A Neat Mess

28. A Warped Reflection

Over the past week, days blurred together as Sam's eyes bore into Ben's workplace, her car a shadow creeping in the distance. Some days, she parked far from their house, her gaze locked on the front door, willing it to reveal a secret. But all she ever caught was a fleeting exchange between Ben and the neighbour—nothing that could feed the fire she'd stoked within herself.

At home, the walls closed in on her, each creak and groan fuelling her restless mind. She delegated Jenna's care without a second thought—Lucille, Andrew, anyone willing to step in. Even her beloved morning runs fell to the wayside, replaced by endless surveillance and meticulous planning.

Meanwhile, Jenna's tantrums grew like gathering storms, leaving broken toys in their wake. Sam, drained from her endless hunt, was too hollowed out to care. The chaos around her was merely background noise to her quest for vindication and once again Janna was neglected.

The next visit with Pip was due the following day, and Sam was ready to reschedule or even cancel if Ben was going to skip it. Her frustration was already building.

"Tomorrow, we have an appointment with Pip," Sam said, hands on her hips.

"What time?" Ben asked, eyes glued to his tablet.

"The usual time," Sam replied, itching for a fight.

"Okay."

At the clinic, following Blake's suggestion, Pip set up a role play involving Sam and Jenna. Her aim was to engage Ben in a seemingly casual conversation to gather information without raising suspicion. Ben was waiting in the corridor when Pip, trying to sound casual but feeling phony, strolled by.

"Hey Ben! Not your turn yet?" she asked.

"Not yet, but I'm glad to see you here. I wish we could talk privately," Ben replied.

"Sure, let's go to my office."

Once the door was shut, Ben leaned in, whispering urgently. "It's Sam. She's become impatient, on edge, and downright aggressive. And..." He hesitated, looking around nervously.

"And what? Everything you say stays confidential," Pip reassured him.

"I think she's following me everywhere."

"Why do you think she's following you?"

"I kept seeing her car around places I go. At first, I thought I was losing it. Then, when I saw her again, she was supposed to be at the office. I called her landline, but she didn't pick up. A few days ago, I slowed down to see if she would follow. She did, and she matched my speed until she made a sharp turn and scraped her car's rim. Later that night, I checked, and it had scratches on the same side."

"And there's someone she calls 'the Sorceress,' whose real name is Jessica. Sam uses her as an alibi, but I think she just watches our house from a block away."

"Have you tried calling Jessica's house?"

"I don't have her number."

"You could visit her place and check?"

"I have no idea where she lives."

"Then check when she comes over. Ask Sam to invite her."

"She's never been to our place. She's very private and seems to avoid people."

Pip sighed deeply. "Have you ever seen or talked to this 'Jessica'—ever?"

Ben thought for a moment. "I think...I might have. No, I don't think I have."

"Is it possible that Jessica is made up?"

Ben was silent. "This woman is the only friend Sam has had since we moved here. I can't recall her ever talking to Jessica. Sam always quotes her, like she agrees with everything Sam wants."