Splitting Nines (1)

by Ron Gannon

  Chapter 21. Let's Make a Deal

  Shortman tossed a manila folder onto a conference table. “That’s what we have, Dave. If I turn everything over to the Feds, you’re looking at the death penalty. Talk to me, Dave. Let me help you.”

 

  Attorney Shimmelman placed a hand on Dave’s shoulder. “What do you want, Detective?”

 

  “I want Cookie and Linda.”

 

  “No, I have nothing to say,” said Dave, appearing angry.

 

  “They’re lovers, Dave. You’re a bright guy. You had to notice.”

 

  Dave looked fiercely at Shortman.

 

  “Cookie’s father was going take her to another state, separating them. And she thought she would get the money Florence left her.”

 

  “I don’t believe it.”

 

  “You know it’s true. She took money from your account to pay Mario and Sean. I know you wouldn’t do something so stupid. She was setting you up.”

 

  “You’re telling us you don’t believe he had anything to do with it.” Shimmelman folded his arms across his chest.

  “It’s what a jury’s going to believe that matters. It looks like you had your men kill Evans to keep him from testifying against you. Dave, Cookie married you for your money.”

 

  “How can he help?”

 

  “By telling the truth. How Cookie got him to go into the house that night.”

 

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Detective Shortman. And, frankly, I don’t think you have much of a conspiracy case.”

 

  “Off the record?” Shortman waited for Shimmelman to nod. “Linda is willing to testify against you for full immunity.”

 

  “Could you give us a few minutes alone?” asked Dave.

  “Sure.”

 

  Shortman left the room and closed the door behind him.

 

  “Make a deal. I’m not giving them my wife.”

  “Dave, think about it.”

 

  “I know what I’m doing. If I talk, Cookie will die. The Feds will execute her and Linda. Murder for hire. Multiple murders. They wouldn’t have a chance. Make a deal.”

 

  Dave and Shimmelman stood in front of a judge in a packed courtroom. “Mr. Dizenso, you understand that you will serve at least twenty years in the state penitentiary?”

 

  “I do, Your Honor.”

 

  Cookie and Linda, drinking Mai Tai cocktails, lay on lounge chairs under a canopy.

  “Ya know Dave will probably be out in ten years,” said Cookie.

 

  “Then divorce him in nine. Our plans seem to work out, but not the way we planned them.”

 

  “Our plans? You planned everything from the beginning.”

 

  Chapter 22. Monsters

  The two teenage girls stood behind the closed door to Cookie’s room. They listened to Florence shouting at Gene, “Well, you thought wrong. Get out of my room before I call the police.” Moments later they heard the sounds of Gene running down the stairs.

 

  “He’s gone. Let’s do it,” whispered Linda. “She deserves to die. And think of all that money she left you. You earned it.”

 

  “I changed my mind. I can't do it.”

 

  “Come on. The boys will be here in an hour. Do you want to move to Georgia? All ya have to do is hold her down. I’ll do the rest.”

 

  Florence sat in front of a mirror brushing her hair.

  Cookie entered the room. “I’m sorry about the other day.”

 

  Florence put the brush down, stood and moseyed over to Cookie. “Where’s your lover?”

 

  “She went home.”

 

  Florence stood in front of Cookie and stroked her hair. “You’re the only reason I stayed with him this long,” She gave Cookie a quick kiss on the lips. “I’m going to miss you.”

 

  “I’ll miss you, too. I don’t feel guilty about it any more.”

 

  “You’re so beautiful. Your dad actually thought I was interested in him.”

 

  “I tried to tell him, but he wouldn’t listen. Probably wouldn’t have believed me anyway.”

 

  Florence embraced Cookie. They kissed passionately before getting into bed. There Florence fondled and kissed Cookie hot and heavy, with her eyes closed as Linda silently crept into the room. She moved slowly toward the bed. When she got next to it, Florence stopped kissing Cookie and glared up at Linda. Cookie got on top of Florence and held her arms down.

 

  Linda grabbed a pillow and placed it over Florence’s face. She brought her face close to the pillow. “I don’t think they’ll be any little girls where you’re going.” Florence struggled as Linda pressed down with all her strength.

 

  “I’ve always felt guilty about setting Dave up,” Cookie said. She sipped her Mai Tai.

 

  “We knew his father would get him off. I thought for sure they would pin it on that creepy neighbor, especially after he entered her bedroom.”

 

  “Well, they didn’t. Look what happened. My father’s dead and it’s your fault.”

 

  “My fault? Hey, Beatrice, that lying pedophile deserved to die."

  "Don't call me that. I hate that name and you know it. My father must have too. That's why he always called me Cookie." Cookie took a moment to think things over. "You hounded me until I agreed with ya."

 

  "If she hadn’t willed you all that money, you probably wouldn’t have gone along with the plan. Don’t blame me, dear. You're greedy. That's why you married Dave, too."

 

  “I’m sorry. If I had told my father, he probably would have killed her, himself.” Cookie grabbed Linda’s hand. “Your tan makes you look even more beautiful. You’re definitely a ten.”

 

  “Thanks, but I’m still a nine. We’re just a couple of wealthy nines.”

 

  They looked at each other and then kissed.

 

  Winnie witnessed the girls kiss, standing by two large islanders. “Take your time. Make them wish they were never born.”