Skin Puppet

by Jeffery Craig

  She brushed the soft folds of her skirt with one hand, and preened at the compliment. “It sure is. I figured it was about time for a new one, and this was the perfect excuse. I’m not sure about the color, though. Are you sure it’s not too bright?”

  He smiled down fondly, taking in the royal blue dress with the three-quarter sleeves and gently draped neckline. She was wearing the pearls she’d received on the occasion of her engagement to Gramps, with the matching earrings, and her plain gold wedding band gleamed on her left hand. She’d obviously made a trip to the beauty parlor earlier in the week; every strand of white hair was neatly in place.

  “No, the color looks great on you. I was silly to worry about my tie, because every eye in the room will be focused on my beautiful grandmother. Hey, did you get a facelift?”

  “Toby, I swear your sass gets bolder every time I see you. Of course I didn’t. I earned every one of these wrinkles, and I’m proud of each one.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t see any wrinkles, Grams.”

  “Then, you need your eyes checked,” she retorted as she reclaimed her seat. Nevertheless, he could tell she was pleased by his flattery. “What time do you need to be across the street? I don’t want you to be late.”

  “I should probably leave in a few minutes, just to check on things. I’m sure everything’s under control, but you never know. This whole thing has ballooned out of proportion over the last few weeks. Who would have ever predicted I’d be one of hosts for this kind of thing?”

  “I would have. I always had the notion you’d be involved in important happenings, Toby, although I wasn’t sure how. You know I’m very proud of you, don’t you?”

  “Yes, I know, Grams.”

  “Then, why the worried face?”

  He sighed and took a seat next to her. “I don’t know. Just nerves, I guess. Zhou Li invited a lot of important people, and I want to make a good impression.”

  “And you will. Just be yourself and it’ll all be okay. After all, you’re a partner in the Reightman & Bailey Agency, and both Zhou Li and Melba have a lot of confidence in you and your abilities. I believe in you, as do your friends. They not only like you, they trust you, and that says a lot about a man. The only person I see around here doubting anything is you.” She clasped his hand and asked softly, “Is there a reason for your self-doubt, Toby? After all you’ve been through, and survived?”

  “No, ma’am. I guess not.”

  “Then, take a deep breath, throw back those shoulders, and hold your head high. Not proud—you know I don’t mean that—but sure. You do that, and just try to enjoy this night. There’ll be plenty of other nights to worry about things, and you will. It’s human nature.”

  “I’ll try, Grams. Thanks for the pep talk. I needed it.”

  “We all need a little boosting now and again, and I’m glad I could oblige. Now, you better head on over. I’ll follow in a while, and I’ll be sure to lock up. One thing though, would you carry my suitcase on over there? Mabel is going to pick me up in front of the office later, after the event is over.”

  “Sure, I’ll take it, but I thought you invited your friend to the party?”

  “I did, but she had plans already. Seems she signed up to attend a presentation about the new cruises starting up in Charleston this summer. I bet you a nickel she’ll try to convince me to hop on a boat with her.”

  “Why don’t you, Grams? It might be fun.”

  “Well, to tell you the truth, I never gave it much thought. Your Gramps didn’t like being out on the water. He said he didn’t trust what was underneath his feet, except to know the only land was real far down. He never did trust what he couldn’t see. I guess I just took things more on faith than he did.”

  “Well, you should at least consider it. You might end up liking it so much, you won’t want to stay at home.”

  She laughed at the suggestion. “I’ll think about it, and might even let Mabel convince me, but I like my home. There are a lot of memories tied up there and they fit me just fine. Still, a little adventure never hurts anyone, not that I can tell anyway. Now, grab the suitcase and get on over there.”

  He fetched the case from the guestroom, and wheeled it into the living area. He leaned down and kissed her cheek, taking in the familiar scent of perfume and powder. “See you soon. Please be careful on the stairs, Grams.”

  “I will be. I’ll take ‘em one at a time, and not hurry. I love you, Toby.”

  “I love you, too. Don’t be too long. Everyone will be anxious to meet my best girl.”

