I sat in the back near the restrooms and waited with a cup of coffee. My earlier breakfast was still very much with me, so food was not on my mind.
Three cups of coffee down and Starnes arrived.
“No, I was not followed. I lost them over near Wayward Gap. With all the turns I made, they’ll be lucky to find Asheville before nightfall.”
“So what’s happening?”
“The Feds want you.”
“Nice to be wanted.”
“Not in this case. Aiding and abetting.”
“Sounds ominous.”
“Could be, if they catch you. They showed me the arrest warrant.”
“Why didn’t they want to arrest you?”
“I’m innocent.”
“Right.”
“One of the lead agents told me on the down-low that they really don’t want you, but they are willing to take you in and force you to produce Rosey.”
“Like that’s gonna happen.”
“Pressure to bear.”
“Not in this lifetime,” I said.
“You’re a hard-headed bitch.”
“That’s not very nice.”
“But accurate.”
“No argument here. So, are they close to finding Rosey?”
“Yeah, they got lucky. Dogs found a trail, so I sent word to him to climb the mountain and find the AT, turn right, and head towards Tennessee. We should meet up with him in two days. Give or take.”
“How on earth did you send word to him?”
“Friend of a friend of a friend’s daughter.”
“The value of networking,” I said.
“Twelve year old kid who knows the trails of the Blue Ridge in McAdams County better than any ranger. Amazing kid.”
“Hope she’s fearless.”
“Fearless and illusive. She won’t be caught.”
“Where are we meeting him?”
“Them.”
“The girl’s coming too?”
“She knows the trails. Rosey will find her useful.”
“Then where are we meeting them?” I said.
“Big Bald.”
“In Tennessee?”
“Not quite. Close. You can see Tennessee from there.”
“Tall mountain, huh?”
“Over five thousand feet.”
“Should I get a jacket?”
“It’s chilly most days.”
“How did I get mixed up with the likes of you?” I said.
“You came to me. I didn’t call you.”
“How long can we hide Rosey from the Feds?”
“Probably not long enough. Something needs to break. Time is not our friend.”
“Hard to tell who is these days,” I said.
33
I used Diamond’s loaner phone to call Marvin.
“Nothing much,” he said in answer to my initial inquiry.
Marvin’s voice had no relaxing quality to it.
“You and Diamond becoming best buds?”
“That’s not what I would call it,” he said. “We have a long way to go on friendship, but at least she hasn’t harmed me yet.”
“Showed you her gun?”
“No, but I did catch a glimpse of the handle.”
“You can relax. She’s not going to shoot you. Just don’t provoke her.”
“I figured that much. I may be naïve about many things in life, Miss Evans, but I am hardly stupid.”
“No, Marvin, I’d say offhand that you are genuinely astute. Perceptive, at the very least of it.”
“I perceive that you want something.”
I smiled to myself. The man was quick on the uptake.
“You’re a good man, Marvin. I need a place to stay for a couple of nights. Any motels around Weaverville?”
“Yes, but I have room here at the house.”
His offer both pleased and surprised me. I didn’t take him to be the welcoming kind of man who would invite strangers or newly-met strangers into his habitat. He was still very much a Washingtonian.
He gave me the address. The place was near Barnardsville. Once you exit the Future I-26 and head towards the high mountains which loom in front of you, everything is in the vicinity of Barnardsville. If Athens is a village, Barnardsville is a spot in the road. A large spot full of many houses. I followed his directions and eventually found his place.
Marvin’s hideaway was a small, white framed home nestled in a grove of trees under the shadow of the Pisgah National Forest. His closest neighbors were a good distance off but you could see their houses from his. Less than a mile, I would guess.
I introduced Marvin Dillingham to Starnes Carver. And vice versa.
“Is Rosey your only male friend?” he said to me.
“By no means. I have at least one other,” I said.
“You a feminist?” he said.
“Define that.”
“Aggressive attitude that espouses the superiority of women over men.”
Wow. I wasn’t expecting that from Marvin; but that’s what I got.
“Well, I wouldn’t say aggressive. More like feral.”
“So you believe women are superior to men?”
“Marvin,” I said as I placed my arm around his neck and guided him away from Starnes and Diamond, “always remember your context when asking questions that might provoke those present.”
He gave a smidgen of a smile. Then he turned and looked at Starnes and Diamond. He waved slightly at them. Anemic wave. Starnes waved back. Diamond offered her usual penetrating gape without moving. Menacing without frowning.
“I meant no offense. I was just wondering.”
“No offense taken. But since you are surrounded by women who are more than capable of taking your life from you as well protecting you from your adversaries in Washington, I would suggest that you hold your question regarding who is superior to whom until this whole affair is over.”
“Good idea.”
“Isn’t it,” I said.
“Let me show you to your rooms,” he said and walked towards a hallway.
