* * * *
My head was spinning; my mind was in a fog. I managed to get to my office. What was I to do? I felt that this new information was yet another lie that Gritty was keeping from me. I called Marc.
“Okay, calm down. You at the office?”
“Yes, shit!”
“Give me a minute and I’ll go out for a cig and call you on my cell.”
“Hurry up. I have something to tell you.” It seemed like an eternity; the phone rang and I immediately jumped on it.
“Fuck, Adam, what is the urgency? I don’t like you calling the office.”
“Marc, he was living in his box with someone. Why didn’t Gritty tell me?”
“Who cares?”
“Do you really think that all my efforts are spent on Gritty? I have a job to do. I am only helping you out here … off the record that is. Anyway, so what if he had a lover?”
“I went past rue Dalcourt and this kid, about twenty-five, really good looking, came out of the same box that Gritty was living in! He said his name is Bobby. Please Marc, help me find out if there was a mention of a Bobby in the file. Maybe he worked with him.”
“I’ve got to go. I’ll call you tonight.”
Marc sounded pissed but I didn’t care at this stage. I wanted the information and he had it. I poured a drink and tried to relax. I would never get anywhere in this state. I sat down and started to process and go over my encounter with Bobby. They obviously had some sort of relationship because when I mentioned Gritty’s name, he was frantic with concern. I had been studying people a long time and Bobby did not portray the characteristics of the usual street person. He was well spoken and I noticed that his hair had been styled not too long ago, not in the manner of a hobo. I felt that Bobby might hold some answers to why Gritty was hiding. Or better still, maybe he was hiding from Bobby.
I quickly cleaned up some last minute details. The day was over before it actually began. Where had the time gone? I was in no mood to continue with my other cases. There was nothing that couldn’t be put off until tomorrow. I started to pack up when I noticed that my answering machine was flickering. I forgot to listen to my messages. There was one from Richard.
“Hi hon. Just to let you know that I will be home on time. This place is really neat. The people are great. I will pick up a nice bottle of wine and tell you all about it. Oh, and Mr. Forth took me out to lunch. He kept his distance and I mine. It was very professional, informing me about the benefits of the company. Can’t read him though! He kept mentioning his wife, or maybe she was his ex. I did not pry too much but he kept interrupting me to take a call from her. Maybe it was a girlfriend… I’m not sure. Anyway I’ll see you soon. Can’t wait to tell you about my day.”
* * * *
“Okay, now I am confused. They both were living in the box!”
“That is what he wants the world to believe. But I think there is more to it. I will return tomorrow and try to find out what he wants. This case is getting crazier by the minute! So tell me what Mr. Gerald Forth is like.”
“He is in his early 70s but appears very young for his age. He is part owner of Invor and goes in every day or so. I could not get the name of the other partner. We went to lunch on the Port and ate at l’auberge Saint-Gabriel. He spared no cost and the food was great.”
“I haven’t been to that place in years. Really, that’s all you talked about?”
“Like I told you, he was being bombarded with phone calls from what I presume to be an ex-wife or girlfriend. Jessica said he was divorced.”
“Jessica! And who might that be?” I said teasingly.
“She, my love, is our ticket to this vast mountain of knowledge. She is the one who arranged for my first meeting with Mr. Forth. I think she has the hots for me.”
“You think! I am sure she does. Now how can we use this damsel for our benefit?”
“I’ve already seen the opportunity and asked her who Gritty was and how long he worked there? She slipped up and said that no one named Grenville had ever worked there. Gritty, not Grenville is who I asked about!”
“Great work Richard! But don’t frighten her off with too many questions, go slowly. It looks as though we will have our work cut out for us over the next couple of days. Getting answers without scaring people off is going to be very difficult. We will have to win over their trust first.”
“Their trust! Yes, you will probe Jessica for info and I will question Bobby. It’s not going to be easy but it must be done.”
“I think what is going to be the hardest is not letting on to Gritty and in turn Lexus of what I have learned. I hate being deceitful to her but she should have thought about that before picking a new bed partner.”
“Adam, I’m sure that you can talk to her. You have been friends for years. Level with her. Do you really think that your friendship is in anyway threatened by her relationship with Gritty? I’m sure she is using him as well. The nights must get very lonely for her. You have to trust someone and she would be my first choice.”
“You’re right. I will talk to her about it. By the way you’ve made me very hungry by mentioning the l’auberge. I am really famished. Want to go for a walk and get some fries?” It was close to midnight when we stepped out into the cold night air. The streets were full of people. Montreal was its people … people of different nationalities and lifestyles. Time meant nothing to them. The city was alive 24 hours a day. Panhandlers were dancing to the sound of coins jingling their tins. Couples were passionately embracing in hidden alleyways, their love glowing in the light of the moon. Laughter was present at every turn. It was times like this that I realized there was no other place in the world that I would rather live. Montreal accepted our love; gender choices were never questioned. We were able to mix and be one within this wonderful city.
