by Maria Milot
“Hey you,” Bob said. He seemed to have materialized out of thin air in front of her.
“Hello. Where did you come from?” Maddie asked, a bit surprised.
“I was over there in the corner, visiting my favorite bar. Never a line. People don’t seem to stick around in this red room for very long.”
“I can’t imagine why,” Maddie commented sarcastically.
“Maddie, in case I didn’t say it already, I want to thank you for inviting me to this shindig.”
Maddie politely smiled.
Bob waved his drink glass in a wide sweep. “Sure are a lot of highfalutin people here. Including your, ah, male friends.” Bob put an emphasis on the word ‘friends’ and gestured big air-quotes with one hand.
Maddie rolled her eyes. “Let’s not get into this, Bob. I’m sorry you’ve had to see me dancing with other guys.”
“No, no, no. It really is fine. You told me we’re not exclusive. I get that more than anyone.” Bob’s open body language backed up his words.
“I have a feeling you do, Bob,” Maddie responded. I really am in control, she thought as Bob continued speaking.
“Maddie, I just want to be sure that I am still in the running with the pretty-boy competition. Besides, this place is a good business opportunity for me.”
Maddie gave a sigh of relief. “Well, I’m glad you’re not jealous. I’m not looking for a serious relationship right now. And for the record you are included on the dance card both tonight and most likely another night.”
Bob was much less concerned about her affection for him and much more curious about her insight on Ken. “Yeah, that’s good to hear. So speaking of business, what do you know about that guy Ken?”
Her invisible antennae went up at his question. “Not much. I just met him tonight. I know he’s a very good friend of Jared and they’re in business together; something with money and computers. Why do you ask?”
“Just curious.” He thought quick to extend a more satisfactory answer. “I’m always on the lookout for new business connections.” Bob had a nagging feeling he knew Ken. I just can’t place him. I need to go figure this out, he thought. “If you’ll excuse me Maddie, this room feels a bit oppressive.”
◆◆◆
Kelly pointed Jack in the direction of Maddie and Bob, “Looks like the clown is back and the juggling act continues.”
“Yeah, but it seems like they’re both doing a juggling act tonight.” Jack chuckled.
Kelly did not look amused.
Jack tried to put her at ease. “Don’t worry Kelly, Maddie’s just having fun. That guy Bob is a player. She’ll see right through him. Look, he’s walking away from her. Okay, here she comes, remember we’re having fun.”
Kelly gave Jack an exaggerated toothy grin and turned to greet her friend.
◆◆◆
Engrossed in the smooth sound of a saxophone, Maddie shifted her shoulders and tapped her foot. She watched her friends move about the dance floor.
“Madison?”
Ken had surfaced next to her. He cast his eyes about the room then discreetly pointed a finger to their right. “Is that James Cooper over there?”
The question felt rhetorical given the expression on Ken’s face. Maddie couldn’t help but notice the look emanating from Ken’s eyes, like a lion in a butcher shop.
Ken reeled in his thoughts before he spoke. “He would be a huge client for my company. Come with me, we’ll go introduce ourselves.”
Maddie didn’t have time to object as Ken grabbed her hand and pulled her through a wake of glimmering dresses.
“James Cooper.” Ken’s words were an announcement, not a question.
James turned to see Ken beaming at him with an extended hand. “Do I know you?” James asked a bit apprehensively as Ken pressed his hand into Cooper’s.
“Well, you do now. Ken Tate. I own Spinnaker Ventures.”
James’ face changed from an irritated gaze to a knowing smile. “Well, hello. You’re Madison Marcelle.”
Ken’s ire made him immobile. He could only watch as Maddie stepped forward into James’ open arms for an embrace.
“I’m James Cooper. My son has shown me photos of you. He has nothing but praise for you. Although he didn’t tell me you would be here. I’ve barely seen him tonight. I suppose he’s making the rounds, as we all are. You must come to the house before we leave for Paris so we can get to know you properly. Now, please excuse me. I have a little score to settle with my friend Skipper over there. Do have Winston bring you by soon.”
James bent down, placed a gentle peck on Maddie’s cheek, stepped away and was swallowed by the crowd.
Ken’s face contorted with a look of worry, anger, and hurt.
Maddie felt compelled to say something, anything. “Sorry, Ken I…”
Ken pulled a buzzing phone from his pocket. “I need to take this.” He turned and darted away.
◆◆◆
Ken swiftly moved to a less public spot where he could read the text that had just come through on his covert line. The message read, What the hell do you think you’re doing?
Ken clicked an answer back, Enjoying the party. Same as you! He slipped the phone back into his left pocket.
◆◆◆
“Sorry I haven’t been more attentive, darling.” Winston appeared at Maddie’s side. “I saw you but I wasn’t able to get to you in time. It looked like you met my father? I hope he didn’t say anything to scare you off?”
“No, not at all, he told me you’ve only said wonderful things about me and that I should have you bring me around so we can get to know each other properly.”
