Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: OVERLOAD (10/06/16)
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TITLE: Whodunit? | Previous Challenge Entry
By Graham Keet
10/11/16 -
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“No, I’m fine … thank you. It’s just that I get very upset whenever I think of that … that bully who calls himself a boss. He hates me … but then he doesn’t treat anyone properly. He’s a pig. I don’t know how his poor secretary stands for his boorishness, but I guess Lucinda needs the job, what with being a single mother of three school going kids.”
Dr. Haskins scribbled a quick note on her pad, then asked: “How long have you been working for Longlands?”
“About fifteen years. Practically got the place going for old man Longland – that was when his young whippersnapper of a son was still at university. Now young Brad treats me like a kitchen maid. Always wants more … more success, higher sales targets – impossible targets – more hours at work while he spends his time on the golf course and dallying with cheap women.
“Did I tell you that my wife left me last month? Took the kids and went to her mother’s place in Reno. I begged her to come back but she said I was already married to Longlands.”
“Have you been on any medication recently?”
“When I was working temporarily at the Memphis branch I had a bad turn and a Dr. Gladstone put me on benzo … benzo …”
“Benzodiazepines – it’s a family of anti-anxiety drugs. Did they help?”
“Made me feel terrible, so I stopped them. Didn’t say anything to Dr. Gladstone, he would have hit the roof.”
Johnny Arlow was by now sitting on the edge of his chair, sweat pouring from his face and neck and running down onto his light-green shirt. The copy of the Times that he had been reading earlier had become a mangled mess as his large hands clenched and released.
“One should never stop taking prescribed medication without your doctor’s knowledge, Mr. Arlow.” Dr. Haskins scribbled a further note on her pad. “I’m giving you a milder anti-depressant that I want you to take for the next two weeks, and then I want to see you again.”
“That’s if I’m still here, doctor.”
“Why, are you going away, Mr. Arlow? I think a holiday would do you good.”
“No, not a holiday – maybe something more permanent.”
“What do you mean, are you going to quit your job at Longlands and move somewhere else?”
“I might have to.”
“I don’t quite understand. What do you have in mind?”
Just then her phone rang. Dr. Haskins answered, listened intently and then said, “I see … thank you.” Putting down the receiver she said, “I’m going to give you something to help you immediately, and then you can start the prescribed medication from tomorrow.” She stood up and made her way to a cabinet next to her desk. Opening a fresh syringe she began filling it with liquid from a vial.
“I told you he hated me, but not anymore.” The voice came from right behind her; she spun around and looked straight into his sweaty, green shirt. The smell of perspiration was nauseating. He gently removed the syringe from her hand.
“Have they found him yet, doctor?” She tried to move around him, but Johnny Arlow blocked her way. “It not fair, the way he treated me and everyone else – he had it coming.”
“What have you done? Please move aside and sit down,” she said firmly. Like a huge bear, Arlow moved slowly to one side.
“I went to his office. I just wanted to talk. He started screaming at me. There was a loud bang – then there was blood everywhere. I didn’t know what to do, so I washed up then came here. I really can’t remember what happened.”
“The police are on their way here, Johnny, you must tell them everything.”
“But I don’t know what happened,” he blurted out, rising up from his chair. “He screamed at me, then there was blood everywhere – I told you this.”
Suddenly the door opened and two police officers entered the room. “Mr. Arlow would you please come with us. We’re holding a Lucinda Louw on suspicion of murder. We understand you may be able to assist with our investigation.”
Ushering the officers to the door Dr. Haskins whispered, “Please give me five minutes with my patient, then he’s yours.”
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I got a bit confused in a couple of places. It felt like it jumped around a bit. But at the same time, it kind of works for the type of story it is.
Now for my real question... What is in the vial, and why does the doctor want five more minutes?
Good job with this over all. You've left me wanting more.