I Want To Live

Chapter Eight

    Dr. David Williams steered his Chris Craft slowly across the dark surface of Lake Union. He had been out, gambling with one of his cronies in the basement of Freddy’s Pizza Hut. A private poker game by invitation only. Intending to sneak home quietly, he didn’t use the twenty horse power motor. Pat would be furious if she knew he was gambling again. How could he explain the allure of the danger, flirting with the probability of winnings versus losing. Tonight he had lost two hundred dollars. What did that make the debt he owed now? Nine thousand dollars to Graham?  He was reminded subtly before he left, a revolver pressed against his ribs, that repayment was expected soon or else.  .  .

    Running lights turned off, he used the silent electric motor. Overcast clouds obliterated any stars or moon. It was difficult to tell where the lake began or land merged. Only the few lights of the Seattle skyline were visible at three a.m. Thought he heard voices arguing to his left near the middle of the lake. Couldn’t see a definitive boat shape, their running lights extinguished also. He cut the motor. Floating. Ears straining. Then PLOP. A heavy object being dumped overboard? 

The water calmed. Silence for perhaps five minutes. “There’s nothing out there. It’s just your imagination.” A motor engaged. Churning of the water. A wake barely discernible as the motorboat sped to the distant shore in the dark.

    David’s heart thudded against his chest. Wiping sweat from his brow, he took a deep breath, unaware that he’d been holding it. Then pulled the cord on the electric motor. Headed for his floating home. The light was on in the kitchen. A beacon to guide his way. He had told Pat there was a board meeting that night for a charity they supported. Not to wait up for him. He would take the boat.

    David eased the craft into the slip. Tied it to the mooring. Stepped onto the deck. Crept to the kitchen door. Unlocked it and tiptoed up the stairs past Katie’s room. Eased the bedroom door open, furtively removed his clothes, laid the garments on a chair and crawled into bed.  

    Pat stirred when she felt his body beside her. Turned to face him and nestled close, burying her head into his shoulder. David froze. Didn’t move until he heard her slow even breathing. You’re a real upstanding guy, Dave. How long can you keep this ruse up?