Fire and Fog

by Andrew Grey

  TWO HOURS later, Robin sat in his lifeguard chair, watching over a group of youngsters just a few years older than Charlie as they learned to swim. Terry himself worked with the kids. He was an amazing teacher and so patient with them. Robin looked forward to when he could bring Charlie in for his first swimming lessons.

  “Robin,” Terry called up to him. “I need you down here.” He sent Leann out of the pool, and she traded places with Robin, who slid into the pool. “This is Mr. Robin, and he’s going to help us today.”

  “Why?” one of the boys, in a royal blue suit, asked. He was probably six or so.

  “Because Miss Leann is going to rest for a while.” Terry flashed him a smile. “Now, today we’re all going to put our heads under the water and blow bubbles.”

  The kids all looked at each other, and a few of them whined softly.

  “Are you scared?” Robin asked one of the boys, who was a little paler. He nodded, and Robin swooped him into his arms. “It’s nothing to be scared of. But I used to have a hard time doing it too.”

  “You did?” the boy asked, and Robin saw the others listening.

  “Yup.” He smiled. “Do you want to do this together?”

  The boy nodded, still nervous, but he seemed to be willing.

  “Okay. Here’s what you do. Hold your breath like this and close your eyes. We’re going to go under the water and come right back up. That’s all. I’m going to count three and then you close your eyes and hold your breath.” He nodded. “Okay. One… two….”

  The boy already had his mouth clamped shut and his eyes closed.

  “Three.” Robin went under the water and came right back up. “See, you did it!” He bounced and laughed as the youngster opened his eyes and brushed his wet hair off his forehead.

  “I did it!” he yelled and looked up to the stands where a group of mothers had been watching. “Mama, did you see? I did it!”

  “Who wants to be next?” Most of the hands went into the air, and Robin took turns helping each of them go under the water. Some were just fine and did it on their own. Terry worked with them to blow bubbles, and Robin helped the others, so that by the end of the class, most of the kids were blowing bubbles on their own and going under the water. Terry was happy, and Robin was thrilled.

  At the end of the class, the mothers got their kids and Robin toweled off and prepared ready for the open swim, which started in about fifteen minutes.

  Terry came over, all smiles. “You did great! I knew the kids would respond to you. Leann is good, but she’s been a little under the weather, and I thought it best to keep her away from them. But I’m going to have you take on this class with me from now on.”

  “What about Leann?”

  “She’s more comfortable with the older kids, so it will probably be a relief.” Terry lightly clapped him on the shoulder, and then Robin left for a brief bathroom break before the next session.

  A few hours later, Robin was on his break when Dwayne called.

  “How is it going?” Robin asked. He’d been trying to keep the fact that Harvey was in custody and that they were going to talk to him out of his thoughts. He kept telling himself not to get his hopes up.

  “Pretty well. He lawyered up as we expected and he’s not talking, but we found plenty in his apartment and on his computer. Enough that he isn’t going anywhere. I’m not free to go into any details, and we’re still working through all of what we found.”

  Robin sighed. “Okay. As long as he isn’t going anywhere.”

  “There’s a bail hearing tomorrow, and we’ll have to see then. If it works for you, stop in on your way home so Aaron can go over your statement. He’d like to talk to you, since what happened to you is the basis for some of the charges.”

  “You aren’t handling the case any longer?” Robin frowned.

  “It’s gotten larger, so Aaron has stepped in to work with us. There are also other departments and municipalities involved since it appears he’s been running this scam as far away as Hershey. The charges are coming in from all over.”

  “I’ll be there. Just be safe, and I’ll see you after work. It’s going to be after four because I have a late class I’m helping with.”

  “It’s not a problem. We have to pick up Charlie by five thirty.”

  Terry motioned to him, and Robin nodded. “I have to go. I’ll see you tonight.” He ended the call and finished eating his sandwich before hurrying back to work.

