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16  Simmers' Paradise / Sims Stories / The Inheritance: Chapter 5 - Part II (Updated 11/14) on: October 27, 2008, 11:08:34 pm
The Inheritance
Chapter 4 - Part V
October-November 1964



The following Sunday, after church, Dante and I made a stop to the cemetery where we paid our respects to Chiara Castelli. He was unable to attend the funeral, being in the hospital, and I was unwilling. But it seemed like the least I could do to accompany him there on the way home from church.

After a moment, Dante said, "Can you give me a moment alone?"

Without a word I turned and walked to a stone bench along the path and waited for him.



Watching him kneel down in the grass, I was struck by a painful thought: would he ever mourn this way for me? I was his wife, the mother of his children, but here he was, mourning over the body of a woman half my age that he had known for less than three years.


He knelt there for some time before finally standing and leading me out of the cemetery. Could this be closure? Could it mean that Dante was ready to move on with his life and turn his back on his betrayal? I couldn't be sure.

Later...


We found Detective Lodario waiting at the house when we returned, and my stomach clenched. Perhaps they had found out who had killed Chiara and tried to kill Dante.


"Signor Moretti, Signora," he said. "May I come in and ask you a few questions?"

"Of course," said Dante, leading us inside.



"My questions are for Signora Moretti," said the Detective, eying my husband nervously. I suddenly understood; he was going to ask about Dante's affair. "Perhaps you would be more comfortable...waiting?" he said, looking at Dante.

Dante seemed to realize then what the Detective wanted to discuss and looked at me for a moment before saying, "If my wife doesn't mind, I'd like to stay."

I shrugged.



"Signora," he began nervously, not quite sure how to proceed. "I'm sorry to be blunt, but you are aware that your husband was having an affair with his Chief of Staff, Signorina Castelli?"

I nodded once, not trusting myself to speak, and Dante's jaw dropped.



"You knew?" he demanded incredulously, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. I'm ashamed to admit that seeing him squirm gave me immense pleasure.

"Of course I knew, Durante," I said coldly. "Everyone knew. You didn't exactly keep it quiet, did you?"



"Betty, I'm--" said Dante, but I turned away, cutting him off.

"I'm sure you had more questions, Detective. What else would you like to know?"

"You were upstairs in your bedroom when you heard the shot?"

"Yes. I was looking for some seltzer. I wasn't feeling well," I said. I didn't have to add that being forced to interact with my husband's mistress made me nauseous. "I came as soon as I heard."



"Did you tell anyone else of your husband's...um...infidelity?"

I nodded. "My friends, the ladies I spend time with. But of course I trust their discretion. You don't think one of them...no, certainly not."

"Do you know a Signor Giorelli?"

"Yes," I said shortly.

"Can you think of any reason why he might like to hurt you or your husband?"

"Our family has had a long-standing feud, but I believe he is indisposed at the moment."

"We can't find him. He's missing. He is our prime suspect, of course, but if it turns out he's still been in a coma all this time, we'll move on to our next suspect."

"And who is that?"



He studied me for a few moments before looking back down to his notepad to finish what he was writing. "We'd rather not say until we're sure. Thank you, Signor, Signora, for your help. We'll be in touch."

Later...


It was two hours before Dante dared to venture into the bedroom. He found me on the patio, staring off into the countryside at nothing, my mind adrift. He cleared his throat and said, "Betty?"

I didn't turn. "Yes?"

"Can we...talk about this?"



Taking my silence for assent, he moved towards the wall and looked sheepishly at me. "I'm so sorry," he whispered. "I was so foolish. I can't believe...even now...meant nothing..."

"Don't lie to me, Dante," I said, trying to sound cold even as the tears shook my voice. "I saw the way you grieved for her. You grieved for her like you could never grieve for me."



"Don't say that, Betty," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "You mean the world to me. I made a mistake, a terrible mistake, but I love you. I never stopped."


I finally turned my head towards him. "Of all the lies you've told me since you started this...this...betrayal of yours--" I gave an involuntary sob. "--that was the worst."

