LETHAL OBSESSION by Carey Regenold Read Free Book Online Page A

help. 
Mark taught me the workings of Anderson Enterprises, but you have been running
it. I know what my husband would've wanted.  Mark would want you to continue the
exemplary work that has made him so proud of you. Mark Anderson was my life. 
I know how he felt concerning your work and dedication.  For that reason I will
carry on his legacy. There will be no changes at Anderson Enterprises."
          "Like
I said, I will need your help these next few weeks, months and years.  I will
need you because you see I'm not sure how to get on with this business of
living without him."  Ellen's voice was cracking. Her throat was aching
with unshed tears. It was so hard not to break down and sob, but it was
imperative she show strength and be strong for Mark. "I guess that's the
end of my speech."  Ellen wiped at a stray tear. "Does anybody have
questions?"         
          Ellen
noticed the wet cheeks and the hankies.  She hoped she was doing the right
thing. If somehow she managed to endear herself to these people, then her
husband could rest in peace.      Mark's larger wedding band dangled behind her
own.  As her fingers toyed with it, Ellen saw people leave their chairs and
approach her.  Then she found herself swept up in comforting hugs and tears.
                                
          Walking
out to the patio, Ellen sat in her cushioned chaise lounge and looked up at the
inky summer sky.  Trillions of stars blinked back at her. Night creatures
called from the forest. Crickets chirped. A whippoorwill called to his mate.  A
barn owl crooned.  A coyote mourned out his lonely song.  Ellen allowed the sounds
of nature to lull her. 
          She
willed her mind to go blank.  If she didn't get a break from it, the agony in
her life could easily consume her. Ellen swirled amber liquid around in a
crystal tumbler.  The liquor was unlocking things deep inside.  Her body and
mind slowly relaxed. Pain was there but receded. She gazed at the black night
sky.                                                     
          “Are
you up there Mark?” Can you see me?  Do you have any idea how much I miss you,
how I long for you?  I'm not blaming you for what happened.  I know you
promised me we'd live happily ever after.  Well now we know like all fairy
tales, this ever after thing is a myth. So now what am I supposed to do with
the rest of my life?" 
          "You
hired smart executives who could run the business without you. You did it so we
could travel and spend time together, and we have.  I'm filled with wonderful
memories of our adventures. I just wasn't prepared for it all to end. The thing
is Anderson Enterprises doesn't need me either. My life is stretching in front
of me like a lonely highway.  What am I supposed to do now, Mark? Please give
me guidance like you always have.  I need you to help me through this nightmare."
Here's to you my one and only love."  She lifted her glass toward the sky
then drained the contents.  It was time for a refill. Ellen reached down for
the bottle. Alcohol was numbing this horrible pain and Ellen was going to let
it.  
                                
          It
was the blinding summer sun that woke her.  Ellen put a hand and over her eyes
and turned almost falling off the chair. She sat up and looked around wondering
how she got out on the patio.  The beige suit Ellen had worn to the meeting was
crumpled and twisted around her.  A liquor bottle lay empty beside a crystal
tumbler.  
          Oh
my God, surely she didn't drink herself into a stupor and spend the night out
here.  Ellen considered herself a very light social drinker.  She had never
done anything like this in her life.  Her parents were constantly drunk.  Did
she inherit the