Coffee in hand, Jerry sat down at the desk in his study and switched on the laptop. He drank the coffee while Windows booted up. He accessed the remote camera, sat back and watched.
As usual, the image was grainy at first, but he could make out Ellie leaving her bathroom and walking to her bed. She tucked one of her toy bears into the bed, got down on her knees, and prayed.
Jerry was intrigued. He watched as Ellie crossed herself, retrieved the videotape box from under the bed, and stood up. He leaned closer to the screen and watched intently as Ellie opened the box. Then he smiled as she discarded the contents into the trash can and dropped the box on top of it all.
Jerry finished his coffee and went to his bedroom. He was careful to remain quiet, and silently closed the door. He pulled open the drawer to the bedside table and rummaged through the contents. Eventually he found a small piece of paper with a foreign telephone number written on it.
Faint light crept into the room, past the curtain fittings and a small gap in the velvet drapes.
On the bed, a middle-aged couple was asleep. His snores induced by expensive red wine. Her beauty was paid for.
The phone rang. No immediate movement.
Ring. Ring.
They started to come around. He blindly shifted his huge mass.
"Answer the phone."
She switched on the bed-side light and, more annoyed than concerned, picked up the phone.
"Hello?"
"Deborah, we need to talk."
Jerry had difficulty finding the words.
"It's about your daughter. We need to discuss her future."
The next morning in the kitchen, Jerry looked ten years younger. He sported a smile that spoke of nothing but optimism and happiness as he proudly watched while the beaming Ellie cooked a lavish breakfast. He had only felt like this once before; twenty-four years ago, when he held this woman as a naked newborn.
For the first time in years, she was dressed in clothes that didn't look like a pile of ill-fitting sacks. She relayed her plans to Jerry with a newfound sense of confidence.
Lindsay answered the door to a bouquet-carrying and dashingly dressed Jerry. Without acknowledging the flowers, her eyes questioned him. His growing smirk answered her question: she was free. And Jerry was soon smothered in affection and kisses.
Lindsay noticed Ellie in the awaiting cab, and before she could say anything, Jerry took hold of her hand and dragged her towards it. She broke his grip, ran back into the house, retrieved her bag, closed the door, and joined him.
On Pier 39, the three of them posed for a Polaroid with the sea lions in the background. Jerry paid the photographer, who handed him the image. All three playfully fought over who would be the keeper, but no amount of pleading from the women could convince Jerry to hand over ownership. They shoved him and walked on. Jerry was happy to stand back and let them get acquainted.
At the restaurant, he poured the wine as he listened to them gossip. When he tried to offer a male perspective, they stared him down, but their shaking heads and berating expressions couldn't keep the smile from his face, or stop him from picking up the tab.
At the Orpheum Theatre, they were enthralled by a performance of Macbeth. Act four, scene one: Macbeth informed by the three witches. Lindsay's hand was planted firmly on Jerry's groin.
At the Fields Racetrack, all three of them handed over their winning tickets to the booth operator. He checked them, then counted and passed over the stacks of dollars to the grateful recipients.
The jockeys whipped their horses, fought for the space needed to power ahead in this large field. It was a battle: hard to tell whether the animals or humans displayed the most aggression. But it didn't matter to Jerry, Lindsay or Ellie, who again handed over their winning slips to the impressed tote booth operator. It took him longer to count the winnings this time; he didn't even have to break the seal on a wad of bills for Jerry, but just slid it over.
In the trainers' area, Ellie and Lindsay were introduced to Slim Genie. Chou showed up. By his demeanor, one could tell he too was sharing the same good fortune as the others. Jerry introduced the girls to Chou and Buzz, who took out his cell and ordered the four of them into a pose.
Jerry turned to Slim Genie and paid her special attention while the others chatted. He whispered something into her ear. The horse responded with a neigh and a nod of its head.
Chou checked his watch and informed Jerry that he was keen to get back to the stands. They said their good-byes to Buzz and Slim Genie, then departed.
In the back stands, Jerry popped open a bottle of champagne and soaked not only Chou, Ellie and Lindsay with it, but most of the surrounding regulars.
"Lucky bastard," groused one of them, who wasn't having the same fortune that day.
Their plastic cups were filled and they shared a toast. Chou was especially ecstatic.
"Slim Genie up next."
"I know," Jerry replied. "let's go lose a fortune!" He turned to the girls. "We'll be back. And don't trust any of these reprobates."
"Who are you betting on, Craig?" asked one of the regulars.
"The one and only," he volleyed, and he and Chou left.
"So much for his lucky run."
Ellie turned to Lindsay.
"I wanted to thank you."
"What for?"
"I've never seen my dad so happy."
She noticed Lindsay's hesitant reaction.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. He makes me happy, too."
At the tote booth, Jerry and Chou handed over their winning tickets. The operator processed them, counted the cash and passed it to them.
"What are the latest odds for Slim Genie?" Jerry inquired.
The operator checked her screen.
"Twenty to one."
Jerry reached into various pockets and produced wad after wad of bills, setting them all on the counter.
"I want...nine grand on her to win."
