by Gilian Baker
Again, Gabby broke in, “What, exactly, does that mean, doctor? Can you give us some examples of what your professional ethics and the law state about informing law officials regarding plans your patients have?”
“Of course, Ms. Langdon. I would be required to report anything I knew about plans a patient had to harm herself or others. This specifically entails harming those who are minors, elderly or mentally disabled. Or anything involving ongoing domestic abuse.” He was enjoying being the teacher. He kept a simpering smile on his lips while he pushed back his chair and leaned back to once again cross his legs.
“So, if she had told you of a plan to kidnap the children, physically harm Mrs. Collins or commit suicide, you would have reported it to the authorities, is that correct?”
“Exactly.” He smiled at her as if she were the brightest student in the room. She probably was.
“Going back to her medical history, doctor. Can you give us her background as you understand it?” I could see what Gabby was doing—steering the conversation away from what Connie had done to Liz. I went along with it, trying to overcome my anger and frustration at this woman who’d been allowed to damage my friend’s reputation without anyone stepping in.
I silently reminded myself that I was there to observe the doctor as he reviewed the thick file on his desk. It seemed a practiced move, rather than a necessary one. I bet he knew her details inside and out.
“Ms. Payne was diagnosed as a teenager, which in itself speaks to the severity of the issue. Back in that time, parents rarely admitted a mental problem of their offspring, unless there seemed no alternative. She underwent various treatments, such as shock therapy and other invasive, and in my opinion, cruel, therapies without success. Of course, we know now that psychotherapy is the only truly effective treatment for this condition. Unfortunately, most sufferers don’t see it as a problem. They are able to get what they want through their manipulation, so what’s the problem?”
“We understand that Ms. Payne continued therapy with you and perhaps other mental health professionals, due to the inheritance she would lose out on if she didn’t. Is that correct?”
“That is my understanding, yes. As I said, most ASPD sufferers don’t attend treatment sessions without cause. She wanted the inheritance she believed she was owed, and so continued with the charade of psychotherapy.” He looked at his notes again to verify his thought. “It looks as though she stayed with a psychiatrist between four or five years before moving onto another. Some, less time. That was probably due to the fact she was no longer able to get the recognition she wanted from them.”
“So, doctor, can you think of anyone who would want to kill Ms. Payne? Anyone who she may have stalked or harmed earlier in her treatment?”
“Not that I am aware. As I mentioned, this situation with Mrs. Conner is the only stalking incident with which I am cognizant. She never informed me of making physical contact with anyone else as she did with Mrs. Conner and her family. I’m sure she has made enemies along the way… after a while, people get manipulated enough and they stop playing her game. That would have made her angry. She may have struck out harder at them or she would have found another target and left the other person alone.”
“You make it sound as though she always had a particular ‘target’ as you say, in her sights. Is that the usual M.O. of someone with this mental illness?”
“Absolutely. She, and others with the condition, was emotionally dependent on others. After all, it’s no good to be a narcissist if no one else recognizes your brilliance. They often hone in on a certain individual and, for lack of a better word, ‘feed’ off their emotional energy.”
“Would you be willing to give us the names of others whom she had latched onto, as she did Mrs. Conner, so we can speak with them? It would be extremely helpful to hear this from another victim’s perspective as well.”
“If I had that information, I might give it to you… but I don’t. She never spoke in specifics, such as names. Most likely because it didn’t matter to her. The important part was her, and how she was able to exact what she wanted from them. Those were the details she spoke of.” He looked at his watch. “I’m sorry. I’d like to help further, but unless you have other questions, I’m not sure how I can.” He gave each of us a beguiling smile.
