Maxine Skye, Private Eye

by Monique Smith

  I took that as my cue to leave. “I really wish you would consider helping your brother. Everything you just said clears him of any wrong doing.” “I'm sorry, I really am. You'll just have to find another way.” he said. “I should never have agreed to talk to you. My wife was right.” he said leading me out of his office. We walked in silence back to the lobby. “Well thank you for your time John.” I said shaking his hand. “Goodbye Ms. Skye.” he said. “Please, call me Maxine.” I walked back through the double iron doors. On the ride home I wondered why John would agree to see me, give me all the information he knew and then shut down in an instant like that. He actually looked like he was afraid of something. But what? Or better yet, who? Just like that everything I needed to help Steve was gone. And there was nothing I could do about it. It was unnerving how John reacted to helping his brother. It was even more unnerving to hear how Lucy actually was. I know as children we want to please our parents but she was taking that to another level. But after the last phone call we had nothing about her should surprise me.

  The next few days passed quietly. Still nothing from John. I wanted to give him time to think. Time to realize just how important it is to help his brother. But so far he's silent. I spoke to Steve and told him about my visit with John. “Why is he so unwilling to help you?” Steve didn't answer so I tried again. “What, or who, is he afraid of?” “Her.” Steve said softly. “Her? You mean Lucy?” “Yeah.” “Why would he be afraid of her?” “She's the devil that's why.” “I'm sorry Steve, I know you're trying to make a point here, but I'm not getting it.” “My sister is, in a word, crazy. She wanted so badly to be like our father, to follow in his footsteps. She is ready, willing and able to do whatever she has to do to be the best. I knew that about her from the beginning. She really loved our father but I never thought in a million years that she would try to take out her own family.” “What do you mean take out her own family?” “A few years ago, when John first met Tracy, she tried to have Tracy hurt.” “Hurt? How?” “Right after John announced that he had planned to marry her, Lucy lost it. She said Tracy would ruin everything. She said Tracy wasn't a good fit for our family. It was because she didn't fall right into the Hall way of thinking and she wasn't shy about saying it. So one night when Tracy was leaving our house she had an accident.” “What kind of accident? “Her parents lived a couple blocks over from us, so she walked allot. John offered to walk with her but she said no she wanted to think. She had just had an unpleasant conversation with our father. The next day her parents called John to tell him she was in the hospital with bruises and a cracked rib. John and I always knew Lucy had something to do with it, but she, of course, would never admit to it. Ever since then we've tried to stay on her good side. She likes to send her henchmen Mitchell out to check on things every now and then.”

  “Is that why you were so afraid when we met? Because you thought he was following you?” “I know he was following me. I've seen him a few times before.” “Well thanks Steve. This is it for now. My tech guy didn't turn up anything on your cell phone that would be useful.” “I kind of figured that.” he said. “If anything else comes up I'll let you know.” I told him. I was at a loss. Lucy was a calculated, cold and crazy woman. I never imagined I was working for a woman like this. She was good at hiding her crazy. The fact that she hired an inexperienced unknown private eye like me, showed she was calculated. The fact that she was willing to hurt her own family was cold and crazy. But she was sticking to the family motto. The fact that she didn't know I would fight tooth and nail to help someone I knew was innocent would be her biggest mistake. “How'd it go with the Hall guy today?” Lance asked me. “I learned much more than I expected. As a matter of fact, I learned more about her from John than I have throughout this whole process.” “Like what?” “Like the fact that she's a lunatic.” I said recounting every detail of what I'd learned about her. “Wow, she is nuts.” Lance said.” “And dangerous.” he added. “I told you, you were dealing with dangerous people. I've known that all along. Now that you know, please Max, be careful.”

