Maxine Skye, Private Eye

by Monique Smith

  I ran to her room and got her bag and blanky. Good thing I packed everything up for her this morning. By the time I got back Keisha had finished putting Lacey in the car. “Here you go.” I said handing Keisha the bag. She snatched it from me. “I guess you want a thank you?” she asked. “No, because I know you're too ignorant for that.” As I turned and walked away I heard her mumble the word 'bitch' but I continued to walk away. Lance and I watched as she pulled away and I realized he didn't even get a chance to say bye. “What a day!” I exclaimed. “Yeah.” he said sliding down low in the couch. “I'm sorry baby.” I told him seeing the hurt in his eyes. “It's not your fault. I just wish I could keep Lacey here for good. Keisha is a mess and she'll never change. She wonders why we couldn't stay together and make it work? That's why.” I handed him a beer and put the dishes in the dishwasher and turned it on. We sat quietly for a while just listening to the whir of the washer. “What do you want to do now?” he asked me. “Well if I'm not mistaken we have unfinished business.” I smiled. “I think you're right.” he said taking my hand. He guided me to the bedroom and closed the door. It was time for me to try and make my man feel better.

  Monday morning came in a rush. I wasn't ready to leave Lance but I had to get back to work and so did he. When I arrived at Knight, Hall and Hall it was very quiet. I, of course, was a little early but still it seemed eerily quiet. I had already gotten my assignment for the day. I was to dust all common areas and horizontal surfaces. Clean windows and mop all common areas, change all common area trash. My list was getting bigger but I liked it because it gave me a reason to move around the building. I started of course in the main lobby. Jennifer sauntered in at 7:58 as usual and moved quickly to get her desk set up. She has a ritual that I've gotten used to in a week. “How was your weekend getaway?” I asked her. “It was okay I guess...I think he spoke to his wife or something because at first he didn't want to go. But I talked him into it. I can be very persuasive.” she laughed. I bet she could. “So you ended up having a good time then?” “Yes we did, he was a little jumpy but he relaxed more as time went on. We went to Madison City have you ever been there?” “No I haven't but I hear it's beautiful.” “It is...the last time we went he bought me a diamond bracelet, see?” she held her wrist up for me to see. “Wow, that's gorgeous!” I told her. “He can be really sweet sometimes, but I think his wife gets to him.” “Have you ever met his wife?” I asked casually dusting the tables and lamps. “A couple times I have. She's the CEO of this company.”

  “You're not worried about dating the CEO's husband?” I asked her. “Well this is why I needed to keep it all a secret. I actually met him at one of the company parties when I first started. Every now and then they throw a party to welcome new clients. There just happened to be one when I first started and there he was, David Knight. He's a handsome man...calming, loving and sexy!” she exclaimed. “He told me that he and Lucy were separated and that he was free to see who he wanted. He was only at the party for support. At that very same party we kissed and Lucy saw us, she had a fit. She fired me on the spot but David told her not to fire me and that it wasn't my fault it just happened. She laughed and asked him how many times do things like this just happen? He told her if she fired me he would divorce her so she told him he was not to see me ever again and I could keep my job. It's been awkward because sometimes I have to deliver messages to her and she just hangs up on me.” “Why do you stay here?” “The pay is unbelievable! I can pay for my college tuition, my apartment, my car all without breaking a sweat.” “But Mrs. Knight thinks you two stopped seeing each other right?” “Yes she has no idea.” “Knight, Hall and Hall, how may I direct your call?” Jennifer answered her ringing phone.

