Release me, p.10
Release Me, page 10
Or at least I thought nothing would, until I got the surprise of my life. Actually, make that shock of my life. As I flipped the television on, the first thing I see is Claire’s mugshot. The caption underneath read:
TV producer’s wife charged with evading the police and first degree murder.
The picture of Claire was from the Atlanta police department. Her face was covered in scrapes and bruises, her hair was disheveled, and you could tell she had been crying. I slowly sat down on the couch to listen to the newscast.
A video of a car chase from the night before started playing out. I was startled when I saw Claire’s black Lexus racing down 285 with five police cars in pursuit behind her. “Oh my God,” I murmured, unable to accept the fact I was watching the woman I had once loved trying to outrun the law. The reporter was going on about how the long the chase was lasting and telling people to be careful, that the “driver” was mentally unstable. I watched in horror as she sped down the interstate, obviously not caring about anything else except getting away.
“The next scene could be disturbing to some viewers.” What? What does that mean?
That’s when I saw it. I saw the lead cruiser inch closer to her. When he got to her rear bumper, he nudged her. That caused her to lose control of the car, which spun right into a concrete wall. I was absolutely terrified as I watched her flip three times before skidding to a stop with the car upside down. The cops parked their cars and all emerged, holding guns up and screaming.
I didn’t see Claire move or try to get out. The police slowly crept up on the car, still with their weapons drawn. My heart was in my throat. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. One of the officers got down on all fours and helped pull her out of the window. She didn’t seem like she was conscious as he pulled her from the car. He pulled her towards the crowd of officers behind him.
That’s when you heard it. A huge explosion erupted on the screen. A huge fireball came from the car’s engine. Since it was dark outside, you could see clearly just how big it was. It illuminated the night; a blast of orange and red fire, followed by black smoke. It even blew one of the cops back that had stepped up to help pull Claire to safety.
I didn’t know what to say or what to do. I was in shock, disbelief, horrified by what I had seen. As much as I wanted to turn away, I didn’t. I kept listening.
The anchor said, “At 10:00 last night, Claire Dubois was taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries from the car accident. Once she was released, she was arrested for the murder of her husband, Frank Dubois. She is the star of the hit reality show Atlanta Society, known for her cat fights and overall nastiness. If you thought it was an act, then you are mistaken. Dr. Gregory Farley made a statement to police that he obtained samples from her husband’s autopsy, as well as the report and findings.” I felt sick to my stomach.
“Dr. Farley’s findings included that there seemed to be some sort of heavy metal in Frank’s blood and tissue samples. There were also what he called Mees’ lines on the deceased’s fingernails, which is indicative of heavy metal poisoning over a period of time. An investigation is being launched against the medical examiner, Dr. Ronald Mansfield. We were report more to you as the story develops. Now for your local weather.”
I was dumbfounded, flabbergasted, and bewildered. Claire actually killed her husband. She killed Frank. But why? I know that she told me he was a dick, but that’s no reason to kill a man. My head felt like it was going to explode. My phone rang and it startled me. I looked down at the caller ID and saw that it was Megan.
“Hi, Megan. What’s up?” I tried to sound as calm and collected as possible, but my voice cracking like a pubescent teenager gave me away.
“Oh my God, Donnie! Have you see the news?” she practically screamed into the phone. I had to pull it away from my ear.
I groaned. “Yes, I have. The economy is pretty crappy nowadays, huh?”
“You’re kidding me, right? I’m talking about your girlfriend being chased by the cops and killing her husband.” Her usually sweet, quiet voice was angry and loud. “Do you know anything about this?”
I tried to swallow all my fear down into the pit of my stomach, which was churning. “I didn’t know anything about the pursuit. I just saw this on the news. I only knew that he had died, but I don’t know anything about a murder.” This was all true, of course.
“They are holding her without bail. This is insane. I knew the bitch was crazy, but killing her own husband?”
