Chapter 4

Edward Brandt pulled into the driveway of his home. He turned the ignition off and exited the Mercedes GLC SUV. His wife’s car never appealed to him as a method of transportation for work. The mere appearance of the vehicle at the bureau had always opened the floodgates of snide comments from his fellow agents. “Did you get a raise?” and “Who bribed you?” were among the most common attempt at anecdotes. It was less funny every time he heard the comments, but his coworkers seemed to find it hilarious. His personal vehicle was at the dealership having the alternator replaced. He could’ve performed the maintenance himself, but up until now, hadn’t had the time.

He entered the household and dropped the keys into the brass bowl perched on a pedestal near the front door. The house looked more modest on the outside than it did on the inside. The five-bedroom, three-bathroom abode was decorated with contemporary artwork, lighting, and furniture. Two bedrooms were converted into offices for Edward and his wife Joyce. Another bedroom was set up as an arts and crafts room for Joyce. Only one room was dedicated as a guest bedroom, while the master bedroom was where the magic either did or didn’t happen, depending on the day.

Edward and Joyce did not have any children. They were open to the possibility but had never come to a decision one way or the other. If it happened, then it happened, and their lives may be enriched by the new endeavor. When Edward had been a police officer, it usually gave him pause at the thought of bringing a new life into the world. So much chaos, disregard for other people, and so many unknown variables. When Andrew came into their lives, they helped support and sort of raise him as if he had been their child. Periodically going to museums, county fairs, restaurants, and the beach when his aunt allowed him.

Joyce used her office solely for work. As a psychiatrist, she could see and work with patients from the comfort of her own home. Helping people had always been a dream of hers ever since she could remember. Mental illness had become a common issue in the world, and the brain was a complicated organ. She devoted as much of herself as possible. Sometimes people just need someone to talk to, and other times things are so serious that a person requires medication. Joyce was not quick to prescribe medication but wanted the capability to do so if the circumstances presented. She otherwise might have become a behavioral therapist rather than pursuing her Ph.D.

Edward removed a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon from a brown paper bag and placed it on the kitchen island. It was not a very expensive bottle, just around ten dollars and some change when he decided to pick it up on his way home. He walked upstairs to the master bedroom and removed his holster containing his Glock 19 and badge attached to his belt. The small lockbox chimed and opened after entering the correct pin. He placed the items inside and closed the lid. He journeyed back down the staircase and heard the door to Joyces’ office open.

“Great progress today. I’ll see you next week, Harold,” the soft feminine voice of Joyce reverberated out of the doorway.

A rather portly man in his fifties exited the office and noticed Edward.

“Good morning, Mr. Brandt!” he greeted.

“Good morning. Enjoy the rest of your day!” Edward replied in a relaxed voice.

The man walked down the hallway and exited the door at the house’s rear. Edward had always shown the utmost respect for the privacy of Joyces’ patients. He never engaged in conversation unless the person initiated it and never asked personal questions. Any questions or concerns about Joyces’ patients were simply left out of all conversations. Joyce was the same way with regard to Edwards’ profession. Since he joined the FBI, Joyce felt it best not to ask too many questions regarding cases he may be working on. The mutual respect for each other’s professions was one reason they continued to get along over the course of twenty-five years.

Joyce quickly placed the tablet on the table beside her and rose from her chair when she heard Edwards’ voice. She peeked out beyond the door and looked inquisitively at her husband.

“What are you doing home so early?”

“I finally admitted to the boss that I have been taking bribes on the side for a New Jersey crime syndicate. Your car is at the impound awaiting an in-depth search, and there are Agents outside waiting for my return. I convinced them I would cooperate further if I got to say goodbye to you.” Edward tried to keep a straight face.

“Hilarious, Edward. You know you can’t bullshit me, right?”

Edward gave into laughter. “I know!”

“So, what’s going on?”

“Typical bureaucracy at work. It comes with the business, I guess. Dan sent me home for the week while they sort out some inquiries. Oh, Dan says hello by the way.”

The concern on her face was apparent as she walked down the hallway to meet Edward.

“I’m sure it’s all just routine. Besides, it will be nice to spend the week with you. It’s been so long since I’ve had much free time.”

“Well, my schedule is fairly open this week. I only have two or three sessions per day as it stands.”

Edward smiled as he watched his wife walk up to meet him. The thought never escaped him of how lucky he was and how beautiful she was. Her doe-like brown eyes were full of warmth and compassion. Although not a natural brunette, she pulled it off quite well, as it contrasted beautifully with her porcelain skin. Her eyes finally met with his, and he gave her a passionate kiss with a warm embrace. Joyce playfully smacked his hand when it started to wander.

“Don’t be getting frisky right now, I still have patients coming in,” she said.

Edward chuckled. “You can’t blame a guy for trying. Treat you to lunch?”

“That sounds wonderful. I only have about forty-five minutes until my next session, so do you mind if we find something in the house?”

“Of course not. Do we have any frozen pizza?”

“Really?” Joyce gave an unimpressed look as she folded her arms.

They both sat next to each other at the dining table. Edward was no gourmet chef, but he knew how to improvise when only a few options were available. Joyce loved that and was surprised by how good the salad had turned out. Edward found some left over rotisserie chicken in the refrigerator that he had sliced into cubes. He tossed them into a salad bowl along with the container of spring mix, some red onions, shredded cheese, and cherry tomatoes.

Joyce finished a bite and glanced over at the bottle of wine on the island counter. “What’s that for?” she asked.

“Just a little something that I picked up on the way home. I thought we might cozy up on the couch later tonight, watch a movie, and enjoy a couple of glasses of wine.”

“Well, aren’t you the romantic today? Perhaps you should get fired more often!”

“I wasn’t fired! They just wanted me to take off while they handled their business.”

Joyce laughed. “I’m just kidding dear; it all sounds lovely.”

“…And maybe we can talk. Possibly about my future with the FBI or even starting something of my own.” Edward quickly snuck his words in.

“Well, you know I charge two hundred dollars per session, right? Is FBI man’s salary capable of paying for that?”

Edward raised his eyebrow. “Are you serious?”

Joyce laughed again. “Clearly, a lot is troubling you right now. We’ll talk later tonight. Now, I must brush my teeth and prepare for the next patient.” She got up from her chair and gave Edward a quick kiss on his cheek.

“Thanks, my love. I’ll clean this up.”

Joyce was halfway up the stairs. “Don’t worry, you can compensate me in some other way later tonight.”

Edward had a huge grin on his face.