The V Whisperer

by Deborrah Girard

  Out of the blue, the music stopped and the girls ran off the stage. Must be a new act, she thought and moved through the crowd. But the crowd rushed around her, as she tried to maneuver. Much like a salmon swimming up stream.

  Looking around she noticed a following gathered toward the back. Some people shouted, others began to scurry throughout the room and back offices. If she didn’t know any better, she’d think something was wrong.

  Then Mandy screamed and fell to the floor. Her tray and contents flew across the room. Two people rushed to her and pulled her up into their arms. She sobbed uncontrollably. What the hell happened? Within a blink of an eye everything was chaotic. She tried to reach Mandy but kept getting knocked around by more and more people rushing toward the back. Someone shouted, “call the police and an ambulance.” Abbey set down her tray on the first available table and made a valiant effort to get to her friend. Just as she made progress, the two men who held Mandy pulled her away from the crowd. “Mandy.” She shouted, hoping her voice carried above everyone else’s. “Wait. What’s wrong?” Mandy’s face was buried in her hands. Abbey couldn’t tell if she’d heard her call or not. She yelled again and again and physically pushed people out of the way. She stumbled through the melee and pulled on her friend’s arm. “Mandy, what’s wrong? What happened?” “Oh, my God, Abbey! Lorny’s been shot!”

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  The next few hours flew by. The club was sealed off. No one could venture in or out except for ambulance attendants and police. Officers conducted individual interviews, gathering information. It was chaos. People stumbled about shocked and confused. A few cried hysterically while others sat, holding somber faces in their hands. Some prayed.

  Abbey’s interview was the longest because only a few minutes before, she’d ventured to her locker to empty her money belts. She remembered hearing voices in the office but didn’t think anything of it. The door was nearly shut so she didn’t see anyone. She felt bad and wished she’d been more aware. Damn! What was wrong with her? Why couldn’t she be more attentive. She was too new. That’s it. For the life of her, she did not notice anything out of the ordinary. Unfortunately that was no help to anyone.

  After questioning the trio, they left and drove to the hospital in Rick’s car. Their was a little confusion in the emergency department, but finally Mandy was allowed to go through. When she came back, it was with bad news. Lorny died. There was nothing they could do. It was like an entire rain cloud burst onto the tiny room. Throwing them into chaos all over again.

  Mandy was inconsolable. With Rick’s help, Abbey made her take the capsules the doctor gave her, got her home and put her to bed. It was late. They all fought the sandman. Abbey was glad she had Rick to lean on. “She’s a mess. I don’t know what to do.” Tears streamed down her cheeks.

  “All you can do is keep an eye on her. If she hasn’t settled somewhat by tomorrow, I’d think about having her see the doctor again. He’ll prescribe something else for her.”

  “My God! What the hell happened? Who did this and why?”

  “I don’t know. There are many possibilities, one of which isn’t very flattering.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, Lorny wasn’t well liked in the business world. He had an edge to him and he leaned into dirty money and gambling. I guess it caught up to him.”

  “You’re kidding! Did you tell the police that?”

  “No. They didn’t ask. They’ll figure it out before long.”

  “To think I just walked by there two minutes before. I shudder to think what I may have stumbled onto.”

  “Don’t think about that. You have a lucky sta. Besides, whoever did this was professional.

  They made sure nobody saw or heard.” “Professional? What a rat race! Right now I’m thinking I left one crazy world for another.” Rick pulled her into his arms. “I think you should get some rest. You’re tired. I’m going to go

  home too. I’m roasted. Maybe tomorrow we can make some sense of all this.” He squeezed her,

  kissing her temple. “If you need anything or hear anything, please call me. Promise?” “Yes, you’re right, and I do promise.” “Is there anything I can do before I go?” “No. I’m fine and Mandy’s quiet. I’m going to try and rest while I can.” “Good girl. I’ll call you tomorrow sometime.” He kissed her once again and left.