Chapter Eight
“No thanks, I had breakfast already. Lexus when can I talk to you?”
“I’m all ears.”
“I mean privately. I don’t want anyone interrupting us.”
“That serious huh! I’ll finish up here and get Gritty to take over. We can go upstairs to one of the rooms. Adam, is everything alright?”
“It’s fine. I need to talk with you, that’s all. I will wait in the lobby. Come and get me when you’re finished.”
“Hon you can wait here. It’s not like you are a complete stranger to the place. I’ll pour you a cuppa and before you know it I will be finished, then I am all yours.”
“Okay, I will wait for you here then!”
“Hey Adam what’s up?” I looked over and saw Gritty coming toward me. He had a new kind of self-assuredness about him. He no longer looked like a street person, rather more the proprietor of a hotel. While passing by Lexus he gently patted her derriere. I wanted to hit him. I found it disrespectful but then again, she was a grown woman.
“I’ve been meaning to ask you. Did Richard start at Invor yet?” His casual manner about the situation was unnerving. It was as if he had nothing to hide or was he just dumb. No one with the secrets that he had would not worry about being found out.
“Yes, he started yesterday. He likes it. It is a bit too soon to give an account of the details. He is going to lie low for the next couple of weeks or so. Then he might be able to find out more.”
“I would suggest that he stay away from Jessica. She is a loud mouth, always causing trouble.”
“Now that’s funny. He mentioned that she was the most helpful.” “Richard says she is really nice. Maybe he will take her out to lunch or something in appreciation of her being responsible for getting him the job.” I immediately looked for a reaction, and was not disappointed. His face got redder as he spoke.
“She did not get him the job,” retorted Gritty with an annoyed glare. “His tight ass got him the job. Anyway I’m busy. Catch up with you soon. Oh and did Lexus tell you that my rent is
covered by the amount of work I do here, so you are off the hook my friend.”
“No she didn’t tell me but that’s good to know and you are welcome.” If he doesn’t leave soon I am afraid that I am going to spit in his smug face.
“Are you ready? Gritty please watch the phone and doors. Don’t let anyone in that you don’t know.” With that said she led me up the back stairs to a private room. It must have been one of the parlors the dignitaries used because it was lavishly furnished to perfection. Beautiful silk bedding and antique tapestries adorned its walls which were covered in English etched Damask wallpaper. Mirrors were angled in order to create an erotic setting. A full bar was cleverly cut into the original room’s fireplace. The room set a very seductive mood. It only needed some beautiful woman and a rich horny son-of-a-bitch and the scene would be complete. Lexus knew how to please and meet their every need.
“What would you like to drink?” she asked with an interesting tone. I did not know whether she was annoyed at my abrupt interruption of her day or intrigued by the uncertainty of the moment. She sauntered towards me and if I did not know who she was; I would have been taken aback by her beauty. Perhaps it was the setting but she was in her element and it brought out another side of her, one that I had never seen before.
“I think I will need a drink, maybe a scotch.” I then continued, “Lexus, considering our friendship, I find it hard to be here and have to question you. This meeting is more business than pleasure.” She raised her hand as if the gesture would stop my words. I ceased talking.
“If this is an interrogation regarding Grenville, you might as well leave. I will not talk about him.”
“Don’t you trust me? We have been friends for years. I would never betray or hurt you in any way. You have to believe that!”
“I do trust you but you said this was business and I can only assume it is police business. You are working on a case, aren’t you? And that case does involve Gritty and his dealings with Invor. Adam, I don’t want to get involved.”
“Okay, I just found out that Gritty wasn’t alone in his vagabond days.”
“You saw Bobby! Is he okay? Where is he?” She got up and fell back on to the bed as if I had struck her with a metal object. Her chest was heaving.
“You know Bobby? Did Gritty mention him to you? You have to tell me what you know or I cannot help you. Please Lexus….”
“It’s a long story. I don’t know where to start or if I can trust you. Stay away from Bobby. He is out to get Gritty.”
“Trust me. I give you my word. I give you years of friendship. I promise to listen and not be judgmental.”
“I don’t know where to begin.”
“Come and sit down and just begin at the beginning. You’ll see, once started it will be easier.”
She exhaled and wiped her brow. She called to Gritty to come up. I was more confused than ever but I let her lead. “He has to be here,” was all she said.
The knock came within moments. She opened the door throwing herself in his arms.
Gritty held her tightly and begged her to tell him what happened. He looked at me in an accusing manner. “What the hell did you do?” he shouted.
“Sit down Gritty and listen,” she yelled, getting her composure back. “Adam has seen Bobby. What if he knows where you are?”
“What! Is he alright? Where did you see him?”
I was getting more confused than ever but decided to come clean and tell them for fear that they would clam up and I’d get no information. “I saw him on rue Dalcourt. He was in your box. He said that he lived with you occasionally there. He was very concerned about your whereabouts.”
“I haven’t seen Bobby in quite some time. We did live together but definitely not in a box. We were working together at Invor and we also shared an apartment downtown.”
