“I’d like to have a look at you.”
Tim expected the offer. Not only was Robert his best friend, but his family doctor also. He didn’t want to put Robert out. Besides, they were supposed to meet Dan for that appointment today. Today’s meeting at GRC, Genetics Research Corporation, was very important.
“Listen Robert, you just gave Becky and me a full physical for the requirements of our insurance policy. You gave us both a clean bill of health. I doubt if anything has changed.”
You’re probably right Tim, but as your doctor and your friend, I insist. It won’t take long. If you’re worried about Dan, I’ll call and tell him we’ll be a little late.”
“I appreciate the offer, Robert, but I really don’t think that’s…”
“I know you killed her.”
“Would you like to say that again?” Tim angrily demanded.
“I haven’t said anything Tim. You’re the one talking.”
Tim sighed in frustration. “Are you telling me you didn’t hear that whispering voice on the phone just now?”
“Tim, the only voice I hear is yours – and you’re hardly whispering. I want to see you at my office as soon as possible. I’m worried about you.”
Inside, he wanted to see Robert – or anyone that might be able to help him. He just didn’t want to seem anxious about it. “But Robert, your office is normally closed on Saturdays. You shouldn’t have to work on your day off.”
“Don’t you worry about that. (Murderer) It won’t take very long.”
“What did you just call me?” asked Tim.
“Tim…”
“You didn’t hear a whisper on the phone just now?”
“No Tim, I didn’t. Will you please get your butt over to my office? Or would you like me to call 911 for you instead?”
“All right! All right!” said Tim defeated. “I’ll leave right now.”
Tim hurriedly dressed himself, nervously looking at various objects in his home, wondering which of them would talk next. Maybe there was a bizarre medical phenomenon taking place here. If so, then it’ be a relief to know that he wasn’t going crazy.
A few minutes later, he backed out of the driveway in his Olds Cutlass. He pulled to the side of the street, positioning his mailbox an arm’s reach away. With one hand he rolled down the window, with the other he shut the garage door with the remote control. He reached out the window and opened the mailbox to retrieve the mail. Now out of the house, he felt much better. Maybe he didn’t need to see…
“We’ll make you pay!”
Tim withdrew his hand from the mailbox as though it were the jaws of a lion. He stared at the door yawning open, as though waiting to be fed a fresh chunk of meat. He rolled up the window and sped away, tires screeching.
With a racing heart he glanced in the rear view mirror. “You killed her!” the box accused him with a supernatural voice. The opening seemed to form words like a black southern preacher. He heard a blaring horn and just barely swerved his car in time to miss an approaching vehicle. With a racing heart, he chanced a second look in the rear view mirror. The box stood as before, unchanged; the door still opened downward on its hinges. He laughed nervously as he quickly drove away.
