Code Name: Crescent: A Matt Preston Novel

by Paul Shadinger

  This time there wasn’t the familiar scratch of radio transmission, or even the guards talking. I was standing at the door by the time the tall, emaciated guard was in front of my cell. I knew the drill and stepped back as he paused before putting a key in the lock. Once the door was open, he said, “Make sure you get all your stuff. You won’t be back.” I didn’t know what was up, but I was overjoyed to hear that.

  “What’s going on, Frank?”

  “Not my place to tell you, young fellow.”

  “Can you give me a hint?”

  “Cool your heels, son. My job is to fetch you and return you. This time it’s just to fetch. Now be still.” We walked in silence, waiting at each door as it opened and then clanged shut behind us. Frank took us to a new room. He opened the door and I stepped into a nicely furnished space. Krista was sitting at the table as were Jeff and Sakol. Sakol looked over at the guard. “Thanks Frank.” Frank turned and left the room.

  Jeff motioned for me to sit. After I was comfortable, Sakol started talking. “I went out to Mrs. Tate’s home. When I got there, I found Ambruster. He’s at Harborview Hospital right now. He tried to commit suicide but Samara found him just before I got there and the medics were already on the way. His left hand was cut and his blood is being crosschecked against the blood found on your truck right now.

  “I can tell you this now. We never thought you shot Cox. Also, the handprint on the seat was way too small to have been yours, but Ambruster’s hand looks like it’s just about right. We found a suicide note. Basically the note says Ambruster saw that Cox was the one who hit you on the head. Ambruster had already broken into your truck and stolen your gun since he was planning on killing Cox with it. He overheard you telling Mrs. Tate you kept a gun in your truck, and his plan was to use it when he thought you might have an alibi.

  “After Ambruster saw Cox hit you and before Cox could do anything more to you, Ambruster shot him. It was a spur-of–the-moment idea when he pulled your unconscious body over to the truck and then put the gun in your hand, aimed the gun at Cox and pulled the trigger. Since there’s no way to tell if the powder residue was from one shot or two, it looked like you had shot Cox.

  “Ambruster has been looking for a way to murder Cox ever since Kim told him about the rape. He loved that girl like she was his own. Later he felt badly about framing you and he decided the only way out was to commit suicide and leave a note which would get you off the hook.”

  I leaned back in my chair and took a deep breath. “So, does that mean I’m free now?”

  “More or less.” Jeff replied. “We still need to see that the blood on your seat matches Ambruster’s. We also want to see if there is any residue on his hands from your gun, but yes, you’re free to go.”

  I looked at Krista. “What about you?”

  “What about me?”

  “Are we clean? Do we have to go to court?”

  “Nope. Looks like all of the charges have been dropped, or at least they will be shortly.”

  I looked back at Jeff and Sakol. “Does Kim know yet?”

  “I don’t know, Samara read the note before I got there, so maybe she’s told Kim. Why?” Sakol asked me.

  “I know how Kim felt about Ambruster. It’s really going to be tough on her—knowing what he did for her. I’m sure the rape was difficult enough, but now having Ambruster doing something like that for her. I really feel badly for her.”

  “Is she with Sharon?” Jeff asked.

  “Yeah, they’re together at the houseboat. I guess if I’m free to go, I’ll go over there and check on them.”

  Chapter 16

  Hanney’s Hideaway

  Tonight I was celebrating my freedom from jail and all the problems that had gone along with my incarceration with Gladys. I could think of no place better to be, nor anybody I would rather be with. We were having dinner at Hanney’s Hideaway and this was her first time. Aside from being ecstatic that I was a free man, I was also excited to be able to show her what might be my most favorite of all restaurants.

  It’s just north of Seattle and to be honest, I hate to even tell anybody about it. So far it’s been a well-kept secret and those of us who know about it hate to share. Sorry, that’s just the way it is. Even though there are restaurants constantly going out business, this place is always packed. They don’t advertise, it’s all by word of mouth that people even know about them. Even so, it’s still highly advisable to have reservations before you show up.