“Why didn’t you mention this to me before? How can I believe anything that you say?” I felt now was the time to be forthright and let him know what I found out from Marc. It was a gamble but one that I was willing to take. I felt that we had to be on the same page or I could not help him. “Grit, why did you tell me that you had a wife? You were never married and there were also charges against you for assault. The charges were later dropped. What the fuck gives? I don’t have time for games like this.”
Lexus looked directly at me. “The charges were dropped because I dropped them.”
“It was you?”
“Yes. We were having an argument and someone reported us or so the story goes.”
“Wait a minute; you knew each other before?”
“I guess it is time to own up. That is why I called Grenville to join us. It is a story reaching back in time; it is our story. Shall I begin?”
I took a quick swig of my drink and asked for another. I felt like this was going to be a long day and emotionally taxing. I sat down as if I were about to be executed, waiting for the trigger of the gun to fire. I prepared my body. “I’m ready.”
Lexus and Gritty sat on the divan. They were huddled so closely that it was as if they were one. They reached for the other’s hand and at that precise moment I knew that I was about to change my perspective of things.
* * * *
“As you are well aware Grenville and Gerald Forth were lovers. They worked at Invor for years. I do not precisely remember the exact year but it had to be more than 25 or so. Forth had an extremely jealous wife. She was not aware that her husband swung both ways. He’s bisexual and so is Gritty. They started having an affair.”
I interrupted. “What has this got to do with Bobby? I figured that out already!”
“I’m getting there. Please no interruptions!”
“I’m sorry, continue.”
“Mr. Forth, being a community minded person, formed a lasting friendship with the Mayor of Montreal. And as it was, the Mayor was having an affair with his secretary. What else is new in this hypocritical bureaucracy! Well, to make a long story short, they needed a place to carry on their affairs and I provided them rooms. I helped many men in power keep their marriages together. Most of my clients would leave work at city hall and arrive on my doorstep. Yes, Forth rubbed shoulders with not only a wealthy bunch of men but very influential as well. I am sure now that he got granted many favours due to this. The Mayor like the others would definitely cover for him, both in his work related schemes and his professional life. They had a lot on everyone concerned.”
“Yeah, I know but your stating that this was good for all. What! Keep or break up their marriages. Lexus I know all about this. I go back years with you, remember. You weren’t helping their marriages; you were causing deceit in them.”
She looked directly at me and continued. The boys could play and then go home at night as if nothing happened. They were better husbands, and yes it did keep most marriages together. It is a proven fact that men, like in France, that have a mistress will never leave their wife. And most wives turn a blind eye and reap the benefits of a comfortable life that only some can dream of. They know their men play and it saves them a messy divorce. Usually their husbands sow their wild oats and return to the nest. Whereas men in North America are stupid enough to get wrapped up in their affairs. They eventually leave the mistress and lose all in the process, family, wife and financial security. Give me the European way any day!
“When Grenville and Forth wanted a hide out, it was only natural they came to me. I kept their secret. Do you want to continue?” she said looking at Gritty. He did.
“Forth and I had a relationship for years and his wife I am sure knew about it. It was easier than a divorce; that is why Lexus is mentioning this. We started to mix business with pleasure and it got rocky. I naturally had formed a friendship with Lexus and found her to be extremely easy to talk to. I told her about my problems with Forth. She was terribly understanding. We seemed to spend more time together than I did with Forth. W
e started to form a bond. You must remember that I liked men and women. One night Lexus and I toting a bottle of Scotch ended up in this very room. Whether it be the drink or the mutual attraction, we woke up the next morning in each other’s arms.”
“Wow, did Forth ever find out?” I said with eager curiosity.
“I am sure he suspected something. He tried harder than ever to make his marriage work. All we did was fight. I am sure that he had a lot to do with my being let go. He couldn’t stand to look at me.”
“Did he know about your cure and your lab findings?”
“Of course, I told him everything.”
“So, it is definitely possible that he might be behind this.”
“That is what I think.”
“The one thing that I don’t understand Grit, is why you are hiding out? What could he possibly do to you?”
“I left out something. I made a copy of my lab reports. I have proof of my findings and if it fell into the right hands, Invor would be closed down. It would affect the whole pharmaceutical industry. I know for a fact they are getting money for not revealing what they know.”
“Paybacks from who?”
“The pharmaceutical directors pay them hush money. I have seen it. I had access to one of their cheques. I made a copy of it.”
“Impossible! You mean the cheque was made out to Invor stating hush money paid? I don’t buy it. Nobody is that stupid,” I groaned.
“No, but the amount was three times greater than their usual fee for lab results. All of a sudden it was bigger and this went on for more than a year. Anyone auditing their books would see the discrepancy.”
“Yikes, that is a big one! And that is when you went into hiding?”
“Yes, but before that Gerald and I had personal issues. They were related to Lexus. He knew we were a couple.”
“How did he figure that out? Did you tell him?”
“Lexus got pregnant and I was there for her. I eventually had to tell him.”
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