The three police officers combed Larkin and Ray's property in a downpour. They covered different areas and met back at the gazebo. They were soaked to the bone.
Baker said, "There's not a trace of her, Ray. Any tracks have been washed away. Do you think she came for Parker?"
"Yes, I do, and he's obviously terrified of her. I haven't gotten the whole story yet."
They headed inside.
♥♥♥ Back in the house, Parker kept a constant watch out the window, his hand against his temple. Larkin came up behind him and rubbed his back in comfort as she asked, "Are you all right, honey?"
"She's so mad, Larkin. You should've heard the way she shrieked. Even when she was messed up, I never heard that kind of yell come from her. She didn't like hearing that I changed my name."
"Parker, are all the scars from the Byrds?"
He shivered. "You can't see the scars she left on me,
Larkin. You know, the old adage is wrong. Words do hurt. Bruises heal. Doctors can fix scars, but words last forever." "Do you want to tell me what she said?"
"She never wanted me. You know I told Ray I sometimes
stole things so she could get a fix."
"Yes."
"That was because she was nicer when she was high.
Otherwise, she was angry all the time. She told me once that
she went to get an abortion, but there were too many pro-life
protesters. When she said that, Fritz slapped her and called her
a bitch. Not long after that is when he left for a long time.
When he wasn't around, Mom was a hundred times worse. She
frequently told me how I was the worst mistake of her life. She
told me how stupid I was. She said I was a faggot." He brushed
unwanted tears from his cheeks. "Sometimes she would tell me
she wished I would die."
He leaned his head against the cool glass of the window
pane. "Sometimes I wanted to die. When she was high, she
would tell me I was her beautiful baby and that she loved me. "Most of the time I took care of her. I made sure she ate
something and took a bath. Larkin, I had to bathe my mother."
He took a shuddering breath. "Do you know how awkward that
was for me?"
"Baby, I'm so sorry. I don't know what to say or do." "Don't make me leave. Let me stay here." His voice
trembled. "Don't let her take me away."
"Baby, Ray has custody of you. He loves you, you know.
The only way you'll be leaving this house, this family, is over
our dead bodies."
"That's what I'm afraid of." Parker turned from staring out
the window. "I wish you were my mother."
"But I am. I'm you stepmother, and I love you." Larkin
hugged him. "Now, I'm gonna be your mother." She put his
stringy hair behind his ear. "I see you rubbing your head just
like your father does. Are you getting a migraine?"
"Yeah," he whispered. "And I feel sick."
"Okay. I have an herbal tea I want you to drink, and I want
to start you on some vitamin supplements—riboflavin, omega
oils, nothing to be afraid of. I want to avoid drugs if at all
possible. Ray only uses them now when he’s hit hard. Now, go
upstairs and change clothes. You're soaked. I imagine Sheena
is, too. See if some of my warm-ups will fit her. I’ll brew the
tea for when you come down."
Parker started up the stairs.
His stepmother put a gentle hand on his arm. "And know
this, Parker Reynolds: I don't believe for one minute that you
were walking in the rain."
♥♥♥ Larkin headed into her kitchen to make the herbal tea. She discovered Lawrence Dantzler standing at the back door with his hand gun at the ready.
"What the devil are you doing?" she demanded.
"My job." The Viking-like man turned toward her. "Ray only asked his close friends to go in search of this woman, but we all heard. I have my other three agents at all your home entrances. Your brother-in-law was nice enough to show us where to go. We can’t be too careful. Ray thinks this Mia chick might be a cold-blooded killer."
"He does?"
"That’s all I’m saying to you."
"Fine, but can you holster the weapon? Parker’s coming in here for some headache relief." She cocked an eyebrow at Dantzler.
"Sure. I know he’s a scared kid." He placed the gun inside his jacket. "I’m a quick draw if need be."
"Thanks."
Parker came in as Larkin placed her tea kettle on a burner. Sheena tagged along in hot pink sweats that belonged to her hostess.
