by T. Jones
"Morning, Lucy Mitchel, right?"
"Yes, yes it is. You weren't kidding, you are a big one. It may take a bit to get my luggage through customs. There's a lot of equipment they'll probably have to open and examine before they send it out." Danielle wasn't pleased.
"Surprised they didn't seize your hat, it looks dangerous to me."
"Is that sarcasm? It's very effective for protection from the sun."
"You look like Indiana Jones, for Christ's sake. What happened to not looking like a tourist?"
"I'm dressed appropriately for the weather and for a trek up the mountain. I would appreciate it if you wouldn't snap at me."
"Alright, Lucy, I've had a bad morning. But this isn't a Tarzan movie. Jamaica has roads, just like everywhere else. From what I understand, we'll be able to drive within a mile of where you want to place your equipment. Cute outfit though."
"Is that more sarcasm?"
"Where are you from, anyway?"
"Kentucky, can you tell?"
"Definite twang, yeah."
"I spent a lot of time in the woods hunting as a kid, so I know my way around the bush. These boots are designed to grip and support my ankles, the shorts and shirts have all kinds of pockets for storage, and they're water resistant."
"The helmet goes, I won't be seen in public with you if you wear that ridiculous thing."
"Very well, I'll leave it at the hotel. The equipment is very basic, just four cases. GPS technology has revolutionized our industry, that and the wireless capabilities built into the seismometers. I can load all the readings into my laptop and send them to the professor for study."
"Fine, we'll make arrangements to go up the mountain tomorrow. This afternoon, you need to go with me and talk to a friend of mine, give him your opinions about the possibility of a quake."
"The professor isn't going to like that. He thinks I'm too quick to raise red flags as it is."
"Lucy, this isn't about your paper, or your dumb ass boss, this is about thousands of lives."
"But it is about the science!" They were both talking louder than they needed to, and people began looking at them. "What information does the SSW have anyway? Is there another team on this? Did you get mad at them and send them home too?"
"Alright, I'm sorry. We seem to be getting off on the wrong foot, again. I'm worried and pissed off. If it will make you happy, you can wear your stupid hat." Danielle decided that any help was better than none. "You have to just take my word for it, we're sure that there is going to be a big earthquake, and it's coming soon. I really need your help Lucinda, please."
"Well there, I knew you could be nice if you wanted to. It would be great if we could be civil to each other at least."
"I can do that. It's just that I have a lot of friends here, people I care about that may be hurt, and everything is moving too slowly. Even if we convince the Prime Minister himself, it will be difficult for the islanders to be ready."
"You keep sounding so sure, how can you possibly know about something as unpredictable as a major quake?"
"Just trust me, okay, it's coming."
Lamar Henry smiled at Lucinda Mitchel. He was a sucker for women in uniforms. He wasn't sure the khaki shorts and shirt qualified, but the patch above the woman's left breast identified her as a member of the US seismologist's team, or something along that line. He was trying not to stare at the patch, being it was located directly above her breast, but he was failing. Her black glasses had slipped down onto her nose so that she had to tip her head slightly to read the computer printout she was showing him. It only made her more attractive, and he couldn't concentrate on what she was saying.
"So you see Inspector Henry, because of the slip shown here, we think there is a very good chance of a quake. I was told not to sound alarmist, but it's my personal opinion that it could happen at any time. It's my understanding that you've made arrangements for us to stay at a private house in the mountains? I need several days readings, and I'll set out four remote transponders."
"It's great, the way you explain the science." Lamar shifted his gaze up to her face. "I should probably go up there with you. The area has a few Ganja farmers that don't take kindly to trespassers. Some of them shoot first and ask questions after." Danielle gave him a dark look, well aware of his motivations.
"We're not going to be very far from the main road, Lamar. I'm perfectly capable of making sure Lucy is safe."
"Still, it seems to me, I should come along, introduce you to the Evans and look around the area, just to be on the safe side."
"Are you still able to get around up there, at your age?" Danielle asked, smiling.