  Abbey walked to her room and dropped onto her bed. She was numb. The last she remembered was counting the ceiling tiles. Her door was ajar in case Mandy called her. The night light from the bathroom spewed in allowing the tiny golden hues to splash randomly over the room. Abbey forced her eyes shut and prayed for calm, but even with her eyes closed, those golden hues danced on her eyelids, keeping her awake.

  “Abbey?” “Yes, Mandy.” Sitting up quickly, she rubbed her eyes. “You’re not sleeping either?” “No. I’m just resting.” “I can’t even do that. Mind if I come in?” “Come sit with me for a while.” She patted the bed and moved over slightly making room for

  Mandy. “Thanks. I’m glad you’re here. I’d hate to be alone right now.” “And I’m glad I’m here for you. How are you holding up?” “Just barely. I can’t believe this.” She wiped her eyes. “Is this a bad dream? Pinch me awake,

  Abbey.” “God! I wish it was a bad dream. I haven’t processed it yet either.” She propped the pillows

  behind them and pulled the blanket over their legs. “What the fuck happened? Who did this to Lorny?” Her face fell into her palms as she sobbed. “I don’t know, sweetie.” As she rubbed Mandy’s shoulder, she felt her body convulse in agony.

  “But I’m sure the police will find out.” “What the hell are they going to find out? I bet out of the hundreds of people around the place, not one saw anything. I hope the forensic team is still on duty.”

  “They have their ways and means, Mandy. One way or another, they’ll get to the bottom of this tragedy.” “I’m not as optimistic as you. I don’t think they’ll ever find out anything, especially if it’s a mob

  hit. But if they do, I’d sure like my chance at the bastard.” She sniffed and blew her nose. Abbey handed her more tissue. “I’m sure you will. We’ve got to have faith in the system.” “I’m not feeling the faith right now.” “I know you’re not.” She ran her hands threw her own hair. “Frankly, I don’t know what to tell

  you. I’m blown away myself. Sorry. Bad choice of words.”

  Mandy fell into another bout of sobs. She ached for Lorny, one more kiss, one more touch, one more fuck. That was impossible now. He was gone forever. Shot in cold blood in his own office. What the hell was this world coming to? “You’re the last one to make love with him. I have to say that bothers me a little. Actually, it bothers me a lot.”

  “Jesus, Mandy I feel so bad. If I could change everything, I would.” Again tears pearled in the corners of her eyes. Abbey grabbed a tissue for herself. “No. It’s not your fault. The man had an insatiable sex drive. Maybe you weren’t the last one.

  I just know it wasn’t me.” “I’m sorry, Mandy.” “I know. Nothing in life is planned. We have to cope with the good as well as all the shit I have

  to tell you, I wasn’t ready for this one.” *****

  Calm didn’t settle in till three weeks later. The funeral was over and Mandy was back on regular shifts at work. Abbey worked most of that time, taking on extra shifts when she could, to help fill in the huge gap of Mandy not being there and also replacing several waitresses who quit over this. The transient ones never more apparent. They up and left, some without even a word. Abbey’s new cell phone rang. “Hello.”

  “Hi gorgeous. Where are you?” “Hi, Rick. I’m just on my way to the apartment. Why?” “Are you on foot?” “Yes.” “I’m in my car down the street. Can I pick you up and take you to dinner?” “I did the afternoon shift today and am off now for a couple of days, unless someone else quits.

  So, yea, I’m free for a long, leisurely dinner.”

  “Great. I’
m now about a block away. If there’s no parking space, I’ll stop so you can jump in. Wait by the curb.”

  “See you in five.”

  She watched for him and spotted him heading her way. On cue, Abbey jumped into the car just before Rick sped away. “Hi, there. I’m glad you called. I would have been all alone tonight.”

  “We can’t have that, but since you have the next couple of days off, I hope you rest. You still look tired. Are things getting any better with Mandy?”

  “I try to rest when I can. The last few days have been crazy. And yes, things are better. How much better? Well, I have some news. Mandy is going on a long vacation.”

  “Good for her. Where is she going?”

  “Somewhere warm and peaceful. I think she settled on Barbados. She was undecided for the longest time.”