"Thanks for the dry clothes," Sheena said. "Courtney picked them out. I’m not a pink person." She grinned ruefully.
"Just return them on some future visit." Larkin scooped a couple of teaspoons of a mixture into a cup.
"What is it?" Parker asked, pointing.
"Willow, ginger, coriander, feverfew, lime, and peppermint," Larkin answered as the kettle whistled. She poured the hot water over the mixture and stirred. "Drink," she said. "It tastes okay, and it will help the headache."
Parker obeyed.
The group in the kitchen headed to the living room when they heard the front door open. Larkin took a moment to bolt the back door. Dantzler gave her a quick affirming nod.
♥♥♥ When Ray, Baker, and Chris got back, most of the guests prepared to leave. Parker stood across the room from Sheena until Larkin whispered, "Kiss her good night already."
"Her father's here."
"And?"
"He'll kill me."
"No, he won't. Are you gonna do anything besides kiss her?
This isn't the gazebo, Parker."
Parker blushed to the roots of his hair. "Why would you say
that?"
Larkin laughed. "Lindsay liked our gazebo, too." "Popular spot, huh?" he said with a grin. "Lindsay and
Dupree liked your gazebo?"
"No, Lindsay and three or four other boys she dated before
Dupree told her he was going get some of his old gang buddies
to kill all of them."
"Was he serious?"
"No, but it got Lindsay's attention. Now, go kiss your girl
good night."
Parker approached the Johnsons as they started out the
door. He clasped Sheena's hand and pulled her aside. "I just
wanted to say good night." He put his hands on her shoulders
and leaned in for a good-night kiss, which Sheena gladly gave. She whispered, "Maybe next time we won't get
interrupted."
"How about tomorrow night? We could go to a movie." "You sure that’s safe?"
He shrugged. "If nothing else, I can get Ray to drive us.
He’ll make sure we’re okay."
"In that case, yes. Pick me up at six."
"I'll be there."
♥♥♥ Raif and his family prepared to leave, as did Audrey and Walter. All of them told Ray to call if he needed them and they would see him Saturday. Albert and Dorothy were there until Sunday.
Parker asked, "Papaw, what happens Saturday?" "Larkin's annual Christmas tree decorating party. There's another feast, but just party food, and all the family members have a special ornament with their name on it. Larkin's is an angel. Ray has a policeman's badge. Raif has a little house. Chris has one for a best friend. Dupree's is a microphone. Lindsay has a magnifying glass because she's such a snoop. Audrey's is a book because she’s a librarian. Walter has a nutcracker because he goes to the Nutcracker Ballet every year. All the children have one for their first Christmas. Meemaw and I have red and green rocking chairs that have our names on the back and Meemaw and Papaw on the front—I got the green one because Meemaw is feistier." He chuckled. "Larkin was pregnant before their first Christmas
together. I already saw the one she bought for you."
"She bought me one?" Parker's eyes danced.
"Of course she did. You're a member of the family now."
"What did she get me?"
"She might not want me to ruin the surprise."
Tugging at his grandfather's arm, he coaxed, "Please, Papaw?"
"Oh, boy! You're worse than Ray. Act surprised." "I promise."
"It's a little motorcycle with your name on the seat." "That's so cool!"
"That's our Larkin. After the tree is all trimmed and the house is all decked out, we have to sing, 'O, Christmas Tree,' and she reads the story of the first Christmas tree, although she can just about recite it after all these years."
"I've never heard that."
"Just wait. You'll have fun."
"Can I bring Sheena?"
"I'm sure you can."
When the last guest left and Albert and Dorothy went to bed and while Larkin insisted that Christopher and Courtney go to bed, Ray talked to his son.
"Parker, I want to know what Mia did to you to make you so afraid of her. I know damned well it's more than the verbal abuse you told Larkin about. Don't try to protect her, and don't look shocked that Larkin told me. We don't keep secrets from each other."
"She's my mother."
"Parker!" Ray jabbed a finger toward the front door. "When you came in that door, you were terrified. I can't help you if you aren't honest with me."
