Of That Day and Hour: A psychological thriller Read online

  “Sure. You go on and sit yourselves down.”

  They choose a booth by the window. Looking out all they can see is highway, desert, blue sky and the surrounding mountains.

  “The Jeff?”

  “Don’t ask.”

  “I’m intrigued.”

  “I said don’t ask.”

  “Okay, okay you don’t have to get all defensive.”

  “I’m not.”

  Jeff’s flattered and Eve knows it. He catches sight of a leather clad rider pulling in from the highway and cruising up to the front of the diner. The red Harley pumps its pistons with a unique, loud, yet familiar bark. This guy enjoys blipping the throttle before cutting the engine, dropping the side stand down as he dismounts.

  “Nice bike.”

  “Yeah that’s Al, he owns this joint.”

  “Friend of yours?”

  “He keeps his eye on me, knows I’m out here alone. Angel’s his daughter.”

  “Is he married?”

  “No, she shot through years ago.” Eve realizes Jeff’s already bordering on jealousy. She could tease him, to pull him closer, but she’s still unsure about her own feelings. “She left Angel with him, he’s done a good job of raising her.”

  Al makes his presence known as he walks into the diner. He takes his jacket off and walks straight over towards their booth. Jeff estimates his age is around fifty years, a big-built intimidating man, shaven head, short beard. His faded tattoos still catch the eye.

  “I thought that was your car out front, how you doing, Eve?”

  “Good and you?”

  “All the better for seeing you. Who’s your friend?”

  “This is Jeff, Jeff, Al.”

  “Good to meet you, Jeff.”

  “You too.”

  Al thrusts his hand forward and both men shake hands, although the twinkle Eve brought to Al’s eye leaves Jeff unsettled.

  “So what brings you out these parts?”

  Before Jeff can answer Eve jumps in.

  “He’s working with me at the prison, for a time.”

  “The prison. Hey, rather you than me. I haven’t seen you at the club for a while?”

  Jeff senses that Eve’s now feeling a little uncomfortable chatting to Al in front of him, and has this gut-wrenching thought that they've slept together.

  “I’ve been busy, work, you know.”

  “Yeah, well don’t be a stranger. Enjoy your meal, it’s on me.”

  Al turns his bulk around and walks away with a slight swagger towards Angel, who’s been leaning on the counter. This has been the highlight of the day so far.

  “Before you ask, the 'club' is the monthly cruise night for classic cars.”

  “I wasn’t going to.”

  The food at the diner was great, and the drive back to the ranch uneventful. The Camaro’s engine cools whilst Jeff sits outside on the balcony. Eve brings them both a cold beer and sits down.

  “Paradise, isn’t it? I lose myself here.”

  “Don’t you get lonely?”

  “Sometimes.”

  Jeff’s mobile starts to ring. He answers, reluctantly.

  “Hello.”

  “Hi Jeff, it's John Martin from the university, how are you?”

  “Hi. I’m fine thank you, and how are you?” Jeff’s curious; although they’ve been good colleagues for many years, it’s a rare occasion that John will phone. There’s a pause on the line. “Is everything alright?”

  “To be honest with you, no. I’m not sure how to break this to you. The president of the university has had to make some harsh austerity measures this year. I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but we’ve had to cut out your position.”

  “You're letting me go?”

  “I’m sorry, Jeff. But you did know it was only a term appointment. I will of course carefully pack up and store your belongings, as I understand you’re indisposed at present.”

  “I don’t know what to say.” Jeff can’t believe what he’s hearing. “There has to be some mistake. I was assured my position was safe, term appointment or not.”

  “I’m afraid not. Austerity requires difficult choices. I’m terribly sorry.”

  “It’s not your fault. Thank you for informing me.” Automatically Jeff replies politely, although his mind is in shock.

  “I wish I had better news for you.” Jeff thinks he hears genuine remorse in John's voice. “If there’s anything I can do?”