"My age? I was just starting on the force when I sent you north, woman, I am not that old." Lucinda pushed her glasses back up on her nose.
"You look plenty fit to me, Inspector Henry, I think it would be great if you could drive us up there. I appreciate a man of experience." Danielle gave up.
"Can we stick to the business of warning people? Lamar, can you try talking to the Magistrate, get them to take this seriously?"
"Danielle, all your Obeah aside, they're going to need a lot of convincing. As convincing as Miss Mitchel has been, they'll need the Institute to tell them unequivocally, that an earthquake is coming."
"No matter what my readings say, they're unlikely to do that, Lamar. Earthquakes just aren't very predictable."
"Well, you've convinced me. I'll put a call into the Deputy Mayor. I know him personally and I have a friend at the newspaper, I'll try to get them to run a story about it. Is it okay if I quote you, Miss Mitchell?"
"Of course it is, Lamar. Call me Lucy." They sat staring at each other stupidly until Danielle interrupted the moment.
"I'm going to run up to that club tonight, see if I can track down Leroy. Think I'll be able to find him, just by asking around?"
"From what I hear he's there most nights, but like I told you, he hangs around with drug dealers, so be careful."
"Maybe you should join us, Lamar?" Lucinda asked sweetly. "For protection of course."
"I would love to, but I'm not allowed. In my position, I can't be seen at a club like that. Perhaps a drink though, when you come back into town?"
"What the hell was that?" Danielle glared across the car at Lucy Mitchel.
"Whatever do you mean? I thought it went very well. Even if the Deputy Mayor doesn't do anything at least it will get a mention in the papers."
"I mean, all the fawning, Oh Lamar, please come protect us! He's twice your age, you know that, right?"
"I like older men, so sue me. And he looked hot in that uniform, didn't you think so?"
"No. I just don't think of him like that, and we need to concentrate on what we're doing."
"I am very good at my job, Danielle. If the numbers show what I think they will, maybe I can convince the Professor to declare a real warning. But I've never been to Jamaica, and while I'm here, I wouldn't mind having a little fun. Besides, the flirting got him to listen to me, right?"
"He wasn't listening, he was staring at your chest the whole time."
"He was not. Was he?"
They spent the afternoon going through Lucy's equipment. She showed Danielle the basics of setting up the remote receivers, in case they had to split up. The equipment looked elaborate and expensive to Danielle, but Lucy said it was the same set up that a good geologist would use to look for oil. There were four cases in all, two large units with solar capabilities, and two smaller battery operated units. All were set up to carry on their backs. Danielle tried one of the heavier units on, then they went down to the hotel restaurant for supper. Lucinda had a lot of questions.
"What is the Obeah?"
"The Obeah is the old magic, some called it Voodoo. There were a lot of variations, mostly myth."
"Is that where you're getting your information, from some Witch Doctor?"
"Callie Fisher would love that." Danielle laughed. "I guess it doesn't matter, because no one will believe you an
yway. My roommate painted Kingston a few weeks ago, a Kingston that had been destroyed by a big earthquake. She dreams and she paints, and some version of what she paints always happens."
"I'm a scientist, Danielle, don't expect me to believe in people seeing the future."
"I've done it, rarely, but it happens sometimes. There's a group of us, and it's not always the same, but when we think something bad is going to happen, we try to make it better if we can."
"She probably read something, or heard about the extra seismic activity, and thought she was having a vision, or whatever you want to call it."
"Yeah, we hear a lot about the seismic activity in Jamaica, up in Minnesota."
"Pretty area, lot of glaciation. So, the whole business about the SSW?"
"Total bullshit. But you don't have to believe me, Lucy. It will happen sometime in the next seven days."
"Could be, but it could be seven years."
"Seven days, tops." Lucy looked thoughtful.
"You're extremely pretty."
"That was random, I thought you liked Lamar." Lucinda giggled.
"It was just an observation, I wasn't coming on to you. Why, are you gay?"
