“So what else is going on this weekend? You’re expecting guests?” He smiled, knowing I’d bought an embarrassing amount of pastry that needed to be eaten.
“Usually a bunch of people I know wander around the art show and then stop in. When I first moved in they started coming by, and now it’s like an open door invitation.”
“What, no yard sale?” He chuckled. Everyone along the street had signs up and junk piled high on tables made from sheets of plywood resting atop sawhorses.
His manner was friendly and warm, but I figured he was trying to work me or make me relax. Either way, I was here for the duration…wouldn’t leave without some information. I arrived here with a mission, and I’d be darned if I’d give up without a good try.
I chuckled. “No, no yard sale. I’ll leave that for the neighbors. I think it’s just their way of unloading all the junk they’ve managed to collect. By the way, I think Lanky Larry will be here.”
Larry, the gay little meatball that he is, is a great friend who supported me through the death of my Aunt Livvy. My nasty cousin used him the summer before to find out about smuggled gems. Larry had also worked on this apartment with me to ready it before Aaron moved in.
The two men took a liking to one another. Larry thought Aaron had biceps worth swinging from, while Aaron considered Larry a fantastic artist.
Different to a fault, Aaron stood well over six feet, had a tan women would kill for, was way too handsome, and was built like a wrestler. Larry, on the other hand, stood a bit over five feet tall, was round as a soup bowl, and bald as a melon. Generous and extremely talented, Larry showed great artistic talent. We’d met in college and had been fast friends ever since.
“He will? That’s great. I haven’t seen him around since we arrested your cousins.”
“He’s been busy with his faux finishing business, but he shows up here every season without fail.”
“So what else is on your mind besides this art festival?” Broad shoulders leaned against the leather sofa and firelight flickered across his strong features.
“I was shoved to the ground outside the apartment last night and I wondered if you heard or saw anyone when you arrived home earlier in the evening?” My eyes never left his face as I waited to see if he knew anything at all. He never gave an indication of what he thought, just shook his head.
He poured another cup of coffee and sat back. If I hadn’t known better, I’d have thought he might want to see how I worked a person. He should know by now that I’m a tenacious sort.
“Did you see who it was?” he asked, after a long pause.
“No, I didn’t. I’m curious, though, since the person came out of nowhere. Kind of odd, to say the least,” I said. “So tell me more about Marianna Patroni.”
The coffee cup tilted, and Aaron caught it before the beverage could spill onto his slacks. As he glanced up, I realized he hadn’t expected to return to that topic. How interesting, how very interesting. Why didn’t he want to speak to me about Marianna? Was she involved in his FBI probe? Hmm.
“I think you’re fishing, but I don’t know what you’re fishing for. I’m not at liberty to tell you anything, Vinnie.”
“Then tell me about Lou Anne,” I said, just a bit annoyed at his put-off attitude.
“Jesse told you about Lou Anne, huh?” His lips tightened, and his eyes darkened.
“You knew that but didn’t want to share. I figure this whole investigation is connected to my family somehow and I have a right to know. Now, what does Lou Anne have to do with my family?”
“She is Marianna Patroni’s daughter. She has nothing to do with your family. Satisfied?”
“Why did you get engaged to her if you knew she was related to the mob? I wouldn’t think it would be a wise move.” There had to have been more to it than a need for information. Like love, for instance?
“Man, you are a news bag.” Aaron shook his head and set the cup aside. He leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees, and stared at me.
“Yeah, I know. Now tell me.”
“We, the FBI, found out there was illegal betting taking place. Around that time, I’d been injured on the job and in recovery mode. My doctor released me to return to work, but nothing physically demanding. So, I took the assignment and went to work at the Gaming Commission.”
His strong hands ran through his dark hair as he leaned back. Silent for a few moments, I couldn’t tell if he was thinking about the whole scene, or what he was willing to share. I sensed he’d talk about Lou Anne if I just kept my mouth shut. As unlikely as it seemed, I did just that.
