The Hands
Page 9
Vale was a little peeved that this correction in Tate’s appearance should be delayed, but he had to concede that the timing was awkward.
“Will you be joining us in our festivities, Mr. Tate ? I don’t know how the English feel about our Independence Day ? There is to be a show of fireworks and other frivolities out at Celestial Falls”.
Lyle had to smile at this. He’d been resident in the States for a number of years now. He’d grown used to the larger number of celebratory days honoured here since his first days in San Francisco. He especially like the fireworks on the Fourth of July, because it reminded him of Bonfire Night back home, although the weather was always infinitely better here.
“I’ll be watching the show, yes, though perhaps from my new doorstep rather than close up. I had a tiring trip getting here, and really all I want to do is catch up on my sleep so that I am on top form for Monday”.
Perhaps he will live up to the promise of his resume after all, Henry thought. “Well, if you wish to meet the residents most will be up at the Falls for the party. Networking is an important part of our business, Mr. Tate. You might also wish to consider attending the impending opening of the Renegade Steele? Mention my name and I am sure you will be able to obtain tickets. I suppose though you may be lacking companionship, being so newly moved here ? I am sure someone will latch onto you though, since you are a presentable sort”.
“Thanks, I’ll look into that”.
“Once you have finished your coffee, would you like to see the rest of the place ?”
“I’d love to. Since you have been willing to engage me, I guess you have quite a busy trade here?”
“Despite the fact that Haven Falls is a quite small town, we still do well. The Final Rest has a good reputation, so we are often asked to attend the needs of residents from the bigger nearby towns too”.
“That’s impressive”.
“Thank you”.
****
Beyond the heavy drapes and elegant decor of the front of house, the remainder of the Final Rest funeral home took on a very efficient and modern look, whilst remaining very up-market. There was obviously plenty of money knocking around in Haven Falls and its environs, Lyle concluded. Everything seemed to be top of the line here, from the machinery in the embalming suite to the brands of make-up to be used for dressing the bodies for viewing. All in all it was more than Lyle had hoped for.
The visit ate up more time than Lyle had intended, but it gave him an opportunity to gauge his employer, too, and that had been a big part of his plan. He had expected someone quirky; such was a part of the nature of the industry. He had also guessed, from the tone of their previous correspondences, that Henry Vale would be formal and polite, assertive and ‘correct’. Vale was perhaps less ‘quirky’ and more ‘peculiar’ than expected, but he was clearly proud of his business and expected his employees to enhance it rather than merely serve it. By the time he left Lyle had decided he was going to enjoy learning his new trade under the precise and watchful eye of Henry Vale.
****
Yes, Lyle was exactly how Henry Vale had thought he would be. Prim, proper, trusting. The last was key. Now he just had to hope that curiosity didn’t get the better of him while he was working here.
Curiosity not only killed the cat, it killed his last assistant. And it would be a shame for it to happen again.
Haven Falls #52- It Ends with a Bang and a Whimper
Miles Sutherland
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Why do Americans feel the need to add bloody pickles to everything? It was bad enough having to live off take-away. Miles pulled the offending pickle out of his burger and tossed it in the bin. After taking a bite, he snorted as he shoved the rest of his meal back in the paper bag. Americans probably thought Aussies were just as crazy for adding beetroot to their hamburgers. But as the saying goes: You can’t beat a root.
He opened his bottle of water and took a long drink. Beer would have been better but till his shift at the hospital finished, he had to stay sober. While his personal standards may have gone downhill, he still prided himself on his professionalism.
Millie Broadbent who was rostered on as RN had insisted he eat something. Nah, food and corpses weren’t a good mix. He’d had to spend a fair bit of time at the Sheriff’s office, filling out paperwork and arguing about the two dead bodies that had turned up or rather, one and a tenth bodies.
