Double or Nothing

by Wells, Donald

  When Carol opens a gift and removes the cashmere sweater David bought her, Mouse suddenly becomes enthusiastic at opening gifts.

  Carol smiles. “I see someone’s changed her mind about unwrapping presents.”

  “Mouse saw you remove clothing from your gift, if she thought there was clothing in this sofa she’d take it apart, she’s obsessed with fashion.”

  Mouse looks at David and sticks her tongue out at him playfully in response.

  “Davey, Mouse seems so much more “with it” than she was at Thanksgiving. I can’t get over how…normal she seems, for lack of a better word.”

  “I know sis, I see it too.”

  Mouse, sitting on the floor, holds aloft a pair of designer jeans from her mutilated package and smiles brightly at the two of them.

  “Davey I’ve been finding out more about the Davenports. To start with, April and May aren’t the angels their charity work might lead you to believe they are.”

  “Meaning what?” David asks, while watching with delight as Mouse opens another gift.

  “It would seem their favorite pastime is breaking up happy couples, married or not. One of my patients told me that April and May must have destroyed a dozen marriages or more.”

  “You mean on purpose, like a hobby?”

  “I don’t know. Karen just told me, oh, Karen is my patient. Karen was a friend of the girls in college, that is until May slept with her boyfriend. Well, Karen says they both seem attracted to married men, happily married men in particular it would seem. There’s also a rumor that if a man doesn’t fall victim to the charms of one of the girls that they both approach him. It’s something they call ‘Double or Nothing’, they offer to sleep with the man at the same time. There aren’t many men that don’t have a twin fantasy and they are two young and beautiful girls.”

  “Jesus! What the hell are they, a couple of spoiled thrill-seeking brats?”

  “Not spoiled by love apparently, they were raised by servants and boarding schools.”

  “All that I’ve learned about Blake Davenport suggest that he’s a cold fish.” David says.

  “He is rather staid, but forceful, and he’s immensely respected at the clinic.”

  David makes a shrugging motion. “Money breeds respect like filth breeds cockroaches. I’d be more impressed if he were loved. Only love breeds love.”

  Mouse finishes unwrapping her gifts as she sits on the floor near the tree, surrounded by nearly a dozen articles of clothing. She goes over to the sofa and settles beside David with a piece of paper in her hand.

  “It’s a gift certificate Mouse. Carol got it for you, it says that you can have a day of beauty at the Westchester Spa and Boutique.”

  Mouse still seems confused.

  “It’s like a beauty parlor Mouse.” Carol explains, “You and I will get our hair done, OK?”

  Mouse responds still with a look of perplexity, but then smiles anyway.

  “Listen Mouse, it’s just going to be you and Carol tomorrow, I won’t be coming along.”

  Mouse makes a flipping gesture with her hand, that means, “Why not?”

  “A beauty spa would consider me too much of a challenge for one thing, also I think it’s time you learned to trust someone else. Carol will take good care of you, I promise, OK?”

  Mouse looks over at Carol for a long moment, then she smiles and nods her head.

  “She’ll be fine Davey, besides I think Mouse and I should get to know each other better. Just one thing though, I can’t keep calling her Mouse, it’s silly. Is there another name she likes?”

  “At my apartment building they think she’s my cousin Minnie.”

  Carol laughs. “Minnie? Oh Davey couldn’t you have thought of something else?”

  “It was the first name that came to mind.”

  “All right then, Minnie it is. Oh no, I just thought of something horrible.”

  “What?”

  “That makes her name Minnie Manning.”

  The following day, Carol and Mouse return from the spa and Mouse runs to David as if she hadn’t seen him in five years instead of five hours. She gives David a lasting hug and a big smile. Mouse then shyly shows off her new hairstyle to David. Mouse’s long, black locks are swirled into a complicated looking array that David thinks makes her look older, more mature perhaps. David then notices the six bags of clothing.

  “I see Mouse discovered the boutique section of the spa.”

  “Oh she just lit up in the store. She loves to shop and she has a great eye for style.”

