by Sherrel Lee
“Ashley, this business is a mess,” Poppy said when I arrived in the office. “I don’t know what’s going on but things are off here. First, the inventory is twice what it should be for a place this size. You’ve got enough alcohol to carry you for the next three months.”
“We’ll talk about this on the way to lunch,” I told her as we walked through the bar.
Reaching the car, Poppy slid inside, took out her compact and lipstick, and began to freshen her makeup as I pulled out of the parking lot.
“Okay, so what does that mean?” I asked.
“I’m guessing Jillie was a little paranoid, maybe stockpiling. She has three safes in this building that I’ve found. Someone tried to jimmy the one in the office open.”
“Who would--?”
“I already have my list of suspects for that one. It’s really sad, the combination was taped to the back of the picture of you she kept on her desk, and now that pretty little safe has big gouges in it.”
“So you think someone here is responsible for the murder, someone who tried to open the safe?”
“No, I think you have some people who took advantage of your friend.”
“Jillie was easy to take advantage of. I used to kid her about mothering me after I left home. She did it because she didn’t have a family and she felt shame about the movies.”
“I never thought she was ashamed of it,” Poppy said. "She was very open when I talked to her, and even defensive of the actors and actresses out there.”
“She wasn’t ashamed she’d been in them, it was more that she knew there were some real predators in the business and she wasn’t doing anything about them.”
We pulled into the parking lot at the Frisco mall, and made our way to the Cheesecake Factory. Sharing their Chinese Chicken Salad made me feel less guilty when we ordered the Godiva® Chocolate Brownie Sundae. Everyone needs to be wicked occasionally.
“Ash, I think Randi and Kevin have been doing a little skimming. The dancers’ fees seemed to have dipped significantly over the last six months, but the bar receipts are increasing. Randi collects the fees. Kevin appears to be responsible for making the payments for the food and beverage deliveries. These orders have gone up twenty-five percent just in the last two months and I can’t find paperwork to account for the difference.”
“Maybe it’s the economy. Gas and delivery prices are rising faster than flood waters.”
“I took that into consideration.”
I would have to think about what Poppy was telling me. “Dylan called. He’ll be here tonight.”
“He’ll want to help and offer you a shoulder to cry on, if you’ll let him.”
“Well, I won’t. You know how I feel. He’s a good guy, but men are--”
“Ashley, not all men are like the ones your mother has around her. They aren’t--”
“No, some are like your brothers. Big men. They know more than you do because you’re a woman. Always keeping you in your place.”
Poppy sneered at my words, she avoided talking about them the way I avoided speaking of Trix.
“Dylan’s not like the actors. He’s a friend, and only a friend. I don’t want anything else. I can’t think of him in any other way. If things were to change--”
“If things change, maybe you’d find out you can love. Maybe you’d discover you don’t have to push people away.”
We’d had this discussion too many times. I’d met Dylan in the army, he was still there, I was thinking I wasn’t going back. “This isn’t helping me find a killer.” I signaled the waiter for our check. As I put my wallet back in my purse, my cell phone rang.
“DeMarco,” I mouthed as I touched answer. “Detective, what can I do for you?”
“I thought I’d check in, see if you’d come up with anything. Seems like you got to just about everyone I wanted to talk to before I had a chance.”
“Nothing. So what next?”
“I have the autopsy preliminary report. It will be a while before we get the results of the drug and other blood tests. Pretty sure she was drugged since we didn’t find signs of a struggle, but it will take some time to run each of the tests needed to ID which drug was used.”
Poppy followed me to the car as I continued my conversation with DeMarco. “I know, it’s not like on television, so is there something else?” I asked him.
“I have some pictures of a, uh . . .”
“Spit it out, what else did that pervert do to her?”
“There’s a design that he burned into her shoulder. It looks like some kind of flower. It was a mess, so it’s hard to tell what kind. You ever see anything like that?”
“I don’t know. There are all kinds of flowers.”
“When can we get together, can you look at the photos?”
“I’ll be at the house later, about six. Come hungry and Poppy will feed us both.”
* * * *
After lunch I dropped Poppy off at the club, so she could continue her review of the paperwork. I told her I’d talk to Randi and Kevin later. I couldn’t be sure Jillie hadn’t told them to help themselves to whatever they needed. I’d have to think about how I wanted to approach them before I made a scene. It was time to brave the viper’s nest again, this time alone. I expected this visit to be very different from the one I’d made with DeMarco.
The toy boys were not in evidence when I arrived. No one answered the door, so I walked to the back of the house. Several of the actresses were lying around the pool in various stages of undress. I wondered what kind of life had brought them to this place. I didn’t know these women, but I knew a lot of their predecessors. Jillie said working for Trixie was as good as it could get in the business. I didn’t buy it.
“If you’re looking for Trixie, she won’t be back until tomorrow or the next day,” the woman closest to me said. “You look a little old to be looking for work, honey.”
The others laughed. “I’m not looking for work. I’m here to ask you and your friends about Jillie Favor. Did you know her?”
