Chapter Seven-Quality Time with My Sister “What are you going to do with yourself today?” Lance asked me. “I don't know.” I said pouring him a cup of coffee. “I'm sure you want to relax right? Maybe do some shopping, get your nails done?” he asked. “Pamper yourself babe, you deserve it.” “I guess I can call Mar, I haven't seen her in such a long time.” “Sounds like a plan. I'll see you later okay? Have fun.” he told me closing the door behind him. He was right. I hadn't seen my sister Mariah in months. She decided to go back to college and her husband encouraged it. I was happy that she was finally able to pursue her dreams as well. “Hey sis.” I said. “What's up?” “Maxine Skye!” she exclaimed. “What you been doing girl?” “I just finished up a case.” I told her. “Really? I didn't even know you were working on anything.” “Yeah, Lucy Knight hired me, you ever heard of Knight, Hall and Hall?” I asked her. “Yes, yes, they're on TV all the time, I know them, they hired you?” she asked. “Don't sound so surprised Mar.” I told her. “I'm not really surprised Max, it's just that I didn't think you would really go through with this that's all.” “What do you mean, why not?” “I mean you had a great job at the precinct I didn't really think you seriously wanted to leave.” “That's what mom thought too. You guys never take me seriously!” I said loudly. “Calm down Max, I supported you from day one. I just didn't think you were serious but...you were.” she said. “I'm proud of you. So what kind of case was this you had?”
I explained it all to her from start to finish. “That's wonderful Max!” she said. “I saw the story last night on the news. It's kind of sad brother and sister going through that.” “Yes it is.” I said. “I was actually calling to see if you wanted to do something today?” I asked her. “Well Michael's working today, Arden's with her mom...sure, I can do something.” she finally said. “Okay, good. I'll be over to get you in an hour.” I told her. I got dressed, jumped in my car and headed over to Mariah's house. Mariah was two years older than me. She married Michael, her high school sweetheart after they reconnected. In the time they were apart he had Arden with someone else. Michael got full custody of Arden because her mother wanted to live another life. Mariah loved and cared for Arden as if she were her own, much like I do for Lacey. We both seemed to take on the mommy role of another woman's child. Michael is a dentist and works with a team of other dentist in their own private practice. Mariah always wanted to study biology and plant life. I love plants but never felt the need to study them.
“Hi Max.” Mariah said when I arrived at her doorstep. “Hi Mar.” I said reaching out to accept her hug. “It's so good to see you. It's been a while.” she said. “I know.” “So where are we going today?” “I thought we could go to Madison City mall and do a little shopping, get a mani/pedi, you know, good quality girl time.” “Madison City mall?” she looked confused. “Yeah, why?” “Only rich people shop at Madison City mall. I've only been there with Mike a total of five times.” “I'm definitely not rich.” I said. “Well you must have a few pennies in the bank if you can afford to go to Madison City and do more than breathe there.” We laughed. I really did miss my sister. When we got to Madison City we went to Branson's Bistro for brunch. “So, when's the last time you spoke to momma?” she asked me. “It's been a little while.” I told her reading the menu. “Why won't you call her Maxine, she misses you.” “She also has my number Mariah.” I said defiantly. “The phone works both ways.” “But she...” “Can we not talk about this?” I asked her. “You know she's stubborn.” she finished her statement anyway. “The salmon and rice looks good.” I said ignoring her comment. “I think I'll have that too.” she said with a hint of sadness in her voice. I knew my sister wanted nothing more than for my mother and I to get along. I did feel bad that my mother and I were not as close as she and Mariah. But I tried and that was all I could do.