When he focused on a person or activity, he gave it his complete and utter attention. That was so unlike most of us who spend our days with divided attention, trying to multi-task to get everything done. His only concern was with getting things done right. It made sense that his patients would expect his undivided attention, so he’d most likely developed that single-minded focus in his practice, and it migrated to other parts of his life. I mentally shrugged to myself. Whatever it was, it was refreshing, if not disarming. He seemed to look into your soul with his deep brown eyes. I tried not to shudder when that thought popped into my mind. I didn’t want my soul to be open to Dr. Lynch or anyone else.
Gabby stood up after placing her almost empty coffee cup on the edge of his desk in front of her—the cue the interview was over. I wasn’t sure I’d learned much about conducting future interviews, other than to curb my temper and listen.
“Thank you, Dr. Lynch, for your time and insight. It’s been helpful.” She held out her hand in thanks. He shook it and then looked over to me as I fumbled to put all of my materials back into my briefcase, while attempting to avoid spilling coffee down my one and only suit. “Yes, thank you, doctor. It’s been enlightening.”
“Please don’t hesitate to contact me again if you could use further assistance. I’m sure I will do what I can to help you bring the culprit to justice, as they say in the movies.” He smiled over his shoulder at us as he opened the door to the reception area.
“Out of curiosity, how are your interviews proceeding? I was wondering how far you’ve gotten in terms of gathering information and whatnot.”
“Actually, Dr. Lynch, you are the first person we’ve interviewed so far. Ms. Blackwell will speak with the employees where Ms. Payne worked tomorrow, and we have other lines of inquiry to follow as well.”
“Well, I wish you the best of luck. I will make myself available if I can be of further assistance.”
***
The wind had died down by the time we got back into Gabby’s car. “So, did we learn anything that would help us?”
“Yes, we did. Just knowing her diagnosis gives us important information, not to mention the fact that there are others out there she has deceived and manipulated. Though I thought you were going to blow it when you started getting defensive. You can’t behave like that in interviews, Jade, or you will make the subjects clam up.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I was frustrated by his attitude—like Liz isn’t a victim, too.”
Gabby shifted in her seat to look at me. “I understand that. But if we are going to help Liz, we have to maintain objectivity. I bet you were great at holding your tongue when a student came in blaming you for their poor grades or lack of understanding on a subject. Try to assume that type of repose. This situation is much the same—the object of the interview far outweighs the interviewee’s opinion of the situation. You’re simply gathering facts and noting their opinions without becoming emotionally attached to what they’re saying.” She paused and waited until I looked her in the eyes. “Do you think you can do that? For Liz?”
“Yes, I can. And I will.”
“Okay then. Let’s get going. We have work to do.”
Chapter Eleven
As we moved through the little ghost town of Chesterton, I had a thought.
“Hey, while we’re here, why don’t we stop by Phyllis’ house? I told her I’d keep her updated, but with everything else going on, I’ve neglected her. Plus, since you have your suspicions about her, you could vibe her out. I know you’ll mark her off your list once you meet her. Then we can narrow the list further.”
“What do you mean, ‘narrow the list?’ We need a list to begin with.” She sig
hed, but agreed to make a short stop before heading home to Aspen Falls.
Phyllis didn’t answer her door, which surprised me. She’d said she didn’t go out much, so she must be at the market or something. Shoot! This was the perfect time to show Gabby how benign she was. I jotted down a note on an old envelop from my purse to let her know we’d come by and that I’d call her later.
Back in the car, I explained we’d have to meet up with Phyllis another day. Gabby took it in stride and she outlined our next steps on the ride back home. We discussed what was next on the agenda. Tomorrow, I’d interview Connie’s boss and coworkers alone. Gabby reassured me I could do it, and told me to plan on being there for several hours, since I’d be interviewing her coworkers too.
“He didn’t sound thrilled about it.” Gabby glanced over at me as she drove. “The sheriff’s department has probably already taken them away from their billable hours, and the guy is just ready to get everything back to normal. She was, after all, only a secretary.” With that last comment, she looked over and rolled her eyes at me to show what she thought of that.
When we got back to her office, we went over a list of interview questions and what I should look for.