  ***

  “Tell me again why we’re getting all dressed up instead of pulling on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt and heading out to the lake,” Bradley Clark asked peevishly as he stepped out of the shower and toweled off his chest.

  “I’ve told you already,” Mitchell answered. “At least a dozen times. We don’t have to stay long if you don’t want to, but we need to make an appearance and have at least one beer or glass of wine. It’s important to offer congratulations in person. Besides, the rumor mill says this is going to be some party.”

  “But. Mitchell, don’t you think—”

  “You know what, Bradley? If you don’t want to go, then stay home or go to the lake by yourself. I said I’d be there, and I’m going to support Melba and Toby. You can suit yourself.”

  “You’re right,” Bradley conceded. “And I apologize. It’ll just take me a minute to get dressed, and then we can go.”

  Mitchell’s stormy face cleared. “Thanks. Now, hurry up —we’re running late. I think this is the first time I’ve ever been ready before you were.”

  Bradley bit back any further words and turned away. He’d been agitated ever since Mitchell had handed him the invitation and informed him he’d already confirmed their attendance. Usually, Bradley handled the social aspects of their life together and this particular shift in roles wasn’t sitting well with him.

  Suppressing his irritation, he tossed the towel into the hamper and walked to the closet to pick out something to wear. “Be honest with yourself, Bradley. You know exactly what’s bothering you.” His bad mood had very little to do with Mitchell accepting an invitation without consulting with him, and everything to do with the nature of this particular party. He’d done what he could over the last few months to discourage Mitchell from spending time with Toby Bailey, carefully arranging things so it was just too inconvenient for Mitchell to do so. He even downplayed Mitchell’s confusion and hurt when the friendship had cooled because of lack of contact. He’d come close to playing his hand a little too heavily, and Bradley had eased up rather than risk Mitchell suspecting the were any ulterior motives in the mix. That would never do.

  After stepping into a pair of briefs and pulling a dress shirt off the rack, he slipped on the crisp cotton fabric, smiling in satisfaction. Nothing felt quite like a good quality, nicely starched dress shirt.

  This current situation was bothersome. He cared for Mitchell, deeply. However, he found himself wishing the young man were a little more malleable. Mitchell was as stubborn as a mule when he made up his mind about something. Lately, it seemed when they went head to head over an issue, Mitchell disregarded Bradley’s years of experience and simply went his own way. Take his job, for instance. Mitchell was hell-bent on being a detective, when other more lucrative, less dangerous careers could be pursued. Bradley had even dangled a few alternatives in front of him, to no avail.

  Moving faster now, he pulled on his socks and then a pair of suit trousers. “This will be fine,” he told himself. “We’ll get in and get out, and then go somewhere and have a nice dinner. If the crowd’s as big as Mitchell says it will be, then Toby Bailey will have his hands full with the rest of his guests. There’s little chance of their spending any significant time together. No opportunity to rekindle a friendship. No possibility of it igniting into something more…No reason for Mitchell to call out Toby’s name in the middle of the night.”

 
; Once his tie was selected and draped around his neck, he slipped on his dress shoes and folded the suit jacket over one arm and headed to the mirror above the bureau. Laying the jacket aside, he quickly knotted the tie and smoothed it flat, then pulled on his jacket and checked the reflection. “Ready for battle.”

  As they locked the house and walked to the car, he mulled over his choice of words. “Yes. That’s exactly what this is.” It may not a happen tonight, but he knew he’d eventually be forced to engage. There’d already been a skirmish or two, but they’d been covert. For the present, his opponent had surrendered the field. But a showdown was coming, and when it did, Bradley had a feeling it would be bloody and savage. He couldn’t stand the thought of losing. He was getting older. Where would he ever find another prize like Mitchell? “To the victor, the spoils.”

  “Hey, Bradley?” Mitchell’s voice interrupted his fierce reverie.

  “Yes?”

  “I know you didn’t want to get all dressed up and everything, but the effort sure was worth it. You’ll be the best looking man there.”

  “Thanks. I’m sorry I’ve been such a pain about this. I guess I just want to keep you all to myself when I can. After getting a good look at you all shined up and wearing your fancy clothes, I think I better be on guard. Someone’s bound to try and steal you away from me.”

