For Love of Livvy

by J. M. Griffin

  "This place is nearly a duplicate of mine. The only difference is the bathrooms. Did you live here with Livvy or in the apartment upstairs?"

  "I lived upstairs for about six months before she died."

  "Where were you when she was found?"

  "I'd been skiing in Maine with friends. We were to return the next day when I got the call. It was quite a shock and my parents have taken Livvy's death real hard, especially my mother."

  "Did Livvy have any enemies that you know of?"

  My gaze lingered on his features. These were questions I'd asked myself along with those that the cops had asked. No answers were readily available so I shook my head.

  "None that I know of. She was a good person and had a lot of friends. Her funeral was massive and people came from New York, L.A. and all over. That's all I know. Why are you so curious?"

  "I'm concerned for you and can see how distraught you are over the whole ordeal. Would you like to tell me what else has been going on? I've noticed that you look quite strained lately."

  "It's just that the whole thing was a shock. I've found the jewels left on the steps and then another package in her trunk, then one in the lion. God knows what that's about, but my life has been a bit frayed around the edges."

  "You found some in the lion?"

  I nodded. “When my last intruder was here searching the house, we got into a tussle and the lion got knocked over. It was weird how it happened, but the leg turns and there's a compartment inside.” I told him how I'd found it and Richmond confiscated the gems which were from South America. I glanced up at his face while I spoke and found him staring at me.

  "What's the matter? You knew I'd found gems, we spoke of it before."

  "I know, but I didn't realize you'd found so many. Where is Richmond now, do you know?"

  "Not at the moment. Why?"

  "I need to speak with him."

  "If he shows up, I'll tell pass on the message.” My mind traveled a hundred miles an hour as I watched this giant. He had something going on, but I wasn't sure what. Old worries resurfaced as I ran a hand across my forehead. Not one more thing God, please, I prayed.

  Brown eyes scanned my face. Aaron rose from the chair. “I'll be upstairs if you need me. You'll be all right won't you? We'll go out around seven, okay?"

  "Sure, I'm fine. Thanks for everything."

  He left and I heard his light tread on the stairs. The apartment door closed as I shut mine. I returned to the counter and sat there thinking of my pile of shit life. Instead of getting better it had compounded, and now I was afraid. Me, Vinnie Esposito, scared. Wow, that was a first.

  My coffee cup sloshed as I lifted it to dump it into the sink. I took a beer out of the fridge, slugged down about half of it and turned when a car door slammed and the back door banged open. A swift knock announced Richmond as he strode into the apartment with force. His glance took in the nearest rooms before turning to me.

  "I just heard about the fire and your car. Are you all right?” He stepped forward to run warm hands up and down my arms. He kissed my forehead and leaned back.

  "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks."

  His eyes narrowed a moment before a tight grimace covered his features.

  "Want to tell me what happened?"

  I recapped my day and then sighed with resignation. “My life is a pile of stinking shit and I've had enough, Marcus."

  Hazel eyes crinkled at the corners as a smirk tickled the edges of his fine tasting lips.

  "I can see that. I'm sorry about the car. I know it wasn't very worthy, but it belonged to Livvy and had sentimental value for you."

  "Well, it's over and done with, so I have to move on."

  A sharp rap on the door announced Aaron. His face was dismal. I wasn't sure if it was over Marcus or my circumstances.

  The two sets of serious eyes surveyed one another before landing on me. I felt pinned to a cushion by them and squelched the temptation to squirm. Now what? I wondered.

  Richmond's strong arms leaned on the counter as he stared at Aaron.

  "It would appear we're investigating the same thing, Grant."

  The testosterone in the room was thick as pea soup and my need to escape mounted. If these two macho guys were having a pissing contest, I wanted to be as far from it as I could. Unfortunately, there was no option for me but to stay put.

  Dark, unreadable eyes took in the trooper with an attitude, before he answered. Aaron glanced at me and then back at Richmond.

  "The FBI is looking into the gem situation. I must say that things don't look good for Lavinia Ciano or Vinnie's two cousins. We've had them under surveillance for a while now. I'll step up the security for Vinnie if you can't,” Aaron said.

