by Maria Milot
Bob studied her face as she spoke. She is really hot. But time is wasting here. Great segue Miss Maddie. Let’s get down to business. “Yeah, sorry for the incommunicado situation. Like I said, I’ve been real busy with work. So speaking of that fancy party murder, how’s the investigation going?”
Her invisible antennae twitched. She was grateful to know her intuition was still there. Fishing expedition. Ok, I’ll bite. “I’m not sure, Bob. I’m not a detective.”
“But your friend Jack is. He must’ve said something about it. I heard the cops were looking into your other friend too, Jared Diamond. He and Ken were good friends, right? Business associates?”
“You seem pretty interested. Maybe there’s something you want to tell me?” Maddie retorted.
“I don’t know, Maddie.” Bob offered up a shoulder shrug. “Of course I’m interested. I was at a party where a guy I had just met turned up dead a few hours later.”
“Funny, I don’t remember seeing you again that night after Ken Tate was found,” Maddie pressed.
“Come on. What is this an interrogation? I gave my statement to the cops. You really want me to go over it again?”
Maddie noticed Bob’s usually suave and confident demeanor had turned edgy. She decided to zone in on this opportunity to expose what she felt was a hole in his story the night of the murder. Joe might have screwed up her ability to trust own decision making, but right now it was her instinct she trusted and it was telling her Bob was hiding something. “Well, I wouldn’t mind you telling me why I saw you following Ken outside, not long before he was found murdered.”
“Look, I told the cops and I’ll tell you, I went outside a bunch of times to have a smoke. If Ken was outside too, it was a coincidence. I never saw the guy out there.” Bob tapped his finger on the table to the slow count in his head. He needed to stay in control. He opted to deflect and press on to the next order of business. “So you know the art business seems to be pretty hot right now. I was thinking, maybe we could do a little business together?”
Maddie sat back in disbelief at how he could flip the subject of their conversation. What he said next was even more incredulous.
“If you front me around ten grand, I would have it on hand, so if I see a piece that looks like something you would be interested in I could get it right away.”
Maddie nearly choked on her coffee as she was caught off guard by his absurd proposal. The look on her face made Bob realize he was experiencing a very rare moment. He had actually misread how far he could push his good graces with a woman. He could feel his window of opportunity closing. He had to act fast. He shot his arm forward toward his coffee cup. It hit his intended target. Maddie’s purse spilled to the ground with a thunk.
“Maddie I’m so sorry. I’m such a klutz today.” Bob was under the table in a flash. “Here, let me just put your stuff back in your purse.”
“No. I’ve got it.” Maddie leaned over to pick up the bag.
Bob had only needed an instant to slip the listening device into her purse. Maddie re-adjusted some of the items in her bag while Bob continued to apologize. “Let me get you another drink, make up for my being so clumsy.”
Maddie couldn’t hide her annoyance as she quipped, “Really, now you want to buy me a drink? Two minutes ago, you wanted me to give you a pile of money. I’m sorry Bob, I have no problem helping out my friends when they are in need but I don’t get the sense you’re actually in need or that you’re truly interested in being my friend.”
“You’re right, Maddie I want to be more than your friend.” God, it’s not like she’s strapped for cash. Why is she acting like such a bitch? Bob could feel his frustration and anger rising. He tried to cover it and stay cool but his charm was slipping away. “I’m sorry I asked for financial help. I just thought we could work something out like a loan or maybe a good business deal for some art. But if it’s gonna be a problem for our relationship, then just forget about it.”
Maddie was incensed that Bob was trying to make her a bad guy. “You know what, Bob? I am going to try to forget about it. I have to go. I have an appointment.” Maddie was up from the table and away before Bob could even think of a response.
FIFTY-ONE
Not since before the gala had the faceless man who haunted her dreams appeared. But tonight she was again visited by a sense of foreboding, and this time she was awake and aware that her instincts were now intact. Maybe all those nightmares weren’t about the past, she thought. Maybe they’re a premonition. Maybe they’re a warning.
She checked her rearview mirror again to see if the headlights which had followed her through the last two turns continued to keep pace. All clear. Ok, better lay off the James Bond movies for a while. She made the final turn onto what served as the small village of Jamestown’s main road and looked for a side street to park.
Bob knew when to hang back to avoid being spotted. He eased the car he had borrowed from Moe up a street that ran parallel to the one he had seen Maddie pull onto and park. He hopped out and deftly bolted through the backyards separating him from Maddie. He dropped to a crouch as he nestled up alongside her car. He peered up and down the road. There, just a few paces away he spied her. She was approaching a streetlight at the crossroad which would bring her to the main street. Bob quickly picked his way along the yard side of the hedges which lined the road. He was close to the ground, tucked behind a shrub at the corner of the road as he watched her head onto the main street and walk into a small restaurant a few doors down. Bob retreated back to his car and moved it into position, closer to the restaurant, so he could listen.
