Madness and Murder in the Bay

By Dawn Shanéa Clark

From the school teacher to the defense attorney, everyone has problems. When people like Melissa Fider and Fred Ethel relocate, they bring along more baggage than what’s in their suitcases. Hearts are broken, lives are lost, and freedom is on the line. In Madness and Murder, Dawn Clark creatively displays issues of relationships and the madness individuals bring to their respective relationships. This book is a riveting, nail biter. It will leave you hanging on every word as if you are waiting in anticipation for the next scene in your favorite movie. Laced with humor and intrigue; this dramatic, psychological thriller is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jul 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9781546247401

Dawn Shanéa Clark

My name is Dawn Shaneá Clark. I am the author of Deliverance: From Young and Restless to Bold and Beautiful. Aside from completing my second book, Madness and Murder in the Bay, I also wrote a book intended for Children, entitled, I Am Somebody. My final project that I am currently working on is called Gone. Psychology has always been an interest of mine. And the year and a half of psychology studies that I was able to complete, came in handy with this book.

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© 2018 Dawn Shanéa Clark. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 10/01/2018

ISBN: 978-1-5462-4741-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-4740-1 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

Introduction To The Characters

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

INTRODUCTION TO THE CHARACTERS

Allen and Shari: they were born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. After graduating from Spalding University; the two relocated to Sacramento, California.

Carl and Melissa: They were also born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. A year ago, they decided San Francisco is the place for them to be.

Thomas and Fred: they’re a same-sex couple who met at Stanford University. After becoming engaged, they felt they would be more comfortable in San Francisco.

Dr.Missy Shark: she’s a psychiatrist located in San Francisco, California. She studied Psychology at Patten University.

Dr. Pethal: he is a psychiatrist, located in Oakland, California. He studied Psychology at both University of Texas and Patten University.

Jackson Pierre: he suffers with Gender Dysphoria. As a result, he has to see Dr. Shark on the regular.

Will these relocations, therapy sessions, and encounters end up a chance meeting or something more sinister that leads to more than just a trip down memory lane?

CHAPTER 1

Allen and Shari Aries had been together for almost five years, living in Louisville, Kentucky. They were both attending Spalding University. Allen was just months from graduating with a Master’s Degree in Accounting and Information Technology. Shari has another year before she receives her Master’s Degree in Human Resources and Healthcare Management. Shari recalls the time during orientation, five years ago when their eyes locked. Shari, wearing skinny jeans and a sleeveless top, tied, with a pair of stilettos, was drawn to Allen just by his hazel eyes and the visible gun show you could see with his wife beater and his loose, but not sagging jeans.

At that time, they had four classes together, was it pure luck or fate? From the moment they met, they spent a lot of time together. And knew they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. The question was, when Allen graduated, how were they gonna stay together? He was working part-time already and the pressure was on for Shari, with Graduation not too far away. Sure, they had dinner and a movie here and there, mani-pedi for Shari on Saturday and golf for Allen. There was brunch every Sunday, and relaxation time together until a little later. This particular evening was extra special between Allen and Shari, because Allen just announced to Shari that they have their own place together now. This is convenient for Allen because now Allen will only be twenty-five minutes away from his new job after graduation and Shari will only be fifteen minutes away from campus since she still has a little way to go before graduation. How could it get any better than this? I’m gonna miss you Allen. I don’t know what I’m gonna do without you around campus bae, said Shari. It’s all working out according to plan, don’t worry Love, replied Allen.

They always challenged each other, making sure they each succeed. Allen was hired at Excel Finances Services as a Staff Accountant. She was still as busy as ever. This was her senior year, so she had less and less time to communicate. She was very committed, both to Allen and her studies, but he began to wonder. Is she losing interest? She wouldn’t start seeing another man while I’m busting my ass to keep a roof over her head, would she? Shari called Allen that evening after a long day of studying. Why didn’t you answer me, I called you several times? said Allen. Hello to you too. Allen, I have been studying all day. I had a paper due in one class and a pop quiz in another. With time winding down, I am under a lot of pressure, I thought you would be more understanding! cried Shari. I’m sorry babe. I know I come across as not trusting you sometimes. I’ve had a hard day at work and I’m just tired. Allen told Shari. I should not have taken it out on you Love. Please forgive me ShareBear. Shari giggled and replied, you know I can’t stay mad at you. I’m going to go have dinner with a friend: Melissa, okay babe?

I’ll call you in the morning, if we can’t talk again tonight. I love you, Allen. Love you too, Shari. Who the hell is Melissa, Allen thought to himself. She’s seeing someone else. Yeah, she’s with someone else. He continued to repeat as he dozed off.

Shari meets with Melissa

Meanwhile, Shari meets with Melissa at one of their favorite Italian restaurants. Hey Girl! Melissa said out of excitement. Have I got something to tell you! A lot I’m sure, it’s been forever! replied Shari.

Not only am I SO excited to almost be done with my studies…I’M ENGAGED! she exclaimed, as she flashed her ring. Oh my goodness Mel, it’s gorgeous. How long has it been? What’s his name? How’d you meet? When’s the big day? Sorry about all the questions, I’m just so happy for you, oh my goodness, girl.

It’s been two years. His name is Carl Fider, he is so sweet to me. Prepare yourself, the wedding day, is after the baby is born. Yes, I’m four months pregnant. Oh, Mel, Congratulations. Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl? What does Carl do for a living? I have so many questions. Carl wants it to be a surprise, so we are waiting on the gender to be revealed when the baby is born. Carl is a Technology Engineering Supervisor for C&E Engineering. With all the excitement, the ladies hardly touched their dinner, but still had a nice time catching up. It was so nice sharing time to catch up, said Shari. For sure, Melissa replied.