"I'm in love with an incredible woman. A couple months ago, I thought I might end up with a guy, but that fizzled. Men are okay, it's just that none of them are Anna. We were together when we were younger and we just reconnected."
"That's sweet, I hope I find that someday."
"Well if it's going to be with Lamar, please wait until I've gone home. He would never let me hear the end of it.
It was ten o'clock before they got to the club, and it was busy. They took a cab because they weren't sure about parking, or how much they might drink. It was in New Kingston, on the north end of town, upscale, but full of locals dancing to Reggae and the islands own variation of Hip hop. It was loud and raucous and Danielle got to see the wilder side of Lucinda Mitchel. The glasses had disappeared, as had the ponytail. Her khaki clothes had been replaced by a very short, brightly colored skirt, and a sleeveless shirt tied in the front to expose her taut midriff. She wore short platform shoes that she claimed were perfect for dancing.
"We're here to find Leroy, Lucy."
"We'll find him, but we can shake it a little, right? When in Jamaica, party like a Jamaican!" They made their way up to the bar and Danielle ordered them each a beer. By the time she turned around, Lucinda was on the dance floor, gyrating suggestively at no one in particular, but everyone in general. It didn't take long for her to have an appreciative audience of young men, clapping and egging her on. An older, well-dressed man slid up beside Danielle.
"Your friend, she is the wild one, yes?"
"Turns out, maybe so. A little Reggae brings out the worst in her I guess."
"Looks like the best to me. Want to get out there?"
"Let me finish this beer. Are you from the island?"
"I am. My name's Sean Ross, part owner of this club, actually." He extended a hand.
"Danielle, pleased to meet you. My colleague and I are part of a geological group. We think there is a large earthquake coming to the area. She's actually a brilliant seismologist, hard to believe isn't it?" They were watching Lucy, dancing with two other women.
"Lot of shaking going on there." Sean laughed. "But seriously? I haven't heard anything about any elevated risk. This building is all steel frame, built to withstand whatever nature throws at us. So, you're not from here?"
"I grew up here, but I live in the States now. Hope to just be in town for a week, maybe two. If we're right, and it comes soon, I may stay and help with the relief effort."
"Now you're scaring me. Can you really pinpoint something like that?"
"Not officially, but it's coming, trust me."
"Are the officials aware of it? The public should be notified."
"We're trying, but it's hard to cut through the red tape. That's why I'm telling everybody I meet."
"I know some people in the government, I'll make some calls."
"Thanks, we just want them to try to prepare. But it isn't like a hurricane, we can't tell you exactly when it will hit. I'm going around warning the people I know, and even they don't want to listen. Maybe you can help me, I'm looking for a local, a guy I grew up with years ago. I'm told he hangs out here sometimes. His name is Leroy Scott."
"Yes, I know Leroy." Danielle caught the pause in his voice, but he kept smiling. "He's in and out all night. He kind of works for Ennis Brown."
"Ennis Brown? Is that bad?"
"He's a small time hood from down in the Trench, a dealer of sorts, considers himself a bad man. I barred him from the club, but I think Leroy peddles his shit in here sometimes. People come to party, and for some, that's part of it. I don't encourage it, but I kind of turn a blind eye. If you find Ennis, you'll find Leroy, and trouble, most likely."
"Leroy was one of the guys that watched out for me when I was a kid, so I want to warn him at least. How about that dance now?"
Danielle danced more than she intended and Lucy Mitchel left the dance floor just long enough to drink more beer than she should have. Danielle kept looking for Leroy, and asking the other dancers if they knew him. She finally decided to give up and spent the next half hour coaxing her inebriated companion toward the exit. As she walked out into the cool night air, she looked down the sidewalk and spotted Leroy, standing near the far corner of the building. There were two other men standing with him, possible drug customers, Danielle decided. The area wasn't well lit, far enough from the front door to conceal their activity, with the dark alley a few steps away. Not the best situation, but Danielle wanted to talk to him. This was Leroy, she had grown up with him.
