Timber City Masks

by Kieran York

  “This surgery is so antiquated. I’m putting every penny back into payments on the office and cottage. Additional capital could bring this place up to date.” She moved away from Royce. “Modernizing the clinic is my dream. The other part of that dream is converting my van into a mobile unit so that I can respond to any emergency. Being dedicated to veterinary medicine isn’t enough.”

  “If you weren’t here, Timber City folks would need to drive fifty miles to get to a vet.”

  “I’m sure that’s why Doc made a good deal on the clinic. He didn’t want the town to be without a vet. I’m lucky to have the clinic.”

  “This is a sleepy mountain town and the funds will never do much more than trickle in. You could make more money in a city practice.” Royce grinned. “You could have a fancy car and run with the money set.”

  “Even if I had the money, it would all go to updating the clinic and for a trauma van.”

  Royce watched Hertha’s eyes. Their brightness could dim down like a kerosene lamp. There was only a slight glow as she lifted the cat’s collar. A muffled bell jingled softly when she put it on the counter. “I wish I could make things happier for you now,” Royce sighed. “I wish I could help Ray.”

  “Ray is so depressed and it’s difficult to watch. He has always had a temper. A fight inside him. Now he doesn’t even seem to have that.”

  “If this goes to court, it’s probably better that he doesn’t allow his temper to show.” Royce leaned back against the counter and folded her arms. “The more I see Ray, the more convinced I am that he isn’t guilty.”

  “He would never harm a woman. He watched our mother being abused and always said that no woman should be hurt. He wouldn’t kill a woman. If it had been a drunken brawl with another man, I would at least believe it possible. Ray has never assaulted, or even insulted, a woman.”

  Hertha draped the old cat’s body and her eyes closed. Royce felt her stomach twist. She wanted to reach for Hertha and was immobile.

  She wanted to reassure Hertha, and words were trapped inside her throat. They walked silently together back to the cottage. Patches rubbed against Royce’s pant leg. Hertha had invited Royce to stay for dinner. Royce accepted and was glad. The vet seemed too despondent to be alone. Royce understood depression. She herself was feeling the helplessness of trying to solve a murder. While living in Denver that feeling had been a part of her life. The rampant crime in city life had been making Royce cynical. A cop’s daily existence was a tragicomedy of morgues, street people, and criminals. She was a tenderfoot. And, admittedly, a tender heart.

  After a meal of steaming carrot loaf, broccoli, and cornbread, the women sat sipping herbal tea. Hertha’s smile dipped. “I hope you didn’t mind my mentioning that you’re the type of person I could be attracted to. I didn’t mean to make you uneasy. Just to say that I think you have the same kinds of values I have.”

  “It didn’t make me uneasy. I respect you, so it made me feel good.”

  “I know that Valeria is beguiling. I’m not going to be in contention with a love goddess,” Hertha said with a gentle laugh.

  “You must have been talking with Gwen. She claims I’m a love hostage.”

  “Are you?”

  “Valeria is hard to explain.” Royce’s speech locked.

  “She is beautiful.”

  “You’re beautiful too.” Royce cleared the dishes from the table. When Hertha turned on the kitchen water faucet, Royce offered, “Let me do the dishes. After all, you did the cooking.”

  Hertha flicked water at the deputy. Then tossed a tea towel. “You can dry.”

  “Why don’t you go in and put your feet up and relax?”

  Soberly, Hertha declined. “I’d rather keep busy. I have the time. My patient died.”

  Royce gave her a hug of reassurance. It was a short, safe hug.

  ***

  “Here’s Royce Madison,” Yancy howled. Sputtering, he continued laughing as she entered the Sheriff’s Department office. “This here deputy is not only gonna solve this current set of murders, she’s gonna solve the entire decade’s killings.”

  “Plenty amazing!” Royce annunciated. “And you would be amazed if I did solve them.”

  “Damn right.” Tipping his hat, Yancy snickered and winked in Nick’s direction. “Hell Nicky, I’d even recommend this deputy for a raise.” He stood and headed for the door. “I’m off duty now. I’d love to hear what Roycie here is gonna do to take care of crime, but I’m leavin'.”

