The Black Widow's Affairs

By Edwin J. Stokirmas

   Delilah Simmons wasn't your typical girl next door.

 

   From the very first moment that Mark Brody saw Delilah, he found himself mesmerized by her. After moving to Paradise Flats and buying the house next door to him, Mark couldn't believe his good fortune to have her as a neighbor. She was drop dead gorgeous, a blond bombshell who must have been sent to earth from the heavens above. Her incredible blue eyes drew you in and held you spellbound until you were ready to give up everything for her. Delilah was the type of woman who could have any guy she wanted, so why was she married to such a sickly looking man who looked old enough to be her father?

 

   As Mark begins to learn more about Delilah Simmons, he discovers secrets from her mysterious past and finds out that it's not only her looks that are deadly.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Edwin J. Stokirmas
• Release date: Nov 27, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223492634

Edwin J. Stokirmas

Edwin J. Stokirmas continues to use his writing as a therapeutic means to help him deal with the demons within. He writes when time allows as he works at his regular job by day and lives in Canada.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

From the very first moment that Jason Spencer saw Delilah, he knew that he would have her. It didn't matter that she was married already. It mattered even less that he was married. As far as he was concerned, it was destiny that had brought this heavenly creature to his little hometown. The husband would be somewhat of a problem, of course, but Jason would bide his time and flash that irresistible charm of his until she was putty in his hands.

It was a hot breezy day when Delilah Simmons and her husband, Adam, first arrived in the tiny community of Paradise Flats. The three thousand and some inhabitants of this prairie community were used to the wind as it seemed to blow constantly, but the heat had been beyond unbearable for the past month. The temperatures had been in the mid 30’s for two weeks now and people were doing whatever they could to stay cool. Many flocked to nearby Crystal Lake to spend a day at the beach, while others journeyed to the community aquatic centre to beat the heat. Air conditioning and backyard pools were the order of the day for those other citizens of Paradise Flats who were stuck at home.

For Jason Spencer, it was the perfect afternoon to be sitting in the shade of Mark Brody's backyard sucking back a cooler full of beer. The two had finished their eighteen holes of golf before lunch to avoid the intolerable afternoon heat and were now content to drink away the rest of their Saturday. The conditions were perfect for such an occasion as it was conveniently too hot to get any yard work or chores finished and their wives had decided to escape the heat by shopping in the air-conditioned mall at nearby Vincent Lake. It was the perfect way to waste away the day for Jason and Mark.

They had just settled down in their patio chairs on Mark’s deck when Al Bartley appeared in the backyard next door. Al was a real estate agent for Welcome Home Realty and looked to be doing a visual inspection of the yard as he talked on his cell phone. He didn't notice Jason or Mark as he was apparently trying to close a deal over the phone. The heat wasn't agreeing with Al’s heavy frame as he was sweating profusely. Beads of sweat glistened off his nearly bald head and as he stopped to wipe his forehead, he noticed the two watching him and gave them a brief nod before retreating around the corner of the house.

How long has that place been for sale now? Jason asked.

Just about three months. Mark answered. Fitzpatrick’s moved out at the start of May.

Have you heard from them since they left?

No, not really. I think Amanda has talked to Susan a couple of times. They kept to themselves for the most part after Amanda and I moved in.

Yeah, Walt was kind of a messed-up duck, wasn't he? Didn't they move to Shermanville to retire in some adult living facility?

Something like that. Mark grumbled as he tossed an empty can into the trash and grabbed two more beers out of the cooler.

He and Walt had never really got along. Walt was a miserable, crotchety old son of a bitch as far as Mark was concerned. He kept his house and yard meticulously clean and complained to Mark constantly that his yard was a disgrace to the neighborhood. Either the dandelions were out of control or the sidewalk in front of Mark's house needed the snow to be shoveled so that Walt could go for his walks. It was always something with old Walt and he had no problem telling Mark about it.

He wasn't upset to see the Fitzpatrick’s leave when they decided to move. In the three years that he had known Walt since he and Amanda purchased their place, there had never been one friendly neighborly moment like what Tim Taylor and Wilson had on Home Improvement. Even their first conversation when Mark introduced himself to old Walt was strained. Mark was warned that if he had any of them rock 'n' roll parties that Walt had no problem calling the police to break it up. That set the precedent right there and Mark did his best to avoid Walt and the two barely acknowledged each other except for an occasional grunt that was supposed to pass for a hello or when Walt was pissed off about something that Mark was or wasn't doing with his place.

Mark was thrilled when the For Sale sign went up on the Fitzpatrick's lawn. His only concern was that they wouldn't be able to sell the place and he would be stuck with old Walt. His mind was put at ease when Walt and Susan moved out less than a month later after the house had been listed. Old Walt must have saved every penny that he ever made to move before the house even sold. Mark wasn’t even sure what his neighbor did for a living before he retired. Ex military or something like that.

