Maxine Skye, Private Eye

by Monique Smith

  Chapter Eight-Lance Got Shot! As soon as I got in the car I called Verene. “I just met up with Steve Hall.” “What? What did he want?” “He wants to hire me. He claims he's innocent and he wants my help to clear his name.” “How does he know about you?” “Something I said to him the day he was arrested. Listen will you be available after work today?” “Yeah I'm not doing anything.” “Good, I have a proposal I'd like to discuss with you. Meet me at the coffee shop.” I felt like I was plying so much caramel latte in me that I'd turn into one. I decided to just have ice water. “So what's this all about?” Verene said wanting to get right down to it. “I'd like to hire you.” I told her straight out. “Hire me? For what?” “Steve asked me to help clear his name and I'm going to need help doing that since I don't work for Klean Kleaners anymore.” “How can I help?” “I need you to go about your normal day of cleaning. But I need you to pay more attention to strange behaviors, conversations, people coming and going. Check the trash cans, fax machines and printers if you can without being too suspicious. You can report back to me what you find and I can figure out what to do from there.” “Really? You really want me to do this?” “Yes...why do you sound so excited?” “This is exciting for me. I've never been a private investigator before.” “Well you are now...and this is a trial period for you.” I added. “What does that mean?” “It means that if you pull this off and I think you have what it takes, I'd like to hire you on full time.” “I am just...wow.” Verene said as a tear rolled down her face. “This will change my life.” “Why?” “I never thought I would be anything more than a cleaner. I had big dreams for my life. But I just decided to be happy with what God gave me. Now he's giving me something new.”

  Seeing her cry from happiness made me shed a tear too. “I'm happy I could make you happy Verene.” I told her. She got up to hug me. “Oh Verene!” I said embarrassed. “Listen, for your efforts I'm going to give you a starting fee of $10,000.00.” She looked at me and fell back into her seat. “Are you kidding me?” she said. “No Verene I'm not. I believe in paying people well for their efforts.” I said sounding like Lucy. “Thank you, Maxine. Really, thank you!” she said. “You are more than welcome.” I told her. “You won't be disappointed I promise.” “I know you'll do a wonderful job Verene, I'm not worried about that. But what I will ask is for you to be careful. Don't do anything that will cause suspicion or get you in trouble.” “Okay don't worry. I've been spying on these people without them even knowing it.” she laughed. I took out my check book and wrote her a check for $10,000.00. When I handed it to her she just stared at it for a few minutes. “You know what I can do with this kind of money?” she asked me. “I can imagine.” I said remembering how I felt when Lucy Knight gave me my first payment. “I can't wait to tell Malcolm!” she exclaimed. My cell phone lit up and I looked down to see what it was...a text from Eddie Thurman, Lance's partner.

  -Please call me as soon as possible; URGENT. “Verene I'm really sorry but I have to go.” I told her. “Okay, what should I do at work tomorrow?” “Just report everything you see that looks suspicious. Make notes on everyone and keep the trash when you can. Call me after work tomorrow. Good luck.” I said as I walked quickly to my car. I got in, shut the door and called Eddie immediately. “Eddie, what's going on?” I said. “Maxine, thanks for calling me back. Lance didn't want me to tell you this, but, he's been shot.” “WHAT!” I screamed. “Okay, calm down, he's alright. He got shot in the arm, he's okay. They're just keeping him for observation right now.” “Where is he?” I asked frantically. “St. Mary's, room 113.” “Thanks Eddie.” I said starting the car. I sped out of the parking lot and jumped on the highway to get to St. Mary's faster. I hurried to room 113 and found Lance sitting on the side of the bed changing channels on the TV. “Lance!” I said half happy to see him, half angry that he didn't want me to know. “Max, what are you doing here?” I gave him a kiss on the forehead. “Eddie sent me a text.” “I told him not to tell you.” “Why?” “Because it's not a big deal and I didn't want you to worry.” “Not a big deal. Really Lance?” “It's not babe.” “You got shot Lance!” I said looking at the bandages on his arm. “It looks worse than it is.” he said. “What happened?” “We got a call to respond to a robbery in progress at Clay's Corner Store. Turned out to be a couple young kids waving a gun around. They were more scared than we were and one of them got twitchy and fired in the air but it hit me.” “Oh my God! Kids and guns. Thank God it was just in the arm.” “Yes it could have been worse.” he said.

