Back to Salem

by Alex Marcoux

  “Ms. Andrews, I know I asked you this last night, but have you given anymore thought to who might have wanted to cause Mr. Warner harm?”

  “I thought you said he died from an allergic reaction?” Taylor asked.

  “That’s what I said, but we haven’t dismissed the possibility that it was no accident.”

  “Oh. No. I can’t imagine anyone would have done this.”

  “Who’s the beneficiary of Mr. Warner’s estate?”

  Taylor stared at Detective Bradley before she answered. “I am.”

  “You administered the EpiPen last night. Correct?”

  “Yes.”

  “You’ve done it twice before? When?”

  “Oh, I don’t know exactly. Maybe two and four years ago.”

  “Mr. Warner relied on you to carry the epinephrine?”

  “Usually he would carry one and I would carry another, as a backup.”

  “And you carried the backup where?”

  “In my purse.”

  “But he didn’t carry one last night, did he?”

  “I didn’t find one on him. No.

  “Do you find that strange? That he didn’t have one on him.”

  “No. He had on a tux. It isn’t something he wears every day.”

  “I see,” Bradley said. “Who was responsible for purchasing and replacing the EpiPens?”

  “Well…I don’t think anyone was responsible for it, Detective Bradley. Between the two of us, we just made sure we had backups.”

  “How long was the EpiPen that you used last night in your purse?”

  “Not sure. Maybe a year.”

  “And how do you know that?”

  “I bought the purse about a year ago. Whenever I use a new bag, I put an EpiPen in it.”

  “And where would you get the EpiPen?”

  Taylor was starting to show some frustration. “It depends. Sometimes from the pharmacy, sometimes from Kurk, sometimes from another bag. Why all the questions about the EpiPen?”

  “Were you aware that EpiPens have a two-year shelf-life, and the one you used had expired by two years?”

  Taylor’s lips parted, her mouth opened, and she stared back at the detective. “Oh, my God. No, I didn’t know that. I only had the purse for a year. That means it had expired even before I put it in. How could that have slipped?” Tears swelled in Taylor’s eyes. “What happens when they expire? My God, did I kill him?”

  “From what I understand, when the drug ages it loses potency. Technically, the lower dose of epinephrine wouldn’t have killed him, but it wouldn’t have given him sufficient epinephrine to reverse anaphylaxis. So you didn’t know it had expired?”

  “I knew they had a couple year shelf-life.” Taylor shook her head, “But I didn’t know that it had expired.”

  “This may have just been a combination of carelessness on Mr. Warner’s part. Perhaps he wasn’t careful with what he ate last night, and he obviously didn’t have his epinephrine with him.”

  Taylor wasn’t interested in discussing theories with Detective Bradley. She remained quiet.

  “It’ll be some time before the toxicology report comes back. When we have more information, we’ll call you.” The detective excused himself and left.

  Jessie knew Taylor was troubled. “Taylor, what are you thinking?”

  “How could I have been so careless? I can’t drink milk if it’s within a couple days of the sell by date. How could this have slipped?”

  “Taylor, you can’t blame yourself for this. Detective Bradley is right. Kurk didn’t have an EpiPen on him, and you certainly didn’t shove a peanut down his throat.”

  But it wouldn’t have mattered what Jessie said. Taylor would never forgive herself, and she changed the subject. “Can I ask a favor?”

  “What’s that?”

  “Would you consider helping me with Kurk’s arrangements? I’ve never done this before.”

  “Of course, I’ll help.”

  “Would you consider…staying here, until the service?”

  Jessie studied Taylor. The previous evening had been difficult for her. She didn’t know how much more she could take being so close to her.

  “Just through the service,” Taylor suggested.

  “I’ll drive home this afternoon, take care of Maxwell, and pick up some clothes.”

  The next couple of days proved to be a living hell for Taylor. Memories of the dreadful evening, along with the knowledge that, somehow, she was responsible for Kurk’s death haunted her. She relied heavily on Jessie to make arrangements for Kurk’s body, the memorial service, and a catered open house to follow the service.

