Compulsion

by Terri Breneman

  “Boggs and I will head to Judge Crayton’s place first,” Vicky said. “Patty, you, Johnnie and Jessie go over to Doris Jackson’s house. As soon as you know anything, call us, okay?”

  Everyone agreed and took off. Boggs rode with Vicky and they sped through the streets, pulling up in front of Judge Crayton’s house in less than ten minutes.

  “We can’t just break down the door, Boggs. Let me do the talking, okay?”

  Vicky rang the bell and was greeted by a woman dressed in black slacks and a white sweater. “Yes? Can I help you?”

  Vicky flashed her badge. “We’d like to speak with Judge Crayton for a moment.”

  The woman seemed a little nervous. “She’s not up to visitors right now. I’m sorry.”

  Boggs took a step forward, determined to get inside. “It’s really important. And you are?”

  “My name is Janelle Conway. I’m the judge’s assistant.”

  “We really need to see her,” Vicky said. “It won’t take more than a couple minutes.”

  She hesitated again, then nodded. “Just a minute,” Janelle said. “Please wait here.” She closed the door.

  “We’ll wait five minutes, then I’m going in,” Boggs said quietly, her anxiety growing.

  They didn’t have to wait that long. Janelle opened the door less than two minutes later. “The judge agreed to see you.” She showed them inside and up to the second floor to the judge’s study. Boggs went inside first, with Vicky on her heels.

  Boggs looked around the room, searching for any telltale sign of Toni. The study was warm and inviting. Judge Crayton was sitting in a large leather club chair near a fireplace. Her eyes were red and puffy and she was clutching a tissue.

  “I apologize, ladies,” the judge said. “I’ve had a very trying day. My dog Buster died this morning.” She blew her nose. “I’m sure many people would think it’s silly for a grown woman to cry over an animal, but he was my boy.” She blew her nose again. “What can I do for you?”

  Boggs whispered in Vicky’s ear, “She’s not here. I can feel it.”

  Vicky nodded. “I agree,” she murmured back. “She isn’t the one.” She turned to Judge Crayton. “I apologize that we interrupted you, judge. One of our assistant prosecuting attorneys was kidnapped this morning. You met her, Toni Barston.”

  “Oh, my goodness,” the judge said. “Do you know who did it?” She paused a moment then smiled. “Oh, I see. You suspected me. May I ask why?”

  Vicky smiled back. “We have several clues, but nothing solid. We do know that the main suspect has an assistant named Jan.”

  Judge Crayton laughed. “Well, I certainly fit the bill then. Janelle has been my assistant for many years. She’s more like a daughter to me. She’s helping me write my memoirs. But please feel free to search my home. If you have a consent form I’d gladly sign it for you.”

  “I don’t think that’s necessary, judge, but I really appreciate your cooperation,” Vicky said. “And I’m very sorry for your loss.”

  “Thank you very much.” The judge looked at Boggs. “Is Toni your girl?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Is there anything I can do for you?”

  “I don’t think so, but thank you,” Boggs said.

  “Do you need a search warrant?”

  “I don’t think we have enough for that,” Vicky said.

  “If you think you do, call me and I’ll authorize one over the phone.” The judge got a business card from her desk and wrote her phone number on the back. She handed the card to Vicky. “Now get going and find that girl. And please let me know when you locate her. In the meantime, I’ll say a prayer for her.”

  They thanked the judge and left. Vicky flipped open her phone and called Johnnie. After several minutes she disconnected. “Johnnie and Patty are sitting in front of Doris’s house. Jessie has searched the property and there’s nothing unusual. No one answers the door, no car in the garage.

  Boggs thought for a moment. “Have them go to her assistant manager’s house. Maybe they’re there.”

  Vicky agreed and relayed the information to Johnnie.

  Boggs was tapping her fingers on the dashboard. “I think we should check out Karen Taylor’s place.”

  “Even though her message said that she was out of town until Friday?”