  “No don’t worry, I’ll see you when I get back.”

  “Okay. Take care, Jeff.”

  “And you.”

  The line goes dead. In his office at Harvard, John Martin looks up at the government agents who’d walked into his office not ten minutes earlier.

  “We’ll take care of him from now on, Mr. Martin. Thank you for your cooperation.”

  CHAPTER FOUR

  The stillness of the night is disturbed only by the occasional sound of the howling coyote. The cool moonlit plains play host to the snake slithering through the sand in search of the night’s prey. The ranch is still, quiet and dark. The silvery moonlight reaches through the bedroom window, its outstretched hand casting its spell over Jeff. The smoldering fire downstairs flames skywards; glowing embers feed the fluttering flame of passion. Eve’s eyes flicker open with the promise of love. Her lips swell and part. Her breathing is heavy, and she aches for the touch of a man. Jeff watches as her breasts rise and fall; she tilts her head back, and her fingers arouse as they slowly glide down her voluptuous body. Her whispers are full of promise, with such precious little time; Jeff’s loneliness and desire relinquish as he reaches out to touch. She whispers.

  “Not you my love. He keeps his eye on me when I’m all alone.”

  Turning away from Jeff; her hand rises up, and she slowly kisses another, deeper and deeper her want. Her naked body writhes with anticipation and pleasure. Distraught; Jeff rises to his weak knees in a bid to stop Eve climbing on top of her lover. Al’s big strong tattooed arms stretch round her perfect naked body. Tortured, Jeff runs from her screams of pleasure. Students laugh and point as he trips and falls to the ground. Lifting his head from the coldness of the snow, he looks up to see Casey Lee Jones pointing his gun towards him.

  “Time to put you out of your misery.”

  He pulls the trigger; Jeff feels his head explode as he bolts upright in bed. Catching his breath from this grim nightmare, he looks out of the window to the cool moon that bathes him. He feels the loneliness of having no one by his side to comfort him. The air is cold and the night is still; darkness has betrayed him once again.

  The warmth of the sun gives comfort and new life to the day. Jeff stirs, finding that he still carries the emotions of Eve’s betrayal last night. He tells himself it was only a dream. At the breakfast table, a large mug of coffee is a welcome sight.

  “How did you sleep last night?”

  “Okay, thanks.” Jeff tries hard, to relax, smile, be friendly, to give nothing away.

  “Were you warm enough? I have an extra blanket if you need one?”

  “Honestly I was fine.” He looks to her, in emotional turmoil, and thinks to himself, if only you knew. “And you?”

  “Couldn’t be better.”

  Eve covers her night well. She was restless, staring out of her bedroom window towards the moon and the silhouetted mountains. She remembered all the beauty, passion and pain of their relationship. Eve knows the one person she can’t trust is herself. She may have walked away, but she’s still in love with Jeff.

  “Egg, sausage and beans?”

  “Perfect, do you need a hand?”

  “I’ve got it covered.” There’s something odd about Jeff this morning, and she can’t quite put her finger on it. “You’re quiet this morning?”

  “I’m fine, thanks.”

  “You’re a good lecturer; there’s always other universities and teaching posts.”

  Eve’s concern indicates that she at least cares for his well-being, and he plays a
long.

  “I try to be philosophical about these things; nothing lasts forever.”

  “Still, it’s a big blow.”

  “I’ll get over it.”

  “Casey said you would lose your post at the university.”

  “Yeah.” Jeff knows where this is leading, and doesn’t want to hear 'I told you so'.

  “What do you make of it?”

  “He got lucky. We’re in the age of austerity and mass unemployment.”

  “I’m not so sure.” Eve can feel a lecture coming on.

  “Don’t read too much into it. He’s dealing in probabilities, not absolute certainties. The conjurer uses sleight of hand, and he uses sleight of mind. That’s why it’s one of the hardest fields to investigate. Everything’s open to interpretation, and we bring meaning to the table ourselves.”

