Nothing But The Truth | Based on Mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2126 | Prompt: videotape (cinta de vídeo)

Huddled together, a small group of neighbors stood on a front lawn looking over their shoulders and pointing in several directions.

Moments later, the Carters arrived. Elliott parked their vehicle in their driveway across the street directly in front of the crowd. Noticing that several more neighbors engaged in intense conversations strolled down the sidewalk toward the crowd, he and his wife, Hannah, frowned, then shrugged.

Nothing out of the ordinary threatening or otherwise appeared ongoing or had recently occurred.

Hearing a slight rumbling, they glanced up and noticed a dark storm cloud headed toward their neighborhood. Quickly they removed the supplies from their car and headed inside.

He paused. A slight twinge in his stomach, forced him to peek back outside. But the intense conversations were now lowered.

He dismissed the situation. Other pressing issues required his attention. A four-hour deadline loomed before the heavy debris pickup truck he scheduled would arrive.

He and Hannah busied themselves with last minute trash removal, cleaning, and ensuring nothing would be left behind.

Later, he paused and gave himself a compliment, proud he had finished a half-hour earlier than anticipated. Stepping outside the sliding door and into the lanai, he noticed Hannah had already completed her indoor tasks and was enjoying a break.

Elliott offered her a drink. Now, they both could relax until the pick-up truck arrived. He eased himself down onto the recliner.

She pursed her lips in his direction. "If you tell me that we may have to move again for your career, I'll just have to meet you in court. Two times in five years is brutal." She flashed a quick smile.

As always with the subject of their moving on his way up the corporate ladder, Elliott didn't dare join in that conversation topic. They had just settled the issue amicably with this recent move. She had luckily been accepted into a teaching position at a local college, although farther away from their new home.

Grateful that she supported his specialized career, he knew her sacrifice, understood her angst, and sympathized with her anticipated lengthy commute.

Only with him did she voice her true feelings. For that, he was extremely appreciative.

As she checked off items on her divide-and-conquer list, she skipped a few entries, then over her sunglasses, glanced around the backyard. "I hope this isn't the last time we enjoy this elegant patio furniture, not mention the pool supplies."

Elliott flashed her an understanding nod.

Confident he had completed his remaining tasks, he rose immediately in animated gestures and began disassembling the table umbrella.

"Honey, I need to know what day to schedule off from work to meet the monitoring company to remove our security cameras and indoor equipment."

Hannah watched as Elliott bolted upright. Although she couldn't see his face, she heard him catch a sharp breath.

As he turned to answer, a loud knock at their front door interrupted and surprised them both.

Randal Huntington saw nothing but smiles as Elliott opened the door wide. Hannah stood behind him.

An aggressive fellow who resided in the curve of their cul-de-sac, they remembered that he had accepted the volunteer position of leader in the neighborhood watch group a few months prior.

Randal blustered, "you all should be relieved you're moving from this neighborhood. Something has changed. We've had a rash of break-ins just this past week. I know you all were not home, but another incident happened last night."

He struggled to explain over his rapid speech, but continued.

"I'm working with the local precinct to identify neighbors who may have information. Conflicting details the perpetrators are giving attempting to distance themselves from the incidents. However, if anyone has a security camera that may have captured the event during that time frame, it would help tremendously. Authorities can filter out fact from fiction. The truth is captured if the source is visible and unaltered."

Hannah stepped from behind Elliott and quickly responded. "We'd love to help, Randal, but our service has been disconnected for a few days getting ready for the move."

Although the criminals did not vandalize their home, her expression was one of genuine regret that they couldn't assist their neighbors.

The fact that Elliott stood silent while lowering his eyes slightly before turning toward Hannah with his mouth partially opened signaled to her that he wanted to contribute additional information.

She waited.

Elliott voice crackled. "We may be able to help. The surveillance equipment is still active." His voice fell even lower as he searched his wife's face.

He turned and looked Randal squarely in the eye. Only a head shake alerted Elliott that Randal fully understood his new predicament. As a husband, they instantly bonded over this misfortune that appeared to have afflicted them both at certain times.

It was Randal's good fortune. "I certainly appreciate it. Thanks to you both. Since you're directly in front of the home that was vandalized, clear evidence may have been captured. Justice may still be served."

Randal tried not to look at Hannah's face as she spoke. "It just might. Procrastination does have its usefulness on some occasions."

He recognized his cue and quickly wished them well on their move, then left.

Hannah clenched her fists, wrinkling the to-do list, turned, and walked into another part of the house, with Elliott in tow. Leaning against a wall, she prayed silently.

Of course, she was happy they could help. Her thoughts lay elsewhere. They would be delayed probably another month in settling their affairs.

What was the purpose of agreeing to a laundry list of items, of which Elliott had a copy of, if he wasn't prepared to follow through with them.

His laid back attitude was infuriating enough. But it was the procrastination that drove her to the brink.