Winston kissed Maddie’s cheek. “Of course, my dear. I know you want to take things slowly. So when you’re ready I will drop you into the shark tank. It seems you made a new friend too. That man you were dancing with, the one who was standing with you and my father, is he a friend of yours or my father’s?”
“Honestly, I just met him tonight. Although, your father seemed to look at him as if he knew him but once Ken introduced himself he didn’t seem to know him at all. I felt awful because I thought Ken wanted to talk a little business with him, but your dad spotted me and acted like Ken wasn’t even standing there.”
“Ken?” Winston pressed for more information. “So not a friend of yours but you were dancing with him?”
“Are you jealous?” Maddie teased but hoped his answer would not put her on defense.
“Madison, I don’t think I have anything to be jealous about. I’m just inquiring because I care about you.”
“I know, Winston,” she answered with a slight sigh of relief. “His name is Ken Tate. I didn’t want to bring it up, but I met him through Jared. They’re friends and have business ties.”
Winston looked over Maddie’s shoulder and across the room. “I see. What a small world.” He looked back down towards Maddie. “Please forgive me, I must excuse myself. I see the Montgomerys are here and they are instrumental to one of my charities. It seems managing people tonight is turning into quite a job for me.”
◆◆◆
Jared felt vibrations running through the side of his tux. Damn it. Too many pockets in this thing. Which one has the phone? He tapped around his jacket then reached deep into the right side of his coat. “Hey, Charlie. Are you sure? Are you absolutely sure it wasn’t Shane or anyone else in accounting? Shit! I can’t believe this! No, no, I gotta go.” Jared desperately craned his head around the room. Where the hell is Ken?
◆◆◆
The phone in Ken’s left pocket buzzed again with a text message: Meet me outside in the pagoda. I must talk to you right now!
A few seconds later the phone in Ken’s right pocket buzzed with a call. Ken darted to a quieter space and leaned against a high-top party table covered with white linen and flowers as he spoke on the phone.
Bob was approaching Ken from behind. He was just steps away from his encounter when Ken turned his head over his shoulder and Bob ove
rheard him as he finished his phone call.
“I’ll keep you posted. Don’t worry, I’ll let you know when it’s done,” Ken said into the phone.
Bob suddenly halted as if he had slammed into an invisible brick wall. He knew where he had seen Ken. The day he had to grovel for a financial extension at Cosimo DeCastelleri’s office. Ken was the blonde man in the hall.
◆◆◆
Bob moved in like a hunter closing on his prey to confront Ken. “It seems we have a mutual friend,” Bob spoke with a sly confidence.
The blonde man gave him doubtful look. “Oh, yeah, who’s that?”
Bob inched a bit closer. Years of poker playing had trained Bob to watch for subtle reactions. “I know you’re working on a project for Cosimo DeCastelleri. I’ve seen you in his office.”
Ken seemed calm, but for a brief widening of his eyes. Gotcha! Bob thought.
“I work with a lot of business owners. It’s what I do,” Ken said collectedly.
“Yeah, save it Ken. I just want in on the deal with Cosimo.”
Ken looked annoyed. Yet again, evenly replied, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
But Bob Lackey was like a dog with a bone and persisted. “Maybe if I go and tell your big wig friend, Jared, about you and your association with Mr. D., I’d bet he’d be real interested in your ties.”
Ken lurched forward to Bob’s ear, so his sharp message could be heard clearly. “Really? How do you know Jared isn’t involved too? Back off asshole!” Ken’s shoulder jammed into Bob as he pushed past him, headed toward the back of the Stair Hall.
That’s the temper of a guilty man and it takes one to know one. Weasel. You’re not getting off this easy, Bob thought. He was flustered by his encounter with Ken but before he made any accusations that could blow up in his face, he needed to find out if Jared was involved with the organization too. Bob had a plan, time for a run in with Jared.
◆◆◆
Jared looked down at his phone again. No response. He slid his phone back into the side pocket of his tux jacket just as he spotted Ken moving from the bar behind the grand staircase. He was so focused on reaching Ken he did not see Bob until after he mowed into him.
“Sorry, Jared,” Bob apologized.
“It’s fine,” Jared muttered. His eyes fixed on Ken. “I gotta go.” He swiftly pushed forward through the throng of guests.
◆◆◆
Jared’s face was flush with emotion. “I need to talk to you right now,” he demanded.
“What’s this about?” Ken was clearly irked by Jared’s confrontation.
“You know what this is about. It’s about money. But mostly it’s about betrayal.”
Ken angled his face next to Jared’s ear. “Not here. Look around. We can talk in private.”
An evening of whiskey drinking had done its part to intensify Jared’s reactions. His voice was an angry sob. “I thought we were a team!” He snagged up the left lapel of Ken’s tuxedo. “After everything we have been through together.”
