“Lance! Let’s get moving boy! I don’t know the man in the van and he’s following us. I’m worried! We need to keep moving! Do you see that sign there? We can get gas a half mile away. Now move your feet!” Angie screamed.
Tears kept streaming as Lance picked up the pace. A yellow jeep approached and slowed down. Finally, it pulled off the highway right behind them. A woman dressed in cowboy boots, denim skirt, jacket and pale orange button-up blouse stepped out of the Jeep and asked, “Ma'am, you and your boy okay?”
“We’re fine just walking to the next exit. Thank you.”
“Don’t take a ride from crazy Larry in that white van over there. They’ve never found his last wife or girlfriend. He lived in a mental hospital many years ago. They released him a short time ago. They have no proof and without the bodies, they can’t prosecute. Just stay away from him he’s a whole bunch of crazy.”
Looking toward Lance and tightening her grip on his hand further Angie said, “See you just can’t trust strangers. Crazy Larry; what’s next a hailstorm?” she said asking the heavens.
“In good conscience I cannot leave you and your boy out here alone with crazy Larry. I can follow you as you walk or I can give you a ride it's a half mile up.”
Cars continued to pass them at lightning speed. Snow swirled on the ground like thoughts sped through Angie’s mind like cars around a racetrack.
First incriminating evidence appears in my trunk, mysteriously, and now this. Should I trust this woman, she did stop to tell us about crazy Larry. Anyway, it's close to negative ten and I’m exhausted!
“Here’s the deal. How about you give me your keys and you let me drive us to the next exit. My boy and I ride up front and you ride in the backseat. I want your driver’s license and show me that you do not have any guns on you.”
“I understand you’re trying to keep you and your boy safe, okay. Here’s my driver’s license.” she said approaching Angie with license in hand. She patted herself down on the back and front to show her blouse and jacket laid flat.
Tossing Angie the keys she jumped in the backseat of the jeep as her skirt twirled around like a Texas do-se-do.
Jumping into the jeep Angie intended to make this half-mile trip resemble a Bonnie and Clyde get-away. Putting the pedal to the metal with little time for small talk Angie kept a death grip on her eyes in the rear view mirror and asked, “You’re from Colorado. What brings you here? Why did you stop to help us?”
“Yes ma'am, I own six hundred acres in Colorado, I run a ranch out there. Horses and mountains, that’s my perfect life, my brother and my niece needed help for a bit. They’re having a rough go of it as someone raped my niece. I stopped to protect you from crazy Larry.”
“Thank you for doing so. We needed to catch a break. Did they catch the pig?”
“No, but if they don’t, we will. I feel sorry for him when we do. Where we come from, we have a tendency to take justice in our own hands, that’s why crime rates in Colorado pale in comparison to other states. In the mountains, nearly everyone carries a weapon. We prefer to carry out justice by the people, not in a crooked judicial court where favorable decisions are for sale.”
Arriving at the gas station Lance and Angie made a quick exit from the car. Tossing her the keys Angie said, “Thanks, I appreciate it.”
“Right back at ya cowgirl, keep it light keep it easy. Catch ya on the flip side!” she said as she jumped in the front seat, pushed up her sunglasses and hauled ass out of the gas station parking lot.
Sitting on a parking block flanking the building Lance and Angie took a momentary refuge in tears as she realized they dodged another major catastrophe with Crazy Larry. Oblivious to the piercing cold and more attuned to the rage welling deep inside her Angie retreated. Craig continued to dodge bullets and sail through life while Angie trudged through the tar pits, alone with Lance. With water-works still in action, a warm embrace served as reward for foiling the efforts of the grim reaper.
You’ll pay Craig Freeman! You and your brother Martin will pay; mark my words!
Angie sat listless while holding Lance in her arms. Anxiety permeated Angie’s demeanor, as visions spun of Craig getting slammed to the ground. She’d walk toward him questioning his consciousness with foot raised. A quick nudge revealed he still gasped for air, then the wailing on his ribs would commence as he winced in pain. This slow motion delight breathed new life inside her.
