by Dave Balcom
“More like a truck. He’s in here too.”
“The giant?”
“My description exactly.”
“What was that all about?”
“That is the definitive question, doc.”
CHAPTER 50
“His name is Terry Ricketts,” Miles explained to me after I arrived at the sheriff’s office the next day. We were in the conference room. I imagined I looked a sorry mess with a bandage taped over my nose, both eyes black and festooned with butterfly bandages designed to minimize the scarring in my eyebrows when they finally grew back.
I felt worse than I looked, and not for the first time the thought, “I’m too old for this...” was playing an endless loop in the back of my mind.
“He likes to call himself the ‘Uniform Code of Mercenary Justice,’” Lawton said with a wry smile. “He specializes in appearing in the costume of police or military officers and taking victims by surprise. We heard about this creep years ago, but like most of my brethren, I wrote it off to urban legend. I mean, he has been a person of interest many times, but he’s never been charged with a crime.
“I figured he was just a great big myth.”
“He’s mythical, all right,” I grumped. “Jack-and-the-bean-stalk-like.”
He chuckled, and then started the debriefing. “I’m going to record this; Larry over there is going to do the stenographer work, and I’ll have you read and sign it by tomorrow, then I think you need to mosey back to the Blues while you can still mosey.”
“I think I need some answers before I turn my back on this, Miles.”
He nodded, “I think we can have those answers. Mark Decker is resting peacefully following surgery and is expected to fully recover. I expect to talk with him tomorrow at the latest.
“So, Jim, what happened?”
I told him everything that happened right up until the giant collapsed from a lack of oxygen. “You know as much or more than I do from that point on.” With that, he dismissed Larry, and went for more coffee. When he came back, we sat at the conference table with our own thoughts for several minutes, then he started.
“I gave a deposition earlier, and this is how it went. Like you, I thought Mark Decker not showing up, even if just to wring his hands seemed all wrong. Unlike you, I knew he’d owned that place at Starvation Lake for decades and had bought it from Paul Ralph while he was in graduate school – which, by the way, was also paid for by Paul Ralph.
“So I decided to take Andy along and we’d go talk with Mark. The gate was open when we arrived, so I just drove in; fat, dumb, and happy as they say. Imagine my surprise when I knocked on the door and Tony Ralph answered?
“He was even more surprised and flustered than I was, but seconds later, his dad was right beside him, and holding a shotgun pointed at us.
“Mark showed up seconds later, pissed as hell. He ordered Tony around and in seconds they had Andy cuffed, and me tied up – investigators don’t carry handcuffs and stuff, and they sat us in the living room while they decided what to do.
“Mark told Tony to park our vehicle in the barn, and that they’d ‘ship it later.’ Then he sent Paul out to the ATV, and when he drove it up, they piled us in the back of the pickup, and followed us as Tony drove us to the lake.
“It was evident they had done this before, at least Paul and Mark had; I’m not so sure about Tony. He was white as a sheet, just doing whatever his dad or Mark told him to do. He didn’t have a weapon, and he didn’t seem to be tracking all that well, as if he was finding it difficult to think straight.
“Anyway, they had everything they needed in the back of that ATV, and with Mark giving directions, they were going to fill those buckets with Sakrete and toss us one at a time over the side of that boat, never to be seen again.
“They said the concrete would harden over time, but by then we’d be ten feet or more into the marl. They said by the time our bodies rotted, the low level acid in the lake would have disintegrated us.
“Mark said the only part that would be tough on us was the first two minutes when we drowned... He’s one cold sonovabitch, I’ll tell you.”
I was speechless. My mind was going a million miles an hour and getting nowhere. “Why?”
“We won’t know until one of them talks. Tony has withdrawn into himself. A shrink at the hospital said he’s displaying PTSD symptoms, not unlike a boot who finds himself in the shit on his first day in the field, or a plane crash survivor who finds himself walking in the midst of the debris.
“I don’t think he was a willing participant, but I can’t be sure. Hopefully we’ll end up with some coherent information from him.
“Betty has nothing to share. She was taken from her home, and told to stay in her new room until they could go home again. She just keeps repeating, ‘They never forget; they never forgive.’ It’s chilling to be with her very long; it may just be progressive dementia or she’s snapped at the realization of something...”
Jan came in with two more coffees, and asked how much longer we’d be there.
“I guess you can go back to the hotel, but please, no trips to Annie’s or anything. We can’t be sure that there’s not another hitter out there waiting for a shot at you; I’d be really careful if I were you.”
“Thanks for your concern, Miles; but the ‘why?’ is not getting any clearer. If you want, I’d be willing to sit down with Mark Decker as soon as he’s able.”
“Gee, would you Mr. Stanton? How gracious of you. Yeah, I don’t think so, pal. But I promise you’ll have my full report after I’m done. Now go start healing.”
Jan drove to the hotel, woke me up when we arrived, and led me up to the room.
I kept nodding off as I was trying to undress; finally I just gave up and let sleep overtake me.
