by Jason Deas
“Bendy!” he yelled as Benny stood from the car. “Red missing you so bad. Galaxie not, but Red do.”
Benny hugged Red. As he did, Benny felt his heart gush with warm feelings for the kid.
“I missed you too, Red. Let’s go inside.”
Red set Galaxie down on the front porch and let the umbrella down. Red hung it on a hook just outside the front door and held the door open for Ned and Benny. Inside, Benny saw the blanket over the television.
“Is that television still watching you?” he teased.
“It try. I not let it. Can I get you some lemons water?” he asked Benny and Ned.
“Please,” Benny said. “You make the world’s best lemons water.”
“No thanks Red; I gotta run,” Ned said. “I’ll bring you the picture of Brother Jim tomorrow morning when I drive you back to the airport.”
“Cool,” Benny said. “Thanks for everything. I have something to give you tomorrow as well. Can you take a magazine and run the fingerprints for me somehow?”
Ned smiled. “I’ll take the fifth. Bring the magazine.”
Ned took off and Red disappeared to the kitchen to get the lemons water. Galaxie shot Benny a look and followed Red into the kitchen.
When Red came back with the drinks, Benny let Red tell him all about the plants, and Galaxie, and more about the plants. Red showed him the telephone and how Ned had helped him label it so he would know which end did what. Red talked and talked and talked. Benny loved listening to every crazy word.
When he finally seemed finished, Benny said, “Ned told me about some lady who came by here looking for me.”
“The good news lady. She say she having good news but she not. She only wanting to talk about you.”
“I’m sorry she bothered you, Red.”
“It OK. Red did a bad thing, Bendy. Red tell the good news lady a lie.”
“It’s fine, Red. I don’t think she’s a good person.”
“I should call her and tell her she the bad news lady.”
“I wish we could call her.”
“If you talky machine broke, you use mine.”
“I would have to have her phone number.”
“Red have.”
“You do?”
“Yep, the bad news lady give me some numbers and tell me call if I see you.” Red shuffled some papers on the coffee table and pulled out the one with her number. “Here,” he said. “Bad news lady number.”
Benny held the number in his hand and said, “Oh my God, Red. Is this really her number?”
“Yep. Red not tell any more lies. It feel yucky inside.”
Benny smiled. “Pack a bag buddy. I need you to go to Florida with me tomorrow.”
It took Benny two plus hours to talk Red into leaving his plants and Galaxie for Florida. Once Red found out he and Benny would be travelling by airplane, he almost backed out of the trip entirely. Benny was finally able to convince him that the plants and Galaxie would be fine, and that air travel was safe. Ned promised Red over the phone on four different phone calls that he would take care of the plants and Galaxie like they were his very own. To satisfy Red, Ned had to finally promise Red that he would sleep at Red’s.
Benny gave Ned the girlie magazine on the way to the airport in a brown paper bag. Benny did not want Red to see it as he was sure it would raise a lot of questions. Ned gave Benny the picture he had found of Brother Jim.
Red screamed bloody murder as the plane took off from the Peachtree Dekalb Airport. Benny and his brother Douglas laughed at Red’s innocence. Once in the air, Red relaxed and marveled at the sights out the window. He went on and on about the little squares on the ground. The landing brought him terror once again, and once again he had Benny and Douglas in stitches.
Rachael picked Benny and Red up at the airport. Red talked a mile a minute about what he had just experienced. As Red talked, he mentioned that the air smelled funny in Florida. Benny and Rachael both realized simultaneously that Red had never seen the ocean. Rachael made a beeline for the closest beach as Red continued to blab.
As the ocean came into view, Red’s talking abruptly stopped. Benny turned around in his seat to get a look at Red’s facial expression and saw the magnificence of the moment spread across his features. It began in his eyes. Benny mentally categorized it as an instant of fear giving away to wonder and disbelief. It trickled down his rising cheeks to his mouth which dropped, unable to speak.
“Pretty cool, huh Red?” Benny asked.
“The coolest coolest. I not can see the other side.”
“That’s how big the ocean is.”
“Can Red touch it?”
“Yes, you can’t see the ocean for the first time without touching the water.”
Rachael took a peek in the rear view mirror at Red’s face and the wonderment and innocence tickled her insides.
Red exited the car in a zombielike state. Without being told, he took off his shoes and peeled off his socks. Benny and Rachael did the same. Red walked across the sand and approached the water with reverence. The tide was coming in. A wave crashed as Red neared the water’s edge and he froze. Benny and Rachael stood on opposite sides of Red. Red grabbed their hands and together the three walked forward. Another wave crashed and the water poured over their feet with great force. Red laughed as if it was the first time he had ever laughed. Pure joy radiated from deep inside.
Letting go of his hand, Benny said, “Come on, Red,” and he ran into the ocean before the water took him out at the knees and he fell into a wave.
“You have you clothes on,” Red shouted.
“The ocean doesn’t mind.”
“Let’s go,” Rachael said, still holding Red’s hand. She tugged at his arm and he began to run. Just as they were about to reach the point where Benny was, a wave crashed and they both went down.
