife. She has given me her undying love, affection, understanding, and has accepted me unconditionally.

When I was going through difficult times, she supported me. There were times; the only reason I went on was because of her, she gave me the strength and encouragement to continue.

There aren’t many husbands that would admit it, but my wife gives me my inspiration, she’s my lover, confidant, companion, and most importantly MY FRIEND.

Shortstuff, (My Pet Name For Her), I wrote this novel for you. I felt that because of your love, devotion, and encouragement, it would become a best seller.

               I love you with all my heart,

Bruce

Preface

This is the story of a young couples’ relationship, which is overshadowed by their experiences during childhood. She having been sexually abused, and he forced to become a father figure for his younger brother. Then having to leave high school, and work to support the family. As the story unfolds you will see the effect it has on each, and how they react in different situations. In no way are the events that evolve meant to be offensive.

They are just to show what the long-term effects of childhood experiences possibly can be.

Remember, the situations may appear to be real, however, this story is pure fiction.

                     Yours truly,

Bruce Reechaard

Bob Meets His Love

The day starts out like any other, but little does he know, his life is about to change forever.

Bob was asleep, snuggled under his blanket, when his alarm went off. Shutting it, he lays there stealing a few extra minutes before getting up.

Time to get up Bob, his mother calls from the kitchen. Ok mom! he answers. Getting up, he heads to bathroom, still not quite all together.

Are you ready for breakfast? his mother inquires. Not yet, give me a few more minutes, I’m just about through. Alright. she answers.

He finishes, heads downstairs for breakfast, and as he passes his mother, he kisses her on the cheek, saying, Good morning. You smell good this morning, she comments. Bob blushes and explains, I have this strange feeling that something wonderful is about to happen, and I want to be prepared. Besides, it’s always better to smell nice than stink. Right? Chuckling, his mother answers, You’re right Bobbie.

Tony, Bob’s younger brother, enters the kitchen and announces, Good morning everyone, what’s for breakfast? They start laughing, as his mother answers, You’d think you haven’t eaten in a week! You poor deprived and hungry little wretch. still laughing, she takes him in her arms, hugs him, as she says, Good morning, son.

Tony laughs too, sits down, and begins to eat.

Bob asks, Tony! Did you study for your test today? Yes, and I expect to do well. It’ll be two or three days before we get the test scores back, but I should ace it, he answers. You sure sound confident. I know you’ll make mom and I proud. You always do. Continuing, Well, have to leave for work, see you guys later. Tony, have a good day, and good luck on your test. Love ya mom, see ya tonight. He kisses his mother and Tony on the cheek as he heads out the door. He blows the horn, and waves while backing down the driveway.

Pulling in to the parking lot, he drives around slowly looking for a spot. Seeing one, as he begins to pull in, a blue sports car swings around him, cuts him off, and parks.

Bob is fit to be tied, and can’t wait for the driver to get out, to give a piece of his mind to who ever it is.

When the driver does get out, he’s taken by surprise… It’s a woman, but not just any ordinary woman; she is the most beautiful female he has ever seen in his entire life. He’s so overcome with her beauty, he can’t speak, she has taken his breath away. He just waits for her to leave, then looks for another spot, while regaining his composure.

As he looks for another spot, he wonders, I’ve been here since I left high school, I know almost everyone here, how come I’ve never seen her before? He finds a spot, parks, then heads to the office where he works, still wondering about the woman in the little blue car.

Bob works in a box shop, maintaining the machinery, and all repairs that are related to production. While putting on his tool belt and pager, the pager sounds off. He checks it, calls the number, a female answers, Angela, Secretarial Pool, How may I help you? He replies, This is Bob from maintenance. What do you need repaired? Our computers have gone down. she explains, then continues, Can you come check it out? I’ll be right there. Bob assures her.

He arrives at the office, while walking towards the reception desk, his heart begins to race, he begins to tremble, realizing… IT’S HER… THERE SHE IS…RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME…THE WOMAN… THE ONE WHO DRIVES THE LITTLE BLUE CAR!!

He reaches the desk and sheepishly asks, Are you Angela? The one who called about the computers? She answers, Yes, follow me, I’ll take you to the control panel. I assume that’s where you’ll want to check. Bob answers, while following her, You’re right, that is the logical place to begin. While thinking, Not only is she beautiful, she’s smart too. When they reach the box, Angela explains, I have get to back to my desk, call me if you need anything.

Bob is so nervous after meeting Angela, he can’t stop shaking, making it difficult to check the breakers. Finally finding the faulty one, removes it, then heads back to his department for a new one. As he passes Angela’s desk, he tells her, I’ll be back in a few minutes. You should be up and running after I replace this faulty breaker.

Returning to the Secretarial Pool, no one is there. He replaces the breaker, makes sure all the computers have power. As he’s leaving, everyone is returning from lunch. Angela passes him, on the way to her desk. He tells her, You’re all set. To his surprise, she replies, Thank you.

