Chapter 23
Hans entered the Beverly Hills Tanning Salon and Spa for a massage and sauna. It was a weekly ritual to help him cope with the stress of his job. He went up to the front desk and asked for Debbie. The receptionist escorted Hans to a booth and said she'd send Debbie in right away. Hans removed his clothes and climbed up on the table. After a minute a pretty redhead entered the booth. Hans looked up and smiled.
"Good morning, Hans."
"Hi, Deborah."
"I missed you last week."
"Yeah, I had to go to Houston again. I'm getting so sick and tired of my paranoid employer. Every day he's got another problem."
"Paranoid?"
"Yes. Do you know what paranoid is?"
"Yes, my mother is paranoid. She was driving me nuts, so I had to get her professional help."
"Hmm. You haven't seen paranoid until you've worked for a banker worrying about losing his money."
Debbie put some ointment on her hands and began rubbing Hans' neck and shoulders.
"Oh God, that feels good."
"Boy, you are tight today. They must really be getting to you."
"I don't blame them, I guess. There's a lot of money at stake."
"I hope they pay you well."
"They do. I can't complain."
Debbie began to move farther down Hans' back. As she was working, the door flew open and Doug Barnes appeared looking very distressed. Hans sat up and covered himself with his towel.
"What are you doing here? Damn it! I can’t get a moment's peace."
Barnes said, "You didn’t answer your cell phone so I had to come looking for you."
"I forgot to charge the battery last night. Sorry."
Barnes looked at Debbie and said, “Get lost.”
Hans frowned at Barnes and said, “I’m sorry, honey. Give us a moment.” Debbie turned and went into another office but left the door cracked.
Hans turned to Barnes and said, “What’s up?”
“We may have a problem in Texarkana. We need you to check it out."
"What kind of problem?"
"Remember Matt Coleman?"
"How could I forget?"
"Well, he's up to something. He's organized a weekly Bible study group amongst the prisoners. Dozens of prisoners are getting involved. We're afraid he's trying to brainwash them like he did his bankruptcy clients."
"What could he possibly do in prison that the chairman would be worried about?"
"I don't know, but you need to find out what's going on. You can make contact with the warden. He's a friend."
"All right, I'm on my way. I'll report to you in a couple days."
"Oh, there's some ex-cop named Bill Ross who's been snooping around up in Albany. He's a friend of Matt Coleman. The chairman wants someone watching him too. Find out what he's looking for."
"Right. No problem."
Barnes left and Debbie returned. "Damn it. I'm sorry Debbie, but I've got to go." He walked over to where his pants were hanging and pulled out his wallet. He pulled out a fifty-dollar bill and handed to her.
She gave him a seductive smile and said, "You sure you don't have time for me to finish you off?"
"No, I've got to go now," he said as he was getting dressed. When he was done he took her hand, squeezed it, smiled, and then left. When he was on the freeway heading for Texarkana he tried to call the warden's office on his mobile phone, but nothing happened. He cursed to himself as remembered his battery was dead. At the next exit he got off, got gas, and called the warden’s office from a pay phone. He told Melinda, the warden’s secretary, that he was on his way and didn’t have time to waste. She said she’d tell him.
Melinda advised the warden and then got up and paced back and forth. Finally, she pulled out a requisition form and stuck it in the typewriter. A minute later she pulled it out, put it in an envelope, and told one of the guards to deliver it to the library. Matt was surprised when the guard handed it to him. He set it on his desk and thanked the guard for bringing it. When the guard left, he opened the envelope and discovered a note on the back of the form that read:
Matt, Hans Schultz is on his way to see the warden. They obviously suspect you're up to something. If you are up to something, and I hope you are, you better be careful.
A Secret Admirer
Matt smiled. He knew for sure now his secret admirer was the warden's secretary. She was the only one who had access to requisition forms. He didn't know why she was so fond of him, but it was certainly fortunate for him. He thought for a moment and then sent for Eduardo.
"Hey, I've got word MidSouth suspects something."
"Oh shit! I thought you said they wouldn't have any way of knowing what we were up to."
"They don't. They're just grasping for straws at this stage. All you have to do is alert your men to the possibility that someone might try to get information from them. It's imperative that nothing leaks out. We must convince Hans Schultz that our Bible study group is for real."
"How did you find out about this?"
"The warden's secretary warned me. Can you believe that?"
"No, why would she do that?"
"Beats me."
"It may be a trap. She could be trying to gain your trust so you'll tell her what you're up to. You better watch out."
"That possibility has already occurred to me. I haven't told her anything and I don't intend to."
"Good."
It was late afternoon when Hans finally was able to get a meeting with the warden. Melinda watched him intently as he waited for the warden to see him. After he went in, she switched on the intercom so she could listen in on the conversation.
