by Amy Shannon
Mr. Stein nodded. “Oh, Mr. Strickland, once you photograph this, you can use the key to photograph with all the cases open,” He handed Strick the key and then they left the room, leaving Strick alone.
Leonard walked around the large room carefully. “Mr. Stein, do you have a standard contract that you use with clients?”
“Yes, all buyers and sellers get a standard contract and documented receipt, with authentication certificates. Anything I sell, I make a copy of the certificate before giving it to the new owner. Anything I buy, I have the piece appraised and the certificate itself authenticated. You’d be surprised at how many people try to forge authentication certificates.”
“Not really. We investigate a lot of fraud for private clients,” Savvy walked over to the two men. “Mr. Stein, who do you use to authenticate your pieces?”
“Mortimer Gutenberg, an authenticator from American Museum of Natural History. He’s been there for over 40 years. He’s a top man in his field.”
“I’ve heard of him, but I’ll need to question him,” Savvy said.
“I understand,” he nodded.
“I’ll also need a list of all your clients that have been in that room at least six months prior to the theft.”
“I cannot give you that,” he sighed.
“I need to know who was in that room. Anyone who had access and if there were others here when they were here. Mr. Stein, I understand confidentiality and I won’t interfere, but I need to know at least who would be here and if there were anyone who acted like they wanted to buy but didn’t.”
“Well, those names I can give you. The others, can we at least wait to see if you get any leads?”
“All right,” she watched as Strick left the room. “Strick?”
“The cases are open. Savvy, they’re all skulls.”
“Not all, but most,” Stein sighed.
“Oh?” Savvy asked.
“Some of the skulls are authentic skulls, others are replicas. In some cases, the replicas, depending on who created them, are worth more than the skull. Hitler’s skull was authentic. The bone fragments from Lincoln were also real. I also have some pieces behind glass, so they don’t get damaged. Such as a button off Zachary Taylor’s clothes. I think it was removed when his body was exhumed in 1991.”
“I remember that,” Strick said. “They thought he had been poisoned, so after 141 years, they exhumed his body. He wasn’t poisoned, he just died of natural causes.”
“You are quite full of knowledge, Mr. Strickland,” Stein said. “Are you interested in any pieces?”
“I’m not sure if I’m a collector. I do more reading than anything.”
“Well, after this case you’re welcome to browse through my books and see if there are any that interests you. That goes for all of you.”
“Well, thank you. I’d like to look at your displays and then, Strick, you can photograph them, but use the special lighting and not the flash.”
“Of course,” he nodded as Savvy walked into the room.
Savvy walked around the room, taking notes of her observations and sketching the outline of the room. She couldn’t help but notice the labels by each of the skulls and whether it was authentic or a replica. Each replica skull label was white with black text. Each authentic skull label was black with white text. Her eyes shifted over names of dictators, Presidents, world leaders, and some names that were unfamiliar to her, so she wrote down the names for everyone.
Stein limped into the room. “Is something wrong, Ms. Macavoy?”
“No, just don’t recognize everyone’s name.”
“Some don’t have a name. I have bones and skull fragments from mass graves or from archaeological digs in different countries. I would love to collect some remnants of bones from the biblical era, but I have yet to get my hands on some.”
“You have a wish list?”
“Yes,” he sighed. “Ms. Macavoy, I’m sure you have an opinion of me, maybe think that I’m morbid, but I believe that the dead can give us answers and help us see history in a different perspective. Some of these men died because of tyranny, terrorism, natural causes, or assassinations. Some died, and we just don’t know why.”
“I understand and thanks for explaining it to me. Mr. Stein, I don’t judge, I just do my job. I do think your collection is interesting and I will do my best to find your piece for you.”
“I appreciate it. After Mr. Strickland takes his photographs, I would be honored if you three will join me for dinner. My cook has assured me that we will be feasting quite well tonight.”
“We’d be honored,” she followed him out of the room. “Strick, you can take the pictures. We’ll be dining with Mr. Stein tonight.”