  “Yeah. Just in case, you know?” Boggs was feeling sick. She knew it was her fault that Toni was in this predicament. If she’d just stayed home today, this never would have happened. She had to find Toni.

  Toni looked at her watch and noted that the drug should have taken effect by now. She realized that the crazy woman would be appearing at any moment. She was sitting in a club chair on the opposite side of the desk. The driver was still at her post by the door. Toni began humming a tune, trying to pretend she was under the influence. How am I going to pull this off? She should be here any minute. Hopefully the driver would leave then. She heard footsteps in the hallway and then the driver said something Toni couldn’t make out. Her heart was pounding so loudly in her ears that she was sure everyone in the neighborhood could hear. God, please let this work. She wanted to draw this out as long as possible until Boggs could get to her.

  Someone walked into the room and Toni heard the study door shut. She was almost afraid to turn around, so instead she pulled her legs up on the chair and began singing a Christmas song. Star of wonder, star of light. She felt the woman behind her and the hair stood up on the back of her neck. Please, God, don’t let her touch me. She smelled the strong scent of musk cologne. As soon as she felt the hand on her skin, she jerked around and grinned like an idiot. “Hi,” she sang out in her best fake drunk voice.

  She was stunned when she realized who it was. I’ll be damned.

  “Can I have more water?” Toni asked, desperate to get away from her.

  “Sure. Let me get it for you.” She went to the bar and froze. Deliberately she moved the heavy glass tumblers to their rightful place, then opened the mini fridge under the bar and took out a bottle of water. She must have noticed that the liquor bottles were switched, because Toni could see her hands begin to shake as she switched them back.

  “You’ve got a really petty study,” Toni said, giggling. “I mean pretty.” She laughed harder this time. “Have you read all those books?” She pointed to the bookcase.

  There was a marked change in the woman’s face when she saw the books out of place. She thrust the bottle of water at Toni and nearly ran to the bookcase. This time Toni laughed for real, mostly out of nervousness and fear. While the woman’s back was turned, Toni moved the end table in front of her and put her feet on it.

  “Sit down and tell me about yourself,” Toni said. She cracked the seal on the bottle of water and drank some. “I love your desk. Where did you get it? Did you have it made?”

  The woman sat down at her desk. She smiled at Toni and it seemed as though she was about to speak when she saw the items on her desk had been moved. Toni studied her reaction. She couldn’t push her too far, lest she might go totally psychotic and then no telling what would happen. Be careful. God, where the hell was Boggs?

  The items were quickly restored to their proper places on the desk, and the stress was kicking in. The woman began running her fingers through the right side of her hair several times.

  Distressing behavior, Toni assumed. I’ve got her going now. The things on the bar were placed just so. She bet if she made her a drink, she’d have a certain way to do it. But she wants me, so she’ll let me do it for her.

  “Let me make you a drink and we can get to know each other better,” Toni suggested. She got up and went to the bar. “What would you like?” She stared into the woman’s eyes and saw the conflict. I’m right, she thought.

  After a moment, a weak smile appeared. “Yes, I’d love a drink. But I’ll make it.” She started to get up.

  “Oh, no. I’m right here. Let me do it for you.” Toni giggled and tried to smile as demurely as possible. “What’s
your poison?”

  “I’ll have Famous Grouse with three ice cubes, please. Fill it a half inch from the top.” Her voice sounded a little shaky.

  Toni purposely put four ice cubes in the drink, figuring if she asked for three, it was probably a compulsion. Then she filled it, stopping a full inch from the top, and set in on the coaster. As an afterthought, she moved the tumbler off center. This is perfect. Her obsession with me is in direct conflict with her compulsions.

  The woman stared at the drink but didn’t budge.

  “Go ahead,” Toni urged. “Take a sip and see if I made it right.” She grinned at her and leaned over the desk. “It was so nice of you to have me over.”

  The woman stirred the Scotch with her left index finger. She made three slow circles and then tapped her finger on the rim. She licked the liquid from her finger and then took a small sip of the drink. Her hand was shaking as she set the glass tumbler on the center of the heavy coaster. Next she ran her fingers through the right side of her hair five times, paused, and then did it three more times.