“Come on Lance. We need to find someone to fix our car door. There’s one way to go and it's up.” Angie said while drying the remnants of a momentary indulgence that rolled down her cheek.
As they began to walk toward the gas station door, the little boy in Lance began to take over. “Mom, do we have to go in there, it smells?”
“It smells like what?”
“It smells like gas and it’s gross. Mom, I don’t want to go in there!” Lance said while shuffling his feet in rebellion.
Raising her voice a few octaves Angie said, “Lance, I understand you’re getting bored. We don’t have access to the car with the handle broken. We need to go in here and find a repair shop in the phone book. Please stop the whining!”
Angie’s paper-thin nerves began to get the better of her. Acquiescing for a moment, her arms hung loosely at her sides like a tattered cloth-doll that lost half its stuffing. The fierce burning sensation in her legs overpowered any thoughts.
“I’m hungry. Can we get dinner? Can’t we go to a park? Does this restaurant have a play area? I don’t want to go in there and eat I want to go to a restaurant with a play area.” Lance said while fidgeting.
Trying to reason with Lance and hold on to her last ounce of composure Angie said, “Lance please cooperate with me on this; please! I understand you don’t want to do this however we need a new door handle! Now enough already sit still and stop whining!”
A clerk interrupted the tense scene and asked, “Can I help you ma'am?”
Deep breaths Angie, just hang in there. Deep breaths. People get what’s coming to them.
Angie took a deep breath and regained some form of semblance before saying, “Our car needs a repair. We’re about a mile back, parked at the rest area. We can’t get into the car. Do you have a phone book? I need to look up repair shops?”
“I can do you one better. Talk about the right time in the right place. Ed, sitting there in the last booth in Perkins well he’s our resident mechanic. That man lives to repair vehicles; it’s his pride and joy. Don’t mind him if he has not finished his dinner yet. Marlene, his wife, told me she has him on a diet, he eats his fourth meal here every day.”
“Thank you.”
“Mom I’m getting hungry I want to eat.” Lance says reminding Angie; they had not had dinner yet.
“In a minute Lance, let me take care of getting the car repaired and then we’ll sit and eat.” Angie said void any patience.
“Excuse me Ed, the server told me I could ask you about getting my car repaired.”
“Yes ma'am, what do you need?”
“My car needs a repair.” she said handing him the remainder of the door handle.
“Yes you do. Let me guess, a Buick.”
“A Buick Century, the handle cracked today while at the rest area about a mile back.”
“Will the car run?” Ed asked.
“Yes, but the other three handle broke long ago. Now I have no access to get inside the car.”
“Oh. Well then, I’d better get The Big Easy. We began using it around here after the big pile up in the fog last September. Works miracles for getting into vehicles. Wait here while I get your car. Perhaps you and your son can enjoy a bite to eat while I get your car?”
“Well if you don’t mind we will take you up on that offer.” Angie said.
Lance chimed in, “Yeah! Let’s stay in here and eat, I’m starving!”
“Out here in these parts if the pistol packing thieves don’t kill you the cold will. Now enjoy a hot meal in a safe environment and I’ll go get t
he car. Keys please.”
Tossing the keys, anger and rage welled up again as Craig averted another disaster.
That rotten prick’s nerves nowhere near resemble the razor-blade thinness of mine.
Ideas began to percolate on how to destroy his.
One day he’ll get what’s coming to him. WHAMO! He’ll never see it coming! If an injustice ever walked across God’s green earth it’s Craig Freeman! One day he’ll not walk, he’ll crawl! He will slither like a rat snake across the barren desert landscape begging for mercy and just as he has abandoned his blood, they will abandon him.
“How long will you need to fix my Buick?”
“Don’t think I keep any of these in stock. Give me about two hours as I may have to have the part delivered.”
“Thank you for your help, I appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome; you and the boy enjoy dinner and I’ll work on your car. I’ll come back and pick you up when I’m finished.” the mechanic said.
