The Doppelgänger: A Psychological Thriller Page 11
“Good evening.” he said in a gruff voice.
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t get a seat on the train-”
“I understand. They’re packed at this hour. I myself was caught in a traffic jam.”
Darcy smiled weakly. “Would you like to come in?”
Darcy climbed the four stairs that stood between her and the apartment building’s entrance. She entered the password and unlocked the main door. Detective Jones followed her up the stairs. She reached the lobby and headed toward her apartment. Detective Jones stood behind her while she unlocked her apartment door and stepped in.
“I’m sorry. It’s a mess,” Darcy said.
“I don’t mind.” Detective Jones said, removing his hat. His tone echoed in her empty apartment. A half-eaten bowl of Cheerios and magazines lay scattered on the table. Her laptop was charging next to the television.
Darcy turned the heater on.
“Please have a seat,” she said, pointing to the couch which was the only clean surface in the room. Detective Jones said down on the couch, placing his hat next to him. He pulled out a pen from his pocket and clicked it. Darcy noted the small hole on the pen which looked like a lens. So, he was recording their conversation.
“Would you like anything to drink?” she asked, unwrapping her scarf. She left her bag near the television.
“I’m fine, thank you.” Detective Jones said. He pulled a notepad out of his grey coat pocket. His light grey eyes looked up at her. Darcy sat on the couch facing him, her hands resting on her thighs.
“What did you want to talk to me about?” she asked.
“Do you mind if I record the conversation…um…just for reference.” He said.
“Uh….” Darcy hesitated. “Okay….”
“Thank you,” he said. He unfolded a piece of paper and looked at it. “Are you aware that Dr. Williams passed away last night?”
Darcy leaned on the couch for a second before sitting up straight. Her muscles tensed. “It was in the news this morning.”
“That’s right. If I’m correct, Dr. Williams visited you yesterday evening?” he got straight to the point. He looked up at her. Darcy avoided his direct gaze. “He was here between six and seven-thirty.”
“Hmmmmm…..”
“Did you know Dr. Williams?”
“Not really…” Darcy said.
“Did you meet him last evening, then?”
“No. I didn’t hear him.”
“Didn’t hear him?”
“I was sleeping, perhaps.” Darcy said.
“You were at home.”
“Yes.”
“How did you know he came?”
“My neighbor told me.” She dug into her bag for Dr. Cleo’s business card and pulled it out. The detective inched closer.
“Here it is,” she said. “Dr. Williams gave it to Mr. Hatter and asked him pass it to me. That’s how I came to know.”
“This is the first time he’s come to visit?”
“No. He came earlier this week when I was at work.”
“Your neighbor told you about that visit too?”
“Yes.”
“I see. May I ask what your relationship with Dr. Williams is?” he asked. A few blank seconds were recorded by the pen. Darcy didn’t move. His piercing gaze remained on her. She noticed the greyish stubble that was beginning to emerge on his chin. A deep line formed on his forehead. His breath was warm.
“Ms. Godfrey?” He dismantled her state of daze.
“Yes-yes?”
“Your relationship with Dr. Williams?” he asked, ticking his boots on the carpet.
“We…he came to lecture at the university almost two weeks ago.” she said, quickly.
“University?”
“Loyola University. I’m a librarian there.,” she said.
“He came to visit you at the university?”
“No. He came to deliver a lecture on data methods in Biotechnology.”
“I don’t understand. What is your relationship with him?” Detective Jones’ tone was harsher now.
“Like I told you, I don’t know him.” Darcy said, her throat closing up immediately after the sentence.
“Why did he come to meet you twice if you don’t know him?”
“I don’t know,” Darcy said.
“Didn’t you ever call him? The business card has his number.”
“No. I didn’t get the time to.” Darcy fiddled with a magazine on the table.
“But he came twice.”
“Is this a formal interview-”
“No. I was just curious. We can talk about something else.” he cut in. Darcy inhaled. There wasn’t much she could talk about with the homicide detective who was handling Dr. Cleo’s case.
“I fainted on the day he came for the lecture. I guess he was worried.” Darcy explained, immediately.
“Fainted? What happened?”
“I wasn’t feeling well. I-I had a headache all day,” Darcy stammered. “He must’ve wanted to know if I was better.”
“Why would a busy man like him visit your house twice to find out if you were better?”
“What-what do you mean?” Darcy asked.
“Nothing. I didn’t mean it to sound like that. So, you had no personal connection with him?”
“No.”
“I noticed that you’re both from New York- Smithtown, to be precise.”
“There are many people in that town. I don’t think he knows every resident personally.”
Detective Jones didn’t argue.
“This is a nice cozy house…a little old but nice,” he said, looking around. “Have you been living here long?”
“It’s been five years.” Darcy said.
“Lincoln Square is one of the nicer localities…safer…family-friendly. Do you feel safe living in this building?” he asked. Darcy’s eyes darted to the bedroom immediately. She cleared her throat.
