Finally he added the finishing touch, a diamond tie clip he had bought in Paris. There had been another woman there whom he had indulged in. Reaching into the drawer, he pulled out a small pink and purple floral bag in which Tracey kept her makeup. He shuffled through the minimal contents until he found what he was looking for. Reaching for the small tube and popping the top off the pale sunset colored lipstick she wore.. He rubbed a bit on a well manicured fingertip and slid it along his collar creating the impression of a lunch hour tryst. Replacing the cap, he slipped the tube back into its place and tucked the small bag neatly back into its place in the drawer.
No. He would have no problem finding a replacement for the bitch he had just disposed of. He had already been laying the groundwork with a pretty little blonde at the bank where he made daily deposits for the company he worked for.
He quickly finished dressing and strode out through the bedroom, taking care not to leave bloody footprints, which he hated when they ruined an expensive pair of shoes or slacks, and headed for the kitchen. He whipped open the door to the fridge and grabbed the sandwich which he had prepared the night before along with a bottle of spring water. He popped the cap to the water, drained it and disposed of it in the trash. Then he headed for the door. He loosened his tie a bit and ruffled his hair to appear freshly bedded.
Trotting down the steps like the athlete he was, stuffing the sandwich into his mouth, he waved to his neighbor who shouted “You taking a quick lunch today, eh????“
Kerry nodded and yelled, grinning “Had better things to do than eat, if you get my drift. I married a tigress!”
Jack, his longtime friend just sneered and whispered, “If I had that, I’d make time for her myself rather than eat! You got yerself a hot one there, buddy!”
Kerry nodded, grinning lewdly as he slid his tall frame into the Porsche. He gunned the powerful engine and backed into the street turning the powerful car in the direction of his office.
His timing had been perfect. And he had a witness, no less! That stupid jackass neighbor Jack would never figure him for the one who had slit the bitch’s wrists. What’s more, he had the perfect alibi! What an idiot the man was!
As he drove, he went over the story he would tell the police when they delivered the tragic news. He knew the housekeeper was due to arrive at the house shortly. It should take about an hour and a half for the officer to arrive. He had to prepare himself to appear distraught. That would be easy. He had done it before.
He glanced approvingly in the rear view mirror. He enjoyed the sight of himself.
“Quite the actor you are, Kerry old boy!” he whispered to himself.
He never felt the Presence in the back seat watching him.
Wheeling into the parking space designated for him, Kerry stepped out of the car as he simultaneously grabbed the bulging briefcase he always carried and quickly hit the automatic lock on the key ring as he walked toward the gray marble building which was his home during the day. The scent of the expensive leather of the briefcase wafted upward and he breathed it deeply and appreciatively. It mixed well with the expensive cologne he wore and he knew it.
Behind him, the air in the vacant automobile had grown dark. Mists whirled within it Voices whispered out of the mist; angry voices, voices raging at the injustice. The windows of the automobile began to frost over. Then ice formed in a thick sheet over them. The cold grew in intensity. The angry voices whispered faster and louder. Suddenly the glass windows and wind shield exploded sending shards of cold glass flying for yards in every direction.
The security guard had jumped when the sudden explosion had occurred. He ran to the parking lot. The alarm within Kerry's Porsche was sounding loudly. The old man stood there scratching his head. He walked around the car gazing at the damage. Cold air blew from the automobile. He shivered as he produced his radio and proceeded to inform central security what had happened. He knew the car and its owner.
Strolling confidently by his secretary and into his lavish office overlooking the harbor, he sat down at his desk and logged into his computer and began his usual daily routine. But his mind was anticipating the visit he knew was about to transpire. He went over and over the script he had used so many times before.
He no sooner sat down than the intercom buzzed. He hit the button and listened as his secretary told him of the incident with his car. He swore violently. “Call the garage Mandy and have them pick up my car and repair it as soon as possible! And get me a rental. A nice car not some piece of trash! A BMW or another Porsche would be good.”
“Yes sir.” She responded.
