The Scripted Stalker (Chapters 19 & 20)

A Psychological Thriller

Chapter 19

The house was quiet as Marissa’s children were in school and Tad was at work. It was also Tuesday, her day off. It was time to do some sleuthing.

She walked into Tad’s home office. There had to be clues here. Fortunately, his computer was still in sleep mode. She knew where he kept his passwords but never dared to use them. He would probably be able to tell she was snooping. She had to continue to play it safe until she got enough evidence against him.

Her eye caught a file on his desk labeled “The Novita Case”. Marissa had heard that the case of the murdered singer Natalia Novita, was recently reopened. This was the case that sent Tad into a spiral after his client (Natalia’s boyfriend) was found guilty. Tad rarely lost a case, and it seemed more than just a bruised ego to her.

Treat me to a virtual coffee to support my work.

There was little talk in the news about Natalia’s death. New evidence had been discovered, and a retrial was demanded. Her boyfriend, Steve, was found guilty of murder, but so many things didn’t add up. Marissa also noticed that there were notes scribbled on the file about a toxicology report that laid the groundwork for a new autopsy.

Marissa caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and sighed. It was obvious from the dark circles under her eyes that stress of everything was getting to her. She was so exhausted with Tad as he was always looking for the next “shiny object.” She was never enough for him and knew she never would be. Before she would ask for a divorce she would have to prove his infidelity. He was a lawyer, and it felt like she could never win. Especially with his status and smooth talking. It was a lost battle.

She turned out the light in his office knowing she wouldn’t find what she was looking for there. The case though, had her intrigued. If his client were to be found innocent, then why was Tad so upset about it?

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It was another busy day at the office for Tad. There was so much to think of now, and the wife’s questioning was compounding his stress. Why didn’t she leave him alone? He needed some breathing space, especially now. He couldn’t believe the case for Natalia Novita was opening again. The latest toxicology reports were finally in. What did they find? Tad wondered. Her boyfriend Steve was found guilty of murdering Natalia almost two years ago. There was blurry camera footage of what was believed to be Steve wrapping up Natalia’s body and pushing her into Lake Elizabeth. The evidence didn’t add up to Tad even then. The neighbors had heard them fighting often, and that did not help Steve’s claim of innocence.

Steve also had a history of assault and DUI. There were no other suspects or motives. Tad had another chance to convince the court that Steve Mc Millin did not kill Natalia Novita.

Chapter 20

Barney was groggier than usual from his hypnosis session today. What happened to him in there today? He felt like he had been asleep for hours and didn’t even remember leaving the therapy room. He went his room and didn’t bother to eat dinner. Once in bed, Barney fell into a deep sleep, followed by disturbing images. First, he saw Natalia laughing. Her mischievous hazel eyes. Then he saw her shriek in horror as she looked at him. A figure lurking in back of her was whispering inaudibly, then he saw Natalia fall to the ground. Next, Barney saw himself in therapy, he was counting backwards. He saw Amanda undress and walk seductively towards him.

“You will listen to me Barney boy, you stupid ox.” Amanda tossed her head back and laughed mockingly.

Amanda’s face warped into his angel then. His Rissa! She smiled and was sitting on a boat. Barney called her name, but she didn’t seem to hear him. Then she looked straight at him and removed her top, he noticed Amanda was sitting next to her in the boat too. They both laughed at him.

“Whore’s!” Barney tried to scream, but it came out as a whisper.

Rissa stood up and the scene changed as she was walking down a long hall. “You can never have me,” She started to dance while wearing a short red dress and spiked heels.

“You are going to hell! You need to be saved!” Barney shouted back.

Rissa and Amanda laughed mockingly and then Natalia joined them.

“Barney, you are a loser!” Natalia mockingly said. Now she was back in the boat, sitting like a temptress on its edge. The lake had turned to blood again.

“You are burning in hell, Natalia!” Barney warned her.

Natalia tossed back her head and laughed. Then, Barney saw a dark figure rise up behind her. Suddenly that figure started to push her off of the boat. When he looked again, he saw himself looking over the boat and saw Natalia falling into the water. Her screams ringing in his ears. He was going to lose her again.

“No!” Barney yelled waking himself up.

The nurses ran into his room to settle him, but Barney was too combative. They gave him a shot in his neck to calm him down. The night terrors Barney was having had become a common occurrence since he became a patient here in Cedars Psychiatric Hospital.

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Detective Douglass Reed was scheduled to question Barney later today. His phone buzzed, interrupting his thoughts. A text message from the police station mentioned that Barney had another rough night. It was the third night this week he needed to be sedated. He also learned from the mental hospital that earlier in the evening his therapist was in to see him as well. Douglass needed to talk to Dr. Amanda Greer, especially after what he saw today in Barney’s apartment.