Save the Child

by Jimmy Craig Porter

  “That’s right. You take care of that sweet woman. Don’t be like Ginger, and this Joe character isn’t any better. I don’t know how many girls he’s juggling.” Dot shook her head in pretense and served more beer.

  Pam went to the bathroom and had a good cry. She had thought Joe really cared for her. Now she felt lost.

  Dave finished his beer and waved goodbye to Dot. He knew Rick’s little scheme was in progress. Pam was visibly upset and would confront Joe. Maybe things would unravel, and Joe would make a mistake, if he was guilty.

  * * *

  Joe Cooper drove into Lindville with the idea he would be sharing a bed with either Pam or Cynita. The bars were closed, so Joe called on his new cell phone. Cynita politely told Joe she had other plans.

  “I thought we were going to spend the day together.”

  “Well, you never called, so I assumed you changed your mind. It was getting late. A girlfriend called, so we’re going out to eat. But call me in a few days or come by the bar.”

  Cynita seemed cold. Joe just thought she was mad because he had gone hunting. He had no idea she was really having a romantic dinner with Davis Wilson, not unlike the one they had planned. Cynita knew the difference between the two men. She would not end up with either one. Joe was a flash in the pan, but Davis would put her in touch with a different crowd. One that might give her more opportunities to change her lifestyle.

  * * *

  Pam answered the phone. It was Joe. “Rumor has it I’m not your only girlfriend.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Who were you with this weekend?”

  “You know where I was.”

  “Not according to some guy who came from Ginger’s.”

  “That’s bullshit. Just ask Ginger or Rick. Who said that?”

  “I don’t know his name. But why would he be lying?”

  “You must be mistaken. The only ones there were Ginger, Rick, Dave, and Drummer came right before I left.”

  “I think his name was Dave. Dot knew him.”

  “Something is wrong. Dave and I went out hunting by ourselves. I’ll check it out tomorrow. Just go to bed and get some sleep. Don’t worry about anything. I’m going to shower and go to bed myself.”

  “Would you like some company?” asked Pam.

  “Only if it’s yours.”

  “I’ll be there in fifteen minutes. Start us a bath. I have a bottle of champagne.”

  “Wait!”

  “Doesn’t sound good?”

  “Of course it does, but bring your swimming suit. The hot tub is quite vacant.”

  “Sounds delicious.”

  “I’ll go next door and get another bottle and be in the tub, waiting.”

  “I may get a ticket for speeding.”

  “Hey, we know some cops.”

  “Yeah, ones who give wrong information.”

  Joe and Pam were in the hot tub sipping champagne, kissing and caressing, giving Pam false hope about the future. A few hours later, she lay in bed smoking while Joe slept. She knew she would have to quit soon.

  There was a small condo for rent she wanted to show Joe. She thought he would really like it. They could really be happy there. Maybe she would get a puppy from Ginger. Joe would have his own hunting dog.

  CHAPTER 35

  “Joe, this is Rick.”

  “Hey, Rick. What’s going on?” Joe asked.

  “Man, I hate to tell you this over the phone, but the old couple that was killed at your old house were your grandparents.”

  “No, Rick, my grandmother moved to Dallas a few years ago, and I don’t even remember my grandfather.”

  “Apparently she remarried some guy named Bill Jefferson and moved back here to her old house.”

  “You’ve got to be kidding. Are you sure?”

  “Yes. I’m sorry, Joe. Your mother has been notified and is on her way from Houston. She didn’t know you had moved back to Lindville.”

  “Hell, I didn’t know she was in Houston.”

  “When she gets here, she said she would call you on your cell number. I gave it to her. I didn’t know what to do.”

  “That’s fine. I’m just in shock. Again!”

  “It’s been a rough week.”

  “No kidding. When is my mother coming in?”

  “Tomorrow sometime.”

  “What about my grandmother’s arrangements?”

  “Still up in the air. I need you or your mother to identify the bodies.”

  “I’ll be there in thirty minutes, but I’m not sure who this guy is.”