Just over an hour later, his intercom buzzed again and his secretary's voice announced that he had visitors. He knew who it was… who it had to be. He instructed Mandy to show them in… while he worked on preparing on his ‘shocked’ appearance.
Judd Downs and Kaelyn Hallahan walked slowly into the office and each flashed the badge denoting that they were with the San Francisco Police Department. Both looked solemn.
Kerry stood and shook the hands of each agent, noting that the woman was attractive and thoughts raced through his head. Maybe … Just maybe …
His thoughts were interrupted by Kaelyn stating quietly,” Sir, we are sorry to inform you that your wife, Tracey, was found by your housekeeper this morning. She was bleeding badly. Your maid called 911 but paramedics arrived too late to save her. I am sorry to tell you this sir, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. The Coroner said it was suicide. I’m so very sorry.
Kerry’s exterior was one of shock and profound grief. Tears poured down his face and he shook violently. But inside…ahhhhh……..inside…he laughed and laughed and laughed…
Downs said,” Sir, is there anything we can do or anyone we can contact for you?”
Kerry managed a strangled,” No. Thanks. My secretary has all of my contacts. She can call anyone who may need to be called.” He shuddered and broke into sobs again.
“I’m sorry sir. If there is anything we can do or if you have any questions, please call” said Hallahan as each handed him a card.
“Thank you. Now if you will excuse me, I need to attend to my wife and the things which must be taken care of.” rasped Kerry.
Both agents turned and walked out of the room, closing the door quietly. Kerry walked to the window, casually tossing Down’s card into the trash can beside the big oak desk. But the other card , the one belonging to the pretty detective, he placed safely in his wallet. He knew he would make use of that later.
He turned and hit the intercom button and moments later his secretary appeared at the door. Tearfully, he explained what had happened and asked her to make the necessary calls for him explaining that he was too distraught to speak with anyone.
Mandy broke into silent tears. She had liked Tracey. How could this have happened?
As the door closed behind her, he sat down and began to think about the pretty detective he had just met. His mind whirled as he began to plan his next move. He would enjoy this. He would enjoy her…..
He reached into his pocket to retrieve his wallet and snapped it open looking for the woman’s card he had just stashed there. It was gone. He removed everything methodically. Nothing. He searched the desk, drawers, trash can and floor. He even walked to the door and had his secretary search for it. It was gone.
He scratched his head and shrugged, reaching into the trash can for the other detective’s card. It was nowhere to be found! He began to take each paper out methodically.
“What the hell…?” He muttered. I know I put those cards…
His thoughts were interrupted by his secretary’s voice as she buzzed over the intercom. “I’m sorry sir, but the Medical Examiner’s office needs to speak with you. A Dr. Rath is on line three.”
“Hold my calls and cancel my appointments for the next month.” He managed to whisper hoarsely. The thoughts in his head were anything but sad.
He had to begin preparing to appear grief stricken. That would be easy. He had prac
ticed many times in the past. It actually seemed to be a talent. He smiled grimly. It was one that had come in handy over the years. And he was certain it would again.
Kerry picked up the line and punched the blinking light. “Kerry Drake” he rasped.
“Sir,” the voice on the other end of the line said. “I am Todd Rath with the Medical Examiner’s office. We recovered a body from your home this afternoon. Your maid has reported that it is your wife. I am sorry to have to ask you to do this, but we will need you to come down and make a positive identification.”
“I am sorry,” Kerry sobbed. “But, I still can’t believe it’s her.”
“I understand sir and my deepest condolences. If you could come down within the hour, we would deeply appreciate it,” stated the voice on the other end of the line. “We will do everything we can to make this as easy for you as possible.”
“I will be there in thirty minutes,” sobbed Kerry.
He hung up the phone and stretched leisurely. It would be good to see his handiwork again. Preparing himself to appear wracked with sorrow; he reached for his jacket, pulled his tie loose and rubbed his face red. He had, after all, to appear the part of the aggrieved widow.
He strode out the door as he heard his secretary’s whispered condolences as he left the office.
As he slid into the seat of the rental car, he felt a chill run through him. The car was