by Cam Larson
"Was he able to help many of these people get clean?"
"Well... some. But to be honest, most of the ones John thought he saved eventually went back to using sooner or later. He motivated a handful to find odd jobs, like I did. But that was about all."
I rifled through my notes. My time was limited with Steven and I'd better think fast. But at least I'd found out that we did agree on one thing: Someone did kill his brother.
Then I remembered something. "Why did you and John have different last names?"
Steven looked bewildered, and shook his head slightly. "We didn't. John’s last name was Wilkins, same as mine."
Now it was my turn to look confused. "I thought his last name was Collins."
"No. He – " Steven was forced to stop when the guard tapped his shoulder and indicated his time was up.
We both hung up the phone receivers and got to our feet. "I'm sorry you lost your brother, Steven," I said, even though he couldn't hear me, but he nodded once and seemed to understand. Then he was led back towards the cellblock and was gone.
I drove away from Maxfield Correctional Facility with more questions than answers. Steven Wilkins appeared to be on the up-and-up, though I reminded myself that he was in prison for stashing enough cocaine to be a dealer himself.
And I couldn’t figure out how there could be a cocaine stash in his apartment without him knowing about it. Maybe he'd started using again without John knowing about it.
I wished I'd had more time with him. I wanted to ask him who else could have gotten into his apartment and planted cocaine there. I wanted to see his reaction when I asked him about the name "Collins." And I sure wanted to know about the subject of Linda Henson.
I would have to see him again – the sooner, the better.
# # #
My shift at Roasted Love did't start until eleven the next morning, so I went to Maxfield Correctional Facility very early and waited until visiting hours started.
Once again, Steven Wilkins sat facing me behind the glass. The guard stood nearby. I was allowed a much shorter time with him today, so I knew I'd have to hurry.
"I've still got some questions that we didn't have time for yesterday," I began. He looked me in the eye and nodded for me to go on. "I’m wondering about Linda Henson. I understand she was once married to John. Maybe you already know that she and Ronald Larch come into Roasted Love sometimes."
Steven leaned forward and folded his hands in front of him. "Yeah, that was a real sore spot with John. He and Linda got married while John was in his second year of college.
"Ronald Larch was a year behind John in school. About six months after his marriage to Linda, John found out that she was seeing Larch behind his back. It wasn’t long afterwards that Linda left him and filed for divorce."
He shrugged. "The last I heard, Larch was still involved with Linda. Of course, that was maybe four years ago. I didn’t know they were still together now."
I nodded, glancing down at my notes. "Yeah, it looks that way. I guess that whole thing must have upset John pretty bad."
"Oh, it did. He was crushed. He fell into such a slump that I wasn’t sure he'd ever get over it. He had it out more than once with Larch, but ended up sinking into a real bad depression.
"That whole thing caused him to quit college. It got to the point where he couldn’t hold down a job because of his anger issues. Then he couldn’t pay rent, and that’s how he ended up on the streets."
"That’s quite a story. When I knew John, he always had a positive attitude. He must have been depressed at times, but I didn’t see that in him."
"He worked on a positive attitude. Some time after, I guess what he was going through sort of affected me and I started using. I think that’s what triggered him to switch his mindset to me. Once he got into helping others, he started coming out of his depression."
I nodded, trying to think. All of this could explain why I hadn't seen Linda Henson come in by herself to Roasted Love. She probably couldn’t handle seeing John sitting outside on the sidewalk, or inside the shop. As for Larch, I was sure he only came in to lord it over his rival.
"Have you thought any more about who could have planted the drugs in your apartment?" I asked.
Steven shook his head. "No, I have no idea. I wish I'd paid closer attention to John when he told me he thought someone was tailing him. He never said anything more about it to me, but now I sure wish I'd pushed a little harder."
Once again, we were interrupted by the guard and Steven had to go. I'd missed my chance to ask about the last name of Collins.
Chapter Eighteen
When I pulled into my parking space in the lot beside Roasted Love, I noticed more cars there than usual for eleven in the morning. I clocked in and then went to find Jacob. "Hey, what's bringing in this crowd?"
He glanced up from shoveling big scoops of coffee into the machines. "Some of the merchants on the Piazza are running sales, but mostly it's from Carpenter campaigning over here. Do you have any ideas on how we can be as generous as the other shops are, and get some of that business in here?"
"I guess we should have advertised something special. How about giving a cookie or two to everyone, along with their coffee?"
"Sure. That’s good. Tell Lily, will you?"
Lily breathed a sigh of relief when I got to the front. "Glad you're here! All of a sudden, I’m swamped!"
I pitched in and saved some running for her. Then, just a few minutes after I'd started work, I saw Ronald Larch come in.
I did a double-take when I noticed that same DEA man with him. Ronald caught my eye briefly, as did the DEA man, and then they both made their way to a table.
I returned to the espresso machine. Lily took their orders for two espressos and fruit scones. I handed her four cookies.
We were plenty busy for the next hour. I didn’t see Larch or the DEA man leave. Obviously they were good friends, since I'd also seen them out together at the Bistro when I'd gone to dinner with Anna.