Red popped up, howling with glee. “It tastes not like you lake water.”
“It sure doesn’t,” Benny said.
After swimming and talking for awhile, Red looked at Benny and Rachael and said, “Red ready.”
“Ready for what?” Benny asked.
“I ready to help you catch that bad man.”
“Let’s get him, buddy. Let’s get him.”
Chapter 30
Benny set Red up in an adjoining room at the hotel. Red had never in his life experienced such luxury and went on and on about the two toilets. Benny tried to explain to him what a bidet did, but the idea was too foreign for Red to comprehend. Red pulled the comforter off the bed and threw it over the television and Benny held his tongue. After Red covered the television, he noticed a wrapped piece of chocolate on the pillow.
“Bendy, I hope you not paying too much monies to this place. They not clean up very good.”
Again, Benny tried to explain.
“Let’s look at your view from the balcony,” Benny suggested.
Benny pulled open the sliding glass door and the ocean’s scent drifted into the room. Red walked to the balcony and once again was under its spell.
“I can hear her from all the way here,” Red said.
“You’re already referring to the ocean as a her. That’s a good sign.”
Red ignored Benny’s comment and sat down in a chair, putting his feet up on the railing.
“I’ll be next door if you need me.”
“I be right here. I don’t want ever to forget how she sound and smell.”
As Benny re-entered his and Rachael’s room, she hung up her cell phone and beamed.
“Reverend Jim agreed to an interview,” she said.
“That’s great, babe. When?”
“He has agreed to be on tomorrow night’s show.”
“That’s terrific.”
Benny’s phone rang. It was Ted.
“They did what?” Benny asked. “I’ll be damned. Thanks for the call. Is it OK if I tell Rachael? Thanks.” Benny hung up the cell.
“What?” Rachael asked.
“The police f
ound another body under a bridge. Do you remember the cheerleader who caused such an uproar from the Jacksonville Jaguars because she was topless in a television show?”
“Yeah. Kendra Perkins.”
“The FBI identified a new body as hers.”
“Are you getting close to figuring this out?” Rachael asked.
“I am.”
“How do you know?”
“It’s a feeling. I have it every time.”
“God, I hope it’s right.”
“It always is.”
The next morning, Rachael’s television crew was busy creating a set in front of one of West Palm Beach’s bridges. Rachael thought it was tacky, but her thoughts were overridden by her producer. She hoped it would not offend Reverend Jim.
Benny and Red had plans to visit Jacksonville, with a quick stop first at Dirk’s Rentals. Benny hoped Dirk would remember Beth and be able to give him some valuable information about her.
“Are you returning the car?” Dirk asked.
“No. Do you remember a Beth Marvin?”
“Nope.”
Benny pulled a hundred dollar bill out of his pocket. “Do you remember now? She charged something on her credit card here three days ago.”
“Oh, that Beth Marvin,” Dirk said, taking the bill and shoving it into his pocket. “I remember.”
“What did she want?”
“I don’t remember.”
Benny was not a man of violence, nor did he like it very much, but enough was enough. Benny thrust his arm across the counter and grabbed Dirk by the neck and pulled him to where the two men were face to face.
“I don’t like to be an asshole, but you’re forcing my hand. What did Beth pay you for? And don’t tell me she rented the Air Jordans.”
“She was looking for you.”
“And what did she pay three hundred dollars for?”
“I told her where you were staying.”
“What else,” Benny said, tightening his grip on Dirk’s neck.
“I swear that is it. I told her where you were staying and what kind of car you were driving.”
“What else?”
“I swear that’s all.”
Benny loosened his grip and pushed Dirk against the wall. Dirk’s back hit the fake wood paneling, and he collapsed to the floor.
Red, who had been standing behind Benny the entire time decided he would pipe in and said, “You bad person.”
“You told him,” Benny said to Red as they exited the building.
“I not like him hat,” Red said. “He not a real cowboy.”
“No, he isn’t. Let’s get on the road to Jacksonville.”
“OK.”
“We’ll call Beth as soon as we get back tonight.”
“OK.”
“Did you bring a few cassettes like I asked?”
“Yep.” Red dug around in a little duffle bag he had packed for the day trip and pulled out two cassettes. He studied them both and popped one into the player. Moments later the sounds of the Byrds filled the car and Red eyed Benny with a devilish smile.
“Perfect,” Benny said. Benny peeled out of Dirk’s lot and headed north toward Jacksonville.
Rachael drove over to have a late breakfast at the Finer Diner. She hoped to see Azim, but knew it was probably too late. Rachael thought he would already be home and in bed. Being an odd hour in between breakfast and lunch, the diner’s parking lot was fairly empty. Rachael imagined the staff caught their breath during this time and geared up for the lunch rush.
Inside the restaurant, where one is usually greeted by a host or hostess, there was no one. Rachael pleasantly spied Azim toward the back of the restaurant at his private booth with his back to her. Instead of calling out to him, she thought she would surprise him.
Rachael approached him and lightly put her hand on his shoulder. He jumped as if he had been zapped with a Taser.
“I’m so sorry,” Rachael said as he turned around to see who it was.