The dead body from Renegade Steel thankfully was all in one piece. Gil and his fellow paramedic had brought the victim into the hospital morgue, and all he’d had to do was attest that, yes, the man was dead. There’d been some muttering about the mortician, Henry Vale, coming in to check it out. But as far as Miles could see, the guy wasn’t a forensic pathologist, so he wasn’t quite sure why he would be involved at this stage of the proceedings.
Vale would be required to dispose of the body once tests had been carried out and the exact cause of death determined, but for now it was safely locked in its body bag in the hospital morgue freezer, waiting for the forensic pathologist from Asher Bay to come next time he was free.
Who knew when that would be given the shortage of people with suitable qualifications in rural areas?
Tough luck for Asher Rose to have a stiff turn up on his doorstep so soon before the grand opening of his establishment. Hopefully the news wouldn’t put a damper on the Fourth of July celebrations. He’d told Gil not to mention it to anyone, but news like that spread like wildfire in a small town.
The hand had been a different matter. Theoretically the presence of a severed hand didn’t automatically mean it was part of a dead body. He’d seen enough human parts over the years to know that. Yet, from the color and the way the blood had congealed within the skin, he’d bet his bottom dollar that the body had been dead when the hand had been cut off.
His initial thought had been that maybe the hand had been cut off to delay identification. If that had been the case, having the dog dig it up must have really stuffed things up. At least now the police had a fair chance of identifying the body or the hand at least.
What were the odds of two possible homicides in one day in a sleepy little town like Haven Falls? That was what had baffled the Sheriff, Lance Peabody, and his deputy, Garth MacTavers. No homicide for ten years and then this.
They’d scoured Haven Falls Park but hadn’t found a body minus a hand.
Miles stretched the cricks out of his back as he crossed the road toward the school and stadium. He hadn’t meant to work double shift, but seeing most of the younger staff members wanted to go to the party at Celestial Falls, it seemed only fair that he stay and hold the fort. Small town hospitals were like that. They had to be. It would be rare for any cases needing a Doctor’s attention tonight, but someone had to be around if there were.
It gave him a good excuse not to attend the party. Gil had checked to see if he wanted to go, but he’d waved him away. July 4 didn’t mean much if you weren’t an American. Being a pom, it hadn’t meant much to Gil either, but Miles recognised the symptoms. The kid was keen on seeing if he could get some action. Given the way the Sheriff had been eyeing him off and the guy who had helped them catch the dog, Gil wouldn’t have much trouble.
What was the Asian looking guy’s name again? Flynn something. He’d mumbled it at the Sheriff’s office when they’d gone there to give their statements. Cocky bastard, but all bark no bite. Liked to think he was tough, but Miles had met kids like that before. Bright, no question about it. Possibly too smart for his own good.
Moments after they were introduced, he’d ignored Miles and focused all his charm on Gil, fixing him in his targets. It would be amusing to watch and see if he was successful. Gil might look like sweet and innocent, but he was nobody’s fool.
When he’d gone jogging with the paramedic, he’d realized just how unfit he was. Maybe walking around the stadium oval might be better to start off with. He had his pager and Millie would call him if he was needed.
Miles sniffed. Did the guy have any idea how many bandages and vaccines that could have paid for? Years of work in Africa had made him too aware of the difference between the haves and have-nots.
Another loud explosion made Miles jump, it was followed by another whine, but this one wasn’t coming from the direction of Celestial Falls, it was coming from underneath the Football Stadium.
Miles headed over. Tucked into as small a space as it could find was the mongrel he’d last seen in the park. Every time a firework went off it would cower and whine again.
As he approached, the dog turned and snarled at him, but the snarl was more from habit than aggression. Judging by the way its tail was tucked between its legs, covering his balls, the dog was petrified. Rufus had been just as bad on New Year’s Eve. Miles smiled, remembering his childhood pet. This mutt wasn’t as pretty as the dog he’d admired outside Glenda’s. For a start it was a bitser. A bit of this and a bit of that. Pure black except for a dirty brown section around its mouth then another running down its chest like a tie. Judging by the size of its black paws, the dog would be a lot bigger when it was fully grown; already it was a fair size. It was hard to tell how long its fur was though as it was a matted mess and tangled with weed seeds. No way could they be brushed out. It would probably need to be cut off.
