by R. B. Conroy
“Oh I see, you’re just killing a little time.”
Heather suddenly felt warm under her arms. “Well, not really. I’ve been…uh wanting to talk to you.”
The phone got quiet on the other end. The whistling noise from the wind gradually lessened and then disappeared. Susan had rolled up the window so she could hear better. Then to Heather’s surprise, before Heather could reply, she said the following, “I hope I’m not being presumptuous, but I think I know what you called about, Heather.”
“You…uh do?”
“I think so. I think that you may be concerned about the possibility of your father and me living together. Am I right?”
“You’re very perceptive, Susan.” Heather felt relieved that Susan had broken the ice on the delicate subject.
Susan chuckled, “Thank you, but I’ve sensed for some time that you were having a hard time accepting this possibility.”
“I hope you understand, Susan, I’ve really enjoyed meeting you and getting to know you, but the thought of anyone other than my mother sharing the same bed with my father is very difficult for me to accept emotionally.”
Susan sounded distracted. “Excuse me a second, Heather, I rolled the window up so I could hear you better and it’s getting a little warm in here. I’m going to pull off and park in this church parking lot and roll down my window. It’s hotter than blazes in here.”
“No problem.” Heather could hear the outside noises again as Susan rolled down her window and pulled into the church parking lot. A short time later, it got quiet again. “There, I’m on the other side of the church, it’s quiet over here. So where were we?”
“I was expressing my reservations concerning the idea of you moving in with my father.”
“Oh yes, and I want you to know, Heather, that I understand completely how you feel. If my father was thinking about living with someone other than my mother, I’m sure that I would feel the same way.”
A huge sense of relief washed over Heather; she was so glad that Susan understood her feelings. She felt like a ton of weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Still feeling a little less tense, she leaned back against the chair and continued, “Thank you for your understanding, Susan, it makes me feel a lot better about things.”
“I do understand, Heather, most certainly I do. I have thought a lot lately about how all of this is affecting you. I want you to know that I’m not taking your feelings lightly.”
“You’re very kind to say that, Susan, I appreciate your concern.”
“I also worry about how your young son, Mark, is taking this. I know he adores his grandpa.”
“To be honest, it has been very difficult for Mark. He was very close with his Grandma Adele and doesn’t understand how his grandpa could be taking up with another woman. He is having a hard time sorting things out.”
“Oh, I’m sure of it.”
Heather felt better that Susan understood her and Mark’s feelings, but she really didn’t know any more about the status of the living together issue than she did when she first called. She paused for a second, hoping Susan would get the drift. After an uncomfortable silence, Susan spoke. “Let me put your mind at ease, Heather. After several heart to heart conversations with your father, I really don’t believe the living together arrangement is going to happen any time soon. He’s been voicing to me the same concerns that you have. I really don’t think he’s ready to make that decision right now.”
Heather was about to burst. She wanted to scream “Yes!” as loud as she could, but she had to control herself. She took a long quiet breath and continued, “ You must be disappointed.”
“Your father is a wonderful man and we’ve had a lot of good times together, but maybe it’s best for everyone involved if we just continue doing what we’re doing. It seems to be working just fine for both of us; but yes, I am a little disappointed.”
Heather had noticed a change in Susan’s tone, however slight. She didn’t sound as sincere as she had earlier in the discussion. Probably just my imagination, she thought. Anyway, she had heard what she wanted to hear and she was elated. She replied briskly, but calmly, not wanting to sound over excited, “I think you’ve been good for my father, Susan, he seems to be in a very happy place right now.”
“Thank you, Heather, I really appreciate hearing that from you. I know what a big commitment you have made to your father by moving here to Florida and all. I’m sure we will be bumping into each other quite a bit in the future and I think its important that we have a good relationship--for your dad’s sake if nothing else,”
“I agree, Susan, I think we will all get along just fine.” Heather could hear Susan’s engine starting in the background.
