by R Weir
With the help of the web and the good old yellow pages, I tracked down phone numbers and started making calls. Few wanted to talk to me in detail about Casey. A lot of “Yes, I know her, we hung out for a time, but I don’t see her anymore” type of responses. An occasional “She was fun and had a pleasant personality” but not much more. I came at it from different angles – from an old friend, to trying to track her down for the lottery commission, looking to pay her for a winning ticket she’d purchased. When I got around to Samuel Rivera, I found he was a furniture mogul owning a chain of stores throughout the Midwest, his office based in downtown Des Moines. It was Sunday, but I called and someone was manning the phones. He wasn’t there but would be in tomorrow, so I made an appointment. Fortunately, he had availability.
“And what would you like to meet with him about?” she asked.
“I have an investment opportunity. I run a chain of mattress stores in Wisconsin called Mann Mattresses. Hoping to combine our forces to increase profit.”
“I put you down on his calendar for 10 a.m. tomorrow. Don’t be late. He is a bit put off by people who are tardy for meetings.”
Most of the rest of my calls didn’t lead me anywhere fruitful, so I decided to show up at Flynn’s drinks and dinner meeting, sitting in the background. I didn’t want to sit alone at the bar, and wondered who to call. Those I knew, besides Flynn, consisted of Helen, Jolene, and the West Des Moines police officer, none of which were good people to bring, for obvious reasons. The only person left was Roni. I debated the merits of doing this. I convinced myself it was for the case and not for personal reasons. I often was good at lying to myself. I called her.
“I know its short notice, but are you available tonight?” I said.
“I can be for you,” Roni answered.
“I need some cover for dinner. I’m keeping an eye on Flynn and don’t want to be sitting alone in the restaurant, as it would look suspicious.”
“Is that the only reason?”
“You’d be better company than a West Des Moines cop.”
She laughed. “Sure. What time?”
“Eight. Does that give you enough notice?”
“Depends on how spectacular I need to dress.”
“Business casual. It’s all I packed and can afford. Can you meet me there in case I have to drive off in hot pursuit?” I gave her the name of the restaurant.
“I can probably pull myself together in that time. I’ll see you there.”
The restaurant was in Urbandale, and was called Irina’s Restaurant and Bar. I’d never heard of it and looked it up, finding it served Russian and American Cuisine, with a huge selection of Russian drinks, namely vodka in various brands. I had called earlier to make reservations, just in case they were busy, which they were. Flynn was meeting Casey’s father at 8:30, so I wanted to be there early. When I arrived, the place was busy and I waited at the bar while our table was readied. I ordered a Russian beer I’d never heard of and sipped it slowly. It was strong stuff and I needed to remain lucid. Roni walked in wearing a nice beige pantsuit, showing enough cleavage to leave you wanting more. Her hair, was slightly wavy, and her face bore modest proportions of makeup and lipstick. She had on black boots with tall heels. Her walk drew stares from most of the men she passed and several of the ladies. I tried not to drool, remaining cool, so as not to lead her on. She brushed up against me and took the stool adjacent to me. I calmed my breathing before saying hello.
“This is how you dress for business casual?” I said.
“I wanted to make sure you could find me among all the other beautiful women here.”
“You are hard to miss…”
I’d seen her around school for some time now. Our eyes had met as we passed in the hall. There was a shyness on her face, but still a look of interest and attraction in her demeanor. It was early in our senior year, and Valley High School was putting on a dance. I was currently not seeing anyone, and went with a couple of friends. She was standing with two of her girlfriends, dressed in a conservative blue skirt and blouse, with flat shoes. Her hair was long and straight, parted in the middle, her skin a nice summer tan. Feeling daring in my sport jacket and slacks, I walked over.
“Hello,” I said. “I’m Jarvis. Would you care to dance?”
She turned to her friends, and both nodded in approval.
“I’m Roni,” she replied with high-wattage smile. “I’d love to!”
The DJ was playing some loud dance mixes of some popular bands during that time, the volume vibrating the gym floor. We walked out together and I did my best to shake it, though dancing certainly wasn’t my forte. She, though, was quite good, and I watched her move to the music gracefully. I felt an instant pang in my heart, wanting to learn more about her. When the music ended, I leaned into her and whispered in her ear so she could hear me.
“Do you want to get something to drink?”
“Sure.”
I reached out my hand and she took it and we walked over, finding a bowl of punch that, fortunately, hadn’t been spiked by someone. We took our drinks and walked out into the hallway outside the gym so we could talk. There was a connection in the air drawing us together. We talked, learning more about each other. We danced some more and soon left together to begin a tender relationship I always looked back on fondly. We spent the school year getting to know one another, seeing each other whenever we could, never wanting our time together to end. But in time, there were others I was attracted to, and began seeing, limiting our time together. It would become a common theme in all my relationships going forward, much like Flynn.
There was little doubt she had made an impression on all in the room. Since I had limited wardrobe, I was in simple black slacks and gray polo. I’m sure all the men and most of the women wondered how someone dressed like her could be here to see me. But I was only here to keep an eye on Flynn. I kept telling myself this over and over.
