Of That Day and Hour: A psychological thriller

by Anthony O'Brien

  Jeff has the paper between his fingers, which are outstretched in front of him. With one eye closed, like a marksman with his rifle, he toys with the setting sun.

  “Did you know the safest way to view a partial solar eclipse is to project the sun’s image onto a piece of paper?”

  “Don’t change the subject.” Eve knows he just needs a gentle, and final push.

  “I’m not.” He looks to her and smiles. “I’ll phone him tomorrow.”

  “Good, and while we’re on the subject of phone calls, shouldn’t you contact your daughters?” Eve knows, from her past how lonely it is for a child to be without a father.

  “Yes, with everything that’s happened recently I’ve neglected them. I will phone home.” Eve gives him a look. “No I didn’t mean home, I meant-” She interrupts.

  “It’s okay, I know what you meant.” After a moment’s thought, she reinforces her status. “Don’t worry, you’re not going anywhere.” With a smile she teases, “You’re mine now.”

  ***

  A modern brick built, glass fronted building stands within its own private and secure grounds. A black plaque with gold lettering is set to the right of the entrance: ‘The Pearson Institute, founded by Marcus Pearson.’ A quote by Confucius is carved into the plaque: ‘Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.’

  Inside one of the many white rooms dividing this building is Marcus. Opposite him sits what at first glance appears to be your average eight year old girl, with colorful cartoon characters across her t-shirt, and pigtails in her hair. The room itself consists of one white table, two chairs, plain white walls and no window. A large mirror is set into the wall. Behind this mirror is a camera with the latest high tech digital recording equipment. The room is intentionally plain to avoid any distractions or outside influences. Between Marcus and the girl, neatly lined up in a row on the table, are chrome metallic balls of varying weights and sizes. One of these chrome balls levitates a foot above the table, and silently spins. The girl’s eyes are focused intently upon her task.

  “Well done, Emily. Keep it there for just one moment longer.”

  A knock at the door, and the appearance of Sarah has the ball dropping back to the table with a bouncing metallic thud.

  “Sorry to interrupt.” Sarah feels awkward for disrupting his work. “You have a call.”

  “Sarah, you know I don’t take calls during sessions.” Marcus keeps himself composed; raising his eyebrows, with a fixed smile.

  “You need to take this one.”

  “Why?”

  “You have Jefferson Davies on the line.” His eyebrows and feigned smile drop instantly.

  “Would you stay with Emily for a moment, please?”

  “Of course.”

  Sarah looks to Emily and smiles. Emily says, “He’s missed his friend, hasn’t he?”

  “Yes Emily, I believe he has.”

  Marcus walks briskly along the corridor, passing beautiful and inspirational paintings of nature, the cosmos and spirituality. Opening the office door he walks quickly to his desk, sitting down whilst picking up the phone. He hesitates, takes a deep breath, then presses the button to connect the call.

  “Hello, Jeff.” He tries to maintain an even and professional tone of voice.

  “Marcus.” Jeff too plays it distant and cool. Although he does want any information Marcus may possess.

  “It’s good to hear your voice after all these years. Thank you for contacting me.”

  “That’s quite alright. After all these years I’m intrigued. Jack said you’d left your number for me.”

  “That’s correct.”

  “May I ask why?”

  “Of course. Now, please listen carefully to me. I understand that without scientific evidence you’re at best skeptical about the paranormal. However, I wouldn’t contact you unless I believed something big was heading your way.”

  “Would you care to enlighten me?” Jeff probes, wanting to know more.

  “I can’t say what forces are in motion. However, I would first like to apologize for my appalling behavior as a student all those years ago. It’s unforgivable, I know, and I would like to believe out of character for me.”

  “It was.” For a moment there’s an awkward silence between them. “I’ll take that as a full apology then.”

  “Please do.” Marcus waits with bated breath to see how Jeff responds.

  “I’ll be up front with you, it wasn’t easy to phone you Marcus. However, you are correct in your assumptions. I’m in the middle of something of which I have no understanding, and it appears to be getting worse.”