“Yes. The police patrol this area at night and the building has surveillance cameras so I feel safe living here.” Darcy said.
“Folks usually move from here to New York, not the other way around. What made you want to come to Chicago?”
“I grew up in a small town,” Darcy said. “New York City can be overwhelming. I like the mid-western culture better.”
“Do you like it here in Chicago?”
“It’s a bit cold but I’ve gotten used to it,” Darcy said. “Have you been living here long?”
“Me?” Detective Jones rubbed his shoes on the carpet. “Yes. I was born here.”
“A true Chicagoan, then?”
Detective Jones didn’t reply. “Do you like your job?” he asked, instead.
“I get by,” Darcy said, feeling more at ease. “It’s not as stressful as many jobs are.”
“I’m sure.”
An awkward silent moment passed. Darcy shuffled in her couch, waiting for Detective Jones to say something.
“What do you do on weekends for leisure? I assume you don’t work.”
“No. I have the weekend off. Usually, I stay in my apartment and watch some TV. Sometimes I watch a movie, catch up with old friends or call my family.” Darcy said.
“How’s your relationship with your family? Do you visit them often?”
“Uh…I haven’t had much time to go see them since I began my job. I call them frequently.”
“Is that what you did this weekend?”
“Excuse me?”
“Did you call your family?”
Darcy sat up straight, her lower back tensing. She met Detective Jones’ direct gaze. “Ummm…yes.”
“Did you do anything interesting this weekend? Sundays can be boring
sometimes.”
She knew what he was getting at.
“I met an old friend.” Darcy said.
“An old friend?” Detective Jones raised his eyebrows.
“We were classmates in college. We caught up over coffee.” Darcy said, covering her trembling legs under the couch.
“You met your classmate yesterday?”
“Yes.”
“What time did you meet?”
Darcy was silent. “In the morning. We had lunch together.”
“You came back, then?”
“Yes. I was tired, so I took a nap.” Darcy said.
“What did you do after you woke up?”
“I made dinner, watched TV and ate.” Darcy summarized.
“When was it that Mr.Hatter told you about Dr. Williams’ visit?” he asked.
“It was sometime after dinner,” Darcy said. “I can’t remember exactly.”
“Did you not call him after your heard he had visited you again?”
“No.” She didn’t explain. She glanced at the clock and calmed her hungry stomach.
“Will that be all for tonight?” Darcy asked, impatiently. Detective Jones looked up at the clock. It was nine-thirty.
“I’m sorry for keeping you so long,” He stood up. He grabbed his coat. His eyes lingered on her.
“Thank you for your time,” He said, putting his coat on. He walked to the door. “I’ll contact you again if I have more questions.”
“I am glad to be of help.” Darcy said, closing the door behind him.
She saw him walk away outside the window. She released the air she was holding. The interview had gone smoother than she expected. However, Darcy had the uncomfortable feeling that this was only first of many meetings. She watched Detective Jones leave and pulled the curtains over the window.
Darcy and Jillian walked into Michael’s office at midday on Tuesday. The storm of papers had passed. She saw the surface of the furniture. A petite woman walked up to her. Darcy noticed her dark eyes examine her. Her straight black hair was cut to her shoulder.
“Hello,” she said.
“Hi, I’m here to see Mike-uh Michael.” Darcy said. The girl turned to Jillian.
“I’m with her.” Jillian put in.
“I’m sorry, he’s out of the office,” the girl said. “He should be back soon. Did you have an appointment?”
“No. He said I could drop in today.” Darcy said.
“He must be on his way back. I’ll call him and find out.” The intern said.
“Thank you.” Darcy said.
“Please have a seat,” she said. “By the way, I’m Nancy. I’m an intern.”
“Nice to meet you, Nancy,” Jillian said.
Darcy sank into an empty chair covered with teal cushions. Jillian sat beside her. The intern walked to the crammed kitchen, murmuring something.
“It’s a nice, little place.” Jillian remarked, staring at the teal wallpaper on the wall. Newspaper cuttings, photographs of Mike receiving an award and the team hung on the wall.
The intern reached behind Darcy for her lunchbox. The smell of food mixed with the air.
She took a bite of the sandwich. “I hope you don’t mind. It’s lunchtime for us.”
“Oh no…please go ahead.” Darcy said. She turned away. “It’s a quiet day.”
Darcy leaned on the chair. The intern took a bite of her sandwich.
“Such days are rare. You gotta enjoy them when they come.”
Jillian smiled.
“So, you’re here for an interview?” The intern asked.
“Yes.”
“Mike’s been talking about that article. He thinks it’s the next big thing.”
“I agree,” Jillian said. “I was hooked the moment I heard of it.”
“You saw a doppelgänger? For real?” Nancy asked.
“Yes. She looked exactly like me. It spooked me out.” Jillian said.
“You have a photo?”