Miles reached into his bag and pulled out the burger. The dog took one sniff and bared his teeth. He tore the meat into sections and threw a piece in the air. Before the food hit the ground, the dog grabbed it with a sharp snap. Before that piece was swallowed whole its mouth was half open, pink tongue lolling out, ready for the next bit.
Miles gradually fed the rest of his unwanted meal to the dog. When he finished, the animal seemed happier; his tail had even wagged pathetically once or twice.
"Thirsty?" The dog stared at him with his head cocked to one side. "I’ll take that as a, ‘yes’." Miles searched around for a second and found a discarded paper plate wedged in the corner. He straightened it out and poured in some water from his bottle. The dog didn’t even wait for the water to reach the plate, but drank from the stream. Afterward he lapped at the plate, chasing it around as it scooted out of his reach at the onslaught of his tongue. Miles smiled.
The sound of another firework exploding set off another bout of whining. The dog’s legs shook as the animal once again backed away, trying to hide. Miles pulled off his belt. As he fastened the makeshift collar around the dog’s neck, he snorted to himself. One advantage of being overweight was his trousers didn’t need any help to stay up.
Now he had it under control, Miles rubbed the dog behind the flopped over ear. He half expected to be greeted by a snap of the teeth, but the dog flinched away from his touch. "Someone’s given you a hard time, haven’t they?" What was he going to do now? The dog was staring at him as if he wanted to know the answer to that question, too.
Miles sighed. "Sorry, mate, I’m going to have to take you in for questioning. You have the right to remain silent, but remember anything you say may be used against you in court, etc etc."
Haven Falls #56: Three’s A Crowd
Carter Gillespie, Lyle Ashley Tate and Flynn Archer
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Fireworks. Lyle loved fireworks. Such a shame the show was going to go on against so light a background, though. It just didn’t seem right to be seeing fireworks in summertime. The scent of barbecues going full blast wasn’t a decent replacement for that of burning wardrobes, treacle toffee and baked potatoes, either, in his opinion.
Dressed in his second-best suit, but with boots on rather than shoes, Lyle headed towards the Celestial Falls to see what the locals would make of their holiday night. He would have chosen to wear something less formal for such an occasion, except that his new boss had implied that the 4th of July party was an important opportunity for them to network with potential clients. He’d also indicated that Lyle was meant to put on a good show, so suit it was.
To go with the dark blue suit, Lyle had chosen a white shirt and a red tie, in the hope of honouring the day’s colour scheme. His hair still needed cutting, but it would have to wait until tomorrow lunchtime. Feeling slightly rebellious, Lyle had completed his ensemble by securing his tie with a union jack tie tack.
****
Gil decided to leave the bike at home. Walking was the better option. His luck wasn’t in where driving was concerned so he decided that discretion was the better part of valour and put his boots on. He had opted for black jeans, a dark red shirt and black tie.
The walk was pleasant, the weather stayed warm and he was glad to be out. A severed arm this morning and a body this evening had conspired to make him doubt that Haven Falls was the quiet backwater it tried to look like. He walked up the track to Asher’s ranch seeing a few folks heading there as well. He wondered how Asher was doing considering how stressed the man seemed to be last time he saw him.
****
The track to the party venue was quite well-populated by the time Lyle found his way to it. He hadn’t met many people as yet, so he was quite surprised to recognise one of his companions on the road. He wondered whether to call to the paramedic, who he seemed to remember was called Gil. He decided that for a minute or two, though, he’d enjoy the back view of the guy’s ass. With that kind of figure it was likely Gil was already spoken for anyway, even if he hadn’t been in town much longer than Lyle himself.
