by Steve Hadden
This smelled like pay dirt. Whatever she was afraid of might just be what Jack needed. “I don’t want anyone to get hurt, but you can trust me. Whoever you’re worried about will never know.”
She looked around again. “Someone could be here that I don’t know.”
Ike examined the crowd. They were all more worried about each other than either of them. He wanted to tell her, You’re already here—the damage is already done. Instead he said, “Trust me and tell me about the group. It might help Jack.”
She swallowed hard. “There’s a group of family law attorneys,” she whispered, “maybe a few judges and others. Rumors are they have a club. They call it a poker club. But they do deals there.”
“Deals? What kind of deals?”
“It’s only rumors, but they preplan their arguments.”
“Their cases?”
“Yes. They create as much conflict as they can. Conflict between the parties is a way to increase their billings.”
“If it’s known, why hasn’t someone turned them in to the court?”
“Because the court is them, in some cases, but we don’t know which judges.”
“Just go to the Post-Gazette.”
“The rumors say it goes beyond the Family Law Division. Maybe beyond the court.”
The beast inside was breaking free. The anger warmed Ike’s face. The system, again. “The police?”
“And maybe then some.”
“Why am I just hearing this?”
“There are only three people that know outside the group. Me, my friend, and now you.”
Ike leaned back and weighed the news. It had conspiracy written all over it. And Tanner was involved.
“Anything else?”
She waited as if chewing on her words to make them digestible. Without warning, she rose and reached for her raincoat. “Poker night is Friday.” Then she disappeared into the crowd.
Ike threw a twenty on the table. He would have paid a hundred times that for what Donna Martin had told him for free.
CHAPTER 25
Her record was easy to find. Brenda Falzone Cole had left a trail: a possession arrest and a divorce, followed by another drug charge. When Ike read the report, his thoughts went to Jack. For a kid, he hid the pain well. It was one of the traits that he and Jack shared. But Ike knew that with a mother like this, the pain was there for Jack, simmering somewhere below the surface. The file said the court mandated treatment followed by community service at a well-known shelter in Lawrenceville. Her parole officer had his doubts about her recovery.
Ike sat in his car at the end of the tree-lined street in an exclusive enclave of higher-end townhomes on the edge of Frick Park in Squirrel Hill. Tom Cole’s revolutionary seismic processing technique had been developed during their marriage and the divorce settlement had served her well.
The parole officer’s report said her work hours were from eight a.m. to five p.m. Ike had arrived just before six with no sign of Brenda. While the units had garages, street parking was common and Ike’s car blended well with the others.
Thirty minutes after arriving, Ike spotted a white Lexus pulling to the curb in front of Brenda’s unit. He waited for the driver to exit, then made a beeline for the walkway, intercepting Brenda before she reached the front door. She looked more aggravated than surprised. Her bleached-blond hair twisted onto her shoulders and frazzled at the ends. The dark roots said she’d given up on the ruse. She’d been relatively attractive at one point, but time had taken its toll along with an obvious lack of sleep. She’d made no attempt to cover it with makeup. Her eyes were pitch-black, and despite the waning sunlight, her pupils were wide and dilated—she was still using.
“Whatever you’re selling, I don’t want it,” she said as she pushed past Ike to the door
“I’m here to help Jack, your son.”
Brenda hesitated with the key inserted into her front door. She didn’t turn but said, “Why in the hell would you be doing that?”
The question was an invitation, not a rejection. Ike pressed on.
“He’s going to jail. He’s being tried as an adult. They’ll destroy his life.”
Some fuel deep inside her ignited as she turned to face him. No motherly regret, no compassion, just seething anger. Oddly, she calmed. “He’s getting what he deserves. Maybe he shouldn’t have sided with his father.”
The words weren’t as telling as their delivery. In an instant, her cunning and disdain for the men in her life surfaced like a water moccasin readying to strike.
Despite her demeanor, Ike held his ground. “Can I ask you a few questions?”
“That depends. Who are you?”