  As Yancy exited, Nick chaffed, “He’s challenging you.” Ignoring her fellow deputy, Royce glanced down at her phone messages. It was unusual for Valeria to leave any message, and she had left two. Royce couldn’t help wondering if her lover had decided to break their dinner date for the following evening.

  “Royce, to quote your Gran, you got your ears painted on?”

  “Nick, I’m on the edge of your every word.” There was a benevolent sarcasm. “Yancy might just be surprised if I come up with some evidence.”

  “Where do you think you’re going to find hard evidence? We got precious little back from the lab. No witnesses. Only gossip.”

  Royce swiveled around to her desk, her back to Nick. Within moments he was propping his arms on her desk, opposite her. “Nick, what is it?”

  “Sheriff thinks you’re out to prove Luther killed Trish. Yanc now thinks the drifter’s death might have been accidental.”

  “Luther had a motive to kill his wife. And,” Royce confided, “I’m amazed that Yancy is taking my investigation with such good humor.”

  “You know Yancy. He loves a good dogfight. Look at the way he gets a kick out of it when we tangle.”

  “Maybe there’s hope for you yet if you recognize that.”

  “He doesn’t mind because he knows that you’re chasing your tail and Luther’s innocent.”

  “At least I’m doing some chasing. The two of you are sealing the case.” Royce carefully examined Nick’s probing eyes. She dared not tell him too much. She remembered Laramie’s warning about masks. She didn’t know if Nick could actually be trusted. “Well?”

  “Hey, I’m not sure Ray did it.”

  “You aren’t?” Royce pried suspiciously.

  “If we were playing hunches, he’d be guilty. But everyone who knows the guy says it can’t be him. I may be a rookie and I know everyone says they’re innocent, but this seems different. The guy stands up when one of the women brings his food to him. His mama taught him to be polite to women. Besides, I’ve seen him loaded over at the Bell Ringer. I don’t remember him ever being disrespectful. I remember a case with a rapist. You could tell that man was angry with women. But Ray often told guys to stop bothering women at the bar.”

  “You’re beginning to question.” With a grin, Royce conjectured, “I guess I shouldn’t have said that if you were any dumber you’d need to be re-potted.”

  “You can be an asshole, Madison.” Chagrined, Nick’s hand ruffled his hair. “Look, all I’m saying is that I know Yancy is making fun of the way you’re sniffing around for clues. It’s a joke the way you keep asking the same questions over and over. It’s got to be tough the way he keeps putting the magnifying glass on your desk. Teasing you. But he could be the other way and order you to drop it. He’s giving you free rein.” Nick’s eyes narrowed and he seemed in deep contemplation before he spoke. “Royce, I agree that something isn’t coming together.”

  “I never thought you’d ever side with me.”

  “I’m not exactly siding with you. Just saying that you’re getting bad reviews and I’m not sure it’s justified. That’s all.”

  “So how is your personal life coming? Been seeing Jade lately?”

  “No. She’s getting so flaky that I’m afraid to go near her. Besides, I’m being cared for elsewhere.” His smirk was an open invitation.

  “I’ll bite. Who might your new sweetheart be?”

  “The woman who owns the curio shop in the next block.”

  �
�Mrs. Russell! She’s married.”

  “Cavorting never had it so good. I’ve come to love souvenir shops. She may be married, but I’m not. Anyway, I’m not buying. Just looking.”

  Royce shook her head. “Sounds like you’re handling the merchandise.”

  “Speaking of handling the merchandise, I’m off to shop.” Nick threw his jacket over his shoulder. When he got to the door, he turned. “Bet you didn’t think I liked retailing,” Nick said with a chuckle.

  “Good to know that protection is just an arm’s length away.”

  “Maybe that’s what they mean by the long arm of the law.”

  Royce bantered, “And I was almost beginning to like you.” Royce watched the door until Nick’s footsteps could no longer be heard. Then she dialed Valeria’s number. There was no answer. She surmised that Valeria was out with her new friend. As she replaced the receiver, Royce realized that she couldn’t charge Valeria with charlatanism. That would only make her bitter.

  Royce put on her hat and went out on patrol.