“How have you been? How's Lance and Lacey?” she asked trying to lighten the mood. “Both good. We took Lacey to Wonder World a couple weeks ago she loved it.” “Michael and I have been meaning to take Arden but he's been so busy with work lately, he doesn't have time for anything.” she said shaking her head. “I hear you girl, Lance works a lot too and he gets calls during the night.” “Oohhh yes those middle of the night cop calls ew!” Mar said and we laughed. “I really missed you Mar.” I told her. “I missed you too. We need to stay in touch.” I smiled. “So where to now?” she asked me. We left Bronson's and started window shopping. “I always thought Madison City was such a beautiful place. It looks like a little village out of a movie.” Mar said and I agreed. We came to a quaint little shop called Gogiani's Gifts. “I love the little lamps Max look!” Mar said pointing to two tiny little lamps sitting in the window. “Let's go inside.” I said opening the door. “Welcome to Gogiani's.” a short woman wearing all white said. “My name is Lana. Is there anything you'd like?” she asked. “I love the little lamps in the window. How much are they?” “$125.00 for the pair.” she said. “Oh.” Mariah said like she used to when we were little and she wanted something but already knew the answer was no. “They're hand crafted. Everything here is, I make most of it myself including those lamps.” “Well they're just darling.” Mar told her. “How much for these pillows?” I asked her. “Those are $43.00 a piece.” she told me. “I'll take all four of them and the lamps please.” “Max you don't have to do that!” Mar said. “I want to.” I told her. “We deserve to be treated today.”
“You won't be disappointed with your purchase and no one else will have these either. It's all one of a kind.” Lana assured us. After we left Gogiani's we walked to a couple more stores and settled on getting our mani/pedi's at Madison's Elegant Hands. While we soaked our feet a lady came over with long stemmed glasses of champagne and an assortment of mini chocolates. “I like this place already.” Mar said. “So how's momma doing?” I broke down and asked her. “Momma is momma. You know how she is, still stubborn as hell just like you.” she answered. I took a sip of champagne without responding. “It would be nice if you would break the ice Max.” “I always break the ice Mar. Why can't she ever once, just one time act like she loves me?” “That's not fair you know she loves you Max.” “All I know is how she acts. The last time I saw her I told her I wanted to work for myself. I wanted to run my own business and I wanted to be a private investigator. Do you know what she did? She literally laughed in my face. So I made a promise to myself never to let her or anyone else laugh at my dreams. So I took that with me and never looked back.” “I'm sorry Max. I didn't know about that, but you have to know momma loves you.” I finished off the champagne and waved my glass for a refill. The ladies finished up with our hands and feet. “It's almost 3:00. I probably need to get home Arden's mom brings her home early.” she said. We drove back to her house. “Thank you for everything today Max. I had a good time.” “You're more than welcome.” I told her. “We have to do this again sometime and next time it's my treat.” she said.
I decided to go to Franklin's and pick up some groceries. It felt good to spend time with my sister. My mother was another story entirely. “Hello?” I answered my phone. “Is this Maxine? Uh, Maxine Skye?” a man's voice said. “Yes it is, who am I speaking to?” I asked trying to put the grocery bags in the trunk. “This is Steve...Steve Hall.” I didn't know what to say, he was the last person I expected to call me. “The reason for my call is...well I'm calling you because I need your help.” he continued. “With what exactly?” “I need you to help prove that I wasn't stealing from my sister.” “How do you think I can do that?” I asked him. “I know you can help me Maxine.” “What?” I asked him opening the car door to get inside. “I know you were working for Lucy and now I need you to work for me. I need you to help me prove that I wasn't stealing from her.” “Steve...” “Please Ms. Skye, please help me. Do you know how I'm so sure you were working with my sister?” “How?” I asked quietly. “I thought it was strange seeing you at the company welcome party. Even though Lucy takes a liking to some people, not many
, but some, she never invited them to any company functions. You were there, up front and center. Hell she even took you in the restroom with her when she had that break down. I thought it odd but that's not what cinched it for me. What did it was the other day when I was arrested it was what you said. You said 'sometimes the worst treatment comes from the worst people who can sometimes be your own blood.'
