The Creepshow: A Novel Read online

  Calls and emails from the press multiplied. Within days, Wanda had fended off various attempts to break down her resolve and spill her story. Her insomnia worsened, putting her on a schedule much like that of Nelly, napping throughout the day after a sleepless night. And it was during those nights that Wanda tossed and turned, trying to figure out who had contacted the press. Who would admit to such a thing? Maddie and Max each vehemently denied it.

  And deep down, she knew they hadn’t been the ones to call the journalists with this scoop. Maddie was involved in her own settlement with Whilt. She wouldn’t take the risk. Max wasn’t involved enough in the story to take that sort of initiative.

  Wanda hadn’t called Galina. She told herself Galina wouldn’t do it, wouldn’t interfere, but the more she thought about it, the more she realized she was lying to herself. Right from the start, Galina was all about taking action. Was this the type of action she was now taking, and if so, why?

  Chapter 36

  The ringing of Wanda’s phone woke her from a midafternoon nap. Seeing her mother’s name through bleary eyes, she answered, her voice nothing more than a croak. Nelly snoozed peacefully in her crib as Wanda slipped off the bed, and phone at her ear, settled in the farthest possible point in the apartment: the bathroom.

  “Wanda Julienne, what exactly is going on?”

  “What are you talking about?” Wanda sat on the toilet lid and thanked God her mother couldn’t see how awful she looked: greasy hair, oversized sweatshirt and holey boxer shorts. A real picture of success, she thought.

  “Well, I was reading The Times, and I learned that my daughter was fired from Whilt,” she said, her voice trembling. “Wanda, how could you keep this from me?”

  Wanda’s heart flip flopped. He did it. That goddamned reporter had found a way to write about her. But she couldn’t sit here cursing him or even reverse the damage. She had a panicking mother on the line.

  “Mom, I’m OK. I’ve got enough money to live on, and job prospects look good—”

  “You’re lying. I know you live right up to your last dime, and I know the economy is terrible. Why didn’t you tell me what was going on? What’s wrong with you, Wanda?”

  “Look, I didn’t want to worry you. And what do you know about my finances?”

  She was insulted by her mother’s comment even though it was true.

  “Your father and I are going to wire you some money—”

  “No. I’m fine. I’ve got unemployment and some savings, and Max is helping out.”

  “I’m disappointed you didn’t share this with us, Wanda. Haven’t I always kept that door open—”

  “Mom, please.” Wanda sighed as noisily as possible.

  “Will you tell me if you need something, Wanda? That’s the problem. You and Nelly could be living on the street, and I wouldn’t know until it was in the newspaper!”

  “Let’s not be dramatic, Mom.”

  “I love you, Wanda, and I’m worried. That’s all.”

  “I’m sorry. I know.”

  “And the harassment. Did anyone ever—”

  “It didn’t get far, Mom,” Wanda said, discomfort in her voice.

  Now it was her mother’s turn to sigh.

  “Listen, I need some time to work things out. I didn’t even know that stupid reporter was running a story.” Wanda ran her hand through her hair, pulling strands from her disheveled ponytail. “I’ve got to get going. Nelly’s going to be up soon.”

  “Will you—” her mother began.

  “I’ll keep you posted.”

  It was obvious that neither mother nor daughter believed those words.

  Wanda switched on her computer and sat at the kitchen counter as she searched for her name and Whilt. The Times wasn’t the only one with a story. The world wasn’t necessarily interested in Wanda Julienne, but the world was interested in Whilt—especially Whilt behaving badly.

  The papers reported Wanda Julienne had filed suit against the company, according to public documents. Unnamed sources cited discrimination and sexual harassment as reasons for the suit. The Times’ story went on to say that Whilt had been plagued with troubles in the past year, beginning with the accidental death of Elodie Clark, who had fallen to her death from a conference room window. Wanda shuddered. That case had been closed before it was even opened.