He seemed to want to argue, but bit back. Finally he asked, "What do you want to do?"

"Do?" I echoed incredulously. "Do?"



"A divorce?" he asked timidly.

"If that's what you want," I said coldly. "I have no desire to dissolve our marriage, if only for the sake of the children. But you certainly have found a way to put their needs, so if that's what you really want, I won't protest."

"No," he said quietly. "I love you, Elizabeth. I want...I want to prove it."

I turned and walked back into the house.


Meanwhile...


Lodario and Dimetti met up in their car, where Dimetti reported his findings. "I found Giorelli. A woman dropped him off at a hospital in the next town. He was never out of his coma."


"So it couldn't have been him?" said Lodario thoughtfully. "Then our best suspect is...the Signora."


Dimetti nodded thoughtfully. "The district attorney has already provided a warrant."

Back inside...


Dante followed me out into the living room, urging me to stay and talk with him, but I caught sight of something out the door window and stopped dead.


The detectives were strolling up the walk towards the house. I frowned thoughtfully and glanced sidelong at Dante before opening the door for them.


"Signora Moretti," said Lodario. "I'm going to have to ask you to come with us. You're under arrest."

"What?" I demanded, my eyes widening in shock. "No, on what charges?"

"Murder," said Dimetti as he reached for my arms.



Dante intervened. "No, this is a mistake," he said, but I could tell he was as confused as I was.

"Detectives, please," I whimpered, alarmed at the desperation in my voice. "Please, can we do this outside? My children might see..."

"As you wish."



They put me in the car, locked in the back seat like a criminal. I looked towards my husband, who was silently watching the ordeal from the sidewalk. I expected to see him looking upset, but he had no discernible emotion on his face.


He stood there and watched as the car drove off.

Two hours later...


The police questioned me for two hours before I went in for processing.


I was fingerprinted, photographed, and subjected to a full search by a female matron.


They took my clothing, my hair ties, my belt, and my shoes, and issued me a prison uniform before taking me up to the cell block.


I couldn't help but to think that the route was deliberate. My cell was right next to the prison's electric chair, and we paused there for a few moments as the detective fumbled with the key.

"Your husband will come by with your attorney tomorrow," said Lodario absentmindedly. Finally, they managed to get the door open. but I couldn't force myself to move.



Was this my fate? To pay for the sins of another in the electric chair? A chill ran up my spine as the detectives pushed me into the cell. The door clanged shut with an air of finality.


No matter my fate, I would have much time to contemplate it as I sat in the cold, dark cell that I could now call home.
17  Simmers' Paradise / Sims Stories / The Inheritance: Chapter 5 - Part II (Updated 11/14) on: October 27, 2008, 12:33:34 am
The Inheritance
Chapter 4 - Part IV
October 1964



Detective Lodario was summoned by a uniformed officer to a forest not far from my home on reports that there was a break in the case.


He tracked into the forest and found the scene where the officers had roped off a section of a glade. "What have we got, officer?" he asked the uniformed officer that had called him in.

"Single-shot rifle with scope."



When Lodario knelt down to examine the sniper rifle, the officer stood behind him and asked, "Do you think that's the weapon that did Senator Moretti and his lady assistant?"

"No," said Lodario. "I think it's some other sniper rifle that someone just happened to leave half-buried in a forest for no apparent reason."

"Really?" asked the officer.

"Of course not," Lodario snapped. "Get this to the lab for testing."


Meanwhile...


Dante arrived home from the hospital. He seemed perfectly capable of walking on his own, but did require frequent rests. He was less than impressed by the house I had secured for us to live in.


"It's small," he said as we approached. "There's enough room for the children?"

"Yes," I said. "It was the best we could afford with what I'm sure will be some hospital bills. It's fine, Dante, really. Come inside."



I heard him sigh audibly as we walked into the house. "I'll make lunch. Your doctor said you should have something light. Would you like a salad?" I asked.

He shrugged. "Whatever you like. I'm not hungry."

I paused, feeling somewhat disoriented. Of course he would be unhappy, what with his mistress dead. But he was home with his family; why was he being this way?