Chou choked on his beer, spitting it out over Jerry, the operator, and the counter. He signaled his apology.
"Jerry-man gone crazy. To place. Place! Jerry-man, don't be crazy. You still owe me new car. No second-hand shit."
Jerry stared into the operator's eyes.
"Nine grand. Slim Genie to win."
The operator shrugged.
"It's your cash, Jerry."
Chou repeatedly slapped his head, but then fished out his wads of bills.
"Slim Genie, two thousand to win. Yes, I'm fool."
The operator handed over the two slips.
"Good luck."
She meant it. The odds for Slim Genie decreased on the monitor.
"And they're off!"
The horses battled for position. Slim Genie looked strong as she forced her way to the front of the stable. Though the regulars in the back stands were cheering for Slim Genie, none were as animated as the owners themselves. Near euphoria, they willed their fancy on with all their energy.
And it seemed to work: Slim Genie pulled away from the rest. She got stronger with every length. Her jockey played his part, dug his heels into her side, whipped the head hard, and screamed encouragement.
Jerry and Chou danced all the way to the rail. Chou grabbed both Jerry's shoulders and shouted through beer-tainted spittle.
"Organic vegetables and anabolic steroids good for Slim Genie!"
Slim galloped towards the finish line. It was now only a race for second place. The cheers got louder, mostly from the back-stand regulars, as no other group would have thought it possible. They became more boisterous, surrounding Jerry like he was a quarterback who'd just thrown the winning touchdown pass at the Superbowl. Slim Genie crossed the line, winning by at least a dozen lengths. Jerry and Chou were lost in the celebrating mob.
All Ellie and Lindsay could do was hang back and watch gamblers be gamblers. Jerry and Chou managed to free themselves from the mass of bodies and ran through the stan
ds like drunken teenagers in a nightclub, powered by alcohol and pure adrenaline.
They entered the trainers' area, ran up to Buzz and Slim Genie. Both threw their arms around the horse. Although he felt a little ignored, Buzz knew most, if not all, the credit for the victory was his.
"She ran like the wind, didn't she?"
Chou shook Buzz's hand.
"I buy her new stables! Good horse. Jerry, we go to Vegas. Lady Luck dance tango with us!"
Jerry thought about it and smiled.
Back at the tote booth, Chou counted his money. Jerry signed a document as the tote manager watched on. Some of Jerry's winnings were in front of him, in cash.
"I want the rest in by nine-thirty tomorrow morning," Jerry said.
The manager nodded.
"Sure thing, Jerry. I know I'll get it all back soon."
He took the signed document and headed to his office.
Jerry slid a five grand wad of bills over to Chou.
"That's for the inconvenience of having to wait for the car insurance pay out."
"You too kind, Jerry!" yelled Chou.
Both men then stuffed the cash into their pockets and rejoined Ellie and the quizzical Lindsay.
"You're going to Vegas? How much did you win?!"
"Just south of two hundred grand."
"I hope that's an open invitation to go with you," continued Lindsay.
"How could I not bring the two most important women in my life?"
They shared a group hug. Chou's arms rose in the air as he shouted out with glee.
"Oh yes, Vegas baby!"
It was every degenerate gambler's dream city: Las Vegas, Nevada.
Jerry wheeled Lindsay on the luggage trolley as Chou and Ellie jogged behind them. By their appearance and behavior, the party hadn't stopped at the racetrack. They exited the airport and got straight into their awaiting limousine. With the windows and sunroof opened, the champagne-consuming group observed the Strip's life-and-cash-sucking monstrosities that were labeled hotels.
After they checked into the MGM Grand and dumped their bags in the rooms, they hit the casino floor. While Jerry got straight into the gambling, Chou was more interested in trying out his odds with several pristine gold diggers.
Jerry had Lindsay blow on the dice before launching the six- sided devils down the felt. His eyes glanced to the roof. The divine intervened on Jerry's behalf and landed him a winner.
At the roulette table, all four picked their numbers and combinations right before the croupier spun the wheel. The anticipation, prayers and doubts of all involved would soon be answered as the croupier released the ball. As if under some kind of spell, all eyes followed the random pinging and bouncing that would produce a single number. The ball rested on red 32. Jerry lost for the first time in days, but Ellie didn't, and the croupier slid her winnings over.
In the bar at the MGM Grand, Lindsay danced with the drunken Chou. Jerry and Ellie were seated at the table. Ellie watched her father as he proudly watched Lindsay. She wanted to say something, but it took her half a song before she found the courage.
"She's so nice."
"I've fallen in love with an angel."
"Just--"
"Don't say it. At my age, I need something."
Ellie took a drink.
"You're right, Dad."
"You don't like her?"
Jerry needed a drink before she answered.
"I do. Just slow down."
His eyes fell on Lindsay again. "Fuck it. I deserve to be happy."
The jewelry store in the MGM Grand owed its existence to the completely acceptable phenomenon of impulse buying. Hit it big, buy a new watch. Lose, desire the watch from outside through the thick glass.
Jerry and Lindsay browsed over the diamond rings.
