by KC Crowne
“Seriously? Doesn’t City Hall have anything better to do?”
“That’s what I’m sayin’. You’ve had code violations over at Rainbow, right?”
“Of course. They change up shit so fast down in Austin there’s no way to keep up. Usually we’ll hear about it during’ the yearly inspection, and they always give us plenty of time to take care of it. Almost always some inconsequential BS anyway.”
“Right,” I mused, frowning. “They’ve never told you to take care of it right away or get shut down, have they?”
He laughed loudly. “Man, I don’t know how they do things in Idylwood, but hell no. Half the shit they never even follow up on unless it’s a major safety concern or somethin’.”
“And that’s what’s got me thinkin’ somethin’s weird over here. One of the women who’s runnin’ the place, Crystal, got a notice about some fire exists. They told her they gotta shut down until they install them.”
“Huh. That’s fuckin’ crazy. Like I said, I got no idea how they run things over there, but that’s just peculiar. How the hell can you have a functioning city if places get shut down the first code warning they get?”
“And let me ask you somethin’ else – like I said, it’s just for my peace of mind. You or any of the other Walkers never happened to drop a line to City Hall about violations, right?”
“Now why the hell would we do somethin’ like that?”
“I don’t think you would, but Crystal’s worried y’all might see her as competition.”
He scoffed. “Someone’s paranoid.”
“Well, she spent some time in New York. Don’t blame her for comin’ away with a cynical attitude after livin’ in those parts.”
“Fair enough. But no – they’re just some friendly competition. And there’s more than enough tourist money to go around. The more the fuckin’ merrier, I say.”
“That’s what I told her. But still, this shit stinks.”
“Then you’re gonna ask around, see what you can find, huh?”
“That’s the plan.”
It didn’t take long to reach downtown Idylwood. Just like the B&B, the city was quaint and charming – pure small-town Texas. The main drag was lined with Mom and Pop stores, diners, and townhomes. A few dozen people were out and about enjoying the mild weather and sunshine. A big, Roman-style town hall was situated just before the big park in town.
“Alright, I’m here to see what I can see,” I told Chance. “The mayor and I went to high school together, so I’m gonna see if I can get him to squeeze in a few minutes with me.”
“Good luck – let me know what you find out. And if you can, tell those gals not to be so damn paranoid.”
I laughed. “I’ll be sure to pass that along.”
We said our goodbyes as I pulled the truck into the small lot in front of town hall. The place didn’t seem too busy – a lone security guard stood bored at the entrance and a pair of Texas-style lawyers – the kinds in fancy suits and even fancier cowboy hats – strolled down the steps letting out big booming laughs about one thing or another.
I tipped my hat to the security guard, removing it as I stepped through the arched doors. Inside was a massive entry hall, the rotunda above decorated with a painting of the founding of Idylwood. A handful of pioneer-types stood proudly in front of the Rio Rica looking over the endless horizon.
“Howdy,” I said as I approached the desk in the middle of the entry hall, my voice echoing all around me. “I’m lookin’ to get a few minutes with Mayor Simms. That possible?”
The front desk clerk looked me up and down like I might be pulling some kind of trick. She was a middle-aged woman with curly, dyed-blonde hair and a fleshy face, a pair of glasses hanging in front of her by a beaded chain.
“Mayor’s very busy,” she said in the expected Texas twang. “And he’s not big on walk-ins.”
I flashed her a smile. “I’ve got no doubt about that, darlin’. But I’m an old friend of his from back in the day – we went to high school together, actually.”
“Lotsa people went to high school with the mayor,” she stated blandly, her face still skeptical.
I’d been around the block enough times to know you caught more flies with honey than vinegar. “I don’t doubt he’s got you on watch for time-wasters,” I said, leaning on the desk and grinning. “But I can assure you he’ll be happy to see me. If not, then you can take it out on my hide.”
Her expression softened, an acquiescing look appearing on her face accompanied by a slight smile. “What’s your name?” she asked. “I can give him a call and see if he wants to see you, but I ain’t promisin’ nothin’.”