"This entire exercise was a waste of my time and effort. I have a job also I'm wrapping up, together with a list of my own. I hate to keep reminding you as though I'm nagging and don't have confidence. If I can't depend upon..." She let slip the list.

Elliott reached for her hand. He knew the reason she left the room. Their marriage survived these years with this coping mechanism. Her multi-tasking and organization skills was the reason he admired her. Detail oriented was not his strong suit, hence the list she always provided.

He loved his wife dearly. He reasoned that the fact she was still with him proved she returned the sentiment.

Avoiding his gaze, she took in a deep breath, then smiled slightly.

The heavy debris truck had arrived.

Later, they contacted the security service together. In reviewing the videotape that covered the front lawn, they were informed that the tape indicated a crime was committed.

Tired from the day's activities, they prepared to leave.

With hands suspended midway in the air, Elliott waited.

Hannah twisted her head in his direction and stared up at the self-congratulatory fingers hovering in her face.

Several seconds passed.

She picked up the list, moved toward him, and covered his face with a brief kiss, then shoved the paper in his hands.

He grinned. But immediately lowered his arms, realizing he had already used his last pass.

For my theme, I was inspired by and utilized the @daily.prompt's publishing of @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2126: videotape.

! [Nothing But The Truth Spanish Translation]

^Source

Rien que la vérité

Recroquevillés les uns sur les autres, un petit groupe de voisins se tenait sur une pelouse en regardant par-dessus leur épaule et en pointant du doigt plusieurs directions.

Quelques instants plus tard, les Carter sont arrivés. Elliott a garé son véhicule dans l'allée de l'autre côté de la rue, juste en face de la foule. Remarquant que plusieurs autres voisins engagés dans des conversations intenses descendaient le trottoir en direction de la foule, lui et sa femme, Hannah, ont froncé les sourcils, puis ont haussé les épaules.

Rien d'extraordinaire, de menaçant ou autre, ne semblait être en cours ou s'être produit récemment.

Entendant un léger grondement, ils lèvent les yeux et remarquent qu'un nuage orageux sombre se dirige vers leur quartier. Ils s'empressent de sortir les provisions de leur voiture et se dirigent vers l'intérieur.

Il fait une pause. Un léger pincement à l'estomac l'obligea à jeter un coup d'œil à l'extérieur. Mais les conversations intenses s'étaient calmées.

Il ne tint pas compte de la situation. D'autres questions urgentes requéraient son attention. Un délai de quatre heures se profilait avant l'arrivée du camion de ramassage des débris lourds qu'il avait programmé.

Hannah et lui s'affairaient à enlever les ordures de dernière minute, à nettoyer et à s'assurer que rien ne serait laissé derrière.

Plus tard, il s'est arrêté et s'est fait un compliment, fier d'avoir terminé une demi-heure plus tôt que prévu. En sortant de la porte coulissante et en pénétrant dans la véranda, il remarque qu'Hannah a déjà terminé ses tâches à l'intérieur et qu'elle profite d'une pause.

Elliott lui offre un verre. Ils allaient pouvoir se détendre jusqu'à l'arrivée de la camionnette. Il s'installa dans le fauteuil inclinable.

Elle pinça les lèvres dans sa direction. "Si vous me dites que nous devrons peut-être déménager à nouveau pour votre carrière, je n'aurai qu'à vous rencontrer au tribunal. Deux fois en cinq ans, c'est brutal". Elle lui adressa un rapide sourire.

Comme toujours lorsqu'il s'agit de déménager pour gravir les échelons de l'entreprise, Elliott n'ose pas se joindre à la conversation. Ils venaient de régler la question à l'amiable avec ce récent déménagement. Par chance, elle avait été acceptée à un poste d'enseignante dans un collège local, bien que plus éloigné de leur nouvelle maison.

Reconnaissant qu'elle soutienne sa carrière spécialisée, il connaissait ses sacrifices, comprenait ses angoisses et compatissait à la longueur de son trajet.

Ce n'est qu'avec lui qu'elle a exprimé ses véritables sentiments. Il lui en est extrêmement reconnaissant.

Alors qu'elle vérifiait les éléments de sa liste de division et de conquête, elle sauta quelques entrées, puis, par-dessus ses lunettes de soleil, jeta un coup d'œil dans le jardin. "J'espère que ce n'est pas la dernière fois que nous profitons de cet élégant mobilier de patio, sans parler des accessoires de la piscine.

Elliott lui adresse un signe de tête compréhensif.

Confiant dans le fait qu'il avait terminé les tâches qui lui restaient à accomplir, il se leva immédiatement en faisant des gestes animés et commença à démonter le parasol de la table.

"Chérie, j'ai besoin de savoir quel jour je dois m'absenter du travail pour rencontrer la société de surveillance afin d'enlever nos caméras de sécurité et l'équipement intérieur.

