Beautiful Girls

by Gary S. Griffin

  “We need to find him.”

  “Edie, we need to get Tawny and help her through this. Who knows how she’ll react to this news.”

  “You’re right, but until my father is located, who knows what he’ll do.”

  “True.”

  “That’s why we need to help. The police won’t know where to look.”

  “Edie, your father is dangerous right now. I think he still wants to kill you and Tawny.”

  She didn’t answer.

  I said, “I need to protect you two.”

  “Stevie, we got to do something.”

  “Let’s talk about it in the car.”

  She said, “Tawny might not be able to travel when we get there.”

  “That’s true.”

  “I’ll go over to the mansion and pack her a bag, too. Meet me at the car in ten minutes.”

  “OK.”

  She asked, “Can you bring my bag and lock up my place?”

  “Sure.”

  I called Lieutenant Lomita and explained the latest development. Lomita said he’d drive out to Blythe, too, a little later. First, he would try to arrange for a meeting of all law enforcement officers at the Blythe police station.

  Fifteen minutes later, we left the deserted mansion. I stowed the three suitcases in the BMW’s trunk. Edie got in the car and covered herself in a blanket and leaned her seat back. I patted her gently. Before we got to the freeway, Edie was asleep.

  Desert Rescue

  While Edie slept, I decided that once we picked up Tawny we would not go back to L.A. immediately. Nor would I be taking the two little women on to Tucson. Instead, I would find a safe house in a safe place, somewhere in the desert between the two cities. I would tell Lomita the location and ask for him to arrange protection. I didn’t like the idea of Tawny or Edie returning to Beverly Hills until the police work was completed and the mansion was repaired and repainted. Plus, they would be out of sight from the media.

  I would continue on alone to Tucson and track Rob Nealy. I couldn’t think of any other place Rob would go.

  Now, I needed to convince Edie.

  ***

  The Cibola National Wildlife Refuge is on the outskirts of Blythe, California. Its west border is the Arizona side of the Colorado River. It is a small oasis surrounded by desert ridges and washes, a micro environment within the Sonoran Desert. As we approached the refuge, I saw mule deer beside the entrance road.

  We arrived in the dark, about an hour after sunset. Even in late October, the temperature was eighty degrees. As we parked, a middle-aged woman approached us. It was Mrs. Elsa Oldham. She wore blue jeans, a t-shirt and cowboy boots. Her gray hair was pulled back in a long ponytail. She looked to be about fifty, stood about five feet seven tall inches and had a strong build.

  When Elsa saw Edie she said, “Hey, you’re that girl from Lightning, aren’t you?”

  Surprised, Edie said, “Yes, yes, I am.”

  “Ed and I liked that show; you know it was about the only western on TV anymore, even if it’s in outer space.”

  “Thanks for watching.”

  Elsa said, “Oh, you’re great in it.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I’m so sad that the show was canceled.”

  Edie said, “Me too, but we’re filming a movie to wrap things up.”

  “You are?”

  “Yes.”

  “Wonderful. Do you ever get the Captain? You two make a good couple.”

  “I don’t know. You’ll have to watch the movie.”

  “I will.”

  Elsa turned to me and introduced herself. I did the same.

  We looked back at Edie. She got right to the point. She asked Elsa, “How’s Tawny?”

  “I fed her dinner and she ate half a baked chicken and lots of vegetables and bread. She must have drank a quart of milk. She was inside watching television on the couch. The last I looked she was sleeping.”

  Edie said, “OK, good.”

  Then, Elsa said, “My husband is over there talking to the police.”

  She pointed about fifty feet away to the visitors’ center’s central lounge area. As we looked that way, Edie and I could see two men seated on the couches; a police officer and an older man in a khaki park ranger shirt and pants, with hiking boots.

  Elsa called out to them as we headed that way. She introduced us to her husband, Ed Oldham. Ed introduced Howard Young, the Arizona Highway patrolman. Young had been briefed about us; Lieutenant Lomita had gotten the word out.