  “Not gonna happen. You know that. Nobody could ever steal me. Besides, we’re just having one drink and saying hello. Then, we’re out of there.”

  “I don’t mind staying longer if we’re having fun. Let’s just see how it goes.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes. Really. Now, remind me when I’m supposed to exit.I’m not exactly sure where I’m going.”

  “Liar,” he thought. “You know exactly where Toby Bailey lives and works. You drive by there every few weeks, hoping you’ll find the place shuttered and dark, with a ‘For Lease’ sign hanging in the window.”

  “Don’t worry. I know the way, Bradley. I’ll tell you exactly when to exit.”

  “And that, Mitchell, is exactly what I fear.” The voice inside his head repeated itself, all the way downtown.

  ***

  When Melba looked back on the Grand Opening weekend, she had trouble making sense of it all. There were just too many emotions, colors, sounds, and disjointed impressions to organize them into any sort of logical order.

  Saturday was a complete blur in her mind, with countless last-minute errands, and a frantic juggling of schedules. She recalled her last-minute panic when she felt sure they’d forgotten to invite Agent Garfield, and remembered her breath of relief following Toby’s assurance that he’d personally given her an invitation.

  Abby and the girls had arrived that morning, along with Will Cooper. She was pretty sure they’d all gone out for dinner, and then back to the hotel where they were staying. She had no recollection of what she ate.

  Sunday morning was completely lost. Her first memory of Sunday revolved around her dress. The zipped garment bag had hung on the closet door hook since Friday. Her prep time ran longer than planned, and she’d struggled with her hair. Nothing new or unusual about that. She’d certainly shaved her legs, and applied an extra layer of deodorant, in anticipation of perspiring from excitement and nerves. She guessed she’d powdered, perfumed, and applied a little make-up, although she was unsure of the order.

  Then, she’d unzipped the bag and gasped in surprise. Instead of the expected navy suit, the glorious red number taunted and teased. She’d pushed down the tiny thrill of excitement, and had tried to summon up a sense of outrage. “Either Moon misunderstood, or the seamstress mixed up the order.” She knew better. It wasn’t a mistake. Then came the rushed flip-through her closet for any possible alternatives and finally, her acceptance that she was going to be wearing the dress she’d secretly wanted to wear all along. Once everything was in place and all zipped up, a look in the mirror had confirmed she was going to knock ‘em dead. She’d even decided she might owe Moon a thank you, which she would happily offer, right after she strangled her. Deciding there wasn’t much she could do about any of it, she’d slipped on her heels, grabbed her small cocktail purse, cellphone, and keys and headed out the door.

  The bustle of people completing last-minute tasks didn’t make much of an impression, or, at least, not enough of one to remain clear in her mind. She’d ogled at the tent and the bar, and Bernice’s wonderful, creative food. She’d even checked out the nice looking man with the jazz combo before giving SarahJune a thumbs-up of approval. Her next hazy memory was of greeting Toby’s Grams, and recognizing the light scent of lavender when she’d kissed her cheek. In the back of her mind was a faint recollection of Toby’s whispered, “Wow!” when he got his first glimpse of her in her party duds.

  A clear mental impression of Jon Chiang was retained, practically smoldering in her memory. Handsome and somehow martial looking in his party attire, escorting Zhou Li, resplendent in deep, dark green, and wearing her huge, gray pearls with their lustrous, iridescent sheen. Perfectly simple, exceedingly elegant, looking imperially majestic and unable to keep her dark eyes from darting around the room, checking everything from behind her glasses.

  Then, memories of Abby and Will and the girls—Melissa and Emily enchanting in their party dresses, twirling and giggling as they’d showed off their finery, and accepted compliments with far better grace than their grandmother had learned to do. Shy, quiet Hector Escabar was by their side, his tiny hand in Will Cooper’s much larger one—instantly adopted by Abby and her family that morning during his mother’s work-required absence.

