The Phone Call (A Psychological Mystery Short)

By R. Barri Flowers

The Phone Call is a psychological mystery short in which a wife must confront her deepest fears when she receives an unlikely phone call. The shocking climax will stay with you long after you finish this domestic tale of suspicion and suspense.

Included as bonus material are excerpts of the author’s bestselling Hawaii mysteries, Murder of the Hula Dancers and Dead in Kihei, along with the psychological thriller, Killer in The Woods.

• Language: English
• Publisher: R. Barri Flowers
• Release date: Aug 27, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370709199

R. Barri Flowers

R. Barri Flowers is the award winning, bestselling author of mystery and thriller novels, true crime books, relationship fiction, young adult mysteries, and children's books. Follow R. Barri Flowers on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Goodreads, LibraryThing, and YouTube. Learn more about the author on Wikipedia and www.rbarriflowers.com.

Book preview

THE PHONE CALL

A Psychological Mystery Short

By R. Barri Flowers

The Phone Call is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, business establishments, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

THE PHONE CALL

A Psychological Mystery Short

Copyright 2016 by R. Barri Flowers

All rights reserved.

Cover Image Copyright Axyse, 2016

Used under license from Shutterstock.com

CRIME AND THRILLER NOVELS BY R. BARRI FLOWERS

Before He Kills Again

Dark Streets of Whitechapel

Dead in Kihei

Dead in Pukalani

Dead in the Rose City

Fractured Trust

Justice Served

Killer Connection

Killer Evidence Legal Thriller 4-Book Bundle

Killer in The Woods

Murder in Honolulu

Murder in Hawaii Mysteries

Murder in Maui

Murder of the Hula Dancers

Murdered in the Man Cave

Murder on Kaanapali Beach

Persuasive Evidence

Private Eye Bestselling Mysteries 2-Book Bundle

Seduced To Kill in Kauai

Serial Killer Thrillers 5-Book Bundle

State's Evidence

* * *

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Phone Call

Murder of the Hula Dancers – Bonus Excerpt

Dead in Kihei – Bonus Excerpt

Killer in The Woods – Bonus Excerpt

About the Author

THE PHONE CALL

The phone rang three times before Jennifer Lane decided that her husband Peter was not going to answer it. She thought that odd, considering it seemed like he was always on the phone talking to business acquaintances practically from sunup to sundown. What was different this time?

They were in bed, both reading books, which seemed to be the preferred bedtime activity of late next to sleep.

The phone went silent just before the call went to voicemail.

Jennifer looked at Peter's handsome profile, marred only by the glasses that hung haphazardly on his nose. Why didn't you answer it?

He shrugged. Figured they'd leave a message if it was important. Obviously it wasn't.

She had no reason to disagree, though his logic seemed to be selectively applied.

The phone rang again.

Peter made a halfhearted attempt to reach for it, but Jennifer had already leaned over him and lifted the phone from his nightstand.

Hello.

Peter?

The breathy woman's voice sounded strangely familiar, but Jennifer couldn't quite place it. Can I tell him who's calling?

Peter, the woman said again with a heavy sigh.

Jennifer looked at the Caller ID. It indicated the number was private and the caller unknown.

Who is it? Peter asked.

Jennifer wondered the same thing with more than a little curiosity as she handed him the phone. It's for you...

He put the phone to his ear. This is Peter.

She watched the muscles in his face tense as he said, Jennifer who?

Her first thought was that he didn't know any other Jennifers. But clearly the caller knew him.

Peter's thick brows knitted. Is this some kind of joke?

Jennifer certainly found no humor in the idea that her husband might be having an affair with her namesake.

Since my wife is right here beside me, you obviously aren't her. Now do us both a favor and don't call this number again, he said angrily. Peter disconnected, but held onto the phone.

Jennifer eyed him. What was that all about?

Hell if I know. Some woman, obviously high or something, was trying to impersonate you, I think.

You didn't recognize her voice?

No. It could've been anyone.

But not just anyone would have our private number.

Peter frowned as the phone rang again. He hesitated.

Answer it! Jennifer insisted. Let's see what else this mysterious woman has to say. Or would you rather I spoke to her?

Why don't we both listen in, just so you'll know I have nothing to hide.

Jennifer wondered if she had overreacted. She shot that down, knowing her husband had strayed once before. She had forgiven him after he promised it would never happen again.

Had he lied to her?

Peter put the call on speaker.

Are you there, Peter...? the caller gasped.

Who the hell is this?

Jennifer...

He rolled his eyes. My wife?

Yes, it's me... the woman said.

Jennifer cocked a brow. She met her husband's blank stare. Was this some code he and the woman had cooked up to try to cover his tracks?

This is ridiculous, Peter snorted. You're not my wife!

Why are you saying that? the caller asked. I don't understand.

You and me both. Look, did Bob put you up to this or what?

Bob Foxworth was Peter's best friend and the one who Jennifer knew had helped her husband hide his previous infidelity.

I've been in an accident... The woman moaned eerily, causing Jennifer to shudder. Carlson's Canyon... Lost control of the car on rain slick road... It overturned...

Carlson's Canyon was about ten miles from their house in Lake Pearl, California. Over the years, it had developed a bad reputation for its winding roads with no guardrails and rugged landscape that, while breathtaking, could also be a death trap for anyone unfortunate enough to run off the road in the wrong spot. Carlson's Canyon had already claimed four lives that year. Jennifer wondered if the woman really had been hurt. Maybe delirium had set in, causing the misidentification.

Peter held no such sympathy. Look, whoever you are, whatever your problem is, it has nothing to do with me.

Somehow Jennifer found solace in