  The patrolman said, “I spoke to Tawny earlier. So did a California Highway patrolman. Our detective would like to speak to her again. We could do it in Blythe, at police headquarters. It would be the best place.”

  Edie said, “OK, but she been through so much, I hope we can do it quickly.”

  Young said, “I understand. I think the L.A. detective is driving out to participate.”

  I said, “Yes, that’s what Lieutenant Lomita told me, too.”

  Young looked at Edie and said, “Can I ask you a few questions?”

  Edie answered, “OK, but I really want to see Tawny.”

  “I understand, but I think she’s sleeping and this will only take a few minutes. I promise.”

  Edie looked at me, I nodded, and then she said, “OK.”

  We sat down on one of the couches.

  Edie said, “I need my fiancé with me.”

  Young replied, “Sure.”

  Elsa and Ed Oldham, who had quietly listened to this exchange, went about their business of closing the park.

  Young asked, “Miss McCall, do you believe your father committed these three murders?”

  “At first, I didn’t believe it. I couldn’t even think it.”

  “Did you change your mind?”

  “I guess, I mean, I can’t explain his activities.”

  Young asked, “Where do you think he is now?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe he went home to Tucson.”

  The conversation went on like that for about ten more minutes. We didn’t know what caused Rob’s actions, where he was now, or if anyone else was involved. Young seemed obligated to ask the same question at least twice. So, by the end, we were all somewhat frustrated.

  As the conversation tailed off, I said, “Officer, let us go see Tawny. We can regroup in Blythe.”

  We comforted Tawny as best we could. We sat and held her. Edie wiped Tawny’s tears. Tawny seemed younger than twelve years old when she cried, yet older than that preteen age when she talked. She seemed in shock, but welcomed the loving presence of Edie. It was too early to predict how she’d cope with these events.

  An hour later, we gave our thanks and said our goodbyes to the Oldhams, and drove to the Blythe police station. I followed Officer Young’s cruiser on the drive north.

  The meetings with the L.A., Blythe, California and Arizona Highway Patrol police detectives went long, didn’t produce any leads on Rob Nealy and exhausted Edie and Tawny. I think the best thing that happened was the agreement of all four police agencies to keep the lines of communication open on all developments. The other three police organizations agreed that Lieutenant Lomita would be our point of contact. Lomita would then communicate with the others.

  It was nearly midnight as the final questioning of Edie and Tawny wound down, I walked out of the conference room and met Peter Lomita in the hallway.

  He asked me, “How are the ladies doing, Garrett?”

  “Who knows? I’m sure they’re even more played out and overwhelmed than we can imagine.”

  “That’s my read too. So, where do you think Nealy went?”

  I said, “My only guess is to Tucson. But, he could be anywhere in the southwest. I think we have a desperate killer on our hands.”

  “We do.”

  “I need a safe place to take them now. I don’t want to go back to Beverly Hills and I don’t want to go on to Tucson. Nealy knows their homes, and other places that the women like in both towns. I need somethi
ng, somewhere else; someplace that Nealy knows nothing about and could never find. It needs to be a place where you or I could get to from either L.A. or Tucson or other places in the region.”

  “Do you plan to be with them?”

  “Well, some of the time, but Edie wants us to keep looking for her father. I don’t want her to come with me. I promised her that we’d keep looking, but with the girl found, Edie needs to be with her. Plus, I’d like to do it the way I usually operate; alone.”

  “Will she agree?”

  “I think it’s the only thing we can do.”

  “I have a place you could use.”

  “You do?”

  Lomita answered, “Yes, it’s about an hour from here. It’s not anything special. It’s private and well maintained in a little desert community.”

  “That’s what I was thinking of.”

  “Plus, I know the local police and they can keep an eye on the ladies.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yeah, I am. I don’t want any more killings.”

  “When could we go there?”

  “Right after we finish here. I’ll take you there. Follow me.”

  “OK.”

  “Garrett, just don’t say anything to anyone here. Tell the ladies only once you’re following me.”

  “OK, Lieutenant.”

