By going through a window, she looked out the window and noticed that down there was a large garden where those commonly, we see children playing with balls and dogs. But it was completely empty.
Everything was quiet and there was no sign of Richard. The last room had the door closed. Maybe he was there ... She imagined and knocked insistently. Nothing happened. She decided to force the lock and noticed that was open. She opened and peeked inside, finding that it was a work room, packed with electronic equipment.
Unable to master her curiosity she entered, approaching the table where was the video unit, noticed the label of one of the scattered ribbons on the mobile, which read: 3rd Interrogation – 23rd of February.
With her heart pounding she remembered that the 3rd interview she had with Richard was on that day. It was so...
Without waiting any longer, she introduced the box into the appropriate slot and pressed the control button. And the screen immediately lit up with amazement and she saw herself with the features and Richard upset with his back to the camera, telling her in rough tone:
It must have been easy to kill Phelps. He was a horrible man and you are not as fragile as you seem to be...
The insinuation was so nasty, that interrogated lost his head and made crazy hurtled against the man who bluntly accused her of a heinous crime that she would never have had the courage to commit.
And the worst that could happen at that time, to hinder him further position who claimed innocence, was having uncontrolled advanced towards a police, demonstrating the explosive temperament he was looking for.
Richard was shielding his face from those sharp nails, while he hold her wrists and kept saying:
- Was like this attacked Phelps, hitting him with the candle holder?
- I didn’t kill him!!! How many times do I have to repeat it? - She insisted, struggling to get rid of the claws imprisoning her arms.
- The candle holder contains your fingerprints and Phelps and no one else. How do you explain that? - He went on repeating it, the main evidence that pointed her as author of the crime.
Annie, with trembling hands, hung up the phone and sighed deeply to control emotion. Then she began to rummage through other tapes and saw it was all other interviews she had with him. It caught her attention a folder of envelope type, which was half-open. She hastened to examine its content but, by accident, the folder escaped from her hands falling on the ground, scattering belongings everywhere.
Not surprised to find her photos and newspaper clippings that exposed the sensational headlines of the horrendous case, referring to it as "The Candle Killer".
"Why was Richard examining all this?" She reflected. "Probably to clear his name, for was not because of me." She thought and went out.
Finding the kitchen, she took the opportunity to have a glass of milk and eat something. There was no sign of Richard. She returned to the bedroom and lay on the bed to rest the body still weak and staring at the ceiling, remained for long time meditating on what she would do in her life.
It was almost four o'clock in the afternoon, when she decided to call to her mother. At this time, Jimmy should have arrived from school and perhaps she would have the good fortune for her son answer the call.
She sat on the bed and reached for the phone.
With trembling fingers to dial the desired number, Annie didn’t notice the noise from the door opening and didn’t hear Richard entering.
She gulped when she heard Frank's mother at the other end.
- I wanted to talk to Jimmy - she asked firmly.
- I'm sorry, but you can’t - the woman said, with the familiar coolness that Annie hated so much. She added: - It’s better not to connect any more.
- I have the right - shouted indignantly. - He's my son and no one will separate him from me.
- Try to understand that Frank and I are just doing it for the good of Jimmy. - Clarified the ex-mother in law and hung up the phone.
Annie slammed the phone tightly and clenching her wrists pounded the mattress several times, cursing aloud.
Thanks! Calm down! - Richard intervened, touching her shoulders. - This will not help.
She spun around facing him and said:
- I know that doesn’t help, but at least I vent.
- What did Frank said?
- It was my ex-mother in law. And she doesn’t let me talk to Jimmy.
- Hmm ... - Richard grunted thoughtfully. - I'll make coffee - was all he said, and then went down to the kitchen.
Annie followed shortly after.
- Good to see you're better looking - he said as he puts a mug with water to heat up.
- Physically, yes. I just can’t remember details of what happened. I remember only that I was in the middle of a park and it rained a lot.
- That's where I found you. You were drenched with fever and almost unconscious. Then I brought you here. I didn’t went to your flat to pick up clothes as I was afraid that some reporters were still there and they follow me.
- Doen’t matter. There was nothing important to catch. What I have is only what they provide to prisoners when they leave in freedom. And by the way, what happened to my shirt?
- I sent it to the laundry and haven’t arrived yet.
- But why so much care? You could put it in there - said, pointing to the washing machine.
He felt embarrassed ... Although at the moment plight has him stripped her nightgown, couldn’t explain, by a kind of modesty which didn’t dare wash it himself.
- My friend Paula, who is a doctor, watched you - he said, as he brought two cups in hands and deposited on the table, sitting in front of Annie. She served him coffee.
She slurped the first sip slowly for fear of burning her tongue, so hot that it was the delicious liquid. After she commented:
- I need to call Mia to come get me.
- Why don’t you stay for a few days?
Annie looked up and prudently justified.
- Look, I'm very grateful for what you did for me, but this does not change my position.