"Mr. Schultz, what brings you all the way to Texarkana?"
"I'm curious about this Bible study group that Matt Coleman is organizing."
"Really, what's so interesting about that?"
"Well, I understand it is quite popular."
"Yes, it is. There are nearly fifty inmates enrolled. It's really quite amazing."
"Don't you think it's odd that so many men would be interested in studying the Bible?"
"Yes, very odd indeed. That's why I've taped every session."
"Really."
"Yes, and Mr. Coleman is one hell of a pastor, let me tell you. I think he's found a new profession. In fact, our chaplain has told me he has invited Matt to enroll at the seminary after he gets out of here next year."
"Do you really believe he's sincere?"
"It sure sounds like it to me. You're welcome to listen to some of the tapes if you'd like."
"Could I get a copy instead? I'll listen to it on my way to Dallas."
"Sure, no problem."
"So you don't think he's up to anything?"
"No, not really. I've had a guard at all his meetings and, like I've said, I've got everything on tape. I don't know what else I could do."
"Well, we just don't like the idea of Matt Coleman becoming so powerful even if it's within the confines of a prison. He's a brilliant man who may be looking for revenge."
"Then why is he still alive?"
"We didn't want him to become a martyr. He would have been even more of a problem had he met an untimely death. Of course, now it wouldn't matter so much. Most everyone's forgotten him, so if he suddenly were to be the victim of a bathroom squabble, who would care?"
"He's not doing anyone any harm. I think you should leave him alone. I really don't think he's a threat to you."
"Well, we'll see. Only time will tell."
"I'll keep a close eye on him and report anything unusual."
"Good, I've got to go to Albany for a few days. I'll call you when I get back."
"Fine, have a good trip."
The next morning Hans and one of his men boarded a Southwest Airlines flight to New York City on his way to Albany, New York. Before he left, a package had arrived with a detailed account of Bill Ross' activities over the previous few months. Hans examined the report very carefu
lly during his flight. When he arrived in Albany, he checked into the same Holiday Inn where Bill was staying. He got a room just down the hall. He left his door ajar so he would hear Bill if he left.
Several hours later Paula emerged from the elevator and went to Bill’s room. She knocked and Bill opened the door. They embraced and kissed passionately.
"Oh, I'm so glad to see you," Bill said after they came up for a short breath of air.
"Me, too,” she replied and then kissed him again. After a few minutes Bill suggested they go to dinner. At the same time, they got into the elevator, Hans opened the door to the stairs and quickly ran down them. They took Paula’s car and found a quiet Italian restaurant and settled in to enjoy some fine cuisine. Hans waited in his car outside the restaurant.
They were seated at a table in the corner and the barmaid came by and took their drink order.
“So, how’s my witness?” Bill asked.
“Fine. I’ve had someone with her every minute since you left. Nothing has happened. It’s been a pretty boring assignment.”
Bill smiled. “Well, just hope it stays that way.”
“When are you going to tell me who your client is and why Roxanne is so important to your case?”
Bill gave Paula a thoughtful look. Reluctantly he said, “I suppose I should fill you in. You have a right to know the danger involved in this assignment.”
She looked at him expectantly. He took a deep breath. "My client is . . . was an attorney. He helped me out of a few jams so we became friends. When he got in trouble, he called me to provide protection."
"From who?"
"Before I give you confidential information I should disclose who my client is just in case you have a conflict."
"Good idea. Who is it?"
"Matt Coleman."
"Matt Coleman? That doesn't ring a bell."
"Remember the bankruptcy crisis? Congressional hearings . . . banking irregularities."
"Oh, that Matt Coleman."
"Right. . . . Hmm. I don't see why there should be a conflict. I've never worked for a bank. . . . I take that back. I did do security briefly one summer for a savings and loan."
Bill told Paula the story. She shook her head in disbelief.
Bill continued. "I know for a fact that Frank Hill had Matt's wife Lynn and her friend Lori killed. They also killed Martha Simonton, her son Michael, and a prostitute named Monica Sommers."
"He must have a lot to hide."
The barmaid came and left their drinks. Bill gave her a ten-dollar bill, she thanked him, and left. Then the waiter came to take their orders.
"What can I get you?" he said.
"I'll have the shrimp scampi," Paula said.
"That sounds good. I'll take the same," Bill added.
"Thank you. I'll be right back with your bread," he said and left.
Paula said, “If they are that powerful, how in the hell are you and I going to have a ghost of a chance of bringing them to justice?"
"Matt has a senator who says if we get the evidence he needs, he'll force a congressional hearing. We'll go to the press at the same time to be sure the evidence is not covered up."
"Still, if we don't time everything perfectly you and I will end up dead too."
"That's right. So if you want to pull out, just say so, and you can forget I ever mentioned this to you."
