by P. Thompson
Loraine tuned her monitor screen around so Jenny could see it as well. She said, “Read this! This is the guy you asked me to check up on that’s been out to Miss Massie’s a bunch of times. He’s a real piece of work and so is his brother.”
I read the first few lines and said, “I told you it was hate crimes. Pure and simple. I was out at the Chinese Laundry this morning and met an FBI agent there. He’s staying the night with the owner at the shop. Nice guy for an FBI agent. He’s black and could run into more problems than he bargained for, especially if they are looking to avenge their father.”
“I thought you and Max were having lunch at Mama Leoni’s today. It’s way past lunch time,” Bo said.
“Max couldn’t get away. FBI out at Yan Lee’s called him in for what he might have found after the burn cooled down. Guess it will have to be another day.”
The door opened and the cold wind blew in again and had everybody yelling, “Hurry up and shut that door.”
Mick and Tony Marino came in shaking off the snow on their boots and unwrapping heavy winter scarves from their faces and necks. “I didn’t move to the south to have weather like this. Where did it come from?” Tony cried.
“I think you brought it the last time you were back home,” I told them.
“If this keeps up, we’re going to have to get a bigger heater for this room,” Sheriff Jeff said. Loraine agreed with him.
“What bring you guys in today?” Roy asked.
“Well, there have been some strange things going on out our way. ATV’s running into the night up the road from us, for one thing. A flaming arrow hit the barn the other night and our mailbox had hate mail in it. I’ve brought the mail with me, not the arrow. Tony had just come in from walking the dogs when the arrow hit and he used snow to cool it down enough to pull it out. Thought we were going to lose the barn and its content. Then this morning there was a dead skunk on my doorstep. I hope whoever put it there got sprayed,” said Mick, while handing Sheriff Jeff the bag with the hate mail.
“This is FBI territory. Loraine, call Nashville and get someone down here pronto. This is getting out of control. Jenny, get Max out there to have a look and maybe get some tire tracks off that ATV. Maybe the snow is still holding them and they’re not too messed up. He might want to go by horseback to hold down on disturbing the area. If so, get Blake on it before it gets dark.”
Everybody started moving and getting things in order. I called Max, but he couldn’t leave so he was going to send one of his men. I told him he needed to be able to ride a horse. Well that was a bird of a different color. He said he would find someone as he was tied up with the FBI and Yan Lee’s fire. I called Blake and told him someone was coming for horses and to be out at Tony and Mick Marino’s place. That done I went to find a Coke.
Chapter 12
At five I left to go to The Table and work the bar. Ralph was busy as a bee, as was Sammy. Betty had finished with the tables and was filling glasses with ice. She waved as I came in. “I thought you were going to help a friend who needed you?”
“Change of plans so I’m here working as always. Besides, I need the money. That old truck of mine has seen better days and if I save for a while, now that my house is paid off, I can get one of the good used ones from Carr’s Cars in Tullahoma. So, all has worked out fine,” she said as she continued to put ice in glasses, getting them ready for water.
“I’m glad you’re here. I was going to miss you. What’s for supper tonight?”
“It’s Friday so there’s fish and grits and cornbread, and Ralph’s got a pot roast with carrots and potatoes with a side green beans. What would you like me to fix for you?”
“Pot roast, I think, and a biscuit, if there are any,” I told her and headed to the bar.
Betty came out of the kitchen carrying a plate of food, which smelled amazing, a napkin with a knife and fork wrapped in it, and a smile, saying, “Ralph says to eat hardy.”
I thanked her and headed with my plate to the bar. When I rounded the corner there were the brothers Todd sitting at the end of the bar, debating something that was a bit heated.
“Hey, guys, what’s up?” I called to them, putting my plate on the bar and moving around to get behind the counter.
“Tom here thinks the Yan Lee killing was linked to his ties in China. That’s crazy as he’s been here in town over ten years with no problems.”
“Well, Bob here thinks its gang related and old Yan wouldn’t pay up protection money. You’re a cop, what do you say about all this?”
“Guys, this is an ongoing investigation and you know very well I can’t discuss it outside of the sheriff’s office. So what are you drinking tonight?”
The answer was beer and they wanted a plate of Ralph’s fish and grits. One order coming up.
More people came in and Betty was as busy as a one-armed paper hanger, plus having to run in here to get drinks and deliver food. I think on weekends I need to hire another waitress to help out. I’ll bring that up with them later. Maybe Trena, as a regular, not just whenever the need arises.
The bar got busy and there was more talk of Yan Lee and some about the weather and when all this was going to stop and we get back to what we are used to. I walked to the other end of the bar to get a bar rag when the door to the café opened and a man who looked rough came through the door pulling off his cap. His head was shaved, as was his face. He looked around and saw me, turned and went back out the door. Weird things going on in this small town we can’t seem to put our finger on. I returned to my bar customers and joined in the conversation.
Chapter 13
Bubba was leaving the sheriff’s office when Cindy called after him, “Hey, have a good trip and don’t bring any more snow back with you.” He laughed and waved to her as he headed for his truck.
