Chapter 5

 

Howard Slivers was walking rapidly to an unknown goal and destination. As he glanced at his watch, he thought, time certainly has passed by quickly. In fact, he suddenly realized, it has been over three hours since I left work. Where have I been? Why can’t I remember? I’m only 49, is it possible that I already have advanced dementia? No, can’t be, no way, none of my medical tests showed any signs of it. But where have I been? I’m walking up Main Street, but where in hell am I going? And why am I rushing, am I late for something?

Ah, there’s Mrs. Harrison walking towards me; she’s one of my very best customers. “Hello, Mrs. Harrison, you certainly are looking great today!” As she passed, he observed that with just a minor compliment, Mrs. Harrison lit up like a Christmas tree. Actually, she really looked haggard but a few white lies don’t do anybody any harm. At least it certainly made her feel better and maybe that is my real purpose on earth, to make people feel better. Whatever else I might be, I certainly am a kind, caring and altruistic person, he thought. 

Wait a minute, I know what I have to do; I have to get my wife a birthday present. She would be really upset if I forgot it like I did last year. First I have to do something, something really important; and then I will definitely get her an expensive gold bracelet. She will like that; and after I do something I’ll call and tell my secretary that I won’t be returning to the office today. I’ll take Irene out to an early expensive candlelight dinner and present her with the bracelet. She will be delighted; I bet she thinks I’ve forgotten. Suddenly, Jim felt better. No, I can’t have dementia, he thought, I clearly remembered Irene’s birthday. 

* * *

Without forethought, Slivers mechanically entered the rotating door of the County Bank. Slivers observed an older woman walking toward him. There’s Mrs. Sellers; I’ve known her since my PTA days at Gulf Gate School. “Hi, Mrs. Sellers, how are your children? Good? That’s fine, have a great day, come by and see Irene and me sometime. Now make sure you do!”

 Let’s see, when I finish here I have to remember to call my secretary, and then get Irene that bracelet. Okay, now I remember what I have to do! 

Less than a minute later, Jim committed the first crime of his entire life—vicious, unemotional, unrelenting cold-blooded murder.