Dancing Up the Ladder

by Loy Holder

  “Yep. I’m traveling light, so let’s go.”

  They got in Joe’s truck and drove downtown to the bus station. The building was grimy and worn. Inside, lots of people stood in lines for tickets, looking lost and soulless. It was a sad, depressing place.

  “I fit right in here with all these other bums,” Ron whispered to Joe, who stood by him in the ticket line.

  Joe smiled, shook his head, and gave Ron a nudge with his fist. “You’re gonna be fine. You’ll get back with your folks and, who knows, maybe you’ll find a great job and meet a new lady. This could be just what you need. “

  “Thanks, again, for your help.” Ron paid for his ticket, and shook Joe’s hand. “I’ll call you when I get to Nashville.”

  “I know you don’t believe it,” said Joe, grabbing Ron’s arm, “but God loves you. If you get really down, try prayer.” Joe smiled and gave Ron a final handshake. “No one has to know you’re praying.”

  It was time to board, and Joe walked with Ron to the bus. When the driver pulled out of the terminal, Ron waved at Joe through the window, settled back in his seat, and murmured, “Watch out, Tennessee. Here comes trouble.”

  * * *

  Chapter ten

  Saturday nights were slow, so closing was easy. Lucille counted the cash and placed it in the safe, made sure the staff had cleaned up, locked the door, and walked the short distance to her car. She enjoyed the fresh night air, a change from the smell of smoke and beer.

  She wished she’d taken a minute to call Liz. Ron was out of jail by now. Had he shown up? she wondered. She stepped on the gas, eager to find out.

  When she pulled into her driveway, the living-room lamp glowed through the curtain. She let herself in, and Liz came out of the kitchen, her face ashen and taut. They stood staring at each other for a second.

  In a shaky voice, Liz said, “I called the cops on him, but—” Her lips quivered and tears dampened her cheeks.

  “Easy.” Lucille placed her hands on Liz’s shoulders. “Tell me what happened.”

  Liz was tense under Lucille’s hands, and she appeared anxious. “I saw Ron at my bedroom window trying to loosen the screen, and I called nine one one. Then, I got the gun, loaded it, and pointed it at Ron. I told him to leave or I’d shoot, but he just kept working on the window. So I pulled the trigger.”

  “Oh my God, Liz!” Lucille stepped back with her palms together as if she were praying. “Did you kill him?”

  “No, damn it. I missed him, but I shot the hell out of your window. Then the deputy yelled.” Lucille listened as Liz told her what she’d seen through the sliding-glass door. Liz frowned as if to gather her thoughts.

  “Go on,” Lucille prompted when Liz stopped talking.

  “I went into the backyard, and one of the deputies—his name was Cole Peters—asked me who shot the gun and a bunch of other questions. I told him the whole story, and that I was afraid Ron was going to hurt me. Then another deputy—Joe Kelso—showed up.”

  Lucille rubbed her forehead. “Jesus, so what about Ron?”

  “Kelso said he chased Ron, but he got away.” Liz collapsed onto the couch and put her head in her hands. “God, he’s gonna come back and kill us all.”

  Lucille sat beside Liz and patted her hand. “It’ll be OK. They’ll put a warrant out for his arrest, find him, and put him away for a while, right?”

  “Yes.” Liz’s eyes flooded with tears. “But they said the warrant would only be for attempted breaking and entering because it didn’t involve domestic violence.” Liz threw up her hands. “After that, they just left. I can’t believe it.”

  “Hey, calm down. You’ll wake the kids. Listen, the warrant’s a good thing. I almost hope he does come back. He won’t ignore me. I’d relish the chance to hold him at gunpoint until the cops got here.”

  Liz gave Lucille a weak smile. “Geez, I wish I hadn’t missed, now.”

  “Well, killing Ron would have been messy.” Lucille nodded. “So I’m glad you didn’t shoot him, and I’m proud of you. With a little practice, you won’t miss next time. Where’s the gun now?”

  “I unloaded it and put it back where it was after the cops left.”

  “Good.” Lucille smiled. “You should feel great about how well you handled everything tonight.”

