Tall Dark Stranger

Tall Dark Stranger

At the age of 17 Philippa wanted to know all about men. Now a married woman of 36 she wished they knew all about her. The enveloped manuscript lay on her desk, Philippa opened it with a scalpel and removed the contents, the title read:

A STRANGER FOR LOVING

By Clarissa Du'Pre

Philippa read a piece at random:

Abigail sat waiting, she had been like this for over an hour, believing there was still hope and that her true lover would return.

Philippa checked the wall clock that said 18:09, and placing the manuscript in her satchel, removed her yellowey brown mac from a hook of three, then after leaving her Publisher's Office, secured the door with a key and began to make her way downstairs. She stopped halfway to straighten her stocking at the shoe and smiled at the old man on security:

“Goodnight David!” She said

“Goodnight Mrs. Haversham.” He replied, looking up from his paper, his mug of tea already finished.

“At least somebody notices me!” She thought.

It was still early, so instead of returning to her husband, whom was probably asleep in front of the T.V as usual, Philippa decided to go where she assumed there was company. She had done that a lot in the past, before she became married to Arthur. Then, after a while they became “Domestic” Of course she got her share of literary invites, however since she was not in the major league “And Arthur preferring to stay home” they were not what she had hoped for or even expected.

Philippa got in her car after placing her satchel between the gap separating the driver's seat from the passenger's, and having put on her seat-belt checked the rear-view mirror for oncoming traffic before leaving the building car-park that was open spaced. She did however see what clearly looked like the reflected face of a man in his 40's, the kind of face that was well known, as if it had always been there.

“Philippa.”

She turned quickly, there was no one there, not a man in sight.

The nearest bar in this section of London wasn't far from where she worked, It was one of those new fangled Wine Bars Philippa had been demanding her husband take her to, and each time she did her demands were rejected! It looked inviting with its warm orange light covering the window as if it were a nightly store. Philippa entered, not caring whom she talked with so long as it was someone.

There didn't seem to be anyone in the bar except for the young man in his late twenties behind the bar cleaning a wine glass with expert precision. Though Philippa assumed inexperienced in other matters. She smiled none the less and stated:

“Ah, Good evening.”

“Good evening Madam, what can I get you?”

“I'd like a Mombazilac please;

“Certainly, would you like something to eat?” “We have an excellent selection, including some very good desserts to go with the wine!”

“Er, No thanks, I've already eaten-” “Have one yourself though!”

“Thank you Madam.”

It was 8.0 when Philippa left. She had only had two glasses and the Barman seemed to drop her attempts at conversation with stoppers at every given opportunity, in fact no one responded to her the way she they did in those books she was paid to print(sic) The smiles were acknowledging in a way that made her feel cold, and now she knew when she returned home it would be no different.

Philippa lived in a block of flats in Knightsbridge that seemed out of place. Her home on the fifth-floor was respectable within. However outside the building showed the classic distinction she had always strived to leave behind.

She let herself in with her key, stating: “I'm home.” and respecting no reply received none as per usual.

This time however he did stir, he was unshaven and he still wore a vest: “What sort of man wear's a bloody vest?” thought Philippa as she stared at the cup and saucer on the small table he hadn't bothered to take out?”

“I'm sorry, he stated sitting up and rubbing sleep from his eyes, I must have fallen asleep.” “What's the time?”

“About 8:30, Did anyone phone?”

“I'm not certain if they did, I never heard anything.” “What's for dinner?”

“Didn't you do the shopping? What happened to the money I gave you?, “You knew I'd be working!”

“Look, I'm busy, can't you do me anything I'm hungry?”

Philippa left and entered the kitchen. She knew she probably wouldn't see the money again, Arthur had Poker nights with his mates whom Philippa considered just as inadequate as her husband. Philippa opened the freezer and saw it was almost empty, she peered closely and muttered,

“It'll have to do!”

When she returned he was still slumped in front of the television. Philippa stood holding a small plate that contained two sandwiches. He took them then lifted up a piece as if a schoolboy looking under a paving stone for insects.

