by Mac Fortner
“Fut you muthafucka,” Andrei imitated and laughed.
Andrei stood there for a minute thinking.
The FBI will trace his bullets from the street shooting and realize they were from his gun.
He had a thought. If they’re going to think it was a diversion, then he would make it look like one. He returned to the roof, pulled his card out and withdrew a pen from his pocket. He wrote on the back of the card. “That’s a first,” he said aloud.
Now he needed to find a target on the other side of town. An important target. He headed toward the white house.
Chapter 13
Robin buzzed my room just as I was fixing us both a Wild Turkey on the rocks. It just seemed like that kind of night instead of wine.
I pushed the button and said, “Hurry.”
When the elevator opened, I was standing there with the two drinks in my hand.
“You’re all about partying, aren’t you?” she said, taking one of the drinks.
“Yep,” I said.
“Good, cause I’m in the mood.”
We finished our drinks on the balcony and moved the party to the bedroom.
Just as we were starting to pleasure one another, Robin’s cell phone rang.
“You’re not going to answer that are you,” I said, looking up at her.
“I don’t want to, but I better.”
“This better be good,” she said into the phone.
“What, when? Okay, I’ll meet you downstairs at the Time Warner Center in fifteen minutes.”
She hung up.
“Hurry,” she said, “we have five minutes.”
We hurried. We had a minute to spare.
“What’s up,” I said.
“Bloodshot. He just shot two guys in the street, then threw a man off the top of a building and then he killed three gang-bangers as an afterthought.”
“Shit, where?”
“Washington DC.”
“Damn. Any sign of him?”
“No, but he’s not finished. This had to be a diversion. He wouldn’t come all the way here to kill these punks.”
“Where do you think he’s headed?”
“No telling. There’s a lot of targets in DC.”
We dressed, and I walked Robin to the lobby. “Do you think you’ll be back in time for the wedding tomorrow?”
“Don’t know. I hope so.”
An FBI car rolled to the curb in front of the building.
“I hope I see you tomorrow,” I said opening the door for her.
“Me too.”
“Love you,” I said.
“I love you too,” she said and kissed me softly.
I watched the car roll away with a bad feeling in my gut. That didn’t feel like a “goodbye,” it felt like a “GOODBYE.”
~***~
Andrei sat in his car outside Senator Frasier’s house and made a call on his cell phone.
“Is everything on schedule?” he said.
“Yes, remember, no deaths.”
“I remember.”
“Alright then. Your first deposit will be in your account in the morning.”
“Okay, I need to go. Goodbye,” Andrei said watching the figure leaving the house.
“Goodbye.”
Chapter 14
I was up early the next morning. I did my usual run through Central Park and returned to the apartment to work-out with my free weights.
I wanted to call Robin to see if she was going to make the wedding, but I didn’t want to bother her either.
I showered and laid out my tux. It still looked like new. It’s not one of those things a guy wears too often.
My cell phone rang. I checked the caller ID; I saw it was Chad.
“Are you still in town?” I said answering the phone. “I thought you would be long gone by now.”
“No. I’m not running. I’m going to take it like a man.”
I laughed, “What’s up.”
“Have you talked to my brother lately?”
“No, not since the bachelor party. Why?”
“Well, we kind of got into an argument yesterday, and I haven’t heard from him since.”
“What about?”
“He said I shouldn’t marry Alexis. He told me she was just marrying me so she would get her inheritance and he was worried about my health. I think he’s worried that she’ll kill me after she gets her money.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
“Yeah, I know, but he’s all freaked out about it.”
“Wonder why now? He wasn’t like that at the party.”
“I’m sure he’ll be at the wedding. After he’s had time to think about it, he’ll come to his senses.”
“I hope.”
“I’ll be by to get you at noon,” I said.
“I’ll be ready.”
My cell rang again. This time it was Robin.
“Hi, Cam. Bad news.”
“You’re not going to make the wedding are you?” I said.
“No, I’m sorry. We found Senator Frasier lying in his front yard this morning. He’d been shot. Bloodshot left his card in one of the Senators pockets.”
“Be careful. I know you have to do what you have to do.”
“I will. Please tell Chad and Alexis I had no choice.”
“They’ll understand.”
“I’ll talk to you tomorrow,” Robin said.
“Okay, love ya.”
“Goodbye.”
There it was again. Goodbye.
I didn’t like that word. It was quickly becoming my least favorite word in the world.
~***~
I called Diane.
“Hi daddy,” she answered.
“Daddy,” I said, “that’s a first.”
“Yeah, just trying it out.”
“Well I like it,” I said proudly.
“Me too, but don’t get used to it. The girls will think you’re old.”
“Well, I kind of am.”
“No way Cam, you’re hot.”
“What is up with you today? Have you been smoking pot again?”
“Not for a long time. I just feel good. You know, a beautiful day, a good run this morning, met a guy on the beach.”
