Of That Day and Hour: A psychological thriller

by Anthony O'Brien

  “And you can prove this?”

  “Yes. In here your mind will no longer be able to control matter. Every possibility will exist until I switch the machine off, and your mind chooses one reality. The madness of schizophrenia is the sensory overload, where the central nervous systems cannot filter out external chatter and probabilities. I welcome you to the world of the schizophrenic.” Marcus couldn’t be any more dramatic if he tried, and Jeff feels another trial coming on.

  “You’re not going to turn me into a psychotic mess, are you?”

  “I promise no harm will come to you. All you have to do is stand in the center of the room.”

  “That’s all?”

  “Yes. I will be outside. You will sense an altering of the quantum field, a vibration around you, that’s quite normal.”

  “And this isn’t dangerous?”

  “I’m still here.”

  “That’s reassuring.” Jeff mocks, but places his trust in him.

  Marcus walks out of the room and locks the door. Jeff patiently waits. There’s a slight humming and a feeling of static energy in the air. Then it happens: people, places, faces and forms move in and out of existence around him. Memories flood back as years of students, associates, lovers and his parents come into and out of being. His life exists in this one moment of possibility. His visual senses overload, then all the voices he’s ever heard emit trillions of words, at the same time. Jeff doesn’t realize until he looks up that he’s been brought to his knees. Then a reassuring silence protects him once again. He moves his hands away from his ears before dropping onto all fours, and then out of exhaustion rolls onto his back. His nervous system has taken a beating. It seems to take a while, although in reality it’s only a few seconds, before the door opens and Marcus quickly walks into the room.

  “Are you alright?”

  “Fuck!” Jeff’s angry. “You could have warned me! You're sure there's no malfunction in the machine?”

  “I'm sure.” As far as Marcus is concerned, medicine that works never tastes good! “First trip can be a bit harrowing.” There's excitement in his voice. “And that was only a moment of possibility.”

  “I won’t be doing that again in a hurry.”

  “You don’t have to. Come on, take my hand, let’s get you back on your feet.”

  In the office Marcus hands Jeff a coffee with plenty of sugar and a chocolate cookie. These will get his blood sugar up counteracting the shock.

  “You’ll feel better in a minute.”

  “Thanks.”

  “I had to show you that reality isn’t what we take it to be. We’re still in our infancy, of course.”

  “Let’s hope it’s put to the benefit of mankind.”

  “I believe it will. Without the man on the bench we would never have got this far. The future is quantum computers, quantum telecommunications, cryptography.”

  “Along with sociopaths trying to control reality in favor of their own agenda?”

  “Look on the bright side; they might bring us back.”

  “Somehow I doubt that.”

  Jeff finishes his snack. Walking out of the building, he's still shaken. Marcus, on the other hand, is feeling pretty damned good about himself. He turns the key to the Lamborghini. As far as he’s concerned Jeff’s just had the grand finale of his life.

  Sarah places two coffee cups on the table before sitting back down. The girls have enjoyed their visit to the shopping mall. Every clerk had an expectant smile for them, a commission to make. The morning is drawing to a close, though, is becoming a waiting game. The sound of the Lamborghini approaching signals that the boys have finally returned.

  “They’re back.”

  Marcus swings in alongside the Camaro. He can’t resist revving the engine as a fanfare to announce their arrival, before silencing his orchestra.

  “Thanks for the ride. And the introduction and experience.”

  “My pleasure.” Marcus feels they have bonded once again.

  “And yet more tales to tell.”

  “It’ll give you something to chat about on the way home.”

  They drink coffee, pack up and wrap up loose ends, with the promise that the four of them will meet again soon. It appears Jeff’s made his peace with Marcus. They shake hands with an embrace at the side of the car. Eve closes the trunk and chats to Sarah. She would love to take that Lamborghini for a spin, but the offer isn’t there. At the turn of the key the Camaro rumbles into life. Eve wouldn’t trade this baby for the world, not even for the Lamborghini. Marcus and Sarah stand and wave as they watch them drive away.