  Casa Verde

  Wednesday, October 20, 2004

  We were driving west on I-10. I explained the plan to Edie. She was all for it. I shouldn’t have been surprised. A hideaway from the world sounds wonderful when you’re emotionally and physically spent. That described both Edie and Tawny’s conditions. I also wanted to rest for a day before I took off on my hunt.

  Lieutenant Peter Lomita’s vacation home was in the Chuckwalla Valley, in the small town of Lake Tamarisk. It was about an hour east of Palm Springs and an hour west of Blythe. We drove forty-eight miles on I-10 and then exited and drove north about two or three miles until we arrived at a small development of one-story homes.

  We stepped out of the BMW a few minutes after 1 AM. Lomita walked straight to the house, unlocked the front door, opened it, walked in and began turning on lights. We followed him inside. Edie held Tawny’s hand as we entered. I carried our three bags.

  Lomita announced, “Miss McCall, Miss Gabriel welcome to Casa Verde. Let me show you around.”

  The detective’s desert hideaway had three bedrooms, including two separate master bedroom suites, a kitchen, living room, dining room and a two car garage. The two bedroom suites were at opposite ends of the home. A small, third bedroom was next to one of the suites. That’s the end Edie and I chose for the three of us.

  There was beer, sodas, bottled water and condiments in the refrigerator. Lomita showed Edie where all the dishes, glasses, pots and pans were stored. The Lieutenant turned on the air conditioning and handed me the keys to his golf cart, which sat in the garage bay closest to the kitchen door.

  Lomita showed us a map of the community tacked to the bulletin board in the kitchen. He told us that the Lake Tamarisk community was designed around two spring-fed lakes; the shoreline of one was about fifty feet from the back porch. There was a fire station and library within a block of his home.

  At the end of the tour Edie said, “Oh, this is wonderful, lieutenant. You’re so nice to us. Our little family will be fine here. What do we owe you for your hospitality?”

  Lomita continued to charm Edie, “Not a thing. Just stay safe and rest. I bought this place twenty years ago. It’s my escape from L.A. I come here whenever I have a few days off.”

  Edie said, “Thank you,” and hugged him.

  Edie took a bottle of water and Tawny grabbed a Coke from the refrigerator. They walked back to the bedrooms to unpack.

  Lomita pointed to the community map. “You’re here, Garrett. This is I-10 and the exit we came off. Here’s the supermarket. It opens at 8 AM. They rent videos. There’s a bookstore next to it.”

  “Thanks Peter.”

  “I’m heading back to L.A. Let’s talk tomorrow, say around 2 PM, OK?”

  I said, “Sure.”

  “We’ll discuss your plans.”

  “Sounds good.”

  Lomita said, “Oh, I almost forgot the most important thing. I spoke to Jim Towers; he’s the sheriff in this town and Desert Center, which is five miles northwest of here. He lives in Desert Center. He and his men will check the place every few hours. Jim will stop by tomorrow at noon. Jim and his deputies drive white sedans with a gold star on the doors.”

  “OK, thanks.”

  Lomita pointed to the side wall. Your neighbors next door are a retired couple; Dot and Charlie. They’re great people. Both are a little hard of hearing. I spoke to them and gave them the lowdown. Have Edie meet Dot. She’ll do anything for your lady and the girl.”

  “You’ve been very kind to us.”

  “You all need a break, Garrett, especially the ladies.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Be careful Mr. Private Eye.” He said as he walked out the door.

  I kicked off my sneakers, uncapped a Heineken and sat on the couch. Minutes later Edie returned to the living room and sat next to me.

  “Stevie, Lieutenant Lomita was really generous letting us use his place.”

  “Yes, he was. How’re you doing, baby?”

  “OK. My emotions are crazy and I’m exhausted, but we’re safe and I’m with you and Tawny.”

  “I feel the same way. We’re in the middle of the nowhere out here in the desert.”

  “Yes, but we’re safe, Stevie. That’s what we need.”

  I stopped talking and hugged her.

  Edie said, “Don’t leave us tomorrow. Wait ’til the next day, promise?”