  She had no idea but now she does and she definitely wasn't happy about it I thought. I continued dusting until Ashley came in. She was so loud on her phone even Jennifer stopped talking to look at her. “Frank you are really draining me on this, I told you I would take care of it. What you're asking isn't something that can be handled overnight!” she yelled never once looking around. She got on the elevator and continued screaming into her phone. “She has some strange cases.” Jennifer commented.” I didn't say anything. I put everything away in the cleaning closet for lunch. Verene sat down so hard she pushed the table. “Are you okay?” I asked her. “I'm trying to be okay. I took your advice and went to speak with the girls parents.” “And?” “And they are complete assholes, both of them.” She took a big gulp of her tea. “So what happened?” “They were nice enough at first but the conversation went left when I asked them how they thought we should handle the pregnancy. They didn't even know she was pregnant, she was afraid to tell them. The father simply said abort it. He said he knew a good doctor on his staff that could take care of it. The mother just nodded in agreement. I asked Malcolm and Trina what they wanted but the father just cut them off saying they don't know what they want. He actually tried to raise his voice at me. I told him he might talk to his wife like that but I ain't the one. That's when they both got up and stormed out dragging Trina with them, that poor girl was in tears.”

  “How did Malcolm take it?” “He was mad all weekend, they wouldn't let him talk to her and threatened to call the police if he bothered her again.” “So what are you going to do?” “Nothing much we can do now, they hold all the cards. Quiet as it's kept I just want it to be over with, whatever they decide to do. I just want my son to have peace of mind about it.” “I'm so sorry Verene.” “It's not your fault you were right we did need to talk. Her parents are just assholes, like I said.” We continued quickly eating lunch and it was time to get back to work. I made sure to finish the first floor and headed up to the second floor. As I was emptying the trash cans I could see in Ashley's office. She had the same male visitor from the other day and he was just as upset now as he was then. Her door was closed so there was no way I could hear what they were saying. She was sitting on the side of her desk and he was in one of the chairs opposite her. He was clinching his fist and she was talking loudly but still inaudible. I would love to be a fly on that wall. “Maxine right?” I heard a man's voice behind me. I turned to look at whoever it was. “Yes that's me.” I answered. “Hi, thanks for helping me with the coffee mess the other day.” “Oh no problem Mr. Hall.” “I know you're not my personal cleaner so I appreciate it.” I laughed. “Seriously not a problem.” “Well okay then.” he said whistling as he walked away. He seemed like a nice enough guy. Too bad he had a drug problem.

  Will's door was closed and he seemed to be in a meeting with Heidi. They were shuffling papers back and forth and she looked frazzled. I felt sorry for her knowing what I knew about her parents. She seemed like a nice girl. Today didn't turn up many results but I was okay with that because I had four more to go...or so I thought. I was able to go home and relax with nothing else on my mind except a grilled chicken salad. I got all set up to eat dinner and watch my DVR when Lucy called. “Sorry to bother you at home Maxine but I was wondering if you might be available to attend a company party Saturday?” “Yes, uh, of course I can.” “Great, I'll email you the details.” “Alright.” Just like that she hung up. A few minutes later I received an email message from her with the party details. It was Saturday at 6:00 at the Madison City Party Center. Everyone was requested to wear black and white. I would finally get to see what a Knight, Hall and Hall party was all about. I forwarded her email to Lance and asked him if he would go with me. He said of course he would.

  Chapter Six-The Soiree At work the next day everyone was all abuzz about the party. I asked Jennifer if she was planning to go. “I want to but I don't think it's a good idea since she'll be there.” “Yes I guess you're right.” I wondered if David was invited because it would be very awkward for all of them. Everyone seemed to be on edge the rest of the week. It was quiet and no one made any copies and there was hardly any trash. I couldn't eavesdrop on anyone so there was nothing for me to do except think about the party. “I wonder what this par
ty is all about.” Verene said while we were having lunch. “I don't know but I hear they have these all the time for new clients.” “I have been here for three of them and it's always like this around here too.” “Like what?” I asked pretending not to know what she was talking about. “These folks are all so quiet more so than usual. Can't you tell?” “I guess so.” I lied. “Well you're still a newbie but once you've been around for one you'll notice more.” she nodded. The week went especially slow because for some reason there wasn't much going on.” But finally on Friday afternoon something interesting happened. As I was cleaning the bathrooms a woman with blonde hair came in. “Hello.” she said. I haven't been here in such a long time.” she said. “It looks really nice.” I nodded and smiled but didn't say anything. She looked so familiar but I couldn't immediately place her. “Have you been here long?” she asked me. “Just a few weeks.” I told her.

