Rick Cantelli, P.I. (Rick Cantelli, P.I. Detectives Book 1)

by Bernard DeLeo

  “I’ll find out her story after class. You’re going to Casablanca night, aren’t you, Rick?”

  “I’ll be there.” No need to get wordy here since she dropped her line of questioning. I did not need our business partner, Jadie, thinking I ratted her out to Karen. I’m wondering if it might be time for me to begin working out by myself in front of the TV again.

  “Hey Cantelli, you slacker, pay attention to class,” Lois admonished me loud enough to get chuckles from fifty feet away.

  “Repeat that, Lo. I can’t understand you when you’re panting like a horse on the way to the glue factory.”

  She smirked, as others around us laughed. Like I said, Lois can take it too, but look out for mean girl payback. I noted Karen didn’t laugh. She knew better. Shelly turned away, coughing to cover her amusement. Even being Lois’s Igor did not exempt you from the Cantelli Commandments.

  * * *

  Class ended, and I made a hasty retreat, making my getaway while the women were recovering their breath. I planned to be suave, sophisticated, and quiet tonight at our Casablanca night gathering. For now, I needed to get the hell away from that crew. Outside by my car, waiting for me, was T-bone Griffin. He had his arms folded over his chest, sitting on my hood.

  “You done playin’ with the girls, Rick?”

  And I thought I couldn’t be surprised anymore. All I had on me was my Jennings 9mm. If I shot T-bone, Bill would put me in prison. I could shoot the one person I was allowed to shoot, but I had a very interesting meeting to attend tomorrow.

  “Yeah, I’m all through for the night, T-bone, except I have to go over to the restaurant and play make believe later. You want to come with me?”

  Heh, heh… that shocked him.

  T-bone got this real confused look on his face. “Damn… Rick… you mean it?”

  “Sure. Do you have any old time forties attire?”

  T-bone popped away from the car hood, a big smile highlighting his features. “I got a zoot suit, man. A real zoot suit.”

  “Sounds perfect. You didn’t escape from jail, did you?”

  “The charges got dropped.”

  “Good. I bet you’d like to find a way to stay out of prison as we talked about in the cell a couple weeks back, right?”

  “You remembered.”

  “Yep.” No way did I plan on fabricating stories or forgetting conversations I had with T-bone Griffin. Frankly, I never figured on him ever seeing the light of day again. My bad. I had an idea. “The only way we can keep you out of prison is for you to come work with me.”

  “That’s what I’m talkin’ about. I’d make a great P.I., Rick.” T-bone laughed. “Yeah… right. What can I do?”

  “Actually, you’ll have to do anything we have for you. One of your specialties will be with me, when I need to confront someone like the other evening at The Night Owl. You’ll have to go on stakeout with me, and help apprehend a bond skip, or watch someone for a client.”

  T-bone nodded his understanding. “Yeah… alright… you need muscle. I can do that.”

  “I’m not scary enough anymore. Neither is Lois until you cross her. When the two of us old geezers go out to get someone lately we’re running into complications because we don’t look scary enough. Then we’re forced to give a demonstration, but that can lead to legal complications we don’t need. If I have you along, the person of interest takes one look at you, and turns around to get cuffed.”

  T-bone comes over and slaps a big dark heavy arm around my shoulders. He’s wearing a sleeveless black top. It feels like I have a Volkswagen on my shoulders. “I like it, Rick. When do I start?”

  “Monday. Tonight, you’ll be my guest at the restaurant for Casablanca night. Do you have a girlfriend you’re seeing?”

  “I sure do. Her name’s Carlene. She’s been thinkin’ about breakin’ up with me cause I can’t keep out of trouble. This would make all the difference, man.”

  “I’ll meet you and Carlene at seven thirty at your Mom’s house.”

  “Sounds good, Rick. We’ll be ready.” T-bone started walking off, and then turned for one parting shot. “Hey… you ain’t punkin’ me, are you?”

  “Are you stupid?”

  T-bone laughed with a final wave and walked off. By that time, my getaway was screwed. Here came the harpy, her Igor Shelly, Karen, and the redoubtable Jadie, all together. Wonderful.