“So?” I said genuinely confused. “That was something my father used to say all the time when we were kids. He said it so much we used to mouth the words with him as he said them. My sister took over that saying almost as soon as she took over the firm. So when you said it and I recalled you with her at the party and I knew she hired you. You even worked the front desk that day.” he said. I didn't say anything. “Will you help me?” “Why do you think I can help you? Why do you want me to help you?” “I want you to help me because if you could prove that I'm guilty, then maybe you can prove I'm innocent. Which I am I might add. With enough information you can help me.” “I don't know Steve. I don't feel right about this.” “I don't want to beg you, but I know you can help me. Will you at least think about it?” he asked. “Yes.” I finally said. “I'll think about it and I'll let you know tomorrow, one way or the other.” I told him. “Thank you Maxine. I appreciate it.” I sat in silence for a few minutes just thinking. I did feel like I would be betraying Lucy if I helped her brother prove his innocence. But part of me was still curious to know why she was so eager to pin the whole thing solely on her brother. I would have to pray about it, God would tell me what to do. I drove home and put my groceries away. I put my new pillows on the bed and then sat there staring at them. Then I got on my knees and prayed. 'Dear God: I know you already know what I want to talk to you about. You have given me so many opportunities in my life and I am so grateful. I always want to please you Lord. If this is something that you want me to do please give me a sign.' Amen.
I went on to get dinner started. Lance was working late tonight and I thought I would do the three R's: rest, read and relax. I fell asleep reading Love Marriage Sex Murder. It was my second time reading it but the second time is always better. I woke up at 6:00am just in time to see the sun rise. I checked my phone and noticed Lance hadn't called which was unlike him. I didn't want to worry so I took a hot shower, made a cup of coffee and turned on the news. “It's going to be a hot one today folks, highs near 92.” the weather man said. “Rain likely late this afternoon into the evening, low near 73.” I'll be keeping the air conditioner on I thought to myself. I began flipping through the channels trying to figure out what to do with myself. “If you can help someone today, do it.” the lady said in the commercial as it was going off. That was my sign, my signal from God to help Steve. Besides I owed it to him if he was really innocent I would find out. I looked through my phone and found the number he called me from yesterday. “Hello Maxine?” “Hi Steve.” I answered. “I'm in.” “Great, thank you!” he said. “What do you need me to do?” “Can you meet me in an hour at Joe's Coffee House on 12th street?” “Sure I know the place.” “Okay see you in an hour.”
Steve looked like he was a tourist in a foreign country and didn't know what to expect with the weather. He was wearing a floral print button down short sleeve shirt, khaki shorts, a skull cap, dark sunglasses, a trench coat and boots. I only knew who he was because I recognized his class ring which I remembered when he was scratching his head the day he was arrested. “Maxine!” he said in a loud whisper. He was waving his hand for me to come over. “Hi Steve.” I laughed. “What's with this get up?” “I didn't want to be recognized.” he said. “Because you're meeting with me?” “Yes. I think I'm being followed.” he said nodding to a black Cadillac parked across the street. “Who do you think is following you?” I asked. “I'm not sure but that car has been close to me ever since I got out of jail.” he said sipping his coffee. “Can I get you anything?” the waitress asked me. “Uh, yes, please, can I have an iced caramel latte?” “Sure.” she said. “Be right back.” “So where should we start?” he asked me. I pulled out my iPad and opened the file I started for him before I left home. “You obviously know that I know some things about you already.” I said. He nodded. “So I need to know the truth now from you. For starters, are you still doing drugs?” I asked giving him a look he might've gotten from his mother.
He put his head into his cup as the waitress brought my coffee. “Thank you.” I said. “Will there be anything else?” “Not now thanks.” “Well?” I said after he didn't answer. “Yes... But I'm really trying hard to clean myself up, I really am. This whole thing with Lucy has me all messed up.” he sounded like a five year old trying to be convincing. I took a sip of my coffee. “You don't know how hard it is trying to live up to my sister's expectations. She used to be my best friend when we were kids. All we had was each other growing up you know? Dad...well dad was dad. He was always at work, he loved that place. He practically lived there. He started it fresh out of law school on his own dime. He made no qualms telling how hard it was for him to go it alone. He didn't want any partners, he wanted to be the one and only and he paid a price for it. Our mother, she kept us busy so we wouldn't notice that dad wasn't there. I would hear her crying at night. Sometimes she would call him and they would argue because he never felt the need to spend time at home. He achieved his goal though, he was one of the top attorneys of our state. When he got sick he worked from his hospital bed, advising people and even holding court bedside. He made us promise we would take care of his baby. We had to run it like he did, hold the creed of Hall, Hall and Hall up to his standards. Lucy turned out to be just like him. A workaholic who can't see her life falling apart right in front of her. I hope she's not rubbing off on you Maxine.” “Why would you say that?”