  The restaurant is an old roadhouse from the twenties that’s been completely renovated. The place is called Hanney’s Hideaway and it’s a total throwback, a restaurant out of the past. The interior matches the exterior, and it feels like a classic top-of-the-line chophouse or steakhouse. White tablecloths with heavy starched napkins, well-padded booths with small candles on the tables, and individual spotlights over each table making small intimate pools of light. If you want seduction on the grandest scale, Hanney’s is the place to go.

  In addition to the ambiance, Hanney’s has the most delicious food. That’s if your tastes run to the best Italian dishes west of New York, or prime steaks, a huge baked potato with all of the heart attack condiments and a great Caesar salad that’s actually prepared at your table. I know it all sounds decadent, but once in a while you have to treat yourself. Life is way too short not to enjoy yourself from time to time.

  And then there are the drinks they serve. Free poured in heavy glasses, just the way you would want, a drink to make the soul glad. In addition, there are wines from obscure vineyards in remote places of Italy, or beers from top Italian brewers.

  If you were to meet the owners, you’d never believe the restaurant could ever succeed. Franka and Tony are from New Jersey and have the attitude. Franka will show you to your seat, toss the menus on the table and in her best Jersey accent say, “I’ll be back. Cool ya heels.” When she delivers your drink she picks up the menu. God forbid you should ever say something like “Wait, I haven’t ordered yet.” That comment will get you, “Are you too stupid to remember what youze wants till I gets back? Sheeze.” And off she goes spreading more cheer to her customers. I know it sounds weird, but it’s all part of the charm of the place. Franka doesn’t treat strangers that way, you have to be special to bask in her aura. You have to experience the place to fully appreciate what I’m telling you.

  Your steak is a generous cut of the kind of meat you ordered, and it’s done to perfection. You only have to order once and Franka remembers exactly how you like it. If Italian food is your desire, each dish is better than the last, and the hardest part of eating there is to not pick up the plate and lick it. Tony has to have those hands insured by Lloyds of London. His dishes really are that good. Not once have I had a dinner there that wasn’t one of the best meals I’ve ever had.

  Franka not only remembers that I like Scotch, but the brand I prefer, and the way I like it served. Hanney’s is truly an eating encounter that must be experienced once in your life, if you can get reservations.

  I’ve mentioned there are several restaurants I really enjoy, so saying this one was more special than the others is really saying something. Franka showed us to a table I had reserved that overlooked the Sound and the Olympic mountains off in the distance. The setting was perfect and as Franka turned to leave, she addressed Gladys, “So, what is it, youse like hard up for a date or sumpin? Whatcha doin with da bum?”

  Gladys, bless her soul, picked right up on what to say. “Naw, it’s my night to do something for the disadvantaged. I’m considering this a mercy date, like a charity date if you will. One date with him gets me two dates with some rich guys.”

  Franka snickered and patted Gladys on her shoulder. “You have a bigger heart than I do.” Turning to me, Franka said, “You done good with this one. She’s all right!” With that, Franka was off to the next table. A short time later she came back and asked Gladys, “Do you l
ike Bloody Marys?” Gladys nodded yes and then started to say something when Franka interrupted, “Honey, you gets it the ways they come. Ya love it. Now bees still.” I knew better than to say a word.

  When the drinks arrived, mine was exactly as I liked it and Gladys’ drink was covered on top with various edibles to eat as she drank. She laughed at the way it was presented. “I’ve lived my whole life in the greater Seattle area and I’ve never even heard of this place. It’s like out of the past. I expect to see The Rat Pack come strolling through the front door any minute.”

  I smiled at her, it was exactly how I felt about the place. “Sakol was the one who told me about it. He heard about it from Mouse. I think Mouse is a silent partner, but I’m not sure.” As if that was his cue, I looked up to see Mouse standing at the end of our table, looking resplendent as always.