“That’s all I ask. And I appreciate it greatly. Name’s Gerald Walker.”
She pursed her lips before picking up the phone on her desk, cradling it on her shoulder, and dialing a number. “Susanne? Got a fella down here who wants to meet with Josh. I know, that’s what I told him…said they were pals in high school or somethin’…sure, sure…” A few long moments of silence passed. “Is that right? Well, alright I’ll send him up.”
She hung up and turned her attention back to me. “Mayor Simms says to come on up. He’s up those stairs, top floor, big doors all the way at the end.”
“Much obliged, darlin’,” I said with a nod and a smile, both of which were warmly received.
I headed up the stairs, my boots echoing on the marble floors. Once I reached the top the double doors were easy to spot. One of them was propped open, and I stepped past it, entering a small reception area decorated with black-and-white photos of Idylwood over the years. A pretty young woman who seemed very happy to see me greeted me with a broad smile and bright green eyes.
“You Mr. Walker?” she asked. At my nod, she gestured behind her. “Mayor Simms is ready to see you now.”
I thanked her and headed to the second set of doors, giving them a knock.
“Come on in,” came the gruff voice on the other side that no doubt belonged to Josh.
I stepped inside. Josh Simms, big and burly with small, dark eyes and broad shoulders, rose as I entered. He’d been the star lineman of the Patterson Broncos football team and still had the build to prove it. He wore a grey suit with a bolo tie, and a cowboy hat hung on a rack behind him. Josh greeted me with a smile as he stepped around the desk.
“Gerald Walker,” he announced loudly. “Mr. Three Thousand himself.”
Mr. Three Thousand had been my nickname in high school, earned when I’d smashed the previous record for receiving yards as an all-county tight end.
“Aw, now you don’t have to call me that. Lieutenant Walker will do just fine.” I grinned as I took his hand, the two of us giving one another a hard shake and a firm slap on the back.
“I’ll call you that and you can call me Sergeant First Class Simms. Or Mayor Simms – whichever suits you better.”
I laughed. “Sure thing, Josh.” We’d both served after high school, me in Special Forces and Josh as a ground-pounder in the Army. Guys in the service always had a bond that couldn’t be matched, whether they were in the same unit or not.
“Good to see you, Gerald. Have a seat.” Josh gestured to one of the leather chairs across from his desk and I sat down. “So,” he said, stepping over to a fancy coffee machine and pouring a pair of mugs. “Back in town, huh? What’s the occasion?”
The machine steamed and hissed as the mugs filled with the steaming brew. “Not gonna insult you by askin’ if you want this any way other than midnight black.”
I chuckled again as he handed me the mug. “Got some business with my family at Rainbow Canyon. How’s life in the big chair?”
“Got its ups and downs. Mostly paperwork, believe it or not – comes with the territory of small-town life, I suppose. What’s the Rainbow Canyon situation?”
I shook my head, not sure how to get into it. I wanted to protect my family’s privacy. “Long story – trouble with one of the new employees and some shithead ex that wouldn’t le
ave her alone.”
Josh shook his head. “Damn. Well, I’d say I could help, but I’m afraid Patterson ain’t exactly my jurisdiction.”
“That’s not what I’m here about.”
“Then what’s up?”
“You know that B&B that just opened? The one on the Rio Rica?”
“Sure do – the one with Crystal and her two friends. What about it?”
“City came down hard on ‘em for a code violation. They’re lookin’ like they might have to close.”
A confused expression crossed his face. “That’s bizarre. One of my goals as mayor has been to encourage small businesses. Can’t exactly do that if you’re shuttin’ ‘em down for code violations without givin’ a chance to fix ‘em.”
“Right – so I wanted to see if there was somethin’ goin’ on out of the ordinary.”
His ruddy features darkened, and I knew I’d touched something sensitive. Josh drummed his fingers on the desk for a moment, as if weighing whether or not to explain.
