by Rayna Morgan
“How old was your child?”
“Jake told me he was leaving the day after my son’s fourth birthday. I didn’t mind losing Jake, but being on my own with a young boy to care for was tough. I used drugs to take the edge off.”
“Is your child still with you?”
“Jake remarried and decided he wanted his son. He created a big fuss about the drugs. When the judge awarded Jake custody, I spiraled out of control. I had the right to visit on holidays, but I wasn’t usually in any condition to see the boy.” She took another large drink of wine. “I even missed his birthdays.”
Lea gave Mary a moment to compose herself and then asked her to continue.
“One night I got arrested and agreed to go to rehab to get out of jail. That’s where I met Ronnie. We hit it off right away and moved in together. I thought having him would make things better. It didn’t take long to find out his addiction was worse than mine.”
“Alcohol or drugs?”
“Ronnie’s demon is gambling. He’s as unlucky with cards as I am with love.” She stared into her wine glass. “Whenever he lost at the tables, he took it out on me.”
Lea’s stomach muscles tightened. Mary was wrong if she was trying to hurt Pat, but it was hard not to feel sorry for this broken woman.
“I’m sorry you were mistreated,” she said.
Mary looked up quickly. “Oh, Ronnie made up on nights he won. He would bring home takeout and a six pack to celebrate.”
The smile erased years from her face. “We’d watch a horror movie and fall asleep wrapped in each other’s arms. He always won enough to make him go back for more, convinced his luck had changed.”
Her tone switched to bittersweet longing. “Those were the nights that made me stay, believing as much as Ronnie that things could get better.”
“You’re the only one who can improve your life, Mary. You can’t depend on anyone else.”
“So I found out.”
Lea decided it was time to get the information she came for. “You mentioned you and Ronnie like takeout. I found a great Chinese place last week. The name of the restaurant is Wong’s. A block from the freeway on Jackson Drive. Have you been there?”
“Sure, I know the place.”
Lea’s heart skipped a beat. “You’re familiar with the neighborhood?”
“It’s close to Denny’s where Jake and I worked.”
The waitress cleared their plates. “Would you like dessert and coffee?”
Lea started to decline before noticing the look on Mary’s face. “Their chocolate cake is delicious. Why don’t you try a piece?”
“Are you having some?”
“I’m too full for dessert now,” Lea said, “but I’ll order a slice to go.”
Over coffee, Lea brought up the crucial question. “Before the gunshot interruption near the park, you were going to tell about your experience with the police. I’m interested to hear.”
At that moment, a young woman in a tailored suit approached their table. Her makeup was expertly applied and her hair was wound in a chic bun. “May I join you?”
It was the person Lea texted from the park.
There couldn’t have been a more inopportune moment for Amber to appear.
• • •
Mary looked at Lea and jerked her head toward the guest. “Who’s this? I thought our talk was private.”
“Amber is a friend who works here at the hotel. Not long ago, she was in a situation similar to yours.”
Doubt showed on Mary’s face as she looked Amber up and down.
“Please, Mary,” Lea said. “Let Amber explain.”
“I know how it is when a man controls your life because he’s your only means of support,” Amber said. “In my case, the man I lived with made money off me. When he found another girl to turn tricks, he chucked me out. I learned in a hurry I wasn’t equipped to live on my own. I probably would have used another man or drugs for solace. Fortunately, that’s when I met Lea. She helped me find the support I needed to get on my feet.”
“It was Tom who saved your life,” Lea reminded her.
Amber laughed at the memory. “I felt like killing Lieutenant Elliot for interfering before I realized how much I needed help.”
Lea looked at Mary. “Is that how you felt when the police came between you and Ronnie?”
“Of course not.” The woman responded sharply and far too quickly.
“It hasn’t been easy,” Amber continued, “but where I’ve ended up is so much better than where I might have been.”
Mary shook her head. “It’s not like that with me. I’m going through a rough patch. It’s nothing permanent.”
“Do you have the means to support yourself?”
“The job market’s tough, but there are ways to make money.”
“It’s hard to do on your own, Mary. After Lea encouraged me to finish my high school education, she got me in a job training program which led to my current placement. Now, I share an apartment with another woman and take courses at the college.”
“I’m a little old to go back for my high school diploma.”
“You can attend classes to get a GED certificate. It’s not easy, but neither is living on the streets.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Mary conceded, reluctantly. “As things are, I live out of my suitcase and take showers at the beach. I’ve lost the friends I had, and I’m not in touch with family.”
“Sometimes all it takes is someone to help you make good decisions. To lift you over a hump when you’re stuck. That’s what Lea did for me. I’m sure she would gladly do the same for you.”
Lea sensed Mary’s resistance fading. She nodded for Amber to continue.
“It won’t happen overnight.” Amber spread her arms. “But look at me now. I’m proof the struggle won’t last forever. There are obstacles you’ll have to overcome, but those trials will strengthen you.”
Mary shifted in her chair and looked toward the exit.