“Ike Rossi. I’m working for Jack.”
She turned back to the door and unlocked it. “Suit yourself,” she said as she entered and left the door open.
Ike followed her in. The townhome was well-decorated and pristine—almost too much so. She tossed her purse onto the kitchen table and laid her coat over the chair. “I get it. He’s my son. But his father turned him against me,” she said.
Ike stepped closer. “He’s a good kid.”
She hesitated, obviously weighing Ike’s words. “I raised him well. Then his father took over, and look what happened.”
Ike avoided arguing with her. They had built some weird connection around Jack, and she was talking. She stepped to the counter and began making a pot of coffee. Her hands shook in tight, nearly imperceptible tremors. It was all she could do to cover them.
“He did do me one favor—killing that attorney of mine.”
“You didn’t like him?”
She jammed the coffee pot into its slot and stopped. “My”—she mimed air quotes— “father had hired him for me. I can’t complain. I agreed, as long as Daddy”—more air quotes—“opened his wallet for me. But Tanner was an asshole. He was more interested in that shitty husband of mine than he was in me.”
“Yeah. I heard Tanner could be that way.”
She turned and pulled two mugs from the cabinet. “He let those two run me into the ground. Drug tests, psychologists … He did nothing for me, other than get me a shitload of cash that I deserved anyway.”
Ike was shocked. She had no idea who he was. He decided to bring up the Falzones.
“So you’re Nick’s twin.”
She placed the mugs on the counter. “Only on the birth certificate. I’m nothing like that shithead. Do you know I think he was actually the one behind Daddy hiring Tanner?” She was getting more animated—more confident. She must have used on the way home.
“Did you know Patrick very well?”
“That poor bastard. It’s no surprise he’s gone. Nick hated him. What’s your name again?”
“Ike Rossi. Do you think Nick had something to do with Patrick’s accident?”
She shrugged. “Rossi, Rossi ... You look familiar. You play football back in the day?”
“Yes, I did.”
She snapped her fingers and pointed at him. “I knew it.” Pleased with herself, she added, “You said you’re helping Jack?”
“Yes. Did you think your ex would kill himself?”
Leaning on the counter, she dipped her head as if to tell a secret. “No. Can you believe that? What bad timing.”
“What do you mean?”
“If he’d done it three months earlier, it would’ve been perfect. But then again, I’ve gotta give my asshole attorney credit. His bullshit pushed Tom over the edge.”
“Is that why you think Jack did it?”
“Killed Tanner? Sure.” As if being enlightened, Brenda said, “There’s a part of me that wishes he didn’t do that. I’d like to think I had a chance to be his mom again.” Her face instantly saddened. She remained still. She looked fragile, staring at the kitchen floor.
“Brenda?”
She slowly lifted her head, and Ike saw a mix of anger and sadness in her eyes.
“We’re done,” she said. “Please leave.”
“C
an I ask one more question?”
She pushed off the counter and corralled him toward the door. “On your way out.”
“Why do you think Nick and your dad were so interested in your divorce and Jack?”
She opened the door and pointed outside. Wanting to avoid a scene, Ike walked through the doorway and looked over his shoulder. Brenda was clearly considering the question.
“They’re hiding something,” she said and slammed the door.
CHAPTER 26
Ike had called immediately upon leaving Brenda’s. After experiencing Jack’s mother, Ike needed to connect with Jack. Only God knew what gremlins she’d created in Jack’s soul, and Ike wanted to be the counterbalance that neutralized them.
Lauren had answered and sounded somewhere between surprised and pleased. Ike explained his need to see Jack, and in an inviting tone, Lauren had said now was a good time. Jimmy had gone to hockey practice and wouldn’t be back until after eight thirty. Jack was finishing homework and they’d both be happy to see him.
Using the address Lauren had provided, he made the trip to Shadyside in minutes. The homes were old red brick but remodeled and adorned with large trees and spacious porches. Ike arrived at the two-story home with white trim, pulled to the curb, and bounded up the stairs to the front door. Jack answered
“Hi, Mr. Rossi.” Jack proudly stuck out his hand.
