Suspicions Confirmed

      Sally walked into the market and glanced at her shopping list. One can of tomato sauce, carrots, Swiss cheese and orange juice. This needs to be quick. I can’t leave Orson for too long. She made her way through the aisles, basket in hand. As she was about to leave, Sally picked up a box of rat poison and gazed at it longingly. If only it was this easy. However, I can’t afford for them to do a damn autopsy.
         
      Sally was concentrating so hard that she didn’t hear her name being called. “Sally…?” as a hand slid up from behind and gripped her shoulder. Sally dropped the box and spun around with a squeal.

      “Mary-Ann! What in God’s name are you trying to do, give me a damn heart attack?!”

      “I’m sorry, Sally,” Mary-Ann laughed. “I tried calling your name three times. What were you looking at so intently?” Mary-Ann bent over and grabbed the box off the floor. Sally gasped involuntarily. Act natural. It’s OK. People buy rat poison all the time. I should have left the stupid thing on the shelf…

      Mary-Ann read the front of the box and handed it back to Sally. “Mice, huh? We get them in the basement when the weather gets really cold. Henry sets out traps, mostly. Oddly enough he finds them more humane than poison. Frankly, it doesn’t matter to me one way or the other, I just want them dead.”

    Sally placed the box back on the shelf and tried to smile. “Yeah, we heard them last week. I think they might have gone away though. I don’t think it’s anything to worry about.” She adjusted her purse and began to edge over to the checkout aisle. “Well, I have to get back to Orson. He’s doing better this week but I don’t want to take any chances.”

      Mary-Ann waved and started to turn away, “Bye Sally, I’m glad Orson’s feeling better.”

      Sally paid for her groceries and walked to her car. As she was driving home she thought about her encounter with Mary-Ann. Christ I thought I’d have a stroke. What the hell was I thinking daydreaming like that?

      Sally drove up the winding mountain to her house. She looked around thoughtfully at the land encircling her home. No neighbors…that’s a plus. She sighed and shook her head. At least I found the life insurance papers after he got sick. I was sincere in the beginning. Now he’s getting on my nerves. Whining and complaining…never happy. “Sally can you get my medicine? Sally can you get me some water? Sally I heard the newspaper boy. Sally Sally Sally…” She gripped the steering wheel tighter, turning her knuckles white. Doesn’t he realize everything I’ve given up for him? No. No of course not.

Sally pulled into the cul-de-sac drive, grabbed the groceries and headed into the house. She started to announce that she was home, but then she heard Orson’s voice and stopped. Who on earth is he talking to at this time of day? Everyone knows he naps at this time. She quietly set the bags down and tiptoed to the door of the den, careful not to step on the creaky board by the staircase. Leaning her head near the door frame she heard her husband’s voice.

    “Baby I told you, we’ve got nothing to worry about. Now stop stressing yourself… She doesn’t suspect a thing. Buy yourself a new fancy dress, with sparkly things on it, and when this is all over I’ll take you out somewhere nice… Yes darling, it’ll be over soon,” Orson sighed heavily. “Look I’ve got to go; Sally will be home any minute. You know she’s coming straight home after the store… Yes honey, I’ll call soon… Love you too…Bye.” As he hung up the phone Sally hurried to the front door, eased it open, and then shut it hard.

    “Orson, I’m home darling.” Sally stood there a moment and let him regain his composure, while she regained hers. Cheat on me will you? After everything I’ve done! How could you, Orson? How could you? Orson poked his head out of the den and seeing that Sally was safely away from the door to the den, walked out to help her with the bags, with a rather exaggerated ache in his step.

    “Sally, I’m so happy you’re home. I was getting worried. You never usually take so long.” Worried my ass, Sally thought. “I know dear, traffic was heavier than usual. Why are you out of bed?” She walked to the kitchen with Orson trailing behind her. “You know Dr. Johnson said you’re to be in bed for the rest of the week.” She put the bag on the counter and started putting things away. Orson placed the bag he was holding on the counter and went to the refrigerator. “I was hungry and I saw you weren’t back yet and went to wait in the den. What’s for dinner?” Your heart if I have anything to say about it, Sally thought bitterly. “Soup, Orson. You’re not to have solid foods till next week. Doctor’s orders.”

      Sally placed the vegetables on the cutting board and turned on the gas stove. “Orson go back to bed. I’ll bring dinner up when it’s ready.” She went to the pantry to get the broth and heard him moving things around in the kitchen. “Orson! Go to BED!” For the love of all that is holy, she thought, as he slumped out of the kitchen. “And don’t you dare light up a cigarette while you’re up there!” she called after him. Sally went to the counter and prepared the broth. Who in the hell was he talking to before? How has he been able to keep this from me for so long? While fuming about the unfaithfulness of her husband, she began making dinner. “Now where is that chopping knife…?”

~~~~~~~

    DAMN! Sally thought as she stared at the phone bill. It’s been three whole days. Why hasn’t he tried to call her? No one’s been by except for Dr. Johnson and Mary-Ann. I know she’s just trying to help, but good God that woman can be a nuisance.  She looked at the bill again and stared at the same hateful word taunting her from the page: PRIVATE. Who has a private number these days? I mean really. Ok, Ok. Just think about this. There has to be some way to kill the cheating bastard AND get the money AND not get caught…right? The door to the den opened and Orson walked in with a cigarette in mouth. When he saw Sally he immediately made a grab for the cigarette while Sally subtly placed other papers on top of the bill.
     
      “Don’t bother. I already saw it. Orson why in the hell are you smoking while trying to fight this sickness? You know those things will kill you. Dr. Johnson would be furious if he knew.” Orson just smiled and sat on the edge of the desk. “It doesn’t really matter darling. I’ll be better soon.” Sally widened her eyes, and tried to calm the palpitations in her chest. “Oh? Well that’s great news, sweetheart!” She looked at the clock, it was quarter past seven. “Are you hungry? I can make you something to eat. Solid food even, if you feel you’re up to it.”

      Orson had a definite twinkle in his eye. “Oh, yes Sally. I’m wholeheartedly up for it.” He stood up and walked out of the room. What was that about? Oh well, can’t let anything get in my way. Not even that whoring tart he’s talking to. It doesn’t matter; he won’t be talking for long. Sally got up walked out of the den.

