Det Annie Macpherson 01 - Primed By The Past

by Speake, Barbara Fagan

  35

  Jackie Winters was too angry to go straight home. The shopping had been a ruse to get out of Starbucks. In some ways, she didn’t care if she was going to be late home. She was sick of having to be good and fed up trying to please a man who could be so utterly selfish when he wanted to be. She opened her cellphone in the car and went to the contacts list. The phone answered on the third ring. ‘Hi, it’s Jackie. How are things? Is there any news?’

  ‘Still waiting for the doctors. Should be within the next half hour. Were you thinking of coming over?’

  ‘I can if you want me to. I’m at the mall, but I can be there in 20 minutes.’ Once they agreed, Jackie closed her phone and then opened it again. She composed a text message to Jim; no point in antagonising him unnecessarily.

  Jackie checked her cellphone as soon as she parked. His return text was abrupt, simply telling her that he would be out and not to wait up. That was a coded message that he was getting up to his usual tricks. She switched off the phone and locked the car, her mood getting darker by the minute.

  Arriving on the ward, one of the nurses recognised her. ‘Captain Hegarty is in the staff room with two of the surgeons. The meeting has only just begun.’

  ‘Thanks’ said Jackie. ‘Can I wait for him in Angie’s room?’

  ‘Of course.’

  Jackie nodded to the officer outside the room and he put her name in the book. He knew it by now.

  Sitting down beside Angie, Jackie tried to second-guess the doctors and the conversation they would be having at that very minute with Charlie. It didn’t look good. She almost felt that it would be better if the machine just went wrong and all this could be over. She had the weirdest sensation that she should simply switch off the machine. Then Charlie wouldn’t be in this difficult dilemma, wouldn’t have to make a decision that he would have to live with for the rest of his life, blaming himself, when he was the least to blame of anyone. Would the machine have to stay off long she wondered or would it be enough to switch it off and then switch it straight back on? But the action wasn’t hers to take. She knew that, no matter what, it wasn’t her action to take.

  She suspected Charlie wouldn’t be long. She’d grown quite fond of him over the last few days, so different from Jim. Charlie was the kind of guy every woman wanted: very good looking and caring, loyal, but there was no point. They were in different leagues.

  A few moments later, the door opened, bringing her out of her reverie. Charlie was ashen and she knew from the look on his face that the news wasn’t good. Jackie stood up, not knowing what to say, suddenly feeling awkward.

  For what seemed like minutes, Charlie stood at the end of the bed, his gaze focused intensely on his sister, lying there so helplessly. Then he put his hands to his face and his shoulders started to shake. Without hesitation, Jackie got up and put her arms around him, while he fought to hold back the tears.

  The canteen didn’t offer a lot of privacy, but there were so few people around, they managed to find a quiet section. Jackie came back with two coffees and a sandwich for Charlie. She knew from his brief comments that he hadn’t eaten since lunchtime. She placed the coffees and the sandwich on the table. He had managed to compose himself by the time they’d gotten to the canteen. He looked at the sandwich briefly but then pushed it to one side.

  ‘I’m sorry, I don’t think I can eat. You have it, if you want.’

  Jackie leaned over and put her hand on his. Charlie didn’t pull away, like Jim usually did. Everything was always on his terms. ‘Tell me what the doctors said,’ Jackie whispered, not moving her hand until he looked at her.

  ‘They want to operate again. They think it’s her only chance. The tests show that the brain has been swelling. If they do nothing, the chances of her surviving are virtually non-existent. But the operation is also extremely risky. Essentially she could die on the operating table. But even if she survives the surgery, it could still be days before we know whether she will come through or not. I have to give them an answer in an hour. They’ll perform the surgery tonight if I’m prepared to sign the consent form.’

  ‘Charlie, I’m so sorry. I don’t know what to say. Have you made a decision?’

  Charlie shut his eyes and rubbed them with his hands. ‘When I was little, she was like a mother to me. Our mom was never well. Some days she never got out of bed. After my dad’s death, she lost the will to go on. Not even two kids who depended on her could make her get out of bed some days. Angie was my mother for all intents and purposes. She dropped me off at school and then went on to the high school. She sometimes skipped her last class to get back in time for me. She missed out on so much: after school activities, sports, you name it. She had responsibilities no kid that age should have. It was only when one of my aunts moved in with us that Angie was set free. Then she joined the army and I didn’t see her for six months while she was on basic training.’

  ‘She never told me any of that, just talked about how much she loved you. She’s so proud of you.’ Jackie was holding her coffee but hadn’t yet taken a drink from it. Charlie hadn’t touched his either.

  The canteen was starting to fill up now, the night shift coming on duty, grabbing a sandwich for later and a coffee for now. Charlie was momentarily distracted and reached for his own cup. When he placed it back down, he said to Jackie: ‘What would you do?’

  Jackie didn’t answer right away, mulling over the question in her mind. ‘I can’t answer that. I don’t think from what I know of Angie that she would want to remain like she is now. She wouldn’t want to be dependent. I guess you need to think about whether you believe the surgery can change that or not.’

