by Judy Clemens
“Gramma!” Tess bounded up and threw herself onto Lois’ lap, almost upsetting the straw bale. Queenie trotted right behind her and sat at Lois’ feet.
Lois laughed. “Hello, sweetheart. And hello, Queenie. Did you have a nice ride?”
Tess reached down to pet Queenie’s ears. “It was great. And isn’t Queenie great, too?”
Lois laughed again, the sound open and inviting. “It’s all great.”
I looked at Elsie some more, and she finally met my eyes for a brief, revealing moment.
Elsie held her arms out to Tess. “Come here, honey.”
Tess hesitated, but Lois pushed gently on her back, sliding the girl off her lap. Tess stood stiffly at Elsie’s knees. Elsie reached out and hooked a wisp of hair behind Tess’ ear.
“You really are happy here?”
Tess looked at her, confused. “Yes.”
“You like the farm? Your school?” She hesitated. “Being with your mom?”
“Yes. Where else would I want to be?”
Where, indeed.
Elsie placed her hand on Tess’ cheek and left it there for a moment before leaning over to kiss her granddaughter’s forehead. She stood and walked over to her husband, who sat in a lawn chair, quiet and alone.
Lucy’s head jerked my way from across the circle. I nodded to her.
“Something’s happening,” Lois muttered.
“Finally,” I said. “I think we might be getting to the heart of things.”
Lois reached out and pulled Tess toward her, her eyes betraying her nervousness as she watched the Lapps confer.
Elsie and Thomas looked over toward Willard’s car, where the detective and Anita stood talking. I got up and walked casually in that direction, figuring things were about to heat up.
“What?” Willard said when I joined them.
“I think you’re about to become involved.”
A throat cleared and Thomas stood at Willard’s elbow, Elsie close behind him.
“Detective…Willard, is it?”
Willard turned. “That’s right.”
Thomas shifted his feet. “I understand you have been looking into my son’s death.”
“Yes, sir. And his accident.”
“Can you please tell me what you have found?”
Willard’s face went “professional,” and I marveled at the change in his demeanor.
“First off,” he said, “I am very sorry for your loss. I almost lost my son last month, and I can’t imagine how it would’ve changed my life.”
Thomas swallowed, and Elsie gripped his elbow, biting her lips.
“Thank you,” Thomas said.
“I understand, from talking with the Lancaster detective,” Willard said, “that you have had questions about Brad’s accident. That you weren’t sure it even was one.”
“That’s right,” Thomas said. “We think—”
“But I couldn’t find any reason to doubt your daughter-in-law’s innocence. There is nothing to point to foul play. From all investigation, everything points to a tragedy. But it’s a tragedy for everyone. For you, for Lucy, and for Tess. No one did anything to cause your son’s death. It was just one of those unfortunate things that sometimes happen to good people.”
Elsie let out a little cry and brought her fingers to her lips. Thomas stood stoically beside her, not reaching out in comfort of any kind. Lucy, however, who had come over during the last part of Willard’s speech, stretched out her hand and put it on Elsie’s shoulder.
“But there was another man,” Thomas said. “The papers said—”
“The papers were wrong.” Lucy’s voice was calm. “There was never anyone else.”
Thomas didn’t look at her, but kept his gaze on Willard.
“So I’m to believe,” he said, “that Lucy, for all her hedging and unwillingness to talk about the ‘accident,’ is innocent?”
Lucy looked at her father-in-law, her eyes dry, but deep with grief. “You can believe it, Thomas. You have to. Because I am.”
Elsie burst into tears, her shoulders shaking, and Lucy wrapped her in a warm embrace.
Thomas watched the two women with disgust, then turned and stalked toward his car, where he opened the door and got in.
“It might take him a while,” Willard said.
Anita nodded. “But I doubt I’ll hear from him anymore.”
“Thanks,” I said to Willard.
He smiled gently. “I just told the truth.”
Lucy met my eyes over Elsie’s shoulder, and I couldn’t help but wonder if anyone but she actually knew the whole truth.