Settling in the menu held Lance’s attention while Angie’s wandered. They could make a freaking movie about my life called Bargaining Chip where I’d hire a hit man to put Craig out of commission and leave him in the gutter like he left us. Hope will dangle just out of his grasp leaving him without options while his torture ensues at a snail’s pace.
A slender server in a dark blue uniform approached and asked, “Would you like something to drink?”
Angie’s shattered nerves prompted her to ask, “A rum and coke please, heavy on the rum?”
Chapter 14
“I needed to use a computer that has access to the Internet.” Angie said.
“Sure can I see your library card please?”
Angie handed her library card to the clerk. She wrote down the last four digits of Angie’s card number in her log register.
“You’ll have thirty minutes on the computer and then the software logs you off automatically.”
“Thank you.” Angie said amid an increasing heart rate.
Walking toward a row of computers in the somber atmosphere the geometric blue and beige pattern on the commercial-grade carpet lulled her senses. The warm air inside the library held the scent of fresh magazines and provided needed solace for Angie that morning.
How will I find Mandy? I know she left Florida years ago for Michigan as she stated in the letters.
Angie searched for the allotted half hour yet discovered nothing about Mandy. She turned off the computer, stood up half-defeated and made her way to the vestibule. Walking among the latest round of artist’s work on the walls, she remained deep in thought.
How will I find Mandy? I cannot find her name or number listed anywhere on the Internet.
Angie walked past an oil painting. This rendering of a summer cottage on Dodge Lake reminded her of her childhood. She’d visited a cabin on this lake as a young woman where the white Queen’s Anne’s Lace flowers overtook a meadow next to the lake and gently danced in the breeze. A weathered gray dock extended into the lily pads in the painting. This reminded Angie of summer afternoons she’d spent on the dock of her grandfather’s cottage in a blue bathing suit adorned with a white daisy on the chest. She’d waded away many afternoons staring at the bullfrogs perched on the lily pads in the lake.
Ahh, how wonderful.
The next masterpiece Angie passed showcased charcoal images of a woman working behind a metal cage with crowds of people holding whips in their hands lashing out at her. Above the woman’s cage sat the words, County Clerk, printed in bold red letters with blood dripping from them.
Angie’s nervous twitch roared in like a fast moving thunderstorm in spring. She opened her phone and dialed as fast as her fingers could depress each corresponding numeral to her old friend Ronna’s phone number.
“Please answer!” Angie said.
Each ring echoed in Angie’s ear like a resonating hmm of a chorus holding on to the last note as if a life-or-death matter hung in the balance.
“Hello.”
“Ronna. Hi, it’s Angie. Do you have a minute?”
“Yes, how can I help you?” Ronna said.
“Look I hate to ask, however I need to call in that favor from years ago.”
“Say no more what do you need?” Ronna said.
“I need to find someone. She goes by the name of Mandy Sharpet. I thought perhaps you could see if she’s gotten a ticket.”
“Good thought Angie. I’ll check; it will take a few minutes. Lance still keeping you busy?”
“Yes. He’s a typical eight-year-old, forever bored and always hungry.”
“Wow, time flies.”
“I know.”
“Angie, your keen private detective skills never cease to amaze me. You taught me the meaning of resourcefulness when you worked here. Anyway, I found her, she’s at 6395 Woodward, Royal Oak MI. She has gotten two tickets in the last three years.”
“She lives right here in Michigan!”
“This office took a severe hit when you left eight years ago.”
“Thanks. I appreciate the compliment. Take care.”
“You as well, bye.”
Angelina thought it prudent that she take a drive to visit Mandy. Listening to the remnants of a conversation between two clerks trail off as she exited the library her mind returned to the glorious sunshine outside.
Craig’s view of how far he could push Angie equated to naivety on his part. He felt she did not have the wherewithal to bust his chops and lock him up.
Pulling out her cell phone Angie dialed Tammy’s number. She needed to talk and stay grounded before she confronted Mandy.