  The cinema world was stunned by Kurk’s unexpected death and everyone wanted to go back to the house after the service. It was late by the time the last guests and caterer left.

  Taylor confided in Jessie. “I never knew how much work was involved when someone dies.” She sat on her sofa.

  Jessie looked around Taylor’s great room where glasses and plates remained on the end tables.

  “Don’t worry about the mess. I’m having the cleaning service stop in tomorrow.”

  Jessie returned to the sofa. “How are you holding up?”

  “I’m okay,” Taylor said.

  “I’m going to be heading home tomorrow. Are you going to be okay?”

  “I’ll be fine.” Taylor thought about being alone in her house. “Thank you for everything you’ve done. I’m not sure what I would have done without you.”

  “I’m glad I could help.”

  “What are you working on now that Deceptions is finished?” Taylor intentionally changed the subject.

  “I’ve wanted to do some research for a new novel. What about you? What are you going to do?”

  “I’d like to finish up another CD. Mark suggested that I cancel my appearances over the next three months. I think I’ll use the time to work on some new music.”

  Chapter 16

  In the days that followed, Taylor tried to adjust to her new life without Kurk. She complied with Mark’s suggestion and canceled her appearances over the next couple of months. Then she found solace in her new music. Alone, she worked relentlessly on lyrics and music to new tunes. She started to pay more attention to those voices in her head, and she even admitted to herself the results were good. The tunes came quickly and easily. The hours passed, then days and then weeks and she had not left her sanctuary. Occasionally Mark and Travis would visit, both concluding she was withdrawing.

  Initially, Jessie called Taylor every day to see how she was managing. When she realized Taylor wasn’t calling her, she decided to back away and called weekly to check in on her. Taylor never sounded depressed, but rather excited about her new work.

  Over the holidays Jessie visited her brother in New York, and when she returned she called Taylor. It had been about a month since Kurk’s death and Jessie asked if Taylor would meet her for lunch sometime. Taylor agreed to meet the following week.

  They met at Granita’s, a restaurant not far from Taylor’s house. Taylor was waiting for Jessie at the table when she arrived.

  “How are you doing?” Jessie asked as she sat.

  “I’m good,” Taylor said. She smiled. “How are you?”

  “To be honest, I’ve been a little worried about you. I know you were alone through the holidays. I wanted to make sure you’re okay.”

  Taylor smiled. Her crystal blue eyes seemed to look straight through Jessie. “I’m actually very good, Jessie. I’ve been thinking and soul searching. I’ve never had time alone like this before. I realized I needed to come to some peace about Kurk. And…that’s been hard. But I’m getting there. I’m also working on new material for my next CD. I only have a couple more songs to do.”

  Jessie was pleased to see that Taylor looked healthy, happy, and somehow at peace. “Well…you must be doing something right, you look great.”

  “It’s nice to get out, though. This is the first time I’ve been out since the funeral. I’
ve been having my groceries delivered.”

  “Is there anything I can do for you?”

  Taylor smiled. “You’re sweet. Just have patience with me.”

  “What?”

  “Just have a little patience with me.”

  Jessie was reminded of the out-of-body experience she had right before Kurk died. As she sat there, she heard Taylor’s voice in her head. “I need time and patience. I need lots of patience. I miss you so. Please be patient.”

  Jessie shook the thought from her head. “Have you heard anything more from the police?”

  “Last I was told—the toxicology report confirmed it was an allergic reaction. I don’t think they’ve given up the notion that it was murder, but they don’t have a lot of evidence. I know Bradley is suspicious, but I haven’t heard from him in a couple of weeks.”

  “How long are you planning to stay in seclusion?”

  “I have another month off. Then, I know I’ll have to get back to work. Mark is being a real sweetheart.”

  “That sounds like Mark.”