“Sounds good. Something smells delicious,” Leonard said. “You live in the building?”
“Just through those doors,” Mr. Stein said as Strick headed into the other room with his camera.
7
Savvy sat at her kitchen table, pouring herself a cup of coffee. She stared at the closed red doors. She knew Strick was working late again as he had to leave them after dinner at Mr. Stein’s home. He was trying to find Ryan, at least to gain some closure for Leonard. For them all.
She sipped her coffee, and then focused on her cell phone, no texts. No calls. Nothing. She jumped slightly when there was a knock on the back door. She stood up and walked over to the white door. She peered through the peephole and then opened the door. “Friend? What’re you doing here this late?”
“Uh, Sunshine,” he sighed. “I need to talk to you. Is Strick here?”
“No, he’s working late,” she led him into the kitchen. “Did he need to be here?”
“No. I didn’t want to be rude, but I wanted to speak with you in private,” Friend explained.
“Want some coffee?” she walked over to the pot, refilled her cup and then filled a cup for him.
“Thanks,” he sat at the table.
She handed him his cup and then sat next to him. “Whatever it is, you can tell me.”
“I got a call from Rain earlier today.”
“Is everything all right?”
“He said he’s coming back to New York.”
“I thought he liked living on the commune after Cloud Dancer died. He said he was going to help Jupiter or whatever.”
“He had an affair with Jupiter and when he realized Jupiter was with him to replace Cloud Dancer, he left. Now, he thinks he should set his sights on Leonard. I told him that Leonard was still in a relationship. He didn’t believe me.”
“Leonard can make up his own mind, but I think he needs to have closure with Ryan’s disappearance. It’s just too weird that he didn’t take his stuff with him.”
“Oh, right,” Friend said. “I guess whoever took him should of thought of that.”
Savvy glared at her brother. “You. You did something to him.”
“I did not. I’m not like that,” Friend said. “Sunshine, how could you think I did something to him?”
“You want Leonard to yourself and you were pissed that he didn’t even break up with Ryan when you told him to. He loves Ryan and it’s more than anyone ever. Yes, he was with each of you, brother, but it was just sex and experimentation, for most of you. Hell, you all used Leonard as your gay guinea pig. Well, he’s a man and he’s a smart, intelligent man with feelings and a big heart. The man he loved, left, for whatever reason. If you know what it is, I want to know now,” She looked up quickly when Strick opened the back door, dropping his bag on the floor at his feet. “It’s raining?”
“Just started,” Strick closed the door behind him. “I know what happened to Ryan,” His eyes focused on Friend. “And so do you.”
Friend stood up quickly. “I didn’t hurt him. I swear.”
“Fowl! What the heck did you do to him?” Savvy asked.
“I didn’t do anything.”
“Don’t lie to me, Friend. I know those eyes.”
“Hell, Savvy. I just offered him money
to get outta town.”
“You did it, right?”
“What did I do?”
“You stole Stein’s skull.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“You paid him,” Strick said. “At first, I thought you fu… friggin’ killed him.”
“Nope, no friggin’ way. I told him I’d give him ten thousand dollars to leave so I could have Leonard to myself. I’m not a violent man. Peace and love, all the way.”
“That’s bull and you know it. You better tell her the rest,” Strick crossed his arms.
“What rest?” Savvy sat in the chair, crossing her legs and arms tightly to keep herself from strangling her brother.
Strick pulled out a chair for Friend, “Sit, now.”
Friend reluctantly sat in the chair. “It wasn’t just me,” he sighed, crossing his arms.
Strick looked at Savvy and then Friend. “At this moment, Ryan is at Leonard’s. He’s going to tell him the truth. So why don’t you tell your sister? If you don’t, I will.”
“I don’t owe you an explanation.”
The back door opened quickly, and Leonard stood there, soaking wet. “You owe me one,” he closed the door behind him. The rain dripped down his cheek, fueling his anger.
Savvy rushed over to Leonard. “Strick, get some towels, hurry.”
