by Sean Russell
GUILTY!
THE TRIALS OF PHIL FERGUSON
Sean Russell
Copyright © Sean Russell, 2011.
All rights reserved. Sean Russell asserts his moral right to be identified as the author of this work.
This publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, by any means including photocopying or any information storage or retrieval system, without the specific and prior written permission of the author.
This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be re-sold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the author’s prior consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.
First Edition April, 2011
Cover Photo (top) by courtesy of Getty Images Cover Photo (bottom) by Jason Russell Sean Russell was born in Jamaica, but moved to Barbados at an early age where he grew up and presently lives and works. He is a physician by profession, but he enjoys writing immensely, finding it to be a pleasant outlet for his abundance of creative energy. He also expends his creative energy making music.
He has been writing for the past three years, since February 2008, and has written and produced a film from his first story, The Kite Flyer, which was screened in Barbados and Trinidad, has received critical acclaim in Barbados as the “Festival Pick” at the 2007 Bridgetown Film Festival, and has been well received in New York, Canada and England.
Sean enjoys writing for young people because he feels young at heart, and prefers to write highly entertaining stories with young, vibrant characters. He started writing this, his first novel after his film was published. He feels that much of the popular, published fiction written by and for Barbadians and Caribbean readers has not specifically targetted young adult audiences.
This first novel is intended to entertain young adults and bring to light some of the misfortunes and mistakes of young, trendy, seemingly successful and upwardly mobile Caribbean professionals. The plot is spicy and sexy, with a mixture of romance, intrigue and suspense, and will debut Sean as a writer who is adept at crafting a good plot that will keep young people reading.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I wish to thank my editor Carol Pitt, who was instrumental in helping to transform the raw manuscript into a fully-developed story This book is dedicated to my wife, who is my biggest fan, my family & friends, and all those who have supported my work
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
* * *
CHAPTER ONE
I ’m going to kill her. How could she? His thoughts were moving at warp speed, much like the car he was driving as he raced down the ABC highway.
It was another beautiful, ugly day; beautiful because the sky was blue and the sand he saw on his left as he fought the morning traffic was golden—it was a perfect day to be on the beach like the millions of tourists who spent thousands of dollars to get there did; ugly because his thoughts were dark and stormy like the hurricanes which often threatened this Caribbean paradise.
He was headed to the office again. Philip Ferguson was a professional. He was tall and good-looking.
He could and would have been described as the guy who had it going on, but he didn’t. He was going to punish her. How could she even think about doing that? And with that man of all people? How could he ever again walk around with his head up like a man when everyone knew? She could have been discrete.
In fact no, not discrete—not at all. He had given her everything. Just thinking about it now made his blood boil. He started to tremble; his heart was racing and his throat constricting. The mere memory of it made him feel as though he was going to explode. If he barely saw her or heard her voice it could get much worse.
It started as most love stories do. Philip met Jade when she was back from university and there was an instant attraction, at least for him. They were at a mutual friend’s house. She was a bombshell. She had all the basic requirements and the excesses that black men love—silky, smooth skin, cocoa brown complexion, hips and booty that would fit right at home in a rap video, but covered in a way that made you figure it out. She was fiery teasing, but of course in a good way, a way that was totally alluring to him.
Things happened quickly. They went out a couple of times, fooled around, got engaged, got married.
That fast. It was heaven at first. He could not believe he was so lucky. She was gorgeous, bright, ambitious, and she was into him. She excited him.
She was pursuing a degree in International Business in Canada when she had to stop because her parents ran out of money. It was not as if they had not budgeted, but inflation and an old house in need of repair took a toll on their finances. They could be faulted on pride because they waited too late to inform Jade of the situation and it was too late for her to apply for a scholarship or loan. Jade was not angry for long. She knew that her parents gave her all they could, and their dignity was important to them. She knew the turmoil they endured trying to maintain the house while they made sacrifices so that she could pursue her dream.
They were proud of their home. It was the showpiece of their humble neighbourhood until they made the decision to finance Jade’s education and could no longer maintain it they way they used to.
Jade understood and appreciated their efforts, but the disappointment was huge. It cut deep. She had been well on her way, and campus life was better than she had dreamed. She would make up for lost time.
She had tasted the sweet life and she was never going to give it up. Philip was cute. In fact, the man had it going on, but she was not about to let on that he had her in more ways than one. She immediately saw into the future. Like many women when they chose their man, she noticed a few rough edges that she knew she could fix.
He arrived at his office building, not recalling the latter part of his journey to work. His mind was somewhere else. Jade was on his mind. How could she? He had to focus. He had a full day and a lot of responsibility. He had to control his thoughts; he had to control his emotions.
His secretary Sandra greeted him with her customary smile as he walked in.
“Sandra! Where is my appointment book?” Sandra looked surprised. “On your desk Sir, where it usually is.”
