“Right,” said Doug, “there’s a place just down the block. Meet me by the elevator in a few minutes, I have to make a call before we go.”
The two ladies got up and walked out together.
“I’ll give you credit for one thing,” said Shelley, “You have determination. Not sure that’s going to be enough for you to get what Doug wants though.”
“What does he want?” asked Reese as the two headed for the elevator.
“He wants to nail Viktor Drakos’ hide to the wall. They’ve been going at it for years but Doug hasn’t found his Achilles heel. Sure, he’s printed a few articles on the Drakos Shipping Company’s violations, but they only resulted in fines being levied against him. He thinks there’s a bigger story out there and he wants have that piece of writing that puts him out of business.”
“So this is sort of a feud thing then?”
“Afraid so, and looks like you’re going to be thrown right in the middle of it. I’ll give you all the help I can, but you’re going to have to be very creative young lady. If you’re successful, this story will propel your career. But fail and … well, I doubt you’ll ever report on another story. Look, I gotta get this article ready for print,” she said, waving her pad and paper. “Enjoy your fish and I’ll see you when you return. Say hello to my sister for me,” then she disappeared around a corner.
The waitress had delivered their plates piled high with chunks of hot, crispy fish, fries, and slaw. Doug was getting into his third piece of fish and, with his mouth half full, he tried to continue their conversation.
“Buford’s Place serves the best catfish in the state. There’s something in the breading that brings out the taste of the fish. It’s not hiding the fish flavor, but working subtlety with it enticing your taste buds to want more. Don’t you agree?”
Away from the confines of Doug’s fishbowl, Reese was more at ease talking with him. It seemed as though he was a different person outside the office, but being satiated on food might have had something to do with his calmer disposition. Nonetheless, she felt the opportunity was right for her to ask him some questions.
“How long have you known Mr. Drakos?” she asked before forking in a small piece of fish.
“I was raised here in Savannah. Been working for the Savannah Daily for thirty years next month. I guess we met a year after I started here,” he said, then took a drink of his water. “I did a story on him when he first got here. It was about relocating his father’s shipping company to America from Greece. It wasn’t a big company back then – it took more than a decade for him to start to have the big successes. Did you know he’s now almost a billionaire? At least on paper anyway.”
“No, never heard of him before. But, for a second, you seemed pleased with remembering that story you wrote about him,” she said.
“You’re very perceptive Miss Summers. There was a time when he and I were friends. But as his wealth grew, I saw him changing — he was beginning to do business unethically to feed his fortune. I couldn’t accept that, so we had a falling out.”
Reese decided that if she was going to investigate Drakos, now was a good time to take some chances. She pushed deeper. “Shelley says the two of you are feuding.”
Doug looked up slightly indignant that he had been talked about behind his back. “Shelley says a lot of things. What else did she say?”
“Nothing. But don’t you think I need to know everything? I don’t want to be blind-sided once I get into doing this.”
“I don’t know that feud is the right word in our case. I just don’t like what he stands for – that’s himself. He’s become arrogant and a criminal and I have no regard for anyone like that. Maybe if his business wasn’t here in Savannah it would be different. But it is here and this is my home.”
She finished the last bite of her fish. “That was really yummy, I’m going to have to remember this place.”
Reese wiped her mouth with her napkin and laid it next to her plate. “Tell me,” she said, “what chance do we, I mean, do I have of getting any real dirt on him. If it was easy, you would have found out what he’s really up to before now. And, just what is it you suspect he’s doing?”
The waitress brought the check to their table and Doug picked it up to pay. She saw him scrutinize the bill and then place his credit card in the folder.
Returning his attention to Reese, he answered, “I’m not sure what the chances are. He’s rich, slick, and has a loyal following among the longshoremen and the crews of his ships. As to your second question, there seems to be extra precaution taken around certain cargo containers that get loaded onto his ships. I don’t know what’s in them, but it’s more than suspicious activity. I think if we can find out what it is, we’ll have our story.”
“Well, I thank you for lunch. I’ll close up all my loose ends in New Harmony and be back in a few weeks. I plan on staying the weekend and getting more familiar with the city. Any places you recommend I visit?”
“You’ve got to visit Tybee Island,” he suggested. “On the way out there, there’s an old civil war fort that might be worth your time — Fort Pulaski National Monument. You into ghosts?”
Reese’s head shake and the face she made spoke volumes. Well, they have some good tours of The Squares. You’ll get to see the Mercer House that was made famous by the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and a follow up film. Did you know that Georgia is the only state in the union that tried a man four times for the same murder?”
“I remember hearing something about that when I was around eleven. Is there anything else other than the dark side of the city?”
“Well seeing as how you’re a reporter you may want to visit Colony Park Cemetery. Georgia’s first newspaper publisher and printer is buried there. His name was James Johnston. But I’m sure you’ll find something to do,” he said, getting up to leave. “I’ve got to be getting back. You enjoy yourself young lady and don’t hesitate to call me if you have any questions. I’ll clear a space for you to work from before you return. Be careful going home, the highway from here to Macon is like a racetrack, especially on Sundays.”