  “Do you think he’ll co-operate?”

  “He will.”

  “What makes you so sure?”

  “His game ends if he doesn’t.”

  “Cat and mouse.”

  “Yeah.” Jeff’s face appears expressionless; he’s deep in thought. “And it looks like I’m the bait that will end all of this.”

  With breakfast over, they leave the ranch behind. The Camaro roars into life. Eve drives up the dirt track. Jeff still can’t shake the feelings of the night’s betrayal. Academically he finds it fascinating that the brain can’t differentiate feelings from a dream from those of waking reality. Today Eve ensures she’s at the speed limit passing the billboard, before hitting the gas just for the hell of it.

  Casey patiently waits for the steel door to slide open. He has the work of a shepherd ahead of him; one who knows more about his flock than he’s permitted to say. His knowledge is born from secrets, secrets that dare not be shared nor discussed. He must remain wise to guide Jeff slowly through the labyrinth of his own mind. This shepherd knows the terrain intimately. The steel door slides open and Jeff walks into the room, casually smiling as he sits opposite a killer.

  “Good morning Casey, and how are you today?”

  “As happy as an inmate can be.”

  “I see. If you have any grievances you must let me know.”

  “And bring trouble to my door? There’s lots of noise inside the prison at night. To hear men scream and have nightmares is a terrible thing, or at least that’s what I believe I hear. How did you sleep last night?”

  “I had a good night’s sleep.” Jeff studies Casey’s face, then dismisses the notion; he can’t possibly know.

  “I find that interesting, no screams or nightmares?”

  “No.”

  “And work?”

  “Work’s fine.” This bastard’s toying with him.

  “I see.”

  “I would like to ask you to participate in a series of carefully designed tests.”

  “Straight to business? I was loving the politeness between us, there’s so little humanity in this place, isn’t there?”

  “I believe so.”

  “And if I decline?”

  “Then I walk back through that door, you go to your cell and that will be the end of the matter, for the rest of your life.”

  “I see. That sounds more like a threat than an opportunity. Hardly the best discourse, is it?”

  “Yes.” Jeff sighs; that was so unprofessional and out of character. He’s beginning to act more like a correctional officer, than an academic. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

  “That’s better; I must warn you that once we’ve started there will be no return, and I will open the doors that you have fought against all your life.”

  “And which doors are those?” Jeff’s verging more on anger than assessment.

  “The doors of reality and those you seek to close.” Casey understands he’s got under Jeff’s skin. Which is just where he wants to be. “Everything you believe is built upon a premise that science equals truth.”

  “There can be no other truth. The premise, at the most basic level, is that we can see, smell, touch and test what’s real and what’s not.”

  “How can we be sure what’s real and what’s not?” Casey is enjoying himself this morning. “What if the dream’s so real you can’t tell the difference?”

  “I don’t believe in the mind-created universe.”

  “Yet nothing may be truly verified except the existence of your own mind. Hallucinogens will permit you to have the most incredible illusions, where you may touch, test and feel. Which reality is real? Everything we see around us are merely shadows and imitations of the real world.”

  “Philosophy is nothing more than a question mark.”

  “Yet science opposes all that’s gone before. Great civilizations, religions, philosophers, writers and artists, the greatest men that ever walked the Earth believed they had glimpses into another reality, the real world. How can you be so sure?”

  “My life experience.”

  “Which may or may not be real; it’s you alone who brings your reality into existence.”

  “Then it’s up to you to prove your statement is true.”

  “I believe that’s your job, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, it is.” Jeff feels he’s just lost the upper hand, and reasserts the balance of power back to himself. “I would like to ask you some background questions.”

  “You have my permission.”

  “Can you recall the first time you became aware of having psychic abilities?”

  Casey relaxes into his chair, and smiles; old memories of his childhood flooding back.