  “I didn't think I'd ever seen you here before.” she smiled. “This place holds a lot of secrets.” she sighed. “If you stay here long enough you'll know. “You can feel it here...it's like walking through a crowd of strangers all staring at you but no one will talk to you.” I wasn't sure how to respond to her. She seemed like she was talking more to herself than to me. “But you're not a Knight, Hall and Hall employee.” she said reading my Klean Cleaners uniform tag. “It was nice to meet you.” she said. “You too.” She really seemed like she knew this place and the people well but I still couldn't figure out why she looked so familiar. After work I decided to go shopping for something black and white. “Hey sweetheart you busy?” “Just finishing up here, where are you?” “I'm on my way to Upland Park to look for something to wear tomorrow.” “Okay I need something too, pick me up something.” “But baby I thought you'd want to meet up with me.” I said like a two year old. “Okay, okay, even though you know I hate shopping but I can be there in fifteen minutes.” “I'll wait for you on the lower level.” I told him.

  I was sitting on the bench by Macy's drinking a strawberry lemonade from Drinks and Such when I spotted Lance. He was still wearing his policeman's uniform which was a huge turn on for me. Just as I was about to get up he saw me too. I was still wearing my Klean Cleaners uniform. “Well, well, well look at us.” he laughed. “What a pair we make!” I said. “But I like you in your uniform.” I told him. “I like you in yours too.” he smiled. “So where are we going?” “I thought we could go to Shop Chique because they sell mens and womens apparel.” “Sounds good to me.” he said following me. We haven't been shopping together in such a long time it was nice. After spending an hour and a half in the store, we finally decided on something to wear. I found a black floor length lace dress with a silk bodice underneath. I found some black satin heels and a matching clutch. I had a pearl necklace and pearl earrings that my grandmother had given me before she died. Lance found a black suit jacket and pants, a gray shirt and a black, white and gray tie. I loved to see him all dressed up and I was ready for the party. We decided to eat at Richie's Upscale Pizza. It's upscale mostly because it's a dine in restaurant and they served wine with their Italian food. “Oh damn.” Lance said when we were almost finished. “What's wrong?” “I have to go back in.” he said shaking his head. “Why?” “Cause they just brought in a suspect for that murder case we've been working on.” “Okay will I see you later?” “Of course this shouldn't take too long.” he told me. We kissed and then he was gone.

  When I got home I tried on my dress again. It fit like a glove it was so sexy and I loved it. I wondered how Lucy was going to explain me being there since I worked for the cleaning company. Klean cleaners employees are not usually welcomed to these soirees. I took off the dress and poured myself another glass of wine. I was ready to relax and savor the weekend. After a couple sips, it hit me. The woman in the bathroom was Steve's wife Melissa. She seemed like she was out of her element, almost scared of something. But what I wondered. It was all so strange. I was sleeping when Lance got there. That wine really knocked me out. “Good morning sleepy head.” Lance greeted me when I finally woke up. “What did you do last night? You must have been really tired. I tried everything to wake you up but you never budged.” I laughed. “I ordered another bottle of that wine we were drinking to take home. It was so good.” I said pointing to the half empty bottle on my night stand. “I see you saved me a sip.” he smiled. “Of course.” “So are you ready for tonight?” he asked me. “I think so, I'm just not sure what Lucy's end game is in all of this. I mean, she hired me to find out who's been stealing from her, then she invites me to one of her big parties? Klean cleaner employees have never been to one of these things.” “I'm sure she's got something planned.” Lance said. That's what I'm afraid of I thought.