Angela Meets Her Dream Man

Angela’s alarm sounds, while shutting it off, she tries to remember the dream she had. She recalls meeting a good-looking, personable gentleman, but can’t remember much else.

After giving up trying, she gets up, heads to the kitchen, turns on the coffee pot, and begins getting ready for work. While driving in, she keeps trying to figure out who the man in her dream might be.

Pulling in to the lot, preoccupied with the dream, she doesn’t see Bob’s truck, but does see the parking spot. Turning in front of him, cutting him off, and parks. Still totally unaware he’s there, she gets out, and heads towards her office.

Her morning is going along uneventful until the computers suddenly shut down; she calls maintenance in a panic.

When Bob answers, recognizing the voice as the same one in her dream, she explains her dilemma, then nervously waits to see what he looks like.

Spotting Bob walking towards her desk, she gasps for air overcome with his appearance. She thinks, He’s an Adonis! Where has he been hiding? I’ve been here three years and I’ve never seen him.

Not wanting to look foolish, when he gets to her desk, she decides to take him to the control panel. (Figuring, if there should be no power, that’s where the problem must be.) When they arrive at the panel box, she states, I’m assuming that’s what you’ll want to check. She’s gratified when he answers, That is the logical place to begin.

Not knowing what else to say, she decides to return to her desk. But before doing so she explains, I have to get back, call me if you need anything. On the way, she thinks, I’ve got to get to know him better, and get him to ask me out.

As she reaches her desk, Bob passes, telling her, I’ll be back in a few minutes. You should be up and running after I replace this faulty breaker.

Before he returns, it’s lunchtime, Angela and her girlfriend Terry leave; she’ll just have to wait to see her Adonis.

On the way she’s so excited, she blurts out, Terry, I’ve met the most good looking man, and he works here!! The computers shut down this morning, I called maintenance, and this Adonis appeared. When he approached my desk, I couldn’t even breathe. I have to figure out a way to meet him, so I can get him to take me out. Any ideas?

Terry smiles, and suggests, Why don’t you call maintenance, ask for him, then suggest you meet for lunch one day this week.

But Terry! Angela asks, Isn’t that being a little bit pushy? Terry replies, Do you want to meet him or not? Ok, I’ll think about it. Angela answers. Lunch break ends, they return to their department.

As Angela reaches her desk, Bob walks by, telling her, You’re all set. Caught by surprise, all that she can think to say is, Thank you.

While eating lunch by himself, all he can think of is Angela. He wonders how he can get to meet her alone. He’s so excited; he can’t wait to tell his mother and brother about her. After lunch, all the calls are just routine, making it seem like time is standing still.

Finally, the buzzer sounds, announcing the end of the day. When he gets to his truck, he checks to see if the little blue car is still there. It’s not, leaving him a little disappointed.

He arrives home, calls out, Mom, I’m home. She answers, I’ll be right up, I’m folding clothes in the basement. I’ll go change in the mean time. Bob replies. Ok! she answers.

While he’s upstairs changing, Tony comes home from his part time job, which he works after school.

By this time their mother is in the kitchen starting dinner. As Tony passes through, he kisses her hello. On his way upstairs, he calls to Bob, Have a good day? Mine was awesome. Bob excitedly replies, You won’t believe what happened to me today. I can’t wait to tell you at dinner, get ready to be blown away.

Dinner’s ready guys. Their mother announces. They both answer, Be right there. Tony adds, I’m starved, what are we having? Laughing, his mother replies, You poor starving waif, haven’t eaten all day! I know better, you’d eat garbage if I served it to you. Very funny, ma! Tony mumbles out loud.

When he reaches the table, he exclaims: I had a terrific day. I knew all the answers on the test, and I got a raise. Awesome, huh?

Bob says with pride, "That’s great, we’re proud of you, and we’re sure you deserved the raise too. You’re a hard worker, dependable, and responsible. That’s what makes for an appreciated worker. As far as the test today, we never doubted you wouldn’t do well.

His mom smiles, hugs him, as she tells him, Yes! I’m proud of you too Tony. She doesn’t have to say anymore; he can feel her love as she holds him in her arms. He’s loved that feeling for as long as he could remember.

Bob begins, "You’re not going to believe this!! I think I’ve met the girl of my dreams.

You know, since dad died, I’ve been working, supporting this family; I even had to quit school to do it. Because of this, I haven’t had time to meet or date anyone.

Well today it happened! As I was looking for a parking spot, a little blue car, cut me off, and took the spot I was ready to pull in to. I was furious; I was ready to give the driver a piece of my mind, until I saw who got out. It was a woman, but not just any woman; she was the most beautiful female, I have ever seen.

As fate would have it, I got to meet her momentarily when she called to have a problem corrected in her office. She identified herself as Angela when she called, and I haven’t been able to think of anything else all day.