  The afternoon classes were awesome, and he was happy when he left the Y. It was an amazing day and he carried his bag, walking toward the police station. It wasn’t far, and he had enough time. Besides, the car he’d inherited from his sister was in the garage having some work done to make it drivable and so it would pass inspection. Hopefully it would be ready tomorrow, and then he’d have transportation of his own. But for today he could walk. He liked the summer warmth, and the sun felt so good. It was like he could show his face and hold his head upward… he was worthy of it and he reveled in it.

  The walk took him about ten minutes, and he was hot but still happy by the time he entered the front door and told the duty officer why he was there.

  Dwayne came out, and instantly the light he’d let enter his mind and heart darkened. Something was wrong, very wrong. Robin could read it in the hurt in Dwayne’s eyes and the way his lips pressed together. The look lasted just a fraction of a second, and then his expression brightened and Robin saw the delight and care he always saw in those eyes when they turned in his direction.

  “I’m glad you’re here. Aaron has everything ready for you, and this shouldn’t take long.”

  “Is everything all right?” Even the upturn of Dwayne’s lips couldn’t completely drive away the fear that something bad had happened.

  “It’s been a long day.” Dwayne ushered him inside, through security, and to his desk, with a hand placed gently at the small of his back. The room looked like the inside of an older office building, full of desks. The law enforcement posters were the main giveaway he was in a police station.

  “Take a seat here a minute, and I’ll go check on Aaron.” Dwayne hurried away, and Robin watched around him, growing uncomfortable as the realization hit him that Dwayne had rescued him from a path that could have led to places like this, only under very different circumstances.

  “Hi, Robin,” Red said as he sat at the next desk. “He’ll be right back.”

  Robin nodded and sat still, ready to get this over with.

  Red looked up, then over at Robin, pointing. “It looks like he’s ready for you.”

  “Thanks.” Robin stood and went to where Dwayne waited for him.

  “Aaron, this is Robin,” Dwayne said with a touch of pride.

  “It’s good to meet you.” They shook hands. “As Dwayne might have told you, I’ve taken over this case just because of the sheer scope of the work. Dwayne and Red have done a great job with it.” Aaron smiled, motioning him to a chair, and Robin sat nervously. “I have the statement you gave about the incident where you were attacked. Are you sure of the identity of the person who hit you?”

  “Yes. I was also the victim of one of his scams. That’s why I was so angry.” Robin turned his gaze to the floor. “I know now it was stupid to approach him. I should have just called Dwayne.” Movement caught his eye, and he looked up as Aaron passed a photograph across the desk. Robin nodded. It was most definitely Harvey. “He hit me and smacked me against the brick building. It scratched up my face and arm, and I had cuts for nearly a week, I guess.”

  “No permanent damage?”

  “Other than the fact that I keep looking around me all the time to make sure he isn’t there?” Robin looked down again, feeling foolish.

  Dwayne placed a hand gently on his shoulder. He didn’t say anything, but just his presence was enough to calm the raging flock of butterflies in Robin’s stomach.

  “The reason I’m making sure of the facts is partly because of your relationship with Dwayne. I want to
ensure that your testimony on this charge is particularly strong. And it is. You knew the suspect before the incident, which is good, because then there isn’t a danger of misidentification.”

  Robin glanced up. “I take it he’s not talking.”

  “No. Our suspect has lawyered up, but that’s fine. We have multiple witnesses and charges.” Aaron was all business, and strangely that was comforting. The lack of emotion and the professionalism made the subject easier to talk about.

  “What else can I tell you?” Robin asked. “I want to help stop this man from preying on innocent people.”

  Aaron’s composure cracked just a little, and he made eye contact with Dwayne and then returned his attention to the papers in his hand before placing them on his desk. “How many times previously have you met this Harvey?” Aaron asked in a rather controlled manner.

  Robin thought about it. “Let me see. About three times at the room I was renting in Harrisburg. I saw a flyer in a club there and called. He met me at the building, and I gave him the money for the room. I needed a place to live, and the house wasn’t too bad and all. The other people were nice enough. They were like me, with very little to get by on. Each week he collected the rent in person.”

