The Devil's Dwelling

by Jean Avery Brown

  I fell asleep on the sofa in Randy’s arms. I woke with Randy carrying me to his bed.

  “Hmmm, a girl goes to sleep and you carry her away to your bed.” I kissed and nibbled on his ear.

  The sun was shining across the bed when I woke.

  “Morning.” I reached behind to pat Randy. My hand moved over the sheets. I didn’t feel Randy and flipped over. I was alone in bed. I hopped up and looked down. I was wearing Randy’s old Razorback tee shirt from his college days. I walked into the kitchen and found a note.

  I need to get to work. Hope you were able to sleep in. Love, Randy.

  I turned the water on and slipped out of Randy’s tee shirt. I stepped in the shower and made a couple of turn arounds. Pulled a towel from the rack and dried off. I dressed in the same clothes I wore yesterday, brushed my hair back in a ponytail and dug a lipstick from the bottom of my bag and gave my lips a sweep of color. Smacked my lips together and was ready for the day. I grabbed my bag and headed for the office.

  THIRTY-SIX

  Mona’s Explorer was out front when I arrived at the office. I parked and made my way inside.

  I walked in the office. “Good morning everyone.” Linda was powdering her nose and Mona was trying to decide on a donut. I stepped in front of her and took a glazed donut. Poured myself a cup of coffee.

  “Peewee in his office?” I asked Linda as I took a sip of coffee.

  “Charley went in a while ago.” Mona ran to the door putting her ear to the door.

  “Shhhhh,” She waved back at us. “You won’t believe this. I think it’s the monkey dance.” She whispered.

  “No way, not Charley!” I rushed to the door and wiggled myself into Mona’s position. “You are right.” Mona and I danced around the office sipping our coffee.

  “Quiet.” Linda warned. At that moment Charley walked from the office straightening her holster and pulling at her pants.

  “Morning Charley.” I sipped on my coffee trying to keep a straight face.

  “Morning ladies.” Charley picked up a couple of files from Linda’s desk and walked toward the door. “I’ve got ‘no shows’ to pick up. You ladies have a good day.”

  Peewee had a smile on his face when we entered the office.

  “When are you two going to pick up Marty?” Peewee’s pencil was tapping on the desk.

  “We are staking him out. Seems he is hanging out at The Oasis Bar.” I told Peewee as I flipped a chair around and straddled it.

  “His a tuff one to capture. He chases around town in his maroon Chrysler trying to intimidate us.” I told Peewee. “We’ll have him in a few days.”

  “I’m not going to give you any more files until you bring Marty in. My bank account is hurting from him not being in court. Now you ladies get with it.” Peewee turned his chair around to face the wall. This means he doesn’t want to talk about it.

  Mona and I walked out of the office.

  “Looks like we better pick up Marty if we want a job.” I waved bye at Linda and headed out the door with Mona on my heels.

  “Let’s take my Explorer today. That toy pick up can’t haul anyone in.” Mona said taking her keys from her floral print bag.

  We hopped in the Explorer. “Where are we heading?”

  “I’m thinking we should take a look at Marty place.” I buckled up and Mona sped toward Marty’s.

  We pulled up at the back of Marty’s. It seemed quiet. I peeked in the garage. Marty‘s Chrysler wasn‘t in there. I took the front door and Mona took the back door. I knocked on the front door. There wasn’t a sound coming from the house. I walked around to the back of the house Mona was pounding on the door.

  “Open the door Marty Martin!” She pounded again and again.

  I heard some commotion. “Quiet, his in there.” Mona kicked the door trying to break it down. I ran to the front of the house in time to see Marty running down the street. He jumped in the maroon Chrysler parked a block away and sped off.

  When I got back to the house Mona had kicked the door in and was roaming around in the house.

  We looked through drawers looking for clues to who might have murdered Maxine. The bottom drawer to her desk was locked.

  “Mona you got a file I can use to unlock this drawer?” Mona looked through the kitchen drawers and found a file.

  “Here. This should work. If not I’ll blow it off with my 38.”