And as if there wasn't enough excitement in Roasted Love today, the next person to walk in was the candidate himself. His little entourage followed close behind him. Carpenter waved to me as he made his way to a table, which took a while because he shook hands and greeted everyone in the whole place.
I hurried into the kitchen. "Hey, Jacob! Can you spare Eddie to take the espresso machine for a few minutes?" I called out.
Jacob placing some cream cheese scones on a tray. "Sure, sure. Just take these to the case out front."
"Got it. Thanks Jacob." I picked up the tray and started back out to the counter. Eddie followed me. I thought I heard him mutter something about how he'd rather work in the kitchen, but I ignored him. I knew he didn’t like being in the front where the customers were, because he was kind of shy in front of strangers.
But right now, I needed him there. Lily handed him two orders for cappuccinos and I started at the opposite side taking orders.
It was close to one o'clock when Lily and I finally took our break. Jacob joined us, and no one said much at first. We just collapsed in the chairs.
"That was the biggest crowd we’ve had at one time since Christmas," said Lily as she propped her feet up on the empty chair next to her.
"Crazy, huh? Who knew the Councilman would draw such a crowd?" I agreed.
"Well whatever it is, it'd be nice to have more of these kind of days. Why don’t you go ahead and clock out early, Lily?" said Jacob. "You’ll still get your full pay for your shift."
She grinned. "I think I'll take you up on that, boss," she said, and after a few minutes she left. Eddie was due to clock out at the same time and he left, too.
By two-thirty, Jacob and I were working alone in Roasted Love. The campaign had moved away from the Piazza and we had the normal run of customers who drifted in and out. Mid-afternoon brought the usual crowd looking for brownies or cookies to hold them over until dinnertime.
Jacob stuck his head out from the kitchen. "Need any help
?" he called. "I think I'm caught up in here."
"No, Jacob, we're good out here, too."
He walked out and stood next to me behind the counter. I decided to take advantage of the opportunity and ask him some questions.
"Jacob – did you know that John had a brother?" I asked him.
He glanced over at me. "No. I didn’t know that. Is he homeless, too?"
"Well, not exactly. Not anymore. He's – he's at Maxfield."
"Oh. I see."
"John always talked about him, though. They were close. I wanted to meet him and give him my condolences."
Jacob raised his eyebrows. "That was good of you, Laila. But – why did you really go to meet him?"
I smiled to myself. Jacob knew me pretty well by now. "You're right. It's just that – I can't believe that John killed himself, either accidentally or otherwise. I truly believe someone shot heroin into him on purpose. And his brother thinks the same thing."
"I hope you aren’t getting yourself mixed up in all that, Laila," said Jacob, with a deep frown. "That's some serious stuff. Have you told the Chief of Police about your suspicions?"
"Yes. I met with him. He told me that nothing says it wasn't a self-inflicted overdose. But John told me he didn’t do drugs. His brother told me John was always downtown trying to talk people into getting away from drugs."
"Yeah, well, my advice is to leave it alone. This is something that could put you in extreme danger. Let the cops handle it. That's their job."
I nodded outwardly, but inwardly I knew that I couldn't let this go. I had the entire day off tomorrow and I knew what I had to do.
# # #
The next morning I put Thor, my bodyguard, on his leash, and took him out. He happily jumped into the car, always ready for a ride.
I drove through the now-familiar dregs of downtown, all the while scanning for Ricky Thomas. When I got to his usual area, I parked and then got out of the car with Thor. I stood for a moment and looked up and down the street.
Two people entered the pawn shop. Neither one was Ricky. I continued looking around, and then finally I spotted a different man leaning against the streetlight pole.
Several people shuffled along the broken sidewalk a block down from the man. I glanced behind me and satisfied all was clear, I took hold of Thor’s leash and we started towards the man at the pole.
I hadn't seen this one before. His tattered grey pants were stained with an unknown substance and his short-sleeved shirt was a faded red plaid. A few threads hung from where a breast pocket once was. He stood an inch or so shorter than me.
As I walked up, his dull eyes flicked in my direction. I thought he was going to bolt when he saw the big Doberman with me, but I spoke up fast. "I just want to ask you one question."
His eyes flicked around, as if assessing the environment. "Make it fast, lady. I don’t especially like socializing."
"Have you have seen Ricky Thomas today?"
The man looked at me for a second. "You won’t find him here. He got arrested last night."
That got my attention. "Arrested! What for?"
He snickered. "Why do you think?" He wiped a dirty hand across his mouth. "He was caught dealing, of course."
"Do you know where he was taken?"
"Where else? To the jail, to wait for them to find him guilty."
I wasn’t interested in talking to this guy much longer. "Thanks." I pulled on Thor’s leash and the two of us left.
Once back in the car, the feeling of uneasiness flooded me. It was becoming a familiar sensation each time I came down here.
Guilt washed over me when I thought of my promise to Daniel to stay away from here, and the implied promise to Jacob to do the same. My tires sank in and out of the potholes as slowly I drove away. I had given up on dodging them.
I wondered where Licorice Billy had moved to after the cops ran him off of Roasted Love’s front doorstep. They must have gotten through to him, though, because he hadn't been back at our place.
