A Shattered Wife by Diana Salyers

today's box. Bill had already claimed two kills.
     

CHAPTER
6
    Martha tried not to appear anxious on Father’s Day, but a
storm was brewing. Thick, black clouds gathered in the sky like an angry mob
and the humidity rose, making the air heavy. Even after her morning shower, she
still felt sticky and hot. Dressed in bright yellow gingham, she lingered
nervously near the living room window; the only window that afforded a view of
the road.
    The dinner she prepared wasn’t elaborate, but it was one of
her son’s favorites. Chicken fried steak, tender peas and carrots, potato salad
and homemade rolls. A luscious chocolate cake covered with a glass dome would
top off the meal. He was later than anticipated, so Martha paced the floor and
waited.
    Bill was furious when she insisted that they wait until
William arrived before eating. As far as he was concerned, the whole visit was
a joke. He didn’t give a damn whether William showed up or not but he loved
watching Martha pace. It served her right for turning his son into a wimp.
    It was late afternoon by the time William arrived, wearing a
well-made suit that made him look like a successful banker. His face had a
soft, almost feminine shape but behind the thick glasses, the blue eyes were
his father’s. His wavy, almost curly auburn hair took Martha back many years to
when Bill was a young man.
    Watching him stride toward the house, Martha wanted to rush
outside to meet him. Instead, she smoothed her apron and watched as he stepped
onto the back porch. She swung open the screen door and greeted him with open
arms.
    William felt himself being drawn reluctantly into her
embrace. "Mom, I’ve missed you." She smelled of vanilla or some other
spice and her hair felt silky against his cheek. He thought she had aged
drastically in the last few months.
    Tears kept Martha from answering but she nodded vigorously.
    The young man allowed her to hold him for a while, trying
not to be impatient and telling himself that it would be over soon.
    Finally, Martha stepped back but did not release her son. "I’d
almost given up on you. Dinner has been warmed over twice."
    "Sorry, I - " William began.
    "It’s about time you got here," Bill interrupted
and wheeled himself to the place he had occupied at the head of the table for
40 years. "Now maybe we can get something to eat."
    William smiled weakly. His easy-going personality and gentle
disposition had won him many friends and served him well in business, but he
would never have the respect of his father. Years ago he had given up trying to
please this strong, independent man. "Hi, Dad. Happy Father’s Day."
    Bill filled his plate and began to eat without replying. It
was clear that his only interest was dinner.
    Martha caught a wink and an indifferent shrug from her son,
letting her know that he understood, and then they joined Bill at the table, a
family again.
    "This is really great, mom," William said, more to
break the lingering silence than anything else. It was almost as if his parents
had forgotten how to talk.
    "It would have tasted better two hours ago," Bill
grumbled.
    "I said I was sorry," William put in quickly,
hating that the words came out as a whine.
    The remainder of the meal was punctuated only by the ticking
grandfather clock and the scraping of silverware against the dishes. It seemed
like hours before anyone spoke again and, surprisingly, it was Bill.
    "I have something I want to show you," Bill said,
his tone deceptively friendly.
    "Sure, Dad, what is it?"
    Bill wheeled around the table with ease to the back door
which, when open, partially hid his chart. He closed the door carefully as if
unveiling a masterpiece.
    William shot a questioning look at his mother and then
sauntered over to his dad.
    "What do you think?" Bill asked.
    "I’m not sure what it is," William replied
truthfully.
    "Damn!" Bill exploded, causing both mother and son
to jump. "It’s my extermination chart."
    As he began to explain the chart and its