Hannah regarda Elliott se redresser d'un bond. Bien qu'elle ne puisse pas voir son visage, elle l'entendit reprendre son souffle.

Alors qu'il se retournait pour répondre, un coup fort frappé à la porte d'entrée les interrompit et les surprit tous les deux.

Randal Huntington no vio más que sonrisas cuando Elliott abrió la puerta de par en par. Hannah se situó detrás de él.

Un tipo agresivo que residía en la curva de su calle sin salida, recordaron que había aceptado el cargo voluntario de líder del grupo de vigilancia del vecindario unos meses antes.

Randal les espetó: "Deberíais sentiros aliviados de haberos mudado de barrio. Algo ha cambiado. La semana pasada hubo una oleada de robos. Sé que no estabais en casa, pero anoche hubo otro incidente".

Le costó explicarse por la rapidez con que hablaba, pero continuó.

"Estoy trabajando con la comisaría local para identificar a los vecinos que puedan tener información. Los autores están dando detalles contradictorios intentando distanciarse de los incidentes. Sin embargo, si alguien tiene una cámara de seguridad que pueda haber captado el suceso durante ese periodo de tiempo, sería de gran ayuda. Las autoridades pueden filtrar la realidad de la ficción. La verdad se capta si la fuente es visible e inalterada".

Hannah salió de detrás de Elliott y respondió rápidamente. "Nos encantaría ayudar, Randal, pero nuestro servicio ha estado desconectado unos días preparando la mudanza".

Aunque los delincuentes no habían destrozado su casa, su expresión era de auténtico pesar por no poder ayudar a sus vecinos.

El hecho de que Elliott permaneciera en silencio mientras bajaba ligeramente los ojos antes de volverse hacia Hannah con la boca parcialmente abierta le indicó que quería aportar información adicional.

Ella esperó.

La voz de Elliott se quebró. "Quizá podamos ayudar. El equipo de vigilancia sigue activo". Su voz bajó aún más mientras buscaba el rostro de su esposa.

Se volvió y miró a Randal directamente a los ojos. Sólo un movimiento de cabeza alertó a Elliott de que Randal comprendía perfectamente su nueva situación. Como marido, se compenetraron al instante por esta desgracia que parecía haberles aquejado a ambos en ciertos momentos.

Fue la buena suerte de Randal. "Ciertamente lo aprecio. Gracias a los dos. Como estáis justo enfrente de la casa que fue vandalizada, puede que se hayan capturado pruebas claras. Puede que aún se haga justicia".

Randal intentó no mirar la cara de Hannah mientras hablaba. "Puede que sí. La dilación tiene su utilidad en algunas ocasiones".

Reconoció su señal, les deseó suerte y se marchó.

Hannah apretó los puños, arrugó la lista de tareas pendientes, se dio la vuelta y entró en otra parte de la casa, con Elliott a remolque. Apoyada contra una pared, rezó en silencio.

Por supuesto, se alegró de que pudieran ayudarla. Sus pensamientos estaban en otra parte. Probablemente tardarían otro mes en arreglar sus asuntos.

¿Qué sentido tenía acordar una lista de cosas, de la que Elliott tenía una copia, si no estaba dispuesto a cumplirlas?

Su actitud relajada ya era bastante exasperante. Pero fue la dilación lo que la llevó al borde del abismo.

"Todo este ejercicio ha sido una pérdida de mi tiempo y esfuerzo. También tengo un trabajo que estoy terminando, además de mi propia lista. Odio seguir recordándotelo como si estuviera regañando y no tuviera confianza. Si no puedo contar con...". Dejó escapar la lista.

Elliott le cogió la mano. Sabía por qué había abandonado la habitación. Su matrimonio había sobrevivido estos años con este mecanismo de supervivencia. La admiraba por su capacidad multitarea y organizativa. Los detalles no eran su fuerte, de ahí la lista que ella siempre le proporcionaba.

Quería mucho a su mujer. Pensó que el hecho de que ella siguiera con él demostraba que le correspondía.

Evitando su mirada, respiró hondo y sonrió ligeramente.

El camión de escombros pesados había llegado.

Más tarde, contactaron juntos con el servicio de seguridad. Al revisar la cinta de vídeo que cubría el jardín delantero, les informaron de que la cinta indicaba que se había cometido un delito.

Cansados de las actividades del día, se prepararon para marcharse.

Con las manos suspendidas a media altura, Elliott esperó.

Hannah giró la cabeza en su dirección y miró fijamente los dedos autocongratulatorios que se cernían sobre su cara.

Pasaron varios segundos.

Ella cogió la lista, se acercó a él y le cubrió la cara con un breve beso, luego le puso el papel en las manos.

Él sonrió. Pero inmediatamente bajó los brazos, dándose cuenta de que ya había utilizado su último pase.

Para mi tema, me inspiré y utilicé la publicación de @daily.prompt de @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2126: videotape.