Strick rushed down the hall to the bathroom and returned with several towels. He handed them to Savvy. “You’re soaked to the bone. It’s raining that hard?”
“I walked here, and it started to rain,” Leonard grunted slightly as Savvy wrapped the towel around him. “It seemed to perfect my mood. I’m sorry, Savvy, I’m a bit miffed right now.”
“Why’d you walk here?” Savvy asked. “And you are much more than miffed.”
“Ryan finally showed up. He told me what happened, what he did, and I told him to stay gone. Now, I came here to talk, but now that I see he’s here, I want to know the entire truth,” Leonard looked at Savvy. “I could use a cup of coffee,” his voice softened. “I’m sorry, Savvy.”
“I’ll get it. Have a seat and keep drying off. And by the way, you have nothing to be sorry for.”
“I didn’t realize it was going to pour,” Leonard sat down. “Savvy, I didn’t mean to just show up.”
“You’re always welcome, no matter what, no matter when,” she smiled. “You know that,” She poured him a cup of coffee, and set it in front of him. “Some evening, huh?”
“Yeah,” Leonard’s eyes glared at Friend.
“So,” Savvy touched his cheek. “Tell me what happened.”
Leonard sighed. “I was on the phone, uh, with Adler.”
“Oh?”
“Focus, Savvy,” he smiled.
“For now,” she grinned. “So?”
“Well, Ryan knocked on the door. I told Adler I’d call him back and then I let Ryan in. I knew by the look in his eyes that he wasn’t there to take me back. He said that Strick tracked him down. He said that Strick told him that he owed me the truth,” Leonard looked up at Strick. “Thank you.”
“I just thought you should hear it from him,” Strick said. “If he didn’t tell you, I would have.”
“I know,” Leonard said. “That’s why you two are my family. Anyway, he told me that he was paid fifty thousand dollars to stay away from me, so he took it. He left all his stuff behind because he was starting a new life. A new life in Jersey. He told me he was sorry. He also told me the money was pretty much gone and he wanted me to take him back. I told him to go fowl himself,” he gazed into Savvy’s eyes. “I didn’t say the F word, but I really wanted to. Savvy, I never want to see him again,” He gulped heavily.
“Fifty thousand?” her head turned toward her brother. “You said ten thousand.”
“I got ten thousand from each of our brothers,” he sighed. “We didn’t think he was good enough for Leonard.”
Savvy stood up instantly, glaring down at her brother. “That’s not for you to say!”
Leonard stood up and put his hand on Savvy’s shoulder. “No, it’s all right. What they did was wrong, but it showed me what kind of man Ryan truly was. He’s pretty much going to be back on the street unless he can get his job back at the diner or someplace else. I don’t care to see him anymore, but I’m glad that I know the truth.”
“Friend, you can leave now,” Savvy said.
“But, Sunshine, I’m your brother.”
“Yeah, some brother. I wouldn’t be surprised if you offered Strick money first,” she grunted.
“Uh, well,” his eyes focused on Strick. “He didn’t accept.”
“How dare you! How the fowl did you think you can run my life?”
“You’re our little sister.”
“So?”
“You don’t know how to run your own life. You and Leonard, you both make poor choices, so we’re helping. Cloud Dancer would want us to.”
Savvy shook her head. “No, he wouldn’t. He let me run my life, whether he agreed with it or not. I don’t want you or the rest of my brothers around me, not anymore. You can tell them all that. Now, get out,” She watched as Friend left her home and she dropped in the chair, lightly tugging on her braid. She hugged her knees. “I’m sorry, Leonard. I had no idea,” She looked up at Strick. “You never told me.”
Strick sat at the table. “I thought they were just foolin’ around. I didn’t take it, so I didn’t think anything of it.”
“When was that?” she asked.
“Shortly after Cloud Dancer’s memorial service at the bar. I’m sorry. Maybe I should’ve said something, but when I didn’t take it, they acted like they were joking, you know, like it was a test or something. I figured I passed their test, but that wasn’t my priority. My priority is being with you and making you happy. I’d never betray you. Not for anything.”