Paula took a deep breath, smiled and said, "Why couldn't I fall in love with a plumber?"
Bill's face lit up. "You've fallen in love with me?"
Paula smiled and said, "Why do you think I'm here? I've been miserable since you left me."
"That's nice. I'm so glad because I've been miserable too."
The waiter finally showed up with dinner. Paula and Bill ate quietly as they contemplated their predicament. After dinner they went for a ride since it was a pretty night. When they returned to their hotel they decided to have a drink in the bar before they went up to their room.
Hans watched them order a drink, then walked to the elevator, and went up to his room. He went inside, got a black bag, and walked across the hall to Bill and Paula's room. He pulled out some tools and began working on the lock. Soon the door opened. He picked up his bag and went inside.
Once inside, he went to the telephone, unscrewed the cap and fitted a listening device inside. He put the phone back together and walked over to a light fixture next to the wall. He placed another listening device inside the base of the lamp. When he was done, he went to the bedroom and planted a device in the clock radio. Then he closed up his bag and went back to his room.
In his room he set up a small receiver, plugged in some earphones, and cracked the door so he would see when they returned. When they came back to their room they were half-drunk, laughing and carrying on so that anyone in the vicinity could hear them. Bill unlocked the door and pushed it open. Paula entered the room, walked over to the bed and collapsed. Bill followed her and climbed up next to her.
"I think you've had too much to drink," Bill laughed.
"No way," Paula said. "I'm just starting to feel good."
"Really?"
"Yeah, come here. I've been wanting to hold you all night."
Bill climbed on top of Paula and they began kissing. Then Bill sat up and took off his shirt while Paula removed her blouse. In the other room Hans put on his receiver and listened to their lovemaking. He closed his eyes as he listened to the bed creak and Paula moan. He began to sweat, so he grabbed a towel and wiped his brow. When they were done, there was little conversation before they fell asleep. Finally, Hans took off the headset, took a cold shower and sat on his bed. He looked at his watch and the radio alarm and then set it for six.
The next morning Hans got up when the alarm went off. He cracked his door so he'd know if Paula and Bill were leaving. He ordered room service and waited. At seven-thirty there was still no sign of them so he ordered more coffee. At nine-thirty Bill and Paula finally got up, took a shower together and called room service. Hans put on his headset and listened to their conversation.
Paula called the station to see if she had any messages. She hung up the phone about the time the waiter knocked on the door with their food. Bill opened the door and the waiter wheeled the cart into the room. After he set up their places at the table, Bill gave him a tip and he left.
"Hmm. I'm starving," Bill said as he began to help himself to the food.
"Me, too, would you like some coffee?"
"Yes, please."
Paula poured Bill some coffee and then did the same for herself. She put the pot down and began to eat.
"This is the life, huh?" Paula said.
"Yes, it's nice to have other people wait on you," Bill replied.
“Too bad we can’t take off somewhere for a month or two.”
“Maybe when this mess is all over, we can go on a cruise. I hear they are great.”
“Promise?”
Bill smiled. “Promise. But for now we better get back to reality. It's after ten o'clock and we've got a lot of work to do."
Paula nodded, took one more bite of her toast, and then got up to go. Bill took one last drink of his coffee and followed her to the door. As they were leaving the room, Bill noticed Hans’ door was not fully closed. He stopped in his tracks for a moment and looked at Paula.
"What?" she said.
"I forgot something. I'll be right back."
He went back into the room and started inspecting every inch of it. Soon he found the bug in the phone and then the one in the light. He stepped outside and motioned for Paula to come in.
"Someone's been listening to us," he said as he held up the listening device to Paula.
"Oh, shit! What should we do?"
"Let's find out who the asshole's working for," Bill said as he pulled out a .357 Magnum from his bag.
Paula stuck her hand into her purse and pulled out a .38 Special. She checked to be sure it the cylinder was loaded and then looked at Bill. He nodded and then went to th
e right side of the door. Paula took the opposite side. Bill kicked the door open and slipped inside. Hans was sitting in a chair with his headset on playing with his receiver. When he heard the door bang open he grabbed his gun and started shooting at Bill.
Bill dove behind the bed as a barrage of bullets came his way. While Hans had his eye on Bill, Paula rushed in and started firing. He tried to return the fire but was hit almost immediately. Paula kept firing, hitting him several more times. He fell to the floor, lying motionless with his eyes open. Bill got up and went over to him.
"Is he dead?" Paula asked.
"Yes," Bill said, "and we better get the hell out of here before the cops come and we have to explain what happened. Come on."
“Wait,” Paula said. “Get his luggage and his wallet. There might be something in there to tie him to Frank Hill.”