"Lucy, stand right there, I have to talk to that guy over there. Do not go back in the club, okay? I'll be back in two minutes." Lucinda leaned on the pole that held up the awning. She laughed and waved.
"Leroy Scott," Danielle called as she walked up. Leroy looked a lot older, thinner, and had lost a couple of teeth. But he hugged her and laughed happily. His companion wasn't as cheerful.
"Who is this woman, Leroy, coming up on us all sudden like? Very pretty woman! You been holding out on Ennis?"
"Danielle is from the old neighborhood Ennis. She used to run with Nigel and me when we were kids." Ennis was an inch shorter than Danielle and thirty pounds overweight. He had a large knife hanging from his side, not unusual in the back streets. He leered at Danielle, making her skin crawl.
"You are very pretty. You want to get high with us, woman? I have lots of the good shit. It is getting late. You come to my house, we can have a good time, yes?" The third man, smaller, had walked to Danielle's right side, making her uncomfortable, alert. She glanced at Leroy, and could see he was looking nervous, as if he had a sense of what was coming.
"Thanks, but I need to get going, just wanted to say hello to Leroy." She started to step back and the small man eased closer. Unbelievable, she thought. In thirty seconds she had managed to put herself in danger.
"You come with us, woman." Ennis showed his yellowed smile. "We can all party. I don't let just any bitches come to my place, you should feel happy that you are coming."
"Maybe another time, like I said, I have to go now." The third man was standing behind her now, boxing her in. She looked at Leroy again. "Leroy, you need to stop this."
"Leroy is coming to the party too. And your sexy friend, she wants to come, yes?" Danielle turned. Lucinda was standing there smiling. She knew it was too late, but she tried to be diplomatic.
"Thank you, Ennis, but we can't party with you, our friends are waiting, we have to be leaving." She stepped back again, bumping into the man behind her as Ennis moved closer.
"I don't see anyone waiting. I think you would like partying with Ennis, pretty woman. I think you need a boyfriend for the night."
"Not going to happen buddy," Lucy spoke up. "Danielle has a girlfriend and she's in love, so you're shit out of luck." Ennis looked stupidly at Danielle for a mom
ent.
"So, you're a batty girl? That is even better. Ennis likes to show women like you what a big dick feels like."
The smaller man suddenly shoved Danielle forward, within reach of Ennis. He grabbed her by the front of her shirt and yanked her toward him. She didn't resist, but stepped into him, starting the punch from well back, driving her fist as hard as she could into his nose. Before he hit the ground, she had his knife in her hand. Ennis lay still on the ground and his accomplice backed away quickly when Danielle brandished the weapon. Leroy never moved, just stood looking at her.
"So much for loyalty, Leroy. I should use this blade on you! Get the fuck out of our way." She grabbed the wide-eyed Lucinda by a hand and pulled her quickly back toward the brightly lit entrance, and a taxi cab.
Chapter Fourteen
Frank Blackburn frowned at the doctor, shaking his head. It was hard to believe what he was hearing. It was lucky Jonathan Marsh had called the Rice woman, or who knows what Derrick would have done to her. As it was, he had turned up at her office, screaming and out of his mind. He'd been met by a Deputy, and locked up for threatening an officer of the court.
Things had spiraled downhill from there. He had told everyone, including the judge at his arraignment, that Madeline Rice was a psychic witch of some sort that had murdered his mother, telepathically, somehow. Had he not continued to threaten her, in the court room, he might have been released to Frank's custody. Bad enough that he thought the State lawyer was psychic, he had insisted that he was as well, then tried to use his mind control on the judge. It was obvious to everyone that he had become unhinged by his mother's untimely death.
So here they were. Derrick would be under supervised care for three to six months until the psychiatrist was convinced he wasn't a danger to himself or the Rice woman. No matter what Frank said, the boy insisted that she was responsible for his mother's death, and that he meant to even the score. That did not sit well with the doctors, and it appeared that his son was in for long stay. Even Frank had to admit, that might be for the best.