“You don’t look like a cop and we already talked to them. I don’t know if we should answer your questions. You got identification?”
I seemed to have stumbled upon the voice of the poolside pillars of pornographic society. “I’m...was a good friend of Jillie’s.”
“Old hag. Probably got what she deserved.”
The words were acid poured over the pain of Jillie’s death. Only my training allowed me to keep from slapping the brainless nitwit.
The French door to the pool house opened. “Mimzi, shut your mouth and go inside,” Eve ordered. “The rest of you go in the house and get dressed.”
“Eve. You? Playing mother hen to the bimbos these days?” I was surprised. Eve was never one to lead, usually stayed well in the background and out of the sunlight at least that’s what I thought. She had been around the films for the last three or four years. She was five eleven, jet black hair, and the only color in her otherwise ivory face was the perfect rosebud pink of her lips and the startling ice blue of her eyes.
“No, I’m protecting them. Trixie hears about this and, well, you know how she can get.”
“Didn’t know you could care.” Eve was one of the most uncaring people I had ever met. She had come from hell, and it showed when she wasn’t in front of a camera.
“I don’t, but I was told to look after them. What are you doing here, Ashley?”
“I need to find Jillie’s killer.”
“Well, whoever did it isn’t here. I don’t think the bimbos, as you put it, have the intelligence to do something like that and get away with it.”
“Whoever did it is getting away with it. They may know something—“
“The only thing they know is how to give a blow job and move their hair out of the camera’s eye.” Eve pulled at the arms of the satin robe she had thrown on and cinched around her waist as she’d come out of the house.
“Don’t need to know anything else? Doesn’t say much for your pr
ofession.”
“Not much to say. I’m trying not to offend your delicate sensibilities. After all, you’re the one who doesn’t want anyone to know where you came from.”
I couldn’t argue and I was getting nowhere. “When is Trixie due back?”
“She’ll be back when she’s here.” Eve shrugged, then followed her charges into the main house. No one was going to talk to me unless Trixie gave the okay.
Hell, I’m going to have to negotiate with mother, and I have nothing I’m willing to give.
The toy boys drove past me as I walked down the drive to the front. I’d talk to them later as well. They couldn’t think for themselves any better than the smut darlings could.
7
I felt bad about the things I had said to Eve, but I was angry and didn’t give a shit if I made new friends. A lot of people in the adult film business were decent, hardworking, and surprisingly family oriented. They just didn’t find it repugnant like the holier than thou did. It wasn’t the business it had been when Trixie started. There were a lot of filmmakers back then who hi-jacked kids from the streets, drugged them, and forced them to perform. And there were jackasses today who did the same, but the profession was beginning to freeze them out.
I really hated it when someone thought I wanted to be part of the business like dimzie Mimzi had. My family had already donated enough flesh, in my opinion, and I wanted as far away from the films as I could get. Yet every time I tried to walk away, something happened to pull me back to Trixie.
* * * *
Arriving at Severenson’s office at eight as agreed, I wasn’t surprised to find the porn queen was already there. Trix had returned for the meeting or Eve had lied about her being out of town. So what was new? Beverly, Jose and Elspeth were in the office lobby as well. I was glad to know Jillie was taking care of them. I was surprised Kevin wasn’t there, after all Jillie loved him and should have left him something.
Severenson invited us into his office and invited us to take seats. “Melissa Jillian Favor, was a woman we will all miss,” he said solemnly. “She loved all of you and wanted each of you to have something. If you agree, we'll proceed with the bequests. I don’t think we need to make this a formal reading.
“To the gardener, Jose Torres, your love of beauty has always been something Jillie found inspiring. She also admired your hard work and what she called your amazing ability to make things grow. At the beginning of the year, she bought a 75% interest in the Calgany Nursery which is now yours. I will be happy to make an appointment with you later in the week to go over the details and to make the ownership changes official.”
Surprise widened Jose’s eyes, then sadness crept in. I understood how mixed the feelings could be when one had gained something only because of a devastating loss.
“To Elspeth Bloomington, you have been with Jillie over many years and have acted in many roles in her life. You have cared for her, watched over her, been a friend as well. You are to receive the Cadillac you have been using and one million dollars. Jillie hopes you will invest wisely and finally take the time to go visit all those places you've dreamed about all these years.
Elspeth burst into tears.
“To Beverly Tyson she leaves the auto restoration shop, including all contents, and a choice of one of the T-Birds you restored. She was also concerned that you were developing a problem gambling, and has added the requirement you refrain from placing any bets over $100.00 for the next two years. The ownership documents for the shop and car will revert to her estate should you not agree, or if the control cannot be met.
"Ashley Dix. The balance of her estate goes to you, including the house and VixSin, as you already know with the exception of two more bequests. There is also a trust fund, in the amount of one million dollars, set aside for our son, Jeremy."
My muscles stiffened making it hard to breathe. Jilly and Severenson had a son? Where was he? Why hadn't she told me? I didn’t have to ask.