It was nice having the house next door empty as Mark didn't miss having to avoid his crotchety old neighbor. In fact, it wouldn't hurt his feelings if the place never sold at all. There was still a dreadful feeling in the pit of Mark's stomach that Walt might have to move back if it didn't sell, but Amanda had said that the Fitzpatrick's were quite happy in Shermanville when she had talked to Susan. As the months slipped by and the house next door sat empty, Mark secretly hoped that it would stay that way. He knew that that would never happen, but it was nice being Walt free. Mark's only worry now was that someone as miserable as Walt might eventually move in.

That’s why there was a feeling of anguish for Mark when he saw Al Bartley next door. He was showing the house and Mark feared that Walt's twin brother or someone of that nature might be the potential buyer. Mark and Jason were still working on their beers when the door leading out to Fitzpatrick's backyard opened and big Al appeared again. With a sense of impending doom, Mark turned his attention to the open door. That's when she appeared.

Holy... was all that Jason could manage to spit out.

Yeah. Mark mumbled.

She was beautiful. A blonde angel sent down from heaven emerged from the doorway behind Al. She appeared to be in her mid 20’s, not that it mattered. Her blond shoulder length tussled hair showcased a model's face with sultry lips and a dazzling smile. Her body was taut and lean, everything was in the right place and then some. It was as if one of the models had jumped right off the pages of a Victoria's Secret catalogue and landed smack dab in Paradise Flats.

Mark bit his bottom lip and glanced over at Jason who had look of a hungry wolf eyeing up a wounded deer as a potential meal. They watched as Al pointed out the finer features of Walt's backyard. The realtor was still sweating profusely as he strolled around showing the immaculate flower beds that were Walt’s pride and joy. She silently followed him while Mark and Jason studied her every move. When Al was finished his tour of the yard, he led her back to the house. The door opened again and someone else stepped out from Walt 's old place. He was a weak, sickly-looking man who looked like he hadn't eaten in several weeks. His clothes hung loosely off him making him look like a sad scarecrow. His eyes were sunken and huge dark rings circled underneath them. There was no colour to his skin except for a grayish white hue, almost as if he had not seen the sun in years. It was hard to tell how old he was, but if looks meant anything, he had to be in his 50’s, possibly 60’s.

Mark and Jason quickly turned their focus back to the woman. She had her back to them as Al continued to ramble on about the yard and Walt's green thumb. The pair seized the moment to appreciate the curve of her body under the white t-shirt and peach-coloured shorts that clung tightly to her. She never once seemed to notice them leering at her or was even aware of their presence. However, as Al was leading the two would be buyers back inside, she glanced in Mark and Jason's direction and gave them a devious smile. Busted.

The two of them made a weak effort to pretend that they weren't staring, but they weren't fooling anyone. Not that it mattered anyway as she was back inside the house in the next instant. Mark and Jason sat in silence for a moment, stunned by what they had just seen.

You realize, of course, that if she moves in next door, I'm going to be over here every single moment of every single day visiting you, right?

I'm going to have to charge you rent then... or some kind of admission fee.

It would be worth it. What do you suppose their story is? Jason pondered as he took another drink of beer.

What do you mean?

Well, are they father and daughter? You don't think that they're married, do you?

Married?

Yeah. Didn't you notice the wedding rings? They were both wearing one.

I can't say that I paid too much attention to the old guy, Mark reflected. And her hand was probably the last thing that I noticed on her, if you know what I mean.

Oh, I do. Jason replied with a sly grin. I tend to pick up on those kinds of things, so that I know what I'm up against. You know.... a little pre-advanced scouting.

If I remember correctly, doesn't a wedding ring mean she's off the market? Mark pointed out even though he knew what Jason would answer with.

Wedding rings are just for show. That's why they make them so easy to slide on and off. Jason held up his left hand and slid his wedding band off and on several times to prove his point. If they were meant to show that someone is off limits as you say, people would have them welded on to their fingers. And that just doesn't seem like a very good idea to me.

Mark wasn't least bit surprised by Jason's response. The two had been friends since childhood and Jason Spencer had always been a player. He was handsome and athletic and oozed confidence. ‘Spence’ was always dressed in the latest fashions and was extremely smooth when it came to the ladies. He was everything that Mark wasn't, but the two were good friends, nevertheless. Jason loved the women almost as much as he loved himself. Mark didn't approve of his friend's shameless disregard for screwing every woman who glanced his way. It was just the way he was.

That was why Mark was so surprised when Jason married Brittany Thompson three years ago. Sure, she was attractive and her family was very wealthy, but Jason screwed around on her relentlessly before and after they were married. Mark knew that it was wrong, but maybe if Brittany hadn't always despised him so much, he would tell her about Jason's cheating ways. As it was right now, he thought that it would probably be better if she found out on her own. Besides, Mark wasn't comfortable ratting out his friend.