  “Cantelli! Was that T-bone Griffin? I hope you had a weapon.”

  “I had my Jennings, Lo, but the only one I’m allowed to shoot now without going to prison is me. Besides, T-bone’s a free man, and I just hired him. I’m also collecting Bone and his girlfriend Carlene at his Mom’s house for the Casablanca night dinner.”

  Lois laughed her ass off, pointing at me, and stomping her feet. The others giggled politely, but I could tell they didn’t see the humor in what I’d done. When she could speak, Lo walked over and patted my cheek.

  “Only you, brother… only you. It does solve our disrespect problem.”

  I knew Lois wouldn’t need a diagram as to why we needed T-bone. “Yeah, it will. One look at T-bone, and ninety-nine percent of our perps will beg me to cuff them. When I offered him the job, he used one of those things he calls arms to hug me gratefully. I think he dislocated my shoulder.”

  That set Lois off again. She stumbled away with Shelly. “See you tonight, Rick. Good hire.”

  “I’d like to talk to Rick alone for a moment Karen,” Jadie said. “Is that okay?”

  Karen fought down an annoyed look, but smiled and nodded. “I’ll see you both later.”

  “I heard a little bit of what was going on when Karen arrived. Was that about me?”

  “Nope. It was Karen finding out she’d been had by Lois, and that I am meeting with Temple Donavan tomorrow for an interview to do a five event bodyguard gig.”

  “Temple Donavan!” Jadie looked stunned as her mind began creating fiction to fit facts. “I thought you said I was too young for you. Hell, you could be Temple’s grandfather.”

  She’s a business partner, Cantelli. Don’t play the outrage card yet. “Not that I have anything to explain to you, but I did say it was work. I’m not dating her. Anyhow, Karen reacted in much the same way as you. Lois met with Ms. Donavan, and liked her. It’s a lot of money for very little work. Is there anything else, Jadie? I did not discuss our conversation with anyone. Until Karen blurted out what Lois had accused me of, I had no clue. Lois of course enjoyed Karen’s outrage about being duped quite a bit.”

  Jadie turned away, hiding her face with her hands. “Jesus… now that you know… what do you think of me?”

  I patted her shoulder. “Don’t give it a thought. I’m not.”

  “Do you think if that mob guy hadn’t sprayed us with a machine gun, you would have, you know, spent the night with me?”

  “I’d like to think not. As I tried to explain in our conversation that night, this isn’t a movie. I realize you think I’m playing some kind of hard to get game with you. I’m not. Look, forget about what Lois did, forget about Winter/Spring romances. Concentrate on having some fun tonight. Pick out one of the hundred guys in there that would kill to get close to you.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “I don’t want a hundred other guys. I want you to give me a shot, and I really can’t understand the downside for you.”

  Me either. “I know you can’t, but there is one. I’ll see you at the restaurant later, okay?”

  “Oh… you’ll see me alright.” With that Jadie walked off toward her Lexus.

  What the hell was that supposed to mean? I got into my GMC, feeling a disturbance in the Force. I didn’t know what Jadie planned to wear, but I had a bad feeling it would not bode well for me. I need to start eating more garlic.

  * * *

  When parked in front of T-bone’s Mom’s house, I couldn’t believe my eyes. T-bone wore a black, honest to God zoot suit, complete with hat and pocket chains. He looked incredible. His girlfriend Carlene wore a black forties s
tyle, bare shouldered evening gown. She was gorgeous. I popped out of my GMC, and ran around in my new white jacket. Opening the rear door for the two, I bowed.

  “You are the man, Bone,” I said reverently. “Welcome, Carlene, I hope you have a wonderful time tonight.”

  Carlene shook my proffered hand, smiling and nodding. “I know I will, Rick. I hope you can keep Timothy out of trouble.”

  “Who? Oh… yes… he will be a superb addition to our crew. We need a man of his particular talents, and willingness to learn.”

  Timothy (T-bone) Griffin guided Carlene into the back seat. “Tha’s right, girl. I am a changed man.”

