A Lesson Learned

“I killed him so that I could get my own reality show. It’s not that hard to understand.” The Cop looked as though I had told him that I had spotted an honest politician. “Can you take me in and have me arraigned already?”

“I don’t think you understand. You won’t be getting a reality show; you’re going to death row. This is a confession of murder, not that you’re sleeping with your sister's husband.” What is it with these cops not knowing how the entertainment industry works? We may live in Detroit, but it’s not that far from New York City. Every celebrity worth their salt had some scandal that seemed to doom their careers, and then they made a comeback of epic proportions. Ask Madonna. “You have made a statement saying that you killed your husband in cold blood.”

“Can I get my attorney now?”

The Cop left the room; he was still shaking his head. Why would he not just accept an open and shut case like this? There was no reason to ask stupid questions like “Why did you do it?” and “Where’s the murder weapon?” I wasn’t born yesterday, the answers to those questions would go to the grave with me. Or at least my first big interview with Oprah. Wasting those answers on a small potato cop would sink my earning potential for the interview.

The Cop came back into the interrogation room with a smirk on his face. “Mrs. Johnson, we know you’re lying about killing your husband. You were at work when he was killed. So who are you covering for?”

“You know better than that.” Amelia Reinhardt pushed past The Cop and took a seat next to me. “I need a moment with my client. And everything we say will be off the record, so don’t bother listening in through the two-way mirror.”

“What are you doing here?”

The Cop paused when he heard my question when no answer came he closed the door. “Ceej, I told you that this was a bad idea. All you’re doing is inviting the police to look further into the story. Nothing good can come of this.”

“I’ve already confessed to the murder. Nothing bad will happen. I have everything under control.”

“You don’t get it. The police already know that you’re lying and it’s just a matter of time before they figure out who you’re protecting. Come clean now, and save us all the drama. Once the truth comes out, and it will, there will be no going back.”

“Stop worrying. My plan will work. They can’t prove that I didn’t kill Kyle. Maybe they can place me at work, but there’s nothing saying that I didn’t sneak home, shoot him, and move his body to the front yard before heading back to work.”

“It scares me that you don’t hear how ridiculous that sounds.”

“Listen, if you guys stop worrying, I can make this work.”

“Mrs. Johnson, you have another visitor.” The Cop poked his head in, before opening the door wider so that my daughter Carly could step through. She ran over to hug me.

“Mom, they said you killed Kyle. We both know that’s not true. Why would you say that you did?”

“Because I don’t want you going to jail for killing him. You don’t worry about me; Kyle had more than enough secrets for me to exploit to keep out of trouble. Plus Amelia here is a brilliant lawyer.”

We both looked over at our attorney and found her rubbing her temples. “This is insanity.”

“And completely wrong. Mom, I didn’t kill Kyle. I was with Stacey; we were studying for Psych.”

“Carly, can I talk to your Mom alone please?”

“Of course. Thank you, Aunt Amelia.” She hugged me and then the other woman and left.

“Do you see the lunacy of your plan? This is getting out of control now.” Amelia shook her head; her hair fell in her face.

“Listen, I know that you think this is a crazy plan but it’s not. It is a brilliant plan that is going to help those that I love.”

“Carly just told you that she didn’t kill Kyle. There’s no reason for you to continue this charade. Recant your statement and let the police do their investigation. It’s the only way to get to the bottom of who killed your husband.”

“Amelia, we’ve been friends forever. I already know who killed Kyle and I know why.” I stood up and walked around the table to sit across from her. My hands folded and I leaned closer to her. “You were sleeping with him, and he called it off, even after you told him that you were pregnant.”

“Come on Ceej; you cannot believe that. I would never hurt you that way. You’re like a sister to me.”

“You must think I’m an idiot. When I first figured out about the affair, I’ll admit it hurt me. But then I figured that it was payback for Matt Miller. Who knew that you would be so upset about sharing him with me.”

“It was on our wedding day.”

“And it produced Carly. You’ve never gotten over that, and the affair with Kyle was your revenge against me. Or at least it was supposed to be your revenge, but it backfired. And now you’re caught in a horrible position. Defend me and get me acquitted or reveal your secret and spend the rest of your life in jail.”

“Sleeping with him was not about revenge…”

“Yes it was, and when he didn’t leave me, you were going to frame me for murder or at least try to. Until I messed up your plan.” The Cop walked in and looked at us. “Are you going to book me or what?”

Amelia leaped up and grabbed The Cop’s gun from the holster. She aimed it at me and fired off a shot. It hit me in my arm. Something else to tell Oprah.