  ***

  There had been a change in plans. Valeria wanted to celebrate Royce’s birthday at her condo. She would pick up a fully prepared gourmet dinner and they would dine in. Royce couldn’t tell whether Valeria wanted to avoid being seen with her, or whether she didn’t want to be seen drunk in public. Royce knew that Valeria had been drinking heavily. Royce asked about the change in plans, and Valeria explained that they could have a much more relaxing time at home. And, she added with a raspy laugh, the bedroom was only five seconds away from the dinner table.

  Royce smiled as she thought about Valeria’s response. She rang the condo’s doorbell. She would be sharing the night with Valeria. Valeria was ravishing in a sexy, canary full-length gown. Slits up the sides of the dress exposed Valeria’s perfectly formed long legs. Valeria gave her satiny hair a flip, and her eyes glistened as Royce entered the room. Royce was captivated when Valeria held her for many moments and then playfully bit at her neck. Inhaling the expensive perfume behind Valeria’s ears, Royce found it difficult to relinquish their embrace.

  Royce sipped chilled champagne and watched Valeria’s silk-stockinged knees as they shimmered like star sapphires. Those legs always enticed Royce. She felt that she was hanging by a slender emotional stem when she neared this woman.

  As usual, Valeria had set the romantic tone. The table’s candles glowed warmly. From the appetizers of spicy steamed shrimp, through the main course of combination lobster and steak, to the finale of chocolate kiss cake, she pampered Royce with affection.

  Chills ran through Royce’s back when Valeria presented her with a diamond necklace. Valeria tenderly bent to fasten the chain. When she kissed the crown of Royce’s head, her exposed cleavage pressed gently against Royce’s warm face. Her breasts were exuding an amorous fragrance. Royce closed her eyes. Valeria bent and whispered into her ear. “I love you, Royce.” Her tongue traced Royce’s ear lobe. “I could dine on you all night tonight.”

  “I love you.”

  Valeria poured another glass of champagne and instructed Royce to catch up. “Come on, cut loose. You’re so damned homespun.”

  “Val, you’re my intoxicant.” Royce grinned, but it was forced. “And aren’t getting smashed and cutting loose male traits?”

  “Men are pathetic.” She drained her glass and poured another. “Let’s just have an intimate evening.”

  “That would be nice.” A tinge of unhappiness laced Royce’s voice.

  It was deciphered by Valeria. “You’re upset because I went out with Jane. Mercedes.”

  “I didn’t know you were out with her. I thought that was tomorrow.”

  “Then too.”

  Royce’s backbone went rail hard. “Is there a reason you always need a spare lover? I wish I knew you.”

  The flicker of candlelight spilled dimly against the planes of Valeria’s face. It was soulful and suddenly filled with a remote solitude. “Finding out who I am would cut into our orgasmic time.”

  “Just let me hold you tonight.”

  “No sex?” she queried.

  “Sex isn’t a requirement of love. It’s supposed to be the end product of love.” Royce looked at the ceiling. She knew the signs. Valeria was drinking too much. “One time you told me that you thought you might be falling in love with me. Have I done anything to change that?”

  “No. Isn’t that what you want to hear?”

  “It’s what I want to feel.” Royce placed her napkin on the table. Valeria stood, grabbed the champagne bottle and went into the living room. She waved the bottle. “More bubbly?”

  Royce joined her on the floor in front of the fireplace. She stared into the rolling, twisting flames. Her heart felt located atop a frozen, crusty mountain. Perhaps, Royce considered, it was buried deeply within a glacier. “No more for me.”

  “You’re such a baby. Okay, having other women suits my need for variety.”

  “I’m draft beer and Jane is Bollinger R.D. I drive a Blazer and she has a Mercedes. Variety.”

  “You’ve got your little Girl Scout.”

  “Hertha and I have never made love. We were talking about you and your need for a multitude of fans.”

  “Baby, you would be perfect if you had money and connections.”

  “I wouldn’t be perfect. To be perfect I would need to let my hair grow, put on weight, wear makeup, and be rich and well-connected.”

  “So Roycie is going to pout.”

  “Don’t patronize me. I’m not a second-grader. Take a recess from school. We are addressing your problems.”