  “How long do you have to stay in here?” “Just a few more hours for observation.” “Does it hurt?” “It did but the pain medication kicked in and I'm in heaven now.” I laughed. “They pulled the bullet out, it was a 22 shell casing.” “I'm so sorry baby.” I said giving him a real kiss. “Sit down and tell me about your day.” he said patting the space beside him on the bed. I told him about spending the day with Mariah. “That's good babe, I'm glad you got to spend some time with her, you needed that.” “Well, I got a call from Steve Hall yesterday right as I was leaving Franklin's.” “What? What did he want?” “He wanted to hire me to help him clear his name. He says he's innocent.” “So what did you do?” “I'm going to help him.” “How?” “You know I always wondered why Lucy never wanted to press charges against Will. He was doing the exact same thing Steve was.” “Well she told you he was only following orders.” “Maybe, but Steve was following orders from someone too. I mean, where did he get those account numbers from in the first place? He couldn't just make up a bunch of numbers and then start moving money around in them. If that was the case, then she would have noticed long before she did, right?” “Yes I guess so. So you believe him?” “Yes I think I do. It won't sit right with me until I at least try to figure out one way or the other what's going on. It won't hurt me either way.”

  “I also hired Verene to help me too.” “How can she help?” “She's still on the inside. She can get other useful information that will be helpful to this case.” “Does she want to help you?” “Not only does she want to help me, she was in tears at the thought of doing something else with her life. I gave her a $10,000.00 sign on bonus.” “You gave her what?” “A $10,000.00 sign...” “I heard you I just can't believe you.” “Why?” “$10,000.00 Max?” “Yes, she deserves it. She works two jobs to take care of her son and she's trying to put him through college soon. I'm glad I could help her she needs that money.” “Well if you think she deserves it then she does. I just don't want you overextending yourself that's all.” “I appreciate your concern babe, but it's covered.” “Hello Mr. Whitfield.” a nurse said. “How are you feeling?” “Better now that I have this wonderful medication.” “Good, very good. Let me check your blood pressure and bandages.” “The bleeding has stopped which is great. I'll just get these changed and be out of your way.” “Are you hungry?” I asked Lance. “Yes actually, I could eat.” “You should eat.” the nurse smiled. “I'll get something. Any preferences?” “Whatever you get is fine.” he said.

  I went to Burger King and picked up a couple meals, checked my e-mail and text. Everything seemed quiet for now. I went back to Lance's room and we ate the food. “So what's going to happen with those kids?” I asked him. “They're being charged with possession of a weapon, armed robbery, possession of a stolen car and assaulting an officer.” “Assaulting an officer? That's all?” “Yep.” “He shot you, he could have killed you.” “I know but it was an accident. He's a young kid baby, he's got enough on his plate right now. So I'm giving him a break.” “You...” “And you should trust me with this decision the way I trusted you with yours.” he said cutting me off. “I'm feeling light headed.” he said. “Lie down. Do you want me to get the nurse for you?” “No I just need to lie here a minute.” “Okay, here drink some water.” He took a big sip of water. “Thanks, that's just what I needed.” I laid down beside him and closed my eyes. Before I knew it, it was morning and the nurse was standing beside the bed. “How's he
doing?” she whispered. “He was a little light headed yesterday but otherwise fine.” “Yes otherwise fine.” he repeated. “Oh hello!” she laughed. “Sorry we didn't mean to wake you.” she said. “That's okay.” he said getting up to go to the bathroom.

  “So if you're feeling all better you can go home today.” the nurse told him when he came back. “Sounds good.” “So are you feeling better?” she asked. “Just a little groggy but good.” “Well that's to be expected with the medication. I'm going to send you home with a prescription for ibuprofenOxycontin which can be taken orally. It will help you sleep. During the day I would suggest taking the 800 mg ibuprofen so you can function until you don't need any pain medications at all. Also, the doctor says due to the nature of your work, you're not to return for one week. When you do return you are to be on light duty for one week and he would like to see you back here in two weeks or sooner if you are in unbearable pain.” Lance nodded but I could tell he didn't like all the restrictions. “Ma'am, if you don't mind, he'll need help changes his bandages. If you could keep an eye out for discoloration or irregular draining that would be helpful. He'll need to come back for that as well.” she said unwrapping Lance's arm as she spoke. “What is irregular draining?” I asked. “If you see a black or very dark brown liquid running from the wound you'll need to alert us immediately. It should be red or light brown, like it is now.” she pointed to it. “Okay.” I had never seen a gun shot wound before and seeing my first one on Lance was not easy. But I couldn't be squeamish now, he needed me.

