The witness - Fiction- Short story - chapter 3

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Peter did not have a good day at work. He felt nervous and stressed out,  and by twelve o clock he told his boss that he was not feeling well and that he was not coming back after lunch. He asked Jessie to drop him off at home, and then just climbed into bed and slept for a few hours. He woke up three hours later and his thoughts just went crazy on him. 

The previous night was restless and he knew that it was going to be the same that night if he didn't do something about his situation. His first option was to phone the police but he had no idea what he was going to tell them. 

"Hey Mr policeman, I picked up a murder- weapon and a bag full of money and I ran away like a coward."

He got out of bed and this time made himself some coffee. He had to be clear and alert about what to do. He really had two options here. One was to phone the police and face the consequences, and the other was to get rid of the gun and keep the money. 

He didn't know anyone at the police station but perhaps Jessie did. He trusted her. He took a deep breath and dialed her number.  

"Hey Jess, I really need your help with something. Would you mind coming over after work?"

"Sure, bud, I'm on my way to the car right now. I'll be over in half and hour. I'll bring us something to eat."

Jessie drove down to the pizzeria and order a large pizza.  She bought a bottle of wine and then drove straight to Peter's house. She really liked Peter. They have worked together on a few projects at work, and they have actually become quite close after the last project.  

She stopped in front of the house a few minutes later and was surprised that everything looked so dark. She was just about to knock on the door after her balancing act with the pizza and the wine, but Peter opened the door before she could knock. 

"Hey man, why is everything so dark in here? Did you commit a murder or something?" 

She walked through to the kitchen to fetch some plates and glasses and when she walked back into the living room she switched on the light. 

She dropped one of the glasses when she saw the gun on the table. 

"What's going on here Peter? You better tell me quick, or I'm out of here."

"It's not what you think...." 

Peter asked her to sit down and told her the whole story.  She looked a bit shaken up, so he poured her a glass of wine to relax.  He poured himself a whisky to shake the nerves. 

"And now you have no idea what to do...." she said after he finished talking. 

He nodded. 

She whistled. 

"I'm glad I'm not in your situation....how much money is here?" she asked laughingly, sounding more at ease. 

"Don't even start to make jokes about this Jessie. I am in panic mode here....you have to help me."

Jessie grabbed a slice of pizza and began eating. 

"I know a guy that could help.... I used to go out with him, and it didn't end that well, but I could give him a call. "

Peter put away the money and the gun, and took a quick shower while they waited for the officer to arrive. He could seriously kick himself for being in this situation, but he knew informing the police, was the right thing to do. It could all have turned out so differently if he had not run away, but now he had to face whatever came his way.  

He felt nervous when he heard the knock on the door, and he could hear the officer and Jessie talking in the living room. He took a deep breath before entering the room and he held out his hand immediately to greet the officer. 

He could feel his hands shaking, but he had to play it cool and took a seat next to Jessie on the couch. She started the conversation very casually and asked Matt if he would consider getting involved in a campaign they were arranging for the mayor. 

Matt, as the officer was introduced to Peter, felt honored and he gladly accepted the offer. He seemed to be quite fond of the mayor, and he would be glad to be involved with the campaign. 

He was not on duty, so Jessie poured him a glass of wine to make him feel more relaxed, and then she invited Matt to have dinner with them. She ate the whole day, so she didn't care if she already had two slices of pizza.  

Jessie loved Chinese food, so she suggested they go out and have a good evening to celebrate and to catch up. Peter was still nervous but he could see what Jessie was trying to achieve and he played along. They were actually having a really great time and Matt turned out to be such a nice person, even Peter was impressed by him.

The conversation stayed light, until Jessie dropped the bomb about the bank robbery that took place in town two days ago.   

"What happened there exactly?"

Matt laughed.  

"The same Jessie, just as inquisitive as always...."

- To be continued -

     

                           

                          

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