  “Jessie, I’m just amazed at how easy the songs are coming to me right now. It’s like…” Taylor looked around, assuring that no one was listening. “I’m hearing voices,” she whispered.

  “Voices?”

  Taylor nodded. “Yes. Please don’t think I’m crazy. I hear voices in my head. I guess I always have, but I usually ignore them. This time…I’m listening to them and writing the words down. It’s amazing. Then I start hearing notes…musical notes. I put the words and the notes together, the next thing I know—I have a song.”

  Jessie smiled at Taylor. “You’re not crazy. I think you’re awakening your gifts, just like the psychic said. What was her name? Karen?”

  “I think so.”

  “This is a good thing,” Jessie said.

  “I have to admit—I have wondered about what she said. After the earring and Death card, she does seem to be accurate.”

  Jessie was reminded of Karen’s other comments, and then she changed the subject. “A friend of mine has offered me the use of her cabin out by Big Pines. I was thinking about driving up there in a couple of weeks, stay three or four days. Would you like to join me?” She asked.

  “In a couple of weeks? I wonder if I could get everything wrapped up by then. When you say cabin, images of YMCA camp are conjured up…does it have running water?”

  “Yes. From what I understand it’s beautiful, it’s right on a lake, and it’s supposed to be very comfortable.”

  Taylor appeared to be considering Jessie’s offer. “I think I’d like that. I just want to make sure I finish the lyrics and music for this new project. It may be a good way to celebrate.”

  Taylor returned home that afternoon and set the objective of finishing her project before the trip to the mountains. Over the next week, she completed the last two songs of the CD. The following week, she recorded the new music on an audiocassette tape. She sang the vocals accompanied by her synthesizer, and then dropped the tape in an envelope with a note.

  Dear Mark,

  Check it out! I’m heading out of town. I’ll be back by the 25th. Listen and let me know what you think.

  Warmest,

  Taylor

  The following morning, as she headed out of town, she dropped the envelope in the mail. By eleven o’clock she arrived at Jessie’s house. The Lexus was in the driveway, packed full and ready to go.

  As the Porsche pulled into the driveway, Jessie greeted Taylor. “Why don’t you pull your car into the garage?”

  Taylor nodded, then pulled into the three-car garage. She popped her trunk, and removed a small bag from the Porsche which Jessie took and placed it in the Lexus.

  Taylor eyed Jessie’s fully packed car. “We’re only going for three or four days, right?”

  “We are. I’ve never been there and as I understand it, there aren’t a lot of restaurants or stores up there. I wasn’t clear what the cabin had, so I’m sure I’ve over packed.”

  The drive through the heart of the San Gabriel wilderness was beautiful. It didn’t take long for the landscape to change to blankets of fresh snow with thriving evergreens covering mountain peaks. They drove for nearly two hours, and when they arrived the women got out of the car and looked around in awe. The cabin sat next to a sparkling blue lake surrounded by majestic snow-covered mountaintops.

  “This has got to be one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been,” Taylor admitted.

  “It is beautiful.”

  They grabbed some luggage and headed into the cabin. Both were pleased that it was well furnished. The only obvious items missing were a telephone and television. Jessie searched for a thermostat to take the chill out of the air, which was found in a hallway leading to the bedrooms. The women selected their bedrooms then unpacked the car and their belongings. When Taylor finished, she returned to the living room where Jessie was building a fire in the fireplace.

  “Can I do something to help?” Taylor asked.

  “Would you like to open a bottle of wine?”

  Taylor found a few bottles of wine in the kitchen. “Red or white?”

  “Whatever you’re drinking.”

  Taylor poured two glasses of merlot. When Jessie finished with the fire, she placed a tray of cheese and crackers on the table near the couch. They sat and enjoyed the fire, wine and crackers.

  “I understand there’s a trail that goes around the lake. It’s about five miles. We would need snowshoes for part of it. From what I understand, it’s challenging but not impossible. Do you think you’re up for a hike tomorrow?” Jessie asked.