  “Was there an application that you needed to complete to get the room?”

  Robin shook his head. “All I had to do was pay two weeks’ rent in cash. Everything was in cash.”

  “Do you remember anything else that might help us?” Aaron asked. “Overhear anything?”

  Robin once again shook his head and then stopped. “I don’t know if it’s anything, but there was one of the other tenants in that building…. I had been there about a week, I guess, and I heard them talking in the hall. He was short his rent money and was asking for a few more days. I didn’t owe rent for another week, but he obviously did. It seemed Harvey was going to throw him out. Anyway, he asked for two more days since that was when he would get paid, and Harvey said he’d have to ask his superiors… or something like that. He left and came back and took everything the guy had and said he could pay the rest in two days. I saw the renter two days later, and he paid when Harvey returned and it looked like he hadn’t eaten either. The bastard.”

  Aaron took notes. “You clearly heard him say he had to ask his superiors.”

  “Yes. He said he was the agent who collected rents for other people. That was it. I suppose if he’d tried to pose as the owner, no one would have believed it. He always looked so scruffy and kind of cruddy. I mean, he was sort of shifty, and maybe I should have known something wasn’t right, but he had a good story, and the house wasn’t all that great, but it was okay. Still I never thought he was a crook until I went there with Dwayne and everyone was being kicked out for being squatters.”

  “Okay. So you believe that he had superiors? That he was working for other people? Did you ever happen to overhear who they were?” Aaron asked, continuing to take notes.

  “No. There were lots of other people who dealt with him. They might be able to help you.” Robin checked the clock on the wall and turned to Dwayne. “I need to get going so I can get Charlie from school.” He turned back to Aaron. “Is there anything else?”

  “No. You’ve been really helpful and confirmed some things we’ve suspected. We’re still looking into who his superiors might be.” Aaron stood and came around the desk. “Thank you for all your time. I appreciate you coming down.”

  “Are you going to be able to charge him with attacking me?”

  Aaron smiled. “Oh yes. Your charges are rock solid in my opinion.” He shook Robin’s hand. “Dwayne will show you out.”

  “I have a short break, so I’m going to take Robin over to pick up Charlie and then get him home. I won’t be gone but a few minutes.” Dwayne was already leading him out of the office. Robin followed right behind, until they were out and striding across the parking lot to Dwayne’s car. “We’ll pick up Charlie, and then I’ll drop you off.” Dwayne stopped just outside the car, turning around. “Please stay in the apartment and lock the doors until I get home.”

  Robin blinked up at him, confused. “Why? Harvey is in jail.”

  “His bosses aren’t, and they could be around. Just please stay inside and keep everything locked up. Harvey is aware of the charges that are being brought, and the assault and battery charge is one of the most serious because it’s a violent crime. His lawyer is aware, so it’s easy to assume his superiors are as well. You may think I’m overreacting, but trust me and stay inside.” Dwayne cupped his cheeks. “I want you to be safe.”

  “Okay. I promise.”

  Dwayne pulled him into a quick hug, and then Robin turned to open the door. “Thank you. I’d much rather be safe than sorry.” Dwayne hurried around, got in the car, and pulled out as soon as their seat belts were fastened. He drove to the school, then parked so Robin could hop out.

  Robin approached the front doors and went inside. Charlie must have been watching for him, because he raced down the hall and jumped into his arms.

  “Look what I drawed.” Charlie pressed a piece of paper into his hands. “It’s Mommy.”

  Robin’s throat tightened as he looked at the drawing. “That’s so good.” Several figures, little more than blotches, covered the page. “What are these?”

  Charlie looked at him as though he were crazy. “Those are the angels.”

  And just like that, Robin was on the verge of tears.

  Heavier footsteps sounded from behind and Robin turned as Charlie’s caregiver, Mrs. Truckenmiller, a pretty middle-aged lady in a light summer dress, approached them.