“Josh, you and I go way back, right?”
“We sure as shit do.”
“Back far enough that we can trust each other with anything, right?”
“I’d reckon’ so. And hell, you’ve certainly distinguished yourself since then – military then Rangers after that.”
“Right. So you know that not only can you trust me, but I wouldn’t be pokin’ my head around if I didn’t think somethin’ fishy was afoot.”
He let out a sigh through his nose and nodded. “I know. And it’s not a matter of whether or not I know you’re the justice-seekin’ type – that’s beyond a shadow of a doubt. It’s more than you’re askin’ about somethin’ I’m not sure I want to get you all wrapped up in.”
He had my interest, and I leaned forward in my seat. “Try me.”
“I know you, Gerald. And I know you don’t sit aside when matters of injustice are around. If I tell you what I’m fixin’ to tell you, it’d be like takin’ a bloodhound off his leash.”
I grinned. “Then you’d know whatever it is you’ve got on your plate, I’d take care of it.”
“That I know. Problem is, you’ll go to any length to do it. And I’m worried this particular situation might be too much.”
“Again, try me.”
He smirked and shook his head. “Alright. Not sure what I’m gettin’ myself into here, but you asked for it.” He sat back and folded his hands on his lap before plopping his boots on the massive wooden desk. “Been hearin’ rumors about corruption over at the PD. Things like officers turnin’ a blind eye to Mexican gangs movin’ drugs through the town. Can’t say for sure, but I’ve even heard rumors Sherriff Hart knows about it.”
“You serious?”
“Serious as a bull starin’ down a red flag. Might be drug-runnin’, could be money-laundering. But either way, it’s shit I don’t want in my town.”
“But you’re the mayor – can’t you do somethin’ about it?”
“Not without stickin’ my boot right into a hornet’s nest. And it’s all unsubstantiated at this point. But it could be a part of what’s goin’ on with that bed and breakfast – once power gets a taste of corruption, the hunger for more always grows, never satisfied.”
There wasn’t a doubt in my mind what I needed to do. “I’ll look into it. Private investigation is my specialty now.”
“So I hear – got yourself a profitable little outfit. And hell, you might be what I need, someone who isn’t under my command, someone who can operate without the oversight of city hall.” He hesitated a moment before continuing. “But Gerald, this ain’t gonna be easy. You might be takin’ a bite you can’t chew, let alone swallow.”
“We’ll see. I’ll start by askin’ around, try not to arouse any suspicion.”
Josh nodded. “Right. And hell, I hate to say this, but I can’t have any knowledge of what you’re gettin’ up to. If there’s some shit goin’ down and you get spotted in the process of findin’ it out and it gets back that I told you about it…” He trailed off, not needing to finish.
“Josh, I was Special Forces – I know all about working under the radar.”
“I’m sure you do. And unfortunately, that’s all I can give you.”
“More than enough to start workin’.”
“Then good luck. You’re gonna need it.”
We shook hands, said our goodbyes, and that was that.
Idylwood had a different tone as I drove through it. The town was so sleepy, so damn peaceful. Was there really a snake pit of corruption seething under the surface? I’d find out, one way or another. When I arrived at the B&B, Crystal was out front hanging a sign on the door. As I pulled up to park, I got close enough to read it.
“Closed until further notice?” I asked as I hopped out of the truck.
Crystal turned to me, an uncharacteristically defeated look on her face. “Until we can solve the code situation, we got no other option,” she said, putting her hands on her curvy hips. “And that means I can’t offer you room and board.”
“Sure you can.”
She furrowed her brow and cocked her head to the side. “What? You need me to point to the sign or somethin’?”
“Nah. I need you to keep lettin’ me stay here. Got some terms – three times the nightly rate.”
“What? Gerald, that’d be illegal.”
“No one needs to know. And if anyone asks, just tell ‘em I’m doin’ work on the place to help get you up to code.”