With a sigh, Aaron said, “I met her after my first week of work. She was good-looking and a bit crazy, but I was there for a purpose and that was that. After a few weeks, she hung around and made it obvious that she was interested in me. I took advantage of it and started to date her. One thing led to another, I was introduced to the family, and then everything came to a screeching halt.
“Not one single clue could I get about the how, where, and why of illegal betting. I was stumped, until I realized they were suspicious of me. It was then I took it upon myself to woo Lou Anne with a whirlwind courtship. All the while, my boss was climbing all over me.”
“So you used her for information on the family?” I asked in a soft voice. Was he using me to get information on my family? Did he think all Italians were mob related?
“Yes, I did. She’s a woman who probably suffers from an untreated bipolar disorder, I think. She would fly into a rage one minute and be fine the next. Man, it was a challenge at times. I never knew what to expect or when to expect it. I’m not proud of what happened.”
“You think all Italian families are related to the mob?” Now I leaned forward, my elbows resting on my knees. I needed to know if this man suspected my father of being a racketeer.
“Don’t be ridiculous, Vin. Of course I don’t think that. Why would you ask such a question?”
“Because you worked my mother for information. That’s why.”
“Did it ever occur to you that I worked your mother over for you? That maybe I would like to be more than your neighbor?”
Stunned, I sat back. Was this a lie? Had he tried to find out how best to approach my father?
“Surprised? I thought for sure you realized it.” The handsome devil sat back, his eyes agleam in the softly lit room.
“Indeed. I mean, well, we have gone out a few times, but I, well, um.” I stopped, took the foot out of my mouth before I choked on it, and sat back. Cripes, what was I supposed to say? Dammit, how did I end up in these situations?
“Cat got your tongue?” He laughed. “That would be a first.”
I chuckled and nodded, too embarrassed to think of a quick response. He had asked me out several times during the summer, but I figured he knew I was involved with Marcus. Dang, didn’t this put a damper on my question and answer period? Uncomfortable and confused, I rose from the chair, and headed for the door.
“I won’t take up anymore of your time. Should you find out anything concerning my safety, I hope you’ll tell me first, not Marcus.” My hand on the doorknob, I turned back, smiled a goodnight, and nearly ran down the stairs.
The lock clicked as I scampered toward my apartment. I realized that Aaron had gotten rid of me with one sentence. Wow, the man was good. I hadn’t even seen it coming either.
Once the other doors were closed and bolted I slid the French door open a crack. I slopped some leftovers onto the paper plate on the deck for Evergreen and locked up for the night.
Chapter 22
Sunbeams crept through the crack in the bedroom drapes. The smell of coffee brewing in the kitchen caused me to thank myself for setting it on automatic before I went to bed. Catlike, I stretched under the covers then rose to have an eye-opening cup of java.
The rear hallway door opened, and knuckles rapped on the apartment door as I left the bathroom. The kitchen door swung open and I stepped aside to greet Marcus. His knock had become
familiar. That was way too weird. Not only could I identify the sound of his cruiser and his truck, now I knew his knock as well.
The smell of coffee permeated the kitchen, and he sniffed with appreciation. Since he was in uniform, I realized he had to work and just stopped by to pick up the envelope and note card for further fingerprint tests. It deflated my ego to know this visit was strictly business.
“Good morning, Vin. Just get up?” He chuckled.
Did I look that bad? Nah, I’d just combed my hair, washed my face, and brushed my teeth.
“As a matter of fact, I did. What do you want, Marcus?” I asked with my most sarcastic Italian attitude.
He grinned. “Sweet as ever, huh? I just stopped by for the note, some coffee, and anything else that’s available.” His eyebrows waggled.
“Here’s the note and the coffee,” I said with a smirk, pushing both in his direction.
“Nothing else, huh?”
“Nope, not today. When do you think the print results will be ready?”
“Later this afternoon. One of the guys is coming in special to run this test. I’ll let you know what I find out.”