  “I was five years old. I was being looked after by my grandma whilst my mother went to work. She was inside the house reading tea leaves for her friends. I was outside on the porch playing with my wooden car. When she was done she joined me outside. I remember her love, and the smell of blossom around her. She used to put flowers in oil and make her own perfume. I sat on her knee and she gently rocked me.”

  “You mentioned your mother, may I ask about your father?”

  “He was a player, played around town.” Casey frowns. “I don’t remember him much.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Why?” Masking his feelings with a smile he continues. “Don’t miss what you haven’t got, what you don’t know.”

  “I guess so.”

  “How are your daughters?”

  “My daughters?”

  “Yes, your daughters, Jeff.”

  “How did you...?” Jeff’s speechless; they have no place here! “What do you know of my daughters?”

  “Nothing, I just know they exist.”

  “How?” Jeff’s pissed, and has no fear of Casey in this moment.

  “We have a connection.”

  “A connection. Who told you about them?”

  “You did.”

  “When?”

  “A long time ago.”

  “Don’t play games with me, Casey.”

  “I’m not. But don’t let it concern you just yet, let’s get back to my story.” Jeff gives Casey a look: don’t mess with me. “Now where was I? Oh yes, on this day I turned to her and asked why she didn’t wear her hair up, with colorful bows, anymore? She looked puzzled and asked me questions; questions with answers no one should know.”

  “And you had the answers?”

  “Yes, I had the answers, I thought everyone knew the answers. She told me I had a gift, a gift from God. But to hold it in close as some might scorn me, tell me it was wrong, or that it was the Devil’s work. Then she comforted me; I was special, and one of the chosen few. Everything would be alright because it’s all God’s will.”

  “Do you believe in God?”

  “We all have a purpose. I believe in unseen hands at work, whether it be God’s will I know not. But I sure remember the special bowl of strawberries and sugar she gave me that day.”

  “She sounds a good woman.”

  “Yes she was, and now passed; yet she still comforts me.”

  “Spiritually?”

  “I smel
l blossom when she’s around.” Casey can see that he’s captured Jeff’s interest.

  “Do you believe in angels?”

  “I’ve never seen one. It doesn’t mean they don’t exist; there’s people in the same town, or fish at the bottom of the ocean that I’ve never seen.”

  “Fair comment.”

  “Most children are psychic, but around the age of seven or eight their intuition wanes, and they start to fear death and separation. It’s replaced by the age of reason; an awareness of the world and their place within. Don’t you remember?”

  “Remember?” Jeff’s taken back by this question. “Remember what?”

  “Your grandma.”

  “I didn’t know my grandmother.”

  “The shadowy figure who scared you as a child. Her face distorted on the left side; she held her arm, and walked with a limp. Watching: she watched you, at a distance in the street or when you slept at night.”

  “No, you can’t know that!” Shocked, angry, a memory stolen! But no one knows; so how the hell can he?

  “She left you when you asked who the lady was in the photograph. It was your grandma, who died of a stroke before you were born. But you listened to reason; you denied your very eyes, and her existence. You were just a child with a vivid imagination, or so you were told.”

  It takes Jeff a few seconds in this car-crash moment to compose himself, to find a professional response. He can’t reach the words. Everything said to him regarding his grandmother is true. Looking into Casey’s eyes, he sees they are not the crazed eyes of a psychopath. Instead he sees warmth and depth of understanding, an all-knowing smile. Jeff, shaken by the mention of his daughters, and his grandmother, is unable to continue with the interview.

  “Thank you, that’s all I require for now.”

  “Of course.”

  Jeff stands up to leave.

  “One more thing.”

  “Yes?”

  “Have a good trip and watch out for the step.”

  “The step?”

  “You’ll understand when the time comes.”

  Jeff turns his back, he’s had enough for one day. It’s not time for the guard to escort Casey to his cell; before the steel door slides shut, he catches a glimpse of concern from Eve.