Bay of Deception

by Timothy Allan Pipes

  "No, Oliver," Jenny said with a shake of her head. “I think she was killed for a lot more than that.”

  She slipped from beneath the bed’s covers and disappeared from the bedroom, reappearing a few seconds later with her purse.

  “There were some papers Carol had told me about before she died, Oliver and I made a promise to get hold of them if something happened to her. I read through them yesterday and there’s enough about bids in other cities throughout the country to make me think some kind of hybrid organized crime is involved.”

  Oliver shifted where he sat, the bed suddenly uncomfortable beneath him.

  “That’s a big claim you’re making, Jenny. Organized Crime in Monterey?”

  “Here,” she said, pulling the papers from her purse and placed them in his lap. “You can read what the paper's outline if you want, but I doubt you'll come up with anything different.”

  Oliver picked up the papers and read them for several minutes, silence filling his small bedroom as Jenny sat waiting

  “I believe you,” he said finally, setting the papers onto the bed. “But the question is, how do we prove something like you've described is really going on?”

  Jenny laughed, her face alight and clearly amused.

  “Oliver, we don’t have to. I think Carol found these documents and some others which describe at least a dozen illegally won bids within California alone. That’s why they’ve been trying to kill me. They thought I knew about the papers and what they meant.”

  Recognition lit Oliver’s face. “Which is why they killed Jesse Beeler! They must have thought Carol had told him about her discovery as well and hoped to get it out of him.”

  “They killed Carol’s fiancé?”

  Oliver watched as Jenny’s face clouded over and remembered she’d been holed up in a motel for close to twenty-four hours.

  “Yes, Jenny, I’m sorry. I found him this afternoon.”

  “How did they kill him?" Jenny asked, shutting her eyes as she pulled the covers about her.

  Oliver cursed his big mouth and tried to think of a way to say it gently, but failed.

  “They...shot him in the head while he sat in his car.”

  She remained completely still for nearly a full minute, before finally speaking once again. “He had a five-year old daughter named Emily. Lived with her grandparents during the week. Carol was so excited about being a mother.”

  Collin awoke sharply, a needle-like pain stabbing through his neck. Only after sitting up in the car seat did he recall where he was and why.

  “Shit,” was all he could think to say after checking his watch, his mouth tasting like mud lived in it. Rubbing the afflicted area, he noticed the cop’s house all lit up. “At 2AM in the morning?”

  The crash came as Oliver was brushing his teeth and perhaps if he’d not been in his pajamas, weaponless and sleepy, he might have stood a chance against McKenny. His reactions were swift by most people’s standards, however, and despite foam streaming from his mouth, he dove for the weapon hanging on the bedpost. But only pain and an approaching blackness, mixed with a receding scream was all he knew before darkness took him.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Oliver felt the black grip of unconsciousness loosen its hold on him and once free, found another kind of darkness around him. Indeed, though wide open, his eyes took in nothing before him and try as he might, not a sliver of light could be detected. It was then that he became aware of the close, muffled roar of the car he seemed a passenger in. Pain from his tightly bound wrists made itself known and Oliver began to stretch both hands to ward off a numbness which started to creep through them.

  Hazily at first, but then with more clarity, the last few moments in his house came back to him: diving for his weapon, the huge arm of Collin McKenny swinging toward him and finally Jenny’s horrible scream as consciousness slipped away. He shuddered in the darkness at this recollection, almost hearing it again above the drone of the car’s engine.

  His mind refused to consider what might have occurred after he was knocked out and he took some comfort that if he was still alive, then Jenny probably was too. Stretching his hands, he wondered how long he’d been unconscious.

  A nasty pothole sent his entire body bouncing and his head struck the underside of the trunk, followed by a fiery burning where it had made contact. After a half minute, the searing pain diminished to almost tolerable as a slight trickle of blood ran from his left eye, forcing him to keep it shut. His wound soon established a modest trail of blood down the bridge of his nose until like a leaky faucet, it dripped every few seconds.