  “That’ll do her good. She hasn’t had a holiday in a while.”

  “Really?” Abbey recalled her own life. She’d never been on a holiday. Barbados sounds absolutely dreamy. Whatever! She didn’t want to dwell or she’d get teary. For the lack of luck and fortune, she considered herself fortunate. Someday! She told herself.

  “Have you ever been to Barbados?” He glanced at her and noticed her expression.

  “No. I’ve never been anywhere.” She had no idea why she said that. She could have kicked herself. And why on earth did he ask her that question anyway? Of all the things they could be talking about right now, he’s asking her about vacations!

  “You’ve never had a vacation?” He sounded incredulous even to his own ears.

  “No. But I’m saving up for one. I think I’d like to go somewhere exotic like Africa How about you?” Nice comeback, she told herself and shook off the negativity. It was like this man had the knack to systematically draw from her, her most inner shield. Even those she wasn’t ready to surrender.

  “Me? I’ve done some traveling. I try to send myself off somewhere every couple of years whether I need it or not.”

  “Take any pictures?” She tried not to sound envious but the vibe in her voice stated otherwise.

  “Sure. I’ll show you sometime. What do you feel like eating?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Feel like a little Italian?”

  “Yes. I could go for some food too.” She laughed and heard him snicker. Looking over at him, she saw his smile and deep dimple. When he smiled he was even more of a looker and how that was

  possible was beyond her. Could she have planted a more blatant hint? “I’m glad you’ve kept your sense of humor. I love a woman with that quality. You’re a very special person, Abbey.”

  The waitress seated them at a table for two. The crisp white tablecloth was spotless, the napkins creatively folded and the lamp in the center cast a golden glow. The ambiance in the room was chic, homey and the smell of delicious food was concentrated and ethnic specific.

  “Uhmm! This place smells like my mother’s kitchen.” “That’s sweet. Where do your parents live?” “In a little place close to Naples, Italy.” “Really?” She didn’t know why the words made her stop what she was doing. “Yes. They live in the countryside and are very happy there. I tried to get them to move here,

  but they won’t hear of it. I have one sister and she lives in Naples with her family.” “Wow! Do you get to see them often?” “Every two years. Whenever I take a trip, I always plan to fly to Italy first, spend two weeks

  there, then fly to wherever I want to go and spend another week there.” “That’s very nice.” “It worked out well. Now my parents are older and they wish I go more often.” “Will you?” “Yes. I told them I will make the trip once a year from now on. They’re pleased.” “It must be difficult having your family so far away?” “No, actually. We speak on the phone every couple of weeks. My mother could chat for hours.

  She tells me all the news and all the gossip. It’s quite funny, really. Once she gets going, there’s no

  stopping her. My father usually has to cut her off.” “She sounds wonderful.” “She is. They all are. My sister’s children keep them so busy and so proud. It’s great Maria, my

  sister, is close enough to keep an eye on them.” “You must miss them.” “I do. Especially at times like this when I walk into an Italian restaurant.” “Is your mom a good cook?” “The best. Maybe someday I’ll take you there.” “That would be nice.” She answered, aware he was only making conversation. “Shall I order wine?”

  “Sounds good.” “Red or white?” “Red.” The server walked away promising to be right back with their excellent choice. Abbey looked

  around and sighed. It was easy to relax in this quaint little restaurant. She sat back in her chair and

  crossed her legs. “I’m actually hungry. I skipped lunch.” “How did you manage that? The club serves excellent food.” “It was busy and before I knew it, my shift was nearly over. When I’m working I don’t think of

  food.”

  “You should always make time to eat, my dear. It’s not healthy to do otherwise. You have no idea how often that sentence was pounded into my head.” His hand reached across the table and enfolded hers. “Do you want an appetizer first to hold you over?”