As I prepared the salad, I noticed him sitting on the sofa, looking depressed. My heart ached for him even as my rage boiled. I hated to see him in pain, but the very fact that he was mourning his mistress made me see red.


I set the bar, still watching him from the kitchen, my mind wandering.

Was Chiara more than just a fling? Is that why he was taking this so hard? My hands trembled on the silverware as I set the utensils out. Had he loved her?



I called everyone in for dinner. "Aren't you going to have something, mom?" asked Lara as she began to eat her lunch.

"No, dear," I said, looking down. The idea that my husband was so effected by the death of his mistress had struck me like a punch in the stomach. "I'm not hungry right now."



"You should eat something," Dante said tonelessly. "Keep your strength up."

"I'll eat later," I said with a forced smile. "Just...um, leave the dishes in the sink. I'll wash up when you're finished. I'm going to go hang up the washing."


That day...


The detectives investigating the shooting spent the day questioning my friends who had been at the party.

"Mrs. O'Reilly, did you see anyone at the party who was not present at the time of the shooting?"

Judith considered. "I can't think of anyone...I mean, it all happened so quickly. Well, Elizabeth was upstairs getting some seltzer--she wasn't feeling well. But other than that, nobody I can think of."



"Can you think of any reason why someone would want Dante Moretti dead?"

"I just...well...he's a politician, isn't he? All kinds of crazy people try to kill politicians. Get their name in the paper," she said uncomfortably.

"Were the Morettis facing any kind of personal problem? From a neighbor, or between them?"



Judith stared across the table at the detective for a few moments before blowing out a sigh. "Elizabeth told us...a few days before the shooting...that Dante was having an affair. But I'm sure she wasn't involved--she was in the bedroom the whole time."

"Thank you, Mrs. O'Reilly. We'll be in touch."



"And did Signora Moretti mention what action, if any, she intended to take against her husband?" asked Detective Dimetti.


"Not to me," said Eleanor.

"Nor to me," concurred Grant. "But she did seem to be rather obsessed with infidelity. She told my fiance--Lady Somerset, you know--that Signora Volante was trying to, er, seduce me." Grant blushed. "Bullocks, really."



"Your husband, Signora Giorelli, he fought in the Resistance, did he not? A sniper?" asked Detective Lodario.

"Yes, he did. But he couldn't possibly be behind this--he's in a coma," Angela said.



"But he's missing from the hospital, isn't that right?" asked the detective. "You filed a police report just before the shooting that he went missing and that your home was broken into. You said his rifle was stolen?"

"That's right. Come with me."



"This is where it was," Angela said. "I came home one day to find the door broken open and the rifle was gone. I knew I should get the police involved, it's a dangerous weapon."

"Yes, quite. And did you see anyone around the house?"

"No, no." Angela shook her head.



"Do you know anyone else who would know how to handle a firearm of that caliber?" aske the detective.

"Many of the men in the area fought in the Resistance," said Angela. "Or in the Italian army."


That night...


I had changed into my pajamas and let my hair down and was getting ready for bed when I found Dante sitting on the patio outside the master bedroom. Frowning, I opened the door and went outside.


"Are you all right?" I asked timidly, sitting in the other chair and folding my hands in my lap. "You've been quiet all day."

"I'm fine," Dante said automatically, not looking at me.



"Is there anything you want to talk about?" I asked, feeling my stomach fill with lead at the chance that he might say yes. But he simply shook his head, and my jaw unclenched. "If there ever is..."

"Betty, please. Can't you just leave me alone for awhile?"

I was surprised that he snapped at me, but I quickly recovered and stood up. "Good night," I said stiffly.



As I settled into bed, I imagined myself twenty years from now, settling into bed beside a husband that seemed to detest me. A husband that was longing for someone else, younger and more beautiful.

It wouldn't be the last night that I would fall asleep crying.
18  Simmers' Paradise / General Sims 2 Discussion / New Mansion and Garden pics on: October 25, 2008, 01:28:28 pm
It's settled for me. I'm gettin' it.
19  Simmers' Paradise / Sims Stories / The Inheritance: Chapter 5 - Part II (Updated 11/14) on: October 25, 2008, 01:04:21 am
Sorry for the delay, y'all. Had some personal business to take care of. But without further ado I give you...

