Charlotte's Revenge

by Barbara Howard

  “It doesn't matter. I mean, I'll eat pretty much anything.” Milo closed the menu and shoved it aside. “Whatever you choose is cool with me.”

  This kid is one of the lucky ones. Not many make it through those streets without an arrest record by his age. Plus, he has someone as wonderful as Traci in his corner. And, here he is. No motivation, no direction. He has a million options, and he just sits here with no plan for his own future. Every time he turned around Milo had wondered off somewhere in the building. Thankfully, he didn’t cause any major security violations. There was enough to deal with considering the investigation still had people walking on eggshells around him. But maybe the kid saw something that interested him. “Something that would light a fire under him, some motivation or passion, or ambition ... something I can work with at least,” he thought.

  “So, what do you think about maybe joining the force after high school? We've got a few programs that might interest you. You'll have to take a few classes at the community college. Nothing too heavy. I can introduce you to the guys in charge of ...”

  “No. I mean, no thanks.”

  “Why not? Why not look into it at least? It's been a good career for me ... “

  “Everybody's not you. “

  “Of course, not ...” There he goes slouching again, no eye contact, nothing. This kid.

  “Everybody doesn't want to be like you ... Captain.”

  “Right, right.” He was too tired to push this conversation any further.

  The waitress joined them. Randall ordered burger platters for both.

  “Pretty good, right? Best burgers in the county. I could eat these every day. But they can't beat Moe's ribs. And that's the truth.”

  “You know ...” Milo said glancing up from his meal.

  “Yeah?”

  “I know a guy ... he knows a lot about cellphones. And towers. Computers, y'know?”

  “Okay ...”

  “Like ... he's a real techie when it comes to stuff like that. And, he said ...”

  “So, you want to be a tech? Okay, there are a lot of opportunities in that field. You'll have to pick a specialization, but you can narrow things down later. The key is to just get started. So, yeah, good choice, son ...” He put up his hand. “I mean, Milo.”

  “Right, sure,” Milo said softly and finished eating the fries from his platter.

  “Maybe I'll order one of these bean patty things Traci likes and take it over.” He pulled out his cellphone, placed it on the table and opened the FriendsTagAlong app. The green dot was steady at 220 Spring Street, as always. “Couldn't hurt, right? She should be ready for lunch right about now. What do you think?”

  “Sure.”

  When they finished eating, Randall paid the bill and left a generous tip at the table. Then drove Milo to McClendon Library.

  “Good talk today,” Randall said. “Maybe we can take in a game next week. The Ragin' Reds are smoking hot this year, so far.” He laughed. “There's a home game coming up. I'm pretty sure I can get the afternoon off. Yeah, I can swing by and pick you up. I’m sure Moe won't mind.”

  “Okay, sure. That'll be fine.”

  “Alright, I'll work it out with Moe. It would be great if Traci would come too but I think it should be just us fellas. What do you think?”

  “Yeah, okay.” Milo glanced up at Randall, and then turned away.

  “Is there something on your mind?”

  “No,” he sighed. “Yeah, what I was trying to say earlier ... about the phones ...”

  “About being a tech?”

  “No, not about being a tech. About knowing a tech.”

  “What's going on?” Randall rubbed the top of his head trying not to lose his patience.

  “The guy I know, he says you can do almost anything with a cellphone.”

  “Okay ... and?”

  “Like ... I don't know how to explain it like he did, but you can make one cellphone pretend to be a different cellphone. Do you know what I mean?”

  “If you're asking me if I understand how cellular technology works, the answer is 'no.' What's your point?”

  “I'm saying ... I could send a message and pretend to be you, if I had a cellphone, and if I had your phone number. I could trick people like that.”

  “Why would you want to do something like that? That's illegal and ... stupid.”

  “I wouldn't want to ... I don't want to ... but people do it. And other people pay you to do that stuff.”

  “Well, I'm going to advise you not to do it.”

  “I can't. I don't even have a cellphone.”