Severenson confessed. "I know you have many questions, and I am available for the rest of the day if you wish to go over everything. However let me explain about our son.
"Jeremy. A wonderful boy. I fell in love with Jillie when I was just entering law school. So much in love. I didn't care what she did, and I didn't try to stop her from continuing her career and we got married. Rather impulsive, we went off to Vegas. A year later Jeremy arrived. He was so special, and Jillie was an amazing mother. He was in a horrible car accident. Only ten years old. He has been in a coma ever since then."
“I'm so sorry. I never knew. Are you still... married?" What I meant was, was this a motive for Kevin, finding out she was still married and it set him off?”
"No. The marriage couldn't stand the strain of my guilt over Jeremy’s injuries. I knew the brakes on the car needed to be replaced but I put it off because I was too busy." He gave me a sad smile. "Jillie tried to convince me it wasn't my fault but it was."
“Why didn’t she say something? Tell me?”
“Ashley, Jillie didn’t want anyone to pity her. She thought that telling people about Jeremy would be like asking for pity—something she couldn’t tolerate. She didn’t tell anyone unless she had to.”
It hurt, but I understood. "So she's leaving a trust to make sure he is cared for. Is it enough?"
"Thomas," Trixie interrupted, "can we get on with this? I don't have all day and have things I have to do."
"Of course. Jillie has left you the Arizona properties in exchange for your quarter share of VixSin, and I have been instructed to offer you a chance to purchase Jillie's share of the other clubs you co-owned. The price is to be a reasonable discount from market value to be paid to Ashley. If you choose not to purchase this interest, I am then instructed to open the sale to others."
"That bitch. She wouldn't have had any of this if it hadn't been for me. She was supposed to leave me her share." Trixie’s hand curled into claws and she looked ready to rake Severenson's eyes out.
"She never agreed to that as you well know. When the partnerships were drawn it was clear she intended to maintain the right to dispose of her interests in the clubs as she saw fit. This is a courtesy to you."
Trixie started to say something but instead snapped her jaw tightly shut. Trixie could be a convincing actress when necessary. Had she really known that Jillie wasn’t leaving her shares of the other clubs? Was that a strong enough motive to kill Jillie in such frenzy?
* * * *
I had one more stop before I headed home. I drove back to the club. It was early by club standards, but most of the people I wanted to talk to would be there. I made sure the few customers had their drinks, and were being entertained before I called the staff into the office.
“I know you’ve heard Jillie left me this place. I figure you have questions.”
Randi, Butch, Kevin, and the other staff members looked at me, waiting for me to say...something more.
Randi broke the silence, “So, you going to close us down? I know you always hated this business.”
“I haven’t made any decisions. I don’t like the business, but I don’t want to put anyone out on the streets either. I’ll have to think about it after Jillie’s killer is caught.”
“Who was the…” Butch looked at Randi, searching for the right word, “woman in the office all morning? She going to take over Randi’s job?”
“No, as I explained to Kevin, Poppy’s a good friend. Good with numbers. She came to give me a hand. Anything else will be her decision.” Butch and Randi turned to look at Kevin, who shrugged. Was there a reason he hadn’t told them who Poppy was?
“So it’s possible you’ll close down. How can you do this? Randi worked hard for--.”
Randi laid her hand on Butch’s arm, “She said she doesn’t know.”
Randi stared into my eyes. After a moment she said, “Butch, I believe her. Don’t go getting all heated up over something that hasn’t happened.”
Butch jerked his arm away from Randi and stalked o
ut of the room.
“Sorry, Ashley. He needs to cool off. He’ll be okay.”
“I can only promise you one thing. Whatever I decide you won’t be left out in the cold. You’ll have a job, if you deserve one. If you want it. I just don’t know yet what the jobs are going to look like.”
“Fair enough,” Randi said too sharply, and the others in the room nodded agreement, slowly filing out. “Kevin, I need to talk to you a minute, can you wait?
“When you’re ready, we need to talk, Ash,” Randi continued. “I’ve got some things I have to tell you, but they’ll wait.”
“Will it help me find Jillie’s killer? If not, we can talk tomorrow.” Randi went to find Butch and Kevin stood waiting for me to tell him what was on my mind.
“Kev, I think you know that Jillie’s will was read last evening. I don’t understand why she didn’t leave the club or something to you. I want to make that right.”
Kevin gave a sad smile. “I didn’t want anything. Told her I wouldn’t accept it. I didn’t love Jillie for her money.”
“I never thought you did, but it’s only fair that you have something—at least some memento, maybe one of the T-Birds or…”
“No, Ash. Thanks, but I have my memories and that’s enough. Jillie paid me a good wage, helped me out a few times when I needed it, and there is nothing that can replace what I’ve lost.”
I understood, in a way. I hadn’t wanted anything from her either, but that wasn’t in her plans for me. I gave Kevin a hug and returned to my car. I couldn’t deal with the business of doing anything but finding the son of a bitch who murdered the one woman who made me feel like I had a family.