  “What’s happening?”

  “I don’t know where to start. What I’m experiencing goes against my every belief. I have to concede there’s more to this world than meets the eye.”

  “There is.” Marcus has to think, and quickly! It’s apparent to him that Jeff’s closed to discussion over the phone. “May I make a suggestion?”

  “Please do.”

  “Come over and we can talk face to face.”

  “Where are you?”

  “Kansas.”

  “Kansas, give me a moment.”

  “Sure.”

  “Eve, how long will it take to drive to Kansas?”

  “It’s a good day’s drive.” Eve’s curious. It sounds like a trip, and she may even get to meet the infamous Marcus.

  “Thanks honey. Marcus.”

  “Yes.”

  “We’re in Colorado, we could make it to you in a day.”

  “Well, stay with us for the weekend.” There’s silence on the other end of the phone. “The honor would be ours.”

  “I wouldn’t like to put you out. We’ll book into a hotel.” Eve’s in the background listening intently.

  “If my partner knew that I let you stay at a hotel, I would be in serious trouble. Pack your bags for this weekend. We have plenty of spare rooms at our house, then we can try and straighten out whatever’s happening to you.”

  “My partner will be travelling with me.”

  “Perfect, Sarah will be excited to have some female company. Please. It’s the very least I can do.”

  “Can you hang on one moment?”

  “Of course.”

  Jeff places his hand over the mouthpiece, and turns to Eve.

  “He’s invited us over to his this weekend so we can discuss the situation.”

  “Good, arrange it.” Eve has a sense of relief.

  “Okay.” Jeff releases his hand. “Marcus,”

  “Yes.”

  “We would like to accept your invitation.”

  “That’s settled then.” Marcus is pleased; he’s crossed the first hurdle. “Do you have an email address?”

  “Of course.”

  “Give it to me. I'll forward our details and a map of how to find us.”

  Eve watches as Jeff passes his details on. She’s many reservations concerning Marcus, but he may be able to help. At this stage in the game, any help is appreciated. Jeff says his farewell, ending the call.

  “That appears to have gone well.”

  “Better than I anticipated.”

  “What did he say?”

  “He asked what’s been happening. I said it’s difficult for me to discuss matters over the phone, which is why we’re going to meet him. He also apologized.”

  “That’s a start.”

  “I guess.” Jeff’s still unsure if he’s doing the right thing.

  “When are we going to see him?”

  “This weekend. We’re going to stay with them at their home.”

  “Them?”

  “His partner, apparently she’ll be glad of the female company.”

  “This should be interesting.” Eve thinks that, on the plus side, at least there’s another woman to keep the boys in check.

  “You said it yourself, we have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

  “Yes I did. Now I’ll give you a minute alone, and you can phone yo
ur daughters.”

  “You don’t have to go.”

  “It’s okay, I have a few things to attend to.”

  Eve walks back into the house. She watches Jeff through the window as he picks up the phone, dials the number, and sits listening to the digital ring in his ear. She can tell from his face when someone answers.

  “Hello.”

  “Hi, is that Jessica?”

  “Dad, is that you?”

  “Yes, love.” He relaxes, it’s good to hear her voice. “How are you?”

  “I’m fine. Where’ve you been?”

  “Sorry, Jess.” Jeff tries to justify himself. “I’ve been tied up with work.”

  “We were worried about you. Mom tried to get hold of you at the university, and they said you didn’t work there anymore.”

  “It’s a long story love, I’m in Colorado.”

  “What are you doing there?”

  “Just some temporary work. How’s everything at home?”

  “It’s okay.” Her voice is blasé.

  “And school?”

  “Boring.”

  “Yes, school’s always boring, love, but you know how important it is to work hard.”

  “Yes Dad.” There’s rebellion in her voice.

  “How’s dance class?”

  “We’re rehearsing for a new show, and I’ve learned to Lindy Hop.”

  “Lindy Hop?”