“What's this?” He Inquired.

“Cheese and celery/” She said with pride.

“You expect me to eat this?”

“Well I did make it.”

He hit her. Philippa had had this thing before, and she knew she had to stand there and take it wishing she could escape into one of those Romantic Novels she published.

Those type got kissed by Moonlight, Philippa seemed to get hit most nights. Her face tearful though still in silence, Philippa made her way into the bedroom, and removing the bag from her shoulder placed it on the bed and went over to the full length mirror that was part of the wardrobe.

“Men.” She muttered, “They're all the same! “Well the ones I seem to know.”

“Am I the same?” said a voice.

“No, you're different!” She clarified, turning to address the person in question. There standing by the window hidden except by Moonlight, was a man in a dark tweed suit with a crisp white-shirt and a maroon tie. He had short black hair and a craggy face, Philippa put him at late thirties or early forties, he looked married.

Philippa smiled and the figure came into distance allowing her to draw his hand to her face.

“I love you/” She confirmed.

The Tall Dark Stranger smiled, enthusiastically understanding her every desire.

“Here!” She said in defiance, moving his hand from her face to the top button of her blouse-”

“Later.” “We cannot rush these things/” “It must be at the right time!”

“Yes.!” Replied Philippa, “The right time.”

“I have to leave.” said The Tall Dark Stranger.

“You will return won't you?” “I mean you will see me again?”

“Of course my love!”

Philippa watched as The Tall Dark Stranger turned into wispy pink talcum powder and floated out the open bedroom window. Then she closed it and went over to her satchel and removed the manuscript, read yet again at random:

Abigail knew how much she loved Dr.Barkworth and hoped he felt the same way. Dr.Barkworth was a refined Gentleman and in charge of the hospital known as St.Medics. He had his own house and car and was considered extremely dashing amongst the ladies.

“Hope he turns out a sod.” damned Philippa, laying the manuscript on the bed as the phone rang in the hallway, she went and picked it up and inquired who it was?

“Philippa it's Miriam, did you receive the manuscript, what do you think of it?” “I think it's very promising.”

Miriam was Clarissa Du'Pre's Agent, she had gotten to know Philippa quite accurately, though not Arthur, “None of them had so it seemed.”

“Yes, it looks very interesting.”

“What do you think of the plot?” Urged Miriam, “You don't think it's too cliched?”

“I cannot comment it's too early.” “Where are you?”

“I've just got off the plane at Gatwick!” “Nigel's decorating, he promised he'd have the bedroom ready for when I return, so I'll have to see you later in the week!” “If you need anything give me a call, you have my number don't you?”

“Yes of course!”

“Anyway I must go!” “Love you!”

“No you don't!” Muttered Philippa, after Miriam had clicked off.

The Tall Dark Stranger floated as pink talcum powder through the bedroom window, and becoming form glanced in commiseration at the slumped figure of the man seated in the chair in the middle of the half decorated bedroom. Then with contempt at how his poor wife had been misled, he gently picked up the trowel that lay on the floor, and with Satanic force plunged it deep into the man's skull, cracking through bone and drawing out gushes of blood as he released his grip. The body slumped dead onto the floor.

The Tall Dark Stranger turned into yellow snow-flake Apple blossom and floated into the dining room, And seeing how splendid it was with its oaken table and chairs compared to the unfinished bedroom, studied the unlit candelabra knowing when Philippa's time came he would never reject her, because women were not to be discarded. The Tall Dark Stranger turned back into Apple blossom and this time floated through the letter box, gently wafting past Miriam as she entered the house with a key, soon to discover her husband dead! Blood from his skull mingled with fluid gushing out of his open mouth, the trowel still firmly embedded in his skull.

Miriam stared in contempt at the unfinished wallpaper, before deciding to phone the Police.

Abigail gazed fondly into the face of Dr.Barkworth, She felt her heart beating rapidly as he drew closer to her. His arms circled round her waist, their lips touched gently at first and then as the passion grew more forceful-”

Philippa are you alright?”