  “I'll talk to Moe about getting you a phone. Doesn’t seem like an unreasonable thing. Hop out, my guy. I've got to get back to work and you need to check in at the library. How’s all that coming along, by the way?”

  “Fine.”

  “That’s great to hear. I'll catch you next week, okay?”

  “Sure, okay.”

  “And hey ... call me Randall.”

  “Sure.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Traci

  TRACI SHOVED THE GEAR shift forward and steered Moe’s Delivery truck across Hartwood Avenue and into the Noble Planet drive-through line without stalling out.

  “Randall says every woman should know how to drive a stick shift, and every woman should know how to change a tire. And, every woman should know how to grill the perfect steak. That Randall’s got a lot of rules.” She turned to Milo and laughed.

  “Yeah.” He stared at her for a few moments and then looked away.

  “But that’s okay. I used to put lima beans in my recipe for his favorite meatloaf. He loved it and had no idea!” She giggled.

  “You've changed,” Milo murmured without turning to face her.

  “No, I haven't. Things have changed. Things are different in my life ... and yours. A lot of things have changed, good and bad. It depends on how you look at it, right?”

  “I guess,” he said softly.

  Traci ordered Green Glow smoothies for both of them. “Wait.” She turned and looked at him. “You said that I've changed. You're right, Milo. I have. I'm trying to be better and take care of myself. When Randall came into my life, he helped me be a stronger person. But, just because I'm different doesn't mean that things will be different between us. I'm always here for you. I want to make sure you don't get caught up in the wrong stuff out there. You have to remember to do the right thing when it matters.”

  “I don't think it matters if you do the right thing, or if you're a good person. If people want to hold you back, they're gonna do it,” Milo looked down at his hands and weaved his fingers together. “And, you can't do nothing about it.”

  “You have to try. Look at Randall. He got promoted and he’s set to take over when the Chief retires eventually. And why? Because he's always ...”

  “Perfect.”

  “No,” she said. “He’s not perfect, but I thought he was pretty close to it. He worked hard for that promotion and didn't give up. I know it looks bad right now with the investigation dragging on, but it will turn around for him. It was a terrible mistake, I know it. He's a good man and a very good cop. We just can’t be together anymore. I don't think I can handle it ...” She brushed her hair out of her eyes. “That whole life, I just can’t.”

  “But that's what I'm talking about. It don't matter how hard he tries or how perfect he is, they gonna keep him down. No matter what anybody else thinks about it.”

  “Milo, is there something you’re trying to say?” She narrowed her eyes. “Tell me.”

  She wasn’t sure what was going on, but she was determined to find out. She gathered their drinks and drove to the small parking area under the shade. She turned off the ignition and faced Milo as he began opening up.

  “So, you were never interested in the work Randall does or anything like that. You just needed an excuse to snoop around the police station. You tricked me.”

  Milo shrugged and glanced toward her. Then finally met her e
yes again. “Maybe I did a little. How else are we gonna find out what happened?” He sipped his drink. “Anyway, I tried but I couldn’t see their faces and I didn’t hear much.”

  “But you did hear them say the bullet that killed Josh entered his body from behind.”

  “Yeah, that’s right, and it was from a different gun. A thirty-eight something.”

  “Then there was no way it could’ve been from Randall's gun. Are you sure, Milo?”

  “Yes, that's exactly what they said. They know it wasn't, but they're keeping it a secret from him. The whole report is a secret.”

  “But, why? Why would they do that to him?”

  “Something to do with the mayor. I don't know. I didn't understand that part.”

  “I see. I think I know someone that would understand. Did anybody see you snooping around in there, Milo?”

  “Well ... there were cameras everywhere. So maybe they did,” he shrugged again. “One more thing. The one guy said that from the location of the bullets they found, they don’t think the killer meant to shoot Josh. They were aiming at ...”

  “Randall?”