He eyeballed the tray of Italian cookies on the counter. I tore open the cellophane and slid the delicacies toward him. His eyes lit up when he withdrew a sfogiatelle to go with his coffee. The clamshell shaped pastry crunched as he bit into sweet thin-layered strips, dusted with powdered sugar. The inside was filled with sweet-flavored, thick ricotta cheese.
“Mmm, this is heavenly. Did this come from En Croute?”
“Uh huh. I have more if you want to take some with you?”
“No, I can’t really. I have to get going. Stay out of trouble today, huh?”
“Will do,” I said, as he strode through the hallway.
At the door, Marcus turned, leaned into me and kissed my lips. A brief kiss, it warmed me to the core. This man affected me like no other ever had.
Smiling, I wiped away his powdered sugar grin and ushered him from the building. I watched Marcus’ car leave the driveway and roll onto the street. From the corner of my eye I caught a swift movement near the evergreen trees edging the property next door.
The movement caught my attention, and I peered at the line of greenery. Nothing moved, no branch swayed, and everything remained calm. Everything, except me.
Determined not to overreact, I hurried into the kitchen, grabbed a pair of sneakers, and slid them onto my feet. I hustled toward the driveway and the tree line. Motivated by anger, I yanked back the branches and stared toward the Masonic Hall.
Not a single movement other than leaves rustling in the wind. Barging through the line of evergreens, I strode the length of driveway and rounded the garage. Again, nobody appeared to be around.
It wasn’t my imagination. I knew someone had been there.
I took an exasperated huff of air and returned to the house. Before I could enter, a yowl of pain echoed from the side of the garage. I rushed toward the sound. Footsteps pounded across the Masonic Hall’s parking lot and I turned in that direction.
A tall, baseball-capped form ran full tilt. In attack mode, the huge cat snarled and growled as he leapt from the ground. Claws extended, the beast sank them into the neck of my peeper. He tried to fling Evergreen – the miniature mountain lion – off his back while on the run.
Screams of anguish and pain continued as the fellow careened toward the corner of the building. He jumped up and down flailing his arms while twisting disjointedly in an effort to disengage the beast. The sounds faded along with the footsteps. I stopped the foot chase and walked idly past the Masonic Hall, only to come up empty again.
Proud of himself, Evergreen pranced into view. The scar-ridden beast rubbed against my pant leg, his purr like a jet engine ready for take off. I glanced down at his scraggy appearance and smoothed the fur on his wide head. His body wound through my legs before he sat in front of me, staring upward.
“You think you’re quite ferocious, don’t you?”
His head tipped to the side. I admired the ever-present smile on the face of the beautiful, albeit ragged features. I stared at this furry phenomenon that had entered my life and now considered himself my protector. All Evergreen needed was a cape. And leotards. He was a regular bad boy, and we know women like bad boys.
If he answered my question, I’d have been hauled to the looney bin. I scratched his ears and together we set off for the house. Whoever peered at me through the trees would think twice about doing it again. All the same, it would be prudent to watch for anyone with major damage to their person, possibly from my guard-cat’s rapier claws.
On the deck of the house, I set out more snacks than usual for my newfound protector. Evergreen snagged the food from the dish with talon-like hooks that emerged from his soft paws. He woofed it all down in a flash. His manners left something to be desired but maybe he didn’t have a mother like mine. I went indoors and left him attending to his daily ablution after his tasty fare was gone.
* * * *
The town was about to fill up fast with leaf peepers, art hunters, and treasure seekers. It wouldn’t be long before the streets were jammed with cars parked bumper to bumper. The first day of the festival was crazy. I hustled to straighten up the house and start the fireplace. While the sun rose above the trees to warm the town, people bundled in heavy sweaters, sweatshirts, and jackets, bustled past on the sidewalks. Yep, the art festival weekend had officially started.
By late morning, a knock sounded at the door. I opened it to find Frankie DeMagistras and his latest ‘arm candy’ on the doorstep. I gave the Providence cop a hug, gave her a smile, and invited them inside. The front gate creaked open as I turned away and I glanced back. Detective Michael Bellini, also from the PPD, strolled up the walk and grinned unabashedly. Wow, I thought. Bellini came to visit me? How had I managed to get this lucky?