  The whine of the car’s engine dropped briefly until muffled voices from inside the vehicle reached him. He rolled back against the metal frame and pressed his left ear against what he guessed was the frame of the back seat.

  “...because you’re stupid, Jenny, that’s why. You always were.”

  Oliver’s blood flared and he struggled angrily against his bonds, then stopped when he realized he was missing Collin and Jenny’s words. Leaning against the seat frame, the voices became distinguishable though they were fainter now that the car had again picked up speed.

  “But why, Collin, you know you don’t have to kill us. Your boss, Jenel would never know and you wouldn’t be guilty of murder. We could disappear to some tropical island and that would be the end of the police investigation, Carol’s papers and all your problems.”

  “You really don’t get it, do you, Jenny?” Why do you think you’re even alive right now...when I could have killed you back at the cop’s house?”

  Silence for a few minutes and then Jenny’s voice spoke up again.

  “Because you want to kill us where no one can see you do it?”

  Laughter, hard and condescending slapped at Oliver and he swallowed the rage he felt and continued pressing against the back of the seat.

  “Stupid as always, Jenny...I tell ya! I haven’t killed you and your boyfriend because I want my boss to see you die. I can’t have him wondering even a little bit about my loyalty. You don’t get very far at JenelCo letting loose ends like you and that cop stay around. In fact, I’ll bet he’s listening right now...”

  Without warning, Oliver slammed into the seat’s metal backing as the car suddenly braked, then slid against its far end as the vehicle rocketed forward. Bruised and bleeding anew, Oliver heard the sound of harsh laughter as the car’s engine raced into the night.

  Minutes later, the pitch of the car’s engine altered as it slowed before going off a steep incline, forcing Oliver to brace his shoulders and legs to keep from sliding back against the seat once again.

  Several turns later the car halted and soon the engine fell silent, leaving a distinct humming in his ears. One of the car doors opened and footsteps on concrete proceeded the scraping of a key in the trunk lock, giving Oliver enough time to shut his eyes. Even still the light was dazzling on his eyelids and he kept both shut for a few moments. Hands, massive and amazingly strong, lifted him effortlessly from the trunk and tossed him onto the unforgiving cement floor. With both hands tied behind him, Oliver could do little more than roll with the momentum and from the resulting pain in his shoulder, it was apparently very little.

  “Mr. McKenny,” an almost soft voice called out. “Please refrain from further mistreatment of our... guests.”

  “Yes, Mr. Jenel.”

  Oliver found himself lifted to his feet and opened his eyes, squinted at the glaring florescent lights above and saw he was beneath the JenelCo building. His cruiser sat a few feet away and as Jenny was escorted from the front passenger seat, saw that she too was bound, though with her hands in front. A single bruise surrounded her left eye, growing more purple by the minute. He looked at her puffy, marred face and the now familiar rage swept through him once again. His own condition must have been a sight, judging by her reaction as she took in his bloody face.

  He turned to look at the man who had called McKenny off and saw an ordinary looking man, perhaps 6
’ ft in height with silver and black hair, standing a few yards away. Not exactly the man Oliver expected to see after meeting a few of his henchmen and yet it made a kind of sense that he surrounded himself with loyal giants.

  “Hello Mrs. McKenny,” Jenel said to Jenny as she was placed next to Oliver, a half smile on the CEO’s face.

  “Hello Jenel,” she replied coolly. “I don’t suppose we can talk about this?”

  Still behind her, Collin gripped Jenny's shoulder with a single hand and squeezed, causing her to whence painfully.

  “You’re here to die, Jenny, not make small talk.”

  “Collin, Collin, my young protégé. After all this time, have you learned nothing from me? Everything in its own time and right now is the time for talk. Please take them to my office and once there, untie them."

  Obviously frustrated, Collin gripped Jenny's shoulder one final time, then shoved both of them toward the garage elevator. Oliver turned back in time to see Jenel pulling out the papers Jenny had shown him at the house. A second shove from Collin sent him hurtling into the still closed elevator doors, causing his head to ring and the cut above his eye to bleed once again.

