Free After Life by Andrew Neiderman Page B

his double-breasted black suit. Perhaps he had borrowed it
    from someone larger and taller, Lee surmised although Lee didn't know
    all that much about fashion, he concluded the garment was quite old,
    albeit well preserved.
     
    As they drew closer Lee also noticed that the doctor had a somewhat
    sallow look made more dramatic by the ebony suit and coal-black hair.
    His pale skin caused his orange-tinted lips to seem brighter and his
    dark eyes to appear sharp and luminous, reminding Lee of two small hot
    coals.
     
    Lee, Jessie, I'd like you to meet our good friend Dr. Beezly, Baker
    said.
     
    I'm very pleased finally to have the opportunity to meet the two of you,
    Beezly said. He took Jessie's hand first. Lee saw her smile turn
    quickly into an expression of curiosity.
     
    Actually it wasn't curiosity as much as it was confusion Shaking
    someone's hand, hearing his or her voice usually gave Jessie a sense of
    their identity. Dr. Beezly sounded like a man, but she didn't get a
    masculine feel. It was as if he were some sort of neuter creature, not
    male or female, an essence of something, and not something she
    particularly liked.
     
    Dr. Beezly released her hand from his instantly and shook Lee's. Lee
    thought he had a rather unremarkable grasp, weak, the fingers feeling as
    soft as cotton It was as if the man had bones as thin as those of a
    fish. A hard squeeze would shatter his palm and knuckles.
     
    Hi, Jessie, Tracy said, quickly coming up alongside her. They embraced.
     
    Hi. Lee's been describing your home to me. Why didn't you tell me you
    had such a lovely house?
     
    Oh, I wanted you to see it for yourself. I mean- I am seeing it, Jessie
    said quickly to spare Tracy any embarrassment. Through Lee.
     
    And I promise to take you around myself, Tracy said, and show you every
    nook and cranny.
     
    From the way Lee described it, that sounds like an all-night affair.
     
    Tracy laughed.
     
    Champagne all right? Baker asked.
     
    Fine, Lee said. Jess?
     
    Yes, please.
     
    Let me escort you to the sofa, Dr. Beezly said, taking Jessie's hand
    and placing it on his forearm.
     
    Feeling his narrow bony arm, Jessie was immediately reminded of her
    horrid vision the day Tracy had brought her home. Flashes of that
    skeleton digging desperately to uncover its own coffin returned. She
    couldn't help uttering a small moan.
     
    Are you all right? Beezly asked quickly.
     
    Yes, thank you. She forced a smile. He led her to the sofa. Thank
    you. She made herself comfortable and ran her palm over the soft
    leather. This must be a beautiful piece.
     
    It is, Beezly said. So, he continued, taking a seat across from Jessie,
    I'm very interested in your impressions of Gardner Town. He looked up
    at Lee, who moved to sit beside Jessie.
     
    Well, we haven't been here very long, Lee said.
     
    Diplomatic retreat, Dr. Beezly said, and laughed.
     
    Tracy sat beside him. Bob returned with a tray of champagne and
    distributed the glasses.
     
    Small-town life takes a while to get used to, Tracy offered, especially
    when you've been brought up close to a place like New York City.
     
    Both of you? Beezly turned back to Lee and Jessie.
     
    Baker put the tray down, but remained standing.
     
    I'm from Queens, Lee said. Jessie's from Westbury on Long Island.
     
    Where did you two meet?
     
    At college, Jessie said, smiling. I was a cheerleader and Lee was a
    basketball star.
     
    Oh, I wasn't quite a star, but I did my share to bring home the
    trophies.
     
    Note this carefully, Dr. Beezly, Baker said. A modest jock. Quite a
    rare animal these days.
     
    Everyone laughed. The door knocker sounded.
     
    Must be Henry and Marge, Baker said. Excuse me.
     
    So you met in college and got married soon after graduation? Dr. Beezly
    pursued.
     
    A week after graduation, Lee said. He took Jessie's hand. I had just
    locked down a job not far from where Jessie lived. We had just gotten
    started really when I became the victim of a state