  I took the file and boogered up the lock. “I’ve got it.” I pulled the drawer open. We started going through the stack of files. Maxine had a file on all her employees with a picture of each attached to the inside of the file. We got to Natasha McGuire’s file. There was a picture of the red head that answered the door on our first visit before Maxine’s murder.

  “This is all coming together. The black sedan is registered to a McGuire. Natasha McGuire must some how be related to the people in the black sedan.”

  “That‘s no reason for them to be shooting at you.” Mona said.

  “Let’s take the file with us.” Mona put the file under her arm and we exited the house leaving it in good shape except for Mona’s boot print on the back door.

  I called Randy and told him we had information on Natasha McGuire. Mona pointed her Explorer in the direction of the Sheriff’s office.

  “We’re here to see Sheriff Reagan.”

  “Do you have an appointment?” The deputy asked.

  “He’s expecting us. My name is…”

  “I know, Tiffany is your name.’ He walked down the hall to Randy’s office returning in a few moments.

  “Sheriff Reagan will see you soon.”

  Randy came out of his office and motioned for us to join him. He held the door open and Mona and I single file entered the office.

  Randy set down in his chair and leaned back. “What do you have for me?”

  Mona opened the file. “This is Natasha McGuire’s file from working at Maxine’s Massage Parlor.” She handed it over to Randy.

  “How’d you get this?” He flipped it open and make a double take of the picture.

  “I’ve seen this picture before. I can’t think of where.” He set back and thought for a few moments.

  “Texas, that’s it Texas. They sent a bulletin looking for this woman. I still have it in the file. Randy pulled the file and there was Natasha McGuire’s picture but the name under the picture is Gayle Perkins.

  “They want to talk to her about identity theft. She must be using Natasha McGuire’s identity.”

  “I’ll give them a call and let them know she is going by the name of Natasha McGuire and has been seen in our area.” Randy didn’t seem too concerned about it. Identity theft is the least of his worries when he’s got three murders to solve.

  Mona and I again started hitting the massage parlors. One by one we checked them off. It seemed like Natasha McGuire had disappeared off the face of the earth.

  “Let’s call it a day. I’m tired and Hayden is probably wondering what happen to me.”

  “If he was worried he would call.” Mona told me. “But if he called you would think he was checking on you and he knows you don’t like to give an account of your where abouts.”

  “You’re right I’ll get over to his place.” I buckled and Mona headed for the office.

  She dropped me off and I headed for Hayden’s place. I pushed the buttons and the garage door opened. I drove in the garage and watched the garage door close in my rear view mirror. I knew I was being watched. It could be Hayden or one of the surveillience workers. I parked the Lightning pick up and noticed my Honda parked in my designated parking place.

  I got out of the pick up and headed for the elevator. A voice came from behind me.

  “Hello Sweetie.” It was Hayden. “I was wondering if you were going to bring my toy back.” He chuckled. “Good to see you. You okay?” He put his arm around me and escorted me to the elevator.

  We stepped in the elevator and Hayden switched off the camera’s and stopped the elevator.

  He
took my chin in his hand and kissed my lips. My libido went up to a ten.

  “You know how to treat a woman.” I smiled and ran my arms around his waist feeling his tight muscles and rammed my fingers into his holster. “Dang, I hit your holster.“ I jerked my hand out. “I think I broke a fingernail.”

  Hayden took my hand and kissed the finger with the broken nail. “Now it’s all better.” We both laughed. Hayden turned on the camera’s and hit the start button on the elevator.

  “Have you had dinner?” Hayden asked when we walked in the penthouse.

  “No, but I’m okay.”

  “Nonsense, Lee always has leftovers. I’ll have her fix you a plate.” He called to Lee.

  “I can warm something up. You don’t need to call Lee.”

  “She will want to fix your plate. You see the kitchen is her territory.”

  Lee answered his call. “What can I do for you sir?” She politely asked.

  “Tiffany, hasn’t had dinner can you fix her a plate?”

