Code Name: Crescent: A Matt Preston Novel

by Paul Shadinger

  I took the chicken out and put it on the grill. After a few minutes I turned it, and when they were ready, I took them off the grill and brought them into the kitchen. While I’d been out, she had set the table in the kitchen, and now there were candles burning in the middle, and the lights were turned off. In the short time she had been working, she had prepared a small fruit salad and had dished up the risotto. The chicken was done to perfection and even though it was a quickly made meal, it was superb.

  ~ ~ ~ ~

  When we were finished with dinner, Gladys cleared the dishes from the table and stacked them in the sink. Once she was finished, she reached out, took my hand and led me back to the couch. She excused herself for a moment and when she returned she had two brandy glasses in her hand. I took a sip and the liquid warmed my mouth and then all the way to my tummy.

  “I’m glad I came over. I thought about you a lot.”

  “Even with your friend?”

  “You asked me if this was something on the rebound, me coming here.. When I went to have my talk with my friend, I caught her in an… umm… embarrassing situation, for both of us. I was rude and didn’t call and, well... she had a guest. I’ll be honest. I was a bit hurt. But I was also kind of relieved that something had finally happened. I guess this makes me a real sleaze, but I thought about you. I realized that I could come and see you and not feel like I was cheating.”

  We sat sipping our drinks for a while. I could tell Gladys was thinking about something. Finally, it looked like she had made a decision. She reached over and patted my hand and then excused herself. I watched in delight as she walked away. I called out after her, “By the way, remind me to me to tell you about the day in the grocery store when we first met.”

  “Oh, what about it?”

  “When you come back.” She smiled and sauntered from the room.

  When she returned she had changed. Now she was wearing the most transparent negligee I’d ever seen. If there’s such a thing as spun spider webs, this was it. Things were covered, but they weren’t. I’m not sure, but I swear my eyes popped out. Gladys picked up her glass and sat back down beside me. “Okay, I’m back. What were you going to tell me?”

  I laughed and started to tell her about being bored while I was standing in line. “It seemed to take forever to go through the checkout, and I started checking out your ass.”

  “Oh really,” she smirked. “And what did you think?”

  “First off, I adore a woman in a dress and your dress that day was really something. Then there was the actual butt inside of the dress and that was even more enticing.” Gladys smiled. “I could have stood in line for another day just checking you out.” Gladys reached out and ran her finger softly over my cheek. I said jokingly, “I see you’ve slipped into something more comfortable.”

  “Matt, I like the way you make me feel. You’ve been a real gentleman tonight. I’m going to share a secret with you. Something I’ve never told a soul.” I drew back and lifted my eyebrows. I was ready for her secret. “Usually when I dance, I get really horny. I mean sometimes I have to come home and masturbate for at least an hour before I can calm down. When you rang the doorbell, I was just getting ready to have a drink and then take care of myself.” Her voice dropped and became low and sultry. “How do you feel about helping out a lady in distress?” Gladys had wrapped her hands around one of my arms and was leaning against me.

  That was a request that did not need a second invitation. I followed as she led me back to her bedroom and a king sized bed. She stopped in the middle of the room and slipped off her outfit. I pulled my clothes off as fast as I could and we met in the middle of the bed. Making love is always good, but once in a while it seems to me that the act goes to a higher plane. I don’t want to get carried away here, but being with her was why humans are so driven. Making love with Gladys bordered on a religious experience.

  We lay there for some time in a blissful state, both of our bodies just humming along. Gladys sighed and said, “I don’t have to work tomorrow. Wanna go up and see my boat?”

  “Can’t. I have to go and see a friend about a problem that’s cropped up. Well, maybe I shouldn’t call him a friend… more like an acquaintance. Anyway, I’m looking for somebody and I hope he can help me find him.”

  “Who are you looking for?” she asked.

  “A kid that goes to the U. Football player named Cox.” I felt her tense under my arm and heard her draw in her breath with a hiss. “What’s the matter, Gladys? Do you know him?”