The two of them had almost polished off the cooler full of beer and were three sheets to the wind when the women arrived back from their shopping.

Tough afternoon, guys? Amanda Brody asked with a smile as she walked past the pile of empties.

Just the usual problems, Jason replied with that trademark grin of his. Solving world peace, feeding the hungry and housing the poor.

That's all you've done all afternoon is sit and drink? Did you forget that we're having supper with my parents? Brittany wasn't one to mince her words. She stood with her arms crossed and had a look of disgust on her face. Mark had seen that look plenty of times. The world revolved around her and if she didn't get her way, there was usually hell to pay. That was another reason why Mark could never figure out why Jason married her. She was a princess with her sandy brown hair always done up and her makeup looking like it was always professionally done. It suddenly dawned on Mark that he had never seen Brittany without her makeup on, not that he wanted to. What she had in looks was lost on personality. She was snobbish, selfish and spoiled all rolled up into one pretty package. When Mark thought back on all the women that Jason had been involved with, he could never figure out why his best friend had settled for Brittany. He must have dated a dozen other women who were just as attractive as her and there had to be a dozen more who were a lot more pleasant to be around.

Whatever the attraction was, Spence chose Brittany or more importantly, she chose him according to her. It was hardly a match made in heaven as fits and tirades seemed to be the order of business seven days a week. Jason usually did his best to stay on Brittany's good side, but that was tough to do. He found out very early in their marriage that he enjoyed his wife the most when she wasn't around, so he began working later at his sports store. It was around that time that he had his first extramarital affair. Even if Brittany didn't already drive him crazy with her spoiled princess act, Jason would have cheated on her anyway. He had no issues screwing around on her when they were dating and marriage certainly wasn't going to stop him now. It was just the way he was.

Was that today, Brit? Jason asked slyly and glanced over at Mark and rolled his eyes.

Of course, it's today! Don't you remember that my Uncle Fred is up for the weekend?

Oh, that's right. Jason mumbled and took another drink.

Well, let's get going. She hissed as she glared at him. Maybe you can still sober up before supper.

Mark noticed the pained look on Jason's face and tried to come to his rescue. Sorry, Brittany. I told Jason that he wasn't going anywhere until this cooler was empty-

Let's go, already. she snapped, ignoring Mark.

The way that Brittany always ignored him and gave him the cold shoulder pissed Mark off royally. He wasn't worthy to be in her presence and according to Brittany, Mark wasn't good enough for Amanda either. She had told his wife this on several occasions that Amanda could do so much better. Amanda had mentioned this to Mark in passing once and laughed about it, but he still worried about the seed of doubt that Brittany might be planting in his wife's head.

As the Spencer's were about to leave, Jason brought up the potential buyers looking at the Fitzpatrick house. Don't forget to tell Amanda that you might be getting new neighbors.

Mark gave Jason a dirty look and tried to come up with a subtle way to tell his wife that a supermodel might be moving in next door.

No.... no, I won't. Mark paused. Yeah, Al Bartley was by showing their house earlier today.

That's great! Amanda replied. Did you get to meet them? What did they seem like?

I'm not sure if they're an actual couple. Jason here seems to think that they're married, but there's quite an age difference between the two of them.

Yeah. Jason chimed in. She looks like she's about our age, but the husband looks waaaay older than her.

Maybe he's her father helping her out because her husband couldn't make it. Amanda said. Did they look like they were interested at all?

Mark was feeling very uncomfortable about the whole topic and wanted nothing more than to change the subject. Luckily for him, Brittany interrupted.

Jason, we have to go. I don't want to keep my parents and Uncle Fred waiting.

After Jason and Brittany had left, Mark did his best to avoid the topic of potential new neighbors. He wasn't sure why he felt so self-conscious about the woman next door. All he did was look at her, but she stirred something inside of Mark that he hadn't felt for a long time. Kind of like the feeling he had when he first met Amanda. He had always been painfully shy around women, but when Jason introduced him to Brittany 's college friend, Amanda, she made him feel at ease. Her warm smile and friendly personality pulled him in at once and refused to let go.

He found himself thinking of Amanda Collings constantly and longed to be with her when they were apart. His family reminded him every time that they saw him that she was the one and that he had better not let her slip away. Mark Brody had never been the best looking or most athletic person, so perhaps there was no one more surprised than him when he proposed to Amanda and she said yes. They married a year later and once the honeymoon was over and the everyday burdens of mortgage payments, bills and tedious jobs dampened that passion, Mark and Amanda settled in to married life. Make no mistake, Mark loved his wife and thanked his lucky stars that she was in his life. During that time, however, something had changed and he couldn't help but wonder if Amanda felt the same, especially with Brittany constantly whispering in her ear.