I gestured for Starnes to follow. Before we arrived at the designated rooms Marvin had made ready for us, Rogers called. I motioned for Starnes to stay with Marvin and I walked back into the living room to talk.
“This is an emergency,” Rogers began.
“Isn’t everything these days?”
“I just overheard a report that two agents are on their way to Barnardsville to talk with Marvin Dillingham. Apparently his name surfaced when someone started digging around. Not sure who or what or how, but I thought you might want to know that the dadgum government was headed your way. Dodge City might not be large enough for you and the Feds.”
“If you only knew,” I said. I told her what Starnes had told me about the arrest warrant before I ended the call.
I waited for Starnes and Marvin to return from their expedition to the bedroom. I explained to all what was happening.
“They don’t know anything about Diamond, Marvin. So I suggest that she stay put with you. Moral support and all,” Starnes advised.
Diamond nodded.
“What if they take me in?” Marvin asked.
“For what?” I said.
“Some trumped up charge.”
“Diamond will convince them that you can’t go.”
Diamond smiled. It was not a pleasant smile, but the corners of her mouth did turn up. One might call it a intimidating smile. Not pure evil, but a close second.
“Starnes and I will go elsewhere,” I said.
“You think they would actually arrest you?”
“Chances are good. We’ll be back. Call me at this number.”
I gave him the number of Diamond’s ancient phone. I was still thinking it remained secure. That meant I was hoping that the Feds were slow on the draw in terms of tracking us.
“What should I say to the agents?” Marvin asked.
“I don’t know. But, I would suggest that whatever you say, you no
t tell them the whole truth about Rosey.”
“What if they ask about what I overheard?”
“They shouldn’t ask that. They just might want to know how you could be connected.”
“But I don’t know why my name surfaced,” Marvin said.
“Me either. I recommend you be helpfully evasive. Pretend you’re a lawyer.”
“That’s not easy to do.”
“Yeah, I know. Takes practice.”
“And if I bungle this?”
“Diamond is your fail-safe.”
“What will she do?”
“Shoot them.”
34
Starnes was on the phone when I climbed into her small truck. Sam was in the back seat waiting patiently. She finished her conversation.
“Where’s Dog?”
“Ida has him.”
“Good for Dog. Where to now?”
“I just talked with a preacher friend of mine and he’ll put us up for as long as need be.”
“So how far do we have to travel into the wilds of McAdams County to reach this minister?”
“Fifteen minutes.”
“Wow, that’s not so bad.”
“Yeah. Some of us are actually civilized hereabouts. He and his wife live at the edge of Buncombe and McAdams, just across the Forks of Ivy River.”
“Suburbs of Athens?”
“Not quite. Close, but not what you and I would call suburbia. He and his wife live on top of a little mountain surrounded by some dense forests. Other houses close by but all are separated by plenty of trees and some underbrush. We’ll be safe there.”
“What kind of minister?” I said.
“The good kind.”
“I meant persuasion.”
“I know what you meant.”
She ignored my question.
We rode on in silence. Sam was snoring by the time we exited the Future I-26 at Exit 13. We wound our way to what appeared to be a service road that ran parallel with I-26 for a short distance. Then we crossed a small body of water.
“That’s the Little Ivy River,” she said.
“To be sure.”
We turned again, crossed over on another bridge, and followed the winding road.
“That’s the Big Ivy River back there,” she pointed, “and that water running alongside of us is the Ivy River.”
“Clear as mud.”
“It’s been raining some.”
After several minutes, the hard surface road inconveniently changed to a dirt road. Once upon a time I suspect it had been a fully graveled road.
“Must not have rained over here,” I said.
“Dries out quickly.”
We meandered our way on the dirt and partially graveled road until Starnes came to a small hill and turned right to climb it. It was uphill from there until we crested nearly a mile away.
“I don’t see any houses.”
“Even this early spring foliage hides places well. The unseasonable warmth of late has enlarged the leaves. Once we get to the top of this small mountain, we’ll see some bits and pieces of the places around. No need to be concerned. Unlikely that anyone would come this way in search of us. They would have to know a good bit to figure this out.”
“GPS.”
“My phone doesn’t have GPS. And I doubt that the antiquated model you were loaned by Diamond has it as well.”
“Ancient is good.”
“It has its advantages.”
A few minutes later she turned into the drive. The house partially hidden in the woods was a log cabin. Rustic and quaint. A black Lab came out to greet us. A man was standing on the front porch. He waved without enthusiasm.
“Welcome,” he said. “That’s Sophie.”
He nodded at the frisky dog which came to greet us as we emerged from the truck.
Sam and Sophie did the getting-acquainted dance. Sophie scurried off after they exchanged whiffs with one another. Sam looked at me as if to ask if he should follow.
“Go for it,” I said.
“She’s not in heat,” the man said. “They won’t go far.”
We entered the rustic home and were greeted by a lovely, smiling lady. She hugged Starnes. Then she hugged me after Starnes introduced us.