  "We can handle that, but there's also the fact that the Providence shop might be involved.” Richmond's eyes slid toward me for a moment. “I'm curious about the car though."

  "Vinnie got stuck with the car and started walking. Her cousin Frankie picked her up and then dropped her here. It was after that the car was torched. Convenient, wouldn't you say?"

  Marcus nodded, said nothing, but I could see the wheels turn.

  It was as though I wasn't even in the room. My temper soared at being spoken over instead of spoken to. Not only was there an investigation into Livvy, but also into the business in Providence and by none other than the staties and the FBI. Why I hadn't figured out Aaron was FBI, I can't say, it just hadn't occurred to me. My thoughts had turned more toward involvement with a cartel, don't ask me why, but it had.

  I stepped forward, arms akimbo and glared at the two men. Both sets of eyes took in the stance and attitude before they glanced at each other.

  "I'm in the room guys, and it'd be nice if you'd acknowledge that. Especially when discussing my family and the incidents that have taken place. You're really pissing me off now."

  I glared at Aaron. “You didn't tell me you're an FBI agent. Why I wonder? Maybe because I'd have tossed your ass out of the apartment when I realized you only wanted to work me for information. Was your interest just a game? Did you have ulterior motives the whole time? I guess so, huh?"

  Turning, I glared at Richmond as he leaned against the fridge his arms crossed. I was on a roll, and a resigned look settled on his face.

  "And you Richmond, there's no excuse for your actions. You have used me for information as well. You both assume Livvy was in this up to her eyeballs, and I'm fed up. Where the hell do you guys get off anyway? Livvy's not guilty of anything.” My voice raised an octave at a time while anger shook me. The fact that Marcus knew more about my tenant than I did, annoyed me to no end.

  I marched to the door, opened it and stood aside as my arm swept toward them and then toward the hallway.

  "Get out, both of you,” I yelled.

  At first neither man spoke or moved. They glanced at each other and then with a shrug, Aaron rose from the stool and climbed the stairs to his apartment. I heard the door close while I stared at Richmond.

  "Don't you think you might be overreacting?” he asked.

  It was the wrong thing to say. “Not really. From where I stand, I think I'm justified in tossing your butts out the door. When you guys can be honest with me, then you'll be welcome. Until then, don't come around. I've had about as much as I can take of this crap."

  "Vin, you're making assumptions here that have no merit."

  "Really? Well, you have your opinion, and I have mine. Out.” I gestured with my thumb toward the back door.

  He shook his head and walked toward the hallway. He stopped an inch or so from me and leaned in to quickly brush his lips across mine. It was nearly my undoing, but I held my ground and watched him leave. Heavy hearted, I locked the door and leaned against it.

  My little voice sang praises that I'd made the right choice, but my heart squeezed with pain. I wasn't so sure I'd done the right thing. Maybe I'd overreacted, after all, Aaron did say he was investigating something. I should have realized he was FBI since I hang out with cops
, teach them and know the signs. As far as Richmond went, well I'd known all along he thought my aunt and I were in cahoots, or at least, that my aunt was guilty of smuggling.

  My mind flew over the past few weeks as I sat at the counter, my chin cupped in my hand. A deep sigh huffed from my body as I thought of Richmond's love making. The way he touched me set fire to my soul. His lips turned my bones to jelly and my knees to water. Good golly, I thought in despair.

  The stool slid back, and I wandered through the French doors onto the deck out back. Sweet summer scents tickled my nose. I breathed deeply of the honeysuckle, which climbed the deck rail, in an effort to bring some semblance of order back into my mind. My life, well that was another story. I had no hopes at this moment of clearing Aunt Livvy's name or returning the gems to the bad guys. All I could manage was to buy another car.

  The phone jingled and I stepped inside to answer it, but looked at the caller I.D. first. It was Lola so I knew I was safe. With the phone in hand, I headed back outside and plunked down in the lounge chair.

  "Hey Lola, what's up?"

