Episode 17 Two friends not talking

Robert and Lizzette have an awkward conversation.

Robert doesn't return home to his apartment that night until 1 am. He decides to clean his front bumper with a sturdy brush to remove the paint from Vern's car before going to bed. Robert is sure that there isn't any evidence of a collision from his pickup. The next morning is Saturday and Robert drives his recently purchased truck back to the same dealership to trade it for yet another truck. Robert doesn't care that the newer truck he trades for is more expensive. He just wants a different model truck in a different color.

I don't need any problems. Vern isn't worth prison time. No one will miss him anyway.

Robert is not surprised to get a visit from Lizzette right away in the morning.

"Robert, Vern is dead. He died last night on the road. He was hit by a train of all things!"

Robert doesn't respond or show any interest. He maintains eye contact however and listens to her.

"Did you know this happened?" Lizzette isn't distraught, she actually appears relieved. She's heard about the accident from the morning news.

After a long moment, Robert answers her. "It's for the best. Isn't it?"

A moment passes, then cautiously Lizzette asks, "Did you do anything?"

Robert deflects by asking, "Can I get you anything? Are you thirsty? I could even make you breakfast." He moves to the kitchen and opens his refrigerator to pour her a glass of apple juice. The tension between the two is strong.

"Robert, you've protected me haven't you?" Lizzettes breaths become uneven and she starts to tear up. Then she continues, "I never said anything to anyone, but Vern was a harsh man. I was getting afraid of him. He was drinking so much. He was always angry."

He responds tenderly, "I could tell things weren't right. And, friends look after friends, right?"

"Thank you Robert. I never loved Vern. He was just kinda there."

Robert assures her, "No one wants to be alone. I understand that."

Lizzette smiles coyly, "How true. So if you want some company sometime, call me. "

Robert smiles in reply.

"By the way Robert, did you get a different truck? The one in your driveway is different from the other day."

"Yeah. I wasn't happy with the other one. I needed a change." Robert wasn't expecting that question.

Lizzette says, "Ok. Sorry. None of my business but I couldn't help but notice a different truck. See you at work on Monday. "

As Lizzette is walking away Robert watches her intently.

She better keep quiet about the truck.

Reviews

[DIVYA]

I'm feeling slightly annoyed with Lizette. She with her femme fatale attitude and her too bold ways. Perhaps, Vern sensed her intentions and was incensed by it and whatever followed later. But maybe that's just my opinion. Robert is giving away a lot with his feigned disinterest and she has caught on to the truck business. She senses Robert is connected with Vern's death because she thanks him for helping her. Again. the last line of the chapter is so chilling because it's here that Robert may deviate from his penchant for killing badly behaved people and kill her instead. She better keep quiet about the truck, INDEED. Yet even then, knowing Robert, who knows....

Another very well written and much enjoyed chapter, dear Frankie.

[Franky]

Thank.you my sweet sister. I so much appreciate your encouragement. This episode is the last one with Lizzette. I think she needs to go away now. Lol

[DIVYA]

Always such a pleasure to read these chapters. I'll look forward to the next. :)

[Sara Mercury]

I know one thing: I do NOT want to meet up with Robert. That guy is a loose cannon!

[Franky]

Thank you! I'm thrilled to see a variety of thoughts. I appreciate that.