Mueller Mobile Home Park

  Friday

  Mackey Residence

  Madison stares out of the kitchen window as she dips a round platter into the soapy dish water. A sad smile tugs at the corners of her mouth, and she begins to daydream.

  What has happened to her picture perfect life? Why in the hell would someone want to set up her husband? The most perfect man in the world. In her world. James is a good man. Only a purely evil person would frame a man like James Mackey. And may that person burn in hell.

  Jamie Junior's tiny laugh makes Madison turn away from the sink. The infant's eyes are partially open, one finger crammed into his mouth. He is obviously dreaming. Madison's smile becomes wider and she drops the dish she is cleaning into the sink.

  Crossing the kitchen, to stand beside Jamie's bassinet, Madison peers down at the peacefully slumbering baby. Unable to refrain from touching him, Madison runs a hand through Jamie's hair. The newborn's right leg jerks in his sleep and Madison chuckles softly.

  "And where do you think you're going, Little Mister? Huh? I wonder what babies dream about. Am I in your dreams, Jamie? You're always in mine."

  Madison strokes the newborn's hair again, pushing back the tears welling in her eyes. She sniffles at exactly the same instant that the doorbell rings. Madison glances from Jamie to the dining room entrance. Without a second thought, she reaches down and scoops Jamie up into her arms. With everything going wrong in her life these days; no way is she letting Jamie out of her sight.

  Holding Jamie snuggly to her chest, Madison rushes to the living room. She peeks through the peephole before unlocking the door and pulling it open. Pushing the screen open, Madison motions with her head for Gabrielle to enter the home.

  "Gabrielle. Hi, I was going to call y--"

  "Oh my gosh, Madison. Are you okay?" Gabriella quickly asks at the same time.

  Gabrielle's voice is choked with emotion and her eyes are puffy as if she has been crying. She wraps an arm around Madison's shoulders and leans in close. Pressing her right cheek against Madison's, Gabrielle pulls the young woman closer. Mindful not to crush the still slumbering baby held in his mother's arms.

  "I just got back from my girl's trip and I heard what has happened. It's all over the fugging news. What the hell, Madison? Oh my gosh! What the fugging hell? Are you okay?"

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  Madison is unsure how to respond. At first, she remains quiet, simply shaking her head. Gabrielle releases Madison and takes a step back, scrutinizing Madison from head to toe.

  "You look thinner, Madison. Are you eating okay? Is everything alright at home? Please tell me this is a mistake? Tell me...There's no way in hell your husband did...What they're saying he did? Oh my gosh. A cop? And...That girl? That...Evelyn Whoever? Please tell me...You know he didn't do it. Otherwise...Why are you still here, Madison? Oh my gosh!"

  "It's fine, Gabrielle. I mean, it's not. But, I know my husband is innocent. There's no way James had anything to do with those women's deaths."

  "You seem so confident, Madison. But...How do you know?" Gabrielle says, her eyes almost pleading. "I think you should leave here for a bit, Madison. You can stay with me. I've got a spare room. You and Jamie can bunk with me. At least until the investigation is over. Until you can be sure. Lots of people claim their innocent. I'm scared for you, Madison. You could be in danger."

  "What?" Madison gasps, a sudden flash of fury flaring up within her. "You don't even know James. You've never even met him. How dare you accuse my husband of anything!"

  "I'm not. I mean...No, Madison. You're misunderstanding me," Gabriella stammers, her voice quaking. "I'm not accusing your husband of anything. I just think you need some space. You need to be away from all of this. Just in case."

  "In case...What?" Madison says, her eyes narrowing menacingly. "In case, James decides to kill us in our sleep? Is that what you're implying, Gabrielle?"

  "Madison...Please. You're overreacting. I'm only looking out for you," Gabrielle ventures to say before Madison cuts her off again.

  "Well...Don't! I love my husband, Gabrielle. And he loves me!" Madison exclaims resolutely, her expression stern. "James would never hurt me. I know that. Before we were married...He wouldn't even have sex with me. He wanted to do everything right. James lives by a golden standard. He's unlike any man I've ever met. I trust him. When he says he didn't kill those two women...I believe him. I think you'd better go, Gabrielle. I need to change the baby."

  "What? Madison, no. I didn't come here to be ugly. I was only thinking of you and the baby. I was trying to help. Don't do this!"

  "I'm not doing anything, Gabrielle. I need time alone with my son and my husband. At least, until everything is worked out satisfactorily. Thanks for coming by to see about us. Goodbye, Gabrielle."

  "Madison!?! You're blowing this all out of proportion! I'm your friend. There's no crime against making sure your friend will be okay. I was worried. That's all."

  "Well, I've told you...We're fine. I hope you enjoyed your trip to Vegas. Now, if you don't mind...I need to tend to Jamie. I'll call you."

  Without another word, Madison steps backwards into the house. She shuts the front door practically in Gabrielle's face. Gabrielle stands like a statue in place, shock radiating across her face. After a moment, she backs away from the front door. Allowing the screen door to slam shut, Gabrielle descends the porch steps and heads toward her parked car.

  Inside the house, Madison holds Jamie tighter to her chest and shakes her head. She mutters softly to herself and strokes Jamie's hair.

  "I know James didn't kill those two women. Why is everyone so set against believing that? Your father is no killer, Jamie. And, it's only a matter of time before he proves it."