  It was a long time before she answered and when she spoke, it was all I could do to hear her. “Bud Cox has raped at least two of the girls who work with me. The problem is both of them took some money before they went off with him. But it got really ugly and he beat both of them up. He tied them up and raped them both in front and back several times and when he cut them loose, he said them if they told anybody about it, some of his buddies would come and pay them a visit. And after his friends were done, their faces would be so ugly they’d never work again.”

  “Are you okay?” I asked

  “Sorry. It’s just that I held one of the gals when we took her to the hospital. Her anus was so torn it needed stitches, and to this day she hasn’t been able to dance. I heard about the other one through the gossip at work.” Gladys sounded frightened as she continued, “Matt, I think you need to keep away from this kid. He’s a really bad egg.”

  “So you’re telling me you want me to let him keep raping women? I don’t believe that.”

  “Matt, don’t be an ass, you know I’m not saying that. I just don’t want you to get hurt.” Her eyes were big and her face looked frightened as she talked to me.

  “Baby, I don’t want to sound macho, but I can take care of myself. I’ll be careful. Very careful.” I kissed her on her forehead.

  “Please. I want to see you again.”

  “Really? Like the way I do the chicken, huh?”

  She pushed an elbow into my side. “No… not really; your chicken sucks. I like the way you do me.” I felt her hand slip down my tummy and gently grab my soft penis.

  I wondered how I was going to explain things to her. “Gladys. I have to tell you, there’s nothing left in there. I’m spent.”

  “Oh, really?” she asked. “Do you mind if I check? You might be surprised.”

  I’m glad I let her check.

  ~ ~ ~ ~

  The next morning over coffee, she asked me again if I was going try and find Cox. I told her I was and she asked how I was going to go about it. I started to explain I knew this fellow down in the Central District. I told her he was a very mysterious man. I went on to tell her he was just a little bitty guy but he dressed better than a GQ model. Gladys piped up, “Do you mean Mouse?”

  I don’t know why, but I was surprised. “How do you know Mouse?” I asked.

  “Please don’t make me sorry I ever told you this, but very few people know. He owns the largest share of Robbie’s and you wouldn’t believe who some of his partners are.” I was surprised, but in a way I wasn’t. “I’ve met him on several occasions. He’s always been a gentleman and has never hit on me, but I can tell he’s interested. He’s a very sweet man, but he doesn’t appeal to me that way. I do adore him, though. Tell him hello for me please.”

  “I’ll do that.”

  Gladys reached out and touched arm. “When will I see you again?” she asked in a sexy voice.

  I gave her a big grin. “Soon. I have another problem I’m dealing with, too. I’ll let you know when I can see you again. I promise.”

  “Thanks for a nice evening,” Gladys purred.

  “So you like the way I grill chicken?” I picked up Bean and made my way to the door.

  Gladys laughed and answered, “Yeah, but the way you take care of me is even better.”

  Chapter 11

  MOUSE

 
; Mouse’s real name is Steve Fox, but other than Sakol and me, I don’t think anyone else knows that. The reason Mr. Fox is called Mouse is his size. I’m around 6’3” and I must be at least a foot taller than he is. Other than his size, there are two outstanding things about Mouse. The first is the way he dresses. The man is a walking advertisement for GQ. The other is his knowledge of what’s happening in not only Western Washington, but around the world. The man knows secrets that I find almost frightening. In addition, he seems to know everybody. I figured if anybody knew anything about Bud Cox, Mouse would.

  When Sakol and I visited Mouse at what I refer to as his place of business, I swore I would never go back. It was without a doubt one of the most frightening places I have ever been. Considering where I’ve been and what I’ve done, that’s a strong statement. I guess the lesson learned here is: never say never.