  “No. I’ll wait. Tell me, did you have a good day?” “Yes, I did. I was busy as hell. My phone didn’t stop ringing and to top it off, the deal I was

  working on fell through.” “Don’t you hate when that happens?” Her fingers kneaded his. “Here you go, guys.” The server set down the wine and glasses. “Enjoy! I’ll be back in ten

  minutes to take your order,” she said after Rick sampled the fine liquid. “Thanks,” he called after the server, then to Abbey, “that’s the way it goes sometimes. “First, I want to know how you’ve really been these past few days?” “I’ve been fine. Mandy and I spent a lot of time together talking, reconnecting and healing.” “I’m glad to hear it.” “You know, I thought I’d had a rough life but hers was no picnic either. She struggled hard in

  the beginning and just when she thought there was no hope for her, that she’d be stuck in an eight to five job the rest of her life, making peanuts, someone gave her a break.” “I remember that. The lady that took her under her wing was Jess Stellar. She still does work for the club. Doing the books, I think.”

  “Anyway, when I called her and told her my story, I had not idea she’d ask me out here. But she said that’s what the group does. They’re like a family, helping each other out and always sticking together Someone was kind enough to give her a step up and she did not hesitate doing the same for someone else. And she’d do it again.”

  “I know what she’s talking about when she says we’re like family. We are. No doubt about

  that.” “We talked about the past and the future.” “Has she made any plans?” “Apart from her immediate future, she plans on staying on where she is, doing what she’s doing.

  Of course, she’s leaving herself open for a change of plans also. She may find a great club on the other side of the world somewhere and decide to make that transition. But always knowing she can return here if she wants to.”

  “Mandy will always be welcome here. I hope whatever she decides, she finds that quality of happiness she had with Lorny. They’d been together a long time. The first pairing everyone thought of as a couple. Which was a first amongst the gang of us. Normally none of us bank on attachments of the heart. People get it torn out if they’re not careful.”

  “Is...that what happened to you?” Thankfully her legs crossed or she’d have kicked herself. “Yes, Abbey. It has. Which is why this time, I choose to be cautious.” “This time...?” “Here is a nice basket of warm bread, all assorted. And here is your olive oil. Manga, guys!”

  The server placed the food in the center of the table, then handed each of them their napkins. “I’ll be

  back for your order shortly. Can I get you anything else while you wait?” “No, thanks.” Rick said after seeing Abbey nod as well. “What did I say?” “Let’s talk abou
t you. You’d mentioned your deal fell through. What happened?” A smile spread across his face. “Well, it happens. However, I’m not perturbed by it at all.” “How come?” “Because I have other news on that front.” “New deal cooking?” “Yes. Bingo, Abbey!” “You see. When one door closes, another opens, yadda, yadda, yadda. And the good Lord

  makes sure it happens to all of us.” She smiled. “I thank him for that. But this particular deal took me by surprise.” “How so?” Looking into his eyes, they twinkled and Abbey caught his contagious enthusiasm. “Ralphy is selling the club. I listed it this morning and already put it up on multiple listing.” “You’re kidding me!” She gasped and nearly choked. “No. It’s true. He wants to retire and pull out of all his business deals. I guess what happened

  to Lorny scared him off. After some careful thinking and counseling, he’s decided to pack it in.”

  “I don’t believe this.” After swallowing, Abbey’s mouth fell open.

  “Believe it. It’s signed and sealed. He has plenty of money. He’ll live comfortably for the rest of his life. You don’t have to worry about him.”

  “What about me, the rest of the staff? How does this effect our jobs, our future?”

  “Well, there’s always a risk the new owner will make some drastic changes. But I wouldn’t worry prematurely.”

  “Why not?”

  “There’s a protective clause in the listing. Ralphy wants to do what he can to make this transition as smooth as possible for everyone involved.”

  “Could a potential buyer axe that clause?”

  “Anything is possible. But what it should tell you is that Ralphy intends to negotiate if that happens. He has great intentions and doesn’t want anything to change at the club that would be detrimental to employees or business. And if the buyer is smart, he’ll realize that too. Smile. Don’t look so worried.”

  Abbey sighed. “I knew it was too good to be true. I must be a jinx. Just when I’m getting ahead in life, another challenge presents itself.”