Thanks to the listening device he had planted, Bob had heard Maddie’s side of the conversation as she made plans to meet up with Jared. Unfortunately, she never said where they were going. Bob adjusted his earbuds. Fortunately for him, Maddie and Jared were in a small, quiet restaurant. The ambient noise wasn’t too loud. Bob increased the volume on his device and was met with crunching static. “Damn it!” he cursed. At that moment the static stopped and Bob was rewarded with the sound of Jared’s voice.
“I have no idea, Maddie, why Ken would steal money from the company. He gave me the money to start the company!”
The crackle was back but only for a few seconds. Bob again heard Jared’s voice.
“Like I told Jack when we were at your house, I’ve never even heard of the Royal Cayman Bank.”
The static had started again but it didn’t matter that the device had stopped working. Bob had heard enough. He yanked the earbud wire out and pounded his fist on the steering wheel. “The islands!” Bob exclaimed aloud. “Cosimo had been talking to someone on the phone about the islands when I was in his office. I’m a betting man and I bet that scumbag Ken was embezzling money for Mr. D.” Bob rhythmically tapped his fingers on the wheel as he continued to think aloud. “I know just how to collect on Mr. Tate’s misfortunes. It seems my dead buddy Ken and I are about to take our partnership to the next level.”
FIFTY-TWO
Bob thanked Moe for facilitating a meeting with Jimmy the Creator. As his name implied, Jimmy was a master creator of official documents, notarized papers, and false identifications. Jimmy had advised Bob on the paperwork he would need for his project and Bob was confident Jimmy would supply him with everything he needed. However, it would cost a pretty penny.
Bob drove away from Moe’s Electronics lost in thought about how he would come up with the money needed to pay off Jimmy the Creator. Didn’t go too well last time I tried but maybe some time away from my awesomeness has made Miss Maddie wax sentimental. Bet I could squeeze a little cash out of her for this job. I’d like to squeeze something else on her too. That girl’s got some willpower. I can’t believe she’s been able to resist me this long.
Bob’s machinations led to a lapse in his usually cautious driving. He hadn’t bothered to check his rearview or side mirrors, so he never saw the car following him since he pulled out of Moe’s Electronics shop.
F
IFTY-THREE
Maddie smiled and waved as she headed past the front desk of the animal shelter. “I’ll see you next Thursday, Kate.”
“Thanks again Maddie for all you’ve done over the past few weeks.”
“No problem, Kate.”
In an instant, Kate was up, around the corner of the desk and touching the sleeve of Maddie’s shirt. “Maddie, it’s not just the money you donated. Although, God knows it was needed and you are an angel. But I want to thank you for the time you have put in volunteering here.”
“No need to keep thanking me. It really is my pleasure, Kate.”
As Maddie drove away she thought out loud about what she had just said. “It really is my pleasure. I never had a pet. Who knew I would like working with those animals so much? And everyone I’ve met there is genuinely nice.”
Her ritual of self-reflection was interrupted by a loud ringtone reverberating through the inside of her car. She let the call ring once more as she debated answering it. I know what I need to do, she thought as she tapped a button on her steering wheel and took the call from Bob. Maddie could not keep the irritation from her voice. “Hi, Bob.”
“Hey, Miss Maddie. How the hell are ya?” came Bob’s cheery response.
“What do you want, Bob?” Maddie asked.
“Okay, well let’s get right down to business then. So, last time we were together I floated the idea of us collaborating on some art purchases. I thought maybe you might be ready to make an investment? Like maybe something around three grand?”
Maddie quickly pulled her car to the side of the road so she could set Bob straight. She purposely spoke at a slower pace and enunciated each word. “Bob, listen to me. I need you to actually listen to my words. I am never going to do business with you. I am never going to give you money. I am no longer interested in having a relationship, a friendship, or even a passing acquaintance with you. You should delete my phone number as I never want you to call me again. Do you understand?” Maddie’s stomach formed a tight, nauseous knot as she braced herself for the blowback.
Bob’s tone was low and smooth. “I’m not gonna lie, Maddie. I’m sorry things aren’t gonna work out between us. But maybe it’s all for the best. I have some business opportunities overseas, so I won’t be around for a while anyway. Thanks for the good times. Bye.”
The line went dead. Maddie stared at her car’s screen where the Bluetooth call had been connected. She let out a long breath of relief. That was so much easier than I ever thought it would be, she thought.
◆◆◆
Wow, that girl’s got a screw loose. Oh, well, saves me from swimming in the deep end of the crazy pool. Looks like I better give Betty a call, Bob thought as he scrolled through the contacts on his phone to call Mrs. Vanderbeck.
FIFTY-FOUR
Sounds of a throaty singer twisted with the slow twang of acoustic guitars. The rhythm danced across the harbor from Fort Adams and glided around Maddie and Jared. Maddie clinked her wine glass to Jared’s. They sat shielded by weathered, wooden shingles from the bright sun of the day.