  Milo scrambled to catch the cup as it slipped from Traci's hand. But he missed and watched helplessly as the golden-cinnamon-green-matcha-whipped-soy latte splashed all over her Chanel knock-off jumpsuit.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Traci

  TRACI PILED HER WORK into a neat stack at the corner of her desk and rubbed her eyes. Sometimes it was worth staying later than everyone else just for the chance to avoid awkward conversations. Besides, there was only one person she was interested in talking to right now. She turned off the lamps and stepped out of her office. The coffee hutch had been cleared away, but she scavenged through the drawers and found a protein bar with an expiration date of a month ago. She tried it. Still chewy. She filled her thermos with water from the cooler and waved goodnight to Jim at the door. Outside she could hear the sound of bluegrass blaring from the amphitheater behind the building. She cut through the Brunch and Brew and stepped out the back patio to the open bar.

  The Folk and Bluegrass Festival concert had drawn record crowds and proceeds would help buy more pavers and cedar logs for the gazebo that Mr. Kinsey had designed for Bent Willow. She should join them but there was no energy left for it. Ray was standing with the owner of the promotion company enjoying a cocktail. She knew in her gut that he had something to do with what was happening to Randall. Or, was she just being suspicious of everyone now? She walked over and joined them.

  “Looks like rain,” she said pointing to the dark clouds rolling across the valley and gathering overhead. Ray glanced at the gentleman who immediately excused himself and walked away.

  “Doesn’t matter. We’ve made our goal.” He took a sip from his drink and smiled at her. “They can shut down this noise and send everybody home anytime as far as I’m concerned.”

  Traci shook her head and sighed. She was too tired to fence words with Ray. “Speaking of going home ...” Suddenly the rain began pouring down on the crowd and everyone was running for cover. “I better get moving. I already missed the last shuttle. Now the bus is going to be packed.”

  Ray followed her back to the sidewalk in front of Dewey Station.

  “I’ll give you a ride.”

  “I don’t think ...”

  “C’mon, I’ll make sure you get home safe. Trust me.”

  “Well ... Okay, sure. One moment.” Traci walked over to the KMP squad car parked across the street. “Stop following me,” she said holding her purse overhead to shield herself from the rain.

  “Miss Traci, I was assigned to keep an eye on things by Captain ... “

  “You tell your captain that this is harassment and if he doesn't stop it, I'm filing a formal complaint with the ... whatever department handles harassment.” The officer rolled up the window and drove away. She waited until he made the turn onto War Memorial and was out of site, then met Ray at his Eiger Grey Range Rover. “Another car?” she thought as she stepped inside. She tried to fasten her seat belt but it was cinched too tight, so she let it dangle at her side. Ray punched her address into the GPS, gave her a sideways glance and pulled out of the parking lot toward Coal Hill Road.

  “Why wouldn't you want Mayor Gundry back in office? He's a good man,” Traci asked as they passed the large house with re-election campaign signs filling the lawn.

  “I only vote in my best interest. Nothing personal.”

  “He's on the board of Friends of Magnolia Grove.”

  “Exactly. I like Thompson. My money's on him. He's against that wasteful money-pit, Hazelton House, and can bring in big investors. There is a lot of room to grow in this region. Why should we be left behind?”

  “Gundry is for a secure Keeferton. That’s important. He’s been instrumental in Randall's career.”

  “Well, your boyfriend is betting on the wrong horse. Gundry will be out, and your captain probably the same not long afterwards. But, don't worry, we'll keep you on at K&S so the fall-out for you will be minimal.”

  “You can't know that for sure. You're just trying to scare me.”

  “Oh, trust me. There's big money backing Thompson. He'll be in place and everyone's interests secured. Don't waste your vote. Once Gundry is out of the way, we can put an end to that Hazelton House monstrosity and finally push out into the Wyman's acreage now that St. John is gone. His bunch will disperse with or without court orders. The marina and waterfront parcels near Bear Falls ... well, there's a lot of plans being tossed around. One thing for sure, it will be spectacular based on the investors flocking to the area. And, of course, I'm one of them.” He stopped at the spot in front of her house, looked directly into her eyes and gave her a smile that made her stomach clinch.