  Wanda wondered how her case could garner more attention from the press than a story as tragic as Elodie’s. The person who spilled her story obviously knew it would spark interest or else he or she wouldn’t have gone to the trouble of spilling it. And it was at that second that she was certain about the identity of the source.

  She had to see Galina. Her friend had done this, had contacted reporters. She wanted Wanda’s name out there. But why? She certainly had a plan. That was how Galina operated.

  ~~~~

  They met at a café neither of them had ever been to, in a neighborhood halfway between their apartments. A neutral spot for a conversation Wanda expected to be emotional. They were the only ones on the terrace, under the heat lamps, on this damp afternoon.

  They ordered coffee, and Galina asked for two slices of chocolate tart.

  “But I—”

  “My treat. You’re losing weight. Don’t tell me you’re not because I can see it.”

  Wanda shrugged. “I don’t know. I never weigh myself.”

  “Well, you should.”

  “At the moment, I’ve been too busy fending off the press.” Wanda stared into Galina’s dark eyes even though she knew her friend wouldn’t flinch. The vulnerability she glimpsed during their last encounter had vanished behind the cool façade.

  “Yes, I contacted a few news organizations,” Galina said.

  “Damn it, Galina!” Wanda hissed. “Why? I thought, especially after our last conversation, that you understood how difficult this was for me! Why would you drag this out in the public?”

  The waiter set down their coffee and desserts, and Galina took a spoonful of tart and chewed thoughtfully.

  “It wasn’t arbitrary, Wanda. And it wasn’t intended to hurt you. I did it because it’s time for you to step forward.”

  “What do you mean? This is a private matter!” Wanda’s voice bordered on hysteria. She didn’t want attention—from the media or anyone else. She wanted justice and a new job.

  “Wanda, this isn’t about you alone. This is about what companies are doing to women and to experienced employees. You aren’t the only one who has been forced out for having a baby or making too much money.”

  “So you want me to be the poster child for the cause? Thanks, Galina. Why didn’t you tell reporters that you left your job before this could happen to you?”

  Galina winced at the harshness of the words. Wanda was angrier at her friend than she had ever been before. For years, the control Galina had exerted over her life had been comforting, but today, it was suffocating.

  “I don’t have a story to tell, Wanda,” she said. “I didn’t stand up to anyone. I turned away. You stood up.”

  Wanda softened for an instant at the sadness she saw in her friend’s eyes but not enough to back down and forgive her on the spot. Galina’s weakness didn’t give her the right to push her friend’s private case into the public eye.

  “This is about making the case known,” Galina continued, “with the hope that others who have experienced the same treatment at the hand of Whilt will come forward.”

  “To testify on my behalf?”

  “Perhaps.”

  Wanda studied Galina, who managed to eat her dessert in spite of the tension that reigned. Wanda hadn’t touched her plate, hadn’t sipped her coffee. Wanda was in turmoil, while Galina remained calm. As usual. Wanda held her head in her hands.

  “What is it, Wanda?”

  “Why didn’t you ask me first?”

  “Because you would have refused.”

  “And you know best.”

  “I’m not saying I know what’s best in every situation. But in this o
ne, I do. I represented companies, I saw what they did to their employees, Wanda. I understand how bad it can get. I know your enemy.”

  Wanda sighed. “I don’t understand you. You don’t want to take my case, yet you’re in the background pulling strings. Technically, you could handle my case without going back to the firm. We both know that. And you don’t tell me what you’re doing behind my back because you don’t trust my ability to make a good decision.”

  “That’s ridiculous. First of all, it’s not as easy as you think to pick up your case and handle it. I’m used to the structure of the firm. Secondly—and this is very important—I trust you, but you’re in foreign waters here. I’m doing what I can to help—”