CHAPTER 7
Reese arrived at the outer boundary of New Harmony before dusk and was passing by the spot she last saw the city’s squad car. The area was void of any police presence, making it safe for a lone deer to step out from the bushes to welcome her back. She wondered if Chief Daniels was able to get over her interfering with him doing his job at the Dollar General. Sooner or later, she’d have to face him and that made her feel a little uncomfortable as she headed for her home.
Several blocks from her destination, her eye caught the image of Wanda Simpson sweeping her front porch. Not resisting the urge to say something to her, she coasted to the side of the road and rolled down her window.
“Hello Wanda, I met your sister in Savannah,” she yelled through the open window.
The portly woman looked up. Seeing Reese, she placed her broom beside the front door and glided down the steps and walkway toward the vehicle. Resting her folded arms above the window track, she leaned in with a warm smile and engaged Reese. “How was your trip to Savannah dearie? Charlie told me you were going there for a job interview. Did you get the position?”
Reese was sure Charlie had told everybody in town where she was going, then answered. “It was better that I expected,” she replied. “I got an offer to become one of their investigative reporters. I also met Shelley. She was a lot of help to me, but none of that would have been possible had you not sent her that cover story I did on the Mayor.”
“Oh dearie, I may regret doing that because now you’re leaving us. At least I’ll be able to keep up with you through my sister. By the way, how did you like Shelley? She’s nothing like me, is she?”
Reese had to be careful with her choice of words. Although they may be sisters, they didn’t look or act anything alike. Shelley was taller and thinner than Wanda, dressed more up to date, and had a snappier personality. “I liked
her a lot. She’s smart and seems to really know the news business. I can learn quite a lot from someone like her.”
“She’s pretty, isn’t she?” probed Wanda.
Reese had to think fast. “Of course she’s pretty, she reminded me so much of you. I saw the family resemblance right away. You both have that same sparkle in your eyes. Her voice is a bit more gravely than yours, but yep, there’s a definite similarity between you.”
Wanda seemed satisfied with her answer. “So when do you leave New Harmony?”
I have to give my two-week notice tomorrow. It won’t be easy though. I’ve enjoyed living here and getting to know all the fine people of New Harmony. Sorry I won’t be able to cover the auxiliary’s big fall picnic.”
“Yeah, I need to talk to your editor about that. He needs to hire a replacement for you soon. Do you know anyone that might want to take your place?”
“No, but you might suggest he go right to the journalism schools near here. I’m sure there’s a recent graduate that would love to come here as their first assignment. And who knows, they might even want to stay.”
“That’s a good suggestion. I’ll bring it up with him later in the week.”
“It’s been nice talking to you Miss Simpson. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around town and I’ll make a special visit with you before I leave.”
“Alright dearie, I’m holding you to your word.” She leaned away from the vehicle and waved goodbye as the window closed and Reese pulled away from the curb.
Before going to the news office the next morning, Reese had made up her mind to take her licking from the Chief and drove to the police station. She wanted to make it right between them and was prepared to apologize for her lapse in good judgment. When she got there, he was sitting at his desk looking over some recent wanted posters. He looked up when he heard the familiar click of her heels.
“What happened to you?” she gasped looking at his face.
“Good to see you too,” he said, noting the sincerity of concern in her voice.
“Your eye! It’s all black and blue!”
“Have a seat and I’ll tell you all about it,” he suggested laying down the posters. “In a way, it’s kind of your fault,” he added folding his hands in front of him. “One more thing that I can add to your rap sheet.”
She took a seat next to the desk feeling as though she were about to be grilled, cuffed, and hauled off to a cell. “Well, let’s hear it she invited. What have I done now?”
He started. “That drug dealer I brought in the day before you left? Well, I was so mad at you for getting in my way that I let down my guard. Before I put him into the holding cell, I unlocked his cuffs and he cold cocked me. That’s never happened to me before and I assure you it never will again.”
“What did you do to him?” she said, observing the shiner.
“Well let’s just say he’ll be needing some dental work after he’s transferred to county.”
“Does it hurt?”
“Not now, but the following two days I was sucking down ibuprophen like they were candy. It started to feel better this morning. I think icing it down helped a lot.”
“I’m so sorry Chief,” she sputtered. “I was only thinking of myself and getting a story. I thought about you the whole time I was gone and what you probably were thinking about me. I don’t want to leave New Harmony on bad terms with you. I really, really am sorry for putting you in a bad situation and causing you pain. Can you ever forgive me?”
The Chief finally saw a side of Reese he had not seen before. She was no longer the defiant young reporter he had known; she was more like a repentant school girl. One who was afraid her parents would be told she purposely tripped the teacher causing her to fall and injure herself.
“Look, that’s all in the past,” he tried to assure her. “I accept your apology. Most of it was my own stupid fault anyway. I should have been paying attention to what I was doing. How was Savannah?” he said, changing the subject.
“Savannah was great!” she answered. “I was offered a position on the Savannah Daily as an investigative reporter.”