Philippa replaced the manuscript and turned to see her husband arched in the bedroom entrance, as if it somehow represented their wedding day when things had looked so promising.

“I was reading.” She said emotionless.

“Are you going to the shops?, I've phoned some of my friends, they're coming over this evening.” “I was wondering if you could pick up some cans of beer?”

“Alright!”

He studied her in silent concern, however this was not enough! And so he left knowing he had done wrong yet not wanting to change deep down.

The Tall Dark Stranger wafted through Philippa's bedroom window as Apple blossom and turned into form. She stared at his craggy yet attractive face, his eyes holding her transfixed as he drew her closer and inquired:

“What's wrong?” “You can tell me” “That's why I came.”

“He expects me to pick up some cans of beer, his friends are coming over tonight for another of their late night Poker sessions, it'll be my money he spends.” “He knows I'm busy, why can't he go his bloody self?”

“Does he understand your predicament?”

“I suppose deep down.”

“Too deep to rekindle the past?”

“If I try to explain how I feel he ignores me, or worse he becomes hostile!” “He was never like that before we married! I want things different, everything is so routine, it's like nothing actually changes all we do is rearrange things;

“Would you like to rearrange things permanently?” Empathised The Tall Dark Stranger, as she drew closer to him and he held her whilst she rested her tearful face upon his shoulder.

“Yes.” “Stay with me!”

“Of course.” said The Tall Dark Stranger.

The phone rang later that evening, and whilst The Tall Dark Stranger waited in the bedroom and Arthur slept in the dining room, Philippa went to answer it.

“Philippa it's Miriam.”

Her voice was almost hysterical, Philippa knew it was best to let Mirian explain.

“I-I've phoned the Police, Nigel's dead!” “Somebody must have broken in and killed him, although there's no sign of forced entry!”

“Dead?” Stated Philippa in disbelief, “Are you on your own?”

“No/” “There's a young Policeman in the bedroom waiting for forensics!” :Nice looking Gentleman, very restricted though!”

“How was he killed?” Inquired Philippa, trying not to sound gory.

“A trowel was plunged through his head! They say whoever did it must have been very strong to use such force! We were supposed to go to Patrick's dinner party over the weekend, he's expecting you and Arthur to come.”

Patrick was a Book Reviewer for a well known paper and his column was a reliable guide to what were the best books to read. His reviews could make or break an Author it was claimed, and Philippa knew Miriam needed Clarissa Du'Pre's reviews to improve since they had not been too favourable concerning her last novel.

“We'll try. If Arthur's too tired, I'll come on my own.” She said, as if in defiance,”If ever you want to come over Miriam, I mean if ever your lonely-”

“I will Philippa, I believe forensics are here, I'll phone you back.” “Thank you.”

Philippa replaced the phone, noticing without having to look that The Tall Dark Stranger was beside her to give his support because she needed someone to understand.

“Did you kill him?” Inquired Philippa.

Yes”!”

“Why?” She Protested.

“Because I was asked to, not in so many words you understand, however you know who I am, and so do all women!” “So does Miriam; “You see my darling her life is similar to yours in so many ways, that's why I'm here for you!”

“Why don't men understand?” Inquired Philippa.

“Some men do!” “They to expierience what you are going through and seek help from us!”

“What do you mean us?”

“Those men whom, like women are rejected, have someone to turn to, a woman called The NightShadow.” “You see Philippa even men have their own Romantic Avenger;

That evening Philippa waited on Arthur and his four male friends, whilst they played Poker and wasted her money that she had worked so hard for! Arthur seemed to enjoy ordering her about, and the fact his friends found her attractive gave him a sense of oneupmanship, Philippa knew she was so much more.

Philippa began to wash the glasses, hating the smoke drifting from the dining room and knowing Arthur could never really stop! She hated being a housewife rather than a woman, or rather one without the other! And now Arthur was calling her to bring in more food relative to the evening.