~~~~~~~~

      Sally came in the front door Monday night to find Orson smoking in the kitchen. She stood there with her hands on her hips, “Really, Orson?”
He just shrugged and took another drag. “What were you doing?”
 
      Sally walked to the refrigerator and took out the chicken she had thawing. “I was making some adjustments on the car. I thought the oil was running low. By the way, you’re going to have to drive yourself to the bank tomorrow, since you’re feeling so much better. I have got to get this house clean. My book club meeting is Wednesday.”

      Orson waved a hand in dismissal as he was walking upstairs. “Yeah, yeah, that’s fine.” Sally stared after wondering what, exactly, he was up to. He’s acting like he wasn’t even sick to begin with. She shrugged and went to the pantry. No need to worry. I’m always prepared. As she was skinning the chicken, the doorbell rang. Who would that be?

      She opened the door and there stood the smiling and ever-so-helpful Mary-Ann. “Oh, Mary-Ann this isn’t a good time I’m afraid. I have so much to get done. Why don’t you stop by tomorrow and help me set up the living room for the club meeting Wednesday?” Without waiting for a reply she started to shut the door, but it was blocked by Mary-Ann’s foot.

      “Actually I came to see Orson. I brought him some flowers.” She produced a bouquet full of wildflowers. You have got to be kidding me, Sally thought. “Well all right. Go ahead upstairs but please make it quick. I’m cooking dinner and he isn’t feeling well.”

      Mary-Ann bounded up the stairs and Sally went back into the kitchen. She is an odd character. I don’t know how Henry puts up with her. She can’t stay. Don’t stay long, you’ll ruin everything you nosy wench. Sally was washing the skinned chicken pieces in the sink when she heard a noise behind her. Whirling around, she gasped. “Mary-Ann! One of these days you’re going to be the death of me.” Sally went over and turned on the gas stove. “Did you need something?” Mary-Ann just smiled and began to walk around the island in the center of the kitchen. “Mary-Ann? Are you okay? You look a little…ill.” Sally started to back away around the other side of the island.

      Without a word Mary-Ann lunged at her with a hellish scream and Sally stumbled backwards through the doorway. “Orson!” Sally cried, “Orson help me!” She picked up a vase by the doorway and threw it at Mary-Ann, missing by inches. She ran upstairs and threw open the door. Orson was standing at the window and spun around. “What in the world? Sally what’s the matter with you?” She ran to him and began to cry. “Orson! Mary-Ann has gone insane! She tried to attack me. Call the police!” Orson grabbed her shoulders and sat her down on the bed. “Sally, you’re not making any sense. Calm down, now what’s this about Mary-Ann?” Sally stood up, almost knocking him over. “I can’t calm down! She’s trying to kill me, don’t you understand?”

      Sally turned towards the door, and there in the doorway was Mary-Ann, looking just as maniacal as before. Sally took a few steps back and abruptly stopped. A sharp pain shot through her right shoulder. As she felt something trickle down her arm she turned toward Orson. She looked over at the mirror and noticed her chopping knife sticking out of her shoulder. Huh…so that’s where that went. I was wondering. She was vaguely aware of someone speaking to her. She looked back at Orson. “…to have to do this, Sally. You know how things are. You have just got to go.” Sally turned around and looked at Mary-Ann. While the shock of seeing Mary-Ann walk over and take Orson’s hand was enormous, it was nothing compared to the pain of realizing that she has just been stabbed in the shoulder. Sally screamed and ran out of the bedroom. She ran to the front door and grabbed the keys off the rack. Gotta get out. Have to tell someone. Police. Hospital. Oh God it hurts. As she got in the car she realized she’d have to take the knife out. Seeing that no one had followed her out she reached behind her and pulled the knife from the shoulder, screaming in pain.

      Sally started the car and sped into the night. Why aren’t they following me? This is better. They can both rot in prison. Mary-Ann?! How could she? Does Henry know? Poor bastard. She’ll get what’s coming to her. They both will. While careening down the mountain side Sally pressed on the brake. Then pressed again. As she stared out of the windshield to the waiting blaze of city lights below her she began to laugh…wildly.

~~~~~~

        Mary-Ann and Orson watched Sally’s tail lights become small pinpoints as she drove out of sight. “Shouldn’t we stop her?” Mary-Ann asked as they walked downstairs. Orson laughed and sat on the couch.
   
        “Nope. The arrogant bitch cut the brakes on my car. I saw her do it earlier today. I was supposed to drive into town tomorrow. I knew she was getting desperate to kill me, but I didn’t think she was that desperate. The plan was to have you scare her into running upstairs in a panic, like you did, and make her death look like a robbery gone wrong. But this works too.” Mary-Ann sat beside him and surveyed her new living room.

      “The first thing I’m going to do is change this room. I always did think it was tacky.” Mary-Ann sighed. Orson chuckled as he got out a cigarette. “She never did think things through. I was always smarter than her. She kept lecturing me, saying how these things would kill me. Yeah Sally? Well look who’s going to die now!”

      Mary-Ann wrinkled her nose. “Orson, do you smell something? It’s strong. It smells like…gas.” Orson glanced up at her as he lit his cigarette. “What?”

      If you ask the residents of the town today, they’ll tell you that the explosion could be heard for miles.