“Have a seat and I’ll pour you some tea, unless you prefer something else,” the lady of the house said.
“Tea is fine,” I said. Starnes nodded.
We sat down in front of the fireplace. The man stayed outside with the dogs. The lovely lady brought us the tea.
“Thanks for putting us up,” Starnes said.
“Glad to help. What’s going on at your place?” she said.
“Some issues with the government,” she said, more than I thought she would say.
“Never seems to end,” the lady said.
“Sometimes it feels that way,” Starnes added.
“Have you two known each other long?” the lady said.
“Seems like forever,” Starnes said before I could answer.
“Where’re you from?” the lady directed her question to me.
“I live in Norfolk.”
“You like Norfolk?” she said.
“It grows on you.”
“Have you lived there long?”
I was swallowing a mouthful of her tea and couldn’t answer. Besides that, I had to take time to count the years.
“Ever since I graduated from the police academy,” I said. “That was several years back.”
“Are you a plain clothes’ officer?”
“No, ma’am. I’m a plan clothes regular gumshoe.”
“Oh my, a private detective.”
“As private as it gets,” I said.
“Did you and Starnes work together in Norfolk?” she asked.
She seemed to know a lot about Starnes judging from her questions.
“Yes. We have worked together for several years now. We worked together a few times while we were both on the police force. I quit not many years after Starnes joined the Norfolk force.”
“And you needed a career change.”
“I decided to go into work for myself. I grew weary of the paperwork.”
“Don’t we all,” she said. “Don’t we all.”
She stood abruptly and opened the front door. Both Sam and Sophie entered the cabin. I was a little surprised that she didn’t raise any objection to Sam’s presence.
“Sophie sleeps on her bed, mostly, in our bedroom,” she said. “Sam is welcome to sleep in the room with you and Starnes.”
The lady showed us to our room after we finished our tea. Small room with twin beds. Cozy and well kept. I slept like I was dead. Much needed rest.
The next morning I was up early, washed and freshly dressed and out searching for coffee by 6:30. I tiptoed around not wanting to wake the man or his wife. Sam was following me. It was dawn dark.
I smelled coffee.
“The pot’s on the kitchen counter next to the sink,” a voice from a darkened corner of the room said.
He startled me. I turned to see the man sitting in a comfortable looking recliner reading by a tiny, dim light perched next to him.
“Thanks,” I said and retrieved the coffee. It was delicious.
I opened the front door and let Sam out. Sophie greeted him and they ran off to explore the forest around the cabin.
“I hope I didn’t wake you,” I said as I returned to his dim corner and sat down on a nearby ottoman.
“I was up before God got up,” he said as he turned out the tiny light.
The shadows of the room were darker, but I could hear him sipping his coffee, or what I assumed to be coffee since he had likely been the one to make the pot from which I had poured my cup.
“Couldn’t sleep?” I asked.
“No, I slept like an innocent man. Just don’t sleep past five.”
“Wow. Long days.”
“I have plenty to keep me busy.”
“Church duties.”
“Some of that, but
my wife has me doing plenty around the place here. Several projects, you know. I enjoy working outside, inside too. Keeps me honest.”
“I appreciate you allowing us to stay here,” I said.
“You’re welcome. Stay as long as you need a place to hide out.”
“You know why we’re here?”
“I know enough. You have no need to fear me. I am happy to help.”
“Thank you,” I said as I continued to sip the delicious brew.
35
It was the afternoon of the day on which we were scheduled to meet Rosey on Big Bald. Starnes, Sam, and I were approaching the closest parking place to access that portion of the high mountain trail.
“Did you think it was safe to tell the preacher why we were staying with him?” I said as we exited Starnes’ truck.
“Didn’t tell him.”
“He knows.”
“Must be intuitive. I’ve known him a while. Good perception on his part. He knows I have plenty of friends and places I could stay in the county and outside. He also knows I love his location. Remote. One has to be intentional to go there. And, …” she stopped while she retied her boot laces.
“And?” I insisted.
“The man loves a good story.”
“Our lives could easily be on the line here. Hang the good story,” I said.
“Relax, Clancy. We can trust him. And they fed us well.”
“Yes, we did eat well. And you swear you didn’t breathe a word about what’s going on with us?”
“Nary a syllable. Maybe Sam told him,” she grinned and then headed up the trail towards Big Bald.
Two-thirds of the way up towards the first almost level path Sam passed Starnes and became our leader. It was as if he knew exactly where we were headed, or maybe he just wanted to be first in line. Starnes was a fast walker, but she was no match for our four-footed friend. Either way, I maintained my position in third place.
An hour and half into our hike, Starnes stopped and sat down on a large rock outcropping. I parked my butt on a tree fall that appeared to have been there for several years.
Out Jumps Jack Death: A Clancy Evans Mystery (Clancy Evans PI Book 8) Page 18