The Inheritance
Chapter 4 - Part III
September-October 1964



Marco arrived the day they took Dante off the pump. He wasn't able to speak much, and he spent much of his time sleeping, but the children were delighted to see their father alive and recovering. The truth be told, so was I.


"Was anyone else hurt?" he asked after Josephine and Marco gently embraced him. He reached for my hand and, not knowing what else to do, I let him take it.

"Marco, Josephine?" I said. "Can you give us a few minutes?" I waited for them to leave before moving my chair closer. He looked at me nervously and I squeezed his hand, forcing myself to remain calm. "Your assistant. Chiara. She...she died."

I felt his hand tense and he looked away. I released his hand. "I'm sorry," I told him. He shook his head and tried to smile, but he couldn't speak. I stood and went to the window. "The doctors wanted to know about her family, so, when you feel better..."



A few moments later, the doctor came in. I returned to my seat as he consulted the chart. "Signor Moretti. How are you feeling?"

"Fine," lied Dante.

"That's good. Your test results are encouraging, and if things continue to progress, you can go home in a few weeks."



I ended up having to rent one of the empty houses on the road to town, as the villa was still sealed for the investigation, and I needed somewhere for Andre and Lara, somewhere to put Dante when he got out of the hospital.

It was a lovely little house--smaller than I would have liked, but it would do. I split my time between the house and the hospital, getting the house ready and visiting with Dante. Marco, Josephine, Andre and Lara spent most of their free time at the hospital, so I didn't feel guilty about not spending more time there.


Two weeks later...


It was the first week of October and Josephine and Marco were preparing to return to their respective schools, she to Paris and he to the monastery. We had just finished eating dinner when I received a phone call saying that Dante would be coming home the following day.

"Who was on the phone, mom?" Josephine asked as I began to wash the dishes.

"The hospital. Dante is coming home tomorrow," I said tonelessly.



"But that's good news, isn't it?" she asked.

I forced a smile. "Yes, of course. It will be wonderful to have him home again." To be honest, I wasn't all that excited about sharing a bed with Dante. I was relieved that he didn't die; my warm feelings towards him extended only that far.

"Mom," said Josephine. "What's wrong? I know something is up."



I sighed and dried my hands on my apron. "All right, fine. Come over here," I said and moved over to the dining table. Lara's room was nearby and I wanted to be as far away from the wall as possible.

"What is it?" asked Josephine, settling into the chair near me.

I took a deep breath. "Are you sure you want to know?"

"Yes, mother. You're hurt, I can tell. But why?"

"Your fath--Dante," I corrected quickly, "was having an affair with his assistant, the one who died."



"No!" breathed Josephine. "Oh, mom. What are you going to do?"

"Nothing," I said quickly. "Nothing yet. I'm not going to...not with Lara and Andre still in the house. I'm just going to...pretend I don't know anything."

"Is that really the best attitude to have?"

I frowned. "It's the best thing for you kids," I said simply.

Josephine looked at me, and I could see how shaken her faith in Dante was. The man who had raised her like a father, indeed the only father she had ever known, wasn't perfect. It was a moment that came in everyone's life, but it was coming sooner than I would have liked for my daughter.

But what I didn't know was...



...that moment was coming sooner for Marco, as well.
20  Simmers' Paradise / Sims Stories / The Inheritance: Chapter 5 - Part II (Updated 11/14) on: October 15, 2008, 09:42:57 am
Thank you!

Yes, an update is coming! It's midterm season at my university so I've been somewhat indisposed. But the wait shan't be much longer.
21  Simmers' Paradise / Sims Stories / Cluedo: Knowledge is Deadly (Winner: rachel631) on: October 07, 2008, 10:02:14 am
Would it be inappropriate to ask where you got the windows in that picture of the mansion? I want zem. Cheesy
22  Simmers' Paradise / Sims Stories / The Inheritance: Chapter 5 - Part II (Updated 11/14) on: October 06, 2008, 10:52:48 pm
The Inheritance
Chapter 4 - Part II
September 1964



My son was typically an early riser at the monastery, but today he had an especially long and difficult journey to make, so he rose at dawn, packed a few changes of clothes, and set off.