  “Five miles? Yes, I can do that.”

  Both enjoyed dinner and the women talked until close to midnight before they retired.

  In the morning, Jessie was up at close to her normal wake-up time and found refuge in a book. Taylor was up a couple hours later. By ten, the women were dressed and ready to go. Although it didn’t seem very cold, they put extra gloves, scarves and hats in a backpack.

  The sun was out; it was a beautiful February day. The temperature was in the low 30s, but both were dressed properly for the weather. For the first mile, the trail was easy. It was wide, and followed close to the lake with little incline. It gave Taylor and Jessie an opportunity to get used to the snowshoes. Then the path diverted away from the lake and up an incline. Very quickly, the trail became steep. Initially, it was lined with thicket, then the vegetation changed and the women were in the forest with tall evergreens. At times the trail butted up against steep inclines. Deep snow blanketed the forest, sometimes making it more difficult to follow the path. Although Jessie found the hike to be quite enjoyable, it was more challenging than she had been led to believe. Now, she was concerned about whether the trail was more than Taylor could handle.

  At one point, Jessie turned to check on her and she was winded. “Are you okay?”

  “Sure.” But Taylor’s huffing and puffing indicated otherwise.

  Jessie and Taylor came to a clearing on top of a hill. A rock formation presented the perfect place for them to sit. They had been hiking hard for the last hour and both were tired. They sat on an outcropping, and Jessie removed snacks from the backpack she carried.

  “Thanks. I’m hungry.” Taylor took the snack and water bottle that Jessie offered. “How far do you think we’ve come?”

  Jessie glanced at her watch. “About two miles. How are you doing?”

  “I’m okay.”

  “This is more challenging than I expected. We could just turn around and go back the way we came.”

  “I’m fine. I’d rather keep going.”

  Jessie was getting warm; the sun was beating down on them as they sat on the rock. She unzipped her jacket partially, to cool herself.

  “You work out, don’t you,” Taylor asked. Her face was red, showing signs of her fatigue.

  “I do. And you?”

  “Obviously, not as much as you.”

  “Let’s rest for a while.” Je
ssie looked in the direction the trail was leading. “What goes up must come down. It looks like it’ll be downhill for a bit.”

  “Great.”

  “So you wrapped up your music and sent it off to Mark?”

  “I did. I dropped it in the mail yesterday, hoping he listens to it by the time I return.”

  “You sound excited about it.”

  “I am, and I can’t remember the last time I was this excited about a new project. I’m curious to find out if this stuff is good.”

  “I’m sure it is.”

  “Have you ever…” Taylor stopped her question in mid-sentence. “Never mind.”

  “Have I ever what?”

  Taylor hesitated. “Have you ever experienced a déjà vu?” Taylor asked.

  “What do you mean?”

  Taylor made eye contact with Jessie. “You know—when you experience something for the first time but it seems like it’s occurred before?”

  “Yes. Occasionally.”

  “Do you think they relate back to past lives?”

  It was clear that Taylor’s interest in metaphysics was increasing. Jessie smiled. “Some people believe déjà vu experiences are past-life memories. Others believe that they’re precognitive.”

  “What do you mean by precognitive?”

  “Knowing something before it happens. Somehow, you experience an event through some psychic process or a dream before it happens. Then when you actually experience it, it seems familiar, like you’ve done it before. Why do you ask?”

  Taylor shook her head. “Since yesterday I’ve had three déjà vu experiences. I can’t remember the last time I’ve felt them so strongly.”

  “Really? When did you experience them?”

  “Once in the car coming out, last night during dinner, and while we were hiking, earlier.”

  “Very interesting. Over the last month or so, you’ve been working your creative side very intensely. Perhaps this is opening your psychic abilities.”

  “Can’t you call it something else? I really don’t care for the word psychic.”

  “Taylor. We’re all psychic. We all have different abilities. The key is to identify your strengths and work with them.”