CHAPTER 51
I woke up minutes before I opened my eyes; fumbling in my mind trying to recall where I was and why so much of me hurt. Then the pressure on my bladder outweighed the soreness in the rest of my body, and I decided to be awake. Bright sunshine was streaming into the room, and from the looks of it, it was late afternoon.
I felt as if I creaked as I hobbled to the john; when I walked back to the bed I let myself down easy, pulled the covers to my chin and tried to go back to sleep.
Seconds later, it seemed, I felt movement on the other side of the bed, and a sudden draft worked its way up my back. I cracked a lid and saw in the half light of the room that Jan was making her way to the bathroom. I thought that was a bit strange somehow, but I couldn’t figure out why, and then I let myself drift off again.
The long light of late afternoon was back when I woke up the next time, and Judy’s cold nose was resting on the bed just barely touching my forehead. I suddenly felt my heart rate spike with the thought, “Why?”
I started to jump out of bed, but found myself too stiff and sore. I forced myself to look into my core and practice minding my center. I lay there for minutes and felt peace come over me.
“That’s amazing,” I heard Jan whisper. “To see you do that, even after all the times I’ve seen it, each time it’s simply amazing. You wake with a start, God knows you ought to after what you’ve been through; but then in just seconds you take control of your pulse, your blood pressure – you calm yourself.”
I peered at her, and saw she was fully dressed, sitting in the chair at bedside; the ever-present crossword puzzle on her lap. “What time?” I asked.
“Four-thirty or about...”
“Seems longer than that. Feels like I’ve been asleep for days.”
“It should. It’s 4:30 on Wednesday. You conked out; the doctor came to you, can you believe it? Anyway, he said you weren’t in a coma, just sleeping it off, and that you’d wake up when you were ready... Where you going?”
“John; where else?”
I put my feet on the floor, and forced myself upright. I felt really tall – I know I am tall, but I mean really tall; like on stilts. I hobbled to the bathroom. After relieving
myself, I climbed into the shower and turned it on.
The first spray, of course, was ice cold, but I just took it, letting the water beat on my head, feeling it growing warmer and feeling myself coming out of wherever I had been.
I shaved and padded naked back into the room.
“Wow!” Jan whispered. “That’s a kaleidoscope of colors not usually found in nature. You have creative bruising ability, dear.”
“I’m glad you appreciate my talent,” I said as I pulled underwear from a drawer. “I’m going to dress and find food; you want to go with?”
“We’re inseparable; believe me.” She stood up, put her arms around me, and planted a very provocative kiss on my mouth.
“Maybe food can wait,” I deadpanned.
“So can we,” she said, breathing on my collar bone. Then she gave me another squeeze and stepped away to let me finish dressing.
We were drinking coffee after dinner at a nice little restaurant just down the street from the hotel. We weren’t saying much, but I was feeling the restorative powers of a shave, shower, and rare steak with salad and baked potato.
“What are you thinking about, Jim?” Jan asked.
“Apple or pecan.”
“You can’t be serious; you just ate a 20-ounce porterhouse with all the trimmings and you’re going to add pie?”
“And maybe ice cream.”
“Good lord,” she muttered.
At that moment Miles joined us, “Mind if I sit with you?”
I found myself happy to see him. “Of course! Want some pie?”
“No, thanks,” he said grinning. “I’m looking at the debris of your dinner, and I understand.”
“There’s nothing to understand except pie with or without ice cream,” I said doggedly.
He grinned at Jan, “There’s nothing to understand other than the pure joy of being alive when that question has been nip and tuck for a while.”
“No idea what you’re talking about,” I muttered, looking down at my plate.
“Of course not. But from the looks of things, you’re feeling a lot better now,” he said with a laugh.
“He’s doing great,” Jan said. “How is it going for you with Decker?”
“Not so hot. We’ve gotten a look inside a very complicated family situation from talking with Paul and Tony, but Mark has refused to speak at all. Won’t even say what he wants for lunch or dinner. Just looks at the nurse and gives her a ‘whatever’ shrug. Eats what they bring him, and turns towards the wall and lays there. It’s as if he’s waiting for something or someone to show up.”
We sat together until my coffee was cold. The waitress came back a third time so I asked her for the tab. She smiled and put it on the table. The look in her eye told me she had been waiting so she could go home.
I realized we were the only ones left in the dining room, and instantly felt guilty. Back to the hotel, I let Judy out of her crate and took her outside. We stood around while she checked all the spots she had in that yard, and then came and sat next to my left leg.
“I guess we can go inside now,” I said.
“I’d like a nightcap,” Miles said. “Join me?”
Jan started to say something, then caught a look on Miles’ face and changed her mind, “Sure.”
I finally noticed Miles had his briefcase slung over his shoulder. He led the way to a booth at the back of the little lounge, put his luggage down and raised an eyebrow, “Makers?”
“Neat,” Jan said with a smile.
“Rocks,” I said.
He returned a few minutes later with the drinks, and slid into the booth. I couldn’t take my eyes off the bag in the middle of the table.
“What’s up, Miles?”
“I do believe he’s recovered,” the investigator said, raising his glass in a toast-like gesture. “I want to say ‘thank you’ without getting all emotional, but I can’t seem to pull it off. You saved my hide, Mr. Stanton. My debt to you continues to mount, I don’t know how I, Gail, or the boys will ever be able to thank you.”