“Well, don’t jump to conclusions. Remember, innocent till proven guilty.” I wanted to give Claire the benefit of the doubt, but even I had a hard time believing that she didn’t do it. There I was again, trying my best to defend her, when clearly she was acting like a guilty person.
“Yeah, right. You saw how she choked me. She’s nuts. Completely, utterly nuts.”
“I would like to believe she didn’t do something so evil.” I didn’t even believe my own words.
“Donnie, please. Don’t go visit her. I hate her, and she’s not right for you. I know how badly she treats you. I’m just glad it wasn’t you that she did something to.”
“I know you’re concerned, Megs, but don’t worry. I don’t plan on seeing her anymore, regardless of how this all plays out.”
“Okay, good. I have to go. Gotta get to class.”
We hung up, then I lost. I thought I could hold it together, but I couldn’t. The very thought that Claire would even conspire to kill Frank made me want to vomit. I didn’t want to believe that she did it. But it made sense. She got a huge life insurance payout, Frank was out of the picture, and she had more time to devote to me. I tried to picture in my mind Claire being absolutely distraught over Frank’s death. It was the phone call after it happened. But, in all honestly, other than the televised funeral procession, I couldn’t remember her ever being grieve-stricken.
I sat back on the couch, trying to wrap my mind around this whole thing. This whole situation was chaos. Then again, Claire herself is pure chaos. I tried to pull myself back together, because I knew that the media would be surrounding me at any given moment. I looked at the clock; it was 7:30. I had to be at school at 8:15, so I put on my poker face. Mitchell’s words crept into my mind.
“You know what you have to do. The question is whether you stay a victim, or become a survivor.”
“I’m a survivor,” I muttered to myself as I stepped out on my front porch. That’s when the first camera flash went off. Then the second, then the third. It didn’t stop. I stayed quiet as I pushed my way through the crowd of reporters and photographers. Questions started flying at me and I honestly couldn’t hear what they said since they all spoke at once. I remained silent as I got into my car and slammed the door. The lights from the camera were still going off as I sped off.
“Damn idiots. Why can’t they just leave me alone?” I know they wanted a story and a comment from me, but I’ll be damned if I was going to give them one. I blasted my stereo, trying to drown out my racing thoughts. Godsmack’s ‘I Blame You’ pounded out of my speakers. I don’t think a better song could have started playing than that one. I blamed Claire for the way I was; a pussy whipped coward who didn’t stand up for himself. “No longer will I be a little bitch. I’m going to be just the opposite. Commander of my own destiny,” I said out loud. Even in the face of adversity, I was going to overcome. I refused to let myself fail.
I walked onto Emory campus and everyone seemed to look my way. Even though I felt subconscious, I held my head up and just smiled their way. I wasn’t going to let the aftermath of Claire’s arrest hold me down. I had nothing to do with his murder and I had a clear conscience. It didn’t matter what others thought of me, as long as I felt good about who I was as a person. I slipped into class right on time and took my seat.
What was really strange was that every girl in class turned to look at me. It wasn’t looks of hatred or anger. Their faces showed compassion, concern, and even lust. One of the girls, Dee, licked her lips while she gawked at me. My face was red from embarrassment. I wanted to crawl into a hole and die. I tried to keep my mind on what the instructor was saying, but it was next to impossible. The combination of Claire being arrested and all these girls staring at me was nerve racking. I practically ran out the door as soon as the lecture was over.
I think it was time to see Mitchell again. I sped to his office to see if he could get me in for an emergency session. I was in luck, because he had no appointments lined up until the afternoon. I took a seat on the same leather couch as before, as he sat in the same chair.
“What’s up, Donovan? he asked casually.
“Have you not seen the news? Claire was taken in for the murder of her husband,” I spat out, not meaning to sound so hateful towards him. I immediately said, “I’m sorry, sir. I’m just having a really rough time right now.”