“It’s something for you to think about, Mary,” Lea said. “I’m here to help, if you decide to try. I can get you into a place where you’ll receive the services you need to put your life back on track.”
Mary stood to leave. “I gotta go.”
“Wait,” Lea grabbed Mary’s arm. “You haven’t finished telling me your story.”
“I’ve said enough. Thanks for dinner.”
“You have a chance before your life unravels further. Don’t do anything which could make things more difficult.” Lea released her hand from Mary’s arm and held out the box. “Here, take my dessert.”
Mary grabbed the cake and hurried to the exit.
Amber turned to Lea. “I wonder if she’ll get the help she needs.”
“Your guess is better than mine. What do you think?”
“It depends on how sick she becomes of the life she’s living.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
While Paul ordered pizza, Warren and Jon played chess in Jon’s room. Halfway through the game, Warren looked up from the board.
“Your mind isn’t on the game, Jon. Is something bothering you?”
“Gramps, what if you had a friend who—”
Warren pushed away from the table.
“I have a feeling this isn’t a hypothetical situation. Who’s your friend?”
Jon looked out the window.
“I’m talking about Dylan. He lives down the street.”
“I’ve met Dylan. He seems like a nice kid.”
“He usually is, but now he’s acting weird.”
“Acting weird in what way?”
“Last time I went to his house, I asked him to play the latest song by our favorite group. He said his mom took his music player away as punishment for failing grades.”
“That’s a reasonable thing for his mother to do.”
“For my mom maybe, but not for his. As a single parent, she spoils him rotten. He never gets punished for anything.”
“Would his mother
have reason to punish him for his grades? Are his marks usually good?”
“He used to be a straight-A student.” Jon shook his head. “Lately, he’s been skipping classes and his grades stink.”
“Perhaps his mother adopted stricter measures to get him back on track.”
“I don’t believe him. If you ask me, he hocked his player.”
“Why would he do that?”
“To buy drugs.”
Warren leaned back. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
“What should I do, Grandpa? I don’t want Dylan to get in trouble with the law or anything, but I can’t tell his mom. He would never forgive me.”
“There’s not much you can do. Is there a counselor at school who could intervene? Maybe a teacher or a coach.”
“I suppose. But Dylan’s never been caught using drugs so the counselor has no reason to talk with him. If I tell, Dylan will know it’s me who snitched.”
“I’m sure the counselor would never disclose your conversation.”
Jon shuffled his feet under the table.
“But if you feel uncomfortable telling his mother or another adult at school,” Warren went on, “continue to be there for Dylan. Keep reaching out. If he talks to you, listen to what he says without making judgments. Don’t give up on him, even if he isn’t ready for help. Encourage him to attend class and be supportive.”
“Yeah, I can do that. I just wish this wasn’t happening.”
Warren heard the pain in his grandson’s voice. “When people we care about make bad choices, it can be frustrating, confusing, and a little depressing. Still, you should be there for your friend.”
“Don’t worry, Gramps. I will.”
Warren reached across the board and chucked Jon on the chin. “Most importantly, don’t forget to be a good role model for him by making smart choices yourself.”
Jon’s smile returned. “I can do that for sure.”
“That’s my boy!”
The doorbell rang.
“There’s the pizza,” Jon shouted. “Let’s eat!”
• • •
When Lea walked in from the garage, Jon handed her a slice of cold pizza.
“We saved you some, Mom. I know you don’t like pepperoni so I picked those pieces off your slice and ate them.”
“Thanks, I think.”
After putting the pizza in the microwave, she joined everyone at the table and proceeded to use her father as a buffer between her and Paul.
“Who won the chess game, Dad?”
He avoided her eyes. “Jon and I got sidetracked gabbing and didn’t finish.”
“Did you talk about anything interesting?”
She noticed the look between her father and her son.
“Stuff about school,” Jon mumbled.
“Guy talk, mostly,” Warren added.
“Talking about school, it’s time to do my homework.” Jon leaned over and hugged his grandfather. “Good night, Gramps. We’ll finish our game next time you come.”
Lea watched her son run up the stairs. “Not often he hits the books without being asked. He seems eager to end our conversation.”
The timer on the microwave buzzed.
“Your pizza’s ready,” her father said.
As she removed the plate, Warren thanked Paul and headed for the door.
“I’ve got to go, Lea. Your mother couldn’t come for dinner, but I don’t want her to get lonely. See you tomorrow.”
Before she could object, her father walked out.
Is there something Dad and Jon aren’t telling me? Lea wondered. Or am I paranoid because I’m keeping secrets of my own?
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Maddy got to Wong’s thirty minutes before Pat was scheduled to arrive. Instead of using the lot on the side of the building, she parked across the street where she could easily spot Sheldon when he left.
As she entered the restaurant, smells of ginger, onion, and fried rice made her mouth water.
She stepped to the takeout counter. From Pat’s description, the nerdy young man taking orders was Sheldon.
Maddy studied the menu while he waited on two people in front of her. The first man in line was quickly disposed of by entering the customer’s selection in a computer and pointing to a seating area where the man could wait while his order was prepared.