  Toni plopped back down in the leather club chair and put her feet on the table, which elicited a cringe from her keeper. “So, what’s your favorite show on TV? I just love Who’s Line Is It Anyway? Have you ever seen that?”

  “I, um, don’t think so.” She got up from her desk and sat next to Toni in the other club chair. She put her hand on Toni’s knee.

  Toni tried not to jerk her leg away, but it was nearly impossible. She remembered she was supposed to be under the influence. If she didn’t act the part, that assistant would be back in there on the double. She didn’t think she’d survive that. She had to think fast. She had to change this woman’s focus. She stared at the hand and her body reacted on its own. She flinched. Shit. She jumped up and went to the bar. “Can I have a drink?” She looks confused. I think she’s on to me. Shit. “Maybe after a drink we could dance or something.”

  The woman seemed to relax just a bit. “I’ll fix another one for both of us,” she said. “You just sit back down. What would you like?”

  Toni skipped back to the far chair, sat and pulled her legs up, wrapping her arms around them. Damn. She wished she had her gun. The driver must have taken it. “Um, what kind of alcohol do you have over there?”

  “I’ve got Famous Grouse, rum, whiskey and vodka.”

  “Do you have any wine?”

  The woman opened the small fridge. “I’ve got some red wine. Would you like that?”

  “Sure. That sounds good to me.” She watched as the woman located a wineglass, washed it, dried it and repeated the routine. She filled the glass almost to the top, then made herself another drink. Exacting in the amount of Famous Grouse she poured into her glass. She handed Toni the wine and set her glass on the end table. She watched the woman sit, then repeat her stirring routine before actually taking a long drink. Toni took the smallest sip possible, but continued to hold her glass. If nothing else, she could always throw the wineglass at her.

  The woman set her drink back on the end table and smiled. “Why don’t you sit here,” she said, patting her lap.

  Crap. If I’d actually taken that drug, I’d do whatever she asked me. She decided to play coy, not knowing what reaction she’d get. The obsessions were severe—there was no question about that. “Oh, I can’t do that,” she said, giggling. “I’m too big. I’d break your legs.”

  The woman frowned and took two large gulps of her Scotch, almost emptying the glass. “I don’t think so. Come, sit here.” She patted her lap again. Her expression was stern and it was clear she was running out of patience.

  Think, damn it. She knew she was supposed to be compliant. If she resisted she knew the driver would be called back in. She’s used to having her way. She searched the room for a way out. There was only the door to the hallway and another door that looked like a bathroom. Maybe she could stall for time in there?

  She glanced at the full glass of wine in her hand and smiled. “Okay, if you’re sure I won’t hurt you.” She jumped up from her chair and promptly spilled the entire glass of wine on herself. “Oh, no!” She started to giggle. “I’m so sorry.” She headed for the bathroom. “I’ll just rinse this off real quick so I don’t get you all red.”

  The woman got up and followed her. Toni tried to close the door but the woman put her foot in the way. “I’ll be right here. Hurry up.”

  This wasn’t good, she told herself. She’s getting impatient and she’s doing that hair thing again. She didn’t know how much longer she could stall her. After soaking a hand towel with cold water, she made a show of trying to blot her T-shirt and shorts.

  “Just take them off,” the woman barked. “Put them in the sink.” Her foot remained just over the threshold and she pushed the door open wider. She glanced at her watch and again ran her fingers through her hair, her hand shaking.

  Toni knew she was running out of time. If she pushed her too much further she was liable to break. That could be good or bad. Shit. “Can I have some more wine? I promise to drink it this time.” If she could at least shut the door, she figured she’d be safe until she broke it down or the driver shot a bullet through it.

  The woman hesitated, obviously torn between taking what she wanted and granting Toni’s request. The former won out and she came all the way into the bathroom, blocking Toni’s exit. “I said for you to take those things off.” There was no compassion in her voice.