“I’m sorry they did that,” Savvy sighed and then looked at Leonard. “Want to stay here tonight?”
“Uh, yeah, sure,” he sighed. “You got whiskey?”
“You have to ask?” Strick laughed.
“Line ‘em up,” Leonard said.
“And you can tell us more about you and Mr. Stein.”
“Not much to tell yet,” he smiled. “And when there is, I’ll let you know.”
“Yeah, right,” she grinned as Strick poured them each a rocks glass of whiskey.
8
The next day, Mr. Stein walked into the Agency, his cane in one hand and his worn black briefcase in the other and smiled at Leonard. “Mr. Davis,” he nodded.
Leonard stood up. “Oh, Mr. Stein, I didn’t realize you’d be coming in today. Savvy and Strick are out of the office.”
“Oh, well, I came to speak with you,” he smiled. “I hope you don’t mind me just stopping by.”
“Please, have a seat,” Leonard pulled up a chair to the side of his desk. “Can I get you some coffee or something?”
“Coffee. Black,” he nodded, slowly sitting in the chair. He set the cane against the desk and his bag at his feet.
“We have some pastries if you wanted something to eat,” Leonard poured Mr. Stein a cup of coffee.
“Oh, no, thank you. I was concerned about you after our conversation last night. Did I do or say something to make you hang up so quickly?”
Leonard handed Mr. Stein the coffee, and then grabbed his own plain mug and refilled his cup. He sat at his desk, crossing his legs and faced Mr. Stein. “No, nothing like that. I enjoyed our talk last night. I had an unexpected visitor last night. That’s all. Then, I came here and ended up spending the night. I’m sorry I didn’t call you back.”
“I’m glad you’re all right. As I said, I was concerned,” he smiled. “Mr. Davis,” he sighed. “Leonard, you mentioned you’d review my contracts.”
“Of course. Anything I can do to help.”
“May I ask why you never took the bar exam?”
“I thought I wanted to be a lawyer and I’d probably be good at it, but I like working here,
being with Savvy, with Strick. They’re my family,” he smiled. “She does keep telling me that I could take the bar and help out clients with legal stuff as a lawyer, but I don’t know. I like what I do now and sometimes, I do look at legal stuff and I always keep up with new statutes, especially tax laws.”
“You specialize in tax law?”
“Well, I do the books here and always want to make sure we obey all tax laws. Never want to make the IRS angry,” he chuckled lightly. “Did you bring the contracts with you?”
“Yes,” he patted the bag by his feet. “Can I ask you a personal question before we get into business?” he sipped his coffee, and then set the mug on the desk.
“Uh, sure, I guess. We did talk for an hour last night,” Leonard smiled.
“You were quick to dodge my questions about being attached,” he said. “Are you in a relationship?”
“I was, but he left,” he sighed. “Why?”
“I thought you and I… maybe we could be friends, unless I’m wrong.”
“No, you’re not wrong. We could be friends, but I thought you were involved with Friend Macavoy.”
“We are only friends. That’s it. Yes, there was a time when we were casually involved. We met through my son. He was too hung up on… well, you. I’m sorry. I didn’t put it together until just now. I’m so sorry. You were involved with Friend as well?”
“A long time ago. Ages ago. When he returned to New York, he wanted something with me, but I was involved with someone. Even if I wasn’t involved with someone, I don’t want that kind of relationship with him. I don’t even know if we can be friends anymore. He and his brothers,” Leonard sighed. “I’m sorry, Mr. Stein, uh, Adler.”
“I understand. You caught my attention from the moment I came here the first time. I didn’t know if you’d be interested in an old man such as myself. I’m probably twenty years older than you.”
“Age doesn’t matter,” Leonard smiled. “I believe in friendship first and am not averse to being intimate early on or with friends. Anyway, maybe we could get coffee or something sometime. I’d also be interested in seeing more of your collection.”