“Hi Tammy, it's Angie. Did the boys clean up the basement mess before Lance and I left?”
“No, tell me about it; I went in the basement yesterday and it looked like a war zone. What have you found on your search; any incriminating evidence yet?” Tammy said.
“Well let me tell you the day has not ceased to amaze me. I thought I lost Lance at a rest area and then he broke the handle off the Buick. Then some wacko followed us down the highway where some cowgirl picked us up. At any rate, I got the handle fixed. If Mandy the stripper has the information we need, we’re in business.” Angie said.
“Please explain.” Tammy asked.
“Throughout the years I’ve questioned what blackmail ammo Martin had over Craig as the twisted details of Martin’s affair with Mandy never made their way across Candy’s desk.”
“It makes you wonder. Angie if we can uncover what hold Martin has over Craig we gain important ground in our crusade.”
“That has remained my primary goal today. Many years ago, when Martin learned I knew of his illicit escapades in Florida he feared I’d spill the beans. Craig and I called home a basement-bedroom at his father’s. The stripper wrote Craig over the years at that address. Martin, in a drunken stupor, said he escaped once told me he’d escape admonition of guilt because both women’s names sounded similar allowing him the opportunity to cite errors as an idle mistake. It sounded like fool’s gold to me.”
“My grandfather always said foolish pretenses for a drunken sailor.” Tammy said.
“Shuffling my playing cards and repositioning my Ace I called his brother Mandy at breakfast one morning. Failing to see the humor, he blew a gasket. Screaming and pounding his fists on the table, like a five-year-old amid a temper-tantrum, I knew I’d struck gold. Bowls became lethal weapons in the kitchen.”
“I don’t know how you survived in such a hostile environment?”
“That makes two of us. However, I will say this, their deranged beliefs run deep. They believe it's normal. Once you’re out of that wicked environment for a few days you begin to see it's comparable to war-torn Bosnia.” Angie said.
“Angie I give you credit for your restraint. I would’ve hired a professional hit-man years ago and had solved that problem.”
“I’ve kept quiet; until now. However, lies and family secrets will ruin them. Some I know, the rest I’m determined to fin
d out. Someone is calling on the second line. I’m going to let you go.”
“Talk to you later.” Tammy said.
Angie depressed the flash button on her phone to answer the other line.
“Hello.” Angie said.
“Hi Angie it's John. I will tell everyone Craig and I have a business trip to take. Where would he want to go?”
“Somewhere warm.”
“Does he have a history of gambling?”
“Yes. He often goes to Vegas or plays the ponies.”
“Okay then Sugar, I’m going to arrange a trip for us to meet my cousin in Atlantic City who's just about to open multiple car dealerships in Birmingham, Michigan. I’ll tell him that this cousin conducts his business dealings in Atlantic City as it has become a good luck charm for him.”
“How do you keep Martin from inviting himself along?” Angie asked.
“By giving him a business deal. I’ll have Martin meet my cousin in Petoskey who wants to purchase a few of my dealerships. I’ll have that trip extended to a four-day business trip with perks. I trust you will keep up your end of the bargain regarding our date. You must be tired because you’ve been running through my mind ever since you first called.”
“John, I’ve had the same feelings about you morning, noon and night. However, I have to take care of business first. Business before pleasure; isn’t that what they always say. In addition, John, I want to clarify; render Craig out of commission. For all I know that means he’s got a whopping case of mono or the stomach flu keeping his sorry-ass on the toilet. Have you secured the mark?”
A metal clicking sound emitted from deep inside the coaxial cable wires however, John paid no attention to it. His thoughts, focused on the scent of a woman, like a buck in mating season. Angie would have downplayed the sound had John noted it.
“It's good and isolated, don’t worry. I own a cabin on 150 acres in Cadillac. Trust me the closest neighbor lives thirty miles away. My buddy, Larry, and I will have a great time.”
“I didn’t want anyone else working on this job.”
ISOLATION: Child Support 911 Page 9