Maxine Skye, Private Eye

by Monique Smith

  “Sounds like you have a good place to start.” “Yes I think so, wish me luck.” “Always!” he told me. “So, tell me what's going on with Lacey?” “I was trying to talk Keisha into letting me have my weekend like I'm supposed to with my daughter. But she said her grandmother is sick and she'd like Lacey to have as much time with her as possible.” “Well maybe she really is sick. You know you would want her to spend some time with you and your family if someone were sick.” “You're right, you always know what to say to make me feel better.” he said kissing my forehead. “So what else can I do to make you feel better?” I asked him. “I can think of a few things.” he smacked my behind. I giggled sounding like Maria did. He picked me up and threw me on his shoulder. I haven't had a shower yet.” he whispered to me. “Ew, you need one!” I laughed. “Oh yeah?” he said. “Yes.” He carried me into the bathroom and took my clothes off. He started up the shower, I got in and he got in behind me. We kissed and made love in the warm water. Lance was a great lover he knew exactly how to please me. When we finished we dried off and he was rubbing me down with lotion when his phone rang. “It's Keisha.” he told me. “Hello?” “Of course.” “I'm sorry to hear that.” “Is Lacey okay?” “Yeah.” “Okay that sounds good.” “Thanks.” “Bye.” “What happened?” “Keisha's grandmother passed away a few hours ago.” “Oh I'm sorry.” “Yeah, her grandmother was a classy lady. Now she says I can spend time with Lacey this weekend. She needs time to help her family get things in order. She's going to drop her off here Friday morning.”

  I woke up at 4:53 am. I quietly got dressed, left Lance a note and went home. I wanted to go get everything together for my first day. I read again all the notes that I'd taken with Mrs. Knight yesterday. I had enough to go on so far. It was almost 6:45. I made a quick cup of coffee, read the newspaper and made my way to the main offices of Knight, Hall and Hall in Hale Village. It was a nice sized building but not nearly as impressive as the one I saw yesterday. The grass was also freshly cut, hedges neatly manicured but no special stones. The set up inside was much like the secondary campus. There were two black leather couches, three black material chairs, a black and white marble table and two black and white marble end tables. Large ferns sat in each corner and there was a beautiful glass chandelier. I decided to sit in the lobby and watch everyone straddle in to start their day. At 7:43 there was a blonde haired woman with large breast and I could tell she liked to show them off. Her blouse was low cut and her skirt was short and tight. She wore very high heels and a lot of make-up. She walked right past me without so much as a glance. At 7:45 a very well dressed man walked in. He was wearing a navy blue suit, light blue button down shirt and a red, white, blue and black striped tie. He looked like he'd just gotten a fresh hair cut and he was carrying a nice burgundy colored leather brief case. At 7:46 a young girl with long brown hair and hazel eyes came in wearing glasses, a green skirt, brown flats and a floral print blouse. She stopped to speak and she was the only one to acknowledge me. She wished me good luck on my new job. At 7:48 another woman came in wearing a knee length black dress, black heels and carrying a black leather bag. She had a short hair cut, her hair was blonde. She was talking loudly on her cell phone.

  At 7:51 a man came in wearing a brown pinstriped suit, white button down shirt, brown leather shoes and an orange tie. At 7:55 two men and a woman walked in together laughing and drinking coffee from Starbucks. A minute later a woman came in almost running. She hurried behind the big oak desk, threw her purse down, turned the lights on, picked up her phone and dialed some numbers, then turned her computer on. She did everything so fast I could only assume she was running late all the time. The name plate on her desk said Jennifer Wayman. After she typed some things in the computer she looked up at me and smiled. “I'm so sorry...I had to get my day set up. Are you waiting for someone?” she asked me. “Yes I'm starting my first day here, I'm a cleaner working with Klean Cleaners.” “Oh yes, Mrs. Knight sent me your information.” she said typing in her computer again. “Maxine Skye?” she asked. “Yep, that's me.” “Okay great. I'll page April she can come down and get you.” “Thank you.” I sat a few more minutes and waited for April. “Maxine?” she said to me. “Hi, I'm April.” she said holding her hand out to me. “Nice to meet you.” I said. “Come on, I'll show you the ropes.” I followed her down a short hall. There was a large walk in closet with cleaning supplies. “Welcome to the wonderful world of cleaning.” she laughed. “Here is where you'll find all of your supplies for the day. I'm the HCIC around here.” she said. “HCIC?” I asked clearly confused. “Head Cleaner In Charge.” I laughed.