  ‘I’m sorry, I had no right to put you in that position.’

  ‘Charlie, I’m her friend, and although you and I have only just recently met, I feel like I’ve known you for ages. Angie talked about you so much. So you have every right to ask me what I think. I just can’t give you an answer.’

  ‘I’m going back to the ward now. Are you staying or leaving?’

  ‘I’ll finish my coffee and follow you up and then sit with you for a little while.’

  Charlie left the canteen without another word. When he was out of sight, Jackie opened her cellphone.

  36

  Mrs Wojinski was fussing around Gus and it was starting to get on his nerves. He began to feel that maybe he would have been better off on his own. After all, he was going to have to start getting used to that. The thought brought on another bout of crying and he stepped out on to the porch so her solicitations would be left back in the room. It was just starting to get dark and he noticed the fireflies lighting up the bushes. Memories of the many nights that he and Carol had sat out on this porch overwhelmed him. Slamming his fists against the railing he nearly screamed. But what good would that do except to bring out more of a reaction from his mother? Hearing the phone ring, he rushed back into the house.

  His mother was standing at the kitchen counter with the phone in her hand. ‘Yes Detective Malin, this is Madeline Wojinski, Gus’s mother. Yes, he is right here. I’ll pass the phone to him.’

  Gus had all he could do not to grab it off her.

  ‘I wondered if I could come over to your house, only some jewellery has been found at the scene which is still recognisable. We wondered if you might be able to identify it. Would now be convenient?’

  Gus placed the phone back in its cradle.

  ‘Detective Malin is on his way. They’ve found some jewellery and want to see if I can identify it. I need a few minutes on my own. Do you mind?’

  ‘Of course not. I’ll get some fresh coffee on for Detective Malin.’

  Maybe I can do something useful, thought Gus, as he went into their bedroom. Carefully he took Carol’s jewellery box out from the top drawer of the chest of drawers and placed it on the bed. Not havi
ng seen her leave for work that last morning, he couldn’t be sure what jewellery she was wearing, so he scanned the box to work out what was missing.

  Touching various items made memories come flooding back of times she’d worn the pieces. Concentrate, he said to himself. Then he noticed that the gold necklace with her birthstone was not in its usual place. It was one of her favourites. Also missing was her gold watch, his first Christmas present to her after they were married and of course, her wedding ring. She never took that off her finger, insisting that it was bad luck to remove it. Earrings, yes the ones that matched the necklace were also missing.

  Shutting the box, he put it back in its place and went into the bathroom. Looking in the mirror, he hardly recognised himself. Dark circles had started to form beneath his eyes and they were red from the crying. Pull yourself together man was all he could say to himself. He had to face this next bit – maybe it wasn’t Carol, after all. But that thought only comforted him for a second. If it wasn’t her, then where was she?

  When the doorbell rang, he let his mother answer it.

  Detective Malin took a seat at the breakfast bar opposite Gus. Mrs Wojinski busied herself serving coffee.

  ‘I’m sorry Mr Wojinski, I know this is difficult. The body we found in the car was moved to the ME’s office this afternoon for examination. The jewellery was removed from the body. I’m afraid it has to remain in the evidence bags, but I wonder if you recognise any of the pieces.’

  Malin carefully placed the four bags on the Formica surface of the breakfast bar, studying Gus for any reaction. Picking up the bag with the birthstone necklace first, Gus rubbed his fingers over it as if that might somehow bring his wife back. But when he touched his wife’s wedding ring, he felt his stomach lurch. Rushing out of the room, he only just made it to the bathroom.

  Mrs Wojinski took her son’s place at the breakfast bar and touched each of the bags in turn. ‘I remember her opening up the box at Christmas and how happy she was with this watch. It’s inscribed on the back.’ Then, as she lined it up with the other items, Gus came back into the room. Without comment, his mother slid off the stool to allow her son to take his seat again.

  Gus touched each of the bags again and then finally commented. ‘All of these items are my wife’s, Detective. Will I be able to have them back at some stage?’

  ‘Just as soon as I can release them. I am so sorry for your loss sir. We will do everything we can to work out what caused the accident.’

  Mrs Wojinski showed the Detective to the door. By the time she returned to the kitchen, her son had retreated to the side porch again and she heard the sound of the swing seat. By now it was very dark and she knew he needed time on his own. When the phone rang, she went to answer it. It was Carol’s parents, who had just settled into their motel room. It was left to her to tell them what had just transpired. At least they had each other for comfort.

  37

  Annie noticed the light blinking on the answer machine as she shut the apartment door behind her. The shock on her face was visible when she heard Paul’s voice. ‘Annie, your mum asked me to ring as she doesn’t want to leave Andrew. He’s better and the doctors think he will wake soon. Your mum wants to be there when he does.’ There was a slight pause. ‘I guess it’s about 5:30 for you. I’m leaving the hospital now. I have to get back to Stockport. I was home for a few days seeing my folks when I heard about Andrew so I came over to see if I could help. Your aunt is with your mum.’ His voice became more hesitant and Annie found that she was holding her breath waiting for him to continue. ‘Your mum says you like the placement, um, Annie, I miss you.’ And there the message ended.

