Searching for Harpies

by Charlie Vogel

  I rolled my bottle between my palms before gulping the last of the beer. “Nothing is wrong with you. It’s time to go to Harry’s.”

  Instead of standing as I did, she pulled a cigarette from a pack sticking out of her open purse and lit it. The smoke drifted from her nose. Moisture collected in the corners of her shiny eyes. “Bob, sit down, damn it. I am not a whore any more. I don’t work the streets and I haven’t screwed anyone since you shot Alabama.”

  “I didn’t shoot your pimp, remember? He fell on his gun.”

  “I don’t give a goddamn—”

  The phone interrupted her. She reached inside her purse and removed the flat cellular. “Hello. Oh, hi, Fox. What’s up?”

  I watched her expression turn from despising me to sorrow. Her bottom lip trembled. The tears she had controlled before flooded her eyes. Slowly, she replaced the phone in her purse. What could Fox have told her? I hadn’t known she talked with criminals from her past life. How often does this pimp call her?

  “What’s wrong, Lori?”

  She swiped at her eyes and took a ragged breath. “Penny’s dead. Someone killed her. Shot her in the head.”

  Chapter 2

  At the other side of the badminton court, I saw Harry and three men around a picnic table. Because of the half-acre of lawn and the hundred or so people enjoying games and conversations, Harry did not see me.

  Tables filled with drinks and refreshments had been scattered around the kidney shaped, flag stone patio. Oak and maple trees shaded the yard of the split level, modern home. Although Harry didn’t live in one of the newer sub-divisions, his home probably cost a few extra thousand dollars than what his neighbors had spent. With his income at Bison Insurance, he could afford the extras like the landscaped yard.

  I placed a plastic tumbler under the beer keg’s spigot and poured a half glass of foam. Holding my container of over-flowing carbonation away from my body, I hurried across the badminton field, avoiding a young girl chasing after a shuttlecock. I still had to duck as she swung her racket. Foam ran down my hand.

  I stepped over the bench to take the seat next to Harry. He turned with a surprised look and smiled. “I was wondering if you were going to make it.”

  “I wouldn’t miss this party for all the rice in China. It’s not often Ann invites me over to have a few beers. She normally sends us off to the Tickle Pink.”

  “Well, that’s the way she is. She still thinks we are a bunch of boozers.”

  Harry introduced me to his brothers-in-law. Each of them had the same facial characteristics as Ann. The oldest one thought it was important I knew about the two brothers who lived out of town and couldn’t be at the party. Ann’s four sisters were chasing kids and I would meet them later. I swallowed beer instead of commenting negatively about having such a large family. Maybe the rumors were correct; Catholics reproduced like church mice. No safe sex for them.

  Since becoming CEO of Ashland Steel, I had learned the secret of listening to people and still allow my mind to drift, like I had at church. While bits of table talk filtered into my mind, I thought of how much money St. Anthony’s Church collected from just Ann’s family. All the cousins, her brothers and sisters, and her mother lived within the parish boundaries, which took in a hefty section of northwest Pecatonica, Nebraska.

  Crazy Horse Lake separated Harry from his in-laws. The closest relative lived two miles east of the lake in the middle income homes where most owners held two mortgages and a lot of credit cards. I could see Harry enjoyed living at an economic class above his wife’s family.

  At a break in the male yammering, Harry faced me with, “Where’s Lori?”

  “Bad news. Lori decided to stay home. She was told her best friend is dead.”

  His smile instantly transformed to concern. He grabbed the table edge to shove to his feet. “Was it Penny?”

  “Yeah. How did you know?”

  “Excuse me, guys. I—I’ll be back in a few minutes.” He grabbed my arm and headed across the lawn.

  I kept pace until Harry stopped at the edge of his wife’s rose garden. Uncomfortable with his agitation, I watched a bee buzz a large red blossom. “What’s wrong? Did you know Penny?”

  “Yeah. I—I don’t think you met her, did you?”

  “No, I never knew anything about her. Lori never mentioned her.”

  Harry stood a moment with his head bowed. “How did she die?”

  “I don’t have all the details, but Fox called and said Penny was murdered.”