  “Lucky for you I went grocery shopping already so I can just get you home.” “Good I'm starving.” I cooked a big breakfast for Lance. His medication said he needed to eat something before taking it. After we ate Lance laid down and fell asleep. I decided to check in on Verene and see how she was doing. Besides it was her normal lunch time. “Maxine?” she whispered into the phone. “Yes, Verene, it's me. How's it going? Is everything okay?” “Everything is fine.” “Why are you whispering?” “I'm doing like you asked me to do. I'm making copies of Will's files. I don't know what the heck I'm looking at but I'm doing it.” “That's okay, I'll sort through it all. But why are you doing that now?” “There's some sort of off site lunch meeting today. Nobody's here but us cleaners and the new receptionist.” “Who's the new receptionist?” “Some girl they brought in from the temp service. Her name is Beverly, she seems nice.” “Is it possible for you to get into Ashley's office?” “Yeah, why?” “I need you to look for anything in there involving a case on Frank something. I don't have a last name.” “Okay, will do. Anything else?” No I think that's all for now, thanks.”

  “Can you meet me at my apartment when you get off?” “Of course I can boss.” she said. “I quit my other cleaning job.” “You don't have to call me boss, I'm still Maxine. I'm glad you could quit your other job.” I told her. “Yeah, me too.” At 5:10 sharp there was a knock on the door. “Hi Verene, you sure did get here fast.” “I came straight here from work...I mean my investigation.” We both laughed. “So what did you come up with?” I asked her. She opened up a briefcase and pulled several stacks of neatly copied papers from it. Everything was in order according to date and time. “This pile here is Will's stuff. Seems like he's been using the printer and copier a lot lately. I also emptied his trash.” she said pointing to the other stack. “Now this stuff is Ashley's. For her to be a woman, she sure keeps a messy office.” Verene commented. “She never uses the copier that I can tell. I didn't see her log-in on the machine for over a month.” I opened the files that I had saved to my laptop on Steve and Will. I showed Verene everything that I had gathered from before so she could help me. “This is really strange.” I said. “What is?” “These accounts are all different from the ones I had the first time around.” “So?” “So, why is he using completely different accounts if he was just following Steve's orders?” She shook her head. Lance moved around on the couch. “Is that the Mr?” Verene asked. “Yes that's him.” “If you don't mind me asking, what happened to him?” “He got shot yesterday.” “Oh my!” she gasped. “No, no, he's a police officer.” “Even still Maxine, that's awful.” “Well yes. He said it was a couple young kids trying to hold up a convenient store. One of them lost control of the gun, it was an accident.” “I tell you these kids, I just don't know anymore.” I nodded in agreement.

  “What's up with Ashley? Why is she being investigated?” “It's just a hunch I have. Nothing to do with Steve's case, but I just want to clear it up in my head. If and when it leads to anything I'll let you know, of course.” “This is all so exciting!” Verene said. “What?” “This investigative work. I got up this morning thanking God for this chance. He put you in my path for a reason!” she said. “Yes, he did.” I smiled knowing just how she felt. God never makes mistakes. “Malcolm is so very proud of me.” she beamed. “I'm taking him to buy a small, new to him, vehicle and get some of these bills paid.”she said. “That's great Verene, I'm happy for you and Malcolm.” “If it wasn't for you I'd still be waiting for life.” “You don't have to wait anymore.” I said. “Well we're all done here for now. Just remember to keep your eye out for anyone acting strangely or anything that looks out of place.” “I sure will keep you posted.” I gave her a hug and she was gone.