- I know ... But there's a lot I'd like to talk to you.
- Talk to me? - She joked. - I think everything has been said three years ago.
Richard took the cup to his lips, to create a break and try to keep a calm dialogue. Then he pointed out:
- I'm reviewing the interrogation and there are things in them that are intriguing me.
- What for example? As the truth was distorted?
- Listen, Annie. I am not claiming or denying anything, but I didn’t hide that report. I just do not remember. It is as if my memory had gone out at some point.
She raised an eyebrow and with clear disbelief on her face, asked:
- As an experienced police could you simply forget a report?
At that time, Richard noticed how difficult it was to get the truth out. If he told about the accident with his wife and son and how was his state of mind at that time, perhaps she would understand better. For this however, it was necessary to expose his wounds and he was too proud to support a pity gesture of this woman who had everything to hate him. He just said:
- I was very busy.
- Didn’t sound through the patience that was around me.
- You are jumping to conclusions - he warned.
- It was what you did too?
The mood changed and the two looked at each other challenging.
- The evidence against you was overwhelming. Aside from that witness...
- And the report which mysteriously disappeared - completed her, almost shouting.
- Can you hear me for a moment? - He pleaded, huskily.
- Hearing you out will it make a difference? Does it did bring back my reputation, the three years of life lost and above all my son? What do you know about spending every minute of the day thinking about the child who has not the right to be with his mother?
- And taking a short breath to calm down, she finished:
- If there is a way to repair the da
mage caused me, I really don’t know.
"Discovering the real killer," he thought. But he said nothing, because he was not fully convinced of Annie’s innocence. Reviewing the interrogations had brought many questions, but this was still not enough.
For a few minutes both were silent, until Annie decided:
- I'll call my lawyer. The sooner I get out of here, the better.
Rising up, she returned to the room carrying the cup of coffee.
- Massey and Fisher - announced the receptionist to answer the call.
- I would like to talk to Mia - asked Annie.
- I'm sorry. She took a few days off to care of her daughter who has the flu.
Annie wrinkled his nose in disgust and asked:
- Then I need to talk to Dr. Massey please.
- A minute please - asked the girl.
While waiting impatiently Annie drummed her fingers on the table beside the bed. She had no desire to talk to Massey, a harsh and pedantic man, but ... she was so desperate. When the lawyer answered, Annie explained the situation to him:
- Why don’t you go back to the flat? - He asked.
- Because the press found me there and doesn’t give me any peace.
- And where are you now?
- Temporarily in Richard Edwards home. And that is the problem. I can’t stay here.
- Hmm ... - the man grumbled. - I think you should take advantage of the situation ... If you could attract this man to our side, it would be easier to win the lawsuit against Frank. Give me the address and I'll send you some money. But, I warn you in advance that it will not be much.
- Thank you - Annie replied a little annoyed. - Once the compensation arrives, I’ll return the money to you.
By the time she hung up the phone, Richard entered the room carrying a tray, getting to hear the end of the conversation:
- If you needed money, why don’t you sell your story to the press? They were offering a good deal - criticized him, with sarcasm and resentment. - And besides, it was a good opportunity to tell the world what you think of me.
- I didn’t because of my son. More sensationalism only would hurt him and would mean better conditions for Frank to keep him away from me.
- Speaking of Frank, doesn’t he help financially?
She gave a bitter laugh:
- Frank? All he wants is to see me out of the way to win custody of Jimmy. I hate him!
In the beautiful round table, Richard arranged a small snack with boiled eggs and bacon, inviting Annie to eat:
- Come and eat a little. There were days you didn’t eat right. - And, throwing a nasty insinuation: - You must be very strong, you have many people to hate...
She just takes a sip of tea he had brought, and said nothing about his insinuation. Contrary to what he thought, she sat at the table and, in an instant, devoured the snack.
- Hmm ... It was delicious - murmured satisfied. - I must admit you are an excellent cook.
A brief smile did disappear for a moment, the usual serious side of Richard's features.
- Newspapers have talked a lot about the day of your disappearing - he said, as he picked up the tray dishes used.
- I wonder ... - she sighed. - And the fact that you have been there must have them provided enough subject for rumours.
He shook his head:
- They mention a mysterious man. We were very lucky that none of them recognized me.
- Yeah ... I think it's the first drop of luck I have in recent years...
- As I said before, this is the best place for you to hide until things are clarified.
- What things? Is that why you have all those interrogations tapes?
- Have you seen them? - Amazed.
- Only for a glance. I don’t need to see them to remember everything that happened in those interviews. - And with a dry look said: - What's that Mr. Edwards? Do you have a guilty conscience attack?
- It would be too much to ask you to call me Richard? - He said, without understanding very well how he felt about that woman, he was sentenced to prison. He was confused.
- Yes would be. - She confirmed without raising her eyes, despite the care he dispensed her – there was still a huge resentment she harboured against that man.