They led us to our table and I chose the chair which gave me the best view. I did my best not to stare too much at Roni, my eyes scanning the room. She wanted red wine, so I ordered a glass for us both. They brought bread with the wine and I swallowed a couple of bites. She had been so easy to talk to on that first night so long ago, but here, sitting now, I wasn’t sure what to talk about, for I was technically on the job.
“So, you keep scanning the room,” asked Roni. “Not wanting to make eye contact with me. I’d be depressed if I wasn’t such a confident woman these days. So, you truly are here keeping an eye on Flynn. Where is he?”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to be rude,” I answered. “You do look wonderful, and all the other men in here would agree with me. Flynn just walked in and is sitting at the bar.”
“Thank you. I’m glad you noticed. A woman always wants to make sure the effort is worth it.”
“Most definitely. I’m glad you’re here, but I want to make sure you understand this is simply a date of two old friends. And I’m mostly here to watch Flynn.”
“So, is this related to his troubles?”
“Yes. It’s the next step along the way. Best you not know all the details.”
“Is there any danger?”
“None at the moment. I wouldn’t have invited you if there was. I respect you too much.”
“Too bad. A little danger can be exciting.”
Our eyes met and I could see and feel a spark between us, much like at the high school dance. Being a long way from home and the one I loved made for danger. I pushed aside the feelings and we ordered our meals. She had the beef stroganoff and I the steak de-Burgo.
“So, have you ever eaten here before?” I asked.
“Yes. When one runs their own restaurant, you have to check out the competition. This place is highly thought of around town. They do have very good food.”
“Definitely a step up from the places I frequent back home. If the food is not served in five minutes in Styrofoam containers or cut into ten slices, I often don’t go there. Seems I’m on th
e run most of the time. All part of the life of a private detective.”
“Do you like living in Denver?”
“Yes. It’s a beautiful city and of course much larger than Des Moines.”
“Do you miss Des Moines?”
“I’ve not lived here in many years, so not really. It is a great place to live, other than the humidity. But Denver is my home now, and will always be.”
“I’ve often thought of trying to leave Des Moines. If the right opportunity came up, I would. But it is home to me. Where my friends are. And I feel safe here. I’m sure the crime in Denver is much worse.”
“Yes, it has its fair share of crime, like most big cities. But, in my line of work, that is a plus. The demand keeps me in new Dockers.”
Roni was laughing when I noticed at the bar Flynn was approached by an older man in dark suit, with short blonde hair. They shook hands and he ordered him a drink. They were led to a table across the room. I could barely see them. The conversation seemed lively, with Flynn attempting to sell himself. He could be good at the seduction process, with men as well as women, but for different end results.
“You always could make me laugh,” said Roni. “What about your social life? I sense my advances are being fended off because of someone you are seeing in Denver. Though when I asked before you said there wasn’t.”
“Yes, I’m sorry. There is someone.”
“Exclusive?”
“Yes.” I didn’t say it with much vigor.
“I sense all is not well between you.”
“It’s complicated in many ways. I’ve wronged her in the past and have placed her in danger with my profession. There is tension and some distance between us. I’m fighting the unfaithful gene which runs in my family. It is a difficult process.”
“Like your brother?”
“Yes. I’d like to think his is worse than mine, but I sometimes wonder. At least he was committed enough to marry, even though he strayed in time. I have never been with someone long enough to reach that point. With Melissa, I feel there is a chance at monogamy.”
“We are creatures who never seem to be satisfied with what we have. My ex was like this as well. Even I was tempted, especially when our marriage was going south. But I didn’t go searching for it. It is one reason why I stand committed to my business and only seek out companionship for my physical needs at this time. Hence, my forward nature with you.”
“Though flattered and tempted, I must respectfully decline. I hope you understand. I enjoyed our time together when we were younger, and consider you a dear friend.”
“But not one with benefits.”
“I’m sorry to say no,” I stated as convincingly as I could.
The conversation died down from there. Dinner was served and I kept one eye on Flynn. If he had seen me, he didn’t let on in any way. He was all business, trying to sell himself to the man across from him. His mannerisms and gestures were over the top. I was concerned he was pushing too hard. And there was still much I was afraid I didn’t know about where this was going. The unknown had a way of hiding around the corner until rearing up and biting you in the ass. You’d think I’d be used to this in my line of work by now.
“So, tell me about your restaurant?” I asked while cutting into my tender steak.
She began to describe the cuisine, her philosophy on cooking, and the dream she had for the business. It was Italian American, and aptly titled Roni’s Italian Bistro. She enjoyed talking about it, a sense of pride in her words, the pressures and the thrills of running a business. The hardest part was finding the right people to work with, to run things when she wasn’t there. She liked to work, but like most people needed a break to recharge. Word of mouth travelled the area and the business was holding its own, even making a small profit.
