“No shit, Sherlock. Bye.”
Ginger loved screwing with Rick, but it worked both ways.
CHAPTER 28
Joe knocked on the Worthy’s door. Jane Worthy greeted him with a hug and a tear. “I’m so glad you could come by. Let’s have some coffee and visit.”
They sat in the breakfast nook, looking out a bay window at a large patio, pool, and hot tub. Joe was familiar with all the luxuries.
“The weather is turning nice. I hope I can finish your roof in a few days.”
“No, Joe, let’s wait until after the funeral. There will be too many people in the way. You know what I mean?”
“Of course. Anything I can do to help? I feel lost. I feel like I should do something.”
“Just be a good friend and let me cry on your shoulder.”
“Anything!”
“Joe, losing my son was horrendous, but you have been like a savior. I feel like Jeff’s death has been avenged. And I would like you to be a pallbearer. Would you? For me?”
“Of course. I’d be honored.”
“I know Jeff would like that.”
Joe was sure Jeff would not. “Mrs. Worthy…”
“Jane!”
“Thank you, Jane. When is the funeral?”
“Next Tuesday.”
“Jane, all of my clothes are in storage in Houston.”
“I figured as much. Here’s a check to help you out until this crisis is over.”
“I can’t take this.”
“You have to. You’ve got expenses and we haven’t paid you anything.”
He looked at the check: $5,000. “You’re much too generous.”
“Go to Alex’s. They have a nice selection of suits. I’ll call and say you’re coming this morning. Is that fine with you?”
“I’ll go as soon as I leave here.”
“Call me Monday and I’ll give you details about the arrangements.”
Joe left in Pam’s car, a small economic foreign job. He went into Alex’s, who was expecting him. They quickly had him measured, colors picked out, accessories and shoes as well as an overcoat selected, supremely coordinated. The staff dismissed him until Monday, when he was to pick up his ensemble. He pulled out his wallet with his freshly cashed check but was quickly informed that everything had been taken care of. It reminded him of shopping with the white-haired woman when he was a kid. He had little to say about the choices made. At least, Mrs. Worthy had much better taste. He felt important. And he had five thousand dollars in his wallet.
CHAPTER 29
Marjorie paced her office, unable to concentrate on any work except the Christmas murders. Rick promised to call as soon as he got confirmation of the prints on the gun. But that wasn’t the real reason she was pacing.
Ginger. Maybe if she had handled things differently, they would still be together. But Ginger was a free spirit, living the moment as it came. Linda and Rick had warned her, but to no avail. Now he was with another woman, at least for a while. Marjorie wondered if he was content or just going through the motions. Her vanity would not allow her to think further. She thought about Joe. There were similarities between the two, but vast differences also. She could never feel the same with Joe as she had with Ginger. But it was time to heal, move on, and get back to work.
* * *
“Ginger?”
“Yeah?”
“The prints are no good. We’ve got to release Junior.”
“Now what?”
“While we are hunting, Dave will be secretly checking Joe’s truck and motel room.”
“Of course, you have a search warrant?”
“And make Joe mad at me? No way. He could be my new best friend.”
“And being your best friend, he wouldn’t mind you checking out his truck and room?”
“Would you?”
“Yes, but it probably wouldn’t do any good.”
“Tomorrow!”
“Wait. What about John Worthy?”
“Keep him there. Joe’s reaction could be interesting.”
“Make it early. John is an early riser.”
“You just ice some beer down, make some coffee and breakfast. I’ll take care of the rest.”
“Now I know how Linda feels.”
“Bye!”
Ginger hung up the phone, stirred the chili, and joined John on the patio.
CHAPTER 30
Judy summoned her secretary into her office. “Helen, we have a decision to make.”
“Do we have to make it now? Let’s wait until after New Year’s.”
“This has to be made now!”
“You sound serious.”
“I am. I’m thinking of taking the Junior Brown case pro bono.”
“Why in God’s name would you do that?”
“I don’t think the evidence will hold up. We can win the case easily.”
“How do you know that?”
“A tip from a reliable source.” Judy smiled.
“A local newscaster that you sometimes have a late dinner with?”
“Possibly.”
“Still, I don’t see the point in giving a freebie.”
“Well, this case is getting a lot of local and statewide attention. If we win and bring in some racial issues, not only will we get national coverage, but our locals in blue and the DA’s office will be crucified.”
“I don’t understand this vengeance with the DA. You have a perfect practice. You can pick and choose between oilfield suits, divorces, criminal cases… and you already have tons of money.”
“Well, Helen, it’s not the kill, but the thrill of the chase.”
“Don’t start getting philosophical. Besides, if Junior Brown wasn’t involved, who was?”
“Maybe someone not even connected with the first murders. Who cares, as long as we win?”
“You’re the boss, but I think we should leave well enough alone.”
“That’s no fun. Check the police reports, any media, get names and numbers. I’ll visit the Browns, get a contract, then visit our DA darling and her favorite detective.”
