The China Doll Interveiws - 2

“And when did you notice someone was watching you, Adelle?” Jack shifted in his chair and aimed the tape recorder at Adelle. She looked disgustingly at the little recorder and then at Jack.
“I guess I noticed I was being watched when I was at the park. I go there all of the time to unwind. It’s such a lovely place…or at least it used to be,” Adelle looked down at her feet and a tear streamed down her face.
“It’s ok, Adelle. You take your time. I’ve got about thirty tapes, each 80 minutes or so,” His hand came up to the side of his head holding a black suitcase. Jack smiled, showing off his big crooked teeth that looked odd compared to his small round head. His wide eyes squinted a little behind his thick rimmed glasses as Adelle looked up again. She giggled at the sight of the little interviewer’s expression.
“I saw him a few times at the park, lurking behind me, staring at me over his open newspaper that he was pretending to read. I thought he just liked me. I am aware of my beauty, I just don’t always admit it. I am used to creepy guys staring at me, but this guy. This guy was different. He was always right there. Then, one day, I got tired of it. I think it was mid to late June. I don’t really have great perception of the passing time any more. I’ve tried to block so much out,” she grew quiet and looked down at the tape recorder on the table.
“It’s ok, Adelle. Just tell me whatever you remember.”

“Oh that goddamn park. Always full of people. I was never alone with my Adelle at first. There were always so many people around. One day, the twenty-second of June, I finally decided to approach her. I knew she noticed me. How could I not? I was always staring right at her even when she was staring back with those big beautiful doe eyes.” Gallagher uncrossed his legs and thrust his hand down his pants. “Just an itch, I promise, this time anyway.”
“Alrighty then,” Jack awkwardly adjusted his tape recorder as if to distract himself from Gallagher’s expression and repositioned himself in his chair. “So, when was the first time you were alone with her, Gallagher?”
“The night I took her. It was a beautiful night. Philadelphia shone bright that night. Had that great Philly smell to it. Extra strong and whimsical, and a little sweeter than usual. We were on South Street. Oh god, South Street,” Gallagher groaned and smiled with fond memories. “Such a beautiful night, and such a beautiful girl. She had just stepped into Lorenzo’s. I followed her in and offered to buy her a slice of the finest pizza in Philadelphia. She blushed nervously and accepted. I knew I had her at that moment.”