Bo caught him before he could climb in, patting him on the back, saying, “Good luck my friend. Want me to drive you to the airport and then pick you up when you get back?”
“No, that’s okay. I need the time to think a bit before I get there. I just hope I’m doing the right thing by bringing him down here, away from friends and the only family he’s ever known. I mean he does have family here, but just not the ones he’s grown up with all his life.”
“He’s been here before, so all is not unfamiliar. He plays football and the team here could use some more good guys. Summers coming and the lake calls with the houseboat and all. Don’t worry so much. Just be cool brother.” Bo patted him on the back again and sent him on his way.
Bubba’s Journal
All the way to Nashville International Airport I practiced what I would say when I got there. It had to be the right words, so he knew he was wanted and loved. I just don’t want to screw this up. I thought of taking the interstate, but decided I had time so I would travel the state roads up. I was about halfway there when a motorist hit a slick spot and slid off the road. I checked my time and still had plenty so I pulled off to one side and got out. It was a young girl of about eighteen, I guessed. She was crying and couldn’t find her cellphone to call her dad. She wouldn’t open the window or the door for me till I pulled out my badge and showed her I was a cop.
“What happen?” I asked her.
“I just lost it on that icy spot and never got it back under control again,” she said.
“Are you hurt and can you get it out of the side of the road here?”
“No, I’m not hurt, and I can’t get my tires to stop from spinning.”
“Okay, I’ve got a chain in my truck. Let me see if I can hook you and get you pulled back on the road.”
About that time a couple of more people pulled up to help They wanted to know what had happened and so I told them I was on my way to the airport when I found her slid off the road. Because they were in work clothes they told me they would hook her up so I didn’t get dirty. Within a few minutes she was back on the road.
“Drive careful on these icy roads and keep it slow,” I told her as she was on
her way.
I held out my hand to shake the other men’s hands and then I too was on my way. Felt good to help someone out and have others do the same. That was the Tennessee way. The Volunteer State, that was what it was all about.
When I arrived at the airport I found the extended parking and got my ticket. It was starting to sleet some and I wished I could get closer to the terminal. Finally finding a parking spot, I lugged my carry-on out of the truck and headed in. The line for check-in was short because I was so early, but nerves had me a bit jumpy so I wanted the time to unwind. I found a coffee shop and got a hot coffee and settled in to wait. I found a newspaper someone had left. That helped to kill some time. Finally I went through the security line with shoes in hand. My badge set off the detector and after that I was on my way.
I boarded my flight and with some help found my seat. Pitching my carry-on in the compartment above my head, I sat and waited to see who would be sitting next to me. It wasn’t a full flight and I was hoping no one would sit there. I was in luck so I stretched out as much as I could and waited for takeoff. Once in the air the flight attendant came by for drink orders, but I wanted nothing. She knew I was a cop and it pleased her that I was onboard. After drinks were served she asked me if I would like to move up to first-class as there was room, but I declined.
The flight was from Nashville to Portland with a two-hour layover. The weather was getting bad again and I hoped they would make the rest of the trip without any delays. I had the number where my cousin was at so I could call if things went south. I laid my head on the window and fell asleep; it had been a rough few days. Two hours later I woke to people boarding for the next rung. This would take about two hours and then I would be in Portland. The seat beside me remained empty so I laid my head once again on the window and closed my eyes.
Portland was a busy place but I hailed a cab and gave the driver the address I had on a piece of paper. Most cab drivers are friendly and talkative, not so this cab driver, which suited me just fine. It took thirty minutes to get to the house on Willow Street where my cousin lived with a foster family. It was late, almost midnight, but there was a light on the porch and I could see shadows moving around behind the curtains. I paid the driver and walked up the sidewalk then rang the bell.
The door swung open and a very large woman grabbed me in a hug that left me breathless. “Come in. Come in out of the cold,” she told me. “Thomas is asleep. He was wore out and excited to see you again. Just knowing he was going home with family.”
They offered food and drink and I welcomed the food as there was nothing on my flight. The woman, Hazel, told me all about Thomas, what he liked and what he didn’t. She told me about his schooling and how he was doing. Then she took me to the guest bedroom and said goodnight.
Having napped on the plane I wasn’t all that sleepy so I turned on the TV that was in the room. I sat on the bed and removed my shoes. The guest room had a bath so I took a moment to wash up then stretched out on the bed.
Thomas was eleven and it had been two years since I had seen him. It was right after the accident that took his mom’s life and put him in the hospital. I had brought him to Tennessee after that, but they made me return him to Maine. It has taken me two years to be able to bring him home where he belongs.
Morning brought snow and lots of it. It also brought joy to a little guy who has waited so long. We ate breakfast together and then got what stuff he was taking with him together, the rest was to be shipped down. There were tears from Hazel as she had cared for Thomas since his mom’s death; he was like her child. Then it was time to leave so I called a cab and once it arrived we put our stuff in the trunk and off we went.
The flight home seemed to go faster as Thomas talked the whole trip non-stop. The flight attendant asked if my son wanted to meet the pilot. That had a nice ring to it, so yes, he would love to meet the pilot.