  “Uncle Dwayne is out in the car. I’m sure he’d like to see your picture too.” He opened the door, and Charlie raced out, with his paper flapping behind him. Dwayne had the door opened and stood waiting. He caught Charlie as he leaped into his arms.

  “I hope it’s okay. Charlie was asking if his mommy was alone since she died. I told him she was with the angels. At art time he drew that picture.”

  “It’s perfectly fine.” Robin wiped his eyes. “Actually I think you made him happy and that’s what counts.”

  “Kids don’t often like to be alone, so I thought that if he knew his mother wasn’t alone….”

  Robin smiled at her. He’d liked her immediately when he’d come down to sign Charlie up for the program. “You did wonderfully. He’s excited that his mother is with the angels. I suppose if he thinks she’s happy, then he can be too.” Children, it seemed, could bounce back from almost anything given some time and care.

  “I’m glad.” She smiled, and Robin thanked her again. She turned and went back down the hall while Robin hurried out to where Dwayne was already putting Charlie in his seat.

  Robin got into the car and listened as Charlie talked about all the things he’d done, his words tumbling out until he paused for breath and then continued on, full tilt.

  “I’m glad you like school. Do you have friends?” Dwayne asked, and Charlie put a finger to his lips as he thought.

  “Yes!” he answered with a grin.

  “What are their names?”

  “Ummm….” The finger went to his lips again, and this time he didn’t answer, just shrugged. He continued with his narrative about trains and cars and that he got the “fastestest” one. By the time they reached the apartment, Charlie seemed talked out for a few minutes.

  Dwayne pulled into a parking space in front, and Robin got Charlie out and grabbed both their bags.

  “Before I forget, I got you a phone today.” Dwayne handed him a new iPhone, still in the box. “The number is inside, and I programmed in my numbers as well. If you see or hear anything, call me right away.”

  “Dwayne, you—”

  Dwayne reached across the seat and took his hand before Robin could continue his protest. “I want you to be safe, and you need a phone for both you and Charlie. I’ll call you later.” Dwayne smiled and released his hand.

  Robin closed the car door and went inside. Once he was
upstairs, Charlie raced to the front windows. Robin joined him in time to see Dwayne pull away. He turned to Charlie. “Let’s have a snack. What do you want?”

  Charlie’s finger went to his lips once again. It was cute the way he did that when he was thinking about something. “’Gurt,” he said.

  “Okay. I bought the kind that doesn’t have any bananas in it.” Lord, that was a hard proposition. It seemed most of the yogurt flavored for kids had bananas in it somewhere. He had to get special kinds and read every label carefully. “Here you are. You can choose.”

  Charlie looked at each package before picking one. Robin got a bowl and put some in it for him and set him at the table. He was going to make a mess, but that was a part of being four years old that Robin needed to get used to. Charlie ate his yogurt with surprising neatness and then offered him a bite.

  Robin took it and smiled. “You eat it,” he coaxed, and Charlie dug in like he was starving.

  The bell rang, and Robin jumped at the sharpness. He settled his nerves, opening the gate at the top of the stairs and then heading down to see who it was, his phone at the ready.

  “Mother.” Robin unlocked the door and let her in, then closed and locked it behind her. “I wasn’t expecting you.” How did she know where he lived? The thought passed quickly through his mind, but his attention quickly turned to the fact that Charlie was upstairs alone.

  “After yesterday, I wanted to stop by and see you and Charlie.” She smiled, and Robin looked out through the window in the door before following his mother up the stairs. Charlie had taken advantage of the fact he wasn’t being watched and decided to finger paint on the top of the table with berry-colored yogurt.

  “I take it you’re done eating.” Robin grabbed a towel and wiped up Charlie’s hands before letting him get down and go to his grandmother. Then he set about cleaning up the mess, figuring it could have been worse.

  “How have you been?” his mother asked Charlie and sat on the sofa.

  Charlie pulled out a bag of blocks and began playing on the floor.

  “Now that he has something he likes, he’s enraptured,” Robin said as he finished up and joined her. “He’ll play with those blocks for hours and forget anyone else is in the room.”