“Sometimes the worst treatment comes from the worst people who can sometimes be your own blood.” he repeated his father's saying. “I don't even know why I said that.” I admitted. “It was the only thing that came to me.” “I'm glad you said it. It took me a minute but when I put two and two together I realized you were working for my sister. Don't let her workaholic ways rub off on you. You're still young, live life, love people.” he said taking a sip of his coffee. I reflected on what he said. “I know what we can do to clear your name.” “Great...what?” “I have a friend that works for Klean Cleaners, you probably know her, Verene Harris?” “Yes, Verene, she's been working at the firm for a while now. Has she been working for you all this time?” “No, no, she hasn't. She only just found out about me and what I do...but I trust her. I'm going to ask her to help me from the inside.” “How can she help? She's not a private investigator?” “She doesn't have to be. All I need from her is to prove that other people are using the same accounts you were using.” “How can she do that?” “The same way I did...through the trash.” “I never thought anyone would be going through my trash.” “No one would usually but you were being investigated. Did you know Will was using the same accounts you were using? He was making payments to them, taking money from them, moving money around too. It has always bothered me that your sister only chose to prosecute you. When I asked her she told me Will was only following orders from you.” “From me? I only had those accounts because she gave them to me.”
“Remember when I asked you to be completely honest with me?” “Yes.” “Why did you meet with David Knight at Sam's?” “How did you know about that?” I didn't want him to know all of my techniques. “I'm just that good.” He shook his head back and forth but I kept eye contact with him so he started talking. “I met with him there because he said he wanted to talk to me about Lucy. He said she was losing her mind. I didn't know what he meant by that...I mean, they were estranged and I figured he was just talking. I do love her so I agreed to meet with him to find out what was going on.” “And, what did he say?” “He told me that she was trying to hang me out to dry. I refused to believe him but looking back now, maybe I should have listened.” “How was she planning to do that?” “He said he
didn't really have all the details but that he heard her talking about wanting it all to herself.” “Did you know that he was seeing Jennifer?” “I suspected it a couple times but I didn't think either of them was that stupid. I tried to talk to David about it. I couldn't believe they showed up together. The saddest part of it all is I think they really love each other and Lucy is just in the way now.”
“Do you know anything about Ashley's clients?” “What do you mean?” “I overheard Ashley a few times talking with a man about his divorce.” “That's not uncommon, we handle all sorts of cases.” “Is it not uncommon to try talking a client out of murdering his wife?” “What?” “I heard her pleading with this guy not to move forward with killing his wife. She said she would handle it and that she even knew who the woman was cheating with.” “No, I didn't know anything about that.” “One more thing Steve, and this is a personal question. Are you still seeing Laura Baxter?” He gave me a dead stare. “Are you?” I asked after a few seconds. “Is there anything you don't know?” “Not much.” “Yes I am.” he finally answered. “I met your wife once. Does she know?” “No, of course not.” “I know it's not my business, but if you really want to straighten everything out, you should start by trying to be an honest man in all aspects of your life, including getting off the drugs.” “What? How dare you!” “How dare I? You called me to help you clear your name so you don't spend at least the next few years of your life in prison. I believe you when you say your innocent but you may have a hard time convincing others if you're a cheating crack head.” I told him finishing up the rest of my coffee. I got up to leave and he put his hand on my wrist. “When will you get started?” he asked me softly. “I'll get started now.” “What's your fee?” I hadn't even thought about that. “I'll have to let you know.” I said walking away.
Maxine Skye, Private Eye Page 8