  “Yeah, I surprised myself. But now that awful fear is back.” Liz closed her eyes. “I feel sick. What if Ron does come back?”

  “Right now, you look like you could use some sleep. I know I could. I’ll keep the gun with me tonight, just in case.”

  Liz opened her eyes. “I’m still wound tight. Not sure I can sleep.” She stood and clutched her robe around her. “But I have an undeniable urge to get horizontal.”

  Lucille watched Liz walk toward her bedroom, massaging her neck and turning her head as if to relieve the tension of a terrifying night. When Liz was out of sight, she went to the closet, loaded the gun, and carried it into her bedroom. She lay in her bed with the gun under her pillow, and an acute urge to protect Liz and the kids washed over her like a tsunami. Is this what it feels like to be a mother, or am I just trying to protect my investment? When Liz dances, I make money.

  Sunday, Liz spent most of the day lounging in the sun and cooling off in the pool, lost in her own thoughts. The children only got into one fight, and Aunt Lucille mended the hurt feelings with large chocolate ice-cream cones.

  Ronnie and Regina played hard and skipped their naps, so after dinner they were tired and went to bed early without a fuss. Liz read them a story, and they fell asleep before Snow White ate the apple.

  The voice of Ed Sullivan came from the living room as she stepped out of the children’s bedroom. She joined Lucille in the living room to watch the tail end of the show. When it was over, Lucille turned to Liz, one knee resting on the couch. “All day, I’ve been going over in my mind what happened here last night. We need to get you some lessons at the gun range, maybe even get you a gun of your own.” She paused for a moment as if to check Liz’s reaction.

  “OK.” Liz was interested and motioned for Lucille to continue.

  “But I need to do more, right now, to help keep you and the kids safe. Tomorrow is Monday. I want you to go see that lawyer in the morning for a restraining order against Ron, and a divorce, too. I’ll pay for the whole thing.”

  “What?” Liz’s mouth flew open, and she shook her head. “That might cost a fortune, and you’ve already done so much. Thanks for offering; I don’t know what to say, but—”

  “Say yes.” Lucille sucked in a deep breath. “I feel like something bad is going to happen to you and the kids if I don’t do this. It’s for my peace of mind as well as helping you. I have the money. Please say you’ll go tomorrow. I’ll watch the kids.” She paused for a moment. “You can increase your monthly payment to me if that will make you feel better.”

  Liz bit her lip and nodded. “Well, if I say no, and something happens to me, the children will be without a mother. So, yes, I’ll do it.” Her jaw clenched. “And I’ll increase my monthly payment to you until I get everything paid off. I’m so grateful to you for all the support you’ve given me. I hope I can get an early appointment tomorrow, so I’m not late for work.”

  “Good. It’s settled, and don’t worry about the time. I’ll make sure your shift is covered until you can get there.” Lucille chuckled. “And don’t fret about the money either. I know where you live.”

  The next morning, Liz woke and heard the kids chattering in the kitchen as she slipped on her robe. Lucille was sitting at the table supervising breakfast when Liz walked in. She rubbed her eyes and yawned an apology for getting up so late. After pouring coffee into a large mug, she sat by the phone. “I’m gonna call that attorney and see if I can see him this morning.”

  “OK.” Lucille stood. “But wait until I take your little scallywags outside to play. They have big ears.”

  “Yeah, Mom.” Ronnie giggled. He put both hands behind his ears and wiggled them. “Big ears like Du
mbo. What’s a ‘turnee,’ anyway?”

  “Oh, he’s just a man I’m going to see for information.” Liz tried to sound light and cheerful.

  Lucille smiled at Ronnie and Regina. “OK, kids, you done with your breakfast?”

  Ronnie pointed to his empty plate. “Yep.”

  “Good.” You two want to go outside and play?” Lucille had to yell to Liz over the noise of the kids scrambling from the table, “I left you some pancakes in the oven.”

  The children grabbed some toys and scuttled outside with Lucille. Once alone, Liz warmed up her coffee and dialed the number.

  “Good morning, Riley and Walton,” the secretary chirped. “How may I help you?”

  “Hi. This is Liz Harmon. I want to change my Wednesday appointment to this morning, if that’s possible.”