The smile broadened, and I grinned. What the hell, it could be worse. It could’ve been the mob who tramped into my yard. I waved him inside. A cool wind whipped along behind him. He hustled indoors while I closed the heavy outer door behind him and left the apartment door open.
Coffee, Amaretto liqueur, and pastry were laid out on the dining room table. I had decided it would be an easier task to serve from there rather than the kitchen, and I was right. Frankie helped himself to a dish filled with small cakes and Italian cookies. He poured black coffee into his cup and added a splash of Amaretto to it.
His arm candy, Shirley something or other, was tall, leggy, overly made up, and underdressed. Yeah, she’d freeze her ass off today, I thought, with a cordial smile. I offered her refreshments and turned toward Bellini.
In front of the fireplace in the living room Bellini gawked at the artwork on the walls. He turned, admiring the lion sculpture on its pedestal.
“I didn’t know you were an artist, Vinnie. You’re full of surprises, aren’t you?” Bellini asked. He couldn’t resist the lion, and caressed the smooth surface.
This creature had played an important part in the gem smuggling adventure last summer. It stood upright, a couple feet in height with front legs splayed as though expecting an assault.
“Most of the artwork here was done by my aunt. There are only a few pieces that are my work. Livvy sculpted the lion, and it’s my favorite piece. Can I get you something to eat or drink, Michael?” I asked. My mother would have been proud of my good manners. Bellini usually brought out the worst in me.
“Coffee would be great. My wife is across the street at the yard sale, and I couldn’t resist the opportunity to see your house,” he said following me from the room. He greeted Frankie with a nod, and gave Shirley a wide, lascivious grin.
What is it about sets of legs and bodacious breasts that bring out the worst in men? Maybe the fact that her clothes were too tight and skimpy had something to do with it. Leave it to Frankie to hang out with a chick like this, I thought with a mental eye roll.
Handing Bellini a cup of coffee, I motioned to the food, a
nd left to answer the door. To my surprise, Trooper Jonah Franklin stood on the doorstep. In jeans and a sweatshirt, he appeared less formal. He greeted me with a wide grin, and I ushered him into the house. Just as I started to close the door Lola hustled up the walkway.
“Glad to see ya, Lola. What are you doing here? Thought you had to work?” I asked.
“The help is running the place for now. I needed a break and figured your house would be the place to take it.” She chuckled and left me on the doorstep.
At the sound of her voice, Jonah turned and stared at the auburn-haired beauty. As his eyes widened I knew she’d given him the Julia Roberts smile. It never failed to have the same effect on every man. Introductions made the rounds while more food was consumed and the coffee pot worked overtime.
Bellini’s wife, an attractive blond with a great sense of humor, joined the crowd. I wondered what she saw in this overbearing man, who tested my patience. Though I think we were even on that score.
When I returned to the dining room to refill the coffee carafe, I noticed the crowd had grown even more. Aaron had made his appearance, and a few other friends had dropped in to visit.
Lola and Jonah stood near the fireplace, deep in conversation. When Lola glanced my way, I smiled and winked. She had struck a home run with Jonah. He seemed totally mesmerized by Little Miss Dynamite. I wondered if his interest would have any effect on Aaron. Probably not, after his revelations concerning me, I thought.
People stopped in, chatted, and toured the apartment until late afternoon. The last of the crowd left around four, and I cleaned up snack debris for the last time. Most friends came by on Saturday and Sunday. Monday was my day to take in the artwork and consume clam cakes and chowder at The Lions’ Food Wagon. Those guys served the best clam chowder this side of the Rocky Mountains. Do they serve clam chowder in the Rockies? Pondering that question, I got ready to leave for Livvy’s gravesite.
Chapter 23
Once the dishwasher was loaded I stepped out on the deck to get the potted plant I bought for Livvy’s gravesite. Evergreen was nowhere to be seen. I glanced around twice to make sure nobody lurked in the bushes. Paranoia seemed better than fear to me at this point.
Dirty Trouble Page 19