  “Do the best you can, then we’ll go have a drink.”

  “Or ten.”

  “Whatever you need, buddy.”

  * * *

  Ginger’s was about the same as always. Joe and Rick took a table, while Dot fetched their beers.

  “Have you ever identified a body before?”

  “No, and to tell you the truth, I’m not sure I’m the right person to do it.”

  “That’s only natural. You haven’t seen her in years. Your mother will be here, and she can come in.”

  “I don’t know. I hate to put her through that. But hell, I might not even recognize her.”

  “I’m sorry, Joe.” Rick meant it.

  “It’s not your fault. That’s just the way it is. I never met, much less knew, my father. My mother was little better, and my grandmother can rot in hell.”

  “Let’s get drunk, Rick. Where’s Ginger?”

  “Oh, he’ll be here any minute, probably.”

  After three or four beers, Ginger showed up. “Hey, guys. What’s up?”

  “We’re on a mission,” said Joe.

  “I thought we just got off a mission?”

  “We did, but if it’s worth doing once, it’s worth doing twice or maybe four or five times,” Joe laughed. Ginger looked at Rick, who barely gave him a glance, but laughed at Joe.

  “I think I’ll take a week off, Joe.”

  “Me too, Rick. We’ll just run a tab up and stay here.”

  “Thanks, guys, I guess I’ll just join you.”

  Dot brought them a round. “I wish you guys had just stayed at the lake.”

  “So do we,” Rick added. “Bring us a beer every fifteen minutes ’till we pass out, then bring us one every twenty minutes.”

  Dave came in from the back, snuck up behind Joe, and goosed him in the ribs. Joe jumped, but Dave quickly laughed and shook his hand.

  “So, shooter. How’s it going?” The word “shooter” alarmed Joe.

  “We would have starved if you hadn’t bagged those birds.”

  “Hey, I got just as many,” said Ginger.

  “Only the ones Buckshot brought to you,” said Rick.

  They all laughed, and Joe felt more at ease. He knew he should leave, but he just wanted to hang out and laugh with the guys. Too much was happening in the next few days. He just wanted to be drunk, laugh, and hope for the best. He had faith in his spur-of-the-moment decisions. After all, he was a hero. He had more friends and lovers than he had ever had.

  “Was that your shotgun?” asked Dave.

  “No, it was John’s. I guess he leaves it at Ginger’s.”

  Ginger nodded. “In fact, he had bought it for Jeff and they were coming out, but… at least Joe got to use it.”

  “That was Jeff’s gun? It was the one that was stolen?”

  “Yeah, the very same,” Rick acknowledged. “I think John might give you that shotgun. However, don’t hold me to that. He did tell me to bring it back.”

  “Why would he do that?” Joe asked, puzzled.

  “Well, after all, you shot his son’s murderer.”

  “Is that worth a shotgun?”

  “That is John’s decision.” Rick didn’t look at Ginger, but Ginger knew his thoughts, and the casual manner in which Joe spoke of the situation. He was as indifferent about the death as the shotgun. Perhaps placing more value on the shotgun.

  “When we get everybody
buried this week, let’s go hunting again,” said Joe.

  “Sure, that sounds good,” said Ginger.

  A few more drinks and Joe was placed into a taxi. His night was over.

  “Ginger, Joe was pretty drunk, wasn’t he?”

  “Yeah, he was pretty drunk, but I did get him a taxi, Sarge.”

  “I wish more bar owners were as dedicated as you. But there’s one more thing you might do.”

  “And what would that be?”

  “Well, Joe left his truck outside. He being a customer of yours, you might check it for valuables. Someone might steal something.”

  “I’ll go with you,” said Dave. “Just to hold a flashlight or give you a helping hand.”

  “I’ll keep the beer cold.”

  They approached Joe’s pickup.

  “Dave, it’s a good thing Dot made Joe leave his keys.”

  “Absolutely. People get drunk and call a taxi, then walk out and try to drive. He’s lucky he came to a nice bar with good friends to watch out for him. Ginger, maybe you should wear these latex gloves. Just for sanitary purposes.”