  "MacNert was just here and told me about your car. What are your plans? Are you all right?” Her worried voice carried a high pitch to it.

  "I'm fine, but the car was torched after I arrived home. I think my cousin Frankie did it. But now I need a new car and Aaron pissed me off so he won't be taking me."

  "Did I miss something here or what? I'll be right up and we can shop for a car while you fill me in on whatever else has happened. Cripes, you've never had such a busy summer, have you?” Her chuckle tinkled across the line bringing a reluctant smile to my face.

  "Come on up, you're about the only sane person I know right now."

  "Fair enough, I'll be right there."

  The line went dead and I headed inside, locking up as I went through the house.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter 16

  After a quick change of clothes, I flipped my hair into a clip and waited outside on the front steps for Lola to swing by. Her smart little car turned into the post office parking area and swung out across the street to the curb in front of my house. I hurried through the front gate and slid into the seat in case Aaron or anyone should decide to interfere with my plans. Still frazzled over my experiences, I had no tolerance for anyone else's plans.

  With a quick glance at my face, Lola smiled and hit the gas. We took off like a rocket as the little car sped toward Johnston. It was the next town east of Scituate and there were car dealers everywhere. They offered new, slightly used, very used, previously owned and downright battered cars for sale.

  "So spill it, come on. Don't keep me in suspense, I can't take it.” Lola vibrated with barely concealed anticipation.

  It occurred to me that I might be the only one that wasn't enjoying this whole affair. My eyes tilted toward her and a heavy sigh preceded the latest chapter in what had become a long string of chapters. If I was a writer, this would make a hell of a story. Since I'm not and this was happening to me, then it wasn't such a fun series of events.

  The story spread out before her like an unraveled ball of yarn. The more I went on, the worse I felt, and the wider Lola's eyes got. She was so rapt that we drove right past the car dealerships and ended up at Coffee & Donuts for iced coffee.

  "They don't sell cars here, Lola,” I said as we swung into the drive through and ordered.

  "I know, sorry. It's just that the story made me thirsty and besides, I forgot where we were going."

  "Fine, let's go back to Hartford Avenue and look at what they have there for cars.” I sipped my latte and held on tight as the dynamic little car scooted into traffic.

  Bright shiny cars, SUV's and pickup trucks lined the lot. How would I ever make a choice? We stepped from the Cooper and with iced coffees in hand, Lola and I started the hunt.

  "Any favorite color or style car in mind, Vin?” She asked.

  "Uh uh, I just want a reasonably priced and decent car to get me back and forth to work and around town. Nothing fancy, just a run of the mill car.” My eyes glazed over at the sight of so many choices.

  We walked up and down the aisles until I couldn't see straight. I stood with my hand leaning on the surface of a bright red Taurus. It was a previously owned model, or second hand as far as I was concerned. Of course, I knew the salesman would tell me it belonged to some eight hundred year old lady who'd only driven it to church and home. Yeah, right.

  "Let's look at this one,” I said and walked around the low slung car peering into the windows. It was clean, and the price wasn't bad either. Yep, this was the baby for me.

  A gravelly voice asked, “Can I get you the keys for this car, Miss?"

  I turned and stared at a guy with mustard snot on the front of his necktie and a suit that had seen better days. His eyes flickered over me like I was on the dinner menu. I glanced at Lola. She took in the details of his attire and stepped forward.

  "Why yes, you may.” The Julia Roberts smile blinded him and he stood star struck.

  The salesman scurried back to the showroom to get the keys. He must have realized he had a live one on his hands and wanted the sale.

  This woman may be tiny, but she packed a wallop with that brilliant set of snags. I turned away with a chuckle and walked around the car, giving it the once over. It was a beauty, and I'd fallen in love with the rich colored exterior of it. Maybe I'd have better luck with this car than my last two.

  Keys jangled as the salesman approached. His affable grin didn't fool me for a second, since I knew my money was all he was interested in. This wouldn't be a lifelong friendship. I stepped forward with my hand out.