  “Oh, shit. Did he say who killed her?”

  “No. Why? What’s it matter? Harry, you look worse than troubled.”

  At the edge of the patio, smoke drifted from the chimney of the brick charcoal grill, stinging my eyes. Blinking, I turned my artist’s attention on a croquette wire loop a few feet away. It arched over a dandelion’s yellow flower. A bee circled around the oval framed weed. It would have made a great painting by Van Gogh. The crack of a wooden mallet jerked me back to Harry saying, “Back then Ann and I had a few problems with our marriage. It ain’t pleasant to have your wife catch you in bed with another woman, especially a whore. I spent money we didn’t have for a few minutes of sex. Ann got canned at her laundry job and came home early. Found me with Penny. I never knew she was Lori’s best friend until after you introduced me to Lori. Because I worked the convenience store and knew lots of the girls, Lori mentioned her, asked if I would keep an eye out for her, ya know?”

  I vividly remembered my first meeting with Lori. It was her legs that attracted me right away. I had followed her up a flight of stairs in the dilapidated apartment building I moved into when I went on the hunt for Eileen’s killer. When I went to my apartment, I discovered she lived across the hall. After her pimp shot himself and the divorced-down-on-his-luck Harry and I helped dispose of the body, she moved in with us.

  That old apartment building. I remembered the day Harry moved out, unmanly tears and the facial tissues had passed back and forth between the three of us. A short time after I built my two homes, I decided to purchase the entire building. My brother, Donald, overly pleased to sell the two-story, brick structure, dumped it on me for half its value. I didn’t tell him about his mistake. Instead I renovated and leased the rooms as office space. That caused a renovation of more surrounding buildings and turned a crumbling area of downtown Pecatonica into a thriving commercial and upscale apartment area. Funny how things happen.

  I focused back on Harry. “Why didn’t Lori ever mention Penny to me?”

  The expression he turned on me was a clear message he thought I was some kind of idiot. “You’re kidding me, right? Lori really cares for you. She wants you to forget her past life. She thinks by keeping her friends away from you, she may be able to win your acceptance and let her get close.” He shook his head. “Bob, I’ve wanted to tell you this for the past two years, but I couldn’t find the words. Now that Penny’s . . . Well, life’s too short, man. Please give Lori a chance. I know you still have Eileen hanging around in your mind, but she’s dead and she’ll never be at your side again. You have to get on with your life and,” he poked a hard finger into my chest, “tell Lori how you really feel about her.”

  I worked at huffing but shrugged instead. “I—I know. More often now she brings up a relationship, but I feel like a fool. Next year I’ll be fifty and Lori can’t be more than twenty five—”

  “She’ll be twenty-eight next month.”

  “Oh, shit, I forgot. Her birthday is August 12.” Harry raised his eyebrows as light sparked in his eyes, a sign of lying any experienced school teacher would pick up. “How do you know her age when she never told me?”

  “Because Lori’s right about one thing. You’re too damned concern about your age difference. Do I have to draw you a goddamn picture? Can’t you figure it out? She’s in love with you.”

  The teasing turned to a penetrating stare.

  I needed to say something to strike back. I will not allow him to scold me. The
stress of being uncomfortable and the love for Eileen prevented me from having tear-jerking conversations with Lori. Of course I have had romantic feelings, but for a child? No, it wouldn’t work. I wanted Lori, as a daughter, yes, but as a lover? Fool, now who are you lying to?

  So, I changed the subject, “What, ah, happened after Ann caught you in bed with Penny?”

  Harry scratched his head and sighed. “She took the two babies out of our run-down shack by the airport and moved in with her mother in Topeka, Kansas. Now back to you, asshole. Do you love her?”

  “Damn it, Harry. I don’t know.” My beer was empty.

  He glanced around the garden as if counting the guests who had arrived. “Is Lori okay hearing about Penny?”

  “She took the news badly. Cried.”

  “Was she crying when you left?”

  “Yeah. I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t want to be late for your wife’s party.”

  “Oh, bullshit. Lori’s important to us. She needs you. I’ll drive.”