Ken tried to break free of Jared’s grip but Jared would not yield, causing Ken’s jacket to be yanked half off of him. Ken shoved Jared backward with his free hand and shook his half-removed jacket back onto his arm.
The surrounding party guests began taking notice of their brawl.
“Stop it Jared,” Ken growled. “We are not doing this here.” Ken abruptly turned and cut a path toward the wall of French doors open to the outdoor veranda.
“Don’t you walk away from me!” Jared angrily spewed. “This isn’t over Ken, this is far from over!”
Jared looked around, his wild eyes suddenly aware of guests staring at him. He dropped his head and ran his hands along sides of his hair. As he looked down he noticed a phone on the floor. He ducked his hands into his jacket, empty. Damn it, I must have dropped it dealing with Ken. He picked up the phone and absently allowed it to slide deep into an interior pocket of his tux. At that moment a hand clamped on his raised elbow. Maddie pulled his arm forcing Jared to spin around and look at her.
Her eyes swept the space behind Jared looking for Ken as she questioned, “What’s going on?”
◆◆◆
Damn. Bob finished scrolling through the phone he had lifted off Jared after he plowed into him. None of Jared’s calls, contacts or texts seemed to have any connection to Cosimo DeCastelleri. He was slinking his way back through the bustling Stair Hall when he spied Ken a few steps ahead of him.
Ken was headed toward a tall French door open to the night air. Where do you think you’re going, you little weasel? Bob deftly side stepped his way through the crowd to close in on Ken. That’s right, go outside so I can get you alone. I’ve got you now, Bob thought as he followed Ken outside onto the stone terrace.
◆◆◆
Jared was still looking down, shaking his head in frustration when Maddie saw Ken pass outside through one of the large glass doors leading out to the stone veranda, followed immediately by Bob.
“Maddie, I know you mean well. But I can’t talk about this right now. I’m furious. I need answers and I need to get some air. Alone. Please, I just need a little time.”
Maddie had no time to respond as Jared’s lips brushed her cheek and he quickly peeled away into the crowd.
She felt as if someone had reached down her throat, grabbed her stomach and twisted it into their fist. She really did care about this man.
◆◆◆
Bob watched Ken’s shadow fuse with the night as Ken headed toward the Chinese pagoda at the north corner of the estate. No lights down that far on the property; just a shimmer of moonlight when the clouds parted indicating the dark outline of a structure against an almost charcoal colored sky. Perfect, thought Bob. Take your time. I’ll take mine, cause now I’ve got you all to myself.
Bob knew he needed to stay calm. He moved into the deeper darkness provided by an enormous weeping beech tree. He leaned against the massive gnarled trunk and pulled out a cigarette. He was careful to keep his hand over the ash ember, so as not to give away his position.
◆◆◆
“It just doesn’t sit right with me,” Maddie declared. “I want to help out. I mean, I know how I would feel if you and I had a fight.” She looked at Kelly for affirmation.
“I get it Maddie.” Kelly gave her friend a welcome embrace. “What were they fighting about anyway?”
“I don’t have the details but Jared had alluded to some money problems at his company. And I know Ken is his business something or other, like a financial guy.”
“Maddie, if I can give you some advice?” Jack spoke up, then answered his own rhetorical question. “Whatever that fight was about, Jared is one pissed off dude. If he says he needs some time to cool down, then just take him at his word and give him some space.”
Kelly joined rank with her fiancé adding, “Please Maddie, Jack has a point. Just try to let it go.”
Maddie let out a deep breath as she caved to their reasoning.
◆◆◆
Ken climbed the wide, wooden steps of the pagoda style Tea House. He pushed the front door which gave way with a creak. Inside was completely dark, but for shadows from the half moon shining through windows facing the water.
“Anyone in here?” called Ken as he ventured further into the house.
“It’s time we talk about what’s going on,” came the answer.
Ken stepped forward toward the voice. “Are you sure all you want to do is talk?” Ken asked seductively.
“No, that’s not all I want,” was the response.
Cool hands were suddenly around Ken’s neck, squeezing harder and tighter. Ken flailed his arms, reaching, scratching the tuxedo material of his attacker. Ken tried to yell but only garbled chokes came out.
“I didn’t want to hurt you, Ken. I never wanted this to happen.” His arms and knuckles ached from the pressure he was exerting onto Ken’s throat. “But I trusted you. I told you I was dead serious about protecting this part of my l
ife. Now you’re making me do this. I have to do this before you ruin everything!”
The panic and pain were too much. Ken couldn’t fight anymore. He tried to focus as a pale glint of moonlight illuminated the gritted, barred teeth of his attacker. It was the last thing he ever saw.
“We should’ve had more time together,” the killer whispered as he searched Ken’s pockets. He removed Ken’s cell phone, then froze a moment. Footsteps? No, my imagination. Probably surf on the rocks. I must get out of here. He crept to a back door and silently exited. He crossed out onto the bridge over Cliff Walk, wound his arm back and hurled the phone far over the jagged rocks into the ocean.