While Marco was driving home, another pair of early risers were setting to work at the villa...


In the daylight, the detectives had a much easier time finding evidence. The younger of the detectives, Roberto Dimetti, called to his partner, "The bullet must've come in here. Maybe from one of those trees over there?"

"Go outside and see if you can see the trajectory," said the other detective, Benito Lodario. "I'll stand on the step where Moretti was."



"Looks like a match," shouted Dimetti. "But we'll get the forensics team to run a line through, see if it's feasible. Get one of the uniforms to put a line around those trees."


They regrouped inside. "I don't see why we shouldn't let the cleanup crew in," said Lodario. "We've got all the evidence we're going to get here."

"Everything's been photographed, right?"

"Right. Still, they'll need to stay out of the house until the investigation is over."



At about ten o'clock that morning, the door to the waiting room opened and I turned to see Dr. Mediate standing there. "Is it Dante?" I demanded.


"Your husband's surgery is ongoing, Signora," said the doctor. "I have no information about that yet. But I wonder if you might come and answer some questions for our records."

"All right."



He led me through the hall, but past Dante's room. Thinking perhaps we were going to his office, I followed him but we ended up in a larger hospital room. We stood near Chiara's bedside and I watched as her chest rose and fell; she was breathing on her own.

"Is she going to be all right?" I asked.

"She's in a coma," the doctor said. "I wanted to ask--do you know anything about her? Her name, her address, family?"

"No," I said. "Other than her name, Chiara Castelli, the only thing I know is that she was sleeping with my husband. I imagine he'd know more," I muttered. "At least I'd hope so."

"Oh, I'm...ah...sorry." At that moment the door opened and we turned to look.



Capricia came in with a bouquet of flowers and set them down on the table before coming to my side. "How's Dante?" she asked.

"There's no change," I said. "This is his doctor, Dr. Mediate."

"Hello," said Dr. Mediate before turning back to me. "That's all I needed to know. Thank you, Signora."



Capricia and I walked down the hall towards the waiting room. "We came as soon as we could. The police were questioning us--oh, Elizabeth, it's just awful. I'm so sorry."

I tried for a brave smile that felt more like a grimace. "I think God will provide," I said. "He's been good to us in the past."

"Well, in the mean time, Judith promised to pick up some takeout on the way. I bet she's here already; I can smell lo mein."



We sat down for the meal; I didn't realize until then how ravenous I was. "What's going on at the villa?" I asked.

"They've sealed it up," said Capricia. "Adela took Andre and Lara to her house to look after them until you and D-- until things calm down."



"Adela's going to have to move by the end of the month," said Judith, her face clouding. "Her forclosure, remember? But listen--you and the children can stay with me. I've got Donovan's bedroom empty and the living room."

"Oh, thank you," I said, grateful for my friends' hospitality. "But Mama Moretti can take us in, I'm sure. She's coming back from her visit with her sister, I imagine?"

"Of course," said Judith. "Adela called her just after she called Josephine and Marco."

The ladies stayed for a few hours, until their lives pulled them back. Josephine and I remained, talking about her studies and how things were going back at school.



Hour melted into hour until I finally decided that Josephine should go join her brother and sister. "They need someone. Tell them..." I gave a sigh, then shook my head. "I don't know what to tell them."

"They don't need to know yet," Josephine said. "I'll just tell them that dad is sick and you're taking care of him."

I nodded and hugged her. "You're a very smart young lady," I said as I kissed her cheek. "Let me give you some money for a cab."



No sooner had she left that Dr. Mediate stepped in. "Signora?"

I looked up. "Yes?"

"I have some news. Would you come with me, please?"



We walked to Dante's room. "Your husband came out of surgery just fine. He's still out from the anesthesia, but his heart is beating on its own. We'll know more when he wakes up."

I smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Doctor."

"There was one thing more," said Dr. Mediate, hesitantly. "It's Miss Castelli?"

"I'm afraid there's nothing else I can tell you about her."

"No, it's not that." Dr. Mediate sighed. "She passed away a few minutes ago."



I sank into the chair at Dante's bedside, feeling overwhelmed. The tears that gathered in my eyes weren't of delight at Chiara's fate. As much as her actions had hurt me, had threatened my family, there was something unjust about her death.

I took Dante's hand and was grateful for the warmth that I felt there. By all accounts, Dante should be fine. What a strange thing fate was; Dante was the politician, and must have been the target. And he had made the decision to stray from our marriage. And yet it was Chiara who had died.

Yes, fate was a strange thing. And nobody knew that better...



...than the victims.
23  Simmers' Paradise / Sims Stories / The Inheritance: Chapter 5 - Part II (Updated 11/14) on: October 06, 2008, 04:48:13 pm
It is. And I figured that I should err on the side of caution. Plus, with Dante being a cheating ass I figured Liz had been through enough!
24  Simmers' Paradise / Sims Stories / The Inheritance: Chapter 5 - Part II (Updated 11/14) on: October 06, 2008, 08:58:30 am
Hehe, you guys are fun.

Actually, Paolo didn't do anything untoward to our heroine while she was asleep. However, Rachel631, I had originally intended for that to happen. But I felt it would be inappropriate for the PG-13 rating for the board, so I revamped things a bit.

Anyway, I'm glad you're all enjoying. Thanks for the comments!
25  Simmers' Paradise / Sims Stories / The Inheritance: Chapter 5 - Part II (Updated 11/14) on: October 06, 2008, 01:20:06 am
The Inheritance
Chapter 4 - Part 1
September 1964



Donovan O'Reilly walked under a leaky canopy along the train tracks at the train station. It was almost midnight, and a late storm was blustering over the French town that spread around the train tracks.

Donovan passed a community notice board that advertised lost pets, odd-job opportunities, and bicycles for sale.



He walked by the large gray statue that made up the war memorial for a battalion of nurses that had come from the nursing school in the college nearby and had perished in the Second World War.


But he stopped short at a bench where a young woman was sitting. He knew that face; he knew that girl. His heart gave a leap when she looked up. "Donovan? Donovan O'Reilly?"

"Josephine," he said with a grin. "I don't believe it. Can I sit?"



"What are you doing here?" he asked.

"I'm going home. Um, Mrs. de Luca called, apparently there was some..." Josephine's voice trailed off. "My dad has been hurt."

"Oh, no. Is he okay?"



"It's serious," Josephine said. "But they don't know anything yet. Or she didn't when she called me. She just wanted to tell me, I guess."

"Was anyone else hurt?"

"Your mom is fine," said Josephine, squeezing Donovan's arm gently. "There was another lady, but nobody we know." Josephine looked up as a train whistle sounded in the distance. "That's my train. But it was so nice to see you."



Josephine stood and embraced Donovan. He picked up her bag as the train eased into the station and offered it to the porter. As she stepped onto the train, he smiled and waved. "When are you coming back?" he called. "I'll be here."

"I'll call you!" Josephine shouted above the roar of the engine.

And despite the tragedy of the circumstances, Josephine allowed herself an indulgent smile.


Back in Italy...


The gurney, escorted by the medical team, burst through the doors. "Hold the elevator!" one of the orderlies shouted.

I followed in a daze, trying to keep up with my husband. I was jostled by nurses and technicians and doctors each trying to tend to my husband's injuries.

"Signora Moretti, please! You have to step off the elevator," Dr. Mediate said as the doors started to close. "There's nothing you can do. Please, stand back. I'll find you after we've stabilized him."



I stood back, a lump rising in my throat. I didn't want Dante to leave my sight. But  I had to trust the doctors to do what was best; as the elevator doors closed, the last thing I saw was my husband's battered face.


An hour later, Dr. Mediate came to find me and said, "Signora Moretti? You can see him now."