Elsie and Lucy were soon joined by Scott and Deena, and I drifted away. Shelby was busy trying to wheedle her way into the van with Noah, where he sat with the driver’s door open. The MYFers had already filled the seats, and I couldn’t help but notice the girls in the back, far from their sponsor. Noah finally said something to Shelby that made her step away, and he slammed the door. The van came to life, and he backed down the drive and out onto the road.
Once he was gone Shelby, her face resigned, re-entered the rest of the world and saw her family huddled together. Alarmed, she trotted over to them.
Willard joined me at the picnic table, where I was filling a cup with lemonade. He leaned against the table and crossed his arms. “I guess I’m done here.”
We watched with interest as Brady approached Mallory, where she sat wiping chocolate and marshmallow off the faces of Scott and Deena’s kids. Mallory glanced up at Brady, a smile lighting her face.
“Not sure Brady’s done, though,” I said.
Willard smiled. “I suppose I can wait a few more minutes.”
***
Lucy, Lenny, Abe, and I stood in a small half-circle, watching the fire as it burned hot and red. Lucy’s parents had just left, and Tess had retreated to the house, exhausted but happy with the memories of a fun evening. She had no idea of the enormity of what had actually taken place.
Thomas’ anger notwithstanding, the rest of the Lapps had seemed to make their peace with Lucy, and I hoped the tentative cease-fire would last. Lucy acted hopeful, and when her in-laws—former in-laws, actually—had headed out the lane, the tears had finally come. Lenny wrapped his huge arms around her shoulders and let her cry until there were no tears left.
Mallory and Ma got a ride home with Willard so Abe could stay and help clean up. I had to grin when Mallory climbed into the back of the car with Brady. If the teenagers had their way, it looked like Willard would be getting to know Mallory pretty well within the next weeks and months.
Now, Lucy’s tears were over, and Lenny rested his arm on her shoulders. “Well, darlin’, you done real good.”
She smiled. “You think?”
“I can’t imagine they’ll be giving you any more trouble,” I said. “What could they say?”
Lucy was quiet for a moment before letting out a giggle. “Did you see Noah’s face when he realized what those girls had done, and how they feel about him? I thought he was going to faint.”
I smiled. “Talk about dense.”
Abe frowned. “What those girls did deserves—”
“They’re kids, Abe,” I said. “Well, they’re pain-in-the-ass kids, but they didn’t really hurt anybody. Lucy can take it, and I have to wonder if Noah might inform their parents. And you know they won’t be back.”
He looked uncertain.
“I’m fine,” Lucy said. “It’s nothing. What really matters is that I’m sure the in-laws won’t be trying to take Tess away anymore. I don’t know what I’d do without my sweet baby girl.”
Lenny reddened, and dropped his arm.
“Speaking of daughters,” I said. “What’s going on with yours, Lenny?”
He cleared his throat. “Actually….”
“What?” Lucy said.
“Kristi contacted me. I’m supposed to meet her at Cloud Nine tonight. At ten-thirty.”
Lucy looke
d at her watch. “It’s about nine-thirty now.”
“What does she want?” I asked.
“To talk.”
I shook my head. “And you believe that?”
“Why wouldn’t I?”
Lucy put her hand on his arm. “She—or somebody—gave you this at your house the other night.” She touched the yellowed bruise on his cheek. “And they would’ve done more if they’d had the chance.”
“They did do more to Bart,” I said.
“But she’s my daughter.”
I looked up at the stars, at least the ones not drowned out by the lights of the nearby developments. “You can’t, Len.”
He bristled. “Why not?”
“At least you can’t go alone.”
“Oh, no,” Abe said. “You’re not going to Cloud Nine.”
I leveled my eyes at him. “Lenny needs me.”
“Stella—” Lenny said.
“There are at least two of them,” I said. “Kristi and her butt-less boyfriend. You’re not going alone.”
“Stella—” Abe said.
“Would you guys stop with the ‘Stella’ routine?” Lucy said. “She’s a grown woman. She can make her own decision.”
