We’re going to learn more about Susan very soon.

More of Chapter One

Joe’s lack of follow through on things like this was just one more point of contention in a relationship growing more difficult each day.

Suzan liked a neat apartment with some style and Joe, was Joe. She had grown up in a nice part of the city in a house with a yard and close knit neighbors near by. There were often large parties with those wealthy neighbors close at hand. The tables were always covered in white table cloths and loads of food were soon set up on weekends in the large backyards of her home or the neighbors. The people who lived in those large mansions all along the street would come out and join in the fun. Some came by car from long distances.

Joe came from a different background and set of circumstances down in the Bronx. Historically, the Bronx had been a large farm owned by Jonas Broncks starting back in 1639. He had been a pioneer and farmer from Sweden. Eventually the land was subdivided and many homes were built where the farm had once stood.

Over the years the spelling of the name of the large tract of land had changed as the mixing of language and people came to live there.

Joe’s life had been somewhat difficult as he came from a lower station in life and Suzan understood that. He went to school near his parents apartment and lived in the same neighborhood for years.

Suzan was gone now and had no thoughts of returning. She was starting her life over with her “new friend.”

Joe was alone in the city now and had little reason to stay. The autumn weather was turning for the worse and offered little comfort to him.

Joe’s father had moved west and they hadn’t stayed as close as Joe might have wanted. Even a distant and angry father was better than no father at all. But Joe’s father had made it difficult as he was a man of strong opinions and a sharp intellect.

Joe looked for his phone but couldn’t remember where he might have set it down last night.

Joe and Suzan had stopped for drinks at The Capitol Grill with friends and had two more quick drinks when they arrived home. After a two more drinks, the fight started. They went to bed angry at each other. Joe had no idea what the fight was over.

As more blood reached Joe’s brain, he remembered where the phone was. He walked to the corner of the small kitchenette and reached for it sitting on the bar behind the toaster. “I guess the toaster wouldn’t fit in her luggage,” Joe thought as he saw the expensive appliance sitting in it’s place.

Joe pulled up his contact list and called Charlene Carpenter, his secretary. She answered the phone quickly. Joe liked that about her. She was very efficient.

“Joe Monroe’s office, how may I help you?”Hello Charlene, it’s Joe. I don’t think I’m coming into the office today. I need some personal time.” “What’s up Mr. Monroe, are you ill?” Joe didn’t answer right away. He paused and then spoke softly. “I know I have some personal time left on my calendar.”

“Your right Mr. Monroe, but there is a meeting you need to attend tomorrow at 11:AM. The boss and you are meeting Charles Summers about his new book.”

“I’m finally through with Suzan, Charlene. Or she’s done with me I guess is closer to the truth. It’s for good this time, there’s no going back. Charlene remained silent but smiled.

Chapter Two

Charlene’s heart raced as the words filtered through her brain and into her heart and soul. She had helped plan the pending nuptials and the trip to Africa. She was heartsick as she made the wonderful plans and they unfolded in front of her deep blue eyes.

She knew about the bridesmaid’s green, silk dresses and the planning for the exotic honeymoon. It was going to be East Africa after much consideration by both Suzan and Joe. Deciding on the honeymoon had been a trying time for both of them. Charlene knew all about that. She had heard all about their discussions from Joe

She was his secretary after all, and who is closer than a boss and his secretary? She had been helping Joe and Suzan plan everything for several months now. She had been helping to implement the plans, actually.

She had even found the best travel agency in New York to plan the honeymoon. She had sent in the couples documents for their visas, for crying out loud. Interestingly, she had sent her application in for the three countries, as well. Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania sounded mysterious and exciting to her also.

Charlene wasn’t exactly sure why she had done that, but she had. Perhaps it was part of her love fantasy with Joe. Joe didn’t have a clue that Charlene loved him.

I need to get out of town for a vacation after all of this, Charlene.” I think I’ll to Africa anyway. I’ve already payed for the trip, so what the hell? If I go perhaps I can get the other half of my money back.”

Charlene took a deep breath and and looked up from her desk covered in random papers ready to be placed in any number of envelopes and files. An old Vogue Magazine sat neatly tucked under some of the papers. She liked to look at the fashions worn by movie stars walking on the red carpet, now and then. She talked with the other girls in the office about them when they had a spare moment.

“Here’s a thought Mr. Monroe, why don’t I go with you instead. You have told me so much and I have done a lot of the planning of your fantastic vacation myself. It would be a waste to go alone. I even remember the name of the company you planned on using and the itinerary. I think you might have a better time if a friend came with you. Why don’t I go with you instead. Just as a platonic fellow traveler?” “Oh my goodness Charlene, that might be awkward.”

“I’ve been thinking about going to that part of the world anyway, Mr. Monroe. Your honeymoon plans just rekindled those thoughts of mine. I have saved up the money I’ll need, so why don’t I join you? I’ve even done a little research of my own,” she lied.

Joe had done little research of his own, if the truth were to be known. That was one of the many reasons for the argument last night. Joe knew little of what was in store for him in Africa and seemed to have little interest as far as Suzan could tell. Joe had been concerned about the cost of both the wedding and honeymoon.

“Let me think about this idea of yours, Charlene. It seems risky at best on the face of it, but I’ll give it some thought. I’ll come in tomorrow for the meeting and perhaps well talk about it then.”

——————————————————————————————-

It looks like Charlene has plans of her own concerning Joe. Joe has no idea.

More tomorrow.

Don’t forget that “The House on the Cliff” is coming soon to Amazon. What is going on with this house of Mr. Hart? Why hasn’t he come to visit it out here on the west coast?

The introduction is here on my website.