  She clearly remembered the taste of champagne; effervescent bubbles exploding against her tongue while Zhou Li toasted their venture. Herman the Red had arrived next, with beard freshly combed, bearing a basket of fantastical crystals which he placed throughout the office to ensure protection, insight, and prosperity.

  Agent Garfield arrived soon after, then Mitchell and Bradley Clark, who she’d disliked the minute she shook his hand. Chuck Thorton came next, then Amanda Edmondson and her brother, Special Agent Allen Edmondson. She vividly recalled his bright blue tie and the way it had made his face and eyes shine. His appreciative glance at the red dress, and the way she looked wearing it, was also as clear as a bell in her mind. She smiled a little at that memory.

  Then, things became harder to separate in her mind. Tom Anderson had danced with Katie, his wife. Almost certainly, Alice Jackson had clasped her hands tightly and spoke of how happy Sam would have been. The bittersweet ache in her heart was proof that conversation had happened. Patricia Evans had sampled the food, while Thelma-Louise spoke with SarahJune. Laurie Nelson stopped to say hello sometime that night, as did more people than she could count. Zhou Li made introductions to all the movers and shakers, and she and Toby had tried valiantly to remember names and faces. The crowd had ebbed and flowed constantly and the sound of soft jazz had floated through the air, mixed in with the hum of conversation and gentle laughter. Jill Anthony made her appearance, thanking her for the invitation. She’d disappeared into the crowd, until later.

  Then, her memories became sharper.

  She’d spotted Toby, and they had huddled together out of the general flow, with small plates of food pressed into their hands by a polite, but insistent, Maria Escabar. Lindsi passed by with a tray of hors d’oeuvres, and had plopped a couple on each of their plates. “Turnip puffs,” she’d informed them, before moving on with her samples.

  “How are you holding up?” Toby had asked.

  “My feet are killing me,” she’d answered.

  “That’s the price of beauty. Can you believe the turnout?”

  “No. I still can’t believe so many people came. Zhou Li was right on the money with her estimate, and I’m glad. I didn’t want her to be disappointed.”

  “No chance of that now, although, if she spots us hiding over here in the hall, we’ll get an earful. We’re supposed to working the crowd.”

  “Yo
u’re right. I just needed to catch my breath and clear my head. It’s all a little overwhelming.”

  “You’re right. Hey, what’s going on outside?”

  “I don’t know. I haven’t even had a chance to make it out there yet.”

  “No, I mean right now. Look at all those people clumping together and craning their neck to get a view. Maybe we better go check it out.”

  They’d handed off their empty plates to one of Bernice’s staff and then wove their way through the crowd to the front of the room until they stood next to Zhou Li and Jon. Abby and Will had edged closer to see what the fuss was about, with the children corralled close to their sides.

  Behind her, she’d heard Jill’s apology. “Melba, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean for this to happen.”

  The crowd had parted then, inch by inch, revealing a smiling, autograph-signing Jake Anthony, trailed by his mother and a man Melba guessed might be his uncle.

  Zhou Li took a single step forward when they arrived, and Melba remembered the soundshe made then—the hiss of an angry serpent.

  “Good evening, ladies and gents! This is some party!” Jake’s loud greeting had drawn the crowd’s attention. “Sorry if we’re late, but I wasn’t sure what time the festivities started. I’m afraid my personal invite got lost in the mail. Still, better late than never, I always say.”

  The smell of alcohol had been sharp and pungent on his breath, and his blood-shot eyes had suggested that he’d been hitting other, stronger substances.

  “How ‘bout you help with the intros, Melba. That’s an unusual name, by the way. Like the toast. Get it—Melba Toast? If you ever need a stage name, you should consider it. Anyway, I’ll start. This lovely lady is my mother, Jocasta Anthony.”

  “Thank you, darling, but I’ve already met Ms. Reightman.” She’d stoked his arm appreciatively and met Melba’s gaze with amused eyes. “Lovely dress. I knew I’d see you again, although this is sooner than I expected. But these others aren’t known to me.”

  “Hello, Ms. Anthony. I didn’t expect to see you so soon either.” Melba had turned to her right, making introductions. “This is Toby Bailey, my friend and business partner.”