“Thanks, Lucy,” I said. “At least someone knows me.”
Both guys scowled at that.
“We can clean up tomorrow, Lucy,” I said.
“I don’t mind—”
“At least call Willard,” Abe said to me. “Get some backup.”
“He’s driving your mother home,” I said. “Remember? And we’ll be fine. We’re going to a public place.”
“A strip joint,” Abe said hotly.
I stared at Abe, and he stared back. Finally, he turned his back to me. “So Lucy,” he said. “You want some help cleaning up?”
I punched Lenny lightly on the arm. “Give me five minutes to change. And you know what? I don’t even have to hitch a ride with you. I’ve got the perfect bike for a night like this.”
Lenny shook his head. But he agreed to wait.
Chapter Thirty-seven
Cloud Nine was hopping when we arrived. A good number of bikes were lined up alongside the bar, most of them representing more than half a year of my wages. It was easy to pick out Kristi’s ugly chopper and the few near it. I slid the Beast into a close spot, and it looked right at home with Kristi’s group.
“Sure you want to go in?” Lenny said.
I made a face. “Not exactly where I’d choose to spend a Saturday evening, but hopefully we’ll be out quickly. What about you?”
He picked at his riding gloves. “Gotta do it.”
We walked up the steps and pushed open the front door. Smoke wafted out, and I fought a coughing fit. Lenny paid our cover charge while I looked around the room. Kristi and her group weren’t anywhere we could see them, so we found an empty table and sat, trying not to be conspicuous.
Mercifully, there was a break between dancers, so I didn’t have to be subjected to some poor girl gyrating for tips. I spied a waitress coming toward us, and I put up a finger to request a Coke.
Several feet from our table the waitress stopped, looking over my shoulder. One glance at her face, and I knew we’d found what we came for.
“So, you finally came out of hiding?” someone said.
I whirled around, but Lenny didn’t move, his eyes fixed on some unseen vision. I guess even after twenty-some years you know your daughter’s voice. Kristi stood behind us with the bald guy and several other scuzzy types. Kristi looked just as attractive as when we’d first met outside the Barn.
“Ah, Kristi,” I said. “Lenny’s told me so much about you.”
“No shit? And what would he know? Seems to me the way the story goes is he abandoned me sixteen fucking years ago and hasn’t looked back.”
I remembered the photos I had found at Lenny’s house and knew she was wrong. Lenny had never forgotten her. I looked at him, but he’d gone back to staring into space.
“Why don’t you have a seat,” I said, gesturing to the other side of the table. “Let’s talk.”
“I don’t want to talk.”
I stood up slowly, wanting to be at her eye level. She took a small step forward, challenging me.
“So what do you want?” I asked. “You want Lenny to say he’s sorry for leaving you?”
She let out a bark that sounded kind of like laughter. “I’m not worried about losing him. What concerns me is what happened before he left. Before I was even born.” She poked Lenny in the back with a dirty boot. “Why don’t you just go on ahead and tell your friend here about that?”
Lenny still hadn’t turned around. He finally looked at me, his eyes sad and deep.
“This isn’t about my family,” he said quietly. “Not completely. Or even about Kristi…my daughter.”
I heard her snort. He jerked like he’d been slapped, then continued. “It’s about the Priests and the Serpents.”
“Your club,” I said. “And their club.” I looked to see if everyone in the gathered group had the tattoo, and I saw it on all of the arms that were visible.
“You know about the merger?” he said.
“Merger?” one of the bikers spat. I glanced at the man, and the woman beside him put her hand on his arm.
“I know the Priests and the Serpents were having turf wars,” I said. “And the Priests took over after the explosion at the Serpents’ clubhouse.”
Lenny’s eyes shot toward me. “You know about the explosion?”
“The explosion that killed three people,” Kristi said.
“Three?” I said. “The article I read said only two.”
“It took the VP two days to die. What do you think about that, Lenny?” Kristi said. She put her boot on his back again and pushed hard enough it rocked the table. I clenched my fists. I knew I could take Kristi, but not without backup in this crowd.