  I parked a few doors down and carefully locked my car. The street in front of his building and the stairs leading down to his den were exactly as filthy as I remembered them. The light at the bottom of the stairs was just as feeble as I remembered from my last visit. The place did not invite unwanted visitors by its appearance.

  I’d seen Sakol reach out and turn a doorknob somewhere. I fumbled around until I located it and opened the door. The room was still dark but I thought the stench was worse than last time. This time I knew where I was going and I was able to navigate the dimness. When I touched the door at the end of the room, a massive black man stepped out of the shadows. His voice was a rumble. “What do you want?”

  “I’d like to see Mouse,” I announced, trying not to show any fear.

  “Do you have an appointment?” the rumbly voice asked.

  “No, but—”

  The man interrupted me, “Does he know you?”

  “Yes, I’ve been here before. And we have mutual friends.”

  “Just a minute. Stay here.” The door opened a fraction and the gigantic man slipped through into the next room. What I found strange was he had not even asked my name. The door hadn’t closed completely when it opened up again. The immense man opened the door wide and invited me in.

  The overblown elegance of the room stunned me, just as it had on my first visit. Everything about the room whispered luxury. I saw the fire burning brightly in the fireplace and Mouse sitting behind his massive desk. When he saw me, he jumped up and literally ran towards me. He extended his hand and as we shook, he held my hand in both of his and exclaimed, “Matt! What a treat to have you come and visit. I never thought you’d come back here again.” I couldn’t help myself, I had to laugh. Mouse smiled and continued, “I can’t believe I’m seeing you so soon. And how is the young lady you were with?”

  “She’s doing well, thanks. She’s with my friend who’s a nurse. The young lady had some challenges she needed help dealing with.”

  “She’s with Sharon?” Mouse asked.

  I had to laugh. His face got serious again and he continued, “For you to come here and see me, you must have something very important to talk to me about. Please, come sit.”

  He pushed a button concealed on his desk and the same lovely petite Asian woman I’d seen last time came into the room. “Coffee with lots of cream for our guest,” he told her.

  “Very good sir.” She smiled at me, bowed and left the room. I was impressed Mouse remembered what I’d drunk when I visited with Sakol. He motioned to one of the oversized leather chairs in front of the fireplace and I sat down. He took the chair directly across from mine.

  He said, “I cannot begin to tell you how very pleased I am to see you again, but I’m also not so stupid as to believe you just came for a social visit. His voice was cordial, but his curiosity was apparent.

  I was embarrassed. This man was so outgoing and seemed to go out of his way to make me feel comfortable and here I was making a visit with a motive. “You embarrass me.”

  Mouse laughed. “Please, I know how people feel about me. To be honest, it’s to my advantage and it’s something I try and cultivate. I know how people view me, and I do understand how difficult it must be for you to come and see me. Matt, all I ask is you keep in mind that everything you think you see is not as it appears.” I wondered what the hell he was talking about.

  Mouse leaned back in his chair, folded his hands and put his feet on the ottoman. “Now, tell me, what is it you want from me?”

  I decided the best approach was to just come right out and tell the man. “I’m looking for Bud Cox.”

  He frowned. “Why? What do you want him for?” There were no wasted words, just right to the point.

  “I play poker with Bill Tate.” Mouse tilted his head. “The last game we played together, Bill asked me to see if I could find his daughter. He had heard about my… ah… my visit to Ross Island and everything that happened, and he knows some of what came out of it.” Mouse looked thoughtful. “Tate’s daughter was in hiding from Cox when you saw me trying to get her out of the hood. She says Cox raped her, and she wants something done about it. Kim says the school doesn’t care, and she’s told people Cox threatened her. She’s also been threatened by people telling her they’ll do her harm if she doesn’t back off.

  “But it goes deeper than that. I have a friend who works at Robbie’s, who by the way sends her greetings, and she told me two of the girls from the club were raped, but because they took money from Cox to have sex with them, they can’t go to the police.”

  Mouse laced his fingers together. He pointed his knuckles at me and asked, “Who’s your friend?”