“That’s perfectly understandable. Yes, I did see that she had been arrested, hence the reason I had no appointments this morning.” I looked at him quizzically. “I canceled them all because I thought you might be stopping by. And I was right. So, let’s talk.”
“I can’t believe that she would do it. I mean, I can believe it, but I can’t. Does that make sense?”
“Yes, it does. But I think it’s more like you can believe it, but you don’t want to believe it. I think you know very well what she is capable of. You said so yourself.” He pressed his fingers against his cheek. “I know that people are innocent until proven guilty, but I believe you have made your mind up on that one.”
“As much as I hate to say it, I have. I can totally believe that she wanted him dead. She is a woman that gets what she wants, including me. I just want to put this whole thing behind me and move on.”
“Well, I’m sure that you do, but that may very well be impossible. You do realize that they will more than likely call you as a witness, whether it be for the defense or prosecution.”
I hadn’t thought of that before. My jaw dropped open and my heart sank. “I didn’t even think about that.”
“I’m almost sure of it. As long as you tell the truth, you’ll be okay. Don’t lie to defend her, Donovan. Do what is right. Follow your brain this time, not your heart.”
I nodded, unsure of what he meant by that. My heart told me that she killed Frank. My brain told me that she killed him. “I guess only time will tell. I’m hoping she just pleads guilty and spares us all the drama of a trial.” I knew that was a slim to none chance. Claire was all about being in the spotlight and being the defendant in the trial of the year was just the place for her to take center ring.
Chapter 15
Three weeks later
I was sitting down on the floor of my living room, books spread out around me. I had a serious test coming up in my family medicine class. I was trying to cram my brain since the last few weeks were spent in Mitchell’s office. He had spent a lot of time with me, trying to convince me that I wasn’t crazy and it was all Claire’s doing. I had pushed the whole arrest and pending trial to the back of my mind. I had ignored her weekly calls. I was really proud of myself for doing so, I had never been able to avoid her. Since she was in prison, it made it a lot easier.
I was reading about managing medicines for geriatrics when my doorbell rang. Breaking myself from my studies, I went to answer and to say I was shocked was an understatement.
“Donovan Callahan?” the police officer asked in a low stern voice.
“Uh, yes?” I felt my legs turn to jello. I was scared I might actually pass out.
He hands me a piece of paper. “You are required to be there.” With that, he walked away.. I knew what it was; a subpoena to be a witness...for the defense. I was required, by law, to be there on September 18 at the Fulton County State Court. I dropped the paper like it was on fire. I knew I was going to be called, but to actually see it in writing was nuts. It was still three months away.
I reached for the phone in my pocket and called my sister. I explained to her what happened.
“Well, you have to tell them what you know, Donnie. That’s not even a option.”
“Yeah, I know that. But I’m called for as a witness for the defense. They get to ask me the questions first. Claire thinks I’m going to help get her off.”
“Well, like I said, speak the truth. That’s all you have to worry about. I would start remembering anything she might have said or done that would make you think that she killed Frank.” Her voice was urgent and full of concern.
“I guess so. I mean, I don’t remember anything that would make me think she did it. But, just from knowing her, she is absolutely capable of it.”
“Then tell them that if they ask. If you really feel it in your gut, then let them know.”
“Megs, I know. But don’t lawyers mostly ask yes or no questions?” I never watched court cases on TV, so I had no idea what to expect.
“Well, yes. But they could ask you was there any inkling of a chance that she killed Frank. They will want to know what you have gone through. They are going to want to know if she was violent, if she was crazy, if she could potentially be a murderer.”
“I suppose you’re right about that. I’m just nervous of what they will ask.” Like, when Claire and I started sleeping together and for how long. Did I have a run in with Frank? So many thoughts were going through my head that it was making my head spin off its axis.
We hung up and I tried to go back to studying, but it was no use. I couldn’t think about anything else now. I put up all my schoolwork and decided to call Gabe. I hadn’t talked to him in a long time, I was hoping he could distract me from my thoughts.