  “On your terms. Well, I’m tired of your terms, Galina. I’m tired of you taking control at will and then expecting me to accept it with a smile. I’m tired of the fact that you don’t take my suggestions seriously, yet I have to accept everything you say because you’ve always been the smartest, most successful one. I’m just tired.”

  Wanda pushed her plate away, grabbed her jacket and the stroller, and hurried away before Galina—even Galina, who always had the perfect answer—could respond.

  Chapter 37

  Wanda spent the next twenty-four hours in bed, only rising to take care of Nelly. She slept odd hours and the rest of the time monitored newspapers and websites. One of the most gossipy sites—one that had harassed her with more than a few calls—reported that Louis was cited in more than one case against Whilt. As long as the papers didn’t say much about her, Wanda didn’t care what they reported about the company.

  She tried to distract herself with books, but each time, she had to reread the same paragraph over and over. She couldn’t concentrate. Thoughts of Whilt and the trial were ever present in her mind even though she hadn’t heard a word from anyone at the company, and Lambert had told her that the case was in the attorneys’ hands—not hers. She needed to get on with her life. But how?

  Wanda let messages pile up from reporters, her mother, Max and Galina. She only answered a call from Lambert.

  “We have the date,” he announced, sending her heartbeat into a frenzy. “November second.”

  “November? That’s seven months from now!” She bolted out of bed and padded barefoot across the rough wooden floor. She took a sip of the orange juice she’d poured into a glass hours ago. It was warm and bitter.

  “I told you we would have to be patient.”

  “I know… I just thought it would be a couple of months.”

  “Based on?”

  “Nothing. Based on my own wishful thinking.” She made her way back to bed and settled down with a thump.

  “This is actually good news, Ms. Julienne. The wait could have extended into next year.”

  “You’re right. I need to put things into perspective.” Wanda pulled the comforter up to her chin and leaned back against the wall. Raindrops pattered onto the window above. More April showers.

  “What about the future of my case?” she continued. “When are you handing it over, and who will be taking it on?”

  “I have to wrap up a few final details so I’ll hold onto it for the next two weeks, at which point I will hand it over to the very competent Constance Dupuis.”

  Wanda had no preconceived idea about the competence of Constance Dupuis or anyone else at the firm, but she still didn’t relish changing the status quo. In any case, she didn’t have a choice in the matter.

  Chapter 38

  Wanda cashed Max’s check. She had budgeted her money carefully but hadn’t counted on her laptop conking out. She’d spent half the day on the line with technical assistance, and the consensus was simple: She needed a new computer. Wanda considered doing without, then realized she wouldn’t have much luck in her job hunt without one. So she ordered a new machine online, set for delivery in forty-eight hours, and texted Max a thank you along with an explanation.

  I’ll pay you back, she wrote.

  He didn’t reply. Another check showed up in the mail the next day.

  Wanda set the envelope on the counter and retreated to the bathroom, where she looked at herself in the mirror. It was a weekly routine that allowed her to monitor her own deterioration. The greasy hair, dark circles under eyes, holey sweatpants and stained tank top. She was a complete mess. She peeled off her clothes, stepped into the shower and turned on the blast of warm water as if it would remove all that had been destroying her.

  Wanda pulled an oversized green tunic over her head to disguise her more-boyish-than-ever figure and worked wonders on her face with a concealer stick. She took a step back and again looked into that mirror. Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the most disguised of all? She smirked as she said the words to herself. No one would guess she was the same woman who had run down to the mailboxes an hour ago.

  She told herself she would take this little outing to assure Max that she and Nelly were doing just fine and not in need of his help—but deep down, she knew it was an excuse to see him.