  “Anyway I assign each cleaner duties for the day. You'll find your list of duties here hanging on this board each morning. I've already added you to our roster.” she said handing me a sheet of paper. “Today I'd like you to start off by cleaning the windows in the main areas and any empty offices. Please never go into an occupied office. We clean those after hours.” Perfect I thought. “There are a lot of windows so that should take you a while. Once you finish those, you can mop the hall and cafeteria and please be sure to put the wet floor signs down. At the end of your shift you can check with me to see where we'll need vacuuming and any other work completed. We take a lunch break from 11:30 to noon and you are allowed two fifteen minute breaks. Quitting time is 4:45. Most people are gone by 4:00 although we do have a couple stragglers who keep late hours. The last 45 minutes gives us time to make sure everything is neat and tidy. Any questions?” “No not so far.” “Okay good.” she said handing me a walkie talkie. “We use these to communicate. If you need anything, just push this button and talk. Got it?” “Yes.” “Alright then, have fun.” she said and left me. I clipped the walkie talkie to my belt, grabbed a handful of plastic gloves, two bottles of Windex and some clean rags and put them in the basket to carry out to work. She never told me where to start cleaning the windows. Since they all had to be cleaned, I thought I'd start in the lobby. The receptionist seemed like a talker which was a good place to start.

  “So, looks like you're ready to do some cleaning!” she said enthusiastically more for herself than for me. “Yes, I'm all set.” I said. I sat the basket down, put the gloves on and started to spray the Windex on the entrance doors. As I started wiping I could hear her answering the phone. “Good morning, Knight, Hall and Hall, how may I direct your call?” Jennifer was good at her job that's for sure. “So, how long have you been in the cleaning business?” she asked me. “Not very long...just trying to make ends meet.” “I know it gets hard sometimes. Are you married?” she asked me. “No, not yet.” “Well you're a pretty girl, I know you've got someone waiting to put that ring on your finger.” “I have been with my boyfriend for a while now but it's complicated.” I told her. “Isn't it always?” she laughed. She went back to answering the phone and I went back to cleaning the windows. April was right there were a lot of windows. It was 11:30 and I had only finished the front lobby. I decided to go check out the cafeteria for lunch. The cafeteria was huge and they had their very own chef. All you had to do was tell him what you wanted and he'd whip it right up for you. There was a nice salad bar, a fruit and vegetable station, a pizza and burger station and they even had a dessert bar. I decided to get a salad and some fruit for lunch. I had to stay light on my toes for this job. I pretended to be watching one of the big screen tv's but really I was watching people and trying to listen to conversations.

  The woman who was on her cell phone earlier this morning was again talking to someone. “Why on earth would you do that Kyle?” she said into her phone. “Well I can't help you this time.” “Yes I know that but you should have learned your lesson.” “You're going where?” “Well if you feel that's best then go ahead.” “No I won't, I can't.” she continued. “Hi, Maxine?” a woman with short hair and glasses said. “Hello.” I smiled back. She was wearing a Klean Cleaners uniform. “Do you mind if I sit with you?” she asked. I was trying to listen to this conversation so no I thought to mys
elf. “Sure.” I said. “I'm Verene.” she said sitting down. “So today is your first day working for Frederico?” she asked me. “Yes it is.” “Did he try to hit on you yet?” “No.” I laughed. “Just wait on it honey, he will.” “Is that something he does often?” “To all his female employees. Have you met Maria?” “Yes, yesterday.” “Well she's his latest conquest. If she feels like you might be competition she won't be very nice to deal with.” “Oh so that's what that was yesterday?” “Probably.” she said shaking her head. “She stays in the office with him all day answering phones, doing paperwork and giving head.” We both laughed loudly at her comment. “Actually though, he's harmless.” “I kind of figured that.” “Yes you have nothing to worry about with him, it's Maria who's got the bite.” I laughed again. I could tell Verene would have me laughing all the time.