  “This must have cost a lot Carol.”

  “My treat little brother, I always wanted a sister to shop with and she’s a sweetie.”

  “How was she being away from me? It’s the first day we’ve been apart since we met.”

  “She looked worried as we drove away, but at the spa she was kept so occupied that she relaxed, and once inside the boutique all she thought about were the clothes. Oh, I noticed at lunch that she’s mastered the fork, now maybe she can teach me to use chopsticks.”

  “What time is her appointment with Dr. Meyer?”

  “Ten o’clock, and I hope she’s able to help her, Mouse is such a sweet girl.”

  “What exactly does the Doctor do? What sort of therapy will this entail?”

  “Tomorrow is only an evaluation, it’s too early to discuss possible therapies.”

  “I’ve been thinking about this, if Mouse does keep seeing Dr. Meyer maybe I should move closer to her clinic. I looked through the newspaper and found three houses nearby for rent, maybe we’ll be neighbors soon.”

  “Don’t be silly, this is your home too, move back into your old room.”

  “Really sis? That would be great, thanks. Mouse can keep using the bedroom next to mine.”

  Carol gives David a sly look. “You know, those two bedrooms connect, you two will have lots of privacy.”

  “What are you insinuating?”

  Just then, Mouse sits on the sofa and cuddles up next to David.

  “Oh nothing,” Carol says, while smiling widely.

  David looks at Carol and sighs deeply. “Well anyway, what story did you tell the doctor when you made the appointment for Mouse?”

  “I stayed as close to what we believe the truth is as possible.”

  “In what way exactly?”

  “I told her that Mouse’s sisters died in a tragedy that also claimed her father’s life, the family thought she was dead until recently, and that she’s been living with you for months.”

  David hugs Mouse. “I just pray she can help her.”

  At the Meyer Clinic, Mouse is put through a series of tests both physical and psychological.

  Mouse takes an immediate liking to the doctor, who David thinks looks more like a TV producer’s idea of a grandmother than a world renowned psychiatrist.

  The Meyer Clinic is located in the nearby town of Ossining, New York. The secluded property boasts a man-made lake surrounded by winding tree-lined paths on acreage formally owned by a shoe manufacturer who died suddenly without leaving a will.

  Several of the man’s distant relatives fought a long, bitter court battle over his estate and while the legal fight raged, the property sat neglected. In the end, the now distressed property was put up for sale at a bargain price and the proceeds divided among the quarreling heirs.

  Dr. Meyer learned of the property’s availability and saw her chance to fulfill a dream. She opened her clinic on the site a year later.

  After hours of being tested and probed and an additional hour of waiting for results, Mouse sits leaning sleepily against David on the doctor’s green leather sofa. Dr. Meyer comes into her office and settles across from the two of them at her desk. She quickly reads the test results and makes notes in the margins, she then looks up and smiles.

  “Well, there appears to be nothing physical causing her muteness. I feel safe in saying that it was caused by an emotional trauma, probably a childhood trauma. The dissociation she
displays at times is most likely a result of prolonged isolation. Your descriptions of it and its subsequent lessening in the weeks she’s been in contact with you point strongly to this.”

  “Doctor are you saying that, Minnie, was kept isolated, possibly even locked up alone somewhere for a long period of time?”

  “We can’t know for certain Mr. Manning, but I’ve consulted with a colleague who has treated children who have been subjected to such isolation and he says that her case sounds similar.”

  “What can be done? Can you help her? And what about her muteness? Will she ever talk?”

  “I understand your anxiety Mr. Manning but you must appreciate the fact that Minnie is not recovering as much as she’s becoming. In other words, to her, her muteness is natural. The tragedy that killed her two sisters and separated the triplets was a massive shock to such a young child. To lose her father and home at the same time caused even more distress.”

  “Are you gently trying to tell me that she’ll never talk?”

  “No not at all, it is almost unheard of for an adult to suffer as an elective mute. In fact, talking someday would be the natural progression of her recovery from trauma, it is likely just a matter of time.”