  Friday finally came. I was so excited about my engagement party. I had found the perfect dress to wear. It was a beautiful floral print dress that floated in an A shape all around me. It had spaghetti straps and a heart shape cut out on the chest and the back dipped low. I had picked a nice pair of sky blue slacks and a crème button down for Lance to wear. When we were ready to go we looked like a million bucks. The ride to Madison City was fun. Lance always made me laugh, we have such a good time together. When we arrived the valet parked our car. The beauty of this place was all familiar to us from the last function we attended here. Mar had done such a wonderful job with everything. I couldn't believe it was all for us. As we walked in everyone clapped and greeted us. Some of Lance's coworkers came. There were presents, and drinks and food. Music playing and people dancing. Until Beverly Skye showed up. I don't know why she came but I do know it was Mariah's fault. I pretended not to see her. Lance and I continued laughing and dancing. Then she came over to tap me on the shoulder. “Hello Maxine.” she said in her condescending voice. “Hello mother.” “I take it this is the young man?” she asked looking Lance up and down. “Hello Mrs. Skye, yes, I'm Lance Whitfield.” he said taking her hand. “Hhmmm.” she said raising her eyebrows like she did when she wasn't sure about something. She took her hand back.

  “I wish I would have been able to meet you sooner.” he smiled. “Sure you do.” she answered. I grabbed Lance and spun him around. We started dancing again and she walked away. I saw her put a small wrapped package on the table full of presents. Mariah pulled her to the side and it looked like they were having a heated conversation. I chose to ignore them and enjoy my man. “It's time to open the gifts!” Mar announced. Lance and I sat at the chairs in the center of the room and Mariah wheeled the table full of gifts to us. We opened each one and everyone told which one was theirs. When I got to the one my mother gave us I skipped it, but Lance opened it. It was a $50 gift card to Pizza Palace. “I told you not to open it.” I said to him. But he kissed me on the forehead and said 'who doesn't like pizza?' “This is why I love you.” I whispered back to him. We had so many gifts I couldn't count them all. We played a game called Get to Know the Couple. We asked questions and they answered. We played True or False, Monkey See, Monkey Do and sang karaoke. Finally we ate dinner. “Where do you work Lance?” my mother asked. “I'm a police officer.” he told her. “Hhmmm, don't you worry about that sweetheart?” she asked me. “No, I don't.” I said. “You should.” she shook her head. “She doesn't need to worry about me ma'am.” he told her. “There are no guarantees in this world young man.” she said.

  I gave Mariah a look that could kill and she picked up her wine glass and took a long gulp. “So, I heard you picked out your wedding dress?” Leslie asked. I could tell she was attempting to change the subject. “Yes, I did and I love it.” I told her. “I bet it's beautiful.” she said. “Too bad I couldn't be there to see it.” my mother chirped. “Did you get a traditional white dress?” Leslie tried again. “No, actually it's a soft blush, pink kind of, very pretty.” “Oh that sounds so princessy!” Leslie squealed. “It is.” Michelle said. “Pink? I've never heard of such a thing. A pink dress on a bride? This is your first wedding isn't it?” my mother asked. I had had enough. Enough of her smart remarks, and under handed comments. “You're being rude.” I told her. “Excuse me?” she said looking at me over her eye glasses. “You heard me!” I yelled. “You're being rude. You have been ever since you got here! I don't know why you even came. You don't love me, you never loved me. You don't support me in anything I do. You don't believe in me...why did you come?” She sat there staring at me and so did everybody else. “How dare you speak to me in that tone?” she finally said. “I am your MOTHER!” she screamed. “ARE YOU?” I screamed back. “Because it feels like you're just someone who comes around occasionally to make me feel like shit. Only I won't let you make me feel like shit. Not anymore.
I want you to leave...NOW!” “Wait a minute...” Mariah said standing behind mother's chair. “Please stop this, this has gone far enough.” Mariah said trying to hold back the tears. “I don't stay in places where I'm not wanted.” mother said. “Mom, I asked you to come so you and Max could mend these problems. I wanted you to support her and be happy for her...she's getting married for God's sake!” Mariah said.