  “Careful, Collin,” Jenny hissed. "You wouldn’t want sugar daddy over there to hear you’ve disobeyed.” Oliver noticed the smile on Jenny’s lips carried a slight tremble in them.

  Collin stepped forward and pressed himself on her until she was pinned between the elevator doors and his massive frame.

  “You know, Jenny.” He breathed down into her face, only inches away. “I thought we might reminisce a little, If we have time.” A cruel smile played on McKenny's lips. “Does your new boyfriend know you like to play interesting games?”

  The ding from the arriving elevator interrupted the assault, and Jenny slipped between the parting doors into the enclosed area. Oliver followed right behind, slipping around the still grinning giant and faced the sadist, making sure a repeat performance was not played out. Oliver reached back with his tied hands and gripped Jenny’s own bound pair and slowly felt her grow still as the elevator descended.

  The doors parted and Collin stepped out, then waved for them to follow. With careful timing, Oliver kept himself between Jenny and Collin most of the time. Only when they entered Jenel’s expansive suite and he was thrown over a chair, did he fear another assault on her.

  Both hands were quickly freed and after no move was made to free Jenny, Oliver began untying her. Collin meanwhile had set about getting drinks ready. After several minutes of clinking and pouring, he carried them to a middle table set between the sofa and chairs. A minute later, Jenel stepped through the oak doors looking more dour than before.

  “Welcome to my sanctuary,” the executive said, walking toward the awaiting drink held out by McKenny. “Please accept my hospitality.” He picked up a drink, sipped it lightly and then turned. “Ahh, Collin. You’re a better bartender than killer.”

  Sunk into the stuffed couch, the huge football player opened his mouth, closed it again before trying one last time.

  “I...ah, I...”

  “Never mind, Collin, you have other strengths I care about.”

  The smile on Jenel’s face seemed genuine as he held up his drink, and got the better of Oliver's curiosity.

  “I can’t imagine what those can be, Jenel. Far as I can tell, he’s amounted to little more than an oversized bully.” A red faced Collin began to rise off the couch, but Jenel waived a soothing hand toward him and he sank back down.

  “You are simply looking at him from the wrong angle, Detective Piedmont,” Jenel said, taking the chair next to the now sulking giant.

  “Collin is one of those rare individuals who lack a conscience. Oh, people may be cruel at times, may even commit horrendous acts on occasion. But always a conscience holds them back from doing such things regularly. Collin is an anomaly and from his experiences as a child, he has learned to not be hindered by feelings of shame, regret, remorse, other than as it relates to fear of… Me.” Oliver must have looked confused for Jenel sighed, placed his drink on the table, then settled himself into his seat.

  “Though you know little of our company, Detective, rest assured there is nothing little about JenelCo. In fact, the old saying “tip of the iceberg” is not a bad analogy and rest assured our plans are not small either. For us to carry out what we have planned, some of it criminal by your standards, we are in desperate need of people like Collin.” At this the CEO smiled. “You might say that people like Collin made JenelCo what it is today.”

  The laugh which followed sent a chill down Oliver’s back and he casually eyed the exit before speaking.

  “So you're company's another criminal cartel, creating carnage wherever it pleases.”

  “Come now, Detective....nothing so crude as that. Our goal is not to create chaos, but to simply tap the vast amounts of government money out there and siphon off a small amount, really, perhaps fifty billion or so," Jenel said, eyes afire with ambition and greed.

  “But," he said, slowly sipping his drink. "Enough small. Mrs. McKenny, I understand you have papers which could be...problematic to my company. I would very much like to have them."

  “Mr. Jenel," Collin perked up at this. "I brought those papers with me...”

  “Yes, Collin I know,” Jenel said patiently, almost condescendingly. “But it’s clear from what you did bring me that other evidence was taken as well, evidence that could do much damage." He turned once again to Jenny. “Do you know where they are and if so, where exactly?”

