Suspicious Mind

Short Story

“You do believe me. Don’t you? It was an accident. Don’t get me wrong. I meant to do it. I just didn’t mean for it to go that far. Look, if I were going to plan a murder, it would have been a little more thought out. And I would have used something a little more conventional. Like poison. Or a gun. Under normal circumstances, I would never hurt a soul. Ask anyone, I don’t have a mean bone in my body. Maybe a suspicious mind . . .”

The lawyer stopped pacing and looked at his watch. They’d been here for hours and he was no less confused then when they’d started. When he came to represent one half of the city’s most influential power couples. For the murder of her other half.

“Look, Mrs. Brookhaven. It doesn’t matter what I believe. Really, it doesn’t. I am going to represent you to the best of my ability. I have to. It’s my job. And you have the right to be defended in court.” Not to mention the money, but he kept that part to himself. “But you have to understand how important it is for you to be open and honest with me. What you say will be how we determine the defense we will use. We have to look at all the options before we decide to plead guilty or innocent, or even to consider an insanity plea.”

“I assure you; I am not insane. I knew exactly what I was doing. If anything, I am guilty of wanting to cause him harm. But I never meant to kill him.”

The flustered lawyer sat down across from her and picked up his pen. “Okay, let’s start all over again. Don’t skip anything, even if you said it before. What led up to this and what triggered you today?”

She started to object but thought better of it when she saw a flash of anger in his eyes. And she knew exactly what a flash can ignite. “All right. Once more, for the record. I have had my suspicions for several months now that my husband Daniel was having an affair. He suddenly started spending more and more time at the office. At first, I thought it might be the new account executive they hired at the firm. Because the timing seemed to match up. But that theory was put to rest at the office Christmas party. When I was introduced to the newest staff member, Brandon, and his lovely wife. That was also the night when I turned my attention to his secretary. I noticed that she seemed to hang on his every word. I saw how she stared at him while he was speaking. And I noticed way she touched his arm when she spoke to him.  The way she laughed, too long and too loud at his stupid jokes.”

Pausing for a sip of water, she reconsidered. “No, that’s not fair. His jokes weren’t stupid. He was smart and funny. Overly fond of puns. His wit and his way with words is what made him the CEO of the top ad agency in the state. But still, there was a tone, an under lying current, and I picked up on it. I began watching for clues and tucking them away for when I would eventually confront him. Waiting patiently for absolute proof. And that’s what happened today.”

Happy to finally be getting somewhere, he encouraged her to continue. “So, what happened today?”

“I met him in the city for lunch. We tried to do that at least twice a month. We planned our lunch dates around my social calendar as I went into the city fairly often.” She noticed he’d stopped writing and was tapping his pen impatiently.  “Which brings me to today. At first, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. He was very animated, talking loud and fast about antics at the office. But that was normal. He was nothing, if not entertaining. He would wave his hands around, punctuating his words in the air. It could be distracting at times. But today, it caused a different sort of disruption. As he moved, I could see bright flecks of light darting around the table. Like little butterflies, constantly in motion, never landing on any one thing. And just as I realized that it was reflections of light, a bright burst hit me right in the eyes. Brilliant and brighter than a camera flash. It blinded me for a split second. And when my eyes adjusted, I saw that it was coming from him. That was the moment I noticed the large diamond studded tie tac. The realization hit me just as fast as the light. This was the proof I had been waiting for. I confronted him right then and there.”

The lawyer pointed his pen at her. “How was your tone? Inquisitive or accusatory?”

She took another drink, reliving the moment, wanting to be accurate. “I pointed at his tie and said. “That’s new. Where did you get it? When did you get it?” And I watched his reaction. I could see him scrambling to come up with an answer. In over 20 years, I’d never known that man to buy any sort of jewelry for himself. No, I take that back. He bought an expensive watch to celebrate his business success. But even that was with my input. Anyway, he had the nerve to laugh and then he lied to my face! He told me that I had gotten it for him! As if I wouldn’t remember. And I told him as much. Did he think I was stupid or senile? He just laughed again and said that he didn’t think that at all but as I had bought him so much jewelry over the years, it would be easy to forget a piece or two. Especially something he didn’t wear all the time. Then he just dismissed it! He buttoned his suit jacket, covering it up and said that he was running late and needed to get back to the office but we would talk about it at supper that night. He said he would look for the box it had come in and he was sure that would jar my memory. Then he kissed me on the forehead and patted my hair, like a damn dog. He walked away, whistling to himself; like he didn’t have a care in the world. And he’s good too. Very convincing. By the time I got back home from the city, I was questioning it myself. Could it have been a gift from seven or eight Christmases ago? Then I got the call. And it all came crashing down.” She paused again. Just long enough to make sure he was caught up with his chicken scratches. Waving his pen again he told her to continue.

