The surprise

Richard had been planning ever since Helen had bought the Lexus without asking him. But this November Friday was the night, the weather windy and stormy just as he’d hoped. No one would hear what he planned for her at the Mendocino cabin. None of their friends would be coming up for the weekend, and Helen’s mother would be expecting her in Scottsdale late that night. But she’d never arrive.

Yesterday, he’d gone up there in a Fusion he’d rented on his fake ID and stored his supplies in the pantry. Bought at different stores, of course, so no one would make the connection. A bungee cord, plastic sheeting, a ball of twine, a steel saw, and a large sack. After it was over, after he’d avenged all those credit card bills, he’d take Helen to the plot he’d already unearthed halfway down the coast on the way to Bodega Bay.

The first part went off without a hitch. He surprised Helen at home, sitting in the foyer, waiting for the taxi to come up Pacific Street to their house. He’d take her to the airport, he decided – he wanted to see her off. Thank you, she said – so much nicer than taking a taxi. But don’t bother calling the taxi, he said – no need at this point, let’s just go. So into the car they went, and as soon as she shut the door, he did it. A well-placed chloroform-soaked handkerchief over her face. Helen, unconscious in less than ten seconds. He gave her a morphine injection to make it last.

His wife … how many years now since they got married, twenty-three? Right around this time of year, he could never remember the date. But she always did. And every year, another expensive diamond he’d have to buy for her. Well, there she lay in the back seat of their Range Rover – no one could see her. He drove very carefully up to Mendocino. No need getting pulled over by the California Highway Patrol.

He drove through the neighborhood. The usual traffic for a Friday evening, weekenders still coming up from the city even this late in Fall, even with the horrible weather – cars lined the avenue going up the hill toward their own house. He pulled into the driveway, around the back, and into the garage. He opened the rear door, dragged Helen out – good, unconscious but alive.

Had she gained weight on the drive? She seemed ponderous for such a petite woman as he lifted her over his shoulder, opened the door, and started up the stairs. When he reached the top, he opened the door into the great room.

The lights went on. Forty people stood up and yelled, “Surprise! Happy anniversary!”