  “Yeah, you know, like the Jitterbug, 1920’s Harlem.”

  “And the Charleston?”

  “I already know the Charleston, Dad.”

  “Of course you do, love. So you’re enjoying it?”

  “Yeah it’s cool.”

  “That’s fantastic.” Jeff’s more upbeat. “Have you any other news?”

  “I don’t know, hmm, Mom’s got a new friend.”

  “Has she?” He’s curious.

  “Yeah, he took us all out to the fair, and he bought us a PlayStation!”

  “Did he now?” It’s all good, he knows, but for some reason, it still hurts.

  “Yeah, he’s nice.”

  “Good. Is there anything else I should know?”

  “I think that’s it. When can I see you Dad?”

  “Soon love, as soon as I can get away from work I’ll visit.”

  “Promise?” Jessica sounds unsure.

  “I promise.” With emphasis he adds. “I want to see you too!”

  “Okay.”

  “How’s Louise?” Jeff almost winces as he speaks her name.

  “She’s okay.”

  “Is she there?”

  “Yeah, hang on and I’ll get her.”

  Jeff imagines Jessica walking with the phone along the hallway and into the living room. He listens intently to the conversation.

  “It’s Dad.”

  “So?”

  “What do you mean so?”

  “I don’t want to talk to him.”

  “I thought you did?”

  “Well I don’t.”

  “Why?”

  “He walked out on us.” Jeff shakes his head; she’s still not forgiven him.

  “That was ages ago, don’t be silly. He’s waiting for you.”

  “I said no!”

  “Okay, you don’t have to shout.” Jessica walks out of the room and back into the hall. Jeff has that sinking feeling that only a father who’s walked away from his children can comprehend.

  “Dad I’m sorry, she doesn’t want to talk to you.”

  “Don’t worry love.” Inwardly his heart sinks. “We’ll just have to give her more time, and she’ll come round. Will you send her my love?”

  “Of course.” Jeff can hear another voice: his ex-wife, Chloe.

  “Who’s on the phone?”

  “Dad.”

  “Dad.” Her voice becomes stern. “Tell him I want to talk to him.”

  “Dad, Mom’s here, she wants to talk to you.”

  “Okay love, you take care, and I promise I’ll see you soon.”

  “Cross your heart?”

  “Cross my heart.”

  “Okay, love you, Dad.”

  “Love you too, honey.”

  There's a moment of silence as Jessica hands the phone over to her mom.

  “Jeff.” She almost barks his name.

  “Hi, Chloe.” Jeff’s feeling rather sheepish.

  “Where’ve you been?”

  “I’m sorry, a lot’s been happening recently.”

  “I don’t need to hear your excuses.” Chloe is livid. “It doesn’t take two minutes to pick up the phone and speak to your daughters, does it?”

  “Chloe, I said I’m sorry, I should have phoned sooner. I lost my post at the university and I’ve been very busy.”

  “Busy philandering somewhere no doubt.”

  “Excuse me.” Jeff reasserts himself. “From what I’ve been hearing you’re not doing a bad job of it yourself.”

  “If you’re referring to Steve, he’s a good man. What do you expect me to do, sit here and wait around for you?”

  “No, I don’t.” He asked for that, he knows. ”Look, can we at least be civil?”

  “Yes, but in future make the effort for your daughters, if nothing else!”

  “Of course I will.” He hears her scorn, but knows he deserves it. “Is there anything else?”

  “Not that I can think of.”

  “Then I’ll be in touch soon.” Jeff cringes as he says. “Could you please have a chat with Louise for me? She refused to talk to me.”

  “Are you surprised?” Chloe certainly isn’t, from the tone of her voice.

  “Well, yes, I am to be honest. She should have got over our breakup by now.”

  “Girls are very emotional, Jeff.”

  “Yes, I’m fully aware they are, Chloe.” Jeff knows it’s in his best interests not to become too irate.

  “Okay, I’ll have a chat with her. Anything else I can do for you?”