Bill opened the closet door and pulled out a small carry-on bag. Paula got his wallet and a notepad from his pants pocket. As they were leaving, Bill kicked open the bathroom door.
“Shit!” he said.
“What?” Paula asked.
“He wasn’t alone. There are two toothbrushes.”
“Oh, God.”
Bill put his gun away, grabbed the bag and started to leave.
"Wait. Shouldn't you get the tape?"
"Oh, right," Bill said, and then rushed over to the recorder and took out the tape. He unzipped the bag, threw in the tape, and zipped it back.
Several people had come out of their rooms to see what the shooting was all about. Paula held her gun behind her back so they wouldn't see it.
"Somebody shot that poor sucker. I'm going to call the police," Paula said.
The spectators ran past her and entered the room, allowing Bill and Paula to slip into their room unnoticed. They quickly packed up their things and left the motel. Bill got the car and they drove off.
"Are you all right, Paula?"
"I don't know. I'm feeling kind of sick inside."
"Have you ever killed anyone before?"
"No."
"I haven't either. . . . I don't think we had a choice. It was either him or us."
"What do you think is going to happen now?"
"I don't know. It depends on how much he told his superiors about us."
"What about the police?"
"We need to take care of our business and then get the hell out of town. We better forget the airport. They'll be watching it. We'll drive to New York City, hang around for a few days until things cool off, and then catch a flight home."
"I'm scared, Bill. Do you think they know who I am?"
"We've got to assume they do."
"Oh, God! What am I going to do?"
"Don't panic on me now, come on. It's a good thing we killed the bastard. There's no telling what he overheard us say. We'd have been in a lot worse shape had we not discovered he was on to us."
"Now I can't go back to Albany."
"I'm sorry, Paula. It wasn't my intention to force you into this deal. I shouldn't have called you. Will you ever forgive me?"
"It's not your fault. I probably would have come even if you had leveled with me in the beginning."
"Really?"
"Yes, like I said, I was miserable without you."
"I'll make it up to you somehow, I promise."
"I know," Paula said.
"We better get Roxanne and bring her with us. If they overheard us talking about her, they’ll send someone up to kill her."
"Right. Blanch is with her now. I’ll call and find out where they are."
"Okay, let’s get her and get out of town before someone spots us."
Paula pulled out her cell phone from her purse and began to dial.
"Hello," a voice said.
"Blanch? Where are you?"
"Outside a supermarket. Roxanne’s doing her grocery shopping."
“Get her home. Have her pack a bag. We’re leaving town.”
“Really?"
“Yes, the heat just got turned up a notch. I’m gonna take the rest of my vacation and go with Bill somewhere to hide Roxanne and figure out what to do next.”
“Okay, got it. See you back at the homestead.”
Thirty minutes later Bill and Paula arrived at Roxanne’s home. Her car was parked in the driveway and the front door was wide open. Bill and Paula approached the door cautiously. Paula pulled her gun and slipped up to one side of the door, her back against the stucco. Bill walked in slowly.
A gunshot sent Bill to the ground for cover. Paula turned into the doorway and fired at the shooter, who was scampering into the kitchen. Bill moved down the hall to cover the back entrance to the kitchen while Paula followed the shooter’s footsteps. Suddenly there was a loud crash in the kitchen. Paula and Bill rushed in, nearly running into each other. They looked out the back door and saw the shooter jump a fence and get into a late model Volvo. He peeled rubber and was out of sight before Bill and Paula could reach him.
“Shit. Where are Blanch and Roxanne?” Paula asked frantically.
“I don’t know. Let’s take a look inside.”
They rushed back inside and started searching one room at a time. They stopped when they got to a bathroom door with several bullet holes in it.
Bill’s heart sank. Paula gave him a distressed look and said, “Blanch?”
There was a tense moment of silence and then they heard someone crying. Bill pushed the door open. Blanch was lying on the ground with her head in Roxanne’s lap. She had been shot in the chest. Paula got on her cell phone and called 911 while Bill did CPR. In a moment they heard sirens in the distance.
Paula said, “Get out of here. Take Roxanne with you. I’ll clean up here and explain what happened.”
“But how will you explain it?” Bill asked.
“Don’t worry. I’ll think of something. Just get out of here so they don’t find you and Roxanne. Then we’ll really have a problem. . . . I’ll catch up with you later. Call me on my cell in an hour. If for any reason you can’t get through to me, meet me in Washington at the Watergate Hotel as soon as you can get there.”
Bill helped Roxanne up, grabbed her bag and ran out to Roxanne’s car. They got in and took off just before the ambulance and police arrived. Bill wondered what kind of a story Paula would come up with and whether her superiors would buy it. He prayed she’d be all right and he’d see her again soon.
Plastic Gods, A Rich Coleman Novel Vol 2 Page 39