- Well - he explained. - I have examined all the tapes to see if I can remember the details.
- And will it make any difference now?
- Not sure, but I must try. If you are really innocent...
He hesitated, afraid of going too far.
- I understand... - she said. - But ... the proof of my innocence would cause serious damage to your reputation, wouldn’t it?
- As far as the blame - he concluded discouraged.
During the time spent in prison, it was a rare night that Annie was not shaken by violent nightmares, but since she was in Richard's house, she sleep always calmly despite the flu.
That night though, Annie dreamed about Jimmy running from her, and every time she tried to reach him, Frank's figure was blocking her path. She struggled with all her strengths, but it was useless. Desperation in her dream let her to scream. Suddenly she felt two strong arms holding her. She opened her eyes and Richard's image suddenly appeared.
She still thrashed and he held her firmly.
- Wake up, Annie. It was just a nightmare.
Finally, she managed to control herself and realize that she was in bed. Richard was holding her.
- I'm fine - she said her voice still choked with tension.
- Are you sure? You were screaming...
- It was horrible! I tried to reach Jimmy and Frank kept me.
Richard sitting on the edge of the bed, still holding her, and when she wanted to rise still desperately to extricate herself from his arms, the unexpected happened: the baggy pyjama shirt she was wearing didn’t resist the abrupt gesture and bowed almost to the waist, exposing her a second her beautiful breasts.
Richard loosened arms and she came to herself, quickly grabbed the collar of her shirt rising up to the neck, where a slight blush was born, spreading after to the whole face.
He remained motionless for some time, sheepishly, then got up and left without saying a word. Upon arriving in his room, slammed the door shut. He couldn’t understand why he had almost run to get there and even the reason for the fine tremor that weakened his legs.
He was surprised and annoyed by the reaction he had when he saw Annie beautiful breasts. It was not just the fact itself, because in his profession was used seeing naked bodies of beautiful women with utter indifference.
Moreover, he never thought of Annie with sexual interest.
In fact, he loved his wife deeply and, after her abrupt disappearance, it was as if all his feelings had gone with her. In the past three years, he felt no interest in any woman and, as far as he could be aware, thought things would be like this forever.
But in an instant, everything changed.
He took a deep breath to calm his heart which was still beating wildly.
The memory of that night in the park, where he carried her to the car and how it felt to wipe her wet body after starting her nightgown back into his memory. Suddenly he realized that this wasn’t the first time that he was attracted to her.
Then he realized he had been struggling to ignore it until the desire suffocated, to see the lush bust she hurried to cover finally exploded. Simple Annie modesty gesture left in the air a provocative forbidden taste that unwittingly prompted her male instinct.
He almost laughed aloud with the discovery that he had just done: he wished with all senses the woman who hated him. "Could there be anything more ironic?" He thought.
Throughout the night Annie turned from side to side, unable to sleep. The noise she heard, caused by Richard who moved the house, troubling. That night, she clearly saw the desire in his eyes and felt his reaction.
It was easy for her to recognize in men the expression of lust and desire, since it had already been a high model sex symbol. And she couldn�
��t get the words of Massey out of her mind all the time: "If you could attract this man to our side ..."
At first she didn’t thought about the idea, but now she perceived as she wanted, she thought that this could be an excellent opportunity to take advantage of the situation ... Years ago she was incapable of such an attitude, but time in prison taught that it was valid, especially when it came to survival. And having her son back to her was her ultimate priority.
She sat on the bed, confused with her own thoughts.
- Enough, Annie! - She scolded quietly. - You always behaved as a victim. It's time to change things...
*****
Chapter 5
And accommodating the pillow behind her, leaned heavy as she went into deep thinking: "That man ruined my life and made me missing my son now, I will get my son back, whatever the cost!"
Next morning, Annie got up very early. Already she had finished breakfast when the postman arrived with the mail. Eager, she opened one of the envelopes, which contained her name and pulled in a check. By examining its value, she screamed with indignation;
- This can’t be happening... just that?
The lawyer sent an explanatory note justifying that, unfortunately, it was just what the office could afford at the time, however, she should expect the release of the compensation soon, to which she was entitled.
Richard who had just entered the kitchen, he is surprised to see her so angry. And approaching her back, he said peering over her shoulder:
- Not much, isn’t it?
- I bet I can get more social assistance - she said, turning on her feet and stared at the front.
- It might be. But I'm sure if you do have the entire press interested in your history.
- And what can I do? - She asked, gesturing with open arms.
Richard stared uncertainly. An inner voice told him that he was entering dangerous ground and that the best thing would be to let her go. But before he heard the reason, lips parted and he was heard offering:
- You can stay here as long as you want.
She lowered her eyes, pretending to be studying the offer. In fact it was all she needed to hear. She had to carry the plan she draw in her mind overnight.
Me Before You Page 3