“How do you know him? My boyfriend, I mean,” I asked Gabe.
“Let’s just say he’s dabbling in something he shouldn’t. He has gone down paths from which there is no return. It’s sad, really. He was doing so well, and then…” Gabe paused and stared at the pavement of the parking lot.
“I don’t follow. He has always been controlling, jealous, and possessive. I’ve known him since I was a sophomore in college. I’ve never known him to be any other way. And how do you know him?”
“Oh, he and I go way back. But never mind that. You see, when his mom died…”
“Wait. Hold on a minute. When his mom died? His mom didn’t die. I’ve met her more than once.”
“When was the last time you were with him? Before you left, I mean?” asked Gabe.
“Two years ago. Just before I left, I spoke with his mom,” I replied.
“Spoke to her or saw her?”
“Spoke to her, and prior to that I saw her…at her house.”
Gabe reached behind him, pulled out his wallet, and flipped through the photos. He stopped at one of them and turned it so I could see it. “Is this her? Is this the woman he said was his mother?” asked Gabe.
“No,” I said. “That’s nothing like the woman I met. I’ve never met the woman in the photo. I peered up at Gabe and took a few steps backward.
“Please. You don’t need to be afraid. I am here to protect you.”
“Then explain to me what this is all about. Now,” I demanded.
(To Be Continued)
WRITE TIME AND AGAIN 