  “Let me check Mr. Walton’s schedule.” Liz’s pulse thumped in her temple while she waited for the answer.

  When the secretary came back to the phone, she sounded almost pleasant. “Yes, Mrs. Harmon, if you can be here by eleven this morning, and don’t forget the consultation fee.”

  Relieved, Liz let out a sigh and said, “Yes, I’ll be there, and I have the money. Thank you.”

  Liz ignored the hungry growl from her stomach and joined Lucille outside to tell her the news. Lucille looked up from her paper. “You’re smiling. You must have gotten an appointment.”

  “Yes, I have to be there by eleven this morning. I’ll gobble up some pancakes and be off. You can watch Ronnie and Regina, right?”

  “Of course.” Lucille flashed Liz a big grin, and held up some cash. “Don’t forget this.”

  Liz took the money and smiled. “Thanks so much. I’ll be home as soon as I can.”

  The attorney’s office was in midtown. Liz spotted the Riley and Walton sign in the window and parked in front under a large tree shading the curb. She checked her appearance in the mirror. The lip and missing tooth would speak volumes about her situation.

  She grabbed her purse from the passenger seat, locked the car, and headed up the walkway toward a gray Craftsman bungalow. She noticed how comforting the large, cool porch was with its low gable and supporting blue pillars; and there was a charming wicker loveseat with a plush blue cushion and matching pillows beckoning visitors to sit and rest. She promised herself she would have a house just like this one day.

  Not sure if she should walk in, Liz peered through the screen door and knocked. A young woman looked up from her desk and came to the door with a friendly smile. She brushed a stray lock of her brown hair from her eyes, and motioned for Liz to come in. “I’m Mr. Walton’s secretary, Marcy Kellogg, and you are—?”

  “I’m Liz Harmon. I have an eleven o’clock appointment with Mr. Walton.” Liz stepped through the screen door and smiled back.

  “Oh yes, come this way, and I’ll get you signed in.” Marcy walked back to her desk and her high heels clicked on the hardwood floor. With a well-manicured hand, she patted the back of a comfortable chair in front of her desk and Liz settled in across from her. How can she be the same woman who was so curt to me a few days ago?

  Marcy smiled. “You really look like you need some help.” She pointed toward Liz’s face. “That lip looks painful. You said on the phone you wanted to discuss getting a restraining order and a divorce. Is that right?”

  “Yes, that’s what I want to talk to Mr. Walton about. How much would it cost for both?”

  Marcy pursed her lips. “Well, even if your husband contests it, you should win. I’d guess the maximum would be eight hundred to one thousand dollars. You can pay the consultation fee now, and we will bill you later when we see how it goes. If he doesn’t contest the divorce, it could be less than six hundred dollars.”

  “I have no idea what he’s going to do.” Liz had over $1,500 from Lucille, so she pulled $150 out of her wallet. “OK, here’s the money for the consultation. I want to get started. I have enough money to see this through.”

  “Well, I’ll write you a receipt for your payment and tell Mr. Walton you’re here. May I get you a cup of coffee or a soft drink?”

  “Yes, Coke, if you have it.”

  Marcy handed Liz the receipt and stood up. “One Coke coming right up.”

  There was a window seat across the room. Liz moved there to enjoy the view of a small garden and waterfall outside. She sipped her coke and waited for Mr. Walton. She was engrossed in the scenery when he called her name. Startled, she jumped and almost spilled the remains of her drink on the floor. She blushed with embarrassment as he held out his hand.

  “Mrs. Harmon, I’m Joseph Walton. So glad to meet you.” He had a kind smile. When he shook her hand, she noticed he had a firm grip. He was tall and youthful looking even though his hair was gray. He took her by the arm, led her into his office, and ushered her to a leather armchair in front of his desk. He appeared relaxed, but his expression was serious. “It looks like you’ve been injured. Tell me about your lip. Did your husband do that?”

  “Yes and I want a restraining order against him. I’m afraid he’ll hurt me again. I want to file for divorce, too.”

  Liz gave him the complete story, and he listened without interruption. Occasionally, her eyes would moisten with tears, and he’d hand her a tissue. When she’d poured her heart out, she shook her head. “That’s all I have. He’s a monster and he’s out there somewhere angry enough to kill me. Can you help me?”