  “My problems. You think you’re ready for third grade. Okay. You want my dirty little secrets...” She spilled her drink and wiped it with a throw pillow.

  “Tell me who you are.”

  She glared defiantly into Royce’s face. She seemed to be rapidly firing a pistol. Word bullets were carefully aimed at Royce’s heart. “I didn’t tell you that I was pregnant once, did I? I know you aren’t thrilled about abortion.”

  “I never intended to be judgmental. I only said I didn’t think it should be used as a birth control device. I also said that I believe we have the right to control our destiny and our bodies.”

  “I exercised that control. I was broke and lonely. Called my old college roommate, Trish. She sent me enough money for an abortion.” Tears formed and Valeria blinked them away.

  Royce reached for Valeria’s shoulder, and she pulled back. “Hon, stop spanking yourself. It happened and you handled it in the way that was right for you. It’s over.”

  “You don’t turn the page on those kinds of memories.” Valeria stumbled as she stood. She crossed the room and her head pressed against the mirrored wall.

  Royce followed after her. “Please don’t shut me out. I love you.”

  “Don’t,” Valeria screamed, pulling away. “Don’t touch me.” Her eyes squeezed out tears. As they tumbled, Valeria mopped them. “You understand. You love me. Goddamn you,” she raged. Her sobs nearly choked her. When Royce wound her arms around Valeria’s waist and protectively pulled her near, Valeria’s head dug into Royce’s shoulder. “I wish you weren’t here.”

  “I am here. I won’t leave.” Royce felt the dampness on her shirt as Valeria’s tears overflowed. “I want to be here for you.”

  “Don’t leave me tonight.”

  “No.” Royce tenderly tucked her lover into bed. Tonight would be reserved for holding Valeria tightly. Perhaps, Royce contemplated, that is what they should have done all the nights they had shared passion. She couldn’t sleep, and she questioned life’s discrepancies.

  Royce kissed Valeria’s bare shoulder. She could do little more.

  Chapter 18

  “There are definitely times when I think I must have been dropped inside of the booby hatch.” Gwen took another gulp of beer and gazed around the Bell Ringer. The festive atmosphere had sweetened Gwen’s attitude toward her nemesis, Faye. Her remarks were fashioned with fun, rather than the us
ual edge of satire. To Royce, Gwen issued her approval of the party. “Your birthday bash is terrific. Too bad Queen Valeria couldn’t make it.”

  Royce spun around on the bar stool and faced Gwen. “That’s not fair. She had a magnificent dinner for me. Gave me this,” Royce boasted as she pointed to her diamond pendant.

  “You’re a real little royalist, slash, loyalist. Carrying her water pays in diamonds nowadays. Hell’s bells, Royce, she probably only gave you the necklace so you wouldn’t notice the wind-up mechanism that’s sticking out of your back.”

  Royce gave Gwen a stern glance. She wanted to change the subject. She was frightened that her eyes would divulge the evening’s heartbreak with Valeria. How she had stroked Valeria’s hair most of the night. Then when Valeria awoke, she acted as if nothing had transpired.

  “Come to the party,” Gwen clamored, shaking Royce’s arm. “I mention Valeria, and you’re in another world. Or realm.”

  “I don’t want to talk about her with you,” Royce sighed. “Let’s talk about this gala event. I think it’s great that you and Nadine are here.”

  “I swore I’d never set foot in here again. But, for you, here I am. Molly was pleased too. Sorry she had to leave so soon, but she’s always up so early getting the shop ready. She sure outdid herself on the cake this year.”

  “Twenty-eight candles could tend to collapse a cake top if the batter isn’t perfect.” Royce grinned as she glanced back at the remains of a huge decorated sheet cake. “She’s an artist when it comes to decorating. And it was delicious.” Royce nodded and returned Faye’s smile. “I think Faye is glad that everything is so amicable between the two of you. She’s been over here a dozen times pouring you beer.”

  “Good thing I’m walking and it’s only a block away.” Gwen chuckled as she gave a playful wave in Faye’s direction. “I’m loaded. And yep, things seem to be going good between us. Hell, you’d think it was a slut reunion. Only Faye is too inappropriate for words.”