“Well, I best be going, Heather. I have a busy evening planned. If you don’t have anything else to discuss, I’ll be on my way.’
“No, that’s all I wanted. It’s been nice talking with you.”
“It was nice talking with you.”
“Drive carefully.”
“Thank you, it’s a zoo around here anymore with all of the new housing developments going up in the area. It seems like someone is behind you all the time.”
“Oh, I know. Have a nice evening, Susan.”
“Thanks, you too.”
Heather punched the screen and watched it fade to black. She was so glad she had called Susan. She felt so much better. She leaned forward and began stacking papers on her desk. A beam of sunshine shown through the nearby window lighting up her now dark office. Things are looking up, she thought.
Chapter 34
Joe paused in front of the red brick office in downtown Ocala and read the names etched on the stone plague near the front door. They read Johnson and Clinger Attorneys-at-law. Doug Johnson had been Joe’s family attorney for most of his adult life back in Pittsburgh. Joe was surprised when Doug and his wife decided to relocate to Ocala to be closer to their daughter and her family a few years ago. A good friend, as well as his family attorney, he had missed Doug. One of the first things Joe did when he arrived in Florida was to call Doug and schedule a lunch with him. He was thrilled to have his long-time friend so close again.
Joe pushed through the heavy glass door and stepped inside. A cool blast of air-conditioned air swept over him. It felt good on this warm February day. The receptionist, dressed in a gray business suit and white silk blouse, looked up from her typewriter and beamed at the familiar face. “Good morning, Dr. Stone, how are you today?”
“I’m fine, Lynne, and you?”
“Busy, busy, we’ve had a lot of divorces lately for some reason. Maybe it’s the economy or something. People just don’t seem to be getting along lately.”
Joe smiled, “Is Doug busy? He’s kind of expecting me. I told him I would be stopping by to sign some papers.”
“You’re in luck, Dr. Stone, he’s got about fifteen minutes before his next appointment. I just took him a cup of coffee and he was checking out some scorecards from recent golf games, so I think he’s got a minute.” She grinned mischievously and punched the button on the intercom. “Doug, there is a Mr. Stone out here to see you. He wants to know if you have a minute.” She gave Joe a little wink.
“Why…uh certainly, send Joe right in.” Lynne left the intercom on a little longer than necessary. You could hear a drawer opening and papers sliding across his desk. Lynne finally turned off the intercom and grinned broadly. “You can go right in, Dr. Stone.”
Joe chuckled, “Sounds like he’s hiding the evidence.”
A hint of a smile appeared on Lynne’s face.
Joe walked down the short hallway to Doug’s office and reached for the door, but before his hand could get hold of the knob, the heavy oak door swung open.
With a big smile on his face, Doug stuck his hand out for a shake.
“Come on in, Joe.”
“Thanks.” Joe followed him into his office.
“Have a seat, Joe, I’ve been expecting you.” Doug motioned toward the two leather c
hairs at the front of his desk. Joe took a seat.
Doug hurried around his cherry wood desk, quickly sat down and scooted his chair near the desk. “How’s the golf game, old buddy?”
“Not very good, but I’m loving every minute of it. I hear you’re playing a little now and then.”
“Oh yea, I manage to slip in a game when I can.”
“You should retire to The Villages, Doug. You would still be close to your family and you could play golf everyday.”
Doug chuckled and cleared his throat, “We attorneys don’t make the money you doctors make. Besides, I love what I’m doing and I can’t imagine giving it up.”
“I understand.”
Doug leaned to his left and opened one of the lower drawers on his desk and lifted out a large manila folder. He laid the folder on his desk top and pushed it toward Dr. Stone. “There you are, Joe, a copy of your newly revised will. We are also holding several copies in your file here in our office. I would suggest you put your copy in your safety deposit box.”
“I was planning on putting it there, thank you.” Joe cast an inquisitive gaze toward Doug.