  But Traci refused to give in to his intimidation tactics. She gripped the seat and took a breath. “Would you like to come in?”

  “Are you sure?” He raised an eyebrow and looked her over.

  “Yes,” She checked the time. Milo would be at work for a few more hours. “I’m sure.”

  Ray pulled the car into the driveway close to the house. The rain was steady as they made their way inside. She turned on the living room lamp and faced him.

  “I would offer you a drink or something, but I don’t ...”

  “I understand,” he said, stepping into the room, “I don’t need one.”

  “I wanted to ask you a favor. Someone in your position in the community has a certain amount of ... what's the word?” She backed away.

  “Clout?”

  “Yeah, I guess that's it. Clout.”

  “Why should I help you?” He narrowed his eyes and positioned himself closer.

  “It's not for me. It's for my friends.”

  “But I don't like your friends, Tracinda.” He stroked his fingers across her shoulder and down her arm. He took her hand, lifted it to his lips and kissed it slowly with his eyes locked onto hers. She pulled her hand away.

  “Okay. Then, I need you to do this because it's the right thing to do. It's very important.”

  He ran his hands along her waist and behind her back, pulling her close to him. He placed his lips against her cheek. “I see. I'm intrigued but not convinced ... yet. I think you need to do me a favor first.” He pulled her tightly against his body.

  She grabbed his thumbs and bent them away from her. “I'm not like that. I don't ...”

  He whispered in her ear, “Don't you? Are you sure?” He let her go.

  “No, I mean yes, I’m sure,” she said, and pushed herself away from him.

  He straightened his tie and stroked his beard. His eyes narrowed as he refocused on her. “I have yet to bring myself to understand what you see in that policeman, or should I say ex-policeman?”

  “What do you mean by that?”

  “Well, word behind closed doors is he's not going to survive the investigation. Once they start digging they won't stop until he gets locked up ... for something.” He waved his hand. �
��And, well . . . there's nothing you can do about that, is there?” He circled her, “Too bad. He had a promising career when he met you. Every Superman has his Kryptonite. Maybe you're his.”

  His words pierced through the mental shield she had prepared for this conversation. She had questions and she needed his help. What was he saying? This was not what she expected. Was Ray just twisting her thoughts on purpose? Was Randall being set up? Why?

  He came closer and lowered his voice. “Don’t be confused. Your boyfriend is not an important player in this situation. He's just collateral damage. A manifestation of poor decision making by Gundry. They both have to go.” She felt those words like a crushing weight in her heart. “And, I can say that it does make me a little bit happy knowing that he'll be out of the way soon. I've always thought we would make a good team, you and I.”

  It was too late now. Her mind had slipped over that threshold and she couldn’t pull herself back. She couldn’t because she didn’t want to. She just wanted to let it run and take her wherever. It didn’t matter now. “So, this is about me. I'm the problem. It's my fault. I just wanted to save Bent Willow ...” Images of Earl Garrett popped up before her. “He said it cost him everything. Is the place cursed? No such thing, Traci. Had anything good happened in my life since I set foot inside Hazelton House? Nothing ... except Randall and look at what happened to him. What am I doing? She closed her eyes and whispered, “Every step better ...”

  Someone was talking. It was Ray, from the office. She looked up and focused on his face. So handsome. And so close she could almost count his eyelashes. How perfect. What was he saying? He was talking to her about how Randall was going to leave Keeferton, which didn’t make any sense at all. Unless he was still mad at her for making him throw that big fat fish back in the water at Austin Cove. That could be it. She had really been a brat that day. Randall was leaving town, but he should at least ask if she wanted to come along. They could talk about it at dinner tonight. Maybe Josh could take Milo fishing and go catch that fish and they could have it for dinner. She could fry it up for everybody, but ... wait, no. Josh can’t go fishing tonight because he’s ... how many days has it been ...