Code of Silence: Living a Lie Comes With a Price

by Tim Shoemaker

  Cooper met Gordy in The Getaway at eight p.m. The battery-powered camping lantern Cooper kept in his bedroom sat on the middle of the cabin table, casting strange shadows behind Gordy.

  “Think Hiro will show?” Cooper laid the two envelopes on the table.

  “Not unless she has a brain transplant.”

  “How do you know?”

  Gordy squirmed a bit. “I talked to her just before I came over.”

  “What?”

  “Yeah, well, I knew you were pretty upset with how she left us and stuff, so I thought I’d talk to her and, you know, smooth things over.”

  “So what did you say?”

  “Well, that you were pretty steamed at her for ditching us, but I thought you’d forgive her if she came back tonight.”

  “You told her that?” Cooper leaned back and raked his hands through his hair. “She’s going to think I’m an idiot.”

  Gordy nodded. “That’s pretty much what she said.”

  “Great. What about you smoothing things over?”

  “But she did want to know what the policeman said.”

  Cooper thought about that a moment. That meant she still cared what happened to them. It wasn’t much, but he’d take whatever he could get. “What did she think about how we handled his questions?”

  “She didn’t really say.”

  “Nothing?”

  “Well, okay. She just said ‘more lies.’ And that was about it.”

  That’s just about what Cooper would expect her to say. “You told her what time we were meeting?”

  Gordy nodded. “She said not to count on her being here.”

  Cooper stared at the lantern and let the words sink in. So that was that. It was just him and Gordy now. Like old times.

  “Coop?” Gordy peered out the cabin window into the darkness. “You think we should give it up?”

  “NO!” Cooper shouted, making Gordy jump.

  “We can do this.” Cooper tried to slow himself down. “Just a little longer. Give the police a little more information so they find those guys. If we turn ourselves in now we’re in just as much danger as we ever were.”

  Gordy shrugged and kept his eyes on the table. “It’s just that Hiro says—”

  “Hiro says? I know what Hiro says. She didn’t like the Code from the beginning. Do you want to leave, too?”

  “No,” Gordy held up his hands. “I’m with you, Coop. It’s just that Hiro had a couple of good points when she was talking to me, and—”

  “She’s delirious,” Cooper said. “She thinks we can trust the cops. Well we can’t. And I’m not about to walk into a trap. If you want out, let me know right now and I’ll do this myself.”

  Gordy looked confused. “I said I’m with you. What more do you want?”

  Cooper felt a twinge of guilt. He leaned back against the booth and sighed. “I’m sorry. I’m on edge, I guess.” He checked his watch. “Wanna hear what I wrote?”

  “Sure.”

  Cooper unfolded the letter to the police and started reading.

  “Rolling Meadows Police,

  This is my last letter. Here is more proof that I was at Frank ‘n Stein’s at the time of the burglary. That I am your witness. My backpack was on the back table. Inside was a book titled Adventures in American Literature. There was no name in the backpack, or on my sweatshirt.

  I checked Frank’s pockets for the keys while the burglars were upstairs in the office opening the safe. His left front pocket was empty except for a 4”x 6” photo of a Halloween party. His right front pocket had papers and change.

  You should have found a big knife on the floor on the customer side of the front counter with my fingerprints on it. They will match the prints all over this letter. To make it easy, I tried to leave a good print on the next page.

  The knife came from a rack near the back door. It isn’t the same knife as the burglars used with Frank. There should be a small cut under his chin where they stuck him to make him give the combination to the safe.

  This information should prove I was there and not just looking in a window. I am telling the truth. The guy with the clown mask almost caught me. He got my house key. He said he would find me and my family if I went to the police. He used the stool from the video game to break out the front window when I got away because I locked the front door behind me. I still have the keys.

  I’ll turn the phone on at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. Don’t waste your time trying to get me to come in or bring the hard drive. I’ve given you all the proof you need. Just find those three men. The one with the Elvis mask was about the same height and weight as Detective Hammer.

  Talk to the guy who almost hit me with his car. The burglar chased me. He told the people he was a cop. Ask them for a description. I didn’t see him.