  “Good for her and her policeman...and good luck. They're gonna need it!” she said in a nasty voice getting up from the table. “Mom please!” Mariah tried again. “Mariah let her go! I wish you would have never invited her!” I said. “See! You see? She didn't want me here.” “Why do you think that is momma? Look at how you behaved! You ruined this experience for your daughter and all of her guests.” “Oh please!” mother said shaking her head. She grabbed her overcoat and bag and headed toward the door. “Good riddance!” I laughed. “I hope I never see you again!” I told her. I picked up my glass and gulped down the last of the wine. “Baby, I'm sorry.” Lance said. “It's not your fault. My mother is a miserable, unhappy lady. Misery loves company but I don't want anything to do with that party.” “I'm sorry everybody.” Mariah said. I could tell she mustered everything she had to say it because she sank down in the nearest chair and cried. Michael got up to comfort her. I didn't have it in me to go to her. I was hurting too. But I wouldn't give my mother the satisfaction of shedding tears. People started getting up to leave but they were giving us congratulations and well wishes. A few even apologized for what happened. It was a quiet ride home. I don't think Lance was fully prepared for my mother. He knew we didn't get along and didn't talk much, but he didn't know the full extent.

  “Are you okay?” he finally spoke once we were home. “Yes, I'm as good as I'm gonna be.” I told him. “You weren't expecting her to be such a bitch were you?” “No.” “If I had tried to explain it to you, you wouldn't have believed me. At least now you can see for yourself.” “I think your mother loves you Max. She just doesn't know how to love you.” “Well maybe someone should teach her...but no, never mind, I don't even want it now.” “Don't be like that baby.” “You don't understand Lance. I've been dealing with this all my life. I don't deserve it and I won't tolerate it anymore!” I yelled. Then I slumped down in a chair, much like my sister, and cried.” Lance came and kneeled beside me rubbing my back. “You know, before my parents died, I didn't get along with my father. He rode me about everything. Nothing was ever good enough for him. I always found myself feeling like a failure whenever we had a conversation. But two days before he died, he told me he loved me. For the first time since I was 8 years old. He told me he was proud of me and all he wanted was for me to be the best man that I could be. And for the first time I understood what all of it was for.” “If that was my mother's motivation, I would understand that too. But her motivation is jealousy, hatred and misery. I will probably never tell you everything I've been through with her. But thank you for sharing and trying to make me feel better.” I tried to smile through the tears. He handed me a box of Kleenex. “I'm sorry it didn't help.” he said taking my shoes off. “It did. Trust me, it did.”

  Chapter Twelve – Getting Over Momma I woke up with a throbbing headache. My pillow was damp from crying throughout the night. My eyes were swollen and my mouth was dry. I felt absolutely awful. This is the aftermath of a night with my mother. Lance, knowing me so well, was on standby with Advil, a cold washrag and chamomile tea. “How are you feeling?” he asked. “Less than human.” I answered washing down the pills with the warm tea. I propped the pillows up against the headboard and sat back against them. Lance rubbed my feet. He started to sing John Legends' All of Me. Even though he can't sing a lick, I loved the sound of his voice. It was soothing. I knew he meant the words and it made me feel safe. I must have fallen asleep because I woke up to Lacey's voice. She was tugging on the blanket. “Max! Max! Wake up!” she called to me. “Hello, hello!” I said. She jumped on the bed and laid beside me. “I missed you!” she said. “I missed you too. What have you been up to?” “I have a new teacher, her name is Miss. Jean. She lets us call her by her first name as long as we say Miss before it.” “Oh wow, okay. Did you learn anything new?” “We're learning how to speak Spanish.” she told me. “Do you like it?” “I like it but it's hard. But I'll get it.” “I know you will! You're a smart cookie.” I thought we could take Lacey to the park today.” Lance said. “Okay.” “Are you feeling any better?” “Physically, yes. Emotionally, no. That will take some time.”