  David grins. “Great! I’m so glad to hear you say that, it’s what I’ve always thought.”

  “Your cousin needs time more than anything else. Meanwhile, there are therapies we can use that may facilitate her speaking. What I would suggest we primarily focus on are her reading and writing skills along with teaching her sign language. Our tests indicate she may possess a higher than average IQ and her ability to learn new behavior seems unimpaired.”

  “How often would Minnie need to come here doctor and for how long a time each visit?”

  “Oh, I’d say five days a week to start and the duration of each visit would probably vary to some decree but the sessions would not last longer than three hours. I’ve gone over her insurance information and her coverage would fully pay all costs.”

  Yes I know, thanks to my hacking into the insurance company’s computer system.

  “When would Minnie begin?”

  “Mr. Manning I am leaving for a vacation starting tomorrow and lasting until the eighth day of January. Let’s say we’ll begin on Thursday the ninth of January. Is that good for you?”

  “Yes doctor, thank you, oh, and please call me David.” David and Mouse rise to leave. At the door, Dr. Meyer asks a question.

  “Mr. Manning, um, David, this may sound like a peculiar question, but has your cousin ever exhibited what might be termed…psychic abilities?”

  “I don’t consider it odd at all doctor, and yes, Minnie is quite psychic. Why do you ask?”

  “We have a number of large potted plants hanging in the solarium…”

  “Yes?” David says, while noting the intellectual’s unease with such a discussion.

  “Well, it’s just that as we were walking with Minnie past this area she suddenly stopped and looked as if she were listening to something. My nurse and I heard nothing unusual and motioned for Minnie to continue following us. Without warning, Minnie ran into the solarium and grabbed a child out of one of the chairs. The next instant the stone planter hanging above the chair came crashing down upon it. Minnie’s actions saved the little girl from injury—and possibly far worse.” Dr. Meyer says, while giving a little shudder.

  David takes Mouse’s hands. “My God, Mouse you could have been hurt.”

  Mouse gives David a, “What else could I do?” shrug.

  “Mouse? David you just called her Mouse, a nickname?”

  “Ah yes, a nickname,” David says, annoyed at himself for slipping.

  “No one was hurt David and let me assure you that all of the remaining planters were taken down.”

  “Thank God Mouse was there to help. Dr. Meyer please take good care of her when she’s here, she’s very special.”

  “Minnie has already greatly endeared herself to me David. The little girl she saved is my granddaughter Amy. She is five-years-old and the most precious thing in the world to me.”

  “Goodbye Dr. Meyer, and have a great vacation.”

  “Thank you David and goodbye. Goodbye—Mouse,” Dr. Meyer laughs.

  “It does seem to fit her doesn’t it.”

  That night over dinner, David relays Dr. Meyer’s analysis to Carol.

  “So are you still moving back here?”

  “Yes, but I think I’ll also hold onto the apartment, at least for the time being.”

  “It’ll be nice to have company again.” Carol says. “And I like having my cousin Minnie around.” She smiles at Mouse, who gives her a big smile back.

  “Oh, I’m glad you said that. Could you spend time with Mouse next week while I go back to the city and get some of our things?”

  “Sure, maybe we two girls will go shopping again.”

  “I have some shopping of my own to do.” David says. “Computer shopping, it’s time I upgraded my systems.”

  “That sounds expensive.”

  David nods. “It is. I’ll probably spend well over ten-thousand dollars altogether.”

  7

  Friday, February 7th, 11:43 p.m.

  Special Agent Jack Martin sits up in bed, reading through the previous month’s Computer Equipment Sales Report.

  Kelly Carlton, his partner and lover, lies next to him. “Jack, turn off that light and start turning me on instead, that report can wait.”

  Jack turns out the light. “That’s an offer I can’t refuse.”

  “Was there anything promising this time?” Kelly says, as she nuzzles her face against Jack’s neck.