  “Of coure, I will have a plate ready in a few minutes.”

  Lee served me a plate of beef and broccoli with refried rice.

  I consumed it in a matter of minutes. It was very tasty.

  “Lee, my dinner was delicious. Thank you.” I carried the plate to the kitchen.

  “Here let me have that. This is my job.” She said as she took the plate from my hands.

  “Of course.” I released the plate from my grip and realized she really is particular about her kitchen.

  Hayden was on the deck looking over the city. I made my way out to join him.

  “The view is beautiful.” I said as I looked around at the glistening city lights.

  “If you look to the right you can see the big dipper.” He pointed and lifted my chin to get a good view.

  “It’s cool up here.” I crossed my arms trying to stay warm.

  “Your cold.” He took his jacket off and put it on my shoulders.

  We walked around the deck looking at all the beautiful views. The stars were bright and the glow from the moon shined down on us.

  Hayden walked over to the spa. “Come here. Feel the water.” He leaned over and put his hand in the water.

  I leaned over and ran my fingers through the hot water. “This hot water feels really good.”

  I looked over my shoulder and Hayden was taking the last of his clothes off.

  “What are you doing? Someone will see you.”

  Hayden stepped in the spa and set down.

  “Up here no one will see us. This is off limits to Olga and Lee. Are you going to join me?”

  I felt a little awkward but Hayden had seen my body many times.

  “Sure, give me a second.” I stepped out of my boots and clothes and slowly eased into the water holding to Hayden‘s hand.

  I laid back on his outstretched arm and watched the stars twinkle.

  “Look Hayden the clouds are floating past the moon. Isn’t it beautiful?”

  “Yes, but not as beautiful as you.” His face blocked out the moon as he kissed me.

  I woke early and was out the door heading to the office driving the Honda. I noticed the office was still dark. Linda usually has the lights on by eight o’clock. I hopped from the Honda and knocked at the door. No answer. I found my key in the bottom of my purse. Inserted it in the lock and turned the knob. Linda was behind me.

  “Sorry I’m late I had to stop at the store for coffee.” She explained.

  “That’s okay I found my key in my bag.” We walked inside and the aroma of fresh donuts lingered in the office from Tasty Donuts next door.

  “I have to go over and pick up the donuts. You mind watching the office while I’m gone?” She grabbed her purse and put the strap over her shoulder.

  “Not a problem.” I said as she closed the door.

  Not only was Linda late so was Mona. Linda made a pot of coffee and we waited for it to brew. Meanwhile I had a couple of glazed donuts.

  “I could sure use a cup of coffee.” I said with my mouth full of donuts while I licked my sugary fingers.

  The coffee pot buzzer went off and I poured myself a cup of coffee. I sipped on the coffee while I thumbed through a GQ magazine looking at all the handsome men.

  “I wonder why Mona is so late. It isn’t like her.” I looked at my phone and it was nine o’clock.

  “Maybe she over slept.” I hit speed dial and Mona’s phone rang and rang and rang. Her answering machine came on. I hung up without leaving a message.

  “I think I’ll drive over to Mona’s and see what’s up.” I told Linda as I made my way to the door.

  Mona’s apartment building is in a quiet neighborhood. The park was near by and Mona was good about taking Bailey to the park.

  I parked the Honda, climbed the stairs and knocked at Mona’s door. The door was locked. I found my key to her apartment in my bag. I unlocked the door and walked in calling Mona’s name.

  “Mona are you home?” She didn’t answer. Mona’s bed was made. Bailey’s bowl was filled with his food and the water dish was half full of water.

  “She must of taken Bailey to the park.” I said aloud.

  I drove to the park and no one was there. Mr. Bill came walking up with Buster and Bailey.

  “Mr. Bill, have you seen Mona?” I quickly ran over to him hoping he could tell me where Mona might be.

  “Why do you have Bailey?” Bailey ran to me and was licking my hand as I tried to pet him.

  “Last night a guy drove up and Mona got in the brown Dodge van with him and they took off.”