I stretched my glass out to his and touched it with a subtle little click; Jan did the same, whispering, “Hear, hear!”
“Just being my friend is all the thanks I’d ever hope for, sir.”
“Well, I’ve got to try harder than that, so, if you’re still interested, I’ve arranged for you to meet with Mark Decker.”
“When?”
“Whenever you’re ready. We’re done with you unless he actually talks with you, then we’ll want a debriefing, but otherwise, I think you should, you know, mosey.”
“Same ground rules as with Credenza?”
He nodded. “My folks all think that’s the only hope there is to getting some answers.”
“You don’t think Paul Ralph will provide us with any?”
“He might to you; you want to have a go with him, too?”
“I’d like to talk with all three of them, but I have a feeling Decker is key.”
“Say when.”
“Tomorrow. I’m ready right now, but I have another engagement. But anytime tomorrow, just let me know.”
He tossed off the rest of his drink. “I’ll call in the morning, after nine.” With that he left, the brief case still on the table. Jan started to call after him, but I stopped her by touching her hand.
“He forgot...”
“No, he didn’t forget. We’ll give it back to him in the morning. But I think it’s time for bed.”
She thought for a second, then got up, took my hand, and led me to our room as I carried the bag.
I put the bag on the couch while she used the bathroom. She came out in a short, flimsy nightgown. I readied myself for bed, and made my way to the bed in the dark after turning off the bathroom light.
I pulled back the covers, got in and felt the warmth and love of her as I snuggled into her arms. “You think pie is an appropriate celebration of life, Mr. Stanton? Get a load of this...”
CHAPTER 52
I awoke in the half light of dawn, kissed Jan lightly on the cheek and carefully pried myself loose of her warmth. I hit the shower, started coffee in the maker, and sat at the little desk in the room for a few minutes. Then I opened Lawton’s bag.
As expected I found a case file marked simply “Ralph” and both Jan’s and my handguns.
They had both been cleaned spotless after going through finger printing, test shooting, etc. The extra shells that I had taken with me were also there.
I checked the auto and found it loaded; I ensured the safety was on and set it aside. The Taurus revolver has a built-in locking mechanism that provides the same storage security as a trigger lock. I had given the key to the officer who took possession of the weapon, and I found it dangling on a paper clip that had been fashioned around the trigger guard.
I unlocked it, checked the cylinder to ensure it was loaded, and then pocketed the key. It wouldn’t be locked in storage again until I was safely on my way to the Blue Mountains.
Inside the jacket of the case file, I found a note: “20-gauge Benelli is at the Sheriff’s Department armory and can be claimed during normal business hours, M-F. – ML”
I heard the coffee finish and went to pour myself a cup, then settled down with the report and read until I heard Jan stirring. Then I went out to find a sweet treat to go with my gal’s daily coffee ritual.
At nine, my phone rang, and it was Miles. “Up and at ’em?”
“Thanks for the bag of goodies; and somebody needs to hear how nice it was to see everything cleaned and taken care of; that hasn’t always happened in my experience.”
“So noted, and I will pass that on to the boys. You’re all set with Mark Decker at 10:30. His lawyer will be there when you arrive; you’ll have to finesse that as best you can.”
“Who is his lawyer? Bittner?”
“No. Bittner has dropped both Mark and Tony like a hot rock. This guy is local; court-appointed. Seems to have a decent reputation among the local police.”
“Meeting in his hospital room?”
“Yeah, but he’s up and about. He’s still not talking to anyone, so it might be a short meeting.”
“Nothing ventured...”
“Right.”
I walked into the hospital room and found Mark Decker sitting at a small table with a young man who I presumed was his attorney. The officer at the door had frisked me, put a “Hi, I’m” sticker on my shirt with my name on it before unlocking the door.
The young man stood as I walked in and extended his hand, “Hi, I’m Steve Morrow, attorney for Mr. Decker.”
“Jim Stanton.”
“I know who you are, Mr. Stanton. You’re the man who trespassed on my client’s property, broke into his home and shot him with a shotgun.”
“Nice try, counselor. I’m here to have a discussion with your client. I’m not working for the authorities. I’m not wearing a wire. I’m here under the same guidelines I’ve lived with my entire adult life dealing with confidential sources. I’m looking for information that will help me know why there have been two attempts on my life in the last week and both appear to have been by paid killers. If Mr. Decker can help me understand this, he can rest assured that I will not divulge his words to the police or the prosecutors who don’t need any more evidence to send him to Jackson for the rest of his life.”
The silence in the room lasted more than a few minutes. The attorney returned to the table and started to sit when Decker gave a flicking motion with his fingers, as if he were shooing away a fly. “Take a hike, Morrow; I’ll see you at the arraignment tomorrow, and it’ll go just as you said. Now, give me some space; I know of this guy’s reputation. I’ll be all right.”
Morrow started to protest, thought better of it, and walked out of the room.
I sat down. Decker had what looked like serious bandages across his upper torso, and there were several small bandages on his cheeks and one nasty looking thing on his right ear.