There were tears on the teenager’s cheeks. "Do you remember what I told you about Fritz saying he would take me away?"
"Yes, but you never called him."
"Yes, I did—over and over. It's like he disappeared without a trace. I think Mom did something to him. After he left she told me that anybody who took me from her again would be sorry. Then, when I got caught shoplifting and was sent to juvey the first time, when I got out she was so mad, not because I went to juvey, but because I got caught. She threatened to kill me if it ever happened again." He opened and closed his fists a dozen times in rapid succession. "So, I took to pick-pocketing and panhandling. Then, I did do a couple of B and E's, and I got caught. I went to juvey again. When I got out that time, Mom actually held a gun to my head." His breath came in short gasps. "Then, she got high and was all apologetic. I was actually glad when the DHS lady took me away. I went to stay with Miss Maxi that time. She was nice, but six months later I was back with Mom."
"Why didn't you tell the judge these things?"
"I was too scared. I'm sorry." Parker was crying like a little baby. "I should never have come here. Now, she's mad at you. What if she was armed tonight? I could have got you killed."
Ray grabbed Parker and pulled him to him. "Shh. You're safe here. I won't let her hurt you. Don't you dare think about leaving. I lied to you, too. I got my gun out of the car. So did Chris and Baker. I didn't want to shoot Mia, but I couldn't take any chances. I swear, Parker, if anyone were to hurt you, I would kill him or her. That includes your mother. I love you, Parker."
Parker wrapped his arms around Ray and held on for dear life.
♥♥♥ Ray made sure all the doors and windows to his home were locked. Then, he escorted his nearly-grown son to bed. He sat beside him until Parker's breathing became slow and even.
After Parker finally fell asleep, Ray came downstairs and called the station to arrange around-the-clock surveillance on his own house. A patrol car was outside within half an hour.
The next morning, nobody got up early. At nearly noon, Larkin and Ray dragged into the kitchen and had coffee together. A little later, all three children wandered in. Larkin made toasted ham and cheese sandwiches with fresh fruit and chips just in time for Meemaw and Papaw as they shambled in last. Larkin slipped a couple of vitamin’s into Parker’s hand. "Every day from now on," she said. "And a healthy diet."
With a nod, Parker swallowed the B vitamin and an omega 3 capsule with a large glass of orange juice.
Later in the day, Parker approached Ray. "Ray, I have a date with Sheena tonight."
Ray scowled. "I don't think that's a good idea."
"Please? You said I could use one of the cars."
"That's not the point. I'm worried about your mother."
"We're going to the movies. You could drive us, but we'll be in a public place, and I have my phone. I'll call you if there's any sign of trouble. Remember, Sheena has a black belt. She'll take care of me." He widened his eyes.
Ray paced back and forth a couple of times. He stopped and held up a finger. "You can go if you call me when you get there and then when you leave. Don't go parking tonight."
"What?"
"Don't go somewhere to make out. It's too dangerous right now."
"Will it be all right to go to her house after the movie?"
"If you call me when you get there and when you get ready to leave. I'm not trying to keep tabs on you. I'm trying to keep you safe."
"I know. Ray, did you know that Sheena is my first girlfriend ever?"
"I thought maybe considering your history. She's a sweet girl."
"You don't have a problem with us making out?"
Laughing Ray said, "Parker, I'm not that old. I was a teenager once. I'm gonna tell you the same thing Papaw told me. Don't be stupid. Keep it covered one way or another. I hope you wait to have sex, but if you don't, please, be careful."
Parker blushed. "What's wrong?" asked Ray. "You never had the birds-and-bees talk before?"
"No, sir. Not really."
"You do know the facts of life, don't you?"
"Yes, but I didn't learn them from anyone who cared."
"Well, I care. Is there anything you'd like to ask me?"
"No, Ray. I know how babies are made." He fidgeted. He was deeply embarrassed by the topic of conversation. An ugly thought flitted across his mind. Apparently you didn't listen to Papaw's advice when you made me.