  I started going through the papers again. I read through Ashley's files trying to figure out what her game was. “You working baby?” Lance asked me. “Hey sleepy head! Nice to see you've joined the living again.” “I'm hungry.” he said. “Okay, let me take a look at your bandages and then I'll cook something good.” Lance's wounds looked good so I redressed them and got started on the lasagna, Lance's favorite. “I'm gonna miss going to work.” he said. “I know but you heard the doctor's orders, and besides you could use a week off from that chaos you deal with everyday.” “I guess you're right.” he pouted. “Of course I'm right. You can take some time off to spend with me.” I said. “But you're working again.” “Yes but I'll still be at home. Verene came by today while you were sleeping. She brought me some information.” “Why didn't you wake me up? I'd like to meet your new partner.” “I didn't want to bother you. I know with that medication you're on, you sleep.” “Well what did she bring you?” “I asked her to bring me whatever she could find on Will and Ashley. We looked through some of Will's papers together and I compared his work to what I'd saved from the first investigation. He's using new accounts now. What I noticed is that they seem to be one or two digits off from the ones Steve was using.” “Really?” “Yes. I guess Lucy wasn't as slick as she thought she was.” “Why do you say that?”

  “When I met with Steve the other day, he told me what his meeting with David Knight was about.” “What was it about?” “He said David was trying to warn him. He said David told him that Lucy was out to get him. He thought it was just him getting involved in their marital spat. He knew David was seeing Jennifer and he wanted to talk to him and make it stop for Lucy's sake. But David wouldn't hear of it. He thinks they really love each other.” “Hhhmmmmm.” Lance said. “What does that mean?” “Nothing it's just my thought process. What about Ashley?” “Actually I was just about to get started on her when you complained of starvation.” “Well let's do this.” “Do what?” “Let's look at her stuff.” Lance said. “Oh no! This is my case Lance. “You're not going to put your cop spin on this.” “Max you should want my cop spin on it. Maybe I'll see something you haven't noticed.” “You just want to keep being a cop.” “Light duty, remember?” he smiled. “That's not fair.” I told him. “What?” “You using that smile is not fair.” “I know.” he smiled bigger.

  We started looking through Ashley's files. “Who is Frank?” “Lance asked looking up from one of her files. “He's one of her clients.” “One of her clients?” “Yes, why?” “Well...if I'm reading this right...they have a much more intimate relationship than just attorney/client.” he said handing me the papers. “I highlighted the part that made me look twice.” I read the paragraph. 'Frank Swanso
n gives me chills. Every time I'm with him I have to keep my cool. “Wow. I thought lawyers were supposed to be smart.” I said. “Why would she put this information in his file?” “This is from last August. He's been her client now for almost a year. She must have wanted him from the beginning.” “Yes this is a divorce case so he must have hired her to represent him.” We continued to read through her papers and found that Ashley kept detailed accounts of her time with Frank. Frank Swanson and Frances Kelly Swanson married June 2, 1999. Sixteen years I thought. Frances Kelly Ballard, heir to Valentine's Chocolates. “She has a boat load of money...and a prenup.” “That's a sure recipe for an ugly divorce.” Lance said. “Her prenup states that if either of them cheats, they walk away with what they came in with.” “So why would Frank care about the divorce or the prenup? He gets to keep what he came in with...” “Yes that was the first prenup. They had it revised in 2001. The new one states that if she cheats he gets half of her fortune and vise versa.” “It doesn't look like Frank accrued any fortune. He works for her father at Valentine's as a salesman.”

  “They must have started having problems last year. That's when Frank first hired Ashley. She had information on Fran's whereabouts but still wasn't able to pin point a suitor. Her notes go cold around the beginning of this year.” “Maybe they reconciled and he didn't need her anymore.” “Looks like it. But she still obviously needed him and didn't forget it. Listen to this: I still think of Frank even though he is back with her. I wish he could see how much I care for him. He said he would never cheat on his wife but I can tell he likes me. If only he would give me a chance. Counseling won't help them.” “Okay so then he hires her again. Guess the wife fell off the band wagon.” “And Frank fell into Ashley's arms. This is an entry from July 13, 2015: Frank and I spent the night together for the first time. It was everything that I thought it would be. I can't wait for his divorce to be final.” “She is really in love with this dude.” Lance said. “Yes she is.” We continued reading about Ashley's torrid love affair until I hit another interesting tid bit. “This entry was made a month ago: Frank has started acting a little crazy. He's starting to scare me. I'm not moving fast enough for him, he's ready to get this over with. He says Fran stays out all night and I'm not doing my job. The private investigator I hired turned up information on Fran and her new boyfriend Tom. She cut Frank off financially and her father is about ready to fire him. There are pictures of Fran and Tom at the beach, at the hotel, at a restaurant, at a party. They're everywhere.” I told him. “Sounds like Frank wants this done.” Lance said.