  I followed Harry’s footsteps until we reached the corner of the house. Not far away Father Manning sat in a lawn chair under a shade tree. Lori occupied the chair next to him. Angled slightly away, they didn’t see us. Her hand held the sleeve of his black jacket. The priest has to be baking inside those dark clothes. The white collar covered more than half his neck. He stared into her eyes. His lips moved.

  After Harry and I stepped closer, I heard Lori say, “I’ve known Bob and Harry for two years. They’re great friends.”

  Shifting in her chair, she looked up over her shoulder. “Hi, Bob. Tommy and I just been talking about you.”

  Harry frowned then caught himself. “Father, I see you met Lori.”

  The young priest smiled and leaned forward. “Well, yes. Here. Today. We, ah, met a few years ago and were just spending the past five minutes going over old times.” His smile looked forced. “And you are Bob Norris. I remember we met at the church.”

  I nodded to him then asked Lori, “Are you feeling better? I didn’t expect to see you here.”

  “A little better. I decided I had to talk to Tommy. We cleared up a few things and—”

  Father Manning interrupted, “Yes, there were a few things we had to clarify. Then Lori asked if I could help her with Penny’s funeral arrangements.”

  A cell phone rang. Harry hand went to his belt, Lori opened her purse, and Father Manning checked a pocket. Although the Board of Directors at Ashland Steel suggested I use the cellular phone the company purchased for me, I had stored it in the top left drawer of my office desk. At that moment I was glad I didn’t have it.

  Harry answered his while the other two relaxed. “This is. Oh, yes, Your Excellency. He’s right here.”

  Harry handed the phone to Father Manning. The priest closed his eyes a moment, giving the impression he felt uncomfortable. “This is Father Manning. Yes, Your Excellency. Sorry, I must have turned my phone off. Oh, I see.” He stiffened. “I will be right there.”

  Harry took the phone back as Lori asked, “You have to go?”

  “Yes,” he said as he nervously glanced from her to the two of us. “Bishop Dergan wants to see me at the rectory. It seems the police are there and they wish to question me.”

  The squealing of tires and hard braking from the street in front of the house drew my attention. I turned back to Father Manning. “It appears you may have a police escort waiting for you.”

  * * *

  Lori and I nursed our warmed beers. We sat on a wrought-iron bench that separated us from the family members. We both stared straight ahead, deep in our own thoughts. Across the flagstone patio sat a table filled with appetizers. Party guests wandered by and picked at various dishes. I didn’t offer to get Lori anything and I had no appetite. Lori’s eyes remained red and a bit swollen. Harry had returned to the picnic table and his brothers-in-law.

  Clearing my throat, I shifted my weight to draw Lori’s attention. “You want another beer?”

  “No, I’ve had plenty. Why do you think Tommy hasn’t called? Shit, it’s been an hour.”

  “Shouldn’t you address him as Father?”

  “What? Well, he may be a priest to you, but to me he’s always been Tommy. But . . . yeah, you’re right. We’re in mixed company and I don’t mean men and women. I mean those that know and those that don’t.” She flicked a weak smile at her own attempt at humor. “Don’t you think it’s strange he hasn’t at least called Harry and let him know if everything’s all right?”

  “Give him more time. Shit, I’m wondering why the cops acted so agitated. They escorted him away as if he committed a crime.”

  Lori took my hand and rubbed my fingers. “Do you think Tommy got caught playing with little boys?”

  “What?”

  “You read the papers and watch the news. It seems the cops are arresting a lot of perverted ministers now days. I can’t believe Tommy would mess around with kids. I remember him as a good lover.”

  “I told you, no details. Here comes Ann.”

  The hostess moved quickly toward us, her low flats clicking against the patio stones. Extending her hand to Lori, she said, “Welcome. I’m so glad you came. You don’t have any food. Please help yourself. Could I get you some ice tea?”

  Lori worked up a more genuine smile, “No, thanks”

  I stood motioning Ann to take my seat. I grabbed a nearby folding chair and settled it near Lori’s side.

  Ann continued in full hostess mode, “No wonder you have no appetite, Lori. I was very sorry to hear about your friend’s death. Did she live near?”