“Shortly after I got home, the phone started ringing. It was the owner of a jewelry store and one I wasn’t familiar with. He said he had tried to reach Dan at his office, since he was unavailable, he figured he would call the house and leave a message for him. He was surprised when I answered. Imagine my surprise when I answered!  He said that normally, he would wait to talk to the client directly but he could see on the invoice that I had been there when it was purchased. I agreed with him again – lucky me! He wanted to know if he could save Dan a trip and drop it off on his way home. He was leaving the store soon and knew that his neighborhood was close to ours. I thanked him and gave him the address. And yes. I agreed with him that it would be a nice surprise for Mr. Brookhaven to come home to. It most certainly would be. He assured me that I would have it within an hour or so. Long before Dan would be home. More than enough time to plan what to do next.”

The lawyer didn’t like the word plan and made a mental note to address that later. “What happened next? Is it a fair assumption to say that you opened it?”

“Oh, you know I did. I think I had it out of the box before the jeweler was out of the driveway. It was a watch. And the inscription said, “Time is hours. Spelled H-O-U-R-S.”  I told you he was fond of puns. Kind of ironic now, huh? Time and all that.”

The lawyer rubbed his eyes under his glasses before picking up the pen again. “I’m not sure I’m following you. It sounds sweet, romantic even. Why the leap to adultery?  Or am I missing something?”

“It came with a card. It said Happy Anniversary, my love. Here’s to the first of many. Well, it wasn’t our anniversary, and it certainly wouldn’t have been our first! It was obvious, it was a gift for someone else. I was fairly certain it was his secretary, though she’d worked for him for years so I had to wonder what the anniversary was. Their first “long lunch?” The first time they’d slept together?  That’s all that I could think about. The questions I was going to ask him and how to best approach it. Should I meet him in the driveway with the package, all put back together? Telling him it had just arrived and I hadn’t opened it yet. I wanted to see his face, watch those wheels turn as he tried to explain the unexplainable. I even thought about putting it on a serving platter under a silver cloche. I only used it once in a while for special occasions and I felt this definitely counted as one.”

The lawyer interrupted her, trying to reel her back in. “Well, obviously, based on the scene of the incident, that’s not what happened. When did the weapon come into play and why?”

“Well...it had started to rain. And Dan called to say that he was going to be late because it was storming in the city and traffic was slow. He was even debating turning around and just staying overnight at the office. He asked if it was storming here too, and I had to bite my tongue to keep from telling him that the storm that he was coming home to was far worse. I just told him to be careful and to let me know what he decided either way.  Then I started pacing and thinking. And when another hour had passed and he hadn’t called, I assumed he wasn’t coming. That raised a whole new set of questions. Was she there too? Had this been their plan all along? Was there even a storm in the city? Though admittedly, the rain had picked up outside our house as well. And the occasional clap of thunder was putting me even more on edge. Then, it was as if a sudden flash of lightning, lit up mind with clarity. I decided in that instant that I couldn’t wait any longer. I had to go and confront him and it had to be tonight, even if I had to drive through the storm to do it. I put the watch back in its box and then put everything into the store bag and grabbed my coat and an umbrella and headed for the door.  That’s when the door opened and there he stood. Lightning flickered, framing him in the doorway. His hair was dripping, and as he pulled off his overcoat another glint caught my eye. Whether it was lightning catching it or the bright light from the hallway, the tie tac was shimmering and demanding my attention. Glittering in the light, it was all I could think about. He looked surprised too, probably forgot to take it off or hoping I would have forgotten about it. It was like a slap in the face. A physical pain and, in that moment, I wanted to hurt him back. I lunged at him with the umbrella. I was aiming for the diamond. I wanted to push it in, just enough to pierce the skin. You know. To make sure he got my point!”  Her laugh, at the brink of hysteria made the lawyer very nervous. He suddenly realized that his prized fountain pen looked a little more like a deadly dagger than an instrument for writing. He made a mental note to not sit it down again.

Just then, there was a knock at the door startling the lawyer. A policemen could be seen nervously smiling through a glass window. “Sorry to interrupt. But you said to let you know when the witness had arrived. She’s right across the hall here in the other interrogation room. You want me to sit with her until you’re ready?”

The lawyer stood up, maybe a little too quickly. He made sure to put his pen away in his jacket pocket before anything else. “Actually, I think Mrs. Brookhaven, here could use a little break, yes?”  She smiled sweetly at him, and it was unnerving.  “We are at a place now where it might be very helpful to get another perspective. Could you get her a cup of coffee and maybe a sandwich? We’ve been at this for a while. Then, could you sit with her until I can get this other statement?