  ~~~~

  Wanda had called the hospital to find out if he was working that day. She avoided the emotional disorder a trip to his apartment might bring. At ten minutes to six, she lingered in front of the automatic doors, watching the change of shifts. Nurses and doctors flooding in and out. Visitors—some happy, some distraught—milling around with cell phones to their ears. And a few patients wheeling IV bags at their sides on a quest for a bit of fresh air. The rain that had fallen earlier in the day had transformed into a gentle mist that didn’t even warrant an umbrella.

  Wanda’s heart fluttered as she saw Max, chatting with a few colleagues. When he turned, his eyes locked with hers, and they both moved in each other’s direction until they met. He knelt down to greet Nelly and scooped her into his arms. She smiled and started warbling in her own little language, clearly happy to see him.

  “To what do I owe this lovely visit?”

  Wanda hesitated, her gaze meeting the tips of her damp ballerina flats.

  “I wanted to let you know that we’re OK and really the check I cashed was an exception, an emergency situation,” she mumbled, her words falling over each other. “You should stop sending those checks, Max. We’re fine.”

  “This time it came in handy. Another time it might as well. Use the money when you need it, as you need it.”

  “I didn’t come here to have the same conversation we already had,” she said, willing her voice not to sound whiny. “I don’t want to be your charity case.”

  Max’s phone rang. “Excuse me,” he said to Wanda before greeting whoever was on the line. Wanda’s eyes returned to her shoes again, to the beige patent leather and the green cord forming a bow over the toes. A gift from Galina, tailor-made for her. Her whole life seemed to be defined by Galina.

  “Yeah, I’m going to be about a half hour late. Just pick any place you’d like to go. I’m fine with it.”

  Wanda’s ears pricked up. Max had a date. This wasn’t just a get-together with a friend. She could feel it. Wanda tried to squelch feelings of jealousy, tried to hide the scarlet color of her cheeks by letting her hair drape over them.

  When Max hung up, she held out her hands for Nelly.

  “It’s time for us to go,” she said. “We don’t want to interrupt your evening.” She sounded petulant, and she could have kicked herself for it, for showing she cared.

  “You’re not interrupting anything, Wanda.” He kissed Nelly on the head before handing her over.

  “Well, you obviously have plans.”

  “The plans can wait.”

  “It’s a shame to be late on my account when you could be enjoying a—” Wanda was getting herself in deeper and deeper. She should have changed the subject rather than pathetically forcing him to tell her that, yes, he had put thoughts of her behind him, and yes, he was going on a date.

  “It’s not exactly a date.”

  “You can go on a date if you’d like, Max. We’re not married or anything.” Sh
e finished strapping Nelly into the stroller and then stood up to face Max, who now placed his hands on her shoulders and drew her closer.

  “Why do you keep fighting us, Wanda?” His breath was warm against her cheek. His soapy scent was overpowered by the smell of hospital cleaning products, a fragrance he washed away with a hot shower as soon as he set foot in his apartment. Wanda had grown used to the routine. Then that soapy scent would return.

  “You’re the one who has a date, Max.” She took a step back.

  He laughed ironically and shook his head. “I’m having a casual dinner with a fellow doctor. We’re friends. I don’t plan on it developing into something more. I would rather develop something more with you, but you keep turning your back on the possibility.”

  Everything he said was true, yet she was too stubborn to admit it, to swallow her pride and take the complicated road of pursuing a new relationship.

  “I’ve got to go,” she said. “Have fun tonight.”

  “Wanda…” He took her hand, but she pushed him away. “You can’t tell me you came here just to say ‘stop sending money.’”

  And once again, he was right.

  Chapter 39

  Another rainy spring day and Wanda sat on her bed, in her ratty sweatpants, munching on pretzels and scrolling through job listings. It was a depressing routine. There wasn’t much out there. And when there was something, even a position that matched her experience to perfection, she didn’t get called in for an interview. Yet, she continued searching each day, sending out resumes, monitoring the stock market and reading about the best-performing companies in order to keep her feet wet in the business. And of course reading about herself now and then as rumors surrounding Whilt escalated. Although she had been upset by the media coverage at the start, she now felt indifferent. She didn’t care what the newspapers and online media had to say. The only thing that was important was the judge’s decision.

  Wanda’s phone rang—a number she didn’t recognize—and she answered mid-chew.