The Tall Dark Stranger placed his hands on her shoulders as she dried a final plate, and seeing her tears whispered, “I know you Philippa, I always know what women desire.”

Philippa turned her, her face reddened, her musty blonde hair smelling of cheap moisture that men once found desirable.

“I want you to kill my husband!” :I want to be rid of him!” “I want to be treated how I used to be!”

“Of course I will my darling, but first we need a plan!” “If I kill him in a way that causes suspicion the Police may come and arrest you, that is why we must work together on this.”

“An accident.” Agreed Philippa, trying to think of a plan.

“What does he usually do?” Inquired The Tall Dark Stranger.

“Sod all most of the time, like all bloody men when they put the ring on!” “However he sometimes goes down the pub.”

“Can he drive?”

“Yes!” “But if he does he only has a couple of pints because he's been cautioned in the past! And he's well known to the Police!”

“Don't worry I'll take care of things, You persuade him to take the car.” “Do you think you can do that for us darling?”

He kissed her lips lovingly and she allowed an embrace to happen.

“Yes, I can manage that for both of us.”

“Then I will have to confirm our plans with the correct source!”

Being a Gentleman The Tall Dark Stranger stayed till Arthur's friends had gone, then asking politely to be excused he turned into an Apricot breeze found only in spring time and floated as Orange fragrance out the door! Leaving Philippa to contemplate what would happen.

That evening whilst Arthur slept ridden with the stench of beer and cigarettes, she dreamed she was at a Grand Opening and wore a beautiful Period Gown. She was dancing with The Tall Dark Stranger whom wore a Dinner Suit and Bow Tie. They were admired by everyone. In the morning however reality set in, and yet this time there was something different. Arthur wanted to talk. Whether it was the effect of the drink or genuine empathy he seemed sorry about the way he had treated her. He told her he loved her! And he didn't like the way she had to keep proving herself to people ike Miriam and especially Patrick. He wanted her to realise who she really was.

Philippa embraced him, knowing he didn't really understand, even though like most men he believed he did. She told him she would prepare breakfast and that she would be very busy today.

“I won't be back till late.” She stated, “If you want to go out, you can take the car if you want, I'll take a Taxi.”

“I may need some money!” He said, his voice somewhat nervous.

“Of course.” She smiled.

He clenched her hand as she began to leave the bedroom, letting it slip as she smiled in commiseration at how they could have been. Then he closed his eyes in thought,

Before preparing breakfast Philippa went to the dining room where her satchel lay on the settee along with the manuscript she had almost finished. She took it out and having read correctly continued;

Abigail knew she had to stand beside Dr.Barkworth

“I did not mean for The Chairman's Son to die during surgery, I feel I will never wave another scalpel!” “But at least now I can take his place on the board, and soon you and I will be together!”

Philippa smiled, “Was Dr.Barkworth subconsciously responsible for murder?” “Even though The Chairman's Son had only gone in for a kidney operation?” “Does anyone really understand what true love is?”

The Tall Dark Stranger smiled at the way he had expertly fixed the brakes of Arthur's car, told to him by a murderous Gentleman whom The NightShadow had killed for so she could be with in Paris.

The Tall Dark Stranger watched as Arthur began to drive along having left the pub. And then the car swerved out of it's path and crashed into a wall! Being the sort that did not wear a seat-belt Arthur crashed through the windscreen and was instantly killed. His body lay half in and half out, his chest embedded with glass, turning his shirt from white to crimson, The Tall Dark Stranger smiled and floated as wispy Autumn breeze smelling of Apple blossom.

Philippa heard the phone ring whilst she waited for her lover to return. This time it was Patrick asking if she and Arthur could make it this Saturday at 5.0? Dinner would be at 8.0 but Patrick always had things to discuss.

Philippa knew in truth she'd be coming alone. However she agreed and said she and Arthur were both looking forward to it.

“That's good.” “It's terrible what happened isn't it?”