  The night of the burglary an SUV pulled out from behind Frank ‘n Stein’s. I saw it from Dunkin Donuts. It was dark, so I didn’t get a good look at it. One headlight was out. And they’re still in town. One of the robbers told me to leave the surveillance hard drive by the bell tower Sunday night. I left a note saying I wouldn’t give it to anyone—not even the police. They were waiting, and they chased me. Same SUV. Headlight still out. I got away, but they got my bike and turned it into a pretzel. They mean business. Don’t waste time looking for the witness who chooses to be silent. Find these men before they try to silence me for good.

  Signed,

  Silence is Golden”

  Cooper looked up. “What do you think?”

  “Maybe you should put something about Lunk.”

  “Lunk? Hiro said that? I honestly don’t think he had anything to do with it. We have no proof.” But that was only part of it. He looked down at his hands. “If they question him, he might just happen to suggest they check out a guy named Cooper MacKinnon.”

  Gordy nodded and held up his hands in a peacekeeping gesture. “You’re right. And I think you’ve covered all the bases. Especially that part about talking to the witnesses by Dunkin’ Donuts.” He nodded. “Yeah, I think it’s good.”

  Cooper folded it and slipped it back in the envelope. “Now all we have to do is deliver it.”

  “Where are we taking it anyway?”

  Cooper looked at his cousin and held up a set of keys. “Frank ‘n Stein’s.”

  CHAPTER 34

  Why there?”

  The two boys made their way out of The Getaway cabin and into the cool night air.

  Cooper shrugged. “Who’d suspect it? If the cops are watching the library, they may also be watching the mailboxes and who knows where else. They’d never figure I’d go back to Frank ‘n Stein’s.” Cooper stepped over the transom and hurried down the ladder.

  “Are those the keys?” Gordy followed him down the ladder.

  “Yep.”

  “Wait a second.” Gordy jumped the last few steps to the ground. “We’re not going inside, are we?”

  Cooper stuffed the keys in his pocket. “It will prove I have them. They’ll know I’m the one who was inside.”

  “No way. You’re crazy,” Gordy said.

  Cooper made a goofy face. “So are you. It runs in the family.”

  “Gee, thanks.”

  Cooper could read Gordy’s face even in the pale moonlight. He looked torn. Like he wanted to be supportive, but he was scared, too. And who wouldn’t be spooked at the thought of going back inside Frank’n Stein’s after closing? Just thinking about it creeped Cooper out. “It will be okay. We’re doing the right thing.”

  “Do we even know what the right thing is anymore?” Gordy said it quietly. Almost like he was talking to himself.

  Cooper acted like he didn’t hear it. Was Hiro messing with Gordy’s head?

  “Hopefully this will make everybody happy.”

  “Impossible,” Gordy said. “The cops won’t be happy until they get you out of hiding, and the goons won’t be smiling until they make you disappear for good.”

  “There’s a happy thought.” Cooper jogge
d toward his bike.

  Gordy trotted alongside him. “It’s strange, you know? The good guys want to make you talk, and the bad guys want to shut your mouth permanently. It’s like both sides want to get their hands on you, but for opposite reasons. Unless, of course, the cops really are bad—then everyone wants to wring your neck.”

  “Real comforting,” Cooper said. “Then I guess I want to disappoint everybody.”

  Gordy glanced at him. “You got a good start with Hiro on that one.”

  Coop let that sink in. Gordy definitely pegged that one right.

  Gordy’s face got serious. “You think we’re making a mistake by not going to the cops? I mean, how can all the police be bad?”

  Cooper could tell Gordy had been thinking about it pretty hard just by the way he asked. He could almost see the doubts gnawing at Gordy. Hiro really was getting through.

  “I don’t want to take a chance,” Cooper said.

  Gordy clapped Cooper on the back. “If this wasn’t so stinkin’ dangerous, it would be kind of a good adventure, you know?” Apparently Gordy wanted to change the topic, or at least the mood.

  Cooper smiled and shook his head. “Let’s get rid of this letter.”

