― Mark Romel
Dangling Man
I was in limbo waiting for Sarah to update me on the investigation. Last I heard, despite Sarah's suspicions about Jana, there was no evidence tying her to the stalking.
I had an entire day to kill while Sarah insisted I remain quarantined in my house.
But she was being cautious for good reason―she didn't yet have enough evidence to charge either Max Leonard or Jana and unless she caught a break in the case she might have to release both of them.
On the plus side, it was a sunny and mild January day, but unfortunately, I could only enjoy it by gazing out my den window.
Since I was off for the week and unable to get out and about, I decided to work on finishing the draft of my novel, Night Whispers.
I poured myself a mug of coffee, sat down with my laptop and reviewed where I last left off. It took about an hour for me to re-familiarize myself with my manuscript.
Finally I was able to plunge in and was soon working steadily, lost in my fictional world.
When I paused to refill my coffee I was surprised to find several hours had passed.
Those unfamiliar with the writing process might suppose such work to be tedious and laborious, but actually the opposite is the case―writing is akin to lucid dreaming and totally captivates the attention.
It probably explains why I have difficulties with women―I get mixed up with the life I've led and the one I imagined.
Writing for me is like living in two worlds and when people around me come up too close, I can withdraw into this other alternative.
For example, in Night Whispers, there's a character like Jana and being immersed in her fictional world is a form of augmented reality where those interactions are superimposed on my everyday life and it becomes near impossible to separate the two.
It also probably explains why Jana made such an impact on me. She easily invaded my dreams and I couldn't draw a line between the dream girl and my student.
In the midst of my musings, a notification from the video doorbell shows Elaine Wilson, my ex-publisher, waiting on the verandah.
Since our parting was inimical I didn't expect to hear from her again. As I get up to open the door, I pray her visit will not be hostile.
Her face is friendly enough, which is a good sign. "Hi Liam, I didn't like the way our last meeting ended. Can I come in and talk.?"
"Hi, Elaine, of course, please come in―I have a full carafe of coffee made."
She chuckles. "You must be in the midst of writing."
"Actually, this was the first time I sat down and seriously tried to finish my draft of the novel."
She sits on the couch by the fire while I pour two mugs of coffee.
"From what I can read on your laptop screen, this is really good, Liam."
"You think so? I just got lost in her character today."
"If such a woman exists, she's be a temptress for any man."
I lie to cover my embarrassment. "Oh, she exists―in parts, in several women."
"Then you're a lucky man to know such strong women."
"Speaking of such, I'd have to add you to that category."
"Now don't soft soap me, Liam―I'm impervious to your charm"
I colour slightly. I hadn't intended to flatter her, but the words rolled off my tongue. Old habits die hard, I suppose.
"I want to work out a compromise with you, Liam. I realized after some reflection that I was being harsh and demanding. I'll allow you to determine your availability and work around your schedule. And as a show of good faith, I'll rewrite your contract and double your remuneration."
"That's very generous, Elaine―I wasn't expecting this kind of turn around from you."
"You deserve it, Liam. You've produced high quality work the past four years. I'm afraid I took you for granted. Can we start over?"
I shake her hand. "I'd like that. I think lecturing and writing would fulfill both sides of my nature."
It was a totally unexpected turn of events and the day that had started off in limbo took on an entirely different character.
I was still left dangling unsure whether Ross and Sarah had uncovered enough evidence to bring charges, but Elaine's change of heart encouraged me with fresh hope that the future would be brighter.
The only thing that could make the day better would be if Sarah made some progress on identifying my stalker.