“Sorry Sandra, I was distracted. Give me five minutes before you send anyone in.”
“Are you okay?” She threw him a concerned glance.
“I’m fine. I just let that crazy morning traffic get to me.” Phil felt as if he’d been working all day. It must be afternoon. No. Actually it’s only 10:30 a.m.
Philip just barely managed to get through the day. His mind was still reeling, and to make matters worse, he saw a client that reminded him of Jade.
The encounter was so visceral that he felt his body change again as it had earlier in the morning, and he had to remind himself that this was not Jade, this was a client. He hoped that he was able to mask his emotions enough not to disturb her. It was hard to really tell what effect he did have on her. She was a cool customer, somewhat like Jade. Ooh Jade… so sexy, so alluring, so provocative. It was agony to think she could share herself with another man. Why? What did I do wrong? What’s wrong with me? No. It was not him. It was her. She was the tainted one, not him.
Not that he was perfect. He did have his moments of weakness, especially on that particular day.
He suddenly recalled his epoch of indiscretion three years earlier. He and Jade were havin
g an okay time—
no major disagreements. But Jade was distracted. No, not distracted, Jade was focused. She was finishing her MBA. She did not have room for a needy husband and she was clear on that. She was good enough to point out that it was only for a time and it would all be worth it in the end.
Amanda Callender had walked into his office, secure in her presence. She had a simple matter to settle. In fact, it would only require him to write one letter. Several appointments later Philip never got that letter completed. He relived that first encounter.
“Good morning Ms. Callender. How can I assist you?”
She looked straight into his eyes.
“Good morning Philip. I have a matter which needs resolving.”
“Give me some details, some background.”
“I’m 5 feet, 9 inches, 145 lbs, I attended Q.C…”
“No. No. I mean your case.”
She smiled… a smile that involved her whole face, but was most intense in her eyes. It was a beautiful sight to see.
“I’m just pulling your leg, Philip. I need a little levity ’cause I’ve been a little stressed lately. I trust you have a sense of humour. Lawyers are allowed to have a sense of humour, right? Or should I go see my doctor? Now he’s a really cool guy.”
“Ms. Callender, I can assure you that I do have a sense of humour and I doubt that your doctor can help you with what sounds like a legal matter.”
“Straight to business, huh?”
“Time is money.”
“Now you see, that’s why I like my doctor. He has a wonderful BEDside manner. He makes sure I’m comfortable before he gets down to business. Foreplay, if you will.” She looked at Philip coyly, and licked her lips ever so slightly.
Philip did not know what to think. His first thought was to be the consummate professional and focus on the business of the appointment. His second thought was to end the appointment. His other thought was to let things flow. After all, it was only playful banter, and it came from her. He was living in the 21st century and he should not be so close-minded. Shouldn’t he entertain his clients? Besides, she was soooo easy on the eyes.
“Philip, cat got your tongue or are you overwhelmed by a simple legal matter? I thought you were the crème de la crème. At least that’s what I heard.”
“I sure am. Temporary lapse happens even to the best of us. The good news is that we’re better than the rest, even on our worst days.”
She regarded him with a gaze that said ‘maybe you are not up to the challenge’.
“Ms. Callender, please allow me to help you. Take your time, and tell me what brings you to a lawyer’s office... To my office.”
“Okay. I need to communicate to a client that I want my money. The problem is that this is an important client, so I don’t want to lose his company’s business, but at the same time I can’t allow them to take my services for granted. Of course I’ve tried the usual means… phone calls, letters, but no satisfactory response. I am thinking that sending a very carefully worded letter from a lawyer may leverage things my way.”
Philip looked at her bemused. “Are you sure? Many times people take offence at a legal letter; they perceive it as a threat.”
She smiled.
“That’s why I came to you, Philip. I was given the impression that you have the ability to word the letter in such a way that I can achieve my objective. I told you I’ve already tried myself. But I’m not a lawyer.”
“Sure. I understand. So give me some details. What is the name of this company and what service do you provide? How much do you have owing to you? Do you have proof of providing the service and proof of billing for said service?”
“Philip, it’s not that simple.”
She walked up to him and smiled a mischievous smile. She looked into his eyes and smiled again, this time more enticingly.
Philip looked back at her, and he began to get distracted. Her eyes had a hypnotic effect on him. She was so close to him now he could smell her perfume.
Her breath was so sweet he could almost taste it. He began to feel intoxicated. He was drifting into her.
He pulled himself out of it. Come on. You’re a professional and you’re married. Get yourself on track, man.
He pulled away from her.
“Not simple? How so? Enlighten me.”
“I was about to.” She smiled again. “Philip are all you top notch lawyers so... stiff?”
“Ms. Callender. I have a number of serious clients to look after, so if you can just get to the point…” Her phone rang with a cool ringtone ( What’s My Name? by Rihanna). She took the call. Her face changed immediately, she looked flushed.
