The Vigilante by Ramona Forrest Page B

Herman, sure thing. I value your company on this journey, and that’s the truth. Thanks again.”
     
    ***
     
    Martha drove erratically through the streets, her thoughts spinning wildly out of control. “Ye Gods—an alter—what is that? You can bet I’ll be studying that aberration.” She barely saw where she drove as her mind dealt with Dr. Carton’s findings. “Maybe I’ll understand why these crazy things have been happening. I need to find out, but dear God, I’m afraid to know.”
    She swerved to miss a pedestrian. “What would Bob think if he knew what a nut case I am?” She had another date with him, too. “I’m getting in way over my head with him.” Feeling helpless and frightened, she heaved a deep sigh.
    She had no idea of her direction and paid little attention as she drove through the streets. Ignoring the fine weather, swaying trees, and flowering shrubs along the byways, she passed cars, busses, and nearly decked a man crossing the street. “Oh man, I’ve got to watch it or I won’t live long enough to find out what’s wrong with me!”
    Martha found herself at Jeannie’s, not even realizing she’d driven that way. She went in. “How’s Will?” She spoke automatically, barely able to form a coherent sentence, while an inner turmoil raged inside her mind.
    “He’s better, a little maybe. I heard him laugh at something on TV yesterday. A cartoon, I think it was.” The hopeful sound in Jeannie’s voice helped Martha regain her senses. Hearing about Will helped her return to normal thought.
    “So glad to hear that, even a small advance helps, doesn’t it?” She hesitated. “Jeannie, I should tell you something, not to worry you—but I learned something today. As a small child, something happened to me and I’m just now finding out about it.” She held up her hand to stop Jeannie’s questions. “I’m seeing a really good doctor, and at least I know I’m not going crazy. For a while, I really thought I was, but I couldn’t tell you. You’ve so much on your mind, you don’t need more.” She paused, wondering how far to go with her news.
    “Mom!” Jeannie cried, her hands shaking. Tears filled her eyes. “What’s going on to make you say such things?”
    “I’ll tell you everything in time. I don’t know enough about it myself, yet. The doctor said I’ll be just fine, once we get it out in the open. So that’s a load off.” Martha found she could laugh about her problems, something she’d never imagined just a few days ago. She also found being able to inform her daughter a little helped lighten the mental confusion of the past few months.
    “Try not to worry, if I thought it would turn out wrong, I don’t think I could have burdened you with it, but it’s good to be able to talk about it now that I have a clue.” Martha picked up her still strange-looking purse and, subduing her wild thoughts about that item, laughed. “I’ll see you tomorrow—and I think I have a boyfriend!”
    “Mother!” Jeannie gasped, her tone exasperated. “You are full of surprises!”
    “See ya.”
    Martha took her leave without further explanation to Jeannie. Driving home, she felt the haziness overtaking her and barely made it into her bed. She felt unbelievably tired, but how good it had been to unburden herself, if only the smallest amount. “Maybe I’ll be all right,” she murmured as she drifted into a deep slumber. Her last thought was, What mischief will my alter commit tonight while I sleep ?
     
    ***
     
    Martha had another date with Bob. Basking in the glow of the unusual sensations he sent zinging through her body, she wanted more of it, so much more. On the other hand, if he knew about her mental condition, would he want anything to do with a woman suffering from a raging case of psychic aberration?
    Her tortured mind swirled with worry. I wonder how much of this crazy stuff would be safe to tell, if I ever dare to ? He’s certainly known enough sorrow of his