Judy met Marjorie and Rick at Marjorie’s office. She glared at the lack of luxury. “The conditions they force on you, Marj.”
“Well, it matches my salary.”
“You should come to work for me.”
“And give all this up?” She motioned around her office.
“You could do so much better.”
“So, to what do we owe this honor? It can’t be to redecorate my little cubicle?”
“No, but let’s go to Chez Nous for lunch. I’m dying for some French onion soup. My car is out front.” She turned, not waiting for a reply.
Marjorie and Rick looked at each other but followed.
* * *
Chez Nous was not Ginger’s, but they had good food even though Rick couldn’t pronounce the names. Besides, Judy was picking up the tab. Marjorie liked places like this. She and Judy referred to it as elegant. That was about all they had in common. That and wardrobe. Maybe uppity neighborhoods, expensive vehicles. Maybe they were more alike than he realized. That could be why they didn’t like each other. Too much alike. His wife, Linda, thought it snobby and would rather make Sloppy Joes at home. She could mix with their crowd, but only occasionally did she desire such mingling.
“Rick, are you with us?”
“What? Oh, I’m sorry. I guess I was just taken back by you two beauties.”
“Isn’t that sweet of him, Marj?”
“Yeah, ain’t he a doll?”
“Let’s order; I’m buying. I want the soup with a spinach salad and French dressing.”
Marjorie made her request. “A chef salad with Catalina.”
“And sir, what would you like?” the waiter asked Rick.
“French dip, French fries, French bread, and chocolate Mousse. But no French onion soup.”
“How does Linda put up with you?” asked Judy.
“I make great lasagna.”
“Tha
t’s it?”
“I do it passionately.”
Marjorie stepped in. “So much for the small talk. Why are we here?”
“Good old Marj. Right to the point.”
“And?”
“Just to inform you, as of now, I’ve taken on Junior Brown and family as their defense attorney.”
“That’s surprising,” said Marjorie.
“Yes, it is, but if you could bring me up to date on your information, I would appreciate it. Are you going to formally charge him?”
“Yes. His brother’s prints are on the murder weapon.”
“But are his?”
“No, but who else would have the gun?”
“I guess that’s what we have to find out.”
Rick spoke up. “Well, let’s finish our lunch and go to work.” He knew this could be worse than a championship boxing match. Judy versus Marjorie.
After lunch and in the security of his own car, Rick called Ginger. “We’re prosecuting Junior. And get this! Judy is defending him. Pro bono.”
“Judy? What’s up with that?”
“Beats me.”
“And Marjorie?”
“Going to be interesting.”
“What about tomorrow?”
“Keep John there. I want to watch Joe’s reaction. And while we hunt, Dave will check Joe’s truck and apartment.”
“Anything else?”
“Hot coffee, biscuits, and gravy.”
CHAPTER 31
Joe felt Pam’s mouth exploring his body. She was his sanctuary for the moment. He could hide, rest, and plot his next move. Plus, there were other benefits. He liked the idea of being sexually satisfied. In a few hours, he would detail his truck inside and out, get a cheap paint job, and sell it to someone going to Mexico. He would buy something else, move out of his shabby room, stay with Pam for a while. Maybe even stay with Cynita. Cynita was more interested in a good time. Pam wanted to settle down. For now, he would work his way between the two.
There was still Marjorie or Judy. That situation was more enticing. Hell, if Ginger could do it, so could he. That would give Joe more pleasure than a piece of ass. But he would take both.
* * *
Joe was at the Hilton bar when Judy walked in. She quickly sat beside him, as if their meeting had been planned.
“Hey, Joe, are you waiting for your cop friends?”
“No, I just stopped by for happy hour.”
“Still being hounded by the press?”
“Yeah, I moved and bought another truck, just to hide out.”
“What kind of truck did you get?”
“Just an old junker for now. Something to get around in. Hopefully, things will settle down, so I can make a few plans.”
“Why not start your own company?”
“I’ve thought about it, but I just don’t know. I’m not sure I’ll be staying here.”
“Think about it, and if you decide to, I’ll help you with the organization.” She smiled.
“Well, that’s sweet of you.”
Judy excused herself, which gave Joe time to talk to Cynita, who was quite busy.
“I’m starting to get jealous.”
“Now, don’t do that. She’s helping me on some legal matters and perhaps organizing my own roofing company.”
“That sounds exciting. But you’re mine tonight. Right?”
“Absolutely. That’s why I’m here.”
“Well, I better get busy. Besides, here comes your lawyer. I didn’t know lawyers made calls on Friday night.”
Judy and Cynita exchanged looks.
“I’m not interrupting anything, am I?”
“Of course not.”
“Let’s go to Ginger’s before Marjorie and Rick come in. I can only stand so much competition. Besides, I need to ask you a few questions.”
“About my business?”
“No, about the past week. I’ve been retained by the Brown family.”
“You’re going to defend them?”
“It would seem that way. You don’t have a problem with that, do you?”
“Not at all,” Joe lied. “I just thought it was an open-and-closed case.”