  As the last few words were said, Annie realised she’d begun to cry. Right now she could curl up beside Paul and be perfectly happy, but she knew it wouldn’t last and that he deserved better. Hearing his voice again, hearing him say that he missed her brought back all the emotion, the trauma of the cancelled wedding. What would have happened if she’d been at home and answered the phone? She wasn’t sure she would have coped with talking to Paul.

  She wandered aimlessly into the kitchen, not sure what to do next. There was no point in trying to ring her mother, as she knew that her phone would be switched off. And it sounded as if Andrew would pull through. She was tempted to replay the message again but what good would that do?

  As she opened the door of the refrigerator, she was startled by the sound of the phone. She picked it up and without thinking, blurted out ‘Mum?’

  ‘Annie, it’s Dave. Sorry, are you expecting a call?’

  ‘Sorry Dave, I just had a message on my machine from a friend. My mum is at my brother’s bedside. I just thought she might have taken a break to give me a ring.’

  ‘So I guess you want to stay put, in case she does try, but have you eaten?’ Ellison’s voice was comforting.

  ‘No, I was just trying to see what I had in to throw together, but I’m not inspired.’ Annie felt herself relax.

  ‘How about I pick up a pizza and swing by. I could be there in half an hour; that way you can stay by the phone.’

  Annie’s instinct told her this wasn’t a good idea, but after the day she’d had, and the lack of sleep last night, she wasn’t in the mood to argue. ‘Thanks Dave, that would be lovely. I’ll see you in half an hour.’

  *****

  Charlie spent another 20 minutes with the doctors and gave them his decision. He wanted the surgery. He wanted his sister back. If there was even the slightest chance that could happen, he couldn’t deny her that. The doctor said that he would schedule it for later that evening and advised Charlie to have a break; it was going to be a long night.

  Suddenly Charlie felt like eating something decent, not a hospital sandwich. As he passed the waiting room, he spotted Jackie flicking through a magazine. He had forgotten she’d said she would wait. She looked up as he stopped at the door. ‘Surgery is later tonight. I’m going to wait in Angela’s room, but first I need something to eat. Have you got to get back or can you join me?’

  The diner was only a block away so the two of them walked in the warm night air. ‘It feels good to get out of that place, if only for a short time. I’m not used to sitting around.’

  Jackie smiled. ‘No, a regular action man, aren’t you? Someone used to being in control, knowing who the enemy is.’

  ‘I wouldn’t go that far,’ Charlie quipped as he opened the door of the diner.

  Once their orders had been taken, Charlie took a sip of his beer. ‘I needed that.’

  ‘I guess you must be really worried. What do the doctors think the outcome will be?’

  ‘You know how cautious doctors are, but they think she’ll have a better chance than if they don’t operate. Look, could we talk about something else while we’re eating. I won’t be able to hold it together otherwise.’ And with that, he picked up his glass and finished off his drink. The waitress noticed and asked him if he wanted another. ‘Why not, it’s going to be a long night.’ The waitress smiled, no doubt envisaging a much better night for Charlie than it was going to be.

  ‘I could stay with you, you know, wait for the news.’ Jackie reached over and touched his arm for the second time that evening.

  Charlie glanced down at her hand but didn’t attempt to move it. ‘Thanks, Jackie, but I’m sure Jim is expecting you back.’ Her facial expression made him realise something was wrong. ‘What’s the matter?’

  Jackie looked away for a moment, the colour in her cheeks rising. ‘I wasn’t going to mention this. You have enough to think about.’

  ‘Jackie?’

  ‘OK, I was interviewed by the two detectives again this afternoon.’ She hesitated, as the waitress brought over a basket of bread and another beer for Charlie. ‘They asked again about the night Angela was attacked, about Jim, about when he got home.’

 
‘Surely, they can’t think he had anything to do with it.’ Charlie was trying not to raise his voice, but all the time he was thinking that the two detectives were pulling at straws. ‘Angie always talked about Jim, what a good friend, surely?’

  ‘Sometimes appearances can be deceiving.’

  ‘What are you saying Jackie? Tell me, I need to know.’ There was a hint of irritation in his voice now.

  ‘I’m sorry Charlie, you’re right, they were good friends and Jim is very fond of Angela. I wasn’t trying to imply the two of them had a problem.’

  ‘Then what are you saying?’ But before Jackie could answer, the waitress was back with their meals. It took a few minutes to unload her tray and see that they had everything they needed.

  ‘You’re starving, let’s eat and then I will tell you more over coffee. Meanwhile, tell me about this fishing trip you were having when you got the phone call.’

  Charlie wanted to know what was going on, but when he saw the food, he suddenly realised how little he had eaten over the past few days, and how tired he was. He needed the food so that he could cope with what was to come, back at the hospital, and also, for what else Jackie might have to say. He didn’t know the woman all that well really, just through Angela, and he had never spent any time alone with her. But he knew how close she and Angie were, so that counted for a lot with him. He also remembered the question Annie had asked him about Jim, Jackie and his sister. What exactly was happening here?

  38