Lenny mumbled something.
“I couldn’t hear you,” Kristi said. She grabbed a clump of Lenny’s hair and yanked his head back.
I lunged forward to grab Kristi’s arm, and she turned and punched me in the ribs. Shocked by the sudden pain, I kept my grip on her arm and took her down with me as I fell to the ground, breathless. Kristi got in another punch to my side before I could roll out of her reach.
Kristi pushed herself up and lunged toward me. Reflexively, I grabbed her ankles and flipped her to the ground. I jumped on her and pinned her down, ready to fight, but a sudden movement made me glance to the right. Baldy’s fist flew through the air toward me, and I ducked under it, narrowly missing the punch.
Lenny surged up, roaring, and I rolled away from Kristi and up onto my feet.
“Enough!” Lenny screamed. Then he quieted. “Enough.”
A year passed while I caught my breath, and the Serpents helped Kristi up before settling back into a defensive stance.
A huge man with a spike through his nose came suddenly between Lenny and the group of Serpents. “Time to take it outside, folks. Don’t want no fighting in here.”
One look at his missing teeth and the bulge under his left arm was enough to convince even Kristi and her crew to vacate the premises. The guy watched as the Serpents filed past us, and as we followed. Only when the door banged shut behind us did he disappear.
We formed a ring in the parking lot, the lights creating more shadows than I liked. It was hard to tell how much people were moving without staring directly at them, and there was no way to keep an eye on all of them at once.
“I tried to stop the explosion,” Lenny finally said.
“Sure,” Kristi sneered. “You set off to kill the Serpents’ leaders and got a sudden attack of conscience when you got to the clubhouse.”
“No,” Lenny said. “We went to get the clubhouse only. We didn’t know anybody was going to be there.”
“Oh, come on.” She stepped sideways, her boot making a pebble crack like a gun shot.
A sweat broke out on my scalp, but I tried not to show it. I had told Abe we’d be in a public place, but the parking lot was feeling way too private.
“We didn’t know,” Lenny said. “We thought everybody would be at the Reading Beer Bash, where our group was. The Serpents went every year. How were we to know there was a secret meeting of the officers? It’s not like we had a spy in the club.”
“So what stopped you?” Kristi asked. “Why didn’t you just blow it up like you planned? It’s not like the bikes would be outside. You don’t advertise your officers are at the clubhouse alone.”
“When we snuck around back we saw lights. We knew then that the place wasn’t empty. But we couldn’t convince him to let it go.”
“Him?” Kristi said.
I knew. “The Skull.”
Lenny nodded.
I continued. “And the third guy was Mal.”
“Sweetheart,” Kristi said nastily.
Three can keep a secret…
No wonder Mal had been so freaked when I found him the other night. He’d just been reminded that he knew who killed three men, and thought he was about to die for it.
“Mal and I told The Skull we wouldn’t do it. We’d gone to destroy the clubhouse, but that was it.” Lenny was silent for a moment. “We thought we’d convinced him.”
“But he went back,” I said.
Kristi’s nostrils flared. “You practically lit the fuse yourself.”
Lenny’s breath caught. “I should’ve known. I should’ve stopped him.”
Kristi’s face was a mask of rage. “You’ve known all these years and you didn’t tell anybody.”
“I couldn’t,” Lenny said. “The Skull said if I told anyone he’d kill you. Your mother. My family.”
Everyone stared at Lenny, and I realized I’d been right. “When The Skull was killed in that accident on Friday you figured you were free to talk.”
Lenny closed his eyes. “I was finally going to come clean. The danger to Kristi and Vonda was gone.”
Kristi’s face paled, and for a moment I was afraid she might keel over on the pavement. When she steadied herself she said, “You really didn’t have anything to do with it?”
Lenny shook his head, his eyes watery.
“Kind of makes you wish you hadn’t gone after him, doesn’t it?” I said. “Unless you’re still mad he left you and your mom?”