  “Actually yes, a man named David Manning bought over thirteen thousand dollars worth of high-end computers and computer peripherals last month. The items were delivered to an address in Westchester County. I know tomorrow is Saturday, but how about taking a ride with me to go talk to him?”

  “Sure Jack, but no more shop talk, it’s bedtime now, our time.”

  “I’d like to leave here by daybreak and wake him up early, maybe catch him off guard.”

  Kelly begins kissing her way down Jack’s chest and stomach until she is below his waist.

  “Ooohhh,” Jack moans. “On second thought, maybe we’ll sleep in.”

  “Um hum,” Kelly mumbles back at him.

  Saturday, February 8th, 12:37 p.m.

  David and Mouse lounge together on a sofa watching a movie. Both wear jeans, however, Mouse sports a fashionable white silk top while David wears a blue polo shirt. On the coffee table in front of them sits a large bowl of guacamole dip and a bag of chips. Since starting her therapy with Dr. Meyer, Mouse has made further strides in her development. Apart from her lack of speech, Mouse now seems “normal” and as cognizant as most people. Carol is at the back of the house in her office seeing her last patient.

  Right before the doorbell rings, David notices Mouse make that little listening motion of hers, he knows that means trouble.

  “What is it Mouse?”

  Mouse points at herself and goes and hides around a corner. David, although perplexed by this behavior, also takes it to mean that there is no peril involved. If Mouse sensed any danger she would not allow him to answer the doorbell.

  David opens the door and finds two pleasant looking people smiling at him, then the badges appear and he wishes he had hid with Mouse.

  “Good Afternoon Sir, I’m Special Agent Martin of the F.B.I. and this is my partner Special Agent Carlton, may we come in please?”

  “Sure,” David says. The two agents walk in and follow David into the adjacent living room. Jack and Kelly sit opposite David, behind them Mouse peeks out for a quick look.

  “A very nice home you have here Mr. Manning.” Jack says.

  “Thanks, actually the house belongs to my sister, I’m just visiting.” As David talks to Jack, he eyes Kelly. Agent Carlton is one tasty package.

  “Are you proficient with computers Mr. Manning?” Kelly asks.
>
  Tasty and direct, an interesting combination. “I can turn one on.” David says, smiling.

  Kelly smiles back. “I’m sure you can, but anyone who buys over thirteen thousand dollars worth of computer equipment in one day can do more than that.”

  “What do you mean Agent Carlton?” David asks.

  Jack answers. “Agent Carlton meant nothing accusatory by her statement. It just seems unusual for a private individual to buy such a large amount of sophisticated computer equipment unless they have a very good reason for doing so.”

  “Do you have a good reason David? You don’t mind if I call you David do you Mr. Manning?” Kelly says, softening her tone.

  “I don’t mind at all, and what would be your first name Agent Carlton?”

  “Kelly, David you can call me Kelly.” She says in a sultry tone, causing Jack to look at her strangely.

  Mouse peeks around her corner and squints coldly at the back of Kelly’s head. David has to force himself not to laugh at her reaction to Kelly’s flirting.

  “Well, to answer your question, yes, I do have a good reason for buying such a large amount of computer equipment. I’m a reseller. I plan to resell it all at a computer show.”

  “Really David? And do you make much money at this business?”

  “Sadly Kelly no, fortunately I’m well off financially.”

  Jack abruptly rises to leave. “Thank you for your time Mr. Manning.”

  “Anything to help out,” David mutters, perplexed by the sudden ending to the interrogation.

  As Jack hurries toward the door, Kelly walks along beside David.

  “Oh David, if I have any other questions can I give you a call?”

  David smiles. “Kelly you can call me even if you have the answers.”

  Kelly gives him a dazzling smile of her own and touches him on the arm.

  David opens the front door and sees yet another unexpected guest arriving.

  As they pass her on the way to their car, Kelly whispers to Jack. “Do you know who that is?”

  Alison smiles at them. “Please, no autographs,” She then walks past the startled David and into the house, where she makes her way into the living room and stands near the sofa.