  ** *

  Jadie made good on her promise. She wore one of those see through outfits that are in vogue now. Oh my Lord, she looked good. When she approached us, it was not a good moment however. Lois pulled her aside. I could see my partner was genuinely concerned with how Jadie had decided to act out. After a few minutes of heart to heart conversation, Jadie got back in her Lexus and drove away. She joined us later in a more conservative gown. Jadie gave Lois a hug, so I guess she took the constructive criticism the right way. I would have probably allowed her to act out.

  To say T-bone and Carlene were a hit would be a real understatement. By the end of the evening, Frank and Lois were ready to adopt the affable Timothy and his girlfriend. He made the entire table, including Bill Staley and his wife laugh at nearly everything he said. His timing with jokes, one liners, and off the wall observations made me wonder how the hell he ever got into a fight. Needless to say, I was one happy Casablanca Rick. Everyone left me the hell alone. With training, Timothy was going to be one terrific guy to have around once I taught him to make Lois his number one target. Oh… I forgot to mention that if I call T-bone, Timothy, my days walking on my own two legs would probably be over as he promised to rip them off and stick them in my ears.

  Chapter 15: Temple Donavan

  Instead of burly bodyguards, Temple Donavan answered the door. She wore jeans, tennis shoes, and a white blouse with bra. I went with my all black costume: black slacks, black pullover shirt, black leather coat, and black shoes. Ms. Donavan’s long black hair hung loosely at her back. Temple’s wide dark eyes crinkled as she smiled at me in a very down to earth manner. She held out her hand.

  “I’m so glad you could come, Rick. I’ve heard and read so much about you, it’s almost as if we’ve been friends for a long time. Come in. Would you like something to drink?”

  “No, but thank you. I’m glad to meet you too. My partner, Lois Madigan, mentioned you had been following the events I’ve been involved in recently. Was there something about one of those cases that is running parallel to an event in your life where security is an issue? We’d like to help, but Lois was unsure of the role you need us for.”

  Temple shut the door behind me. “Come sit with me, and I’ll explain the whole thing to you. It will seem rather silly and stupid when you hear it, but I’m very serious about hiring your firm for much more than the five events I outlined to Lois.”

  I followed her into a plush living room done in browns and beiges. It was immaculate, and yet not overdone. At least she didn’t have walls done with full length prints of her. I sat in a love seat diagonally across from where she sat on the couch corner.

  “I imagine you’ve read or heard about the problems concerning my parents.”

  Tread carefully, Cantelli. “Lois understood the problem to be your parents wanted to take over your finances. The studio, having experience with parents who mishandle a child star’s funds, refused to do the financial arrangement in any way but a trust fund, with a monthly stipend until you tuned eighteen. Your parents didn’t like it.”

  “They only went along with the agreement because they figured to hit it big when I turned eighteen. Having heard them plot about it when they thought I wasn’t in listening distance, I decided to learn all about the financial traps of a large income with many people trying desperately to get a chunk of it. I studied other child actors’ financial disasters, along with sports stars who lost everything because of bad management. In most instances, the problem came down to trusting others to make decisions for them. The other number one downfall was having an entourage. I don’t let anyone handle my finances, and I don’t have an entourage, or even friends other than a passing acquaintance with people I’ve worked with.”

  I like this kid. “Lois thinks you’ve done exceptionally well. If you can avoid the self destructive pitfalls other stars fall into all the time, I think you’ll do great. How can we help?”

  Temple leaned toward me. “I’ve found out many aspects of your life, Mr. Cantelli. When you became embroiled in headlines of a violent bend with fatalities, I found the tidbits of information about your past life captivating.”

  Uh oh.

  “I spend very little money on myself or extravagant living. When what I read about you piqued my interest, I spent a tidy sum finding out about your past, including your time in the Seals, and as a CIA contractor. Ms. Madigan was your handler. When she left the CIA, she convinced you to go into business with her. You’ve both done very well, although you never married or had children as your partner did.”