Ike shook it. “It’s so good to see you, Jack.”
Jack smiled and glanced over his shoulder at Lauren, who was standing at the edge of the entry giving her approval.
Jack seemed elated to share his home with Ike, oblivious to the fact that he’d be on trial for murder in five days. “Please come in,” Jack said and led Ike into the entry. The home was beautiful. Polished hardwood floors accented with colorful area rugs. The furniture gave Ike more insight into Lauren—bright but comfortable.
Lauren stepped into the soft lamplight in the entry. She glowed with an aura Ike hadn’t seen before. Her face lit up as she pushed her black hair back and looped it over her ear. “Welcome to our home, Ike.” She offered her hand, and Ike wrapped it in his. She was soft, warm, and relaxed. She was on her home turf and this was a social visit. While Ike was here to see Jack, he was glad to see Lauren. The smell of fresh-baked chocolate-chip cookies pulled his attention toward the kitchen.
“Jack’s idea,” she said, gently stroking Jack’s head.
“They’ll be done in ten minutes and twenty seconds,” Jack said, looking at the oversize watch on his skinny wrist.
“Jack, why don’t you see if Mr. Rossi would like something to drink before we sit?”
Jack robotically faced Ike. “Can I offer you something to drink?”
Ike tried not to chuckle. Jack was trying so hard. Ike leaned in the direction of the kitchen. “I’ll have what you’re having with those cookies.”
Jack’s face lit up. “I’m having milk.”
“That’s what I figured,” Ike said, sharing a smile with Lauren.
Jack’s face turned serious. “But we can’t have it until the cookies are done. The milk is at 39 degrees in the fridge and I put three glasses in there, too. That way the glass won’t immediately conduct heat into the milk and warm it up.”
Ike appreciated the science. He kept a glass in the fridge for the same reason. “That’s a great idea.”
Jack raised an eyebrow in Lauren’s direction. “Can I show him now?”
“You need to ask Mr. Rossi.”
“You know what, Jack? I think you and I are becoming friends, so you can call me Ike.”
Jack’s eyes widened and he glanced back at Lauren. She nodded.
“Okay, Ike. Would you like to play a game with me?”
“Sure.”
Jack latched on to his hand and towed Ike past Lauren.
“I’ll watch the cookies,” she said as she chuckled and turned back to the kitchen.
Jack led Ike to a den off the hallway, ran to the coffee table, and grabbed an iPad. He quickly opened an app and shoved the iPad at Ike. “Here, try this.” He touched the screen and the program started. There was a question: Which is greater? Then a series of equations flashed on the screen. Ike could barely keep up. He kept answering as he moved over and sat on the sofa. Jack sat next to him, monitoring every move and grunting when Ike missed one. They took turns with different games and reveled in the fun. That is, until Jack’s watch alarm went off and he bolted to the kitchen, leaving Ike in the den. Ike followed him down the hall. Before he reached the kitchen he heard Lauren say, “Where’s Ike, honey?”
Not wanting to embarrass Jack, Ike stepped in and said, “He’s just a lot faster than me.”
Lauren gave him an I don’t believe you grin. “Offer Ike a seat.”
Jack pulled out a kitchen chair facing the white cabinets. Ike took a seat, and Jack stood guard over the cookies cooling on the island.
“How are you doing, Jack?” Ike asked.
Jack glanced away from the cookies. “Fine.”
Ike shrugged at Lauren and she returned the gesture. They sat in silence until Jack’s alarm sounded again. After asking Lauren, he scooped two cookies onto each plate, removed the chilled glasses, and filled them with milk. He served Ike first, then Lauren, who took the chair across from Ike. Then he settled in his chair and waited with his hands in his lap, looking at Ike. His eyes were begging again, and Ike got the message. Looking at Jack, Ike slowly picked up the cookie, torturing Jack with each second, then grinned, dipped it in his milk, and took a bite. Jack grinned back and attacked his first cookie, sloshing it into the milk then into his mouth. Lauren just shook her head.