“It may be, but they still need a lawyer. Chances are things will be settled out of court, but I still have to go through the motions.”
Joe was not happy. He resented Judy for getting involved. He had hoped Junior Brown would be indicted and everything would go away. He could not allow Judy to disrupt his plans.
“I’ll meet you at Ginger’s in a few minutes. I’ve got to cash a check.”
“We’ll put it on my business account.”
“You’re too generous. But I still need cash for the weekend.”
“OK, but don’t keep me waiting.”
Joe finished his drink and explained to Cynita he had to unpack and pay his rent but would be back in a while.
* * *
Ginger’s was busy, but Judy had saved a stool next to her for Joe. Dot was bartending. She gave Joe a faint smile. “What can I get you?”
“Miller Lite, please. So what do you want to interrogate me about?”
“That’s not what I’m trying to do. I just want to get to know you better. After all, you’re pretty popular.”
“And I just happen to know the prosecution.”
“Well, that doesn’t hurt anything.”
“I doubt if I know anything you don’t.”
“Try me!”
“They felt like Junior Brown was somehow involved.”
“In the liquor store robbery?”
“Yeah, but I didn’t see this Junior or anyone else. Only two vehicles were in the parking lot, which I paid little attention to. Mother nature was calling, which turned out to be lucky for me.”
“What about the old couple on Clyde Street?”
“First of all, that was where I was raised.”
“Were they your grandparents?”
“No, my grandmother lives in Dallas, I think. I really don’t know. I wasn’t close and haven’t seen her in years.”
“Have they identified the couple?”
“Not that I know of.”
“Why would Junior be connected?”
“Got me! Rick said maybe Junior was afraid I saw him at the liquor store, heard my name on television, looked in an old phone book, and decided to pay me a visit.”
“That seems plausible.”
“Maybe, I just don’t know. I thought it may be corning to an end, but apparently you don’t.” He looked into her eyes.
“I have no idea. I’m just feeling my way through this.”
“Well, if Junior didn’t do it, who did?”
“That’s a good question. I’ll leave that up to your pals. My job strictly is to show a reasonable doubt.”
“Can’t we be pals? I think it might be more fun.”
“So do I. You’re making me blush.”
“I’ve got to go out of town tomorrow. What about next week we go out to a nice but out-of-the-way restaurant?”
“That sounds wonderful. I’ll be looking forward to it. Do we have time for a few more drinks?”
“Absolutely. Then I’ll go pack and get ready for tomorrow.”
“Where are you going?”
“To someone’s ranch to look at some work, and a little hunting. I’m not much of a hunter, but it is a big job. My boss will be happy.”
“Why not do it yourself? Talk to the rancher. Play it up.”
“I wish I was as smooth as you. Maybe if I hang around enough, some of it will rub off.”
“No telling what might rub off.”
They touched hands and kissed. Judy hoped Dot would tell Ginger and Marjorie.
* * *
Joe went back to the Hilton and got a smile from Cynita. “I thought my hero forgot me.”
“No way. Can you get off early?”
“What’s wrong?”
“I’ve got to go out of town to bid on a job.”
“Can’t
it wait?”
“Honey, I need the money, and this is a good job. The weather and all the distractions are killing me.”
“How long will you be gone?”
“The rancher wants to go tonight so we can go hunting early. And get this, I don’t even hunt. But I’m sure we will be back late Sunday. I have to meet the DA Monday morning. I’m sorry. This is not my idea.”
“I know it. I’m just disappointed.”
“You can’t get off early?”
“No, damn it.”
“Sunday I’ll come in and we’ll spend the entire night together.”
“You promise?”
“I won’t even go to my room.”
“You don’t have to leave right now?”
“No, hell no,” Joe sounded convincingly. “I don’t want to leave at all.”
* * *
Joe walked into the Whiskey Trough and met another smile, this time from Pam.
“The bar looks slow. Let’s close it down and go to your apartment…?”
CHAPTER 32
Drummer finished sweeping the kitchen floor, washed a few dishes, and started peeling potatoes for soup. He hoped Ginger and Rick would bring back some quail. He would deep fry them and make some gravy. He thought about the pups. He was glad Shadow was getting one, but he hoped Ginger would not give Joe one. He wasn’t sure why he felt that way, but he did. Joe should have been given a dog when he was young, but not now. He had no kindred spirit with animals. Drummer could tell by the way Buckshot avoided Joe. Drummer would take good care of his pup. He would raise it around Buckshot and the other dogs. He would take it by his grandkids and fix it a place at work. He would be a good companion.
* * *
Ginger awakened at the urging of Buckshot. They made it to the door and the sight of John feeding ten yellow pups and their mother, Satin. Buck ran toward the kennels, wanting his share. John obliged.
“Come on, Buck, I haven’t forgotten you. Good morning, Ginger. There’s coffee on the fire pit.”
“You’ve been busy, John.”
“This isn’t work, it’s a pleasure. Besides, I wanted to get as much time outside as possible before I have to leave.”
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