Over the next week, Mark watched the Fitzpatrick house for any sign of movement or activity. It was the middle of the following week when he arrived home from work and noticed the SOLD sign on top of the Welcome Home Realty sign that sat on old Walt’s front lawn. He couldn't remember anyone else being shown the house, so Mark was hopeful that she had bought it. After a few more days of anxious waiting, curiosity finally got the better of Mark. He phoned Welcome Home Realty and spoke directly with Al Bartley.

Hi Al, it's Mark Brody calling.

Hi Mark. How can I help you?

Hey, I was just wondering if you could tell me who bought the Fitzpatrick's house next door to me. Anybody I know?

Well, you probably don't know them. They’re a couple from out east. You might remember seeing them when I showed the house a few weeks back. A real attractive woman and her husband. He's pretty sick from what I gather.

Oh, how so? Mark asked but tried not to sound too interested.

Some type of blood disorder or something like that. I think that's part of the reason why they moved out here. Something about the warm, drier air being better suited to his condition. Big Al sounded distracted. Mark could hear someone else talking to him in the background. Listen Mark... sorry to cut you short, but I've got to take another call. Let me know if you need anything else.

Actually, there is, Al. Do you know when they're moving in?

Yeah. Probably two or three weeks. They're having some renovations done to the place. I really have to go. It was good talking to you, Mark.

Al abruptly hung up. That was typical of him for what Mark knew of him. Too busy and too important for you to be wasting too much of his time. Nevertheless, Mark had found out what he was after and liked what he had heard.

I was talking to Al Bartley today, he told Amanda later that evening. He said that the couple Jason and I saw when you went to Vincent Lake bought the Fitzpatrick's place.

I figured that it must have been them, Amanda said as she was preparing supper. I don't remember anyone else looking at it. Any word on when they might be moving in?

Al said that they're having some work done first, so it might be two or three weeks.

That's good. I'm happy for Walt and Susan. Hopefully, the new people are just as nice as they were.

Mark shook his head. That's just the way his wife was. Always seeing the best in everyone, even a grumpy old bugger like Walt.

‘I hope that they're a whole lot nicer than Walt, that's for sure.’ Mark thought to himself.

True to Al’s word, the work crew showed up the very next day and spent the next week and a half in Walt's old place. About five days into the renos, Mark asked one of the workers what they were doing to the house.

Not much, really. Just updating a few things. We did gut one of the bedrooms and have to soundproof it yet. Something about the husband being sick and needing the room really quiet.

Mark kept a close eye on all the people coming and going next door. When the work crew finished up, a drywaller showed up for a few days followed by some painters. It had been over three weeks now and there had been no sign of the couple or more importantly her. Just when Mark began to despair, a moving van showed up one Thursday morning. There was still no sign of the new neighbors when he left for work.

When he arrived home later that afternoon, he noticed an unfamiliar vehicle parked behind the moving van. The movers looked like they had about half of the furniture already moved into the house. However, Mark didn't see any sign of her yet.

It looks like the new neighbors have finally showed up. Mark said as he sauntered into his house and made his way to the kitchen.

Amanda was in the process of baking and greeted her husband with a kiss. I know. They showed up this morning. I went over and introduced myself. Amanda was wearing her KISS THE COOK apron on and had flour on her right cheek. You didn't tell me that Delilah was such a looker.

Mark was caught off guard by the remark but did his best to shrug it off. Oh... well, I never actually saw her up close. You said that her name’s Delilah?

His wife gave him a sly look. Delilah and Adam Simmons. They lived out east along the coast in Oceanview.

Hmm, they’re a long way from home.

Yes, Adam's been sick for quite some time now. His doctor thought that it might be better to for him to move to a drier climate. Delilah mentioned something about growing up here a long time ago and thought Paradise Flats would be perfect for him.

What's he sick with?

I don't know. I didn't ask.

The buzzer on the stove started to go off and Amanda turned to shut it and the oven off. She opened the door and pulled out two trays of blueberry muffins.

You can have one. she said as she noticed Mark eyeing up her baking. The rest are for the Simmons’ as a housewarming present. I was just about to go over and see if they could use some help. Amanda proceeded to put the muffins in a basket. Oh, I almost forgot. I have a job interview tomorrow with Brannon’s.

Hey, that's great. Mark replied. Brannon's was a law firm owned by Dave Brannon. After obtaining his degree and working for a city firm for a few years, he decided that he missed the country life and returned to Paradise Flats. Being the only law firm in town allowed him to corner the market in just a couple of short years. He had recently placed an ad in the local paper for a legal secretary, which Amanda had gone to college for. The timing couldn't have been any better as Mark and Amanda were struggling to make ends meet. He worked as an apprentice electrician, but Amanda hadn't been able to find