  “Gladys. I believe you know her as Sadie.”

  Mouse’s face lit up with a smile. “Ah, what a lovely woman. I have so often enjoyed the way she dances. I mean, she really dances. Lovely woman.” The smile slipped off his face as he continued, “Anyway, I’m disturbed she never told me about the rapes, even if the girls took money for sex. I know a lot of what goes on at Robbie’s.” I didn’t think it was wise to tell him I had heard about his connection with Robbie’s. He continued, “I’ve heard the same rumors. And I’ve also spoken to the lad—not about what you want to discuss with him—but he is impressive.” A look of sadness came to Mouse’s face and he shook his head. “It seems that you never know who to trust and who to fear.” I thought that was one of the most profound statements he could have uttered.

  I said, “I’ve heard so many things. I’d like to find Cox and see what’s up. I want to talk to him. I’m told he’s an engaging person, but I also hear the kid’s an animal. Which is correct? I thought if anybody could put out the word, it would be you.”

  Mouse smiled. “You flatter me.”

  “No sir. When I was here with Sakol I was stunned by your knowledge of what goes on in this city. I kid you not, I found it almost frightening. I had no idea our poker games had come to your attention and the fact that you knew about my… ah... difficulties with the men I knew from the service was unsettling.”

  I went on, “I know you put the word in the right people’s ear and things happen. I’m positive you can get Cox to come and talk to me, and that’s why I came to see you.” I looked down for a moment and concluded, “In addition, I’m embarrassed that I haven’t come back for a social visit. That was rude of me.”

  Mouse laughed and clapped his hands. “Okay, you’re forgiven. As for your request, consider it done—with one provision.” I raised my chin. “You will not harm him. Regardless of what you learn from him, you will not harm him in any way. Do I have your word on that?” I nodded. Mouse smiled at me and said, “You just go about your business and I’ll have him come and find you. Will that work?”

  I can’t explain how much I wanted to ask how he could get Cox to come and see me. In addition I wanted to know how he was going to keep tabs on me. But I decided there are some things best left unasked. I was asking the man for his help and I just needed to trust him. I replied, “Yes.”

 
Mouse cleared his throat and then held a finger. “Please, there is one more thing I would like to ask of you. After your chat with Mr. Cox, please come back and talk to me. I’ve heard rumors as well, but I also hear all of the good things about him. I respect your judgment and I’d like to hear what you have to say. Will you do that for me?”

  I agreed. There was a rap on the door and the elegant Asian woman returned with a large cup of coffee, just the right color for my taste. She bowed as she handed me the cup and I thanked her. I was surprised to see she actually blushed. She bowed to Mouse and left the room.

  “I’m impressed. You seem to have made an impression on Jade. She never blushes when I thank her for her services.” I was positive I was blushing now. I took a sip of my coffee and it was excellent.

  “By the way Matt, may I make an observation?”

  “Of course,” I said.

  “Do you know much about the two gentlemen that are following you?” he asked.

  I was speechless. At first I wondered how the hell Mouse knew about the colonel and the suit, and then I realized this was just Mouse being himself. “You’re amazing,” I said. “How do you know about the colonel and the suit?”

  “The colonel, as you call him—I don’t know exactly what his true rank is. I believe he wears the uniform to intimidate you. Anyway, I’ve known him for a long time and I’ve never trusted him, or the super-secret organization he works for. I would tell you stories, but I can’t.” He grinned. “Matt, I’m advising you not to trust him. The man is incapable of telling the truth.”

  He continued, “The other man, what did you call him? The suit? All I know is there was a chopper pilot with his name in Viet Nam. Rumor has it that he went on to be a chopper jockey for hire. He’s supposed to have been all over the Middle East, both flying and teaching how to fly. It’s my understanding he’s worked for both our military and for the other side as well. The story on him is that it’s amazing what he can coax a chopper to do.