  They rode side by side down the darkened streets in silence. The most direct route to Frank ‘n Stein’s was through the park, and at this time of the night they should have it all to themselves. Kimball Hill Park didn’t have many trees, but those it did have were big and tended to be grouped together in clusters. The moon was bright enough to cast long black shadows beside them.

  Cooper tried to peer into the shadows to see if anything or anyone lurked there. His imagination conjured up images of men crouching in the pools of darkness. They wore masks. Always masks. He stood on the pedals. If anything was out there, he wanted to have some good speed behind him. The rush of the crisp fall air forced his eyes to water. The wind moaned in his ears. It seemed to be alive, an unseen presence warning him to go back.

  Gordy pulled ahead and took the lead over the footbridge and onto the bike path bordering the west side of the creek. Kirchoff Road lay dead ahead, and the bell tower loomed beside it.

  When they neared the bell tower, Gordy skidded to a stop behind a towering maple. He laid his bike on the ground. Cooper did the same. The two boys crouched in the shadows and watched the traffic on Kirchoff Road.

  Cars were sparse, and in the next five minutes they never saw a police car prowl by. Except for Mr. Stein’s car, the parking lot at Frank ‘n Stein’s stood empty. Nothing looked out of place. Still, the police could be watching the place through a set of binoculars.

  “If the police come, just get out of there. Don’t wait for me. Tell my Dad everything. Tell him I’m sorry about all the lies.”

  Gordy nodded.

  “And tell Hiro,” Cooper paused. What would he want to tell her if he could? “Aw, forget it.”

  Gordy grabbed his arm and pointed. “Look.”

  The lights went out in Frank ‘n Stein’s kitchen. Mr. Stein plodded into view, shrugging on his jacket while he walked.

  The bell tower chimed out the half hour like a giant grandfather clock. Cooper checked his watch. Half past nine. Mr. Stein stepped outside, locked the door, and trudged to his car.

  “Poor guy looks beat,” Gordy said.

  Gordy was right. The co-owner was probably covering Frank’s hours and his own. Trying to hold it all together without his partner and friend. He looked more stooped over than Cooper remembered, like he carried an extra weight on his shoulders. Maybe this next note would lead the police to the burglars, and things would lighten up for all of them.

  “Think Frank will make it?” Gordy said it so quietly, Cooper barely heard. “I mean, there’s always hope. Right?”

  “Yeah,” Cooper said. “There’s always hope.” Gordy didn’t need to know what he really thought.

  By the time Mr. Stein pulled out of the lot and drove down Kirchoff Road, Cooper’s heart was beating like the bell tower. He hated to leave the cover of the shadows, but it was time to move.

  “Let’s just get this done. On the way back we’ll grab the phone.”

  Gordy nodded.

  Cooper walked the bike out of the shadows, straddled it, and bumped his way along the grass. The two of them followed the bike path through the tunnel under Kirchoff Road and out the other side.

  Frank ‘n Stein’s stood on the rise across the creek. Except for the neon lights, all the other lights were off. Just like last week. Cooper shuddered and felt for the envelopes in his back pocket.

  Cooper coasted for twenty yards then turned into the parking lot. He stopped next to the front door and hopped off his bike. Gordy stopped right behind him. He didn’t get off his bike, but held Cooper’s in place for a fast getaway if needed.

  Pressing his face up against the glass, Cooper peered inside. To a casual person driving by, or even a cop, it would look like he’d tried to get there before they closed but missed it by a few minutes.

  The dining room was as still as a graveyard, with all the creepiness of one too. Halloween decorations were out in force. A skeleton hung against a dark backdrop. Somehow it seemed totally wrong to put the decorations up after the robbery.

  The donation jar for Frank’s hospital expenses was on the counter again and over half full with dollar bills and change. Cooper wondered if the lottery tickets Mr. Stein bought paid off. It looked like he’d be ready to buy more soon. The picture over the counter of the two partners had an addition now too. A handmade sign hung below the smiling image of Frank. Please pray for my partner and friend!