  “Did she look like she wanted to get in the van?” I asked looking around, wondering why Mona would leave Bailey at the park.

  “I didn’t notice he walked up to her and they spoke. I didn‘t hear what they said.”

  “Van?” I repeated.

  “What did the guy look like?” I pictured him being a wild man with bushy hair and evil eyes.

  “He was in his fifties, hair was cut short around his ears. I recall he wore dark framed glasses.”

  “They didn’t come back and it was getting late. I took Bailey home with me. I hope that’s okay.” He looked over at me for approval.

  “It wasn’t only okay it is much appreciated. I’m staying at a place I can’t have Bailey and Mona was dog setting for me.”

  “I can take care of Bailey until Mona comes home if you like.”

  “That would be nice. Thank you. Where do you live?” I asked wanting to be aware of where Bailey would be staying.

  “In the white house on the corner. I have a fenced yard and Bailey will be fine.”

  “I can bring his dog food and bowls to you.”

  “That would be good. Buster doesn’t eat as much as Bailey and I’ll probably run out of dog food before my check comes in.”

  I picked up the dog food and took it to Mr. Bill’s house.

  “Thanks for taking care of Bailey. Call if you need me or see Mona.” I jotted down my number and put it in Mr. Bill’s hand.

  “I’ll call if I need you or have any news for you.” I gave Bailey a hug and a pat and Mr. Bill took the dogs inside and I drove off.

  I called Randy and told him what I had learned about Mona. Randy met me at Mona’s apartment. We checked out the apartment. Nothing was out of the ordinary. Mona’s 38 and her phone was in her bag setting on the counter.

  “Mona doesn’t even have her phone.” I sat down on the bar stool resting my head in my hands.

  “Do you think this has anything to do with your rig, apartment and house being blown up?”

  Randy filed a missing person report on Mona. I told him I would go home and wait for Mona to call. I know that sounded lame but I wanted to hit the streets looking for the brown Dodge van. Randy told me to be careful. I gave him a kiss on the cheek.

  “I will, and you be careful, too.”

  I called Brad Bradford and informed him of Mona being taken away in a brown Dodge van. He was concerned and said he would cycle
the streets looking for her. He also said he would call his biker friends and have them watch for a brown Dodge van. Brad seemed worried and told me to call if I learned anything.

  “She’s a great gal. I’d sure hate for anything to happen to her.” Brad said before he hung up the phone.

  “You and me too.” I closed my phone with a snap.

  I spent the evening driving the streets. First I drove past The Oasis Bar and then past Marty’s place. The streets around town were lit up. Where would they be holding Mona. I drove back to Hayden’s place. Hayden was watching TV when I arrived.

  “Tiffany, what’s wrong you have a worried look on your face?” Hayden asked as I came through the door.

  “Mona has been kidnapped. Or, anyway she was at the park and Mr. Bill the dog park ranger saw her get in a brown Dodge van with a man. She left Bailey in the park and Mr. Bill took him home when she didn’t return.”

  THIRTY-SEVEN

  Sheriff Reagan reported to the Texas authorities Gayle Perkins was living in the Conway area working as a masseuse and using the alias Natasha McGuire. The Texas authorities reported back to Sheriff Reagan. Natasha McGuire disappeared months ago and was last seen with Gayle Perkins. And Gayle Perkins is wanted for identity theft stemming back several years.

  I spent two days driving the streets looking for a brown van. Finally on day three my phone rang. It wasn’t a number I was familiar with.

  “Hello.” The phone was silent for a moment. “Hello!”

  I heard someone say, “Talk.”

  “It’s me Tiffany. It’s Mona.” I could hear her sobbing.

  “Give me the damn phone.” I heard a gruff voice in the background.

  “You listen up. Baby cakes here wants to go home and I want Natasha McGuire. Now you find Ms. McGuire and we can do a trade.”

  “I don’t have or know where to find Natasha McGuire.” I pleaded for him to let Mona go.

  “You don’t understand. I can’t seem to blow her up with my bombs so you have to bring her to me.”