"You're crazy, Jerry."
"It's only a friendship ring."
He looked up at the assistant.
"Am I the oldest, craziest fool that's been in here buying a ring for a much younger, exquisite lady?"
The assistant couldn't even keep a straight face.
"Oh no, sir. You wouldn't even be in the top thousand of the old, crazy fools I've served in here."
Jerry kissed Lindsay on the neck.
"See?" he said.
Lindsay turned her attention to the rings and studied them closely. The more expensive ones gained her attention. She pointed out two of them.
"Can I see that one and this one?"
The assistant sprang to action.
In her hotel room, Ellie stared at her cell. The piece of paper with Logan's contact details rested beside it. She took a few deep breaths and typed the number. Brian's mother answered.
"Hello?"
"Hi," said Ellie sheepishly.
"Ellie, is that you?"
"I want to talk to my son."
"I don't think that is appropriate."
"Please, I just want to hear his voice again."
"No. And don't phone here again. I'll forward photographs to whatever mental institution you'll be in next."
The line went dead. Tears came to Ellie's eyes. She shook with anger, threw the cell to the other side of the room, and stormed out.
They walked the Strip: Ellie lagged behind the two smooching couples - Chou had found himself a tasty hooker by this stage, who was only too willing to be treated right for the evening.
Ellie saw a man hand out flyers for escorts. Her pace slowed as she approached the flyer man and struck up a conversation. His friendly smile disappeared and the business side took over. He nodded and passed Ellie a card with his personal number on it.
Back in the MGM bar, both couples danced the night away. Jerry and Lindsay only had eyes for each other.
Ellie waited at the bar. The flyer man entered and made his way to her. An exchange was made - his drugs for her money. The flyer man left. No one raised an eyebrow in the crowded place throughout the whole transaction. Ellie went straight for the restrooms.
In their suite, Jerry and Lindsay kissed all the way to the bed. He threw her on top of it. She grabbed Jerry, dragged him on top of her and used her lips to give special attention to his ears and neck.
"My life is getting better every second," he announced as he unfastened his pants.
"Our life, you mean?"
"Of course, and may we live to be a hundred!"
During the sex, Jerry was dominating and passionate. She was only too willing to be submissive this time. Jerry whispered into her ear.
"I'm gonna buy a new ticker. I want to satisfy you at least twice a day."
"Come here," was the sultry response as she pulled Jerry closer and stroked his face, stealing a glance at the clock on the bedside table, before whispering into his ear.
"Tomorrow brings chance and opportunity from every angle."
"Every second our lives are changing for the better," Jerry gasped.
"A new start."
"A new start," he agreed.
Lindsay put more effort into her love-making. Jerry finally climaxed and collapsed beside her.
She stole another glance at the clock as she repositioned her body and began to massage his head.
"Oh, that's good," he moaned.
Lindsay put more effort into it. Within seconds, Jerry drifted off.
Night turned into day. The room phone eventually snapped Jerry out of his deep sleep. He felt across the sheets for Lindsay, surprised when he didn't feel her. Jerry hurriedly picked up the phone and looked around the room.
"Hello?"
"Dad, we're going to be late."
"I...I'm coming now, sweetheart."
He hung up, knew something was wrong when he noticed only his belongings. He got up, checked the safe, and punched the wall when he found it empty. He picked up his pants, checked his pockets and wallet - but they were empty, too.
Back in San Francisco, Chou drove the rented car. Jerry sat stone-face
d in the passenger's seat, looking out the window. Ellie sat in the back, looking like she did before the Dolores Mission.
Chou broke the silence.
"Maybe problem with kids, Jerry-man."
That was all the invitation Ellie needed.
"Bitch would have left a message. I told you to watch out. She conned us. She conned us!"
Jerry was indifferent to their words.
"Take the next left up here, Chou."
The car stopped outside Lindsay's house. No signs of life in the yard, just a "For Sale" sign. The curtains were drawn.
Ellie leaned back in the seat. The thoughts that rampaged around inside her head needed out.
"This is all my fault."
"Shut up, Ellie!" roared Jerry. "It's not your fault." He glanced at Chou. "Take me home."
"You needed happiness," Ellie continued. "I'm too selfish. Such a selfish person."
"Some things just don't change," Jerry said.
His cell rang. He sighed, retrieved the handset.
"Hello..."
Jerry rubbed his head in frustration.
"What's the address?"
He hung up. Behind him, Ellie was getting more agitated.
"Don't go to work. Spend time with me. Don't go to work."
Jerry stared her down through the rearview mirror.
"What the fuck else am I gonna do? Besides, it'll give you the chance to do more drugs - you think I haven't noticed your eyes?"
That brought the silence needed.
"Let's fucking go, Chou."
A typical suburban house. The police had already cordoned off the area. Anxious neighbors were pushed back to a safe distance.
Two SWAT vans arrived; the teams disembarked and ran into position as Chou's rental car came to a stop. A frustrated Jerry got out and approached Darryl and the SWAT team leader.
"What have we got?"
Bridge Over Troubled Water Page 8