  Cooper felt a twinge of guilt. He’d barely prayed for Frank at all. The only prayers he’d spoken lately had to do with getting himself out of a jam. Somehow the Code of Silence had kept him from talking to God, too.

  Frankenstein himself stood where he always did, guarding the ordering counter. Some guard. He didn’t do so well the other night. The eight-foot mascot seemed to be looking right at Cooper, smiling, like they shared a secret. He was part of their Code of Silence, and right now Cooper had a whole lot more confidence in the green-faced monster staying quiet than he did Hiro.

  “Are you going to leave the letters or what?” Gordy whispered.

  “In a second.” Maybe he shouldn’t take the time to open the door. With one more glance toward the road, he whipped the letters out of his pocket and tried sliding one end under the door. The words Give to Rolling Meadows Police stood out like the neon lights in the windows. The other was addressed to the Daily Herald. The envelopes jammed and bent. He tried another spot. No luck.

  “Hurry.”

  Cooper fished the keys out of his pocket. His hand shook. Get a chest, Cooper. Get a chest. He took a deep breath, held it, and slid the key in the lock.

  “Good thing Hiro isn’t here,” Gordy whispered. “Breaking and entering. You’re really busting the law now.”

  Terrific. Cooper turned the key, and the latch clunked open. He pulled open the door, and a burglar alarm pierced the silence. Shrill and pulsing, the siren screamed loud enough to wake the dead—or get them killed.

  CHAPTER 35

  He dropped the envelopes inside and grabbed the keys, not bothering to lock the door.

  “Move!” Cooper hopped on his bike.

  They pedaled hard out of the parking lot. In a moment they scooted out of sight in the tunnel below Kirchoff Road. It would be a great place to hide, but it was way too close to Frank ‘n Stein’s.

  “Keep going!” Cooper’s voice echoed against the cement and steel of the tunnel. Even the alarm sounded louder under the road.

  Gordy stood on the pedals and whipped out of the tunnel on the other side of Kirchoff.

  With each turn of the crank Cooper’s mind hurled accusations at him. You’ve blown it this time. You’re going to get caught. Even the wind rushing against his face seemed bent on holding him back. He pulled alongside his cousin, making Gordy hunch over and drive harder, taking the lead again. In
moments the two of them raced into the shadows of Kimball Hill Park.

  His original plan called for a roundabout, casual ride from Frank ‘n Stein’s, one that wouldn’t look suspicious. Maybe they were being watched right now. He needed to think. Map a safe route home. Making a beeline for the house may lead the cops right to him.

  “Hold up, Gordy!”

  His cousin shot him a questioning look. Only when Cooper hit the brakes near the giant maple tree did Gordy react. He skidded to a stop next to him.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.” Cooper dumped his bike. “Just want to be sure we haven’t been spotted.” The spot gave a perfect view in all directions, including a clear shot of Frank ‘n Stein’s. He crouched down to rethink.

  “Lousy alarm,” Gordy said, breathing heavily.

  Cooper could still hear it, even at this distance. It was like the diner had a life of its own. It was calling out to the police, telling them where he and Gordy hid.

  “Well, Hiro really missed it,” Gordy said.

  And Cooper missed Hiro. In a way, the letters started out as a way to show Hiro they could help with the investigation without revealing their identity, without compromising their safety.

  “Coop.” Gordy nudged him and pointed just beyond Frank ‘n Stein’s.

  Two police cars raced with their lights flashing, sirens off. They squealed onto the road and headed west for Frank ‘n Stein’s. Two more squad cars roared in from the opposite direction. All four cars converged on the diner. The policemen scurried out of their cars like ants from a damaged anthill.

  “Somebody heard the alarm,” Gordy said.

  “Or maybe it’s wired directly to the police station.”

  Cooper’s plan didn’t include his letter being discovered so soon. Not until the next morning when Mr. Stein opened up. He watched two officers approach the door. Another pair split up and ran along each side of the building toward the drive-thru menu sign in the back. Two more fanned out in the parking lot of the apartment building next door, walking between the cars and even dropping down to check underneath them.