“Philip, I have to go now. I’ll schedule another appointment.”
She left quickly without a glance in his direction.
“Mr. Ferguson, Mr. Ferguson, Mr. Ferguson. Are you okay?”
Philip looked up to see Sandra approaching him with a concerned look on her face. He felt as if he was suddenly awakened from a deep sleep.
“I’m fine. I’m just a little short on sleep. Up late last night.”
Sandra was not convinced.
“What do my appointments look like today?” Sandra replied, but Philip was so distracted that he did not hear her until she’d finished her sentence.
“….Mr. Blenman at 3:30.”
“3.30... and sorry, before that?”
Sandra was confused and even more concerned.
“Mr. Ferguson, you don’t look well.” Philip yielded. He was not focusing, and working like this would be risky.
“Sandra, please reschedule my appointments for the rest of the day. I’ll call you by 4:00 p.m. If you don’t hear me by then, call. I want to be sure to be set for tomorrow.”
“Certainly sir.”
“I am out of office for the day. Call me only in case of an emergency.”
* * *
CHAPTER TWO
Philip took a drive. He had no particular destination in mind, but his mind was all over the place. He finally settled on a train of thought. He would kill Jade. He mapped the journey in his mind to her work place. He was going to stalk her first, let her feel the fear, let her suffer. His thoughts were arrested by the ring of his cell phone. It was his friend Teddy.
“Hi Phil. Teddy here. You all right? I called the office and Sandra said you left early. She sounded concerned.”
“I am going to kill that woman!”
“Kill Sandra? Ca’dear. Doan’ kill she! I like she.
She kinda cute.”
“Not Sandra, you idiot, Jade!”
“That is against the law, Phil. She’s your wife!”
“Teddy…”
“Phil you talking idle, man. I would like to meet you right now and deal with you face to face.”
“Teddy, I’m not in the mood.”
“Meet me home now, or I will send the police for you.”
“Okay Teddy. I’ll be there in few.”
*****
Philip walked into Teddy’s place in Bank Hall.
Teddy sat comfortably with his drink after he had poured one for Phil, as usual. Teddy always had a drink ready. At first glance their friendship would have seemed incongruous. Teddy was not at all like Phil. He was of average height and medium build. He wore a Bob Marley tee shirt, cargo pants and slippers.
His most distinguishing features were the dreadlocks he wore, which often partially obscured his bloodshot eyes, and his smile revealed a single gold tooth. Phil, on the other hand, was clothed in a navy blue Hugo Boss suit. He loosened the crimson silk tie and undid the top button of his white shirt as he sat. His body was stiff and his face tight. He deflated somewhat as he sank into the soft upholstery of the easy chair.
There were two of them in the room along with a sofa set covered in a soft microfibre material, each piece with a different pattern. There was a mahogany coffee table which had stout legs, each with a lion’s head carved in it. The overall effect reflected Teddy’s eclectic taste. Th
e chair hugged Phil gently as he settled in and took a sip of the drink Teddy offered him.
He winced as he tasted it. It was STRONG. Teddy’s pouring hand was always very heavy. It was just as well; he needed a stiff drink to settle his nerves which were frayed to a point approaching disintegration, like an old, tired rope whose strands had separated and were about to pop.
Phil and Teddy grew up together. Teddy had lived in a dilapidated chattel house not far from Phil’s parents’ old house, that house which now served as their office—the family had long since moved to a more suburban locale. Teddy still lived in the chattel house he lived in as a boy, except that it was no longer dilapidated. It was neat and well kept, and he lived there alone. Phil and Teddy had been in a few scrapes together, as energetic little boys are wont to do. Strangely enough, Teddy’s common sense and reasoning had saved Phil in the past.
Philip was not sure what Teddy did for a living. It was clear that he was not the kind of person to hold down a job. He was too independent and forthright in his opinions to be an employee for any significant amount of time. Phil thought that maybe he was in Information Technology, but he wasn’t sure. He had lost track of Teddy somewhat when he was pursuing his law degree. Teddy was always great with computers, but he had refused the employment offers from Phil. “You don’t want me,” was always Teddy’s reply, usually accompanied by a wry grin.
Teddy seemed to have a lot of time on his hands and traveled often, usually to nearby islands, the time away varying from days to months at a time. If Phil wasn’t so self-absorbed it might have struck him that Teddy had never asked him for anything over the years… no favours, no handouts, not even advice. He only ever desired assistance in devouring his libation of choice, Johnnie Walker Scotch whiskey. His latest thing was to chase the scotch with Monster energy drink. The combination was known as ‘staggerah’.
Whatever Teddy’s occupation was, Phil didn’t care.
They were friends, he was here, and Phil was talking to him.
“Teddy… I’m gonna kill that woman.”
“Go ahead. Kill she.”
