Dead Even

Dead Even by Emma Brookes Read Free Book Online

Book: Dead Even by Emma Brookes Read Free Book Online
Authors: Emma Brookes
the drab woolen coat she was wearing, then closed them into tight fists, her fingernails digging deep into the palms of her hands. She wanted to scream, but instead she forced her voice to take on a conversational note. “Listen,” she began, tentatively. “I’ve been thinking—maybe you’re right, Gerald. This is ridiculous. Why don’t we just skip it.”
    He turned and smiled at her. “Now, that’s more like it. I’m glad you finally came to your senses.” He reached to turn the motor back on, but Bess was too fast for him. She leaned over, yanked the keys from the ignition, and got out of the car. Her words were quiet, determined. “Child, you have to face it. You need to know if you were right—or wrong. Either way, you’ll be the better for knowin’.”
    Audra nodded her head slowly, dispirited. “I know. God help me, I know.” She reluctantly slid over and stepped out of the car, taking Bess’s arm for support.
    Gerald followed behind them as they entered the station, silent for once. His main concern at this point was that no one important see him with the toothless Bess in her thrift shop clothing. He breathed a sigh of relief when they were immediately ushered into a small room by a mere office girl.
    The young woman showed them how to run the recorder. “You wanted only the Party Line show, isn’t that right?”
    Audra nodded.
    â€œIt’s all set, then. Just push ‘play’ when you’re ready. And don’t worry about erasing anything if you want to jump around a little. This machine is taped so that won’t happen.” She pointed to a small piece of gray tape covering a knob.
    After she left the room, the three people stood looking at each other for a few seconds. Gerald put his hands on Audra’s shoulders, trying one last ploy. “You don’t have to go through with this, dear. If it’s going to be too hard on you, just say the word, and we’re out of here.”
    She shook her head. “No. Let’s do it.”
    They seated themselves around the table, and Gerald pushed the play button. They didn’t have long to wait. Her man was the third caller, and Audra turned cold as she heard the low, raspy voice again.
    I’m looking for a small accent table, no more than two feet high. I would prefer oak, or a really good quality wood, and I want a nice piece, not junk.
    The announcer’s voice spoke back at him. “All right, sir. Any particular price range you need?”
    No. I’d be willing to pay a good price, if the table is what I’m looking for.
    â€œAll right then, we’ll see what we can do for you. Can we have your phone number, please?”
    Yes, certainly. It’s 555–2343. And thanks for your help.
    â€œThank you, sir. Hello, this is Party Line, go ahead, please.” The announcer’s voice trailed off into nothingness, drowned out by the roaring in Audra’s ears.
    â€œIt’s him,” she whispered. “My God, it really is him.”
    Bess put her arm around Audra’s trembling shoulders. “Are you certain, child? No doubt in your mind at all?”
    Audra stared at the machine, mesmerized. “It’s him, Bess. I know it.” She looked over at Gerald. “Reverse it. I want to hear it again,” she ordered.
    Gerald took in her shaking hands and ashen face. Damnit! He had been right about this all along. He knew Audra. She was a timid little soul. All this nonsense was going to be too hard on her. “No. I don’t think we should play it again, Audra,” he said. “You look like you’re about to collapse.”
    Bess nodded her head. “For once I happen to agree with Gerald, honey. I don’t think you could take listening to it again.”
    Audra spoke slowly, in cold control. “Play—it—again!”
    Gerald swore softly, but reversed the tape, starting it over.

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