“Hey, asshole. Long time, no see.” This is the greeting my best friend gave me.
“Nice to talk to you, too, dick.”
“So, how’s it going in the old ATL? I miss it. The North sucks.” Gabe was a Southern boy through and through. He wasn’t cut out for cold winters and a foot of snow on the ground.
“Harvard can’t be that bad. Haven’t you met Good Will Hunting yet?”
“Shut up. That was lame. By the way, I saw that woman you’re dating on TV. She killed her husband? Dude, what in the world is going on?”
“Your guess is as good as mine. I thought he died of natural causes, but apparently not.” I groaned. I didn’t really want to rehash this.
“I gotta tell you, she’s pretty hot. She was everyone’s fantasy in high school. So, was it any good?” He chuckled as I sucked my breath in through my teeth. “Chill, I’m just kidding. Seriously, I’m sorry that you have to go through this.”
“Yeah, thanks.”
“Well, not to change the subject, but I asked Stacey to marry me.” You could hear the happiness in his voice. He had been dating her for well over two years, so it was about time.
“She said yes? So she didn’t run the other way screaming?”
“I hate you.”
“Feeling’s mutual. No, seriously, I’m happy for you. When is the big day?”
“Not for awhile yet. We both have to finish school. I’m getting my master’s and Stace is going for her PhD. We got a lot of time. But I wanted to ask if you would be my best man?”
“Me? What about your brothers?”
“I have way too many, so it wouldn’t be fair if I chose one over the other. So, they are just all in the wedding.”
“Sure, I’ll be your best man. Thanks man, I’m touched.”
“Don’t go getting all girly on me and start having your period now.” Ah, Gabe with his witty sense of humor.
“I’ll make sure I get a tampon. Anyways, congrats on finally getting a girl to stick around.” I started laughing and so did he.
“Douchebag.”
“Cock blocker.”
“I love our nicknames. Anyways, gotta run. I have a test in like, ten minutes. Shit, I have to run! Later.” Then the phone clicked. I had to admit, being asked to be in my best friend’s wedding had made my day a little better. I decided to go see Mitchell again and discuss my subpoena.
An hour later, I was back on that leather couch. I could have sworn there was an imprint of my ass in the cushions. Mitchell walked in just five minutes later. He was never one to make his patients wait.
“Wait, don’t tell me. I know why you’re here.”
I gave him a curious look. “Okay, then why?”
He thought for a second, then shrugged his shoulders. “Okay, I’ve got nothing. What brings you in today?” He smiled. It seemed like he was trying to make a joke, so out of politeness, I laugh along with him.
“I got my subpoena today for Claire’s trial.”
His smile faded, replaced by his lips forming a tight line. “Which side?”
“Defense. I can’t believe that they think I would defend her.” I was angry about it. No, I was royally pissed off.
“Are you really surprised? I mean, you were her lover. Maybe her lawyers think you will help her case, as opposed to maiming it.”
“I don’t see how. If they knew anything about our relationship...” I trailed off, not wanting to talk about it. He already knew.
“But I doubt that they do. Claire has probably told them how great you are and how you would never hurt her. Her lawyers have to take her word for it. The public has only seen the good side of you two, but the dark, twisted world that is you lived in.”
“Claire probably did build me up to them. She must think that I won’t say anything that would hurt her defense.” I put my head in my hands and sighed heavily. “Only issue is that I don’t want the public to know that we started our relationship when I was just sixteen. I especially can’t tell my family that.” I had no idea what I was going to say and I didn’t want to put my reputation on the line for her. I sat back up, staring right at Mitchell.
“Well, that I can certainly understand. But you do realize if they find out that you lied on the stand, that could ruin your credibility as a witness, and in turn, quite possibly ruin your reputation as a doctor.” His look was serious and what he said frightened me.