  “You don’t have to be sarcastic.”

  “I’m not.”

  “Okay.” He speaks softly. “Thank you. I do appreciate it.”

  “Goodbye, Jeff.”

  The phone goes silent. Eve’s been listening from behind the door. She walks back out onto the porch, places her hand on Jeff’s shoulder.

  “You okay, honey?”

  “Yeah. I’ve got a daughter who misses me, one who won’t talk to me, and an ex-wife who hates me.”

  “And a woman who loves you by your side.” Eve bends down and plants a kiss on his lips. “Give them time. Your wife will always hate you, but your daughters will always love you.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Pass me the phone. I’d better call work and check in.”

  Eve walks back into the house, leaving Jeff to contemplate his past actions. He can easily understand why lesser men have walked away from their families, never to be seen again. The pain of watching loved ones being hurt by your own actions is nearly unbearable. He consoles himself with the fact that he’d been unhappy for many years, and it’s a mistake to stay together for the sake of the children. Minutes pass. Eve walks back out with a puzzled look on her face.

  “What’s up?”

  “We can’t see Casey.” Eve looks doubtful.

  “Why not?”

  “He’s in hospital.”

  “Hospital?”

  “Yeah, they were vague with me as to what’s actually wrong with him. However, on a positive note they did say he would be out in a week or so, and there’s no cause to worry.”

  “Sounds a bit fishy to me.” Jeff frowns.

  “I agree, but there’s nothing we can do.”

  Jeff decides to shower and shave. Tomorrow they meet Marcus, and he'd rather do it now than rush around in the morning. Standing in front of the bathroom cabinet, he lathers his face and rinses his razor in the hot water. The mirror keeps steaming up. He wipes away a section of steam with a towel. The small gap that’s been cleared offers him a view of his face. At first he thinks he’s mistake
n; the eye in the mirror that looks out at him is sunken, bloodshot and yellow. The surrounding skin is wrinkled, the eye lid drooping. Jeff moves his head around this window in the mist. His eyelashes, eyebrows and receded hair are grey; he has deep frown lines, jowls and ears that sag. His lips are thin, and as he puckers them his teeth are yellow, crooked and missing. Even the nose of this face staring back appears to be longer.

  “Hey sexy.” He nearly jumps out of his skin as Eve walks into the bathroom. “Oh, we’re going to have to put that body to some good use.”

  “Hmm. Yeah.”

  “What’s up?” She can tell he's distracted.

  Jeff looks back to the mirror and wipes it, the face he’s used to seeing stares back.

  “Nothing, I’m fine.”

  “You sure, you’re acting weird?”

  “You startled me that’s all.”

  “Okay.” Eve doesn’t believe a word. “I’m just going to jump in the shower.”

  “Sure.” Covering his actions he says. “Later I’ll make you feel like you should.”

  “Promises, promises.”

  Jeff looks in the mirror and then finishes shaving; all’s as it should be.

  The big day has arrived. Placing the suitcases into the trunk of the car, Jeff thinks to himself that anyone would think that Eve’s going for a two-week vacation, rather than a weekend. He steals himself a moment to look out across the plain. The sun’s already heating up the soil beneath his feet; it’s going to be a long, hot and sticky drive today.

  Eve walks out onto the porch, and looks at Jeff standing there. She never dreamt six months ago that she would see him again, let alone here.

  “Breakfast’s up.”

  “Thanks.”

  Jeff walks back to the house. Eve’s sitting at the table; the smell of fresh coffee fills the air.

  “This looks good.”

  “Thank you.”

  “It’s already hot out there.”

  “We live in the desert.”

  “Yeah I know.” Eve’s sense of humor sometimes grates on him. “I was making conversation.”

  “Touché.” Eve can see he’s not amused. “Big day today, how do you think it will pan out?”

  “I don’t know. If all else fails we can get back in the car and drive home.”

  “Nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

  “So you keep saying.”

  “That’s because I’m right.”

  “Some of the time.”