  “Not sure about what?” he laughed. Turning to Gladys, he took her hand and kissed it. “You look lovely, my dear.” Mouse tipped his head towards me and said, “Much too good for this bum.”

  “Yeah, well usually I leave him out in the truck, but tonight I decided I’d feed him. He has fairly good manners and he does clean up well.” I was getting a little tired of being spoken about as if I wasn’t present.

  I spoke up, “I am pleased I can be fodder for the two of you and your jokes. Nice to see you again, Mouse. How are things?” Mouse was dressed to the nines. His double-breasted suit with vest looked right at home in the restaurant. The way he was dressed made me think of a character from “The Godfather.” But I knew the difference between those characters that were respected out of fear, while Mouse, on the other hand, earned his.

  He smiled at me. “Doing well, thank you.” He paused and then continued, “I think I may owe you an apology. I had doubts about the Cox kid and I wondered at the time if it was wise for me to have told him to go and find you.” Mouse spread hands out, asking for forgiveness. “For once I was really wrong about somebody. I heard the rumors and yet when I spoke to the kid, he was so engaging. It was difficult for me to see the, ah, shall we say, his evil side?”

  Gladys interjected, “I wish you had talked to me. I saw firsthand some of the crap he pulled. I sat in the ER with one of his victims. I never met the kid, but I had heard what a nice young man he seemed to be. But something up there just wasn’t right.” Gladys pointed at her head. “He was a bad apple who couldn’t control his demons. I’m sorry he’s dead, but I can’t say I am surprised, considering how many lives he destroyed.”

  Mouse said, “I’m sorry you had the problems you did. I’m pleased you came out in one piece. I would imagine you had a few anxious moments with the police and all.”

  “I’ll admit it wasn’t looking good for me.” I had to laugh when I looked back at the past couple of days. “But I do appreciate you stopping by the table and talking to me about things. I never blamed you for any of the difficulty I was in. Things just turned out the way they did. I hate to see him dead too, but I’m sure a lot of women are glad to see him gone.”

  I could see he hadn’t gotten to the reason he’d stopped by our table. This was the first time I’d seen Mouse having difficulty in expressing his thoughts. I tried to help, “What is it? You seem like you have something to say. Would you like for me to go outside with you so we can talk alone?”

  Mouse smiled at me and said, “No, I just wanted to phrase this correctly. I warned you before about the two men who are following you.

  “After our last chat, I put out my feelers and I’ve been trying to get some information about them. Matt, for the first time in my life, I’ve had a lot of doors slammed in my face. People who owe me big favors are running scared and won’t return my calls or talk to me. Because I know the tall one, I can assure you he is a very dangerous man.

  “When I asked questions, I was told I would get just one warning to leave things alone... and I’ve had that warning.” I could see the concern written on his face. Whoever these men were, they had Mouse’s attention and he was handling them with a lot of care.

  He cleared his throat, and continued, “As for the little fat guy, I don’t think he’s who he says he is. Things my sources tell me about him don’t add up. Anyway, either Price or Hollis had something the two of them are frantic to get. Part of what they want is information that I am told would still be damaging. Even today it would create a lot of stink, maybe even cost some lives. Matt, I’m telling you as a friend, stay away from them. They’re dangerous.”

  I replied, “Mouse, I would love to heed your warnings and stay away from them, but it seems like every time I turn around, there they are. You already know you surprise me with your awareness of what’s happening around town, but these two scare me with all of their knowledge. I appreciate your warning, I just wish there was something I could do to keep them out of my life. They keep asking me questions about things I know nothing about. They keep bringing up something called Crescent.” At the mention of that word, Mouse quickly glanced around the room to see if anybody was listening.

  Mouse leaned forward and put his hand on my sleeve. “Matt, listen to me. Listen to me very carefully. Never, I mean this now, NEVER mention that word again in connection with your past. I cannot stress this enough.” His voice was low and his words seemed sinister.