“Your porch has got to be one of the best spots to listen to the Newport Folk Festival!” Maddie exclaimed.
“Well, we could’ve been down there on a boat,” Jared stated.
“No, this is better. I like being up here, above the fray, taking it all in.”
“I’m glad you’re happy Maddie.”
Maddie noticed Jared’s tone had changed. He suddenly sounded melancholy.
“Jared, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing is wrong…” Jared had started to object but the look on Maddie’s face told him she wasn’t buying it. “You’re right, I’m a little sad today.”
Maddie watched him and waited.
His stare was trained out across the harbor. After a few moments, Jared issued a monotone list. He let space hang between each statement. “I used to watch the folk festival with Ken. Some days are better than others. I fluctuate between angry and sad. I have questions that may not be answered.” Jared snapped his head to face Maddie. His voice rose as he continued. “Not to mention I’m still a person of interest with the police. Ken was keeping secrets from me. Me, his closest, possibly only friend in the world!”
Maddie spoke softly, “I know how hard it is to lose your best friend. I know I’ve alluded to my difficulty dealing with my breakup from Joe and losing Mr. Whitmore. I’ve struggled to make decisions, to find things I enjoy doing by myself, not to fear making mistakes and to trust myself. Just telling you this is a big leap for me. I know what it’s like to hold secrets. Maybe you know more about Ken’s secrets than you think. Maybe if you talk about him, you might remember some detail that will help bring his killer to justice.”
Jared shook his head left and right. “I believe you mean well Maddie. But it worries me that you keep involving yourself in this case.”
Maddie’s body drew away from Jared toward the back of her chair. “Why are you worried?”
Jared suddenly stood up and firmly stated, “I don’t want to talk about this anymore. I’m going to get us another bottle of wine. Let’s just enjoy the view and the music, okay?”
She looked after Jared as he stepped off the porch and disappeared into his house. It was hard to watch Jared’s mood swings. Yet, she understood all too well what he was going through.
FIFTY-FIVE
Maddie doubled over and clenched her stomach. Winston was next to her laughing just as deeply as she. She flipped her head up. Her face was flush, tracks of sweat ringed her face. “I don’t think I will be playing Wimbledon anytime soon.”
“Oh, come on now Madison, you’re doing just fine. Just try to keep the racquet in your hand next time.”
Maddie caught the white towel Winston tossed her in mid-air.
“See? Your hand-eye coordination is improving too,” Winston joked.
He took up her hand as they exited his tennis court and strolled along a path toward his main house.
Maddie gave his hand a squeeze. “Thank you. I feel like I haven’t laughed like that in ages.”
“I told you learning to play tennis would be fun.”
Maddie smiled. Without thought, her next words slipped out like a breath of air. “It’s just so easy being with you.”
“As opposed to being with Jared,” Winston prodded.
Maddie stopped in her tracks. Sadness flashed across her face as she answered him. “Sometimes. I know you don’t want to hear this but the guy is really torn up about losing his best friend.”
“Well, Madison, you might not want to hear this but that’s not a reason to stay with him.”
Maddie’s tone was defensive as she explained, “Winston, we’ve talked about this. I’m not ready to be in an exclusive relationship, yet. I enjoy spending time with you and with Jared. I’m sorry if I implied differently.”
“Madison, I don’t want to fight with you. I know how you feel about jealousy. I assure you, I’m not jealous. However, I do care about you. I want you to be happy. It was my fault for bringing up Jared. I hope you will accept my apology. Today is just about us.”
Maddie’s gaze locked with Winston’s. She didn’t want to fight either. “Apology accepted,” she said.
“Good,” Winston stated. He pointed to their right toward stone steps which wound down to the ocean cove and a small boathouse. “Would you like to go out on the boat or head up to the pool?”
“Pool, please. Maybe some margaritas?”
“Don’t forget, Madison, I’m all alone in the house. Everyone has gone to France.”
“Seriously Winston, you need staff to make margaritas for you? Let me take this opportunity to teach you something. Margaritas are my specialty!”
◆◆◆
Maddie pressed her lips on Winston then turned to face the stunning color display of sunset. “This is my favorite time of day. Magic Hour. A time for possibilities,” she whispered. Mr. Whitmore had given her the term ‘Magic Hour’. Every day she and Mr. Whitm
ore would sit together at twilight. The only rule for their conversation during that time was it had to be positive. The good energy of things to come or fond memories of the past. Some days the light show was more spectacular than others. But every sunset with Mr. Whitmore was a magical time.
“Would it be possible for me to take advantage of Magic Hour and ask you to stay here with me?” Winston asked.
Maddie gently traced a finger along Winston’s strong jawline. “I’m sorry. I’m not ready for that yet. Besides, I’m meeting Kelly early tomorrow morning.”