“Whoa. What guy?”
Diane laughed. “Just a guy. Tall, dark and handsome.”
“Be careful,” I said. “I think I need to get back to Key West.”
“I’m a big girl.”
“Yeah, but….”
“What ya call about, daddy?”
“I forget.”
Diane laughed again. “You’re so easy. I didn’t meet anyone. Just havein’ fun with ya.”
“You’re mean.”
“What’s up?”
“Just wanted to talk to someone sensible, but that’s not going to happen.”
“Sorry. I’m okay now. Talk.”
I thought for a minute. Maybe I shouldn’t share my thoughts with Diane. She counts on me to be in control.
“Daddy,” she said, “talk.”
“Okay, I need a Psychiatrist, and you’re the only one I know.”
“You mean I’m the only free one you know.”
“Same, same.”
“Okay, I’m listening.”
“Well, first of all, I think Robin is trying to pull away from me. She hardly ever says, “I love you” back to me, and her goodbye this morning sounded kind of final.”
Silence.
“Are you listening?” I said.
“Yes, I am. I’m waiting for a question. I can’t comment on Robin’s feelings because I don’t know how your relationship has been moving along.”
“Smooth, I’d say. Until now anyway.”
“Any recent changes in either of your lives?”
“She’s working on a big case. A Russian assassin who is in Washington DC.”
“Well that’s a little distracting, don’t you think?”
“Yes, I know.”
“Does she still try to be with you as m
uch as possible?”
“Yes.”
“I can’t believe I’m going to ask you this, but do you still have sex?”
“Yeah, a lot.”
“Maybe she’s just preoccupied or worried. Maybe she’s protecting you from her life.”
“That doesn’t make any sense.”
“Remember how you always kept your work away from me? You didn’t want me involved in any danger. She might feel the same way. Heck, when she was working the case here in Key West, she sent you to New York.”
Diane always made sense out of everything. She might be right. Maybe Robins being protective.
“You’re probably right. I’m just too close to see it.”
“Give her time and space. You can’t force love anyway.”
“I see the college is paying for itself.”
“What else is bothering you?”
“Nothing, that’s it,” I lied.
“No, you started with “first of all.” That means there’s a “second of all.”
She’s good.
“Well, it’s probably just me being a P.I., but I’ve had several encounters with a Russian since this all started. First, one sent drinks to our table, we never saw him, then one came to Chad’s party, and no one knew him. Then I ran into him again the other morning.”
“You’re right Cam; someone sent to Russia for an assassin to bump you off because you’re such a hard target no one here could do it.”
“Hardy-har-har.”
“Just kidding, but do you really think of all the people on the east coast that you’re the one they’re after?”
“Yeah, that’s what Robin said. She’s in DC now. The Russian killed a Senator there last night.”
“He’s probably finished with work for a while then. You weren’t the target.”
“Probably.”
“Chill Cam. Why don’t you come to Key West for a little vacation?”
“I’d love to. I really miss it, but I can’t. Today is Chad’s wedding.”
“You better get moving then. You don’t want to be late.”
“Wish you could have made it.”
“Too much work here too.”
“Thanks. I’ll talk to you in a few days. I love you.”
“I love you too daddy.”
I hung up feeling better knowing that there is someone who will always love me.
Chapter 15
I showered and dressed in my Tux. Not bad I thought, looking in the mirror. My mustache was neatly trimmed and my hair still looked good from my week-old haircut. My gut didn’t stick out like most of my friends did. Working out and jogging has kept my body trim and athletic.
Satisfied that I was perfect, I called for the company limo and took the elevator to the first floor.
I had a few minutes to kill, and the bar was open, so….
I called Chad when we were five minutes out.
“Are you still going through with this?” I said when he answered the phone.
“Ye’ of little faith. I made a promise, and I’m going to keep it. I’ll be right down.”
We rode out of the city to Long Island and past Oyster Bay toward Northport. I’ve never been to this part of New York, and I was mesmerized. I could see why it was called the Gold Coast. One mansion after another moved past us in a ballet of majestic splendor. Must be nice, I thought.
“Are you going to fit in here?” I asked Chad.
“Of course, I’ll be as rich as they are, and I am better looking than most of them.”
“Yes, looks are important. I should live here myself.”
The driver slowed and turned into a long driveway. Halfway down it, we came to a gate. An apparently armed guard stepped from a small building and asked who we were.
“Mr. Chadwick Kendall and Mr. Cam Derringer,” the Chauffeur said.
The guard opened the gate without looking at the guest list.
At the entrance of the house, and I use the term house loosely, we were met by two men dressed in Tux’s of their own. It was easy to tell that they were not a part of the wedding party by the bulges under their coats. Nine millimeters would be my guess.
“Right this way gentleman,” one of them said.
We were escorted through the front entryway and down a long hall to a library.
