Beyond Any Doubt

Chantelle Petoire, a classical French actress stood outside the foyer of Le Ciel Theatre in Paris, France. She gazed at the display board depicting her portrait, along with other cast members of Evita. Every night during the last three months she had given a passing glance on her approach to the stage door. Tonight however, she wanted to take a few moments of contemplation. Her portrait was centrally positioned. Staggered either side were photographs of the other cast members. This production of Evita had been a success. Chantelle Petoire’s role as Eva Peron had given her the break she needed. Numerous write-ups had heralded her stardom, a stardom she had yearned for all her life. It had inaugurated fame and fortune to be within her grasp. When she thought of the auditions she had attended and the cities she had travelled to in her quest for stardom, it had all been needless. Her hometown was where she finally hit the headlines. Town being a metaphor, for she lived in a city, the romantic French city of Paris, where she was born and raised. <> “You don’t know that for certain. I bet every person on death row awaiting execution thought the same. I don’t want you ruining your life over Susannah.” Gavin was adamant, not that he was against killing Susannah, it seemed a good idea and very tempting, but he valued Veronique more than getting even with his brother’s killer. No, it was best to take the soft option and allow the courts to deal with Susannah. At least that was his opinion today. Perhaps tomorrow he might feel different. In any case, if anyone were going to kill Susannah it would be himself. <> Gavin remained looking into Veronique’s eyes. It seemed right to be saying these things. He reached across the table. The palm of his hand gently touched the side of Veronique’s face. She responded by placing her hand on top of his. Words seemed to evade Veronique. She could not interrupt even if she wanted to. Locked in eye contact, her heart was beating faster by the second. After all this time was her dream coming true? Gavin was clearly making an advance. Then any doubt of his intentions was soon eradicated. “You are so beautiful,” he stated. Then, as if by magnetic force, their heads drew closer together. Gavin leaned across the table as passion intervened. The two of them kissed. <> “That is easier said than done. And I would rather risk Susannah being on death row than us,” said Gavin. “In my book three minds are better than one. We can outsmart her,” came Rebecca. “I dare say if one of us or two of us did kill Susannah, then the third person could give the alibi,” suggested Veronique. “Now we are talking,” affirmed Rebecca. “Hang on a minute, we must not go making rash decisions,” remarked Gavin, trying to keep a level head. “Don’t worry Gavin, the dice are cast. I shall be the one to kill Susannah,” stated Rebecca. “She has torn my life apart. If I get caught then so be it. At least this way, you two won’t be incriminated.” “Rebecca, I feel as though I can not let you do this…” began Gavin. “Shut up Gavin, my mind is made up. All three of us want her dead so let’s work out a plan. If it goes wrong, I take the blame.” Rebecca spoke forcefully. Her determination to seek justice where the law had failed fuelled her zest for revenge. “If we plan it carefully we can all win,” added Veronique. “And by giving each other alibis then we should all escape prosecution.” Gavin could not disagree, despite his reservations. <> As Susannah meandered back to her seat she noticed the Christmas tree in the corner. Susannah had forgotten it was Christmas Eve. The meagre decorations did little to make the place more cheerful. Susannah saw the mixed race guy sitting alone on a chair. Like always, he was crying and constantly held a handkerchief in his hands. Susannah decided to approach him, and sat adjacent. He looked at her. His bloodshot eyes seemed very sore. “It is Christmas Eve,” said Susannah. She did not seem able to make any further comment, and he chose not to respond. Susannah turned to move away, and noticed Nurse Carmile was watching her. What was Nurse Carmile thinking? Given Susannah’s current state she could only be sympathetic. Susannah looked like a tatty and torn rag doll sitting in the corner of the nursery, unwanted, unloved, and no longer cared for. Unperturbed by Nurse Carmile’s watchful eye, Susannah got up and returned to her seat. She left the Caribbean fellow alone in his isolated solemn world. Susannah’s thoughts were negative. Not wanting to dwell in self-pity but had she reached the end of the line? It seemed all her aspirations had been extinguished. She was now left to succumb to a daily monotonous existence. “I have to fight back and regain control of myself. Think! Think! Think! There must be a way out of this,” she murmured in a faint whisper. Susannah had lost count the numerous times she had sat staring into oblivion, trying to focus her mind. “I have got to try harder.” <> It was 8am the following day. Thunderous clouds dominated the sky with a blusterous breeze. The weather echoed the start of a hurricane but one had not been forecast. The early hour caught Rebecca fast asleep after her first night at Calypso Tavern since returning to Martinique. The morning shift had been delegated to Jeswana. Gavin was having his usual workout in his fitness room before going to the office. Veronique, having worked a night shift was off duty for the rest of the day. Before catching up on a few hours sleep, she looked out of her bedroom window. She had a perfect view of the Harrison estate and Gavin’s home. The many times she had stood there before, day dreaming of being lady of the manor. Now at last her dream was coming true. Her relaxed composure soon vanished as she spotted Detective Martinez’s car coming up the drive. Guilt stricken, her heartbeat suddenly raced. Was this the dreaded moment? But surely Susannah’s body could not have been found so soon? <> “Dearest, do you remember how I carried you over the threshold on our wedding night?” “Of course I do Honey. You trod on my dress, tearing it as you stumbled and dropped me. We ended up in a heap on the floor. I had bruises for weeks. A girl don’t forget something like that in a hurry.” “I am a lot stronger now Dearest. Say! Why don’t we give it another go?” “Have you gone mad in your old age,” stated a surprised Loretta. “No! Just a little crazy because you drive me wild with passion.” Tobias grabbed his spouse as she tried to unlock the front door. When the door opened he lifted her up into his arms. Loretta screamed playfully. “You put me down you hear. I don’t wanna be dropped again.” Loretta clung to her husband, flapping her legs in distress. “You sure have put some weight on Dearest,” struggled Tobias as they entered their home. “I think you’re giving me a hernia.” “Put me down this instant,” yelled Loretta. No sooner said, then Tobias lost control. They careered across the floor with Tobias doing a most intricate running step, before crashing into the sofa. At least Loretta had a softer landing this time than on their wedding day. For several moments they laughed at each other. Tears of joy rolled down Loretta’s chubby cheeks. “Is a good job the sofa was there else we would have ended up on the television,” remarked Tobias, sitting on the floor. “I think I’ll go and make some coffee Honey, we got to sober up a little,” laughed Loretta, lying face down across the sofa. Tobias helped his wife get up, but he had other ideas. <> Her ailing body soon got a minor shock. On stepping out with one hand there was suddenly no floor to place it on. Susannah lost her balance and crumbled downwards. She had reached a vertical chamber. Her upper body was now hanging over the edge. It was imperative for Susannah to stretch out her legs to equal the balance. It was fortunate she did not fall headfirst into the unknown dark gulf beneath her. A dull echo