  “Do you think he’ll be okay?”

  “I think so, it’s hard to tell what forces are in motion.”

  “I hope so, they both seem nice.”

  Jeff spends the rest of the trip explaining the events that unfolded, first in the park and then at the foundation. It’s a fascinating notion for Eve that for her psychotic patients the voices are in a very true sense real. The drugs work because they change brain chemistry. The sad fact is that many are left drooling, caged and forgotten. In Jeff’s mind, if they suffer a mere fraction of what he experienced, it’s no wonder they're insane.

  The day has been hot and the road long. They bounce up the old familiar dirt track and pass under the fading rainbow sign.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Monday morning and they pass the highway billboard. Eve maintains the speed limit. Apart from spotting a lone Mexican grey wolf, the journey into work is uneventful. Once inside the prison complex they run through the usual checks, drills, doors and scanners. The corrections officer’s demeanor towards Jeff is always blunt and to the point. Eve is quite a different story.

  “They're only jealous of you.” Eve’s protective; she can see that Jeff’s psyched out.

  “You noticed?”

  “I specialize in human nature, don’t I?”

  “Well, I’m the lucky one.” He welcomes Eve’s concern. “Not them!”

  “Thanks.” Eve’s flattered. “That makes me feel special.”

  In the observation room Jeff looks to the steel door. So much has happened since he last saw Casey.

  “Do you think he will know anything about our weekend?”

  “We’ll soon find out.”

  “I wonder if he does know Belle?” Her words: '...brother Casey came to me.' are on his mind.

  “You liked her, didn’t you?”

  “Oh come on.” He laughs. “You’re not jealous of a ghost are you?”

  “Of course not.” Although for some unfathomable reason, she is.

  The door opens and White unexpectedly walks into the room. He has a deliberate and serious tone of voice.

  “Dr. Brown, I would like you to conduct the interview with Mr. Jones this morning.”

  “And Dr. Davies?” She’s unsure what White has in mind.

  “Is to accompany me.”

  Jeff looks to Eve who can only smile back to him with a look of 'well, go on then'. Jeff has little option but to follow White out of the room. They walk in silence along the labyrinth of corridors until they reach a grey door. A sign states that this is an interview room. White opens and holds the door open.

  “After you.”

  “Thank you.”

  Jeff walks into the room. It’s carpeted in grey. The walls are white, with just enough space for a table and two opposing chairs. There’s a security camera mounted high up in the corner of the room. Jeff notes that the red LED light is on.

  “Please take a seat, Dr. Davies.”

  Jeff sits down. In the center of the table is a large black folder. White sits down and draws this closer to him.

  “I feel the need to acquaint myself further with you.” A crooked smile spreads across his face. “How do you find working with us?”

  “Academically the work is fascinating.” Jeff’s curious. Where is this leading?

  “Academically, yes of course.” White opens the dossier in front of him. He then takes a moment to th
umb through the pages and to make the appropriate noises. Jeff’s unsure if this is some form of interrogation technique, or simply for effect? “I see you’ve dedicated your life to the pursuit of knowledge. Your love of philosophy is admirable, and like so many scholars before you, there’s no greater gift to humanity than the sharing of knowledge.”

  “My work is my life.”

  “A noble life indeed.” White closes the file in front of him and moves it to the right. A psychological trick: visually opening channels and clearing away obstacles between them. “But do you enjoy working with us?”

  “Yes. It’s fascinating and intellectually challenging.”

  “I have to be honest with you Dr. Davies. You may return to your post as a lecturer and lecture.” He brings his hands together, a gesture, uniting the two. “Or you may continue to work for us, and be intellectually challenged on a permanent basis.”

  “That’s an interesting offer.”

  “Not one in a million will ever be offered this opportunity. Listen carefully to what I’m about to say.”