"Do you know how diseases are caught?" Ray asked.
Parker focused his attention on his father.
"How about how hearts are broken?"
"Don't you know that I'm heartless, Ray? That's what Mom used to say."
"It's a lie!"
"Thanks."
"Come with me."
"Where?"
"To pick out your car."
In the garage where Ray had his 1967 fully restored black Mustang Shelby GT convertible, the vintage 1956 silver Ford Thunderbird, along with several other cars in various stages of restoration, such as a white 1970 Dodge Charger, a 1978 gold Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, a blood-red 1963 Corvette Stingray, and a black 1986 Ferrari Testarossa, Ray walked to his toolbox. Then, he put his hand in Parker's. "Here."
Parker exclaimed, "What the?"
"Shh." He waved a frantic hand. "Keep your voice down. Just in case. Put 'em in your wallet. And, please, don't tell Larkin. She would skin me."
Parker laughed. Once again he tried to picture Larkin in an act of actual violence. He sobered as he remembered Christopher had told him Larkin had shot and killed Latrice Descartes. "It's our secret," he promised. He furrowed his brow. "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Did you use condoms with my mom?"
"Well, shit," muttered Ray. "Make me look like a hypocrite, why don't you?"
"That's what I thought."
"Learn from my mistakes."
"Your mistake?"
"Damn, it, Parker. I don't mean that you're a mistake."
"Really? You don't regret making me?"
"No, I regret not knowing about you. I wish I could go back and make your life better."
Parker was quiet for a long moment. He nodded. "Okay. Can I use the T-bird?"
"You know it."
♥♥♥
At exactly six o'clock, Parker pulled into the driveway of the tasteful house Raiford Gautier had designed for his friends. After Terry Johnson was discharged from the military, he came to work for Bertram and Gautier as a construction engineer and eventually vice president in charge of
construction. Parker called Ray and informed him the second he answered, "Hey. I'm here. As soon as I get Sheena we're going to the theater. I'll call you when we get there."
"I'm holding you to it, son," Ray said with authority. The conversation ended.
Parker knocked and Sheena bounced out the door. Terry Johnson said, "Excuse me," from the doorway.
"Hello, Mr. Johnson," said Parker. "We're going to a movie and then back here if that's all right with you. Ray wants us somewhere safe after last night."
"That's wise. What are you gonna see?"
"I don't know yet. I'll let Sheena choose."
"Score a few points, huh?"
"No." Parker jammed his hands in his pockets and felt the two foil packs. He jerked his hands out and turned beet-red. His face felt aflame.
"Relax, Parker." Terry smirked. "I was teasing you. Have fun."
"We'll probably be back about nine."
"That's fine."
Sheena frowned at her father, grabbed Parker's hand, and pulled him toward the car.
When they parked at the theater, Parker called Ray. They decided to go to the new Star Trek movie although they had both seen it. They got popcorn and a Coke to share and sat on the farthest row in the rear where a velvet curtain brushed the backs of the seats. They took turns feeding each other popcorn before the movie started. Since the flick had been playing several weeks, the theater was not crowded. They had the back row to themselves.
Shortly into the movie, Parker put his arm around Sheena. She lifted the armrest between the two seats and scooted closer. In the dark, he found her mouth and they kissed deeply. He discreetly slid his hand under her sweater and caressed her breast through her lacy bra. She slid her hand up his thigh.
Suddenly, someone sat down beside Parker and whispered, "You need to use the restroom. Don't make a scene and the pretty little girl will be just fine. I'm happy to see that at least you're not a faggot."
Parker whispered to Sheena, "I need to use the restroom." He handed the keys to the car to her and squeezed her hand hard enough to hurt, hoping she would get a clue.
The person who sat down left. Then, Parker left.
In the lobby Parker said, "Mom, what do you want? Can't you leave me alone? I'm happy for the first time I can ever remember."
Mia glared at her son. "Happy? You little traitor! Outside on the bike now!"
Heartless (The Raiford Chronicles) Page 12