  “Definitely. You’re entitled to a divorce on the grounds of extreme cruelty. I have a few questions in order to file what is called an interlocutory decree, and the restraining order will be included. Once I have all the information, my secretary will type up the papers, and I’ll file them in court. Your restraining order should be effective right after I file the papers. Do you have time now, or would you like to come back tomorrow?”

  Liz glanced at her watch. “Well, it’s after twelve now. I need to leave here by three. Is that enough time?”

  “It should only take another hour or so. Do you want to get started?”

  “Yes. I’m relieved that the restraining order will be in place so soon. “

  “Good. Now, do you need a drink or a bathroom break before we get to work?”

  “No, I’m good. Let’s go.”

  Community property, child support, and child custody were all foreign concepts to Liz. Mr. Walton guided her through the maze of divorce terms. When they got to “reasonable visitation,” he recommended wording to stipulate that Ron could not have the children while drunk or drinking. Liz agreed.

  When they were almost finished, he said, “You should know that Mr. Harmon will be served with these papers and he has a legal right to contest this.”

  “But when he gets the papers, the restraining order will be in effect, right?” Liz asked. That familiar fear simmered.

  “The restraining order should go into effect before or about the same time he’s served. Since he is a dangerous individual, I want to warn you that the restraining order will not guarantee your safety. Don’t let it give you a false sense of security.”

  “Right, I know that. I’ll watch and be careful. The divorce papers will give him another reason to come after me.”

  By one thirty, Mr. Walton had reviewed the information. He peered over his glasses and smiled. “Liz, I think we’ve got it. In about a year, you will be a single woman.”

  Liz blinked with surprise at the one-year wait and thought for a moment. She brushed her curls away from her face and chuckled. “Well, for some women, a year might seem long, but the way I feel now, I don’t care. I’ll never get married again.”

  Mr. Walton shook his head, and his grin ignited a spark of mischief in his green eyes. “Never say never.”

  * * *

  Chapter eleven

  After what seemed like an endless trip, the bus finally pulled into the Nashville Greyhound Station. Ron grabbed the small travel case Joe had given him, the only luggage he had, and got off the bus. Nashville seemed electric even at
six in the morning. He made his way through the colorful crowd to the nearest phone booth and called his parents. His mother answered, “Hello?”

  “Hi, Ma. It’s me.”

  “My God, Ronnie, what took you so long?”

  “Ma, it’s a long trip. I’m dead tired, and I need a shower.”

  “All right. It’ll take me a while to get down there. Grab some coffee, and wait for me out front. I’ll be driving the old black Cadillac.”

  “OK, Ma. I’ll watch for you.”

  He needed a six-pack of beer, but he was out of cash. He bought a cup of coffee with small change, and then he was completely broke. When he stepped outside, there was only a hint of daylight, but the morning air was moist and fresh. He found a bench near the front of the terminal and sat down to wait. All he wanted was some booze, a shower, and a soft bed.

  The familiar Cadillac pulled around the corner. Ron downed the last sip of his coffee, and stood to wave at his mother as she pulled up to the curb. He slid into the front seat and sank into the deep leather. “Damn, I’m wiped out.”

  “Well, you look like hell, too, but I’m glad to see you.” She frowned as she pulled away from the curb onto the main street. “So how’ve you been? We never hear from you.”

  “I’ve been lousy, Ma. Got a lot of stress on me.”

  Rita shook her head. “What kind of stress? Is one of the kids sick?”

  “I don’t wanna talk about it, Ma. I’m dead tired.”

  “Does your stress having anything to do with you coming here alone? I thought I was finally going to meet my daughter-in-law and grandchildren. What’s happened?”

  Ron swallowed and paused to look out the window. Fuck, here we go. I’d better tell her something, or she won’t let up. His answer was loud and belligerent, “I’m stressed because Liz left me, and she’s dancing almost naked in a club. She took the kids with her to live with a girlfriend.” Ron faced Rita and punched the air with his fist. “The worst is, she won’t talk to me.

  “Have you told your sister about any of this?”