  Meanwhile Eve walks into the interview room. Casey’s not surprised to see her walk in alone. As a restricted man he’s pleased to see the curves of a woman approaching.

  “Good morning Casey.”

  “It sure is.” He smiles that knowing smile. “Where’s our mutual friend today?”

  “Unfortunately Dr. Davies isn’t available this morning.”

  “Must be with Santa Claus?”

  “Yes.” Eve deflects the question. “How are you?”

  “After my little fall? Nasty to have one’s finger twisted in such a situation.” Casey lifts his other hand up and wiggles his fingers. “Thankfully I have plenty more. We haven’t seen each other in a while, have we?”

  “We haven’t.” She can see his eyes undress her.

  “You’re looking as beautiful as ever. How does Jeff handle the guards? He knows they would all like to fuck you.”

  “It turns him on.”

  “I see. Been anywhere interesting lately?”

  “You tell me.” She calls his bluff. Does he or doesn’t he know?

  “You learn fast. I have to be a cryptic cowboy, don’t I?” A wide smile emerges across his face. “If you’re quick enough, you’ll have time to wipe away anything I care to mention to you.”

  “Now why would I want to do that?” She frowns. What’s he up to?

  “The question is do you love him enough to protect him, and is the information valuable enough to put yourself on the line?”

  “Is the information valuable enough?”

  “Do you love him?”

  “Yes.” She admits, to Casey of all people, that Jeff is the love of her life.

  “Then you have to trust me.”

  In the other interview room, White leans, reinforcing his words to Jeff.

  “Casey Lee Jones is nothing more than a gifted psychotic killer. If you believe in him, then everything you see will be controlled by him. He will reward you for good behavior, seduce you into secrets that only your heart will understand, and punish you for any transgression.”

  “That’s his nature.” Jeff gives White what is required. “I don’t believe I can turn a murderer into a saint, just as I couldn’t turn a saint into a murderer. He’s what he is and that can never change.”

  “He hasn’t fooled you then. Dr. Davies?”

  “I have been studying psychotics and fraudsters all my life. One thing I have learned is that they all twist the truth.”

  Meanwhile the man himself being discussed in one room relaxes back into his chair in the other. Eve can visibly see Casey’s defensive posture deflate like a balloon.

  “Does everything seem real to you, Eve?” He looks into her eyes for acknowledgment. “Yes, I’m sure it does. The universe requires the right balance. Fundamental constants that maintain correct tension. If the force inside the atomic nuclei was too weak, stars wouldn’t light up; too strong, and they would explode the very moment they are formed. In life we each inhabit our own universe; each moment is perfectly constrained.”

  “What do you mean?” She can’t see where he’s going with this.

  “What do you think White is doing now? He’s a fundamental constant, maintaining the correct tension, holding Jeff’s universe together. We’re all strings that pull, shape and maintain balance. Even you yourself are one of Jeff’s many millions of strings, although you have no concept of who or what you are. White suspects I intend to cut these strings, to annihilate order. He doesn’t realize what the strings are or the true nature of his purpose; if he did you wouldn’t be permitted here. I know you don’t understand, but there are deeper consequences from things to come.”

  “I didn’t take you as a philosopher.”

  “If you wish to call me one, then do. I’m as much the scientist in Jeff, or the psychiatrist in you, as you’re both the killer in me. We’re all part of the one. How else would I know what you know, how do you know when someone’s about to call? When your partner cheats, or when you see an old friend after thinking about them? To find that the music in your head echoes the radio, or to sense forthcoming bad news. Every one of us knows the future, whether we admit it to ourselves or not, through the eyes of the past.”

  “And your point?” So far he’s been esoteric, nothing else.

  “Jeff must make amends with his daughters before it’s too late.”

  Unease spreads throughout her body. She tries to disguise this by adjusting herself in the seat.

  “How do you know of his daughters?”

