Читать книгу A Memorable Murder - John Schlarbaum - Страница 12

With her head still groggy, Lynn began to stir. She managed to get to her feet and stumble toward the bed, listening to the news anchors blathering on about the shooting.

“We have just received new information,” Susan Donallee said seriously. “Jason?”

“Police have identified the man shot during The Nation Today broadcast,” Jason Morris began. “He is Robert Barker, president of Mantis Pharmaceuticals, the country’s largest pharmaceutical company. Police have also issued a warrant for Lynn Barker, the deceased’s wife. She has not been seen since yesterday and is considered armed and dangerous.

“Police are also looking for a male accomplice who drove a grey Volvo from the scene of the crime. The car’s license plate, 503 TJE, is registered to Mrs. Barker. The vehicle has also not been seen since yesterday.

“In other developments, NCN has learned Mantis Pharmaceuticals has applied for a hearing before the very committee of which Senator Douglas Adams is the chairman. As you know, it was Senator Adams whom Mr. Barker was addressing when he was shot in the head. Police are trying to contact the Senator at this time to see if there is any further connection between the two men.

“Authorities state a clear motive for the killing has not yet been established. However, a search warrant has been issued for police to search the Barker residence at 378 Whitecastle Boulevard in New Liston. To repeat this late breaking news, police have identified . . .”

Jason’s voice drifted off as Lynn stared at the set. She was a wanted fugitive, although she had no memory of committing any crime.

Robert and Douglas—what if the police find the connection?

Lynn began to shake uncontrollably. She was stricken with dread at the idea of police ransacking her drawers and closets.

They will only see the bad side, she thought. They are going to put me away for life!

As Jason continued his narrative, Lynn saw a photo of her and Robert. It had been taken the previous Christmas after Robert had given her the gold bracelet seen in the portrait.

Lynn looked at her wrist. It wasn’t there. It was always there.

Where the hell is it?

Jason’s voice filtered back into her consciousness.

“Police say a piece of jewellery left at the crime scene helped to determine the woman’s identity.”

“No! No! No!”

Lynn grabbed the lamp above the headboard, ripped it out of the wall and threw it at the TV. The screen shattered, as smoke and flames began to rise from within the broken unit.

They’ll find my charred remains in this room and think I committed suicide, she thought. This can’t be happening!

She got off the bed and unplugged the TV, which didn’t seem to have any effect. Confused and frightened, she ran into the bathroom and closed the door behind her. There were no towels. She grabbed the sundress off its hanger and doused it in water from the sink. After putting the dress at the bottom of the door, Lynn climbed into the bathtub waiting for the flames to enter the room. She stared at the sides of the door looking for signs of smoke and fire, but saw none.

Looking up, she noticed smoke coming from the ventilation fan in the ceiling. This smoke wasn’t the right colour though. It was pinkish, not grey. And the smell—it didn’t smell like burning wood or carpet.

“Why are you doing this to me?” she asked. “Why?”

As the fumes began to overtake her, thoughts about the news report swam in her mind.

Robert was dead.

Douglas is missing.

There’s a warrant for my arrest.

I’m being held prisoner in this room.

This doesn’t make sense!

Before passing out, her final thought was a silent cry for assistance.

I really wish Melanie was here to help me.