  “So, how do you like cleaning this fabulous building so far?” “So far, so good. I'm doing windows and vacuuming today.” “Ah, windows, April started me on the windows too. Don't worry you'll graduate to the trash eventually.” “How long have you been here?” I asked her. “Almost a year, and yes, it's the same thing day in and day out. Wipe the windows, sweep the floor, change the trash, scrub the toilet. Wonderful life ain't it? But the pay is good.” “Yes the pay is actually pretty good. I have a second job cleaning Jones Savings and Loan down the street when I leave here. I have a son I'm trying to put through college single handedly.” “I'm sorry.” I said. “Girl please, don't be sorry! His father died serving this wonderful country of ours and I'm still waiting for his pension to come through. But it's fine trust me, my Malcolm is worth it. He's gonna be a doctor!” she said holding up her phone to show me his photo. “Well he's a very handsome young man, the girls are gonna love him.” I told her. “I just hope he finds himself a good girl you know? Not one who's spreading her legs for every Tom, Dick and Harry!” she said with a disgusted look on her face. I laughed again. “It's almost time to get back to work.” she said. “It was nice meeting you Verene, thanks for the company.” “Anytime, maybe we can do this again.”

  I went back to the storage closet to retrieve my cleaning supplies and went back to the lobby. Jennifer was having a hushed conversation and when she saw me she hurried off the phone. I pretended not to notice and went right to work on the windows. “How was lunch?” she asked. “Lunch was nice, the cafeteria is great.” “Yes Chef William will make you anything you want, he will even take your order early and have it ready for you.” “That's a nice perk.” I told her wiping down the Windex I'd just sprayed. “Knight, Hall and Hall, how may I direct your call?” she asked. “No, David, can we talk about this later?” she asked in a loud whisper. “I can't right now I'm working.” “Okay, I'll call you later.” I kept wiping acting like her conversation was none of my business. “You know Max I completely understand what you were talking about with your complicated relationship.” “You do?” I asked her dumbly. “Yes, I do. That was my boyfriend and but for the fact that he calls me sometimes and that sometimes we spend a little time together I would never know it.” “He doesn't like spending time with you?” I asked her. “I can't even tell anyone his real name. He's kind of a big shot and he's married.” I didn't respond. “I know, I know, and before you say anything...he's married why would I expect him to spend time with me or expect him to call me all the time or even be able to talk to my friends about him right?” “They're separated that I know for sure because I've seen his house. But I think she comes by sometimes and he doesn't want her catching me there.” she sighed. “Talk about complicated right?” she said going back to answering the phones.

  Jennifer seemed like a sweet girl. She liked to talk a lot which was a bonus for me. If I listened to her long enough I would eventually hear something useful. So far she has a married boyfriend who's kind of a big deal and may or may not be estranged from his wife. I made a mental note of that. “I'm gonna sign off for lunch break now.” she said as if she needed my approval. “Okay, have a good lunch.” I told her. “Thanks.” The lobby was quiet now except for the silent buzzing of the phone and the soft hum of jazz music. I moved on to the windows closer to the waiting area. I wondered why there wasn't a picture of Lucy and her brothers here. I guessed they didn't need two of them. As I continued wiping the windows someone came in and sat down in the lobby. He was an average height, medium build wearing jeans, a white sweat shirt and a baseball cap. At first he just sat there watching me work, and then finally he spoke. “Listen uh, I know you don't work for the law firm per say, but, uh, do you know when the receptionist will be back?” “Sorry, I'm not sure. But she's been gone about twenty minutes if that helps.” “It does, thanks.” He went into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone. I was glad he found something to keep him occupied until Jennifer came back. About ten more minutes passed and Jennifer came bustling back. “Hi Frank.” she said. “Have you been waiting long?” “Hi Jenn, uh no, about ten minutes or so.” “Okay well let me get Ashley for you.” “Thanks.”