  “We don’t have time.”

  “Too late?” She fears consequences.

  “Promise me that you’ll wipe the recording and never speak a word to another living soul of what I’m about to tell you. I do mean anyone including Jeff.”

  “I can’t make that promise.”

  “You do love Jeff?”

  “Yes, but I can’t betray his trust.” Just the thought makes her cringe.

  “You have no choice.”

  “Why?”

  “You spent the weekend of reconciliation in Black Top City, where Jeff became acquainted with an old friend of mine. He released her from her bonds. In return I’ll release him, if you’ll help me. Do we have an understanding?”

  “I don’t know how you do it, Casey.” She’s torn, but she needs to know what secrets he holds. “For the record this had better be worth it. I don’t like deceit.”

  “One of his daughters will die shortly in an automobile accident.” He hears Eve gasp, he shocks her back by raising his voice. “Jeff must make his connection with her. Let her know that he loves her not just for her sake, but to save his soul from years of torment and regret. Hear what I’m saying Eve. If he could go back in time and change one thing this will be it. You have to save Jeff from himself.”

  “But can’t we save her?”

  “No.”

  “Why not?” Her outcry is as old as civilization itself. “Why can’t we help her?”

  “Everything has an order, an allocation, for it to be and for it to pass. This cannot be changed.”

  “And if I break my vow?” Defiance defines her voice.

  “Break your silence and you’ll lose everything.”

  “There must be something we can do?” She sees Casey’s cold stare. “Which daughter is it?”

  “I can’t say. He must love them both equally.”

  “Casey!” She’s angry, she pleads; he hears her cry.

  “If you love Jeff; you will do this for him.”

  White concludes the interview. He’s impressed. Jeff makes a very suitable candidate for placement within the organization.

  “Dr. Davies, there’s one more point I’m obliged to mention to you. Do not see this as any form of coercion. If you decide to return to your old life, and to teaching as your noble cause, you will retain no memory of this. This will include Eve. As far as you’ll be concerned, your telephone never rang that day in your office, an
d you will continue your life as if this never happened.”

  These chilling words echo through Jeff’s mind as they walk back into the observation room. Eve’s flustering around the recording equipment.

  “Is there something wrong, Dr. Brown?”

  “Yes, there’s a fault with the recorder. I have nothing to show for the interview.”

  “Get maintenance to run diagnostics on the system.”

  “I’ll do that immediately.”

  “I will leave you in capable hands, Dr. Davies. Think over what we have discussed. Give it careful consideration, and let me know your decision. I bid you both a good day.”

  Jeff waits until White walks out of the room. Eve’s tries to act casual, but his senses tell him otherwise.

  “The equipment failed?”

  “Yes.” She can’t look him in the eye.

  “He hasn’t said anything to make you wipe the system has he? He’s not offended you in any way that you think would upset me?”

  “No.” She tries to smile, covering her guilt. “Don’t be silly.”

  “You wouldn’t lie to me, would you?” His gut tells him something’s not quite right.

  “Of course not.” She twists the conversation back onto him. “What did White want with you?”

  “To offer me a permanent post.”

  “That’s great news.” Eve walks up to him, and gives him a big hug. If he could see her eyes, he would know something was terribly wrong.

  Big Al’s diner isn’t Jeff’s favorite spot for a celebration. Today Al’s in the corner with some young blonde chick who’s laughing at his jokes, oozing all over him and wiping the table with her breasts. Al’s daughter’s seen it all before and rolls her eyes up to Eve whilst she takes their order. Eve shows no signs of jealousy, and this eases Jeff’s mind. At the table, Eve has a question for him.

  “Why don’t you visit your daughters before you get tied down with commitments?”

  “You don’t mind?”

  “No, they’re your daughters. I know how it feels to not have a father around.” As soon as the words trip off her tongue, Eve realizes what she’s just said. “Shit, sorry, I didn’t mean it like that!”