She appeared to consider the matter. “I mean…hell, I can’t say no to that kinda money. But you know I ain’t the only game in town, right? I mean, hell. You can go to your family’s ranch.”
“Yeah, but they don’t have such a gorgeous proprietor,” I teased, winking at her. “Just a bunch a’ hairy cowboys and already spoken for ladies.”
She smirked and shook her head. “Smooth-talkin’ cowboy. Shit, alright – you can stay. But keep it on the down-low, y’hear?”
“You got it, darlin’.”
“And no callin’ me ‘darlin.’ I ain’t some diner waitress you’re tryin’ to sweet talk into free dessert.”
I laughed as I headed inside. Sure, I might’ve been joking around, but my reason for staying was true. I was as determined to help her out as I was to make her mine.
Chapter 4
Crystal
My eyes lingered on Gerald’s ass, looking perfect as all get out in those jeans. I kind of hated myself for it. He was a big, cocky SOB – charming and kind, sure, but cocky, nonetheless. And I’d never liked it when men called me darlin’ or sweetheart, like all these cowboy types seemed to do. But he was different. Couldn’t put my finger on why. I’d bust his balls a bit whenever he’d lay a darlin’ on me, sure, but it always managed to give me a smile deep down where he couldn’t see it.
When he was gone, however, my attention was captured by the big closed sign on the door. It was like a punch to the gut seeing my business shut up. It’d been my dream to open this place, and now it was closed, possibly never to be reopened.
Adie’s was running, however, and the little café was bustling with its usual modest lunch rush. But while a bit of an income stream could be garnered, it wouldn’t be nearly enough to keep the B&B afloat while we sorted out the code violations.
I stepped inside and looked around, taking in the quaint, charming interior. If I wanted to open again, I’d have to turn the first floor into a chaotic construction zone, spend thousands of dollars to have a crew of contractors bash through the walls and install new exits. Even if we could get the place back open, would it be the same?
The letter was still in my pocket. Leaning against the desk, I took it out and unfolded it, going over the same words I’d read a hundred times since I’d received the letter. This time, however, I glanced down at the name of the clerk who’d signed it.
Marlon Ford – Codes Department, City Hall.
There was a number underneath his name, along with an email address. It ha
dn’t occurred to me to simply give the guy a call and see what the hell was going on. I stepped into the living room, a cozy little space with a fireplace, blue-and-white-striped wallpaper, and antique furniture. Sitting down, I slipped my phone out of my pocket and dialed the number.
After a few rings, a woman answered. “Idylwood City Hall Codes Department,” came the chipper voice. “How can I help you?”
“My name’s Crystal Peterson. I’d like to chat with Marlon Ford about a letter he sent me.”
“Mr. Ford is very busy right now. If you’d like, I can take an appointment for a call later this week.”
“Later this week? It’s Monday – you sayin’ I gotta wait a few days just to talk to someone about why my business is bein’ shut down?” There was anger in my voice, but I did my best to keep it in check.
“Like I said, he’s very busy. How does Friday at three PM work for you?”
“It doesn’t work well at all, as a matter of fact. What’s your name, if you don’t mind my askin’?”
“Cindy.” She sounded hesitant, as if she didn’t want to give out her name.
“Now, Cindy, I know you’re just doin’ your job. But my livelihood just got shut down for some code violation I didn’t even know about before today. I can’t exactly afford to wait until Friday. So, I’d really appreciate it if you’d put me on the line with Mr. Ford. If not, I might just have to swing by in person a few times a day until I happen to run into him on the way to the little boy’s room.”
There was silence, and I could tell she was weighing the pros and cons of whether to put me on the line or to take her chances with my proposal. After a moment, she sighed. “Alright. But he doesn’t take kindly to impromptu conversations. Isn’t likely you’re gonna make too much headway with whatever you’re havin’ an issue with.”
“I’ll take my chances. And thank you, Cindy.”
Tinny hold music played for a minute or two, and right as I began to wonder if I’d been placed on an eternal wait, the line picked up.