  Jenny squirmed, as if a teacher had just asked her the math question she hadn’t studied for. She glanced toward Oliver, nearly spoke and then turned back to Jenel.

  “Yes, I think so, but I'm not sure exactly where they are.”

  “Please, Mrs. McKenny...”

  “I’m telling the truth, Jenel,” she said staring straight at him. “I found the papers you now have in Carol’s employee box, but nothing more. If there are more papers, I’m sure Carol hid them locally. I have a few ideas about where, but that’s about all.” She paused for a few seconds then spoke. “I should be able to find them within a couple of days.”

  “Mrs. McKenny...you are trying my patience,” Jenel responded coldly. “I will decide who goes where, who does what and... who dies.”

  He stared at them, the silence mounting until the combined breathing was all that could be heard. Finally Jenel smiled, then pointed a finger at Oliver.

  “Detective Peidmont will show his investigative prowess by returning the missing evidence to me within twelve hours time. Collin will ride along to make sure he doesn’t do anything rash, and to help when needed.”

  “A personal game of 'Beat the Clock!'" Jenel’s manic smile erupted until his face was alight with mirthless joy. "If you find the papers and are back in time, you will find Mrs. McKenny alive, drinking our best wine." Just as fast, the man's smile blinked out. "If, however, you’re late by even a minute. Then I will personally kill her and bury her body so far out on Ft. Ord that no one will ever find her.”

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Ten minutes later, Oliver was firing up his squad car with the hulking McKenny beside him, the man wearing a sickening grin just begging to be wiped off. As for help in actually finding the missing papers, Jenny had been of little use, coming up with common sense suggestions more than real clues. Which made it clear to Oliver she'd simply been playing along in hopes of staying alive a little longer. Never expecting to become a pawn in this sadistic game he’d come up with. Her attempt at improvisation, however, had saddled him with locating the missing evidence and a watchdog all too eager to watch him fail.

  “Don’t expect any help from me, Peidmont,” McKenny spat out as he squeezed into the passenger seat of the squad car. “That bitch means less to me than a stray cat.”

  Oliver said nothing as he shifted the car into gear, released the break and pressed the gas pedal to the floor. Tires screamed as they struggled for traction; the smell of burning
rubber and the resulting smoke gathered around the rear of the vehicle until first one tire, then the other found its grip and shot them up and out of the underground entrance of JenelCo.

  Profanities spewed from McKenny as his head struck the car’s roof. “Slow down, you fucking idiot,” McKenny said icily. “Ya got shit for brains or something?” Oliver ignored him and reaching over, McKenny encircled his neck with a single hand. “I said slow down or I’ll snap you like a pencil!”

  Oliver had no doubt McKenny had done such things in the past, but couldn’t afford somebody slowing him down. Not when he had a mere twelve hours. As Oliver backed off on the gas, McKenny smirked, then slowly released his grip before turning to look out his window. It was what Oliver had hoped for and leaning forward, reached under the driver’s seat, gripped the back-up revolver kept there and swung the weapon up against McKenny’s temple.

  “Now," Oliver said, releasing the safety. "What say we go have a little chat?”

  On the backside of Seaside’s border with Fort Ord, was a road used by the military during its heyday and now rarely so after the closure. Oliver headed for that now, steering with one hand while making sure with the other that McKenny remained passive. After turning onto the highway 218, Oliver turned right onto onto Fremont, driving slowly down the almost empty street. The few people out at four in the morning were the last of the streetwalkers, ghost-like individuals who continued to ply their trade despite the departure of their largest customer, the military.

  As he approached in his unmarked police car, most of the girls drifted from the street’s edge and into the shadows and possibly it was passing them which prompted McKenny to mouth off.

  “For a cop, you’re pretty stupid, Peidmont. Ya know that?” Despite the cold metal barrel against his massive head, McKenny tried to turn toward Oliver. “How long do you think you can hold me like this, you dumb ass? Think you can drive like this forever without somebody seeing that gun to my head?”