Sheldon took more time with the customer directly in front of Maddy, a woman in her late thirties wearing a tight sweater and capris.
She rattled off numbers without consulting a menu, suggesting she knew the selections by heart. Batting mascara-coated lashes, she engaged Sheldon in friendly conversation.
The young man entered her order slowly, flashing frequent smiles which elicited giggles from his customer.
“How many dinners do you want, Mrs. Gillette?”
She glanced toward Sheldon’s boss before leaning over the counter. “It’s all right for you to call me Laura.”
He repeated the question in a lower voice. “Should I make the order for two, Laura?”
She giggled again. “Only one, please. My husband’s out of town on business. I’m on my lonesome tonight.”
A person in line behind Maddy grew impatient. He appeared ready to complain and the manager moved in their direction.
Sheldon quickly finished taking Laura’s order and pointed to the seating area. “I’ll call when it’s ready, Mrs. Gillette.”
It was finally Maddy’s turn at the counter.
“Good evening, ma’am. Welcome to Wong’s.”
“This is my first visit. There are so many items on the menu, I can’t decide. What would you suggest?”
“It depends on your preference. Do you like mild or spicy?”
“The spicier, the better.”
“My feelings exactly,” he said with a grin. His eyes moved to the seating area where Laura waited for her order.
Returning his attention, he pointed to an entrée on the menu. “You can’t go wrong with Kung Pao chicken. It’s one of our most popular items.”
Sheldon’s slick charm hardly matched his geeky appearance. Pat was right about his skill in public relations.
Maddy paid at the register and took a seat on the bench beside Laura Gillette.
“This is the first time I’ve tried this restaurant. Do you recommend it?”
“The food is excellent,” the other woman responded. She winked. “The counter help is a treat, too.”
“Do you come here often?”
“Mostly when my husband’s out of town. It’s such a relief not to bother with fixing dinner. I almost wish he traveled more often.” She looked more closely at Maddy. “I haven’t seen you in the neighborhood. Do you live nearby?”
“On the beach. There’s no Chinese restaurant within miles.”
“I’m lucky this place is so close. I live in Spanish Hills.”
Maddy recognized the name of an expensive housing development in the foothills a half mile from Wong’s. A wealthy clientele for the restaurant to cater to.
“Mrs. Gillette, your order is ready,” Sheldon called.
Laura stood. “The poor boy is reluctant to call me Laura. He’s afraid of losing his job by being too friendly with customers. His parents don’t support him, so he pays his own expenses.”
“You seem to know a lot about him.”
She smiled coyly. “I get better service when I take time to know the merchants.”
When she picked up her order, she leaned over and whispered to Sheldon.
On her way to the door, she gave Maddy a small wave. “Enjoy your meal.”
Maddy glanced out the window. Laura got in a Cadillac parked in the spot reserved for takeout and drove away.
With the manager standing close, Sheldon was all business when Maddy picked up her order.
“We hope to see you again soon. Let me know what you think of the Kung Pao chicken.”
“I’m sure it won’t disappoint,” Maddy replied.
• • •
&nb
sp; Back in the car, Maddy devoured the food as she waited for Pat to arrive. Sheldon wasn’t kidding about the chicken being spicy. She felt smoke coming out her ears and slurped her coke.
Her phone rang.
“How’s the stakeout?” Lea asked.
“Other than the Kung Pao chicken, it’s been unrewarding.”
“Stick with it, you’ll get results. But I need to know, is there a Denny’s close to Wong’s?”
“No Denny’s around here. Why do you ask?”
“I’ll tell you later.”
Maddy hung up and looked at her watch. It was close to ten.
Most of the customers had left the restaurant. She worried Pat wasn’t coming. As she reached for her phone to call, the familiar vehicle drove past.
Pat pulled into the space reserved for takeout, gave a quick wave, and disappeared inside.
Marking time, Maddy cracked open the cookie to read the Chinese proverb. Love and intrigue come your way in equal measure.
She crumpled the paper and put it in her pocket in time to see Pat leave Wong’s carrying a plastic bag. With a mounting sense of excitement, she watched the tail lights of Pat’s car fade in her rear-view mirror.
Returning her focus to the restaurant, she kept her eyes peeled for Sheldon.
Moments later, the lights went out. The manager placed a Closed sign in the window. While employees walked to the parking area, Maddy made a u-turn to be in position.
She watched closely as vehicles filtered out of the lot, looking for a car fitting the description Pat gave her. College decals on the window of one assured her she had the right target.
She maintained her distance. At this time of night there wasn’t much traffic, but she didn’t want to be spotted.
One block before the street Pat lived on, Sheldon’s blinker flashed. Maddy’s heart skipped a beat. If he stopped at the Palm Trees complex, they might have an early resolution to Pat’s problem.
With anticipation, she slowed her speed to a crawl but her excitement faded when he drove past the apartments.
It appeared Sheldon wasn’t after Pat.
As they left the neighborhood, the foothills spread out in front of them. Maddy’s pulse raced again as she guessed Sheldon’s destination.