  After a few seconds the woman wearing all black and talking on her cell phone came out to get Frank. I could finally put a name to a face: Ashley. “Hello Frank, I'm glad you could make it in today. Did you bring the paperwork I needed?” she asked him. “Yep, I uh, got it right here.” he said handing a folder to her. “Thanks Jennifer, can you hold my calls for about an hour? I'll be in a meeting.” “Sure Ashley.” she said. Frank and Ashley seemed too close for comfort if he was just a client. They rounded the corner and when they thought they were out of sight they stopped and gave each other a little peck. One thing I've learned in the PI business is whatever you do in the dark eventually will come to light. It was almost 1:00pm and I figured I'd better take a break. I put the cleaning supplies back in the supply closet and decided to go out to my car. I wanted to add some notes to my files. I took my iPad out and opened up the Lucy Knight file. I added Jennifer Wayman and noted that she was young, very nice and very talkative-receptionist. I added Ashley-still no last name-under her I added Frank, client, possible relationship? I even added a sub folder for the Klean Cleaner employees. Never know when they might give some useful information. I sat for a few more minutes thinking of anything else I could add. My break time was almost over so I decided to use the restroom before getting back to work. As I entered the bathroom I could hear what sounded like someone crying. I quietly went into a stall and closed the door. After a few seconds I heard it again. Someone was crying and talking to someone. I couldn't make out exactly what she was saying. Then suddenly a stall door flew open and a young girl came rushing out.

  Chapter Three-K, H & H Has Interesting Employees “Don't call me again Sam! I mean it!” she screamed into her phone and then slammed it down on the counter. She broke down crying and I was about to come out and ask her if she was okay but someone beat me to it. “Angela, Angela, Angela! Girl, pull yourself together.” the woman with the big breast said. “What?” the crying girl who I now know as Angela said. “I know you're not wasting tears on that Sam guy are you?” she asked handing her a tissue. “So what's it to you if I am?” “It's nothing to me, but it should be something to you darling girl.” she said pumping up her breast in the mirror. “A man only treats you the way you let him treat you.” “I'm not letting him treat me any kind of way.” Angela said. “But you are dear, you are. He has two other girlfriends that you know of, yet you continue to give him your tears. If you want to be with him while he's with them, fine! But don't be a baby about it. All you do when you cry is let him win.” she told her. She took out a small pouch from her purse and began freshening her lipstick. “How do you think I keep Steve-O on a leash?” she said smiling in the mirror at herself. “I only give him what he wants, what his wife isn't giving him. He tells me all the time that he's leaving her, but he never really does. But that's okay Angela, because I'm getting what I want too. You see that sweet BMW I drive here everyday? Paid for on his dime. You see this diamond watch? Compliments of Steve Hall. How about these diamond earr
ings? You guessed it, good old Steve-O. Watch and learn little girl...watch and learn.” she said giving herself one more look in the mirror and then she was gone.

  “I should never have told Laura anything!” Angela pouted to herself. She washed her face and gathered what was left of her self esteem and left. I finally came out of the stall. I went over to the sink to wash my hands when I realized Angela left her cell phone. This would give me an opportunity to look around so I could return it to her. I walked around the first floor and it didn't take me very long to find Angela. She was sorting mail and making copies in the mail room. I had to think fast because I didn't want her to know I'd just heard her conversation in the restroom. “Hi, I just came out of the bathroom and I saw you walk out. Is this your phone?” She looked at me like she was looking at a ghost. “Yes, it's mine, thanks.” she told me. “You're welcome.” I said walking away. On my way back to the supply closet I walked by another smaller mail room and there were two young boys there playing loud music and pretending to be banging drums. I continued on and there was nothing else on this level. If I wanted to meet everyone else I would have to venture on to the other levels upstairs.

  I went back to the supply closet to get my cleaning supplies and April was there. “How's your day going so far?” she asked me. “Very well, thanks.” I told her. “Good, glad to hear it. Just a word of advice-I run a tight ship around here. So, if you like your job keep your breaks to fifteen minutes.” she said sternly. “Yes, sorry April, it won't happen again.” She gave me a nod and left. Back in the lobby I was able to move on to the back of the reception area. I couldn't believe my day was almost over and I was still cleaning the lobby windows. Jennifer was busy at work and I needed to get back to mine. But at least I had more names-Laura and Angela. I would have to make notes for each of them in my files later. I continued cleaning the windows until about 4:00 and then I went to the supply closet to find out what other work needed to be completed. April was already there and three other people including Verene. “Looks like you all did a good job today when I checked your areas. We need to go empty the trash in each office and restroom. Vacuum each office including the closed offices. If you need to get into a locked office just page me and I'll meet you there to let you in. Oh by the way, I know you all have noticed we have a new person with us. This is Maxine, she started today.” Everyone said hello and Verene gave me a little wink. “Okay people everyone grab a vacuum and some extra trash bags and let's go, if we do this right we can all be done on time.”