Dr. Shark & her Staff

Gloria Spike and Molly Wo, each began working for Dr. Shark five years ago in San Francisco, California. Gloria suffers with night terrors. A sleep disorder that causes feelings of terror or dread, and typically occurs during the first hours of stages three to four non-rapid eye movement sleep. And Molly is Bipolar. A mental disorder that causes periods of depression and periods of elevated mood. The elevated mood of both mania or hypomania, depending on its severity, or whether symptoms of psychosis are present. Dr. Shark has been in practice for fifteen years. She studied at Patten University and Walden U.

Dr. John Pethal works along with Dr. Shark, he is a good friend of hers and serves as a back-up when she is unavailable, as well as a source for referrals that are not a good fit for Dr. Shark. Dr. Pethal was born in Houston, Texas, and decided he wanted to be in the field of Psychology when his grandmother was diagnosed with Negativistic Personality Disorder, but moved to Oakland CA. He studied Psychology at University of Texas, and received his doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy of at Patten University, where he met Dr. Shark. And they became friends.

Thomas and Fred

Thomas and Fred met at Stanford University. Thomas studied Law. Fred studied Fine Arts. Having the same Accounting Class, they got to spend a lot time together and were able to confirm; yes, it was true love. How were they going to tell others? None of their family knew. Fred was still troubled by how he was treated in the past due to his sexuality. But they knew they wanted to stay together.

When Fred spent time with his family, but he never took Thomas with him. He would always have a Covergirl instead. It was always a woman from one of his classes that knew him and Thomas. Hi mom, this is my girlfriend, Tasha, Tasha this is my Mother Darlene, he said with excitement. Hi Tasha, nice to meet you. Come on inside.

How did the two of you meet? asked Darlene. We go to school together. It was love at first sight, said Tasha. And she reached for Fred’s hands across the table. Oh Fred, she’s a doll. You two are so adorable. The oven went off and Darlene excused herself to get the dinner. Fred took his hands back, layin’ it on a little too thick, don’t you think? Sorry hon, I didn’t mean to make you angry. And don’t call me hon, the only person who can do that is Thomas! Darlene stood there in shock and dropped the pot she was holding.

Who the hell is Thomas and why is HE the only one who can call you hon?! Fred just sat there and hung his head. ANSWER ME BOY! Who the hell is Thomas and why is he the only one who can call you hon?!?! I had a boyfriend for the last two years. I wasn’t sure. said Fred. You’re sure, you’re gay, ha. Darlene stepped over the pot only to slap Fred with all of her might. Get the hell out of my house. And don’t come back until ‘you’re sure’ you’re the man God created you to be.

Fred went back to campus and told Thomas what happened. Two weeks later, they went to dinner. The way my Mother treated me brought back memories, which makes me think, for this relationship to work, we’ll need couple’s therapy.

Are you saying what I think you’re saying? asked Thomas, with a smile. Yes, will you marry me?

We’re in no rush, let’s graduate first, find a place to stay, unless you’re comfortable in San Jose. I think we would do better in San Francisco. Said Fred. Then San Francisco, it is. I was hoping you would say that. That’s where we can find counseling. There’s a Dr. Shark. I saw the name in an ad. And I heard this doctor is really good. Anything to keep us together. Thomas said with hope in his voice.

Thomas and Fred moved to San Francisco and looked up a therapist they had heard about on the radio. They went to see Dr. Shark. Molly checked them in, but there was an issue. Once they saw their counselor was a female, they decided to make a change. We’re sorry Dr. Shark, we’re going to have to see someone else. We’re more comfortable with a male therapist, said Thomas. I think I can help you with that. said Dr. Shark. Hi, John, it’s Missy, I have a couple, who would be more comfortable with seeing a male doctor. Do you have time, today or anytime soon? asked Dr. Shark. Anything for you Missy. I can see them today around six. Thanks John.

Dr. Shark, your 2 o’clock, Jackson Pierre is here to see you, announced Gloria. Thank you, send him in, replied Dr. Shark.

Hi, Jackson, so I got your message, you are struggling with Gender Dysphoria. Let’s talk a little about what this means. Gender Dysphoria also known as Gender Identity Disorder is the distress a person experiences as a result of the sex and gender they are assigned at birth. As a result, the person is transgender.

Dr. Shark, this has been going on all my life. I was never happy as a boy. I was teased growing up. I was always called out of my name, punk, faggot, pussy. My own father disrespected me, telling me as I got older, I could never be man enough to please him. Jackson began to cry, Dr. Shark offered him a Kleenex and asked if he’d like to take a break. After a brief break, Dr. Shark began by saying: Parents sometimes struggle with what to say and this can create a sense of awkwardness. Also, in reference to being teased by other kids, children definitely can be mean, and I am very sorry, that you went through such pain. Well, first of all Dr. Shark, I really would prefer you call me Jackie. I know I use Jackson as my name when I schedule my appointments, but I am in the process of legally changing my name to Jackie, after my sex-change operation.

Jackson, I mean, Jackie; I’m here to support you through whatever your treatment goals are. So, let’s get started where you feel comfortable. I was never satisfied as a boy. It never felt…right. I have a brother, my dad said he wanted a second chance