“I’d come with you if I could, but I’ve got a full day scheduled tomorrow. The appointment is at 1:00 with Mr. Gallagher. He said after you meet with him, you can transfer into a conference room to meet with her coworkers.”
I was already getting nervous. It had been so long since I’d played the consummate professional, and it felt foreign now. Not for the first time, I wished I hadn’t let Gabby rope me into this.
“Oh, and can you call Ross and set up a time for him to take us over to the crime scene? I want to take a look around.”
“That’s no problem. I’ll pick them up when I go over to see Liz later today.”
“Great. Pick up the copied pages of the journal he ha s d for us too if you don’t mind. We need to get cracking on that ASAP!”
I cringed a little when I thought of the darned journal that had caused so many problems. But I had to admit that I couldn’t wait to read it.
“Sure. And I’m to come here and debrief you after I get done with the interviews tomorrow, right?”
“Yes, but since it will be early evening, let’s do it over supper. My treat. You can give me the journal pages then. Will you have time to read them tonight? That way I can have them to pore over for a few days?”
“Sure. I don’t have anything planned for tonight.” Frowning, I imagined the pile of work—the work that paid the bills—waiting for me.
***
I didn’t feel like getting back in a car, so I walked to the sheriff’s office. It would give me a chance to think. As I walked, a smile formed on my face and I stepped up my pace. The bright sunshine was a welcomed mood enhancer.
Then, all too soon, I remembered where I was walking to and my stomach dropped. I felt guilty about not seeing Liz before this, and I didn’t want her upset by my visit. I didn’t need to go in there all worried and scared. As I got within sight of the building, I forced a smile on my face, straightened my shoulders and took longer strides. I hoped I looked like a woman on a mission—and was prepared to take it on.
I walked in and blinked to get my eyes accustomed to the darkness of the reception area after the sunshine. Sheryl welcomed me in her usual cheery way and led me down to the dark and gloomy basement where the cells were.
“I thought we woulda seen you before now, Jade.”
“Yeah… I’ve been trying to get over.”
“Well, I guess you’ve been busy, helping Gabby investigate and everything. How’s that going?”
“How do you know about that?” The question came out of my mouth before I realized what a dumb question it was. In a town the size of Aspen Falls, everyone would know about my gumshoeing; news traveled even faster when a gossipmonger like Sheryl helped spread it.
Her laugh echoed down the hallway in an alarming boom. With each step, the dread rose higher in the pit of my stomach. I worried I might throw up. Was I having a panic attack? I took a deep breath to steady my nerves. It was time to face the music.
My heart sank as I caught a glimpse of Liz wearing a bright orange jumpsuit being led to a room just down the hall. I put on a brave face before Sheryl opened the door to the tiny meeting room. “Oh, can you let Ross know I need to speak to him before I leave?”
“Sorry, sweetie, he’s not here. And he won’t be. He’s in court most of the day today. But Crystal’s here. She’s in charge while he’s gone. Do you want to see her?”
“Yes, that would be great.” At least that was a relief. Not having to discuss this mess with Ross again was just fine by me.
The last of my stall tactics completed, there was nothing left to do but walk in to make happy talk to a woman I had helped put in here. Sheryl threw open the heavy door, and I walked in.
A smile lit up Liz’s face. “Oh, Jade. It’s so good to see you.”
“Really?”
“Of course, why wouldn’t it be?”
Orange was not her color. It made her skin look washed out and pale.
“Well, you know I’m the one who found that blasted journal.” I slide into an uncomfortable plastic molded chair across from her. I sat on the edge, convinced that at any moment she would scream for me to get out of her sight.
“Jade, none of this is your fault. I couldn’t ask for a better friend through all this. They would have found that… it was just a matter of time.”
“I still feel so terrible about…”
“Stop. I don’t want to talk about that. I can’t deny that this is all horrible. But you know, and so does everyone else, that I’m innocent. And that will be proven.” If possible, her smile got larger. “In fact, I hear you’ve teamed up with Gabby. You’re going to find the evidence that acquits me.”