Nashville to home was terrible. The roads were slick and there had been more snow since I left. It took longer than normal, but once he was home with me, Thomas had such a glow. The first thing we did was go eat and then we went to the sheriff’s office so I could show him off.
Chapter 14
I went by Doc Simpson’s on my way in to see if he had anything new for me. Billy was the only one there. “Hey Billy, where’s Doc at?” I asked him.
“He’s out with the flu. He had a fever last night, but he kept working till I finally just made him stop and I took him home. He’s got a hard head. I understand trying to put everything in order when you know you’re sick and pretty sure you won’t be in for a few days, but he looked terrible.”
“Well you can take care of things here till he gets better, but if something big comes in it will have to go to Nashville.” We talked for a few minutes longer and I left to go to the hospital.
I went directly to Sophie’s room and found her sitting up eating eggs and hash browns, drinking coffee and watching the Today Show.
“Hey, girl, so glad to see you awake and eating.” I gave her a big hug and found a chair to sit in. “How are you feeling?”
“I hurt. It’s the meds that keep the pain down, but I don’t want to be on them. It’s too easy to get addicted. You missed James. He just left for a shower and some clean clothes.”
“I met him a couple days ago. Seems like a very caring person and good looking too!”
“He is a sweetheart. He has to play tonight so I’ll be alone, but the nurses said no matter what time he got here they would let him peek in on me if I was asleep.”
“They’re a great bunch of gals here. Always willing to help where they can. They took care of my dad when he was in here. I never had to worry.”
“I need to ask you some questions for the record. Let me get my recorder out; don’t want to forget anything for the report. You know how every T has to be crossed and all that. Okay, start from the beginning and tell me what you can remember.”
“We had just left The Boro and James said he was still going to take the highway. With all the snow and ice, he didn’t trust the back roads. We were outside of Eagleville when the truck began to knock and carry on. James pulled over and got out, lifting the hood. I heard him cry out, but couldn’t see him. The door opened on my side and this big guy with a ski mask on called me names like the N word, like N-lover and whore. I don’t know what else; I was so scared. Then another guy came through the driver’s side and just beat on me. His name was Mike, I heard the other guy call him, to stop, not to hurt me so bad. I passed out, woke up here hurting like all get outs. They were both big, lots of muscles like they lifted weights. The guy on my side had brown eyes. I have no clue about the other guy’s eyes; I was too far gone and too scared to even look.”
“Did you see what they were driving?”
“No, didn’t even know they were there till my door opened. How are things at The Table?”
“Everyone at the bar misses you and asks every night how you’re doing. At least I’ll have something to tell them tonight. Let me get this out there and see where it goes. Too bad about the ski masks, but when you’re feeling better you might be able to describe how the masks fit, like high cheekbones, ear size, and such. Anyway it will give you something to think on when your heads not hurting too badly.” I gave her a hug, packed up my recorder, and gave her a wave as I left.
My next visit was to Carmen. They had her in the next step down from ICU so I didn’t have to deal with the once an hour five-minute visit. I just really wanted to see how she was doing and hoped her son was there. Her room was quiet so I was trying not to make noise in case she was asleep when a loud laugh came from inside. Then it was no longer quiet, but loud with Spanish laughter and music. The TV was on now and someone was watching the Spanish channel. I poked my head around the curtain and she too was sitting up in bed having breakfast. “Good morning Carmen. Do you remember me from Anna’s Flower Shop?”
She took a minute to search my face and said, “You are Anna’s friend. The one she went to
school with. The detective I believe. Come in, please come in.”
She moved the back of her bed to a more upright position and got comfortable.
“How are you feeling?” I asked her.
“Not too bad, but not me yet. I might get to go home tomorrow. Anna says I’m to come stay with her till I’m all well.
“I was just checking in with you to see how you were. Glad you’re doing better and will be getting out of here soon.”
~~~
I left and was headed back to the office to write up my report. As I turned on a back road that looped around to the office I notice a truck behind me. Was it following me? Nerves I decided. Lots of people use this road if they are going to that side of town. The snow was thicker here so I put the Jeep down into four-wheel drive to be safe. Turning up the hill to the office, the truck was still behind me. I pulled my Glock out of its holster and laid it in my lap. Took my cell and called Loraine. When she picked-up, I said, “I’ve got someone following me and I’m coming up the hill now. It could just be nerves on my part, but I wanted to let you know.”
“Do you want me to send someone out there?”
“No, not just yet. They’re losing ground. They must not have four-wheel drive to get up this hill. Let me punch it and leave them sitting there.” I did just that and made it to the top of the hill with them sliding all over the place. I pulled in front, under the oak tree, and was scoping out the squirrel when a truck came by almost hitting me. It hit the slush on the side of the road, covering me with it. Then it went on down the road. I couldn’t see out the windshield for the slush to get a plate number and by the time I started the Jeep back up and got the wipers on it was long gone. Intimidation is what that was all about. They’re getting more brazen to follow a cop and intimidate. I left the squirrel to his branch and his nut and went inside the office.