  He set the keys in my palm and said, “Just take her for a spin and see how she handles. I'll be right here when you get back.” He handed me his card and I expected it to have mustard snot too, but it was in pristine condition.

  A smile hovered around my mouth, and I nodded as he turned to Lola with a wide grin. She might be on the menu too. We slid onto the smooth leather interior and buckled up. The motor turned over and the car purred like a satisfied cat. Lola and I grinned at one another. I slipped the shift into drive and we took off.

  The slinky car maneuvered onto the nearby highway as we picked up speed. Before we knew it, we'd passed several exits and were nearly into Massachusetts. At the next exit, I turned back toward the dealership and drove at a reasonable speed.

  "What do you think, Lola?” I asked with an excited grin.

  "It's perfect, you should buy it."

  "Yeah, that's what I thought. I'm hungry, let's do the paperwork and get something to eat."

  "Okay. We can get a burger or whatever."

  For someone so small, Lola could hold her own in the food department. How she managed to be slim is unfathomable to me. We headed into the car lot and noticed the salesman pacing back and forth. I chuckled and Lola laughed at the man.

  "Guess he's a tad anxious, huh?” Lola asked.

  "Yep, safe to say. Let's break the good news to him, shall we?"

  I stepped from the car, handed Mr. Mustard Snot the keys and told him I wanted the car. His eyes lit up as he hustled us inside to start the paperwork. We haggled over the price for a while, but I won out. By the time I left, he was just glad to be rid of me, but no more so than I was to be gone.

  With several burgers, fries and drinks tucked into bags on the front seat of the Cooper, we headed toward Scituate. Lola pulled into the driveway and parked next to Aaron's truck. Her car was so short that the enormous truck loomed over it in comparison. We'd just walked around the huge vehicle when the back door opened, and he stepped outside with a look of surprise on his face.

  "I was wondering where you'd gotten to. It kind of made me worry since I had invited you out for a burger.” His charming smile showed none of the earlier chagrin when I'd tossed him and Richmond out of the house.

  "We've got burgers, why don't you join us?” Lola asked with a bright, shiny grin.

  God
, what have I done to deserve all this? Lola was hot for Aaron and was determined to clear the air, it seemed. Hefting the bag of food onto the counter, I set out napkins and glasses to share the drinks. I felt Aaron's eyes follow my actions as he and Lola kept up a light banter. Finally, I turned and looked him square in the face.

  "Sorry I was rude earlier. I was a bit angry at everyone over the fact that you guys haven't quite been as open as you could be.” Begrudgingly, I shoved a burger toward him with a tiny smile. “Eat your burger."

  He nodded and dug into the food like a starving man. Good thing we'd bought extra, but then maybe Lola had this in mind all along. My eyes strayed to her as I munched a couple of fries. Her eyes sparkled as she stared back. Yep, she'd planned this.

  "Have you spoken with Richmond?” I asked as my gaze traveled the handsome features of the man.

  "He called to find out if you'd tossed me out of my apartment. Marcus figured you were angry enough to do that, but I didn't think you'd be that rash. I wasn't wrong, was I?"

  "No, you can stay. After all, I might need your help when I have another burglar or something equally dramatic happens. I'll tell you one thing, I can't take much more of this drama crap.” So I lied about the drama, so what?

  Replete, the three of us lounged outside on the deck and chatted about stupid things, avoiding the events of the day. Aaron stood with a grin and said good night. He left Lola and me outside alone.

  "You didn't mention the car, why?"

  "It's none of his business or Richmond's either for that matter."

  "Does this mean you're still angry with them?"

  "Not angry, just put out. They've been secretive, and I don't like it. I'm supposed to tell them everything, but it's a one way street, you know? Kind of ticks me off. I thought Richmond and I had something good going, but I'm not so sure now."

  "Like, what kind of a good thing?” Her fine eyebrows waggled up and down.

  Laughter gurgled from my throat, and I nodded at her.

  "That's the kind."

  She stood and stretched with a wide grin on her face. “I've got to go back and close the deli out. Want to come or have you about had it for the day?"