Chief Daniels tried to narrow his eyes at her but the lingering swelling and pain in his right eye stopped him short. “Investigator huh? What skills do you have for that?”
Reese pushed her back into her chair feeling indignant by his remark. The Chief, seeing her bristle, wished he’d have said that another way.
“Let me rephrase that. Being any type of investigator takes some skills, like reading between the lines and going with your gut. In my experience those things take years to develop. How do you intend to compensate for them?”
“I know what you’re getting at Chief,” she boldly said. “You’re referring to my lack of experience as a news reporter in the real world. I admit New Harmony hasn’t been anything like the real world because it’s the kind of town that when two dogs get into a fight that’s big news. Even so, I have excellent research skills, a great memory for details, and keen instincts. The rest I can learn.”
The Chief didn’t want to start berating her, so he again changed the subject. “How’d you like Savannah? I’ve been there a few times; it’s a vibrant place. For me though, it’s an okay place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there.”
She let her posture ease as they moved away from a potentially explosive subject. “You don’t like too much excitement do you Chief?”
“I’ve had my share of excitement in the military. Now, I just want to live out my life in a peaceful and tranquil environment. Cities like Savannah and Atlanta draw all types of people and a lot of them are bad people. I just don’t want to be around them. Here, you can drink a beer and not have to worry if someone’s going to throw a bottle at you.”
“Well, all that’s true,” she said, “but you aren’t going to meet any women here either. You’re not so old that you can close off that part of your life are you?”
“Tell you what,” he said, “you don’t go there with me, and I won’t question your abilities to be an investigative reporter. Deal?” he extended his handshake.
“Deal!” she agreed grabbing his hand. “But if I find a match for you in Savannah, I’m hooking you up.”
His good eye beamed a look of acceptance at her proposal. “You do that Miss Summers,” he said with a slight grin.
“I’ve got to be going Chief, but it’s been good seeing you again. I have to turn in my resignation and close out all my dog fight cases. See you around town.”
Chief Daniels watched as she left his desk, her heels clicking against the floor tiles maybe for the last time. Under his breath he muttered, “It won’t be the same place when you leave,” then resumed shuffling through the wanted posters on his desk.
Reese spent the next two weeks working on her last few assignments, saying goodbye to as many town’s people as she could, and packing her few possessions into boxes. The bulk of her assets being mostly kitchen items, some books, and her clothes. The clothing became her biggest challenge to pack into her car. During a dry run with a few armfuls of dresses and boxes of shoes she realized she would have to give some of her things away. It was an easy decision for her to make though, as she now could afford to replace and update her wardrobe when she got to Savannah.
On the day of her departure, she began to have second thoughts about leaving. New Harmony had become part of her and she was going to miss a lot of the friends she had made while there. It didn’t help that half the town showed up at her doorstep to see her off. Leading the way was Wanda Simpson and her ladies auxiliary, followed by employees of the New Harmony Press, Charlie and his wife, and a host of others.
Behind the gathering stood Chief Daniels. She saw him standing next to his squad car trying to give the impression he was controlling the crowd, but Reese knew better. They had formed a close bond of friendship that neither of them would admit to and she would miss him most of all. He gave her a salute off the brim of his hat as she turned into the crowd for final
hugs and kisses.
By the time she finished, she had an armful of cards and flowers. It was unpredictable whether they would fit into her crammed car. But she managed to find a space for all of it on the passenger side seat as she slid into her car and closed the door.
With Chief Daniels clearing a path for her departure, she rolled down her window and stuck out her arm waving as she pulled away. In her review mirror she watched as the assembly closed ranks behind her waving goodbye. She brushed at a tear as it rolled down her cheek.
CHAPTER 8
Reese’s first order of business was to establish her new home. She had asked for Shelley’s help in locating her a place to stay and Shelley came through with flying colors. Not more than two miles distance from the building that housed the newspaper, she was able to obtain a partially furnished, one bedroom apartment. It was in a newer complex that rented for eight hundred and seventy-five dollars a month. That amount included water, access to a community pool, and two parking spaces.
They had agreed to meet the complex manager there at 4 P.M. so Reese could finalize and sign her rental agreement. The required background check, deposits, and preliminary work had been taken care of over the past week using the phone and internet. He arrived on time.
After Reese signed the one-year contract, Shelley offered to help unload her things and bring them into the apartment. With key in hand, they returned to her car.
“Do you have anything coming beside what I see here?” she asked Reese eyeing her packed vehicle.
“No, this is all I have.” She grabbed a box from the trunk and handed it to her friend.
“You travel light girl. We’re going to have to go shopping and get you a few things, like towels, sheets, and pillows to say the least. How have you been able to live with so little possessions?”
“Been doing it my whole life,” she replied seizing an armful of clothes from the rear seat. “When you’re getting bounced around from foster home to foster home you don’t get to accumulate much. And in college, a girl doesn’t need more than a leisure suit, a sexy dress, and a pair of hot shoes. I’ve never been one to collect things.”
Halfway to the Truth Page 4