  We took Lacey to Hampshire Park. It has a pretty waterfall and big decorative rocks and iron benches. It's just a peaceful and relaxing park. Lance took Lacey closer to the waterfall so she could feel the mist on her face. I sat on one of benches and watched the water splash violently about. I was going over the good and bad events of the night when my phone rang. “Hello Mar.” I answered. “Are you okay?” “I will be. I really don't know why you thought it was a good idea to invite momma. She will never change.” “When I asked her to come she promised me she just wanted to see you happy and wish you well.” “Did it look like that's what she came for?” “No, but how was I supposed to...” “Don't worry about it Mar. I've had enough of this and I don't want to argue.” “Well, anyway, I am sorry Max. I am. I wouldn't have asked her if I knew she would act like that.” “I know you wouldn't have. It's okay. I love you Mar.” “I love you too Max.” I felt bad for Mariah. All she was trying to do was help her mother and sister get along. But you can't push something that might not be meant. “Max! Look Max!” Lacey ran to me holding a bunch of daisy's. “These are beautiful.” I smiled at her. “They are for you!” she said. “Thank you honey. This was very nice of you.” “I love you Max.” she said softly. “I love you too.” I said giving her a hug.

  As we pulled up to Keisha's to drop Lacey off she was standing in the driveway smoking a cigarette. Lance got out to walk Lacey to the door. “Congratulations on your engagement.” she said to me. I thought she was sincere. “Thanks.” “Just so you know, Lance is only marrying you because he's stupid. And don't be thinking my baby is gonna call you momma. She only got one momma.” she said calmly as if she was giving me a piece of advice. She took another drag of her cigarette. Something came over me and before I even knew I was out of the car, I was on top of her. I was punching her in the face and she was screaming at me to get off of her wiggling around and flailing her arms. Lance ran and pulled me off of her. In the distance I could hear Lacey crying. I instantly felt awful. “You better get that bitch out of here!” she yelled as Lance pulled her away. “This ain't over bitch!” she screamed. “Go in the house Keisha!” Lance shouted. I stood there wanting to cry but slightly feeling good. She deserved that and more for all the trash she talked all the time. I mostly felt bad because Lacey had to witness it. “What the hell happened?” Lance asked me as he drove away. “Your daughter's mother is a whore.” I said matter of factly. “Come on Max, stop it. What happened?” I told him everything she said and even included the last time I saw her. “I'm sorry.” he said. “You've had a rough couple days, I know you wanted to hurt her.” “Yes I did.” “Well I think you did good enough, but please I don't want to see you fighting her or anyone else again, okay?” “Right.” I answered him sarcastically.

  Lance was on the phone with Lacey for over an hour trying to calm her down. Keisha was in the background the whole time yelling about whooping my ass. Finally I got on and apologized to Lacey. “I'm sorry honey. I didn't want you to see that.” “It's okay Max.” she said in the same quiet voice she used earlier. “Hang up the phone Lace!” Keisha shouted. “I know you have to go...” I tried to finish but I was cut off. “Don't talk...” I hung up. I couldn't take another second of Keisha's voice. “Why does she hate me?” I asked Lance still holding the phone. “You already know the answer to that question. You have all this!” he said. “You are so silly.” I said. Lance made dinner and I sat with my eyes closed trying to think. I did have a rough couple of d
ays.

  I was happy to welcome Sunday morning. Lance and I went to church and I felt more than ever like I was in need of prayer. The sermon was good as usual. Pastor Blackmon knows how to deliver the Lord's message. Oddly enough it was about forgiveness of self and others. I knew I had a long way to go with both of them. After church we went to eat at Grenadine's. Lance wanted to stop by his parents burial site afterwards. I never asked him about his parents or how they died. I knew it was a sensitive subject for him and I never wanted to push. But today he wanted to open up to me. He sat down in front of the grave stones and I sat down next to him. Tears ran down his face and because I loved him so much tears ran down my face too. “I never told you what happened to them.” he said. “They died in a car crash. One rainy night they were coming back from a night out. My parents believed in date nights.” he laughed tears still rolling. They went out once a month just to enjoy each others company. They were coming back from a Patti LaBelle concert. They were hit head on by an eighteen wheeler hauling gasoline. He lost control of his truck turning the corner and skidded on the wet pavement. My parents died instantly.” He was trying to hold back more tears as he continued. “I was 29 at the time. I was still in the academy when I got the call.”