That thought reminded Lyle how exposed he was feeling at not having a date to take to this party. Any kind of date would have done. He suspected his boss, Henry Vale, would not have appreciated being propositioned, however, and Vale was the only guy Lyle knew besides Gil so far. Maybe the party would help him fix that situation. Damn if they didn’t grow them big and beautiful round here though; at five foot ten and not exactly Adonis-like, Lyle figured he might be waiting a while, and taking the sweepings-up even then.
Gil walked slowly, enjoying the dusk. Something made him turn and he spotted a familiar face. Hm, not the best person to see. He recognised the guy he had nearly broadsided with his bike. Lyle? Ah well, better be friendly. “Hi. Lyle, isn’t it?”
“Oh hi,” Lyle grinned, hoping Gil didn’t realise he’d been checking him out. “You’re still in one piece then ? Glad to see that”. Lyle lengthened his pace to catch up with Gil. That the guy smelled delicious didn’t pass his notice either.
“How’s the job going ? Paramedic, right ?”
Gil threw him a look which spoke volumes. “Busy.” he said succinctly.
Hmmm, not going to get far with that chat up line then, Lyle thought. Pity, since it was likely to be his best attempt this evening, really. This was all new territory, making small talk with gorgeous blokes.
“Sorry,” Gil grinned, “but I thought this place was a sleepy little town. Guess I was wrong. It has hidden depths...” Gil could hear the roar of the falls in the distance. “Looks like we’re nearly there. “
“Hey, Doctor Feelgood!” Flynn was sort of jazzed to see him again, without Sad Max following him around. Goddamn, he was cute. He had no idea who the guy was with him now, but surely he was too old for him.
Gil rolled his eyes. Great. He was being stalked. Still, Flynn was cute in his own way. “Hi, how’s the chin? You recovered yet?”
“I think so, but I may need a second opinion.”
Boy, this guy was quick with the chat up lines. “You can always call into the hospital tomorrow, you know where to find me.” Gil smiled. Maybe he would relent where this one was concerned. “Oh, Flynn,
isn’t it? Meet Lyle. Lyle, you’re new here too yeah? And a fellow Brit...”
“Hi Flynn. Yeah, I just moved here. I’ve been in the States a while though”. Do I tell him what I do ? Hmmm, probably not a good idea. “I ran into Gil yesterday”.
“Oh yeah? You’re a little overdressed for the party, aren’t you?” He plastered on a friendly smile, but really he just wanted to talk to Feelgood.
“Yeah, I guessed I would be, but my new boss made it clear I wasn’t to be a slouch, even when I’m off duty. Apparently he’s quite keen to present a reliable and respectable face to the community”. God, could I sound any more boring and sycophantic ? Maybe I should put on some bottle bottom glasses and a set of braces, at least then I’d be a memorable geek.
“Really?” Flynn rolled his eyes in sympathy. “What a tight ass. I’m glad I don’t have your job. Although having to wear a uniform as a fucking bouncer is bad enough.”
“Bouncers don’t wear uniform where you come from?” Gil was curious. “Some of the guys in the UK do. Mind you, usually in the better class of nightclub.” He had to admit, black was the in-colour even with the non-uniformed bouncers. He admired the amount of flesh on show in front of him. Flynn was definitely showing himself off, no mistake. Cocky little bugger, Gil thought, but he was charming, nevertheless. “Who are you working as bouncer for, Flynn?”
“Asher, at his nightclub. I like to think of it as Renegade Manly Name, but don’t tell him. I need the gig.”
Gil kept his expression bland. No way was he going to reveal what had transpired at the club earlier that evening. He wondered if the club would even open at this rate.
“My boss said I should pick up a ticket for the opening. What kind of place is it ?” Lyle asked.
“Its a posh place, as far as I know. I haven’t seen it though.” It wasn’t a lie, Gil thought, he really hadn’t seen it, he had not been aware of anything beyond the fact that it had a stage and a bar. The finer details had passed him by.