Reprisal by Mitchell Smith

Author:Mitchell Smith [Smith, Mitchell]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Mystery & Detective, Thrillers, Suspense, Psychological, Psychological Fiction, Detective and Mystery Stories, Women Sleuths, Domestic Fiction, Mothers and Daughters, Massachusetts, Accidents, Mothers and Daughters - Fiction, Accidents - Fiction, Massachusetts - Fiction
ISBN: 9780451184764
Google: LLCyMhxb2rkC
Amazon: 0451184769
Publisher: Dutton
Published: 1999-05-09T21:00:00+00:00

"You are a bitch."

"No, I'm busy. And I have a very, very troubled little roommate."

"Hey, like it's my business, Charis! It isn't. I never even talked to her!"

"Makes no difference. She thinks you're wonderful. And the reason this is very serious is that she is very serious about it.--And we're discussing a young girl who has just lost her father and grandfather, and who is probably looking for even a pitiful substitute for those men."

"Thanks a lot." Greg reached over into his bedside table drawer, found a midsize roach, and lit it with a transparent orange lighter. "But don't, please don't tell me I'm supposed to pretend--"

"No, no, no. Absolutely not. That's the last thing." Charis held out her hand for the joint. "What's needed is a very gentle correction--you really like her, she's a pretty girl, a really nice girl, but you're just not ready for a serious relationship." She took a toke.

"Oh, thanks, Charis. That's great.--But what about just ignoring it, letting it go away in its own good time? What about that?"

"Well." Charis passed the joint. "The problem with that is, she has mentioned killing herself."

"... Are you fucking kidding me?"

"Wish I were, Greggis, and don't give me the college-clinic-and-counseling routine. I already tried that one--professional help --and I got a fit of hysterics in return that really scared yours truly. And I'm not an easy scarer."

"What about her parents?"

"Her father's dead, Greg. Remember? Died about three weeks ago?"

"What about her mom?"

"Well, I'll tell you ... I've met her mother, and I can't quite see myself calling Joanna Reed and saying, "Hi. I'm your daughter's roommate--Charis? We met when I drove Rebecca out and you scattered your husband's ashes?--Oh, by the way, I was really sorry to hear your dad was just burned alive. ...

Anyway, the reason I called is, I think your daughter might be going to kill herself.""

"Man. ..." Greg pinched out the joint. "Shit won't stay lit."

"I haven't figured out a really good way to make that call, Greg. I also have a feeling that doing that--telling Mama--is just what might push my roomie over the edge. So, I thought we might be able to defuse the situation, let Becky down easy, and allow truth, common sense, and caring to do their work."

"I don't know. ..."

"Because, I'll tell you, I'm terribly worried about her. I know that's not cool to say, but it's the truth. I just wish to God she didn't go absolutely nuts when I mention seeing somebody at the clinic."

"Not good. But I don't know. ..."

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