As we walked the hospital's hall, he said, "Your husband suffered a gunshot wound to the chest. The woman that came in with him was shot through the neck before the bullet entered your husband's chest."

"Will he...is he going to be all right?" I asked, afraid of the answer.

"We don't know. He's stable, but he's lost a lot of blood. We'll need to operate before we can take him off bypass, and then we'll see whether his heart is strong enough to beat on its own."

"What about... Chiara?"

"She's in surgery now. The damage was quite extensive."



"We'll keep you informed, Signora. If you want to go home you can leave a number, or...there's a waiting room down the hall."

"I'll stay," I said.



I didn't know how long had passed as I sat in the waiting room. I tried flipping through the magazines there, but nothing held my attention. The noise of the hospital continued around me until the door opened.

I looked up to see Adela standing there in her party clothes with a small tote bag. "Adela...what are you doing here?"



"I thought you could use some company," she said, giving me a compassionate smile. "And some fresh clothes. I just grabbed some stuff out of your closet, I hope it fits."

"Thank you," I said.

"The nurse said you can use the staff room to shower and change. How's Dante?"

"They don't know yet."



We both changed our clothes and sat down. "What's happening at home?" I asked wearily.

"The police have sealed it off. They questioned us about what we saw, but nobody really knew anything. What was there to tell?"

"I didn't see it," I said quietly. "I was upstairs looking for some seltzer."

Adela touched my hand. "There was nothing to see," Adela said. "One minute they were standing there; the next they were both on the ground."



We talked for hours, about everything and about nothing. I knew she was trying to distract me, but there was nothing that could distract me from the situation that was unfolding.

At least, there was nothing until I heard clicking footsteps in the hall. A moment later, the door opened.



Josephine stepped in and I finally realized how long it had been. Dawn was breaking outside; it had been almost eight hours since we arrived at the hospital.


"How's daddy?" she demanded, embracing me immediately. "I came as soon as I heard."

"But...how?" I stammered.

"Aunt Adela," she said by way of explanation.



We sat down on the sofa near the window, and Adela stood up. "I'm going to go home for a few hours, darling." She kissed us both on the cheek and headed for the door.

"Capricia and Judith said they'd come by later," she said.



I knew they would come. But for now, I was content to be with my daughter. Josephine was with me and the dawn was coming.

Meanwhile, at the Villa...


As the sun was coming up, the pair of detectives that were investigating the shooting were hoping that they too could shed a little lite on the crime that had shattered our community.

What would they find? Would it matter? They were questions that I didn't have the answers to. And I certainly didn't know that their attempted murder investigation...



...was about to turn into a murder case.
26  Simmers' Paradise / Sims Stories / The Inheritance: Chapter 5 - Part II (Updated 11/14) on: October 05, 2008, 11:52:39 pm
The Inheritance
Chapter 4 - Prologue



There are moments in life that change everything.


A single moment can turn a man into a victim...


...or turn friends into family.


A single moment can change a woman's mind...


...and break her heart all over again.


Every so often in a lifetime a moment comes along that changes everything. But the things that change aren't as important to life as the way the people in our lives react to those changes.

And the most important thing is the way we react to the changes life throws at us. At the end of the day, that means everything.
27  Simmers' Paradise / General Sims 2 Discussion / New Mansion and Garden pics on: October 03, 2008, 09:10:06 pm
uh...does anyone know what the hell that last thing is? I can't tell Tongue
28  Simmers' Paradise / Sims Stories / The Inheritance: Chapter 5 - Part II (Updated 11/14) on: October 02, 2008, 12:47:41 am
It's time again for another poorly-made teaser trailer! This time it's for Chapter Four!

29  Simmers' Paradise / Anecdote Assistance / Next Question on: October 02, 2008, 12:32:15 am
I typically know what's going to happen in my story and I go ahead and snap all the photos at once, then write the captions as I post the photos in my story thread.
30  Simmers' Paradise / Sims Stories / The Weekend Warriors Chronicles - **Piles of Bones - Part 2** on: September 30, 2008, 11:18:55 pm
I have no idea what any of those are but this looks like fun anyway! I'm in!
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