  “What do you know about this, Mouse? Come on, please tell me. I’m in the dark here.”

  Mouse shook his head. “Sorry Matt, the less you know, the better off you are. Stay away from those two men and keep quiet about,” he paused, thinking of the way he wanted to word it, “well, just keep quiet. Period. Understand?”

  “Thanks. I know your intentions are good, but for some reason our two friends just won’t leave me alone. But I will heed your advice as much as I can. I’ll stay away from them if they stay away from me.” Mouse shook my hand, smiled at Gladys and took his leave.

  After our salads were in front of us, Gladys looked at me and leaned over. “What men is Mouse talking about? Are you in some sort of trouble?”

  I shook my head, “Naw, it’s just some sort of a misunderstanding. There are a couple of guys who have been following me and I really don’t know why.”

  “What is this crescent thing you said to Mouse? He seemed really upset about it.”

  I was not going to allow her to put a damper on my evening. “Sweetheart, this is a celebration. I’m a free man and I am with the most beautiful, sexy woman in the restaurant. What you ask are subjects for another time and a different place.”

  Gladys reached out and took one of my hands and kissed it. “Thanks for bringing me here. Like I said, I’d never heard of this place, but I think you were correct, I’ll bet Mouse owns part of this restaurant. Actually, as I understand it, he owns bits and pieces of a lot of businesses in Seattle. Have you ever seen his girlfriend?”

  “I didn’t even know he had one.” Another surprise. I never saw him as somebody with a girlfriend. “Tell me about her.”

  “I know she’s Asian and her name is Jade.”

  I interrupted, “I have met her. I thought she was like a servant or something.”

  “There’s a long involved story, but basically she’s payment to Mouse for a debt of honor. She’s so in love with him and he thinks she’s just saying that because of the debt thing. I know he’s in love with her as well. I hope somehow it all works out.”

  I laughed. “How can you pay a debt with a person? That’s so barbaric.” I reached over and pulled her hand back to me. “By the way, you’re quite the romantic.”

  She blushed a little and bowed her head. When she looked back at me she had a cute grin on her face. “Mouse is a long story. Someday I’ll tell you about it. As for being a romantic, guilty! I know, considering what I do for a living, most people would expect me to be jaded, but I do like romance and a happy ending. And I’ll tell you a secret, Mr. Preston, for all your bluff and gruff, you are a softy and just as much a r
omantic as I am. You’ve treated me like a lady from the moment we met. You are a special man, sir.” Gladys turned my hand over and kissed my palm again. “Thanks for being so sweet to me.”

  We gazed out the window and watched as the sun slipped slowly behind the Olympics, turning the clouds various hues of red, orange and gold. It was a spectacular sunset. Our steaks arrived and they looked perfect. I was at peace with the world and the evening had gone very well so far. I was so grateful for everything.

  We both dug in and didn’t say more than a couple of words during the meal. Much later we were finished and I pushed my plate away. Both of us had left food on our plates, the meal just too much to finish. As Franka bussed our table, she sat two cups of their special coffee on the table and smiling at Gladys, said, “It’s on the house, part of your reward for putting up with this oaf.”

  “Yeah, but he really is a sweet oaf.”

  Franka reached out and squeezed my hand. “Yeah, I hate to admit it, but you’re right, he ain’t bad.” In case you didn’t know it, that was the best compliment one could ever expect from Franka and I was flying high.

  I paid the bill and we headed out to my car. “Is there anything you’d like to do?” I asked Gladys.

  She smiled and winked at me suggestively. “Yes there is. Take me to your place. Take my clothes off real slow and then make love to me. And then tomorrow I want you to wake me by making love to me again.” She kissed my cheek. “Do you think your senior body can handle that?”

  “Get in,” I pointed to the car, “Let’s see what the old man is capable of.”