Doug’s mouth turned up in a little smile, “Don’t worry, I came in early this morning and typed them myself. You and I are the only two people on planet earth who know about this change, just as you requested when you called me the other day. It was a pain in the butt, but I did it.”
“That was indeed a monumental effort for a man of your typing prowess, I appreciate it.”
“No problem, but I’m really not sure what you are so concerned about, Joe, people change their wills all the time.”
“I know, I know, but it’s like I explained to you when I called, I don’t want anyone to know about this except you and me. When the time comes, I want this to be a complete surprise to Susan. I don’t want Heather to know because I’m afraid it would upset her. She still hasn’t completely accepted the fact that Susan has become such an important part of my life--there’s still a little resentment there. If she knew that I was leaving Susan a million dollars, it would really bother her and possibly cause her to feel even more resentment toward Susan. I just feel it’s better that she doesn’t know. Heather will still be very well taken care of since she will receive the bulk of my estate.”
Doug nodded as Joe spoke. “I understand.”
Joe leaned forward and laid his elbows on Doug’s desk; his eyes were fixed on the attentive attorney. “Doug, I’ve become a different person since Susan entered my life. I have a new zest for living; it’s just been wonderful for me.”
Doug smiled, “You really love her, don’t you? I guess I never realized.”
Joe’s expression softened, “Yes, yes, I do.”
“I’m so happy for you, Joe.” Doug’s brow raised slightly, “Your secret is safe with me--not even my wife will know. To prepare for that sad day some thirty years from now, when the grim reaper comes calling at your door, I will explain it all in writing and add it to your file.”
Joe dropped back against his chair. “Wonderful! Wonderful! Now that we’ve got that settled, I have a question for you.”
“Shoot.”
“You’ve got your names etched in stone on the front of your building. Johnson and Clinger, Attorneys at Law.”
“My, my, aren’t we the observant one--go on.” Doug chuckled.
“As busy as you have been lately, it wouldn’t surprise me a bit if you added a young attorney to your staff before long.”
“Yes, that’s possible. Justin and I have already discussed that possibility.”
“Well, any young attorney worth his salt will eventually become a partner.”
“Probably so, that’s true.”
“Doug, there is no room for another name on that plaque. You didn’t plan ahead. When you etch something in stone, it can’t be changed.”
Doug shook his head and grinned, “Boy, you don’t miss a trick, Joe.”
A big smile of satisfaction broke out on Joe’s face. “Just trying to help.”
“I wouldn’t worry about it too much, Joe. In that case, we would simply remove the existing plaque and create a new one that included all three names.”
Joe mumbled so softly Doug could hardly hear him, “The plaque is removable?”
“Uh…huh.”
Slightly red-faced, Joe jumped to his feet and extended his hand, “I guess I best be going, got things to do.”
Grasping Joe’s hand firmly, Doug replied, “I’ll be in The Villages in a couple of weeks for a seminar. What do ya say we have lunch?”
“Sounds good, Doug, and thanks for everything.” A little warm under the arms, Joe turned and hurried from the room. On his way out, he could hear Doug mumble, “Doctors.”
Chapter 35
“Stupid road!” Tito groused, as he wove his way through the rutted road to Willie’s mobile home. Slender, sickly palm trees that bordered the dirt road, swayed gently in the evening breeze. Tito was trying desperately to keep the dust from getting on Pedro’s truck. Pedro had just washed his truck the day before and he told Tito to be careful not to get it dirty. Tito was elated when the generous Pedro offered to let him use the truck this weekend. He and Willie’s plan to take out Dr. Joe was somewhat dependent on Tito having the use of Pedro’s truck.
With the night of the planned crime so close, Tito’s anxiety level was rising by the minute. He was very anxious to meet with Willie and go over the final plans. He hoped that once he understood exactly what he had to do, he would feel better. He glanced ahead and saw Willie’s green Honda parked at the rear of the short driveway that bordered Willie’s mobile home. Upset that Willie had not pulled up and left room for Tito to park, he yanked to the left and pulled so close to Willie’s mobile that he almost hit it. Relieved that he hadn’t damaged Pedro’s truck, he slowly opened the driver’s side door and carefully slid out of the truck, being careful not to bump the trailer hitch on the front of Willie’s home. He walked briskly to the side entrance and started banging angrily on the rickety door.
