episode 1 – unravelingAs stories unravel, the convoluted truth emerges, leaving no one certain who the victims are.
As stories unravel, the convoluted truth emerges, leaving no one certain who the victims are.
A New Prospect
Jerry sits in the nearby diner, sipping coffee and thinking about his wife, who has suffered emotionally after traumatic events. Scoping out this new neighborhood is supposed to clear his head.
After dropping some coins on the counter, he notices a flyer near the door advertising a room rental. He tears off the phone number and steps outside to call. His waitress, Clara, notices and also tears off a number. Outdoors, he dials the number to see how close the apartment is.
“Yes, my pet?” Matilyn answers, “How can I exceed your expectations?”
“Oh? Hello? I think I’m calling about a… room for rent?”
“Yes, darling. Do you prefer a frontal view or backdoor access?”
“I hope we’re still talking about the room. Let’s start over. My name is Jerry Walls. This is something for my wife, but I want to check it out first.”
“Ooh. That sounds so marvelous. Come, come.”
“Okay. I’ll be right over.”
Her phone rings again as she steps by her window.
“An irresistible woman is always in demand,” she says about herself before answering. “How can Mattie make you ooze satisfaction?”
“Hello, Miss Matilyn Jabari?
“Who else, darling?”
“This is the local police department. We have a man here at the station, along with other witnesses, claiming an attempt was made on your life. Can you substantiate that accusation?”
“Oh. You must mean the little terrace incident with Reyna.”
“Yes, she’s here too. Can you come down to the station to help sort this out?”
“Well, I’m a very busy woman. It won’t be today. But if it helps things along, I’ll just say the unstable woman dangled me within inches of my life… you know how jealous types can be.”
“Okay. I think we can work with that for now. We’ll be in touch.”
Moments later, Jerry arrives. Matilyn answers the doorbell. She reacts with more titillating words.
“Ooh. Look at the beautiful man this day has delivered to me. You must be my Jerry.”
“Uh, yes. I’m here about the room… for my wife.”
“Of course. Step into my boudoir, or my apartment, if you prefer.”
Jerry looks at the room and through the window at the building across the street. After questions about the common areas, he says, “This might work. Please hold the room until I come back with my wife for the final word.”
“You can’t leave me hanging like this. Are you putting your little lady aside to play with more desirable friends?”
“No. Nothing like that. We had an incident at our apartment that shook her up pretty badly. Female company would be good for her while I secure a new home near my family.”
“Oh, aren’t you the gorgeous self-sacrificing husband. Bring the delicate tart back soon. She won’t be the only one begging to stay here.”
Her hands gently slide down the edge of the doorway as she quietly pulls the door to behind him.
The Bailout
Alan’s hand shoves through the police department doors, asking about his wife. Officers take a statement before letting him speak to her in a holding cell. Reyna’s words flow out with her tears when she catches sight of him.
“You know it wasn’t intentional. You were there. I asked for your help to save her!”
“Don’t say anything more. I’ll find an attorney and do whatever it takes to get you back home.”
Alan returns to the main office to arrange bail. The officers tell him that with serious charges like this, only a judge can release her. So he goes home while his wife remains behind bars.
With frustration, Alan plops down on the sofa.
The Mirage
A few floors above, Evan jumps up from his sofa to walk toward the window. Across the way, in the room next to Matilyn’s, he sees “Reyna.” Standing in disbelief, he reaches for a telephoto camera lens and focuses on the face. Sure enough, it’s her, as far as he can tell. As he begins snapping photos, he can’t reconcile the series of events. “Reyna” disappears from view.
Evan sits at his computer desk to compare images with the ones he took earlier. There’s a common innocence that appeals to him. Out of his view, a similar woman rings Matilyn’s doorbell. She also wants to rent the room.
Matilyn tells them, “Look at you two… like a double shot of espresso. I want you both.”
“This opportunity means so much to me,” Clara responds. “I don’t mind sharing a room… if it’s okay with Karen?”
“I love a competition,” Matilyn says. “Who wants me most?”
Karen, still trying to read Matilyn’s intentions, says, “I like the room because it’s upstairs… and… I’d feel safer with Clara as a roommate.”
“That’s wonderful. But only one of you can be my protégé. Which will it be?”
“It has to be me. I’m dying to become more like you,” Clara pleads.
“You hear that, Karen? When you see her transformation, you’ll wish you had spoken up.”
Moments later, officers arrive to escort Matilyn to the police station.
Karen reacts with fear. “Officer, I didn’t do anything. Please don’t arrest us.”
“No one here’s getting arrested, Ma’am. We just need to get a statement from Ms. Jabari.”
“Yes, gals. Unpack and get comfortable. This peacock will be back before you can wrinkle your nighties.”
Clara’s eyes brighten from being so close to her idol—and at the prospect of becoming her protégé. But the upcoming testimony will unsettle the entire neighborhood.
Continued…
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