By now, I felt compelled to see what the grocery specials were for the day. A large hand-printed sign was plastered across the window, advertising several questionable meat specials.
And who should I see in front of the sign but Licorice Billy.
I pulled in and parked a few feet from where he stood. Black licorice juice trickled into his shaggy beard, and I wondered if he ate any real food – much less a decent meal.
When he spotted me, he didn’t run as I expected. I pulled Thor out of the car and headed toward him.
"You just after me to make sure I stay where I belong?" he asked.
I sighed. Steven was right. He was just naturally mean. "I figured you were back at the shelter at night. But, hey – do you know where Ricky Thomas is?"
"What makes you think I know where he is?" he asked. I noticed that his teeth appeared to be a mixture of reds and yellows and browns.
I shrugged. "I just thought you might know, since you seem to be friends with him." I kept my eyes on him while he shifted around like he couldn't wait to run out of there as fast as he could.
"Look, lady. I’m not a dealer. Or a user. Sure, I know Ricky. I heard he was arrested the other day."
"So, where'd they take him?"
He snorted. "Sorry, but the cops don’t give the rest of us information like that. Besides, what do I look like – the local 4-1-1?"
I reminded myself that I was the one asking the questions. I ignored his remark and changed my tone from inquisition to a little more friendly. "Look, I don't like to see anybody going hungry or sleeping in the cold. Are you doing all right? Do you need any help?"
There is no way to describe his reaction except to say that pure scorn shot across his face. He turned and walked away with heavy stomping strides.
"I guess I'll take that as a no." I headed back to the car and found several teenagers hanging around it – but once they saw Thor, they immediately drifted off.
Once driving out of that sordid little part of the world, I felt a huge relief. Maybe Daniel and Jacob did know best when they told me this was more than I could handle.
Chapter Nineteen
After I left the downtown area, I arrived home to get ready for an evening out with Daniel. He'd called me earlier and made a date to go out and eat.
"We should have a real date tonight, Laila," he'd said, and I agreed. I was ready for a night out for a change and I made up my mind to focus my attention entirely on Daniel tonight. He had been more than patient with me.
I still had a few hours before he would pick me up, so I took Thor out back for a little exercise. Playing ball with the dog always helped clear my mind, and the fresh air felt cool and rejuvenating.
Glancing at my watch, I walked to the door and called Thor to come back in. He looked at me as if debating whether or not he actually would – but, true to his training, he bounded over to me. I gave him his favorite snack and then went to my cork board.
I'm a detailed list maker, and I use my board to keep track of things. The present subject was John’s murder case. I'd written several names on index cards and pinned them up – all of them possible suspects in the murder of John.
I put the Councilman’s name up there, but drew a pencil line through it since I didn't really think he fit as a suspect. Licorice Billy’s name was up there, along with Ricky Thomas.
I added cards for Ronald Larch and Linda Henson. They were up there only because they'd been associated with John in the past. I was tempted to draw a pencil line across Billy’s name, but decided I wasn’t ready to do that yet.
I was so engrossed with my index card suspects that I almost missed my cell phone ringing. I picked it up to greet Daniel.
"Hey, Laila," he said, "do you want to go down to the museum before dinner? There's a display of Egyptian art there, and it's only got a two-week run."
This would be the perfect chance for me to cater to Daniel. He was big into Egypt’s past and had actually traveled throughout the region one summ
er after college. I liked art, too, and even though I didn’t know much about Egyptian art, I was game to learn.
"Sure, I'd love to," I said. "What time do you want to go?"
"I'll pick you up in an hour."
I was ready when he arrived at my door. He gave Thor a pat on the back of his neck while leaning over the dog to kiss me.
"You look wonderful, Laila. How was your day off?"
I turned to pick up my purse and said, "It was great. Thor and I spent most of the day together." I kept my fingers crossed that Daniel didn’t ask any more questions about my day. "I am really looking forward to this exhibit," I said.
His eyes lit up. "I am, too. I hear that it's traveling all around to various museums in the eastern part of the United States, and then it's going to Europe."
"Wow! Sounds like it's pretty popular."
"Oh, it is. Now, the museum will be open until eight, but I thought that if we went there first we wouldn't have to rush dinner."
"Perfect. Let's go."
# # #
Daniel's voice was animated as he told me about the fantastic Egyptian displays, which he said dated to somewhere around 800 B.C. He described the artifacts in great detail and I was amazed at his knowledge.
"How do you know so much about these things?" I asked, with a big smile on my face. "You're better than Google when it comes to this."
He just beamed back at me. We took in one more room before hunger took over. By the time we left, I was totally relaxed and looking forward to dinner with him at Delano’s.
"Delano’s is fine dining but at a decent price, too," said Daniel. "Not that I’m cheap, but if we were in the city at their main restaurant, we'd probably have to turn around and go find a hamburger joint instead."
We both laughed. "I know you're not cheap. I like that you know how to pick top spots without forking over too much money simply because of a name." He had the palate to know good food when he tasted it, and that was something we both shared.
We lingered over dinner. I promised myself I would not bring up John’s case and I stuck to that.
Later on, after Daniel brought me home, he came inside for a little while.