  This was getting a little uncomfortable. Naturally, I’m wondering how much of my past life is for sale at the right price. All it takes is one excellent hacker and money I would imagine. “Lois and I have been together quite a while. We have vast experience in the shady part of reality, and we know human nature all too well. I’m sure you needed to be careful about who you hire. If you looked real close, I’m sure you observed a string of unusual circumstances leading to my headlined adventures. Sometimes when things go smoothly for a long time, the law of averages overtakes us along with a good dose of Murphy’ Law.”

  Temple laughed. “I understand this law of averages strike started with a certain old girlfriend of yours, named Stacy. Since meeting with her initially, your life has turned into a thrill ride.”

  I guess if you’re a bored and rich movie star, curiosity can be an entertaining pastime. “She may have been ground zero, but sometimes shit just happens.”

  “You’re everything I hoped you’d be, Rick. You’re not sucking up to me for the job. You don’t blame bad things on others, and I doubt you even care if I hire you. I saw in your eyes when you walked into the living room that you like nice things, but you don’t care if you ever have them. I must admit though, the story behind you dating Karen Bastille, after figuring out she was going to use your notoriety as a prop to land some more starring roles, was a delicious one I will never forget. You still see her, and now you two are part owners in the Casablanca restaurant deal. The latest ripples of violent confrontations you’ve gone through make that ‘Most Interesting Man In The World’ guy look like a pussy.”

  Temple was getting wound a little too tight. “Easy, Ms. Donavan. Let’s get back to why you wanted to set up this meeting. I understand being able to afford anything you have an interest in is very nice. Did you have anything else in mind other than giving me a rundown on Karma gone wild?”

  “In all honesty, I need a friend, Mr. Cantelli. Girls my age bore the hell out of me, and I have to be on guard every hour of the day in my personal and business life. I’m not whining. I can have anything I want except privacy and people around me I can trust. Can you help me with that problem?”

  I doubt it. “You want me to be your BFF?”

  To her credit, Temple laughed in uncaring form for a few moments, finally straightening and wiping her eyes. “I hadn’t thought of it in quite that way, but yes. I need someone I can call for advice or an opinion on something. Someone who if they don’t know the answer at least listens without some hidden agenda.”

  I leaned back, considering what all that could mean. I figured what the hell, and leaned forward with my no nonsense Cantelli face. “I’ll tell you what, kid. Let’s do these five events you outlined for Lois. Then, if you still want advice, a listening post, or a kick in the butt, I
’ll take a crack at it. You do understand I’m not a dancing bear. The first hint you’re making a joke out of me, we’re done. Best of all, it won’t cost you a dime. I’ll be seen with you for the five events at our agreed price, and that alone will drive our business into the stratosphere. Rumors that we’re friends will have people automatically believing the worst, so you’ll have to deal with that aspect too.”

  “Can I like hang out with you and your friends sometimes. Those Casablanca nights seem like a lot of fun, and I know you work out at your other business partner’s fitness center with Karen Bastille. I’d love to do that.”

  “You’re starting to scare me kid. You want to hang out with a geezer like me and my friends? Don’t you have a couple of movie star type kids you can mingle with?”

  Temple put a finger in her mouth and began a gagging illustration. Quite amusing. “Five minutes with ninety-nine percent of the stars I’ve worked with, and my brains start leaking out from my ears.”

  Okay, that was funny. “What’s our first gig together?”

  “I’m going to a dinner gathering tonight. It’s a Hollywood coming out party for my new movie. Please tell me you’ll come. I admit you’ll be a distraction as nearly everyone there will know about you, thanks to Karen Bastille. They thrive on celebrity headlines. They’re like kids at a disaster movie. I’ll come around for you at seven, okay? Wear the same tux you wore for the award ceremony with Karen Bastille.”

  “I’ll be ready. Ground rules. Do you want me with you at dinner and with you when you’re talking to people, or do you want me watching the scene from a distance?”

  “I want you with me. Just your presence will ward off some of the most boring ones there, or they’ll at least try to speak coherently.”

  At least I won’t be standing at the door like a second rate busboy. “What’s the movie you’re having a party for, and what role are you playing?”

  “I’m expanding my role from TV show to a movie. I’ll still play the teen girl who solves mysteries and sings. Have you ever seen one of the shows?”