“Do you have a brother or sister?” Jack said after swallowing the remnants of the cookie
“Sure do. I have a sister,” Ike said.
“What’s her name?”
“Maria.”
“Did you play with Maria when you were a kid?’
This is where it got complicated. “I did.”
“Were your mom and dad gone then?”
Ike could see where Jack was headed. The playfulness left, replaced by sadness and sympathy. “Not at first. Maria was younger than I was, but we still played when we got the chance.”
“What about after?”
Ike knew what he meant. Maybe it was Jack’s way of processing the loneliness he felt. Ike glanced at Lauren. “I was in college when my parents died. I was nineteen, but my sister was nine.”
Jack’s jaw dropped. “Only nine? That’s younger than me.”
For some reason that fact seemed to give Jack comfort.
“That’s right. I came home and took care of her, along with help from my friend Mac and his wife.”
“Were they like Aunt Lauren is for me?”
Ike looked directly at Lauren. “Yes. Like that. But probably not as pretty.”
Lauren blushed and Jack let out a devilish grin. Then they all shared a laugh.
“Is your sister okay now?”
“Yes she is.” Ike wanted to say Just like you will be. But he couldn’t. “She runs our restaurant.”
“You have a restaurant?”
“I do. It’s called Rossi’s. I’ll have to take you there sometime with your Aunt Lauren.”
Jack dipped his last cookie and stuffed it into his mouth. He finished it quickly, then asked Lauren, “Can I be excused?”
“We still have Ike here, honey.”
“I’d like to work on my project.”
“What project is that, Jack?” Ike asked.
“I’m building a game for the science fair. It’s not ready yet, so I can’t show it to you.”
Lauren silently checked with Ike and he nodded in agreement.
“Okay,” she said. “Please put the dishes in the sink before you go.”
Jack cleared the dishes, then stopped next to Ike. He leaned over and hugged him. “Thanks for coming to see me.”
Ike hugged back, hard. He tried to hug the memory of Jack’s mother out of him, but Ike
knew it would never leave.
Jack released him, hugged Lauren, and left. Ike watched the doorway even after he left.
“So you met Jack’s mother?”
“What a piece of work.”
“I can’t stand the woman after what she’s done.”
“I can understand why.”
“Did she tell you anything?”
“Surprisingly, she did.”
Ike relayed the conversation to Lauren while she commented and groaned. When he finished, Lauren asked, “So you’re after the Falzones and this poker group?”
Ike saw the concern leaking back into Lauren’s mind.
“Don’t worry. I’ll get to the bottom of this. He’s a great kid and doesn’t deserve what he’s facing.” Ike stood. “Thanks for letting me come over.”
“I think it was great for him. I can only do so much. He’s talked to you more than anyone I’ve seen him with. I think he needed this.” Lauren rose and they walked to the door.
“You know, I needed this,” Ike said.
Lauren hugged him and kissed his cheek. Ike leaned in to return the kiss on her cheek but at the last second she turned and they were face-to-face, their lips nearly touching. He could feel her breath, and for a split second he wanted to kiss her, hard. But he needed to stay focused. He pulled away. “Thanks again,” he said as he opened the door and walked across the porch and down the stairs.
Then he heard Lauren. “Ike?”
He turned and saw her standing in the doorway.
“Promise me one thing,” she said.
“What’s that?”
“Promise you’ll be back.”
Ike gently smiled and waved. “See you at the Prices’.”
CHAPTER 27
Ike knew it wasn’t enough. Despite the fact that the revelations of the last twenty-four hours had raised doubts about suicide and the specter of a conspiracy, it still wasn’t enough to save Jack. Ike rolled down the windows and accelerated onto I-279. Sleep was limited and elusive and he needed the fresh air. The warm September morning felt like summer, and the green rolling hills, just minutes north of the city, reminded him of his family’s trips to Moraine State Park. But it was already Thursday morning, and as the evidence stood now, Jack would never experience that joy.