  Lori drew herself up. “Near downtown.”

  “The crime rate is so bad in that area. Where did she work?”

  Lori hesitated, “She was in public relations and . . . traveled a lot.”

  “How interesting. What company did she work for?”

  “Ah…ah, she was freelance.”

  I choked on my warm beer. Placing the plastic cup down, I continued to cough and finally pulled a handkerchief to dry the spill on my shirt.

  Ann’s eyes had widened in concern. “You okay, Bob?”

  “Yes-yes, fine. Have you heard anything from Father Manning?”

  “No. I thought it was really rude for the police to show at my party. I thought they could have waited to question Father.”

  Leaning back, I kept the handkerchief near my chin, “He’ll probably be back any minute. How’s Harry doing? Is the new prescription helping him?”

  Ann shook her head. “Just getting him away from the V.A. hospital helped him. Since he’s seen a regular doctor, he’s improved a hundred per cent. It’s been over a year since he had a seizure.”

  I lowered my voice with, “How are you doing?”

  “Fine.” She slapped at a mosquito, glancing around to see if any guests were nearby. They weren’t so she leaned forward. “I know you two are close to Harry. Because of the past circumstances, you two probably know more about him than I do. That unknown past . . .well, it worries me, especially with some things happening within the past couple of days.” A couple of women by the appetizer table waved to her. “Oh dear, I see I need to pass the serving tray around. I don’t really want to talk about Harry now, anyway. Maybe later.”

  Lori grabbed her hand as she stood. “What’s the matter, Ann?”

  “Nothing, I shouldn’t have said anything.”

  Lori patted the hand she held. “You have something on your mind. If it really bothers you, you can trust Bob and me.”

  “Well, I feel so embarrassed telling you.” She held up one finger as if telling the guests she would be there in a moment. “But since you are good friends of Harry’s . . . No, I’m sure it’s nothing.”

  Lori glanced at me with troubled eyes. Softly she pleaded, “Please, Ann?”

  Taking back her hand, Ann lowered herself into the lawn chair, and kept her eyes on her folded hands. After licking her lips she sat up straight and blurted, “I-I . . . okay. Two nights ago while
Harry and Bob were having a beer at the Tickle Pink, I answered the phone. It was a woman’s voice asking for Harry. I think it was that disgraceful little tramp I found him with fourteen years ago. Her voice haunted me all those years. I’d recognize it anywhere.”

  I asked, “Ann, how can you be sure?”

  Her chin jutted out in a proudly mulish fashion. “Sometimes a woman knows these things. It’s my intuition. Raising kids by myself practically made me a psychic. I may look small and frail to most people, but if this woman thinks she can break up our marriage again, I wouldn’t think twice about killing her.”

  Startled, Lori glanced at me then looked hard at Ann. “You don’t mean that.”

  “Yes, I do. I went through hell—bless me, Lord—during our separation. It will not happen again.”

  Lori leaned toward her to look her in the eye. “Ann, I know Harry. He loves you and the two girls very much. I’m sure he won’t allow anything—not one thing—to break up this second chance at a good marriage.”

  She silently studied Lori’s face. “Yes, you have known Harry a long time, even during that time I didn’t.” She sucked in a tight breath. “I believe you. However, one thing you may not know about my husband. He’s weak about some things. If I let some cute little whore chase after him, he will crumble like a dropped cookie. He has no will power.”

  Lori shook her head. “I don’t think so. Ann, let me look into this phone call. I’ll let you know whatever I find out.”

  “Promise?”

  “Yes. Woman to woman.”

  “Thank you, Lori.” An insistent voice from across the patio called her name. “Oh, dear, The caterers need to refill the dip. Excuse me. My party, my details.”

  Now alone, I eased Lori’s hand from around the armrest of the chair. “You want to talk about Penny?”

  She reclaimed her hand as her cell phone jangled. She pulled it from her purse but only glanced at the text message on its screen. “So, you really want to listen?”

  “Yes.”

  She slid the phone back into her purse. “She was a couple years older than me. When I first hit the streets, she took me under her wing. Penny was like a sister to me.”