  Lance and I lounged around in our pajamas all day Saturday. He spoke to Lacey on the phone and told her he missed her. Then at 4:00 we started getting ready for Lucy's party. We looked just like I thought we would: fabulous. It felt so good to be out of that uniform for a while. We arrived just before 8:00 and the place was swarming with folks already. I heard these parties were pretty nice. There were assigned seats so Lance and I found our table. We were sitting at Lucy's table. I was shocked. I was more confused now than ever as to what her plan was. I didn't recognize anyone at first. But then I saw Ashley sitting at a table across from me. When our eyes met she looked as shocked as I was. I know she was wondering the same thing I was: what was I doing there. The waiter came around and offered us wine and cheese. Lance and I sat observing everyone as they mingled and sipped their wine. Then Lucy finally arrived with David on her arm. Another surprise I wasn't expecting. “Hello Maxine, thank you for coming.” she smiled. “This is my husband David.” “Hello, nice to meet you.” I said trying to act like I'd never seen him before. He shook hands with Lance and I but didn't say anything. “This must be Lance.”she said. “Yes this is Lance.” I smiled looking at him. “Pleasure to meet you Lance.” she said. “My you two make a lovely couple.” I noticed David kept looking at his watch and watching the door.

  As she walked in David saw her just as I did: Jennifer. You couldn't miss her she was wearing all red and stood out like a sore thumb. The invitation clearly requested all attendees wear black and white. But I will give it to her, she was working that dress. Lucy was so engrossed in her conversation that she missed Jennifer's entrance. “Please excuse me.” David said walking towards the way Jennifer went. Lucy never stopped her sentence as he walked away. I was inclined to follow him myself. After all I was still on duty. I took Lance's hand and we followed David to the balcony that overlooked Madison lake. It was beautiful and especially tonight since it had been specially decorated for this event. Lance and I stood back in the shadows and watched as David and Jennifer had an intimate conversation. I couldn't hear anything at first until their voices grew louder. “Don't you want to be with me?” Jennifer squealed. “Yes baby, of course I do but you know the circumstances aren't ideal right now.” “So how long am I supposed to wait for you?” she asked started to cry. “Just a little while longer baby.” he said giving her his handkerchief.

  “You've been telling me that for months David!” her voice grew louder. “Calm down you're making a scene.” he told her as some of the guest turned to look at them. “You weren't going to come to this anyway, why did you?” “You said you weren't either.” she sobbed. “She invited me what was I supposed to do say no?” he asked her. “Yes!” “Well I can't say no Jennifer she is still my wife.” “Well that's the whole problem.” Jennifer said. “As long as she's still your wife I never will be.” Jennifer said trying to walk away. “Wait a minute.” David said grabbing her arm. “Don't leave like this, you know I love you.” “Prove it to me then.” she said. “Right now.” At first I didn't think he was going to do anything. But then he cupped her face in his hands and kissed her. A long sensual deep kiss and people began to stare at them. Suddenly I heard a woman asking if anyone had seen her husband. Lance and I looked at each other as Lucy rounded the corner.
“There you two are Maxine. Have you seen David around here anywhere?” I felt like a deer in the headlights and couldn't speak but Lance pointed to the balcony and said 'there'. Lucy didn't move for a few seconds and then finally she found her feet. She walked slowly toward the balcony. All of a sudden a shriek came out of her as she witnessed her husband with Jennifer.

  “What the hell is going on?!!” she screamed. David and Jennifer turned to see a screaming Lucy running toward them. David stepped in her path just in time to stop her from grabbing Jennifer. “Get your hands off of me David!” she yelled. “Lucy please calm down.” “Calm down? Calm down! Are you kidding me? You're fired!” she bellowed at Jennifer. “I want both of you out of here now!” Jennifer started to cry while David continued to try and calm Lucy down. All of her guest stood there staring in silence including Lance and I. “LEAVE!” Lucy screamed at Jennifer. “Go on please Jenn.” David said motioning for her to go. After a few seconds Jennifer left. Lucy turned to David. “How could you do this to me?” she sobbed. “I'm sorry but is this a conversation you want to have right now?” he asked her looking around. Lucy seemed to forget where she was but then she regained her senses. “You're right David...you're right.” she said. “I'm sorry for this everyone, really sorry. I will understand if you all want to leave.” A few guest turned to walk towards the door. “I'll deal with you later.” Lucy turned and walked away. She gave me a nod to follow her.