  Well, the ruse was over. Toni continued to blot her wine-stained shirt. “I think I’ll leave them on, thank you.”

  The woman’s expression went from disbelief to confusion to anger. Her jaw muscles became taut and her eyes narrowed. “I said take them off,” she hissed. “Now.” She took a step closer.

  Toni scanned the room for any kind of weapon, but there was nothing but a towel and a bottle of antibacterial soap. The woman was larger than her, but she had age and determination on her side. She needed to get out of this small bathroom. At least in the study there were things she could use. She pushed past her and went back into the study. The woman followed and went straight to her desk and sat down. When Toni turned to look at her, she was facing the barrel of a .38.

  “Now sit down, Toni.”

  Toni did as she was told. “You don’t need that,” she said as calmly as she could. “Tell me what’s going on. You wanted me here for some reason, right?”

  The woman nodded but didn’t lower the gun.

  “So you had your assistant bring me. What’s her name?” Just keep her talking, she told herself. Pretend you’re doing therapy. Change her focus.

  “Her name is Jan. I told her to bring you to me and she did.” She ran her fingers through the right side of her hair five times, paused and did it three more times. The gun was steady in her left hand.

  “Has Jan worked for you for a long time?”

  Another nod.

  “And has she always done what you asked her to do?”

  Toni noticed the woman’s gaze went up for just a moment. She’s trying to remember. This could be my way of causing doubt.

  “Yes. I think so.” Her voice was quiet, barely a whisper.

  “But things have been going wrong lately, haven’t they?”

  “And it’s because of you.” The gun rose a bit higher to accentuate her point.

  “Are you sure?” Toni kept her voice level and warm. She couldn’t afford to push her completely over the edge. She just needed to create some doubt.

  “Yeah, I’m sure. It’s because of you that Judge Smith and Butch were killed.”

  “And I’m sure that hurt your business, but I didn’t do that. Is that what Jan told you? It was a sick young woman that did that.” Play your cards right. “And Jan and Detective Johnson could have found replacements for you immediately.”

  “They did. Well, it took a while.” She lowered her gun slightly.

  “I wonder why. There are several judges and attorneys who would have jumped at the chance to work for you.”
/>   “They wanted to be sure.” She looked up again, her demeanor suddenly calmer.

  She’s trying to remember the conversations. I need to add more doubt. “And why didn’t you ask me?”

  “Because Mike said you wouldn’t.” She sounded confident.

  “But he never asked me,” Toni said. “I can barely live on my salary as it is. I’d have gladly worked for you.” She paused to let that sink in a bit. “I wonder why he didn’t approach me. Do you think he and Jan had some deal on the side?”

  The woman shifted in her chair. She ran her fingers through her hair five times, then three more. Her hands were shaking again and she glanced over at the bar.

  “Let me make you a drink so you can think better,” Toni offered, noting a twinge of reluctance cross the woman’s face. “I’ll make it exactly right this time.” She put three ice cubes in the tumbler and added Famous Grouse to the correct level. She carried it to the desk and set it directly in the center of the coaster before returning to her chair.

  Shifting the gun to her right hand, she stirred the liquid three times, tapped her finger on the rim twice and licked the drops of Scotch. She then took a long swallow before putting the gun back in her left hand.

  “Better?”

  The woman nodded.

  “Are you sure that maybe Jan isn’t the cause of your troubles?” Toni asked softly. “She left me in your study for at least fifteen minutes, allowing me to move things around. She knew that would bother you, but she watched me do it. Why would she do that to you?”

  “But you’re the one who did that, not her,” she argued. “It was you.”

  “Yes,” Toni admitted. “But I didn’t know it would bother you. I was just looking at all the beautiful things that you own. Jan knew it would bother you. She had to know. She’s worked for you a long time, right?”

  “Yes, she has, and she’s very loyal.” She picked up her cell phone and hit one button. “I need you in here. Bring the drug.” She closed her phone and smiled at Toni.