Was this the same woman who was freaked out just the other day? I mean, yes, it was true that she no longer had a stalker she had to worry about, but she was in jail. Wasn’t that worse?
“Well, I’m going to do my best, though I’m not sure I’m the right one for the job.”
“Of course you are. I don’t know anyone smarter than you. So, what did the shrink say? Gabby told me you guys were going to see him today. She’ll be over later, I’m sure, but I’d rather not wait to hear about it.”
I went on to tell her the details of our meeting. How could I deny her that?
“So he knew about what she was doing to me and my family, but wouldn’t stop it? Gives me a whole new opinion of psychiatrists!”
“You and me both. Of course, Gabby is used to that. She’d seen a lot of that in her criminal practice days, I’d guess.”
“I guess.”
“Yeah, I kind of got a talking to afterwards. I got just a little tiny bit upset on your behalf while we were there.” I looked at her with a smile, feeling some of the tension seeping out of my tight muscles.
Liz pretended to swoon. “My defender!”
I couldn’t believe how well she was taking this being in jail thing. I’d be in a straightjacket. She may have seen it as a kind of vacation—having three small kids is a lot of work.
As if reading my mind, she pulled out a notebook she’d been sitting on and laid it on the table between us. “Being in here has given me a lot of time to think about things.”
“I’ll bet,” I flinched.
“No, really. I’ve been thinking about starting an off-shoot of The Wise Housewife now that all three kids are in school full-time, and this whole mess might be the kick-start I needed.“
“Okay, I can’t tell you how glad I am that you are still willing to see me and are taking this whole thing so well, but that seems like a pretty big leap.”
“Look, it’s happened. The only thing I can do now is make the best of it. I trust the system, and I trust you, Gabby and Ross. I know I didn’t murder anyone, so I just have to bide my time until the proof comes to light. Until then, why not us
e this time to think about where I want to go next?”
I screwed up my mouth and shrugged. “Seems smart. Whatcha got?”
“I want to start a sister blog that focuses on work-at-home opportunities for women who want to be home with their kids and still make a side income.” She held up her hands in defense. “Now, I know this isn’t a new idea and there are tons of sites already like that, but I get women contacting me all the time asking me about this topic. They trust me, and I could help a lot of them.”
“That’s great, but how does it connect with being hacked, stalked and charged with murder?”
“I’m going to become the queen of cyber-security. There are precious few blogs where you can find a comprehensive understanding of how to keep your online business safe and secure. My situation will serve as the impetus. And, I can create a course on The Wise Housewife about keeping your personal financial information safe, as well as keeping your kids safe online.”
She was beaming. “I’m full of ideas and can’t wait to get started!”
“Wow. That sounds brilliant, Liz! I think it’s a great idea!” Her enthusiasm was rubbing off. Who would have thought under the circumstances she would cheer me up?
“Thanks. I hope you’ll help me brainstorm content and stuff. We might even collaborate on some of it if you’re interested.” She was giddy with joy.
“Sure, I’ll think about it, Liz. But first things first. I need to focus on getting you out of here.
“I wish you’d stop taking the blame, Jade.”
“That’s what everyone keeps saying, but I feel like such a horrible friend.”
“How about this: if you’re ever a horrible friend, I’ll let you know? Until then, we just keep on keepin’ on. You go do what you can to get me out of here so I can put my new plan into action.”
We gave each other an awkward hug across the table after which I promised to come back so we could talk more about her ideas. She followed nonplussed as a female deputy I’d never seen took her back to her cell.
I was still shaking my head in wonder when I got back upstairs and found Crystal in the open area where the deputies sat working. Deep in concentration, Crystal’s tongue sticking out past her lips as she tapped away on the computer keys. She looked like she should be typing up her term paper, not some official sheriff’s report.