  “You’re right, Dave. Germs and stuff.”

  Ginger searched through the truck, which appeared spotless, until he reached farther under the driver’s seat and pulled out a Rolex watch. “What have we here?”

  Dave held the light close. “It’s called evidence. I believe that is the watch Mrs. Worthy was giving Jeff for Christmas.”

  “Damn! Now what?”

  “Let’s check with the Sarge. Put it back, just in case Joe comes back.”

  They returned to Rick with open eyes and more information than they had expected to find. “Should we take it?” asked Dave.

  “No, get what information is on the watch and take some photos.”

  “What about dusting?”

  “No, we would be taking too much of a chance. In fact, keep the photos away from the station. Keep everything hush-hush for now. If we can ID the watch, then get a warrant, it would be safer. However, I’ll have to check with the Worthys and find a serial number. Did they furnish any of that information?”

  “I don’t think so. Just the type and description.”

  “I’ll check with John. Dave, let Junior Brown out. I want to see Joe’s reaction.”

  “Shit, it’s getting deep,” said Ginger.

  “Yeah, and it’s going to get even deeper.” Ginger looked intently into Rick’s eyes. “Call Marjorie.”

  CHAPTER 36

  Ginger drove home and found Buckshot and Satin curled next to Bev in front of the fireplace. They raised their heads to acknowledge their daddy, then sighed and returned to sleep. Ginger grabbed some pillows and tried to work his way among the trio. He was glad to be home, maybe for the first time in a long time. He really felt the warmth.

  * * *

  Rick put his arms around Linda and tried to quickly find sleep. His wife reached around and patted him on the shoulder. Any questions would be answered soon. They were in their home, their children were safe for the night, and that was all that mattered.

  * * *

  “Judy, this is Rick. Sorry to call you so early.”

  “That’s okay. I’m walking out the door, headed for the office,” she lied.

  “We released Junior Brown.”

  “Really? Why?” She was disappointed. She wanted the publicity.

  “Just not enough evidence and we knew you would tear us apart.”

  “Do you have another suspect?”

  “We have a few leads. That’s all I can say.”

  After hanging up the phone, Judy finished her coffee and dressed for work. She wondered who the new suspect was. If there was indeed someone. She would just have to wait. Until then, there was no real need for Joe Cooper. She would get out of her date somehow. He wasn’t anybody she wanted to start a relationship with. Davis Wilson was more what she had in mind. They had been out several times. Such a relationship could benefit both of them. He wasn’t bad in bed, either. Joe wasn’t an issue. He would probably be too clingy. Ginger was something she didn’t want to think about. She wouldn’t mind passing several hours in bed with him, but that wasn’t going to happen, unless she caught him at a weak moment. That gave her something to shoot at. It might piss some people off, but that would only make it more intriguing. She might go out with Joe just to make Marjorie mad, but she knew Marjorie wasn’t that interested in Joe. Still, it might get under her skin.

  * * *

  Marjorie was making a case against Junior Brown when the phone rang.

  “Marj, this is Rick. Drop everything against Junior Brown. He didn’t do it. Joe Cooper is our perp.”

  “Do what? He killed his grandmother, too? Do you have proof?”

  “We’re working on it. Besides, you know Junior’s case would be thrown out in a minute, especially with Judy as defense.”

  “She’s not that good.”

  “Yes, she is. Besides, she would drag all of us into a media circus. In addition, Wilson would eventually follow. There would be racial implications and, knowing Judy, lawsuits and anything to get her name and face in public view.”

  “Okay, I see your direction, but if Junior isn’t involved, why Joe?”

  “Just be patient. I will talk to you later. But stay away from Joe.”

  “We’ve all been around Joe. He doesn’t fit.”

  “I thought the same thing, until Ginger pointed me in a different direction.”

  “Ginger! We’re basing this case on Ginger’s intuition?”

  “No, Marj. I got curious myself. We should have some evidence soon. I can’t tell you anything until I have something official.”