She’s even more beautiful in person, and even though I didn’t get to talk to her about anything other than the problem, I got the vibe that she’d like to get to me better.

All I have to do now, is figure out how to meet and be alone with her."

Wow, Angela must be really special for you to feel that way, Tony comments.

Bob’s mother begins, I knew this day would come. You have been devoted to us, but it’s high time you have a life of your own. Just do me a favor, make sure she’s the one. Then go for it.

She gets up, takes him around, whispers in his ear, Go for it, you deserve it, then kisses him on the cheek.

Overcome, tears come to his eyes, as he says, Thanks mom. He was surprised by her reaction; he had no idea that she felt that way. Knowing that he could have a life of his own, along with the love and understanding of his mother, was what brought tears to his eyes.

It’s now the following morning, Bob is sitting at the dining room table, eating breakfast.

Tony comes in and as usual announces, Good Morning. and asks, What’s for breakfast? Poor baby’s hungry, hasn’t eaten since last night. his mom says sarcastically, she and Bob giggle, then snicker.

Tony, ignoring the remark, turns to Bob and suggests, Why don’t you call Angela when you get to work, and ask her to meet you for lunch one day this week? If she accepts, you’ll know you’re in fat city, if she doesn’t you’ll know to back off. Surprised by his brother’s advice, Bob replies, You know, for a younger brother, you’re pretty smart. I’ll try that and see what happens. Thanks kiddo! he continues, Have to leave for work, thanks again for the advice. Love ya mom, both of you have a nice day. Following the routine, he kisses them both on the cheek, leaves, backs down the driveway, while tooting his horn.

When he turns in to the parking lot he looks for the little blue car. Seeing it, his heart begins to race. He parks, and heads to his office.

While putting on his gear, his pager sounds off. He checks it, his heart begins to pound, he feels like he’s been shocked, and has difficulty breathing, because IT’S HER, IT’S ANGELA, calling him. What could she want so early? he thinks to himself. He finds a phone, dials, as it rings, his heart is now pounding so loud he can hear it, she answers, he stutters as he says, Bbob, fffrom maintenance.

Angela is caught by surprise! She never expected, it would be Bob calling her back. She asks, trying to keep her composure, I don’t want to sound forward, but would you like to meet me for lunch today? She waits for his answer, fearing he’ll say no. When there’s nothing but silence, she fears the worst."

Bob is in such utter shock, he can’t speak. Time passes, Angela inquires, Are you still there? Yyes, yes, I’m still here, you just caught me by surprise, that’s all. he answers, then continues, What time? She replies, One o’clock. Sure thing, see ya then. Bye! he replies, they hang up.

He’s in shock, sitting there, he can’t believe what just happened. Angela can’t believe what she just did, and that he accepted. They both wait eagerly for lunch.

Excited, Angela calls her girlfriend Terry. Terry! I took your advice, I called Bob, asked him to meet me for lunch, and he accepted. That’s great. Terry acknowledges, then encouragingly says, Good luck! Let me know how it turns out. Ok? Ok, speak to you later. While hanging up the phone Angela thinks to herself, I hope I have something good to tell you.

Bob being shy, doesn’t have friends at work, so he calls his mom. As soon as she picks up, he blurts out, You’ll never guess what just happened! Angela called and asked if I’d meet her for lunch, I can’t believe she did that. Boy have times changed since I was a girl, his mother exclaims, continuing, I’m happy for you. Good luck, let me know how it goes. Enjoy lunch. Thanks mom, I love you. Bye.

They float in a fog as the morning passes, both looking forward to their first meeting.

Finally it arrives; they head to the cafeteria looking forward to having lunch together.

Bob arrives first and looks for Angela. When he doesn’t see her, his heart sinks to the pit of his stomach, I’ve been stood up? he thinks. He picks up a tray, dejected, gets in line, chooses his food, then heads to a table. As he sits down, he spots Angela, his heart begins to race, his whole body trembles as she waves to him. He waves back, smiles, while thinking, She’s so beautiful, I hope I don’t screw up. He can’t believe he’s really going to have lunch with her.

While going through the lunch line, Angela thinks, Boy he’s so good looking and well built. As she starts to walk towards the table, she becomes nervous with the anticipation of meeting him. She thinks, I wonder what he’s thinking as he’s watching me walk to the table? Am I walking alright, do I look Ok, does he like my smile?

Arriving at the table, Bob gets up, pulls out her chair, then pushes it in, as she sits down. Angela thanks him, while thinking, Wow! He’s the perfect gentleman, that’s nice. I never had anyone do that for me before. It’ll take some getting used to. I’m sure he’ll be patient and understanding, while I become accustomed to it.

Bob returns to his chair saying, Thank you for asking me to lunch. Angela smiles while answering, Your very welcome. I wasn’t really sure that you’d show up . Surprised, Bob replies, "Are you kidding? I wouldn’t have missed this for the world. I was hoping to meet you ever since