Page 28 of In Her Dreams
“Forty years of friendship,” he said quietly.“Started as colleagues, became like brothers.His wife Betty used to joke that she married both of us.”A small, sad smile crossed his face at the memory.
“That’s a long time,” Jake said.“I imagine you knew him pretty well.”
“Better than most,” Bruce agreed, replacing his glasses.“Which is why I’m wondering about this visit.Is this...official business?”
Jake maintained a neutral expression, choosing his words carefully.“I’m following up on a few details about Mr.Winters’ death.Rusty Galvin suggested you might be able to provide some insight into his state of mind over the past few months.”
Bruce’s eyes narrowed slightly.“This sounds more serious than a routine follow-up.Is there something concerning about Richard’s death?”
“We’re just being thorough,” Jake said, evading the direct question.“I understand Mr.Winters had been struggling with some issues since his wife’s passing?”
Bruce studied him for a moment, clearly sensing there was more to Jake’s inquiry than was being stated.But professionalism won out over curiosity.
“After Betty died, Richard...changed.Understandable, of course.Thirty-five years of marriage, and then suddenly alone.”Bruce leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifting to a framed photo on his desk—likely him and Richard in happier times.
“Rusty mentioned claustrophobia?”Jake prompted.
Bruce nodded.“Started small.He’d take the stairs instead of the elevator.Avoided the supply closet.Then it got worse.He couldn’t drive his car anymore—felt trapped.Started walking to work every day, rain or shine.We were all worried about him.”
“That must have been difficult to witness,” Jake said, genuine sympathy in his voice.
“It was.And the insomnia made everything worse.He’d come to work exhausted, deep circles under his eyes.Said whenever he managed to fall asleep, he’d have these vivid nightmares that would jolt him awake.It was like watching my friend disappear bit by bit.”
Insomnia and nightmares—those details connected to what Anita Palmer’s roommate had said a little while ago.
“But I understand there was an improvement recently?”
Bruce’s expression brightened slightly.“Yes, about two months ago.It was remarkable, actually.Like someone had flipped a switch.Suddenly he was sleeping through the night, taking the elevator, even driving again.We were all so relieved.”
“Did he ever mention what caused the change?”Jake asked, trying to keep his tone casual despite his growing interest.
Bruce hesitated.“He was strangely tight-lipped about it.Which was unusual—Richard and I didn’t keep much from each other.But whenever I asked, he’d just say he’d ‘found a solution’ and change the subject.”
“No details at all?”
“Well,” Bruce said, rubbing his chin, “he did mention seeing a specialist for his sleep issues.Dr.Walsh, I believe.Has an office over on Maple Street.I got the impression whatever treatment they were doing was working, but Richard was almost...secretive about it.”
Jake felt a jolt at mention of the same therapist who had been treating Anita Palmer, but kept his expression neutral.“Dr.Walsh.I’ll make a note of that.Anything else unusual you noticed recently?Any visitors or changes to his routine?”
Bruce thought for a moment.“Nothing specific comes to mind.He seemed happy, relieved.Started talking about traveling again, maybe visiting his brother in Arizona.Which makes his death all the more shocking.Just when he’d gotten his life back...”
Jake nodded sympathetically.“One last question—did Richard ever mention someone named Anita Palmer to you?”
Bruce’s brow furrowed.“Anita Palmer?No, doesn’t ring a bell.Should it?”
“Just covering all bases,” Jake said, standing.“Thank you for your time, Mr.Autrey.You’ve been very helpful.”
Bruce stood as well, extending his hand.“Deputy, you haven’t actually said why you’re asking all these questions.This wasn’t just a heart attack, was it?”
Jake shook his hand firmly.“We’re still gathering information.If there’s anything else you remember that might be relevant, please don’t hesitate to call the station.”
He left Bruce looking troubled and unsatisfied with the non-answer.As he passed the memorial on his way out, Jake paused to sign the condolence book, writing a simple “The community has lost one of its finest.-Deputy Jake Hawkins.”
As he walked to his patrol car, Jake pulled out his phone and called Jenna.She answered on the second ring.“Jake?What’ve you got?”
Something in his chest loosened at the sound of her voice.“I might have found a connection.Anita Palmer was seeing a therapist, and so was Richard Winters.His name is Dr.Walsh.”
A beat of silence.“Dr.Anthony Walsh?The sleep specialist?”