  “OK, I promise. We’ll talk tomorrow. Let’s go to bed now.”

  We looked in the little bedroom. Tawny was sound asleep. We gently shut her door. By the time I finished brushing my teeth and stripping down to my underwear, Edie was similarly undressed and turning down the bed covers.

  Later, I realized I was learning to sleep while being held by my petite beauty.

  ***

  I woke to a sunny day. I unintentionally woke Edie because I was feeling her belly.

  Edie whispered, “Did you feel anything?”

  “Feel what?”

  “Little Mr. Garrett kicking your hand.”

  “The baby?”

  “Wait! I felt it!”

  “Well, maybe soon he’ll be big enough for me to feel him? I think little Mr. G is telling you he wants me to keep things calm and for you to get something to eat.”

  “We will, Stevie. But, he’ll have to wait. Now just move your hand lower and pull off my thong. Mommy wants some of Daddy’s attention, too.”

  “Edie!”

  ***

  An hour later we got up and showered together. I made some coffee, which we drank with powdered milk we found in the cupboard while we put together a grocery list. While we did, Tawny woke and came out to the living room. I helped her figure out the remote to the satellite television. Soon, she was happily watching a reality show on MTV.

  The grocery store was over in Desert Center, a four mile drive at the foot of a small mountain. The store was new and stocked better than we expected. Since this was California in October, the produce was excellent; crisp Romaine lettuce, big firm red and yellow bell peppers, oranges as huge as grapefruits, moist baby carrots, a large variety of onions, all kinds of melons, fresh crowns of broccoli and cauliflower, and at least ten types of apples.

  Edie and Tawny almost filled our basket in that area alone. We added fresh steaks, chops, chicken breasts, and several pounds of lunchmeat and cheese and side dishes from the deli.

  I turned a corner and was pleasantly reminded that in California beer and wine are available in supermarkets. I bought a six pack of Corona and bottles of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Edie found some alcohol-free beer and white wine. While the ladies went on to the next aisle to stock up on bottle
d water and sodas, I doubled back to the produce section for a lime.

  Edie made sure she bought lots of dairy, pasta, bread, cereal, sauces and desserts. We looked at each other silently, sharing a knowing look that we didn’t know how long they would be in the desert.

  I said, “You’ll have the BMW, baby. You can always come back.”

  I surprised her. I then said, “I’m going to rent a car. I wouldn’t leave you guys stranded.”

  “Oh, what was I thinking? Of course you wouldn’t.”

  Then she broke down, right in front of the ice cream.

  “I…don’t…want you…to leave…us!”

  I hugged her. Tawny looked at us. I winked at her. I motioned for her to join us, to make it a family hug.

  “Baby, I understand. I have to find your dad.”

  Edie said, “He ruined our lives. God, I hate him!”

  “I need to find him, to stop him.”

  “I know, I’m sorry, Stevie. I’m sorry, Tawny. It’s just too much. God!”

  “It is. We’ll get you and Tawny some help to cope, when this is over. For now, I want you safe while I find him.”

  “I know. OK. I apologize.”

  “There’s no need to. This has been very hard. We’ll get through this.”

  ***

  We had returned from shopping and unpacked the food and rental movies, and books from the bookstore. We ate lunch. Now, we were seated in the living room.

  Edie said, “Go see Sister Carrie.”

  “OK. She’s related to you, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “How?”

  “She’s my mother’s cousin, my first cousin once removed, I guess, besides being a friend of my dad.”

  “She runs the soup kitchen in Tucson, right?”

  “It’s more than that, Stevie, but, yeah, start there. I’m sure Sister Carrie will have seen him recently. Maybe she’ll have some ideas. Maybe she’ll know what he’s been doing.”

  I looked at her and thought, I know what Rob’s been doing, but maybe Sister Carrie would know about the time before he came to L.A.

  Our conversation went on for a while. I would check out Edie’s mountain cabin, of course. Edie also had an aunt, Natalie, in Tucson. Natalie was Rob’s sister. She didn’t believe her father and her aunt were close, but it was a lead to check.