Looking more like a doting grandmother than a murder suspect, it crossed her mind to ask them who the witness was, a neighbor maybe? But she knew from her favorite crime dramas that they can’t discuss details of an ongoing case. She smiled at the officer instead and said she would be happy with whatever he brought her. She certainly wasn’t picky. Any kind of sandwich would do. Though, truth be told, she would prefer a hot cup of tea to coffee if that wouldn’t be too much trouble. And perhaps he could check and see if there was a donut or some chips in their breakroom? She winked and offered her wrists, saying that she understood that they had to follow procedure and put the cuffs back on while they left the room.  The lawyer gathered up his papers and his briefcase and entered the room across the hall. The scene in the new room was a sharp contrast from the one he’d just left. And for just a second, he wondered if there might be something to the wife’s theory after all.  This woman was distraught, she’d obviously been crying and was doing her best to compose herself as he walked in. She stood up and offered him her hand to shake. He noticed that she was trembling and wanted to put her mind at ease as quickly as possible. He introduced himself as Mrs. Brookhaven’s lawyer and motioned for her to sit down again before starting. “I know that you have been informed of his passing and of the unfortunate circumstances. I want to assure you that you are in no way a suspect. We know what happened and we have a confession. She nodded and he sat down across from her, pulling out another notepad. “Now, let me make sure I’ve got this right. You are Megan Green. Daniel Brookhaven’s secretary, correct?”

“Yes sir, I am. Or I was.” She started sniffling again and he waited patiently for her to dab her eyes. “Ms. Green, I apologize for being blunt but I have to ask due to the circumstances. Were you involved with Mr. Brookhaven? Romantically?”

She almost choked on the water she was sipping. “Good Lord, no! He was one of the sweetest men I ever knew but he was more like a father to me. And I can promise you. He wasn’t involved with anyone else either. He loved his wife! That’s what makes this so tragic! It’s common for husbands to miss birthdays and anniversaries. But not Mr. B. He’d been working on this surprise anniversary dinner for the past couple months and it was all set for next week.”

The lawyer was writing as fast as he could but felt the need to interrupt. “Well, that’s where I need some clarification. This anniversary is what seems to have led us to this tragic situation.  An engraved watch was delivered to their house with a card that said something about a first anniversary. The Brookhaven’s had been married for several years so she knew it had to be for someone else. She suspected it was you.”  

Megan gasped. “She wasn’t supposed to get that watch or the card until he presented it to her at the restaurant. It was an anniversary of their first year in their new house. She sacrificed a lot to move to a place closer to the city and he wanted to show her his appreciation for their new life in their new place. He didn’t think that she would remember the date as anything special and might even feel bad for that so he bought himself a gift as well, the tie tac. Actually, I bought it. He told me what he wanted and gave me his credit card – said he had bad taste in jewelry. He even had me go with him to pick out her watch! He had it all planned out. While she was opening her gift from him, he was going to make a big deal about opening his gift “from her” at the same time.  Saying “You shouldn’t have!” and then saying – “Oh, wait. You didn’t!”  He knew that would make her laugh. I got a call yesterday that the tie tac was polished and boxed and ready for pick up, so I stopped on my way into work and brought it to him. And that’s why he had the tie tac on, at the restaurant. He had tried it on and was asking everyone’s opinion. We were all in on it. Even coming up with something corny to put on his card. He had decided on “A perfect stud for a perfect stud”!  Then things got busy with a new client and he forgot he had it on. When he came back to the office, he was laughing so hard about it. Said she noticed it and seemed to get angry. He had never known her to be jealous or suspicious but it tickled him to no end to think of her sitting at home stewing about it. Said he’d have to come up with a doozy to get out of this and looked forward to watching her expression when he opened it at the dinner. He spent the rest of the afternoon talking about how he just knew it was driving her crazy trying to figure out where it had come from.”

The lawyer shook his head. “Crazy, huh? The old guy had no way of knowing just how close to the truth that was.” He stood up and offered his hand again. “Thank you, Ms. Green. At least we understand what led to this. I don’t know if it will help her case but I hope she will find some solace in knowing that he wasn’t cheating on her. Most people might find that even more upsetting but she’s not like most people.”

Megan nodded. “Can I ask you something? I understand if you can’t say. But I’m curious. Do you think it was really an accident? It’s just all so unbelievable.”

“There are a lot of extenuating circumstances here. But no. I don’t think she intended to kill him. But what she did, intentional or not, was so very wrong. And even now, after the fact, she doesn’t seem to get that. I am seriously questioning her state of mind. Her answers to my questions are inappropriate at best.  That’s why it was so important that I talk to you. To get the rest of the details.” He waved the stack of pages in his hand. “Maybe things will be different when she’s confronted with the truth. Thank you again for your help. And I am truly sorry for your loss.”

He crossed the hall and entered the other room again noticing how the flustered officer almost knocked over his chair in such a hurry to get out of there. The lawyer started pacing the floor again, waiting for her to finish her makeshift meal. He filled her in on the parts of the story that she had been sadly lacking. He had no idea what to expect. He watched her closely. Studying her body language and her facial expressions; looking desperately for any clues. Any signs of remorse or even awareness.

She said nothing for the longest time. He knew enough to just let the silence lay there. Finally, she looked up at him and sighed deeply. “It is odd. Now that I think of it. I really did know better.”

He started writing again. “Now, we’re getting somewhere. You do realize how your anger was manifested and how your reaction was totally out of the ordinary.”

“Yes. Of course. I should have just left things the way they were. He’d already gotten the point.” Her laughter was nothing less than frightening. Before adding, “Besides, everyone knows it’s bad luck to open an umbrella inside!”