“Mr. William Arlington will be right with you. There’s a bar over there,” he said, pointing to a magnificent mahogany bar about fifteen feet long and flanked by two twenty foot windows. “Help yourselves. Our servers aren’t here yet.”
“Thank-you,” I said. “I think we can manage.”
He left the room and closed the door.
“My god Chad, you fell right into it, didn’t you.”
“Yeah, think I did. Since I’ve never been here before, I had no idea.”
“Alexis was raised here. You’re going to have to up your game a little to make her feel at home elsewhere.”
“Shit.’
“Yeah, shit.”
We made ourselves a drink at the bar, and I toasted to his happiness.
“Thanks, I think I’ll need all the luck I can get.”
“No, you’ll be okay. You’re a good man, and Alexis knows it.”
“I hope.”
“What’s her dad like? I didn’t get a chance to talk to him at the trial.”
“He seemed to be a very nice guy, really down to earth for such a rich man.”
“Thank you Chad,” William said from behind us.
“Sorry, sir. We didn’t hear you enter,” Chad said.
“I am sneaky,” he said. “I see you’ve made yourself at home. That’s good because this is your home now. Hello Cam,” he said looking at me.
“Hello, it's good to see you again Mr. Arlington.”
“Please, call me Bill. I think I’ll make a drink too. Need a freshening up?” he said, pointing to our drinks.
“I’m good for now,” I said.
He looked at Chad.
“I think I could use one,” Chad said.
William Arlington is a large man. Maybe six-foot-two, slightly overweight, but still seems to be very fit. He wears a goatee which is neatly trimmed but makes him look a little like Colonel Sanders. His body language makes him appear larger than he is.
He mixed their drinks and turned back toward us handing Chad his drink. “Well, I guess this is the part where I tell you if you ever harm my little girl, I’ll kill you.”
Chad turned red and stepped back.
Bill laughed and said, “Don’t worry I won’t actually kill you, I have people for that. Besides, you’ll have your hands full defending yourself from Alexis. You won’t be able to get a punch in.”
He had a very subtle way of making a joke out of a threat. If I were Chad, I think I would excuse myself, get back in the limo and leave this place and Bill behind.
Chad was still red. He just stared at Bill.
Bill laughed again. “Okay, I’ve done my job at scaring you, now let’s be friends.” He raised his glass in a toast. “To you and Alexis, I wish both of you all the happiness in the world. May you go forth and multiply and love your child as much as I do mine.”
We all drank, but the mood was much more solemn than it was five minutes ago.
We finished our drinks and set our glasses on the bar.
“I have a lot of directing to do, so you two enjoy yourselves. You may go anywhere inside and out. Alexis is locked away in a room in the east wing, so you won’t have to worry about running into her. The guests should be arriving in about an hour.”
He shook hands with both of us and left.
When we were alone, I said, “Well Chad, it’s been nice knowing you.”
“You don’t think he would really have me killed do you?”
“Yep, I think he would. If he doesn’t Emanuel Barona still wants you dead.”
“Aren’t you just a bundle of encouragement.”
“I’m here for you Chad. I’ll be right behind you.”
&nb
sp; “Thanks.”
“Isn’t Alexis about thirty-five? If she’s going to go forth and multiply, you had better get to work.”
“I’ll do my best.”
We left the room with our glasses refilled. We walked through the halls, peeking into several rooms along the way. The home was an endless assortment of collectibles and art.
As we were looking in a second library, a sultry voice behind us said, “Hello gentlemen.”
We both jumped. We turned to see a young, very attractive woman, with long black hair and a slim body and rather large breasts.
“Hello Kailey,” Chad said.
“I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“That’s fine. We’re just a little on edge.”
She laughed, “Did Bill tell you he would kill you?”
“Yes, he did mention that.”
“He tried that speech out on me, and I told him not to use it. Don’t worry; he’s as gentle as a lamb.”
“Kailey, I would like for you to meet Cam Derringer. Cam this is Kailey Arlington, Alexis’s stepmother.”
I shook hands with her and told her it was nice to meet her, all the while thinking she looked younger than Alexis.
“You have a beautiful house,” I said.
“Thank you, but of course I had nothing to do with it. I still get lost once in a while.”
“I can see how that could happen.”
“I came to show you to your room. You may relax, freshen up or just enjoy the bar. Follow me,” she said, turning and looking back over her shoulder at us. She had a very seductive smile.
It was a pleasure following her down the hall. She led us up a grand staircase to an open door.
“Here you are. If you need anything, just press this button,” she said, handing me a remote. “The button on the left is for the staff. The one on the right buzzes me. Be sure to press the right button,” she said smiling and left the room.
“Toodles,” she said from the doorway.
“I think your mother-in-law is coming on to me,” I said when we were alone again.
“It’s been nice knowing you, Cam. Thanks for taking some of the attention off me. If Bill has anyone killed, it’ll be you.”
“I need another drink,” I choked out.