“No. I should’ve taken a photograph but it was too crowded.”
“Mike’s into the article. He thinks it has great potential.”
“It certainly is unique,” Darcy said. “I would’ve never linked parallel worlds to doppelgängers.”
“I don’t know how he comes up with these ideas,” the intern said, nodding her head. “He’s a genius.”
The door opened. Michael strode in. His eyes were well-rested. He had a light blue shirt on. He rushed to Nancy and mumbled something. He raked his hand through his brown hair. Jillian stood up.
“Really sorry, I’m late. I got stuck in traffic.” He said.
“We didn’t wait long,” Jillian said.
“Would you like anything to eat? Drink?” Mike asked.
“I’m fine,” Jillian said.
“Just a minute, let me get the recorder-”
“Take your time.” Jillian said. She stripped off her coat. Her dark green sweater came into view. Darcy noticed how beautiful Jillian looked in it. The color matched her eyes. The images faded to her mother’s. She saw her mother smiling in the kitchen wearing a green blouse. The sound of gentle laughter filled her ears. The vision wilted under the bright light that gushed in through the open window.
“Come in.” Mike said, opening a glass door. It led to an enclosed room. Jillian walked to the room.
“I’ll wait,” Darcy said.
“You sure? You can head back to the library or-” Jillian said. Darcy nodded. Darcy remained seated. She smiled at Nancy who shoved the sandwich down her throat. She shut her lunchbox.
Fifteen minutes later, Jillian emerged. She looked upbeat.
“Thank you for your time.” Mike said.
“Pleasure.” Jillian said. “I can’t wait to see the article,” Jillian said. “I’ve never seen my name in print. Ever.”
“It’s going to be a while,” Mike said. “The article got pushed back.”
“Pushed back?” Darcy asked.
“We’re covering Dr. Williams’ murder this month.”
“That is shocking. I couldn’t believe the news yesterday.” Jillian said.
“The police is positive it’s a murder. A statement was released this morning,” Mike blew air out from a narrow ‘o’ on his lips. Darcy’s face was still as stone. “Well, have a good rest of the day.”
“See you.” Jillian said. She was already halfway to the main door.
“Nice meeting you.” Mike said. Darcy flashed a weak smile and followed Jillian.
She closed the door behind her.
“He likes my idea.”
“Huh?” Darcy almost hit the closed door. She pulled her body away and followed the stairs.
“The one I told you about. Left to right?” She raised an eyebrow.
“The evil twin theory?” Darcy asked, her eyes fixed on the winding staircase.
“I like that name,” Jillian said. “Mike thinks it has potential. If my doppelgänger is my reflection, shouldn’t she be the opposite of me?”
“If you’re right, that means your evil twin is out there to get you.” Darcy stopped as soon as she said those words then took a step, reluctantly.
“You think you have an evil twin somewhere out there?” Jillian asked.
“I don’t know. I really don’t know.” Darcy said.
Chapter 12
Darcy walked down the boulevard. The hustle and bustle of Wednesday morning played in the background like a film soundtrack. A sharp horn broke the monotony. Her eyes trailed to the television screen blasting inside a shop window. Darcy’s head turned to the shop. News flashed. She didn’t hear anything. She didn’t need to.
‘Investigation of Dr. Williams’ murder begins’
He was dead. Gone. The news reporters and detectives couldn’t convince her intuition. He was the reason her life turned out this way. How could he leave before paying for his sin?
Detective Jones’ stony eyes juxtaposed over the image of Dr. Cleo. The faces metamorphosed into a third image. The man had one grey and one blue eye. His jaw was hard. He looked into her eyes. He was a hunter, and she was his prey. She jerked her eyes open.
She glanced at the hub of activity. People walked out of the underground and rushed to work. Shop attendants were busy putting up displays. Darcy eyed the boutique on the corner of the road.
She stood across the library. She walked to the university building. The glass doors welcomed her. She took a deep breath and stepped in. Her gaze extended straight to the high chandelier that hung on the ceiling. Her legs moved away from the door. The carpet made her feet drag. She took the elevator to Susan’s room. An upbeat Jillian was waiting for her in the room.
“Mike called me,” she said. “He thinks the interview will look great in the article.”
“Hmmmm…..” Darcy hung her coat on the stand. “Susan’s not in?”
“Not yet,” Jillian continued. She picked a book up from the table and showed it to Darcy. “I borrowed it.”
Darcy’s eyes fell on the book. It was Doppelgänger. The evil twin on the cover smirked at Darcy. She turned away.
“I read half of it last night,” Jillian continued in a high-pitched voice. “You should read it.”
Darcy nodded, distractedly. She peered out of the window. Another grey day.
“They’ve identified a suspect in the Dr. Williams case,” Jillian said. “It was someone he saw before he died.”
Darcy turned suddenly. Her head thudded, matching her increased heart rate. Jillian’s image beat like a heart before her. She clutched the edge of the windowpane for support.