Free Positive/Negativity by D.D. Lorenzo

they were offered more jobs in unison than separately. She wouldn’t be slowing down any time soon, and if Marisol had her way, neither would Declan. In her opinion, Declan’s aspirations were foolish.
    Marisol wanted—no, she needed to get more information on what Declan was doing when he was away from the influences of New York. She believed that, once she discovered what his diversions were, she could form a plan to occupy his attentions and divert them back to New York, Marisol, and the limelight that she coveted for them both. Once she had that, she was certain that she could distract him until he was, once again, immersed in his former, and more appropriate, work ethic. He was slacking, and she did not approve.
    Marisol held an envelope in her hands with the report of a private investigator she’d hired to observe Declan. As she opened the report, read the results, and viewed the photographs, she began to familiarize herself with the personal details of Declan’s life, something she had never cared to do previously as she saw no benefit for her could come from it. Marisol saw a photo of Declan having lunch with a man who looked very much like him. He was handsome, though not as handsome as Declan. Looking at the report, she learned that the man was his brother. There was also a woman in the photo, and she was listed as Declan’s sister-in-law. The report said that Declan’s brother was in law enforcement. What a menial thing to do for a living , she thought, quickly dismissing him.
    She then saw a photo of Declan attending a grave site. That was curious. Consulting the report once again, it said he was visiting the resting place of his Mother. Marisol had never given thought to Declan having parents, so of course she didn’t know his mother had died, much less when she died. I wonder if I knew him when that happened? she thought, but she dismissed the thought as quickly as it came.
    The remainder of the report was full of minor, and what she considered, insignificant details; Declan went to the post office, auto garage, and the home improvement store—the various errands that one does when they don’t have someone to run the errands for them. Nothing seemed too suspicious with the exception of this house that Declan had purchased. What about this house? TT
    The old, ugly house raised her suspicions because Declan seemed to be spending too much time there. It was at a small, insignificant beach town where no one that she knew would be caught dead visiting. There were pictures of him carrying items into the house—personal things that would lead one to believe that this was a more permanent residence. The pictures didn’t make sense to her. The reports listed him going to furniture stores and galleries, while the pictures reflected items that would validate purchases from those places. Why would he go to such a place? What was the appeal? Marisol didn’t see it.
    There were pictures of Declan arranging furniture on an outside porch, painting chairs, putting up a “Welcome” sign, and reclining on the porch in early morning hours with coffee. Those pictures showed Declan to be more relaxed than Marisol had ever known him to be. The report and the pictures seemed to be confirming the rumors that Declan might truly be attempting to slow down and take a bit more personal time. Why would he want to be in that stupid little town and take personal time? Marisol was perplexed.
    It was the last set of pictures that caused a bit of hostility to rise in Marisol; photos of a woman with long, dark, and wavy hair.
    In the last set of pictures, this woman appeared with more frequency than the previous sets sent by the investigator. At first, there were pictures of Declan smiling at this woman on the outside of this house; then pictures appeared of Declan walking on the beach with this woman, which appeared on many different days because their clothing had changed. This woman was photographed entering and leaving the house