As he turned, Azim tried to hide what was in his hands, but Rachael saw what it was—a braided snake.
“You startled me,” Azim said. He put the braided snake on his lap and out of sight. “Please have a seat.”
Rachael sat. “What are you hiding from me?”
“You saw that?” Azim looked frightened.
“Yes.” Benny had told Rachael about the braided snakes. “How did you make it?” This method of questioning was a trick she had learned in school. The professors had taught that you never give them an easy out with a yes or no question. The idea was to make whomever you were questioning explain their answer.
“I didn’t make this. It was Josephine’s.”
“You never mentioned it before.”
“I didn’t know it was important. Is it?”
“Yes, it is. All of the girls who’ve been murdered had at least one of these.”
“Oh my God. I had no idea.”
“It’s OK,” Rachael said, believing him. “How did you get it from her?”
“I am ashamed of my answer.”
“What do you mean?”
“I stole it from her. She said a customer or admirer had given it to her and she asked me to put it behind the bar until her shift was over. I told her I did just that and somebody either took it or had mistaken it for trash and threw it away. My jealousy got the best of me.”
“Why did you keep it?”
“I don’t know. Something about it is very intriguing. You know by my collections at this restaurant that I love art. Whoever made this is full of angst. They are a tortured soul. I can’t tell you how I know, but I know art and that is what the art tells me. I just listen.”
“Can I see it?”
Azim’s eyes widened. He thought about his answer for a moment, and finally said, “OK.” Azim handed the braided snake across the table to Rachael.
Rachael took it into her hands. “Wow, this is intricate. Somebody spent a lot of time working on this.” Rachael studied the snake from all angles, turning it over, and rubbing her finger along its different parts. “I can see what you mean about getting a feeling about the artist. Some of the ways in which the wires have been bent look like they were bent in anger.”
“And frustration,” Azim added.
“I’ve never really felt as strongly about a piece of art as I do with this one.”
“It was made with true energy.”
“Could I possibly borrow this for a few days?”
“Sure.”
“Thank you,” Rachael said. “What else does it tell you about the artist?”
“He hates himself.”
The drive to Jacksonville took Benny and Red almost five hours. They arrived a little after three in the afternoon. Once in town, Benny pulled over to find Kendra’s address, which Ted had given him, and he mapped a route to her house. Benny wanted to drive from her house to the Dames Point Bridge to get a feel for what Brother Jim would have had to travel.
“Who we meet with?” Red asked.
“No one, buddy. I just wanted to see the girl’s house who was killed and drive over the bridge a few times where she died.”
“Long drive for looking two things.”
“I know it probably doesn’t make much sense, but it’s how I have to work. Since I’m not a part of the police force or with the FBI anymore, they won’t let me inside the house or give me access to the crime scene. The best I can do is get a feeling for what the killer felt. Sometimes, it’s all I need.”
“That making sense to me, Bendy. It how I find you. When Mama and Papa gone, I get on bus because of feeling. I know.”
“I’m glad you understand, buddy. Thanks for riding with me. I know it was a long ride to get a feeling.”
“I do it for you every time.”
Benny found Kendra’s street. As soon as he did, he knew he was not the only person who had found the address. Media vans crowded the already narrow street. Red counted a dozen or so police cars and what he called “the
sneaky police,” which were the unmarked cars. Benny decided to park the car and walk up to the house until he was asked to leave. He didn’t plan on causing any trouble, and thought he would see how far he could push his luck. Benny asked Red to stay in the car. He gave him his cell phone, dialed Ned, and told Red to check on his plants and Galaxie.
Police tape created a perimeter around the yard. The media was positioned just outside the yellow tape. Benny crossed it like he was supposed to be there. He did not give anyone eye contact and made his way to the front door. The door had been propped open with a dumbbell and Benny walked inside without hesitation.
Just inside the door stood what Benny imagined to be a rookie FBI agent. Benny nodded his way and said, “Afternoon.”
The rookie didn’t know what to say and was saved by Jessica. “Mr. James, I could arrest you for entering a crime scene without proper authorization.”
Benny leaned in and whispered, “You would like to put me in cuffs, now wouldn’t you?”
“Can I speak to you outside?” Jessica said, with her game face on.
“It would be my pleasure.”
Jessica walked around to the back of the house and Benny followed her.
“You don’t work for the FBI or the police department, the last time I checked.”
“I don’t. You’re right. I have no business here.”
“That’s it. You’re going to leave that easily?”
“I saw what I needed to see.”
“You didn’t see anything.”
“Please,” Benny said. “Brother Jim drove his car, or what is probably a van to the backyard. The grass is bent down just slightly in a perfect arc around the house.” Jessica looked to see what Benny was talking about and back to Benny. “And he went in that window,” Benny said, pointing to the window where Brother Jim had crawled inside. “I can see a fingerprint from here. He was nervous and sweaty.” Jessica’s eyes took a quick glance at the window. “What do they teach you kids these days at Quantico?” Benny walked away, back toward his car.
“There are fingerprints all over the house!” she yelled after him, not wanting Benny to think he had gotten the best of her.
He waved his hand in the air.