“You mean about Miriam's husband Nigel.” Emphasised Philippa.

“Yes!” “Have the Police questioned you yet?” “Because they've been to see me and I heard they questioned some other people;

“No, they haven't!” said Philippa.

There was a silence and for some reason Philippa knew what she had to ask:

“Patrick.” “Have you ever heard of The Tall Dark Stranger?”

“You mean the character in Romantic Fiction who understands all women and comes to them in their hour of need?, He's fiction Philippa he doesn't exist!”

“Thank you!” said Philippa, then stated “Goodbye.” and replaced the phone.

Was Patrick correct? Was there inn truth no one whom really cared? Yet like those characters in those books, she believed in hope and soon that hope appeared,

“Philippa.” Began The Tall Dark Stranger, “I've done what we both wanted.”

“You mean, “She turned for confirmation” “Arthur, you've killed him?!

“Yes, my darling.” “I have freed you from domestic burdens!” Stated The Tall Dark Stranger, Standing there holding a vintage bottle of Champagne and a Knightsbridge shopping bag ladled with food that he would prepare this evening, though first they had to prepare another concoction!

“The Police will no doubt contact you soon Philippa!” “When they do it will be routine at first, since they will not want to be deemed too intrusive!” However suspicion may occur and so listen carefully to what I have to say.”

Being a Bon Viveur as well as a renowned Gentleman, The Tall Dark Stranger set the table amidst candlelight and soft music and prepared:

OYSTERS IN CHAMPAGNE JELLY (from the vintage he had brought, they would drink the rest with the meal)

LANGOUSTINE TAILS DIPPED IN HOLLANDAISE.

INDIVIDUAL DARK CHOCOLATE SOUFFLES WITH RASPBERRY SORBET(S) CENTRES,

He even prepared a set of appropriate Petit Fours to round the evening off!

Philippa and The Tall Dark Stranger made love. And although she had what she desired, she missed the familiarity of the past, but now she knew they both had to look to the future.

Philippa slept in the arms of The Tall Dark Stranger, yet when she was awakened by a knock at the door at 4:10 A.M. she got out of bed alone. She feared nothing, her lover had left, not so she could face the consequences, but so he would not lead her into suspicion. When Philippa opened the door she was faced with the presence of a Policeman in uniform whom introduced himself as Detective Sergeant Wentley. He Stated that her husband had been killed in a car accident, “Diplomatically, then apologised but insisted he had to come in and speak with her, since forensics were concerned about the car-” Philippa, unafraid of having discovered true love let him in, And even offered him a cup of tea, which he agreed too. In the dining room, Philippa in a green nightdress of acceptable chaste, explained as she sipped her tea that her husband sometimes took the car and did not always inform her of his decision.

“Forensics believe the brakes were tampered with Mrs.Haversham, can you explain how this could have happened?”

“I took the Taxi because the car had indeed been playing up, and told my husband I would contact the garage on my return!” “He kept saying I wouldn't have time because I'm very busy!” “He must have taken it himself believing there wasn't much wrong with it!”

D.S.Wentley looked in plausibility.

“Your husband crashed leaving the pub; “Does your husband usually visit the pub?” “I ask because it does take him slightly out of the area!”

“He could have reached the garage; “It'd only take him slightly more time!” Stated Philippa, as if putting her defence,

“Yes, that is a possibility.” “I mean it wouldn't really take him all that long.” “Do you know if your husband phoned the garage to make an appointment?”

“No, he never tells me anything!” She said, sounding rejected, even if unintentionally.

“I believe you're friends with a woman named Miriam Grenville?”

“Yes!” “She's an Agent.” “Her husband was recently murdered!”

D.S.Wentley looked at her as if she'd failed to spot an obvious clue in some Victorian murder mystery, “It's possible your husband was murdered by the same man who killed Mr. Grenville; “Do you happen to know anyone whom might have a grudge?” “Some Author who can't take rejection?” “A business rival of some sort?” “A former employee perhaps?”