  “I’m totally lost. What does Ginger have to do with this?”

  “He’s a good friend with John Worthy and even though you two have your differences, his first words were to call you and tell you to stay away from Joe. He does care, Marj. Let’s meet for a drink after work.”

  “Not at Ginger’s!”

  “No, let’s go to the Whiskey Trough.”

  “Whiskey Trough? Why there?”

  “So we’ll have some privacy.”

  “All right. Call me later.”

  CHAPTER 37

  The ringing phone only made Joe’s head worse.

  “Joey, this is mom. I’m in town for your grandparents’ funeral.”

  “He wasn’t my grandfather.”

  “Well, they did get married.”

  “I’m not even sure he was the same guy. In fact, I couldn’t even recognize your mother. You need to go identify the body.”

  “I don’t think I can do that, Joey.”

  “Then why are you here?”

  “To take care of the arrangements and legal matters. You’re quite the hero around here, son.”

  “It’s not what you think it is.”

  “Where are you living?”

  “I can’t tell you. The cops have me in hiding to keep away the media until they solve the case.”

  “I thought I would stay with you.”

  “That’s impossible. Stay at your mother’s house. I’m sure it’s yours now.”

  “I don’t know. It feels too eerie. I’d rather stay in a motel. Could you get me a room someplace nice?”

  “Let’s meet at Denny’s and see what happens.”

  “Denny’s! You’ve helped the police solve this case. Can’t they afford to put you in the Hilton and pay for nice meals?”

  “They’re not paying for anything.”

  “That’s not fair. We need to talk to a lawyer.”

  “Just meet me at Denny’s in an hour.”

  “All right. Get me a nice room.”

  * * *

  “Joe, this is Rick. You need a ride to pick up your truck?”

  Joe had forgotten about his truck. “Yeah, I guess I do.”

  “I’ll be by in a few minutes.”

  * * *

  Rick pulled his car into Ginger’s place. “Well, Joe, I bet you need two things.”r />
  “What, pray tell?”

  “Your keys and a Bloody Mary.”

  “You’re so right.”

  They went in through the back door. Dot, Drummer, and his new pup, Rocky, were the only ones there. Dot was talking, while Drummer was cooking cowboy soup. The pup was curled up next to the Dearborn heater. “You boys look like you could use a little help. I’ll fix a pitcher of Bloody Marys.”

  Dot tossed Joe his keys. “Here, you might need these.”

  “Thanks, Dot.” Joe thought about his mother, waiting at Denny’s. He turned off his phone and finished his first drink.

  Rick’s phone rang. “Are you ready?” Marjorie asked.

  “Yeah.”

  “At the Whiskey Trough.”

  “That’s fine. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.” He looked at Joe and shook his head. “I hate to bail out on you, but something has come up. I’ll catch up with you later. Finish the pitcher. You can buy me one later.”

  “Thanks for the ride.” Joe would finish his Bloody Mary, but Denny’s and his mother were out of the question, at least for now.

  Rick parked behind the Whiskey Trough and walked around to the front door. He found Marjorie sitting at a table, for which he was grateful. He wanted some privacy.

  Pam walked toward the table. “Hi, Rick. What’s your pleasure today?”

  “Bloody Mary.”

  “So, explain!” demanded Marjorie.

  “I can’t implicate you, but we need a search warrant for Joe’s truck. We have reason to believe he has in his possession a Rolex watch that Jane Worthy had planned to give Jeff for Christmas.”

  “Why didn’t you just ask me this morning?”

  “We didn’t want to upset the funeral tomorrow. Joe is a pallbearer. Plus, we need a reason to search his truck.”

  “That was the truck at the scene of the liquor store murder?”

  “No, he sold that and bought another one.”

  “Rick, you know you’re asking for a lot. I’m not even sure you’re on the right track, if it’s a completely different vehicle.”

  “I know, Marj. However, he could have kept the watch as a souvenir. It’s not unusual.”

  “If we do that and Joe comes up clean, the Worthys will have our asses, and Jane would like nothing better.”