“Coming, coming, don’t knock the door down!” Willie shouted from inside. The door swung open a few seconds later.
Eyes narrowed, Tito glared at Willie, “Why did you park at the end of the drive dumb ass! There’s no room for me.”
His face covered with stubble, a somewhat contrite Willie gazed at Tito through heavily bloodshot eyes. “Sorry man, I didn’t think about it. I was kind of out of it last night, if you know what I mean.” He chuckled nervously. “ Come on in.”
Tito pushed through the door forcing a wide-eyed Willie to back away. He was greeted by a pungent odor upon entering the badly cluttered mobile home. It smelled like a mixture of pizza, whiskey, body odor and stale cocaine. “It smells like a shit can in here and you look like hell. I thought we were going out tonight.” An angry Tito wondered how he ever got mixed up with a loser like Willie.
“Hey, no problem man. I can be ready in ten minutes.” Willie quickly stepped over and yanked open the door on the faded white metal cabinet and snatched a bottle of Febreze off the shelf and began spraying it all around the kitchen and nearby living room area. “There, that should help.”
“You’re pathetic, you know that?” Tito groused.
“Hey man, I’m single. I ain’t got no chick around to tidy things up for me.” Willie grinned at Tito. “Have a seat.” Willie pointed at the small Formica-top table pushed up against the wall in the kitchen just below a window. He quickly slid a half-eaten Pop Tart off the table and threw it in the sink.
Tito sniffed the air, “You lucky, it smells a little better now. Otherwise, I would leave this shit hole.” Tito stepped over and sat on the edge of one of the chairs.
“Coffee?” Willie asked as he wiped the crumbs off the table with a paper towel.
“No, let’s talk. I don’t want to stay in this pig sty any longer than I have to.” Tito watched as Willie tossed the paper towel in an overflowing waste basket in the corner of the room, reheated a cold
cup of coffee in the microwave and took a seat across from him. With strands of black hair dangling over his eyes, Willie pulled a wrinkled hanky out of his jeans pocket and blew his nose making a loud snorting sound. He wiped his nose clean and stuffed the moist hanky back in his pocket. “Now, where were we?”
Incensed at the grossness of his friend and the filthy surroundings, Tito leaned forward, grabbed Willie by the front of his dirty t-shirt and yanked him violently toward him. “You listen to me, stinking gringo. I’m putting my ass on the line and we have to get this thing right. You look like hell! You look like you’ve been snorting coke for two days! You better have a good plan or I kick the shit out of you and go home right now, you understand?”
“Yea, yea, I understand.”
Tito loosened his grip and pushed Willie away.
Willie took a sip of his coffee and shrunk back against the folding chair, putting as much distance as possible between himself and the angry Tito. ‘You ready for the plan?”
“No, I want to play fucking bocce ball.”
Keeping a wary eye on the volatile Tito, Willie quietly spoke, “I believe we both agree that you will come into The Villages from the south end and take the south entrance to Bailey Trail to get to Dr. Stone’s house. I think we both agree that around midnight would be a good time.”
“Yes, we went over all of that. I want to know what do I do when I get to the house. I have never been in his house and I need to know what to do.”
Willie leaned to his left and opened a drawer next to the kitchen sink in the narrow mobile home. He lifted out a piece of paper and set it on the table facing Tito. “I drew this diagram of the inside of Dr. Stone’s house for you so you can see exactly where to go tomorrow night.”
A surprised Tito looked at Willie, “You drew this?”
“Yea, I’m not stoned all the time.” Willie smiled cautiously.
“Go ahead.”
“Did you get Pedro’s truck for tomorrow night?”