“No!” “I'm sorry I can't be of anymore help!”

The rest of the discussion was amicable, in fact D.S.Wentley seemed very understanding and Philippa wondered if she had judged things more than she should have?!?

He left at 9.0 giving her a number to phone, and the reference number in case she was put through to the desk Sergeant.

She thanked him and smiled.

D.S.Wentley smiled back official, though that did not matter.

Philippa spent the rest of the day on the phone to Miriam and the two of them now seemed more closer.

Philippa decided that evening to finish the rest of Clarissa Du'Pre's Novel, She read:

Abigail and Dr.Barkworth now had each other as they had always desired. Yet the completeness had removed not freedom but a boundary they were both beginning to miss. This new world of Dark Romance was uncertain and they were wondering if they had chosen the incorrect path. Though they were together.

No one phoned Philippa after that. Even Patrick whom assumed she knew when the dinner party was had only phoned once. When Philippa arrived by Taxi to Patrick's house in London, he welcomed her with an over affectionate greeting that Philippa knew was automatic rather than because he desired her!

“Philippa, Come in and meet our Vault Of Horror, we're quite friendly when you get to know us!”

Philippa allowed Patrick to lead her by the hand, “She already knew Miriam, there were two men and one woman in a green crossover dress whom was one of those over elegant Romantic Novelists. The two men were in the publishing business, working overseas so to speak.

The first course of Watercress and Lime Soup with Mussels was light and refreshing as was the conversation, “Until they tried to be empathic by showing sympathy over Arthur” Philippa wanted to scream, “You don't know what he was like.” “This is real life not some bloody Romantic Novel written for people who can't face the fact we're all flawed; Instead she smiled and thanked them for their genuine concern.

“Did the Police tell you whom they believed was involved?” Inquired Miriam, “Only D.S.Wentley told me he spoke with you.” “Apparently they seem to think both our husband's murders are connected!”

“No.” “I suppose they don't want us to warn anyone unintentionally!” Stated Philippa, sipping Merlot whilst Patrick checked the Roast Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary, Lyonaisse Potatoes. At 10:30 after a double helping of homemade Chocolate Mint Ice Cream, Patrick insisted on phoning a Taxi for Philippa and told her to phone if she wanted anything.

In the Taxi Philippa watched people hand in hand and studied the lights of the West End, as if this was the World she would soon enter with her lover.

She asked to be dropped off a few yards from her home and paid the driver tip included He thanked her and drove off.

Philippa brought a Newspaper from an all night corner Shop, wondering if there was anything in it about Arthur or even Miriam's husband? There wasn't, however the headline on the cover did state:

WOMAN FOUND DROWNED IN BATH IN LIVERPOOL, WOMAN DRESSED IN PINK CHIFFON TROUSERS AND LACE BLOUSE BEING HUNTED BY THE POLICE.

“Men have their own Avenger.” thought Philippa, “The NightShadow.”

Philippa arrived home and let herself in with a key, she went into the bedroom, removed her yellowey brown mac and placed it on the chair. A mist of apple blossom floated gently through her bedroom window and there stood The Tall Dark Stranger wearing a Dinner suit and Bow-Tie, holding a Gentleman's handkerchief stained with blood.

“Have you killed someone?” Inquired Phillippa.

“Yes my darling.” “A man in Threadneedle Street, he rejected his poor wife by spending too much time at the office as a Chartered Accountant!” “But do not worry my love soon we will be together-”

“What you mean soon?” Screamed Philippa, “What about me don't I count?”

“Of course you count my darling as do all lonely people whom believe in Romantic hope!” “That's why I must go to whoever needs me!”

“Men!” Muttered Philippa, “You're all the same, I suppose women'll call you Dr.Barkworth from now on;

The Tall Dark Stranger turned into wispy pink talcum powder and floated out the window stating:

“I love you Philippa.

Philippa stood there with only her memories, wondering if what she had done was really worth it? And hoping that one day she would find true romance should her lover return?!?

THE END