“Sounds as if it’s going well,” I said. “I’m glad you found your niche. You look at peace with your life.”
“I am. I enjoy getting out of bed every day to go off to work doing what I love. Money is not an issue for me. I received a large cash settlement in the divorce. He had deep pockets in which to pay from. So, I can live comfortably without worrying about finances.”
We talked on, taking our time to finish our meal. I was dragging things out, waiting for a sign Flynn was done. About an hour into the meal Edward and Flynn stood and said their goodbyes. Once he sat down, Flynn took the check and threw down his credit card, turned and smiled my way. Once he paid, he got up and went to the bar again. I excused myself and joined him.
“I knew you’d be here,” he said. “Sometimes you are so predictable. When we were kids, I normally knew when you were following me.”
“I wanted to try a restaurant I’d never been to before. If you’d met him at Burger King I wouldn’t have come.”
He laughed out loud, which was pretty rare for him, when it came to my humor.
“So, what is the verdict?” I asked.
“I’m in,” he said excitedly. “Hired me right on the spot. I’m supposed to come to his office tomorrow and get started.”
“That was easy.”
“What can I say, I’m a charmer. And he loves his daughter. Her word was nearly good enough. He wanted to meet me to confirm.”
“What will you be doing?”
“Don’t know, but he said they could always use a good numbers man. I’ll see once I get there.”
“Anything else?”
“Yeah, I need about a grand for him to invest for me. I offered to sweeten the pot some. Wilson will have to float me the bills.”
“I’m sure he’ll love the request.”
“No choice. He wants it bad enough, it’s what it costs.” He downed the rest of his drink in one gulp. “Man, I’m psyched!”
“Easy now. You have to still drive home on your bike.”
“Naw I took a cab here. Casey will be by in a while to take me some place where we can celebrate properly. What about you and Roni? Are you going to do the horizontal mambo?”
“No, she is my cover for tonight. I didn’t want to eat alone.”
“Well bro, that is too bad. Because that was always one thing we had in common, putting it to the ladies. I’d hit the iron while it’s hot.”
I smiled but didn’t comment.
“Well, she is here,” Flynn stated after checking his phone. “Got to run.”
He shook my hand and gave me a quick hug, which felt extremely strange, before running out the door. His confidence was disconcerting and I worried he was walking a path with blinders on.
Chapter 20
Flynn didn’t make it back to the hotel room that night. I assumed he was off enjoying his dalliance with Casey, celebrating his good fortune. I had walked Roni out to her car and said goodnight. I got a long hug and kiss on the cheek and did my best to remain cool. Pulling away, I watched her get into her car and drive off, keeping control as the urge to drive after her gnawed at me. It made for a restless night. No amount of texting Melissa saved me this time. My dreams were of Roni, and of the sweaty kind.
With sleep escaping me, several things ran through my head as I searched for answers. Many items about the whole mess Flynn was in still eluded me. The questions persisted until I finally fell into a light sleep. I woke up as the light of the new day crept through the open curtains. I heard the sound of the digital click of the door lock as Flynn walked in, looking hung over, but smiling about his evening.
“You look like shit,” I said.
He laughed. “But it was worth it. I need to shower and change. Can’t be late for my first day.”
He stripped down and walked into the bathroom, going straight into the shower. I stepped in hoping to get him to talk, sitting on the toilet seat.
“So, how was Casey,” I asked.
“Insatiable. But so am I when I’m stoked.”
“Did you go back to her place?”
“No, stayed at a hotel.”
“Does she have something against you being at her apartment?”
“Remember, I’m a detective.”
“Yeah, and a nosy one to boot. She has a roommate and feels she can express herself more freely if she is not in the next room.”
I wondered if that was true. Something to look into.
“So, first day on the job. Do you have something to wear?”
“I have a jacket and tie. Good enough for them, as they are pretty casual. But I want to look decent for the first day.”
“Where is the office?”
He told me the location, which I already knew.
“Don’t be popping in, though,” stated Flynn. “I don’t need my little brother cramping my style.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it. Besides, I have other things on my agenda.”
“Hopefully it’s Roni. Since you were here, I assume you didn’t take my advice, unless you beat me home.”
“I don’t kiss and tell.”
He stuck his head out from behind the shower curtain.
“I knew you wouldn’t share the gory details. No matter, as I know that is one trait we share in common. One woman is never enough for us.”
I gave him a thumbs up. No need for him to know the truth. He could have been right, but I was trying to break the mold and walk a better path of fidelity.
“What about the money?” I asked. “Are you going to speak with Wilson?”
“No time today. I hoped you’d do it for me and report in like he told us too. Make it fifteen hundred, will you? I need a little extra.”
Once he finished, I shaved off the beard since I no longer needed it, and showered. We had a carb-loaded breakfast, which Flynn ate quickly before he was off to his new job. I headed out, stopping by the FBI office before my appointment downtown with the furniture king. I had to wait downstairs for Agent Wilson to come down and meet me. We went outside and he wasn’t real happy when I hit him up for the money.